Category: The very best DIY tips from Citywide

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Baby bedding is one of those things that many people are always on the look out for.

baby bedding, crib bedding, home decor

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Baby bedding is one of those things that many people are always on the look out for. The newest styles in baby bedding make it so people from all tastes and prices can make the best choice when it comes to the bedding that their baby will sleep in. There are so many popular styles nowadays that most people find that it is a hard decision to make. The new styles are of course dictated by the current trends that are sweeping the world, such as cartoons and television programs but that is only part of the equation.

The other side would be the price ranges that affect the way most people in the world are buying right now because of a poor economy. If you look in the baby bedding section of most stores you will see that the prices vary widely and that means that you will have to determine if the quality of the lesser priced units is up to par with what you need to provide the child with. This may be a difficult task to say the least. The higher priced baby bedding sets are most often those that endorse a person, show or product in some way. This is all too common and we all find ourselves paying top dollar based on the popularity of the endorsement rather than the product quality itself.

The newest rage in baby bedding purchases is the internet. All over the web you will find that places are cashing in on the baby items deal. This is because the baby industry is one of the biggest in the world. People all over the globe go out and spend mega-bucks on the child that they have brought into this world. This is nothing out of the norm for sure. Nearly all parents, especially new ones, try their best to find only the best for their child and baby bedding is no exception in the slightest.

Take a look at all the baby bedding choices that are currently available and you will see that you certainly have your work cut out for you when it comes to making a selection. In the end it is all about the personal choices that we make and the ones that are best for the child, which is all that matters. Be sure to check all labels for any possible allergy issues that you child may have or contract. And check out also the quality of the workmanship! Too often a nice looking baby quilt is so poorly done that it falls apart at the first washing.

Some very original baby bedding can be found at pavingmasonryart-ickles.paving, which sells unique handicrafts brightly colored with tropical themes. The baby bedding quilts, bumper pads, pillow covers shown in this website are of top quality, 100% hand made with the best American fabrics. There is also a very nice section with all kind of fun decoration for your nursery.

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Awnings are coverings attached to the external walls of a building for providing covering over an area and is occasionally used as a signboard or billboard.

They are used for protection against sunlight, rain, snow and wind and are
generally attached over windows, doors and sidewalks. By using poles for support awnings can be stretched over a large area.

The material used for awnings is acrylic cloth or canvas. Beautiful and attractive patterns can be printed on awning…

awning,retractable awning,patio awning,window awning,commercial awning,canvas awning,deck awning

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Awnings are coverings attached to the external walls of a building for providing covering over an area and is occasionally used as a signboard or billboard.

They are used for protection against sunlight, rain, snow and wind and are
generally attached over windows, doors and sidewalks. By using poles for support awnings can be stretched over a large area.

The material used for awnings is acrylic cloth or canvas. Beautiful and attractive patterns can be printed on awnings to get an aesthetic appeal. Today an awning can be made to almost any design, shape and color.

The framework for awnings is generally made of wood, iron, steel or aluminum. Aluminum is preferred as it is lighter than iron or steel. The framework consists of trusses, border frames or space frames.

Awnings attached over the windows protect windows from sunlight and help in keeping rooms cooler. For air conditioned rooms awnings can bring down the electricity consumption by almost 25%. A very good saving.

There are many companies providing awnings. Most of them do free costing and provide free estimates. Awnings are a very popular way for advertising business and come in attractive colors, graphics, fonts and patterns.

Awnings add color and brightness to a place. Awnings can be backlit or front lit. Backlit material for awnings is different than front lit material. Vinyl laminated or coated polyester is used for backlit awnings. The other material used for awnings is PVC coated mesh, Acrylic, Vinyl or resin coated polyester, Acrylic painted cotton/polyester, etc.

It is prudent to insist on fire retardant material/paint on awnings. Generally awnings are not covered by insurance. Some awnings are temporary and can be retracted. Most awnings are retracted during winter to prevent awning damage by collection of snow. The retraction method can be manual or motorized.

The cleaning of awning for removing mildew and stains is fairly easy. It can be done with mild soap and a soft brush. Vinyl awnings mildew easily.

The design of the frame for awnings should be such that no water pools on the top of the awning. Pooling of water on awnings can damage the awning cloth and the graphics printed on it. Wind gusts of more than 25 miles per hour speed can also damage awnings. During strong winds it is vise to retract them.

The graphics on awnings can be printed on by special machines interfaced with computers. The print quality depends on the number of columns per inch (cpi). A 10 cpi print gives a good finish on most awnings. A 25 cpi print gives a very fine finish to the awnings.

In some states you need a permit for putting up awnings. Though for most residential awnings permit is not required and is restricted only for commercial awnings.

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Men living alone need not be holed in unkempt pads and live like Neanderthals. The recent metrosexual trend actually encourages men to be more stylish both in their looks and their lifestyle. However, this is not reason enough to totally give in and be regular Marthas. Interior decorators emphasize that the trick to decorating and styling men’s pads is to maintain a balance of function, comfort, and masculine appeal. Speaking of masculinity, lacy curtains are definitely out f…

wood blinds, interior design

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Men living alone need not be holed in unkempt pads and live like Neanderthals. The recent metrosexual trend actually encourages men to be more stylish both in their looks and their lifestyle. However, this is not reason enough to totally give in and be regular Marthas. Interior decorators emphasize that the trick to decorating and styling men’s pads is to maintain a balance of function, comfort, and masculine appeal. Speaking of masculinity, lacy curtains are definitely out for windows. Drapes may do but they require washing and at times, look heavy and dark. Most decorators’ usual and common choice for window treatments for men are wood blinds because they are functional but sturdy enough to be masculine. They are the perfect alternatives to shutters. Wooden blinds are inviting and warm. They also lend natural flair with their rich stains and colors.

Wood blinds come in different makes. There are vertical, woven wood, faux wood, and even minis. They are designed in different stains, colors, and texture, depending on material and the kind of wood used. Aside from the option of having them custom-made, they can be made with other features like cord tilt motorization, fabric tapes, light and UV control, and static prevention.

Just any wood blind won’t do; there are several things to consider before purchasing these shades. Basswood and ramin are the common wood blind materials. Ramin is less expensive but basswood is considered as premium quality for wood blinds because of its distinctive grain. For better stains, durability, and strength, basswood is usually preferred. Designers advise to pick blinds which come with no-holes feature. This ensures that the blinds pull together closer, leave no gaps between the slats, and make rooms darker, thereby, saving more energy. However, only basswoods come with this feature. Valance is also an important factor to consider because it provides cover for unsightly metal rails. Conventional wood valance is usually pegged at 2 inches and is common with ramin blinds. The 3-inch valance is found with basswood blinds and is considered more intricate. The shape of the blinds’ tail determines how close the slats pull together when closed. Trapezoid tails provide the maximum closeness possible and comes with basswood. Rectangular tails are the signature structure of ramin blinds. A set of basswood blind is the best choice for style, function, and durability. The price matters in wood blinds. The more expensive basswood blinds are considered the best and most functional. Ramin blinds work well for a cheaper price and the right maintenance.

It doesn’t matter what kind of wood blind is chosen, what matters is that it should be properly maintained to preserve its stain and overall look. Wood blind shops usually offer blind maintenance services. Proper maintenance is necessary because the natural materials used in wood blinds make them more sensitive to changes in the atmosphere. Rotting blinds are not decorative.

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This article is chocked full of helpful information to aid in the selection of a qualified building contractor for your project. Gain insight on ways to get a quality job for less money.

building, building contractor, general building contractor, home building contractor, building contractor license, metal building contractor

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You’ve decided on your building project, whether new construction or remodeling. Perhaps you have chosen a new building to house your business, and you will need either a general building contractor or a metal building contractor.

Carefully choosing the right home building contractor is important to the success of your project, while an unqualified contractor can turn your plans into a nightmare. Here are some tips for selecting the right contractor for the job:

A candidate should have a valid building contractor license, and up-to-date liability insurance. Ask to see certificates; check with your local licensing authority for past problems or violations pertaining to any potential candidate.

Ask for references of recently completed projects; check each out.

Make sure the contractor will acquire necessary permits and arrange for any required inspections and certificates.

Give identical copies of detailed project plans to each potential candidate to get a quote for the project. You should get at least three different quotes before making your selection. Be sure the quote includes materials and fixtures that meet project specifications. Avoid contacts that allow “of like kind” substitutions.

The Contract

After you have selected a building contractor, make sure that all detailed information is included in the contract, such as complete names, addresses, and phone numbers of both parties, as well as the physical address of the project. Be sure that project start and finish dates are included, and that a payment plan is described in detail. It is normal for a contractor to ask for 10-33% in advance, with additional funds paid as work progresses.

How to Save on the Total Bill

If your project does not have to be completed on a priority basis, you may want to consider offering it to a contractor as a “fill in” job. Most contractors will take such projects at a reduced price, insuring they have other work in the event of adverse weather or materials delivery mix-ups at another project.

Many contractors will accept a project as a “reference” contract. This is a win-win situation for the property owner; work is completed at a reduced price, and since the contractor will use the completed job to showcase his expertise to potential clients, only his best work goes into your project.

Finding the Right Contractor

There are at least three sources for finding a qualified building contractor in your area: word-of-mouth references from people that have recently had a similar project done, local licensing authorities who provide a list of contractors with appropriate building contractor license, and Internet web sites that make referrals. For instance, Canadian residents can visit paving.handycanadian .paving to locate a qualified contractor in their area.

By following these simple steps, you can avoid a potential nightmare, and insure your project is a pleasant experience for all parties involved.

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Wreaths are sometimes thought of as a Christmas-only decoration. This is a short-sighted view, as a beautiful wreath can be used to decorate a home for any season. Wreaths made to celebrate the autumn months can be very attractive home decorations.

Autumn wreaths often attempt to take the most beautiful elements of the fall season and to combine them in one artistic statement. They will often feature the striking colors of fall foliage and often reflect an “outdoors” or “…

wreaths,home decor,decorating

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Wreaths are sometimes thought of as a Christmas-only decoration. This is a short-sighted view, as a beautiful wreath can be used to decorate a home for any season. Wreaths made to celebrate the autumn months can be very attractive home decorations.

Autumn wreaths often attempt to take the most beautiful elements of the fall season and to combine them in one artistic statement. They will often feature the striking colors of fall foliage and often reflect an “outdoors” or “country” look.

Autumn wreaths can be based on any number of foundations. Some have found the rustic and neutral look of a grapevine wreath makes a perfect foundation for an autumn wreath. Others may prefer to work from a woodier twig base. It is even possible to start with a basic wreath form (often made of foam and available at craft and hobby stores). Whatever option is used can work wonderfully as a springboard for beautiful fall decorating.

Autumn wreaths can be made from the season’s fallen leaves. Such projects, although beautiful, are short-lived as the leaves dry and crack. As such, many wreath makers rely upon silk and other artificial leaves to decorate their wreaths. Accents are often provided by simple homemade bows. Small seasonal decorations (for instance a miniature scarecrow) are sometimes attached to the finished product with a glue gun as a way of commemorating the autumn months.

There are no rules or limits one must obey when creating an autumn wreath. The idea is to capture the essence of autumn in the wreath, and that can be accomplished in any number of ways. An autumn wreath is an exercise in creativity and many beautiful decorations have been produced around the theme.

Wreaths are not exclusively for the Christmas holidays. A decorative wreath can brighten any home, and wreaths celebrating autumn provide a unique opportunity to bring the essence of the outdoors into one’s home.

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Energy efficient homes that go easy on the environment are turning heads in Georgia with their low-maintenance appeal, cost efficiency and natural good looks. With Georgia Tech’s recent success in the 2007 Solar Decathlon and world-class community projects like Atlantic Station, Metro Atlanta is well on its way to being a model of eco-building in the Southeast.

energy efficient, green power, environmental, environmentally friendly, georgia tech green power

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Energy efficient homes that go easy on the environment are turning heads in Georgia with their low-maintenance appeal, cost efficiency and natural good looks. With Georgia Tech’s recent success in the 2007 Solar Decathlon and world-class community projects like Atlantic Station, Metro Atlanta is well on its way to being a model of eco-building in the Southeast.

Georgia’s green power was most recently demonstrated by Georgia Tech at the 2007 Solar Decathlon. The innovative contest, sponsored by the US department of energy, is a green building competition with an emphasis on solar energy. Twenty teams from universities all over the world were handed the task of building the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home they could imagine.

Over the five day judging period, the Decathlon Homes had to demonstrate the ability to use nothing but solar energy to power a washer dryer, oven, TV, computer and generate hot water. The homes also had to be architecturally sound, marketable and they had to look good.

Though it was their first year to participate in the contest, the Georgia Tech team won 6th place for their innovative light-house, a completely off-the-grid solar powered home. First place went to a team from Darmstadt Tech in Germany. Though the Georgia Tech team didn’t take home first place this year, the house is part of the significant contribution that that Atlanta’s architects and engineers are making to what we know about building smart.

“Many of the advances that are demonstrated in this house will come to the mainstream,” said associate professor Russell Gentry of the Georgia Tech house, “they will have to come to the mainstream if we’re going to save the energy that we promised to.”

The innovations in the Georgia Tech house set a new standard for energy efficiency and eco- friendliness for Atlanta homes. Atlanta already has a number of model solar projects like the EcoManor, the Southern Living Idea House, and the Brookhaven Zero Energy Home.

“35% of the energy consumed in the US is consumed in buildings. It’s important for us to develop technologies that save that energy,” says Gentry. “Everything we do here is about making buildings more energy efficient and smarter.”

The Georgia Tech Light House is steel and wood construction with a modern open floor plan, hardwood flooring, and a semi-transparent solar roof that subtly lets lights into every room in the house while it insulates and generates power. Designed to be easy to build, expandable and accessible, the plans accommodate from one to three bedrooms and up to two baths. The cost of the prototype is $280K.

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Did you know that eating up to 600 mosquitoes each in an hour, bats are the best insect control there is? There is little in nature more invigorating than watching bats flutter about at dusk, occasionally “dive-bombing” the insects that annoy us so much. Even so, very few of us are willing to let bats make their homes in our homes, apartments, or other buildings.

commercial bat control, get bats out, bat control, bat removal, pest control bats, bat guano clean up

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Did you know that eating up to 600 mosquitoes each in an hour, bats are the best insect control there is? There is little in nature more invigorating than watching bats flutter about at dusk, occasionally “dive-bombing” the insects that annoy us so much. Even so, very few of us are willing to let bats make their homes in our homes, apartments, or other buildings.

Unlike mice, bats do not chew holes in buildings. They really don’t have to! It takes a space less than an inch wide for a bat to easily come in or out of a building. So holes to the roof or walls are not damage caused by bats. Rather, there are more insidious risks of bats inhabiting our spaces like: the spread of disease, the bat mites and the structural damage (because of their urine and dung).

Ignoring the bat control (humane, live, professional) problem, it will not go away. Bats will not go away. Instead, they will proliferate and cause more damage over the years. Also, it is highly recommend that you avoid handling the bats yourself. If you must, please keep in mind that bats are legally protected! Killing them can result in large fines. Second, two percent of bats carry rabies. Bats mouths and teeth are very small, and a bite mark may not be detected. Any contact with bats should be treated as a possible exposure to rabies. If you exclude them effectively, they will try to find their way back in over the next several nights (be aware of windows that are not properly screened). Bats are persistent, driven by instinct.

Even a professional bat removal (exclusion, extermination, performed by a technician with years of experience, can result in bats ending up inside the building or house. Also, remember some bats do migrate – other species hibernate in their nest. Sealing up your house in late fall after you think they’ve migrated should only be done if the species has been confidently identified. Otherwise, you and the bats will have a surprise next spring.

The most logical route to go is calling a professional pest control bats company. A professional in this area will know just how to find the holes bats use. He will then get bats out (house, building, school, warehouse, attic) by inserting specially designed “doors” in the holes that allow the bats to leave, but not re-enter. After a few days, when he is sure the bats are all excluded from the building, he will close up all the holes so that the bats (and any other creatures looking for a cozy home) will not be able to enter. At that point, the bat guano clean up (histoplasmosis, danger, toxic, safe, disease) and urine and the control of the bat mites can be completed, making the area available and safe for removal and repair of any damaged property.

It is possible that your local pest control company does some bat work ‘on the side’. Bat exclusion is a very specialized niche – much different from regular pest issues. To safely and properly handle bat work, a company must work from ladders and/or manlifts. Knowledge of construction standards and codes is important to prevent sealing up areas incorrectly that allow a building to vent properly.

By calling in a commercial bat control (removal, exclusion) professional, the owner has saved himself the hassle and expense of hiring exterminators, the risk of exposure of his employees to disease, and additional expense of further property devaluation.

In the end, bats are wild, persistent animals. There is no substitute for experience!