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Babyproofing & Beyond – Safe, Stylish Shelving Options For Busy Family Homes

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 09:00:10 +0000

Shelves are a decorating and organizing staple fulfilling numerous roles throughout the home. Aside from how they look and how they’re used, most people don’t really give shelves a second thought… until a small child is introduced to the scene! Suddenly shelves are redefined as anything from a safety hazard to parents’ last resort for hands-off display.

Here are several ways parents of busy toddlers can address the safety issues posed by certain types of shelves, plus a few tips for adding stylish storage and display space to any room without adding safety hazards.

Safety First! Avoid Tipping, Climbing and Falls

Any tall or heavy wall unit should be secured to the wall with easy-to-install furniture anchors. Anchors or furniture straps secure the full unit and are effective in preventing dangerous tipping accidents, but safety concerns still remain. Often, individual shelves are not secured and can be flipped or pulled out by a curious toddler, and shelves beginning at floor level just beg to be climbed. A few simple changes can solve these problems and even add a decorative touch.

Reconfigure Built-In Shelving and Wall Units

If shelves are permanent in the unit, simply move fragile or hands-off items to higher levels, or out of the unit entirely if your child is prone to climb. Store a selection of toys, books or kid-friendly decor on the lower two or three shelves to divert attention from the upper shelves and reduce the urge to climb. If shelves are removable, remove the lower two or three shelves to leave an opening of about three feet at the bottom of the shelf unit. Create a stylish arrangement with a mix of decorative storage boxes or baskets, these can even be used as toy boxes, or add durable decor items.

Keep Decor and Fragile Items in Place with a Museum-Tested Solution

Museum Gel and Quake-Hold Putty are adhesive products designed to keep decorative objects secure, an ideal answer for displaying fragile items in busy homes. Both the gel and putty versions are easy to apply and remove, but create a surprisingly strong bond to help prevent items tipping or falling if the shelving unit is jarred.

Add Kid-Smart Space with Wall-Mounted Shelves

If you don’t have enough space to move fragile decor out of reach, consider adding wall-mounted shelves. Multi-shelf units that mount directly to the wall are ideal for hands-off display and storage. Ready-made units are available in a variety of sizes and styles, or you can fashion a shelf unit using inexpensive bracket shelving materials found at any hardware store.

Style Tip: A secret to making inexpensive bracket shelving more attractive is painting the wall-mounted brackets the same color as the wall. Then simply cover unfinished wood shelves tightly in coordinating fabric. Easy and decorative!

Display Fragile Accents on Ledge Shelves or Sconces

Ledge shelves and wall sconces install directly to the wall and eliminate climbing concerns. Both ledge and sconce-style shelves are available in many sizes and styles to complement any decor and add interest just about anywhere. Try one over a window; stagger, stack or align three on a spacious wall; create a tiered mantle by stacking two or three above a fireplace; or embellish the walls of a wide hallway with a collection of different styles and sizes.

Krista Fabregas founded KidSmartLiving.com in 1999 to help parents combine safety, livability and style in a home that’s welcoming to family members of all ages. Find more KidSmart child safety, home decorating and living ideas at KidSmartLiving.com and on the KidSmartLiving @ Home Blog

The Benefits Of Invacare Electric Wheel Chairs

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:34:09 +0000

Invacare Electric wheelchairs and scooters come in many different sizes and varieties to fit your personal needs. Invacare sells a variety of products, from canes to electric scooters, to assist with mobility. Because of the wide array of medical products that Invacare has available, it is easy to find a local supplier if you need parts or accessories. Invacare electric wheel chairs are available in pediatric size through adult including obese adult capacity.

Pediatric electric wheel chairs, such as Invacare® Pronto® M71(TM) jr., are built with the user in mind. This chair has an expandable seat so the chair can grow with the child. The controls are customizable so the chair can be controlled by a child. As with the other chairs in this series the chair can recline/tilt for comfort.

Invacare electric wheelchairs electronics are designed for ease of use. Chairs can be set-up for left hand or right hand control. Specialized controls made to fit the needs of the chair owner are available. Speed controls that increase or decrease the pace of the chair are included on the controls.

The safety tie-downs that hold your electric wheelchair in place while you go for a ride in your vehicle (or in the school bus) have been tested and the transport tie-down options on Invacare electric wheel chairs are safer then traditional brackets used on other chairs. These tie-downs have been crash-tested and the tie-down locations are clearly marked for ease of use.

Playing outdoors on rough terrain is made possible with the surestep® technology. Electric wheelchairs with surestep® technology can climb over small curbs and even up into the neighbor’s lush lawn to play tag (but you have to supply the neighbor kids to play tag with). Surestep® is a patented automatic system that helps to keep the ride as smooth as possible while climbing over rocks, bumps, and small curbs. Don’t be jealous if you aren’t a child anymore, Invacare has adult size models with these features as well.

In fact, the features don’t stop there. Invacare electric wheelchairs can be customized to fit your personal needs. Invacare has chairs with features to help you to be independent. If you need to reach things from the top shelf frequently the Tarsys® elevating seat on the Pronto(TM)R2 Power Wheelchair may be right for you.

The Invacare line includes chairs that are front-wheel drive, back-wheel drive, and center-wheel drive. To decide on the type that fits you best you need to evaluate how you are going to use your chair. Center-drive chairs have a small turn radius, this makes them a popular choice for indoor-use.

Fold-able travel chairs are made to be lighter so you can take them with you in the car. These chairs aren’t made for using all day every day. Travel chairs are made for trips to the store, the doctor’s office, and for taking with you on a short vacation. Travel chairs include the Invacare P9000 XDT, the Invacare Nutron R51 and the Invacare Nutron R51 LXP Folding Power Wheelchair- all three of these have rear-wheel drive. The Nutron R51 LXP can go as fast as 6 MPH so you can keep up with your family on vacation.

Many of the Invacare electric wheelchairs break down into 7 pieces for travel, this isn’t the same as a travel chair. Even though these break down they are still difficult to transport. On top of that, putting the 7 pieces back together takes time while the travel chairs just unfold and the chair is ready to use.

The seats on Invacare electric wheelchairs can be customized to fit your needs. Reclining seats go anywhere from a slight tilt to fully laying down. Foot rests are also able to be used in many different positions. The height adjustment available on some chairs makes getting in and out of the chair easier. Adjust the chair to match the height of the surface you are getting on or off of and you can easily slide in or out of the chair.

Invacare also has a line of motorized medical scooters for people who like to go on walks or are out and about often. If you are in need of a motorized chair for primarily outdoor use along with grocery shopping and other related activities a medical scooter might be what you are looking for.

Looking for more information on invacare manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs tool kit and power wheelchairs reviews [http://www.wheelchariot.com/Wheelchairs-Shopping-101.asp]?

Decorating with Metal Brackets

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:34:32 +0000

When many people think of metal brackets they usually envision unattractive industrial styled pieces of angled metal that support shelving in closets and garages. While that type of bracket still has its place there is also a wonderful assortment of architecturally inspired decorative brackets that can be used for shelving supports and so much more.

There is a large selection of decorative architectural brackets available; sturdy cast iron brackets, unique forged iron brackets, quality wrought iron brackets, and beautifully detailed aluminum brackets, and many are available in a variety of custom colors.

Materials Used In Decorative Metal Brackets

Aluminum Brackets:

Aluminum is a silvery-white metallic element, having good conductive and thermal properties. It is used to form many hard, light-weight, corrosion-resistant parts. The aluminum castings used in our brackets are poured from ingots equal to or better than no. 319 alloy, giving them strength and durability at approximately 1/3 the weight of iron.

Cast Iron Brackets:

Unlike wrought iron, cast iron is too hard and brittle to be shaped by hammering, rolling, or pressing. However, because it is more rigid and more resistant to buckling than other forms of iron, it can withstand great compression loads. Cast iron has the benefit of mass production. Once the mold is made many copies can be produced for reasonable cost.

Tole Iron Brackets:

Tole is metal that has been rolled into thin sheets. It is cut and formed into designs such as leaves and welded to the forged brackets.

Wrought / Forged Iron Brackets:

The term forged means hammered and shaped on an anvil when hot, usually prior to being wrought or added to a wrought design. Wrought iron designs are made by heating and bending or forming the rods of wrought iron.

Ideas For Using Decorative Metal Brackets

With sizes ranging from @ 4″ to 24″ corner brackets can be used for everything from supporting shelves and counters to framing windows and doorways. With so many stunning designs to choose from decorative brackets are sure to spark your creativity.

Corner Brackets

Corner brackets offer a unique way to give an ordinary doorway or window an extraordinary new look. Just mount a set of ornate brackets in the corners of an opening to decorate a doorway or embellish an entrance. Corner brackets can also be attached to posts to add an element of architectural detail on your front or screened-in porch. Decorative brackets are available in styles ranging in design from traditional to rustic so there is sure to be something to blend with your application.

Counter Support Brackets

Wrought and cast iron brackets are available in styles designed to blend in with almost any decor. They are perfect for the home owner who is looking for something different and unique. Although not initially designed to support counter overhangs their fundamental shape and strength makes them a viable alternative to wood brackets or corbels. Many home owners as well as kitchen designers have beautifully enhanced their kitchens design with decorative iron brackets.

Hanging Brackets

Decorative hanging brackets are useful throughout your home and garden. Available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, they can be used as a creative way to beautifully support a plant, bird feeder or hang a candle holder.

Mailbox Brackets

The intricate details and assortment of designs available in aluminum and iron brackets combine function and charm when used as a decorative mailbox support.

Mantle Brackets

An attractive alternative to wood brackets decorative cast or wrought iron brackets are also a great way to support a mantle above the fireplace.

Shelf Brackets

Wrought iron shelf brackets make eye-catching, inexpensive home accents that provide a striking alternative to more traditional shelving. Bracket supported shelves can be used throughout your home. Place them above a kitchen or living room window and line with plants or stagger them along a wall to display books and artwork. Shelf brackets come in a variety sizes and styles that will add a tasteful yet functional accent to your project.

Valerie Kirves is the owner of Iron Accents. Her iron decor expert articles – provide helpful information, news and informative articles on how to use wrought iron furniture and accessories to beautifully decorate your home. For more useful information on decorating with iron and metal visit http://www.ironaccents.com and http://www.ironaccents.com/blog.

Guidelines to Consider For Your Next Flight

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:51:08 +0000

Here are three guidelines to keep in mind next time you’re planning on taking a flight. This article should prepare you for the wonderful experience of flying on a commercial airliner.

1. You might be tempted to sample the on-flight food, but save yourself some time and don’t even bother. It’s usually hard to tell exactly what animal it comes from, since neither the taste nor appearance provides any hints.

Of course, you’ll be hungry on a long flight, so you’ll still want something to eat. Bring something tasty in your carry-on so you actually have some control over what you’re eating. You’re probably safe drinking the airline’s water, though I wouldn’t put it past them to somehow get that wrong.

Some of my favorite in-flight snacks include good bread and some fruits and vegetables. Apples and bananas always make good flight snacks. If you’d like something a bit more substantial, try packing a disposable plastic container with some kind of pasta. Whatever you decide to bring, make sure you pack enough to last through the flight.

2. Thinking of bringing your children or babies? Think again. It’s almost always a disaster, especially with babies. Leave the kids with a babysitter and you’ll be thanking yourself when you’re enjoying a relatively stress-free flight. If the flight is just going to last a few hours, you may be able to bring the kids without too much trouble.

International and cross-country flights, however, are a different story. Your kid may suddenly decide to manifest his or her motion sickness for the first time on a flight, leaving you in a very precarious situation involving a puking child. I’ve had the experience of caring for a baby on a 24-hour flight, and it’s something I never plan on doing again.

3. What type of luggage should you bring? For the flight, bring a small fanny pack and your carry-on, which can be used to store toiletries, food, and clothing.

Keep your credit cards, money, and tickets in the fanny pack, and be sure to keep the pouch facing forward. Don’t get too attached to your checked luggage – there’s a good chance it’ll be damaged, lost, stolen, or otherwise inexplicably obliterated.

I hope that this guide has gotten you excited for your upcoming flight. Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

If you want to save space at home, get wood shelf brackets and wire storage shelves.

Most Popular Office Pens

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:17:06 +0000

We use many types of pens in our daily lives; from jotting notes to writing in journals or just day-to-day paperwork. There are many brands of pens to choose from, and this article will discuss some of the best office pens available in the market today.

Waterman Ball Point Pen

One of the most reliable of office pens in the market, the Waterman ball point pen is considered one of the best and used in thousands of offices around the world. Made with advanced technology precision, this office pen has an ideal weight balance and a very good grip. The color of the ink has good clarity and writing with this apparatus is always a breeze. The Waterman Ball Point Pen has a refined style and feel, and is a good choice as it’s also very durable.

Pilot Dr. Grip LTD

This gel ink pen does not come cheap, it is about $10 for one, but its attributes are wonderful; and this is the high-end pen for any office, usually used by executives and top level management members. The LTD, although a gel pen, (which is known to leak on occasions) is completely dependable and almost always turns out smudge proof. The grip is almost perfect and the ink flows like silk on paper. The color of ink is very dark but still possesses great attributes.

BIC Intensity

This is another type of popular office pens which utilizes a gel-based ink. This writing apparatus glides smoothly, albeit having smudging capabilities if used on papers with glossy surfaces. Overall, this is a dependable and inexpensive pen with an impressive time life.

Waterford Killbarry Guilloche Rollerball Pen

This is tehnically not the run-of-the-mill office pen, but has to be included for various reasons; one, it is made out of sturdy brass and accented with platinum facets. It is wonderful to get this work of art as a ten year anniversary work present from colleagues or the boss. When used, the Waterford Killbarry relays an exquisite texture and a luxurious feel. The ink is quite dark, but appears very clear and precise on paper. It does somewhat resemble an antique fountain pen with no cushion or grip. This is a pen used for signing documents and not for everyday writing.

Uniball Jetstream Premier

This is another office pen of choice for many Companies. This roller ball pen writes evenly and has a reliable ink flow due to a good cartridge. The Uniball Jetstream Permier has a pliable and silent clicking action; not annoying like many similar retractable versions. It works well for document-writing and has a good shelf-life. The design is quite intelligent but the grip is something that needs to get used to. This pen is definitely for those who do a lot of writing, like reports and documenting.

Pentel Tko

This is quite a reliable office pen and has been used for awhile in many places. The shape is tapered with a clear shaft so the ink levels may be observed. Comfort grip is good and easily controlled. The ink color runs smooth and this is inexpensive to boot.

DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of promotional products from beer mugs and champagne flutes to tote bags and pens.

Where to Use Glass Shelving For Easy Maintenance

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:17:18 +0000

Today, people are looking for unique and interesting ways to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of their homes. Glass is always popular when decorating because it is generally very affordable and also adds a touch of class. One of the ways that glass is being utilized to give homes a modern look is glass shelving. Glass shelves add a degree of modernity and elegance and can free up extra space around the home.

To begin, shelves made of glass have been becoming more and more common. Traditionally, this type of shelf has been found in display cases like curios. This is because they are housed securely out of the reach of children and other causers of destruction. However, with the new wall mounts that have been created, these kinds of apparatus are being found in more places than just a display case.

Wall mounts have allowed these kinds of shelves to branch out to all rooms and areas of the home. One place where they can be fixed to is corners of any room. This is because certain types of shelves are made to fit perpendicularly to a house’s corners. Fix the wall mount to the corner and fasten the glass shelf inside to decorate this part of any room.

Another place that glass shelves can be placed is in the middle of the wall. The innovation of the sturdy wall mounts has made free floating glass shelving possible. These pieces can hold up to 100 pounds of pressure, which allows for just about anything other than extremely heavy items to be placed on them. A homeowner can put their memorabilia, knick-knacks, pictures or special keepsakes for all to see.

Maintenance on these items is also relatively easy because it only requires window cleaner to keep them clean. However, it is important in remembering to take special care when removing the shelving from its brackets or placing items on them so as not to scratch or actually break the glass. Remember, they may be sturdy, but in the end these shelves are still made of glass.

Glass shelving can be added to just about any room to give it a new and modern feel which can bolster the overall appeal of the home. These shelves are located in display cases, entertainment centers, corners of a room, or can be free floating against the wall. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a good addition to any household.

For more information on heavy duty shelving, or heavy duty rack, click on one of the previous links.

Types of Store Fixtures

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:00:10 +0000

Store fixtures are used for visual merchandising and display. Different types of store fixtures are slatwall fixtures, gridwall fixtures, clothing store fixtures, hangers, display cases, shopping bags, jewelry displays, gondola shelves and mannequins. Store fixtures offer maximum exposure to products.

There are different sizes and colors of slatwall store fixtures. Slatwall is also referred to as slatboard, slotwall or grooved board. Slatwall can be used to display clothes, accessories, equipments and jewelry. The different types of slatwall store fixtures are panels, hooks, faceouts, floor fixtures, wire displays, wire baskets, wire shelves, corner forms, brochure holders, and acrylic displays. Hangers are another type of store fixture used to display clothing. Different types of hangers are wooden hangers, metal hangers and plastic hangers.

Display case provides security to the retailer. There are economy style and aluminum frame style display cases. This includes full vision, half vision, open cases, jewelry and register stands. Other type of display cases are special tower, countertop, oak cases, pedestal cases, portable and custom fixtures. Different types of store fixtures are used for jewelry displays. This include store fixtures for necklace, bracelet, ring display, chain and jewelry watch. Different materials used in jewelry store fixtures are acrylic, metal and wood and velvet.

Other types of store fixtures are gridwall panel and gridwall hooks. They can be used on the wall or floor in any store. Grid wall panels can be customized. Gridwall store fixtures include wire shelves, shelf brackets, grid exhibit, mini grid, sign holders, connectors and floor fixtures. Shopping bags are another type of store fixtures. Different types of shopping bags are white craft bags, tinted bags, natural craft, shopping baskets and Christmas bags.

Store fixture collections are used to display collection of products. This includes designer collection, metal store fixtures, ladder system, chain link and golf display. Gondola shelves are used for heavy duty products. These are made of steel and can support heavy products. Different sizes of gondola shelves are available. Mannequins are dummies usually used to display clothes. Mannequins store fixtures include adult mannequins, children, flexible, sports and system mannequins.

Store Fixtures provides detailed information on Store Fixtures, Store Fixture Parts, Metal Store Fixtures, Antique Store Fixtures and more. Store Fixtures is affiliated with POS Systems.

Organizing Tips to Tame the Toy Room

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:17:06 +0000

If you’ve got kids, you’ve got toys. Tired of tripping over dolls, trucks, and blocks? Here are some tips on how to organize the toys so that they don’t take over your home.

Most parents admit that their kids have too many toys, so the first step is to pare down. When purging toys, divide and conquer by sorting into 3 piles:

1. Damaged: toys that are broken or missing parts (these will be tossed)

2. Outcasts: toys that the kids have outgrown or never really played with in the first place (these will be sent to charity)

3. Favorites: toys that are enjoyed on a regular basis (these stay)

When taking toys to charity, get your children involved. Once they see the value in giving to those less fortunate, they may be more willing to let go.

Toy Storage Tips:

o Having too many toys in the playroom overwhelms kids just as much as parents. You can cut down on excess toys by rotating them. Get a large plastic storage container, label it ‘toy library’ and place a selection of toys inside it. Put the lid on the container and store it in an out-of-the way place for several months. Every so often, bring out the toy library and exchange the stored toys for other toys that the kids are bored with. The old toys will seem new again and engage the child’s interest.

o Organize the toy room in zones: The dress-up zone, the dolls zone, the play kitchen zone, the craft zone, the building block zone, etc. This is the model used to keep kindergarten classrooms organized.

o When it comes to storing toys, traditional wooden toy chests are not very useful. Most kids empty them out and climb in or small toys get all tangled up, damaged and forgotten.

o Use small, clear, open plastic bins (no lids) on shelves and sort toys into similar categories to make finding and tidying up a breeze. Label them with pictures if your child is too young to read. Small, lightweight containers with handles are easier to pull off the shelf.

o Make sure shelves are low (no more than 3 shelves high) so kids can reach their favorite toys. Secure shelving to the wall with brackets to avoid tipping.

o For older children, use plastic freezer bags that zip up to keep small game pieces or puzzle pieces together. (Small children may put the bags over their heads, which could pose a hazard).

o Use hooks or clothing trees to hang dress-up clothes.

o A colourful tackle box with dividers is an ideal way to store small doll accessories on the top and favorite Barbie’s on the bottom. Or, use it for Lego kits. Its portability is an added bonus when visiting grandparents or sleeping over at a friend’s house.

o Children’s books usually don’t have spines, so placing them on a bookshelf makes locating favorite books difficult. Solve this problem by storing books in plastic bins with the title of the books facing front.

Tips to Maintain a Tidy Toy Room:

o To keep the toy room tidy, have a 15-minute clean-up time everyday and explain to kids that the alternative is spending a whole Saturday cleaning up. Use a timer and put on some of their favorite music to add an element of novelty.

o Do your part to cut down on toy clutter. Loot bags brought home from birthday parties are usually big clutter culprits. For your child’s birthday parties, instead of handing out dollar store items that will end up on the floor, start a trend by giving $5. Gift cards from movie rental or book stores.

o When purchasing toys, choose those that stimulate imagination and creativity so children don’t lose interest. Examples: black board, art supplies and paper, instruments, dress-up clothes.

o Request that family members and friends give your children the gift of an experience instead of a toy. This includes taking them to an amusement park, a movie, a concert, or paying for some music or sports lessons.

Take the time to teach your children how to keep their toys organized and the whole family will enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Hellen Buttigieg, CPO®, is a Certified Professional Organizer®, life coach, TV Host and owner of We Organize U. She is a professional speaker and the author of the book Organizing Outside The Box. For tips on organizing your home, your office and your life, visit http://www.WeOrganizeU.com and sign up for Hellen’s free newsletter. To contact Hellen or for information on hiring a We Organize U organizing specialist, call 905-829-2219 or e-mail info@WeOrganizeU.com

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance of Wrought Iron Furniture

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:17:11 +0000

Wrought iron furniture and accessories are probably one of the most classy and versatile styles of furniture available in the market today. Whether you are purchasing one simply as household furniture or as a collector’s item, you can be assured that each unique piece will add a touch of elegance into your home. Wrought iron furniture can be matched with any type of furnishings whether it’s for an old fashioned house or a modern home. From candle holders to shelf brackets, its designs are suitable for Victorian, shabby chic or country home styles.

Although these pieces are long lasting and very durable, it still needs to be given appropriate attention. Wrought iron can be maintained easily but it does, however, have one disadvantage. It can rust easily. And so basically, the typical objective of cleaning wrought iron furniture will usually focus on how to remove the rust and prevent it.

Accessories which are placed inside your home will only need frequent dusting to keep the dirt off it. But if you want to take care of it the right way, then you can wash it with some hot water and mild detergent. Remember to use a soft wash cloth and carefully clean out all spaces to ensure that there will be no dirt left behind. Be very careful in handling or moving these pieces when cleaning to avoid scratching the paint and causing damage. And lastly, apply a thin layer of linseed oil to add a special shine and polish to the furniture.

Large furniture such as tables and chairs which usually build up rust is best treated with the use of sandblasting. On the other hand, smaller pieces like shelf brackets will typically need to be soaked in rust removers. Cleaning wrought iron can be very tricky so you need to be able to protect yourself when performing these tasks. Make sure that you are wearing protective gear such as gloves, eye goggles or a face mask. Safety is very important so it is imperative that you follow instructions carefully and wear protective clothing as much as possible.

Most of the time, furniture which is placed outside the house needs to be taken cared of regularly as compared to furniture that is indoors. Although wrought iron is known for its durability and weather resistant qualities, they can still be damaged by other factors. Check the items once in a while to make certain that they are holding up to the elements pretty well. You can also opt to apply some kind of protective coating to prevent rust build up. You should also cover your furniture when it rains or if it will not be used for long periods of time. Keep in mind that the way you take care of your wrought iron will determine how long it will last.

Wrought iron furniture and accessories brings timeless elegance and beauty to any type of home. As these pieces will usually last for a long time, it is only right that they are properly taken cared of and maintained. In this way, you can enhance its life and usability.

For more tips and information about shelf brackets, check out: http://www.wroughtirondecorstore.com/kiac.html.

Feng Shui My Mudroom

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:34:09 +0000

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of balancing energies in your surroundings. According to the complex teachings of Feng Shui, you should surround yourself with balanced, purposely placed items to ensure a lifetime of good health, good fortune and wealth. Now, who ever thought of applying Feng Shui principals in your mudroom? We did and I will tell you why. Your mudroom is usually where you enter and exit your home. Everyone in the family uses this area as a catch-all for shoes, mail, trash, book bags, purses, cell phones, keys, coats and whatever else they might be carrying as they are coming and going. An area that gets this much attention should be given the same in return.

When you enter your home, you are immediately impacted by you surroundings. Your psyche picks up on things like clutter and filth. This can put you instantly into a stressed state and affect your mood for hours. Now, would not you rather be put into a peaceful motivated mood every time you enter or exit your house? What about the whole family? Imagine if everyone came and went in a pleasant mood, ready to take on the world or have a relaxing time with the rest of the family? It is strange that we have not put more thought into using Feng Shui in the most visited area of our home.

Well, it is time to get to it. The best way, especially if you are new to Feng Shui, is to start very basic. Clean up the area and clear out the clutter. You want to create a clean, light atmosphere. This can involve investing in some nice tile or high traffic carpet. You may also want to add some storage space to your mudroom. Pre-fabricated wood cabinets are an easy and inexpensive way to hide away necessities. Consider baskets or bins for each family member. Another option is to buy some nice wide boards and mount them on the wall with some nice brackets. Baskets on these shelves will be easily accessible. Your family can simply toss in their keys, purse, mail, or whatever they happen to be carrying.

Adding an electronics station is a very good idea as well. Get an electrician to add an outlet or two at about eye level by the door. All of your phone chargers and MP3 chargers can be kept up on this shelf. Bind the cords together and leave the ends free for each family member to plug in their phones as soon as they walk in the door. This way, they are always charged, a bonus for safety when leaving the house, and they are never lost. This simple step can save you lots of time when you are leaving in a hurry. Install small hooks for keys under the shelf and make the shelf big enough for wallets as well.

Coat hooks are nice for coats, scarves and book bags, but having too much sticking out from the walls can make an area still seem cluttered. Consider hanging a bar and investing in some nice wooden hangers to finish out the upper area of the mudroom.

Clearing out the clutter and organizing the space is the first step to Feng Shui your mudroom. You can get into more advanced techniques later, but just this little bit of revamping can change the stress levels in your home and get your life moving in the right direction.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the owner of OnlyHangers.com, a leading provider of high quality clothes hangers, including wooden hangers.