- Fear of not knowing what to say when you approach a woman.
- Fear of being rejected in front of others.
- Fear that beautiful women don't find you attractive.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
how to get a girlfriend
Secrets To How You Approach Women
While the saying, "Eyes are the gateway to the soul" is debatable; there is a wealth of merit to explore. Healthy eye contact not only serves as one of the main indicators of interest and attraction, but is also very telling when it comes to personality. The eyes can say things that the mouth doesn't have to reveal.
Friendliness, compassion, curiosity, and passion are just some of the emotions revealed through eye contact, which also alerts others to self-confidence and high self-esteem.
It is rather important to remember that this powerful tool should be used with caution, too strong of a signal will translate into threatening glances, uncomfortable silences, and the feeling of stalking.
Everyone loves a gentleman. Opening the door for a woman may lead to future opportunities to strike up a conversation. When the moment allows it, many are able to add a witty or thoughtful comment to make your encounter a memorable one.
When random acts of kindness are performed, you never know where they may lead.Help picking up fallen objects may seem like a clichéd attempt to make yourself noticeable, but showing genuine concern is very much appreciated. During these brief moments of contact, a perfect opportunity arises for introductions.The same can be said for carrying heavy packages within the office setting or bringing a cup of coffee to a co-worker. Single roses also serve as a thoughtful act that lasts for days.
Treating Mild Acne
- Gently washing the affected area(s) with warm water and a mild soap twice a day to remove dead skin cells and excess oil
- Using a topical (applied to the skin) over-the-counter acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- Do NOT pop, squeeze or pick at acne.This can make acne worse by spreading inflammation. With medical treatment, removing lesions is rarely necessary; however, when comedo removal is needed, it should be performed by an experienced healthcare professional.
- Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and pat dry.Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, and vigorous washing and scrubbing will not clear your skin. In fact, all that scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. The way to clear acne is with appropriate acne products and good skin care.
- Use “noncomedogenic” (does not clog pores) cosmetics and toiletries.When buying cosmetics and other products that you will use on your skin or hair, be sure to look for ones labeled “noncomedogenic.” Makeup, sunscreen and toiletries that are not likely to cause acne state that they are “noncomedogenic” on the product.
- Avoid aggravating your acne.Oily hair, sporting equipment that rubs against your skin and airborne grease—all can irritate and make your acne worse. Ways you can avoid these situations include:
- If you have oily hair, keep it off your face and wash it daily.
- Avoid using hair care products that contain oil, such as pomades and gels.
- Wear cotton clothing or moleskin under sporting equipment to avoid skin-to-equipment contact. - Give acne products enough time to do their job.Ask a dermatologist (or pharmacist) how much time is needed for each particular product to work. This way you’ll know when you can expect to see clearing and not stop using the product(s) before you see results. As a rule of thumb, it takes 6 to 8 weeks before you begin to see an improvement.
- Use medications as directed.Using more medication than directed will not improve results. In fact, it can make acne worse by aggravating the skin. Be sure to read all labels and use accordingly or as instructed by a dermatologist.
- Avoid excess exposure to sunlight, and do not use tanning booths or sun lamps.Contrary to popular belief, tanning does not clear acne; it simply masks acne. Tanning also increases one’s risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, some acne treatments can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths and sun lamps. If you have acne, it is important to protect your skin by following sun-protection practices, such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding sunburns.
Even mild cases of acne may require the help of a dermatologist. If the acne does not respond to at-home treatment, a dermatologist can assess the situation and determine an appropriate therapy. In these cases, combination therapy (two or more treatments) may be used. Combination therapy may include use of a prescription topical antimicrobial or topical retinoid. These prescription topicals can be very effective in clearing mild acne.
Hair Treatment
Shine and Volume Boosting Hair Rinse
Cleansing Rinse
Cleansing rinses are excellent for removing shampoo residue, which can weigh down your hair and make it lifeless. Combine 1 cup of vinegar and a couple of tablespoons of dried rosemary in a glass or microwaveable bowl. Put the mixture into the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Next, use a spoon to crush the rosemary on the side of the glass bowl to release the fragrance. Strain the mixture and let it cool before using. Apply to hair after shampooing, leave on for 2 minutes, then rinse out with cool water. It sounds like more work than it is.
Hot-Oil Treatment
Frizz Taming Conditioner
Oily-Hair Treatment
Dry-Hair Treatment
Normal-Hair Treatment
Sunday, July 22, 2007
red-eye treatment tips
Despite the low and stable consultation rate for acute conjunctivitis - or red-eye syndrome - in the past month, people are advised to observe personal hygiene as outbreaks of the disease tend to occur in summer.
Red-eye syndrome is a contagious condition mostly caused by viruses and bacteria. Symptoms include irritation, tears, pain and redness. It is usually a self-limiting condition with recovery in one to two weeks with proper treatment.
People with red-eye syndrome are advised to:
- seek early treatment from doctors;
- stop attending childcare centres, schools or workplaces before recovery;
- properly dispose articles soiled with eye or respiratory secretions to prevent transmission of infection; and,
- avoid going to swimming pools.

People should pay attention to personal hygiene by:
- not sharing towels and toilet articles;
- minimising hand-to-eye contact;
- washing hands thoroughly before and after contact with eyes; and,
- avoiding sharing eye droppers, eye medicines, eye make-up and other items that may come into contact with the eyes.
Tips for taking care your skin
Acne
A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.
Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up as fast as possible:
Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don't scrub. Overwashing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria.
Don't pop pimples. It's tempting, but here's why you shouldn't: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like the telephone receiver. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes, which don't allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. You also might want to stay away from scarves, headbands, and caps, which can collect dirt and oil, too.
Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
Protect your skin from the sun. It may seem like a tan masks acne, but it's only temporary. A tan can cause the body to produce extra sebum, which may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.
If you're concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments that help to prevent and clear up acne and acne scars. A dermatologist can help you find the treatment method that's best for you and can also give you lots of useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer advice and skin care treatments.
Sun and Skin
We all know we need to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Of course, it's impossible to avoid the sun — who wants to hide indoors when it feels so great to get outside and be active? And the sun's not all bad, anyway: Sunlight helps our bodies create vitamin D. So follow these tips when you're outdoors to help manage sun exposure:
Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even if it's cloudy or you don't plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. If you sweat a lot or go swimming, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours (even if the bottle says the sunscreen is waterproof).
Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the words "broad spectrum protection" or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater. Select a sunscreen that says "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" on the label to help keep pores clear.
The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so make sure you reapply sunscreen frequently and take breaks indoors if you can. If your shadow is longer than you are tall, then it's a safer time to be in the sun (you should still wear sunscreen, though).
Apply more sunscreen (with higher SPF) when you're around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice.
We all know that the sun can damage skin, but did you know it can contribute to eye problems, too? Protect your face and eyes with a hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
Some medications, such as prescription acne medications or birth control pills, can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so if you're taking medication, increase your sun protection.
If you want the glow of a tan, try faking it with self-tanners or salon tanning treatments. Avoid tanning beds, though, because although manufacturers claim that tanning beds are free of UVB rays, they still use harmful UVA rays.
Cold Sores
Cold sores usually show up as tender "pimples" on the lips. They are caused by a type of herpes virus (HSV-1, which most often is not sexually transmitted) so they are contagious from person to person. Once you get this virus it stays in your body, meaning you'll probably get cold sores every now and then throughout your life. Here are ways you can help prevent cold sores from making an appearance (or reappearance if you've had them in the past):
Avoid getting cold sores in the first place by not sharing stuff like lip balm, toothbrushes, or drinks with other people who might have cold sores. The virus that causes cold sores is transmitted through the nose (in mucus) and the mouth (in saliva).
People who have the virus know that cold sores can flare up from things like too much sun, stress, or being sick. Just one more reason to lather on that suntan lotion, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep!
If you do have a cold sore, here are some tips for keeping yourself comfortable:
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the cold sores are painful.
Suck on ice pops or cubes to ease pain and keep cold sores cool.
Stay away from acidic foods (like oranges, tomatoes, and lemonade) and salty, spicy foods, which can cause irritation.
Don't pick at cold sores while you're waiting for them to go away. They may bleed or become infected with bacteria.
Usually, cold sores go away on their own after a week or two. But if you get them frequently or they're a problem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist, who may be able to prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms and shorten the amount of time cold sores last.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become red, itchy, and dry. If you have eczema, you might notice that you are prone to getting itchy rashes — especially in places like where your elbows and knees bend or on your neck and face. The symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person. Though you can't cure eczema forever, you can take steps to prevent it from flaring:
Stay away from things like harsh detergents, perfumed soaps, and heavily fragranced lotions that tend to irritate the skin and trigger eczema.
Because water tends to dry out the skin, take short, warm showers and baths. If you're going to have your hands in water for a long time (like when you're washing dishes or your car), try wearing gloves.
Soothe your skin with regular applications of a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent itching and dryness. Creams generally moisturize a bit better and last longer than lotions for most people. Creams work best if applied when the skin is slightly wet, like just after bathing.
Be careful which fabrics you wear. Cotton is good because it's breathable and soft. (But if you are exercising, some of the newer synthetic materials actually keep you drier and are better for you than cotton.) Try to stay away from materials like wool or spandex that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Keep stress in check. Because stress can lead to eczema flares, try activities like yoga or walking after a long day to keep your stress levels low.
If you wear makeup, look for brands that are free of dyes and fragrances that can aggravate eczema.
If you're having trouble managing your eczema, talk to a dermatologist, who can suggest ways to better control it.
Other Skin Conditions
Warts are tiny skin infections caused by viruses of the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. There's no way to prevent warts from occurring (other than avoiding contact with people who have them). But if you do get them, don't rub, pick, or scratch them because you can spread the virus and get new warts. Some over-the-counter medications containing special acids can help get rid of warts, but it's always a good idea to see your doctor before trying one. If you find warts in your genital area, you should see your doctor, who can recommend the best treatment method for that sensitive area.
Another type of wart-like viral infection is molluscum contagiosum. (It's not as scary as its name sounds!) Like warts, it can be transmitted through scratching and sexual contact.
Fine white or purplish lines on the skin called stretch marks are pretty common in most teens. Stretch marks are formed when the tissue under your skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching, like during puberty. Stretch marks usually fade on their own over time. Talk to a dermatologist if you're concerned about them.
Because our skin is the most visible reflection of what's going on in our bodies, people equate healthy skin with beauty. But healthy skin is about more than just good looks; it's essential to our survival. So keep your skin glowing with the right skin care techniques and by eating well and getting lots of exercise.
Date Ideas and Tips
Be on time.
Fifty Ways to Say "I Love You"
- Do the little things that count - open doors, pull out chairs, pick up after yourself.
- Dance together.
- Go out and look at the stars.
- Wrap your presents.
- Write her a poem.
- Write him a love letter.
- Play tag.
- Wrestle together.
- Have a candlelit dinner together.
- Watch the sunset together.
- Go for a walk together.
- Give stuffed animals.
- Eat ice cream together.
- Feel their heartbeat.
- Share your deepest memories together.
- Don't go to bed mad.
- Cook together.
- Go out of town and enjoy a neighboring city together.
- Create a romantic CD.
- Write up the words to "your song" and have it framed.
- Don't forget the anniversaries! Especially the first date, first kiss, first fight...
- Ask your sweetie how the day was and listen.
- Dedicate a song to her.
- Take a day off together.
- Share your deepest fantasies.
- Sign "I love you" to your mate.
- Celebrate the obscure holidays.
- Make a bouquet for them.
- If he/she is sick, make some homemade chicken noodle soup.
- Read the Bible together.
- Leave notes inside magazines.
- Give your beloved a hug!
- Send your mother-in-law flowers on your mate's birthday.
- Laugh together.
- Send them a love note. Sneak one into their interoffice mail with the help of a coworker.
- Create a calendar with your pictures on each month.
- Go for a rowboat ride together and have a picnic.
- Create a scrapbook together.
- Learn to say "I love you" in some foreign languages.
- Read devotions together.
- Make mends with any inlaws.
- Recreate her wedding bouquet for her.
- Send an "I love you" fax.
- Create crafts together.
- Go shopping together.
- Read a story together.
- Swing together on a playground.
- Write "I LOVE YOU" in chocolate kisses on a table.
- Create a memories jar where you can write your memories on sheets of paper and place them.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
how to sleep well
Sleep only when sleepy.
If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy Sit quietly in the dark or read the warranty on your refrigerator. Don't expose yourself to bright light while you are up.
Get up and go to bed the same time every day
Refrain from exercise at least 4 hours before bedtime
Develop sleep rituals
Only use your bed for sleeping
Stay away from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at least 4-6 hours before bed
Have a light snack before bed
Take a hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime
A hot bath will raise your body temperature, but it is the drop in body temperature that may leave you feeling sleepy.
Use sunlight to set your biological clock
As soon as you get up in the morning, go outside and turn your face to the sun for 15 minutes.
Tips on Getting Pregnant
Ditch the pill
Yes, the first thing is to forget about contraception. You may notice certain irregularities in your cycle and may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal. But many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the Pill. The same holds true for the contraceptive patch and ring.
Fuel up on folic acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects.
Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now
Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner's sperm count. In fact, studies have shown that even secondhand smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is also recommend that women avoid alcohol when trying for pregnancy.
Cut down on Caffeine
Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium as well and assist in conception.
Get your weight in check
Healthy weight women have an easier time getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it's a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range before you start trying.
Timing is Everything
You will have little chance of getting pregnant if you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones. Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Read our articles on Ovulation and Signs of ovulation to assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you're ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal ovulation is about to occur.
Mind Control
Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don't. Get a mental health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggests can also help in getting pregnant.
Buy something sexy
Some experts say that if a woman is highly aroused while she's having sex, the sperm has a better chance of fertilizing her egg. Others say it makes absolutely no difference. It definitely wont hurt and may even help in boosting your libido and killing that awkward feeling of having sex for pregnancy.
Positioning yourself
Many experts suspect that the missionary position (man on top) provides the best opportunity for getting pregnant, though no definitive studies have been done on this question. This position allows for the deepest penetration which deposits sperm closer to the cervix. For additional effectiveness, the woman can try elevating her hips with a pillow so her cervix is exposed to the maximum amount of semen. Other positions could be Rear entry and lying side-by-side. Avoid woman on top, standing, or leaning positions, which discourage the flow of semen to the uterus.
Increase the Odds
Make your vaginal environment as sperm-friendly as possible. Avoid vaginal sprays and scented tampons, artificial lubricants, and douching. Not only can they cause infections, they may wash away cervical mucus or create a hostile environment for the sperm.
If you find that your cervical mucus is not as conducive of getting pregnant as it should be, you may want to try a specific type of lubricant. Pre-Seed lubricant is the sperm friendly choice of many people trying to get pregnant. After intercourse, elevate your hips on a pillow for about fifteen minutes.
For your man
Ask your partner to chuck all briefs and opt for boxers instead for a healthy sperm count. Also, having sex in the morning would help since the semen has the highest number of sperm then.
Finally
Getting pregnant isn't always easy. Very few couples conceive on the first try. In fact, even if everything is absolutely in perfect working order, you only have a 20-25% chance of conception each month. If you are under 30, and haven't conceived in 12 months, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as there could be some issues at play with are preventing you from getting pregnant. If you are over 35, and haven't succeeded in getting pregnant in six months, make an appointment to see your doctor, as infertility issues become more prevelant the older you get. If you are over 40, then do not delay in getting medical help.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
choosing fashion colours tips
Winter Colour Palette



And sweet colour of your smile too ;)
Decorate Your Interior With A Theme
Anyone can place a sofa, chair and coffee table in a living room. But that is not interior decorating. It is simply placing the minimum to allow people to sit down. It doesn't say a thing about the people who live in the home.
That same room, however, can be done with a theme and the room can express a lot about the personalities of the people who live in that home. A tropical theme can make a room light and airy with lots of plants, bright color to accent the furnishings and tropical items like an aquarium, pictures of tropical scenes, sea shells and other objects the family loves.
Interior decorating with a theme can range from country to southwestern to colonial. There is no limit to what you can use in a theme when creating a room that is appealing and welcoming to you, your family and guests that visit the home.
To choose a theme for interior decorating a room, just think of what you or your family members love. Are butterflies your passion? Use that as a theme. Do you love birds? There's a theme that can be beautifully employed in a room. Is the ocean your love? Use it as a theme for the color scheme as well as the décor. Do you love fishing? There's a useful theme to center your room around. Whatever you truly love is what you should select as a theme for a room.
When doing interior decorating with a theme, you are only limited by your imagination. A child's room could be decorated as a castle and make the child a perfect fantasy environment that will make bedtime fun. A young sports fan can have a theme room decorated around their favorite sport. There's just no end to what can be included in a theme décor.
One major point about interior decorating with a theme is that the room should be fun. It should be fun to look at and fun to use as well. Function and form can work together to create the perfect theme room. Whether you choose a theme that is whimsical or elegant, you can still maintain a sense of fun in the room's décor.
How do I choose an insurance company?
Licensing...
Not every company is licensed to operate in each state. As a general rule, you should buy from a company licensed in your state, because then can you rely on your state insurance department to help if there’s a problem. To find out which companies are licensed in your state, contact the state insurance department.
Price...
Many companies sell insurance policies and prices vary greatly from one to another, so it really pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes from companies, agents and from the Internet. Your state insurance department may publish a guide that shows what insurers charge for different policies in various parts of your state.
Financial...
SolidityYou buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. Select a company that is likely to be financially sound for many years, by using ratings from independent rating agencies.
Service...
Your insurance company and its representatives should answer your questions and handle your claims fairly, efficiently and quickly. You can get a feel for whether this is the case by talking to other customers who have used a particular company or agent. You may also want to check a national claims database to see what complaint information it has on a company. Also, your state insurance department will be able to tell you if the insurance company you are considering doing business with had many consumer complaints about its service relative to the number of policies it sold.
Comfort...
You should feel comfortable with your insurance purchase, whether you buy it from a local agent, directly from the company over the phone, or over the Internet. Make sure that the agent or company will be easy to reach if you have a question or need to file a claim.
Maybe this tips can help you ;)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Care Your Heart Health
aim for a healthy weight ...
get moving ...
eat for heart health ...
know your numbers ...
Keep your activities with your heart health. Don't forget to pray and thanks to God because health is God's owner. ;)
Sunday, July 15, 2007
the right insurance company for your home
What events are covered under the policy?
No matter what policy you choose, you will only ever be covered for events that are clearly indicated in your policy document. However, different types of policies provide a different level of cover.Accidental loss or damage policies are very broad, covering all loss and damage with a minimal number of exclusions. Generally, the broader the policy, the more expensive it will be.Defined events policies, on the other hand, only cover a specific list of events which are set out in detail in the contract, such as earthquakes, fires, theft and some types of water damage. It is essential that you understand exactly what is and is not covered common exclusions include flooding, subsidence, some types of storm damage and the effects of tree roots, as well as tidal waves and acts of terrorism.
Which items are covered by the policy?
Home and contents insurance does not always come in a related package you can opt to take out insurance on your house but not your contents, and vice versa. In relation to contents, there may be limits on the amount you can claim for a specific item. For instance, there is usually a maximum amount that can be claimed for a CD collection, or a particular piece of jewellery. You can insure these particular items for their full worth by paying a larger premium or taking out a separate insurance policy.If you fail to keep your home and contents in good repair, your insurer may not pay you the full amount if you have to make a claim.
Is depreciation an issue?
Most insurance policies these days provide replacement and reinstatement cover, which means that all damaged or lost items are replaced 'new for old', regardless of their age. However, there are still a few insurance policies that replace items at their depreciated value this is known as indemnity cover. Both types of policies may place age limits on replacing items with limited life spans, such as refrigerators.
What level of excess do you need?
Excess is the money you contribute towards any claim you make on your insurance policy. This fixed amount should be clearly stated in your contract. Generally, you can set your level of excess, and this level directly affects your insurance premium. If you are willing to pay a large amount of excess in the case of a claim, you will pay less money initially. Conversely, if you do not want to pay excess at all, you will pay more up front. It's all about risk the more you are willing to expose yourself, the less you pay in the short term.
tips for chosing furniture
First ...
you need to know the size of the rooms you are going to be furnishing, right down to windows, and walls that might not work well. You can either purchase a piece of software that will help you design a cozy room or grab a pencil and paper and start sketching. If you have any original pieces you are keeping, then make sure to work them into your room plan.
Once you’ve decided what would look good where, and how large of furniture you can purchase, you need to set your budget. Decide how much money you are willing to part with and stick to it.
Once you know how much your going to spend you’ll be able to decide on the type of furniture. Determine the type of use the furniture will get. Are you buying furniture for a family room or a living room? If your buying for a family room you’re going to want to look at furniture that’s built to hold up with high use. If your buying furniture for your living room, and it’s more of a show room then you might look at fancier, less functional furniture.
When deciding on the type of furniture also take into consideration your lifestyle. Do you have pets that are going to claw or chew? Do you have small children? Is your home air conditioned? Leather is a great example of a piece of furniture that looks good, but can be downright uncomfortable in the hot weather, unless you have air.
Once you’ve narrowed down what you’re in the market for, make a list itemizing each piece you’re looking for. Include sizes that will work, color preferences, all the fine details. You’d be surprised at what you’ll forget once you walk into the furniture store. It’s easy to get distracted because of all the choices. But with list in hand you’ll be prepared.
Make choices that will last you for years. Don’t choose trendy furniture that you’ll be tired of in six months. Furniture is a big investment, so keep your tastes in check and choose furniture that will look and feel good for years to come. You can add some trendy small ticket items such as vases or wall décor. Keep your furniture colors easy to work with. That way you will be able to do a room face lift just by changing out small ticket items, like pillows, ornaments, and wall art.
Once you’ve found that perfect piece of furniture, get physical with it. Check the construction of it, watch for low quality assembly. If you buying a couch or bed, sit on it, move around on it, see if it fits your body well. Check to see if you can feel springs, if the buttons are attached well, if the seams are finished properly. Don’t take any piece of furniture at face value, get underneath and check the entire construction of it.
Once you’ve made your choices, all that’s left to do is pay and wait for delivery. If you have old furniture in the room, it’s easier to dispose of this before the new furniture arrives. Prep the room, so that when the delivery guys arrive they can place the furniture where it belongs.
Stress free furniture shopping can be accomplished with just a little bit of pre- planning. Now all that’s left to do is enjoy your new room!
tips for cleaning your house
Schedule Cleaning as A Job
Professional cleaners schedule every job. Nobody hires a cleaning service that promises to arrive "some Saturday when nothing else is happening." Take a tip from the pros, and set up a regular weekly cleaning schedule.
There's nothing like the feeling of a completely clean home—but you won't get it by cleaning in fits and starts! The pros don't quit until the job is done, and neither should you. Schedule the job and stick to it to get the work done in record time.
You won't find the pros pausing to follow television soap operas or check their e-mail. Amateur cleaners, too, should limit distractions as they clean.
Use appropriate motivators to energize cleaning sessions. Play upbeat music for an energy boost. Bookworms look forward to cleaning when a book-on-tape plays in the Walkman. Cleaning as a team with friends or family members can help you stay on task and ease the boredom of a cleaning session.
Dress for Success
Professional cleaners dress for the job in comfortable, washable clothing designed for work. Check out their supportive shoes and kneepads. Goggles and gloves protect against chemicals.
Clean catch-as-catch can and clothing tends to catch it! End the era of bleach-stained sweatshirts and dripping nightgowns. Set aside a "cleaning uniform", and wear it, right down to shoes, gloves and eye protection.
Invest In Proper Tools
Professional cleaners don't use gadgets. You'll never find them toting specialized, one-use tools, or gee-whiz gimcracks hawked on some television infomercial.
Forget flimsy supermarket cheapies, and invest in modern tools. Replace the rackety sponge mop with a terry-covered Magic Mop or Sh-mop for easy, efficient floor cleaning.
Buy good tools, once—because they'll have you out the door in record time.
Tote Your Tools
Watch an average home manager clean the bathroom. Ooops! Forgot the powdered cleanser, so down the stairs you go. The toilet brush? It's in the kids' bathroom down the hall. Run to the laundry room for more cleaning towels, to the kitchen for a box of tissues. Where's the vacuum? Did the teenager take the squeegee to wash the car?
Professional cleaners tote their tools with them--all their tools. Look in the cleaner's tote tray: all tools, cleansers, brushes and rags needed to finish the job are right there. Vacuum, mop and mini-vac wait in the doorway. A plastic bag for trash is tucked into a pocket, next to the waving feather duster.
That's why the pro has finished the entire bathroom before our amateur makes it back up the stairs with the powdered cleanser.
Simplify Supplies
There's a reason the pros can tote all the products they need in one tray: they've simplified cleaning products. Professional cleaners carry:
1. light-duty evaporating cleaner (glass cleaner or multi-surface cleaner)
2. heavy-duty degreasing cleaner
3. tile cleaner
4. powdered abrasive cleanser
That's it! No soap scum remover, no special counter spray, no single-use products designed to clean only blinds or fans or walls. The pros know that these four simple products can handle any ordinary cleaning chore.
Take a page from the pros! You'll save money as well as time if you streamline cleaning products.
Make Every Movement Count
Professional cleaners don't circle a room more than once. Taking their place before the bathroom sink, they'll spray and wipe the mirror, scrub the sink, wipe down counters and polish fixtures before they move one inch to the right or left.
Don't get physical with your cleaning sessions—make every movement count. Stand fast and clean everything in your path before you move on.
Two Hands Are Better Than One
Professional cleaners don't work as if one arm is in a sling, and neither should you. Get in the habit of using both hands to attack cleaning tasks.
Spray a mirror with one hand, wipe it down with the other. Scrub counters with two sponges or cleaning cloths, not just one. Dusting goes twice as fast when a lambs wool duster in one hand cleans nooks and crannies while the feather duster in the other skims flat surfaces.
Pick It Up
Professional cleaners come to clean: counters, furniture, appliances and floors. They can't do the job if each horizontal surface in the home is covered with papers, toys, dirty dishes and just plain clutter.
Pretend that you've hired a high-priced cleaning crew. You wouldn't make them sweep the clutter to one side to do their job! Give yourself the same head start you give professional cleaners: pick up before you clean.
Think Teamwork
Two people make a bed four times faster than a single cleaner working alone. Watch the pros at work. Working in teams of two or three, they make short work of an average home.
Where family circumstances permit, make cleaning a family affair. Family members are more reluctant to mess up a clean house when they have been part of the cleaning effort!