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Decorative Acid Stain Concrete | Unique and Classy

June 24, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Concrete flooring and countertops are, in many ways, the new kid in town. While concrete has been around forever, using it in decorative ways on the interior of your home is a relatively new idea.

The advantages of concrete

Concrete flooring and countertops offer many advantages:

• Easy to maintain—a simple swipe with a damp cloth or broom is all you need to take care of concrete. You may need to reseal heavy traffic areas every couple of years but this is a quick and simple process.
• Durable—if properly installed, concrete will never wear out. Wood warps and buckles, tiles crack and come loose and carpeting shows dirt and wear quickly. These issues are never a problem with concrete.
• Eco-friendly—Concrete is made from all natural products and can include recycled items like plastic, marble, glass etc. In most areas, the products needed to make concrete are local, thereby eliminating the need for expensive delivery. It is resistant to mold and mildew and can even withstand some natural disasters like fire and storms, allowing it to be recycled later.
• Cost effective—your heating and cooling bills can be reduced as concrete is a natural regulator of indoor temperatures. It will absorb the heat during the day and slowly release it in the cooler evening hours.
• Allergen & toxin free—this is a great choice for flooring and countertops if anyone in your home suffers from allergies. Unlike other floor coverings, concrete does not harbor dust mites, does not release any toxins from glue or varnish and mold and mildew are not able to grow on concrete.

Customizing your concrete floor or countertop

There are many ways to infuse a bit of personality into your floor or countertop.
• An acid stain will give your floor a unique color and pattern. It is also possible to apply the stain in a pre-determined pattern to really customize your flooring.
• Add bits of recycled glass, mica chips, sea shells, recycled plastic, fossils, crystals or metal to your floor or countertop for an expensive, custom look.
• Concrete can be molded and poured into any desired shape.

When it comes time to replace your flooring or countertops, consider concrete. You will not only save money in the long run but the end result will be a beautiful one-of-a-kind focal point in your home.

Filed Under: Eco, Featured, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , , ,

Indie Green Crafting

June 23, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

indie green craftingThe art of crafting is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and craft fairs are popping up all over the country. But these are not the craft fairs of the 1970’s. Today’s green craft fair focuses on unique art, clothing, jewelry and home décor pieces made from recycled or repurposed items.

Indie green crafts

In today’s lingo, the word “indie” can be used to describe anything hip or non-mainstream. For example, indie music is published by independent recording companies and indie craft fairs feature arts and crafts that may be a bit out of the ordinary. In fact, Indie crafts are in a category all by themselves. You are not likely to find patchwork aprons or a macramé plant holder at an indie craft fair. What you will see are lovely jewelry and beautiful artwork crafted from bottle caps and newspapers; wearable clothing made out of plastic bags or vintage fabrics and old CD cases become picture frames or hanging ornaments. Kitchen canisters painted with country geese have been replaced by skulls and other punk icons. Hand blown glass art is always popular but at an Indie craft festival the blown glass is often a more functional item like “smoking” paraphernalia. These crafters are expert at turning garbage and cast off objects into beautiful and functional art.

Regional green craft fairs

If mainstream is more your style, travel around our beautiful country and you will find crafts as diverse as the countryside.

• Areas that are near the water have the opportunity to repurpose or recycle items associated with boating and fishing, for example. Old sails may be turned into tote bags, sturdy outdoor cushions or window treatments like those found at www.ellavickers.com. Lobster traps become unique and functional picture frames or coffee tables. (www.lobstertrapart.com) Old rope can turn an ordinary lamp into a one-of-a-kind piece of art and large rope knots make perfect doorstops.

• Mountain areas offer different opportunities for crafters. Woven baskets and hanging wall art made from dropped pine needles and adorned with naturally shed animal horns is the perfect accessory in a casual home. Discarded sweaters are repurposed into blankets and quilts; fallen trees can be turned into beautiful and functional furniture.

• Even city dwellers can create green crafts. Bottles, cans, wine corks, newspapers, old furniture; all of these items can be repurposed, recycled, refinished or reupholstered into something beautiful and/or functional.

Green craft fairs often donate a portion of the funds collected to a local charity, offer a clothing swap or collect food for a shelter. Even the food booths are green—no hot dogs and French fries here—look for organic, locally grown food items along with a selection for vegetarians and vegans. My how times have changed!

Filed Under: Antiques, Eco, Holidays & Crafts, Kitchen & Bath, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Tillandsia | Seasonal, Easy Care Air Plants

June 9, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

tillandsia easy care air plantsTillandsia is a funny looking little plant that is part of the bromeliad family (think pineapple) and is commonly referred to as an air plant. A more familiar member of this family would be Spanish moss which can be found hanging from trees throughout the southern United States. Like other bromeliads, they produce little baby plants called “pups” which can be removed to become plants on their own.

While easy to care for there are some “rules” to follow to insure a healthy and happy tillandsia.

• As an air plant, tillandsia gets its moisture from the air around it. It does not require soil of any kind, just a nice tree, branch or decorative item to cling to.
• Avoid surrounding the base of your plant with moss, bark or other fillers. Remember, they require open air to survive.
• They do require a lot of moisture so should be misted several times a week if kept indoors and should be misted until saturated. A humid or outdoor environment will usually require less watering.
• For most species, direct sunlight should be avoided but indirect light is necessary.
• A temperate climate is best. Keep your plant in an area where the temperature remains steady at around 70-80 degrees.

These plants will add a unique and decorative touch to many areas of your home. They can be wired or even glued to many different items for display.

• Natural items such as driftwood, rocks or sea shells are perfect homes for your tillandsia.
• When placed in a hanging basket the result is a beautiful addition to a covered area outdoors.
• Attached several plants to a grapevine wreath for a natural and welcoming wreath to hang above the fireplace or on the front door.
• Tuck one into a small container to add a touch of life to a bookshelf or powder room.
• They look exotic when placed in a clear glass bowl or terrarium.
• Group several plants together for a full and lush centerpiece.

With proper care you should enjoy blooms from late fall to early spring. Even without blooms, these exotic plants will add interest and beauty to your home year round.

Filed Under: Featured, Flowers & Garden, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Pool Fashion | The Essentials for Lounging in Style

June 8, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

pool fashion, lounging styleSummer is just around the corner and there is no better place to be during the hot, humid months than sitting poolside. Just looking at the beautiful blue water will cool you off. There are several ways to create that perfect backyard “getaway” and allow you to lounge in style.

A place in the sun

Seating and other furniture is an absolute necessity for outdoor comfort and lounging. Options range from a simple chaise on the patio to a full set of outdoor furniture that includes a sofa, chairs, even outdoor lamps and rugs.

Indoor/outdoor fabrics make it possible to decorate your outdoor space as beautifully as you decorate your interior spaces. These fabrics are available in dozens of colors and patterns and are often stain and mold and mildew resistant. Let your personal style show through as you customize your outdoor “rooms” with lounge chair covers, umbrellas, toss pillows etc.

When do we eat?

Dining outdoors is one of life’s little pleasures; not having to worry about breaking glass when outside is another. For total comfort stock your cabinets with these items.

• Tervis tumblers and other acrylic drinkware: Tervis tumblers are insulated, keeping your drink nice and cold, and can be personalized in many fun ways. Wouldn’t Dad love a mug with his favorite sports team logo or his family nickname inscribed?

• The selection of outdoor dishes and flatware ranges from simple white that goes with everything to plates that actually mimic the look of Italian pottery. Polka dots, stripes and floral patterns are available to mix and match with solids in a rainbow of colors.

• Cup holders and can wrappers: These simple items will keep your canned drink cold and prevent that annoying little pool of water that forms under a cold drink.

Relaxation 101

Having everything you need at arm’s length is the key to relaxation.

• Towels are an obvious necessity. Stack them poolside in an attractive waterproof container so they are available as soon as you step out of the pool. They can also be hung on a towel rack designed specifically for use outdoors.

• Furniture cushions and outdoor accessories can be stored in a poolside cabana, making them easily accessible when you do retreat to the backyard for a day of relaxation. The cabana also offers a great place to store swimwear and outdoor clothing and creates a spot for a quick, and private, change.

All that is left to do now is to pick your favorite book, grab a cold drink and head to the pool for a day of lounging in style.

Filed Under: Home Improvement, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , , ,