Knowing the Market

The John Lewis webpage (www.johnlewis.com) is an awesome place where you can shop for superb special deals on an array of fantastic value electrical equipment and appliances, as well as numerous other goods. You shall see a broad variety of appliances and electicals, e.g. washers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges and microwaves, to name but a small selection. Each of the items listed online on the site are from leading brands like Zanussi and Miele.

If you’re searching for a shiny new tumble dryer you will certainly never happen upon a more thorough web site for taking a look at your next major acquisition than the John Lewis buyers guide. This essential web guide makes easily available a treasure trove of interesting, relevant, useful, unbiased, neutral and matter-of-fact suggestions on determining the best electrical appliance to best suit you and your families needs. Elements which you might often reason to ponder when you are securing you and your families shiny new washing machine could be: which name you most want, e.g. Bosch, Miele, Hotpoint, Zanussi etc. Can be fitted into the allotted space you have set aside; what levels of functionality do you and your family need; how electricity efficient would you like it to be and how effortless is the appliance to install. So what are you waiting for? Just get to the John Lewis site and search for tumble dryers. You’ll have your perfect appliance in no time!

After you have finished consulting the sound advice in the shoppers guide, you can then have a good look at an extensive selection of great value electrical items that are on offer online on the John Lewis website. The web site could not be any simpler to navigate - the navigation bar at the top provides you with handy access to all of the main product categories, e.g. technology, electrical appliances, fashion. Below each of these aforementioned categories you will see a text link straight to specific product categories e.g. tumble dryers; when you find the relevant section you can find your way around by attributes e.g. the price, brand and type, for example, Hotpoint. it is just that simple.

As a long established and trusted retailer you should have no problems with opting to buy on the net from John Lewis with confidence. The John Lewis company offer free nationwide delivery service on each and every one of your orders; so the price you see is the price you will actually pay. No shocks when you navigate to the delivery service options web page. Obviously it is a given that if you have had the misfortune of experiencing a serious malfunction and urgently need that brand spanking new Hotpoint tumble dryers especially quick you can opt to pay a nominal premium for expedited delivery service. And for additional piece of mind, John Lewis offers totally free returns should you or your family be unsatisfied with your item. If this wasn’t already enough, as standard you will furthermore get a free 2 or 3 year warrenty for your brand spanking new washing machine.

The usage of solar energy as an alternate form of energy has greatly increased in recent times. This is a direct indication of the levels of awareness that people have regarding the need to save the fossil fuels and is a heartening change. Solar Cell Power can be understood to be the solar power that is contained inside solar cells.

Solar cells are devices that can be used to capture energy from the rays of the sun, store this solar energy and then convert it into electrical energy. The solar energy that is stored inside the solar cells is known as the solar cell power. Solar cell power is typically measured in watts or kilowatts.

Solar cell power is extremely useful as it can be made to serve a variety of purposes. When contained inside individual cells, solar cell power can be used to run small devices such as solar electricity calculators. It is also used in larger systems where a number of these solar cells forming panels are used to provide solar electricity to homes, offices and small corporations.

The efficiency pf solar cell power has increased by approximately 30% in the last decade. With the constant advances in technology, the life of solar cells has also increased. Learn more about global warming and solar power, at these web directories and portals.

Has your house lost power? Has your refrigerator stopped working during the night? Do you have qualms about food that was in the freezer?

If this happens, don’t worry because there are easy to follow instructions for food safety.

If the food has warmed at all, whether thawed completely or just to room temperature, discard it immediately. If it has been kept at room temperature for more than two hours, throw it away.

Largely thawed food that is still cold should be cooked immediately. The cooked foods can either be consumed or put in the refrigerator to eat later.

The food can be refrozen if there are still ice crystals visible on it. If you don’t have a freezer to put it in, make sure to get some dry ice and put it in a cooler. You will not have the longevity that a normal freezer offers, and will need to cook these items.

You can immediately get rid of items that have signs of freezer burn.

Storms and accidents will always cause power outages; however, you can use preparation to be ready for whatever happens.
Getting a new Fridge or freezer is a great idea to save energy and replace that old worn out one, giving your kitchen a new look. Definitely consider a large refrigerator/freezer as used in America is if there is space for it. This can make a dramatic change to any kitchen. This site contains a wide range of American made fridges and freezers, aiming to serve you better.

THE BIG PICTURE

The first step in inspecting a home is to examine the big picture for the home. Notice the area the home is located in. Are there other homes of similar age and construction details relative to the home you are inspecting? A comparison will give you a general idea of the upkeep of the home. Have there been significant modifications to the exterior of the building and if so, how is the workmanship?

EXTERIOR

Start at the exterior front of the house and work your way around the house (clockwise or counter-clockwise) at a distance which allows you to view a complete face comfortably. On each face (front, sides, rear) start your visual inspection at the top of the structure and work your way down to the ground and lot area. As an example, you would start at the front and note the roof and chimneys, the gutters, fascia and soffits. Then, moving down the exterior wall coverings (brick, wood, aluminum), noting windows, doors, etc. Examine any porches or decks down to the foundation, then the grade or slope of the lot area, followed by any coverings, such as flower beds, walkways, interlocking brick, driveways, etc. Move closer to the house, to examine more closely any details which may have attracted your attention, without skipping any items. Having completed the front, move to the side of the house and start the same procedure (roof to ground).

INTERIOR

On the interior, begin your inspection in the basement and then follow the system throughout each floor in the house. The system for inspecting the interior is to begin with the floor, go to the walls and then the ceiling, and then consider any appliances or other items in the room. Move from room to room, always in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) so as to not miss any areas. If you see a door, open it!

In the utility room in the basement, first notice the floor, the walls (possibly the foundation walls are visible here), then the ceiling (floor joists may be visible), then go to the furnace, hot water heater, electrical panel, plumbing system, etc. When inspecting the floors, walls and ceilings, scan the entire area that is visible, not just one section.

In a finished room you would notice the floors, walls (including windows) and ceiling. Next look for the heat sources, electrical outlets and switches, fireplaces, closets etc. In bathroom or kitchen, notice the floor, walls and ceiling, then the plumbing fixtures.

CONDITION

While performing the inspection, whether at the exterior, the interior or one of the mechanical systems, note the system first, then its relative condition. For example, if you were inspecting a wall on the interior of the home you would first note that the wall is plaster, and then examine the wall for cracks and irregularities.

PROBLEMS

The following are some typical problems or occurances to look for in the major components and systems of the home.

ROOF

Is the ridge (peak) showing a sag, or is it straight and level?

Is the roof sagging between the rafters or trusses?

Are there any signs of deterioration of asphalt shingles, such as curling, wasping, broken edges, rounded corners or key holes (slits) becoming wider that normal?

Any loose flashings, at the chimney, roof-to-wall connection or elsewhere?
Does the wooden roof deck appear rotted or delaminated under the last row of shingles?

Are there any roof vents visible?

CHIMNEYS
Is the masonry cap cracked or broken?
Are any bricks flaking or missing? Mortar missing?
Is the chimney leaning?

SOFFITS AND FASCIA
Note whether the soffits and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic
Any loose or missing sections?
If wood, are there any paint problems? Any visible rot?

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Ensure gutters slope down toward downspouts
Any rust or peeling paint?
Apparent leaks or loose/sagging sections?
Are the downspouts extended away from the foundations?

WALL COVERINGS
Look for missing mortar
Are the bricks flaking or cracking?
Look for loose, missing or rotted siding, deteriorated paint.
Does the siding appear new? Does it hide the foundation wall?
Exterior walls bowed, bulged or leaning?

WINDOWS AND DOORS
Look for problems with paint or caulking, and rotted wood components.
Are the windows new or older? Are they the original windows? How old are they?

PORCHES AND DECKS
Cracking or flaking masonry?
Check for paint problems, rotted wood, and wood-earth contact.
Note any settlement or separation from the house.
Inspect the underside, if accessible.

FOUNDATIONS
Check for cracks, flaking or damaged masonry.
Note any water markings and effluorescence (whitish, chalky substance)
Any bowing, buldging or other irregularities?
Soft mortar?

LOT AREA
Does the grade slope away from the house?
Any settled/low areas next to the foundation, or cracked walks/driveway?
Is the property lower than the street or neighboring properties?

BASEMENT
Note any evidence of water penetration (stains, mildew/odors, effluorescence, loose tiles etc.)

FLOORS
Check for deteriorated coverings or cracked ceramics.
Any water staining or other damage?
Sloping or sagging?

WALLS
Randomly sample to check that the windows and doors work.
Are the walls straight vertically and horizontally?
Look for cracked or loose plaster.
Look for stains, physical damage or previous repair evidence.
Any drywall seams or nails showing?

CEILINGS
Check for cracks in the plaster or loose, sagging plaster.
Look for stains, mechanical damage or evidence of previous repair.
Seams or nails showing?

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS
Check that all fixtures are secure.
Are there any cracks in the fixtures?
Note the conditon of the tiles and caulking in the tub/shower area.
Are the faucets working? Do they leak? Sufficient water pressure?
Look for staining and rot under the counter-tops
Randomly sample the operation of the cabinet doors and drawers.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Type, style and age of heating & cooling systems. When were they last inspected or serviced?
Type of water supply piping and drains - any visible rust and corrosion?

Size and age of electical service - are the outlets grounded?
Visible wiring in good condtion?
Have there been any upgrades?

The new BBC Green website has launched a new super green domain. It focuses on combating climate change and focuses into organic skincare. Sales of organic foods are really growing on the back of perceived benefits to your health and the world. Organic salads are produced according to a deliberate production standard. Previously organic farms have been reasonably tiny family run farms- which is why organic bread rolls was once just available in tiny organic stores and markets. Ealing Common Market in North East London is one of the finest farmers markets around. On a Thursday dinner time there is a huge queue of hungry people at the organic salad bar. Nowdays people might often find organic potatoes from a hefty range of organic shops.

Since the early 19 nineties organic bread has had growth rates of around fifteen % a year, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing countries. For tonnes of customers there is an understanding that consuming organic pears can often improve your health, various people have different opinions on that. One actuality that could be proved is that organic farming utilises less pesticides than normal agriculture. Acquiring organic apples isn’t just about health, for loads of folks it’s about helping to save the planet. Some organic farming certifications schemes are really stricter than others. The Soil Association are most rigours, particularly for chicken & ham. Soil Association certifies chickens are kept in smaller flocks, & enjoy more space indoors & out than others. The greater part of other organic chicken standards are definitely closer to free- range.

Organic lipsticks is now something that is popularly used. With organic it means it is all naturally organic ingredients. Organic skincare are really much farther trendy and more effective than some ingredients situated in normal day to day skincare. With natural and no manmade ingredients they will work in harmony with your body & skin to enhance your body’s natural healing and regenerative capabilities. Just like when you feed your body sugary food, it will let you know its not happy- your skin is no different. Discover organic skincare with BBC Green and live a more natural lifestyle.

When it comes to covering your windows with window coverings, there is more to it than just putting up window blinds and hoping they will look good. You must consider an element of function when installing window coverings. Before beginning the project, consider your needs for wand options, fit, placement, window hardware, and even safety considerations before you make a purchase. Regardless of the size of window or problem you have, there is a solution for it. If you are equipping a baby’s room with vertical blinds, will you need light-blocking shades. Will you need for controls on the left side of the window to avoid hanging the cord into the baby crib? Are your windows so small that you may need to mount the window coverings on the outside of the window frame?

Here are a few solutions to your questions. Some window treatments are now designed to be stationary, and for drapes that open, consider hardware that will open and close easily. There are many stationary treatments such as non-closing draperies with side panels and valances or cornices that can be permanently installed in place. To add form and function to these window decorations, add under-treatments to blinds, shades or sheers. For any irregular-shaped windows, you may want to consider mini blinds.Do you have very high windows in your foyer or other areas? Consider how you’ll need to operate these blinds.

Remember that children love to play and long drapes can be a tempting plaything for them as well as pets. They will grab anything in sight and it may be better to go with wood blinds or shades that will stay off the floor or at least hang high enough out of a child’s reach. When shopping, ask for a safety window cord as you will be installing blinds in a home with children. Consider top-down bottom-up shades as this will increase your privacy and let you control the height of your blinds from either direction. High-end window treatments can be ordered with many options, including light sensitive and remote control operation. If you decide on transparent shades remember that they offer no privacy, but will still cut the UV rays and glare considerably. They work like a regular roller shade and are made from polyester.

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.best-window-blinds-shutters.com/our-affiliates.html - Are you expecting a hurricane? http://www.best-window-blinds-shutters.com/127-exterior-wood-window-shutter.html

A few simple guidelines for bath lighting:

Place bath strip lights 76″-80″ above the floor (and at least 6″ from the ceiling). If electrical boxes are pre-cut in the mirror, strips can be mounted on top of the mirror. Select the strip light closest in scale to your mirror. They generally come in 24″, 36″ and 48″ sizes. A 30″ vanity can take a 24″ wide strip. Two and three light sconces are an attractive alternative above the mirror in a bathroom.

Wall sconces flanking the mirror over the sink provide shadow-free lighting. For bathrooms with ornate sink and mirror designs, wall sconces are a natural choice. Since bathrooms require two watts of light per square foot, you will need at least two sconces for the room. Position these wall lights at your eye level. Use lampshades to prevent glare. For double sinks, try 3 sconces flanking 2 mirrors. Then add a small chandelier or lantern for general lighting.

Lack of space or existing wiring often dictates the use of recessed lights, which can cast significant shadows. Sometimes small pendants will work as alternatives to recessed lights. And don’t forget to wire for a lighted make-up mirror (or use a plug-in model).

©Shades of Light 2006

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality bath lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free lighting catalog.

Many people attribute the popular stained glass artwork style
found in lamps, windows and other items to a man named Louis
Comfort Tiffany who lived between 1848 and 1933. He was an
American artist and designer whose name is synonymous with the
Art Nouveau era. Tiffany was a painter and interior decorator.
He promoted the copper foil method of stained glass that is so
popular today. He is widely credited for the popularity of this
method and it carries his name. His company made lamps, windows,
doors, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, blown glass mosaics, etc.
Louis Comfort Tiffany founded the Tiffany Glass Company in 1885
but it no longer exists. His father, Charles Lewis Tiffany,
previously had started a jewelry store named Tiffany & Co. in
1837.

However, stained glass artwork has a much longer and relatively
unknown history. Stained glass panels have been found that are
nearly 2,000 years old. Single stained glass panels were
discovered in the remains of ancient Pompeii which was destroyed
in a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 79 A.D. Many
artifacts that were found in the ruins of Pompeii are in museums
around the world especially in Naples, Italy.

Stained glass like we are familiar with was also used in
religious settings as early as 11 A.D. in Europe.

- Jim Hoyle

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most overlooked areas in most households interior design layout. In this article we’ll discuss how to double the functional space in the bedrooms of your house.

Think Vertical

Effective space planning and interior design requires that you plan in three dimensions - so start thinking about the space above your head and higher up on the walls. There are great functional bedding and storage solutions you can use to easily double your floor space in a bedroom and its functional storage space.

Futons for the guest rooms

Why waste the functionality and floor space of a designated guest room when it can normally operate as your den or library? When guests are expected, simply fold down the futon and make it into your guest bedroom.

Loft beds for older children

Loft beds are excellent functional solutions for older children that also want to use their bedroom as a social hangout or study room. A loft bed allows you to place a sofa or study desk underneath the bed. This also creates a great atmosphere under the bed that is private and quiet.

Bunk beds for the youngsters

When there is more than one child in a bedroom bunk beds are a logical solution for using more of the vertical space available in a room, and also creates more space on the floor for playtime.

Murphy beds for studios and 1 bedroom apartments

Murphy beds are a great bed design to incorporate when space is on limited supply. Installing a Murphy bed will instantly open up the room floor space. In small apartments, installing a Murphy bed can have the effect of feeling like you’ve just added another entire room! Murphy beds are also a great option for adding to dens or studies to create a guest room.

High platform beds for more storage

Platform beds are becoming very common now as bed designers switch from using bulky box springs to sleeker and more durable platform supports for bed designs. The old space of a box spring easily creates another vertical foot of potential storage space under your bed. For a regular king size bed, this will create an additional 42 square feet of storage space under the bed.

Air beds for emergency guest rooms

If your spare rooms in the house are dedicated to other functions that you really don’t want to give up, then consider getting an airbed to use when having house guests stay over. Air beds are portable, inflate quickly, and have good support and functionality. You can also get air beds that quick inflate themselves from a small duffel bag.

Trundle beds

Trundle beds are great to have in kids rooms to pull out for sleepovers and can operate as a second temporary bed if the need arises. When not in use it simply slides back under the bed. If you have a trundle bed then you can free up more space in your storage room by getting rid of any fold out cots or beds.

Day beds

Day beds are a functional bedding alternative that also creates a sitting area during the day. Great for apartments, girls rooms, or dens and guest rooms.

Captain’s beds

To maximize storage space in your child’s room consider a captain bed. With so many drawers under the higher bed frame you can do away with separate dresser drawers to free up more floor space.

If you start to think vertical in you interior space planning you can be on your way to doubling your useable interior floor space in your home. For more bed resources and design tips you can visit http://www.loft-beds-bunk-beds.com/loft-beds.htm

About The Author

S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, editor, and contributor to the Loft Beds Bunk Beds resource site, and can be reached at http://www.loft-beds-bunk-beds.com.

Having dealt with the doors on your home in article 3, next I
would like to take a look at locks and hinges.

Many homes use the lock-in-knob, this offers you convenience but
it does not offer security from break ins. The fact is that many
lock-in-knob type locks can be opened using a simple credit
card, your home is just not secure if you are using this type of
lock.

Lock-in-knob type locks are fine for internal doors that you
want to lock for privacy reasons, but all exterior doors need a
deadbolt lock to give the level of security required. With this
type of lock when you operate the key the mechanism slides a
strong metal bolt from the door into the door’s frame.

These are the things you should make sure of when you buy a
deadbolt lock:

The bolt extends at least 1″ into the front edge of the
doorframe. The strike plate is attached through the trim to the
doorframe with screws at least 3″ long. The lock has a rotation
case hardened shroud that prevents it from being twisted off
with a pair of pliers or other tools. There are two common types
of deadbolts:

Single Cylinder Deadbolts

They have a thumb turn on the interior side. They are easy to
use and could speed up exit in the event of an emergency like a
house fire. Remember if they are used near a window they can be
opened by breaking the window and reaching through. This type of
deadbolt lock will not prevent a burglar from using the door to
remove your property.

Double Cylinder Deadbolts

Use keys on both sides of the lock. This type of lock is more
suitable if there is glass window within 40″ of the lock, but
they can present a potential fire escape hazard. This type of
deadbolt lock can delay a burglar that wants to use the door to
remove your property. The final part of the locking mechanism is
the strike plate; this is attached to the doorframe with screws.
The metal bolt of the deadbolt lock slides into the strike plate
to secure the door to the doorframe.

A high security strike plate is needed to keep the metal bolt
from being forced from the doorframe when locked. A high
security strike plate should have at least 4 screws that are a
minimum of 3 inches long.

Finally its time to consider the other edge of the door, there
is no point in having a great deadlock fitted to a door with
weak hinges. Many door hinges are often fitted with the same
3/4″ screws as used for common strike plates. Replace these with
2″ to 3″ fully threaded screws so the hinges are anchored to the
doorframe.

Make sure that the hinge pins are not exposed to the outside so
a potential burglar can remove the pins to gain entry.

Hinges should be pinned by installing a partially threaded screw
into the frame side of the hinge. The unthreaded portion of the
screw is left exposed and the head of the screw is cut off. Then
a corresponding hole is drilled into the door and hinge on the
opposite side, so that when the door is closed the exposed
portion of the screw fits in to the door, so preventing the door
from the being lifted from its hinges.

Having a good lock fitted is only half the story; you must look
after the keys, as many as half of all burglaries take place
without forced entry. It is surprising how often the burglar
just uses a key.

Make sure your keys don’t fall into the wrong hands, the
following tips should help: Never carry identification on your
key ring or holder. Change the locks and keys when you move into
a new house or apartment. Know who has keys to your home.

Don’t give keys to maintenance or deliver people. If you must
leave a key leave it with a trusted neighbor.

Make sure that each member of your family knows where his or her
key is. Never hide a key outside. Burglars always know all the
hiding places. Do not hang keys on hooks within plain view
inside your home.

Well that just about covers the locks and doors on your home,
apart from one very important item, Patio or Sliding Glass
doors, these are so important that I have written a separate
item about them for the next article in this series.