Buy Discontinued Ashley Furniture Pieces

Finding pieces of discontinued furniture can be a challenge.

Manufacturers discontinue furniture pieces for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes a piece is a slow seller. Maybe it is too similar to one in a new line they are introducing. Often, there is no obvious reason. If you own pieces from a discontinued Ashley Furniture collection and need to add more, you have some work ahead. The task is not insurmountable, and with some effort, you may be able to complete your grouping. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Establish the exact identity of the piece you want to buy. Ashley names its groupings, making the identity somewhat easier. If you have an invoice from a previously purchased piece, the name or number of the grouping should be on it. You can also check the underside of a furniture piece for an identity.

2. Contact Ashley Furniture, either by phone or email. Explain, either by name or description, the item you are seeking. Ask if there is leftover stock in the warehouse available for purchase. Ashley does not sell directly to the public, but will be able to supply you with names of retail distributors that can order the piece for you.

3. Ask the manufacturer for names of stores in your area that may still have unsold pieces on their showroom floors.

4. Call the local stores to check on inventory of your desired furniture. If there is no stock available, ask for names of additional stores in the area that could possibly have the item. There may be some smaller stores that are not widely known.

5. Search websites such as eBay or Craigslist. Type in your model number or name or scroll through many items on the listings, but with a bit of luck, you could strike gold.

6. Read the forums at "Furniture World Magazine." There's a list of people searching for and offering discontinued Ashley furniture.

7. Advertise on Craigslist, as well as in local papers. Be as specific as possible about what you are seeking. People change their furniture frequently, and they may be thrilled to find a ready buyer for their discontinued Ashley pieces.

8. Determine through the manufacturer if there is a new line that will replace the one you are seeking. Sometimes the manufacturer makes only small changes, allowing you to seamlessly integrate new pieces with old. The Ashley Furniture website, ashleyfurniture.com, is a good place to view the current styles to determine if any look similar to yours.

Tags: Ashley Furniture, area that, discontinued Ashley

Design A Small Home Office

A. Johnson

Working from home has become common, spurring the need for many homeowners and renters to set up an office in their residence. When designing a small home office it is important to first identify how the office will be used. Considerations when deciding on a location include the hours that will be spent in the office and whether it will be strictly for private use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make a list of the office equipment you plan to install, and consider how you can consolidate different pieces of equipment to conserve space. For example, if you need a printer, fax and scanner, it is possible to get one piece of equipment to do all three tasks.

2. Consider wireless computer equipment. With wireless hardware you can avoid mapping out the wires and connections from one piece of equipment to another.

3. Map out the approximate area needed to contain the office equipment and furniture you would like to install. This is to give you a general idea of the size of desk or cabinets that will be required to house the equipment.

4. Take an inventory of the type of office furniture you would like. Typical office furniture include a desk, computer desk, file cabinet and bookshelves.

5. Locate the area where you will place the home office. Choose a space that has good ventilation and lighting; adequate heating and cooling; sufficient electrical outlets; and privacy. If you need phone lines, consider the cost of running lines if none are available.

6. Look for a view. If you plan to spend many hours in the home office, look for an area that has a window with a view. If you only need a very small area, and don't plan to spend much time in the home office, a large closet or utility room might be adequate.

7. Assign your furniture double duty. If you are forced to install the home office in a guest room, and don't want to give up the guest room, consider installing a Murphy bed, hide-a-bed couch or futon. But be advised, if you intend to write off the space as an income tax deduction, there may be restrictions on how you can use the area. Check with your tax advisor.

8. Draw a floor plan of the room to scale, using grid paper. Arrange, on paper, the positioning of the office equipment and furniture. Consider the location of electrical outlets and available light.

Tags: home office, office equipment, electrical outlets, equipment furniture, furniture would, furniture would like, guest room

Furniture Styles Of The 1900s

Art Deco-style furniture incorporated geometric shapes and clean lines in upholstery patterns.

As of 2010, modern furniture includes any designs from the late 19th century to the present. In the 1900s, polished metals and simple fabrics replaced rich, dark woods and heavily patterned upholstery. Modernism moved away from seeing furniture as mere ornamentation to looking at its function and accessibility. Various trends during the 1900s played with these qualities, taking them to a range of extremes. Does this Spark an idea?

Art Nouveau

Ar Nouveau was an answer to Victorian-style furniture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style was defined by furniture with simple, asymmetrical designs. Designs included the use of curvy lines and subtle change in form. It drew inspiration from organic forms for an entire piece. Furniture was handmade, as the movement was a backlash against the move toward mass-manufactured furniture. The movement died out in the 1910s, giving way to the Art Deco movement. It did see a resurgence in the 1960s.

Art Deco

Art Deco burgeoned and became a mainstay furniture (and design) style through the 1920s and 1930s. Sleek, simple lines with elegant touches defined the style. The goal was to simply the Art Nouveau style, likely a result of the new machine age, where speed and glamour were looked up to. Furniture saw heavy use of new materials and geometric patterns, as well as Egyptian and oriental motifs and cubism. The style began with flowing lines but became more linear as mass production increased. The movement faded after 1935.

Mission

Mission-style furniture utilized the aesthetic of the southwestern United States. Pegs, dowels and rough-sawn wood were typically used in pieces. It had its roots in the 19th century Arts and Crafts period. Pieces were simple and functional, usually made from oak and other stained wood. Native American and leather motifs were commonplace in this movement.

Bauhaus Style

This style of furniture (and art and architectural design) appeared in the 1920s. Its avant garde pieces broke cleanly from traditional designs, using German design. "Bauhaus" translates from German as an "architectural house." Like Art Deco, Bauhaus focused on function over form and incorporated simple, clean lines. It was best represented in the Barcelona Chair designed in 1929. This "functional art" piece has influences from Roman footstools, which had an "x"-shaped silhouette, and Egyptian folding chairs.

Transitional Style

This style is a contemporary movement that uses new materials to further furniture design. New materials are sought to produce the simplest, lightest form with plenty of ornamentation. Past designs are put aside for new visual effects.

Tags: This style, 19th century, clean lines, furniture design, late 19th, Style This, Style This style

The Best Baby Beds

Toddler beds should come equipped with railings to prevent the toddler from falling out while sleeping.

Baby beds or toddler beds, as they are more commonly known, come in a variety of designs and styles. Many cribs are convertible into toddler beds and some even convert into full-sized twin beds. Consumers who feel overwhelmed with the abundant selection of toddler beds available should shop based on quality, durability and functionality. Toddler beds can also vary drastically in price. The top-ranked toddler beds are P'kolino, Kidkraft Nantucket, Dream on Me and Warm Biscuit.

P'kolino Toddler Bed and Chair

Introduced in 2004 by two dads, P'kolino utilizes international and local designers to create "playfully smart" products such as the Toddler Bed and Chair. This toddler bed does convert from a toddler bed into a chair. The sturdy sides of the chair function as the bed rails when pulled out into the bed configuration. This bed is durable and built from quality wood and coated with a protective, clear finish. The bed fits all standard crib mattresses. All P'kolino products meet or exceed the U.S. safety standards.

Kidkraft Nantucket Toddler Cot

Established in 1968, Kidkraft is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of children's furniture and toys. Kidkraft was founded by engineers, which is evident in the integrity and quality of their product designs. The Kidkraft Nantucket Toddler Cot is an affordable, classic-style toddler bed that sits low to the ground for easy toddler accessibility. This bed fits all standard mattresses and is non-convertible. Consumer reviews criticize this bed for the small size of its rails.

Dream on Me Mission Style Toddler Bed With Storage Drawer

A family business since 1988, Dream On Me prides itself on U.S.-made products and customer satisfaction. The Dream On Me Mission Style Toddler Bed With Storage Drawer sits low to the ground, features attractive mission style design and fits all standard crib-sized mattresses. Consumer reviews list the under-bed storage as a product plus. This bed, coated with a non-toxic finish, is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and has large, sturdy safety rails. The bed comes with all tools necessary to assemble it.

Warm Biscuit Custom Toddler Bed

Specializing in handmade, custom children's furniture and products, the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company can tailor-make a toddler bed to fit the consumer's needs. It offers with hand painted designs and the child's initial on the headboard. One of the more expensive toddler beds on the market, the Warm Biscuit is low to the ground and features structural bed rails that wrap around the entire mattress. The bed is constructed from pine and it ships as an oversized item.

Tags: Warm Biscuit, fits standard, Kidkraft Nantucket, toddler beds, children furniture

History Of The Santa Barbara Mission

History of the Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission was founded on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4, 1786. It took many years to construct the several adobe buildings on the mission grounds. The first buildings constructed were a residence, a chapel and a kitchen. The tenth California Mission founded by the Spanish Franciscan Friars, it is the only one that has remained under the Franciscan order continuously since its founding. The mission serves the community as a parish church to this day.

Founding

The previous nine missions were the work of Padre Junipero Serra, who died in 1784, two years after completing the Mission of San Buenaventura. He left behind a plan for a further string of missions continuing up the coast of Alta California, which was at that time part of Spanish-ruled Mexico.The Santa Barbara Mission was the first to be founded by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lusuen, who raised a cross on the site where the mission stands and made the first converts from the local Chumash people. These converts were then enlisted to begin the task of building the mission.

Purpose

The California Missions had two purposes. For the government of Spain, seeking to solidify its claim on the land, the missions provided new settlements and new citizens, as the converts were also required to learn Spanish and European skills. For the Franciscan Friars the purpose was to convert the native people to Christianity and thereby, they believed, save their souls from eternal damnation.

When the missionaries arrived this land was occupied by the Chumash Indians who were seafaring hunter-gatherers. They made plank boats that they called tomols, which were capable of crossing to the Channel Islands. They built domed houses with frames woven from willow branches and created intricate baskets and stone bowls and tools.

The missionary friars taught the Chumash about farming, introducing wheat and barley, and convincing them to culitvate corn, beans and peas. Eventually olives, oranges and grapes were planted and domestic animals of all sorts were herded by Spanish settlers, as well as the increasingly settled Chumash.

Four Churches

Over the years three adobe churches were constructed on the site, each one grander than the last. When the third adobe church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, the new church built in its place was constructed of stone. The stone church of Mission Santa Barbara, finished in 1820, still stands despite suffering severe earthquake damage in June of 1925. During the 1925 earthquake the church roof collapsed when several beams near the front alter fell. Fortunately no one was hurt, even though the tremor occurred during a mass. Restoration was begun at once and was completed in 1927. The two bell towers were further reinforced against earthquakes in 1953.

Artwork and Artefacts

Although none of the original buildings still stand, most of the artwork in the church remains unchanged. This includes the church alter, made by the Chumash and inlaid with abalone they collected from the waters around the Channel Islands. Additionally, there are statues and oil paintings on religious themes brought from Spain, Peru and Mexico in the late 1700s to decorate the first Mission Santa Barbara.

The Mission also displays hundreds of artifacts from the Mission Era: Chumash tools, pottery and baskets, Chinese silk vestments, gold and silver work, and furniture from both the Friary and the homes of Spanish settlers.

Waterworks & Cemetery

The Chumash built a dam in 1807 to provide much needed water to irrigate the crops they were cultivating, but the dam was just the beginning of what became the most extensive water system in the entire chain of California Missions. An aqueduct was built with tile-lined channels that emptied into a reservoir opposite the Mission, fed the fountain built in 1808 and a clothes washing trough called the lavanderia, below the fountain. You can still see ruins of this amazing water system in Mission Historic Park.

The Santa Barbara Mission Cemetery reveals a lot of history, with the remains of several thousand Chumash people, Spanish settlers and Franciscan Padres. There is also a crypt under the floor of the church where the first Governer and first Bishop of California are buried, along with the Presidio Commandant (the military commander of the settlement of Santa Barbara) and his family.

Tags: Santa Barbara, Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Mission, Mission Santa, Mission Santa Barbara, Spanish settlers

Make Missionstyle Furniture

Mission oak dining set, Father Jose Mut's dining room at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Mission-style furniture came about when the American Arts & Crafts Movement met the American West. The name "Mission-style" refers to the Spanish missions that were common throughout the West. Mission-style furniture is recognized for its simple elegance, utility, sturdiness and quality of construction. The Arts & Crafts Movement was built upon the belief that a master craftsman was superior to the machines of the Industrial Revolution. Remaining true to that spirit is at the heart of making Mission-style furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Study Mission-style designs and designers. Although the basic design elements are fairly constant, there will be some style differences between the simple utilitarian mission pieces and the more popular pieces create by the Arts & Crafts designers. Gustav Stickley was one of the premier designers of Mission-style furniture during the Arts & Crafts period, and his designs are still commonly reproduced.

2. Choose a design or create your own using the Mission-style design elements. Plans are available for purchase or free download in many places throughout the Internet. You can also find specific plans in a variety of woodworking magazines.

3. Choose a wood and build your furniture piece according to the design plans. Oak is a common wood for Mission-style furniture and makes a sturdy piece, but most any wood will work. Take your time. Mission-style furniture was meant to be sturdy and to last. The designs tend to be simple, so it is easier to concentrate on making each cut and each joint precise.

4. Choose a finish and apply it to the piece. Natural finishes that highlight rather than cover the grain of the wood are most common in Mission-style furniture, especially designs with an Arts & Crafts influence. Take your time when applying your finish. Quality is one of the hallmarks of Mission-style furniture designs.

Tags: Mission-style furniture, Arts Crafts, Arts Crafts Movement, Crafts Movement, design elements, Take your

Popular Furniture Styles

Contemporary is one popular furniture style.

Furniture is the most abundant element in a well-designed home and understanding furniture styles is the first step in purchasing furniture pieces. From early Tudor gothic styles to modern and contemporary, furniture comes in a huge variety of styles. Not all styles are appropriate for every space or mesh well with other styles. Consider these five popular furniture styles for your next design project. Does this Spark an idea?

Contemporary

Contemporary furnishings include furniture with clean, comfortable lines. The aim of contemporary furniture is the comfort of those using the space, so consideration should be given to stylish durability when choosing contemporary furniture. Livable and stylish, contemporary is often neutral, with splashes of warm, bright color. Patterns are introduced to the furniture through warm and cozy fabrics in the clean and contemporary styles. Due to the focus on comfort, contemporary furnishings are versatile and make achieving a stylish and comfortable space simple.

Modern

Modern furniture aims to achieve a cutting-edge and futuristic look. Though its name implies current style, the modern furniture movement began in the 1950s and has become a furnishing craze in since. Characterized by straight lines, geometric patterns, dark or vibrant contrasting colors and use of industrial or unusual materials, modern furniture appeals to those with an eye for retro and art-deco design.

Eclectic

Eclectic is the most often used furniture style, allowing an easy combination of existing pieces with flourishing or evolving style. Any time furniture styles are mixed to create a cozy and disjointed look, eclectic style is at work. Eclectic furniture happens when furniture is chosen based upon the style of the buyer, without regard to an era or style classification. This style is comfortable and versatile, creating a space uniquely the buyer's own.

Shabby Chic

Shabby chic is a recent furniture style movement that attempts to find new and creative uses for old pieces. Shabby chic furniture makes use of re-purposing older furniture pieces with a new and modern style. Those searching for the shabby chic style should shop for pieces at flea markets and furniture restorers. Shabby chic furniture makes use of ornate patterns to create a throwback look, owing largely to the french country chic style. Light floral patterns, Victorian elements and painted furniture pieces are all characteristic of shabby chic style.

Rustic Country

Rustic country furniture makes use of heavy wooden pieces, natural lines and is characterized by use of antique Americana. This western style relies on iron, leather, rustic wooden and antique pieces for its comfortable, country look. Giving the decorated space rustic appeal, the country furniture style creates durable and usable living spaces.

Tags: furniture style, chic style, contemporary furniture, furniture makes, furniture pieces, furniture styles, chic furniture

Get Free Clothes On Club Penguin

Celebrate Club Penguin with a gala party. The penguins in charge at the island of Club Penguin enjoy putting on festive celebrations. Party themes include water parties, medieval parties, fall festivals and April Fool's Day parties. Approximately once each month, penguins will gather for the festivities, many lasting as long as five days. During these parties, get free clothes on Club Penguin that fit with the party theme. You may find a hat, a shirt or an outfit for your penguin in a box somewhere on the island.

Instructions

1. Visit the Club Penguin website and log in to your penguin account with your penguin's name and password. Select a server to visit by clicking it from the list of available servers and click "Play Now."

2. Find the party box located in one of the Club Penguin neighborhoods. Click on the map in the lower left corner to choose a neighborhood to visit. Once your penguin appears in the neighborhood, wander around looking for a large cardboard box. The box could be sitting anywhere, but it will be plainly visible as you look for it.

3. Open the box by walking over to it and clicking it with your mouse. A window will appear telling you what the free item is and asking you if you want to claim one of the free clothing items inside the box. Answer "yes." Whatever the item, it will appear in your penguin's inventory.

4. Click your penguin once and then click the blue tab in the upper right corner to view your inventory. Browse through the inventory until you find the free item you just acquired. Click the item to wear it.

Tags: Club Penguin, your penguin, free item, will appear, with your

Things To Do On A Date In San Diego

San Diego is full of romantic date destinations.

Whether you're married, dating, or single, you can find hundreds of locations in San Diego, California to ignite a romantic evening. Plan a special day filled with fairy-tale magic and a night of passion that will bring any relationship closer. Make it a birthday, anniversary or proposal neither of you will ever forget by planning the perfect San Diego getaway -- even if it's just for one day.

Fairy-Tale Love

Fall in love in a horse-drawn carriage.

No prince or princess can refuse a magical ride in a horse-drawn carriage. San Diego Romantics, resource for romantic date destinations in San Diego, claims that fairy tales can come true, as you take in the sights of San Diego cuddled in an elegant stagecoach. Call ahead to reserve a spot with one of the many carriage companies throughout San Diego County. Call Always and Forever Carriage Company at 619-322-0586. In El Cajon, call California Carriages at 619-390-8762, or call the Cinderella Carriage Company in downtown San Diego at 619-239-8080.

Enjoy a Day in the Park

Enjoy art and architecture at Balboa Park.

Have a romantic picnic and explore Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States. Take memorable pictures in front of the animals at the San Diego Zoo, and hold hands while experiencing beautiful art, exotic flowers and romantic plays in the park. Contact the Balboa Park Visitors Center, located at 1549 El Prado St. at 619-239-0512 or online at balboapark.org. Come early, because the park is only open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Free Date on the Beach

See the Sea World fireworks every summer night.

During the summer, you can cuddle together and enjoy the perfect combination of a beautiful sunset, a private bonfire and fireworks for free. The beaches on La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Silver Strand Beach and Pacific Beach are among the many beaches that provide fire pits. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. nearly every night during the summer months.

Go Shopping

Please your partner on your date with extravagant gifts in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. The hundreds of art, jewelry, clothing and shoe stores are sure to please your date. Hop from shop to shop and bar to bar, enjoying the company of the other hip and trendy couples sharing a romantic evening together.

Dinner Date

Feed your lover at Forever Fondue.

No date night is complete without a romantic dinner. San Diego restaurants offer everything to white table dining over the ocean to intimate bistros to dessert-only sweet spots. Forever Fondue at 909 Prospect St. in La Jolla allows you to indulge in the sexiest dinner around as you feed each other morsels of food dipped in extravagant cheese or chocolate. Book a reservation at 858-454-4244.

Tags: Balboa Park, Carriage Company, date destinations, Forever Fondue, horse-drawn carriage, romantic date, romantic date destinations

Build A Mission Oak Fireplace Mantel

Use the best cuts of quartersawn oak to make a Mission-style mantel.

Mission furniture has achieved a reputation of classic beauty, known for its simple lines, attractive wood grain, fine craftsmanship and its ability to blend with any style. Adding a Mission-style mantel to the room is another opportunity to introduce a piece of furniture that is free of adornment, allowing the beauty of the wood grain to shine through. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Buy or cut a quartersawn piece of oak to the dimensions you've determined for your mantel. Look for a long-grain pattern that extends the length of the mantel, with rays and wavy grain patterns emanating from the center of the grain.

2. Stain this wood with a medium or dark stain. Add varnish to enhance the grain.

3. Find the center point of the wall over the firebox, and determine the height of the mantel. Check with local authorities on their recommended clearances, but plan on the wood being at least 8 inches from the firebox. Mark the location on the wall.

4. Drill holes in the backside of the mantel to accommodate the mounting hardware. Check the weight of the mantel piece and buy the correct mounting hardware to hold the weight.

5. Attach mounting hardware to the wall, using a stud finder to make certain it connects with a wall stud.

6. Apply carpenter's glue to the pre-drilled holes in the back side of the mantel, and slide the mantel over the mounting hardware. Check for level and adjust as necessary.

7. Touch up the stain as needed.

Tags: mounting hardware, hardware Check, Mission-style mantel, mounting hardware Check, wood grain

Traditional Furniture History

Traditional wood furniture

Traditional furniture is a broad label that can be applied to antiques, reproductions and period pieces from any country or region in the world. Types of traditional furniture are often categorized by their historical time line. Does this Spark an idea?

Renaissance

In the Renaissance period the two most popular pieces of furniture were the bed and chest. Rope beds, which utilized a wood frame with ropes to support the mattress, were especially popular during this era.

17th Century

In the 17th century furniture was mostly wooden and had ornate legs with paw or claw-like feet. Drawer pulls or handles became more intricate in design. Chair seats took on a variety of shapes and styles from circular to octagonal, and plain carved wood to embroidered cushions.

18th Century

Rocking chairs were the biggest addition to furniture in this era. Historically they are known as the "American Chair." Chippendale furniture rose in popularity during this time, starting with Chippendale cabinetry. Neoclassic furniture also emerged in this century, imitating the style of Greek and Roman furniture.

Early 19th Century

In the early 19th century wicker furniture came into popularity. Popular items were tea carts, blanket chests and smoking stands. In this century furniture making moved into mass production and hand-made pieces became more rare.

Identification

When inspecting traditional furniture there are some key identifying features. Look for shell motifs, clawed or pawed feet, overstuffed pieces with embroidery work and arched cabinetry.

Tags: became more, century furniture, during this, this century, traditional furniture

Grow Olive Trees In San Antonio

Grow beautiful olive trees in your San Antonio home landscape.

Olive trees, known botanically as Olea europaea, are subtropical evergreen trees that are native to the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Basin. Olive trees grow best in climates that experience hot, dry summers and mild winters with warm days and cool nights. Located in the northern part of South Texas, the city of San Antonio is one of the few regions in the state of Texas that has a climate that is suitable for growing olive trees. With proper site selection and care, you can successfully grow an olive tree in your San Antonio home landscape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plant your olive tree in a location that meets its very specific cultivation requirements. Look for a planting area that gets full, direct sun for a minimum of six hours each day and offers sandy, loamy, well-draining soil. Position the tree's crown at the same level it was growing in the nursery container to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and root rot.

2. Deep-water the olive tree after planting to moisten the surrounding soil all the way to the tree's roots. Continue to water your olive tree regularly to maintain slightly moist soil. Note that, while olive trees are considered drought tolerant, San Antonio-grown olive trees will perform best when provided with frequent supplemental irrigation.

3. Fertilize your olive tree with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer twice each year to ensure that your tree has the nutrients it needs for successful growth. Apply the first application in the early spring, as soon as new growth is observed. Apply the second fertilizer application in December to encourage healthy fruit-bud development. For best results, follow the application instructions on the fertilizer package.

4. Provide winter protection for your olive tree to prevent it from being killed by cold winter temperatures and freezes. Mound 1 1/2 feet of fresh topsoil around the bottom of the tree's trunk in November. Remove the soil mound in early April, when the weather warms up again.

5. Prune the olive tree in the early spring to remove any diseased, damaged or dead branches. Use sharpened and sterilized pruning shears to make clean pruning cuts. Make sure to avoid damaging the branch bark collar when removing branches from your tree. Consult the branch collar diagram included in the Resources section for more information.

Tags: olive tree, your olive, your olive tree, Antonio home, Antonio home landscape

Get Replacement Parts For Ready To Assemble Furniture

You bought it "as is," or you found it at a garage sale, or it just broke. Whatever the reason, you have a piece of ready-to-assemble furniture with a couple of pieces missing. It's easy to find replacement parts, even those little cam lock fasteners. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what parts are missing. If you have a parts list and assembly instructions, it's easier. But even if you don't, examine the piece of furniture underneath and at every joint. You are looking for missing screws, dowels, drawer handles, and cam lock fasteners or connectors. Obviously if something is missing, all you see is a hole, so look elsewhere on the piece of furniture to identify what is supposed to go in the hole.

2. Determine the manufacturer, if possible. If your piece is new, it is probably under warranty and you can get the missing parts for free. If not, the manufacturer may sell you the missing parts. The three largest manufacturers of ready-to-assemble furniture are all in North America: Sauder Woodworking Co., Archbold, Ohio

Bestar Inc. in Toronto Canada and Bush Industries in Jamestown New York. None of them have retail outlets, but all three display their products on their websites.

3. Contact the manufacturer for instructions and parts. If you have the carton the furniture came in and it's a Sauder product, the company will send you an instruction booklet just from the numbers on the bar code. Sauder's website also has the most complete help for identifying a model number and part number. It also provides generic instructions for many assembly steps.

Bestar's website lists its product lines and a customer service number. But you'll need to have the instruction manual and a model number to get help.

Bush's website shows its products and where to buy them. But for parts it gives only a form to print and send to the manufacturer. It requires a part number and description and the name of the store where the furniture was purchased.

4. Go to a hardware store for generic parts. Carefully remove an existing screw, drawer handle or cam lock fastener to take with you to the store. (Don't remove a dowel. Just estimate its diameter). Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes have wooden dowels, and those hard-to-find cam lock fasteners (or connectors). The company websites may not list these tiny replacement parts, but they're in an aisle waiting for you to find them. Wander through the furniture hardware aisle or ask a sales associate.

Tags: lock fasteners, fasteners connectors, lock fasteners connectors, missing parts, model number, part number

Building Bookcases

Use your books to decorate your home with a bookcase.

Bookcases provide convenient places to store possessions. Some bookcases purchased from the store come unassembled, with the new owners needing to build the bookcase. However, with the right size wood boards and the right building materials, you can build a bookcase from scratch. As long as you measure well, you can create a sturdy bookcase that will hold up for many years. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials

You'll need many tools, including a hammer, nails, sandpaper or some other sanding tool, measuring tools, a block plane, a combination square, glue, two clamps, a pencil and a circular saw. Bookcases are mostly made out of wooden boards that are routed to have tight grooves so that the shelves can fit into the grooves. These grooves are uniform so that you can remove or add bookshelves as you see fit, especially if you want to add something to the bookshelf that won't fit unless you raise or remove a bookshelf. If you want to maximize the strength of your frame, use oak and make the thickness double that of the bookshelves.

Cutting the Wood

When you use plywood, a more affordable alternative to sawed lumber, you can use trim to cover up the rough edges on the plywood. When you cut through the plywood, avoid using portable saws, which are highly dangerous. You can use a circular saw, but you might find cutting through the board cleanly difficult. You can ask the hardware store clerk where you purchased the lumber to saw through your plywood with the store's commercial saw. If these boards don't have the right length after the commercial saw cuts through them, you can further trim them with your circular saw.

Evening the Boards

As you're trimming your boards to the ideal length, frequently measure so that you do not have to throw away a board that's too short. Once you have cut all the boards, sand them before assembling the entire bookcase, or the friction caused by the rough edges will prevent the bookshelf from fitting together.

Assembling

Mark where you want the grooves to go with the pencil, and attach the shelf cleats to the sides of the bookcase with either glue or nails and a hammer. Attach the vertical back cleats. If you never want the shelves to move, you can hammer the shelves in so that they don't slide out at any point. You must nail the baseboard and the top of the bookcase, as well as the back, to the sides. Add the back last to ensure that it fits the bookcase. Use the block plane to scrape off wood from the top edge of the baseboard. Plane all of the side pieces of the bookcase, and then plane the front piece so that it matches.

Tags: block plane, build bookcase, rough edges

How Do Cops Match Bullets To A Gun

The brass and the bullet are clearly distinct.

On television programs, the matching of one bullet with another that is allegedly fired from the same firearm is a cut-and-dried process. The bad guy goes to trial, is convicted and sent away to jail.

Know as ballistic forensics, the process is not so simple, in reality, and the results are becoming more controversial as the method is being challenged by scientists and in court. Clifford Spiegelman, a professor of statistics at Texas A&M, has written, "...forensic results are typically stated with uncertainty statements that cannot be supported."

Two Pieces

Two separate pieces of the cartridge may be used for a match--the bullet itself and the brass, what is left behind after the round is fired.

A bullet often malforms or even completely shatters when hitting an object. This can make it impossible to match with another bullet. A brass, if available, is much easier to work with.

Scratches

When a cartridge is loaded into a firearm, it begins to receive a series of scratches. As each step of the firing process forces the cartridge against more metal parts, even more scratches are added to the cartridge brass. These include scratches from the magazine, chamber and firing pin.

The bullet itself is scratched by the throat of the barrel and the lands and grooves inside a barrel.

Theory

The idea behind the matching of cartridges and bullets is that each gun leaves a unique pattern of scratches on those pieces. Each round fired from the same gun will have the same identical series of scratches, however small they may be. Viewed through a microscope these patterns will reveal which gun fired which cartridge.

Limits

To make a match effective, authorities need a piece of evidence directly attached to the crime scene. For example, a mostly whole bullet in a victim or an ejected brass that is left behind. Without evidence such as this, it becomes difficult to match a particular weapon to a crime.

Problems

The natural wear and tear on a firearm as rounds are fired through them will change the characteristics of the parts. This in turn changes the scratch pattern, making it difficult to determine if a gun previously fired a weapon.

Also, the act of normal maintenance on a firearm quite possibly will alter the scratch pattern.

Another challenge to the theory is that it is inherently flawed because it is only one person's subjective view of whether there is a match to begin with.

Tags: bullet itself, fired from, fired from same, from same, left behind

Find The Price Of A Persian Rug

Besides being beautiful to look at and feeling extremely comfortable, Persian rugs are also a popular collector's item. This is true because when someone is thinking of buying a Persian rug, they are not only buying fine craftsmanship but history that has been passed down for thousands of years. Although Persian rugs may seem a bit expensive, they are a rarity and appreciate in value. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Go to an online Persian rug retailer. These websites include 1001 Persian rugs, Rug Man, and Pak Persian Rugs.

2. Go to the library or book store and read a Persian rug price guide, such as "Oriental Rugs: A Buyer's Guide."

3. Go to an antique convention or flea market.

4. Read a magazine on Persian Rugs. Go to the Jozan website for a list of Persian rug magazines and more information on rugs in general.

5. Go to an Oriental rug conference or fair. One of these conferences is called the ICOC or The International Conference on Oriental Carpets. This is held every four years at different locations around the world.

Tags: Persian Rugs, Persian rugs

Futon Turn Into A Bed

How Does a Futon Turn Into a Bed?

Identification

A futon is a modern day sofa bed, which works as both a sofa and a bed. It consists of three elements: the frame, the mattress or pad, and the cover. The frame is usually made of metal or wood. The mattress is available in different thicknesses and materials. Some are cotton, innerspring, memory foam or a polyester blend. The cover protects the mattress, but is also part of the decor. Covers are made of durable materials such as micro suede or denim. Buying a futon can be fun because you design it yourself by deciding on which frame, which mattress and which cover works in your living space.

Types

The click clack futon allows you to adjust the futon into a bed or recline it. Simply use the adjustable mechanism to lower the back to a flat or reclined position. The bi-fold futon is the most common futon. The mattress is folded in half, lengthwise, when the futon is in a seated position. To put the futon in a flat position, simply pull the seat section forward and push on the back. It will recline into a flat position. The tri-fold futon is for small spaces. The mattress is folded into three parts, width wise. Some have a mechanism to fold the frame flat, while others just pull forward as you push on the back to lay it flat. To bring the futon back into a seating position, lift on the back of the futon as you pull down on the front or seat. Bring the click clack futon back into position with the adjustable mechanism.

Places

Use a futon in any room of the house. In the living room, choose a thick mattress for comfortable seating during the day. Wood-framed futons with a high-end mattress and quality cover look and sit like a regular sofa. To prepare for bed, simply move away from the wall and lower the back. In the guest room, they take up less space than a bed. Simply pull down the back as you push the seat forward and the bed is ready. There are no sofa cushions to remove. Love seat futons work well in a home office area because they are only about 45 to 50 inches wide. They sit two people and sleep one comfortably. Usually a section under the love seat pulls out to make the futon longer.

Tags: adjustable mechanism, back flat, back into, clack futon, click clack

Decorate A Home In The Western Style

A cactus plant successfully accents a Southwestern-themed space.

When decorating your home in western style the look should be free spirited and largely reliant on organic forms and natural materials. Borne out of necessity, often eclectic western decor and fashion grew out of the natural, rustic or elemental materials that were available to Native Americans and early western explorers and settlers.

For Southwestern style, a regional variation on the western theme, use the desert landscape and other natural elements as inspiration. Adobe and mission-style architecture as well as warm earth tones, handmade pottery, silver pieces and desert-inspired designs and patterns are all well represented. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a desert- or sunset-inspired color. Choose a shade such as deep red, orange, taupe, mauve or muted yellow for a warm look. Pick turquoise or sunny yellow for a vibrant touch.

2. Decorate with furniture featuring natural fabrics and rustic materials. Contemporary western style successfully combines elegance with and rustic elements, such as delicate wrought iron work and rough-hewn wood. Enhance a living room with a dark brown leather or suede couch and chair set. Go with a taupe cotton-upholstered set for a lighter look. Pick a bed headboard, dresser and night stand set made of recycled barn wood or dark wood with wrought iron hardware.

3. Enhance the spaces with Southwestern- or Western-inspired textiles. Fold a fine woolen Hudson Bay trader's blanket or a woven cotton throw featuring cactus or coyote designs over the back of a chair or at the foot of a bed. Place a dusty orange, gold, deep red and olive green striped rug on hardwood floors. Hang a woven tapestry featuring warm hues or a striped serape, which is a traditional wool shawl, on an empty bedroom or living room wall.

4. Accent rooms with Talavera pottery pieces, bronze Charles Russell cowboy sculptures and Native American basketry and jewelry to create an authentic western vibe. Fill ceramic pot with evergreens or cacti. Use pottery, carved wood containers or woven baskets to store bathroom essentials such as cotton balls and swabs, or kitchen utensils.

Tags: living room, look Pick, wrought iron

About China Cabinets

About China Cabinets

China cabinets add an air of formality to a living room or dining area. They're also a way to store and display your best china, goblets and tea sets. Varying greatly in size, china cabinets can be small built-ins or huge wall-sized units with backlighting and several drawers for table linens and flatware. They can have wood or fabric backing, or have a mirrored back with a full-front glass display. China cabinets can be found in contemporary, country and traditional styles. Depending on the craftsmanship, brand and wood, china cabinets can be expensive. However, you can spend a few hundred dollars at an estate sale or flea market and get a nice piece of cabinetry for displaying your dishes. Does this Spark an idea?

History

It is said that the first china cabinets were built in England for Queen Mary in the late 17th century. Originally from Holland, the queen had become an ardent collector of china while living there. Dutch craftsmen, who'd come with her to England, created the first china cabinet for her, so she could display and store her exquisite collection of the Blue and White china pattern.

Contemporary Style

If you have modern décor, these will work perfectly. These are wonderful because they bring a touch of the traditional to the modern. Modern china cabinet materials might be the same as the traditional wood and glass, but the look will be entirely different. They are designed with clean, simple lines and in some cases, harshly rectangular. Some of the most modern are painted a glossy white with large glass panels that curve around the corners and steel framework. Some ultra modern pieces are stained in light colors and have abstract wood carvings on the doors.

French Country and Shabby Chic Style

French country and shabby chic cabinets are either unfinished or painted in light colors. Shabby chic is synonymous with signs of aging and faded color, especially pink. Many styles of shabby chic and French country china cabinets are available as new pieces or antiques. French country pieces tend to be quite large with many drawers and some carving or painted detail.

Chippendale Style

Genuine Chippendale china cabinets are antiques, as many were made of mahogany. Made by the English master carpenter and cabinetmaker, Thomas Chippendale, in the 1700s, these pieces are expensive, but are also true works of art. Age has only increased their beauty and value. However, Chippendale-style china cabinets are much less expensive and you can buy them at any quality furniture store. These are the most traditional looking of all china cabinets.

Mission Style

Mission-style china cabinets are a cross between the traditional and contemporary design concepts. Usually stained in a darker color, the mission-style china cabinets have a straight-forward design and clean lines. They frequently have paned window-style doors, crown moulding across the top, and a double set of drawers above the base.

Tags: china cabinets, china cabinets, About China, About China Cabinets, china cabinet, china cabinets

Hud Grants For Home Improvement

Low income government grants are available for home improvement.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers several programs for qualified homeowners designed to assist in the repair and improvement of homes for the safety and comfort of the occupants. Local offices gather necessary information on application forms that are then used to determine eligibility and distribute funds. Does this Spark an idea?

History

According to HUD.GOV, the U.S. Housing Act was passed in 1937 and is sometimes known as the Wagner-Steagall Act in reference to the sponsoring legislators. Designed to provide subsidies from the United States government to low-income families and improve their housing and living conditions, the act designated local agencies to distribute funds. Amendments added in 1949 and 1954 set goals for improved living and "slum clearance." In 1965 the Federal Housing Administration(FHA) became a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Function

The present-day mission of HUD is creating strong communities with affordable quality homes for anyone who wants to acquire or retain his or her own home. Through various programs, HUD works to help the housing market, protect consumers and improve the economy. Loans are provided for the purchase of single family homes and rental units. Grants are available to improve single family dwellings and to rehabilitate multi-family rental units.

Grants

One program attainable through HUD is a grant for home improvement and repair for low-income homeowners. Intended to improve the safety and health of the occupants, grants are given for necessary repairs such as roofing, electric wiring and plumbing. According to HUDGRANTS.com, improvements that qualify for HUD grants may also include those that enhance energy efficiency, such as new windows, wind resistant siding, storm doors, addition of insulation, sealing of foundation cracks or other repairs that improve heating and cooling efficiency.

Requirements

Federal grant funds obtained through HUD cannot be used for any purpose other than to improve or repair the home. Generally, the homeowner is responsible to for getting estimates for the work, and the money is paid to the designated licensed contractor. Grants are not repaid so long as the homeowner retains ownership of the improved building for at least five years. The home can be sold before that time, but a prorated portion of the grant will then become due and payable, based on how much of the five year requirement was met.

Qualifications

To qualify for a Federal home improvement grant the recipient must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United States. Applications are free and are obtained at the local HUD offices. Information about government housing programs is also available online at HUD.GOV. Most government grants are intended for low-income individuals or families.

Tags: Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, distribute funds, government grants, home improvement

Motels Near St George S C

Saint George, South Carolina has a good selection of motels.

Saint George, South Carolina, is a small town located about 53 miles northwest of Charleston. The town lies almost halfway between Charleston and Columbia near Lake Moultine and the Columbia River basin, I95 and I26. Highlights include The Lourie Theater and the yearly Grits Festival and small town southern charm.

Econo Lodge St. George

The Econo Lodge St. George is located about two miles west of the town center where route 78 crosses I95. The motel occupies a two-story white wood frame building with exterior staircases and hallways and a large free parking lot. Standout features at the motel include outdoor swimming pool, free continental breakfast, free local calls and free Wi-Fi Internet throughout. The guest rooms are decorated in neutral colors with flowered bed coverings, armchair and decorative paintings. Each room has SAT TV, balcony, air conditioning, coffeemaker, work desk, microwaves and refrigerator. Rates for a double start around $53, as of February 2011.

Super 8 St. George

The Super 8 St. George is located just west of the I95 and route 78 junction about two miles from the town center. The motel consists of a white and yellow two-story building with external hallways and a free parking lot. A simple lobby welcomes guests with a small seating area where free SuperStart breakfast is served, a large outdoor swimming pool, free local calls and free Wi-Fi Internet throughout. The 59 guest rooms are white with red carpeting, and include wooden furniture, flower bedspreads and ceiling fans. Each has cable TV and clock radio. Pets are allowed for a $5 per night fee. Rates for a double start around $41, as of February 2011.

Days Inn St. George

The Days Inn St. George is located where the I95 and route 78 meet about two miles west of St. George proper. The motel occupies a motel-style stucco building with exterior hallways and a large free parking lot. The hotel lobby is home to the 24-hour front desk and the free daily Daybreak continental breakfast area. The motel features a large outdoor swimming pool, free local calls, RV and truck parking and the Huddle House restaurant located just next door. The 92 guest rooms have large platform beds with floral coverings, neutral decor with ceiling borders and wall paintings. Each room has cable TV and clock radio, and some with microwave and refrigerator. Rates for a double start around $52, as of February 2011.

America's Best Value Inn St. George

The America's Best Value Inn St. George is located about two miles west of St. George center, near the accommodations filled junction of I95 and route 78. The motel is a white wood frame two-story building with the lobby off to one side covered by a peaked roof entryway. The motel is classified as a four-checks property by America's Best Value Inns and features a small outdoor pool, sunbathing area, picnic tables, free continental breakfast and guest laundry. The white walled guest rooms have wall paintings, air conditioning, cable TV, VCR rentals and 24-hour room service available. Rates for a double start around $50, as of February 2011.

Tags: about miles, around February, around February 2011, building with, double start

Fix A Ripped Winter Coat

Coat repair varies with the coat's shell material.

A tear in any material of jacket is possible to fix with the right techniques. The easiest tears to repair are smaller tears, less than 3 inches in length. It is possible to repair larger tears, but they will still be visible to the naked eye after repairing. Always use the correct repair method for your coat's material and take your time. The best repairs are created with patience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Leather Coat

1. Clean about 1 inch of leather surrounding the tear with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.

2. Cut the leather repair cloth to a size one inch larger than the tear on all sides. Cut a rounded shape to prevent peeling. Slide the repair cloth beneath the tear with tweezers. Glue the patch to the leather with the enclosed glue.

3. Apply the leather filler to the tear between the leather patch and the original leather. Fill the tear until the filler sits at the same level as the rest of the leather. Use a leather grain patch to add texture to the filler and to match the rest of the leather grain. Allow the filler to dry for one hour.

4. Sponge on a leather dye to match the color of the filler to the original leather color. Allow the color to dry for one hour, then condition the entire area with leather conditioner.

Nylon Coat

5. Trim away any excess threads from the tear.

6. Pull the two sides of the tear together. Place a round patch of clear duct tape over the front of the tear.

7. Apply a coat of seam grip sealant over the back side of the tear. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

8. Remove the tape from the front of the coat. The tear is now patched and will not open again on its own.

Fabric Coat

9. Trim any loose ends of fabric from the tear.

10. Pull the two sides of the tear together.

11. Sew the sides of the tear together with an overhand whipstitch. Hold the two pieces of the fabric together. Push the needle through both sides of the fabric. Pull the thread through to the knot. Pull the needle over the two sides of fabric and push the needle through the same side of the fabric again. Repeat this stitch for the entire tear. This will create an overhand stitch that will hide the rough edges of the fabric and create a tight bond for the two sides of the tear. Sew beyond the line of the tear, about ½ inch on either side of the tear, to strengthen the bond.

Tags: sides tear, sides tear together, tear together, about inch, Coat Trim, from tear

Get Donations For Your Missions Trip

Both my wife and I are in the medical/nursing field. And we feel that our skills can be of great use not only here in the states, but also abroad where healthcare isn't so easily obtained. We are traveling with a team of doctors, nurses, dental hygienists, translators, and pastors. Money is not everything, but it is a huge part of what makes a medical missions trip work. Here's eget donations for your trip!

Instructions

1. First, make a list of the things you need. Money is a big one, but it isn't everything. Depending on your mission trip's purpose will determine what your needs are.

2. Donations are enticing to the public when they are tax deductible. Check with your team members and team leader if your organization is authorized to take tax deductible donations. If so, with your organization's permission you can use their name to market and pull donations.

3. Advertise your mission trip on your blog, or website. The traffic you have already established to your webspace can easily be tapped for possible donations and advertisement of your mission trip.

4. Email, a wonderful digital tool. Don't spam your entire contact list. Send a quick and tasteful email to those that you think might appreciate what you are doing on your mission trip. Don't drag the email along as it might turn off the potential help. State your greeting, agenda, need, info, and thanks. The important parts are surprisingly the first and last of that list. No one wants to help after seeing a rude or obnoxious plug.

5. Make donations easy. Offer different methods of donating. With money, allow them to send checks or money orders. Paypal allows you to accept money digitally to your email address, linked to your bank account. With paypal you can create an html button for your blog or website. This button when clicked will take the visitor directly to a paypal site with your mission trip donation info prefilled. You can select whether a standard monetary donation can be sent, or allow them to send any amount. Paypal also provides links that can be sent via email or on venues that don't allow html. Such as the following:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7595962

This is a live address Paypal link for my medical mission trip to El Salvador. This is an ongoing mission and continued aid is always needed. First we ask for your thoughts and prayers. And after, any donations or referrals you might offer are greatly appreciated.

Tags: mission trip, your mission, your mission trip, with your, allow them

Housing Assistance In Terre Haute Indiana

Vigo County, in western Indiana, where the city of Terre Haute sits, has some of the highest rates of families and individuals receiving welfare and food stamps throughout the state, according to the Kids Count Data Center. This is merely one fact that highlights the need for housing assistance programs in Terre Haute and nearby cities. Fortunately, you have several options, whether you need monetary assistance to pay rent or are trying to find a roof to put over your head.

Housing Authority

The Terre Haute Housing Authority (no website; 2001 N. 19th St., Terre Haute; 812-232-1381) administers public housing programs like Section 8. Rental assistance can be obtained largely through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which subsidizes rent based on your income and other factors. You generally pay about 30 percent to 40 percent of your income to rent using the voucher program. Terre Haute Housing Authority also administers supportive housing programs for veterans, households and individuals in danger of becoming homeless.

Other Rental Assistance

Grants, subsidies or credits from the government are available to landlords who to rent to low-income individuals. This affords those seeking affordable housing more options. Some rentals, as with housing authorities, may have income restrictions. Central Eastside Housing (no website; 1450 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute) constructs rental homes for low-income individuals and households, and also offers low-income apartment units. Providence Housing Corporation, an organization formed by the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (spsmw.org), provides affordable housing options for low-income residents of Terre Haute: they run Guerin Woods and The Meadows, housing options for the eldery with limited incomes; they also operate group homes for boys and girls, and Guerin House, providing furnished apartments to homeless families and families reuniting with children in foster care.

Homeownership Assistance

The Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity (wvh4h.org) offers interest-free mortgages to families living in substandard and subsidized housing. Eligible individuals must meet income guidelines and pay "sweat equity" by working a certain number of hours on the construction of their new home. Also, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (in.gov/ihcda) runs the "First Home" and "First Home Plus" programs, offering first-time home buyers low, fixed-interest rate loans and assistance with down payment and closing costs. The IHCDA also offers the Mortgage Credit Certificate program in which homeowners receive a tax credit for the duration of their mortgage when filing federal taxes.

Emergency Shelters

The Council on Domestic Abuse (codaterrehaute.org) in Terre Haute provides abused individuals, especially women and their minor children, a domestic violence shelter. The CODA also operates a 24-hour crisis line (800-566-2632). The Light House Mission Ministries (thlhm.org) offers an emergency shelter and services to the homeless, emotionally troubled and low-income families. They also provide transitional apartments to men who have been through the Mission's substance abuse-recovery program, and a shelter for teen girls between the ages of 12 and 21. Run by the Vigo County government (vigocounty.in.gov), Homes for Children consists of group homes for emotionally and/or physically abused and neglected children as well as juvenile delinquents. Children stay in the homes around six months, on average, and treatment includes life skills training and counseling.

Charities

Catholic Charities in Terre Haute (archindy.org/cc) operates the Bethany House (no website; 1402 Locust St., Terre Haute; 812-232-4978), a center that provides shelter, meals and clothing to poor and homeless families and individuals. Catholic Charities also runs a household exchange program that donates used goods like furniture, televisions and bedding to needy families.The Salvation Army of Terre Haute (corps.salvationarmyindiana.org/terrehaute) serves Vigo County families and individuals, and provides emergency financial assistance, such as rent, mortgage and utility bill assistance.

Tags: Terre Haute, families individuals, Housing Authority, Vigo County, affordable housing, also offers

Make Mission Style Fireplace Mantels

The simple lines of a Mission-style fireplace complement a California rancher.

Mission furniture was designed for simplicity. A simple, square wood mantel stained in a dark oak or walnut matches the original church-designed Mission furniture style. Mission style furniture fits best into the farmhouse, rancher or bungalow home. By using pine or oak boards and incorporating pre-made decorative moldings, you can assemble your mantel in one weekend. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the fireplace. Generally, building codes require a 12-inch clearance between the firebox and a wood mantel. Mark points on both sides and above the fireplace that are at least 12 inches from the fireplace opening using a piece of chalk.

2. Locate the wall studs using a stud finder. There are normally studs surrounding the fireplace.

3. Cut the 1-by-6 boards to fit around the fireplace, using the earlier measurements, and butting the two vertical supports to the bottom of the horizontal board. Use a spirit level to ensure that the boards are perfectly horizontal and vertical. Attach the boards to the wall studs with 8 deck screws per board, spaced equidistant across the boards and 1 1/2 inches in from each side.

4. Apply construction glue to the back of each of the 4-by-4-inch squares. Attach a square at the bottom of each vertical support, centering it on the board. Tap a finishing nail into each corner, using a nail set to push the nail head slightly below the surface of the wood.

5. Glue and nail the other two squares in place, flush with the top of the horizontal board and aligned vertically with the bottom squares.

6. Measure and cut the decorative casing to fit between the squares on the vertical boards. Glue and nail into place.

7. Measure and cut a piece of 2-by-2-inch board to fit on top of the horizontal board. Attach it to the wall studs, butting it against the top of the board.

8. Cut the last 1-by-6 board 4 inches longer than the width of the fireplace surround. Measure and cut the crown molding to fit onto three sides of the board, using a miter box and saw to cut the molding. Glue and nail the molding to the board.

9. Fit the mantel top and molding on top of the 2-by-2 support. Predrill down through the top and into the support. Attach the top to the support with wood screws.

10. Fill over the top of the finishing nails and screws with wood putty. Allow to dry, then sand smooth with 180-grit sandpaper.

11. Mask the wall and bricks around the mantel with painter's tape.

12. Apply a dark oak or walnut stain to the wood with a rag. Wipe off the excess with a clean rag and allow to dry completely.

13. Brush two coats of satin-finish polyurethane over the entire mantel. Allow to dry between coats according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tags: Glue nail, horizontal board, wall studs, dark walnut, inches from, Mission furniture

Interior Bungalow Paint Colors

An example of a Four Square bungalow painted white.

In architecture, the term bungalow refers to the styles of the Prairie home, the Crafts or Craftsman bungalow, the Mission style and Four Square bungalow, all of which fall under the Arts and Crafts style made popular during the early 20th century. Each of these architectural styles has certain associated characteristics, one of those being the color palettes that complement the architecture of the homes. Does this Spark an idea?

Prairie Colors

Designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, the architecture of the Prairie-style home employs clean lines and is built to appear as if it sprang from the ground. Paint colors used in this type of home include the colors found in the Midwestern prairies of the United States, including wheat, earthy browns, leafy greens and accents of floral reds and yellows.

Craftsman Colors

Bolder than the Prairie palette, Craftsman homes use rich greens and yellows for paint colors. In a direct response to the jewel tones of the previously popular Victorian style, the Craftsman home uses earthier shades of color paired with dark woods and stone. Use clay-color reds and pair them with creamy whites and muted yellow. Paint colors also include leafy greens with red or off-white trim.

Mission Colors

Regionally associated with the western United States, the Mission bungalow uses a color scheme that exhibits a Spanish influence. Shades of red, green, yellow and white make up the paint palette for the Mission style. Walls may be painted a subtle yellow with trims in green or red. Sunset pink is also used in Mission-style palettes, along with sunny yellows and the blue-green of ocean water.

Four Square Colors

The boxy appearance of the two-story Four Square bungalow is, like the Prairie style, at home in the Midwestern United States. The paint palette for this style is found in autumn colors. Though limited to red, yellow and brown, the three colors offer a variety of shades in warm tones, giving the simple architecture more depth and visual interest. The exterior paint color on these homes, however, is often white.

Contemporary Colors

The architecture of each of the bungalow styles was, at inception, accented by the color palette first associated with that architectural style. In contemporary times, homeowners may desire a more updated color palette, while still remaining true to the architecture. This may be achieved by choosing shades within the original palette that are lighter in tone. The forest green, for example, may be replaced by the softer, lighter sage green. The deep pink of the Mission style may give way to salmon pink and the sunny yellow may be tempered to a more sandy color.

Tags: Four Square, Four Square bungalow, Mission style, Square bungalow, United States

Decorating A Kitchen In Mission Style

Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer in the early 20th century, is credited with creating the style known as Mission. It is characterized by clean lines and minimal decoration, exposed joinery and natural materials such as oak and leather. You can decorate your kitchen in Mission style to create a space charming in its simplicity yet dramatic in its effect. Does this Spark an idea?

Cabinets

Cabinets in a Mission-style kitchen are made of solid oak. Any paneling or beveling on the cabinet doors is rectangular, with at most a curved crown. If you want a touch of the Arts and Crafts style in your cabinetry, add glass panes to two or three of the cabinet doors.

Use hardware that is seated on the exterior of the frame. The Mission style is noted for its exposed joinery and hardware, reflecting the craftsmanship of creating pieces from raw material.

Counter Tops

In contemporary kitchens, granite counter tops are rapidly becoming the norm. Being a natural material, granite blends well with the Mission style. However, granite is a highly decorative stone. To relieve some of the decoration, include a length of butcher block in your counter top. An alternative would be concrete counter tops.

Flooring

Oak planks are an excellent feature in Mission-style decorating, but they may not be practical for your kitchen or within your budget. Opt for laminate in oak veneer or cork flooring as alternatives.

Tables and Chairs

Chairs in the Mission style have square leg rungs. The chair backs are squared and the seating is upholstered in leather or cotton. The chair spines are flat, unturned wood set in vertical patterns.

A Mission-style table is rectangular and like its companion chairs, the legs are square. Both the chairs and table are made of oak, though oak veneer may be more affordable.

Color Scheme

Though the earthy browns dominate the Mission style, you can bring color into your kitchen. Creamy white trim with rustic orange or yellow walls will brighten the space. You could also stain the trim oak and paint the walls a sea green, a pale blue or ocher. The Mission-style color palette includes any color found in nature, including greens and reds. The colors, though, are always muted.

Use pottery to bring in more color and add texture. Terra-cotta planters are compatible with the Mission style, but also add some matte glazed ceramics in green, yellow and orange.

Tags: Mission style, your kitchen, cabinet doors, exposed joinery, with Mission, with Mission style

Recondition Cordless Drill Batteries

Give your cordless drill a boost by reconditioning the battery pack.

You can recondition cordless drill batteries that are nickel cadmium (NiCad) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH). These batteries wear down and eventually die out. You can correct this process and make your cordless drill batteries work like new again. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Rechargeable NiCad or NiMH battery packs

1. Remove the dead battery pack from the cordless drill.

2. Using the volt meter, determine which leads on your battery case are positive and negative. Mark the positive lead, so that it is easier to reassemble your battery case after the reconditioning process.

3. Unscrew the cordless drill battery case to open and reveal the battery cells to recondition. Take note of the inside spring so you don't lose it. This piece tends to snap out or pop away when the case is opened. Carefully lift off the top of the battery case.

4. Place the small screws and the spring into a small container to make them easier to find during reassembly.

5. Pull out the cells from the bottom casing. They should come out as one piece that is banded or shrink-wrapped together.

6. Mark the top of the silver cardboard insulator at the point where the wires go from the terminal into the battery pack. Again, this will make it easier to reassemble.

7. Remove the terminal piece with needle nose pliers. Don't let the wires cross or touch during this removal. There is a risk of electrical shock or an explosion if you let the terminal wires cross. Set this piece aside with the screws and spring.

8. Insulate the exposed metal band with electrical tape. This metal piece will be hot during the reconditioning process. Wrapping it in tape will protect you from injury.

9. Lift off the silver cardboard insulation piece that covers the rechargeable battery cells. Place this piece aside.

10. Cut the shrink wrap from the top of the batteries, just enough to expose the top and bottom of the battery leads.

11. Set the volt meter to 2 volts and test each individual rechargeable battery cell. Mark all batteries with a volt meter reading of 0 or negative. This will denote which batteries within the pack need to be reconditioned.

12. Prepare your external 12-volt power source to zap the batteries you have marked to recondition. Put on gear to protect your hands, eyes and skin during this potentially hazardous process.

13. Locate the positive and negative ends of the first battery to be reconditioned.

14. Hold the black alligator clamp, powered from your 12-volt source, against the negative end of the battery and the red clamp against the positive end for a maximum of two seconds.

15. Remove the clamps and test the battery to see whether it took the charge. If it reads more than 1 volt on the volt meter, move on and recondition the next cell. If the cell does not read more than 1 volt, zap it again. The cell can be zapped up to 10 times.

16. Continue the process until all cells within the battery pack have been reconditioned.

17.Reassemble the battery pack.

18. Place the reassembled battery pack onto the drill battery charger overnight. The next day your drill should work like new.

Tags: battery pack, cordless drill, battery case, volt meter, battery cells, cordless drill batteries, drill batteries

Mission Blue Butterfly Information

The mission blue butterfly is native to the San Francisco Bay area.

The mission blue butterfly is a small butterfly with blue or brown wings that is native to the San Francisco Bay area of California. Because of habitat loss, the mission blue butterfly is registered as an endangered species. Does this Spark an idea?

Appearance

The male mission blue butterfly has blue wings while the female's wings are mostly brown.

The mission blue butterfly is a small butterfly with blue or blue-tipped wings. Its wingspan generally measures about 1 to 1.5 inches in length. Male mission blue butterflies have blue wings lined with black markings. Female's wings are mostly brown with similar black lining as the males and have only a small portion of their wings with blue coloring. The underside of both female and male mission blue butterfly's wings are a grayish color with black spots.

Coastal Scrub

The mission blue butterfly lives in a habitat known as "coastal scrub" which is found in the western United States, especially in parts of California. Due to development in the San Francisco Bay area, coastal scrub is deteriorating at a fast rate, and the mission blue butterfly is losing its natural habitat.

Larvae

Mission blue butterflies lay their eggs on three types of lupine plant: silver lupine, lindley varied lupine, and summer lupine. In late winter, usually the month of February, the mission blue butterfly larvae emerge from the soil and begin eating lupine plants. Though this is several months after the larvae have hatched, they have been in the soil in a state called diapause, similar to a long sleep. There are certain species of ants that walk along the larvae, eating secretions produced by the larvae that are rich in protein. The ants protect the larvae from being eaten by other insects.

Diet

Mission blue butterfly larvae feed on three species of lupine plant.

The larvae of the mission blue butterfly feeds on three species of lupine plant while the adult mission blue butterfly eats seaside buckwheat, bluedick, and hairy false goldaster.

Endagered Species

The mission blue butterfly is an endangered species due to the loss of coastal scrub habitat in the San Francisco Bay area. Female mission blue butterflies lay their eggs on lupine plants found within this habitat and thus, the lupine is necessary for the mission blue butterfly to reproduce. Because coastal scrub has been largely destroyed, the lupine plant cannot grow, and the mission blue butterfly has nowhere to lay its eggs.

Tags: blue butterfly, mission blue, mission blue butterfly, Francisco area, lupine plant, blue butterflies

Reupholster A Mission Oak Chair

According to Collectors Weekly, the "mission oak style became popular in the early 1900s as part of the American Arts and Crafts movement." Popular components of the mission oak style include natural upholstery, unpainted wood, and "simple, linear designs." Since most mission chairs consist of little upholstery---typically the only fabric part of the chair is the seat cushion---reupholstering a mission chair proves a much less expensive option than purchasing a new chair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the mission chair seat cushion from the chair frame by unscrewing the cushion.

2. Remove any items that attach the fabric to the cushion using needle nose pliers. This includes staples, tacks and thread.

3. Remove the fabric from the seat cushion to reveal the wooden portion of the chair cushion. Most cushions will have some cushioning, known as batting, attached to the wood. Place the wood piece and the batting on the table and lay the new fabric on top of it. Use fabric chalk to draw an outline of the chair cushion.

4. Cut out the fabric. Leave an extra two or three inches of fabric beyond the outline.

5. Place the fabric on the table, face down. Place the seat cushion on the table, face down. Pull the fabric over the seat cushion until it reaches to the back of the wood. Staple or tack the fabric to the back of the wood. Use at least one staple or tack in each corner.

Tags: seat cushion, back wood, chair cushion, chair seat, face down, mission chair, mission style

Hotels Near The Gaslamp District

Visit the Gaslamp District in San Diego after sundown.

The historic Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, California, was developed in the mid 19th century to draw the city closer to San Diego Bay. This city is noted for the gaslamp-style lights on street corners, as well as its vibrant nightlife scene and restaurants. Hotels here are within walking distance of numerous restaurants in this 16-block district, and are conveniently located to annual Gaslamp District events, including the Street Scene Music Festival.

U.S. Grant Hotel

The luxurious U.S. Grant Hotel has been given a four-star award by "Forbes" magazine, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to "Forbes Travel Guide," this hotel was developed in 1910 by Ulysses S. Grant Jr., and much of the original d cor has been refurbished and left intact.

The lobby area and the restaurant, Grant Grille, features Art Deco furniture, while guest rooms boast marble-furnished bathrooms and original artwork from France. The restaurant opened in 1951 and serves California-style cuisine for lunch and dinner.

The hotel is within walking distance of theatrical performances in the Gaslamp District at Balboa Theater. This early 20th-century theater is also on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts theater performances and concerts throughout the year.

Upscale shopping and dining experiences are available at the Westfield Horton Mall, which is across the street from the hotel. Department stores at this mall include Macy's and Nordstrom.

Gaslamp Plaza Suites

Situated in the heart of the Gaslamp District, Gaslamp Plaza Suites was built in 1913 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to Frommer's, this Georgian-style, 11-story hotel was the first skyscraper in San Diego.

Guest rooms on the upper levels offer scenic views of downtown San Diego and San Diego Bay. The rooms contain microwaves and European-style interior d cor. A continental breakfast is offered on the hotel's rooftop and the Melting Pot fondue restaurant is on site.

The hotel is within walking distance of off-site restaurants in the Gaslamp District on Fifth Avenue and Fourth Avenue, including Hard Rock Caf and de Medici, which serves Italian cuisine. The bayfront area of the Gaslamp District is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and this area features the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Field, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team.

Horton Grand Hotel

The historic Horton Grand Hotel is in the southern Gaslamp District and was built in 1924, featuring Victorian-era exterior and interior d cor. Rumors abound that Room 309 and some of the hotel's hallways are haunted, according to the website HauntedHouses.com.

Each guest room has Victorian-style furniture, a marble-furnished fireplace and private balcony. The on-site Palace Bar offers an extensive list of imported beers, wines and liquor.

The hotel is located in what was once the "Red Light District" of San Diego, which consisted of late-night clubs and gambling halls. Although transients have been removed from the area, the nightlife around the hotel is still vibrant, with night clubs such as Field and Shout House within walking distance of the Horton Grand.

Guests can take a 10-minute walk to the Martin Luther King Promenade along the bay, and walk to the Seaport Village Shopping Center, a waterfront mall offering shopping and dining opportunities.

Tags: Gaslamp District, walking distance, within walking, within walking distance, Historic Places, Horton Grand, National Register

Grow Mission Olive Trees

By planting two varieties of olives that can pollinate each other, you can grow olives in many home landscapes.

Mission olives take their name from the Franciscan monks who cultivated the trees during the early colonization of California. Most olives can't pollinate themselves, according to the University of California. You will need to plant Mission olive trees with Manzanillo olives. The two varieties will cross-pollinate each other. Olive trees can grow to between 20 and 30 feet tall and with a similar spread. Olives are hardy down to U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a location that has soil that drains well and gets full sun. Select a location that will accommodate the number of trees you will be planting.

2. Remove your young Mission olive tree from its nursery pot.

3. Dig a hole slightly wider than the width of the tree's root ball. Dig the hole slightly shallower than the root ball.

4. Place the tree in the hole with the roots slightly above the level of the surrounding soil and back-fill the hole so the soil on the root ball forms a gentle hill. This will help to keep water from pooling on top of the root ball.

5. Water your olive tree monthly with deep waterings of 3 to 4 inches of water. After several years, your Mission olive will be drought tolerant. However, regular watering will increase fruiting and olive production.

6. Plant the Manzanillo tree using the same procedure as the Mission, but 20 to 30 feet away to ensure best cross-pollination.

Tags: root ball, each other, hole slightly, location that, Mission olive, olive tree, Select location

Make Stencils With Microsoft Word

You can use stencils over and over again.

Stencils make it simple to paint or draw identical numbers, letters or shapes time and time again. You can use stencils to paint your house number on the curb, making it easier for visitors or emergency personnel to find your home. You can use stencils to create a sign with your family's name, or one asking passersby not to walk on your grass. Instead of buying stencils at the hardware store, make your own using Microsoft Word and your printer.

Instructions

1. Measure the area where you will paint or draw the stencils. Count the numbers or letters you want to stencil onto the area. Divide the area by the number of characters to determine what size your stencils should be.

2. Open a blank document in Microsoft Word. In the Font drop-down menu, choose a large, bold font with simple lines. A font called Stencil might already be installed with the program, but other fonts such as Arial Black or Impact would work, too.

3. Create a WordArt object by going to the Insert tab and selecting "WordArt" in the Text group. Choose a basic WordArt style without a drop shadow or other effects. A WordArt box will appear on the page, using the font you selected in Step 2. If necessary, highlight the text in the box, go to the Drawing Tools tab and change the Text Fill to a solid color and the Text Outline to "No Outline."

4. Type the word, letters or numbers you want to stencil into the box.

5. Click on your WordArt object and drag it to stretch the letters to the size you need. Make sure you are in Print Layout view (found under the View tab) so you can use Word's rulers to size your letters. You can also change the page orientation to make more room for the text by going to the Page Layout tab, clicking on "Orientation" and choosing "Landscape."

6. Print your stencils and use scissors or a craft knife to cut them out.

Tags: Microsoft Word, numbers letters, paint draw, size your, want stencil, WordArt object, your stencils

Hotels Near Sumas Washington

Explore the British Columbia outdoors during your stay in Sumas.

Sumas, Washington is a border town located on the border of Sumas, Washington and Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. The small city of under 1000 people features only one hotel, with various nearby lodging options in Abbotsford. During your stay near Sumas, you can explore historic districts, hiking and walking trails, water sports, skiing and campgrounds. Choose a hotel that's right for you during your stay in or near Sumas, Washington.

B&B Border Inn

The B&B Border Inn Motel in Sumas, Washington is a lodge with 20 standard and deluxe rooms. Nearby dining options include Mexican and Chinese cuisine within a few blocks as well as a local grocery store across the street. Local attractions include the Silver Lake Park, where guests can participate in various water-related activities on the 180-acre lake, camping, horse-back riding, and hiking trails. The Border Inn motel features free high speed Internet access and a guest computer in the hotel lounge as well as standard room amenities.

Sweet Dreams Luxury Inn

The Sweet Dreams Luxury Inn Hotel is a five-star hotel located just under 15 minutes from Sumas, Washington in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The hotel is located on a 17 acre estate, within close proximity to the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Center, which hosts concerts, rodeos, circuses, ice skating and various sporting events throughout the year. During your stay you can experience outdoor adventures such as hiking, horseback riding, sky diving and more. Local attractions include amusement parks, farm tours, wineries and vineyards, and a historic downtown district with various dining options. Hotel amenities include a guest lounge, entertainment center and library.

Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites

The Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites in Abbotsford, British Columbia is a 3.5 star hotel featuring a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, airport transportation, meeting rooms and complimentary outdoor parking. On-site dining options include Me-n-Ed's Pizza Parlors and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Rooms in The Coast Abbotsford Hotel feature views of the Fraser Valley. Visit nearby attractions like Castle Fun Park, Clayburn Village or the Historic Downtown Abbotsford. Explore the outdoors at local golf courses, fishing centers and riding stables.

Best Western Regency Inn & Conference Centre

Bordering Sumas, Washington, the Regency Inn & Conference Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia is the area's largest full-service hotel. Hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast, free wireless Internet, on-site ABC Restaurant, two indoor heated swimming pools and hot tubs, fitness center, business center and meeting rooms. Rooms feature standard amenities. Nearby attractions include Mission Raceway, the Greater Vancouver Zoological Center, General Motors Farm Safari and Abbey Arts Centre. While staying in the Fraser Valley, guests can explore outdoor activities such as golf, various water sports, ice skating and skiing.

Tags: Sumas Washington, British Columbia, Abbotsford British, Abbotsford British Columbia, your stay

Buy A Home Office Chair At The Cheapest Price

Home Office Chair

If you work from home, it's important that you buy a home office chair that will be comfortable for you. Like any other piece of furniture you should do your research and find the best home office chair for you at the cheapest price. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of home office chair you want to buy. Do you need one that has a high back so you get full support. Do you want one that is on wheels or would rather have a stationary one instead. Also, be sure to measure the size of your home office desk to see what kind of chair will fit with the desk.

2. Look online for a home office chair. Do this to get an idea of hoe much they cost online and see if you can get any recommendations for a comfortable, high quality chair.

3. Visit a furniture stores or office supply stores in your area. Test out any of the home office chairs that they have display. This may help you to decide which kind of chair is best for you. If you find a office chair that you like and is cheaper than the ones that you found online, then buy it at the store.

4. Ask the furniture or office supply store if they will match prices from the internet. If they do not, then go back online and try to find the chair that you like at a cheaper price online. Be sure to write down all the information from the chair you like so you can find it online.

5. Check out several online retailers for the home office chair that you want and only buy it from the one that is the cheapest. Be sure to figure in tax and shipping and handling into the final cost for the chair

Tags: home office, chair that, home office chair, office chair, office chair that, chair that like

Write A Customer Service Charter

Many companies develop customer service charters.

With the great number of businesses competing for the loyalty of consumers, it is more important than ever that companies do all they can to reasonably meet customers' needs. To stay on track with their customer service goals, many companies adopt a customer service charter, a document that spells out just what your company's customer service goals and processes are. Writing a customer service charter does not take a great amount of time or money.

Instructions

1. Develop a general overview statement of your business that describes what you do or what products and services you offer. For example, if you own a jewelry company, your overview could be "XYZ Company is an artisan business that creates hand-crafted jewelry made of genuine gemstones."

2. Write down what your goals as far as customer service are. For example, if you own a graphic design firm, your goals could be completing orders within the quoted time frame with less than three revisions. If you run an athletic shoe store, your customer service goals could be helping each customer find the most appropriate shoe for their sport, and being knowledgeable enough to answer any and all questions they have about athletic shoes.

3. Write down your customer's rights as they pertain to your business. For example, a clothing store may deem that their customers have the right to courteous, timely assistance and a speedy checkout.

4. Add a section to your charter detailing what your company will do to ensure you meet your customer service goals and observe your customer's rights. Going back to the clothing store example, you may decide that you will keep all displays presentable or orderly, greet each customer with a smile, and regularly introduce new trends to your inventory.

5. Note in your charter what customers can do if they do not feel that their rights were honored, or if your customer service goals were not met. This may include the postal address, phone number or email address to a customer complaint department or company manager.

6. Post the customer service charter on your company's website, blog, or in your store or office.

Tags: customer service, customer service goals, service goals, your customer, customer service charter, what your, your company