Archive for June, 2010

Lookin’ Sporty-Chic With Chanel

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

I’ve never been the athletic type. I throw, catch, and run like a girl. I’m unbalance, uncoordinated, and, honestly, pretty uninterested. I rarely work out, and have been to the gym approximately 2.5 times in my life. Oh, and for the record, Sporty was always my least favorite Spice. But these chic Chanel items have me rethinking my lack of agility and enthusiasm for exercise. If these pricey accessories can’t motivate me to move, nothing will… Physical fitness never looked so fabulous.

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I could toss this rugby ball on the beach…

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I could wear a cute little tennis outfit at the court…

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I could go for a ride in Central Park on this stylish baby…

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I would totally catch my own dinner… if I didn’t get violently sea sick.

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I could look cute while getting cut arms…

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I don’t think I’ll be riding any horses any time soon…

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This bocce set is ador and perfect for a picnic in the park. But I have no idea how to play…

See all the stylish sporty items HERE.

Source: Lauren Barth

Designer Diapers

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Don’t expect gorgeous leggy ladies to strut the runway in Cynthia Rowley’s latest designs… Although, it’s possible a few short and chubby models might crawl around in her super-cute new creations.

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Rowley has teamed up with Pampers on an absolutely adorable diaper collection. The pastel patterns will include stripes, plaids, and ruffles for baby boys and girls. You can find these delightful little diapers in Target stores and on Target.com beginning in mid-July.

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P.S. Looked at the clever li’l pocket in the back! So charming.

*Source

Source: Lauren Barth

I Heart Ruffles

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

I love anything feminine and flirty. I’m a girlie girl at heart who can’t resist cupcakes, candy, and cuteness of any kind. I’m absolutely obsessed with flowers, bows, and ruffles, ruffles, ruffles. The more, the merrier. I’m especially taken with these adorable home accessories. They take sweet and chic to a whole new ladylike level.

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Laundry Bag, $36
Chair, $388
Duvet Cover,$148
Blue and Green Flamenco Shower Curtain, $118
White Shower Curtain, $98
Pink and Orange Flamenco Shower Curtain, $118
Pillow Shams, $48
Sleep Mask, $18
Waterfall Curtain, $78
Dinnerware, $10 – $38
Apron,$38
Serving Platter, $38

Source: Lauren Barth

Do You Need Climate Controlled Self Storage

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

When you are looking into storage options, you may be wondering if you need climate controlled self storage. You will need to carefully think about several different considerations in order to make this decision. First, you will need to think about what you will be storing. Second, you will need to think about the types of containers you will be storing your items within. Third, you will need to think about the fragility of either the items you are storing or the storage containers themselves. Fourth, you will need to think about the dollar value of the items being stored. Finally, you will be able to determine if a climate controlled self storage unit is most appropriate to use.

First, consider what you are going to store. The actual items you store should dictate how they are stored. For instance, the needs of a couch that you will be storing will be different from the needs of a box of paperwork or magazines. Likewise, a box of holiday decorations will have different storage needs than a bicycle or other children’s toys. If you will be storing a variety of different items in your storage unit, give thought to all of those items. This can also give you an opportunity to store similar items in the same container, instead of mixing and matching items to be stored together. Keep your fragile items together so they can be more easily protected. Likewise, keep your more sturdy items together as well.

Second, what types of containers will you be using? If you will be using cardboard boxes, with or without lids, you will need to realize that they are much more susceptible to the effects of heat and cold than metal or plastic containers are. If you are using plastic containers, carefully examine their actual make up. Newer, sturdier plastic containers are a safer barrier against climate changes than older and more brittle plastic containers. Think carefully about storing your items in metal containers. Some metal containers are specially built to help shield their contents from the effects of heat and cold. On the flip side, however, consider that some metal containers, especially those that are older, actually conduct heat and cold and so can be very harmful to what is stored inside.

Third, think about how fragile the items are that you are going to stir. You should also think about how fragile the storage containers are. If you will be storing antique lace doilies, they will not stand up as well to humid or hot locations as may studier items such as metal cookware. If you have many items stored in the same bin, go with the lowest common denominator and use the most fragile item to help make your determination for the entire bin. Think about your storage containers, as well. If you have a lot of older boxes and crates, they may break down faster in less than ideal conditions than would newer containers made of sturdier materials.

Fourth, keep in mind the almighty dollar. A rule of thumb is that the more valuable the item, the more likely it will need climate control. Don’t take a risk with items of value. Instead, always err on the side of caution. For instance, if you have a really valuable baseball card collection, get it out of your hot and humid attic and always store it in an area that is kept at a constant temperature. If you will be storing furniture like beds or couches, where the cushions or mattresses may be affected by temperature, you will definitely want to choose a climate controlled self storage unit.

Finally, if you still have not come to a decision about whether or not you need a climate controlled self storage unit, look at all of your previous considerations as a whole picture instead of individual pieces. Generally, you will want to make your decision based upon what will best benefit the items that you will store.

Do not let the cost of climate controlled self storage be one of your determining factors. Climate controlled self storage units are reasonably priced, and the cost associated is more than justified by the protection that they can offer to your most prized or valuable possessions. Instead think about the option that will best benefit your needs and let that be your final determining factor. In the end, if you are unable to make a decision based on this criteria, try out a climate controlled self storage unit for a month or two to see how valuable it can be. After your trial run, you can determine whether future use will best suit your needs!

Source: admin

The Real Cost of DIY Home Improvement Projects

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Let’s get one thing clear- not all do it yourself projects are inexpensive. More often than not, DIY projects are actually quite expensive, depending on the outcome that you desire. Look at it this way- if you don’t have control over the quality of store shelf products, then the DIY approach inverts the whole picture: you are now in control of the quality and appearance of any project you wish to get into.
If you have a warped picnic table and you wish to replace this with something that would look like it was done by an Italian craftsman in his prime, then expect that the DIY project would be expensive because you want something that will demand quality materials like exotic wood and top rated paint finish.
However, not many people want to invest so much in do it yourself projects- mainly because the budget is not there to begin with. So much can be said of expensive DIY projects, but it doesn’t mean that less expensive projects would yield poor results.
Issues regarding craftsmanship would entirely be credited to the person who has engaged in the DIY project. If you have little creativity or has little understanding of carpentry, then don’t expect that the new railing for your staircase would look like it was built by a highly experienced crew of carpenters.
So what would solve this apparent contradiction between skills, technical-know how and budget? The answer is simple- inexpensive projects that would yield beautiful results but do not require a high level of competence. Below are just some inexpensive and yet rewarding DIY home improvement projects that you can start with if you’re feeling the DIY itch now:
1. Repainting- a fresh coat of paint is always a good thing, especially for old houses. New paint gives a refreshing feel to an area, and improves the aura of a house. If a house has been standing for five years and has not been applied with even a drop of fresh paint since the day its doors were first opened, then now would be a good time to plan for a repainting.
Repainting projects need not be a 10 weekend projects- it does not have to cover the whole expanse of the house. You can start with the porch or the living room – this will take you 2 to 3 weekends.
2. Wood works- even if it sounds daunting at the start, making new furniture for the house (for the family and of course, for your own personal use) is actually one of the most fulfilling ways to jumpstart your own DIY fever. The trick is to always start small.
Not everyone is an expert with the use of wood, saw hammer and nails. This is the reason you should always start small- because in case your project fails, you can conveniently just throw away the failed project without worrying too much about the raw materials that you used. Don’t attempt to build a bed or a large cabinet for all your clothes yet.
A good starting project would be a foot stool that may be used around the house-whether in the study room or in front of the couch in the living room. Get a feel of it and see how it goes from there.

Source: admin