Article Categories
Starting a Shade Garden
Many of us don't have a completely exposed lawn. Trees, other houses, or large shrubs can block nourishing sunlight, causing many plants to die. Perhaps it's just part of the year, or perhaps it's a constant issue, but sunlight often does not come to all sections of most lawns. Despite this, there are many kinds of plants that can flourish in the shade, creating colorful, textured, rich displays with perennials, ferns, trees, or even mosses. With proper design, a homeowner can utilize a spotty lawn and create a backyard retreat. Also, for those living in environments of extreme climate or in urban settings, small, potted shade gardens can be created indoors for the home or office. ... more
Many of us don't have a completely exposed lawn. Trees, other houses, or large shrubs can block nourishing sunlight, causing many plants to die. Perhaps it's just part of the year, or perhaps it's a constant issue, but sunlight often does not come to all sections of most lawns. Despite this, there are many kinds of plants that can flourish in the shade, creating colorful, textured, rich displays with perennials, ferns, trees, or even mosses. With proper design, a homeowner can utilize a spotty lawn and create a backyard retreat. Also, for those living in environments of extreme climate or in urban settings, small, potted shade gardens can be created indoors for the home or office. ... more
Window Decoration Craft Project for Kids
One way to fill classroom time or to take a hands-on approach to lessons is to teach students to make window decorations. Window craft projects can incorporate the subject matter a class is studying, such as a lesson on snowflakes and how each is unique or basic information on leaves. The craft projects can also help a classroom get ready for an upcoming holiday, such as Halloween or Valentine's Day. Some projects are designed to be left in the classroom while students can take other projects home and hang them in the windows there. Each project is safe and doesn't use of candles or open flames. Some of the projects require adult supervision, as they involve the use of scissors or a hot iron.... more
One way to fill classroom time or to take a hands-on approach to lessons is to teach students to make window decorations. Window craft projects can incorporate the subject matter a class is studying, such as a lesson on snowflakes and how each is unique or basic information on leaves. The craft projects can also help a classroom get ready for an upcoming holiday, such as Halloween or Valentine's Day. Some projects are designed to be left in the classroom while students can take other projects home and hang them in the windows there. Each project is safe and doesn't use of candles or open flames. Some of the projects require adult supervision, as they involve the use of scissors or a hot iron.... more
Home Energy Efficiency From Windows to Lighting
Home Energy Efficiency From Windows to Lighting... more
Home Energy Efficiency From Windows to Lighting... more
Windows, Doors and Household Security
Windows and doors are important for homes and businesses. Doors provide an entry point into a building. Windows are important because they can provide a way for sunlight to be seen inside and while opened can provide additional ventilation. However, equally important is the need for window and door safety.... more
Windows and doors are important for homes and businesses. Doors provide an entry point into a building. Windows are important because they can provide a way for sunlight to be seen inside and while opened can provide additional ventilation. However, equally important is the need for window and door safety.... more
Safety With Window Treatments
When it comes to making a home safe, there are numerous things that must be taken into consideration. One thing that people often overlook when taking steps to make their home safe, is window coverings. Unfortunately, window coverings, and blinds in particular, can be very hazardous especially if there are small children in the home. While many newer products available meet safety standards, older window coverings may not and as such it is important to take steps to make them as safe as possible.... more
When it comes to making a home safe, there are numerous things that must be taken into consideration. One thing that people often overlook when taking steps to make their home safe, is window coverings. Unfortunately, window coverings, and blinds in particular, can be very hazardous especially if there are small children in the home. While many newer products available meet safety standards, older window coverings may not and as such it is important to take steps to make them as safe as possible.... more
Stained Glass Windows
Revered for their beauty and splendor, stained glass windows were a staple in Gothic architecture and have adorned cathedrals and churches for hundreds of years. Majestic in display, stained glass is often associated with religious icons and Bible stories displayed in painted glass; however, early records show that there were secular uses of stained glass windows. The inherent loveliness of stained glass has kept it one of the most popular glass forms for centuries. Collectors and museums pay careful attention to restoring these illuminating relics, while modern art workers seek new ways of using stained glass. Though not as common in churches today as they were during the Middle Ages, stained glass windows continue to dazzle and amaze spectators with their alluring are rays of colored hues.... more
Revered for their beauty and splendor, stained glass windows were a staple in Gothic architecture and have adorned cathedrals and churches for hundreds of years. Majestic in display, stained glass is often associated with religious icons and Bible stories displayed in painted glass; however, early records show that there were secular uses of stained glass windows. The inherent loveliness of stained glass has kept it one of the most popular glass forms for centuries. Collectors and museums pay careful attention to restoring these illuminating relics, while modern art workers seek new ways of using stained glass. Though not as common in churches today as they were during the Middle Ages, stained glass windows continue to dazzle and amaze spectators with their alluring are rays of colored hues.... more
In Shade and Sun - A Guide to Healthy Trees
You have a home that is comfortable to live in on the inside, but you think it needs something on the outside. You look at your yard and all you see is grass, but something is missing. One of the simplest ways to improve the look of a yard is the addition of trees. While trees can add beauty, shade in the summer and a place for birds and other animals, it is important to understand what trees need to survive.... more
You have a home that is comfortable to live in on the inside, but you think it needs something on the outside. You look at your yard and all you see is grass, but something is missing. One of the simplest ways to improve the look of a yard is the addition of trees. While trees can add beauty, shade in the summer and a place for birds and other animals, it is important to understand what trees need to survive.... more
Computer Accessibility For the Blind
The World Wide Web is often considered the "great equalizer" for a large number of people. A lot of groups have gained more visibility due to the Internet. Unfortunately, however, those who are blind or have poor vision often have difficulty using the Web, for obvious and some not-so obvious reasons. Fortunately, there are a lot of software solutions for people with vision impairment, but teachers, educators, and parents need to be aware of the difficulty of using and getting used to this software.... more
The World Wide Web is often considered the "great equalizer" for a large number of people. A lot of groups have gained more visibility due to the Internet. Unfortunately, however, those who are blind or have poor vision often have difficulty using the Web, for obvious and some not-so obvious reasons. Fortunately, there are a lot of software solutions for people with vision impairment, but teachers, educators, and parents need to be aware of the difficulty of using and getting used to this software.... more
Blinding Light: A Guide to the Sun
Literally at the center of our galaxy lies a reason for our existence: the sun. The sun has often been personified in mythology as a life-bringer. In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was the father of the Egyptian civilization, particularly the pharaohs, giving the royal family the divine right to rule. Apollo and Helios in Greek mythology are both personified as light deities connected to the sun and both established and maintained order in the universe with their many powers. Aztec legends attribute the sun to many gods, each bringing gifts to mankind that improve their lives by keeping them fed and warm and protecting them from their enemies. In short, the importance of this glowing orb that travels the sky has always been acknowledged and respected. With the advances of modern science and astronomy, we have been able to become even more acquainted with the facts and science behind the workings of this fantastically complex and important celestial body. ... more
Literally at the center of our galaxy lies a reason for our existence: the sun. The sun has often been personified in mythology as a life-bringer. In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was the father of the Egyptian civilization, particularly the pharaohs, giving the royal family the divine right to rule. Apollo and Helios in Greek mythology are both personified as light deities connected to the sun and both established and maintained order in the universe with their many powers. Aztec legends attribute the sun to many gods, each bringing gifts to mankind that improve their lives by keeping them fed and warm and protecting them from their enemies. In short, the importance of this glowing orb that travels the sky has always been acknowledged and respected. With the advances of modern science and astronomy, we have been able to become even more acquainted with the facts and science behind the workings of this fantastically complex and important celestial body. ... more
Stained Glass Window Resource & History Guide
Color has a unique transformative ability. If you paint a room red, a person can have an entirely different gut reaction upon walking in than if the same room were painted green or blue. When color is combined with glass, as it is in stained-glass windows, the effect is nothing short of magical. Stained-glass windows have been around since the 7th century and the process of coloring glass has been around for much longer, but the medium still proves to be a popular one today. From its use in the Middle Ages as a storytelling tool to the beautiful accents of modern windows, stained glass has a history every bit as rich as the colors it uses. ... more
Color has a unique transformative ability. If you paint a room red, a person can have an entirely different gut reaction upon walking in than if the same room were painted green or blue. When color is combined with glass, as it is in stained-glass windows, the effect is nothing short of magical. Stained-glass windows have been around since the 7th century and the process of coloring glass has been around for much longer, but the medium still proves to be a popular one today. From its use in the Middle Ages as a storytelling tool to the beautiful accents of modern windows, stained glass has a history every bit as rich as the colors it uses. ... more
Window Blinds Safety Tips for Kids and Pets
Shopping for window blinds involves much more than making a decision based upon design, color, and size. Window-blind cords pose a direct hazard to children and pets, and consumers should consider the latest safety standards when making a purchase. While many have corded blinds in their home and have taken steps to prevent accidents such as choking or strangulation due to dangling cords, the safest approach is to select cordless window coverings and blinds. Window-blind cords have caused accidents and deaths in children ranging from infancy to elementary-age. In addition, curious dogs and cats may inadvertently have a window-blind cord wrap around their necks and suffer serious and fatal consequences. Strangulation and near-strangulation incidents due to window-blind cords are a dangerous reality that is more common than one may realize. When childproofing or making a home safe for a new pet, window blinds and cord safety must be a top concern.... more
Shopping for window blinds involves much more than making a decision based upon design, color, and size. Window-blind cords pose a direct hazard to children and pets, and consumers should consider the latest safety standards when making a purchase. While many have corded blinds in their home and have taken steps to prevent accidents such as choking or strangulation due to dangling cords, the safest approach is to select cordless window coverings and blinds. Window-blind cords have caused accidents and deaths in children ranging from infancy to elementary-age. In addition, curious dogs and cats may inadvertently have a window-blind cord wrap around their necks and suffer serious and fatal consequences. Strangulation and near-strangulation incidents due to window-blind cords are a dangerous reality that is more common than one may realize. When childproofing or making a home safe for a new pet, window blinds and cord safety must be a top concern.... more
A Homeowners Resource Guide to Home Design and Decorating
With the current prices of houses, your home will probably be the biggest investment that you will ever make. It's an investment that you will have for as long as you own the house, and you could be paying for it for the next thirty years. However, the cost of the home is just the beginning.... more
With the current prices of houses, your home will probably be the biggest investment that you will ever make. It's an investment that you will have for as long as you own the house, and you could be paying for it for the next thirty years. However, the cost of the home is just the beginning.... more
Solar Home Experiments For Kids
It is everyone's responsibility to be alert to the the environment and what we can do to help ensure that we have all of the resources we need and still protect the beauty of everything around us. One of the ways to take care of the environment is to learn alternatives to using natural resources. For example, instead of being totally dependent on oil for fuel, we should look for ways to use other resources, such as the sun, wind and water.... more
It is everyone's responsibility to be alert to the the environment and what we can do to help ensure that we have all of the resources we need and still protect the beauty of everything around us. One of the ways to take care of the environment is to learn alternatives to using natural resources. For example, instead of being totally dependent on oil for fuel, we should look for ways to use other resources, such as the sun, wind and water.... more
Home Escape Plans: Exiting windows & doors during Natural Disasters
Natural disasters often hit without warning, necessitating quick action to escape injury. If an emergency hits while you are at home, a home evacuation could become imperative for survival. Every member of your family needs to understand a home escape plan so everyone can respond readily to the emergency. Whether an earthquake shakes your area, a fire breaks out, or a flood threatens your home, having a comprehensive home escape plan can help you think clearly about how to respond.... more
Natural disasters often hit without warning, necessitating quick action to escape injury. If an emergency hits while you are at home, a home evacuation could become imperative for survival. Every member of your family needs to understand a home escape plan so everyone can respond readily to the emergency. Whether an earthquake shakes your area, a fire breaks out, or a flood threatens your home, having a comprehensive home escape plan can help you think clearly about how to respond.... more
Scholarship Information for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Scholarships can offset some of the expenses a visually impaired or blind student may incur while attending school. Awards can range from a few hundred dollars to a full tuition waiver. These scholarships may require that the applicant be legally blind, prove a certain level of vision loss, or be the client of an agency that serves the visually impaired. Study the eligibility requirements of the scholarships you apply for and follow application procedures carefully. In addition to researching scholarships, check out schools that provide services to blind and visually impaired students.... more
Scholarships can offset some of the expenses a visually impaired or blind student may incur while attending school. Awards can range from a few hundred dollars to a full tuition waiver. These scholarships may require that the applicant be legally blind, prove a certain level of vision loss, or be the client of an agency that serves the visually impaired. Study the eligibility requirements of the scholarships you apply for and follow application procedures carefully. In addition to researching scholarships, check out schools that provide services to blind and visually impaired students.... more
Protect Your Home From Wood Ants and Termites
Carpenter ants and termites can do significant damage to the structure of your home. The damage that these bugs do often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for water damage. Improper or neglected treatment of wood-damaging bugs can result in a large infestation and weakened structural wood. Whether you're considering buying a house, selling a house, or are currently living in your dream home, learning more about carpenter ants and termites and finding out about different ways to combat them can prevent a lot of hassle and costly repairs in the long run.... more
Carpenter ants and termites can do significant damage to the structure of your home. The damage that these bugs do often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for water damage. Improper or neglected treatment of wood-damaging bugs can result in a large infestation and weakened structural wood. Whether you're considering buying a house, selling a house, or are currently living in your dream home, learning more about carpenter ants and termites and finding out about different ways to combat them can prevent a lot of hassle and costly repairs in the long run.... more
Facts About Aluminum
Aluminum is one of those substances easily taken for granted, because it is used in so many products used in daily life. But when you think about the versatility of aluminum, it becomes a wonder how we ever lived life before this metal was introduced. Aluminum is used to package our food, put roofs over our homes, build our ladders, and even to build the body of our cars. Thanks to the versatility, durability and light weight of aluminum, it is something that can be used in just about any situation. ... more
Aluminum is one of those substances easily taken for granted, because it is used in so many products used in daily life. But when you think about the versatility of aluminum, it becomes a wonder how we ever lived life before this metal was introduced. Aluminum is used to package our food, put roofs over our homes, build our ladders, and even to build the body of our cars. Thanks to the versatility, durability and light weight of aluminum, it is something that can be used in just about any situation. ... more
11 Most Famous Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass windows can be found in many places around the world. Throughout the centuries, these artworks have been adding beauty to spaces all around the world, most commonly churches and other religious structures. But some pieces clearly elevate this art form to a whole new level. Here, then, are some of the most famous works of stained glass in the world.... more
Stained glass windows can be found in many places around the world. Throughout the centuries, these artworks have been adding beauty to spaces all around the world, most commonly churches and other religious structures. But some pieces clearly elevate this art form to a whole new level. Here, then, are some of the most famous works of stained glass in the world.... more
Guides Eyes for the Blind: All About Guide Dogs
Thousands of people all throughout the United States and the world use service dogs. Service dogs are dogs with special training that are able to assist people with various medical conditions or disabilities. Any breed of dog can be trained as a service dog, but the most common breed is the golden retriever. Service dogs have been used since the 1700s, but the first modern training school for these special dogs appeared in the U.S. in 1929, focused on guide dogs for the blind. Since the 1970s, guide dogs have been trained for dozens of applications. A single dog may take thousands of hours to train but will generally serve as a companion to its owner for the rest of the dog's life. These dogs make an immense positive impact on the lives of their humans.... more
Thousands of people all throughout the United States and the world use service dogs. Service dogs are dogs with special training that are able to assist people with various medical conditions or disabilities. Any breed of dog can be trained as a service dog, but the most common breed is the golden retriever. Service dogs have been used since the 1700s, but the first modern training school for these special dogs appeared in the U.S. in 1929, focused on guide dogs for the blind. Since the 1970s, guide dogs have been trained for dozens of applications. A single dog may take thousands of hours to train but will generally serve as a companion to its owner for the rest of the dog's life. These dogs make an immense positive impact on the lives of their humans.... more
Glass Making in Ancient Egypt
With the prevalence of glass today it is hard to imagine a time when glass was rare. You see it everyday: your car (window), the bottles you drink from, lamps, tables, television screens, and dozens of other common household objects are all made from glass. We mass produce and recycle glass in quantities that would astound our ancestors even a few hundred years ago. In the ancient world a piece of glass large enough to fit a modern (window) would have been a rare extravagance. Glass, even thick glass, was fragile and did not travel well. Large pieces were difficult to form with the techniques available to early glassmakers, and the process itself was a secret guarded closely by artisans and royalty alike.... more
With the prevalence of glass today it is hard to imagine a time when glass was rare. You see it everyday: your car (window), the bottles you drink from, lamps, tables, television screens, and dozens of other common household objects are all made from glass. We mass produce and recycle glass in quantities that would astound our ancestors even a few hundred years ago. In the ancient world a piece of glass large enough to fit a modern (window) would have been a rare extravagance. Glass, even thick glass, was fragile and did not travel well. Large pieces were difficult to form with the techniques available to early glassmakers, and the process itself was a secret guarded closely by artisans and royalty alike.... more
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Therapy Treatment
During the beautiful weather that we get in the summertime, have you ever noticed that you are in a better mood? You wear lighter clothes, there is more hours of sunlight, and you generally feel better. Conversely, during the winter month have you ever noticed that your mood changes? The daylight is shorter, the weather is colder and you need to wear heavier clothes. This is the result of Seasonal Affective Disorder.... more
During the beautiful weather that we get in the summertime, have you ever noticed that you are in a better mood? You wear lighter clothes, there is more hours of sunlight, and you generally feel better. Conversely, during the winter month have you ever noticed that your mood changes? The daylight is shorter, the weather is colder and you need to wear heavier clothes. This is the result of Seasonal Affective Disorder.... more
Germinating Seeds in Your Window
The spring is a great time to open your blinds and shades and let a bit of sunlight in! As the weather gets better in April, May, and June, people start to work on their gardens. You can work on a garden of your own, too! With an adult's help, a bit of work, and scientific skills, you can create a small window garden of plants, flowers, or herbs. To do that, let's learn about how plants work, how seeds germinate, and what a plant needs to grow successfully: ... more
The spring is a great time to open your blinds and shades and let a bit of sunlight in! As the weather gets better in April, May, and June, people start to work on their gardens. You can work on a garden of your own, too! With an adult's help, a bit of work, and scientific skills, you can create a small window garden of plants, flowers, or herbs. To do that, let's learn about how plants work, how seeds germinate, and what a plant needs to grow successfully: ... more
The Effects of Room Lighting on Your Health
We have many requirements to have a healthy environment at work and at home. We need clean air to breath that is free of dangerous allergens, clean water and proper lighting. These are all elements that are needed to have a healthy environment.... more
We have many requirements to have a healthy environment at work and at home. We need clean air to breath that is free of dangerous allergens, clean water and proper lighting. These are all elements that are needed to have a healthy environment.... more
How to Save Energy During the Winter
When cold winds blow and snow falls, staying warm becomes a priority. Surviving the winter in a cold climate usually involves winterizing a home and turning up the heat. While this is the typical situation during the colder months, it is possible to save energy in the winter. Saving energy has a multitude of benefits. You can save money because you will be using less heat. Using less energy also benefits the environment because you will be causing fewer emissions into the air as you heat your home. As you look for ways to save energy this winter, use only safe heating practices. Space heaters can project warmth, but they can also be dangerous. Keep space heaters away from flammable items such as curtains. And install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to detect potentially lethal levels of carbon monoxide that can exist with the use of a furnace, fireplace, or and space heater. ... more
When cold winds blow and snow falls, staying warm becomes a priority. Surviving the winter in a cold climate usually involves winterizing a home and turning up the heat. While this is the typical situation during the colder months, it is possible to save energy in the winter. Saving energy has a multitude of benefits. You can save money because you will be using less heat. Using less energy also benefits the environment because you will be causing fewer emissions into the air as you heat your home. As you look for ways to save energy this winter, use only safe heating practices. Space heaters can project warmth, but they can also be dangerous. Keep space heaters away from flammable items such as curtains. And install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to detect potentially lethal levels of carbon monoxide that can exist with the use of a furnace, fireplace, or and space heater. ... more
The Chemistry of Glass
From packaging to computer screens to windows and more, glass is a key part of everyday life, and it has been so for millennia. Made of an exceedingly common element, glass is inexpensive to produce and quite versatile in its application. It is one of those products that is so prevalent that we hardly ever notice how common it is and how important glass is to every sector of society. As is well known, glass also occupies an important place in the art community and is an important part of the heritage of many world cultures.... more
From packaging to computer screens to windows and more, glass is a key part of everyday life, and it has been so for millennia. Made of an exceedingly common element, glass is inexpensive to produce and quite versatile in its application. It is one of those products that is so prevalent that we hardly ever notice how common it is and how important glass is to every sector of society. As is well known, glass also occupies an important place in the art community and is an important part of the heritage of many world cultures.... more
Window Treatment Styles in the 20th Century
Window treatments have been in place over windows for hundreds of years. The purpose of window treatments has been both utilitarian and decorative. Initially, people covered their windows to control the amount of light and air emitted through the openings and to provide privacy. Gradually, these coverings evolved to become a part of room decor. Window treatments include curtains, draperies, shades, blinds, and shutters. Styles and trends in window treatments have changed significantly over the years. ... more
Window treatments have been in place over windows for hundreds of years. The purpose of window treatments has been both utilitarian and decorative. Initially, people covered their windows to control the amount of light and air emitted through the openings and to provide privacy. Gradually, these coverings evolved to become a part of room decor. Window treatments include curtains, draperies, shades, blinds, and shutters. Styles and trends in window treatments have changed significantly over the years. ... more
DIY: Ways to Decorate Your Windows
Decorating your windows can have a significant effect on the way the rest of your room looks. If you want a darker style in a room, for instance, then covering the window with bright treatments is simply not going to work. The best part about window décor is that there are many DIY approaches you can take to get a unique look to your window without spending a lot of money. Another benefit to taking the DIY approach is that you can use your own style to get the exact results you want. You should take some time to allow your creativity to take over and create window treatments that are unique to your home.... more
Decorating your windows can have a significant effect on the way the rest of your room looks. If you want a darker style in a room, for instance, then covering the window with bright treatments is simply not going to work. The best part about window décor is that there are many DIY approaches you can take to get a unique look to your window without spending a lot of money. Another benefit to taking the DIY approach is that you can use your own style to get the exact results you want. You should take some time to allow your creativity to take over and create window treatments that are unique to your home.... more
25 Interior Design Tips and Quotes to Ignite Your DIY Spirit
Our surroundings are an integral part of daily life. Space, line, form, light, color, texture, pattern, layout – consciously and subconsciously, these elements influence our mood, productivity, and conversation. For as long as humans have sought shelter, they have decorated. Drawings of plants, animals, and human forms adorned the walls of caves. Greeks employed meticulous calculations to construct buildings, sculptures, and monuments. Today, the fascination with creating the ideal living and working space continues to thrive. This is a collection of quotes from experts to stoke your creative energy and guide you as you experiment with interior design. ... more
Our surroundings are an integral part of daily life. Space, line, form, light, color, texture, pattern, layout – consciously and subconsciously, these elements influence our mood, productivity, and conversation. For as long as humans have sought shelter, they have decorated. Drawings of plants, animals, and human forms adorned the walls of caves. Greeks employed meticulous calculations to construct buildings, sculptures, and monuments. Today, the fascination with creating the ideal living and working space continues to thrive. This is a collection of quotes from experts to stoke your creative energy and guide you as you experiment with interior design. ... more
The Butterflies Outside Your Window
When you look out your window in the spring and summer, you may see butterflies flitting from flower to flower. Not only are butterflies beautiful because of their vivid colors and markings, but they are important because they help pollinate plants. As they move among the blooms, they transfer pollen on their bodies. Both the United States and Great Britain have a huge variety of butterflies that live in natural areas.... more
When you look out your window in the spring and summer, you may see butterflies flitting from flower to flower. Not only are butterflies beautiful because of their vivid colors and markings, but they are important because they help pollinate plants. As they move among the blooms, they transfer pollen on their bodies. Both the United States and Great Britain have a huge variety of butterflies that live in natural areas.... more
Guide To Bird-Watching From Your Window
Some people liken bird-watching to hunting without weapons. When you seek to find and identify birds in the wild, you must spend time in the birds' natural habitats watching and listening for signs of the creatures. When you find them, your goal will be to identify them and note when and where you saw each species. Birders often enjoy the thrill of the hunt for sightings of new or elusive creatures. ... more
Some people liken bird-watching to hunting without weapons. When you seek to find and identify birds in the wild, you must spend time in the birds' natural habitats watching and listening for signs of the creatures. When you find them, your goal will be to identify them and note when and where you saw each species. Birders often enjoy the thrill of the hunt for sightings of new or elusive creatures. ... more
Build a Garden in your Window!
Do you like fresh veggies? How about dirt? Indoor gardening is a great way to learn about plants, play in the dirt, and grow delicious and nutritious vegetables. An indoor garden will produce tasty veggies all year round, no matter what season it is. ... more
Do you like fresh veggies? How about dirt? Indoor gardening is a great way to learn about plants, play in the dirt, and grow delicious and nutritious vegetables. An indoor garden will produce tasty veggies all year round, no matter what season it is. ... more
Gardening in a Window Box
In a perfect world, we would all have an abundance of space and land to enjoy. We may put up a playground set for the kids, a large garage for dad and large garden for mom to plant flowers or vegetables. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect world, and not all of these items are practical for all people. For example, you may live in an apartment or condo where these things are not possible. Or, the house that you own is very small, and does not have the available room. So, what can you do?... more
In a perfect world, we would all have an abundance of space and land to enjoy. We may put up a playground set for the kids, a large garage for dad and large garden for mom to plant flowers or vegetables. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect world, and not all of these items are practical for all people. For example, you may live in an apartment or condo where these things are not possible. Or, the house that you own is very small, and does not have the available room. So, what can you do?... more
Window Art Projects For Kids
Most kids love to make original works of art, and many different media offer fun and enjoyable ways for kids to design and produce beautiful creations. Window art projects are a perfect way for kids to get creative, and displaying the finished art on windows can be a perfect way to share these projects with the world. When you hang items on the windows, people can see them from both inside and outside of the house. Many window art projects have special themes that fit with holidays throughout the year, including Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and more. Some projects are also perfect for ushering in each season.... more
Most kids love to make original works of art, and many different media offer fun and enjoyable ways for kids to design and produce beautiful creations. Window art projects are a perfect way for kids to get creative, and displaying the finished art on windows can be a perfect way to share these projects with the world. When you hang items on the windows, people can see them from both inside and outside of the house. Many window art projects have special themes that fit with holidays throughout the year, including Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and more. Some projects are also perfect for ushering in each season.... more
A Cure for Seasonal Depression by Blindschalet
Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that can debilitate a person to the point that they are unable to function properly. It is a type of depression that is directly related to the winter months when there are more hours of darkness. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, it normally begins when the days become shorter and the evenings longer. This is generally around the time that Daylight Savings Time comes to an end, however, it can begin in the early winter as well. Symptoms continue throughout the winter and taper off in the spring, typically when days, and daylight, are longer, which is around the start of Daylight Savings Time. People who are diagnosed with SAD will have experienced symptoms at the same time of year for at minimum two consecutive years. Often it is mistaken with the so-called "winter blues," however, SAD is a much more intense and serious condition that requires medical intervention.... more
Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that can debilitate a person to the point that they are unable to function properly. It is a type of depression that is directly related to the winter months when there are more hours of darkness. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, it normally begins when the days become shorter and the evenings longer. This is generally around the time that Daylight Savings Time comes to an end, however, it can begin in the early winter as well. Symptoms continue throughout the winter and taper off in the spring, typically when days, and daylight, are longer, which is around the start of Daylight Savings Time. People who are diagnosed with SAD will have experienced symptoms at the same time of year for at minimum two consecutive years. Often it is mistaken with the so-called "winter blues," however, SAD is a much more intense and serious condition that requires medical intervention.... more
Glassmaking in Roman Culture
Ever since the first glassmakers melted silica and sodium carbonate together, glass has been a beautiful and practical element of our lives. Glass is very old, and there are a lot of surviving artifacts made from glass in museums around the world. The Roman Empire used glassworking as a cornerstone of its economy, having conquered enough of the Mediterranean to be in possession of all of the glass-making territories of the era. With the exception of stained-glass windows, the Romans pioneered the majority of the techniques we still use in glassmaking today.... more
Ever since the first glassmakers melted silica and sodium carbonate together, glass has been a beautiful and practical element of our lives. Glass is very old, and there are a lot of surviving artifacts made from glass in museums around the world. The Roman Empire used glassworking as a cornerstone of its economy, having conquered enough of the Mediterranean to be in possession of all of the glass-making territories of the era. With the exception of stained-glass windows, the Romans pioneered the majority of the techniques we still use in glassmaking today.... more
Egress Windows and Fire Safety
Part of a comprehensive fire safety plan for a home involves making sure that the structure complies with the local fire safety code. These regulations are in place to ensure that domiciles are constructed safely to allow occupants to escape in the event of a fire. One important fire safety stipulation involves escape avenues from sleeping quarters. Bedrooms must have at least one exit point that leads to the outside of the building in order to be fire code compliant. These codes apply to owner-occupied homes as well as rental homes and apartments.... more
Part of a comprehensive fire safety plan for a home involves making sure that the structure complies with the local fire safety code. These regulations are in place to ensure that domiciles are constructed safely to allow occupants to escape in the event of a fire. One important fire safety stipulation involves escape avenues from sleeping quarters. Bedrooms must have at least one exit point that leads to the outside of the building in order to be fire code compliant. These codes apply to owner-occupied homes as well as rental homes and apartments.... more
Family Bathroom Safety Tips
Of all the rooms in your house, you would think that most of the accidents occur in the kitchen. With use of knives to cut and stove tops and ovens to cook, the chances of accidental injuries are very apparent. However, it is not the most dangerous room in your home. That honor belongs to the bathroom. ... more
Of all the rooms in your house, you would think that most of the accidents occur in the kitchen. With use of knives to cut and stove tops and ovens to cook, the chances of accidental injuries are very apparent. However, it is not the most dangerous room in your home. That honor belongs to the bathroom. ... more
The History and Uses of Bamboo
Bamboo is a renewable resource that is also highly versatile. While it grows in temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical locations around the world, there's more bamboo in China than any other country worldwide: It ranks first in the amount of land used for bamboo growth, the number of bamboo plants produced, and the amount of wood produced, and around a third of the world's bamboo species grow in this country, largely south of the Yangtze River in the Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, and Sichuan provinces.... more
Bamboo is a renewable resource that is also highly versatile. While it grows in temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical locations around the world, there's more bamboo in China than any other country worldwide: It ranks first in the amount of land used for bamboo growth, the number of bamboo plants produced, and the amount of wood produced, and around a third of the world's bamboo species grow in this country, largely south of the Yangtze River in the Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, and Sichuan provinces.... more
The History Behind Venetian Masks
The 1998 film Dangerous Beauty offers an enticing view of 16th century Venice. Based on the real-life story of Venetian Veronica Franco, noted courtesan and poet, the film captures the essence of the luxurious, debauchery-driven Venetian society. Part of Venice's legendary debauchery centers around the Venetian Carnival, or Carnevale di Venezia. Part of the enduring iconography of Carnival (and of the Republic of Venice in general) are the Venetian Masks that are still widely collected and admired today.... more
The 1998 film Dangerous Beauty offers an enticing view of 16th century Venice. Based on the real-life story of Venetian Veronica Franco, noted courtesan and poet, the film captures the essence of the luxurious, debauchery-driven Venetian society. Part of Venice's legendary debauchery centers around the Venetian Carnival, or Carnevale di Venezia. Part of the enduring iconography of Carnival (and of the Republic of Venice in general) are the Venetian Masks that are still widely collected and admired today.... more