Weeds in your garden annoy you? But you don’t want to use any harmful chemicals? Here are natural ways to kill those weeds.
All About Shutters
Shutters are more than an additional decor of your home, it has variety of reasons. One is controls the sunlight that enters the room, privacy, security and protect against weather or intruders. Here are the basic types of shutters (indoor and outdoor).
Lovely Louvered (exterior)
Louvered window shutters are constructed with overlapping uniform slats of wood set into a frame. They remain popular for many styles of architecture. Choose an eye-popping paint color to set them off against a white saltbox-style home, or simply stain them if you prefer a natural look.
Raised Panel (exterior)
These decorative, raised panel shutters and coordinating window box combine to create a formal yet inviting country-garden style. The dark paint choice offers a dramatic contrast to the window frame and cascading flowers.
Board and Batten (exterior)
Board-and-batten shutters are available in arch-top or square, spaced or joined styles. As their name implies, they are constructed from individual boards joined together with shorter crosspieces, or battens. The black, arch-style joined shutters shown here work well for curved windows.
Plantation (exterior)
Aiming for a laid-back Southern look? Try functional plantation shutters, exterior shutters with wide louvers that can be closed against storms, or opened to let in warm breezes.
Cut-Out Shutters (exterior)
Use your creativity to customize your own cut-out design shutters. Ships, stars, and geometric shapes are common choices for this style that was popularized in the 1920s.
Scandinavian (exterior)
Scandinavian shutters are distinguished by their solid, joined board-and-batten design, dressed up with cut-outs and bright colors. These shutters can be closed to keep out howling blizzards and snowstorms, and their decorations provide spots of color in snowy Alpine regions.
Combination (exterior)
Shaker Style (interior)
The flat, solid panels of these interior shutters block out bad weather and bright lights. Their plain, functional simplicity is a hallmark of the traditional Shaker style.
Café Style (interior)
Colorful Accents for the Outdoors
Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to enjoy the warm weather and long days of daylight outdoors. Backyard living areas, like gazebos, porches and patios, are great areas for staging impromptu gatherings for family and friends. You can easily turn familiar backyard spaces into playful getaways by creating clever and colorful accents for your outdoor living areas.
To make a simple change for a special occasion, holiday or just for fun, tie a napkin or decorative tea towel right over your chair seat. Center the napkin over the seat, letting it drape over slightly in the front. Pin four 18-inch ribbon ties to the napkin around the back posts. Make sure you turn the raw edges of the ribbon under as you pin. Hand-stitch the ribbon to the underside of the napkin. Tie the two corners to the back posts of the chair next to the seat. The beauty of this look is its simplicity.
Cast a fresh, summery look onto your table with starfish appliqués. Fuse paper-backed iron-on adhesive to starfish fabric; cut out the starfish, then fuse them onto a colorful tablecloth. Use a blanket-stitch to sew around the starfish edges. To add weight to the corners of the tablecloth, drill a hole through a seashell, tie with a ribbon bow and pin it to each corner. Remove the shells before laundering the tablecloth.
Kick back in a hammock slip-covered in style with a bright fabric and ribbon bows. Cut the fabric 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider than the length and width of your hammock. Turn under all the edges of the fabric 1/4 inch, then 1/4 inch again, and topstitch the folds in place. Cut ten 1-yard-long pieces of 1-1/2-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon. Fold each ribbon in half to form a doubled 18-inch-long piece. Sew the folded edges of the ribbons to the short ends of the cover, spacing them evenly. Tie into bows.
Use painted awning stripes to brighten a galvanized tub, the perfect accent for holding flowers or iced beverages for a backyard party. Using painters’ tape, mark off the rim of the container. Lightly sand below the tape, then wipe the area clean with a tack cloth. Paint the sanded portion white. Divide the tub’s circumference into an even number of stripes. Tape off and paint the stripes in a contrasting color. For a coordinated look, stick with one color scheme and carry it into the accessories, such as painted pots, throw pillows and festive tableware.
Using Granite Countertops to Improve Home Value
Why Installing Granite Countertops Makes Sense
All over the country granite countertops are being installed in kitchens, baths and patios at a rapid pace due not only to its intrinsic and aesthetic value but also for its versatility and durability. But what is it about having granite countertops that has everyone wanting to have them? Are they really all that? To help one decide if granite countertops are right choice, be sure to understand the pros and cons of granite countertops.
The Hard Facts about Granite Countertops
Granite is truly one of the most beautiful countertop choices available for one’s home. But before spending hard earned money on granite consider the following:
- Granite countertops come in over 3,000 colors each one with its own unique pattern and movement, and can be given custom edges and finishes.
- Granite countertops, when properly sealed and maintained, are virtually scratch, stain and chip resistant.
- Granite countertops are great for making cookies, candies, bread dough and other foods that are best prepared on a cool surface.
- Granite is heat resistant. If one forgets to grab a heat pad for that pan of lasagna, it won’t matter if it is set it on the granite countertop.
- The only surface that is harder than granite is a diamond.
- Granite countertops add a minimum of 10% to the re-sale value to your home.
The Disadvantages of Granite Countertops
Of course, like anything else, there are some disadvantages to having granite countertops installed. They are:
- Cost-granite is expensive due to the labor for its removal from the quarry, the work involved in cutting it and the work necessary for installation.
- Granite will dull knives if used as a chopping block, just purchase a good cutting board and save on wear and tear.
- Granite countertops should be installed by a qualified professional—it is not a DIY project.
- Granite countertops need to have the sealant re-applied a least once a year to prevent staining or fading.
Quick Tips for Selecting Granite Countertops
Once the decision is made to have granite countertops installed, there are several steps to take in the selection of the type and color of granite countertops.
- Go to a granite warehouse or show room with a wide selection of granite slabs.
- Bring along items from the room the granite countertops will be used in—cabinet door, floor sample, fabric swatch, wall cover, etc..
- Ask to see several slabs of whatever color is chosen to be sure it will work with the room.
By taking the time to select countertops that at are perfect for the living environment, one can ensure that the end result is pleasing to all who enter. Yes the choices are many, but deciding the perfect granite countertops cna be the difference between “just a room” and a beautiful showpiece.
Even with the disadvantages, granite countertops are making strides in kitchen, bath and patios. They are a beautiful way to add style, personality and re-sale value to the home. So, take the time required to select the granite countertops , choose a contractor that is reputble and can be counted on to do a proper installation and get ready to enjoy beautiful, longlasting grantite countertops.
Natural Gas Fireplaces
Benefits You Can Cozy-Up To
Crackling wood. Delicious smoky aroma. Roaring flames encased in a classic masonry brick setting. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces certainly are delightful! But, when it comes to effective heat generation, these charming hearths fall short.
Consequently, increasingly more natural gas fireplaces are making their way into new and existing homes in many parts of the world. What makes them so appealing? Let’s look at what they can offer:
Increased Energy Efficiency
Compared to traditional wood-burning fireplaces–that actually may remove more heat from a home than it produces–new natural gas fireplaces are at least 75% efficient. This means, the bulk of the fuel going into the system is successfully converted into household heat for the family’s enjoyment.
Reduced Total Energy Consumption
Though difficult to quantify, a natural gas fireplace may also help reduce overall home heating costs. For example, turning on the gas fireplace when the family gathers in the TV room for a few hours enables you to lower the thermostat that operates the main heating system.
Environmental Benefits
Gas fireplaces are also better for the atmosphere. They are clean burning and don’t create smoke, ashes or other particulate. On days when air quality is low outside, you can operate a gas fireplace with peace of mind.
Immediate Health Benefits
Since natural gas fireplaces don’t produce smoke or soot, people with allergies, asthma or other medial conditions don’t have to fret over the impacts of the fireplace.
You can breathe easy knowing that the entire family, along with your guests, will stay healthy whenever the fireplace is on.
Safe Operation
With natural gas fireplaces, the risk of fire is greatly reduced.
Carpet-burning sparks and dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney become obsolete when a wood-burning fireplace is replaced with a natural gas unit.
Convenience
With just a flick of a switch or the push of a button, a gas fireplace provides instant warmth along with attractive flames. The chore of storing wood and cleaning ashes is replaced with a continuous supply of fuel to a unit that rarely requires cleaning.
If you want to replace an existing wood-burning fireplace, and already have a gas hook-up, natural gas inserts are available so you can conveniently make the switch.
When purchasing an energy-efficient natural gas fireplace, look for the following features:
- Electronic ignition–eliminates the need for a standing pilot light that uses energy even when the fireplace is not operating.
- Sealed-combustion direct vent design–uses air from the outdoors to feed the system, unlike traditional fireplaces and vent-free systems that depend on indoor air. The entire operation is separate from the household air, resulting in no drafts or heat loss.
- Ceramic glass front–transmits heat better than temperate glass and is shatter-resistant.
- Wide temperature control–offers a range of temperature-settings.
- A squirrel-cage type circulating fan–helps to push heat across the room.
- Ducting capabilities–that enable the fireplace to distribute heat, like a furnace, to other rooms in the home.
A Perfect Time for Spring Cleanup
Time to Clean Your Life Up
It is that time of year when a person thinks about getting rid of all their piles of things that they have accumulated throughout the years. Sometimes it can be hard to get rid of a knickknack or collectible that you have been holding onto but there is no time like the present to reevaluate what things you really need and what things are just collecting dust. Now with spring upon us it seems like the perfect time to begin to throw out those old hand me downs.
Spring Cleaning – Where to Start
A good rule of thumb is if you have not used or worn something in a year it may be time to take it out of the closet and get rid of it. Pick one room in your house as a starting place and then methodically move to the next one. A good idea is to make selective piles of what you want to throw out such as clothes in a clothes pile, toys and knickknacks in another pile and so on. This will help later when you decide where you are going to take all your junk.
Spring Cleaning – Make a Plan
Most towns have a local thrift shop so why not donate some of your old clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Your load will be lighter and you will feel better about yourself because you will be helping someone less fortunate then you out. Remember one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. In the event that you have a lot of technical junk lying around try taking it to a local pawn shop, you will clear your space as well as possibly make a few dollars off of it in the process.
Heavier messes may require a trip to the dump to dispose of all the clutter. While this may be expensive depending on what you have, there is no doubt that you will feel better about yourself and it will make your living space much more presentable.
Spring Cleaning – Try Not to Horde
Hording is considered an illness by many professionals nowadays and extreme cases may need extra help. If you are a hoarder, why not ask a family member or friend to help you get rid of things. They will most likely be more than happy to help you sort through your possessions and decide what should be kept and what is no longer needed. Having a clean place will make you feel great so why not start today and begin your spring cleaning.
Household Jobs Checklist: Creating a List to Keep Track of Home Maintenance
Unlike making the beds and cleaning the bathroom, many household chores do not need to be completed daily or even weekly. With busy lifestyles, it is easy to lose track of when such tasks were last taken care of, especially if they only need to be attended to annually.
Some chores, such as checking smoke detector batteries, are necessary to ensure that important household items are working correctly. Other jobs, such as regularly washing curtains and throw cushion covers, help to improve the appearance and longevity of these items. It is important to plan these regular maintenance and cleaning tasks so that they are not forgotten.
Prepare a List of Chores
In a notebook, allocate a page each for regular, monthly , quarterly, bi-annual , and annual tasks. List all the tasks that come to mind on the appropriate page.
Individual Needs
The frequency of some tasks depends on individual requirements.
- Changing water filters – This is determined by the style of unit and amount of water filtered. Read the instructions accompanying the filter and mark the replacement date on a calendar. If replacement is required at regular intervals, include it on the appropriate checklist.
- Swimming pool maintenance – It is best to consult a pool supplies business to discuss the appropriate maintenance schedule.
- Spas and spa baths – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
- Pets – Many factors affect what is needed to care for a pet. A local vet, pet store owner or reference book will provide the most reliable and appropriate advice.
Create a List to Suit
Differing environments and lifestyles will affect how often certain chores need to be performed.
In some areas, autumn leaves will need to be cleared from gutters more regularly than others. Extreme weather temperature conditions require more frequent cleaning of air-conditioning and heater filters.
People who smoke indoors generally need to launder curtains, throw cushion covers and similar items more regularly.
Asthmatics or others with respiratory problems may prefer to replace bed pillows more frequently to reduce dust mite irritation. They may also benefit from more frequent airing of pillows and blankets and washing of bedroom curtains.
Households with young children have an extensive list of additional tasks to be taken care of regularly, such as cleaning bath toys and sorting through toy boxes to discard broken or damaged toys.
Make a Checklist
A checklist can be prepared in two ways.
- Make a page for each month and list all the jobs that need to be done in that month. Monthly tasks will need to be listed on each page, quarterly tasks can be spread out over three months, bi-annual tasks over six months and annual tasks throughout the year so that each month has a reasonably even number of tasks.
- Make a jobs chart spreadsheet with all the chores listed in the first column. For a monthly chart, list the days of the week (repeated four times) as column headings (28 in total). Columns only need to be wide enough to allow a check mark to be made to indicate when regular and monthly jobs should be completed. For a yearly chart, use the months of the year for the column headings and list quarterly, bi-annual and annual tasks.
Keep the checklist in a folder for easy reference. By keeping the lists up to date, you will ensure that no important household chores will be forgotten.
Alternatives of Wood Burning Fireplace
In the fall and winter, everybody loves to enjoy the warmth and relaxing atmosphere in front of the wood-burning fireplace in houses. And we all know that it is perfect for every house to have a romantic feeling wood-burning fireplace. Although they are very charming and increase the luxury of a home, it is sad to know that they are also quite dangerous for your lungs and very expensive as well.
Heating your home with the traditional wood burning fireplace can produce the cozy effect, but at the same time, it creates air pollution that can damage the environment and cause health issues.
Hence, using an alternative heating device is more efficient and safer for the house than any old wood –burning heating appliances.
Here are three best choices that keep the spark going and but at a better rate for your health and wallet.
Direct-Vent Gas Insert Fireplace
These fireplaces are the most cost efficient and reliable models. The system is installed in your existing fireplace area with a hearth and vented to the peak of the smokestack; it lets the pure, clean air coming in the chimney from outside and exhausting the gas of burning outside. Replacing of wood to the gas is also helps to protect your home environment.
The gas insert will burn either liquid propane from a tank that can be sapped or piped-in natural gas. Note that the inserts will draw in air to aid burning the fuel and channel any resulting smoke outside via chimney or a vent.
Electric Fireplace Insert
These are just the improved form of an electric heater installed in a fireplace. A power source is required to make the mantel burn. It is a combination of heater and well-designed room section. It uses electricity as fuel and therefore, if you install it, be ready to pay a bigger electricity bill.
Before you use the electric fireplace insert each season, clean out the dust that collected inside the fireplace and on its screen (if it has one). Always remember to unplug it from the main powr source before cleaning.
Alcohol Gel Fireplace with Faux Log Insert
Ventless Gel Fireplace provide the warmth and cozy atmosphere without a mess of traditional fireplace. No venting, the chimney is required to enjoy your fire. You just have to put some logs in existing hearth and burn the alcohol gel. The best thing about it is that it emits heat with a very minute amount of carbon dioxide.
Besides, they are associated with other dangers. For example, if there is a gas leakage, it can result in fire disaster and loss of property. The wood fireplaces rarely cause fires at homes. Therefore, as much as various people praise other alternatives to the wood fireplace, you must weigh various options and pick one that fits your home best.
Gas Versus Electric Weed Eaters
CHOOSING A STRING TRIMMER
Keeping the lawn in shape or working as a landscaper requires the right set of tools in your arsenal. One of the most useful tools can be your weed eater (also called a string trimmer), but only if you get the right one. You have a lot of choices for weed eaters with one of the most significant being whether it is a gas or electric model.
Both gas and electric models have their good points and their bad points. Here’s a simple comparison of each type that can help you make the right decision for yourself:
GAS WEED EATERS
A gas operated weed eater runs off of a small motor that is fueled by a mix of non-ethanol petrol and oil. Most gas trimmers run with high cutting power and thicker trimming string than electric trimmers, making them very effective against most of the small brush and weeds you will encounter.
Because gas trimmers run on fuel, they do not restrict your movement at all. However, these weed eaters are generally much heavier than electric trimmers, weighing at least 6 – 10 pounds. If you want something that is heavy duty and built to last for years, a gas trimmer might be a good option for you.
Pros
- More power
- Longer run time
- Freedom of movement
- Sturdy equipment build
Cons
- Heavier
- More frequent maintenance required
- Specially mixed fuel is a must
ELECTRIC WEED EATERS
There are two classes of electric weed eaters: battery powered and corded. Corded electric trimmers plug into any household outlet while battery powered trimmers operate from rechargeable, removable battery packs. In general, electric weed eaters don’t have as strong of cutting power as gas models, but they have enough to cut most of the common weeds and non-woody grasses.
Getting an electric trimmer almost guarantees you a lightweight machine, even if you choose a battery operated model. Since there is only a small engine attached to the body of the weed eater and you don’t have to carry around the fuel, electric trimmers are great for those with a smaller build who are not in need of very high cutting power.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Batteries charge quickly
- Strong enough for an average homeowner’s lawn
- Little to no maintenance required
- Less expensive to purchase
Cons
- Shorter running time on battery models
- Less power than most gas trimmers
- Corded units restrict movement
CONCLUSION
Based on the above information you can see that gas weed eaters appear to be better for those looking to use the trimmer commercially, anyone who needs very strong cutting power, and for anyone with a huge yard to trim. Electric models on the other hand are perfect for people who want a more lightweight device, anyone with a medium sized or small yard (battery users can buy extra batteries for larger spaces), and for people without the need for strong cutting through brush.
The choice is up to you. Read through some reviews of a few of the top products on the market and see which one might be the best for your specific needs.
SOURCES
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r24100255-Electric-or-Gas-Trimmer
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/string-trimmers/buying-guide.htm
Gas Water Heater Installation
Learn on how to install/replace the gas water heater. Here’s what you need to know to install a gas water heater: