People who would like to have a pet dog at home should ask themselves first if the family is ready for it. A pet dog is like a human being who has physical and emotional needs that have to be met in order to survive longer. The kids, and other members of the household, need to be prepared for the arrival of a new pet in the house for a successful pet adoption. One of the basic preparations that potential pet owners need to do is to make the house pet friendly and create a comfortable home for their new dog.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Health and safety always comes first. Those who intend to adopt a pet dog need to make adjustments around the house to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both family members and the pet. This usually includes choosing hygienic or easy to clean materials in the pet dining and potty areas, using lidded trash bins and placing it in under counter cabinets, installing pet doors, fences and pet enclosure, securing exposed wires, and child proofing electrical outlets. They should also find a reputable vet who will conduct annual check-up and administer shots or medications for their pet. Regular grooming is also essential in the keeping a healthy pet, pet owners should at least have basic grooming tools like towels, pet shampoo, and brush.

Another component that pet owners need to consider is the space. There has to be separate areas for eating, sleeping, playing, and the litter box. Some pet owners feel comfortable with sharing their bed with their dog. However, it is more ideal to provide their dogs with a bed of their own. People have their own nook in the house where they can retreat and spend some quiet time without anybody bothering them. Dogs also need their own abode where they can rest comfortably. A crate or tray fitted with beddings and blanket placed in a room corner is quite sufficient.

Limited numbers of beanbags in faux leather and some basic colours have been available for years, but bean bags now come in an extraordinary variety of sizes, shapes, designs, prints and colours. If you have not considered a beanbag as a soft furnishing, it is probably time to think about them again. One of the best reasons for doing this is that the quality of beanbags has improved immeasurably, especially in terms of colour-fastness, fabrics and durability.

As we all start to look towards the gift giving season and the difficulties of searching out presents that are both useful and actually wanted, there are two specific areas where bean bags have gained a much greater mind share and make great gifts. I am referring to kids bean bags and gaming bean bags. The detailed analysis of the customer’s needs in both these product areas has resulted in bean bags that are specially designed for their respective markets and, not surprisingly, they are selling in large numbers.

For one major British manufacturer in particular, kids bean bags have been an area of massive growth for several years. To find out a bit more about how they innovate with a fairly generic product, I asked Bazaar Group’s Managing Director, Mark Dolder, what aspects of bean bag design had contributed to this. The first thing that was a big surprise is that they make their kids bean bags only about two thirds smaller than their adult versions, simply because kids are more restless and they have an annoying habit of getting bigger. At a basic level, this means that there is an awful lot of raw material going in. On a more technical front, they have added specific features such as water resistant and stain resistant fabrics so that the bean bags are more durable and can be used safely outside.

Where Gaming bean bags are concerned, it is a completely different approach as they are something that teenagers will tend to look after because it makes more of a statement about them. Generically, these tend to be known as gaming chairs and they are an obviously very recent type of furniture that has an almost magnetic appeal to serious gamers. The introduction of specially designed bean bags into the gaming world has one straightforward motivation for users, according to gaming industry insiders, and that is the fact that the nature of bean bags makes them uniquely comfortable when gamers will often be sat without much in the way of movement for potentially hours on end. To illustrate the excesses to which gamers go, a very popular gaming bean bag from BeanBagBazaar called the I-eX was used by a professional gamer for a full 24 hour continuous review. Mind you, I hope he took a loo break.

With bean bags looking like they’re making a serious comeback, you can at least put a tick in a few boxes in terms of presents for kids or hard core gaming teenagers this year.

—

Andy Atkins has been involved in the homewares industry for over 20 years as both a senior marketer and a writer and commentator. Having worked in several international markets across sectors like soft furnishing, tableware and cookware, Andy is able to draw on bags of experience and an eviable network of press and industry contacts. He still holds directorships in two companies in the sector. Over the years, he’s been published in both trade and consumer titles.

—

This infographic is brought to you by QuickQuid.

The generous ones give away their old phones to their relatives or friends. However, if you need extra money, there are many ways to exchange your old phones for cash.

1. Pawnshops. There are certain pawnshops that buy old phones. The downside of selling your phones to pawnshops is that they offer low appraisals.

2. Online Stores. Some people post advertisements  to sell their old mobile phones on E-Bay or Craig’s List. The main disadvantage of dealing with consumers over the Internet is the presence of fraud and bogus buyers.

3. Recycling Websites. These are the most reliable avenues of exchanging old phones for cash. They are tried and trusted and they also offer the highest prices.

Top Dollar Mobile, as featured in February 2011 edition of Good Housekeeping, is rated “Best Overall” from a selection of recycling websites offering the best prices for old mobile phones.

Top Dollar offer the most competitive price value for customers. Being 16 years in the business and having an extensive worldwide sales and distribution network enable them to perform at the top of the market.

They offer fast payment and have the most extensive range of handset models. Payment is surely made to the customers within five working days right after receiving and testing the mobile phone.

After you have placed an order, you will be sent a FREE POST envelope in their Trade Pack with instructions on how to send your phone. They also arrange free courier collection for people who trade in 15 handsets or more.

Top Dollar also actively participates in environmental protection and charity sponsorship. They guarantee consumers that all collected mobile phones, wherever possible, will be recycled in accordance with the international Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive to protect the environment.

The WEEE Directive sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for all types of electrical goods, with a minimum rate of 4 kilograms per head of population per annum recovered for recycling by 2009. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_Electrical_and_Electronic_Equipment_Directive)

Top Dollar likewise share a donation agreement with World Vision, a christian humanitarian organization currently working in 24 countries in Africa and 72 others globally to fight poverty and its causes.

Exchanging your old phones for cash not only helps you but also the environment and the less fortunate. What more can you ask for?

Photo from http://blog.topdollarmobile.co.uk

Wall mounted bedside lighting is great as you are not going to knock it over, it would take a massive fall to accidentally knock one off the wall.  The on/off switch will always be in the same place and they provide great lighting whilst not taking up space on your bedside table.

Here are some of my favourite wall mounted bedside wall lights.

The brilliant Bestlite BL5 is not only great looking but it is really practical.  Designed by Brit Robert Best the Bestlite is loved by Architects and Designers.   You can now have this practical light in your home.  The adjustable arm means that you can focus the light according to your needs.  If you are reading in bed you may need the light lower and more towards you but if you are just watching TV you may want a less direct light so would simply move the light higher and further back from you.  This light is available in black or white and is easy to fix and use. –

The Flos K-Tribe wall light is a more substantial wall light that despite its fairly large size still looks great as a bedside light.  With an adjustable arm that moves from side to side allowing you to optimise where the light is.  It also has a really handy 4 dimmer light feature meaning you can adjust your light brightness as necessary.  This stylish light is available in bronze, silver or a neutral printed shade.

–

My final wall mounted bedside light recommendation is the Momo bronze light.  It is a classic swing arm wall light but with a really modern look thanks to the quirky stepped arm shape.  It is available in matt nickel, polished chrome or bronze with a further choice of black, off white cotton or oyster silk shade. This light is both stylish and practical.

–

So why is this change happening all of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere? Well, there are a number of reasons, but the principal one is perhaps the most obvious – the recession.

A Woman’s Work Is Never Done

Amid the recession, people are having to tighten their wallets and purses as much as possible, and what better way to do so than by doing your own handiwork, instead of hiring an expensive professional?

Many women are now enrolling on training courses, often at local colleges, to learn typically “masculine” crafts such as decorating, plumbing, tiling and plastering. Many of these courses are free, or at least of low cost, and can be undertaken part time, so that they don’t interfere with a job, so there is little risk involved.

Once the know-how is there, the jobs can be completed on a much lower budget. For example, when it comes to painting the walls, a painter-decorator would likely charge a slightly increased price on the materials involved, on top of a charge for his or her time.

Do It Yourself

DIY workshops and skilled labour training courses have seen an increase in female participation up and down the country. In July 2011, just under 600 women enrolled in classes to learn how to complete tasks like changing the taps and tiling the walls, but this had surged massively by 2012’s enrolment date – up to 3200 in that July!

Although many are doing it simply to save money when improving their homes, a large number of women are also setting up their own businesses in the sector, whether that’s because they’ve been made redundant or just fancied a change of career.

One DIY training firm in South Shields received just one female participant in their 2004 tiling course, but this has rocketed up to 30 each year! Whether it’s to bolster independence or simply to save a bit of money, learning how to do a lot of the manual tasks at home is always a great thing to do – man or woman, you can benefit from the know-how.

DIY Decorating course

If you’re interested in giving it a shot, a number of courses are available to choose from, such as those offered by the DIY School – www.thediyschool.co.uk.

A spokesman for the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting said that “there definitely seems to be more interest” since they launched a campaign in January 2011, aiming to encourage a greater number of women into the industry. “A lot more people [in the handiwork sector] say they are taking on women.”

The DIYschool look to inform and educate on trends/courses/DIY in your home.

Actor George Clooney might always receive the best-dressed award on the red carpet but women are swooning over Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt and their tux attire with bows untied and collars unbuttoned.

George Clooney at the 2013 Golden Globes

Is this look right for today’s man? That may depend on the event. A wedding tuxedo should certainly portray respectability for the groom, groomsmen and all of the guests—especially if you go for a wedding tux rental. Unless of course the invitation suggests the wild and unusual formal attire; then go for the flair.

A dress-up date and intimate dinner may demand the sexy or colorful tux. One to ensure you are the arm candy on that lucky woman’s arm—dreamy, unshaven and stylish.
Galas like Quinceañeras, anniversary parties and corporate events demand the best meaning you should opt for the tasteful wedding tuxedo style.

Starry night out or a formal fundraiser may mandate the unusual and tuxedo rental stores may be your best option for these types of one-time events.

A beach wedding, country estate dinner or family formal party allows you to reach out and find tuxedo rentals that offer the out-of-the-ordinary or make-a-statement tux.

The event determines the style but obtaining that style means forgetting your father’s tux and seeking out the new and innovative. Tuxedo rental shops are in on the fashion game as well so don’t fear these establishments—embrace them. Take time to browse their offerings both online and onsite and be adventurous with the styles you try on.

Most are full of fashion experts anxious to help you find not just the right fit, but also the right style. Tuxes definitely reveal you are a “man’s man” but beyond that, new styles offer contrasting color ties an vests. While still traditional, the black bow tie is now being replaced with colorful ties in hues never seen before in tux wear. Slim fit or loose, long coat or short—today’s tuxes come with exciting options for every man at every age.

Match the style with the event for the best look in today’s tuxedo fashion.

—by Jean Scheid—

]]> http://torilicious.com/tuxedo-revised-revamped-standard/feed/ 0 http://torilicious.com/5-places-find-inspiration-designing-home/ http://torilicious.com/5-places-find-inspiration-designing-home/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2013 07:20:18 +0000 tori http://torilicious.com/?p=651 Decorating and designing your new home can be difficult. There are so many different styles and themes you can go with, so it really pays off to know where you need to look in order to get some inspiration. There are five key places you should check before you actually begin decorating and buying things for your home.

1. Design Blogs

The Internet is home to thousands upon thousands of design blogs that you can make use of. These blogs often offer tips and tricks when decorating and other ideas for designing seasonally. You can bookmark these blogs and view them daily or get email reminders when they’re updated by the owners.

2. Magazines

Magazines often have a number of design ideas for homes. Not only can you benefit from looking at pictures, but you’ll also be able to find different items that are sampled and that you can purchase from local shops. You will find that most of these magazines design seasonally, so this is just another thing you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re using them as inspiration.

Clean and refreshing (image from http://bs2h.com)

3. Pictures

Whether you’re looking online or through a magazine, you can get a lot of inspiration for home design. Just do a search for a certain type of theme and you will be met with a number of different ideas just coming your way. It is amazing to see just how many different design ideas you can find and utilize in your own home. You can then just go out and find items that can help bring your home design ideas into reality.

4. Local Shops

You do not necessarily have to buy anything when visiting a local shop. Just go in and browse the aisles to see what is available. You will notice that certain things stand out to you and enable you to find a design element that you’ll be able to work with. Going to local shops also helps you to figure out how much you’ll be spending if you do decide to begin designing your brand new home. Be sure to take a pen and paper with you to jot down any ideas you get and prices to go along with it.

5. Friends and Family

Another way to find inspiration when designing your brand new home is to visit family and friends’ houses. Just go over and see how they’ve designed their own home or flat. You may be able to get a ton of ideas just doing it this way when you’re ready to begin decorating. There is nothing easier than asking a friend or relative about their home and how it was designed. Your loved one may be able to tell you where they purchased certain things and what to avoid buying if you’re about to visit the local shop. You can get a lot of ideas this way and utilize them when designing your home all by yourself on a budget.

Jane is a Writer from the Gold Coast, Australia, who has just finished decorating her new home. She loves her new Plantation Homes design and found it easy to design a comfortable and great looking interior with the help of these five sources of inspiration. If you are looking for a new home, Jane highly recommends Maddison Estate on the Gold Coast.

photo from http://www.swiftsorchids.com

At the moment, we can’t give the kids a separate room each so a separate bed, like the bunk bed above, integrated into the room is a truly wonderful idea. Since I have two girls, we’ll be going for pink! Having a bunk bed is not just space-saving , it gives kids more room for imagination.

To have a customized bunk bed like the one above is easier if the room it is to be setup has limited space. But if you have a bigger room, the one below is a wonderful option.

Bunk beds nowadays doesn’t mean to be just beds, a drawer under or a pull-out bed for a guest is also possible. a desk like the one below or perhaps a small cabinet would do too. In buying bunk beds, always consider the height and space of the room. Scout for something that is not too high to avoid getting bumps. Also consider the ladder that comes with the bed, it should be safe for the kids to climb up.

photo from http://homesdir.com

For Disney fans, I found this Cinderella-inspired wedding gown or is it just named so, I can’t be sure but the dress definitely is fit to be a Princess’. Having the gown pictures in a blue background surely helped, as it can be a match for the motif of the cake below. Stencil-designed in powder blue, I fell in love at the first sight of this cake.

Stencil art blue cake from http://www.frenchweddingstyle.com

Complete your ideas for a wedding entourage, table flowers, wedding favors and the lots of smaller details of wedding decorations by browsing around. If you’re an amateur photographer, Pinterest will give you a lot of ideas on how to shoot your next wedding event!

Disney fairy tale wedding dress “Cinderella” from http://www.wanelo.com