Are you designing a new kitchen for your home, or remodeling an existing one? If so, then you’ll need to buy furniture pieces for it. There are several different sizes, styles, and colors to choose from. Here are some helpful tips for choosing items such as replacement kitchen doors and small kitchen tables:~ Shopping is supposed to be a fun experience. However, when you are shopping for kitchen furniture, things can get real challenging. With things like color schemes, size, measurements and other considerations to keep in mind, picking the right replacement kitchen door, small kitchen tables and other kitchen essentials becomes almost impossible. To make your furniture shopping experience worthwhile, follow these simple suggestions:
1. Budget.
Before you even head to the stores, you first need to think about how much money are you willing to spend on this project. No matter how simple or grand your ideas for kitchen design are, you need to set a budget for this project to determine your limitations and make the most of your buying dollars in choosing the kitchen furniture and design pieces that you need.
2. Create a floor plan.
As you plan on remodeling your kitchen, you need to be aware of the floor space that you are working on. If you are to buy pieces of kitchen furniture, you need to be aware of how much space is allotted to the placement of such kitchen appliances and other add-ons. Making a floor plan for the kitchen furniture you wanted to buy should help you complete the look that you wanted for your kitchen.
3. Do the measurements.
It would be wise to know the side and dimensions of the corners and floor space in which you plan to put your pieces of kitchen furniture. This should keep you from buying pieces that are too bulky or too small for your kitchen. Being aware of these measurements should guide you in picking the suitable kitchen pieces that will not cause fuss on remodeling because they are too big, too thick, too long, too high or too low.
4. Shop around.
No matter how all those displays confuse you, you need to look at the kitchen exhibits and displays available in your area. This should give you pointers or ideas on what design elements to incorporate in your kitchen makeover project. Also, looking around for pieces of furniture allows you to compare designs as well as price. With internet shopping, looking for the best furniture deal that fits your budget is easy.
5. Do-it-yourself.
Even if you find an outstanding deal on kitchen cabinets, installation costs can be quite high. By installing the cabinet doors yourself, you can increase your savings and possibly save a small fortune. As a word of caution, avoid doing any installations in your kitchen unless you have the proper tools and know-how. Otherwise, your home improvement could turn into a kitchen disaster.
6. Look and design.
This is an extremely important consideration when designing or remodeling your kitchen. When looking at ideas for kitchen, make sure to determine the general look and feel you want to create. Do you want to create a traditional or contemporary look? Is there a particular theme or color scheme that you want to create? Which type of texture would be best suited for the cabinets, tables, or other furniture pieces? These are all important issues to consider before choosing individual furniture pieces.
Shopping for kitchen furniture is often a daunting task. However, following these simple suggestions should make it more fun, engaging and worthwhile.
Instrumental Hip-Hop Music
Indian Hip-Hop is a wonderful mixture of conventional Indian musical rudiments with hip hop music. Hip-Hop changed all the dynamics of world music in 1990s. It’s a form of music which focuses more on message or lyrics of the song than the music. To understand Indian instrumental Hip-Hop music we will have to look at instrumental and Hip-Hop music separately. Indian instrumental music is a part of the great tradition of Indian classical music. Indian classical music is one of the prime constituent of wonderful Indian heritage. Whereas Hip-Hop originated from Afro-American culture and now it is more of a global phenomenon. The mixing of these two forms of music results in captivating instrumental Hip-Hop music.
Instrumental Hip-Hop music redefined the music scenario to the extent that it is considered as a genre of its own. It is one of the most experimental forms of music. Slowly India is also catching up with this new genre. Instrumental Hip-Hop uses one or more local music with other instruments. For example, Indian instrumental hip-hop music mixes few of the Indian languages with percussion or other Indian instruments like Veena or Sitar and thus comes out a completely new form of music which is soothing to the ears. Other experiment includes using Indian movies songs with numerous instruments.
Indian hip-hop musical segment is still in evolution stage. Though, few of the Indian artists have managed to make a name for themselves on international scale. One of the most popular Indian Hip Hop artists who is credited to carve a niche for himself is Asoka. Basically a solo performer, he has worked with famous rappers as well. Asoka has worked with one of the world’s most popular rappers, The Outlawz. Not only that, he has prominently featured in major mix tapes. Other prominent Indian hip-hop artists are Srik, OBB, Sagar, PRX etc.
New Zealand Travel Info – Part 3
In this third article we will know more about New Zealand – Heaven on Earth for sure.
Transport Options:
Getting around New Zealand is very easy and safe. There is good public transport connectivity between different parts of New Zealand. However for tourists the best mode of transportation is Self Drive in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s domestic Airlines Jet Star and Air New Zealand covers almost all the parts of New Zealand through air network.
Apart from the standard airlines, you also have lot of chartered flight options to go from one place to another.
Other option is a very well planned coach network. New Zealand is well connected with coach network across the country. There are various options of Hop – On and Hop- Off bus for one destination to another. You also have option of adding or clubbing the sightseeing packages in to your bus pass.
Third option is the Ferry. If you all remember, there are two major islands of New Zealand, North & South. The Ferry runs between Wellington & Picton. It is a 3.5 hours sail through beautiful waters of Marlborough Sounds. Amazingly, you can also carry your entire car or even motor homes as well through the Ferry. It is once in a life time experience and one should never miss it if you are in New Zealand.
Last option is the train service. However it is not widely spread across the country. There are couple of major train journeys.
1. The Northern Explorer: Runs between Auckland & Wellington. Travel time is approximately 10.5 hours
2. Tranz Alpine: Runs between Greymouth & Christchurch. One of the top 10 train journeys in the world. Approximate travel time is around 4.5 hours and one should not miss this one. Absolutely must do activity.
Driving in New Zealand is one of the best and safest options to travel through the country. Rental cars of different categories are easily available across the country. However one should keep in mind that most of the car rental company needs a valid Credit Card of the person who is renting the car.
Minimum age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 and the charges are different if you are below 25 years of age. Also an Indian Driver’s license is valid and recognizable and you do not need an International Permit to drive in New Zealand.
Can it get easier than this?
Catch you in next article with some more useful information on New Zealand.!!
Taliesin West – Home Design in the Desert of Scottsdale
There are a number of reasons that Scottsdale, Arizona homes, land and real estate are so highly sought after by families. Here’s one: there’s so much to do, whether your lifestyle leans towards indoor luxuries or outdoor amenities.
For example, internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright came to Scottsdale in 1937 and purchased what was then barren real estate. Designed as his personal winter home, studio and architectural campus, he built Taliesin West in the lush high Sonoran desert directly in the shadows of the McDowell Mountains in northeast Scottsdale.
Wright created a new form of architecture and established a legacy that still draws visitors from all over the world to Taliesin West, which is a living laboratory of Wright’s ideas. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has made many renovations to Taliesin West over the years, giving guests the opportunity to view Wright’s private home which has been restored inside and out to its original appearance.
Ranging from one to three hours, tours of Taliesin West are offered on a regular basis, allowing visitors to experience firsthand Wright’s heralded ability to integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces. Depending on the tour you select, you can visit the Cabaret Theater, Music Pavilion, Kiva and Frank Lloyd Wright’s office, all of which are linked by dramatic terraces, gardens and walkways overlooking the rugged desert and the valley below. Knowledgeable guides explain how the site relates to the surrounding desert real estate and provide a general overview of Wright’s philosophies and theories of design. Twilight tours are offered during select months, providing sightseers with the extraordinary opportunity to view Wright’s one-time home in a nighttime setting when the desert masonry structures, lighted from within, appear as sculptures.
According to the Scottsdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Wright’s vision and influence are seen throughout Scottsdale, including at one of Scottsdale’s premier resort properties, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. This luxurious resort enjoys a history filled with Hollywood celebrities as well as an architectural past linked to the Wright legacy. Representing the cosmopolitan side of Scottsdale with its clean lines and minimalist approach, the property was originally designed by architect Hiram Hudson Benedict, a protégée of Wright. What makes it even more unique is the fact that several stunning private homes are snuggled just steps away from the resort’s front doors.
Vernon Swaback, a former student of Wright’s, also has left an indelible mark on Scottsdale’s real estate landscape. He spent more than two decades studying and working at Taliesin West and over the years has been involved in the design of award-winning hotels, office buildings, recreational facilities and custom homes throughout the Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix metropolitan area.
Green Construction is the Newest Trend in Home Building
The green revolution is slowly but surely taking root in the construction industry like in all other arenas of modern life. Today world awareness of global warming and environmental issues becomes common knowledge and all around the world people are starting to act on this very critical problem in many ways, and as we shall see, the most immediate way to adapt good “Green Habits” is at our home. We don’t need to go out there and fight with all the big destructive “Red industries” such as the petroleum industry, to save our precious planet, but rather we can do it quietly yet effectively with green design and construction of our home. More then ever the old saying “charity begins at home” proves to be right, only now a days this charity can have far reaching ramifications that can benefit also our big home – our planet.
Green construction will become the convention as more and more ecological regulations and laws supervising the industrial sector are mandated. The cities of the future will be completely self sustainable in terms of energy consumption, and architects will need to follow strict green design and construction criteria. As a matter of fact, most of the technology for environmental friendly construction already exists and it is only a question of time until we see it being implemented on a regular basis in home and building design.
General contractors too will need to reassess their approach to home improvement and remodeling, putting Eco friendly concepts on green construction to use on every job they do. For instance, recycling of old materials from the job site is completely easy to do with huge benefits to the environment in terms of waist control and reduction. Builders and general contractors only need to do a small attitude revision and a little learning to upgrade and take part in this global change of going green.
The industrial revolution that started 150 years ago brought advances but also marked the beginning of dangers down slope to the environment. Now is the time to start using technologies that can work harmoniously with the wonderful world we live in without compromising our quality of life. Smart green design and construction is the way to go and general contractor and re-modelers as well as home owners are obligated to consider how to implement green construction technologies and products on every remodeling project, small or big!
Fast Money Recap – Earn Through Online Jobs
Now is the time for a fast money recap. Do you think that you can really make fast money through online jobs like marketing, selling, advertisements, surveys and other labors? You may be right but you really have to know the right skills and how to apply them to ensure that you get that money without leaving the comfort of your home.
The possibilities of earning money through online ventures are quite vast. The whole area is quite new and nascent. Everyone is still trying to figure out and explore the endless capabilities. The deeper you get into it more doors open up. So won’t it be nice if a small recap of the fast money is available as a user guide for a new starter? This article may be the answer.
Fundamentals of fast money recap
The first fundamental in fast money recap is to know your skill well. You need to know what you are good at, is it really fast typing, sales, analytic, what is your unique forte. Determining this will allow you to play to your strengths and discard the opportunities that may not truly add value to your business proposition. Understand that the possibilities are endless. Hence there is no rush, take your time and then get into what you are best suited for.
Another thing to remember is to pick and choose your medium to be available online. Do you want to have your own website, blog or you would simply like to leverage the social networking site. Having your own website works the best since you will also be able to leverage the benefits of affiliate marketing. The cost of hosting a website and developing one is not very high while the benefits are worth a lot. If you are serious about making money online then you must invest in a website, which is the second point in fast money recap.
Basic business sense is necessary
The smaller fundamentals may be quite a lot, but it is sufficient to say here that it pays to remember the basics of business sense. Ultimately whatever we are doing is to make money. Hence the traditional methods of using prudence and good financial management and business sense are not going to harm anybody. Keep this in mind and you would not need to refer to any other fast money recap anywhere. Build your business on solid ground and get ready for excellent returns.
Fast Food Restaurants and Churches – What They Have in Common
The rise of fast food restaurants in the world is a current phenomenon. McDonald’s was the first major chain, and it stood unchallenged for many years providing inexpensive fast food and an entertainment experience. The market exploded suddenly, with a numerous variety of franchises spreading to the reaches of North America and eventually to the world. Although the fast food restaurant is a product of modern culture, it has remarkable similarities to church. This may sound like an outrageous statement, but consider the likeness of their history, beginning with the official Catholic Church which “stood unchallenged for many years”; then numerous other denominations were created. Today, churches and fast food restaurants have an easily recognizable physical structure and a set of consistent routines and procedures. They also both teach desirable values through their interaction with society.
Churches are easily recognized by their outward appearance: some are very ornate stone with spires, bells and stain glassed windows, while others have a simpler or conservative construction. Each denomination has a distinct appearance that is duplicated in the towns and cities of North America; likewise, restaurants are easily recognizable. Even a child can spot the ‘Golden Arches’ of a McDonald’s from a distance. Just as there are numerous flavors of churches, there are also many different fast food franchises, that offer a customized menu and atmosphere. Each restaurant has an individual style, but they are all colorful, stylish buildings with bright, large windows.
The inside of franchised restaurants are decorated in the same style, just like in churches of the same denomination. There are standard decorating and furniture by franchise or denomination. For example, churches have seating in a main hall or sanctuary where sermons are received. In a Catholic Church there will be wooden pews in rows, whereas in a Brethren Church there will be modern cushioned chairs, placed in an arrangement of sections and rows. Likewise, all fast food franchises have fixed seating of tables, chairs, and bench seating, but each has its own manner and style of arranging the seating. Inside or out, fast food restaurants and churches are easily recognized by their physical appearance.
Both institutions have predictable routines and procedures that are followed by the people who go there. When going to a church service, you are greeted by an usher; likewise, when going to a fast food restaurant you are greeted by a server. Both can be visited alone, with family or with friend, and offer a social aspect as well. During both social experiences, you will consume food and drink. During the church service you will take communion, bread and wine, and during your restaurant experience you will eat a meal of your choice. One feeds the body, while the other feeds the soul.
Routines will vary by denomination or franchise, but will be consistent in each. For example, all church services involve singing, preaching, offering, and praying, but the order and style will vary by denomination. A Baptist Church service generally begins with a couple hymns and an opening prayer. Then announcements, special music, and scripture reading before the sermon. Sermon. Closing prayer and/or hymn. It’s a predictable experience. Attending a Catholic Mass will be different from a Baptist service, but it will be equally predictable each week.
Likewise, going to McDonald’s involves getting in line at the counter, ordering your food, taking your tray to your table while picking up napkins, ketchup, straws, etc., on the way, eating, and cleaning up your own mess. Then kids can play, while the adults relax. No matter what McDonald’s you visit the experience will be the same. Going to Burger King provides relatively the same experience, but the food, atmosphere, and play items will vary. You could be dropped into a church or fast food restaurant blindfolded, and it’s absolutely certain that you’ll know what’s expected of you when the blindfold is removed!
Finally, both churches and fast food restaurants teach values through their respective institutions. Churches teach biblical values for how people should live their lives. “For the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness,,,… and self control” is an often quoted verse that names virtuous qualities for people to develop in themselves. There are also many parables that teach about making right decisions. Beyond believing in God, Jesus and the sacrifice of the cross, people are encouraged to strive for good qualities so that they can be good people.
Fast food restaurants teach values, although it is done more implicitly. They encourage cleanliness and responsibility by expecting people to clean up after themselves. The words “Thank You” on the garbage receptacles are an encouragement to dispose of your waste instead of leaving it on the table. Kindness is also exemplified through their advertising slogans. Dairy Queen has trademarked the slogan, “We treat you right.” McDonald’s uses the slogans, “We like to see you smile” and “The smiles are free.” These are feel good, positive statements that encourage the consumer to respond in kind.
Both institutions are involved in charity, collecting money for worthy causes that will help people. Churches collect money through collections to offer programs to the people in their community, while fast food restaurants provide change receptacles at the cash where you can donate to various charities. These are ways that both institutions teach values to the people who frequent them.
Although there are many striking similarities between churches and fast food restaurants, there are also differences. While church is offered at fixed times during the week, fast food restaurants have lengthy and flexible hours. It’s very convenient to eat dinner quickly, inexpensively, and without the work of preparing it. Church services are offered at fixed times and it’s unlikely you will get out of there quickly. As well, going to church is meant to meet a spiritual need, while going to a fast food restaurant is meant to meet a physical need. At the restaurant you are feeding your body, but at church you are feeding your soul. Attending church helps people maintain a balanced life, while going to fast food restaurants merely provides an unhealthy meal, which contributes to an unbalanced diet.
One experience is free, but the other has a cost. You can willingly give a donation or politely decline during offering, but at any fast food chain you will not be given food unless you pay. Fast food restaurants are money making ventures, in contrast to the non-profit nature of churches. The restaurant owner offers this food and service to make a living; whereas, the minister or priest is collecting money to use for the physical or spiritual service of others. It may be argued that the church overseer also receives a salary, but idealistically the salary is given for self-less service and not personal gain.
I have presented this comparison to a variety of different people over the last few years. Curiously, the initial reaction of most people was to adamantly argue against the idea that these institutions were similar. The main reason for their persistent protesting was that they thought it was heresy to make this comparison – between the modern, pagan fast food establishments and rituals and the long-standing Christian churches whose establishment and rituals’ purpose is to reunite the human race with God. For many people, the comparison becomes intensely personal and they feel that it’s wrong.
Overall, there is a sense of strangeness in the similarities that exist between fast food restaurants and churches. The remarkable likeness between the two should not be surprising as they were an invention of people who have been raised in a church-going society. Whether they are active, religious church goers or not, they cannot help but be implicitly affected by this pervasive institution. People are comfortable with predictability; thus each familiar experience, whether in church or a fast food restaurant, is like an old familiar shoe.
White Gold Rings For Men and Women
An increasing number of men and women have expressed a personal preference for this type of jewelry; with many men preferring it because it is not as glitzy as the traditional yellow gold rings. More men and women are now choosing white gold rings for either an engagement or wedding.
When white gold rings are made, another type metal such nickel or silver will be blended with the gold. For instance, an 18K ring would contain 75% gold and 25% of another metal. The reason why another alloy is mixed in is because white is not a natural gold color. Once the metal is added it will become white. The metal blend is normally given a coat of rhodium to bring out the white color. Another reason why metals are mixed in is that 24K or pure gold, needs to be blended with other metals so that it will harden.
White gold rings are moderately priced so many people will find them quite affordable. Yellow gold rings and platinum rings tend to be more costly. The appealing look of this striking jewelry makes them very popular with many ring experts describing them as sophisticated and modern looking. Today, many young couples are choosing white gold rings for their engagements and weddings. They are also very stylish and go well with many types of outfits, whether they are worn for a casual occasion or a formal occasion.
There are a number of benefits to wearing white gold rings. They display the diamond in a more attractive setting than the traditional yellow gold. The gold does not affect the cut and clarity of the diamond. The diamond looks stunning against the gold. They can also handle the wear and tear of everyday activities because they are more durable and scratch resistant. You will worry less about damage and the ring will require less maintenance. However, over a long period of continuously being worn on a daily basis, the white can start to change to a yellowish green. It can also become dull looking. If this happens, you should take it to a jeweler so that it can be re-coated.
Today, there are a wide variety of different types and styles of this stunning jewelry that contain beautiful gemstones such as diamonds. Whether it is for an engagement, wedding, any other special occasion, or to add as an accessory to a trendy outfit, a white gold ring will continue to be the original leader in ring choices.
Henna Tattoo – An Ancient Practice to Adorn Women
Henna is a tropical flowering plant that comes from the Arabic word for Lawsonia Inermis pronounced as hina. It is a tall shrub or small tree that usually grows in Africa, Southern Asia and Northern Australia. The leaves of henna produce red-orange dye used in coloring the hair and tinting the parts of the body such as the hands and the feet.
Henna tattoo is an ancient Indian Body Art also known as Mehendi or Mehndi. It is an art that uses henna plant as an ink or color to intricate ethnic or contemporary design and exotic patterns traditionally applied on various parts of the body specifically the hands and feet of women in preparations for special ceremonies.
Since the late Bronze Age in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mehndi is practice to adorn young women’s bodies as part of holiday and social celebrations. Early context shows that according to Ugaritic Legend of Baal and Anath, henna is used for marriage and fertility celebrations. The women are seen marking themselves with henna to prepare in meeting their husbands. Between 1500 and 500 BCE, paintings and statuettes of young women have been discovered. Their hands, nails, palms, and soles have markings and ancient patterns. Jews, Hindus, Zoroastrians and Christians celebrated marriages with henna to adorn the bride and often the groom as well. Traditionally, henna tattoo or Mehndi is used as a symbol of love and joy. It is a pre-wedding ritual to bring good fortune and happiness to the couple. It is said that the women will used as much henna to put different patterns like flowers and the names of their husbands. According to beliefs and traditions, marking the women’s bodies with henna attracts prosperity, love, healing and protection.
Nowadays, although henna tattoo is popular and more often used for women, men seem to find it a nice alternative to permanent tattoo. It is a painless and temporary process of tattooing. Mehndi or henna tattoo only lasts within one to four weeks. It is not a lifetime commitment. The design you have chosen today might be out for the next. Henna tattoo can be removed and be changed if a person has it wants another cool and unique design.
A Handy Guide to Selecting Gold Rings
Gold rings are an elegant addition to any hand. They look beautiful and enhance the beauty and shape of the hand. That is why gold rings are some of the most popular purchases made by people.
You will find a large variety of gold rings in the market. The most commonly sought after rings are engagement rings and wedding rings. Engagement rings are generally gem studded. They may hold one large stone at the center or may have an elaborate setting that looks stunning. On the other hand, wedding rings were plain gold bands in the past. They looked quite sober and were firm testaments of the wearer’s loyalty and faithfulness. But nowadays, you can see a proliferation of delightful styles that have converted the boring band into a circle of delight. You have plain gold bands, in yellow and white, with attractive borders and designs. Then there are two tone gold rings, where white and yellow gold are interspersed to form eye-catching designs. Of course, the plain gold ring is still a huge crowd puller, with many people opting for white or yellow bands. One of the main reasons for selecting the classic wedding ring band is the fact that these complement any jewelry and clothing style. Some couples even get plain bands and engrave their names on them. If the woman is already wearing an engagement ring, she may prefer a gold wedding ring that complements the engagement ring. Fortunately, there are enough choices out there to suit any personality and style.
These days, you can see more and more men wearing gold rings. Men’s gold rings are a little different from the typical ring for women. For one thing, men’s rings are broader and more stolid in style as compared to the delicate and thin selections that dominate the women’s style. Men’s rings typically have very simple designs whereas women’s rings are ornate and stylistic. Women love attractive stones while men go for solid gold or for birth stones like diamonds, emerald, sapphire and topaz.
These days, many people like to shop for funky gold rings. Some of the popular rings include animal rings featuring cutely decorated elephants or dolphins. These rings are embellished with stones and may even come in a variety of colors like yellow, white and burnt orange. Another favorite with women of all ages and preferences is the gold rings set with stones. While some women prefer a single large stone at the center of a design, others go for a number of stones laid out decoratively to form a beautiful pattern. When combined with matching earrings and necklaces or pendants, these gold rings can really catch the eye and make others go green with envy.
Most gold finger rings are available in 18k or 14k gold. These are durable because they contain enough quantities of alloy to ensure that the rings can withstand pressure and rough conditions. 14k gold is best for gem studded varieties. Since gold rings in 14k gold are relatively cheap, it is possible for people to buy different varieties of rings which they can mix and match as they wish.