Thursday, August 13th, 2009
Plastic Adirondack chairs find themselves right smack dab in the middle of a class of furniture that is both functional and attractive. Of course, people can agree to disagree, and there are certainly those who would not dream of owning an Adirondack chair that wasn’t made out of wood, usually teak, cyprus, cedar or redwood. And that’s okay. I totally understand this attraction and preference for wood. But plastic does have it’s place and it isn’t really as cheap or tacky as some may think. Here are some reasons why I think plastic Adirondack chairs deserve your consideration.
First, the notion of modern plastic Adirondack chairs should not bring to mind the classic inference about plastic. In fact, these chairs are anything but wimpy, brittle, or cheap. They are actually quite nice. They are durable and stout. Depending on what you end up finding to purchase, a plastic product in today’s world very well may end up being just a strong, if not more so, than many of their wood products out there. With modern molding techniques and designs, you can expect plastic Adirondack chairs to hold up to all of the weight and use that you have come to expect from the wooden counterparts.
The second reason why I think plastic Adirondack chairs deserve consideration is their general appeal, both tactilely and visually. To the eye, they are quite pleasing, they are available in a wide range of colors and styles. If you want a pink chair, you got it. If you prefer a more classic brown or tan color, no problem. They are even available in blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and reds. Since plastic products can be colored any color, selection should not be a problem. One of the most popular and attractive choices are chairs that have a wood grain molded right into the panels of the chair. This not only gives plastic Adirondack chairs a more natural look, it also makes them more satisfying to the touch. Since our tactile senses are such a critical part of how we experience our furnishings, this should not be overlooked. The look of wood without the downside. Pretty cool.
And that leads me to my next point, which is that plastic Adirondack chairs have the natural advantage over most wooden chairs when it comes to maintenance requirements. When you have a typical wood chair you often have to take care to keep it either stained or painted. If it stays out in the elements too long you then have to watch out for slivers, cracks and chaffing in the wood. These can become dangerous to the user if ignored. If you keep things sanded and coated you will get a lot of life out of your wooden chairs, but with the plastic option you just don’t have to worry about any of that. Just set the chairs out where you want them, use them, and don’t worry about the affects of weather.
And finally, plastic Adirondack chairs are more economical than wood. They usually cost less initially, and require much less cost over time in terms of maintenance and upkeep. If you want sticker shock, price a teak, cedar, or redwood chair. Wow!
Appearance, cost and minimal maintenance all make plastic Adirondack chairs preferable over wood. Give them your consideration and see if you agree with me.
Tags: Adirondack, Chairs, Consider, Four, Great, Plastic, Reasons, Should
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
When you are building a wardrobe there are many things to consider so you have everything you needed for the perfect style. Many of the things that you need to know include your body type, size, being realistic, and your best colors. These things will help you make good decisions on the type of clothing that you should wear.
Your body type is everything when it comes to purchasing clothing and building your wardrobe. You may love jeans but have all of the wrong pairs that don’t fit you right. When you choose clothing you have to build the wardrobe based on how thin or heavy you are, the length of your legs, the size of your bust, and much more. Many women with a really small bust wear tops that are designed for a larger breast size. This only looks silly and doesn’t fit right. Wear clothing that looks right with the type of body you have. Clothing needs to fit you right. This doesn’t mean tight but appropriately. If it is too baggy it may make you look larger than you already are.
Another consideration is being smart about the size. Just because your favorite clothing manufacturer makes an outfit in your size doesn’t meant that is right for your body and your size. You may even have coupons from them and want to spend them on one of their outfits. This would be a bad decision if you didn’t base your decision on the type of outfit. For example, if you are overweight and have a large stomach then you may not want to wear a pair of low rise jeans that hang below the hip bones. If you are really tall you won’t want to wear them either because they will make you look even taller. Short and thin women can get away with these types of jeans because they will add height that they need.
Colors need to be considered also when you are building your wardrobe. Most women assume that they can build a base of their wardrobe with black but instead black looks terrible on them. Make sure that the color looks good on you and that it is not too overpowering for your body type and style. You want to be noticed as fashionable but also for people to notice you. The best way to get started with a wardrobe base is to learn which colors are your best colors. This way you can buy a few pieces to build your wardrobe on. Don’t wear the same color everyday though.
There are many things that you need to consider when you are building a wardrobe. You have to be fashionable but the clothing you choose must match your body type and your style. Make sure that what you are wearing matches you and looks good on you. Never be afraid to ask in a store. However, always remember that many sales reps in a department store are making commission so they may tell you something looks good when it really doesn’t.
Tags: Basics, Every, Should, Wardrobe, Woman
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Saturday, February 28th, 2009
Why you should choose and Organic Mattress?
“Green” your bedroom with an organic mattress!
Sleeping well is vital to good health. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and an organic bed is an excellent way to ensure that, for at least 8 hours a day, we are free from exposure to the toxic chemicals so prevalent in consumer products today.
What is the difference between an organic mattress and mainstream mattresses?
Organic mattresses are derived from natural materials. Conventional mattresses are made primarily of man-made materials derived from nonrenewable resources such as natural gas and petrochemicals. Plus, in conventional mattresses, fire retardants and other chemicals are used on cover fabrics and in paddings. (OMI’s mattresses are made with naturally flame-resistant organic Eco-Wool, which keeps you safe without the use of chemical fire retardants).
What makes a bed organic?
It all begins with natural organic materials that are grown using sustainable agricultural methods. This type of agriculture maintains and enhances ecological harmony, conserves precious resources, and sustains the soil in both the short and the long term.
What are the natural materials used in OMI organic mattresses?
They are constructed with cruelty-free Eco-Wool, certified organic cotton, and 100% natural rubber latex — all renewable, biodegradable resources. These natural materials are grown, processed, and manufactured without toxic chemicals.
Do organic mattresses come in different firmnesses, and do they have innersprings?
There are two main types of organic mattresses: Natural rubber, which is basically metal free, and innerspring. Both styles are available with different firmness options.
How is an OMI organic mattress made?
The inner core is made of either natural rubber latex or innersprings. The quilting consists of Eco-Wool and certified organic cotton battings, quilted between two layers of certified organic cotton fabric (ticking). The padding in our innerspring mattresses is simply certified organic cotton.
Where do the raw materials come from?
OMI is committed philosophically to the organic movement and to supporting American organic farmers. The Eco-Wool is sheared from free-grazed California sheep, and processed under strict controls to minimize any chemical contamination or animal cruelty.
The cotton is 100% certified organic. It is grown and processed without chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers. The natural rubber latex (from the milk of the rubber tree) is 100% natural, and produced by the only manufacturer of Talalay latex in America.
Why are these raw materials used in an organic mattress? Wool is warm in winter and cool in summer. It absorbs perspiration, which then evaporates, regulating the sleeper’s body temperature throughout the night for a more restful sleep. Wool is also resilient, durable, and flame resistant. Cotton is comfortable and durable, and a natural padding choice in a mattress. Certified organic cotton is healthier for the soil, the water, the ecosystem, farm workers, you, and your family.
Natural rubber provides a naturally resilient and healthful sleep environment. It offers comfort and support for a deeper, sounder sleep. A mattress made with natural rubber eliminates 85% of the motion transfer from a restless partner and rarely needs flipping. It is naturally anti-microbial and dust-mite resistant — an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
What is the difference between natural rubber latex and the latex used in other mattresses? All latex is not created equal. Natural rubber latex is produced using an environmentally-friendly process from a natural renewable resource, and is biodegradable. Compare this process with styrene-butadiene (man-made) latex that is manufactured from petrochemicals using nonrenewable resources. Memory or viscoelastic foam is derived from plastics.
Our 100% natural (not blended) rubber instantaneously conforms to individual body contours with up to 33% more pressure relief than man-made latex foam. That means a better night’s sleep.
Our organic mattresses are made with Talalay latex — the finest available, most consistent, and most durable latex in the world. Our natural rubber latex is 100% natural, and not a blend of natural and man-made latex.
If organic mattresses don’t have flame retardants, are they safe from fire? OMI’s mattresses have been tested at an independent testing facility. They meet both federal and California open-flame standards without the use of chemical flame retardants, suspected to be health and environmental hazards.
Can a new organic mattress be placed on an old foundation or box spring? A foundation is meant to support a mattress, and using an old foundation or box-spring under an innerspring mattress will affect the comfort of the mattress and shorten its life. Our natural rubber mattresses are intended to be placed on a wood-slat foundation. If you have a platform slat bed designed for a mattress only, you would not need a foundation with this mattress.
How long will my organic mattress last? Our mattresses are backed by an industry-leading 20-year limited warranty.
What sizes do organic mattresses come in? From crib size to Eastern or California king, our organic mattresses are made in all conventional sizes, and even custom sizes.
Are organic top-of-bed products also made with organic materials? Yes! Our pillows, mattress pads, and comforters are made with the same organic materials as our mattresses. Our pillows are offered in all wool, all cotton, or all natural rubber latex, and are covered with a certified organic cotton fabric. Our handmade comforters are wool filled and hand tied, and available in both summer and winter weights. Mattress pads are offered in certified organic cotton flannel, as a wool moisture protector (perfect for children), and in a wool underbed style.
Contact Bedrooms and More for more information at 888-297-8844
Tags: Choose, mattresses, Organic, Should
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Sunday, January 18th, 2009
You know, I spend a lot of time in my kitchen. Every morning I’m sitting at my kitchen table having my usual cup of coffee or two. If I happen to be at home during the noon hour, here I am, back in my kitchen fixing myself something to eat for lunch. In the late afternoon, once again, I’m back in my kitchen preparing the evening meal for myself and my family.
I have noticed over the years that the one thing most kitchens have is a clock hanging on the wall. I have also noticed that the style of kitchen clock hanging on the kitchen wall can make the difference between dull and unnoticeable and charming and sensational.
In order to compliment the style of your kitchen with a kitchen wall clock that will be a charming sensation, all you have to do is know what kitchen wall clock will add these attributes to your kitchen’s atmosphere.
So okay, let the truth be known that the thought of writing this information on kitchen wall clocks wasn’t all my idea. I received an email from the contact page of the website the other day. It was a note from a lady by the name of Catherine.
Catherine had written me a note saying that she was browsing through the website and came across “Wall Clocks.” As she further explored this section of the website, she was so impressed by the information on kitchen wall clocks, she decided to write me to express her appreciation. So this is actually how I got the idea to write about kitchen wall clocks.
So let me see. Where do I start? How about I go over different styles of kitchen decor and then I will make suggestions of what style kitchen wall clock might be the perfect match.
When it comes to kitchen styles or decor, you have Art Deco, Country, Modern and Retro. The colors of your kitchen may or in some cases may not influence the style of kitchen wall clock you hang on your kitchen wall. This all depends on basically on the type of kitchen wall clock you choose to hang.
I will start out with the Art Deco kitchen. This type of kitchen decor usually has some sort of wall art hanging on the walls. This could be plaques in the forms of fruit or vegetables. Also, the kitchen backsplash walls will typically have mosaic tile murals running above the counters with pictures of Horns of Plenty, Wine Bottles with Platters of Fruit and Cheese or Baskets of a Colorful Fruit and Vegetable Arrangements.
The Art Deco kitchen could be accompanied by several styles of kitchen wall clocks. These clocks include the Recipes Decorative Wall Clock which starts its life as an actual painting which is then transformed into a kitchen wall clock. In this style of kitchen wall clock you also have Whimsical Teapots, Cappuccino Decorative and The Vitis wall clock that features a Vitaceae vine design. These are more than kitchen wall clocks. These are works of art.
So now let’s take a look at Country Kitchens. Here there are a variety of themes to choose from. You have to ask yourself is your Country Kitchen theme based on flowers, farm animals, domestic animals, fruit, vegetables, wild birds or frogs (yes, I said frogs).
If your answer is flowers, then you might want to choose the Sunflower with the Brown center kitchen wall clock, Red Garden Wall Clock, the Daisy pendulum wall clock or the Bouquet Tiny Times Clock. Your choice is just a matter of which clock will best match up with the colors and style of your kitchen.
Next we will take a look at the Modern Kitchen. Here you have stainless steel appliances with metal wall tile walls and backsplashes. Glass top kitchen tables with acrylic chairs, chrome pot racks and multi-colored small appliances sitting on counter tops.
So now you ask me, “What style of kitchen wall clock would be the perfect solution to this modern day mess hall?” Well let’s have a look. You could go with the Stainless Steel Kitchen wall clock and keep the metal thing going in your kitchen. You could go with the Round Mirror or the Thin Mirror kitchen wall clock. That is, of course, if mirrors in your kitchen are your thing.
You can go with the Studio 24 Collection. This stunning contemporary kitchen wall clock will turn heads. This rectangular wood wall clock, finished in Black Coffee, features a curved front with recessed brushed nickel bands, with complementing brushed nickel finished hands. This kitchen wall clock features a curved pendulum that is supported by a bold brushed nickel stick to match the case. You never know what style wall click will have you friends saying, “Wow, where did you get that clock?”
Now let’s turn our mind’s eye to the Retro Kitchen. For those of you who have the Diner style kitchen in your home, these kitchen wall clocks are for you. You know who you are. You have the red Formica kitchen table with the chrome table edge and four red padded kitchen chairs with the bent metal chrome chair framing. You have a checkered tablecloth and a jukebox table top music selector that just happens to be a combination AM/FM Radio/CD Player/MP3 Player.
Well let’s see. What kind of kitchen wall clock are you looking for? You could go with your standard Retro Round Metal Wall Clock in you color choice of red, green, black, silver or white. Then you have the Deco Retro Kitchen Wall Clock. This white porcelain frame is accented wonderfully by retro-styled red Arabic numerals and a red center dial. Maybe?
For those of you who really want the finishing touch to the retro diner look in your kitchen you have to go with a retro logo kitchen wall clock. Here you have clocks such as the Coca Cola Double Bubble Clock, the Nesbitt’s LTD Edition Double Bubble Clock and the Orange Crush Double Bubble Clock. These are reproductions of the same clocks that hung on the walls of diners across the USA in the 50’s and 60’s.
So now you know that when it comes to kitchen wall clocks you have choices. So many choices that it is mind boggling. My suggestion, take your time to before you choose your time.
Tags: Clock, Kitchen, Like, Look, Should, Time, Wall
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