Add dimension to your home with professionally designed landscape lighting. Nothing is more majestic than seeing your home illuminated at night. As light gently washes the walls, accents architectural features and illuminates the trees, your home will take on a new dimension and announce its presence in the night. Outdoor lighting has become extremely popular as homeowners have discovered that it adds beauty, security and safety to their property.
Beauty:
Outdoor lighting, when designed properly, will add dimension to a home that once was unnoticeable after dusk. Lighting designers will use different types of light to achieve various tasks. If illuminating an entire surface of a home is the desired effect, then a flood type light would be used to wash the wall. Maybe there is a row of columns, where it would be dramatic if each one were lighted individually. A lighting designer would use a beam of light that has a narrow light pattern, spotlighting each individual column. A majestic tree in landscape might call for soft lighting, illuminating the branches and highlighting one of nature’s original pieces of art. As all of these lighting types are used in one design and begin to harmonize with one another, a very special effect will be created. Outdoor lighting can produce an effect so endearing that you will find yourself eagerly awaiting and appreciating the approach to your home like never before.
Security:
Another added benefit of outdoor lighting is the security that it can help provide. Many homeowners will have a security system installed in their home, but what they don’t realize is that a properly lighted home will not be as likely targeted for theft as a home that sits completely in the dark. A criminal will not be as likely to enter a door or window where he has to do his work in a brightly lighted area. Effectively planned lighting, in concert with your home security system, can help to keep your home and family safe.
Safety:
All of us love to use our outdoors, but unless you have proper illumination at night, it can be difficult to navigate around your property. There are many types of lighting that an outdoor lighting company can install to make the grounds around your home more accessible at night. If you have a retaining wall along your driveway, lights can be installed to illuminate your path to the garage. If you have difficult steps leading up to your home in the front or back, then lighting can be used in the riser portion of the step to define each step. Lighting can also define a walkway connecting the house and the garage. This type of safety lighting is very useful for the elderly as well. While these are just a few examples of how outdoor lighting can add safety to your property, an expert lighting designer can help you to identify your problem areas and incorporate them into their overall design.
After the successful installation of an outdoor lighting project and the night falls for the first time to reveal the results, you will find that you have made a decision that means your money has been well spent. Also know that for energy efficiency, outdoor illumination can be placed on a timer that turns it off at dawn and on at dusk. Outdoor lighting adds beauty, value, security and safety to your property while letting your home be a glowing star in the night sky.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Take the Stress out of Moving this Christmas!
With the festive season fast approaching, it's not only the shops and retail outfits that are getting ready for the sudden onslaught of customers.
As well as Estate and Lettings Agents, Removal and Shipping companies are getting ready for Christmas as well. After the Summer and Easter holidays, this is one of the busiest times of the year for moving home.
Anyone that was unlucky enough not to complete their house sale in the summer months is now desperately trying to make sure that they move this side of Christmas, so that all the loose ends are tied up before the New Year. Also Christmas and the New Year see the end of many tenancy agreements, so therefore the renting market becomes saturated with vacant properties to let.
Being a tenant at this time of year is great, due to the extensive range of properties that are available. And if you're lucky, you may even get a discount on the monthly rent or deposit due to the fact that the landlord is having trouble letting it out.
However, if you're a landlord at this time of year, you will have to make sure that the property you are letting is picture perfect so that you get the right kind of tenant and the right price for your property. With so many people taking advantage of the Buy to Let market, you cannot afford for your property to be on the bottom rung of the ladder right now.
Although, the actual moving day may not be top priority for many people relocating, it should not be forgotten and left till the end.
You see, many people think that booking a removal company is like booking a taxi - Quick and easy.
What many people don't realise is that removal companies can be fully booked for days and weeks in advance. So if you don't want to be left with the really expensive companies or on the other hand, the cowboy firms, contact your movers well in advance.
Don't get me wrong, it is not always that everyone leaves it late to book, but sometimes the exchange on their property does not go through until a few days before completion and many people (superstitiously) think that they shouldn’t sort things out until everything is confirmed. Also if you're renting, you can find a property and be accepted within just a few days if your credit check goes through straight away.
One major piece of advice that we give to all our clients is to make sure that you get quotes from Removal or Shipping companies as early as possible. If you contact them at least 6-8 weeks in advance of your proposed move date then you are more likely to be prepared for short notice completions. Also, the removal companies will be more patient and understanding of your situation if things do get delayed. Plus, if you are moving overseas, Sea freight and European shipments can sometimes take several weeks to arrive at your destination so be prepared and book early.
This is also a good idea so that you know exactly how much your removal is going to cost you well in advance. Moving with a professional company may be less hassle, but it can also be expensive. So Be Prepared!
And don't think that just because you are moving yourself, you have it easier either. Moving at any time of year is hard work, let alone in the cold and wet winter months, so make sure you have prepared yourself for the worse. If you are moving yourself, make sure you hire the right size vehicle and leave enough time for the packing and loading. You can be charged by the Removal Company moving into the new property if you are not moved out in time and they are delayed unloading.
Check out Jane's website, http://www.movingetc.co.uk for more information on moving home, as well as free recommendation on which removal company to use for your stress free move.
As well as Estate and Lettings Agents, Removal and Shipping companies are getting ready for Christmas as well. After the Summer and Easter holidays, this is one of the busiest times of the year for moving home.
Anyone that was unlucky enough not to complete their house sale in the summer months is now desperately trying to make sure that they move this side of Christmas, so that all the loose ends are tied up before the New Year. Also Christmas and the New Year see the end of many tenancy agreements, so therefore the renting market becomes saturated with vacant properties to let.
Being a tenant at this time of year is great, due to the extensive range of properties that are available. And if you're lucky, you may even get a discount on the monthly rent or deposit due to the fact that the landlord is having trouble letting it out.
However, if you're a landlord at this time of year, you will have to make sure that the property you are letting is picture perfect so that you get the right kind of tenant and the right price for your property. With so many people taking advantage of the Buy to Let market, you cannot afford for your property to be on the bottom rung of the ladder right now.
Although, the actual moving day may not be top priority for many people relocating, it should not be forgotten and left till the end.
You see, many people think that booking a removal company is like booking a taxi - Quick and easy.
What many people don't realise is that removal companies can be fully booked for days and weeks in advance. So if you don't want to be left with the really expensive companies or on the other hand, the cowboy firms, contact your movers well in advance.
Don't get me wrong, it is not always that everyone leaves it late to book, but sometimes the exchange on their property does not go through until a few days before completion and many people (superstitiously) think that they shouldn’t sort things out until everything is confirmed. Also if you're renting, you can find a property and be accepted within just a few days if your credit check goes through straight away.
One major piece of advice that we give to all our clients is to make sure that you get quotes from Removal or Shipping companies as early as possible. If you contact them at least 6-8 weeks in advance of your proposed move date then you are more likely to be prepared for short notice completions. Also, the removal companies will be more patient and understanding of your situation if things do get delayed. Plus, if you are moving overseas, Sea freight and European shipments can sometimes take several weeks to arrive at your destination so be prepared and book early.
This is also a good idea so that you know exactly how much your removal is going to cost you well in advance. Moving with a professional company may be less hassle, but it can also be expensive. So Be Prepared!
And don't think that just because you are moving yourself, you have it easier either. Moving at any time of year is hard work, let alone in the cold and wet winter months, so make sure you have prepared yourself for the worse. If you are moving yourself, make sure you hire the right size vehicle and leave enough time for the packing and loading. You can be charged by the Removal Company moving into the new property if you are not moved out in time and they are delayed unloading.
Check out Jane's website, http://www.movingetc.co.uk for more information on moving home, as well as free recommendation on which removal company to use for your stress free move.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Christmas time and decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of many people’s holiday season. Many family traditions involve going to a tree farm or Christmas tree store to pick out the perfect tree. A real tree can add the beauty of the season to your home and fill it with a pleasant scent of pine.
Unfortunately, real Christmas trees can also pose a fire hazard. According to the National Safety Council, each year more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees and tragically nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries result from those fires. To help protect your family this holiday season, below is a list of important Christmas tree safety tips.
Christmas Trees:
• Select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green.
• The needles of pine and spruce trees should bend, not break, and be hard to pull off the branches.
• For the fir tree species, the needles should snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot.
• Also, look for sticky sap on the tree’s trunk.
• Cut off approximately two inches of the tree’s trunk and place the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times so that the tree does not dry out too quickly.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet (one meter) away from any heat source, such as fireplaces and radiators.
• Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
• Do not place the tree where it blocks doorways or foot traffic.
• If you decide to use an artificial tree, buy one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.
• Be sure the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label is on an artificial tree with built-in electrical systems.
Tree Lights:
• Only use indoor lights with the UL label.
• Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
• Replace any damaged light sets.
• Do not use more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Also be sure to place the extension cord next to a wall to avoid a tripping hazard.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Always turn off lights and decorations on your Christmas tree when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
Tree Ornaments:
• Avoid placing breakable or small tree ornaments with detachable parts on the tree’s lower branches where small children and pets can reach them.
• Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials or decorations.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on all Christmas tree ornaments.
• Use the proper step stool or ladder to reach the top of the tree while decorating.
Disposing of Tree:
• It is time to dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house, garage, or placed against the house.
To keep your family and home safe this year, be sure to check your smoke alarms, replace batteries as needed, and know what your fire escape plan is. For more tips, information, or how to create a fire escape plan, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.
Unfortunately, real Christmas trees can also pose a fire hazard. According to the National Safety Council, each year more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees and tragically nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries result from those fires. To help protect your family this holiday season, below is a list of important Christmas tree safety tips.
Christmas Trees:
• Select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green.
• The needles of pine and spruce trees should bend, not break, and be hard to pull off the branches.
• For the fir tree species, the needles should snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot.
• Also, look for sticky sap on the tree’s trunk.
• Cut off approximately two inches of the tree’s trunk and place the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times so that the tree does not dry out too quickly.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet (one meter) away from any heat source, such as fireplaces and radiators.
• Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
• Do not place the tree where it blocks doorways or foot traffic.
• If you decide to use an artificial tree, buy one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.
• Be sure the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label is on an artificial tree with built-in electrical systems.
Tree Lights:
• Only use indoor lights with the UL label.
• Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
• Replace any damaged light sets.
• Do not use more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Also be sure to place the extension cord next to a wall to avoid a tripping hazard.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Always turn off lights and decorations on your Christmas tree when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
Tree Ornaments:
• Avoid placing breakable or small tree ornaments with detachable parts on the tree’s lower branches where small children and pets can reach them.
• Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials or decorations.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on all Christmas tree ornaments.
• Use the proper step stool or ladder to reach the top of the tree while decorating.
Disposing of Tree:
• It is time to dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house, garage, or placed against the house.
To keep your family and home safe this year, be sure to check your smoke alarms, replace batteries as needed, and know what your fire escape plan is. For more tips, information, or how to create a fire escape plan, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.
Sonex Studio foam at Soundproofing America
There is a lot more to a modern home or professional studio then simply soundproofing the walls and floating the floor. Oh of course these things are important especially when you are trying to capture that perfect classical guitar solo on tape or CD, but it is the acoustical tuning of the studio that really makes the difference between a good recording and an outstanding one. What do I mean by acoustical tuning? Basically it is deadening or livening a room to make it the perfect environment for live musical recording and voice-overs. If a room or a studio is too live this meant that there are too many hard surfaces fro the sound to reflect off of. It is what causes unwanted reverbs (echo) in the room dues to the lack of absorbent material on the walls ceiling and floors.
Illbruck Sonex ™ is one of the leading producers in the world of quality studio and home theater absorptive foams and acoustical panels. For example the Sonex ™
Fabritec™ panels give your studio that professional look while adding to the acoustical balance in the room. The Fabritec™ fabric covered panels are lightweight and have a Willtec™ foam core and a rugged tackable fabric exterior. Willtec™ is and open-cell melamine foam that is the cornerstone of the Fabretec™ panels. They are am impact resistant panel and can take the abuse of dollies and heavy musical equipment that might be inadvertently slammed into these panels. They attach to any clean surface with adhesives or hook and loop- fasteners. The Sonex Fabritec™ panels come in 24” X 24” and also 24” X 48”. They are the perfect panels to give you studio that polished look while providing the quality sound that the pros demand. Illbruck Sonex™ leads the way for high quality studio panels. When you think of Acoustical treatments, think Illbruck Sonex, the sound sculpting people.
Another product from Sonex™ is the Whiteline™ ceiling tile. These tiles have a distinctive soft smooth finish that is a complete departure from the conventional ceiling tiles of the past. The Whiteline ™ tiles offer excellent sound absorption as well as having a high light reflectance (.089) making them ideal for spaces with indirect lighting. Whiteline™ ceiling tiles also have a Willtec™ melamine foam core the same as the Sonex Fabritech™ panels.
The Willtec™ core makes these tiles lightweight and very absorbent. White fleece is laminated to both sides of the Whiteline™ ceiling tiles. These ceiling tiles can be installed into an Illbruck Sonex ™ ceiling grid or into any conventional 15/16” or 9/16” T-grid system. If you home theater or studio sports a T-bar ceiling with conventional ceiling tiles, why not move up to the quality of Sonex™ with the next generation Whiteline™ ceiling tiles.
When building a home studio or a professional home theater, trust Illbruck Sonex ™to give you the acoustical control you need in any room or space. To learn more about the quality Sonex line of acoustical treatments and sound control products go to their website at www.illbruck-acoustic.com Sonex, there is no finer acoustical agent
Illbruck Sonex ™ is one of the leading producers in the world of quality studio and home theater absorptive foams and acoustical panels. For example the Sonex ™
Fabritec™ panels give your studio that professional look while adding to the acoustical balance in the room. The Fabritec™ fabric covered panels are lightweight and have a Willtec™ foam core and a rugged tackable fabric exterior. Willtec™ is and open-cell melamine foam that is the cornerstone of the Fabretec™ panels. They are am impact resistant panel and can take the abuse of dollies and heavy musical equipment that might be inadvertently slammed into these panels. They attach to any clean surface with adhesives or hook and loop- fasteners. The Sonex Fabritec™ panels come in 24” X 24” and also 24” X 48”. They are the perfect panels to give you studio that polished look while providing the quality sound that the pros demand. Illbruck Sonex™ leads the way for high quality studio panels. When you think of Acoustical treatments, think Illbruck Sonex, the sound sculpting people.
Another product from Sonex™ is the Whiteline™ ceiling tile. These tiles have a distinctive soft smooth finish that is a complete departure from the conventional ceiling tiles of the past. The Whiteline ™ tiles offer excellent sound absorption as well as having a high light reflectance (.089) making them ideal for spaces with indirect lighting. Whiteline™ ceiling tiles also have a Willtec™ melamine foam core the same as the Sonex Fabritech™ panels.
The Willtec™ core makes these tiles lightweight and very absorbent. White fleece is laminated to both sides of the Whiteline™ ceiling tiles. These ceiling tiles can be installed into an Illbruck Sonex ™ ceiling grid or into any conventional 15/16” or 9/16” T-grid system. If you home theater or studio sports a T-bar ceiling with conventional ceiling tiles, why not move up to the quality of Sonex™ with the next generation Whiteline™ ceiling tiles.
When building a home studio or a professional home theater, trust Illbruck Sonex ™to give you the acoustical control you need in any room or space. To learn more about the quality Sonex line of acoustical treatments and sound control products go to their website at www.illbruck-acoustic.com Sonex, there is no finer acoustical agent
Batt Insulations, are they a sound investment in Soundproofing?
“Which batt type insulation will give me the best soundproofing?” I hear this question a lot, or better still, “Do I need to add more soundproofing if I already have insulation in the walls and ceilings?” Keep in mind that any batt type insulation, though it may be a great thermal insulator, is generally not very good as a soundproofing agent. If batt insulations such as fiberglass insulation or Icynene were effective soundproofing products, the big boys like Johns Manville ™ and Owens Corning ™ would take over the soundproofing industry and leave the real professionals out in the cold. Luckily knowledge is still power and it will be a while before all the soundproofing companies are put out of business.
If you are serious about soundproofing always consider batt insulations as the proverbial “icing on the cake”. They simply don’t have the horsepower to be stand alone soundproofing agents such as lead, closed cell foam and mass loaded vinyl.
There are some good sound batt insulations on the market today, one is Roxul AFB™ (acoustic fire batt). Roxul™ is a rock wool that is made up of mining slag Canada that is hit with high pressure air thus giving it the properties of a very dense fiberglass insulation and while it will provide the end user with an R-13 for the 3 ½” variety and an R-19 for the 5 ½” batts, it’s main function in life is to provide superb sound absorption and structural dampening of wall and joist cavities. It is a know fact that damping a structure; especially a wooden structure helps to control the transmission and vibration of sound through said structure.
Bonded Logic™, a company in Arizona also provides a cotton sound batt insulation that is great for filling voids and cavities where sound control is essential. The cotton is an inert material that absorbs sound but does not transmit through its fibers like fiberglass insulation does.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the worst for soundproofing agents out these. It actually transmits sound through its very fibers thus causing the annoying noise to appear amplified. If you are forced to use fiberglass insulation make sure it is isolated from either the sub floor or the ceiling below. Never pack fiberglass into cavities or voids. By isolation the fiberglass insulation from the sub floor above or the ceiling below you will break the sound transmission circuit from the floor above to the ceiling below. The same applies to walls; if the fiberglass insulation is touching one side of your drywall, make certain that it does not come in contact with the other side of the drywall. This makes perfect sense once you know the nature of fiberglass insulation.
To sum this up, never count on any batt type insulation to be your stand-alone soundproofing agent. You will always need the horsepower of lead, mass loaded vinyl, closed cell foam, or of course my favorite, Green Glue™. You can read about these great soundproofing agents in subsequent articles throughout the Internet. For now, this is Dr. Bob, The Green Glue King, signing off and may all of your soundproofing journeys be smooth ones.
If you are serious about soundproofing always consider batt insulations as the proverbial “icing on the cake”. They simply don’t have the horsepower to be stand alone soundproofing agents such as lead, closed cell foam and mass loaded vinyl.
There are some good sound batt insulations on the market today, one is Roxul AFB™ (acoustic fire batt). Roxul™ is a rock wool that is made up of mining slag Canada that is hit with high pressure air thus giving it the properties of a very dense fiberglass insulation and while it will provide the end user with an R-13 for the 3 ½” variety and an R-19 for the 5 ½” batts, it’s main function in life is to provide superb sound absorption and structural dampening of wall and joist cavities. It is a know fact that damping a structure; especially a wooden structure helps to control the transmission and vibration of sound through said structure.
Bonded Logic™, a company in Arizona also provides a cotton sound batt insulation that is great for filling voids and cavities where sound control is essential. The cotton is an inert material that absorbs sound but does not transmit through its fibers like fiberglass insulation does.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the worst for soundproofing agents out these. It actually transmits sound through its very fibers thus causing the annoying noise to appear amplified. If you are forced to use fiberglass insulation make sure it is isolated from either the sub floor or the ceiling below. Never pack fiberglass into cavities or voids. By isolation the fiberglass insulation from the sub floor above or the ceiling below you will break the sound transmission circuit from the floor above to the ceiling below. The same applies to walls; if the fiberglass insulation is touching one side of your drywall, make certain that it does not come in contact with the other side of the drywall. This makes perfect sense once you know the nature of fiberglass insulation.
To sum this up, never count on any batt type insulation to be your stand-alone soundproofing agent. You will always need the horsepower of lead, mass loaded vinyl, closed cell foam, or of course my favorite, Green Glue™. You can read about these great soundproofing agents in subsequent articles throughout the Internet. For now, this is Dr. Bob, The Green Glue King, signing off and may all of your soundproofing journeys be smooth ones.
Using Green Glue to soundproof a party wall!
Many people who live in apartments, condos or co-ops deal with noise from the next-door neighbor on a daily basis. Generally these demising or party walls are constructed of 2’ X 4’ suds and maybe some R-13 fiberglass insulation and then ½” drywall on both sides of the wall. It is no wonder you can hear your neighbor cough or sneeze on the other side.
Soundproofing a common party wall does not have to be a major project and it does not have to break the bank either. If you were able to add another layer of 5/8” drywall to either side of the party wall and apply a layer of Green Glue between the layers of drywall, you’d have one serious soundproof wall. Green Glue is a visco elastic damping compound that inhibits the drywalls ability to resonate or to transmit the sound through.
Green Glue is applied to a new layer of drywall and then screw in tightly over top of the existing drywall on a common or party wall. There is no rocket science here folks, just good old common sense soundproofing.
Two people can complete a Green Glue and drywall installation in one day depending on the size of the wall in question. Green Glue is superior to Mass loaded vinyl and lead sheeting in that it is able to stop the transmission of low frequency as well as the higher frequency sounds. Mass loaded vinyl and lead are not nearly as effective at stopping low frequencies.
Green Glue is easier to install than MLV or lead and will give you equal if not better soundproofing that these tried and true soundproofing agents. Green Glue is definitely the next generation in soundproofing for the 21st Century.
When applied to walls Green Glue will also stop the flanking of sound that could be transmitted into the ceiling via the untreated walls. By deadening the drywall, Green Glue inhibits the ability of the drywall to flank the sound into the ceiling and ultimately to the people upstairs.
If you have a home theater in a condo or co-op situation, Green Glue is a must on both the walls and the ceilings. If you want to be able to crank up a movie at 2AM and not bother the neighbors upstairs or next-door, then Green Glue is absolutely essential for yours and your neighbor’s peace of mind.
There are many other uses for Green Glue besides soundproofing a party wall. Subsequent soundproofing articles discuss the use of Green Glue on both floor and ceiling applications. Green glue is a highly effective sound dampener that is fast taking the industry by storm. There are those who claim that Green Glue is simply too good to be true, I am here to squelch that lie. Green Glue is everything it claims to be and then some. I personally have my choice of any soundproofing product or material known to man, so what do I use when I soundproof a room? …What else but Green Glue?
Soundproofing your home is now as easy as adding new wallpaper to your walls, so when you decide that you have had enough of your noisy neighbors, get onboard with Green Glue, it is all you need for your peace of mind.
Soundproofing a common party wall does not have to be a major project and it does not have to break the bank either. If you were able to add another layer of 5/8” drywall to either side of the party wall and apply a layer of Green Glue between the layers of drywall, you’d have one serious soundproof wall. Green Glue is a visco elastic damping compound that inhibits the drywalls ability to resonate or to transmit the sound through.
Green Glue is applied to a new layer of drywall and then screw in tightly over top of the existing drywall on a common or party wall. There is no rocket science here folks, just good old common sense soundproofing.
Two people can complete a Green Glue and drywall installation in one day depending on the size of the wall in question. Green Glue is superior to Mass loaded vinyl and lead sheeting in that it is able to stop the transmission of low frequency as well as the higher frequency sounds. Mass loaded vinyl and lead are not nearly as effective at stopping low frequencies.
Green Glue is easier to install than MLV or lead and will give you equal if not better soundproofing that these tried and true soundproofing agents. Green Glue is definitely the next generation in soundproofing for the 21st Century.
When applied to walls Green Glue will also stop the flanking of sound that could be transmitted into the ceiling via the untreated walls. By deadening the drywall, Green Glue inhibits the ability of the drywall to flank the sound into the ceiling and ultimately to the people upstairs.
If you have a home theater in a condo or co-op situation, Green Glue is a must on both the walls and the ceilings. If you want to be able to crank up a movie at 2AM and not bother the neighbors upstairs or next-door, then Green Glue is absolutely essential for yours and your neighbor’s peace of mind.
There are many other uses for Green Glue besides soundproofing a party wall. Subsequent soundproofing articles discuss the use of Green Glue on both floor and ceiling applications. Green glue is a highly effective sound dampener that is fast taking the industry by storm. There are those who claim that Green Glue is simply too good to be true, I am here to squelch that lie. Green Glue is everything it claims to be and then some. I personally have my choice of any soundproofing product or material known to man, so what do I use when I soundproof a room? …What else but Green Glue?
Soundproofing your home is now as easy as adding new wallpaper to your walls, so when you decide that you have had enough of your noisy neighbors, get onboard with Green Glue, it is all you need for your peace of mind.
15 Christmas Decorating Ideas
Decorating your home for the holidays does not need be stressful or expensive. Being one of the most popular times of the year to decorate, get your family involved and have fun making your home beautiful for the holiday season.
Here are 15 Christmas decorating ideas:
1. Display your favorite Christmas collections. If you don’t have a collection, now is a great time to start! My son and I collect nutcrackers and every year we have a wonderful time selecting just the right one. With a permanent marker, I write the year on the bottom of the nutcracker. Not only do we enjoy looking at the nutcrackers during the holidays, we also enjoying the fond memories of selecting them.
2. Make simple bows out of Christmas ribbons and attach them to your curtains with pins. This is a very charming look.
3. Decorate your house plants by hanging small Christmas ornaments on them.
4. Place a collection of Christmas books on your coffee table.
5. Fill a glass bowl with pine cones and Christmas balls and place on a shelf or table.
6. Wrap your staircase banister with indoor Christmas lights, garland, and bows.
7. To add scent throughout your home, tie 5 or 6 cinnamon sticks together in a bundle using Christmas ribbon. Make as many bundles as you wish and place around your home in baskets or bowls.
8. To decorate your table, tie Christmas ribbon to the stems of glasses and/or handles of cutlery
9. To dress up your chairs, tie Christmas bows around the chair so that the bow is on the back of the chair.
10. Using a small brush or q-tip, paint the edges of pine cones with glittery gold craft paint. After the pine cones dry, place them in a decorative basket.
11. Add Christmas garland to door frames, window frames and mirrors. You can use tape to secure the garland to the surfaces.
12. Tie bows around door knobs using festive and colorful Christmas ribbon.
13. Attach garland and Christmas bows to your chandelier. You can also weave strings of red beads in the garland that will dangle down from your chandelier and reflect the light, which will add sparkle.
14. If you live in a milder climate, consider decorating with Amaryllis plants. These beautiful plants come in red and white, grow tall, and provide a very elegant look.
15. Don’t forget to decorate your fireplace mantel and hang your Christmas stockings. A few fireplace mantel decorating ideas are adding garland, different styles and sizes of Santas, teddy bears, and candles. You can also display your favorite nativity scene if you have a large enough mantel.
Be creative with your fireplace mantel because most mantels are the focal point during the holiday season. Another decorating idea for your mantel is to purchase a bunch of miniature rosemary trees shaped like Christmas trees, add mini ornaments to them and line them up across your mantel. These miniature rosemary trees are readily available during the holidays and come in festive containers.
Christmas decorating is a great time to create traditions and spend quality time with your family. Get out some snacks and drinks and create a little “decorating party” that you’re family will love and look forward to year after year.
Here are 15 Christmas decorating ideas:
1. Display your favorite Christmas collections. If you don’t have a collection, now is a great time to start! My son and I collect nutcrackers and every year we have a wonderful time selecting just the right one. With a permanent marker, I write the year on the bottom of the nutcracker. Not only do we enjoy looking at the nutcrackers during the holidays, we also enjoying the fond memories of selecting them.
2. Make simple bows out of Christmas ribbons and attach them to your curtains with pins. This is a very charming look.
3. Decorate your house plants by hanging small Christmas ornaments on them.
4. Place a collection of Christmas books on your coffee table.
5. Fill a glass bowl with pine cones and Christmas balls and place on a shelf or table.
6. Wrap your staircase banister with indoor Christmas lights, garland, and bows.
7. To add scent throughout your home, tie 5 or 6 cinnamon sticks together in a bundle using Christmas ribbon. Make as many bundles as you wish and place around your home in baskets or bowls.
8. To decorate your table, tie Christmas ribbon to the stems of glasses and/or handles of cutlery
9. To dress up your chairs, tie Christmas bows around the chair so that the bow is on the back of the chair.
10. Using a small brush or q-tip, paint the edges of pine cones with glittery gold craft paint. After the pine cones dry, place them in a decorative basket.
11. Add Christmas garland to door frames, window frames and mirrors. You can use tape to secure the garland to the surfaces.
12. Tie bows around door knobs using festive and colorful Christmas ribbon.
13. Attach garland and Christmas bows to your chandelier. You can also weave strings of red beads in the garland that will dangle down from your chandelier and reflect the light, which will add sparkle.
14. If you live in a milder climate, consider decorating with Amaryllis plants. These beautiful plants come in red and white, grow tall, and provide a very elegant look.
15. Don’t forget to decorate your fireplace mantel and hang your Christmas stockings. A few fireplace mantel decorating ideas are adding garland, different styles and sizes of Santas, teddy bears, and candles. You can also display your favorite nativity scene if you have a large enough mantel.
Be creative with your fireplace mantel because most mantels are the focal point during the holiday season. Another decorating idea for your mantel is to purchase a bunch of miniature rosemary trees shaped like Christmas trees, add mini ornaments to them and line them up across your mantel. These miniature rosemary trees are readily available during the holidays and come in festive containers.
Christmas decorating is a great time to create traditions and spend quality time with your family. Get out some snacks and drinks and create a little “decorating party” that you’re family will love and look forward to year after year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)