Wishing Well

Design a Shabby Chic Kitchen

2012-05-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Re-design a modern styled kitchen with shabby chic for a versatile and casual look. Look for shabby chic furnishings and inspiration from flea markets, garage sales and antique stores. Re-use some of the decor you already have in your home by re-inventing it in the kitchen. Shabby chic design gives your kitchen a functional and relaxed atmosphere. Get creative with the use of color to make your kitchen look chic and shabby. Paint kitchen walls a light toned aqua or soft green for a cool background. These tones impart a vintage look in a contemporary kitchen. Use either of these greens with white furniture and accessories for a real shabby chic decor. Bright red accessories add a brilliant contrast and help to create visual focal spots throughout the kitchen. Teal is a complementary color that goes well with shabby chic design; re-paint aged or worn wood cabinets with a bright teal to bolster up an otherwise neutral color scheme. Sand the edges of the cabinets to give them a distressed look. Almost any kind of old, discarded and aged piece of furniture goes well in a shabby chic kitchen. Use different styles of dining chairs for an eclectic mix. Paint each chair a different color, and scuff up the surfaces with a bit of sandpaper to create the illusion of wear and tear. Add a small, round wood or metal table and paint a milky shade of cream or white, sand with sandpaper for a distressed appearance. Incorporate an antique armoire for storage of your china, teapots or cookbooks. Old bookcases serve a useful purpose for storage as well in a shabby chick kitchen. Use accessories as the icing on the cake to design a shabby chic kitchen. Colorful Fiestware looks beautiful when displayed together and is perfect for every day use as well. Old linen tea towels with monograms or floral designs are useful and pretty. Check antique shops for old linens of all kinds. Lace doilies add a touch of whimsy to any tabletop. Add oversize stoneware crocks to fill a niche on shelves. Display antique mechanical toys on shelves. China pitcher and wash basins are beautiful pieces that fit well within a shabby chic decor. Frame old black and white family photographs, and hang them on the wall in a grouping. Arrange antique teddy bears in random areas around the room to surprise the eye, or place one into the corner of an overstuffed chair. Stack old, wooden hatboxes or cheese boxes on top of the fridge or cabinets. Vintage quilts may be used as wall art for a burst of color and softness. With just a few simple touches and additions like paint and soft furnishings, you can turn your ordinary, run of the mill kitchen into a shabby chic kitchen in no time.

2012-03-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you lucky enough to have a log home, here are a few design tips that can help cozy up your place.

Log homes present unusual design challenges. Filled with natural or stained wood, often with small windows, log homes are sometimes dark and dull. Inexpensive design ideas abound for livening up the interior space of a log home, ranging from paint and furniture to accessories and collections. With just a few additions, your log home will stand out from the rest.

If you have a newer looking kitchen in your log home, make the kitchen a little older and rustic looking. Often a couple of walls in the kitchen are plain drywall or are not constructed of log. Paint these walls in a whitewash finish, or paint them a retro shade of cream, yellow or green. Change the cabinet hardware to reflect an older look; install white porcelain or clear glass knobs and handles. Beadboard cabinetry is reminiscent of older homes and is casual enough to suit a log home. Use a plain pine table rather than a standard island seen in modern kitchens. Use vintage brackets to make open shelving for dishes and serving pieces.

Decor in log cabin bathrooms doesn't have to be the standard moose or bear theme. Look for vintage claw-foot bathtubs. Add painted, white pressed tin for a wall covering or aged looking ceiling. Alternatively, stencil early-American designs on the walls. Old chenille bedspreads can be easily converted into novel shower curtains. Add an old armoire for storage if you have the space. Use a large pedestal sink with an oversize mirror in a antique frame.

Keep bedrooms simple with basic furnishings. Shaker style or mission style furniture is optimal for their clean lines and simplicity. Add braided rugs over hardwood floors to add warmth, texture and color. Look for accessories that are worn, crackled and peeling. These characteristics add old world charm. Salvaged materials can be found from condemned buildings, such as fireplace mantels, door knobs, barn doors and stained glass windows. Use an old barn door as a headboard if you like, and replace modern doorknobs with the old-fashioned glass type. Fashion curtains from sheet sets, and mix and match quilts with chenille bedspreads.

Best Colors for Kitchens

2012-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Best Colors for Kitchens

How to Be a Budget Decorator

2012-01-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

How to Be a Budget Decorator

2011-11-04T13:46:00.001-07:00

2011-10-31T08:10:00.001-07:00

One of the most nutritious and easily digested foods on the earth is the hemp seed. Hemp seeds contain all of the following: protein, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Hemp is truly a food that can sustain all of man's dietary needs. Hemp seed has many health benefits, which can be easily obtained by adding hemp seed to the diet.

Benefits

One of the most important features of hemp seed is that it is a superior source of protein. It also contains a wide variety of minerals and vitamins, but its most distinctive property is that it provides both omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, or EFAs. These acids are known as linoleic and alpha-linolenic, respectively. What makes these essential oils crucial is that they are not manufactured in the human body, and must be consumed as food. Hemp has an optimal ratio of these two fats at 3:1. According to a Greek research study, a health-promoting ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is no higher than 4:1.
Function

Essential fatty acids are critical for keeping the heart healthy. Substituting healthy fats which are polyunsaturated like hemp oil for fats that are saturated can dramatically reduce the chance of having a sudden heart attack or even fatal cardiac arrhythmia. These healthful fats also help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and remove cellular buildup in the arteries that is often paired with atherosclerosis.

Hemp seed also contains something called phytosterols, which can help to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Types

Hemp seeds can be pressed into a high quality polyunsaturated oil, and are also made into a seed cake. Hemp seed oil can be eaten plain or mixed into other food items such as salads and breads. Hemp seed cakes can be ground and made into hemp flour to be used for baking.

Hulled hemp seeds, or nuts, can be widely used in recipes.
Hemp Oil

Hemp seed oil is highly emollient and can be used directly on the skin to nourish and regenerate. Hemp seed oil is capable of deeply penetrating the skin, rather than just sitting on top of the skin. This action works to prevent the aging of the skin, by allowing the essential fatty acids to fully penetrate the outer layer of skin, and encouraging a healthy moisture balance.
Effects

Hemp contains more of the beneficial amino acids than proteins such as milk, eggs or meat.

Hemp is a complete source of protein and is easily digestible.

Hemp seed contains almost seven times more omega-3 fatty acids than fish. It also provides an option for those unable to eat gluten, meat, sugar and milk. It is a good addition to a diet for those concerned about avoiding carbohydrates.

Type of Glass Used In Sun Ornaments

2011-10-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Type of Glass Used In Sun Ornaments

Soap Recipes-Easy Steps for Homemade Soap

2011-10-30T14:12:00.001-07:00

Soap-making using the cold processed method is the most basic method of making homemade soap from scratch. Cold process refers to the fact that there is no cooking of ingredients involved, merely the melting of oils. Palm and coconut oil are traditionally used in the cold process to create luscious, gentle, superb lathering soaps that are a pleasure to bathe with.

Beginner 4.5 Pound Soap Recipe

This recipe will make just under 4.5 pounds of soap.

16oz Canola Oil
16 oz. Coconut Oil
16 oz. Palm Oil
6.9 oz. Lye (5% superfatted)
15.8 oz. Water

You may also add fragrance oils of your choosing and coloring.
Beginner 6.5 Pound Soap Recipe

This cold process recipe make just over 6.5 pounds of soap.

5 oz. Canola Oil
5 oz. Castor Oil
32 oz. Coconut Oil
32 oz. Palm Oil
11 oz. Lye (5% superfatted)
24.4 oz. Water

It is optional to add fragrance to your soap mixture as well as coloring.
General Instructions for Making Cold Process Soap

To begin the soap-making process you will need a special work area that is well ventilated. Make sure you have safety goggles, gloves, and that you are wearing long sleeves.

First Step: You will need to put on safety goggles, gloves and long sleeves.

Second Step: Add the lye to the water. Stir very well, making sure you don't breathe in the fumes. Put the mixture to the side and let cool until each reaches a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. If your work area is not well ventilated, it is recommended to put the lye mixture outside to cool.

Third Step: Mix the oils together, and melt. Cool the oil mixture to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, or to within five degrees of the lye mixture.

Fourth Step: Add the lye mixture to the oils you have melted. Stir together until the mixture looks like a thin pudding. This is called the trace stage. You may want to use a stick mixer to speed up the process. It may take up to an hour to reach the trace stage if you are stirring by hand.

Fifth Step: Pour the soap mixture into soap molds. You may pop out the soap after about three to five days. After popping out the soap, it will have to sit for an additional four to six weeks to cure completely, and complete the saponification process. After the soap is completely cured, you may cut into bars, and begin using.

Read more: Palm & Coconut Oil Cold Processed Soap Recipes | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5201750_palm-cold-processed-soap-recipes.html#ixzz1cIm2LxFj

Five Foods That Can Help Improve Your Memory

2011-10-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

Five Foods That Can Help Improve Your Memory

Vitamin C and Its Advantages

2011-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Vitamin C and Its Advantages

How to Eat Out Without Gaining Weight

2011-10-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

How to Eat Out Without Gaining Weight

Easy Ways to Reduce Stress

2011-10-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Easy Ways to Reduce Stress

Clean Naturally with Lemon

2011-10-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Clean Naturally with Lemon

How to Stage Your Home When It's for Sale

2011-10-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

How to Stage Your Home When It's for Sale

How to Customize a Small Kitchen

2011-09-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

How to Customize a Small Kitchen

How to Line Dresser Drawers With Fabric and Other options

2011-09-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

How to Line Dresser Drawers With Fabric and Other options

Check out Scentsy!

2011-09-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scentsy/252464514774872

Treating Allergies with Herbal Remedies

2011-08-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Treating Allergies with Herbal Remedies

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Migraine

2011-08-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Migraine

Best Designer Interior Wall Colors

2011-08-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Best Designer Interior Wall Colors

How to Customize a Small Kitchen

2011-08-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

How to Customize a Small Kitchen

Create Aged and Distressed Wood Finishes

2011-08-16T03:26:00.001-07:00

Regardless of whether you are refinishing a piece of furniture or a wood floor, the antiquing and distressing process can transform the look and feel of wood. New furniture can be made to look old and newer wood floors can be aged to reflect years of wear and tear. The process of distressing wood is much the same, regardless of the surface, and takes a small amount of time. Most of the supplies needed for this project can be found in your local hardware or home improvement store.

Step 1

Place some miscellaneous nuts and bolts in a canvas bag that closes. Close the bag and hit the surface of the wood with the nuts and bolts. This will produce indentations in the surface of the wood. Do this in a random manner; you don't want to create a predictable pattern.

Step 2

Use a chisel and hammer to create more distress in the surface of the wood. In a random manner, hit the surface of the wood with the chisel and hammer; create gouges and marks throughout the surface. Concentrate on surfaces that tend to see the most wear, such as edges and legs of furniture, or in the middle of a floor.

Step 3

Apply a water-based stain to the wood with either a paintbrush for a small area or a paint roller for a large area such as a floor. Make sure to fill in the gouges and marks that have been added with the nuts, bolts, hammer and chisel. These marks will then stand out because they are slightly darker from the stain. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly.

Step 4

Create rings on the surface of the wood. Fill tin cans of various sizes with hot water and place them randomly on the surface of the wood. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process will produce dark rings on the surface of the wood.

Step 5

Apply a coat of clear polyurethane sealer with a paintbrush or a paint roller, depending on the size of the surface. Allow to dry completely.
Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Nuts and bolts
Canvas bag
Chisel and hammer
Water-based stain
Paintbrush or paint roller
Metal cans
Clear polyurethane sealer

How to Paint Over Formica Cabinets

2011-08-16T03:25:00.001-07:00

If you are stuck with old, outdated Formica cabinets, you might be wondering just how to reinvigorate them. Replacing them may be expensive, but painting them might do the trick. A quick coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of your Formica cupboards and take them from drab and dingy to renewed and beautiful. Most of the supplies for this project are available at your local home improvement or hardware store.

Step 1

Remove the hardware from the cabinets, including hinges. Place cabinet doors and drawers in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2

Clean the surface of the Formica with clean water and a sponge. Dry completely. Put on your safety goggles.

Step 3

Sand the cabinets with fine-grade sandpaper to rough up the surface. Roughing up the surface of the cabinets allows the paint to adhere properly. Remove all dust with a soft cloth. Tape any areas you don't want painted with painter's tape.

Step 4

Apply one coat of primer paint with a paint roller to all of the cabinet surfaces. Allow to dry completely.

Step 5

Apply a coat of latex paint to the surface of the cabinets and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply one more coat if desired and allow to dry. Once dry, remove the painter's tape carefully.

Step 6

Reattach hardware and hinges to the cabinets. Reattach cabinet doors and drawers to the cabinets.
Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Water
Sponge
Safety goggles
Fine-grade sandpaper
Soft cloth
Painter's tape
Primer paint
Latex paint
Paint rollers

Decorate Ball Canning Jars

2011-08-16T03:23:00.001-07:00

The original Ball canning jar has become something of a legend in American folklore. Used originally for canning purposes, canning jars today holds all sorts of items--from sewing supplies to cookie mixes. Decorate canning jars to set them apart from each other. Decoupage, painting and covering with cloth are just some of the options used to decorate Ball canning jars today. Jars decorated in various ways make great gifts for a special person in your life, or even yourself.

Step 1

Clear out the jars and make sure they are clean and dry.

Step 2

Create decoupage on the canning jar. Tear up decorative papers, such as gift wrap, tissue paper or magazine paper, into small pieces of between 2 to 5 inches. Apply a layer of white glue with a small paintbrush to the exterior part of a canning jar. Lay the papers one at a time onto the glued jar, smoothing down as you go. Overlap areas and continue to smooth to prevent bubbles. Cover the entire jar, except for where the lid fits on. Apply another layer of white glue over the paper pieces on the jar. Let dry completely. Apply one coat of clear sealer to protect the decoupage.

Step 3

Paint decorative designs on the canning jars with decorative glass paints. These may be applied with a very small paintbrush, or alternatively, they may be applied by using a squeeze tube of glass paint. This type of paint will provide a three-dimensional effect. Make a checkerboard pattern, paint daisies or ivy. Paint hearts in different colors for a romantic gift.

Step 4

Cut out a fabric round. Place the jar lid on some fabric and cut out a round shape. Add 2 inches all around. Glue this fabric round on top of the canning jar lid and secure with twine, yarn or ribbon. Make fabric labels to identify the contents of the jar. Make rectangle shaped labels and write on them with fabric paint. Glue to the side of the jar. This is great for cookie and soup mixes.

Step 5

Glue buttons on top of the jar lid. Use the jar as a sewing kit. Create a pin cushion on top of the jar by adding some quilt batting to the lid and gluing fabric over it. Trim with ribbon and place on top of the jar.

Farmhouse Style in the Kitchen

2011-08-16T03:21:00.001-07:00

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you are updating an old farmhouse kitchen to coordinate with a contemporary lifestyle, or adding old farmhouse style to a modern kitchen, the casual and comfortable farmhouse style makes any kitchen warm and welcoming. Add earthy colors, soothing textures, and aged or antique furniture to bring the farmhouse style into your kitchen.

Colors

Various colors work well in farmhouse-style kitchens. Paint walls a natural, buttery yellow for a serene backdrop. Saffron yellow walls add a sense of vibrancy and energy to a farmhouse kitchen. Pair yellow walls with white cabinetry and dark hardwood floors for a sense of balance and visual interest. Accent pieces in aqua or blue provide a nice counterpoint to yellow or warmer hues. Barn red tones are often used in farmhouse kitchens, adorning the walls and even old, roughly textured furniture. When paired with black accents and teal accessories, red makes a stunning statement.

Antiques

Antiques are a welcome addition to a farmhouse kitchen. Opt for a whitewashed antique sideboard that can be used for storage. Vintage ranges, while not always operational, provide an unusual option for storage with plenty of nooks and crannies to hold kitchen supplies. Repurpose antique jelly cupboards to store pottery and glassware. Hoosier cabinets that date from the 1930s that are painted and restored give plenty of storage and structure to a modern farmhouse kitchen. Many antique furnishings can be found at flea markets and garage sales as well as traditional antique stores.

Accessories

Infuse country character into your farmhouse kitchen with the addition of colorful, old accessories. Now is the time to showcase the items that have been collecting dust in your closet. Display milk glass pieces, carnival glass and other treasured, breakable items in cabinets with glass doors. Keep like colors together for a cohesive look and more impact. Enamelware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from pitchers to bowls, and looks lovely when displayed. Fresh flowers add color and a sense of nature and life to a farmhouse kitchen. Groupings of baskets not only provide textural interest but provide storage as well.