Home Decor Ode

Soothing Symbols as Home Decor?

Did you know that our bodies can automatically react to certain environmental changes and stimuli, even to symbols you might use as decorative accents? I have a little experiment for you to try in a moment so you can experience the power of this idea. Once you see the reactions that can occur, you may find you will want to to use this idea towards creating more soothing and peaceful home and office surroundings.

You can try this brief experiment to see how your body and mind reacts to some changes... Right now, pretend you are angry for a moment- feel the tension in your forehead, the wrinkles starting to form as you frown and all that... also, lean forward right now in your chair and clench your fists. Hold this and let yourself think an unpleasant thought. But now, let's change something- force your mouth muscles into a big smile and hold it there, smile! Now lean back in your chair. Hold this reclined position. Also, loosen up your hands again and keep a gentle smile... So, how are you feeling now?

Most people report feeling they are unable to continue feeling angry and that they become relaxed. Yet all they changed were positions of their own body muscles! Did you realize that there are certain things our bodies become conditioned to with repeated exposure? For instance, when we recline in a chair, our brains interpret this posture as, "ah, I am relaxed." So, simple physical posture changes can trigger automatic changes in a person's thoughts and feelings.

Here's an example of how things in your surroundings can trigger changes in your thoughts and feelings. Picture a place you have enjoyed visiting. It's like the sights and sounds there speak to your soul! Can't you suddenly get lost in that place, feel lighter, more at ease? There are certain symbols that many of us have become conditioned to throughout the years and that prompt changes in our thoughts and feelings as well. For instance, does saluting the flag or singing the national anthem ever get you feeling patriotic, teary eyed or choked up? If so, you are reacting to the symbolism, to that imagery, to those sounds.

Now that you can see the power of symbols and how they can prompt certain reactions, why not use this to your advantage in creating more soothing surroundings at work and at home?

Here is a list of several symbols that have been used throughout the ages to represent such things as peace, tranquility, serenity, balance, faith, hope and goodwill. You may wish to consider one or more of these elements in your decorating plans since many individuals react favorably to these symbols and enjoy their essence.

• Dove of peace
  
• Angels (some even have angels holding a dove of peace)
  
• Serenity prayer or other prayer for joy or peace
  
• Peace sign
  
• Bless this home
  
• Native American peace pipes and such replicas
  
• Water element or fountain
  
• Yin yang (balance)
  
• Peace crane
  
• Rainbows
  
• Color blue
  
• Color white
  
• Olive branch
  
• Chinese characters proclaiming peace, joy, love or harmony
  

As you discover that your body and mind reacts to soothing symbols, you will want to consider including some of these symbolic elements when decorating your office or home. Adding these accents will not only help you feel more relaxed and inspired, but will also help your visitors experience your surroundings as more soothing and inviting.

Author, Liz Hekimian-Williams, is founder of Giftsprings.com, an online gifts and home decor shop where you can find a large variety of home and garden accents, holiday, personalized, and special occasion gifts. http://www.Giftsprings.com. Copyright (c) Liz Hekimian-Williams, Giftsprings.

Feng Shui Storage Ode

Feng Shui Guidlines for Storage Spaces

Professional organizers and helpful-hint sources often recommend storage solutions such as shelves above doors and in corners, hooks on the backs of doors, and peg-board or tools and small appliances. They are masters at maximizing every square inch of a closet with bins, baskets, shelf dividers, and multiple hanging rods. What they don't realize is that, from a feng shui perspective, these techniques can cause as many problems as they solve.

For good feng shui, it's important to leave some of your storage space unused, for doors to open all the way, and to aim for visual simplicity. As you work toward achieving the organizer's dream of a place for everything and everything in its place, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Spaces that are completely full block the flow of "chi" (vital energy) into your home and your life. Full file drawers block the flow of new business; full bookcases block the flow of new information and knowledge; a full bedroom closet can block your ability to attract a new relationship, and so on. Wherever possible, keep 20-25% of your storage areas available for new ideas, relationships, and opportunities to flow your way.
  
• Storage units hung from the ceiling create oppressive energy that presses down on whatever is underneath them. Anything stored overhead can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and overwhelm. A pot rack hanging over the stove is considered especially bad because it "weighs down" your finances.
  
• Shelves over a door, or on a wall beside your bed or desk have a similar oppressive effect, and can lead to headaches, poor sleep, lack of energy, or muddled thinking.
  
• A hook on the back of the bathroom door is fine if all you hang on it is a summer-weight robe and PJs. If the hook is piled with three terry robes and a few extra towels, so the door no longer opens all the way, that's a feng shui no-no. Never use hooks on the back of the main door to your home or on bedroom doors; it is essential that these doors open freely and completely, with nothing stored behind them. (That means removing anything stored on the floor behind the door as well.)
  
• Vinyl-coated wire shelves on the inside of a door can be a good way to keep lots of small items tidy; however, they should only be used on closet, cabinet, or pantry doors.
  
• Avoid under-bed storage if you can. If you must use this space, use it for extra bedding and for soft, seasonal clothing such as sweaters. Never store any kind of sharp objects, information (books, videos or DVDs, paperwork), or exercise equipment under the bed; you may have trouble sleeping or feel exhausted no matter how much rest you get.
  
• As much as possible, store things where they are accessible but out of sight. Peg board and open shelving create visual clutter, so limit these to the garage, workroom, or pantry where they won't affect the energy of the rest of the house.
  
• Be thoughtful about how much stuff you display in a room. Filling the den with knick-knack shelves so hubby can have his entire collection of sports memorabilia on display creates visual overwhelm. From a feng shui perspective, it's better to invest in closed storage such as drawers and cabinets and have only a few treasures on display at a time. Change the selection every three to six months, and with each rotation you'll rediscover old favorites. By displaying fewer items at a time, you'll actually enjoy and appreciate your collection more.
  
• Another common problem is family photos and snapshots scattered lavishly throughout every room and wall in the house. Select a dozen of the best ones, frame them attractively, and create a mini-gallery on one wall in one room or hallway. Store the rest or put them in albums. (Okay, okay, you can stick a few on the fridge, too!)
  
• Aesthetics are as important as functionality in feng shui. Keeping earrings and small jewelry in an ice-cube tray or egg carton works, but it's cheap-looking, cheap-feeling, and will drag your energy down every time you use it. It's okay to be budget-conscious, but appearance counts, too. A small plastic storage box is more attractive than an ice-cube tray and you can get one at your local discount, craft, or housewares store for less than three dollars. They even come in pretty colors so you can choose one to match your bedroom dйcor.
  

With these easy guidelines in mind, you can choose storage solutions that will keep your space tidy and create good feng shui in your home. For even better results, remember to get rid of clutter before you put things away. Why waste time and money finding clever storage solutions for stuff you can do without?

Author, STEPHANIE ROBERTS, is a feng shui consultant and writer in Maui, HI. She is the author of the popular "Fast Feng Shui" book series and the "Clutter Free Forever!" Home Coaching Program. For more tips and information, visit her websites at http://www.fastfengshui.com and http://www.clutterfreeforever.com. Copyright © Stephanie Roberts

Baby Room Feng Shui Verse

Creating Good Feng Shui in Baby's Room

Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of thought and planning from what diapers the baby will wear down to the decoration and arrangement of baby’s room. Today’s parents want to create a haven for their little one that will help the baby feel comforted and nurtured, as well as stimulated enough so that they thrive. Increasingly, parents are going beyond the traditional coordinated “theme” rooms to ensure baby has a healthy environment by incorporating feng shui.

Feng shui, the Chinese system for arrangement and placement, so often used in businesses and homes is now making its way into the nursery, and for good reason, too. Feng Shui proposes that by arranging and aligning the room correctly, energy will flow better in the room and that all who reside in the room will thrive and prosper better than if the energy is the room was incorrect or did not flow smoothly. Understandably, no one needs to thrive and prosper more than a baby.

To maximize the energy in baby’s room, there are several important factors to consider, such as room location, safety, colors, and furniture arrangement. Using feng shui in the nursery will help to make babies less fussy, who will feel more comfortable in their surroundings, and who will be healthy and flourish. What does it take to accomplish this? Following some basic considerations will help both baby and parents create a room that makes them both happy.

Select a good location for the baby’s bedroom. A new baby should have a bedroom that is not over a garage or has an empty space below. The bedroom also shouldn’t be located where there is excessive noise that might keep the baby from sleeping, such as close to a living room where the TV is on, or close to a noisy street or neighbor.

Bed placement is important. The bed should not be against a window or be directly in line with the door. Put the baby on a solid wall with the head of the crib against the wall, rather than lengthwise. Make sure the baby does not sleep or is placed against a slanted wall. These press on the baby. Avoid placing the baby against a wall that is shared with a bathroom, toilet, storage, or utility-type room.

Opt for soothing colors. Children benefit from bright colors in play areas, but if these are used in a baby’s room, infants can be over stimulated to the point that they do not rest well. Because deep sleep in babies is necessary for healthy growth, be sure to select restful, muted colors. Whites are excellent for children, but avoid black and white color scheme because there is too much contrast. Select color palettes that are close to one another and harmonious, such as green and blue, white and beige, or pink and yellow.

Create soft movement in the room. A room that is too still becomes stagnant and this is not beneficial for the growth of the child. To create good, but soft energy and movement, hang mobiles close to a window to move gently in the breeze and keep soft music playing in the room. You can also place a small fan on a dresser turned on low to keep air moving in the room. Avoid placing the baby under a ceiling fan as these disrupt their body energy.

Watch for pointed objects. Make sure there are no hard corners from dressers or changing tables pointed at the baby’s head or body. Move these to another part of the room where they are not pointed in the direction of the bed.

Select design motifs with care. Make sure that designs do not have harsh points, such as arrows, crosses, diamonds, or triangles. Nature designs are excellent and promote growth. Animal designs should also be chosen carefully. Ferocious or aggressive animals, even when they are made for a baby’s room, should not be chosen. Some of these are found in jungle motif designs and include lions, tigers, bears, and reptiles. Motifs with fish are fine as long as the watery theme is not overly dominant. Otherwise, respiratory, lung, nasal, or kidney problems could develop.

Keep lighting balanced. During the day, the light in the baby’s room should neither be too bright or too dark. Install blinds that can be lowered or raised as needed to keep the room at a pleasant level of lighting. If the room is too bright, the baby won’t rest deeply. If too dim, the room would be too “yin” and the baby could fail to thrive or have respiratory problems.

Author, KATHRYN WEBER, is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter (http://www.redlotusletter.com), the Web's largest weekly feng shui ezine. She is also a certified feng shui master practitioner whose been featured in Seventeen and Martial Arts Professional magazines, among others, and is sought after for her expertise with a witty, down-to-earth style.

Flower Poem

It's Easy to Learn Flower Drying

The Best Methods for Flower Drying...

Before beginning the process of flower drying, it is important that you choose the right flower for the right project. To do so, you must bear in mind two key characteristics of the blossoming bud. The first truth is that in order to keep that color vibrant, you must dry it as fast as you can. However, the second truth is that the more heat you apply, the more shrinkage will occur.

There are two points to keep in mind when you dry a flower. First, the faster you dry a flower, the more color it will retain. Second, the more heat that is applied, the more shrinkage you will have of your flower. It is good to keep these points in mind as you choose the flower you want to dry and when considering your use of the dried flower.

Since silica is actually a form of sand, you can substitute it with clean sand, borax or cornmeal. To use this method, you will need a dry container with a lid. First, line the bottom of the container with a thin layer of the gel. Next, place the flower in the container while adding more gel around the bloom in order to avoid crushing it. Once it is secure, sprinkle some gel over top and cover it with the lid. Let it sit for about a week or until completely dry. When it is ready, a small paint brush can be used to remove the silica.

Using a dehydrator is your best bet if you are making potpourri. This is the speediest method as well as the most efficient for preserving fragrance. Remember, the more heat, the quicker your flower will dry.

If your project calls for the flower to remain pliable once dried, glycerin should be used. In order to do this, place the stems of the plant in glycerin and allow it to be absorbed. Keep in mind that glycerin may turn you leaves and flower to another color. Try a sample flower first if keeping the color is important to you.

Author, Villette Mastase, designed and manages the Flower KI website for the flower enthusiast. To read more about Flower KI, go to http://www.flowerki.com.

Rose Planting Serenade

Planting Roses in Pots

In years past, serious rosarians would never consider having a potted rose on their property unless it was just waiting for its home to be prepared in the garden.

Times have changed and potted roses now have a place in the lives of condo and apartment dwellers, city slickers who don't live within sight of a tree, and anyone who has an empty space on their terrace or patio in need of the beauty that only a rose can bring.

Not all roses are good candidates for growing in pots. The following varieties have been found to do best. However, you should feel free to experiment with any other varieties, even climbers, and see how they make out.

* All that Jazz
* Ballerina
* Blush Noisette
* Bonica
* Cecile Brunner
* Clotilde Soupert
* Green Rose
* Gruss an Aachen
* Hannah Gordon
* Hermosa
* Katharina Zeimet
* Mrs. Oakley Fisher
* Peace
* Perfume Delight
* Precious Platinum
* Sea Foam
* Sexy Rexy
* Souvenir de la Malmaison
* Stanwell Perpetual
* The Fairy
* Valentine
* Whiskey Mac

Planting potted roses is relatively easy, as long as you do your planting in the spring after any chance of a frost is long past. If you live in a warm climate, then hold off planting until autumn when the ravages of July and August are far behind.

When you're ready to plant, choose an appropriate sized container with drainage holes. Make sure that the container has enough room for your plant to grow without having to transplant too soon.

Fill the container with garden soil that contains some compost or organic fertilizer. Dig a hole that's large enough to spread out roots without bending or cutting back.

Knock the rose loose from its shipping container, and set it in the hole so that the bud union ("knob" from which canes grow) is just above soil level. Dig a shallow trench or moat around the base of the plant to hold water, then water it well.

Potted roses are susceptible to the same diseases as garden roses, and they require feeding, pruning and all of the other rose care basics. Potted roses aren't less work or responsibility; they simply take up less space than a regular rose garden. Don't plan to treat your roses as if they were ordinary potted plants, or you will lose them.

People often ask if they can grow potted roses indoors. The answer is: "Maybe, but it's a risky proposition." That's because roses need high humidity and a lot of direct sunlight. Most modern homes with air conditioning do not have high humidity. However, if you live in a warm, humid climate, and you don't have air conditioning, then you can probably get away with it as long as you put the rose in a sunny spot.

Of all the rose varieties that are likely to survive indoors, miniature roses are your best bet. Miniature roses are regular roses that have been bred to grow into smaller, more compact plants with equally small flowers. They do very well in pots and are quite beautiful. If you're willing, go ahead and experiment. You've really got nothing to lose and you just might discover a whole new aspect of rose gardening!

Author, Ron King. Visit Ron's website http://www.grow-roses-now.com to learn more about this popular gardening activity.

Rose Gardening Serenade

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you have the right tools. Before heading out to your rose garden, make sure you arm yourself with these basic rose gardening tools.

Gloves

"You can complain because a rose has thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have a rose." - Tom Wilson.

The rose garden is no place for thin, wimpy gloves. Unless you enjoy feeling the thorns pierce your skin, opt for leather work gloves with those big, fold-down cuffs.

Pruners

A good pruner is one tool that you will use almost daily. There are two types of pruners on the market. One is called an "anvil" pruner, and the other is called a "bypass" pruner. An anvil pruner has blades that meet on top of each other. Bypass pruners have blades that pass each other like scissors. Always use bypass pruners so you don't crush your canes and stems.

Loppers

When your rose garden starts to mature there will come a time when loppers will be indispensable for cutting back old, thick canes that are too much for pruning shears. If you are just starting your rose garden, save your money, since you won't need this for a few years.

Kneeling Pads

Some people prefer the big 8"x15" water-resistant pads with handles, while others prefer strap-on knee pads. The kneepads are more convenient because they move when you move, but the one-size-fits-all knee cups may not work for you. In that case, the pad with handles should suit you fine.

Short Digging Fork

This tool is indispensable for turning and loosening soil in small patches. Choose a good quality model with steel tines and a sturdy handle.

Watering Wand

Great for watering potted roses and for giving your other roses a good root soaking. Choose a model with a quick shutoff valve on the wand itself, and a quick release fitting for the end that attaches to the hose. Spend the money to get a wand with brass fittings instead of plastic. It will last years longer.

Long-Handled Shovel

Choose a lightweight model with a strong handle. Shovels with fiberglass throats are good choices. Spend a few extra dollars and get one with a padded handle, and it will save you lots of blisters as the years go by.

Wheelbarrow

Avoid the temptation to buy the cute garden "carts." You are going to need a real wheelbarrow. As your gardening addiction--I mean hobby--takes off there will be no end to the things you will be hauling in and out of your garden. Some of those things will be very heavy and you'll be glad that you have a real wheelbarrow to help you.

Garden Rake

This is the rake with the sharp steel teeth that you use for leveling and smoothing beds. Choose one with a sturdy handle and steel tines.

Leaf Rake

You'll use this tool often for cleaning up clippings, leaves and other garden debris. You may want to buy both a regular size rake, and one of the smaller "child size" rakes for pulling debris from tight quarters.

You shouldn't have any trouble locating these basic rose gardening tools. Your local garden supply store will likely stock them, or if you don't mind purchasing gently-used items, check out yard sales for your gardening supplies.

Enjoy yourself!

Author, Ron King. Visit Ron's website http://www.grow-roses-now.com to learn more about this popular gardening activity.

Clutter Effect Poem

CLUTTER'S SIDE EFFECTS: How the State of Your Home Affects Your Life

Each area of your home has a symbolic meaning with which you resonate on a subconscious level. Clutter and untidiness within each of these areas causes constriction and inertia in the corresponding aspects of your life.

CLUTTER IN THE KITCHEN

The kitchen has been called the "heart of the home," and with good reason. Here we are nourished and provided for, even if we are dining on a frozen entree zapped in the microwave rather than a homemade meal lovingly presented by Mom. An untidy and disorganized kitchen makes it hard to nourish yourself and others, on both physical and metaphysical levels. How you care for your kitchen is a clue about whether you are giving proper attention to your own nourishment and sources of abundance. Cleaning up and de-cluttering your kitchen opens up space for you to receive the support and comfort that you need in life.

LIVING AND DINING ROOM CLUTTER

These are spaces where you mingle with and honor your relationships with family and friends. Here you engage with the world while being at home through watching television, reading the paper, or arguing politics with old friends over dinner. Clutter can turn these social spaces into dens of isolation, especially if the mess is so bad that it has been years since you've invited people over. Look around your living and dining rooms to see what they say about your relationship with the rest of the world. Are you hiding your true self from others, burying it in clutter, or putting it on display here?

CLUTTERED HALLWAYS

Hallways are the arteries and highways of your home. Think of clutter in your hallways as a traffic jam that prevents important connections between different areas of your home and your life. Look at your hallways to see how you feel about your life's path: are they well lit and easily navigable, or do they trip you up? If you feel a disconnect between work and family, self and others, what you need and your obligations, it may be time to give your hallways a good clearing out.

BATHROOM CLUTTER

Bathing and anointing the body is a preparatory ritual for many religious rites both ancient and contemporary. On a daily basis we use this space to prepare ourselves to meet the world. Clutter in the bathroom can indicate a devaluation of self-worth, a lack of attention to self that goes beyond the physical. A clean, well-decorated bathroom can become a tranquil sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-care. Scented soaps, attractive accessories, and fragrant candles have a place here. Beautifying your bathroom by eliminating clutter and disorder and transforming it into a place of refuge will bring a sense of the sacred into your morning and evening personal-care rituals.

CLUTTER IN THE BEDROOM

Adults' bedrooms are for sleeping and intimacy, and they should function as places of renewal for self and relationships. Clutter in the bedroom is enervating without being restful. If you feel "wired and tired," creating order out of chaos in this most personal space can help you relax and let go of the stress of the day. Then you can get a good night's sleep or enjoy some special time with your partner.

CLUTTERED CLOSETS

Closets represent things that are hidden, unknown, or unrecognized. When we fill our closets with clutter, we stifle our ability to be intuitive and insightful. Cluttered closets can indicate problems that you may not be consciously aware of but which impede your progress through life, work, and relationships nonetheless. Keeping the closet door closed is not an effective solution.

ATTIC AND BASEMENT CLUTTER

A cluttered attic creates a feeling of being under pressure. It's hard to feel optimistic about the future when there's so much stuff "hanging over your head." Ancestor issues reside up there, along with all those boxes and chests holding the detritus of generations. And the basement and other below-ground storage areas are considered abodes of the subconscious, so watch your step and get that clutter cleaned up!

CLUTTER IN YOUR GARAGE

Think of your car as a symbol of your mobility, independence, and ability to be self-directed in life. If there's so much stuff piled up in your garage that you can barely fit the car in there, you may be hampered or overly cautious moving forward in life as well.

Stop thinking of clutter-clearing as a tremendous chore, and start thinking of it as one of the most effective self-improvement tactics available to you. Every magazine and piece of paper you recycle, every book you give to the library, every knick-knack and item of clothing you release to a new owner creates space in your life for new insight, energy, joy, and experiences to come in!

Author, Stephanie Roberts. GOT CLUTTER?!? Clearing out clutter is the most important and powerful way to dramatically improve the feng shui of your home. Stephanie Roberts' "CLUTTER-FR*EE FOREVER!" Home Coaching Program provides all the insight, motivation, and step-by-step guidance you need in an in-depth ebook and 6 weekly lessons. Plus, you can join our Affiliate Program and earn a commission on every referral sale. Find out more at http://www.clutter-free-forever.com.

Painless Relocation Verse

Scaling Down (Almost) Painlessly

Moving to a smaller house or apartment in a retirement community almost always involves a certain degree of trauma, both for the elder who's moving and for family members. However, by planning ahead you can reduce the discomfort involved and turn what might well become a nightmare into a pleasant event.

Begin by Planning for the Move

Where is the elder moving? Go to the actual house or apartment with tape measure, pad and pencil and write down measurements. Floor space is important, but don't forget about ceilings. Many elders own large pieces of furniture that may not fit into rooms with low ceilings. Your work here will determine which pieces can move with your elder.

And while you're at the actual location, talk to several other elders who already live there. What is their life style? Do they go outside the property on frequent trips? How do they dress? Casual lifestyles will require an entirely different style of dress than more formal ones.

Gather Supplies and Contact Helpers

Having all the supplies you will need in one place will speed your task. You'll want a number of storage bins; five or six should be sufficient to hold sorted items. Plastic bags can be used for discarded belongings and as a container for articles to be donated to charities. Packing boxes and supplies such as padding materials and wide sealing tape are must-haves. Labels and dark marking pens are essential to ensure that boxes go to their intended location.

While you're in the gathering stage, begin to contact helpers you'll need. Among these may be:
* estate sale professionals
* ertified appraisers
* moving companies
* house cleaners
* repair specialists (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters)

Ask friends, relatives, and senior real estate specialists for recommendations. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to ascertain whether problems have been reported about particular companies or individuals.

Approach Your Task One Room at a Time

Who should help? The elder and one family member should assume responsibility for sorting all items and some packing. Do not include everyone in the family if you want to make the job quick and easy because distractions increase in geometric proportion to the number of persons doing the sorting.

Sort all the items in one single room at once, beginning and ending in the kitchen. Why start there? Because kitchens in small houses and apartments typically are short on storage space, and the elder needs time and experience to determine which items are true necessities, and which may never be used. If you reduce kitchen items to a bare minimum at the beginning, your elder can determine what's needed and what's not by living with them ahead of time. After living with fewer items, your elder may find that items once thought essential may not be needed. Complete work in the kitchen at the very end of your tasks.

Even though you intend to stay in only one room, distractions will occur. Resist them by stacking items that belong in another room at the door. A bin or box placed just inside the door can contain all the items that have homes elsewhere.

Make your motto One Thing at a Time; One Time for each Thing. Once you've picked up an item, decide then and there what its fate should be. Place it in one of the bins you've labeled:
* Discards
* Donations
* Distribution to Relatives
* Keepers
* Uncertainties

Large collections of books may require their own bins. You might have bins for Collectors' editions, books to be stored, books to be sold to book dealers.

When you have finished categorizing all the items in the room, start the packing process. Items in the Uncertainties bin can be packed for storage.

If an unbreakable item is to be moved only a short distance, don't waste time on elaborate packing and padding. Items like crystal and china, however, require excellent packing, regardless of the distance they will be moved. If you can't do a great job, leave packing fragile items to professionals.

Mark boxes as you go.
Mark boxes as you go!
Mark boxes as you go!!!

Nothing is more frustrating than finding that you've shipped your elder's bed linens to Aunt Minnie and kept a silver salver you meant to send your nephew.

Don't try to do everything at once. Do only one room on any given day, and take the time to enjoy reminiscing as you sort items.

This is also the perfect time to have a certified appraiser come in to appraise items that may be of significant value. Very expensive items may be auctioned at an auction house such as Christy's or Sotheby's. Less expensive items can be sold to local antiques dealers. By having an idea of their value before going to dealers, you reduce the chance that dealers can scam you.

You could also consider selling items through an on-line auction. If you do so, remember that you will be responsible for shipping items and ensuring their condition to successful bidders.

Distribute Items to the Intended Recipients

Schedule a single day for distribution of items. In-town relatives can come to pick up items intended for them; they may also be helpful by taking bags to charities, books to resellers, boxes to storage, and trash to dumps.

Use this day for shipping as well. Small items can be shipped via UPS or FedEx; large pieces of furniture and antiques may require special handling by movers. Once you've finished distribution, you should have a considerably reduced pile of boxes and furniture. These boxes should contain only items to be moved to the elder's new residence or to storage. Remaining items should be those to be sold in an estate sale.

Move the Elder to His New Residence

Will the mover actually show up on time? Will the mover actually show up at all? Increase the probability of a good outcome for the move by contacting the mover to confirm arrangement a week ahead and the day before the actual move is scheduled. Of course, missed appointments may still occur, but if you've checked out the company with the Better Business Bureau and reminded the company of your appointment, the chances are good that the move will go as planned.

Accompany your elder to his new residence and help him with the moving-in process. Even if not all boxes can be emptied in a single day, he will feel more comfortable if a few items that are meaningful to him are unpacked and placed where he can find them.

Hold an Estate Sale

Once the movers have left the premises, the estate sale professionals should come in to evaluate and price items for the estate sale. Give them a key to the house, and then get out of their way. If you have chosen well, these professionals can do a great job of pricing items to sell and clearing the house of whatever remains. They will take a percentage of the sale receipts as compensation.

The days of the sale are good days to keep your elder busy elsewhere. A tearful elder does nothing to help sales.

Schedule a professional cleaning service to clean the house once the estate sale is over. When that has been completed to your satisfaction, turn the keys over to your senior real estate professional and give yourself a big pat on the back. You're done!

Here is a checklist to help you through this process. Or copy this address into your browser address bar.
http://www.thebestisyet.net/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/pando19/start.cgi/movechecklist.htm

Author, Phyllis Staff, Ph.D. Phyllis Staff is an experimental psychologist and the CEO of The Best Is Yet.Net, an internet company that helps seniors and caregivers find trustworthy residential care. She is the author of How to Find Great Senior Housing: A Roadmap for Elders and Those Who Love Them. She is also the daughter of a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Visit the author's web site at http://www.thebestisyet.net.

Window Sunlight Decor Serenade

Window Decor Q&A: How Do I Balance Privacy And Sunlight?

Q: Our family room has a large bay window that provides wonderful sunlight, but, unfortunately, it faces the street and we live on a court. I love the benefits of sunlight, but I'm not comfortable with my neighbors seeing into my home for hours on end so my drapes are usually blocking out all that great sunlight. What can I do to let the sunshine in without giving up my privacy?

A: Letting in sunlight while preserving privacy is one of the industry's biggest challenges. For windows with an open view to the outside or inside, a top-down/bottom-up shade is the best option available. Cellular pleated or Pleated shades allow you to lower the shade from the top. This lets light in while keeping the bottom part of the window covered ensuring privacy. Other options like horizontal wood or aluminum blinds can offer you complete privacy control and style options.

For more home decor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or its Web site at www.blindstogo.com.

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Home Window Decor Opus

Decor Tips: A Glossary Of Key Window Decor Terms

So you've moved into your new home and have nothing but bed sheets obstructing your neighbors from peering into your windows. Looks like you're in dire need of quality window treatments.

But before you run off in search of the perfect window dressings, here's a helpful glossary of window dйcor terms from the experts at Blinds To Go to help you navigate through the sea of design choices.

Blinds are window coverings that offer versatility. They have horizontal or vertical slats that can be rotated for maximum light and privacy control. The slats can be made from wood, fabric or aluminum. The slats or material can be rotated for light and privacy control. Vertical blinds operate similarly to a drapery; they can be opened from the center and stack as a pair on both sides of the window, or they can draw from one side and stack as a panel. Horizontal blinds are drawn up and can be easily hidden, if desired, beneath a valance or top treatment.

Cellular shades are an innovative fabric shade constructed from honeycomb-shaded cells that insulate windows with pockets of trapped air. The practical honeycomb structure of this shade is visible only from the side. From the front, a closed cellular shade appears to be a cascade of crisp pleats. When opened, cellular shades fold up neatly along the pleat lines to the top of the head-rail.

Double cellular shades are fabric shades with double cell design for increased energy efficiency. This fabric is also available in single cell design.

Fabric shades are shades that are generally raised and lowered by folding or gathering fabric to the top.

Pleated shades are fabric shades made from a crisply pleated material that closely resembles a cellular shade.

Roman shades are fabric shades that fold neatly to the top when drawn open. A classic roman shade has overlapping folds when the shade is lowered, while a flat roman has no folds when lowered.

Room darkening fabric is a term that refers to fabric that has been treated or is constructed to block out a large portion of the sunlight, providing a "room darkening" effect. This type of fabric is used mainly in bedrooms, but has applications in a wide variety of rooms.

Shades are window coverings that are made of material, which can be permanently pleated, like that of a cellular or pleated shade, or can be a drapery fabric like that of a roman shade. Shades are drawn up and stacked at the top of the window. Shades can be raised to allow more light into a room and then lowered to afford more privacy. They can be stopped at different intervals on the window, and still maintain a neat, finished look.

Stack is a term used to describe the amount of space a treatment uses when drawn to reveal your window.

Top treatment refers to any treatment that is used over the "top" of another, most commonly referred to as a valance.

Window shadings refers to a new category of fabric blinds which combine the features of a horizontal shade with the elegance of sheer fabrics.

For more home decor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or its Web site at www.blindstogo.com.

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Windows Decorating Opus

Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Decor

Windows are such an important part of any room, that it's amazing the number of times we ignore their many possibilities for creating or complementing a room's entire mood and theme. They are the source of light, air and sunshine, which are direct and integral sources of our feelings of comfort. Therefore, the task of how to dress them should become a focal point.

Even if the windows themselves are not attractive, some sort of treatment on them (if only to disguise them) will change their appearance, but even more importantly will beautify the entire room. In this way, windows can greatly influence a room. They can be the focal point of an entire scheme in which you build the room around them because of a fabulous view, or just because the window itself is impressive.

Alternatively, you may choose to let them blend into the overall theme, because a piece of artwork is of specific interest and so needs to stand out. If you have a small living space or office, you may decide to keep things simple and neutral to maximize the room's dimensions.

Sometimes, however, even this rule must be ignored, because you may want to maximize the feeling of intimacy within the room.

According to Yasmin Siboldi, Manager Visual Merchandising at Blinds To Go, the country's leading manufacturer and retailer of custom made blinds and shades, it is best to begin, as with all decor choices, thinking of what you need with regards to function.

"Window treatments have so many variations, that they will probably be some of the most challenging, but also the most interesting decisions you will make about the look of your room," Siboldi said.

But finally, she says, the one issue that has no bearing on needs, is simply aesthetics. That is to say the "need" to create a mood, a theme, a way of beautifying the appearance of a room, even if the treatment is unnecessary.

"Once you have determined the mood and theme you want to create for your room, selecting a window treatment can be easy," Siboldi added. "Just remember decorating is supposed to be enjoyable and creative, so there really is no wrong answers. What's important is that you created a look that you are pleased with."

For more home decor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or its Web site at www.blindstogo.com.

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.


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Gardening Bugs Verse

The Debate Around Controlling Pests In Our Gardens

An important hobby for many Canadians, and one that is increasing in popularity is gardening. "I have a firm belief that the gardening industry is getting bigger," says Mark Cullen, President of Weall and Cullen Garden Centres. Mark is well known across the country for his gardening expertise and from his syndicated radio show and TV program on Better Homes and Garden Television.

"This is an exciting time to be in the gardening business," he says. "We are seeing a growth in demand. We are also seeing younger gardeners in their twenties and thirties embracing gardening - especially first time homeowners." Cullen notes that the business is also getting very competitive as mass retailers and others compete for a share of the pie. He notes that the focus of his company is on providing outstanding customer service and answers to their customers' questions, especially in the area of plant selection and plant health.

To maintain a beautiful and healthy garden and home landscape, gardeners turn to a variety of tools to control pests that can otherwise damage sensitive plants. One of the key tools used are pesticides.

Cullen has seen a trend, particularly with younger gardeners, toward more environmentally friendly pest control solutions. This includes ready to use formulations of lawn and garden pesticides as well as organic pest control products. "People do not want concentrated products on their shelf, and they want to ensure that their pets and children are safe." He notes that retailers are responding to consumer's concerns by selling more ready to use products as well as organic and other non-synthetic products. He also sees homeowners embracing some of the principles of integrated pest management in terms of spot spraying only where there are weeds or insect problems.

Cullen himself combines a variety of tools including cultural, organic and where needed, pesticides in his approach to gardening. He sees an important role for pesticides in terms of being one of the tools available for gardeners. Believing that consumers should look very closely at the toxicity of the products they are buying - whether synthetic or organic. "It is important for consumers to continue to educate themselves on what is safe to use," says Cullen. "There are some synthetic pesticides that are in fact safer to use than some of the organic products out there." He says that toxicity should be the criterion for use instead of labeling a product as either being a synthetic chemical or not.

In terms of safety, Cullen says he is confident in the safety of pesticides when they are used responsibly. "We know that our regulators in Ottawa operate to more stringent standards than in any jurisdiction in the world. This gives me confidence in what we are selling when it is used as directed."

Cullen notes that the debate around pesticides is a complicated issue and that some special interest groups and even politicians try to make it a clear black and white situation when it is not. A balanced approach is needed with both sides playing a role in the debate. "It is unfortunate that the pesticide industry is dismissed outright as biased, as the industry does have credible information to offer."

To ensure that pesticides or other products they sell are used properly, Cullen's staff focuses a great deal of time on education with their customers. "We actively support all of the products we sell and provide our customers with the information they need to use these products properly. Most consumers lead busy lives, so they trust our staff to make the recommendations that are right for them."

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