Or so they say---wallpaper, that is. I personally have begun to see wallpaper used sparingly in new construction, but apparently nationally it's considered a trend that's "hot again". Decorators say it provides drama, texture, warmth and personality. That can be a good return on your investment with paper selling for $30 a roll or possibly less. Wallpaper can essentially decorate a room!
Hold down costs by papering a small space such as a foyer or hang wallpaper on just one wall and paint the other three. A bold pattern would instantly add interst to a room lacking architectural detail.
A word of caution: The ability to follow directions and extreme patience are prerequisites for hanging wallpaper. Even a do-it-yourself type might want to hire a professional paper hanger.
Source: THE NEWS & OBSERVER
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Summertime, summertime...
Summer seems to be a popular time for home-improvement projects, both large and small. If you're about to dive into a project, consider these important safety tips:
Mowers
- Before mowing the lawn, do a walk-through to gather any large sticks or other debris.
- Wear clothing that offers protection such as sturdy closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles.
- Do not clean the grass exit of a mower by hand. Keep the mower on grass rather than pavement which can kick up debris.
Ladders
- Be sure to place a ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks engage.
- Always face the ladder when climbing and use slip-resistant shoes.
- Stand at or below the indicated highest safe standing level. For extension ladders, it's the fourth rung from the top.
Power Tools
- Remember to keep tools away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
- Disconnect tools when they're not in use or when you're replacing a blade, bit or part.
- Keep your work areas well lighted and wear gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools.
Mowers
- Before mowing the lawn, do a walk-through to gather any large sticks or other debris.
- Wear clothing that offers protection such as sturdy closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles.
- Do not clean the grass exit of a mower by hand. Keep the mower on grass rather than pavement which can kick up debris.
Ladders
- Be sure to place a ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks engage.
- Always face the ladder when climbing and use slip-resistant shoes.
- Stand at or below the indicated highest safe standing level. For extension ladders, it's the fourth rung from the top.
Power Tools
- Remember to keep tools away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
- Disconnect tools when they're not in use or when you're replacing a blade, bit or part.
- Keep your work areas well lighted and wear gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools.
Safety First!
Fun Summer Fact: The market for pool equipment and maintenance products is expected to top $3.8 billion by 2011.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Where are you going for your summer vacation?
This was a recent poll taken by Triangle Business Journal. 353 responses break down this way:
33% - somewhere in the US outside North Carolina
33% - somewhere in North Carolina outside of the Triangle
20% - not taking a vacation this year
7% - outside the US
6% - staying in the Triangle
Whether you're traveling, taking a few days off work for a "stay-cation" or just going to the farmers' market, enjoy summer---we're racing towards Labor Day.
33% - somewhere in the US outside North Carolina
33% - somewhere in North Carolina outside of the Triangle
20% - not taking a vacation this year
7% - outside the US
6% - staying in the Triangle
Whether you're traveling, taking a few days off work for a "stay-cation" or just going to the farmers' market, enjoy summer---we're racing towards Labor Day.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Happiness comes to those who...
Social Psychologist David Myers says "There are genetic influences on happiness. Some people are more biologically predisposed to happiness. But, like cholesterol, it can be tweaked..."
9 Ways to Lift Your Spirits
1. Realize you can't buy happiness. Wealth is like health; its utter absence breeds misery, but having it doesn't guarantee happiness.
2. Manage your time. Happy people feel in control of their lives; mastering their use of time increases the sense of control. Set goals and break them into manageable tasks.
3. Act happy. Going through the motions can trigger the emotions.
4. Flow. Happy people are often in a zone called "flow". They're absorbed in a challenging, but not overwhelming, task.
5. Exercise. Sound minds reside in sound bodies.
6. Sleep. Happy people allow their bodies to rest.
7. Foster close relationships. Caring friends can help you through trying times; be a friend to have a friend.
8. Be helpful. Doing good makes you feel good.
9. Be grateful. Take time every day to what you have rather than what you don't.
RealEstate Magazine
9 Ways to Lift Your Spirits
1. Realize you can't buy happiness. Wealth is like health; its utter absence breeds misery, but having it doesn't guarantee happiness.
2. Manage your time. Happy people feel in control of their lives; mastering their use of time increases the sense of control. Set goals and break them into manageable tasks.
3. Act happy. Going through the motions can trigger the emotions.
4. Flow. Happy people are often in a zone called "flow". They're absorbed in a challenging, but not overwhelming, task.
5. Exercise. Sound minds reside in sound bodies.
6. Sleep. Happy people allow their bodies to rest.
7. Foster close relationships. Caring friends can help you through trying times; be a friend to have a friend.
8. Be helpful. Doing good makes you feel good.
9. Be grateful. Take time every day to what you have rather than what you don't.
RealEstate Magazine
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Purple Elephant
Read with interest Paul Gilster's column in Wednesday's N&O. The article says the Purple Elephant, a local nonprofit, will accept donated computers, refurbish them and install totally new software (after wiping clean the hard drives with software approved by the Department of Defense). Purple Elephant then makes the computers available to folks who might not otherwise be able to afford them; children, Gilster says, are the major beneficiaries.
With 150 million computers now in landfills, the environmental impact of rescuing older PCs is BIG. Using EPA figures, Purple Elephant founder Dave Hinton can show that the more than 6,000 PCs his organization has recycled or restored have produced an environmental savings in excess of $1,000,000.
You can find the Purple Elephant on the Web at www.purpleelephant.org
With 150 million computers now in landfills, the environmental impact of rescuing older PCs is BIG. Using EPA figures, Purple Elephant founder Dave Hinton can show that the more than 6,000 PCs his organization has recycled or restored have produced an environmental savings in excess of $1,000,000.
You can find the Purple Elephant on the Web at www.purpleelephant.org
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