TOP HOME N GARDEN
Create a Cozy Outside Space (without blowing your budget!)
You do not have to blow your entire year's worth of savings or cancel your family's vacation plans in order to create a cozy outside space for your home. It is simple to create a luxurious room with a personal touch and still stay in budget by following a few budget decorating guidelines.
Remember to Work from the Inside Out
Your yard should be considered an extension of your home, as an extra space that would otherwise be neglected. Dress up your patio or deck by thinking up a decor theme that expresses your personality and interests, or a bright new color scheme to spice things up. When choosing how to decorate your patio or deck, keep in mind its intended function.
If you love barbecues, make sure your deck reflects this! Hang bright colors that go along with the heat coming from the grill. Tie your outdoor furniture with comfortable and bright cushions which will both comfort your family and guests, and put some life into the party.
Homes with pools may use the deck as a liaison area between the inside of the home to the pool. Create a midway nautical theme that does not go overboard. Think cool pastels instead of anchors and palm trees. This will smoothly carry visitors from your interior design into the outdoors without them feeling as if they have walked into a completely different person's home when they step on the deck or patio.
Remember that outdoor rooms have to have their own cohesive style. Do not just stick out the discount furniture you found this weekend at the local department store and call your design quits. You would not give up on your living room with the sofa, and you should not forsake the design of your deck or patio either. Work to create a mood with accessories and select pieces that create a personalized touch.
Spinach growing and planting video
Green homes (solar systems..)
One way to make your home more green, and cut down utility bills as well, is to install home solar systems. There are two chief forms of home solar systems, widely known as grid-tie and off-grid.
A grid-tie system is connected to the local power grid, or the local power company. It has solar cells installed either near the home or on the home, and converts solar energy gathered into DC electricity. Inverters in the solar system convert the DC to AC, and the AC is then used in the home. Electricity unused flows back into the power grid, which acts as storage for the electricity, so that it is not wasted, but can be used as needed. This is a way of collecting credit on your electric bill, like getting money back, as it were. This is called 'net-metering', and means that the meter spins backward when electricity is returned, rather than always going forward, and costing you money for essentially unused energy!
This system does not require pricey batteries for power storage; the grid IS the power storage system, and energy is saved, to be utilized as needed. This is both energy and cost efficient.
Off-grid systems are used in more remote locations, where there would not be a local power grid to which to connect. It would be more costly, as it would need special deep-cycle batteries for power storage, and also another specific controller component to keep the flow of electricity from overcharging the batteries.
Solar systems need to be installed where there is an unhindered view of sunlight. Typically, this is on a south facing roof side. Frames may either be affixed directly to the roof, if feasible, or mounted onto frames. These frames can be either fixed or tracking, able to move to follow the sunlight.
The expense of systems depends on various factors, including the size of the home, geographical location, company and equipment chosen, and also if local power companies provide rebates. The government may also grant tax credits. Prices may range from $20,000 to $60,000, but the cost may be cut in half or more if there are rebates or tax credits given.
Several major companies which provide solar systems include: GE, Kyocera, Mitsubishi, SolarWorld, Sanyo, Sharp, Spectrolab, and Uni-Solar, among others.
Aromatherapy and Home Health
As the use of aromatherapy products grows, many people are beginning to use it in the home. One of the easiest ways to start using aromatherapy in your home is to make up air freshening sprays. Choose an essential oil whose scent you like. Fill a clean plastic spray bottle with water; add 8-10 drops of oil. Shake the bottle well and spray the room you wish to freshen. Remember not to spray near furniture as some oils will fade colors.
Another way to improve your household health is to use essential oils in home made cleaning products. Tea tree oil is a well known anti-bacterial and grapefruit seed extract will kill mold or mildew. Both can be used as a spray. Peppermint drops at a doorway will discourage ants. Adding lemon or orange oil to warm, soapy water is a wonderful way to clean your floors and leave a beautiful scent.
For colds or chest ailments inhalation therapies work well. For example peppermint is good for sinus difficulties and ginger for head colds. Put 2-3 drops of oil into a sink or pot filled with hot water. Cover your head with a towel, keep your face about 12 inches from the water and inhale the vapors for a minute or two.
Few things are as good for your muscular health as massage. Most therapists are familiar with a number of beneficial oils, and many use them regularly in their practice. Lavender oil is used for headaches and anxiety, lemon to improve energy and mood, and peppermint or bay for sore muscles. It is now common to find oil blends that correlate to common health issues at your local natural foods store.
Aromatherapy has many more uses in promoting health in your home. Books as well as websites can help you get started on your journey to a more natural environment. Enjoy your trip.