Home Improvement

MAKING A GARDEN.

2008-08-01T12:51:00.007+07:00

The first thing in garden making is the selection of a spot. Without a choice, it means simply doing the best one can with conditions. With space limited it resolves itself into no garden, or a box garden. Surely a box garden is better than nothing at all.

But we will now suppose that it is possible to really choose just the right site for the garden. What shall be chosen? The greatest determining factor is the sun. No one would have a north corner, unless it were absolutely forced upon him; because, while north corners do for ferns, certain wild flowers, and begonias, they are of little use as spots for a general garden.

If possible, choose the ideal spot a southern exposure. Here the sun lies warm all day long. When the garden is thus located the rows of vegetables and flowers should run north and south. Thus placed, the plants receive the sun's rays all the morning on the eastern side, and all the afternoon on the western side. One ought not to have any lopsided plants with such an arrangement.

Suppose the garden faces southeast. In this case the western sun is out of the problem. In order to get the best distribution of sunlight run the rows northwest and southeast.

The idea is to get the most sunlight as evenly distributed as possible for the longest period of time. From the lopsided growth of window plants it is easy enough to see the effect on plants of poorly distributed light. So if you use a little diagram remembering that you wish the sun to shine part of the day on one side of the plants and part on the other, you can juggle out any situation. The southern exposure gives the ideal case because the sun gives half time nearly to each side. A northern exposure may mean an almost entire cut-off from sunlight; while northeastern and southwestern places always get uneven distribution of sun's rays, no matter how carefully this is planned.

The garden, if possible, should be planned out on paper. The plan is a great help when the real planting time comes. It saves time and unnecessary buying of seed.

New garden spots are likely to be found in two conditions: they are covered either with turf or with rubbish. In large garden areas the ground is ploughed and the sod turned under; but in small gardens remove the sod. How to take off the sod in the best manner is the next question. Stake and line off the garden spot. The line gives an accurate and straight course to follow. Cut the edges with the spade all along the line. If the area is a small one, say four feet by eighteen or twenty, this is an easy matter. Such a narrow strip may be marked off like a checkerboard, the sod cut through with the spade, and easily removed. This could be done in two long strips cut lengthwise of the strip. When the turf is cut through, roll it right up like a roll of carpet.

But suppose the garden plot is large. Then divide this up into strips a foot wide and take off the sod as before. What shall be done with the sod? Do not throw it away for it is full of richness, although not quite in available form. So pack the sod grass side down one square on another. Leave it to rot and to weather. When rotted it makes a fine fertilizer. Such a pile of rotting vegetable matter is called a compost pile. All through the summer add any old green vegetable matter to this. In the fall put the autumn leaves on. A fine lot of goodness is being fixed for another season.

Even when the garden is large enough to plough, I would pick out the largest pieces of sod rather than have them turned under. Go over the ploughed space, pick out the pieces of sod, shake them well and pack them up in a compost heap.

Mere spading of the ground is not sufficient. The soil is still left in lumps. Always as one spades one should break up the big lumps. But even so the ground is in no shape for planting. Ground must be very fine indeed to plant in, because seeds can get very close indeed to fine particles of soil. But the large lumps leave large spaces which no tiny root hair can penetrate. A seed is left stranded in a perfect waste when planted in chunks of soil. A baby surrounded with great pieces of beefsteak would starve. A seed among large lumps of soil is in a similar situation. The spade never can do this work of pulverizing soil. But the rake can. That's the value of the rake. It is a great lump breaker, but will not do for large lumps. If the soil still has large lumps in it take the hoe.

Many people handle the hoe awkwardly. The chief work of this implement is to rid the soil of weeds and stir up the top surface. It is used in summer to form that mulch of dust so valuable in retaining moisture in the soil. I often see people as if they were going to chop into atoms everything around. Hoeing should never be such vigorous exercise as that. Spading is vigorous, hard work, but not hoeing and raking.

After lumps are broken use the rake to make the bed fine and smooth. Now the great piece of work is done.

Home Interior Decorating

2008-08-01T12:40:00.003+07:00

Your house is something special. It's the place where you live, where you find warmth and safety, shelter and so much more.

It's a sentimental place that is part of your life. So that place must be well decorated for you to have a good time and feel comfortable in it. Because it is so important, you can't let this decorating job in the hands of anyone. There may be sites that tell you what is better and what's not for the home design, but it's actually down to you. It is your house and your life; no one can really decide in your place and influence you.

Depending on what style you chose your home to be, on what theme, age or background it has to represent you in a way or another. Trying to shock is also an interesting theme because trying to shock others may have unwanted effects if the way you are trying to impress is not personal.

Some things are imperative in choosing how to decorate your home:

* Functionality ? Your home needs to be functional in order to provide you with better access to different objects and it defiantly shouldn't be like a maze. Keeping it simple it's all that matters in the layout structure of the home.

* Originality ? Your guests will be impressed if your "crib" looks like nothing seen before. It gives a good impression and denotes the fact that you are creative concerning serious aspects.

* Personal Touch ? Make the home look like you; don't adapt it to something that isn't representing you. Try to give that special something to your house that can't be found anywhere else, that thing that is interesting you, that thing that you are passionate about. That is the true soul of your home. "A house is made of wood and stone, but only love can make a home."

* Safety ? Last but definitely not least is the safety. The single thing that makes your house to be heaven and not to turn into a burning hell into one day is how you make your home to be safe. Dangers exist everywhere, and your house is and probably will be exposed to earthquakes, fires, landslides, severe weather, burglars, etc. To make that home be you little corner of personal comfort always be sure not to overlook the safety.

You see, a home can represent a landmark in ones eyes, and if that person is you, stick around for some advice & info on how to decorate you home.

Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces

2008-08-01T12:15:00.004+07:00

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with this quote, it's normally associated with gifts not home decorating, but it should be.

A one or two bedroom house, apartment, condo or townhouse can be just as impressive and grand as something with fifteen bathrooms, Wow, imaging having to clean all those, I have enough trouble with two.

One interesting things I have found from past experience is that decorating a smaller place is actually easier, not to mention less expensive.

Whether your currently living in a small space or downsizing ? that's another one of those trendy "buzz" words, which simply means your moving into something smaller ? planning how your going to decorate or redecorate is a good idea.

You may think because it's smaller, having large pieces is out of the question. Not true, having oversized furniture is not going to make your rooms appear smaller, what it will do is give a warm inviting feeling. Of course the layout and size of a room will determine how many pieces can comfortably go into it. After all, you may be looking for drama and comfort, but you still need to be able to maneuver around.

This also applies to accessories; it's better to have a few large dramatic pieces as opposed to a lot of small items, which can tend to turn into clutter and dust collectors. The exception to this would be with collections. But again you want to have places to showcase them like glass front hutches, cabinets, bookcases or shelves.

Another decorating challenge can be in warming up your new place. This normally can easily be achieved by adding color with paint. Now that's all fine and good unless you happen to be renting and your landlord say's "Paint, oh no". That's ok; color can be added in a number of other ways. Several examples:

Window treatments
Furniture fabric
Accent pillows
Area rugs
Wall art
Plants & Flowers

Storage can be another issue in a smaller space, there just never seems to be enough. If you're buying new furniture or deciding on which pieces to bring from your current home, look for ones that can perform double duty.

For example:

Instead of the standard coffee table, look for one with a flip top or shelves underneath. Cedar chests, blanket chests or trunks can also be substituted.
Place an armoire intended for the bedroom in the living room it's the perfect storage place for remotes, magazines, extra bedding, kitchen linen or any of those pesky little things you just can't seem to find a place for.
A small floor cabinet you might have used in a bathroom can become an end table. Most of these come with drawers, shelves or both.
Decorative stacking boxes or even old suitcases not only make for great storage, but the also become terrific accessories.
Plastic storage boxes come in a variety of sizes, colors and are inexpensive. They can be stacked on shelves in a closet or cabinet, even into drawers. Clear smaller sizes are perfect storage for shoes, winter gloves, pictures or how about extension cords, nails, packages of hooks or hand tools. Larger sizes can keep extra winter coats, blankets, odd season clothes or seasonal decorations neat and in one place.
Baskets and hampers are another option.
Kids rooms are always in need of extra places for all their treasures, plastic milk crates are perfect for them. They come in many bright brilliant colors. One suggestion, if you are planning on stacking the crates and have small children it would be beneficial to secure them to the wall.
Plastic shelving units, which can be found in most discount stores, are perfect for mounting on the backs of doors or on the wall in closets. These come in especially handy in the kitchen for holding extra soda bottles, canned goods, paper towel etc.

Well, I think you've gotten the idea, look around and use your imagination; you will be surprised with what you can come up with.

Moving into and decorating a small space can be challenging, but with a little planning it can be just a beautiful as any large house. And in the end size really doesn't matter, if it's filled with the people and things you love, then you have successfully created a home.

Home Decoration Tips To Impress Your Friends

2008-08-01T12:06:00.004+07:00

Step 1: Pick a motif and go with it! Don't pair your childhood bedspread with a new wrought iron bed and lace curtains. Choose colors that remind you of things you love. For example, my bedroom is all done in tan and pastels, because those colors make me feel like I'm in a spring meadow. Other favorite motifs include ocean, fall or sunset. Make it the vibe that fills the room. This mean not just your bedding, but also any framed artwork or standing decorations should go with the motif.

Step 2: Make it smell yummy! A room with a pleasant, inviting fragrance is a great start to creating that special space where you go to escape. Choose scented candles in your favorites smells. Vanilla is always relaxing and tantalizing. Another choice: incense. It comes in limitless scents, and you can be constantly changing your scented sticks to match your mood. Plus, incense holders are decorations in themselves. They can be wooden or ceramic, and some even come in statue form, so pick one that goes along with the motif you've selected! If you're not up for burning, then go with a nice air freshener or plug in to give your space the smell that makes you come running.

Step 3: Make it soft! Your bedroom is the place where you should feel the most comfortable, so make it your own nest. You should hardly be able to hold back from cuddling up in your soft bedspread (I recommend down!) and pile of overstuffed pillows. Also, a soft, cushy rug beside the bed is the perfect way to start your day of on the right foot.

Step 4: Get rid of the mess! Nothing kills a good mood like walking into a cluttered room. Your place of relaxation should not be polluted with dirty clothes on the floor and piles of things "to be put away." If you take the attitude that your room is your paradise, and when in it you should feel spoiled, you won't want to leave yucky messes lingering among your goodies. Invest in plastic crates that slide easily under the bed or in the closet for out-of-sight storage.

Step 5: Personalize! If someone else entered your room they should know you live there. Fill it with things you love. Whether you like artsy decorations or plant life or black and white collages of you and your loved ones, surround yourself with the things that make you feel happy!

The Best Time to Inspect Your Home!

2008-08-01T11:57:00.008+07:00

Home inspections conducted prior to a home being placed on the market is one of the wisest moves a seller can make. The initial response from sellers when approached with the idea of an inspection done as the home is about to be put up for sale is most always the same - "What?!"

Let's review a few of the most common concerns about Pre-Listing Home Inspections.

1. "The buyer will not accept an inspection done for the seller."

That is correct! The inspection done for the seller is not intended to replace the inspection done for the buyer. The purpose of the pre-listing inspection is to put the seller in control!

Given that no good surprise can come to the seller during the home inspection, regardless of when it is done or whom it is done for, it makes perfect sense to get every strand of information as soon as it can be gotten. Bad news doesn't get better with time.

If there is some bad news, or more correctly, some items that needs attention or might have an impact on the home's value, who better to receive that information than the seller? And when is a better time to receive that information than before the home is placed on the market?

The simple fact is this - a home inspection at the time of listing will put the seller in the best possible position. With the complete and clear view of the home's strengths and weaknesses, the home can be marketed to the best benefit of the seller.

2. "I don't want to pay for the inspection."

This is certainly understandable. The seller generally perceives that the inspection is intended for the buyer, hence, should be a buyer's responsibility. But to have the benefit of the information it must be paid for. Never have we had a complaint from a seller about the value of the inspection! In every case at the conclusion of a pre-listing inspection, the seller felt they had made a good choice in spending the money to get the inspection done.

In most cases, the seller's feel good getting the peace of mind of knowing that no major event or expense will be uncovered by the buyer's inspector. And on the rare occasion when it is discovered by the pre-listing inspector that the roof is completely shot or there is some other big expense or danger, the sellers, while not happy to have the problem, are glad to have discovered it on their own terms. The small expense of the inspection is always less then the cost and aggravation of a hurried hunt to get something repaired or replaced after the home is under contract.

Save the pain, spend the money. Get every home inspected prior to putting it on the market!

3. "The home is selling 'as is'."

This may be the best reason of all to inspect at listing! If the home is being sold "as is", reduce your risk and liability as the seller by getting a pre-listing inspection. In order for the home to sell quickly and at the highest price, disclose every condition of the home. The inspection gives both the buyer and the seller the comfort of knowing that the home "is as it is". With a pre-listing inspection, there is a high likelihood that the home is as represented.

Even in an "as is" contract, the buyer may still have their own inspection performed. If these two inspections are similar in content, it is rare the buyer will walk or counter offer. That, in fact, is the goal of the "as is" sale.

Another concern of sellers is that they will have to repair every item that is discovered to be discrepant on the inspection report. This is simply not true. It would be true that every discrepant item needs to be disclosed, and those disclosures may impact value and hence asking price, but nothing need necessarily be corrected.

Amazing as it may seem, homes inspected prior to going on the market have two very significant attributes:

They sell faster than homes not inspected until the buyer has made an offer.
They sell closer to the asking price than homes not inspected until the buyer has made an offer.

Why the heck does that happen?

When the buyer makes an offer, there is an assumption made by the buyer, reasonable or not, that there is nothing wrong with the home! If there was something wrong with the home that the seller knew about, but did not disclose, shame on them, it is about to cost them money. Most often, though, the items that come up on the inspection by the buyer were unknown to the seller. Sur-prise, sur-prise, sur-prise! And we've already established that surprise is not good in real estate. So how is it that the inspection for the seller makes the buyer pay more for the home and do it in less time?

Let us create an example of a 20-year-old home that has a fair market value of $100,000, just to make the math easy. That value assumes that nothing is wrong with the home. When the buyer has the home inspected it is with the assumption that anything discovered to be wrong will be corrected by the seller or a price concession will be made.

Now, let's consider that the buyers inspection revealed the need for a new roof, several plumbing leaks, and the need for replacement of three exterior doors. When these discoveries are made by the buyer's inspection, the clock is running and running fast. These items need to be corrected before the sale can be completed. This time crunch puts the seller at a disadvantage when dealing with the contractors. When time is critical, you have fewer choices and the costs go up. Additionally, the buyer often wants to have input on who does what work.

This situation is always tense and expensive. It can be avoided!

Let us now assume that the inspection result occurs, but it is for the seller as the home goes onto the market. The seller is now in control. Armed with a clear picture of what is wrong, the seller can choose to shop calmly for the best value in repair contractors, offer a credit at closing or adjust the sales price to reflect the diminished value. They can even make the necessary repairs, then increase the price of the home to reflect the increased value!

No matter the choices made, the seller, on the seller's time frame, makes them. This actually makes for a neater, simpler buying decision for the buyer. The buyer knows better what condition the home is in and knows what issues to base the initial offer on. The buyer will still in most cases get the home inspected, but this is a breeze. It is rare that any additional items of significance arise.

The pre-listing inspection puts deal killing at the lowest risk. Most often, it makes for an awesome deal-closing tool!

Choosing Color Schemes: Colors and Physiological Response

2008-08-01T11:37:00.003+07:00

Because colors have tremendous emotional impact, understanding how color affects human beings can help you create a harmonious, joyful home. But studies have also shown that color elicits physiological responses, as well. For instance, the color red stimulates the body by raising the breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart rate, while light blue and dark green have the opposite effect.

Other Physiological Color Responses

Imagine you're driving by a green field of grass, punctuated by yellow wild flowers. you'll notice the yellow flowers more than the green grass, because yellow is the first color our eyes notice. Painting walls a pale yellow mimics a sun-filled space and creates a soothing feeling for the room's occupants. White lace or sheer curtains, tinted with a tiny amount of pale yellow dye, will make a home feel sunny and cheerful.

However, bright yellows can cause feelings of turmoil and hostility. Therefore, bright yellows should be used sparingly, especially in high-anxiety centers such as kitchens. Also, naturally bright rooms that have been painted bright yellow may over-stimulate some people, contributing to angry feelings. However, that very same dazzling yellow room may be just the perfect place on an overcast day in a cold climate.

Red is the strongest and longest-lasting color our eyes process. Red is like a cup of tea or coffee; it awakens the senses. Dining room walls painted dark rouge red are not only romantic and festive; but they also help make food taste fabulous. At night, in low light, dark red is lavish and sensuous. In the morning, the same red enlivens and motivates you to live the day fully.

Many people are afraid to use red on walls because they mistakenly believe red to be an angry or blood-associated color, but red is auspicious, not caustic. Artwork often looks more important with a red background as opposed to white, and almost everyone looks great with rich red as a background color.

Light sky blue has a soothing effect on humans. This is because the pituitary gland releases tranquilizing hormones when we look at sky blue. If you want the feelings generated by baby blue but reject the color as "babyish," add a little black and use a complex grayed-blue.

White suggests cleanliness and reflects the most light. It's the purest of all the colors and psychologically denotes respectability and attention to hygiene. Brilliant white adds coolness to hot color schemes. Too much white will cause squinting and eyestrain, however, and it's uncomplimentary to pale-skinned people.

Gray makes rooms seem refined and exclusive and denotes prudence and humility while bringing an aura of elegance. The only color that leaves no after image, gray instills creativity, imagination, and meditation, but should be avoided in areas where the natural daylight is often diffused by overcast skies.

Color affects human beings on a variety of levels, including changes in our very body chemistry. Therefore, a considerable amount of thought should be given to the color scheme of a room, depending on its use and the effect you're trying to achieve.

Softening Your Walls with Color Wash

2008-06-27T23:10:00.007+07:00

If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try using a color wash on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And its so simple that even I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it

There are two techniques for color wash application: sponge or brush. Each requires a slightly different glaze formula.

Sponge Technique:

Color Wash Glaze: Mix together 1 part latex paint and 6 parts water in a bucket.

Mask off (using painters tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths (especially if you are as messy as I am).
Prime the wall with a low luster latex paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step.
Dip the sponge into the color wash glaze and squeeze lightly.
Beginning in a lower corner, apply the glaze to the wall in short, overlapping strokes. Change the direction of the strokes frequently. Work on a small portion of the wall at a time (3 foot by 3 foot is a good size).
Repeat moving upward until all the wall is covered.
Allow to dry completely.

Brush Technique:

Brush Color Wash Glaze: 1 part flat latex paint, 1 part latex paint conditioner (available at your local home improvement center), and 2 parts water. Mix in a bucket.

Mask off (using painters tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths.
Prime the wall with a low luster latex enamel paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step.
Allow the paint to dry.
Dip a paintbrush in the glaze and remove the excess against the side of the bucket.
Apply the paint in a criss-cross pattern.
Brush over the surface repeatedly to soften the look of the paint.
Wipe excess glaze away, if necessary. (Better get the industrial-sized package of paper towels!)

There you have it! A soft paint look perfect for your newly decorated room And since you have the technique down to a science, why not come and do my family room? Powder room? Closet?

How To Plan A Garden Right

2008-06-27T23:05:00.002+07:00

Gardening is a hobby that brings joy, entertainment, and a better quality of life. It is a creative activity, the result of which is a more aesthetically appealing home.

Thoughtful planning of a garden starts with the type of garden you would like to have. Deciding on a type of garden is essential defore choosing which design elements to include. Will your garden be just a place to plant a bunch of flowers, which will blossom only during the growing season? Or would you rather have a thoughtfully-chosen herb garden? Or maybe just a vegetable plot?

Another issue to consider is the climate in your location. It can be surprising how little we know about the facts, figures and statistics of the weather where we live. You may want to consult an online map to get statistical data regarding climate elements like rainfall per month or average temperatures.

The next step, after having decided about the type of garden and after investigating the local climate, is to figure out the plants that you would like to grow in your garden. Think of plants that are suitable for the duration of the growing season in your location and that will survive the changes in temperature, typical for your location.

The thoughtful planning of a garden involves one more factor to consider - how much shade is necessary for each of the plants. You need to make sure that there is enough light all over the places you plan to plant your garden.

When you have finished with planning in theory, it is time to start planning the plots in your garden. Again, think for a good plan - one that brings joy, is easy to keep to, and at the same time efficiently uses the available space.

Think about where to place plants that require a lot of sunlight. The best place for such plants is away from buildings and taller trees because these block the light at daytime.

Deciding which plants to grow near the house, and which should be in the open also requires some thought. If you prefer the sunshine streaming through your windows, then you are best not to have bulky trees or bushes near the house, where they will block the sunlight.

If you have decided that you will be growing herbs and vegetables, the best place for them is near the house. When they are near the house, it is more likely that you will be using them for cooking. Besides convenience, you should also think about the location of vegetables as far as their needs for sunlight are concerned. This is especially true if yours is mainly a vegetable garden.

Last, but not least, take into account your personal preferences, when designing a garden. If there are particular extras you would like to have, for instance winding pathways or gazebos, include them in the initial design of the garden. Your outdoor garden is constrained only by the limits of your creativity and the growing season in your location.

Gardening tips.

2008-06-27T22:58:00.002+07:00

Gardens come in different varieties like the plants you find in them. There are several gardening tips that can be used for all type of gardens.

1.Mulching protects your garden topsoil from being blown away. It also provides nutrients as it decomposes and improves the appearance of your gardens. Mulching has other benefits and is one of the most recommended gardening tips by gardeners and farmers alike.

2.Healthy plants are more disease resistant. Plants are like people, a person with a strong immune system can combat diseases. A healthy plant does the same.

3. Pests can be eradicated by cleaning the plant with a watery solution of soap. Just make sure to rinse after. This gardening tip is best heeded for fruit bearing trees or edible plants.

4. Using compost fertilizers are a great way to have healthy plants. It is also a great way to save money on expensive fertilizers. Non -organic fertilizers also tend to leave chemical residues that can accumulate in garden soils and harm not only the plants but the gardeners as well. They cause toxins to go to the water supplies. Another gardening tip recommended not just by farmers and gardeners but also by environmentalists.

5. There are several plants that are only suitable for a specified climate, a certain kind of soil or can only grow with certain plants. You have to know what plant grow in the conditions you have in your area this is for you to avoid unnecessary purchases. This is a money saving gardening tip.

6.Landscaping is a good investment which can double the value of your home. This is one gardening tip that can earn you money.

7. Growing grass on bare ground is an easy way to make your home look better and appreciate in value. This is one gardening tip that promotes earning money while growing grass legally.

8. Aside from looking great in your home, trees also provide some sort of protection from direct sunlight exposure and strong winds.

9. Vines on the walls, fences and overhead structures also would offer some protection and would also look great.

10.Flowers are beautiful, but they are also expensive. Get one that is resistant to many elements. Flowers from your local community already have developed resistance to conditions present in your area.

11.For most gardens plants, their roots go only as deep as 6 inches. Putting fertilizer deeper than that would be a waste of money. Put them shallower as they seep down when the plants are being watered.

12.Earthworms are important to plants. They till and aerate the soil for the roots to breathe. Non-organic fertilizers can kill them. This gardening tip dates back to the old days of gardening.

13. Having several kinds of insects that are beneficial to your garden would be good. These insects can be encouraged to stay by having diverse plants in your garden.

14. Spot spraying weeds with household vinegar, instead of using commercial weed-killers, can eradicate them. This is another environment friendly gardening tip.

15. Avoid putting too much mulch on tree trunks; this would encourage unwanted pests to reside on them.

16. Use plant varieties that are common to your area or have been taken from an area with similar conditions.

17. Be sure to know the plants that are poisonous. If you are intent on growing them, make sure to have the necessary cure available in your household. Take note of this gardening tip, it can save your life.

18. The best time to water plants is during mornings.

19. Before planting a new plant in your garden, you must consider its height and size when it matures. This garden tip can help you save money in the future.

20. Newly transplanted plants may require special attention during its first week. This is to reduce the stress and shock it got during transplantation.

And last but not the least of the gardening tips...

A good way to take care of them is to consider that plants might have some feelings too.

A Healthy Home

2008-06-27T22:51:00.003+07:00

Your home is your castle. You decide, possibly together with family members, what to make of it. Outside our home we have limited opportunities to improve the environment, but in our home we can do a lot.

At home we want to feel free, relax and do things that we like. We want to eat, sleep, exercise, maybe work, and socialize with friends and family. We spend many hours at home. Naturally, we want our home to be as comfortable and healthy as possible.

What surroundings make you happy? What things do you like to have around you? Feeling good at home is a matter of physical as well as mental and social well-being. Look around you and think about what changes can be made in your home environment. Start with something small, one step at a time. Make a small change every day, and after a week the difference will be considerable.

Your home - a place for personal growth and well-being

Your home should be a refuge where you can hide from the rest of the world and find strength to go on with life. Why not follow these ten steps:

Put away things that you don't need. Too many things disturb the eye and make it hard to relax. Only surround yourself with things that you need or things that will enrich your life.
Stick to a few colours ? two or three ? for each room, instead of mixing many different colours. This will help you create a calm and balanced atmosphere.
Make sure you have good ventilation. Leave doors between rooms open for better air circulation, and open windows when possible.
Don't smoke in your home. Ask your visitors to smoke outside.
Choose area rugs instead of carpets when possible.
Use cleaning products with low-toxic content.
Choose furniture and fittings made of non-toxic materials.
Make sure your sleeping place is comfortable and healthy. The pillow is important. Do you often wake up with a headache? You might need a new pillow.
Make your kitchen table as pleasant and welcoming as possible. When you sit down to eat you must be able to relax and enjoy your meal. Are there papers or magazines on the table? Too many different colours? Keep it simple and clean.
Buy some new flowers for your home. Decorate your home with candle lights. Small simple things like these will influence your well-being.

Building Your Own Home

2008-06-27T22:43:00.003+07:00

Most people think building their own home involves vast knowledge of all aspects of the home building process. The impression of most people is they don't really know enough to build their own home. Let's face it, most of us know a little about the process. Some of us may know a lot about one aspect or the other involved in building a home. You may know how to paint or do carpentry work or lay tile, but you probably don't know everything about home building.

What is so different about building a home than the rest of major tasks that we take on in our everyday lives? Right now I am typing on my laptop over a wireless connection that is networked to the Internet. Do I know how all this works? Nope, I just knew how to put it all together and eureka, I can do it! Well we all know it is not that simple sometimes with computers, but my point is you don't need to know everything about something to do it.

In this age of the Internet with it's endless sources of information and connection to other people that have the knowledge you need, almost anything is possible. So why is building your own home any different? It isn't really, let me tell you why. First a little background about the building process.

Most of us buy a home that is built by a builder, or general contractor. The General Contractors hire Sub-Contractors to do the work, or essentially build the homes. The Subs put up the framing, roofing, siding, flooring etc? Normally the General contractors employ building supervisors to watch over the building process. They are the managers that have day-to-day contact with the subs. This process is not really complicated.

So what is so mysterious about building your own home? What do the builders have access to that you don't? Nothing, this is the fact that not to many people know. I built my own home. Am I some kind of rocket scientist, not hardly? The fact is you can save thousands of dollars and have the home of your dreams. We saved 40% and have a beautiful home that is exactly what we wanted.

You have access to the Building Contractors, House Plans, land, materials and financing. You just don't know it! You see the General Contractors just put it all together and present it to the masses, at a hefty markup of course!

Building your own home is very similar to all the other important tasks that you have mastered in your life. You study the information follow a process and commit to the task. Is it easy no, is it worth it, yes.