Office Living : The Welcome Mat

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:12:00 GMT

Inexpensive Home Security

With reports that the economic downturn sparked an increase in crime, more and more people are taking steps to make their homes more secure. Although criminals probably won’t target most of us, like Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Costing only about $20 each, motion detectors are easy to install and effectively sense movement or even sounds within 40 feet; some are even designed to ignore pets and other small animals.

Magnetic window and door contacts cost just a few dollars each and are also easy to install. When the magnetic contact is breached, it communicates (often wirelessly) with your security system, setting off the alarm and/or contacting the police.

Interested in a security system? It might be less expensive than you think. For around $120, you can get a basic system that includes a keypad with user codes, a siren, event-initiated paging and even a backup battery. These systems are often immune to pets weighing under 85lbs.

If you’re interested in video surveillance, you can often connect video cameras to the DVR of your personal computer using cables or your existing wireless network. Bullet-style, color and day-and-night infrared cameras with brackets start at about $80 each. Complete, self-contained video-surveillance systems start around $1,500 and usually include a DVR with auto-detecting video signal loss and HDD failure, several cameras with wall mounts, a monitor, software, and cables.

There is also a plethora of secret-agent style gadgets available for around $100, including cameras built into working pens, smoke detectors or peepholes. For under $200, you can even buy a fingerprint/biometric door lock that unlocks when an authorized user places his or her finger on the pad.

How do you keep your home or office secure?

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:03:00 GMT

Yard Decorations
Know when to say when

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which is probably why some yards look beautiful and others look like a yard sale.

A beautifully landscaped lawn takes careful planning. You wouldn't build a house without blueprints, so why would you build your outdoor living space without a plan? As you plan, keep the style and location of your home in mind, and pick a complementing theme. A yard filled with white Greco-Roman statues, for instance, would look out of place in a modern suburban neighborhood.

If you think your yard looks empty, don't just fill the spaces with lawn ornaments. Instead, consider adding a plant. Even if you don't have a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that would look lovely.

For the most part, your yard decorations should blend in with existing plants. Your decorations should be small accents, not the main event. Tuck lawn gnomes and such into places where they look natural, and for the most part, get decorations that have colors you would find in nature.

If you love the plastic pink flamingos, go ahead and get yourself a pair – they add a fun quirkiness to your yard. But just because wild flamingos travel in large flocks doesn't mean that yours have to. Your neighbors will enjoy them more if they're used sparingly as opposed to an army of birds that they might feel inclined to protect themselves against.

Not sure if you have too many yard decorations? If any of the following can be used to describe your yard, you should probably consider eliminating some of the items displayed on your property.

Your decorations outnumber the plants
You have trouble or are unable to mow the lawn
People approach you wondering if everything is for sale
Yard decorations are less than 4 feet apart from each other (excluding groupings that need to be close together)
You or someone has tripped over one of your yard decorations

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Fri, 01 May 2009 05:18:00 GMT

Off-the-wall design ideas

Are you looking for a quick way to update your room, basement or entire living space? Painting interior walls may be the fastest and most inexpensive way to change the appearance of a room. Adding a splash of color or a pleasant pattern can spark that warm, inviting feeling again.

One of the most important steps before starting a painting project is the preparation.

Clean the wall, baseboard and ceiling surfaces with household cleaner, hot water and a sponge several hours before beginning to paint
Remove all nails, smooth spackle across nail holes and let the spackle dry; once dry, sand the spackle with fine sandpaper until wall surface is smooth
Protect the room—don't just stop with covering the floors: protect doorknobs, electric switches, faucets and other items that you want to keep paint-free with aluminum foil; crimp and fold the foil to fit the shape of the objects
Be sure to choose the correct type of paint for the room; moisture-heavy rooms, such as bathrooms or kitchens, require mildew-resistant satin or semi-gloss paint that can easily be cleaned
Buy quality paints, brushes and rollers—cheap paint does not cover well, which could require additional coats, and cheap brushes loose their bristles and can get stuck to the surface, creating an unsightly finish
Use painter’s tape to create crisp lines and stripes, and to avoid getting paint on unwanted areas

Once you have finished painting, you can create the look of wallpaper using stencils. Stencils can either be purchased or made using a piece of poster board. Find patterns on the internet or create freehand designs. To create a larger stencil to balance the scale of your room, tape 2 pieces of poster board together.

Once the stencil is traced and cut out, tape it to the wall using painter's tape, and use a level to make sure the design lines are straight
Using a foam roller with minimal paint, apply the paint directly over the stencil; don't use too much paint or it could bleed under the stencil
Once stencil is filled in, carefully remove the stencil from the wall
Use the stencil around the room, making sure to align and space evenly
Touch-up any bleeding lines or imperfections with a small brush

Color evokes different emotions, and stencils add unique style to rooms—add a personal touch to your home by finding color that fits your style. Just remember, paint isn’t permanent. If you don’t enjoy the color or pattern, you can always choose something else.

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:18:00 GMT

Curb appeal

Curb appeal is the popular buzzword for how good your house and yard look from the street. If your house isn't selling, or if you're preparing to put it on the market, chances are your front yard could use a facelift.

Homeowners address curb appeal by what they can do to make the outside of their home look its best. It is essential when selling the property—first impressions are very important and can sway potential buyers to have positive or negative reactions before entering the home. An inviting home encourages people to visit.

Curb appeal relates to landscaping, exterior color, masonry and entryway, including porches and doors, garage and driveway. Windows say a lot about a home, not only by their appearance and upkeep, but also about their efficiency.

Your house should be welcoming and its appeal easily visible at every angle from the street. Most importantly, it should make you feel proud when you drive up to it—feel something special about your house "that makes you smile when you come home," according to exterior designer Pamela Berstler. Exactly what that something is, depends on the home style and owner, since different people value different things. Curb appeal is a balance between what makes you happy and the style of your neighborhood.

Many sources tout the financial benefits of boosting curb appeal, citing a 1999 Clemson University study showing that consumers valued well-landscaped homes at 11% above the asking price. A 1999 Gallup survey found landscaping could add 7-15% to a home's value. A 2003 SmartMoney magazine article suggested that spending 5% of your home's value on landscaping could yield a return of 150% or more.

Having a plan is important, says landscape designer Jim Riley, because it means there will be consistency to the work you do, even if it’s done in phases. Not all improvements need to involve major and expensive work. "It can be as simple as painting the front door a different color—it’s a quick and easy thing you can do yourself."

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:20:00 GMT

Which fresh-cut flowers last the longest?

Fresh flowers are always nice to have around the house especially during the dreary parts of the year. Although the longevity of fresh-cut flowers varies depending on care, carnations and chrysanthemums seem to top most lists, each lasting between 7 and 14 days. These flowers are naturally hardier, take in more water and fight off bacteria more easily while in a vase.

Carnations and chrysanthemums are nice flowers, but when an occasion calls for roses, tulips or lilies you need to know how to make those flowers last longer than a couple of days. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks for maximizing the life of these cut flowers.

The vase life of cut flowers is often shorter than desired because of two main reasons: bacteria from decaying leaves and nutrient loss from lack of water. When you get a bouquet of flowers, always put them in water as soon as possible. Just putting them in the refrigerator does little, if nothing, to keep them from dying.

Be sure to use a clean vase and fill it with warm water which is easier for flowers to drink. Generally, cut flowers from the store come with a packet of nutrients that will help your flowers last longer but if you cut them from your garden you can make a similar mixture using lemon-lime soda or lemon juice and sugar.

Remove any leaves that will be under water when you place them in the vase. Leaves under water level will deteriorate faster and leave behind bacteria that will kill the flowers faster. Take each flower, and under warm water, cut the stem on an angle. This will remove any possible clogging and allow water to flow easily up the stem. Don't mix daffodils with any other flowers. Once you cut the stem of a daffodil sap will drip out and clog the stems of all other flowers. In a few days, if you notice that your flowers are starting to droop, trim the stems again.

Once your flowers are arranged, place them in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Also remember, keep them away from drafts and do not place them on or near anything that could get warm. Keep an eye on the water level and refill as needed. After a week, empty out the old water and add new.

What tricks or tips do you have to make your flower bouquets last longer?

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:20:00 GMT

Cure your cabin fever –
How to enjoy the winter months

Have you ever experienced restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness or found yourself sleeping excessively? If so, you may be suffering from a case of cabin fever. The term was coined in 1918 when settlers were snowed into their log cabins during the winter months and had to wait for the spring thaw to travel to town.

If you find yourself exhibiting symptoms this winter, here are some suggestions for overcoming your bout with cabin fever:

Develop a hobby

When you just can’t bring yourself to brave the cold, it’s a great time to start that new project or complete an unfinished one.

Catch up on your reading

If you have wanted to finish or start a good book, use this time to your advantage and catch up on some reading.

Create a workout regimen

Brush off that treadmill or other exercise equipment and use the winter months to get back in shape. When the weather breaks, you can unveil the new you.

Entertain friends and family

Turn your cabin fever into an opportunity to invite friends or family over for lunch or dinner. This is a great way to catch up or stay in touch with people you haven’t had the chance to visit for a while.

Get out and enjoy the scenery

The best way to overcome feelings of cabin fever is to get out and do something. Take a walk or go to the library or a museum. Meet with friends at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. Just be sure to bundle up!

The important thing to remember in the winter months, when you’re feeling a little confined and you feel a case of cabin fever coming on, is to remain active. Before you know it the weather will be breaking and the birds will be chirping again.

What is your best remedy for curing cabin fever?

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:20:00 GMT

How to be a good host

Let's face it, some houseguests are more welcome than others. I mean, we've all seen Houseguest starring Sinbad, and some of us even own it on Blu-ray disc. But as a hostess with the mostest it's courteous to take the time to prepare your home and make it equally as comfortable for all guests (unless they're pop-ins, in which case you have no time). Here are 5 things you can do for your guests to make them feel at home away from home.

Try to give guests their own private space.

It's easy if you have a separate guest room, but if not, consider making your kids give up their room. Or maybe turn the laundry room into a cozy little bunk with a cot. It depends on your guests, but some may prefer a room with a door to a comfortable bed. You might want to ask their preference in advance. Then before your guest arrives, clear out everything you think you might need from their room. You don't want to keep going in and out of their temporary personal space.

Make sure you've provided enough pillows and spare blankets.

Some people are always cold. Some people like to build a wall of pillows around their sleeping bodies. You never know. Leave a few extra pillows and blankets out just in case.

Put a few bottles of water in the guest room and/or in the bathroom.

This is a nice touch, and something my family does for me (I'm a very discriminating guest). It's convenient to have water on hand – that way guests won't have to walk to the kitchen and go through every cupboard looking for a glass.

Set up night lights in the bathroom and/or hallways.

Your house is unfamiliar to guests, especially at night in the dark. Plug in some night lights that lead the way to the bathroom. You don't want guests blindly feeling their way in the middle of the night and leaving a trail of fallen wall hangings and broken vases in their wake.

Send a note to tell them you enjoyed their visit.

Traditionally the guest sends a note to thank the host for his or her hospitality. But to be extra kind, especially if you actually liked having your guests in your home (and would like to be invited to their home some day), send a little note to express your thanks for their company.

What nice things do you do for your houseguests?

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:18:00 GMT

Don’t be a turkey…try something new this Thanksgiving!

Think only turkey, cranberries and stuffing are served on Americans’ dining tables on Thanksgiving? Think again! Across the country Americans are serving up many unique meals that stretch far beyond the traditional fixings.

In the South, the warmer climate allows for outdoor cooking. Deep-fried turkey, which has started a new trend across the country, is a delicious meal. Though this may seem like a greasy way to enjoy your bird, it actually seals the outside from the oil and keeps the meat inside very juicy. Large deep fryers have hit the market all across the United States, so even if you live in the North, you too can enjoy this southern tradition!

Along with deep-fried turkey, smoked ham, corn bread stuffing and scalloped corn is served in the South. Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese is offered along with collard greens. Pecan pie is a big favorite, too.

In New England, roast turkey is stuffed with chestnut stuffing. Alongside you can find seafood chowder or butternut squash soup, buttered parsnips, sherried sweet potatoes and succotash.

Many Mexican American families celebrate with a blend of traditional foods. On their dinner tables you might find turkey marinated in garlic and sour oranges, while corn with roasted chiles, tortillas and mango salsa add spice to the meal. Capriotada, a sweetbread pudding made with apples, raisins and pecans, is served for dessert.

A traditional Italian American Thanksgiving meal may include assorted cheeses, olives, shrimp cocktail, antipasto (pasta), chicken soup, meatballs, as well as turkey. Italian pastries and fruit finish the meal.

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is also celebrated outside of the U.S.!

In Germany, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October with fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh bread presented at the altar at church. A German-American meal may include roast turkey wrapped in bacon, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and hot German potato salad. Dessert is delicious plum cake.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, express gratitude and reflect on spiritual things. Whether you’re continuing an old tradition, or beginning a new one, why not try to add a new dish to your Thanksgiving feast this year!

Do you serve an unusual Thanksgiving dish? Tell us about it.

The Welcome Mat

tinadh — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:08:00 GMT

Affordable Design Tips

Updating an old room doesn’t have to be an expensive and daunting challenge. Adding a few new touches and eliminating clutter can go a long way towards a room make-over and adding your personality to it.

Take a look at the room and decide what’s worth keeping and at the same time, what can be eliminated. Sometimes clutter can make a room look smaller than it actually is. Luckily, a little organization can go a long way. Consider storage options such as shelves to remove items off the floor, tables or desks. De-clutter your closet by purchasing closet systems you can tailor to your specific needs.

A fresh coat of paint can liven up any room. Choose a complementary color to your existing furniture and a color that makes you feel good. Whether you most enjoy a neutral color on your walls with white trim or a bright, flashy color, make sure you’ll enjoy it.

Remember to take your time with the details—poor trim work, surrounding windows and baseboards can make a good paint job look unfinished. Painter’s tape helps you achieve crisp edges for a truly professional appearance. A well-painted room can make a striking difference in the overall look of a room.

Updating window treatments can add flair to your room and there are several options to choose from. Your personal style may tell you you’re if you’re a vertical or horizontal blind type, or that you prefer more of a dramatic look with drapes. Adding a simple valance or swag can add a dash of color to the room. Before adding window treatments, make sure to thoroughly clean the windows inside and out.

Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a room. Try silk plants and trees if you don't have a green thumb—quality has improved so much that it’s hard to distinguish them from live plants.

One of the cheapest ways to update a room is by rearranging the furniture. Pull your furniture away from the walls and try positioning it at intriguing angles. This can make the room look wider and provide a warm, inviting layout.

And remember, doing the work yourself will save you on labor and installation costs, which typically amounts to at least half of the cost.

Have you recently renovated on a dime? Tell us about your easy update.

The Welcome Mat

Katie — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Winterizing Your Home

While summer has just ended and the thought of much colder days seems far in the future, winter is coming and precautions should be taken to keep your home energy efficient during the coming months. Using the tips below can help reduce the heating bills of even those living in milder climates.

Inspect your insulation

Since hot air rises, the best way to keep your house heated is to make sure it’s appropriately insulated. That way the heat can’t escape as easily. Check the insulation in your attic. If you can see the ceiling joists, you don’t have enough.

Seal up outdoor cracks

Inspect the outside perimeter of your house for cracks, especially around your windows and faucets. Gaps in these areas can let in a tremendous amount of cold air, which can send your heating bills soaring. Use standard caulking to seal up these areas.

Seal up indoor cracks

Just as outdoor cracks can let in a lot of cold air, indoor cracks can let out a lot of warm air. Using standard caulk, walk around your house and seal up any cracks around windows, perimeter walls, and electrical outlets. If your windows are drafty and new windows are not in the budget, purchase a window insulation kit. They are easy to install and can considerably reduce the draft.

Check your heating system

Have a professional come out to inspect your system every year to make sure it’s running efficiently. Also, have your ducts cleaned and your filters changed periodically throughout the winter months so dust doesn’t hinder your system’s effectiveness.

Another idea to consider is to purchase a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature of the house for different times of the day. For example, you can set it to lower the temperature at 10pm, raise it at 6am and then lower it again at 8am, so you don’t have to worry about leaving the heat on too high while you’re at work.

Keep your hot water hot

Part of your utility bill is used toward providing hot water. By wrapping a blanket around your hot water heater and insulating your water pipes, you can help keep your hot water hot and lower your utility bill. These specialty blankets for the water heater and foam insulation tubes for the pipes can be purchased at your local hardware store.

The Welcome Mat

Katie — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:51:00 GMT

It's berry picking season

It’s berry season again! Time to enjoy some delicious and nutritious cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, mulberries, strawberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants and redcurrants.

A fun, family summertime activity is to go to a farm and pick some yourself. Find a farm near you that accommodates guests picking from their canes and bushes. Many of these farms also feature other great attractions, such as hay rides and petting zoos.

Once you bring these fruits home, the possibilities are endless. You can put them on your breakfast cereal, make pies with them, dip them in chocolate, or can them. If you’re interested in canning, check out the college of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences of Ohio State University’s Web site. Once you’re there, click on the large food icon, and you’ll find in-depth, easy-to-understand articles on canning under the heading Food Preservation.

You could also make frozen fruit smoothies by combining in a blender:

·     A cup and a half of plain or vanilla yogurt
·     Two spoonfuls of skim milk
·     A half cup of oatmeal
·     A spoonful of wheat germ
·     A spoonful of sugar or sugar substitute
·     A couple of large berries

Blend this until it has the texture of ice cream, then start adding more berries, two or three at a time, giving the blender plenty of time to break up the frozen fruit. Combine until you have enough to fill two large glasses. Try adding some granola on top. It makes a healthy and delicious breakfast.

Have your own recipes or other berry ideas? Share them with us!