Category: DIY and Home Improvement tips from Leaf2Leaf Landscapes

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Do you have one special tool around the house that you simply couldn’t live without? A gadget or gizmo that makes your life a whole lot easier simply because it exists.

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Do you have one special tool around the house that you simply couldn’t live without? A gadget or gizmo that makes your life a whole lot easier simply because it exists. Most people have one little thing they simply cope without when it comes to keeping house, and for many, the portable practicality of a hand held vacuum cleaner makes this the tool that trumps the lot.

Regardless of your home environment, a hand held vacuum cleaner can make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re in a tiny apartment or vast mansion, these little cleaners are the ideal way to cope with those unexpected spills without having to drag the full-grown vacuum from out of storage. For anyone with messy kids or a crumb-creating spouse, a hand held vacuum can help you stay clean and tidy without losing your sanity.

Because the truth is that very few of us do housework for the sake of it. Perhaps there are a few dedicated souls who enjoy all the stretching and bending and lifting the whole process involves, but for the rest of us, it is the result that counts. A tidy home is nice, it is relaxing, and nothing is more frustrating than achieving one only to see your hard work shattered by the falling of crumbs on your newly vacuumed floor.

A hand held vacuum allows you to enjoy the same results without any of the hard work. Those of us who find peace in an organized home usually hide the tools we use to create it out of sight, and so dragging out that vacuum cleaner can be a chore all of its own. But for small spills and messes, a pint-sized cleaner can help you retain your sense of peace, because it helps you realize that the small stuff, well, really is just small stuff.

The tools we use to perform our household tasks should be things we love to use; this is the best way to ensure that housework actually gets done! A small and portable cleaning device is the ultimate in user-friendly cleaning equipment, cleaning up small messes before they loom large. You don’t have to work all the time to achieve the tidy home you want, you simply need the right tools to help you work quickly and easily. Pick up a hand held vacuum cleaner, and see how something so small can make a big difference.

370

The humble hammock is quite a simple invention, and although the basic principle has been around for over 1000 years, it’s still hard to beat the tranquil feeling of relaxation that hammocks provide.

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The humble hammock is quite a simple invention, and although the basic principle has been around for over 1000 years, it’s still hard to beat the tranquil feeling of relaxation that hammocks provide. The first hammocks originated in Central America, being used by the ingenious Mayan Indians. And today, hammocks in a variety of styles and colors are used for relaxing and unwinding in all kinds of settings. From enjoying a snooze by the poolside, to resting in the shade of the trees in your own backyard on a hot sunny day, to being a handy camping accessory, there are a number of ways to enjoy the comfort of a hammock!

There are several different sorts of hammocks available these days, each offering that serene feeling of weightlessness as you hang in the air. Traditional rope styles with wooden spreader bars are a perennial favorite, with the large gaps being perfect for circulating air on a hot day. Cotton is a comfortable natural fiber, whereas polyester is a more moisture-tolerant alternative. Quilted hammocks made from soft and durable fabrics are more suited to cooler climates and cool summer evenings. They’re also better for families, as there aren’t any big gaps for small kids to get tangled in. There are also hammocks specifically designed for camping, which offer protection from the elements and extras like mosquito netting. Poolside hammocks are made from quick-drying weather resistant fabric perfect to use by the pool or ocean.

Non-spreader bar hammocks that are hand woven in bright colorful patterns are comfortable and affordable, and include Mexican, Brazilian and Nicaraguan designs. Hammocks can be hung from sturdy tree branches, from hooks on ceilings, walls or decks, or from purpose built stands. Hammock stand kits, hanging chains and tree straps are readily available from online hammock stores. For smaller spaces, hammock chairs or swings are a popular option. These can easily be hung on a deck, porch or patio. They also offer cozy seating in small apartments or lofts.

Your own hammock can provide a peaceful retreat for you to get away from the rush of modern life, inducing a calm and laidback feeling. Hammocks are perfect for relaxing and unwinding, and make great additions to any home.

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There are many different types of hammock, but they generally fall into three categories: rope, string and fabric.

Hammocks, Hammocks

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Hammocks have been around for over a thousand years. They are the traditional symbol of relaxation and offer a variety of choices based on their construction. If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury fabric and comfort, quilted hammocks are the right choices.

There are many different types of hammock, but they generally fall into three categories: rope, string and fabric. They are not only used for relaxing on the beach or in the backyard, but are even becoming an increasingly popular item of furniture for inside the home.

Portable or foldable hammocks are great for the beach. They can easily be hung from a wall or ceiling. Campers and hikers are starting to realize their benefits too, because they are much easier to carry than tents and other camping equipment, and are very easy to put up even in the dark.

When you are looking for a hammock there are two things you want to consider: quality and comfort. Lying in a high quality, Incredibly Comfortable, luxuriously made hammock as you read, nap, listen to the sweet birds, contemplate or cuddle with a loved one. Add a weather-resistant pad, pillow, canopy and more to create your own customized backyard retreat.

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Halogen lights and bulbs are types of the incandescent light technology. These lights and bulbs function by letting electricity pass through a filament or thin wire of tungsten enclosed by a tube of glass filled with halogen gas. The halogen gas serves as the catalyst for chemical reaction. The reaction causes the tungsten to be removed from the glass wall and deposited back to the filament. This is the cause of the bulbs’ long life. Though an offshoot of the incandescent tec…

halogen lights, light maintenance, fire prevention, halogen light safety

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Halogen lights and bulbs are types of the incandescent light technology. These lights and bulbs function by letting electricity pass through a filament or thin wire of tungsten enclosed by a tube of glass filled with halogen gas. The halogen gas serves as the catalyst for chemical reaction. The reaction causes the tungsten to be removed from the glass wall and deposited back to the filament. This is the cause of the bulbs’ long life. Though an offshoot of the incandescent technology, the filaments in halogen lights and bulbs must have higher temperature than those used in incandescent lights for the reaction to happen. This results in a brighter and whiter light.

However, the brighter light of halogen lights and bulbs causes the tungsten to evaporate faster, hence, the need for an expensive gas to stagger the evaporation. The gas of choice used is krypton gas. Together with a high pressure, these two effectively stagger and lower the evaporation rate of tungsten in halogen lights. This process also requires a thicker and smaller bulb which translates into higher temperature. A temperature of 300 degrees Celsius is not uncommon for halogen bulbs. This is the reason why halogen lights got the reputation of being fire hazards. But there is no need to worry about fires due to these lights if they are used and installed properly.

First, be careful to avoid touching halogen glass bulbs with bare fingers. Not only it is hot, but the natural oils or sebum from our hands can damage the bulb by weakening the glass. This may cause the glass to explode if and when the tungsten burns out. Second, install them in low traffic areas. This way, the risk of brushing or coming into contact with people is greatly reduced. Third, keep halogen lights and bulbs from objects that are flammable and prone to scorching. Halogens can used in closets or rooms if you are sure that they will have at least 18 inches clearance from clothes and objects that are easily burned. If you must use them in cramped and closed areas, like glass-topped shelves, minimize heat caused by the bulbs by replacing higher watt bulbs with lower-watt bulbs. Drilling air holes or vents in the cabinet can help in reducing and preventing trapped heat.

To recap, halogen lights and bulbs can be used for your advantage because of their efficiency and longer life. They are usually compact and can be dimmed. Though they are also disadvantaged to use for being fire hazards. The danger of causing fire with halogens are largely dependent on our use of it and maintenance.

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The foyer or entryway is often the last part of your house you think about decorating, but it’s the first part of your house a guest sees. This is the place to make a statement about your home and your hospitality. Hallway tables provide the perfect finishing touch that says you’ve thought your decor through all the way to the front door. There’s a wide variety of options available for every decor theme, taste and budget.

furniture decor beds entertainment center jewelry armoire armoires patio outdoor lamps living room bedroom office desks desk chairs sofas nightstands bookshelves bookcases

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The foyer or entryway is often the last part of your house you think about decorating, but it’s the first part of your house a guest sees. This is the place to make a statement about your home and your hospitality. Hallway tables provide the perfect finishing touch that says you’ve thought your decor through all the way to the front door. There’s a wide variety of options available for every decor theme, taste and budget.

Choose a simple walnut table with slender legs for a touch of elegance. Or a bombe chest to show your exotic taste (and give you some extra storage drawers!). Try a rustic table for more of a log cabin feel. For a more contemporary look, try glass, metal, or painted wood.

One of the benefits of a hallway table is that it makes your foyer seem larger, as long as you don’t get one that cramps the walkway. The very fact that there’s room for the table fools the brain into thinking the foyer is bigger than it really is. When ordering online, measure the space to make sure the table will fit. If you have trouble visualizing, pile some boxes or other objects into the space the table will occupy. Can you walk around it easily? Does either end jut past a doorway? Is it the wrong height for a chair rail or existing wall decor you can’t move? Answering these questions will prevent you from choosing the wrong table.

When looking online for a hallway table, remember to check for “sofa tables”, “hallway chests” and “chests”, too. Sofa tables are often indistinguishable from hallway tables, and it’s just a matter of how the company has chosen to market the product. Chests look just as good as tables, and may work better for you in terms of the look you want and/or the extra storage space in the drawers.

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I remember the 70’s very well. Hallways in houses and apartments were almost always decorated the same way. There were two options. Option one was no decoration at all, just barren hallway. Option two was a variation on the theme of family pictures cascading down a staircase wall in a forty-five degree line. You remember those houses, don’t you? Like me, you may have even lived in one. A hallway, entry way or foyer decorated with family pictures. Wow, doesn’t that take me back…

Furniture, bedroom furniture, office furniture, livingroom furniture, dining room furniture, hoe furniture

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I remember the 70’s very well. Hallways in houses and apartments were almost always decorated the same way. There were two options. Option one was no decoration at all, just barren hallway. Option two was a variation on the theme of family pictures cascading down a staircase wall in a forty-five degree line. You remember those houses, don’t you? Like me, you may have even lived in one. A hallway, entry way or foyer decorated with family pictures. Wow, doesn’t that take me back…

Nowadays, thankfully, family pictures are framed and sitting on tables in the “family room” or hanging on the walls in this most comfortable of family sanctuaries. No longer do people feel the need to assault visitors and guest with the grimacing mug of Uncle Charley as soon as they enter the house. The welcome replacements to family pictures have been hall cabinets, benches and accent chests.

Hall cabinets, benches and accent chests, whether alone or with a picture or mirror above, are an excellent way to decorate entry ways, foyers and hallways. From Bombay chest beauties to settees and chaise lounges, more people are starting to realize that having one piece of furniture in areas such as these makes a tasteful statement about a home’s overall decor. Pieces such as these can set the mood for visitors and guests and often are a telling mark of the style and preferences of the owners. I have an accent chest in my home that sits in a smaller hallway connecting two rooms and a gorgeous, hand painted three door cabinet in my entryway, above which I have placed a framed print. I have had more compliments on these two pieces than any other, although I have been complimented on my overall style many times. Since these pieces are often the first that people see, the warming effects they lend to an area is especially appreciated.

Isn’t it time you took that 8×10 of the most recent family reunion and placed something a little more elegant in your entryway? Pick put something that reflects your individual style and tastes, and put that picture somewhere where it will be seen often by those who can truly appreciate it.

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Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your home gutter system intact. Making sure that your gutters have no bent areas is one suggestion made by those who help you prepare your home for sale.Clean and well maintained gutters add to your home’s sale-ability.

Most home improvement experts suggest that you clean your gutters twice yearly. If your gutters are clogged with debris such as leaves and twigs the rain will not run off or drain properly. It’s important to make s…

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Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your home gutter system intact. Making sure that your gutters have no bent areas is one suggestion made by those who help you prepare your home for sale.Clean and well maintained gutters add to your home’s sale-ability.

Most home improvement experts suggest that you clean your gutters twice yearly. If your gutters are clogged with debris such as leaves and twigs the rain will not run off or drain properly. It’s important to make sure that the rain isn’t spilling over the top of your gutter and onto your foundation. Over time this can cause damage to the home’s foundation.

It is suggested that you clean your gutters in the Fall after all the leaves have fallen from the surrounding trees, and in the Spring. While you’re cleaning your gutters you will want to inspect them for any holes or rust through. Make sure there are no loose nails. Check to make sure the gutters are securely fastened to the house.

After you have removed all the debris from the gutter you’ll want to rinse any remaining debris down the gutter and into the downspout with your garden hose. This will also help you to make sure that your downspout isn’t clogged with debris. If you find the water not running into the downspout you can remove the downspout, clean it and then replace it.

Make sure that the water running out of the downspout is being properly diverted with the use of a plastic or concrete diverter. You don’t want the water emptying out on the ground where it will cause erosion.

Gutter guards have become very popular and do away with the problem of having to clean your gutters, although they will still need twice yearly inspection. For a do-it-yourself type installing gutter guards isn’t a big deal, and, it could save you thousands of dollars over having the gutter guards installed by professionals.

Some people think that gutter guards are very expensive and not worth the money. While gutter guards prevent large leaves from entering the gutter they do not stop much smaller natural debris such as seeds, buds, small pieces of bark and twigs or evergreen needles. All this type of natural matter breaks down over time to form debris in your gutter. Also, debris can build up over the gutter guard screening that will have to be manually cleaned off. Some have found that gutter guards actually cause them more problems.

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Rapid world population growth and lifestyle change contribute to the increased demand for water by mankind. Additionally, low level rainfall in some parts of the world, slowed the replenishment of water supply.

Therefore, each one of us should make our best efforts in the conservation of one the most precious commodity here on our planet, which is water. One such effort is to watch out for water leaks in our homes, no matter how small those leaks might be.

Although so…

leak detection,water leaks

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Rapid world population growth and lifestyle change contribute to the increased demand for water by mankind. Additionally, low level rainfall in some parts of the world, slowed the replenishment of water supply.

Therefore, each one of us should make our best efforts in the conservation of one the most precious commodity here on our planet, which is water. One such effort is to watch out for water leaks in our homes, no matter how small those leaks might be.

Although some water leaks are so slow that they are not detectable, some known leaks are being ignored by some homeowners. This is due to ignorance to the fact that small leaks that keeps on leaking would sum up into thousands of gallons in a year. Imagine if all homeowners had that same attitude?

Moreover, water leaks not only contribute to worldwide water shortage, but also cause damage to some parts of the house’s structure. Damages to the house structural elements could cause the house to deteriorate faster, collapse, and cause injuries to its occupants.

Water leak detection can either be done by periodically checking the areas and components of the house’s plumbing system or by installing a commercially available water leak detection device.

There are mainly two types of water leak detection system:

1. Passive Leak Detection Systems – are usually stand-alone battery-operated devices that produce alarm sounds when its moisture sensor becomes wet, these alarms enable the homeowner to locate exactly where the water leaks are and do the necessary repairs. Since these are battery-dependent devices, its battery should be checked regularly.

2. Active Leak Detection Systems – also sounds an alarm when it detect water leaks, and will automatically stop the water flow. It may use a moisture sensor or a flow sensor in monitoring any water leaks. There are two types of active leak detection system:

a. Individual appliance systems – monitors leaks from a single appliance and automatically shuts off water supply to such appliance should leaks be detected.

b. Whole house systems – monitors leaks in the whole house and shuts off the main water supply to the house should leaks be detected. A whole house system is composed of several moisture sensors which sends signal to control the valve via a radio signal or by means of wiring connections.

Every house is unique and has a special situation to determine what type of water leak system is applicable. Some simple systems may be installed by the homeowner, but complex systems should be done by a qualified plumber.

If you don’t have a water leak detection system device installed in your house, you can always check your house periodically for any water leaks, unless of course if you already hear those water dripping sound. Water leaks usually happen in areas where the water-consuming appliance and plumbing fixtures are located. Among the most obvious areas to look for water leaks are:

1. Bathroom & toilet area (check for leaks on showerhead, faucet, and water heating system)
2. Kitchen (check for leaks on faucet, dishwasher, water heating system)
3. Laundry room (check for leaks on faucet, clothes washer)
4. Garage and basement area (check on evaporator cooler, hot water system)
5. Lawn (check on turf, low water use garden, irrigation system)
6. Pool and spa
7. Patio
8. Water meter

Detecting water leaks through the sight and sound may seem an easy task. This may be true in fast and big leaks, but slow and small leaks, it could be impossible to detect without the aid of a water leak detection device. Here are some tips in monitoring the house for possible water leaks.

1. Water is leaking in your toilet when water is moving from the tank to the bowl when nobody is flushing it.

2. When your toilet is flushing itself when nobody is near the toilet.

3. Another method of detecting water leak in the toilet is to place food color in the tank, should you see the color in the bowl after a few minutes then you can conclude that there is a leak.

4. Since most water pipes are embedded in the walls and floors, we can only know if there are leaks when you see discoloration on a wall, ceiling, and carpet.

5. Detecting water leaks in sprinkling system is the same with spotting leaks on concealed piping systems.

6. One such practical way to know whether you have water leaks in your house is to monitor your water bill. Should you have higher water bill with the same usual consumption, you could seek a professional plumber or check it out with your local utility company.

Water leaks only worsen through time; it would be wise for you to deal with it as early as possible. Early detection and repair shall save you money and prevent damage to your house. If you ignore it, you are only postponing something you should do anyway.

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Antiques are a great way to adorn your rooms. But there are several things to consider before you buy that rare antique item that you have been looking for so long.

Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique p…

antiques,antique furniture,antique jewelry,antique hardware,antique cars,antique auctions

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Antiques are a great way to adorn your rooms. But there are several things to consider before you buy that rare antique item that you have been looking for so long.

Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique pieces, such as antique clock or antique Chinese porcelain etc.

The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished though you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

Before buying you must do proper research on the antique item. The internet is the best place to do research on antique items as it can provide valuable information regarding global antique prices and the history of antique items. You should also be careful about antique reproductions. If you are new and have not done proper research, it will be difficult to tell the difference between a reproduction from the original. Antique pieces should show some wear and tear and these small details are something to look out for. If the item looks flawless than it probably is not an authentic antique.

The best places to buy antiques are at antique auctions. Buying from a reputable auction house or an antique store will ensure that the antique collectible is genuine, as it should also come with certificates of originality. To get that coveted item you should visit the antique auctions regularly. Garage sales are also a good place to buy as you may often get rare antiques at a very cheap price, but do make sure that it is original. Though the internet is a useful source of information, this is not the case when buying antiques online. A first hand look at the antique product is not possible on the internet and the website photos often hide the defects and deficiencies.

Proper care and maintenance should be taken to preserve antique items for ages. When buying an item, gather information about proper antique storage and antique preservation methods. Items should be kept in moderately humid and cool places. Direct sunlight should be avoided. The antiques should be handled carefully. Excessive cleaning sometimes ruins the originality of the antique.

First-time buyers can also buy general antique guides for research and guidance on starting their antique collection. Guides on specific antique items are also available.

382

Ceiling fan installation involves two main aspects ? mechanical and electrical. Before the actual ceiling fan installation procedure starts, consider a few constructional aspects of your home.

ceiling fan blade

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Ceiling fan installation involves two main aspects: mechanical and electrical.

Before the actual ceiling fan installation procedure starts, consider a few constructional aspects of your home.

First of all, get the wiring of the house examined by a professional electrician. You have to make sure that proper wiring for ceiling fan installation is available in the house. Also remember that some ceilings may need to be braced to support the additional weight of a ceiling fan. So a ceiling bracing must be inserted during the time of construction itself.

Now mark the area from where you intend the fan to hang. Hanging the fan from the middle of the ceiling ensures best air circulation. Avoid ceiling fan installation directly over a bed. The actual ceiling fan installation can be broadly divided into assembling the fan and mounting it.

Assembling the fan

-The assembling procedure varies with different brands. In order to assemble the various parts of a ceiling fan you have to follow the manual provided with the unit.

-If the fan blades are less than 10″-12″ away from the ceiling, there is no harm in installing the blades before hanging the fan.

Mounting

-Fix the mounting bracket to the electrical box tightly with the screws.

-In the time of the wiring, use the “working hook? provided with the mounting bracket to hang the fan on.

-Match the wires by following the standard color coding system (white to white, black or blue to black or blue and so on). Each connection should be covered with a securely screwed-on wire nut.

-Push back all extra wiring up into the electrical box.

-The fan should be electrically grounded to the metal box with the green or bare copper grounding wires. Connect the ground wires from the box, the fan and the power supply together with a wire nut, or a pigtail like wire which you have to attach to the box with a screw.

-Next slip back the ceiling cover to its full height and make it tight so that it does not move from its place.

-If you have a beamed ceiling you have to use a special beam mount for ceiling fan installation.

Improper ceiling fan installation causes disturbances like wobbling, noise etc. But a proper ceiling fan installation adds to its longevity.