Ever
yone has their own decorating style. Those of us in the interior design industry like to put decorating styles in neat little categories such as contemporary, modern, rustic, southwestern, Victorian, Asian and the list goes on. Perhaps one of the most overlooked and under appreciated styles, eclectic decorating is the style where individuality shines.
The eclectic decorator is the kind of person who likes to think outside the box. This style of decorating makes a bold statement of "I know who I am and I know what I like." Sure, some people might say "Oh my, you can't have that lamp sitting on that table. This room is a hot mess! The throw on that sofa just clashes. Gees, what were you thinking?"
Admittedly, there are those that would say you have to know what you're doing to decorate your home with eclectic style. However, it really all comes down to one thing. Making yourself happy. When it comes to your home, the only opinion that really matters is yours. And maybe 
your husband's, but it's usually in his best interest to keep you happy as well ;). You might not be asked to feature your eclectically decorated living room in an issue of Better Homes and Gardens but who else in your neighborhood has?
So don't be afraid to throw some animal print pillows on a rustic style sofa. Or put a Victorian style lamp on an Asian style table. It's really ok. Remember that the eclectic decorator loves to be creative. It's all about expressing yourself without boundaries or fear.
Is it even possible to over do an eclectic designed room? Well yes, anything's possible. If you can't even find your cedar hutch anymore because it disappeared under a mob of Kachina dolls, hand blown art glass and Asian tea pots, your eclectic style borders perilously on cluttered. Just try to keep one common design element part of your look; space. Space is easy to incorporate into an eclectic theme. Just allow it to be.
Express Yourself with Eclectic Style Decorating
Your Home Bar Furniture
by: Sari El-Dajjani
Looking for stylish bar furniture for your home? This article will provide you with information on picking the right barstools and bar table for your home.
Need home decorating advice? Looking for stylish bar furniture for your home? Then you have come to the right place. The addition of bar furniture in homes is becoming more frequent. Everyday people are looking for bar furniture to buy so they can add more fashion to their homes. What can bar furniture do for you? It could be a place where you can take a break from everything and relax with friends and family and enjoy a drink. Having bar furniture in your house, you will be able to entertain friends and guests more easily. Socializing becomes more fun, especially with a great bar table and relaxing bar stools for everyone to enjoy. The sheer beauty of bar furniture with stylish glassware and spirits will add class to your home for the holidays. Imagine stirring a martini in your home with the look of bottles and glassware all lined up on your bar table! Buying the right bar furniture for your home, will definitely keep you and your family entertained this Holiday Season. It would be perfect for the kitchen counter, the family room, game room or anywhere you desire.
How do you pick the right bar table and barstools for your home? Well, the size and the design of the bar furniture you are looking for should depend on the available space you have at home and the budget you want to spend on your bar furniture. If your looking for something simple, then a bar table with a couple of barstools would be sufficient. A bar table and a couple of barstools are not very expensive and they would make a great addition to your home. But how do you pick the right bar furniture? You can choose from contemporary, chrome, swivel, metal and more. What’s important is that it fits with the overall decor of your home. If you decide to set up your bar in the living room, then make sure that the bar table and the barstools don’t change the whole design of your living room. There are also several colors and styles to choose from, so finding the right one won’t be a problem. You just need to decide which style fits your home best.
Let me first start with the contemporary bar furniture. Contemporary bar furniture will add a modern look to you home because they are sleek and stylish. Usually contemporary designs can fit with the existing decoration of your home very easily too. Another advantage to contemporary bar furniture is that they are very easy to clean and because of the aluminum or chrome design, they always look good. So if you’re looking for something that is stylish and comfortable, then contemporary barstools and a bar table would be the right choice for you. Contemporary bar furniture will give your home an exciting and appealing look, creating a great atmosphere for the holidays.
What kind of bar table should one order? Since individual preferences differ, it is highly recommended that one measure the space available before ordering or deciding on a certain style. According to One Way Furniture, it is usually most comfortable to have between 9 to 13 inches of leg room space between your barstool and the height of the bar table. There are a variety of bar tables to choose from when shopping for bar furniture. We carry the modern bar tables that are sure to spice up any room. The mirror finish chromed metal base and high gloss tabletop enhance its beauty, making it perfect for game rooms, the bar, the kitchen or anywhere else you can imagine. If your looking for a bar table that will set your home apart with style, then the modern bar table is the right choice. The table is contemporary, versatile and sophisticated.
Our barstools and bar tables are innovative and stylish. The swivel barstool has an adjustable gas piston that allows you to adjust your seat easily. They also are available in several colors, so you can mix and match when picking out your bar furniture. Our modern bar tables will set your home apart by adding style and elegance to your home. Throughout our site, you will find a large selection of barstools and a couple of bar tables to compliment your home. Currently, our web site is running a promotion for the holidays. Buy a bar table with 2 barstools and save $50 off your purchase. Visit the special’s page for more information. If you do not find what you are looking for on our site, then shop around to constantly compare prices, in order to find the best deal. Good luck!
http://www.coconutzhomeandgarden.com
About The Author
My name is Sari El-Dajjani, marketing director for Coconutz Home and Garden, your source for inexpensive home and garden products from around the world at reasonable prices. I currently live in Orlando, Florida.
coconutzhomeandgarden@hotmail.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Outdoor LED Lighting Installation Guides
Cost to Build a Home in Raleigh North Carolina June 2010
WOW! Watch a video rendering “tour” of this house to get a better feel for it before ordering the floor plans from House Plan Central!
This striking home is referred to as a “country” style by the designer, but I think it goes beyond just “country”.
True, the friendly wraparound porch reminds us of those congenial gatherings of days gone by, but the roof line is what caught my eye.
I am a roof fanatic…well, at least a roof aficionado.
This roof gets a 10!
Although this home is described as a two bedroom, it has an office that meets code requirements to be a third bedroom.
Great floor plan and use of space!
HPC-2026-16 from houseplancentral.com
Plan Style - Country
Bedrooms – 2 (office as possible 3rd)
Baths - 2
Living Sq. Ft. – 2026
Covered Porches =786 sq ft (including 4 season room)
Width: 52 ft. - 0 in. Depth: 62 ft. - 0 in.
Foundation: Crawlspace
Click here to see video rendering tour of this house and get a better feel for it before ordering the floor plans! (Then scroll to the top of home plan page)
I used the “Average Quality” selection on the calculator all the way through the selections on that part of the calculating process.
By acting as your own General Contractor you could reduce the estimated cost to build to $209,316 and therefore the cost per sq. ft. to around $103.31 per sq. ft.
You do this by eliminating the General Contractor’s markup, as well as some of the insurance costs and the equipment rental costs.
I never hire “labor by the hour” and I recommend that you shouldn’t either. Therefore, the only insurance expense you should have is “Builder’s Risk Insurance”, which should run approximately $2,000, and equipment rental should be zero as subcontractors, who you will be hiring on a contractual basis, provide their own equipment.
Here is a copy of the entire cost estimate breakdown. Click on it to enlarge.
Carl
* Until you actually start getting bids and entering them into your own spreadsheet (see FREE spreadsheets), it will remain approximate.
Everyone should keep in mind that the cost to build for this example, or any house plan, can vary considerably depending on actual bids for labor and material, design, and the quality of construction.
Thanksgiving, A Time For Gratitude And Giving
by: Jeanette Joy Fisher
Get new holiday decorating ideas for Thanksgiving and Autumn. Start a new family tradition. Your home will look fabulous and your guests will love you.
Before you dig into that turkey, take a moment for each person to say one sentence beginning with...
"Today, I am grateful for..."
You will be surprised at what children say, so keep a notebook handy to write down the gratitudes, or, better yet, record the event.
"Welcome to Our Home" Ideas
Holiday decorating isn't just for Christmas! Door wreaths welcome all to your home and set the stage for celebrating. Make a simple wreath to hang on your front door with Thanksgiving colors--brown, russet, olive green. Use tree branches from your garden; attach a few gourds, nuts, and ribbons.
Place a gorgeous mum by your front door. You can plant it later and get flowers next Thanksgiving to use inside. It just takes one bright spot near your front door to attract the eye of arriving guests.
Wrap your front door with gift wrap appropriate to Thanksgiving.
Make a "welcome to our home" banner. Add your ribbons and fall leaves.
Group vines, pumpkins, and mums for display impact near the front entrance. Adjust the vines to add height and movement.
Fall Leaves make great interior and exterior decorations. Be sure to hose off any bugs!
Tie ribbons around your candle bases and around your floral arrangements.
Set fall-color leaves under your decorations. Safety Tip: Keep leaves separated from melting candle wax.
Extend your flower arrangements with fall tree branches. Just one flower package makes a huge impact when you divide and spread it around.
Use copper, bronze, and gold spray paint to dress up plain gourds. Fill a glass or crystal bowl with the gourds, oranges, and nuts.
Display vegetables and mini pumpkins on a tray. Fill in any gaps with fall leaves, moss, straw, or wheat.
If orange clashes with your home's interior, use green apples and spray paint the mini-pumpkins.
Did I already say leaves? Here's another way to add fall color: Place the leaves in your green potted-plants.
One beautiful way to kick off your holiday season: Wrap tiny gifts in gold foil; top off with brown and russet ribbons, and place the gifts on the dinner plate. Your table will look fabulous and your guests will love the thought.
Happy Thanksgiving!
© Jeanette Fisher
About The Author
Jeanette Joy Fisher
Free holiday decorating teleclass "Interior Design Secrets to Glorious Holiday Decorating" and more holiday decorating tips: Joy Holidays Decorating http://JoyHolidays.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Repairing a Punctured Tire
By Mark J. Donovan
This past weekend my son reported that the previous day he noticed that there was a warning light on in the car. After going out to check we quickly discovered that the front passenger side tire was flatter than a pancake.
After swapping out the flat tire with the spare tire and seeing there was a nail hole in the tire, I ran down to the local garage. Unfortunately it was closed for the day. So, with little other choice, I ran over to a hardware store and picked up one of those $5 kits for repairing a punctured tire.
Suffice it to say, within 5 minutes I had repaired the flat tire and within 30 minutes I was back home with the tire reinstalled on the car.
The tire repair kit consisted of two tools. One basically was a threaded reamer that you slid into the hole and pushed and rotated a few times in the nail hole. The second tool was for installing a rubber plug. After reaming out the nail hole, all I needed to do was insert the plug into the end of the other tool, apply some adhesive glue to the rubber plug that came with the kit, and push the tool with the plug attached to it into the tire. After sinking the plug into the tire, I quickly pulled the tool out of the nail hole, leaving the plug in place.
The plug should be placed into the tire about 2/3rds of the length of the folded plug.
After repairing the punctured tire, I immediately filled it up with air and it was ready to reinstall on the car.
So with my new found skill, the next time I have a flat tire I plan to skip the garage.
Mortgage Rates Sink to Lowest Level on Record!
Toll Brothers houses
Mortgage rates fell this week to the lowest level on record, giving consumers added incentive to lock in low payments for home purchases and refinanced loans.
The average rate for 30-year fixed loans sank to 4.69 percent, from 4.75 percent last week, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday...more
Clay Tile Roof
Carl,
My wife and I are planning our new house, and hope to start construction in
Sept. We both really like the Mediterranean/Florida style homes.
We want to incorporate a clay tile roof.
I have heard they are very heavy and the framing needs to be beefed up, but I
can’t find info on how.
Is it by using 2x6 studs instead of 2x4’s?? Or is it in the roof decking?
Thanks, I have learned so much from your site.
Dave
Hi Dave,
Thanks. I hope that one of the most important things you have learned from my site (and books) is that I always, and I preach that you should always, consult with experts over important matters such as structural matters.
So I forwarded your question to my friend, architect David Moore, AIA, and here is what he has to say about your question:
"Dave,
You are correct that masonry tile roofs are relatively heavy and may require beefed up framing. Roof tiles can be made from clay or concrete and weigh between 8 and 18 pounds per square foot. This is significantly more than asphalt shingles which weigh around 2 pounds per square foot.
Your roof framing and roof sheathing must be designed to support the added dead load of these materials.
You also mentioned using larger wall studs, but standard 2x4 studs at 16" on center should be OK.
First, you must select a specific tile product and find out how much it weighs. Then, talk to an engineer or other design professional for specific framing recommendations.
Good luck with your project,
David Moore"
Original Home Plans
"Dear Readers,
Do you have a question for David Moore?
Click here to "Ask the Architect".
Carl"
Holiday Decorating Tips: Christmas Candles
by: Jeanette Joy Fisher
Do you love the winter holiday season or does this time of year cause you stress? One way to lower your holiday stress, using fewer decorations, decreases your "just have to much to do" list.
However, you still want to display Christmas candles because these decorations bring smiles to you and your loved ones. As days grow shorter and cooler and the suns sets earlier, people naturally crave the warmth and comfort of light, especially natural sources such as a bonfire or the flame of a Christmas candle.
Save your energy and your money. You don't need to line your entire sidewalk with luminaries. Get a similar effect with four large candles in clear glass containers near your front door. These glowing candles will welcome your guests without all the work of gathering bags, buying votive candles that just burn up fast, and shoveling all that sand.
Many cultural holiday traditions include placing a lighted candle in front windows to be seen from the outside. Pamper yourself. Place a candle in any dark window at night. Rather than peering into a dark void, you'll focus on the cheerful flame and feel comforted and uplifted.
Create a nightly quiet ritual for yourself in a quiet place away from distractions and the hustle of the holidays. Place candles around your bathtub and unwind, or by your favorite reading chair and instead of reading sit in the quiet and reflect upon the brightness of a single candlelight. Listen to quiet music or simply enjoy the peace and stillness. Ponder the joys in your life and express gratitude. This quiet time may be your most treasured gift to yourself.
Recycle last year's greeting cards by cutting each into a disk or rounding the edges, punch a hole in the center, and slide a taper candle half-way through the hole. Gather your friends and family around the piano or hearth and sing familiar Christmas carols as each person holds their own candlelight. Pause to reflect upon the fact that each individual brings their own special light to the world and recognize the common spiritual light in each of us.
When it's time to settle the children down to bed on Christmas Eve, calm them with a soothing candlelight ritual. My daughter’s children walk to bed, each carefully carrying a lighted candle through a dark hallway, singing "Silent Night."
Happy Holidays!
© Jeanette Fisher
About The Author
Jeanette Joy Fisher
Free holiday decorating ideas teleclass, "Interior Design Secrets to Glorious Holiday Decorating" and more holiday decorating tips Joy Holidays Decorating http://JoyHolidays.com.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
New Native American-Southwestern Art
If you love southwestern decor and authentic Native American art, you will love these new Native American paintings and original sketches. My supplier of Native American crafts and decor has been doing business with the local southwestern Pueblo tribes in Arizona and New Mexico for over 30 years. The crafts these tribal people make help support them and their families as well as helping to keep their culture and native traditions alive.
First are these amazing pen and colored pencil sketches by Native American artist Frankie Nez. Frankie is a full blooded Navajo and lives in Arizona. This skilled artist started drawing at the tender age of 7 and has perfected his skills over the years. Nez works with many mediums, including ink, water colors, beads and colored pencils. His work reflects the life he has lived on the reservation and he has mastered the intricate, symmetrical designs found in traditional Navajo artwork. His artw
ork, including tomahawks and the Kachina dolls he carves, has sold all over the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Original "Navajo Warrior" Navajo Pen & Ink Sketch by Native 
American artist Frank Nez
Original "Rainbow Dance" Navajo Pen & Colored Pencil Sketch by Native American artist Frankie Nez
Original "Native Woman and Dog" Navajo Pen Ink Sketch by Native American artist Frankie Nez
Original "Dream Catcher and Lance" Navajo Pen & Colored Pencil Sketch by Native American artist Frankie Nez
Next is a painting by Native Crow Indian Kevin Red Star. Kevin is a successful artist who also performs in rodeos, is a musician, teacher and owns his own gallery. He works with charcoal, crayon, ink, pencil, acrylic and oil paint. This print is called a canvas transfer, a process where a thick copy is taken from the original canvas and is transferred to another canvas, resulting in a print that looks exactly like the original.
Open Edition Canvas Transfer "Turn of the Century Dandy" Indian Oil Painting by Kevin Redstar
The adorable smile on this young Native American girl's face was captured by Navajo artist Don Clark. Don's artwork has been featured in magazines and exhibits all over the country. He prefers to work with oil, pastels and charcoal.
Open Edition Canvas Transfer "Happiness of Youth" Indian Oil Painting by Don Clark
Self-taught Navajo artist, JC Black, from Red Valley, AZ, started painting at age 11. His work reflects the Navajo traditions and culture he experienced growing up on the reservation. In this painting, the Yei Bi Chei dancers are performing the Night Way Chant. Black adds incredible detail in the bright, colorful costumes the dancers are wearing.
Yei Bi Chei Dancers The Night Way Chant Navajo Painting Limited Edition Giclée Print by JC Black
To see more authentic Native American and southwestern decor, including Kachina dolls, Navajo rugs and pottery, visit http://www.hometreasurecove.com/nativeamerican-southwestern
Glamour and Modern Interior Lighting of Mombo Bar and Restaurant
A House Is Only As Good As Its Foundation
I seriously want to buy a 1935 pier and beam bungalow.
It has had a lot of work, work that was done right according to my inspector.
But there are some things that still need to be done.
I just am not sure in what order to do them.
The big things are leveling, roof, replace a tub with a shower stall and refinish the hardwood floors.
Electrical and plumbing are very good and updated, as is the kitchen.
Can you help me figure out an order of priority?
Janet
Hi Janet
I would start with the most important item 1st, leveling the house.
A house is only as good as its foundation.
You want to take care of this first as the settling can and will continue and other major problems could arise, such as plumbing leaks, uneven floors, doors that won’t close (or open), etc.
As houses settle, they do so slowly (usually over many years) but they (the walls and floor joists) take the plumbing pipes with them. This slow settling process usually does no harm to the plumbing as the pipes are bent (or twisted) very slowly over time.
Leveling needs to be done as slowly as possible (months) so as not to stress the plumbing pipes but rather, slowly move them back to their original positions. Unfortunately, some pipes or seals may break during the leveling process.
Leveling needs to be done by a professional. It is not a DIY project.
It’s not real expensive; it’s just an agonizingly slow process.
Also, have the cause of the settling investigated and repaired if necessary. (Read “Foundation Sinking Repair”)
Depending on the severity of the settling, you can move up to the top of the house and re-roof while the house is being leveled.
I would not touch any plumbing jobs or refinish the floors until the house is level.
Hold off on the plumbing as the pipes in the walls and floor joists should not be tampered with until they are stable.
Hold off on the floors because as the house is brought to a level position you will see unevenness in the wood floors appear (if they aren’t uneven already). Refinishing will (should) fix these uneven spots, so wait till they stop being created.
When the house is level and stable, then do the bath and then do the floors.
You can find pros and cons to do the floors first, but I have always made floor finishing the last thing…after everybody’s out of the house for good.
I’d rather have the dust from refinishing to clean up (it can be controlled somewhat) than have to refinish the floors again because of scratches from tradesmen.
Then, clean up the dust and enjoy your “gem”.
Good luck,
Carl
Pool Table Lights Guide
by: Richard Aubin
The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your best game of pool. The ideal pool table light fixture is attractive, unobtrusive, and provides just enough illumination without creating a glare. Choosing the right pool table lights for your home need not be difficult. Just keep a few points in mind.
The most effective pool table lights cover the entire length of the table. Measure your pool table before you start shopping. The majority of pool table lights fixtures available have multiple globes in order to direct several points of light at the table, usually two, three, or four globes. Multiple globes on your pool table lights fixture also help to eliminate any glare. Some fixtures contain multiple globes within one larger fixture.
Pool table lights come in a wide variety of styles and finishes. Traditional, Victorian, Tiffany-style lights are popular pool table lights. These fixtures, modeled after designs by the famous glass artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany, are made of small panes of glass joined with lead piping. These colorful glass pieces are put together to form all manner of designs, logos, and slogans.
Tiffany-style pool table lights are available in one long shade with several bulbs inside the globe or in multiple shades along a single, metal bar. They may be elaborate, multi-color showpieces or relatively simple, one-color pool table lights fixtures.
Other traditional fixtures of pool table lights come in black or brown wrought-iron fixture with alabaster glass shades. Most often the pool table lights fixture is crafted into a scrolled design with multiple glass shades. This style of light fixture is also widely available in bronze, brushed pewter, and brass finishes. pool table lights made from ooden fixtures, too, can lend a warm and homey touch to your poolroom.
Contemporary pool table lights can give your room a clean, sleek, modern look. Bar pool table lights in chrome and brass with simple, smoked glass shades can create such a look. Some pool table light fixtures insert a vibrant touch by adding green, red, and blue colored glass shades.
Customize your pool table lights by adding a college or professional sports logo. Tiffany-style lights often incorporate the logo into the glass motif whereas solid glass shades can be etched with your favorite team’s logo. Cheer on the “Fighting Irish” of Notre Dame, the Colorado “Avalanche” Hockey team, or the New England “Patriots” right from your recreation room.
Military logos are also popular designs for pool table lights. The Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force insignia are all available, both in Tiffany lights and in solid etched glass shades. Also consider “Jack Daniels” logo pool table lights or perhaps one with the “Harley Davidson” logo.
Installing your pool table lights should be relatively easy for the weekend home remodeler. There must be a secure place onto which to mount your pool table light fixture and that it has its own separate electrical box. As with any electrical project, turn off the electrical current before you start working on mounting your pool table lights.
The correct light bulbs go a long way to ensuring your pool table lights fixture is safe as well as creating the right mood. 60-watt bulbs are recommended although some of the pool table lights with multiple shades might look better with 40-watt bulbs instead.
The Internet has made shopping for pool table lights much easier. A typical search yields hundreds of online retailers of pool table lights. Browse through thousands of pool table lights, right in the privacy of your home. Many Web merchants even offer free shipping and live online customer service. Expect to pay from $150 for simple bar pool table lights to over $1000 for an elaborate Tiffany-style light fixture.
The right pool table lights can give your poolroom that ambiance of casual elegance or rustic charm that you desire as well as providing the lighting necessary to play your best game of pool. Shop carefully; consider all your options, and you’ll enjoy your pool table lights fixture for many years to come.
About The Author
Richard Aubin runs and maintains the Kicking And Banking Secrets website. You'll find free video previews and information on a complete home study course for diamond systems mastery. Visit http://kickingandbankingsecrets.com for more details.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Sorry Sir, I need to Inspect your Head
By Mark J. Donovan
Yesterday while going through airline security I experienced yet a new low in airline travel. I had just gone through one of the new X-ray backscatter imaging machines and was told to stand aside and wait. While I stood next to a TSA employee, he was on his radio going back and forth with one of his colleagues on what to do with me. At first, I was not sure what the issue was. The TSA did not attempt to wand me down or explain to me what the issue was. Finally, after a minute or so of back and forth conversations on his radio, he finally spoke to me and said, “This is going to sound funny, but sorry sir, I need to inspect your head”. At 6’ 4” I was apparently too tall for the X-ray machine and consequently my head didn’t get scanned. As a result, he had to do an “inspection of my head”. My first reaction to him was “are you kidding, I’m not wearing anything on my head”. To myself, I thought what is he going to do, pat down my head? Instead he said, “No problem” and then proceeded to walk around me visually inspecting my head. A couple of seconds later I was allowed to proceed on to my gate.
Though the TSA employee acted professionally and we both got a good laugh out of the incident, this episode was just another example in my mind of the pure stupidity of our current security processes through airports. In an attempt to not offend a few, we instead abuse all by putting every air traveler through the ringer. Besides the wasted time of millions of air travelers every day we are now being nearly stripped of all personal dignity. The new X-ray scanners require a person to strip down to a level not typically required of the basic metal detectors. For example, belts, shoes, and wallets MUST come off to go through the new X-ray scanners, where as with the traditional metal detectors much of the time you could leave these items on. In addition, when standing in one of the new X-ray scanners, you need to turn sideways, spread your legs, and put your hands over your head. Do these words sound familiar to you? Do they make you feel a little nervous or wonder where we are headed as a “free country or people”?
The other concern I have is that though the TSA’s website talks about the low level of radiation doses each person is receiving with the backscatter X-ray machines I was surprised that there were no placards on or near the machines stating this. Ironically there was a large placard stating “No snow globes aloud in carryon baggage anymore”. Yes, the little glass balls you shake with the little snowflakes in them.
I also wonder, that even though the radiation doses were low per individual per scan, what the total dose accumulated over hundreds or even thousands of flights throughout a person’s lifetime could be. X-ray radiation accumulates in the body, so how many airport X-ray scans can a person go through before the total X-ray radiation exposure IS a concern. And how about for the TSA employees who stand hour after hour near the machines. Are they safe? Finally, what is the X-ray radiation exposure level that air travelers, as a whole, are being subjected to, all for the sake of not offending a few?
Though my latest air travel experience produced a laugh, it also raised my frustration and concerns again for the United States policy on airline security. I find it ironic, that in the age of incredibly intelligent search engine and database technologies, that smarter and less obtrusive ways of screening air travelers cannot be performed. I also find it ironic, that in order to protect the rights of a few “risk travelers” that all travelers must be subjected to abuse and a loss of dignity. I have no doubt, with the current Crow Magnum approach to airport security it won’t be long before we are fully undressing at airports and standing in line to walk through a door marked with a rubber glove placard.
Decorating With Wall Art
Decorating the walls of your home is an important part of the overall design scheme. It's a great way to add color, texture and dimension. There are many different ways to go about it, however, it's important to remember not to over do it. Sometimes less is more because if you add to much decor to a room it can appear cluttered. The following list will give you some wall decorating ideas.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to add dimension and extra light to a room. They can also help make a small room appear larger. Putting a mirror in the back of a display case or hutch helps give an all-around view of figurines. You can create a pattern on the wall by using mirrored panels.
Wall Sconces
A wall sconce is a great way to add accent lighting, whether you're decorating with a candle wall sconce or adding some light wall sconces. Sconces are great for dark hallways, staircases, entryways, bedrooms or anywhere that could use extra light.
Metal Wall 
Art
Metal wall art is a great way to add texture and dimension. You can find metal wall art that has a 3-D effect. Copper tiles and 
panels are popular types of metal wall art. Chemical treatments are added to the copper creating colorful patinas and designs.
Clocks
There are so many different styles of clocks and they often look like works of art themselves. Novelty neon clocks are fun for game rooms, kids bedrooms and dorm rooms.
Framed Artwork
The possibilities are endless when it comes to framed artwork. Asian artwork can give your 
home an exotic look. Or perhaps you prefer rustic artwork or southwestern artwork. You can make a grouping on the wall with several pieces of framed artwork or hang a large one as a centerpiece behind the sofa. The trick with hanging any type of artwork is to get groupings spaced evenly and to not hang decor too high or too low.
Other Wall Decor
Some other ideas for things that would make interesting wall decor include large oriental fans, wall tapestries, wood or metal shelves, wall plaques, masks and artifacts.
Landscaping Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive, Just Well Planned
Dear Readers, This is Really Cool!...Carl
The Right Design Tool Saves You Time & Money!
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Mortgage Tip of the Month
Different lender, different mortgage rate!
The mortgage rates you'll be offered will depend not only on the mortgage lender, but other factors too.
Your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and down payment or home equity will affect the mortgage interest rates that a lender can offer you.
If you have good credit, a lender may offer you more attractive rates or fees.
A lender may also offer you better rates and fees if you have adequate income to repay your debts and a down payment or some equity.
Mortgage rates and fees may be negotiable!
That's another reason why you should shop for a mortgage and compare mortgage products and rates.
Rates also differ depending on whether you pay points.
A point = 1% of the loan amount. For example, on a $100,000 mortgage loan one point would be $1,000, 1 &1/2 points would be $1,500, and so on.
Pay more points, and a lender probably will offer you lower rates.
Pay fewer or no points, and a lender likely will offer you higher rates.
LendingTree can help you get customized mortgage offers from different lenders so you can compare the interest rates and fees. When Banks Compete, You Win.®
"Installing Crown Molding" Ebook Price Reduction
By Mark J. Donovan
I recently reduced the price on the HomeAdditionPlus.com "Installing Crown Molding Ebook" from $19 down to the low price of $15.
Crown molding adds old fashion beauty and charm to a home like no other type of interior trim. Crown molding is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, dens and libraries. It's also used commonly in kitchens and hallways.
Before tackling your own crown molding installation project, check out our "Installing Crown Molding Ebook". It teaches you all of the carpentry skills you'll need to complete a professional looking crown molding project, and without wasting a fortune on scrap crown molding material. It is a 20 page Ebook that fully documents the process of installing crown molding and it is loaded with complementary instructional pictures.
Latest HomeAdditionPlus.com Newsletter (June, 14, 2010)
By Mark J. Donovan
Yesterday I released my latest HomeAdditionPlus.com newsletter. In it I include a new Puzzler Contest Question. Send me your correct answer to the Puzzler Question and you have a chance to win a $100 Home Depot gift certificate and a free can of KILZ Clean Start zero VOC primer.
Besides the Puzzler contest, there are several other interesting home improvement topics discussed that you will want to read about, including a video on how to install a new garage door opener, and an article on fireplace firebacks.
So check out my newsletter at HomeAdditionPlus.com Newsletter today!
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator
Get Estimated Roofing Costs in Just Seconds
By mark J. Donovan
I just completed an asphalt shingle roofing cost calculator that I have posted on HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator is a free tool for homeowners to quickly get an idea of how much it is going to cost them to have their roof reshingled. All that you need to do to use the roofing cost calculator is answer a few simple questions and hit the calculate button. Within seconds, your internet browser will refresh and provide you with an estimated asphalt shingle roofing cost estimate. You can also easily go back and change responses to the questions to produce additional asphalt shingle roofing cost estimates.
The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator complement’s HomeAdditionPlus.com’s highly popular Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet has been out for several years and has helped many homeowners hire the right roofing contractor for their particular roofing project. The Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet includes:
- A "Request for Quote" Roofing Contractor Checklist
- Expected Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Estimates
- Extensive asphalt shingle roofing guidance tips, to ensure a shingled roof that will not leak and stand up to the worst of wind conditions.
So if your home’s asphalt shingled roof is in rough shape, make sure to check out HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost Calculator and Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet today!
CSN Product Review & Green Bathroom Contest
A few weeks ago, I posted about an upcoming CSN store product review. Originally, I was going to review an unusual table lamp called the LumiSource Sculptured Electra Lamp. I was intrigued by this hand blown glass lamp filled with electric charges and phosphorous gas. However, my toaster oven desperately needed replacing. So my practical side won the debate over what I should order.
With a spending limit of $40.00, I chose the Black & Decker Classic Toast-R-Oven in Silver. It seemed like a good size because the spot where my old toaster oven sat (an over the counter alcove designed for either a toaster oven or microwave) has limited space. It fits nicely in this small area but is still roomy enough on the inside to accommodate the kind of food we typically use a toaster oven for.
This toaster oven has three dials on the side that make it easy to set the function you need such as toast, bake, broil and reheat. It has a maximum temperature of 450 degrees and up to 30 minute timer. It also has a handy crumb tray that you can take out to clean. The only disadvantage I've found with this style toaster oven is that the door opens by pulling it down in front, instead of opening from the side like my previous one. This makes it a little trickier to get the food out.
So far, everything we have cooked with this new toaster oven has cooked consistently and evenly. Over all, I would say this is a good toaster oven to buy if you have limited space and want to spend under $40.00.
Now, on to more exciting news from CSN Stores. They are having a huge contest called The Green and Clean Bathroom Bailout. You have from now until July 30 to enter this contest. The winner will receive a brand new bathroom from CSN Stores' Room Rescue Crew and Do Your Part that includes $10,000 worth of green products - including a new toilet, tub, faucet, fixtures, flooring, lighting, a vanity, and more! Make sure you click on the link I've provided in the title so you can enter.
Living Room Design with Centralized Space on Modern House
room, a room that focused in opened space such as a shelter, designed by MCK Architects. This modern house, just like a shelter expressed from its single roof plane, is focused in open plans house. The main architectural concept of this house is creation of centralized living space. The house uses principles of cross-ventilation and the thermal mass of concrete, tempered by in-slab, gas hydronic heating. The notion of building with something found is expressed through the solidity and permanence of concrete platforms and hollows and a fireplace. The roof also strikes a counterpoint to the lay of the land and the stepping of the concrete terrain. via
