Bathroom Plumbing Ideas Discussed

By Santi Binbero

DIY is more popular than it has ever been, many people will try doing a spot of DIY around the house if they feel in the right mood. Some people are scared by the thought of DIY, in fact some people will find themselves reaching for the phone book when they hear a DIY project.

Although it's not a good idea to attempt plumbing projects by yourself it is often possible to do many simpler products.

It is true that DIY plumbing can save you a fortune, however if you try to fix something that is very difficult then you could end up paying a lot more money when you have to fix whatever it is you tried to resolve. In order to save money and get the best results from DIY plumbing you need to be honest with yourself and not try to do anything that is out of your capability.

Admit when You Need Help!

Before you embark on any plumbing project by yourself you should try to learn as much as you can. There are plenty of places to ask for advice, friends and family or even at your local DIY store. Ask yourself whether you think you're capable of doing this project.

If it's something as simple as the cistern lever in your toilet which needs to be replaced then it might be easier for you to replace the whole push button system rather than fiddling about with the single part. You should never think that a job is easy, you must learn exactly what you need to do.

It might be a good idea to buy a DIY book which has some information about basic bathroom plumbing projects. These books should be able to help you avoid some of the common problems which affect people attempting DIY. You should try to find a book which is easy to understand so that you don't need anyone to help you understand it!

Two Hands or Four?

Many people think that projects are simple, they have a habit of underestimating the jobs. You might need an extra pair of hands to help you hold something or do something while you are doing another task.

You should carefully consider the job from every angle before you start work. You can get lots of advice from someone else, especially if they are helping you out. If something goes wrong then you can ask for help from your friend.

It is possible to do certain plumbing projects in your bathroom by yourself, however it's not possible to do everything. It is important that you know a good plumber in case you do make a mess!

About the Author:

Santi Binbero is publishing principally for http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com , a web page with topics around storm panels hurricane shutters and raised panel shutters. His writings on solid panel shutters are published on his website .

Stress Less this Holiday Season

By Cathy Messecar

Each year, Christmas arrives on December 25th, and yet, it tends to "sneak" up on some of us as if we had no clue about the actual date of the holiday. In November, I begin to verbally remind myself "Christmas is coming. Christmas is coming." Plus, I implement the following five tips of preparation to help me embrace the holiday instead of dismaying over its arrival.

1. As early as possible (preferably November) make time to clean your home and tuck away your life clutter, because Christmas brings its own bag of extras such as wrapping paper, baking, and maybe even Uncle Abner and Aunt Thelma for a five day stay. In December, none of the regular household duties and errands stop-the dust mites still need corralling, the kiddos still have piano practice and homework. 2. Plan December meals ahead by marking them on a calendar page. Scale back for everyday meals and keep them as simple and inexpensive as possible. If you can, have the ingredients in your pantry and freezer at the beginning of the month. This will save time and money and extra trips to the supermarket and being enticed to spend more. Those Christmas carols are funneled into the stores for a reason, and it's not totally "goodwill toward men." If I hear carols in July, I at least want to mop my floors with Pine-Sol. 3. Display in your home a symbol of why you celebrate Christmas. On her dining table, my mother placed a red Bible opened to Luke chapter 2, as part of the holiday centerpiece, a reminder of why our family cherished the season. Gentle prompts can help us focus on others and not so much on our long to-do lists. 4. As early in December as possible, gather your immediate family and list your holiday traditions, and then take a family poll. Find out which ones are favorites. Do any customs get shoulder shrugs? Consider dropping those and simplifying your December. Is there a stickler among you who has to have Aunt Margaret's plum pudding? If so, enlist their help in hunting down suet and cheesecloth. 5. Relax. Relax. Relax. Don't set your expectations too high. Things will and can go wrong. Holiday trees will topple, souffls will fall. Those happenings don't ruin a holiday-they can make memories or they can cause attitudes to plunge south. Choose to laugh at those minor incidents. Laughter can grant more warmth to the holidays than perfect tinsel and trimmings.

My co-authors and I give several calming down tips in our book A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. Here's a sampling:

In your home, designate a chair for a resting place and dub it "Santa's Chair." Tie a huge red bow on it and announce to your family that whoever needs a rest or just ten minutes of peace, they are to sit in the chair. The rest of the family is to respect this short respite and leave them alone for those 10 minutes. Parents, this can give you a brief rest or your children an oasis of refreshment. It can be a sanity saver.

Another tip we share in the book is called "Silent Night Hour." Families are in need of quiet and silence. You may need to start out with 10 minutes of silence and work up to an hour of quiet time. During this prescribed time, family members are to turn off all electronics and not answer the phone (preferably turn off the ringer/s). They can read, do homework or work on any low-noise project. No silent text messaging either-try to eliminate incoming disturbances and see if this time of silence offers an invitation for peace and calm to descend and settle lives. Even preschoolers like to play this "quiet game."

Cathy Messecar is co-author of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts ~ Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday and author of The Stained Glass Pickup. Visit Cathy at www.cathymessecar.com For other December holiday tips visit http://scrapbookofchristmasfirsts.blogspot.com/ or www.christmas-scrapbook.info

About the Author:

Check out more about Cathy at Cathy Messecar

The Rewarding Hobby of Leather Craft

By Ethan O. Tanner

Leatherworking can be a lot of fun, but if you are just starting out, it can prove to be quite a challenge. There are many items that you can create when leatherworking. These items are great to sell at flea markets, online, or in a yard sale. You may even choose to give these items as gifts throughout the year for various occasions. We will review the basics of leatherworking so that you can get a start on that long list of projects.

Leatherworking usually only requires a few basic tools for beginners. You will want to purchase a ruler, or measuring tape. The next thing that is required is a pen, pencil, or marker that will be visible on the leather so that you can draw the desired pattern. You will also want to purchase a knife, leather shear or some type of special sharp object to cut the leather as you are working with it. Lastly, you will want to go to a craft specialty store and purchase needles that are designed to work with leather. Once you have all of your basic tools, the next step is to purchase the leather.

When purchasing leather, you may want to do some make inquiries and shop around a little. If you are looking for cheap leather, it is best to shop at local thrift stores and flea markets. Most leather purchased at these diverse types of venues are great in quality, and low in price. This is the best way to shop for leather when you are new to leatherworking.

If you go to a craft specialty store, or a leather store, you will find that leather ranges in cost based on type, thickness, and overall weight. This can prove to be more costly as leather is sold by the square foot. there are many online places to purchase leather, and if you know the basics of leather you may find good values in leather.

Once you have purchased all the materials that you will need for your project, you must decide the best methods of making sure that the pieces are bound together. It is important that you do not use pins and other types of products to bind your material as these things often leave a type of scarring on the material. However, you can use mild glue or clips in order to bind the leather together so that you can work with it without difficulty.

Once you are ready to create the project, you can choose to sew or lace the thread onto the leather. If you choose to sew the material, you should only use a sewing needle intended for leatherworking. These types of needles cut as you sew and make it quite easy to finish your leatherworking project. You can also choose to lace your leather craft project. Basically, you simply make holes at equal intervals all the way through the piece of leather and then weave the thread in and out.

There are many different kinds of stitches that you can use when crafting leather. You can select from a saddle stitch, a running stitch, a cross stitch, or a whip stitch. It is best to find what works for you and the leatherworking job that you are working on.

About the Author:

Leather craftsman Ethan O. Tanner makes it easy for you to understand Leather and Leather working and gives you the knowledge to purchase leather craft supplies and leather

What's So Good About The Omron HJ 720 ITC Pedometer

By Ron Packardy

I know there are quite a few different pedometers available at the moment, but there are a couple of very good reasons why you should pick an HJ 720ITC from Omron.

The first reason is that this is a pedometer that uses a much improved measuring system for determining how much movement actually counts as a pace. In other words, it's brilliant at accurately keeping track of how many steps you've taken.

For us, that means a much more accurate pedometer, but also one that doesn't have to be clipped to your belt. With these, you can just drop them into your pocket, bag or purse and forget about it. A small feature, but one that I think makes a huge difference. Just imagine you're in a rush and you have to make a quick decision about whether to take your pedometer with you. All you have to do is drop it into your pocket.

And not only that, the HJ 720 ITC also lets you download all the information it collects to your own computer. It's got a short 7-day memory, and a longer 42-day memory. You can see the 7 day information on the pedometer itself, but then you can also download 42 days worth of information to your computer.

The pedometer also comes with some special software called the Omron Health Management Package. You install this onto your PC and it allows you to view and manage the data with graphs and charts. It also works with other products from Omron such as their heart rate monitor and their blood pressure monitor. I think this is great for people that want to do more than just keep track of their walking or running progress.

I personally think the memory function is great and I use it to track my progress over the weeks. Also, I didn't realize it initially, but I find doing this actually increases the amount of exercise I do. It's because when I see I haven't done enough exercise, I feel as if I need to make up the difference, so I always do extra the next day. I'm fairly sure I wouldn't do that if I wasn't able to keep track over time.

One thing I realized as I'm writing this, is that the Omron 720 ITC is actually a brilliant idea for a gift. Yes, it's a lot of fun to use, but it's also a really practical and useful bit of kit. So if you buy one for your partner, not only will you be getting them a very cool gadget, you'll also be getting them something which will help take care of their health. What better way to show someone you care about them?

About the Author:

You can find out more about the Omron HJ 720ITC pedometer and also how pedometers can help you enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle by visiting http://pedometersport.com

Creating Jewelry for Fun and Earnings

By Ethan O. Tanner

An old proverb pronounces that work isn't really work if you delight in what you're doing. If one of your avocations is jewelry making, why not turn this activity into a generator of profit? You're already enjoying it anyway, and it wouldn't take a good deal of additional effort to share your jewelry creations with people who would value them and be willing to pay for them. With a little extra work, time management and discipline, jewelry making is an outstanding way to have fun and earn a bit of extra revenue on the side.

Whether you're just beginning your entrance into the jewelry making line of business or whether you're already a professional jeweler, there are always various key aspects to regard. First, it's fundamental to have a decent work space where you can work unbothered for a set duration of time every day and where you can keep your jewelry making materials and instruments. It doesn't have to be a humongous space, just a corner or room where you can center on bringing your thoughts to life and set yourself aside from unwanted distractions.

If you haven't already, decide on the kind of jewelry you are going to make. If you're just getting your feet wet in the jewelry making arena, start out with something simple. Think about what type of jewelry you'd enjoy and feel comfortable wearing and go on from there. Whatever materials you might need are readily available either on the Internet or in a physical retail store. Then, as you become more adept at what you're doing, you can start exploring other, more complex jewelry making techniques. Remember, there is a plethora of information resources to help you make money from your hobby: books, specialty magazines, the Internet, and other jewelry makers.

After you've made a number of jewelry items, there are steps you can take to get other people interested in them. Be a walking advertisement for your jewelry making business. Wear some of your creations whenever you go out: wear them to work, when you go to the supermarket, or when you attend parties. Word of mouth is also a great way to let other people know about your jewelry making endeavor. Show some of your finished pieces to family and friends, and encourage them to spread the word.

The most valuable thing to remember is that you retain your enjoyment in jewelry making and that you pride yourself in your creations. Your love for this avocation and business will provide you with mental and financial rewards. Your passion for jewelry making will be the utmost agent in nurturing your creative thinking level and it will permit you to invent the designs that appreciative clients will buy. Always keep the 'fun' factor in jewelry making, as this will be mirrored in your portfolio, and the 'revenue' element will succeed.

About the Author:

Craftsman Ethan O. Tanner gives advice on turning your jewelry making hobby into a business forbeginning and expert jewelersalike.

Mens Hair Care Products

By Jennifer Summers

There are a lot of mens hair products available to buy on the market today, and it is often not so easy to know which range you should choose, and which product from that range is the best one for your hair and the one you should be using. It is highly recommended that you use a high quality premium brand hair product for men as this usually guarantees good results. Here are the four best ranges of mens hair products you can find:

Pashana - * Pashana Eau de Portugal Hair Tonic: An excellent finishing product for normal to dry hair that also helps to invigorate the scalp, formulated from an original Portuguese recipe. * Pashana American Bay Rum Hair Lotion: Originally from the West Indies, traditionally uses aromatic oil distilled from Bay leaves soaked in pure Bay Oil and Rum. * Pashana Eau de Quinine Hair Tonic: Quinine, known for its curative properties, is derived from the Chinchona Bark found in South America where it is used as a local anaesthetic and in hair tonics and sunscreen preparations.

Dax - * Dax Wave and Groom: Wave and groom is effective on hair which is no longer that 2 - 3 inches long. It is formulated specially to bring out the natural wave pattern of short hair. * Dax Vegetable Oil Shampoo: Another heavy duty product. This is the best available to get excess Dax out of your hair (with the exception of super-neat which is water soluble). * Dax Green and Gold: Dax Green and Gold is a specially formulated wax that is made from Beeswax and natural oils. Green and Gold offers a superior hold without the unwanted build up or drying of the hair.

Black and White - * Black and White Pomade: Black and White Genuine Pluko is a versatile hair dressing that allows you to mould, sculpt and create texture. * Black and White Lite Pomade: Black and White Pluko Lite is a versatile hair dressing that helps to keep hair manageable and textured all day. Provides light control and superior shine with natural conditioning oils. * Black and White Shampoo: Black and White Pluko Shampoo. Black and White shampoo is renowned for its quick removal of product build-up and cleansing of the scalp.

Fudge - * Fudge Matte Hed: Firm hold texturising paste. Get some flexible style to your head with firm hold Matte Hed. Work through your hair for definition and movement with extreme matte texture. * Fudge Hair Shaper: Get onto the hard stuff with this strong hold multi-purpose styling tool that really goes the distance. Texturise, mould, piece or simply just shag it out any way you want for that totally 'lived-in' look. * Fudge Hair Putty: Travel first class all the way with Putty, the perfect sculpting tool for maximum moulding. Blow-dry it in for extra body and kick, or finish it off for absolute moulding power with a medium hold.

Using the right product on your hair will definitely help to give you the results that you are looking for. And when you choose a high quality premium brand range, you can be certain that the hair product will contain the best ingredients for helping you choose the style and look that you are after. You cannot go wrong with the four ranges listed above.

About the Author:

Jennifer Summers helps people achieve great looking hair on a daily basis. She is an excellent source of information on Mens Hair Care Products, regularly providing valuable and informative advice on using Mens Hair Products.

Brilliant Kitchen Decor Ideas For You

By Cliff Eppalton

Irrespective of your kitchen being small or huge, in a rural atmosphere, country kitchen dcor fits effortlessly into any kind of kitchen. Unless, the remaining rooms is done in modern styles, this can be a success with addition of particular accessories. With a good coordination of your efforts in little steps at a time, the beauty of the country can be apparent by stressing the pieces of country kitchen dcor and putting it all together in harmony.

More often than not, there is some lack of information regarding country kitchen dcor as some believe that handmade items can be used only as a decorative tool. Whereas many objects look good in the setting, some items are bound to look out of place in your kitchen next to your coffee machine. Focusing on the theme country, put your own photographs of the outdoors or pieces of metal objects in the kitchen. If your house in a dairy land, old world containers of milk can be used as umbrella stands and plants can be kept in metal tubs for a whole new look.

Many people are fond of roosters and chickens and little ceramic pieces can be used to accent a shadow box made from an ancient wooden crate, rounding off handsomely your country kitchen dcor.

Matching accent pieces complete the look

Appliqud towels coordinated with foot rugs can add a cool look to the area. However, you will have to let every member of your family know that the towels are just for display and not use. These towels do not survive long after a few wash. To bring out the best for your country kitchen dcor, getting burner covers for your stove matching the rugs and towels can create an entire and wholesome look to bring out a single effect. You can also get covers for your appliances such as the toaster, one pot coffee maker or even your mixer.

If you have planned to refurnish your kitchen in only country style, that means your kitchen already has a large wooden table. If there is no wooden table, a table cloth with country prints can be put over a Formica table top until you can get a wooden table. Cushions for the seats in bright country shades can accomplish the country kitchen dcor. In the majority of kitchens the chair pads are tied to the back of ladder-back chairs or spindles with just sufficient tie left out to hang beautifully from the backs.

The curtains are the last but not the least part of the look. They should match well not only with the rest of the clothes used in the room but also go well with the color on the walls. Put at the centre of the table fresh flowers of the season to compliment the country kitchen dcor. When its winter and no flowers to meet, replace them with bowls of clay fruits or vegetables to sign off the country charm even in the freezing cold.

About the Author:

Cliff Eppalton continually pens long articles on news relating to one shot coffee maker and one cup coffee machines. His contributions on one pod coffee machine are published on his website .

Information about Karaoke Equipment

By Mike Anderson

If someone asked, would you admit to singing in the shower? How about along with the radio while driving down the road? There are some songs that just get stuck in your head and make you want to belt them out. If you like to sing, perhaps you should consider karaoke equipment. With the advancing popularity of this past time, discount karaoke music cdgs are becoming readily available. If you have been to a club or a party with karaoke equipment, you may already be familiar with the set-up. Karaoke equipment includes a screen that displays the words, microphones and a speaker, and the player that uses discs with the words that appears on the screen. Discount karaoke music cdgs allow you to have a wide variety of music for people to sing.

Once you have decided that you want to buy karaoke equipment, you can determine if you just want a simple home setup where friends can come over and sing, or a more commercial quality sound system. Karaoke equipment comes in a wide variety of choices, from very simple for the amateur, to moderately sturdy equipment that allows smaller venues to offer karaoke, to large commercial products where the sound will carry in crowded and noisy environments. Whatever you are looking for, there is a product that will match your needs. The types of music available on discount karaoke music cdgs provide entertainment for any crowd. You and your friends and family will be sure to enjoy singing to all kinds of music, including popular hits, Latin music, children's CD's, Elvis, motion picture music and everything in between. You can decide which key will work better for you and buy your CDs to compliment your singing style.

When you own your own karaoke equipment, not only will you be able to host great parties, but by selecting the right discount karaoke music cdgs, you will be able to practice at home. By having your own equipment, you can boost your confidence by rehearsing in the privacy of your own home. Once you have mastered the music, take it away with a killer performance at a local club in front of a crowd. No matter what level of performance you desire, you can benefit from karaoke equipment. Karaoke is a low cost entertainment venue that will entertain your family and friends, and will bring you closer together. Share the music, share the memories. Invest in your karaoke equipment and discount karaoke music cdgs today and start rehearsing your favorite music.

About the Author:

Karaoke Equipment, Abba Karaoke, Alicia Keys Karaoke, Buy Karaoke Music, Christina Aguilera Karaoke, Free Online Singing Lessons Information, How to Sing Better at karaoke.theinfostop.info