Remove Food Coloring From Wood

Splat! Your heart sinks. You just bumped the food coloring, and it burst all over your hardwood floor. This is not the first time your food coloring has taken on a suicide mission, and it probably will not be the last. Your floor now has a nice tinge of red from your food coloring spill. Someone might think this is a murder scene if they didn't know any better. What do you do now? Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Add dish-washing soap to one bucket. Pour hot water into each bucket.

2. Mix the dish-washing soap in the bucket until a lot of suds are formed. You will be using the suds for cleaning.

3. Dip a clean cloth in only the suds. Apply suds to the stained area. Let sit for 2 minutes.

4. Rinse area with a clean cloth with the hot water from the water-only bucket.

5. Add ½ cup distilled white vinegar to the water only bucket. Moisten your cloth with the mixture. Wring out the cloth so it is just damp. Wipe area with cloth. Dry area with a remaining clean cloth.

6. Use your wood polish and the last remaining clean cloth to polish the area.

Tags: clean cloth, area with, cloth with, dish-washing soap, dish-washing soap bucket, food coloring

Build A Pergola For Shade On A Patio

Toss out the umbrellas and move your chairs under a pergola for shade.

A pergola is an attractive addition to any outdoor living space. It adds dimension and charm to your landscape. When covered in vines, a pergola also provides protection from the hot afternoon sun. You do not have to be a master craftsman to create an inexpensive pergola for shade over an existing patio, and the size of the pergola can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. Most local home improvement stores can precut the lumber for you, making this project easier. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check to be sure that the area around the perimeter of your existing patio is level. Add fill dirt if needed to even out the site.

2. Dress up your pergola with beautiful hanging baskets.

Contact your local utility and cable companies to be sure that there are no hidden lines in the installation area. Check your local code office for any necessary building permits.

3. Make an outline for the pergola with string and stakes. Corner posts should be 8 feet apart on each side. Verify the measurement by measuring diagonally from both sides. The measurements should be the same.

4. Dig four corner holes for the footings, using a post-hole digger. Dig the holes 2-feet deep and 12-inches wide.

5. Paint or stain your pergola to match your existing outdoor decor.

Pour 3 inches of crushed gravel into the post holes. This will aid in drainage.

6. Ask an assistant to help you set the poles into the holes. Check to be sure the posts are even, using a level. Keep each corner post level by placing two diagonal bracing boards on the post at a 90-degree angle to each other. Attach the bracing boards, using a hammer and nails.

7. Pour one bag of concrete into the wheelbarrow and begin adding water and mixing. Each hole will use approximately four bags of concrete and 6 gallons of water. Mix thoroughly after adding each bag of concrete and while adding water slowly. The cement mixture should be the same consistency as peanut butter.

8. Create a shade canopy using climbing vines.

Pour concrete into a post hole. Do not fill the hole all the way full, but leave a 1-inch margin at the top to accommodate expansion and retraction. Using a shovel, turn the concrete in the hole as you fill to ensure there are no air pockets.

9. Install the other three posts in the same manner. Allow the concrete to set for 48 hours. Remove the brace pieces.

10. Position a step ladder just outside of one corner post and another step ladder outside of the opposite post. Ask an assistant to help you lift one of the 2-by-4-by-10-foot boards up and place it on the interior of one side of the pergola, flush with the top of the posts and the decorative curve facing downward. Adjust the board so that there is an even overhang on both ends. Attach the board to the posts, using exterior wood screws. Attach another 2-by-4-by-10-foot board to the other side in the same fashion.

11. Measure the distance from outside post to outside post. Cut two side beams out of 2-by-8-foot wood to fit on either side of the frame, using a circular saw. Attach the boards to the frame, flush with the post tops, using exterior wood screws and a drill.

12. Space the 12 2-by-4-foot boards on their sides evenly across the top of the frame vertically between the two decorative side pieces. Adjust the boards to have an equal overhang on each side. Attach the boards to the side pieces using exterior wood screws.

13. Paint or stain the pergola with a high-quality exterior finish to match your existing outdoor decor.

Tags: exterior wood, exterior wood screws, pergola with, using exterior, using exterior wood, wood screws

Rustic Room Decor

Rustic decor creates a relaxing room.

The rustic approach to decorating creates a room that's warm and welcoming for you and your guests. Furniture selections are based on comfort. The colors painted on the walls and the materials covering the furniture are cozy, while the decorative accents suggest a history within the room. This casual decor invites you to enter the room and relax. Does this Spark an idea?

Sofa and Chairs

A distressed brown leather sofa looks rustic and inviting.

Choose an overstuffed sofa upholstered in a deep red or rich brown leather. The finish can look distressed and worn, which works well with a rustic theme. Complement the sofa with a pair of overstuffed club chairs. Upholster them in leather to match the sofa, or consider a coordinating tapestry with warm earth tones to add patterns and texture to the room. Alternatively, try a love seat with just one club chair. The love seat should match the sofa.

Accents

Mission style oak accent tables make an excellent choice for either of the sofa and between the club chairs. Place a matching coffee table in front of the sofa, then arrange leatherbound books and a piece of hand thrown pottery on top of the table. Use several decorative pillows printed with Native American designs on the sofa. For accent lamps, choose a design with straight lines and an oiled bronze finish. Lamp shades crafted form mica or stained glass will add warmth to your room. Use dark willow baskets to collect magazines, craft supplies or pet toys.

Floor Coverings

Mexican or American Indian rugs are perfect accents for the floor.

A rustic room begins with dark hardwood plank floors. Add hand woven American Indian area rugs around the room, or try Mexican rugs as an inexpensive alternative. Mix the patterns and sizes while scattering them at angles throughout the area. Asian rugs will also work well if they're woven with dark colors.

Wall Treatment

Frame a collection of arrowheads to display on the wall.

A textured plaster finish on the walls is ideal. Paint the plaster a deep shade of green, red or gold for an inviting rustic look. Commercial kits are available that will mimic this look using different layers of paint applied to smooth plaster. Decorate the walls by hanging framed collections of arrowheads, vintage sepia photographs, weavings or a quilt.

Tags: American Indian, brown leather, club chairs, love seat, match sofa, with dark

Decorating Ideas For Bedrooms With Mission Style Furniture

Entrance to the Carmel Mission, California

The Mission style arose from two major design influences. It's namesake: The Catholic missions of the American West, and the Arts and Crafts movement that originated in England in the late 1800s. The Arts and Crafts movement honored simple, handmade objects. The plain furnishings of the California missions, designed by the austere Franciscan monks that founded them, were a perfect philosophical match with The Arts and Crafts movement's ideals. Does this Spark an idea?

Mission Furniture

Mission furnishings have little ornamentation and are primarily composed of straight lines and square and rectangular shapes. They are generally made of solid hardwoods and are stained, not painted. Most fine Mission furniture features wood with heavy grain patterns. These pieces are stained in light and medium colors to allow the wood grain to show through. Some Mission pieces are simply waxed or oiled and not stained in any way. Mission furnishings are generally joined with wood dowels, as opposed to metal screws. Seeing these dowels in a finished piece is a sign of the piece's authenticity. Mission furniture usually has fixtures of darker wrought iron.

Decorating Your Bedroom

Mission-style furniture is plain but can still be a source of drama. Often, this drama arises from the size and weight of the furniture. Many Mission pieces are quite large. If your bedroom is large, choose a strong Mission bed with headboard and foot board to dominate your space. An armoire or large chest can also make a statement in your bedroom. In a smaller space, choose Mission nightstands with a less imposing bed frame---perhaps one with delicate iron scrolling, and a bookcase or smaller item in the Mission style as an accent. The walls of your Mission-style bedroom should be a warm natural tone: cream or off-white. Textured plaster is the perfect backdrop for Mission style.

Accessories

The accessories in a Mission-style bedroom should accentuate the rich wood tones of its furniture. Lighting fixtures appropriate to the style generally have golden or off-white glass. If you would prefer a splash of color, Tiffany-style stained glass lights are particularly attractive with Mission furniture. The relatively plain nature of Mission furniture allows you to add colorful accessories and linens. Consider adding colorful Persian rugs, Indian silks or African Kente fabrics to your design.

Tags: Arts Crafts, Arts Crafts movement, Crafts movement, Mission style, bedroom should, Mission furnishings, Mission furniture

What Is Shaker Style Furniture

The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, often called "Shakers" because of their rituals of shouting, dancing and speaking in tongues, was a religious sect in the United States in the 1800s. Their communal lifestyle was an experiment in separation from the world. The Shakers believed in complete celibacy, so the order eventually died out except for 1 small Shaker community in Maine today. Shakers are best known for their furniture craftsmanship, with its simple and distinctive lines. Today, authentic Shaker furniture brings high prices in antique markets and good reproductions are popular. Does this Spark an idea?

Shaker History

The Shaker sect originally developed in Great Britain under Ann Lee, later referred to by members as "Mother Ann." After marriage and the death of 4 babies, Mother Ann came to believe that the root of all evil was sexual intercourse. She began to preach celibacy in marriage and, in 1774, led a group of followers to America. The Shakers believe in living simply and believed everything they did symbolized prayer to God. This was reflected in all their belongings, especially the furniture that today is seen as an artistic and beautiful form of craftsmanship.

Simple and Elegant

The Shakers believed in plain living and utility of objects. They loved to build and were perfectionists. Shakers saw every piece of furniture they designed and built as a way of serving God. Their furniture was simple and elegant with clean lines and no decorative or elaborate embellishments. Each item of furniture had a designated use. There was no furniture built simply for home décor. The Shakers typically used pine or other inexpensive wood for furniture. Even though all their furniture was simple, it is still possible to see differences in furniture from the different Shaker communities. Their invention of the circular saw revolutionized furniture production not only in the United States, but around the world.

Shaker Chairs

The Shakers are known for their tape seat ladder-back chairs. For these chairs, they used inexpensive cotton tape to weave the seats. They used a flat needle, which they invented, to weave the tape together to make the seats. Tape was sometimes used to weave the backs of chairs, also. The Shakers began mass production of ladder-back chairs in the late 1800s and even received a medal at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia for their chair design.

Shaker Tables

Shaker tables are lightweight and simple. They often took the trestle design and changed its ornate and heavy style into a beautiful pine table that stayed away from fussiness. Many Shaker tables reflect a farmhouse style, with simple legs and no carving or detail.

Authentic Shaker Furniture

Interest in the Shaker lifestyle and especially the furniture remains high in the United States today. A living history museum, Hancock Shaker Village, in Pittsfield, Mass., is a good example of the Shaker lifestyle and authentic Shaker furniture.

Tags: United States, authentic Shaker, authentic Shaker furniture, especially furniture, furniture simple, known their

Building Hot Tubs

Finding a Good Fit

If you want to build your own hot tub, you have choices. You can find a small, large or mid-size tub, whatever fits in your home and makes you happy. There's dozens of hot tub makers, too, and they offer all sorts of features. Some even allow you to choose the exterior of the tub deck and will complete the additional building required to install the tub. Other offer completely customized hot tubs, which are also a great value.

Going Custom

If you want exactly the right fit, you can go custom. You can actually build your own hot tub using plans and information from a custom hot tub company. It features CDs that show you build and install a hot tub. These cover everything from creating the hot tub shell or pool to building the deck and installing the motors. They can save you a lot on your hot tub, too.

Making the Shell

A hot tub shell is made of plastic and polymer or fiberglass. It is possible to build one yourself, but you are better offer just buying a shell from a factory or hot tub builder. The shell needs to be strong and comfortable, and it has many complex shapes. So making a form for one of these will take hours and may not be that cost-effective either.

Installing the Decking

If you buy a hot tub shell, you will probably buy the motor with it. This will come with installation instructions, so follow them carefully. You will need to install a deck, which can be made of wood or tile. Tile hot tubs are very nice because they last a long time and are easy to clean. They won't warp and resist rot much better than a wood deck. Wood will offer the value of added atmosphere, however.

Freestanding Tubs

The other option is to buy a standing, pre-built hot tub and simply put it in your home. This is the easiest way to enjoy a hot tub. You can even build a deck around it or simply enjoy the benefits of an in-home spa.

Tags: build your, your home

Things To Do In Tuscarawas County In Ohio

Tuscarawas County in Ohio is the location of various historical areas, including Schoenbrunn, which was the first Protestant settlement in the state. The simplicity and beauty of the Amish country in the area keep visitors coming back year after year to enjoy shopping and dining in New Philadelphia. With an array of options, Tuscarawas County is bound to have something for everyone.

Amish Country

Guests visiting the Amish country are sure to be astonished with their way of life. It's not uncommon to see a horse-drawn buggy making its way down the country road in Tuscarawas County. Guests can shop for beautifully handcrafted Amish furniture made out of solid wood, learn how cheese is made, browse a flea market, watch an Amish auction or shop for antiques. Guests staying overnight in the Amish country can enjoy the peace and quiet of one of the quaint bed and breakfasts in the area and visitors won't want to leave without dining Amish style on mouthwatering desserts and homemade bread.

Schoenbrunn

Located in the southeast corner of New Philadelphia, the Schoenbrunn village was established in 1772 as Ohio's first Protestant settlement. Surprisingly, the settlement quickly grew to include more than 300 people and 60 dwellings. The settlement tried unsuccessfully to stay neutral during the Revolutionary War and the village was abandoned in 1777. Today, the village of Schoenbrunn, a German word that means "beautiful spring," is a great place to learn about history. There are 17 log buildings still standing, the mission's cemetery, breathtaking gardens, a visitor center and a museum for guests to enjoy. Visitors can also pack a picnic lunch and eat in one the village's picnic areas.

Tuscora Park

It may not be a vast theme park, but visitors to Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia can enjoy various rides with a small-town feel. The antique carousel at the park has been in operation since the 1940s. The carousel is all-wooden, one of the few that still exist. A Wurlitzer-style 153-band organ offers music while 36 hand-carved jumping horses and two spectacular chariots move around 14 oil paintings original to the ride. In addition to the carousel, the public park operated by the New Philadelphia Recreation Department also has a kiddie coaster, Ferris wheel, batting cages, miniature golf and a train ride.

Tags: Tuscarawas County, Amish country, County Ohio, first Protestant, first Protestant settlement, Protestant settlement

Historical Craftsman Bathrooms

Tile is a hallmark of Craftsman bathrooms.

The Arts and Crafts Movement that influenced American architectural style from the 1890s through about 1930 was epitomized by Craftsman homes. They emphasized natural, man-made and locally produced materials to produce results that harmonized with their surroundings. Typical Craftsman-influenced home styles included the bungalow and the two-story American Four Square. Craftsman home interiors were no less impressive, with historical Craftsman bathrooms containing tile in large amounts to impart a high-end appearance for their day. Does this Spark an idea?

Fixtures

American Craftsman homes eventually began to emphasize heavy, bright chrome on faucets. Chrome was somewhat new and a bit expensive in the early 1900s. Use of chrome for Craftsman bathroom fixtures negated the need to polish them, though polished brass was used as well. Craftsman bathrooms also featured white enamel for sinks, tubs and toilets. Later Craftsman homes often featured pastel porcelain fixtures in turquoise, peach and lemon.

Floors

Craftsman homes' bathroom floors almost always featured ceramic tile produced by local manufacturers. The ceramic floor tiles' finishes were very glossy and were intended to help cut down on floor cleaning and polishing. Wooden floor Craftsman bathrooms are very rare because wood finishes of the era were ineffective against water.

Walls

Tile was used heavily on Craftsman homes' bathroom walls, though attractive painted beadboard wainscot paneling was used in higher-end Craftsman homes. Wainscot was placed on the lower 3 to 5 feet of the walls. If wainscot or tile wasn't used on Craftsman bathroom walls, then the upper halves of the walls were painted a different color from the lower halves. Glued-on or nailed-on molding separate the two differently colored sections of the walls.

Considerations

The Craftsman style of home architecture and building emphasized simplicity in design for exteriors and interiors. Historical Craftsman bathrooms cast aside the intricate designs often seen in Victorian-era homes and bathrooms. Craftsman bathroom moldings, for example, were straightforward and simple yet very sturdy. Originally, Craftsman bathrooms were designed to impart an aura of cleanliness and sanitation through their heavy use of chrome and white enamel. Later-era Craftsman homes, though, featured more colorful and intricate designs on ceramic floor and wall tiles.

Tags: Craftsman homes, Craftsman bathroom, Craftsman bathrooms, Craftsman bathrooms, bathroom walls, ceramic floor, Craftsman homes bathroom

What Floors & Countertops Go With Maple Cabinets

coordinate coutnertops and flooring with maple cabinets

No hard and fast design rules exist when coordinating floors and countertops with maple kitchen cabinets. Essentially, choices are dictated by your personal taste and preferences. If you prefer elements of contrast in a room, opt for darker countertops and floors. If you prefer a more subtle, blended look overall, choose lighter colors. Does this Spark an idea?

Using Different Colors of Wood in the Same Room

Using different kinds of wood in the same room is fine as long as they look good together. You can use hardwood planks for your floor or wood-looking laminate floor planks with maple cabinets. Maple floors are also appropriate to go with maple cabinets in a kitchen. Maple mixes well with oak, cherry and hickory hardwoods. Alternatively, your flooring could be a slightly different shade of maple than your cabinets.

Black Granite Countertops

Black granite makes a sleek, modern look in a kitchen with maple cabinets. The darker surface provides a nice contrast with the lighter wood cabinets. Choose from black granite slabs or 1-foot black granite tiles for the countertops. Granite tiles are less expensive than granite slabs. Experiment with granite tile samples of various colors by holding them up against your cabinets to determine your preference.

Monochromatic Look

A room with a monochromatic theme is one where there are shades of the same color throughout the room. If you prefer a monochromatic-themed kitchen, consider maple colored flooring and countertops that are a shade of light brown or tan. Add a backsplash of light brown tiles, and throw in some punches of bold colors such as red or orange here and there throughout the room.

Appliances That Go With Maple Cabinets

If you prefer a contrast look in your kitchen and you have chosen black countertops, you may want to coordinate the rest of the kitchen with a black fridge and stove or with stainless steel appliances. If you have opted for a more neutral, monochromatic style, choose a white refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.

Tags: with maple, black granite, granite slabs, kitchen with, light brown

Donate Furniture Online

Your gift allows someone else to declare your couch their favorite piece.

At first glance, this article title seems ironic. As of this writing, quantum physicists have yet to figure out shove a recliner into cyberspace. However, in all seriousness, it's extremely easy to share your furniture bounty with others by letting your fingers do the walking to locate sources willing to accept gently used furnishings. Criteria for donation is often exacting, but pickup is a service most offer, so apply due diligence from your computer terminal and before you know it, someone else will be enjoying the couch you couldn't wait to retire.

Instructions

1. Use your favorite search engine to ferret out Internet sites supporting local causes like women's shelters, secondhand stores and thrift shops. Tap the "Contact us" link and send a note briefly describing the age, size and condition of your furniture so the organization knows what you want to give away. Be prepared to upload a JPEG image of the furnishing(s) you wish to donate so they can decide whether or not a pickup is worth their while.

2. Contact churches and philanthropic organizations like "Bridging" in Minnesota or Georgia's "Furniture Bank" (see link) to contribute furniture that will be made available to those in need. Read rules and regulations for making donations while visiting these websites to learn whether your furnishings are on their "things we need" lists. Read stringent donation guidelines that prohibit agencies from accepting worn, stained or broken pieces.

3. Check out the San Francisco-based Online Policy Group, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit that plays matchmaker between folks with unwanted furniture and those who really need it. Make arrangements to donate small items like lamps, tables, chairs and electronics by visiting their website to describe your gift. Ask about pickup or drive items to a center yourself once you've received acceptance verification by calling: (415) 861-4910.

4. Establish your own website to funnel donations---your unwanted furniture and that of friends and relatives---to folks who might otherwise be unaware of donation sources. Require a low-resolution (72 dpi) photo of furniture up for donation and a short description. You can code contributions to keep recipients and donors anonymous until a deal has been struck. Charge a small fee for this service and you could raise funds for a worthy cause.

5. Visit websites of well-known domestic charities like the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, the Cancer Society, Vietnam Veterans of America and others to find a donation site in your community. Access the "Contact us" link. Describe the furniture in question via e-mail. Expect most of these organizations to offer pickup service as long as you're within their geographic area.

6. Check out sites like Craig's List and Freecycle to see if theater companies, charities or individuals are looking for specific items they've been unable to locate elsewhere. Communicate directly or through an Internet filter to cut a deal that can be as simple as getting someone to foot the bill for shipping furniture you wish to give away.

Tags: Contact link, furniture that, give away, pickup service, someone else, unwanted furniture

Buy A Small Corner Computer Stand

You may think your office is missing something, or you notice a glaring lack of locations on which to place your computer. You may simply feel the need to revamp a corner of your workspace. If so, it is not too taxing to get yourself a new corner computer stand for your own comfort.

Instructions

Space and Size

1. Look at your workspace. Determine which corner the new furniture piece will occupy. Measure the space's dimensions, making sure you know the stand's minimum space requirements.

2. Write down the needed space dimensions. Log onto your computer. Search a site like Overstock.com, which provides size examples of this kind of office furniture.

3. Visualize the computer stand installed in the allocated space. If you would like some extra room on either side of the stand, you may want to find a slightly smaller stand.

Style and Budget

4. Document the aesthetic you desire. Decide whether you want to match a certain wood finish on the rest of your furniture. Consider a complementary color or a different material, like metal or strong plastic.

5. Evaluate style variations that may affect your budget. These style and finish variations could either stretch your budget or bring it down. The sleeker the finish, the more expensive the product. Low-end options may be limited, but will have less impact on your wallet. If cost is not an issue, the variety is overwhelming but much more diverse.

6. Finalize a computer stand budget and material. Look for inexpensive wood finishes if your budget is limited. A higher budget figure opens up a whole world of options. Go for glass-topped if you prefer modern style. Look for a metal stand if you are thinking sleek, or a higher quality of wood finish if you want to stick to the classics.

Where to Go

7. Evaluate the risks of shopping online. Shopping online for decor is as risky as shopping online for clothes: You never know how they will fit until they arrive at your address, or in this case your office. If you do decide to go with Overstock.com, you may be getting a much better bargain than in a furniture store or supermarket. Keep in mind you are taking a huge risk by buying something you have never seen before.

8. Shop at warehouse clubs and discount decor stores. Traditionally, the stores that offer this type of merchandise continually compete for customers. Stores offer competitive prices that make it worthwhile to shop for the best deal.

9. Shop in furniture stores. Furniture stores present a good option if you have a good variety of such stores in your area. As an example, Art Van has a monopoly on the major retailing market. In Midwestern cities with Art Van stores, locally owned and operated competitors match or beat Art Van's prices. Repeat customers and word-of-mouth popularity are more important to these shop owners than commission sales.

10. Purchase your corner computer desk. Begin your mission to find a corner computer desk. Keep your budget in mind, use caution with online retailers and price check until you find an acceptable deal.

Tags: your budget, computer stand, computer desk, corner computer, corner computer desk, shopping online

Dance Clubs In Kansas City

Dance Clubs in Kansas City

Kansas City may be known for world-class barbecue and its annual American Royal Rodeo, but when the sun goes down, K.C. comes alive with nightlife. Dance clubs, both established and new, provide a multitude of entertainment choices. Everything, from retro to hip hop, is available for anyone who loves to dance. Kansas City boasts dozens of well respected dance clubs. Here's a sampling.

The Beaumont Club

Rated by City Best as one of the top dance clubs in Kansas City, The Beaumont Club offers top-tier concerts by up-and-coming bands. It's right next door, in The Sidecar At The Beaumont Club, where the dancing actually takes place. "Old School Fridays," offers an evening of 45 rpm records, while on Saturday guests dance to indie electro pop, and on Sundays, patrons can enjoy punk rock music.

The Beaumont Club

4050 Pennsylvania Ave.

Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 561-2560

beaumontkc.com/

The Kansas City Swing Dance Club

Located just across the state line in Mission, Kansas, The Kansas City Swing Dance Club features a sprung wood floor. The club offers recreational and ballroom dance, including Argentine Tango, Salsa, and East and West Coast Swing.

The Kansas City Swing Dance Club

6101 Martway St.

Mission, Kansas

(913) 831-7964

kansascityswingdance.org/

Zen

Zen bills itself as "Kansas City's Exclusive and Upscale Hip Hop Club." Owner Stuart Salomon says he created Zen in response to the many dance clubs that exclude the African-American community.

Zen

3238 Main St.

Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 531-1504

zenkc.com/

Madrigall Martini Bar

This club is geared to those who enjoy the eclectic. The dance music ranges from techno to mainstream, and specials like burlesque shows occur in the midst of the festivities. True to its name, Madrigall Martini Bar offers 90 different types of martinis.

Madrigall Martini Bar

1627 Oak St.

Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 472-4400

madrigallnightclub.com/

Funky Town

Funky Town is known for its classic rock and disco dance music. Funky Town tries to mix it up from time to time with events such as swing dance contests.

Funky Town

8300 Blue Parkway

Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 737-3865

kcdance.com/

Lafferty's

Lafferty's is quickly becoming as well known for its warm and welcoming staff as for the R&B, hip hop, and jazz music it offers.

Lafferty's

6301 Blue Parkway

Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 924-6888

laffertyslounge.com/

Club NV

A video bar shows comedy clips and music videos during happy hour, leading up to the jewel in Club NV's crown -- a DJ orchestrated music and light show. Club NV is a popular site in both the gay and straight communities.

Club NV

220 Admiral Blvd.

Kansas City, Missouri

(816) 421-6852

nv-kc.com/

Tags: Kansas City, City Missouri, Kansas City Missouri, Beaumont Club, Funky Town, City Swing

Crown Molding Installation

Crown molding can be one of the most challenging carpentry projects for the home. There are several things to consider before crown molding can be installed, such as the dimensions of the room and the type of molding you want to use. However, with enough practice and patience, a homeowner can take on this project and add visual depth to any room. Does this Spark an idea?

Choices

Decide the type of molding you want to use. Crown molding is available in both softwoods and hardwoods. Hardwoods, such as oak, have more texture and can provide more visual appeal. However, softwoods are easier to work with and to nail into the wall. There are also crown moldings made out of polyurethane or tin.

Different molding designs will range from basic to intricate. A basic design would be a band molding, which looks like a baseboard you would traditionally find around the floor and the wall. The only drawback is that these moldings will not have the angled design that some homeowners desire. They can also be difficult to install if the ceiling is not completely flat.

Other molding designs rest against the wall and the ceiling at an angle. Depending on the molding choice, this angle can be around 45 degrees or less.

Blocking

No matter what angled design you choose, the beginning of the installation will be the same. Fasten blocking material into the space between the wall and the ceiling. The actual crown molding will be attached to this blocking material. You don't want to install the crown molding directly to the wall because the house can settle and move over the years causing the molding to shift.

The type of wood stock you use for the blocking material doesn't matter. It is only a functional piece. Measure correctly and cut at an angle so that it can be properly installed where the wall and ceiling meets. Nail the block in, but consider leaving a bit of space between the block and the wall in case you need to make adjustments to the molding.

Molding

Nail the molding into the blocking material. The hardest part of this project will be the corners of the room. The molding needs to have a continuous flow even where the walls turn. This is accomplished by creating a coped joint on one end of the molding. Cut this coped joint so that it seamlessly blends into the molding where the corners meet.

Another option is to install cornices in the corner. These cornices are elaborate wood pieces that meet in the corner. But with the coped joints, the molding still needs to seamlessly blend into the cornice.

Tags: blocking material, wall ceiling, angled design, coped joint, crown molding, molding designs

Casinos In Suttons Bay Michigan

With a population of only 589 at the time of the 2000 census, the small village of Suttons Bay is located in Leelanau, Michigan. Also situated within the township of Suttons Bay, this town was incorporated in 1898. Annual events include the Suttons Bay Jazzfest and Art Festival. In addition, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians bring casino gaming to Suttons Bay and its surrounding area.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge

Leelanau Sands Casino is opened seven days a week, though gaming at the tables ends one hour before the casino closes on the weekend. Table games include craps, roulette, blackjack and three-card poker. Postage stamp, hardways and regular bingo are also available daily. Leelanau Sands Casino also has more than 480 slot machines such as Wheel of Fortune, Wizard of Oz, Red Hot Jackpot and Indiana Jones. This destination offers you bonus jackpots and grand rewards.

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge

2521 N. West Bay Shore Drive

Suttons Bay, MI 49682

231-534-8150

casino2win.com

Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

Twenty miles from Suttons Bay, Turtle Creek Casino is located in Williamsburg, Michigan, and offers you high-voltage gaming action. This 56,000-square-foot gaming facility features 10-1 odds at the craps tables Monday through Thursday with a $3 minimum bet, and all table games are opened as long as the casino is, which is 24 hours a day. Turtle Creek also has a poker room that hosts tournaments such as the poor man's poker game that costs only $10 to buy in.

Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

7741 M-72 East

Williamsburg, MI 49690

231-534-8805

turtlecreekcasino.com

Casino Entertainment

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel both have an array of entertainment options. With seating for 1,000 guests, the Leelanau Sands Showroom is an entertainment venue that hosts concerts, and the Elements lounge nightclub has live entertainment, dance floor, pool tables, large-screen TVs and virtual blackjack, craps and roulette. At Turtle Creek, the Level 3 Lounge has weekly musical performances on an outdoor patio. Level 3 Lounge also features team trivia, a comedy series and exciting sports games and matches on its TV screens.

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Creative Ways To Raise Money For A Mission Trip

Raising funds for a church or youth group's missionary trip can be a daunting experience; nobody likes to ask friends or neighbors for money. However, by trying some creative alternatives to the typical bake sale or car wash fundraisers, the group can build a deeper personal connection -- and raise enough money at the same time. Fun competitions, selling mock stock certificates and silent auctions are just some of the more striking ways of accomplishing this goal.

The Lure Of Competition

Giving people the chance to compete in a fun, low-key manner provides a strong incentive to support the group's trip. One example is holding an adult spelling bee for $10 per head, according to American Consumer News. Dodgeball, flag football and other athletic tournaments can provide the physically active and competitive community members an ideal chance to blow off steam -- with free T-shirts or other promotional materials offering an added draw, in exchange for their donation.

Selling Stock

Putting on a mock stock sale allows residents to buy ownership into the trip, according to Rethinking Youth Ministry's website. Group members can sell certificates for various prices -- ranging from $1 to $20 -- in exchange for some special incentives, such as the chance to receive a member's postcard during the trip. On returning, the group can complete its experience by hosting a "stockholder's meeting" for contributors -- complete with slides, videos and stories of the trip.

Dessert Auctions And Theme Dinners

Food provides one of the surest ways of winning people's hearts and wallets, according to Rethinking Youth Ministry's site. One example is a dessert auction, where diners can compete for the honor of paying the highest price for peach pies or brownie pans. This can be combined with a potato and salad meal that costs little to make. Groups can also try tailoring dinners to specific themes -- such as the 1980s, or Hawaiian culture, for example.

Group Activities

Nothing builds support for trips like a group activity. Mission Connex raised $1,000 by holding a "Skate Date Night," with couples wearing red, with single people in green. Participants prepaid $20 by clicking a link on the group's website, with half covering the rink rental cost, and the remainder going to the trip. This provides a personalized approach that is more attractive -- and profitable -- than signing on to sell a company's promotional items.

Silent Auctions

No fundraiser is more attractive than one that costs little or no money upfront, which is the main appeal of silent auctions. The group can take donations for artwork, clothing, furniture and sporting equipment -- sometimes, in exchange for services, such as babysitting -- and then auction them off to raise funds for their trip. Silent auctions work best when running with another event -- such as a church dinner -- that encourages people to stay longer, and keep bidding.

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Locate An Ant Nest

Ants from the same nest work together and stick to established foraging routes.

Different species of ants build their nests in different locations, with some preferring outdoor nests in soil and other preferring to share our homes and make their nests in hidden places indoors. Most ants fall into the nuisance category and cause little damage, while others, such as carpenter ants, can weaken the wood in buildings and therefore need tighter control to avoid damage to property. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Follow the ants. If you notice ants inside the home, it's likely they entered to forage for food and have their nests outside. Ants like to keep to regular routes from their nest to a food source, so by watching the behavior of ants you can locate their nest. Look for ants carrying food scraps rather than ants that have nothing. Follow the ants with food to see where they go. Encourage foraging by setting out suitable food for your particular ant species.

2. Ants prefer to walk along protected routes so will follow natural contours and will walk around the edges of objects rather than take a more direct route such as across the middle of a lawn or patio. If ants are not immediately obvious out in the open when you're searching for an ant nest, check the edges of driveways or flower beds, along mowing strips or the edges of sidewalks and under planters or fences.

3. Search for other evidence of an ant nest. Carpenter ants chew wood, so indications of the presence of a nest include sawdust, or frass, which is the waste material ants throw out of their nests. This waste material may be seen caught in spider webs, under decks or soffits or in crawlspaces or basements. In the case of carpenter ants, you must find and remove satellite nests as well as the main nest. Satellite nests can be in trees or logs, roots or tree stumps. Ants carry larvae from the main nest to a satellite nest when they're establishing a new colony, so look for this behavior and try to trace the ants carrying larvae back to the main nest.

4. Listen for ants. Wood-chewing ants, such as carpenter ants, make rustling, chewing noises in the home. When the house is very quiet, you may be able to hear them. If you have a medical stethoscope, you can use this to help you to hear them, but be aware that ordinary household noises can be misleading. Good places to start looking for ants indoors include around the fireplace, inside electrical outlets, around the sink or shower areas or areas hidden by vegetation.

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Landmarks Near The Alamo

The Alamo has been officially dubbed the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

The Alamo is arguably Texas's most famous historical landmark, famous for the 13-day Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution in 1836. Nearly four million people come to San Antonio, Texas, to visit the Alamo each year. A visit to San Antonio however, would not be complete without visiting some of San Antonio's other historical landmarks, all conveniently located close to the the Alamo.

Spanish Governor's Palace

The Spanish Governor's Palace was built in the early 18th century, and is one of the last examples of the Spanish Colonial style homes in San Antonio. The building was originally the home of the Captain of the Presidio when the area was governed by Spain. The building has been restored and now features furniture from the Spanish Colonial period and an intricate hand-carved wooden door. The courtyard of the Spanish Governor's Palace can be rented out for special events.

Majestic Theater

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Majestic Theater is historic landmark, built in 1929. The large theater was one of the first to show motion picture movies, and the first theater in Texas to have air conditioning. The ornate, extravagant decor of the the theater is a reflection of Mediterranean, Spanish Mission and Baroque design styles. The theater spent several years being restored and today is home to the San Antonio Symphony. Traveling Broadway shows also perform at Majestic.

San Fernando Cathedral

San Fernando Cathedral was built in 1731 and has an powerful presence in the city. The church is still functioning today, making it the oldest continuously functioning church in Texas. The church's architecture makes it a popular attraction and visitors can take daily scheduled tours of the building. The church has many rooms and spaces that are rented out for weddings, concerts and other special events.

Tags: Governor Palace, Spanish Governor, Spanish Governor Palace, Fernando Cathedral, Majestic Theater, Spanish Colonial, special events

Colleges In Raleighdurham North Carolina

The Raleigh-Durham area is home to several colleges.

The Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina is comprised of two separate cities: Raleigh and Durham, located 30 miles from each other. With Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the United States, located between the two cities, the area is a science and technology mecca. The area also boasts performing arts complexes such as Progress Energy Center and Durham Performing Arts Center and museums including Nasher Mueum of Art and North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. Several major colleges and universities have their homes in Raleigh and Durham.

Duke University

Duke University is a private school in Durham, home to roughly 13,000 students. Over half of the population consists of graduate students. Within the university there are ten schools: College of Arts & Sciences, School of Law, Divinity School, Graduate School, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Engineering, School of Business, School of Public Policy and School of the Environment. Well-known for their sports teams, especially basketball, the Blue Devils have 26 teams playing at the NCAA Division 1 level. The campus is known for its gothic architecture with one of the most well-known landmarks being Duke Chapel.

Duke University

Durham, NC 27708

(919) 684-8111

Duke.edu

Peace College

Peace College is a small women's college of approximately 700 students. Although it's an independent school, historically it's been affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. With a small 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy a strong relationship with their professors. All students must complete an internship in order to graduate. Sixteen majors are offered including graphic design, music performance, political science, education, biology and business administration. The campus is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh.

Peace College

15 East Peace St.

Raleigh, NC 27604

(800) PEACE-47

Peace.edu

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is a large, public school with over 31,000 students. Well-known for programs in science, engineering, mathematics and technology, research is an important part of the educational experience with faculty and all levels of students involved. Ten schools make up the university: College of Design, College of Agriculture and Life Science, College of Engineering, College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Management, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Natural Resources, College of Textiles and College of Veterinary Medicine. Consisting of two campuses in Raleigh there are numerous labs and state-of-the-art research facilities. NC State Wolfpack have 23 teams playing at the Division 1 level.

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC 27695

(919) 515-2011

ncsu.edu

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University has been in operation in Durham since 1910 as a public school. Over 100 majors are offered at the bachelor level, with 40 fields of study at the graduate level. Although the university is historically African-American, the school welcomes students of all ethnicities and boasts a number of exchange students from around the world. Fourteen sports teams participate at the NCAA Division I level. The campus' proximity to downtown Durham and to Research Triangle Park allows students to take advantage of internships and cultural opportunities in the region.

North Carolina Central University

1801 Fayetteville St.

Durham NC 27707

(919) 530-6100

nccu.edu

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Become A Famous Interior Designer

Develop a strong mission statement that communicates your passion for design.

Anyone can become a famous, or high-profile, interior designer if she is the best at what she does and is willing to do the work. A strong knowledge of design styles, an engaging philosophy, a level of authority in the field, a solid work ethic, and lots of experience will get you on the road to designer stardom.

Instructions

Get Educated

1. Get a degree at a reputable school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary education is necessary for entry-level positions in interior design.

2. Be a diligent student. Learn the basics, ask questions, be open to critique.

3. Make the most of your teachers' knowledge. Tertiary institutions provide access to people who have worked in the business and who can offer solid advice. Pick their brains.

4. Explore internship opportunities. Choose those with companies that are high-profile, even if the pay is not.

Develop a Strong Philosophy

5. Think about what motivates you to design. Write this down.

6. Ask yourself this: What do I want every client to know about my design? Is it my passion for color, my strength in mixing old and new styles, my skill in creating balance, or my eclectic sense of design? Write this out.

7. Create a mission statement that separates you from other interior designers. Using the written answers, come up with two or three sentences that clearly and succinctly explain what motivates you to design. Here are some examples:

"... to create beautiful spaces on time and on budget, while contributing to the full expression of your vision."

"...providing complete interior design services that exceed the expectations of clients who desire a professional, signature interior for their home or business."

Work for a High-Profile Interior Design Firm

8. Learn about the day-to-day operations of a high-profile business. As Christine Piotrowski writes, "Interior design is also about managing and working with other designers, allied professionals, clients and vendors. It is about calculating fees...in order to make a profit."

9. Develop your negotiation, people and time management skills. These are key to becoming a high-profile interior designer.

10. Listen to the sales people, the customer service staff and the owners of the firm. Note how a successful operation handles customer inquiries and problems. Emulate their service skills.

Become an Authority

11. Join an association. For a high-profile interior designer, membership in the American Society of Interior Designers or the International Interior Design Association is required. Several other groups exist and should be reviewed for benefits and offerings.

12. Write. Submit articles to design magazines, blogs, and websites.

13. Speak. Volunteer to speak at events planned by your employer and at local club meetings; team up with vendors or other designers, or plan one yourself.

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Manage Business Growth

Even though it is the goal of every business owner to have a successful business, some owners are unsure of what they should do when their business begins to experience moderate success. Managing business growth is important for the long-term sustainability of the business. Many of the principles that are used to establish the business must also be used and adapted to help a business continue its success.

Instructions

1. Write a business plan to stay focused on the task at hand. An effective business plan will be able to explain all of the business aspects that can lead to continued success. It also will list goals and plans for the growth of the business. Writing a business plan is the most important thing you can do to manage the growth of your businesses. It will prove to be a road map for the duration of the business. If a business plan has already been written, re-evaluate it to see how well the business is following the plan and how you can improve.

2. Hire more employees who fit within the company's framework. It is vital to hire the right people. When hiring, it is important to not only hire good employees, but also employees who can fill in the gaps. This means that if there is a weak spot in your business, the employee hired should be able to make the weakness a strength.

3. Define the roles for your employees. Each employee should have a clear job description that includes specific responsibilities and procedures. When starting a business, employees often are asked to do a lot of different things. As the company grows, employee responsibilities need to be more focused. The best way to define the new rules is to create a manual of procedures. In addition to providing job descriptions, the manual will include the history of the business, the business's mission statement, its vision and its goals.

4. Create well-defined policies. Having a list of written policies that are well defined can help protect your business from accidental problems. For example, a lawyer can help you create policies for your business that will ensure your employees know act in order to keep the business out of legal trouble.

5. Create a support network. In some cases, your biggest supporters are your family and friends. It also is important to seek out professionals who can give you information and support as your business grows. Joining trade groups and visiting trade shows can help you find people who are like-minded and who can assist you when you have questions about the growth of your business. These are valuable resources, because many of them are either going through the same growth you are or have already gone through it and can provide valuable advice.

Tags: your business, business plan, business business, growth your, your employees

Craftsman Style Decorating Ideas

Large porches are often found on Craftsman-style homes.

Beginning in the latter half of the 19th century, the Craftsman style of decorating began in Britain as a reaction to the excesses that surrounded the Victorian era of decorating. This design philosophy highlights craftsmanship, focusing on handcrafted wood, glass and metal work. If you are looking to create a simplistic yet handsome look for your home, consider decorating in the Craftsman style. Does this Spark an idea?

Craftsman Color

Colors that are found in nature make up the palette for this design. Hunter green, soft blue, burgundy, mustard yellow, steel gray, brown and other earth-tone colors are often used in Craftsman-style homes. Use a combination of these hues throughout your home--on the wall, in the furnishings and in the decorative accents. The key to effectively creating a Craftsman-style home is to create a laid back and peaceful environment, and these colors lend themselves well to this idea.

Architectural Elements

Since the main theme of this design is handcrafted materials, it is only fitting that architectural details are prevalent. Give your ceilings the look of exposed beams by framing the corners with stained or natural wood 2x4s. Hang wood wainscoting or chair rails on the walls. If you have adjoining rooms--a living room and dining room, for example--separate them by installing floor-to-ceiling columns between the two spaces. Built-in shelving and cabinets add interest to the space as well as storage. Build a window seat around a living room or bedroom window. Even the floors can add architectural interest to these spaces as they are typically wide-planked slats of oak, maple, walnut or other hardwoods or tiled with slate.

Furnishings

Craftsman-style furniture is constructed of wood and characterized by clean lines. If decorative details are present, they are simple in nature. Leather is often used for the upholstery. In a kitchen or dining room, bring in an oversize wood table and surround it with chairs with slatted backs. In the living room, place a large wood coffee table in between straight-back leather chairs.

Accessories

Accessories in a Craftsman-style home also generally are handcrafted and inspired by nature. Wrought iron lamp bases topped with decorative leaded glass bring interest and warmth to the space. Wrought iron decorations or carved wood pieces make interesting wall art. Bring color and comfort to the floors with woven rugs made of natural materials--jute, wool or cotton, for example. You can also place pillows and throw blankets made of these materials on chairs and couches. Sit pottery on wall shelves. If you have a fireplace, surround it with a large wooden mantle, and surround the hearth with slate tile or river rock.

Tags: living room, Craftsman style, Craftsman-style home, Craftsman-style homes, dining room

Cover A Mission Foot Stool

Upholstering a mission-style foot stool is a more straightforward project than you might imagine. Because of its small size, basic construction and shape, the foot stool offers an ideal project for learning to upholster furniture. By breaking the task down into steps, even someone who has never covered a piece of furniture before can achieve effective results. Creating your own upholstery project allows you to customize the mission foot stool to coordinate with your home decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the foot stool and add 8 inches to the length and the width to allow ample fabric to cover the height of the padding and fold underneath. Make a note of the measurements.

2. Set the foot stool upside down on a table or counter. Examine the construction. Locate the bolts or screws. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the hardware that holds the upholstered pad to the footstool base.

3. Take the foot stool's pad off the base. Put on safety goggles. Remove the mission foot stool's upholstery, if it has any. To remove upholstery tacks, use the claws on the head of a small hammer, or use a flat-head screwdriver to pry them up. For removing staples, use a flathead screwdriver. Push the tip under the staple and pry it upward.

4. Cut the new upholstery material according to the measurements. Place the fabric on the table with the right side of the fabric down, so it will end up right side up. Center the pad upside down on the fabric.

5. Fold the fabric over the pad's edges, starting at a corner. Push a tack into the fabric and wood 1/2 inch from the fabric's edge, then hammer it down. Mission foot stools are often made of oak, so you may have to hammer hard.

6. Repeat with each corner, keeping an even tension on the fabric so it isn't tight in some areas of the foot stool and loose in others. Add tacks in the center.

Tags: foot stool, right side, upside down

Business Planning Solutions

Outline your business plan for management review and assessment.

Business planning solutions provide a strategy for getting people in the company to discuss its strategic direction. These solutions also help the company's department heads to select specific strategies to meet that direction in their business units. Look for a business solution that enables you to study business planning issues throughout your company.

Retreats

One way to get the executives, managers and other professionals to work on business planning away from the pressures of work is to invite them to a business planning retreat. You plan a specific format for getting the right people into the right planning groups. After initially meeting as a group and reviewing the company's mission, objectives and values, everyone breaks out into smaller groups. Each group must address specific issues in its session. At the end of the retreat, compile the results of planning sessions and use a senior planning team to revise the results and develop a final business strategy.

Baseline Planning

Another way to approach strategic planning for a business is the baseline approach. The executive team approaches the future knowing that it is unpredictable and therefore plans for achieving just about anything. The baseline approach involves defining the present business situation, analyzing the risks to the company, developing an action plan and monitoring performance by comparing it to the baseline.

Information Technology

Another solution begins with using an information technology platform to track all business activities. You hire an IT firm to build the solution to match the specific business activities in your company. Managers have the ability to add new projects, planning tools and initiatives into the IT platform. Managers can make small operational changes and adjust their part of the IT platform accordingly. Any company wide changes in business planning will require reorganizing the arrangement of business activities in your IT solution. Look for an IT solution flexible enough to change with sudden changes in the business environment, such as a system that accommodates new, multiple uses of mobile technologies in business activities, perhaps employees performing their work tasks on their own Smartphones.

Integration

Another business planning strategy requires integrating all business planning solutions into a comprehensive strategy. If you use baseline planning as your model and an IT solution to get all business strategies recorded in a format that can be manipulated, getting employees to contribute at retreats and meetings, you can produce a great business strategy. This strategy requires recognition of the true conditions in the business environment and must be followed up with implementation by a competent management team that gets results.

Tags: business activities, business planning, business planning, activities your, baseline approach, business activities your, business environment

Rug Color Suggestions For A Cherry Dining Room Table

Rug Color Suggestions for a Cherry Dining Room Table

Rug color can help define a room. Wall color becomes the frame but the rug color is the base for enhancing the color and texture of your cherry dining room table and chairs. Complement the shade or tone of the cherry wood and the room becomes more harmonious. Contrast the cherry color and the furniture pops. Does this Spark an idea?

Aging Cherry

The beauty of natural cherry is that it has a wide variation in the grain and color of the wood. Natural or clear stain on a cherry table will have a slightly reddish color. Most cherry darkens as it ages so when choosing a rug color, this darkening should be taken into account

Complement Natural Cherry With Natural Stain

Natural cherry with a natural stain and finish are best complemented by rugs with a red tint. A patterned area rug with a natural beige or tan background and either red print would be a perfect complement for the red tone of the cherry. As the cherry table ages and darkens, the beige or tan background will allow the wood grain and color variations to take center stage. Part of the family of red colors include coral, burgundy, purple, and with some caution, orange.

Contrast Natural Cherry With Natural Stain

Natural cherry tables with natural stain contrast with blues and blue/green. Contrast colors are the opposite of the existing color and are more dynamic and dramatic in the overall décor. A blue or blue/green color as the primary color in an area rug is the most effective contrast color. These blue/green color combinations include sage, kelly green, cobalt blue, light blue and turquoise.

Complement Cherry With Cherry Stain

Cherry wood stained with cherry stain and finish will have a red/burgundy background color and is complemented by the darker, richer colors of jewel tone reds, blues and greens. These complementary tones create a moody and seductive atmosphere and are often used in high-end restaurants.

Contrast Cherry With Cherry Stain

Dark cherry stain on cherry wood has its opposite contrast color in the very light greens, blues and light natural colors. The light colors will allow the table to become the center of attention and allow for a lot of variation in the wall color and upholstery fabric.

A Vote for Neutrals

Neutral rugs are seldom wrong in any room, and if you are someone who likes to redecorate often or just likes changes, having a neutral rug is perfect. Select a textured rug that has a slight hint of the red tone of the cherry wood. A beige or tan rug that is slightly on the rose side will work with most decor changes.

What to Avoid

Avoid using a rug that has a primarily color of brown, black, gray or pure white. None of those colors will enhance the cherry wood. Brown and pure white will make the cherry appear to be much browner in color. Black or gray carpet will simply dull down the vibrant cherry. This is true for both contemporary and traditional dining rooms.

Tags: blue green, cherry wood, tone cherry, with natural, beige background, blue green color, Cherry Dining

Craftsman Home Ideas

Wood paneling is often used on interior walls in a Craftsman home.

Made popular in the United States by Frank Lloyd Wright, Craftsman homes have a distinctive look that is marked by their clean, simple design. While there are variations on the style, such as the bungalow and Spanish mission, certain features are found in virtually all Craftsman homes. If your are moving into this type of home and want to imbue it with an authentic look and feel, remember the importance of natural materials and a sense of handcrafted charm that is a key element of Craftsman style. Does this Spark an idea?

Exterior Colors

When it comes to choosing colors for the exterior of a Craftsman-style home, earth tones are usually your best bet because they match the natural materials used inside and outside the house. Beige, tan and brown are all attractive, basic options. You may incorporate golden accent shades as well, or even an olive green for the trim and porch railing. If you want a pop of color to make your home truly standout, consider using a blue shade for the door.

Front Porch

A Craftsman home often features a front porch. The low-pitched roof provides the ideal cover for a wide front porch, which is usually built right beneath the main eaved roof. To give it an authentic look, tapered, square columns should support the roof while adding a decorative element to the porch. On a large home, Craftsman-style porches often form an asymmetrical L-shape around the side of the home. This type of porch is an ideal candidate for enclosure, so it may be used for more than one season. Craftsman-style porches often mix materials, making use of both handcrafted wood and stone to give the home texture and visual interest.

Wood Interiors

When it comes to the interior of a Craftsman home, wood plays a central role. Because it provides a warm, inviting feel, it used in both flooring and wall treatments. Built-in furniture is an ideal addition to the walls of a Craftsman home, so consider adding a bookcase, glass-front cabinet or window seat. Wainscoting may be applied to empty spaces on the wall to carry the wood throughout the room. In addition, exposed beams can also be used to accent features in a room like the fireplace, or placed on the ceiling for a natural, handcrafted look. The wood in a Craftsman-style home should have a mid-toned stain, so it has depth but does not overpower the room.

Stained Glass

Another element that can make a Craftsman home feel authentic is stained glass. While it is not practical to use stained glass for all of the windows in a given room, choose a few to feature floral or geometric patterns. In particular, use stained-glass windows to add color and visual interest to your dining room, living room or entryway. If you do not like the look of stained glass, beveled glass is an ideal alternative.

Tags: Craftsman home, authentic look, Craftsman homes, Craftsman-style home, Craftsman-style porches, Craftsman-style porches often, natural materials

Home Decorating Ideas Shelves

Shelves accent---or even define---a space.

Although the purpose of shelves is mainly functional, a stylish shelf can accent a room's existing tone or bring a whole new flavor to the space. As shelves serve in almost every room of the house---holding everything from towels to books to spices---their aesthetic impact on the home shouldn't be underestimated. When brewing ideas for shelves, remember to picture the shelf in the room and consider how it will blend---or clash---with its surroundings. Does this Spark an idea?

Bookshelves

Your bookshelves should accent the surrounding furniture.

Bookshelves are the most common type of shelves for home decorating. These shelves---which generally stand at hip level and sometimes reach as far as the ceiling---don't always hold books and come in a variety of styles. For a unified, stylish home decor, match your bookshelves with the style of the rest of your furniture. Go with Art Deco, modern or mid-century-style shelves when accenting furniture defined by bold geometric shapes. Lacquered woods, innovative forms, tubular steel and minimalistic shapes define these types of shelves. Spaces with a more classical or elegant style may fit into Victorian, Art Nouveau or Renaissance categories. For these spaces, try shelves of dark wood or wrought iron---some with glass components---or shelves with detailed designs, such as floral or ivy accents. Boxy bookshelves made of thick wood---sometime unfinished---go well with Arts and Crafts and Mission styles, which are defined by large, squat and rustic furniture in simple rectangular forms. Conversely, mixing and matching styles can create a "shabby chic" sort of decor---just make sure each piece has its own history and character.

Decorative Shelves

Floating wall shelves provide a home for knickknacks and other items.

Corner shelving units---which feature triangular ends made for fitting into the intersection of two walls---save space and brighten up difficult-to-decorate corner spaces. Floating wall shelves mount directly to the wall. These types of shelves are simple and minimalist, adding basic, bold lines to contemporary home styles and holding items such as books, knickknacks and entertainment media. For an uncommon conversation piece, try an over-the-top window shelf. Similar to floating shelves, these shelves mount over windows and doors and go well with country-style decor. As they rest high, they're best for holding decorative items. Similarly, wall-mounted knickknack shelves and step shelves are purely decorative units that add a bit of character and charm to a space when filled with personal artifacts.

Repurposed Shelves

Emptied crates serve as rustic shelf stand-ins.

Repurposed and recycled shelves add environmentally friendly character to almost any space. To create repurposed book shelves, try turning over and stacking wooden or plastic crates such as wine crates, milk crates or egg crates. Old ladders leaned against the wall or built-in loft rafters also serve as creative bookshelf alternatives. Slatted shutters mounted on the wall add an artistic touch to kitchens and offices, and can be used as shelves to contain papers, letters and envelopes, while old wine racks might serve as linen shelves. These types of shelves create an eclectic and hodgepodge atmosphere while serving as conversation starters. They tend to work well in dorms, lofts and studio spaces.

Tags: types shelves, Floating wall, Floating wall shelves, shelves mount, These types shelves, wall shelves

Homemade Hickory Furniture Dining Table

Shagbark hickory, one of the range of species that hickory comes in.

The hickory belongs to the walnut family of trees (Juglandaceae), and has several species. Hickory as a wood is generally used for tool handles and gym equipment. However, it can also be used in other woodworking projects, including dining tables.

Types

The types of hickory include pignut, shagbark, mockernut, water hickory, shell bark, bitternut hickory, nutmeg hickory and pecan hickory. Of these, pignut is the most valuable commercially.

Working with Hickory

Hickory is a dense hardwood, and is hard to work with (including sanding and sawing) due to its toughness. It is shock resistant and is also very heavy (one cubic foot of pignut is 53 pounds). Another feature of hickory is that it shrinks a lot as it dries.

Table Tips

There are various kinds of dining tables, from one that seats several people to one that seats a banquet. Take into consideration personal woodworking ability before attempting to build an ambitious design. Make sure the wood is thoroughly dry before working with it and that the tools being used for working with hickory are capable of handling its properties.

Tags: dining tables, that seats, working with

Form A Nonprofit Organization

Form a Non-Profit Organization

There are millions of people and causes that need champions. You can help provide a service to a cause that you feel is important by starting your own non-profit organization.

Instructions

Get Ready to Start a Non-Profit Organization

1. Decide what your non-profit organization will do. Find social issues that you would like to help. Contact local social service agencies to see what areas of service they need help with. After you have come up with a list of possibilities, narrow your choice to one issue or service.

2. Create a mission statement for your non-profit organization. To do this simply state what overall goal or purpose your organization will have. Generally, mission statements are about two or three sentences long, but some can fill several pages. You should include the main benefits the organization will provide to clients, who your target clients will be, how you hope your organization will be received by the public and what values you will infuse into your organization to make it effective.

3. Decide what type of non-profit organization you want to start. There are three legal forms that a non-profit organization can take. They can be a corporation, an unincorporated association or a charitable trust. The type of business format that you choose will greatly depend on your anticipated funding. The most basic form of non-profit is the unincorporated association. This type of non-profit has the least up-front legal steps but it also has a lot of problems to deal with after its formation. For example, in most cases if you use the unincorporated association business structure you won't be able to receive grants from third parties, and may have problems defending your non-profit tax status. Charitable trusts can also be used as a non-profit business structure. This business structure allows the non-profit to be easily recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt company, but it leaves the board at risk for personal liability if the non-profit is sued or if the business fails. The most secure non-profit structure is the incorporated form. This form of non-profit is recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt entity and provides the board members with protection from personal liability due to claims against the non-profit. If you don't know which structure to use, seek legal counsel.

4. Determine the name of your non-profit.

5. Recruit board members to meet the needs of your non-profit and to meet the requirements set out by your state. In some cases, a small advisory board may be all that is required by the state.

6. Find a lawyer that you can consult with during the incorporation process. You don't necessarily need to have the lawyer do all of the work associated with incorporation, but they can be used instead as a guide through the process.

7. Set up a bank account for your non-profit organization. Look for a bank that is familiar with the banking needs of small non-profit organizations.

8. Set up an accounting system. To do this you may need to invest in a qualified accountant. You may want to contact your state's board of certified public accountants to get a list of certified accountants in your area.

9. Find an insurance agent that can help you develop an insurance policy that will protect you and your non-profit organization. You will probably need liability insurance, property insurance. If you plan on hiring employees you will also need workers' compensation insurance, health insurance and life insurance (Health and life insurance is optional).

Draft and File Your Legal Incorporation Document

10. Identify the basic information about your non-profit organization. You will need to include the name of your non-profit, where the headquarters will be officially located and what the purpose of your non-profit will be.

11. Draft your purpose clause. Your purpose clause will need to broadly define what goals your organization will have. Keeping these goals general and broad will give you flexibility in what you can actually do and what services you can provide to your clients later on.

12. Decide if you want your non-profit organization to be a membership organization or not. This decision will need to be based on how you want your non-profit organization to be run. For example, if you make your non-profit a membership organization, then they may have a say in how money is spent and how the organization is run.

13. Look for an article of incorporation template online. See below for a link to a site that offers a free article of incorporation for non-profits.

14. Check with your state to see if by-laws are required in your articles of incorporation.

15. Draft your by-laws for your non-profit. The by-laws should outline how your non-profit organization's board members will be organized, governed and how the organization's employees will be situated in the company. If your state requires by-laws, you will need to include them with articles of incorporation. If your state does not require them, you will need to draft them as a separate document. Consult with a lawyer who specializes in incorporation to make sure that your article of incorporation will set up your non-profit the way that you intended it to be set up.

16. Present the draft of your articles of incorporation and your by-laws to your board members. They will need to approve the articles and by-laws before you file them with the state. If there are changes recommended then the changes should be made, reviewed and approved before filing the articles.

17.File your incorporation papers with the Office of the Secretary of State or the Attorney General, depending on your state's laws.

18. Determine if other forms or documents are required. When you submit your articles of incorporation to the state, they may request that you submit other forms and documents. Follow their instructions.

After You File Your Legal Incorporation Documents

19. Get approval from the board to file for tax exempt status.

20. File for federal tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. You can find the forms for this on the IRS's Web site. You can find that address below.

21. File for state tax exempt status. You will need to wait for federal approval for tax exempt status before you contact your state's department of revenue. You can find contact information for your state's department of revenue in your local phone book, under the government section, or you can conduct a keyword search online for "[Your state's name] department of revenue."

22. Research local permit and business requirements. You may need to obtain a permit to solicit funds, get a business license, or file city level tax exempt status forms.

23. Obtain a mail permit from the U.S. Postal Service. This will grant you a bulk mail discount for your fundraising mailings.

24. Take care of employment filing needs. If you plan on hiring employees, you will need to file for a federal employer number. This is a free process that you can handle in-office. There is a simple form that you will need to fill out and file with the IRS. Once approved, the IRS will mail you a form with your federal employer number. You will also need to file for a state employer number. Contact your state's department of revenue for the proper forms. Finally, make sure that you have unemployment insurance and the proper tax reporting forms needed for meeting employment laws.

After You're Legal

25. Determine what staff members you will need. Create a list of positions that are needed to run your organization. For example, a basic non-profit organization will need an office manager, fundraiser, promoter and an executive director.

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Find office space and buy equipment and furniture.

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Set up the office.

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Recruit staff members. Utilize local employment agencies, referrals from board members and local media to advertise your open positions.

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Review resumes and look for applicants that have the basic skills needed for each position.

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Set up interviews with your top applicants and invite board members to sit in on the interviews.

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Interview applicants.

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Confirm their experience and contact their references. Don't skip this step.

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Hire the cream of the crop.

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Train staff.

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Develop a fundraising plan of action. Get input from the board members and from your employees. Solicit outside help if you need to.

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Launch your fundraising program.

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What Age Determines Whether Furniture Is Antique Or Not

Learn about antiques before making any purchases.

Antiques can appeal to people on many levels. They typically have aesthetic qualities or craftsmanship lacking in modern furniture. Antiques can also provide historical, cultural and personal associations that create a link to the past. Plus, they can be investments that potentially make owners a lot of money. It helps to know the terminology for the antique field to be a wise buyer and not prey for the unscrupulous. Does this Spark an idea?

Definition of Antique

By law, an antique is an item that's at least 100 years old, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Some items that aren't as old as furniture might be defined differently. Cars, for example, qualify as antiques after 25 or 30 years.

Other Terms

Other terms commonly associated with older items include collectible, vintage and rare. According to the FTC, a collectible is whatever people have interest in collecting. While a beanbag chair from the 1970s might be considered collectible today, it is not an antique or even vintage. A vintage collectible is an item that is at least 50 years old, which means that a dining room set from the 1950s would be a vintage collectible. Rare pieces may have been made for the extremely wealthy or have an unusual shape, color or design.

Reproductions

Reproductions are items created to resemble styles from previous eras and are labeled reproductions. But unscrupulous sellers might try to pass off a reproduction, or "fake," as a genuine antique to the unwary.

Price Guides

Prepare to buy antiques by reading and taking along guidebooks with specific details on pieces, photos and average retail prices, although guides typically are not able to provide information on price relative to a piece's condition or location. Some of the best price guides, according to Drexel University's ipl2, include Kovel's, which is very thorough; Miller's Antiques Price Guide, which is comprehensive, authoritative and includes antiques from around the world; and Warman's, which offers a "year-in-review" for antiques and provides a hobby trend report.

Popular Styles

Popular antique furniture styles today include Mission (circa 1886 to 1930), which places emphasis on craftsmanship and geometric and sturdy forms. This style is frequently found in houses Frank Lloyd Wright designed. Art Nouveau (circa 1890 to 1930) features floral ornamentation, including tulip carvings and asymmetrical, curvilinear shapes. Pieces often lend glamour to a room, some recalling "Old Hollywood" glamour. Golden Oak (circa 1890 to 1930) is ornate oak furniture made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The furniture included inexpensive, practical items such as chairs, roll-top desks, tables and bow-front china cabinets.

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Explore The East Bay'S Offbeat Attractions

Berkeley and the East Bay are perfect for seeking out the unusual.

Travelers to the eastern realms of the San Francisco Bay Area should consider skipping the everyday attractions and delving into the unknown treasures. From hidden parks boasting unusual public artwork to a treasure trove of snakes and reptiles, those seeking the unusual will have a field day.

Instructions

1. For a night you'll never forget, consider a stay at the East Brother Light Station, a lighthouse/Bed and breakfast just north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The station is reachable by boat from the San Pablo Yacht Harbor on Western Drive.

2. Wander off the trendy stretch of shops on Berkeley's Fourth Street to the Vivarium on Fifth Street, one of the largest reptile stores in America. From gigantic pythons to a legion of lizards and tortoises-and even toads and tarantulas-you'll be amazed at the amazing menagerie on sale and display.

3. For an artistic outdoor exploration, head to the Albany Bulb not far from Golden Gate Fields Racetrack, past the waterfront park. A short walk takes you out to an isthmus chock-full of superb paintings, sculptures and other colorful creations, backed by superb views of the bay.

4. Take a stop at the little village of Port Costa, a bit south of the Carquinez Bridge. The charming town is home to robot sculptor Clayton Bailey whose bizarre property-open to visitors by appointment-is fronted by a redwood fence topped with dozens of gargoyles. The town's Warehouse Cafe is one of the Bay Area's most eccentric watering holes, with oddities like a glass-enclosed polar bear and a tourable beer freezer with hundreds of brews from around the globe.

5. When visiting Oakland's popular Jack London Square on the waterfront, wet your whistle at the First and Last Chance Saloon, a cozy cabin/bar still standing from 1880 and once a favorite of London himself.

6. To really get away from it all, try the one-hour flotation tank (sensory deprivation) experience at Oakland's Float Center on Calcot Place, in front of the historic Cotton Mill Studios. The calming and invigorating float is followed by some hot tea and the chance to peruse a small and innovative on-site art studio.

7. A unique cinematic experience can be had at one of the Speakeasy Theaters, one on San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito and the other on Park Boulevard in Oakland. Showing both first-run and classic films, the theaters boast comfortable couch and table seating, and serve beer, wine and above-average pub food such as hamburgers, salads and pizza.

8. For some of the Bay Area's best views, in an unusual setting, take the elevator to the top of Sather Tower (aka The Campanile) in the southern realm of the UC Berkeley campus. The observation deck is set amidst a splendid carillon-a host of large bells that are still rung at semi-regular times.

Tags: seeking unusual

Build An Asian Style Coffee Table

Simplicity, clean lines and a low height are key to creating an Asian style coffee table.

An Asian style coffee table will serve well as a decorative item, tying the d cor of a room together; or as a functional serving area for drinks, appetizers and Asian style dining. An amateur woodworker using readily available materials and household woodworking tools can certainly accomplish building an Asian style coffee table. The key lies in keeping the lines of the project straight and clean, and painting the entire piece in a high gloss black, with a super-gloss sealant coat.

Instructions

1. Sand the individual pieces of wood lightly so that all surfaces have been slightly roughened. Sand tabletop edges until they are smooth and rounded, if desired.

2. Paint the individual wood pieces with a high-gloss black paint, using smooth, even strokes and painting with the grain of the wood. Allow plenty of time for the paint to dry and sand again very lightly before applying a second coat.

3. Sand the second dried paint coat very lightly. Be careful not to sand too deeply or leave deep gouges in the painted surface.

4. Apply two or three coats of high-gloss sealant, allowing plenty of time for the sealant to dry in between coats.

5. Place two of the 8-inch boards to create table legs underneath a 24-inch board for a leg support, with one on each end. Pre-drill holes into the top of the supports, down into the table legs. Drill two holes per table leg, using a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter then the wood screws to be used.

6. Attach the legs to the leg supports by screwing wood screws into the top of the supports. Tighten the screws completely, holding the legs tightly in place under the supports. Repeat for the remaining legs, using two legs on each leg support.

7. Set the coffee table top face-down on a blanket or carpet. Place one leg support at each end of the table top, so the four table legs are in the four corners of the coffee table. Hold the supports flush with the edges of the table on all three sides, using clamps if necessary.

8. Pre-drill holes through the middle section of the leg support into the coffee table top, using at least four evenly spaced holes per support. Make sure that the holes do not break the surface of the tabletop.

9. Attach the table top to the supports using wood screws, taking care not to allow the screws to break through the surface of the table top.

Tags: coffee table, Asian style, table legs, wood screws, Asian style coffee

Historic Loft Interiors

Loft apartments are typically found in old brick factory buildings.

Historic lofts provide owners and renters with some of the most distinctive interior and exterior architectural features on the market. Investors and urban developers alike value historic lofts, and cities use historic loft spaces to revitalize depressed real estate markets. Though the exterior of lofts often include elegant brick entryways and striking bell towers, the interiors of historic lofts feature equally impressive architectural detail. Does this Spark an idea?

History

After the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century, cities built sprawling mills and factories to harness new power and production technology. When the job market shifted and production became more streamlined in the early 20th century, most mills and factory buildings were abandoned. In the 1980s, urban developers began reclaiming the old factory and mill buildings, and architects and developers restructured the interior of the buildings to make livable space. Many of the spaces became luxury loft apartments, and some spaces became commercial offices or historical sites like museums. One of the main objectives in reclaiming historic mills, factories and warehouses is restoring and retaining distinctive interior and exterior features while modernizing the space for contemporary families.

Architectural Features

In order to accommodate large factory machinery, mills and factories had ceilings that ranged from 13 to 20 feet high. Historic loft interiors typically feature vaulted or cathedral ceilings, though some upper-level apartments might have sloped ceilings. In the absence of electricity for light and ventilation, mills and factories had floor-to-ceiling windows, and lofts typically feature walls of windows and ample lighting. Interior brick and exposed wooden rafters are also features of historic lofts. Wide-plank wooden floors are also common, though shifting over time forces some developers to replace original planks with new wood or wood laminate.

Size and Layout

The original layout for most historical loft spaces included few, if any, interior walls. The open floor plan allowed developers to break up the space into a variety of apartments, but most developers opted for large luxury apartments ranging from 800 square feet to 2,000 square feet. In some cities, ordinances that require affordable housing encouraged developers to include smaller apartments at more economical prices. Most lofts are single-story and open in design, though some high ceilings allow for two-story lofts apartments. Other loft interiors became studio spaces with a single living space.

Interior Design

Because the architectural details of historic loft interiors tend to be dominating, interior design tends to be simple and contemporary. Developers often opt for contemporary stainless steel appliances and neutral cabinetry in kitchens. Modern bathrooms with brushed stainless hardware and neutral color schemes are also common. The combination of the old and the contemporary is a distinctive feature of most loft interiors.

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