Friday, 27 February 2015
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
Monday, 23 February 2015
Decorating with Gray- 3 Essential Tips
“Expert tips and stylish color pairings make it easy to integrate this neutral shade into your decor.
Gray Paint 101
In decorating circles, gray is the new white—and has been for a while. It’s a more elegant neutral that gives depth to subtle colors and makes bold tones pop (rather than shout). But getting gray right is tricky: The “temperature” of a particular shade—cool or warm—can evoke very different feelings and have an enormous impact on the mood of a room.
3 Expert Tricks
1. Use flat paint, not semigloss or high-gloss, on walls. “Otherwise, any beautiful gray you choose will look like industrial metal—imagine a Dumpster,” says Mark Chamberlain, a New York City painter and a color columnist for apartmenttherapy.com. Although flat white wall paint is often avoided because it shows smudges and fingerprints, “gray actually hides flaws.”
2. With gray walls, opt for creamy trim, says Erica Islas, a designer in Culver City, California. Stark white can look too jarring. White Dove paint is a good woodwork choice with both light and dark gray walls
3. Introduce lots of light sources,like table lamps, sconces, and floor lamps. Says Jessica Becker, a Rhode Island interior designer: “Gray is already the color of shadow—you don’t want to cast more with an overhead fixture. Layered lighting keeps the room flattering.”
”
Decorating with Gray- 3 Essential Tips
Friday, 20 February 2015
Confirmed: Cuddle Buddies on the low is a real thing
“It’s no secret that cuddling makes you feel good when you’re in a new or established relationship. It’s also something that you miss greatly when you’re single. But did you know there’s actually a scientific reason for that? It’s true! There are many surprising benefits of cuddling—so read on, and you’ll want to cuddle someone right now!
1. Cuddling releases oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a hormone that does everything from making you feel good to helping you feel connected to others. Oxytocin is crucial in the act of cuddling, as you’ll see from its benefits popping up in the list below.
2. Cuddling boosts your immune system.
When you’re so in love you feel invincible, you’re experiencing oxytocin release. This feel-good hormone makes you feel like nothing can hurt you—which is an amazing benefit! It also increases hormones that help fight infection. So, basically, you’re boosting your immune system because you’re feeling too good and healthy to get sick. The power of positive thinking—and feeling loved and secure—actually works!
3. Cuddling relieves pain.
Just as it boosts your immune system, cuddling and releasing oxytocin will decrease your pain levels. Whenever your neck hurts, what do you do? Rub it, right? Even simple touches like that release enough oxytocin to make you feel better, so imagine the effect cuddling has!
4. Cuddling helps deepen your relationships.
Communication is important in relationships, but people often forget how effective and meaningful touch can be. When your career is so stressful you come home and can’t stop thinking about the job, you’re taking a negative toll on your relationship. Instead, imagine coming home and cuddling with your partner for even ten minutes a day. This brief break from the stress of everyday life will not only give you all the other benefits listed here, but will also deepen your relationship. You’ll be taking time to focus solely on your partner and what you feel for them.
5. Cuddling can lead to more.
Even non-erotic touch can release dopamine, which is a hormone that increases sexual desire. Getting a sweet hug or massage from your partner after a long day can lead to more, which is win-win for both of you! Regular sexual activity will strengthen your relationship as well. Also, sex is a good stress reliever, and an easy way to get in some physical activity.
6. Cuddling helps women bond.
Have you heard the term “oxytocin” in relation to childbirth and breastfeeding? It’s because this chemical doesn’t just inspire good feelings between couples—it also works for women and their babies. Oxytocin helps relax the mother, so that breastfeeding may come more easily. It also enables sleep, even when the mother might have difficulty sleeping with a newborn in the house.
7. Cuddling reduces social anxiety.
Oxytocin inspires positive thinking. It helps you have an optimistic outlook on the world. Which means when you get a hug right as you arrive at the party where you only know one person, you’re going to feel happier and more social going in. You’ll feel like you can charm everyone at the party. And with oxytocin coursing through your system, you will!
8. Cuddling reduces stress.
It’s obvious by now, right? Oxytocin is an amazing natural hormone that has so many benefits for the human body. It’s only natural that all these positive effects are going to release stress, also. You’re feeling more connected with your partner, you’re feeling confident in social situations, your immune system is stronger—what do you have to be stressed about? You have a great, cuddle-filled, loving life. Enjoy it!
9. Cuddling lowers your risk of heart disease.
Yup—oxytocin again! All the benefits listed above add together to mean less stress, less anxiety, lower blood pressure and—you got it—a lower risk of heart disease! Because your heart is happier and not working as hard to combat the effects of stress and sickness, you’ll be healthier, longer.
10. Cuddling doesn’t have a definition.
Cuddling doesn’t have to be between you and your romantic partner. It doesn’t even have to be with another person—you can rub your own shoulders! You can also hug friends or play with your pets. If you don’t want to be social or don’t have a furry friend, never fear! You can take a warm bath or get a massage. Feeling warm and connected by some sort of touch is enough to release oxytocin into your system and get you feelin’ good!”
Confirmed: Cuddle Buddies on the low is a real thing
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Monday, 16 February 2015
Friday, 13 February 2015
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Julson Burgundy Sofa Loveseat Set
With the comfort of plush padded arms and thick divided back cushioning surrounded within a soft upholstery fabric, the “Julson-Burgundy” upholstery collection beautifully combines style and comfort to create the perfect collection for any living room decor.
Julson Burgundy Sofa Loveseat Set
Axiom Walnut Sofa Loveseat Set
The Axiom Walnut Living Room Set from Ashley features a rich leather upholstery surrounding plush rolled arms and beautifully detailed box stitched seating. This comfortable living room set captures the sophistication and elegance of traditional design.
Product Dimensions:
Sofa: 100″W x 40″D x 38″H
Loveseat: 75″W x 40″D x 38″H
Axiom Walnut Sofa Loveseat Set
Alliston Salsa Sofa Loveseat
DuraBlend®/Match upholstery features DuraBlend® upholstery in the seating areas with skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else. With the supportive back and seat cushions stylishly adorned with tufted detailing along with the thick padded arms, the “Alliston DuraBlend®-Salsa” upholstery collection features rich DuraBlend® upholstery that beautifully enhances the sleek contemporary design without sacrificing the comfort you desire.
Alliston Salsa Sofa Loveseat
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Monday, 9 February 2015
Here’s how to add a dash of New Orleans style to spice to your home:
”
•Bring garden elements inside like urns, statuary or a bistro table. Elizabeth’s cement birds came from an old building in Paris.
•Add touches of gold in ormolu and in gold-leaf/gold-painted wood, but keep the look distressed so it’s not too shiny.
•Embrace imperfections. “Everything doesn’t have to be perfect,” says Elizabeth. “New Orleans is tattered at edges. There’s nothing wrong with a frame with a chip or a chair with a nick.”
•Display antique silver.
•Have more painted furniture with French and Italian Continental roots and less English-style hardwood pieces.
•Decorate with architectural salvage, like the painted door panels in Elizabeth’s dining room (reflected in mirror).
•Combine rich fabrics—silks and velvets—with every day materials such as cottons and linens.
•Be whimsical, like the jester-inspired silk window treatments in the living room or the velvet animal print seat-covers in the dining room.
•Integrate family heirlooms and fine furnishings with flea market finds.
•Use mirrors and light fixtures with Old World character.
•Add modern touches. “Put in things that speak of modern times,” says Elizabeth. “Contemporary art blends well with old furniture.””
Here’s how to add a dash of New Orleans style to spice to your home:
Friday, 6 February 2015
Confirmed: Sleep deprivation sets people up for risky decision-making
“Sleep deprivation just isn’t a good idea for most people. Besides the increase in accidents and poor work and
school performance due to the fatigue, a new study shows sleep loss can also
lead to skewed thinking and bad decisions.
This must be why students who pull
an all-nighter studying for an exam often believe they did great on the test —
that is, until the grade comes in. Researchers found that a night of sleep
deprivation boosts production of brain regions that assess positive outcomes
and minimizes the parts of the brain that analyzes negative outcomes. What this
is means is that tired people may make riskier choices in decisions that
involve avoiding loss and pursuing gain.
The study involved 29 healthy, young
adults who underwent MRI brain scans after a night of restful sleep and after a
night of sleep deprivation. On the following days, they were asked to perform a
task that involved risky decision-making. The scans showed sleep deprivation
caused an increase in activity in ventromedial prefrontal region of the brain
and decreases in the region called the anterior insula. The participants’
behavior showed a tendency to be more insensitive to losses.
“”Sleep-deprived persons narrow
down their choices towards those that seem to promise bigger gains, and likely
ignore better choices that improve one’s overall probability of winning at
least something,”” said Michael Chee, the lead author of the study from the
Duke-NUS Neurobehavioral Disorders Program in Singapore.
The authors suggest that changes in
the brain chemical dopamine after sleep deprivation lead to altered
decision-making behavior. The findings also raise questions about the
effectiveness, overall, of stimulant medications to treat sleep deprivation.
Those medications may improve vigilance, the authors note, but it’s not clear
what effect they have on other aspects of cognition, such as decision-making.
The study also points to dangers in
all-night gambling. The more tired you are — even if propped up by
medications, alcohol, coffee or bright lights and noise — the less likely you
are to carefully evaluate your risk of losing.
”
Confirmed: Sleep deprivation sets people up for risky decision-making
Thursday, 5 February 2015
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Toletta chocolate, it always goes down good.
“With the soft feel of the warm earth-toned upholstery covering the plush
bustle back design and thick pillow top arms, the comfort of the
“Toletta-Chocolate” upholstery collection is matched only by the
beautifully curved contemporary design along with the option of power
recline which creates the ultimate in living room furniture.”
Toletta chocolate, it always goes down good.
2100-07 Gray Sofa Loveseat Set
Product Dimensions:
Length Depth Height
Loveseat 63 34 36
Sofa 85 34 36
2100-07 Gray Sofa Loveseat Set
2150-02 Camel Sectional
Product Dimensions:
Style Code Length Depth Height Cubes Description
2150-LAF 75 34 36 53.13 LAF
2150-RAF 73.5 34 37 52.06 RAF
2150-02 Camel Sectional
2150-02 Camel Sectional
Product Dimensions:
Style Code Length Depth Height Cubes Description
2150-LAF 75 34 36 53.13 LAF
2150-RAF 73.5 34 37 52.06 RAF
2150-02 Camel Sectional
2150-01 Chocolate Sectional
Product Dimensions:
Style Code Length Depth Height Cubes Description
2150-LAF 75 34 36 53.13 LAF
2150-RAF 73.5 34 37 52.06 RAF
2150-01 Chocolate Sectional
2150-01 Chocolate Sectional
Product Dimensions:
Style Code Length Depth Height Cubes Description
2150-LAF 75 34 36 53.13 LAF
2150-RAF 73.5 34 37 52.06 RAF
2150-01 Chocolate Sectional
Monday, 2 February 2015
2150-07 Gray Sofa Loveseat Set
Product Dimensions:
Style Code Length Depth Height Cubes Description
2150-LAF 75 34 36 53.13 LAF
2150-RAF 73.5 34 37 52.06 RAF
2150-07 Gray Sofa Loveseat Set
2100-01 Chocolate Sofa Loveseat Set
Product Dimensions:
Length Depth Height
Loveseat 63 34 36
Sofa 85 34 36
2100-01 Chocolate Sofa Loveseat Set
Safeguarding Any Surface
“You love your freshly painted porch floor and your wicker rocker. Or you did, until your rocker began scuffing up your glossy floor. Why can’t they just get along? They can. Just think of them as siblings in need of a well-placed buffer. In fact, the best surface protectors, from felt pads to rubber cups, also dampen noise and make furniture easy to move or stay put. Most simply slip under, or stick solidly to, clean, dry surfaces. Best of all, they’ll help your home and its beloved contents wear well-together.
Counter, Table, and Cabinet Protection
Appliances
Pads made from either felt or olefin (a synthetic material) will stick, slide, and buffer sound. Choose from precut squares or circles, or buy sheets. (You can cut them to fit the shape of whatever you
are protecting.) The pads’ supersticky backs will adhere to virtually any clean object.
Pottery
Velour disks are available in adhesive-backed squares or disks. Theyll prevent your wares from scratching and denting finished wood, metal, glass, or tile. (They are not recommended for unfinished wood.) Slimmer than felt pads, they’re a discreet choice for smaller items.
Shelves
Shelf and drawer liners will protect your cabinets’ paint or lacquer. Liners, sold in rolls, are available in an array of colors and patterns (use the nonskid, nonadhesive kind). Just cut to size, and set in place. Use them in pantry cupboards to cushion your dishes and glassware.
Cabinet Doors
Soft dots-adhesive-backed disks made from foam, felt, or cork-are a good choice for the interior corners of kitchen cabinet doors, where they’ll dampen sound and prevent glass inserts from rattling. These disks are more durable than felt pads and best used as bumpers.
Candlesticks
Felt, cut to size, is a custom fix for odd-shaped and heavy metal objects destined to slide across fine linens. Trace your object onto a sheet of felt, and then cut just inside the sketched line. Use an acid-free glue, such as Yes Paste, to attach the felt to valuable items.
Desktop Accessories
Cork pads are harvested from the bark of oak trees and backed with adhesive. Stick them onto lamp bases, vases, or plant pots and they’ll protect tabletops from scratches. They also provide often-used items, such as desk accessories, with gentle traction on smooth surfaces.
Tabletops
Table pads are a worthwhile investment for valuable dining room tables. Have one made to measure, using solid core board and insulating fiberboard for strength and heat protection. Placed under a tablecloth, they’re undetectable. After a party, fold them away neatly.
Pastry Boards
Rubber bumpers are like a second set of hands in the kitchen. Place them under a heavy board and they’ll keep it from moving while you roll out your flakiest dough. They also keep a chilled board cool by offering a buffer between it and your room-temperature countertop.
Floor Protection
Vinyl and Wood Floors
Plastic sliders are designed to help chairs, ottomans, and other mobile furniture glide over bathroom and kitchen floors. (Unlike felt, they’ll still work on wet surfaces.) Attach them to furniture legs using peel-off adhesive or screws. They skim over linoleum, tile, and vinyl flooring with ease.
Pet-Food Dishes
Nonskid dots keep movable objects, such as your thirsty dog’s water bowl, in place. Stick these slightly textured, dense foam or vinyl dots to the clean, dry bottom of the bowl and your floor will remain scrape free. Best of all, gentle friction means it won’t move until you lift it.
Painting Protection
A little masking tape will protect your floor from spatters, saving you hours of cleanup time. Measure and cut kraft paper to cover a hardwood floor (use a canvas drop cloth for carpeting), and then tape it down below your baseboards with low-tack painters’ tape.
Hardwood Floors
Heavy-duty felt pads let you smoothly glide your chairs, tables, and floor lamps over hardwood floors and tile. Strips cover the elongated footprints of tubular furniture and rocking chairs. Stick a couple of disks together to level the height of wobbly tables and chairs.
Casters
Rubber, glass, or wooden cups are like shoes for wayward furniture legs. Whether square or round, they provide solid footing to protect soft floors from the dents of metal casters or heavy loads. They prevent skidding on floors that slope, and don’t leave carpet indentations.
Carpets and Rugs
The rubbery weaves of carpet and rug pads prevent rugs from sliding out from under you as you walk on them. Pads also protect delicate floors from rough rug backings that can scratch. Vacuum under both regularly; machine-wash and air-dry pads to refresh their grip.
Furniture on Carpets
Plastic cups are great for heavy furnishings that live on carpets and rugs. Often made of clear or dark plastic with spiked undersides, they won’t detract from shapely wooden legs. They prevent marks by dispersing the weight of your sofa-and the weight of the people on it.
Ceramic and Tile Floors
Rubber tips fit snugly over furniture legs to prevent skidding and scratching. They’re especially helpful for metal-legged pieces and eliminate the nerve-fraying sound of chairs scraping across tile. Check them periodically to be sure that the metal isn’t wearing through.
Wall Protection
Picture Hanging
Adhesive picture-hanging strips and hooks secure lightweight objects to walls without nail holes-and leave no trace of tackiness should you decide to remove them. Placing vinyl cubes on the backs of frames eliminates tilting and safeguards against scratches on your walls.
Household Tools
Rubber tips save your walls from the scuffs left by handy but unwieldy tools. (Slide them onto your mop, broom, and long-handled duster.) They provide enough traction to keep tools leaning exactly where you left them, so you won’t return to find your broom on the floor.
Doorstops
As advertised, they keep doors from slamming into walls behind them or baseboards below them. Countless configurations fit any decor; choose from wooden finials and solid posts, spring and hinge-mounted varieties. All have rubber bumpers to absorb shock.
High-Traffic Corners
Corner and surface guards protect the protruding corners of your most heavily traveled intersections from bumps and dents. Nail or screw on wooden trim pieces. It’s much simpler to touch them up with paint than to repair and repaint chipped plaster.
Safe and Sound
Protecting your home’s surfaces requires scant money and even less time. It starts with the materials listed here.
Vinyl domes, dots, squared cubes, or flat disks work under terra-cotta plant saucers or unglazed pottery, behind picture frames, and more. They won’t absorb water, so they’d work well on your alfresco dining table. Available in white, brown, or clear.
Rubber caps, squares, and rounds are soft and nonskid. The greater the surface area, the more reliable their grip. Larger cups (sometimes wooden with rubber undersides) hold bigger furniture in place. You’ll find them in brown, white, and clear.
Plastic makes light work of moving heavy furniture. Hefty sliding cups are built with foam inside (where your sofa legs rest) and felt underneath (against the floor). Clean your floor before sliding anything; even tiny grains of dirt can leave large scratches.
Felt runs the gamut from lightweight to heavy-duty, nearly always with self-adhesive backing. Its weight range, wide variety of colors (green, gray, tan, dark brown, and white are easily available), and smooth sliding make it the most versatile material around.
Cork comes in different shapes and sheets, with self-adhesive backs. Its nonskid (under a tape dispenser) and sound-dampening (inside a hutch door) properties work in dry conditions. Its typical tan color makes it discreet under a wooden compote.”
Safeguarding Any Surface
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