Marketing Unscrambled, Home edition

For a more non-toxic home when you clean and saves you money at the same time.

2012-01-23T15:11:00.001-07:00

If you do not want all the toxic things that come with the store bought cleaning product this is a good website to visit. These things can clean your home just as well and safer to you and your family than some of the store bought items can. They can also save you some money at the same time. With things as they are now this can help the pocket book as well.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE WEBSITE:

Enjoy!!!!!

Posted by Daniel and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

What is you DREAM?

2012-01-20T03:06:00.002-07:00

This is a great article that talks about your dream and five things that can help you to get them to come true. Go here to see the article.

Here are the five things:

Clear your mind and dream big. Go after you dream do not let things stand in your way. Do not be afraid to dream big.
Be true to who you are. Let it be something that you are passionate about. If it is oil painting, do it. If it is nursing, do that.
Pull the trigger and "dream surround" This means do something about it like take a class and surround yourself with things that have to do with your dream. Learn, learn, learn.
Invest in your dream. Now is the time to put time into you dream and money if need be. If you do not take the time and spend some money on your dream will it ever come true? Are you not worth investing in to help your dream come true?
Write you story. It is time to help your dream come to life. Write it as if it has happened when you are writing it and it will come to life in your life.

Now is your time to dream and have it come true. It is worth reading. Do not forget to put it into practice in your life as well.

Post by
Daniel and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Cleaning Up the yard in December of all times.

2012-01-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Now this is unexpected, to be able to clean up a yard in January. We should have snow, but we did not.

Nice looking house, we are here to make it look better. We are cleaning out the leaves in the flower garden, mowing the lawn-front and back, getting rid of the tall weeds that are in the back yard.

This is what the flower beds looked like before starting to rake them out.

What they look like after the leaves are raked out.

Before trimming the bushes back.

After the bushes are trimmed back.

The tool used to cut back these tall weeds. What a good job that it does.

Look at what we found under those weeds, a big pipe and some wood.

He is shy for the photos as he is mowing the front yard.

Now that looks so much better that all of that work is done. It is great to be without a coat in January to be mowing the lawn and other yard work.

Posted by
Daniel and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

It is time to grow your own business with the new year.

2012-01-10T20:07:00.001-07:00

This is something that is high in demand at this time. There are a lot of foreclosures out there now. This is something that is now in great demand for all those foreclosures. Cleanout foreclosed homes. People leave stuff behind and the banks need people to clean them up. It is worth doing you can make good money with it.
You do have to know somethings to get started with it. That is where this site comes in. She has some very good information that can help you to get started. Cassandra Black (click on here name to go to her site.) For her information this is a good place to start. She has a lot of good information to help you get where you need to be.

If you need some more income this might help you. It is hard to find work out there. This might be another way to go for you. It has been for many other people.

This is an example from You Tube.

http://youtu.be/PxP_FiaYr0w

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Beautiful table settings for your Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-20T18:19:00.001-07:00

We found some very simple and beautiful table settings for your Thanksgiving Day. They are by Martha Stewart. If you want some good ideas go visit her site to see them and see what you can do to make your table special for the special day.

Enjoy the setting that you come up with and enjoy your Thanksgiving day.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

If you are prepared you shall not fear what might happen.

2011-06-20T13:55:00.006-06:00

It is a great feeling to know that you can take care of yourself in times of need or emergencies. Sometimes help can not get to you right away. If you have food, water and shelter. That is very helpful.

If you have what you need you are better able to help others as well. You will not be as upset as you would be if you had to worry about something to eat ,drink and a way to get out of the weather.

If you are prepared you shall not fear. This is the time to get ready for whatever may come our way. Help yourself and others. Prepare now for tomorrow may be to late to prepare.

You can save one family at a time, starting with your own.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Food storage for times of emergencies and to use now as well.

2011-06-17T15:15:00.006-06:00

There are not many places that you can try things before you buy them. We have found a place that does just that. It is food storage that you can try for the cost of shipping. Good food that last a long time for storing it for emergencies, but good enough to eat every day.

With all the things that are happening-earthquakes, flooding, storms. You need to be prepared to take care of yourself in times like these. This is a good way to have the food that you now and when you need it the most, when stores will not be open because of the emergency that is happening around you.

This is a way to help one family at a time to have what you will need in those times of emergencies.

Daniel & Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gold and silver can not buy food - review

2011-06-09T11:30:00.005-06:00

I found this blog post that is worth reading. Check it out at: Gold and silver can not buy food . With the dollar going down in value all the time many States have made gold and silver legal tender. Where can you use it? Not when you shop for your food.

Food and water are the some of the most important things that you will need. That to me means that food is at the top of the list of things that you should have. It can be used to barter with when times get tough.

It can be used in times of emergencies or good times. It is something that you need every day.

Daniel and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Food Storage, Why Should You Have It?

2011-06-06T23:33:00.004-06:00

With all the things that are happening in the country, floods, tornado's, other weather related things. It is good to have food storage. The farm lands are under water. Food prices are going up by leaps and bounds. How long will it be before we have shortages of food.

When the shelves at the store are empty, it is to late to store food. Now is the time to get ready. Do you want to be the one standing in the bread line hoping that they do not run out before you get up to the front of the line? Our grandparents or great grandparents knew that it was a good thing to have food storage. They also knew how to grow food on the land that they had. Do we?

With so many people out of work. That is a good time to have food storage , it gives you more money to take care of other things if you do not have to spend so much for food when you have less coming in.

How are you doing with your food storage, do you have enough? It is a good time to get started, don't you think?

If you are in that storm seller and the wind is howling. You have your food and water. You can take care of yourself for a short time if need be after the storm has passed. That is a good feeling. That you can take care of yourself in a time like that.

Earth quakes, snow storms, tornado's, floods. Are you ready? Sometimes life gives us the twists and turn that we do not expect. We can do things to help ourselves. Lets get to it so that we have that emergency food storage.

Daniel and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Earthquake preparedness and emergency plain

2011-05-27T13:51:00.005-06:00

Earthquake preparedness and Emergency plan.

What you need to do before an earthquake?

* Have a plan.

Make an emergency plan that includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information.

* What kinds of things might you need to have to take care of yourself for up to 72 hours.

Emergency food storage, water, shelter, sanitation, first aid, lighting, and communication. You will also need clothes, coats, blankets, a heat source, a way to do cooking, things to eat with (plate, cups ect.)

It is good to have this for the car, home, at school, at work.

You do not know when one will happen. Summer, winter, spring or fall. Day or night.

After which, stores will be closed! Running water and electricity will be unavailable! Gas lines could be broken, fire danger is high. Your home may be unsafe to occupy! You need to be self-sufficient. Put all the earthquake supplies you need in one complete earthquake kit.

*After an earthquake, there will likely be broken glass and dangerous items that you will have to deal with when evacuating your home or helping others evacuate. Collapsed structures could trap families in their homes. These are things that could help with search and rescue.

Have an emergency gas shut-off wrench, fire escape ladder ( for the 2^nd floor), Swiss army style knife, vinyl rope, duct tape, work gloves- leather palmed (for digging though the debris), vinyl gloves, dust masks.

*As electricity may be out for several weeks after an earthquake, you will need emergency lights to navigate through the dark and safely get out of your home in order to travel to a safe location. These are things you will need.

AM/FM solar and hand crank radio with lantern light one that can also charge up your cell phone. With this one thing you have news of what is happening. Light for night time and a way to charge the cell phone so that you have communication with others. This does not need batteries ( batteries last 6 months.)

Candles and waterproof matches, fluorescent lantern. A camp fire would give light, heat and a way to cook all in one source.

*How do you keep from getting sick?

Sanitation and hygiene your family would need following a major earthquake. Remember, at that time, there will probably be a severe shortage of water. Remember, it is important to avoid spreading or being exposed to dangerous bacteria during a time of already great emergency.

Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer - Kills germs. Prevents the spread of infections and diseases.

Antimicrobial Wipes - hand and surface sanitizer.

Personal Hygiene Kits - toothbrushes/pastes, combs, bio-hazard bag, 12 wet-wipes, 4 razors, 4 tissue packs, 4 sanitary napkins, dippers. Complete set of comprehensive supplies. ( the sanitary napkins and dippers can also be used to cover wounds.)

Roll of Toilet Paper - Multi task sheets.

Shampoo & Body Wash - 8 oz. PH balanced no-rinse cleansing system spray bottle.

Spray Bottle Insect Repellent - With DEET.

Sunscreen Lotion Packets - SPF 30+ protects skin.

Survival Guide - Designed for All Emergencies and Locations.

Sanitation/Toilet Bags - For use with container as a portable toilet.

Package Toilet Chemicals - Maintain sanitary conditions by using with container, seat, and bags.

Package it in a waterproof container ( could be used for the toilet with the bag inside of it so it is easy to replace.

*Make sure you have a way to treat the water so it is safe to drink. Boiling the water will make it safe to drink.

*If you have pets, remember to have food and water for them as well.

To sum things up, the important things are :

Emergency food storage, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, a way to have heat, cook food, things to eat with, clothes, coats, things to help with search and rescue. It is also good to have a plan in place before anything happens so everyone knows what they are expected to do and where to meet.

Daniel and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Backyard Ponds - Things To Know When Putting One In Your Yard!

2010-07-31T14:01:00.003-06:00

Location

Decide first what part of the backyard you want to
your fish pond to be situated before going out and
buying anything. Select an area where it is far from
the trees since many aquatic plants, like lilies, need
a sufficient amount of sunlight to grow.

Choose an area where there are no falling leaves that
can make cleaning a nightmare. Do not place your pond
on low areas since large volumes of rainwater might
run off and accumulate in the pond during rainy
seasons. Not to mention, these runoff water might
contain fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful
materials.

Place your pond in an area where it can be best
appreciated and seen. The sense of building a pond is
for you to enjoy it. Select a location where it can be
best viewed (i.e. the sitting area or a patio in the
garden).

Types of Pond

After choosing where you want your pond to be located,
it is now time to select what type of pond you want.
The two types of pond are the following:

ABS plastic preformed ponds are usually used for small
ponds that can contain up to 250 gallons of water.
This type of pond comes in a variety of sizes and
shapes such as hourglass, rock gardens, and kidney.
Waterfalls and formed spillways are also available.

Pond lines or liners are used for any size of pond.
The sizes available for this kind of pond is 10’ x 15’
to 20’ x 25’ or larger. This can allow you to build a
pond to your preferred size either by using them
individually or by connecting together two or more pod
liners with a special adhesive.

These pond liners are very heavy especially the large
ones. They are usually made of rubber. Using pond
liners can be quite a fun and creative experience
since this type may allow you to decide on the shape
of your pond. However, you need to be aware that a 19’
x 26’ liner will not create a pond of the same size.
In choosing the proper size liner, it is imperative to
know the width (W), length (L), as well as the maximum
depth (MD) at their widest points. After which, use
the formula L+(MD*2) by W+(MD*2).

This means that a 10 foot long by 5 foot wide by 2
foot deep pond may require a 14’ x 9’ pond liner so as
to make an edge above the water level. It is important
to let a professional pond developer help in
determining the pond size liner you need.

Dig It

Now that you’ve decided on the location and the type
of your fish pond, it is time to dig it. The average
size of the pond is at least 18" deep at its deepest
point. However, 24" is better. With this depth, the
fishes may be allowed to stay in the pond during
winter time without freezing. Inclusion of planting
shelves in the design will make it easier to place
emergent lilies and plants.

Filtering

After accomplishing the above tasks, it is high time
for you to think about filtration. It may be better to
ask your pond professional about this topic. Just keep
in mind that whichever filter you choose, ensure that
it is cleaned at a regular basis so that the water
will remain clear. Utilizing a filter may also hinder
the mosquitoes from making the pond their breeding
ground.

All Set

And now, all you have to do is add your fish and you
are good to go! All the beauty and enjoyment that you
will have for yourself, friends and family as you entertain
and enjoy your backyard with your new pond.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Wild Life Will Love Your Back Yard Pond As Much As You Do!

2010-07-21T16:10:00.009-06:00

Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies,
frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These
ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4
feet in diameter. These may be built in patio
containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your
backyard may be done by adding water gardens and
ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and
interest but also a natural and relaxing environment
as well.

A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal
point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up
with this tips and techniques.

Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond

Place your fish pond in a place where you can best
view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make
it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not
place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle
it in a shaded place but not under the trees.

Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen
leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide
less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to
sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow
well in full sun and others do not.

Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding
the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.
Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that
it draws the water away from your house.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will
provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs
that need water and land. Make sure that electricity
is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a
water re-circulating device.

Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into
the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even
if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners
come in different shapes and sizes. They even include
built in waterfalls or any design based on your
preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in
building larger ponds. In determining the size of the
PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and
depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum
depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the
length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down
the pond edges.

Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The
thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to
punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool
liner. However, it requires more expertise to install
and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond
liner.

However, considering that many ponds are quite small,
other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many
may break down easily once prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may
prove to be toxic to fish.

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly
wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right
depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then
landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from
the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.
Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants
and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week
before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Some Ways To Tweak Your Back Yard Pond!

2010-07-16T19:25:00.003-06:00

Live Like Royalty

Backyard ponds are not only for the filthy rich
individuals. Nowadays, even the simplest homeowner can
make their own backyard pond as luxurious as the
wealthy estates.

Once you get your back yard pond set up, it would
provide both fun and enjoyment. It also provides a
dwelling place for the fish, wildlife, aquatic plants
and flowers. It is a relaxing hobby that not only
provides relaxation but appreciation to Mother Nature
as well.

Plan Ahead for best results.

Building your own backyard pond may not be extremely
hard to built but thorough planning should be placed
in constructing one. The hardest part in building one
is digging the pond. It all depends on what type of
soil your region has. This determines how easy or how
strenuous the digging part would be.

The size and shape of the pond depends on your
preferences. It can be a small, preformed pond or one
that needs a pond liner that can hold up to seven
thousand gallons of water.

Location

Consider the location of your pond. Where would it be
best seen? Picture yourself sitting outside. What
location grabs your eye the most? Consider these
important elements. Is the water source situated just
nearby? Is your pond’s location a flat area? Is
electrical supply available? Keep in mind that these
are just some questions you need to be answered.

Equipment and tools

Building a pond of any size requires a complete set of
tools. Now, take hold of these important equipment. In
building and constructing a pond, one must need a
water pump ( could use a pump for a swamp cooler if
you can find it in your area ), a UV filter, a pond filter,
and some pond plants among many.

Other must haves are the following:
a pond liner of appropriate size, an air diffuser,
pond lights, a skimmer, the aquatic animals, and
fish food.

Tools are also important: gloves to protect your hands,
shovel for digging, rake for smoothing our the dirt, small
gardening tools for planting the plants, water hose for filling
up the pond the first time.

Cost

Another thing to consider in pond building is the
cost. Initially, constructing and maintaining the pond
could be quite expensive, that is with no doubt. But
there are now cheaper do it yourself kits available in
the market. Once it is finished, the enjoyment it
brings is worth it.

Another plus for the backyard pond is that it turns an
oh-so-boring piece of land into a thing of beauty. It
works best if you have the proper landscape to go with
your pond. Make your pond the centerpiece of your back
yard.

However, because of too many do-it-yourself
homeowners, they usually make mistakes. Following
these guidelines may help you avoid the pitfalls of do
it yourself backyard pond disasters.

Initially, it is important to incorporate your pond to
the current landscape of your backyard. This works
best for amateur landscapers who just wanted to get
right down to work. Do not let your pond detract the
beauty of your yard. Make it fit and not out of place.

To Sum It Up

Integrate your pond’s design to your landscape. Do not
make it lavish if you have a very simple backyard.
Take time to choose the design that may flatter the
overall landscaping.

Secondly, think of the essential requirements of a
pond. Do not place your pond in complete shade since
this will hamper the amount of sunlight to your pond.
Aquatic animals and plants need ample amount of the
warmth of the sun.

Finally, size does matter. Plan the size of your
pond. Do not place too much fish on a small pond.
Experiment on a variety of aquatic plants and quantity.

Provide luster and relaxation to your yard as well as
increase your property’s value. Make your backyard
more attractive and enjoyable by adding a backyard
pond to your back yard and enjoy.

These are some benefits to a back yard pond.
* You will see more birds and other animals visiting
your yard.
* If you have traffic noise it can cover some of it and help
you to enjoy your yard more.
* It look nice.
* Adds value to your home.

These are but a few things that you can enjoy about your
back your pond.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Ideas For The Smaller Yards That Want To Have A Fish Pond !

2010-07-07T03:09:00.004-06:00

Aesthetics

Recently, one of the most popular backyard designs is
adding a water pond or a fish pond to the yard. These
projects, however, can only be achieved in sprawling
and huge yards that has walkways and large areas.

But if you are really certain to have your own fish
pond and yet you do not have a large back yard, there
are design ideas that can be incorporated to hopefully
place your pond in it without having to take up too
much space and dominate your yard.

Let your pond serve as the focal point of your back
yard. Place it in the middle or in one corner of the
yard if you have a small space. Make it appealing to
the people walking around the house.

Location

If you wish to place it in the corner part of the
yard, raise the pond a little higher so that the fish
will seem as a surprise to the visitors. But if you
want to place it in the center, it is best if you
place the pond at ground level or a little above it.

( corner of the yard)

(center of the yard)

Fish Types

Make sure that the fish you put inside are colorful
and lively to attract attention. Watching the fishes
swim around everyday can also serve to be therapeutic.
But if you want to maintain a small pond, do not place
large fishes such as the Japanese Koi. They may not
live long in this kind of environment and they are
also extremely expensive. Goldfish are compatible with
the size of your pond, however, their longevity might
not be a guaranteed in an outdoor pond.

Maintenance

Think how much you really want an outdoor pond and how
you can maintain and build it depending on your
preferences. You might find that maintaining an indoor
aquarium is difficult enough, how much more an outdoor
pond.

Consider the climate of your place. Water ponds and
fish ponds are most applicable in tropical weather
because of the advantage of the sun all year round.
Some aquatic plants need to be exposed to the sun to
grow. The plants and fishes may die if you let them
stay in the pond during winter time. It is best to
transfer them to an indoor tank if the weather is not
applicable.

A fish pond in your own backyard only tells an
individual how much energy, time, and money you are
willing to devote to the beautification of your
backyard. It does not matter how large or how small it
is, it just goes to show that you appreciate beautiful
things. You will not only impress a lot of people but
yourself as well. A back yard fish pond brings a
luxurious and relaxing feeling to the place.

In order to make your fish pond more appealing,
decorate its surroundings. Landscaping the place will
attract frogs and birds which can add to the overall
natural feeling. If you cannot afford landscaping
projects, hanging plants and flowering bushes will do.
This will produce a great ambiance to your visitors
and guests.

Having a fish pond is not a go-get-it-and-have-it
project. You have to maintain and preserve its beauty
time and again. Make sure to add water to it
periodically. It is also important that you get rid of
fallen leaves as this will cause decay and unpleasant
appearance.

Lastly, consult your local pond professionals before
building a pond yourself. Do not hesitate to ask
questions as this will benefit the inhabitants of the
pond. And most important ENJOY IT!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Back Yard Pond - Starting The Project!

2010-06-23T00:27:00.005-06:00

Aesthetic Appeal

A backyard fish pond offers a aesthetic addition to
your landscapes. Installing projects such as these
will offer tranquility and relaxation to the whole
family as well. However, building, constructing, and
taking care of ponds are not as easy as you think.
Much effort, planning, and money must go into these.
It is important that you think things through before
deciding on installing your very own back yard fish
pond.

Building fish ponds are not as simple as installing it
and letting it go after wards. It is a consistent and
constant endeavor, much like a hobby. Maintenance
should be done periodically. Following some of these
guidelines may aid you in installing a do it yourself
backyard fish pond.

First Tip: Utilize a plastic fish pond liner for your
pond.

In separating the fish pond from the surrounding soil,
it is better to use a plastic liner (PVC liners work
best). It prevents the escape of the aquatic plants,
fishes, and other pond contents from the fish pond. In
accordance to this, it also prevents the entry of
nutrients from the soil or other non pond materials.
This will make maintenance and cleaning easier since
you will only have to deal with the mess and dirt of
the pond itself and the fish that live there.

In building the pond of your preferred size, pond
liners are the option to choose. Usually, they are
utilized for large ponds that do not have pre-formed
sizes available.

However, it is imperative that you choose the right
size of the pond liner. Pond lines or liners are used
for any size of pond. The sizes available for this
kind of pond is 10’ x 15’ to 20’ x 25’ or larger. This
can allow you to build a pond to your preferred size
either by using them individually or by connecting
together two or more pond liners with an adhesive
especially made for this material.

A cement pond liner will also do, however, this option
is more expensive and may require extra labor in
constructing.

Second Tip: Avoid low lying areas.

Installing you fish pond in an area where runoff water
from your lawn flows is one big no-no. This runoff
water will only accumulate in your fish pond, causing
it to overflow and become dirty as well. This is one
of the common mistakes of do-it-yourself pond
projects. Maintaining a fish pond is difficult enough
without excess dirty water coming from your lawn.

On the contrary, installing the pond in an area a
little above the ground or in high parts of the lawn
will prove to be easier to maintain.

Third Tip: Provide sufficient sunlight.

This means that placing the pond in shady areas will
not enhance the growth of the aquatic life. On the
other hand, placing it in an area where too much sun
shines will just cause them to die. Place your pond
where there is enough sunlight to seep through. Most
aquatic plants need sunlight to grow, but some do not.
Research on what plants suit your weather best.

Fourth Tip: Water your plants.

Adding a variety of aquatic plants may decrease the
excess nutrients in the pond. They will also hamper
algae growth that makes the pond murky and dirty.

Consulting your local pond professional is also an
option. Not only will they provide advices to make
your project work, they may also make your work easier
to do.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

How to Make The Backyard Pond A Center Piece For Your Yard?

2010-06-17T19:35:00.003-06:00

Backyard Centerpiece

Homes with waterfront views and accents are admired by
many. This is because being around water offers a
feeling of beauty, allure, and serenity. Putting up
your own water accent in your backyard, such as a fish
pond, will also add that visual appeal. Make your yard
alive with the soothing sounds of water in motion.
Make your fish pond the focal point of your backyard.

However, there are some considerations before
constructing one:

Climate

Consider the climate of your area. If your weather
experiences winter times, then it is best if you make
you fish pond deeper since the fish tend to hibernate
at the bottom of the pond and naturally stop eating
when the water temperature goes below 45 degrees.

If you live in a location where the pond will
completely freeze over, it is imperative that a hole
be created in the ice to help the fish remain alive.
In this case, aquatic plants should be removed and
placed indoors since they may not survive the cold
temperature.

Filter

Consider the filtration system of your pond. There is
what you call natural filtration where it is provided
by the action of the moving water. If this is the
case, considering the design of your system and the
climate of your area, then you do not need a filter
for the pond.

However, to know what is best for your pond, consult a
pond professional concerning filtration. There are
cartridge filters and biological filters available
from shops that provide pond supplies.

Now, to get your backyard pond started:

First step. Make intelligent decisions by educating
yourself.

Do not push through water gardening or pond building
without knowing the essentials about it. Know what
equipment are needed to be used. Find out if your yard
is appropriate to hold such an accent. Is the climate
compatible with your pond? Are you up for the regular
maintenance it needs? Take into consideration the
availability of supplies such as electricity,
filtration, and water. Decide what type of pond are
you willing to make, is it a small one? Or a large
one?

Second step. Decide on the location of your pond.

Locate your pond in an area where the sun will be able
to shine on it. Do not place it under the trees since
it will cause a cleaning nightmare due to the falling
leaves. Do not place your pond where runoff water
tends to overflow. These will accumulate in your pond
making it dirty and murky.

Determine the depth of your pond. The average depth of
a back yard pond is between 18" to 24" usually. Make
the outline of your pond and start digging it. Make
steps in order to provide easy access to the pond
during cleaning. These steps will also be perfect for
holding potted plants just above the water. Make sure
that the bottom is leveled as you dig.

Third step. Get hold of an appropriate sized pond
liner.

In order to get the right pond liner size, take the
width of your pond and add twice the depth of the
pond, and then add 24 more inches. Measuring the
length will be done using the similar formula. Now,
drape the liner over the pond. Arrange it and place
stones around the edges.

Fourth step. Fill it up with water.

Start filling the pond with water. Fold large creases
neatly and remove wrinkles as you fill the pond with
water to make it less noticeable.

Fifth step. Install the needed equipment.

After filling it up with water, place filters, pumps,
and lighting to the pond. Connect it to the
electrical supply. Then add your fish and plants, and
you are ready to go!

Enjoy!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Do It Youself - Problem Solving With A Gas Furnace !

2010-06-12T16:48:00.008-06:00

A lot of people consider the furnace as one of their
home’s most important equipments, which is very much
true most especially during cold winter months, when
getting some heat intake is very important.
Additionally this is the very reason why knowing how
to fix your furnace in case some troubleshooting
problems arise can be very invaluable.

On And Off Problems

If your furnace keeps on turning on and off, this is
usually just a simple problem with the unit’s heat
anticipator. To start repairing, simply locate your
thermostat and open it. When you open the box, you
will see inside a small disk that is located in the
middle. Take a good look at the disc. You will see
that it has a number of calibration notches.

Take a closer look and you will find the word "LONGER"
on it. Then, try to find a small handle that touches a
wire. Once you locate that small handle, turn it
towards the word "LONGER".

After completing the steps, turn on your furnace and
let it run for a few hours. If it works alright, then
you’re done. However, if the furnace is still turning
on and off, just repeat the steps given above.
Continue doing so until the problem stops.

Shut Down Problems

This problem is also an easy one, which is similar to
the first problem. All you have to do is remove your
unit’s thermostat cover, then follow the said steps in
the first problem. But, in this case, what you have to
do is turn the clockwise to "SHORTER", instead of
moving it toward "LONGER". This should fix your
problem. If it doesn’t just repeat the steps until you
get it working.

No Heat Generation

If your unit is not generating
heat, then the problem is most probably the pilot
light. Try to checking out your pilot light and see if
it is turned on or if it is out. If you found it to be
out, then you would have to relight it. In case you do
not know how to relight it, simply consult your unit’s
manual or contact your manufacturer. This is a
relatively easy task that you can do by simply
following some simple instructions.

No Air

If your unit is running but doesn’t blow any air, then
here is how you repair it. First, you should turn off
the power of your unit. Also, you should turn off the
gas from the gas valve which is serving your furnace.
Then, remove the door of your furnace cabinet so you
can have access to your blower.

When you already have full access, check out the
number that is stamped on the belt of your furnace.
Then, go to your local shop and get an exact
replacement of the belt.

Once you’ve got the replacement belt, then go back to
your furnace cabinet and install the new belt.
Generally, you can just slip it on your motor's
smaller pulley then put it on your motor’s blower
pulley. Try rotating the blower pulley using your
hand, while you hold the belt in place. Be careful
from having your fingers caught though.

If you get this right, you should be able to get the
belt right in place. If it looks a little too tight,
then you may need to adjust the motor mount so there
can be more slack in the fixture. After adjusting, try
to re tighten the tension again, once you have the belt
in the right place.

It would be better to check your manufacturer's
specifications regarding the proper tension needed for
your unit. Generally, your belt should deflect at
least about an inch whenever you press it down.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Short Term Fix For A Leaking Pipe In Your Home!

2010-06-09T00:44:00.004-06:00

Leaking pipes, no matter how big or small it is can
create extreme changes on your water bills, negative
changes to be specific. However, fixing minor leaks is
actually easy and is something that you can manage to
do without calling a plumber. Here are some ways on
how you can repair pipe leaks by yourself.

Fixing Leaks Through Tape

This is considered to be the easiest and cheapest way
that anyone can do to fix small pipe leaks. All the
material you would need is an electrical or duct tape.
The basic principle here is that you should cover the
leak using the tape. To effectively stop the leak, you
should start wrapping the tape before the leak itself
on your water pipe. Wrap in a diagonal manner around
the pipe until you have covered the entire leaking
area and a small portion extending before and after
it.

Fixing Leaks By Epoxy

This method is best used if your leaking problem is
situated at pipe fittings and joints. You can get
epoxy from your local hardware store. First off, you
should cut off the water supply. Then you need to
drain all the water from the pipes. Water purging can
be done by letting the faucet run, until no more water
comes out.

After purging the water, dry out the pipes and clean
it using steel wool. Make sure that the pipes are dry
and clean, since applying epoxy on a wet pipe can give
unpleasant results. If you are sure, then apply the
epoxy and let it dry. Refer to the epoxy’s packaging
on how long you should let it stand to dry up. Avoid
using the pipe line if the epoxy is still wet.

Fix Leaks Through A Pipe Clamp

You can use pipe clamp to fix your leaks. However, you
should buy a clamp that has the right size to fit your
leaking pipe. Once you have purchased a clamp, clean
out your pipe. Be careful in cleaning it, and make
sure that you do this well. Wrap your pipe in a rubber
pad which should be placed over the area where the
leak is.

When you have the pad in place, put the pipe clamp
over it and screw the clamp securely. If you have
somewhat moderate leaks, you can also use this method
to stop them.

Fixing Leaks Through Hose Clamps

Using a host clamp is kind of similar to using a pipe
clamp. However, this is to be only used on smaller
leaks. You can start by wrapping the pipe with a
rubber pad. Once the pad is placed over the leaking
area, put one or two hose clamps over it and tighten
the pad by securely screwing it.

Fixing Leaks Through C-Clamps and Blocks

If your pipe is of a small size, then you can make use
of a small sized c-clamp to patch it. Start by placing
a rubber pad directly on top of the leak. After that,
put a small wooden strip or block on top of it. Get
the c-clamp and place it over the fixture to hold
everything on place. You use the blocks as protection
for the pipe from the pressure given by the c-clamp.

Fixing Leaks Using Tin Can Clamps

Here, what you would need is a tin can. Start off by
cutting the ends off the can and cutting it up one
side. Get the half of the can and bend its ends so
that they are flat and could meet. This is like a
homemade pipe clamp.

Get a rubber pad and place it over your leak. Above
the rubber pad, place your homemade clamp. A c-clamp
and wooden blocks can also be used to tighten the
fixture.

These are best if they are used for a short time fix.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Fixing A Clog In Your Drains!

2010-06-03T03:21:00.005-06:00

Plumbing problems are considered to be one of the
major problems that each household can experience at
least once in a lifetime. Although most would opt to
call a professional plumber to do the dirty work for
them, most plumbing repairs are actually minor ones
that even you can do without having to pay a plumber
some notable amount of cash.

Be Vigilant

One way to fix major plumbing problems is by
prevention. Keeping a sharp eye for sluggish or slow
drains is the key. It is way much easier to fix and
unclog a slow drain than opening one that has wholly
stopped from functioning.

1. If your drain is slow, you can fix this by simply
pouring scalding water down the pipe. Do this to
loosen any grease buildup. Additionally, you should
clean the drain screen or stopper. This should do the
trick.

However, if it doesn't, then try to locate the problem
by checking out other household drains. Do this to
know whether the clog is present in only one fixture.
If it turns out that other drains are clogged, then
you may have a problem with your main drain pipe.

Sinking In

2. Fighting a sink clog automatically means getting a
bathroom plunger. In picking a plunger, make sure it
has a large enough suction cup that can completely
cover up the drain. It should also be able to create
an airtight seal around the surrounding sink.

Next, you should fill the fixture to completely cover
the plunger’s suction cup. Do this by using water or
coating the cup’s rim with petroleum jelly. You should
create a vacuum by trying to seal off other outlets,
like overflow drain in sinks. Then, push out any
trapped air underneath the cup. After this, do 15 to
20 forceful up-and-down pumping blows to jerk loose
the clog. It may take you three to five times of this
cycle to do the trick.

3. Snake It Out If using the plunger doesn’t work, then
you would have to resort to another technique. In this
remedy, you would need to have a plumbing snake. You
can get one at your local hardware. These can work
their way through your drain pipes and physically push
out the clogs.

Plumbing snakes are considered to be one of the most
dependable tools for fixing drainage problems. All you
have to do is push the snake in until you hit the
clog. Once you hit the clog, hook it up by twisting
your snake's handle. After hooking it up, push your
snake back and forth until you feel that the
obstruction has broken up. Then, flush out the pipe
using cold water.

Main Drain Cleanup

If you detect that more than one of your draining
fixtures is clogged up, then your main drain line may
be the problem. Thus, you have to clean it up. You can
start off by locating the clean-out plugs of the large
drain pipes. You can find these in your crawlspace or
basement.

4. Main drain lines can also be found in your garage or
somewhere outside, along the foundations of your
house. You can see that each plug has a cap on it that
has a square fitting on the top. Use a wrench to
remove the cap.

Make sure that you have a bucket with you to catch
some dripping water. Also, be sure that nobody will
use the facilities while you work on the main drain line that is
open, or else some serious problem can come your way.
Once you have everything in place, use a plumbing
snake to break up any obstructions in the main line by
running the snake in all directions of the pipe.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Do It Yourself- Repairing A Cartridge Faucet !

2010-05-29T19:06:00.003-06:00

Repairing a modern type of cartridge faucet can be one
of the easiest home repairs that you can do. In
general, anybody can do this, with or without
experience with plumbing. In fact, you can even coach
someone over the phone about the whole process and
still get good results. All you would need is pay
close attention, and you would be done in no time!

General Problems

The most common problems encountered in cartridge
faucets, is usually caused by a problem in the
interior cartridge, which usually wears and tears over
time. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry since
this type of faucet was created with simplicity of
repair in mind.

Getting Started: Purging The Lines

To start off, you need to purge your water lines. In
order to do this, you should turn off the entire water
source that is running to your faucet. Try looking
beneath your faucet and there you can see the shut off
valve that cuts of the water source. If you don’t have
one somewhere near your faucet, then you would have to
turnoff the main valve.

If you have to deal with the main valve, take note
that it would take you longer to purge. Most
households have a shutoff valve feature that is
directly placed under the sink, so it is the least of
possibilities that you need to shutoff the main valve.

After you have cut the water source, turn on the
faucet. Let the water keep on running. Try to wait
until all the water in the pipes has emptied, and
before you proceed to the next step, double check
first if the water lines are really empty.

Working On The Faucet

Now, to start working on the faucet itself, you need
to remove the sink handles. You would have to unscrew
them. Locate the protective cap and pop it off. This
is where you would usually find the screw. You can use
a butter knife or a screwdriver to do the trick. While
doing this, try to be very careful so that you do not
scratch it. In this way, it would still look nice
after the job. Now you can start unscrewing the knobs
until you completely remove them.

If you already know which type of cartridge it is that
you need, then the better. If you don’t you can simply
bring your old one to your local hardware and people
there will be able to help you out.

Once you get the new cartridge, go back and install
it. Then, replace the knobs. Turn the water back on.
When you are done with this, try testing out the water.
If the test runs smoothly without problems, then
you are done.

However, if you experience some water leaks during the
test, you have to do some adjustment again. Turn off
the water source and take off the knobs once more. Try
to check and ensure that you placed the cartridge in
the right position. If it’s not, then try to maneuver
it into the right place.

Put the knobs back into place and turn on the water
source again. Try the water test once more. If this
time it runs smoothly, then you have reached success
with your repair. If you are still experiencing
problems, then you may have a problem coming from a
different source.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Cracks In A Basement Wall - How To Evaluate It?

2010-05-22T00:46:00.004-06:00

If you are seeing some cracks on your walls, there is
no need to panic. This can have no significance at
all. However, there are some that can signify that you
are experiencing a big structural defect. If this is
the case, then you would have to do the appropriate
action for the case. This is why proper evaluation
should be done.

Noticing The Problem

Most often, cracked foundation walls are given
attention when a property is being sold in the market.
Even though the owner would insist that the cracked
wall has been like that "forever", the buyer has a
tendency to become concerned about the situation.

Whether you are a buyer, seller, or some one who is
simply concerned about their wall, here are some
important points on evaluating your wall if it needs
repair or not.

Causes And Factors Of Wall Cracking

Foundation walls that are built using concrete blocks
are much predisposed to having cracks than solid
concrete walls. This is especially true if an 8-inch
block was used for the block wall.

Of course, foundation walls should support a
building’s the vertical weight. Plus, if its around a
full basement, it should be able to resist lateral or
inward pressure from the soil outside that are against
the wall. If water saturates the back fill or soil,
then the inward pressure could easily overload your
block wall, which can result into cracks.

Additionally, roots of large and moderate sized trees
that are near your foundation wall can also cause you
major wall problems. Most of the time, roots grow
toward your walls due to the water accumulation along
it.

Seeing The Signs

Horizontal cracks on mortar joints are usually caused
by too much inward pressure against its block
foundation. If you see a horizontal crack that is
about high as half of the wall, then this can be one
sign of too much lateral pressure from the soil.
Sometimes, you may also find some step cracks or short
and small horizontal and vertical cracks near the end
of a wall. This too is a variation of soil pressure
cracks.

When To Be Alarmed

Usually, block foundation walls can remain cracked for
about a number of years without any noticeable
cracking additions or inward bulging. But, the moment
you get a horizontal crack, your wall’s structural
integrity is very much reduced. Additionally, if the
soil back fill is saturated, especially during rainy
days, the number of cracks could increase or, worse
comes to worst; your wall foundation can collapse.

Solution Choices

Problems like these are possible to be permanently
repaired. In fact, there are methods in which you do
not need to have a complete replacement, provided that
the inward movement doesn’t exceed one inch in
relation to the bottom of the wall. You can usually
find the maximum inward deflection where the
horizontal crack is and near its mid-height.

One method you can do is bracing your wall with
reinforced block piers or steel post-braces. However,
if you are concerned with the cost, you may want to go
for steel post-braces since they are less expensive
than the other. However, if it is the overall look you
are after, then you may want to use piers since they
can give a better finished appearance.

It might be needed to call in an expert in this field
but this gives you what you need to know to evaluate
the condition to know when the expert if needed.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Do It Yourself - Fixing The Squeaking Doors In The Home!

2010-05-20T01:48:00.004-06:00

Squeaking doors can be a really irritating problem.
Although many would consider it to be a major problem,
it isn’t! In fact, it’s a minor house problem that
even you yourself can fix, and here’s how to.

Stop, Look And Listen

First, you should know where that squeaking sound is
coming from. You can do this by stopping, looking and
listening carefully. You should perform the "swing
test" first before you go off buying a whole new door.

Start off by making sure that your surroundings is
quiet. Then, you should stand on the side of the door
in which you remember that the squeak was loudest.
When you’re in position already, swing the door in a
gentle manner, covering its complete arc. Do this
action repeatedly and try to vary the speed while
doing so.

While swinging the door, you should take note of some
factors. Try to note exactly where the squeak comes
from. Then try to note when it is loudest. See whether
it is loudest when you swing the door fast or slow.
Then lastly, find out why exactly the squeak is
happening. Finding out why is a very crucial factor,
since this dictates what remedy you should use.

Two General Remedies

Once you’ve determined where the squeaks are, you can
do two general remedies. First, tighten all the screws
in the hinges. Then, get a flat-headed screwdriver.
Carefully tap its blade in between the hinge body and
the hinge-pin head to separate them.

After doing this, get a 3-in-1 sewing machine oil and
squeeze in a few drops of it into the small space
between the pin-head and the hinge body. If you don’t
have sewing-machine oil, you can also use a WD-40, and
spray some into the same space.

By applying some lubricant in the space, you enable
the lubricant to seep in into the remaining length of
the pin, which is inside the hinge body. Thus, you
give the best lubrication coverage that you can give
for the hinge.

Doing this would generally resolve your squeaking
problems-if you were accurate on determining the
source, that is. However, if you pinpointed the wrong
source, then most probably your squeak would still be
there.

All Hope Is Not Lost

If you pinpointed the wrong source of the squeak,
don’t worry then! By this point in time, you have
determined that the hinges are not the problem. Then,
most probably it’s a wood on wood kind of squeak
problem.

To solve this kind of squeak, you would have to do the
squeak test again. After which, you have to release
the bind, since the problem may be the hinge binding
on the wood. While performing the swing test, heed on
how the door’s hinge-side settles into the door-jamb.
Also, take note of how it makes a final contact with
your door-stop.

This is when stop, look and listen wouldn’t be enough,
since you would have to make use of touch. If you feel
that it has springy feel, when the door is
approximately in the closed position, odds are very
good that it is hinge-bound. This can be the cause of
the squeak since the door is forced to rub with the
jamb material. To repair this kind of problem, you
need to remove your door by removing the screws on the
hinges’ jamb side and leaving the hinges intact with
the door itself. Then, you need to chisel out some
hinge recesses towards the direction of the hinge
barrel. Then, reinstall the door and perform the swing
test again.

If this doesn’t solve your problem, try chiseling out
more recess. It can be a trial and error process.
However, it can be fixed.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Tips On Tiling A Floor !

2010-05-15T16:16:00.004-06:00

Tiling is one job that most people would rather not
learn how to do since it can be scary that you make
some mistakes in the process. However, it is actually
a lot easier than what many might think. In fact, it
can save you a whole lot of money contrast to hiring a
professional for the job. As long as you know the do’s
and don’ts, then this task is a no-brainer for you.

Choosing Your Tiles

To start off, you have to choose the tiles that you
want to use. You may get surprised with the number of
variety choices when doing this. Tiles may come in
different sizes, colors, textures, materials and
finishes. There are times that you may encounter tiles
with odd sizes. This is done on purpose by companies
so that you would have to buy extra.

Choosing a tile highly depends on you. It can also
depend on how you want the room to be and the over all
design and feel of the room.

Measurements And Computations

You also need to measure out your floor area. You also
have to deliberate on whether you want the tiles to go
under any kind of fittings and units. Generally, it is
better if you tile under the fittings. This is because
if you would have to move appliances in the future,
like a fridge, then you do not have to lift it up over
the edge of your new tiles.

When you have chosen what kind of tile you want to
use, you need to do some computations. You have to get
your floor’s width and divide it by the width of one
tile. This is to know the number of complete rows that
you’ll have. Also, this can help you decide the
optimal wall edge to place your cut tiles against.

It is better to plan it out and measure twice and cut
once than to have to use up a lot of tile by having the
wrong cuts.

Application

Make sure that the sub - floor is level. If it is not level
it will cause the tile to crack and break. If it is not ask
when you are buying the tile what you need to do to fix
it before you start laying the tile. If you do it right the
first time then you will not have to do it again for a long time.

After doing the math, you can now start applying tiles
on your floor. Be sure that you have an even coverage
of adhesive placed on your sub-floor. The type of
adhesive to use would depend on your sub-floor or the
surface you are tiling. If it is a concrete floor,
then you can use a rapid setting adhesive. However, be
sure that you do not spread too much of the mixture at
once, since it can set as fast as 30 minutes.

If it is a wooden sub-floor, then you need a flexible
adhesive. You can know if an adhesive if flexible if
it is written on the bag or the tub. If you have
slate, then you need to use gray adhesive. If you’ll
be having marble, then you need a white adhesive. This
is so that no color coming from the underside would
bleed and ruin your design.

Where you buy the tile can help you to answer some of
these thing when you buy the tile to make sure you get
the right things for the products that you are using.

Grouting

When you are done fixing your tiles on the floor, and
after you have allowed enough time for it to dry, then
you would have to do some grouting. If you have
natural tiles, like marble, slate, limestone, granite,
travertine, and porcelain, you need to seal them first
before you can grout them. You have to use a
specialized impregnating sealer so that they will be
waterproof and can be more resistant to dirt and
staining.

Mix up the grout and apply it using a grout float to
your tiles. Try to work over the gaps until they’re
all filled. If you have white marble tiles, then you
need to use a white grout instead of gray since the
gray kind can stain the marble.

To finish off, wipe out the excess grouts that are
bulging from your tiles using a sponge. Also, use a
grout finisher or your finger to smooth out the grout
lines. After this, stand back, relax and chill while
you wait for your work to dry up!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

House Painting - Tips For Fixing Some Of These Problems!

2010-04-19T13:43:00.006-06:00

Paint is considered to be the clothes of your house.
Although paint problems may look ugly and major, you
can actually be saved from the obligation of calling a
professional painter and spending huge amounts of
money on them. You yourself can be your very own
Picasso in doing paint retouches of your house.

Break Down

All kinds of paint, whatever brand it may be, can only
last for a specified number of years on your wall,
before the break down process starts showing. When you
are experiencing paint break down, it basically means
that the first or primary layer on the surface is
weakening.

This problem is commonly experienced in old houses
that have several paint layers. When the break down
process starts, paint will start cracking and peeling
from your wall or your wood surface. Because of this,
your wood or drywall will be exposed.

To fix this, try scraping or pressure washing your
surface. After that, fill any holes using putty if it
is wood or Spackle if it is a wall surface. After
filling in, get a sand paper and fine sand the
surface.

When you’re done, wipe of the dust and let it
completely dry. Basically, when you pressure wash or
when it is raining, 24 hours should be allotted for
the surface to dry. Once you’re sure that it is dry,
and then you can start painting.

Moisture Build-Up

Another cause of paint cracking is moisture build-up,
leak or excessive condensation.

Most probably, you can find mildew and mold along with
this problem. This kind of problem is often
experienced in the bathroom. However, it can also
occur in other parts of the house because of leaky
roofs and close outdoor shrubs. Your paint can sag
down due to the moisture. But in this case, you won’t
see any chipping debris.

If moisture build-up is the cause of your paint
cracking, then you would have to do another remedy.
Since you will be targeting on the mildew, and if it
is an interior surface that you are fixing then you
can make use of a solution that consists of three
parts water and one part bleach. If it is an exterior
surface, you can wash it off using an exterior
solution intended for pressure washers.

Both of these can be bought at your local shop. You
can also try renting a pressure washer from some
stores that provide services like these during the
weekend.

Fading Color

The last most experienced paint problem would be
fading color. This is usually experienced with
surfaces on the exteriors of the house. However, it
can also occur indoors when specific colors were used
for the walls. Basically, paint color fades when it
exposed too much to the sun.

To avoid this kind of problem, most people would try
no to use bright and bold colors such as deep red. If
you have an affinity for deep colors, but don’t like
the fading ones, then try to look for hues which have
a ruddy or golden tone with them.

You can try consulting a paint associate about this.
Try to find out how much red oxide or yellow oxide
colorant was mixed for the specific color that you
want. Basically, if the paint associate says that each
colorant has about 1 ounce or so in the tint base to
create the color, then you have spotted a color that
can resist fading for a very good period of time.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Tips To Replace A Faucet !

2010-03-30T23:52:00.004-06:00

Faucet replacement is a very easy task that anyone can
do. It is one of those household repairs that don’t
really need any professional assistance. Here are the
basics that you should know about faucet replacement.

Being Prepared And Choosing Your Faucet

Before you go off with the replacement proper
procedures, you should be ready and have with you the
faucet unit that you want to use to replace your old
one. You can drop by your local hardware store and
pick out a faucet that you want. Having it on hand
before removing the old one would make things easier
and faster for you.

With the numerous modern designs now at the market,
you have a variety of faucet designs that you can
choose from. For your bathtubs and sinks, you can get
single or double handled faucet. Generally, faucets
have a standard size regarding their hook-ups,
depending on their use. For kitchen faucets, you can
usually find units with an 8 inch hookup. Bathroom
vanity faucets usually come in 4 inches, while
bathtubs come in 8 inches.

Faucet Measurements

In able to know which kind of faucet to get from the
store, first you have to do some measurements. Have
your tape measure in hand for this task. If you will
be using a double handled faucet, what you need to do
is take the measurement from the handles’ center to
center, thus, this is your faucet’s size. If you will
be using a single-handled faucet, you would have to
measure starting from the the distance in between your
water hook-up lines placed on your faucet’s bottom.

As soon as you know the style and size of your faucet,
then you’re already to take out the old one and
install your new unit.

Tools That You Need

Basically, you do not need a lot of tools for this
task. All you need to have are wrenches so that you
can hold the shut-off valve and take out the supply
line that is going to your faucet. Also, you would
need to have channel lock pliers or a basin wrench.
You’ll be using this take out the large nuts, which
attaches the faucet to your sink. It would be better
if you use a basin wrench, due to its special design
that is intended for working in tight spaces, just
like where your faucet is mounted to your sink.

Steps To A New Faucet

First, you should turn off all water supply that is
linked to your faucet. Then, you should remove the
supply lines coming from both sides of your faucet.
After that you should remove the large retainer nuts
that are holding your faucet to the sink. When you are
done with this, remove the old faucet from the sink.
Try to clean up your sink and where the old unit was
installed.

Once you are done cleaning up, get your new unit and
place it in the holes. You can ask someone to help you
with this, so that keeping it centered while
installing the retainer nuts below would be easier.
When you get the faucet in place and retaining nuts
tightly screwed, then you can now get your water
supply lines hooked up again. Turn on your water
supply and do some tests for leaks and other defects.

If you have some leaks, try reinstalling it again and
make sure that you tightly place each part where they
should be. Also, if you want you can use plumbers
putty or thread tape to prevent leaks or dripping on
the joints, specifically in between the faucet and
sink, or the supply line and the faucet.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Things That You Can Fix Yourself - Garbage Disposal Problems!

2010-03-19T21:09:00.003-06:00

Fixing disposal problems is actually a simple job, if
you’re equipped with the right knowledge. Nonetheless,
a lot of people are still scared on dealing with
garbage disposal problems, which usually lead to
freaking out and calling a professional to get some
help. To save you from this dilemma, here are some do
it yourself solutions for you garbage disposal
problems.

Noise Problems

One common problem encountered with garbage disposals
is that they may produce too much noise when used. You
might hear some rattling or grinding sounds, every
time you turn it on. If noises like these are present,
it is probably caused by an object, possibly a metal
which was unintentionally dropped down your disposal.

Having this kind of problem unattended can cause
damage to your disposal blades. To fix it, turn off
the electrical power for that area of your house.
Then, get a flashlight and a needle nosed pliers.
Using these, look for an item which causes the noise.

Once you find the item that simply doesn’t belong
inside your disposal, and then pull it by using your
pliers. After this, the noise should be gone and your
disposal will do just fine.

When Nothing Happens Another commonly experienced
problem is when nothing happens when you turn on the
disposal. Generally, if this is the case and you can’t
hear even a single hum, it means that power isn’t
getting into the disposal unit.

It could be that you have to reset your unit or your
circuit breaker is tripped. First, you should look
beneath your sink and take a look at your unit. You
should find a small red button placed somewhere on the
bottom side. Press the button and hold it for a number
of seconds.

After pressing, try to use your unit again. It should
start normally, as if it is brand new. If it doesn't
start, then you have to do another trick. Find your
electrical panel and see if you have a tripped circuit
breaker. Try to reset the breaker that is in charge
for that area. After resetting, go back to your
drainage unit and do the first step all over again.
This should fix the problem.

If nothing still happens, then it’s about time that
you call a professional, because it can be a sign of a
bigger overall problem.

Humming But Nothing

This is the last real possible problem that you can
encounter with your disposal. Sometimes if you place
wrong kinds of food in your unit, it gets jammed up.
This can also happen if you put too much food down
your disposal without running it.

To fix this, turn off your unit’s the power and use
pliers to reach into your unit and pull out whatever
it is that is obstructing the blades and keeps it from
spinning. After you have pulled the clog out, get an
Allen wrench and use it to spin the blades manually.

If the blades are now turning, then you are done with
the problem. If it’s still not spinning, this means
that there are still more that you should remove. Be
sure that you remove everything out, so that you won’t
encounter the same problem again in the near future.

Once you got the blades spinning manually, try to turn
on the power, reset your unit and see if it’s working.
If it’s still humming, then check for more clogs. If
you’re sure that there are no more obstructions and
the problem is still there, then you’ve got the green
light to call a professional.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Say Hello To Our Friends That Have Joined our blog!

2010-03-08T02:10:00.006-07:00

We would like to welcome the two additions to our
blog.

The Wig Mall

( example of a wig)

this is a link to it but can also be found at the side of the page
under Other site that we love.

Also in the same area is great site that we would love
for you to check out Madame Pumphrey Jewels For The Crown

(hand made by our friend and fellow blogger at Full House )

We are glad to have our friends with us on the blog. We hope that
everyone will check them out and see the great things that
they offer.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

How Can You Go Wrong With White When Decorating ?

2010-03-04T23:49:00.003-07:00

When you are decorating your bedroom you should go
white. White can give you many different looks you are
trying to achieve like the eclectic bedroom,
minimalist, modern, and more. In addition, for a very
low cost, you can have an amazing look in your
bedroom.

If you are looking for an eclectic look in your
bedroom then you can use the white to accent and
create an airy expanse with touches of earth tones
throughout the room.

Keep the walls white and maybe use a white comforter
with earth toned bed skirts, pillows, floors, rug, and
headboard.

The minimalist bedroom is easy to create and looks
fantastic in a room with dark wood flooring. Go for
the solid white walls, white bedding, and a white rug.
Use paintings with dark frames and white edges to
bring out the look.

The white will bring out the dark tones of the
flooring and the dark furniture and look absolutely
fabulous. In addition, the bedroom will remain light
and bright which is very nice.

Small bedrooms look very good with a modern look when
you take advantage of the use of white. You can create
a small focus point on the wall with a painting or a
picture, white bedding, and a colorful rug.

You want to warm up the room with browns and greens in
the furniture or the fabrics you use for the modern
look. This will make the room look much bigger and you
will be pleased with the outcome.

White in the bedroom can give you many different looks
you are hoping for. You don’t need to worry about
using many patterns and colors to have an elegant
looking bedroom because white really works for all
styles.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Decorating Your Home - Add Style By Bringing The Outside, Inside With Plants!

2010-03-03T17:42:00.003-07:00

If you feel like your room is missing something and
you want to add a little extra then you should think
about adding fresh flowers and plants. You will be
amazed at the difference a tree, plants and flowers
can do for your room.

You might not be a big flower lover but if you are,
then you might want to look at decorating your room
with fresh plants that bloom flowers.

There are hundreds of different indoor flowers you can
choose from that will brighten up your room and look
absolutely fantastic. You don’t have to decorate with
flowers.

You can find indoor trees and tall standing plants
that will make a big difference in your home also.
Vines and hanging plants are an excellent way to
spruce up a room too.

( trees, vines and flowers)

When you decorate with flowers, plants, and trees it
also changes the mood of the room. Plants are known to
provide a calming effect on you and make you feel
great.

Added health benefits!

In addition, you are adding additional oxygen into
your home and removing toxins when you add plants
throughout your home. So, not only are you decorating
your home by making the rooms beautiful with nature
but you are taking advantage of the natural benefits
plants have to offer.

When you decorate your home or you are just looking
for accessories for something additional you cannot
forget to use plants, flowers, and trees. Your rooms
will look amazing with the difference you can make by
adding nature to your home.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Adding Style To The Bedroom With Lighting!

2010-03-03T00:53:00.005-07:00

Lighting in the bedroom is extremely important when
you are decorating. Many people often forget about the
lighting and it really makes a big difference when you
are decorating your bedroom.

The first thing you must think about when you are
designing the lighting in your bedroom is layering.
You must layer the lighting.

When you layer the lighting in the bedroom it gives
you the opportunity to create the different moods you
are hoping for. You should always have lamps on
bedside tables and another light across the room
diagonal from the bed.

( bedside table lights, overhead light other light sources)

This allows the lighting to be balanced in the room.
You also might consider light sources on a dimmer
switch that allow you to select the balance of light
that is emitted into the room.

(many styles to choose from)

One thing you do not want to do in your bedroom is
have a ceiling fan with a light on it. If you must
have a ceiling fan in the room then it is fine.

You should not have a light drooping from a ceiling
fan because it looks tacky. Your bedroom needs to have
the sexy look and a light from a ceiling fan will ruin
the look.

It is also a good idea to use different bulbs for the
lighting in the room to give a different look. Using
recessed bulbs with floor and table lamps can give the
look of washing the room with a soft light.

However, you also are layering the room with different
lighting and it gives the look of pure elegance that
you need to accomplish a nicely decorated bedroom.

The light fixtures are just as important as the light
itself. They can add to the beauty of the room or take
away from it.

( wall sconces come in all different styles- modern, stain glass and
more of a retro look. They add to the room without taking up
table space.)

Recessed lighting can add a different look to the room.

Give your room elegance, beauty and balance with lighting.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Creating The Boutique Style In Your Home - What A Lovely Look!

2010-03-02T01:36:00.006-07:00

If you love the style of a boutique or a lavish hotel
room and you want to create the same look in your
home, it is easy to do. Several things to keep in mind
are plumping up the bed, sophistication, lighting, and
simplicity.

The bed is the most important thing when you want to
go for the comfort and the exquisite look. You need to
remember that you need to go for the 400-thread count
or higher sheets for the bed.

Use extra pillows that are fluffy and add an extra
padding to the bed for extra comfort. The colors you
use in your room for the elegant look need to remain
sophisticated.

Simplicity is key and it is sophisticated. You don’t
need to worry about fancy designs because plain
actually looks much nicer than designs.

The windows should remain simple also. You don’t need
to have a valance across the window if you don’t want
to and one is not needed to achieve the look you are
trying to accomplish.

Be sure to have a sheer curtain which allows the light
to come in and a heavier curtain that matches the
bedding and the style you have chosen for the room.

These curtains should be able to pull back to allow
the light in when you want it and to keep the light
out when you prefer the dark.

If you love the elegance of a hotel suite and you want
to bring it home then you can. Remember to be simple
with the colors and go plush and fluffy. It is not
expensive to be simple and you can achieve the look
you desire for very little money.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Create The Feeling Of Space For A Small Space!

2010-02-25T22:23:00.005-07:00

If you live in a small apartment or home and you want
to create a feeling of a bigger room there are several
things you can do. Two of the biggest things you can
do is create focal points and take advantage of
reflecting. These two things will give you a bigger
look and feel of the smaller rooms.

Creating a focal point in a small room is key when you
don’t want people noticing how small the room really
is. When you have a specific focus point the room
might be more interesting and seem a little bit
bigger.
( a fireplace and a mirror is using both of the elements to make
the room look bigger.)

(Adding the same elements into different areas of the room
ties it all together and gives interest to the room.)

You can do this by painting one wall in the room a
different or darker color giving your room an
uncluttered gallery effect by the use of a low hanging
light fixture and assembling artwork on the wall. This
has an opening effect on the room.

( The paint shows of the details in the walls of this bathroom
and the bling in the light fixture is something else that adds to
the room.)

When you use reflecting to make a room bigger, you
will use things in your home that reflect such as
mirrors, furniture, metallic pieces, and things that
have a shimmer.

When these items are strategically placed throughout
the home or the room they give a feeling of light and
more space. A mirror can be placed strategically in a
room to reflect the outdoors or even a window or a
doorway which makes the room appear much larger than
it is and it brings in more light.

If you are trying to take the focus from the small
size of a room and make it look bigger then you can
take advantage of the use of reflections and creating
focal points. Mastering these two techniques can make
your home look much bigger.

Get things that are to the scale of the room. It adds to
the charm of the room without making it feel cramped.
Sometimes less is more. A love seat, two chairs, an end
table, coffee table, area rug, mirror on the wall and some
art. What a nice setting that makes.

( Small but OH what style it has.)

Don't forget to find things that do double duty in the
furniture to add storage to the room and help with the
function of the room. Sometimes a small space needs to
do more than one thing. Like a guest room and an office
in the same room. By using a sofa bed or a Murphy's bed,
both things can be done in the same space.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Decorating -Studio Apartments And Other Small Spaces!

2010-02-16T22:59:00.005-07:00

When you live in a very small area like a studio
apartment it might seem impossible to decorate and
make livable.

You might have issues with where you are going to put
all of your stuff and you also might want the look and
feel of different rooms although you are living in one
big room. You can achieve these things with a few
simple things.

First, when you live in a studio that is one big room
for everything you don’t want the place to look the
same throughout.

The use of area rugs can help to define one area from
another. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors.

The use of bookcases that are open can section off parts of the
room without it feeling closed off.

( curved bookcases can add interest to the room and act like
a divider.)

You want the feeling of being in different rooms and
you want to decorate each of them differently. You can
separate rooms by using dividers.

You can find hand carved and decorated dividers that
look fantastic in your home. Dividers perfectly
separate the rooms the way you want them.

Some people like to use hanging beads or fabric to
create a wall to separate the rooms by creating a
wall. This can look good also and give you the look of
having different rooms in the area although it really
is one big room.

(If you do not want to see the book the drapes can be closed.)

When you are in a studio apartment it is best for the
place to look nice because you are in such a small
space and you need to hide your things. Find pieces of
furniture that can be used as storage as well as seating.

(This storage bench does three things. A place to hang coats,
a place to sit and a place to store things.)

Things like a Murphy bed can give you more room during the day
and a place to sleep at night. Added storage as well.

You can find containers that are decorated that allow
you to hide your clothes and things in style so the
place looks nice and not in disarray.

Many people prefer the designer wicker containers
because they are stack able providing for more space
and they are reasonably priced.

Do not forget to use your wall space by adding shelves.

Be creative when it comes to small spaces to best use the
room that you have. Scale the furniture to the size that
you have. A table that folds down when not needed for eating
save you space.

Make things that you bring in useful and beautiful. Have them do
more than one job. Like a sofa bed for when you have guest. Use
every space that that you have to the fullest. Storage is a big issue
in a small space. Find pieces of furniture that can be used for storage
and something else.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Make The Most Of The Space That You Have!

2010-02-15T19:40:00.004-07:00

You might have a lot of things that you would like to
display but you are aware the clutter makes your place
look terrible. There are many ways you can fix
problems with clutter and still display your favorite
collections.

If you have a smaller kitchen with a lot of items
piled up all around you because you don’t have the
space for everything then you should consider kitchen
hang-ups.

You can find mounts to install in your ceiling that
you can hang your pots and pans from. This actually
looks really good above an island or along the wall.

There are wired hang-ups with hooks you can stylishly
hang coffee mugs and extras. This gives you the
opportunity to decorate your kitchen while you are
making the most use of your space in the kitchen.

If you have collections of things that you would like
to display and the items are cluttered all over the
place, then you must look into floating shelves and
display cases.

(display case)
(floating shelves and a collection of "Star Wars stuff" and other toys)

You might not have room for a display case, but your
walls have the room you are hoping for. You can line
your walls with stylish and affordable shelving which
will allow you to display your collectibles neatly and
organized giving your room a new look.

It also makes your room look much bigger when you make
the most of your space with shelving because items are
not spread throughout the place but neatly organized
on the walls.

If you are short for space and you have many items
throughout your home you would like to display then
get them up off of the floor and put shelving and
hang-ups throughout your home.

You will be surprised how much more space you have in
your home and how nice it looks to display your things
rather than have them piled up.

Built in bookcases are another way to display your things.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Adding Style To The Room By Adding Color!

2010-02-14T17:27:00.005-07:00

You can spruce up any room at a low cost. There are
many things you can do without having to spend a lot
of money. Many of the items you can purchase to liven
up a room include paint, paintings, rugs, colorful accessories,
though pillows, slip covers for the furniture, drapes to
name a few things that can add color to your room.

White walls can be very boring in a new apartment or
home. Ask the Landlord first if it is an apartment. If you
promise to paint before you leave they might let you do it
( the same with wall paper.)
You might not have a lot of money to spend for
decorating or design but you need to do something.

(adding wall paper to the room)

Painting the walls can make a really big difference in
a room. Some people favor sponge painting because it
looks as if the paint changes the texture in the
walls.

However, finding the right paint can create a mood in
the room you are looking for that is pleasurable and
calming. If the room has crown molding or other details,
paint can bring them out to be more noticeable and add
greatly to the look of the room.

(The paint makes the crown molding stand out.)

Adding a painting to a wall makes a statement.
You can find cheap artwork for your wall that you enjoy
and it will say something about you. Some people like to add
a painting to a wall to create a focal point in a room
and it does work well. It will surprise you the
difference a picture or a painting will make in a room.

Adding a colorful rug to a drab room will make an
amazing difference with the look and feel. A rug can
brighten up and make the room look brand new.

( The colors in the area rug can help to tie the room together.)

Depending on the style of your furniture, you might
consider an area rug as your center point in the room.
You will be surprised with the difference you can make
by laying out an area rug.

* Adding colorful accessories to the room help a lot.

* Changing the drapes or window treatment can add color
and texture to the room.

* Slip covers can change the color and look of the furniture.
If it is not that new, it will add new life to the furniture as well.

* Through pillows add color as well.

These things do not cost a lot, but can transform your room
to the look and style that you are looking for.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Decorate On A Budget - Add Style To Any Room!

2010-02-02T23:54:00.005-07:00

There are many ways you can decorate your home when
you are on a budget. You don’t have to have a lot of
money to make your home look nice and stylish.

Many of the things you can do is shop second hand, use
family members, finding less than perfect items, and
more.

If you are hoping to redecorate your home but you are
on a tight budget then don’t worry about hiring
someone to come in and help you. This is where your
family and friends can come in and assist.

Find photos of rooms that you like in magazines, see if
you can find things that are close to the styles that are
in that photo. Find them at second hand stores or scratch
and dent. Take your time the hunt is part of the fun, one
piece at a time. What great joy you will have when it is finished.

When you are at the stores see how the do accessories and
flowers that add to the room and do the same in your home.

You can even hold a party to help you with the efforts
of painting, laying tile, or anything else you have in
mind. Friends and family are always willing to come
and help with a decoration project and if you provide
the food and drinks then they usually will never say
no.

When you are on a budget it is hard to find the best
and you have to be flexible. You can shop at second
hand stores and find really nice furniture, paintings,
rugs, and more.

( Deadwood South Dakota, what great finds you can find here.)

If you are willing to shop used it will surprise you
some of the neat items you can find at these places
that you can use that will make your home look
fabulous. You might also want to think about finding
less than perfect merchandise.

You can go to furniture stores and find defective
furniture that is still brand new for very low prices.
Some of the furniture might have a scratch that is
barely noticeable at an excellent price. Some of the
furniture you cannot even see the defect and it is
brand new.

When you are on a budget you have to think cheap. Use
your friends and family members to help you and find
low cost items that are not so perfect or second hand.

From the second hand store you might find a piece and use it
in a totally different way than it was used before. With a few
changes It can have new life and add life to your room.

Hide the office by having it be in something that closes when
you do not need it and opens when you do need it. Same with
the tv.

Think of things like refinishing the things that you already
have to give new life to them and give your room a new look.
Refinish wood pieces to make them look new.
Changing the paint color in your rooms can give it the zing that
it needs. Slip covers can add new life to the sofa or chair.
( Add new fabric to the seat of the chair and it looks new again.)

Changing the window treatment or light fixtures are something
that really change the look of a room.

Take classes to learn how to do your own tile work or carpentry
work. There are some things that should be left to the pro's
plumbing , electrical and the furnace are a few of these important
things that can cost more than money if not done right.

Do what you can to help yourself. You never know you might like
what you learned so much that you make a living at it or add to
your income with your new found skills.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Decorating On A Budget !

2010-01-28T23:31:00.004-07:00

You don’t have to have a lot of money to decorate your
home with style. Decorating can be expensive so there
are several things you should think about to keep your
budget as low as possible.

The first thing you should do when you are budgeting
your decorating and design for inside your home is
know how much money you have to spend.

You need to determine a payment plan or how much money
you have for the room or space you want to decorate.
Be sure to include the costs for accessories in the
room also.

When you are decorating on a budget you need to focus
on one room at a time. It is hard to complete the
entire home at once so your best option is to decorate
each room separately. You can prioritize which rooms
you would like to focus on first and begin with them.

Before you make any purchases on the interior design
and schemes you have decided upon you should view the
colors in your home with the different light schemes
in the room.

Be sure to view the colors you choose with natural
light coming into the room and with lamps or the bulbs
you will choose to light the room with.

( black and white is a great choice for colors)

You may completely disagree with the color schemes
once you have decorated and then have to spend more
money to change what you have decided upon.

You should also think about the decorating and design
you are going to do in the rooms of your home if you
don’t plan to be there for a long time.

You don’t want to spend a lot of money for major
changes to the rooms. You should buy items that will
spruce up the room and give you the look and feel you
enjoy but that you can take with you when you go. You
don’t want to be decorating each room every time you
move.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture - Victorian !

2010-01-22T00:21:00.003-07:00

In Eureka, California sits one of the most beautiful
examples of Victorian Architecture. The Carson Mansion,
with its 18 rooms and excess of 16,200 square feet was
constructed between 1884 and 1886. The cost of this
structure was an incredible $80,000.

( stormy or good weather the Carson Mansion is beautiful)

It is a mix of every major style of Victorian Architecture
and is the most written about, most photographed house in
California, possibly the U.S.

Victorian Architecture is known by many other names and can
be of various styles. The building period of Victorian
Architecture overlaps the reign of Queen Victoria, for whom
it was named.

These structures are highly decorated and so aptly
nicknamed Gingerbread houses for all of their pieces and
gingerbread type scroll work and ornamentation.

Interestingly enough, in the U.S., Toledo, Ohio is
recognized as having one of the largest collections of
Victorian homes, East of the Mississippi. Boston is noted
in the National Register of Historic Places as having the
oldest Victorian neighborhood in the U.S.

But of course, the U.S. isn’t the only place where these
intricate creations of Victorian Architecture can be found.
Notable Victorian era cities range from London to Glasgow
to Melbourne and to New Orleans.

Typical Victorian Architecture is grand in size, containing
many functional rooms and passageways throughout the
structure. Most throughout the country are not only
fancifully decorated with intricate woodwork throughout,
but they are usually known for their grand color schemes,
both on the exterior and interior. Large inviting rooms
welcome guests into their depths.

( this beautiful example is from Toronto)

( beautiful in pink and white with all the great details.)

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture - Prairie Style

2010-01-20T00:13:00.003-07:00

If you are looking for an interesting, and beautiful style
of architecture for a house or smaller sized commercial
building, then you may want to look towards the prairie
style architecture.

The prairie style architecture was drafted originally in
the loft room of the Steinway Piano Company building in
Chicago, Illinois in the 1890’s. The Prairie Style was
popular from the 1900’s through about 1912.

(Example of the Prairie Style house)

Probably the most famous follower of the Louis Sullivan
teachings on Prairie Style architecture was Frank Lloyd
Wright.

Also termed Prairie School Architecture, the Prairie style
was and is most commonly found in the Midwestern United
States.

Prairie style homes are distinct in their design. Created
with horizontal lines, flat roofs with overhanging eves and
windows grouped in horizontal bands.

Some of the most famous Prairie Style homes are the Darwin
D. Martin House in Buffalo, NY, along with the Guggenheim
Museum in New York City and Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.

(Darwin D. Martin house)

(Guggenheim Museum)

(Fallingwater)
There is one though that stands out above the rest, the
Robie House. Located on the campus on the University of
Chicago, it is the quintessential example of the Prairie
Style Architecture.

(Robie house)

Illinois still holds the greatest number of Prairie Style
Architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright lived for a time in Oak
Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Here you will find
street after street of Prairie Style Architecture.

Prairie homes were made to function efficiently in the
prairie climate. The horizontal lines were thought to match
those of the native prairie landscape. The interior was
designed to be multifunctional and utilizing the suns
natural light and natural air flow throughout the house.
The Prairie Style architecture is by far some of the most
beautiful you will find in the Midwest.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture * Greco - Roman

2010-01-07T01:08:00.003-07:00

Ancient Greece may have spawned the beginning of sculpture
and architecture, not only in ancient times, but also until
present day.

Until the 7th century, Greece was without architecture.
Since the pre 7th century Greek buildings were made mostly
of wood or mud-brick, there is nothing remaining of them
and there was little in written record about them.

But in a more modern Greece, buildings such as the
Parthenon and the Coliseum, still partially remain, giving
us beautiful architecture in which to study.

(Parthenon)

(Coliseum)

Most Greco-Roman architecture either rectangle or square in
shape and made from limestone, which is found in abundance
in Greece. Though many people think Marble was used in the
building of the Greco-Roman architecture, the cost and
unavailability of it directed its use for mostly sculptural
decoration, except for the Parthenon.

Greco-Roman architecture is abundant in columns and size.
Most people don’t realize that there are two types of
Greco-Roman architecture, the Doric and Ionic.

While the famous Parthenon and the Temple of Hephaestus in
Athens are Doric, the Erechtheum, which is located right
next to the Parthenon is Ionic. Ionic Greco-Roman
architecture is more decorative.

(Temple of hephaestus )

(Erechtheum)

The most surviving buildings of Roman-Greco Architecture
lean towards the temples. This is mainly due to the
building material used. Limestone though, after years, can
begin to waste away and decompose with natural erosion.

A building like the temples and the Parthenon were revered
as the grandest buildings, therefore marble, which was
difficult to transport from the few islands where it could
be found, was used.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture- Gothic

2010-01-06T01:39:00.004-07:00

Visiting most European cathedrals, abbeys and parish
churches that were built between the 12th century and the
16th century, you will notice the intricate, almost gaudy
structure with its peaks and spires and flying buttresses.

These architectural feats are commonplace for Gothic
architecture. Used also in castles and palaces as well as
government buildings and universities, but lesser found in
private dwellings, as its construction was extremely
costly.

Named not from the historical Goths, but from Giorgio
Vasari to describe the culture that was considered rude and
barbaric. At that time, Italy was building classical
structures and looked to the European buildings as garish
and showy.

The Gothic architecture utilizes local resources such as
various grades of limestone, and colored marble.

Not only was this a new building style, but also architects
were able to utilize new technology. The ogival and pointed
arches were integral in the Gothic architecture.

Emphasizing vertically and light, the inside -walls- were
not solid ones that we commonly know, but looked more like
the skeleton of a building. Clustered columns, pointed
ribbed vaults and flying buttresses were the finished
effect.

The Gothic architecture of cathedrals and Abby's were
designed to be landmark buildings and rose high above the
rest of the town’s structures.

Another fantastic characteristic of the Gothic architecture
in these buildings was the enormous towers, pinnacles and
spires that loomed over the town. On the inside, the
pointed arches emphasized the height and helped to enhance
the decoration of the interior.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Can You Help Find Her?

2010-01-05T00:31:00.004-07:00

This is something different for our blog. They need some help getting the word out about this. For over a month a mother of two has been missing.

If you want to know more visit Find Susan Powell , the more people that see the more information that might come in to help.

Pass this along. The more that see this the better.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture- Bauhaus

2010-01-05T00:14:00.004-07:00

From 1919 to 1933, Germany gave to the world the Bauhaus
school of architecture. Founded by Walter Gropius, the name
Bauhaus comes from the German words for -to build- and
-house-.

Very basic in its meaning, the Bauhaus architecture is just
that. Basic shapes, geometric designs and little frill and
fancy. Though its founder was an architect, for the first
several years, the Staatliches Bauhaus School in Germany
refined the crafts and fine arts but did not actually
include an architecture department.

The Bauhaus architectural style became the basis for
current Modernist architecture. These structures are
primarily simple in form and without ornamentation.

The forms were simple and functional with the idea of mass
production with some artistic spirit thrown in. When
Bauhaus Architecture was at its peak, an entire group of
architects turned away from their fancy, over designed
structures and into a more standard, basic way of design.

Understandably, Bauhaus Architecture is most commonly found
in Germany, but its influences reached the United States
and even Tel Aviv in the time following its demise in
Germany due exile.

(Buildings from Tel Aviv)

In fact the UN because of its abundance of Bauhaus now
lists Tel Aviv as a world heritage site. In the late 1930s
the Bauhaus Architecture was brought to the U.S. Namely
Chicago, Illinois, where the New Bauhaus School was
founded.

As the basics for our modern day minimalist style, Bauhaus
architecture is still being practiced today. In fact, at
the Florida State University, the Master Craftsman Program
is utilizing the Bauhaus theory and practices.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture - Baroque Style Of Architecture !

2009-12-21T21:37:00.003-07:00

A very early style of architecture, but a very beautiful
style is Baroque architecture, which began in the early
17th century in Italy.

Taking the renaissance architecture and modifying it to a
new theatrical, sculptural fashion, Baroque architecture
became a very fanciful, extravagant style of structural
design.

While the Renaissance style was designed for the well to do
of society, the Baroque architecture initially played into
the wealth and power of the Roman Catholic Church.

The concerns were for light, shade and color intensity and
Baroque found its secular expression in grand palaces first
in France, then throughout Europe.

If you were to visit France today, the Chateau de Maisons
would be one of the highlights of Baroque architecture.

One of the most famous though of the Baroque architecture
pieces is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It is the most
prominent building inside Vatican City. Topped with its
towering dome, it is a notable feature in the Roman
skyline.

Baroque structures are grand in size and ornaments. As
baroque moved through Europe, it eventually took on the
look of European Colonialism.

Greenwich hospital in London, England is another beautiful
example of Baroque architecture. Founded in 1694 as the
Royal Naval Hospital for sailors, the Greenwich hospital is
famous for its Baroque Painted Hall, which was painted in
honor of King William and Queen Mary.

The chapel is an awesome example of not only Baroque
architecture, but of baroque art with its high gold painted
ceilings.

What attention to details and beauty these places have.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Architecture - Art Deco!

2009-12-19T16:24:00.003-07:00

Between 1920 and 1939, Art Deco Architecture was all the
rage. Not only did the Art Deco movement affect
Architecture, but also interior design, industrial design
and visual arts like fashion, painting, graphic arts and
film.

The movement was a mixture of many different styles,
incorporating cubism, modernism, Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, and
Futurism, and its popularity peaked in the roaring
twenties.

While many earlier architectural styles had political or
philosophical roots, Art Deco Architecture was simply
decorative.

Designed to be beautiful, elegant, functional and modern.
One of the best-known pieces of Art Deco architecture in
the U.S. is the Chrysler Building in New York.

The beautiful Art Deco spire was built between 1928 and
1930. Following close behind the Art Deco period was the
Streamline Moderne. The focus was mainly on advancing
technologies such as automobiles and aviation.

Art Deco architecture is mainly composed of man-made
materials. The most popular being glass and stainless
steel. Lines were very symmetrical and repetitive
throughout structures.

They used Terra Cotta to decorate with.

And details like this to add beauty to the home.

Very popular during the great depression because of its
simplicity and practicality, Art Deco still reminded people
of the better times and gave them hope of one day reliving
them.

World War II cut short the life of Art Deco. People began
to see it as gaudy and a false image of luxury, but Art
Deco presented the gateway to modernism, which continues
well into the 1960s.

Today we see a revival of the old, people caring enough to
reconstruct or refurbish the beautiful designs of Art Deco
architecture or even begin modernizing it and mixing it
with styles of today. But as you travel the country, in
many big cities you can still find the grand structures of
Art Deco still standing.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

What Is Architecture?

2009-12-17T21:11:00.004-07:00

Architecture is the science and art of designing buildings
and other structures. It can also be expanded to the
designing of surrounding environments, towns and
landscapes.

Someone who specializes in architecture is called an
architect. Architecture has played a key part of our entire
worlds history. For wherever there have been buildings or
structures that were safe for inhabiting, there has been
some sort of architecture.

Architecture combines functionality with aesthetics to
create the buildings we live in, work in and play in. From
the smallest 1 bedroom home to the grandest palace or
biggest cathedral, every structure is based on some form of
architecture.

( Big cathedral and the single family home shown bellow.)

Architectural designs change with time and space. Each era
has its own style of architecture, from Baroque,
Greco-Roman, Art Deco, Victorian to American Colonial,
Prairie, and Bauhaus. Lines, materials, structure and
symbolism all contribute to the different styles of
architecture.

Architecture styles can be anywhere from subtle to garish
and materials vary from lumber to limestone. Most early
styles of architecture though utilize local materials that
were bountiful.

In Greece for example, where limestone was plentiful, most
structures were created from this natural material. And
since marble was not only rare but for a few select
islands, but very difficult to transport, it was used
sparingly and usually only for ornamentation.

In Colonial America, Saltbox houses were created from
timber since it was so readily available and most
properties had abundance so it cost next to nothing. And to
save more money, these Saltbox houses were also put
together with joints because the cost of nails was an
unnecessary expense.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

American Colonial Archetecture!

2009-12-15T23:36:00.005-07:00

A trip through the U.S. will grant you sights of beautiful
architecture, from coast to coast. During the 1780’s though
the most popular style of architecture was the American
Colonial.

Built mostly by wealthy Anglo Americans, the houses
afforded several distinct styles depending on local. Also
known as Colonial Georgian, these homes were the earliest
style to grace the U.S. colonies.

A prime example of early American Colonial architecture is
called a Saltbox. What the Saltbox basically is is a wooden
frame house with a high-pitched roof that slopes down to
the back.

Its flat front has two stories while the back of the house
has only one, making the sides unequal, but distinctly
looking just like an old salt box which was a wooden box
with a lid which salt was kept.

A simple name for a simple style of home. Generally, the
chimney was centrally located, making the house, from a
distance, look like a box with a lid and handle to lift it
off.

Other defining characteristics of American Colonial
architecture are the square, symmetrical shape, the front
door placed directly in the middle of the houses front and
the even, straight line of windows throughout.

Inside the front door are usually an entryway and a
staircase. All rooms branch off these. Typically they were
constructed of brick with wood trim, but with homes like
the Saltbox, they were also timber frame homes constructed
with woodworking joints instead of metal nails, since they
were costly. Saltbox homes were also finished with wood
siding.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Different Architecture - Adobe buildings!

2009-12-10T23:20:00.003-07:00

Some of the earliest structures were Adobe architecture.
Adobe is a material made from sand, clay and straw, dung or
other fibrous materials.

The adobe is then formed into bricks using frames and dried
in the sun. Similar to cob or mud bricks, the structures
become extremely durable. They are used mainly in hot, arid
climates because they remain cool in the summer and release
heat very slowly in the winter.

The same mixture, without the straw is used for mortar in
placing the dried adobe bricks together to form a
structure. Some cultures even figured out they could
utilize lime-based cement for plaster to protect against
the wet months.

The thickness of the adobe bricks is key in the
architecture. It is what essentially keeps the structures
cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The largest structure ever erected from Adobe was the Bam
Citadel. But it suffered serious damage from an earthquake
in 2003.

Bam Citadel, Iran

The Huaca del Sol in Peru is another grand adobe structure
that was created from over 100 million signed bricks.

The world’s largest adobe architecture structure is the
citadel of Arg-e Bam, erected as late as 500BCE, possibly
earlier.

The area of Bam Citadel is 180,000 square meters and is
surrounded by walls 6-7 meters high and 1815 meters in
length, all out of Adobe. When the gates to the city were
closed, no human or animal could enter. The city was
self-contained with well access, gardens and cattle all
within the walls.

The adobe architecture was a little different when it came
to putting a roof on the structure. Typically roofs were
assembled from lengths of wood or metal. Then rows of dried
adobe bricks are laid over the top of a support structure
and plastered into place with more adobe.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

A Few Tips On What To Do When Your Home Gym Is Ready For The First Work Out !

2009-12-10T01:50:00.005-07:00

If you have your modest equipment set up or a full-blown
exercise room but don’t know where to start here are a few
tips.

- It is wise to consult a doctor to get the all clear and
advice on healthy eating

- Buy good quality reading material and read lots of it to
see the common threads

- Buy exercise DVD’s to get you into a routine and teach
you important technique

- Try to set aside the same time for daily exercise to help
make it a natural part of your life

- Start out with routines you enjoy

- Keep it simple, if you go too hard it will discourage
further attempts

- Try and make it a group project with friends for fun

- Always make sure you warm up and cool down, as well as
stretch

Home gyms are a very non-threatening way to work on
fitness. Lack of experience can cause injury.

The possibility of losing your drive and enthusiasm is also
a distinct possibility. It would be a shame to spend the
time and money setting up to have silly mistakes ruin it.

The internet is rife with programs you can buy to get fit
overnight. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

Long term fitness means lifestyle change, and your home gym
is a wonderful start. Make the time to learn good habits
and your home gym will be a wonderful addition to your
life.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Gym - Why More People Are Choosing This Way To Go!

2009-12-08T02:52:00.002-07:00

In 2005 exercise equipment sales were at $4.4 billion, and
increased to $4.7 billion in 2006. Gym suppliers are
clicking on to the fact that home users are a completely
new market.

And a high growth one.

No longer is the home gym relegated to a dusty corner, now
fully fitted custom designed rooms are becoming a must-have
in homes.

By and far the leading reason for this is convenience.
Having a home gym means there is less hassle to the day. No
need to turn your nose up at sweaty gym gear in the bag you
forgot to unpack. You can work out when you get home.

In today’s fast moving society, time is precious. Not to
mention money. Even a large initial outlay will save you
money down the track.

Gym fees, personal trainers, fuel costs, to name a few
savings. Certainly, the huge competition in the market is
making quality home gym equipment more affordable by the
day.

The majority of buyers for their home are people who have
worked out in gyms, and have knowledge of workout safety
techniques.

But that doesn’t mean beginner’s aren’t in on the
purchasing. Starters are more likely to try and buy one
machine to do it all, or buy too much for their skill
level.

The bottom line is if you have some knowledge and the
space, a home gym is a fantastic option. If you are just
starting out, consult a doctor, get specialist fitness
advice and start with basics.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Gym - Multi Staion Equipment !

2009-12-03T22:30:00.004-07:00

What are they?

Freestanding training units using weights to offer
resistance to a range of body movements. Found in public
gyms, athlete-training centers and now from the comfort of
your own home gym.

How do they work?

A steel frame is set up with a series of pulleys, weights
and cables. Varying exercises can be performed on these
with the weights offering resistance to work muscles beyond
everyday activity.

Which is best?

There really is no one size fits all. Test them with
lighter weights first to get a feel for set up. If awkward
or uncomfortable once adjusted, it probably isn’t the right
design for your body.

What does multi-station mean?

A round of exercises is usually called a circuit (i.e.
circuit training) and each action you perform around the
machine is known as a station. Hence, multi-stations means
more than one station can be performed on the equipment.

How many stations will I get?

The more you pay the more variety you get. A basic would
have around 10-15 and that can range up to 70 or more. Ease
of use is much better to start with.

What does a station do?

Each station is designed to work a different set of
muscles. They are also set up with correct technique in
mind, which is very important. Don’t overdo the weights.
Just because you can lift it on the first round, does not
mean you will on the last one if you’ve worked too hard.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Gym-It Is Nice To Have Privacy!

2009-12-01T20:22:00.003-07:00

If looking at long-term, serious fitness, a home gym needs
its own space. Apart from the privacy aspect, a
user-defined room is more likely to get used regularly.

One thing is for sure in this world and that is; nobody
wants to come visit or call until a non-interruptible
activity is started.

In fact, one might assume folk have forgotten where we
live, until we start exercising in the corner of our lounge
room. Then we just wish they would forget.

But apart from that, having your home gym separated means a
space can be created to suit you. Plus the much needed
time-out, you-time is achievable. Enjoying exercise time
means you’ll keep up with the routine.

A series of exercise stations can be positioned and mirrors
set on the walls for technique spotting. There will be
plenty of room for a multi-station home gym and other
equipment.

Also adequate area to stretch is very important. Charts,
technique pictures, and exercise reminders go on the walls
to help.

But more than anything, it is your space, your time, all
about you. Away from the pressures of the rest of the
house, interruptions, and embarrassment, you and your home
gym can be as one.

Having a unique space shows this is as important as any
other aspect of life. And well it should be, because with
proper use you and your home gym will live a long, healthy
life together.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Gym-From Begginer To Expert What Do You Need In A Home Gym?

2009-11-30T23:27:00.004-07:00

If a beginner or light user wanting to improve general
fitness, flexibility, manage weight and increase muscle
tone.

- Aerobic machine (step, elliptical, treadmill, bike)

- Dumbbells-lighter for overhead lifts and side lifts,
Heavier for lunges and squats

- Adjustable bench

- Fitness ball

- Exercise mat

- Enough space for stretches

Multi-gyms are also popular in home gyms for beginners. A
price to suit all levels and an instructional book are good
incentives. Plus being compact less space may be required.
Most likely price range: Under $500-$1000

Intermediate trainers are usually moving into more serious
strength building, focusing on muscle development.

- Dumbbells- full set

- Barbells and plates

- Strong exercise bench with a barbell rack

- More advanced multi-gym-or cheaper option used along with
free weights above Most likely price range: $1500-$2500

Advanced trainers are taking on the serious body building.
This is often combined with public gym sessions as well.

- Large and complex multi-gym

- Advanced free weights and bench Usually $3000 upwards

Consider the space you have carefully. Some machines are
designed for corners, and some have large extension ranges.
Don’t buy sight unseen.

Be sure to get all possible measurements, including any
possible attachments. If you have more than one person
wanting to exercise at the same time, a multi-station means
more than one person can work out at once.

Watch how you transport equipment like dumbbells, bar
plates, and free weights. They are heavy and will do
damage.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscramble"

Home Gym-Getting Started On The Exercises !

2009-11-28T19:51:00.004-07:00

Any complete exercise program has three main parts. Giving
the body a complete workout does not mean daily strenuous
exercise.

In fact, using a home gym, even in limited space, can put
you on the road to fitness.

Target your home gym to body needs. To burn fat effectively
regular cardio, heart/lung, workouts must be done. You
don’t have to run for two hours a day to get that.

A treadmill, stepper or bike is great. To burn fat, do
enough to break a light sweat.

If you can have a conversation with someone but not sing to
them, is about the right zone. Sustaining this level for at
least an hour is preferable. 3-4 times a week is enough.

As you get fitter, increase the speed or resistance at
which you work to maintain the fat burning level. Perfect
in the lounge corner while listening to music.

The second part is muscle conditioning. This is achieved by
resistance training, in slow controlled movements. Anything
adding resistance to a movement does this, weights,
push ups, rowing machine, for example.

Regular sets of repetitions, in which the resistance
increases and not the repetitions, can take as little as 30
minutes 3-4 times a week.

The third should come after warm up and cool down.
Stretching lengthens muscles and eases soreness. All of
this can be done in the comfort of your own home gym.
Consult your doctor before getting started in the home gym.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

The Top Two Things That You Need to About Home Gyms!

2009-11-25T02:09:00.002-07:00

So, a home gym is where you want to be at to improve
fitness. Great! Now, where on Earth do you start?

This decision will mainly be based on two things. Your
fitness level and amount of space you have. The fitter you
are the more challenging your home gym equipment, and
probably a separate space will be set aside.

Experts will need a full-on gym capable of many exercise
types.

Let’s start at the beginning: low fitness level, need
compact equipment because you only have a corner of the
lounge room. Needless to say, this will be at the lower end
of the cost scale as well, as low as $500 can start you
off.

Training needs to include aerobic fitness equipment, and
resistance training. Starting out with a stationary bike or
treadmill takes care of aerobics. For simple resistance
work dumbbells are a great option.

With a little more space, a home gym that combines a few
different exercises is the way to go. These are
freestanding units, usually with seated and standing work
catered for.

Pricing can go anywhere from $800-$5000 depending on size
and quality.

Buying new means you can sell it when upgrading. Most
people start small and then clear a spare room, attic, or
garage to set up larger home gyms with more variety.

A home gym set-up can happen with modest outlay and space
requirements, and added to gradually. Most levels of
fitness and financial capacity can be catered for.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Gym-High Price VS Low Price !

2009-11-23T01:02:00.003-07:00

If you’ve heard the saying, you get what you pay for, this
is certainly true with home gym equipment. It’s not all
high priced madness though.

Actually, the more costly the home gym means it will last
longer and be stronger. Unless you are wanting heavy duty
body-building, extremely high quality home gyms may be a
waste of money.

Finding a middle ground between affordability and quality
gives value for money. The general trend is to start up
somewhere between $500-$2000, get something with as much
training variety as possible, and think about long term
prospects.

- Will you always have space limitations? If so, paying
extra for foldaway equipment will be worth it.

- Is your home gym for specialized body building? Remember,
as you get stronger and heavier, the amount you can lift,
or pressure on machines increases also. Cheaper equipment
will break down under stress it isn’t designed for.

- Will there be enough variety to keep you interested?
Effective exercise is about cross training and working as
many muscles as we can in different ways. Moreover, boring
means less inclination to exercise.

Total gym is a good example of equipment that does all parts of
the body on one piece of equipment.

- Are you the only person who’ll be using it? Something
that suits you may not suit a partner, teenage child or
brother. Home gyms are a big investment, financially and
time wise.

Research sellers, friends/family who have home gyms, and
narrow down possibilities before you make any purchase.
Buying used is an option, but remember you have no
guarantees on previous treatment.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Why Have A Home Gym VS. The Public Gym?

2009-11-22T20:26:00.003-07:00

Why train at home rather than going the grind with a bunch
of like-minded people at the public gym?

Here are a few reasons:

- Cost- A gym membership for a year can seem costly against
buying equipment that will last longer.

- Privacy- If currently unfit it can seem more attractive
to train with privacy.

- Time restraints- Busy lifestyles may mean odd hours to
train, which may not fit into opening hours.

- No pressure- watching others train at a higher level can
sometimes put undue pressure on us to perform before
physically ready.

- Less complex- often, walking into a public gym can seem
overwhelming trying to work out which machine does what and
where to start.

- No waiting- At home you never need to wait for equipment
to be free.

- Convenience- no travelling, no packing gear, no shared
amenities, no forgotten water bottles.

Take care to eat well, and get good advice on safety.
Starting out can be on a small scale, and gradually build
up the equipment.

Never start out blind, without a sensible training plan and
correct technique. If you cause yourself an injury, or
don’t get the desired results, any effort will be wasted
and that can be disheartening. If overweight, or haven’t
trained in a while, a quick checkup at the doctor is
recommended.

Home gym offers many positive points, provided you get
proper advice beforehand. Buy good equipment, or be
prepared for cheaper to last a shorter distance.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Setting Up A Home Gym, Things To Consider !

2009-11-16T02:58:00.003-07:00

How hard can it be, I hear you ask. Setting up a home gym
doesn’t need to be hard, but you do need to be smart about
it.

The most effective equipment for the best possible price
may seem straight forward enough, but here a few things to
consider:

- Weight- Freestanding units are extremely heavy. Be sure
to check your floor type can bear the extra weight.

- Height-some pulley systems are quite high, so if you are
using a room in your home, check for clearance issues.

- Width- check how wide range of movement will be. Hitting
a wall with feet or hands is not what you want.

- Flooring- a cement slab in a garage is fine. But make
sure if you drop a weight it isn’t going to go through your
apartment or upstairs floor and kill Bob below watching TV
from the comfort of his armchair.

- Safety- Home gyms are fun for adults, do be sure children
cannot access the room, or you can fold and put equipment
away. In fact anyone who gets curious can easily injure
themselves if they haven’t used the equipment before.

- Correct assembly- know that the home gym will not turn up
at your door ready to go. Normally assembly will be
required and getting this wrong could not only void
warranty, but it puts the user at risk.

Be prepared and your home gym won’t present any annoying
surprises.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening - Finding Answers To Gardening Problems !

2009-11-12T23:38:00.003-07:00

Learning more about gardening can be fun and helpful. If you are
wanting to do gardening without using a lot of chemicals. There are
a lot of good books that can help you to learn more about how to do just
that.

To find out what things that you already have in your own kitchen to
help in the garden. Books that we recommend are by Jerry Baker, he
is considered to be America's Master Gardener.

These are a few of the topics that you will find useful to help your garden.

* Getting your garden ready for winter.
* Problem with pests on your plants.
* Keeping unwanted dogs and cats out of your yard.
* Problems with the plants and what can be done to help them.
* How to have it greener on your side of the fence.
* Composting and how it can help your garden.

If you are just doing flowers, vegetables or both-how can you make
them even better that they are now?

If you like bird, butterflies or other wild life that you would like to
see in your yard. How to attract them into your yard with plants
that you add to your yard?

Gardening makes for good curb appeal for your home. If you are
wanting to sell this is the first place to start. The outside of the home
is what people see first. If they do not like the look of the home from the
outside they will not even make it into the door to see how great the inside
is.

Now is the best time to learn more about gardening and how to put it to use
when spring comes and you want to plant. Enjoy the learning.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening - Now It Is Time To Store What Was Grown And Keep It As Fresh As It Can Be!

2009-11-12T01:37:00.004-07:00

There is something about going to your cupboard and getting
a jar of canned vegetables that you personally grew and
preserved before winter set in.

Growing a garden may take a lot of work but it is something
that you can enjoy all year long.

Canning and preserving everything you grow is not only safe
but it can be very enjoyable and rewarding.

When you successfully hear all of the jars seal after they
are done canning can give you a sense of accomplishment and
can make you feel great about what your family eats.

Canning is a process that has been passed down from
generation to generation. The only problem today is that
commercially canned foods have since then taken over and
become so affordable that it is actually cheaper sometimes
to buy vegetables and fruits from the market instead of
growing them yourself.

There are other ways to preserve your food. You may want to
consider freezing or dehydrating. When you freeze your
food, some of the food needs to be blanched before you can
freeze it.

You may also be able to wash the food off and place it in
freezer bags, jars or freezer containers made just for the
freezer.

Dehydration is another method that is being used to
preserve food. This process stops the progress of the food
where it is at and dries it at a steady temperature until
all moisture is gone from the food.

Then the food can be stored in a cool dry place for several
months.

What is good about canning the fruit and vegetables that
came from your garden is that you know what went into that
food. No chemicals. Only good food.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening Using The Right Tool For The Job!

2009-11-10T23:59:00.003-07:00

When gardening, you need to use the right tools in order to
make your garden grow. The more tools you use the quicker
and easier your fruits, vegetables, and flowers are to
grow.

Gardening takes a lot of time and effort to make a garden
grow to its maximum potential. It takes a lot of time and
dedication to grow a seed into a plant that produces
flowers or vegetables.

There needs to be caution taken when determining where you
want to start your garden. You will also need to consider
the depth of the soil that each plant will need.

Some plants are not buried deep in the soil but covered
lightly with soil in order to protect them while they grow.

Some important hand tools you will need for gardening
include a hoe, spading fork, a trowel, and a cultivator.

The hoe is used to work the soil and break it apart so you
can find it easier to plant. A spading fork is important to
help break the soil as well.

You need to use tools that best suits your garden. You may
need more tools than these or you may be able to use these
and that is all.

Tools can also be used to maintain the garden once the
seeds and plants have been planted. Working the soil can be
done weekly or more often if needed.

When working the garden regularly you will be able to tell
if you need to add more to your garden or if the plants are
growing like they should.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

The Importance Of Growing An Organic Garden !

2009-11-06T22:54:00.003-07:00

There are several ways people grow their own gardens but
the one that is becoming more popular is called organic
gardening.

Organic gardening is gardening naturally, without the help
of commercial fertilizers and other chemicals that are used
to help produce grow bigger faster. Growing fruits,
vegetables and herbs naturally may take some time but it
can be done.

When growing organic fruits and vegetables you may
need to be patient and creative but you can grow all your
fruits, vegetables and herbs organically.

There are other ways to get the same affect that
fertilizers give you. Taking care of the soil requires you
to work on it several times throughout the year so when you
are ready to plant you can ensure that your soil is rich
enough in vitamins and minerals to help seeds and plants
grow.

Composting can help fertilize your garden and make your
fruits and vegetables very healthy and hearty from the vitamins
and minerals. You will find simple tricks to use in order to
make your garden grow better.

When you teach your children to grow organically they can
enjoy the fact that they can pick fresh fruits and
vegetables right off the vine and eat it right away. With
chemicals you must wash your food thoroughly in order to
get the chemical off of the food.

You may find that inhaling the chemicals may also cause you
to feel bad and make it difficult to breathe if you are
suffering from allergies. Plants can grow great on its own
they just need time and a little tender loving care.

There are ways to take care of the bugs that might come into
your garden without the use of chemicals. For a good source of
information on gardening without chemicals look for America's
Master Gardener, Jerry Baker . He has many good books on
gardening using things that you have around the house already.

This is one of his many tonics that he uses with great success:

Dead Bug Brew

1/2 cup of dead insects ( the more, the merrier!)
1 tbsp of liquid dish soap
1 tbsp of cayenne pepper
2 cups of water

Put all of the ingredient in an old blender ( and I mean
really old), and puree the heck out of them. Strain out the
pulp using cheesecloth or panty hose. Dilute the remaining brew
at a rate of 1/4 cup of brew per 1 cup of water. Apply with a handheld
mist sprayer to flowers, vegetables, and shrubs to the point of runoff.

Check them out for yourself. He is very entertaining as he give the
information. Enjoy the read, we have.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening Gift Make The Best Gifts For Those That Have Everything !

2009-11-05T22:22:00.005-07:00

When it comes to gift giving nothing is more valuable than
a gift that can be enjoyed for years to come and supplies
satisfaction with every bite.

Gardening gifts are very popular and they are less
expensive than buying something for someone that they
probably would not use.

When you give gardening gifts you can personalize that gift
to suit the interest of the one receiving the gift.

For example, if someone enjoys cooking and eating Italian
dishes, you may want to give them an indoor herb garden
that features herbs such as oregano, basil, and cilantro.

You can add other herbs that would be great to compliment
any Italian dish. This gift will allow them to enjoy their
Italian dishes more because they can use the fresh herbs
instead of the dried herbs bought at the stores.

Another great gardening gift would be to buy a mini
greenhouse and stock it up with plant seeds, watering can
and soil that they can put together when they are ready to
grow their own garden.

They may be able to plant enough seeds to sow an entire
garden for the planting season and your gift may give them
enough food to can and preserve throughout the winter.

Gardening gifts is a great way to let someone know how much
you care about them. It is simple but can last them as long
as they want to grow their own food.

Herbs also have another benefit to them. They can be used
in teas, foods and other ways in order to help heal the
body of ailments that may be causing pain or discomfort.

What better way to add some life to someones home. Gardening
can add to peoples lives. Your gift can be for inside the house or outside
the house. So many things to choose from. Enjoy.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Indoors And Outdoor Flower Gardens

2009-11-04T00:47:00.005-07:00

There is nothing that brightens your day anymore than
looking at freshly arranged flowers that were just picked
that day.

You put them into a clear vase and set them on a table to
enhance the beauty of your dining room.

The best thing about that is you were the one who grew the
flowers yourself so the arrangement did not cost you a
dime.

If you have never grown your own flowers but would like to
get started doing so you may find that growing flowers is
not only easy to do but it is relaxing and refreshing every
time you see a bloom.

There are some flowers that may be hard to grow. That would
include your seasonal flowers that only bloom during
certain times of the year, like Christmas cactus.

You may wonder if you are doing everything you are suppose
to do until you see it bloom. Gardening flowers can also be
profitable.

If you grow flowers successfully you may be able to enter
flower contests to win money and ribbons.

You may also be able to sale fresh arrangements at a flea
market or your local flower shop. When you grow flowers you
always have a gift to give someone who is lonely,
depressed, just had a baby, someone who has been in a
hospital or for someone's birthday.

Flowers can say a lot and when you give flowers you can
give the most valuable gift of time. Flowers are a
wonderful way to uplifting spirits, including your own.

Flowers can be grown indoors or outdoors. Fall is a good
time to start an indoor flower garden.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

How To Create Your Own Botanicals ?

2009-10-31T06:36:00.004-06:00

If you like botanical prints.

This is a place that shows how to make your own with real flowers and frames.

These can add to the look of any home. What beauty they have. For the lesson go here.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Growing A Herb Garden Can Be Done Inside Or Outdoors

2009-10-30T22:39:00.003-06:00

You may use them every time you cook but you may not
realize how easy it is to grow your own.

When you plant a garden of herbs you can enjoy fresh herbs
with your meals everyday.

This herb garden can be moved indoors when the weather gets
to cold for it to be out doors.

Because herbs are great when they are grown indoors it does
not matter when you decide to start your herb garden.

The main thing you need to remember is that herbs need
great soil, good lighting, and a warm temperature in order
to grow successfully.

If you can provide these three ingredients and add a little
time you can enjoy fresh herbs conveniently and easily
right from your own herb garden.

Some of the more popular herbs to grow include: Chives,
Oregano, Cilantro, Basil, and Parsley but you can grow any
combinations of herbs that you wish to grow.

To get started in your herb garden you need to find a nice
spot in your home that provides warmth and light. If you
have a problem locating a place try using artificial
lighting in order to make your herb garden grow.

With artificial lighting you can put your herb garden
anywhere you would like. Next you need a pot or box to
plant your herbs in. Add your soil, fertilize it if
necessary and then add your herbs to it.

Always add enough water to give your seeds a good start and
then water as often as needed. Check to make sure that the
light is not too much for the herbs but it is enough to
supply light to the herbs in order to make them grow.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening To Help Your Food Budget !

2009-10-30T00:45:00.003-06:00

Watching 'Little House on the Prairie' gave us a sense of
what life use to be like a long time ago when there was no
grocery store to stop in at on your way home from work in
the evening.

We would see Charles breaking the soil with a plow and his
team of horses and almost fall asleep while eating his
dinner.

Working hard to produce their food was necessary. If they
didn't work to produce their own garden they may not have
enough food to get them through for the winter.

Over the years, as times changed, it has become possible
for grocery stores to offer foods to consumers for less
money than what it would cost to grow it themselves.

Because of that most people do not have to grow their own
garden for food because of the affordable prices. There are
some that find that growing a garden is still necessary for
their own personal reasons.

Growing a garden may be a way of life for some. If you grow
up producing a garden every year you soon learn all the tips
and tricks that you can pass down to your children.

Raising a garden for your main source of food requires a
lot of work and some expense involved as well. In the end
you can enjoy everything from your garden all year long by
preserving them.

When you harvest your food you can save seeds from your
vegetables so you can use them next year to plant with.
This will save you money in the long run because purchasing
seeds and plants can be a big expense.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Teaching Children About Gardening!

2009-10-28T23:16:00.003-06:00

There are several different kinds of gardening; plants,
flowers, trees, fruits, herbs and more.

Gardening is very important to everyone because everyone
needs to eat in order to stay alive.

A garden can be any size that you want it to be. You can
have a box outside your window with a few plants in them or
you can have acres of land as a garden.

Gardening can be done in different seasons, depending on
your climate and where you live. Grown ups can grow a
garden that will produce fresh vegetables to eat for dinner
or to can or preserve so they can be eaten during the
winter.

Children need to learn about gardening for several reasons;
it can teach them where food can come from, it can teach
them how plants grow from seeds to plants that produce, it
can also teach them other things like patience as they
watch the garden grow.

Gardening also gives the kids a chance to get outdoors and
do something that is productive and fun.

Allow your child to go with you to buy supplies that are
needed for their garden. You may even want to start them
out in a pot or a box outside that they can plant a few
plants in.

Some of the items you will need to purchase would be soil,
seeds, hand held garden tools, a watering can and some
fertilizer if needed.

Have your child read the directions on each package and
notice how everything is grown differently.

For example, cucumbers are barely planted under the ground
while carrots need to be planted deeper. Knowing the depth
of each seed will ensure that your child's garden will grow
accurately and productive.

They also need to know how much water and sunlight for the plants
to grow as they should. If they over water the plants they will not grow.
If they do not get enough or to little sunlight they will not grow as they
should.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening Indoors And Outdoors In A Small Space!

2009-10-26T18:33:00.003-06:00

Sometimes you may not have access to a wide open field to
plant a garden in but you still want to enjoy gardening and
eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Growing a garden inside can allow you to produce fresh
fruits and vegetables any time of year because you can
control the climate that the plants need to grow.

This is the AeroGrow, there are others that you can choose
from. It comes with a grow light. It is good for an indoor
herb garden. If you have more than one you can grow
many different kinds of plants, vegetables or flowers.

There are several different ways to grow fresh fruits,
vegetables, and herbs inside.

You may want to use pots to grow your garden, a flower bed
outside of your window or your front porch or you may be
able to find a mini greenhouse that you can set up on your
front porch or in your front room that faces the sun so
that your plants will grow in a warm and well lit
environment.

Grow boxes are a great way to use a small space to grow things.

Container gardening also works very well.

This is an outdoor greenhouse. This can work inside or out.
If it is used inside the house you will need to put it where it
gets a lot of light or use grow lights.

To grow your garden in a box is simple. Go to the store and
find a square box, a round galvanized tub or anything like
that where you can place soil in with a little depth.
Gather all your seeds and planting supplies in order to
grow your garden.

Because of the limited space you will not be able to grow a
complete row of vegetables but you will be able to put
fresh vegetables on your table occasionally.

You may want to dehydrate your vegetables as they grow so
that you can preserve them and eat them later when you have
a craving for something from the garden.

Even if you cannot grow a big garden there are other ways
to get what you want from a garden without paying a lot of
money for it.

Sometimes it is good to have things grow Up like in the video
above. Sometimes using shelves like in the mini greenhouse.
Containers also work very well. Use the space that you have
to your best use. Mix flowers in with the vegetables and what
a beautiful site that is.

Use some thought and you can have a wonderful garden indoor
or outdoors, even in a small space.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Gardening Can Be A Way To Relax !

2009-10-25T05:59:00.003-06:00

When you find a hobby that interest you it can be a way to
relieve stress or to get away a little while from your
troubles.

Hobbies can build self esteem and give you something that
you can accomplish on your own and for yourself. Gardening
is also considered a hobby for some.

There are several reasons why gardening can help you relax.
Usually you feel better if you can separate yourself from a
stressful situation and that can be accomplished by doing
something that you like.

Gardening can build self confidence and it can raise self
esteem. When you grow a garden you can feel satisfied
knowing that you created something important and special.

Gardening can also get you out of the house in order to
enjoy the fresh air which is very healthy.

Gardening can be done outdoors or indoors, depending on
where you live and your physical limitations. Even those
with disabilities can benefit from gardening in several
ways.

Gardening can be easy to do and it may have a positive
affect on someone who is normally depressed or sad. They
may feel like they are unable to succeed in anything or low
self esteem.

Gardening for themselves can instill all of the positive
feelings that someone may need to get them back on track.
Watching something grow has a positive affect on everyone,
but especially the one that is growing the garden.

Growing a garden inside during the winter months is a great
way to beat the winter time blues.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Learn More About The Abigail Adams Project !

2009-10-23T19:34:00.004-06:00

Politics is not what we do normally on this blog. But this is important. We thought that it is worth putting on the blog.

If you are looking for a site that gives you information on all the issues and people that are running for office Local, State, or National. this site has the information.
* Go to Abigail Adams Project to learn more and get informed.

( Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams)
* If you like forum then check these out.
* If you want to learn things about history, patriots reading list, featured books, freedom documents and even videos- go to resources .
*If you want to learn about the issues, go to HFA issues . To learn about education, economy, taxes, media, social security, moral issues, support the troops, Government, war on terror, international affairs, freedom of religion, citizenship, great American Hoaxes, health care. This is the place to learn more about these things.
* To become a member of the Abigail Adams Project , then this is the place.
* To become a member of HFA ,then this is the place.
* Learn about the candidates for voting , this is the place to go. If you want to know whats up with congress, then this is better than CNN.

As you can see it has a lot to learn from on this site. This is what they are all about. Right from the site. If you want to know this is the place to go to.

Homemakers for America is currently working on the Abigail Adams project which is a research and development project that will compile a data base of information on who your elected leaders are and where they stand on the issues. In election cycles this database will include information on the Candidates running in your state and local area, where they stand on the issues and where they will be speaking.

It is our on-going mission at HFA to keep you informed and up to date on issues, candidates and your elected leaders. With that in mind, we have come upon some great sites to help you along the way. This section of the site will continue to develop so eventually you will be able to clink on your state or local community to access this information. Until that time, we feel the following sites will be of great value to you and help you be an informed voter in the United States of America.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Trouble Shooting A Problem With Your Home Cinema!

2009-10-21T23:36:00.005-06:00

The home cinema will certainly keep you home more often.
You can forget about those long ticket lines and sitting in
a large crowd.

However, there are some common problems that can be run
into when you have a home cinema. Here is just one of them:

Sound quality - If you are experiencing poor sound quality,
does this necessarily mean that the merchandise you bought
has a defect? No, not all of the time.

The first thing you should do is check the speakers’ wiring
to make sure they are properly connected at both ends. If
that proves that nothing is wrong, then you may have a
problem with the speaker or the amplifier.

The best way to trouble shoot and determine the problem
is to hook up the speakers to the stereo. If the sound comes
out great, then you have a problem with the amplifier.
If there is very little improvement, your problem is with
the speakers.

Another reason that you may be having a sound problem is
that the system is not compatible with the television that
you have. This should have been checked out before you
bought the system, but since the problem is there, you
should have a professional take a look.

It just may be that your speakers are grounded. You cannot
miss this problem because there is a hum coming out of your
home cinema system.

There are several reasons this can happen: ground loops,
bad cables, improper grounding and faulty equipment that is
caused by an electronic motor or a dimmer.

Poor wiring or speakers, grounding or even incompatibility
are just a few of the problems you may run into which can
affect the sound of the home cinema system. The minute you
notice any problems, do not panic, but instead try to
isolate the problem. Trouble shooting the problem can help you
when the person comes to fix it.

Once that you have found out the problem, call a pro to come
take care of the problem that you are having. That way you can
continue to enjoy your home cinema. What a great way to spend
time with your family. All the hours of joy that you can have with
your own home cinema.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Lets Go To The Movies In Our Home Cinema!

2009-10-21T00:09:00.004-06:00

Home cinema is a term used synonymously with home theater.
It helps to make you feel just as if you were in a movie
theater as it seeks to reproduce cinema quality picture and
sound.

Technically speaking, a home cinema could be as easy to
arrange as a television, DVD and some speakers.

It is fairly hard to specify what the difference is between
a -home cinema- from a regular television and stereo.

Most consumer electronics experts agree that a -home
theater- integrates a high-quality picture with surround
sound.

If you happen to have a home cinema, you are trying to
capture a real -cinema experience-. Therefore, you would
need a higher sophistication and quality set of components
over that which an average television can provide. Setting
up a home theater would include getting the following
part:

1. Input devices - You should have one or more video/audio
sources. HD ,DVD or Blue-ray are preferable.

2. Processing devices - A stand alone AV receiver can be
chosen or perhaps you would prefer a Preamplifier and Sound
Processor. The choice is yours.

3. Audio output - You must have anywhere from 2 to 11
speakers with an additional sub woofer.

4. Video output - You must have a large HDTV display. There
are several options to choose from: Liquid crystal display
television, plasma TV, video projector, CRT TV or a
rear-projection TV.

5. Atmosphere - In order to improve the cinema feel, you
should have comfortable seating and organization.

There you have it! These are the basic things to have when
you consider having a home cinema. Pretty soon you’ll be
saying, -Let’s go ‘in’ to the movies!-

You can make it as plain or fancy as you would like.

It is just time to enjoy the movies at home.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Compair Between The Home Cinima And Going To The Movie Theater To See The Movie !

2009-10-18T22:14:00.003-06:00

Let’s face it; we all love to go to the movies. What would
the advantages be of having a home cinema over going out to
the movie theater? Here are several for you to think about:

Ticket cost - The price of a movie ticket these days seem
to be like the gas prices - they are constantly going up.

A family of five is going to have to part with about $40
just to see a movie once!

Food cost - You can add a minimum of $20 for just the basic
popcorn and drink. In your own home cinema, you can have
whatever snacks and drinks you wish and not have to worry
about the inflated beverage and food surcharges.

Cleanliness - The floor at the local movie theater is
littered with popcorn kernels, sticky soda pop residue and
you may even find wads of bubblegum on the chairs and the
floor just waiting to be sat in or stepped on. Your home
cinema can be as clean as you like it.

Comfortable seating - Seating at the theater is space for
attendance and not for comfort. In the typical home cinema,
comfort is the key.

You can lean back in an overstuffed leather theater
recliner and not have to worry about rubbing elbows with
your neighbor!

No cell phones - I am sure you have been to the movies and
seen some teens chatting on their cell phones. Even though
the theater asks you to turn off all cell phones and
pagers, you can hear someone’s phone ring at just the
critical part of the movie. There will be none of that in
your own home cinema.

These are just some of the advantages of having your own
home cinema. Can you think of any more?

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

This Is A Post To Spread The Word!

2009-10-17T00:25:00.004-06:00

This To help spread the word that they are trying to get donations to help stop hunger. One garden at a time.

This is the blog that you can visit if you would like to help: crush hunger . We can all help with this one.

Lets all get behind this to help others learn how to feed themselves and maybe others as well with gardens.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Some Accessories To Add To Your Home Cinema !

2009-10-16T23:22:00.004-06:00

Accessories can make a big difference. Don’t leave out the
home cinema when it comes to accessorizing.

Whether you wish to implement a full-scale themed motif or
just want to put a few extras in your home cinema, just
realize that even small things do make a difference.

Dream a Little Theme - Themed home cinemas are growing more
and more popular. Your themed home cinema should make a
statement about your personality.

Let your creative juices flow and try to be original.

Working with Walls - The walls of your home cinema will
allow for easy and inexpensive space for your theme
development.

You could add framed posters from some of your all-time
favorite movies. Illuminated frames and cases can be an
enhancement to any poster.

If you wish to keep the sound from bouncing all around the
room, then one accessory you could add to the walls would
be acoustic paneling.

Bring up the Lights - Creative lighting will add a
tremendous effect to you home cinema. You can turn your
ceiling into a dramatic and starry universe with a
fiber-optic Star Kit that is available from HTMarket.com.

It is easy to install and not that expensive. You may also
wish to add atmosphere to your home cinema by placing
accent sconces and floor lamps in strategic places.

Completely Floored - You can choose your carpet based on
the overall theme of your home cinema. Carpeting will also
help with the acoustics of your home cinema.

If you are working with a limited budget, think about
installing carpeting on the ceiling and the walls of your
cinema to minimize reflection.

This is just some food for thought when it comes time to
accessorize your home cinema.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Choosing The Seating For Your Home Cinema!

2009-10-14T21:18:00.004-06:00

When thinking about your home cinema, you want to make sure
that you and your guests are comfortably seated before the
movie starts.

You certainly do not want to be sitting in a hard, straight
backed chair or a sofa that you sink up to your eyeballs
in! The most important feature to consider when picking out
your home cinemas accessories is seating.

Once again there are many styles and colors to choose from.
Some seating can be quite pricey, so, again, you must work
with what your budget will allow.

When you are choosing seating for your home theater, you
should also consider whether you would like to have cup
holders or not.

It is certainly a convenience to have a cup holder, but
wouldn’t it be possible just to set your drink on the
floor? Ah, yes, then there is the inconvenience of having
to bend over to pick up your cup and missing a critical
part of the movie!

If you are not concerned about the price, you could
consider getting a cushioned rocker. You can purchase
either a velour or Nusuede rocker for about $1,250.00, and
a leather rocker will run you about $1,800.00 for a single
chair.

If you may be considering alternative seating, children or adults
that might be bigger in size, choose what suites your needs you
may want to go with an Apollo or Aurora ottoman in either
doeskin or leather. A bean bag chair for the children to use.

The price of the Aurora is about $370.00 which would be
easy on the pocketbook if you are on a budget. The price of
the Apollo is somewhat more at $912. Leather will cost you
a little more.

There is a wide range of seating choices that you can find
on the Internet. Make sure that you find seating that is
totally -you-!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Tips For Setting Up The Projector For Your Home Cinema!

2009-10-13T21:55:00.003-06:00

In order to capture the greatest cinema experience, you
should give some thought as to where you shall place the
projector.

There are basically three ways that you can set up your
projector. They are: table top, ceiling mounted or wall
mounted.

Make sure that when you buy your projector that it is able
to be mounted as you want.

Table top - Does the projector match the decor? Is the
noise that the projector makes low enough? Do you think
that the projector will be suitable for the screen size?

Ceiling mount - You must first make sure the mount fits the
type of ceiling you have - vaulted or flat. Is it fairly
easy to install the cables and the power that is required?

Do you need to have a mount with a quick release? Are you
able to move the mount in various positions? Mounts will
vary in drop height from the base. This may give you some
idea as to how low from the ceiling your projector must be.

Wall mount - This can be similar to a ceiling mount or you
can have a special AV rack.

These are some things to consider when you are wall
mounting:

- Can the mount support the projector’s weight?

- Is it able to be adjusted for sideways and height
movement?

- Will the mount fit in with the decor of the room?

- Will the location you have chosen for the projector
produce the desired screen size?

When building your home cinema, positioning the projector
is critical in order to you to have a wonderful experience.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Cinemas In A Box Ready To Go!

2009-10-12T21:56:00.004-06:00

Many high-quality home cinemas are put together from
component pieces that are purchased separately in order
give the home cinema enthusiast the best combination of
equipment with regards to cost.

It is possible to buy everything you need to set up your
home cinema in one convenient box.

This will usually include a set of speakers in order to get
the surround sound effect, an amplifier and tuner in order
to adjust the volume and select video sources and sometimes
even a DVD player.

Even though these kits fall far short when you compare it
to a home cinema that is custom-built, you have to admit
that they are inexpensive as well as easy to set up. You
only have to add a TV and some movies in order to have a
simple home theater.

Some home cinema enthusiasts will have a dedicated room in
their home just for a home cinema. These advanced
installations usually include acoustic design elements that
are very intricate.

It includes a "room-in-a-room" construction which isolates
the sound and provides an almost ideal listening
environment.

These more sophisticated installations are often called
"screening rooms".

A person who is completely involved in home cinema can even
go so far as to completely recreate an actual movie
theater.

They can have a projector which is enclosed in a projection
booth, specialized seating can be bought, a person could
have a theater organ or a piano and curtain hanging in
front of the projection screen.

Throw in a popcorn or snack machine and you will feel that
you are actually in the movie theater! What an experience.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Home Cinema, How To Choose The Best One For YOur Home?

2009-10-11T21:37:00.003-06:00

Choosing a home cinema can be a difficult task as there are
so many brands available. This will help you gain a little
insight as to how to choose the best home cinema for you
within your budget.

Display - It seems that the most popular and least
expensive option is to choose a CRT TV. Many experts agree
that this option will give you the best picture quality. A
28 inch screen is best. However, realize that other options
are available.

DVD player - Make sure that you get a good DVD player, and
make sure that it is able to read most disc formats. Be
wary of inexpensive DVD players and brands that you have
never heard of.

Sound system - If you do not know what you are doing, it
may be very difficult to attain the perfect sound. The best
solution is to get a theater-in-a-box.

They are not only easy to install, but you will have all of
the necessary sound components. If you are buying each
component separately, you have other factors to consider.

Where exactly will you be putting your sound system? Is
your room big enough to accommodate large speakers and a
heavy subwoofer? Will it blend in with the surroundings?

About the speakers - The only thing you need to know is
that you must have a center speaker, at least two rear
speakers and also a subwoofer.

Where will you buy your home cinema - The first thing to do
is to make use of the Internet to check out different
prices. Check for stores around you and see if you can get
a demonstration of a home cinema.

Shop around and you will surely be able to find the best
home cinema that is within your budget.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

The Making Of A Home Cinema?

2009-10-10T01:18:00.003-06:00

You home cinema should combine the features of a video and
an audio system in order to replicate an actual movie
theater in your own home. The home cinema is becoming
increasingly popular today.

You classic home cinemas should consist of a large,
high-class HDTV - capable television. You may rather have a
video projector.

The quality audio system is achieved with a high fidelity
surround sound system. It contains at least 4 speakers as
well as a subwoofer in order to have the proper sound
effects.

Your home cinema consists of a proper arrangement of a TV,
DVD, VCR and a set of speakers. The home cinema is supposed
to mimic the natural movie house situation.

There are all types of ‘home cinemas’ on the market today
which differ in size, capacity and, of course, price. You
should do a thorough assessment first and then purchase
your home cinema system.

The sky can very well be the limit as far as home cinemas
go, so make sure that you stick to your budget.

You can get a great deal of information about home cinemas
on the Internet. This Information Highway will get you full
information regarding different models, different makes,
features of different models and much more.

Before actually purchasing a home cinema, you should know
about the different components that you are going to need
for your home cinemas such as a TV, screen, receivers,
amplifier, speakers and more.

There is a great deal to consider when you are thinking
about constructing a home cinema within your house. The
best advice to follow is -Think before you leap!-

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

The Home Cinema Is Composed Of These 3 Things !

2009-10-07T23:34:00.004-06:00

Your home cinema is basically composed of receivers, a
screen, speakers and amplifiers. We will look at each
component in depth.

Receivers - This is the very heart of your home cinema
because all of the other parts are connected or wired to
it. The receiver works as your controller.

If you select a low-quality receiver, this can jeopardize
the pleasure of your home cinema system. The receiver
should hold digital or optical audio ports and should even
be able to adapt to the older style cabling.

The price of your receiver will depend upon its amplifier
supremacy as well as its detailed feature set. You want to
make sure to always buy a good quality receiver. This will
ensure that you have a wonderful home cinema experience.

Screen - Another vital component of a home cinema system is
the screen. There are basically four types of screens:
permanent, portable, manual pull down and electric. Each
screen has its good and bad points.

Speakers - The speakers for your home cinema convert
electric signals into sound. You will be able to reproduce
quality audio by having a hi-fi surround system.

Amplifiers - Another way to look at your amplifiers is by
saying they are the minds of the home cinema.

Most amplifiers can be distinguished by several
characteristics such as gain, slew rate, settling time and
aberrations, output dynamic range, bandwidth and rise time,
noise and efficiency and linearity.

There are a lot of different model to choose from so be
careful when you make your selection.

These are the basic components that you will need to have
when setting up your home cinema.

Have a great day.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

What We Can Learn From Interior Desingers That Decorate Restaurants ?

2009-10-06T23:15:00.006-06:00

More Americans dine out each week than participate in
any other form of entertainment today. Americans now
eat more meals away from home and dining has become
what people do to relax, unwind or have a good time.

A trip to Europe proves the opposite. Meals there are
served much later and have a more celebratory air
about them. People are more involved in conversation
and the dinner is more of an event than a way of life.

Sometimes food and service aren’t enough. Our taste is
only one of our senses. People who dine out want to
eat in an environment that is both welcoming and warm.

The interior design aspects used in restaurants differ
from those designs used in homes and other businesses.

Interior designers use sight and sound which accompany
the smell and taste of the food. Colors and lighting
not only make the patron comfortable, they are
designed to make the customer hungry.

Colors affect us physically and psychologically so
often an interior designer is more apt to use a
saturated red. It is a warm color and is the most
energetic.

It is most often used in restaurants and even kitchens
because red enhances food and makes us hungry.

Color is not the only aspect important in decorating a
restaurant. Comfort is key. Plush, comfortable seating
with a softer light will encourage people to eat more.

They find themselves comfortable and are more apt to
relax, eat and drink more.

What can we learn from the interior designer that does the
decor in restaurants? How can we make our own kitchens
better for our homes from these designers?

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

School For Staging A Home!

2009-10-04T19:37:00.005-06:00

There is a different kind of school that might interest those
that like interior design. It is for staging a home for sale.

Staging a home for sale, if the home is empty you want people
to see what it would look like with furniture in it. It helps the
home to sell better to have furniture in the home.

You might use some of the furniture that the client has or
come up with all of it yourself.

You give the client the best look for the home. Show of all the
good points about the home. Down play the bad points or make
them into a plus if you can.

You are there to help sell the home to people that walk through it.
People can see what it would look like with furniture in the right
places would look like, to make it look the best that it could be.

You also have lighting, art, and plants to make the rooms look
cozy and warm.

Change a few things like wall color if needed. Change out the hardware
in the kitchen. This makes the home look better to the person that
might buy the home.

Haverhill is an online school for staging a home. Check it out for yourself.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Add A Touch Of Class To Your Home!

2009-10-03T23:25:00.004-06:00

This is a great place to get some really beautiful items for your home. What elegance it can add to your home. Shopping from home and getting this kind of lovely things. Check it our at
Touch Of Class

What a great and classy look for the home.

Create a great look for any room with a touch of class.

Enjoy the great looks. Check it out for yourself. Enjoy the window
shopping as you visit the site.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

If You Want To Do Interior Desgin As A Profesion, Find A School?

2009-10-03T18:52:00.003-06:00

There are many schools that teach the art of interior
design. Not only in the U.S., but also worldwide.

There are even at home Internet courses available to
help you get your degree in interior design. New York,
Chicago and San Francisco all have top interior design
programs at their colleges.

And what better place to attend a school than where
trends are hot and where you can get a challenging and
comprehensive curriculum that gives you experience
with both residential and contract design.

As with many career subjects, there are different
degrees available to the interior design student. You
can start with a certificate, move to an associates,
then a bachelors and a masters degree.

Each one is harder to get and takes more time and more
money. But the exciting career you will have waiting
for you when you graduate are well worth every dollar
spent and hour dedicated to the courses.

You can also choose an area of specialty in which you
want to work. It is important however to keep the
options open because one never knows what the job
market will be like.

It is better to know more about more than just one
small specialty. Then you can move to the area where
there are more jobs in demand.

Most people will specialize in either residential or
business interior design though. There are pluses to
all of these, but with residential, you must be keyed
in on your customer and their lifestyle.

You won’t want to design an interior the way you would
want yours. It may not fit your client’s lifestyle.

Even furniture stores have interior designers to help the customers
out with the things that they are in need of. There are many
choices in this field.

Have you thought about this as a way to make a living?
What are your thoughts? We would like to know, leave
a comment.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Interior Design That Helps You Go Green!

2009-10-02T01:19:00.008-06:00

With so much of the country these days working on ways
of saving our planet and "going green" it is not
surprising that green has found its way into interior
design.

A building cannot be green on the outside without
being on the inside. Energy conservation is a key step
to going green so it only seems fitting that the first
step to a green interior design is to plan rooms with
energy sensitive lighting.

Green interior design can also reflect the energy a
home gives off and uses up. You want a home that can
be kept thermally comfortable while keeping the energy
consumption at a low.

Green methods of thermal comfort can include solar
heating units, thermostat set backs and good home
insulation.

Tankless water heaters can save you a lot of money
on heating your water only when you need it, not all
day long when you are not even home.

Insulating the home is one of the biggest money
savers, and many people don’t realize that going green
may also have tax deduction advantages.

The approach of insulation can be applied to newer
homes as well as older ones.

Do not forget the windows. If they are older replace them.
You get a lot of heat loss in the winter, summer time your cool
air goes out the windows.

Fine-tuning a green interior can take some work but it
can allow you to reduce energy costs without losing
design quality.

Additional ways to conserve energy in a home can
include covering walls with fabric gathered on a rod
at the top and bottom, using closets as buffers on
north or west walls, adding a heat lamp to a bathroom
to take the chill off on a cold morning, use thermal
wallpaper to insulate and using foil wallpaper to
reflect heat back into the interior.

Also, using filled bookcases on outside, non-mass
walls act as insulation, large decorative rugs,
tapestries or fabric wall hangings on outside non-mass
walls also add insulation.

There are many steps you can take to go green with
your interior design. A quick Internet search can give
you a lot of ideas.

We love comments to read please leave one.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

What Is Feng Shui Interior Design?

2009-09-30T22:36:00.004-06:00

Translated to English, Feng Shui roughly means
wind-water.

Feng Shui is essentially the art of arranging objects
to achieve harmony in the surrounding environment.

Not only is Feng Shui used in interior design, it is
used in choosing a place to live, a burial spot and
agricultural planning.

It is highly believed that Feng Shui has an effect on
health, wealth and personal relationships. Feng Shui
is a traditional Chinese practice.

Early Feng Shui interior design relied on astronomy to
find the symmetry between humans and the universe.

The early Chinese often used the celestial poles
determined by the pole stars to determine the north
and south. Feng Shui instruments dating back to 278
and 209 BC have been unearthed from tombs.

As practiced today, the goal of Feng Shui is to
situate the human designed environment on spots with
good qi.

Spots are determined by an axis in time. Feng Shui
teaches that areas that are not suitable for human
settlement should be left in their natural state.

Qi, pronounced Chi, literally means air. In Fung Shui,
Qi is the flow of energy and may be based on a form of
solar energy.

Polarity in feng shui is known as ying and yang.

This is the absolute balance between two entities. It
is the good and the bad, the living and the dead, and
is one of the key principals behind Feng Shui interior
design.

Most Westerners knew nothing about Feng Shui until
1972 when Richard Nixon visited The People’s Republic
of China.

New Age by western entrepreneurs then reinvented Feng
Shui. Feng Shui now speaks to the profound role of
magic, mystery and order in American life.

What are your comments? Please leave one.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

How To Change Your Home Into A Zen Home ?

2009-09-29T21:29:00.004-06:00

If you want to redesign your home into the Zen style,
there are key areas to start. Zen interior design
usually brings to mind scenes of peace and
tranquility, a link with nature and a minimalist
Japanese style.

Clutter and loud colors are not used, neither are
complex patterns, excess furniture or lots of
ornaments. Zen actually isn’t even a style at all. It
is best described as a pure state of being.

Many people think Zen is associated with the Japanese,
but its actual origin is from China. Zen can be
described as a branch of Buddhism that focuses on
meditation to gain enlightenment.

Zen is about inner awareness and true awakening of the
pure Buddha mind. Creating a Zen style in your home
can be easy. The mind must be brought into the correct
state of mind.

The focus is on the here and now, calmness, stillness
and on just being there.

The first step is to go through each room and clear
the clutter. Move out ornaments and knick-knacks.

In Zen, it is important to clear the clutter in order
to clear the mind. Be brutal when going through your
items.

What you decide to keep should serve a purpose. If you
don’t have the heart to get rid of something, store it
away out of sight.

Also, rid your home of any extra pieces of furniture.
This means walls, ceilings, and floors also. Anything
elaborate or fussy is not Zen.

Then it is time to think about color. Colors should be
soothing and calm, not loud or bold.

Have you put Zen into your home, how did you change
your home.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Taking A Look At Modern Interior Design For Your Home !

2009-09-27T18:20:00.003-06:00

Modern interior design has come into its own and the
distinct look can turn your home into a masterpiece of
aesthetic beauty without compromising practicality or
function.

Modern interior design often refers to mid-century
design. Many people mistake modern interior design
with contemporary interior design.

In fact, many interior designers borrow elements of
1960’s and 1970’s interior design. But this doesn’t
mean your house will be decorated with garish
wallpaper and upholstery.

The basics of modern interior design utilize new
materials and techniques. The most common
installations include metal, blown-glass and concrete.

Metal is typically used for accents and fixtures. Many
people think that the metal decor just adds coldness
to the room, but what it is used for is to enhance the
warmth of the nearby items.

The metal, glass and concrete create a simplistic
design for the modern home.

Blown glass can add a distinctive look to your home.
Pieces can be one of a kind and can add warmth and
depth as well as color. The pieces can make your
modern interior design look stand out.

Blown glass can be used in places such as light
fixtures, or as creative artistic sculptures. Colored
blown glass can fit into any decorating theme so a
piece can last through every decorating whim you may
have.

Decorative concrete can be finished numerous ways and
can add any number of effects. They are used in
floors, counter tops and furniture.

Many homeowners are not aware just how versatile
concrete can be in decorating a modern homes interior
design. Both inside and outside of your home.

How is it done?

And a different way that it can be done is like this.

What are your thought on the modern interior design
do you like it or not? Please leave your comments.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Change The Look Of Your Room And Stay On A Small Budget!

2009-09-26T01:01:00.004-06:00

Most of us today work hard for what we have and even
though it may not be the best decor, it is still ours.
What many don’t realize is that there are steps you
can take to redesign your interior on almost any
budget.

With a little hard work and a little know-how, you can
take what you have, add a little to it and make it
look like an interior designer came in and did a small
makeover.

You should always start by re-using existing items in
your home. This is where you will save a lot of money.

In fact, you wont spend any money at all. If you take
inventory of what you have and look at things in a
different light, you will see an all-new outlook on
your items.

Sometimes, things in our home become stagnant and we
are used to seeing them day in and day out.

Take those items and consider using them in a
different way. Try moving things around, give them a
good cleaning and find them a new home.

Paint can be your best friend when you are trying to
do interior design on a budget. Paint can totally
change the look of a room, and for only a few dollars
per room.

It just takes a little elbow grease and a little work
to make your old dingy room look new again. And white
is not the only color you can paint your walls.

Experiment with color. New paint cannot only change
the look of your room, but it can change the look of
the furniture you put in it, and the decor you add.

Change the look of the furniture by changing the fabric
on them. Slip covers, table clothes, through pillows, a new
area rug, and even re-upholster the furniture or refinish the
piece of wooden furniture.

What have you done to change the look of your rooms?
Have you reused some of the things in your room and still
changed the look of the room? Let us know what you did.
Please leave a comment, it helps everyone.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"