Home and Garden Diva

You are here: Home / Blog

Improve Your Home With Window Furniture

by



Window furniture is not only a wonderful way to dress up your home and add that extra kerb appeal, but there are many benefits to adding shutters or window rollers as a home improvement. Whether it is for aesthetics or pure functionality below is a list of reasons that detail how certain different types of window furniture can be a valuable investment for you home.


 

Shuttered Window; Mdina, Malta

Saving on your energy bills

It is a fact that the windows in your home easily let heat and cold in and out. But roller shutters have the advantage of being fully insulated, so your home will retain heat in winter, and reduce heat in the summer months. This means heating and cooling costs are kept to a minimum all year round.

Keeping your home secure

Most home break-ins occur through windows that are unprotected. Rollers and shutters are an effective deterrent to burglars as they’re made from durable, heavy-duty aluminium whilst not looking unappealing from the outside.

Controlling noise and light

Whether you live in a busy neighbourhood or are simply close to a frequently used road, roller shutters can potentially reduce the level of noise by up to 50% – a handy addition to a lazy Sunday morning. They are also the most effective way to block out UV rays, which is the long run can also provide adequate protection to furnishings and flooring that may fade if left exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Protecting your home from the elements

Extreme weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, hail and even fires can do enormous damage to your home. Roller shutters are strong enough to withstand the most severe conditions.

Roller shutters come in a great variety of colours to enhance the look of your home. They are opened and closed from the inside, through a wide variety of options. They can be manually operated, with straps or winders, electronically controlled, solar operated, remote controlled, wind controlled, or operated with batteries and you can even add timers. The option of having timers to operate your roller shutters can also prove useful if you wish to go away without advertising the fact you are absent.

Is window furniture expensive?

Window rollers and shutters may cost more than having your windows tinted, but tinting doesn’t offer nearly as much protection or energy efficiency. Compared to double-glazing, the cost is actually about the same, or even more expensive than installing roller shutters and still doesn’t offer the same security, light reduction or energy savings.

For a security, privacy and energy efficient solution, it’s well worth considering shutters and window rollers as a cost effective home improvement.

In addition to this it is also worth considering that the addition of window rollers and shutters can be a valuable asset to your home. Whether it as a rental proposition or if you are trying to sell. A subtle addition that provides a solution to a simple problem could be the key difference to your success.

Sam Nathan is a freelance writer. His interests include finance, sports, travel and health.

photo by:

The Male Guide To Jewellery

by

Buying jewellery is one of the most difficult subjects when it comes to men’s styling. There is a fine line that is easy to cross with male’s jewellery styling – it is very easy to over-do it. The problem of men accessorising with jewellery stems from the idea that rings, chains, piercing and bracelets are designed by women, for women.

However, this is an opinion that is slowly changing with the times and we’re beginning to discover that men are capable of wearing more than just a wedding band whilst still retaining a stylish edge.

Keep it Simple

The key to remaining stylish when wearing jewellery is to keep the look minimal. Experimenting with jewellery is all good and well, but it is also important to keep it simple at the same time. Do not stray away from the well-worn path before you are sure of what suits you.

Rings

The ring tends to be the most popular type of jewellery worn by a man; this is usually in the form of a wedding band. But what about the men that have not yet committed themselves to marriage?

Men should resist the urge for dazzling diamonds and sophisticated sapphires. At first, this may sound dull, but men do still have many options to choose from. Rather than looking at the choice of glitzy diamonds available, men should focus on the choice of metals, from the lustrous glow of Cobalt to eternal sheen of titanium.

The same rule also applies to men as it does to women, you should avoid wearing a band on your ring finger.

Necklaces and Chains

Men should never try and over-do it when wearing a necklace or a chain. Clean, simple and traditional are the perfect accessories piece for men to show off.

Male necklaces tend to be slightly thicker than women’s. This can make it quite tempting for men to choose the thickest and heaviest chain available to inflate their male ego. However, you should not base your decision on the pure size of necklace or chain. Instead scale the chain with your own frame.

If you have a strong, thick neck, larger links and thicker bands will appear more proportional. If you have a slimmer neckline, it is suggested that you should choose a necklace or a chain that will be more proportional to your body type.

Accessories on necklaces can also work well on men, crosses and other religious iconography are fine, but it is warned that you should stay away from other wacky symbols and novelty designs.

Bracelets

Bracelets can be a scary subject for males as many associate bracelets with femininity. Rather than choosing a slinky bracelet, men can choose more masculine type accessories.

Chain ropes tend to be the most popular choice for bracelets for men. They come in a variety of colours, including brown, black and grey.

Bracelets are also a great way of boosting men’s confidence. If you have a slim wrist, a bracelet can give the image of a thicker frame.

Men should not be afraid of wearing jewellery, instead they should embrace the beautiful different accessories available.

Kerry works on behalf of Corazon Latino who makes a beautiful selection of handmade silver jewellery. To see the collection, visit http://www.corazonlatino.com/

The Classic Jewelry Pieces Every Woman Should Own

by

Buying jewelry, or having it bought for you, can be a lot of fun, and it is easy to have your head turned by fashion pieces in unusual styles, metals and stones. However, while accruing a good collection of costume and statement jewelry is a great way to ensure you always have the perfect accessory for every outfit, there are some pieces that every woman should have in her collection. These are things that never go out of style and are worth investing in. They are also things that when given as gifts, will be kept with you for a lifetime, always reminding you of the special person who gave them to you.

Here are some of the best jewelry pieces to build up in your collection:

A Simple, Delicate Pendant

Whether you prefer gold or white metals, and whether you choose a pendant that is symbolic for religious reasons (like a cross or a St Christopher), for personal reasons (like an initial or a locket with a picture of someone close to you) or simply because it is attractive (like a diamond teardrop), a simple, light chain with a subtle pendant is a great piece of everyday jewelry. These kinds of items tend to carry a lot of sentimental value and you may find you wear it almost every day, with every outfit. It can look delicate and pretty with sharp, professional clothes, but isn’t overpowering enough to overshadow a beautiful evening dress. It is even subtle enough to wear with your most casual outfits.

A Good All Purpose Watch

There are all kinds of different watches for different purposes, like hi tech sports or diving watches for when you are getting active through to glitzy designs to compliment your most glamorous outfits. However, a good watch in a classic feminine style is something that can withstand the elements as well as match all of your clothes. A metal frame and strap tends to look best, because leather can get very worn over time, and a classic analog watch style is the best to go for – digital watches for anything other than sport look tacky. Whether you can afford to splash out on something like a Rolex, Cartier or Tag Heuer style of thing or you go for a similar design by a more affordable brand like Seconda, a good all purpose metal watch is perfect for business, evening and casual use.

The Perfect Stud Earrings

Earrings are one area where it is fun to experiment, with elaborate dangly styles and all kinds of fun metallic shapes always a good way to liven up a simple outfit. However, the perfect pair of stud earrings for your personal style are a must have. They look great with your hair either up or down, and flatter most ear shapes. If you are a glamorous type, diamond earrings or cheaper equivalents (for example zirconia or crystal) are a great choice as they add sparkle without looking too dressy for every day wear. If you like a classic, almost retro look, you can choose pearls or simple gold or silver ball studs. If you like a look that is more modern and funky, you can choose titanium studs in a whole range of colors, or, if there is a stone or color you love, you can invest in some studs in something like emerald, topaz, amethyst or ruby.

Featured images:

This post has been contributed by Nolan Grey, an employee at Diamonds on Web. He is a very friendly individual who enjoys interacting with people and helping them through his informative suggestions.

Safety First When It Comes To Moving

by

Moving house is a task which is often termed to be ‘exhausting’, ‘cumbersome’, ‘a nightmare’ etc. But a lot of people forget that moving is also a job which can lead to some serious injuries.

It involves a number of tasks that have the potential to cause injuries or hurt someone. Hence make sure you take adequate safety precautions to make sure that no one gets hurt in the process of the move. You know your house better than anyone else. Hence, if something is broken and hasn’t been fixed then it is your responsibility to inform your removalist about it.

Make a note of the following tips for a ‘Safety Check’:

  • Weigh Your Boxes: As a rule try to keep the weight of your boxes under 20 kgs. Just because your boxes have space does not mean that you go on stuffing them. This is because lifting heavy boxes has often resulted often resulted in to serious back injuries and other injuries. Also, if there are any stairs in the way try to keep the boxes light as a precautionary measure.
  • Make Use Of Carpets: In weather conditions like rain, snow or even during winter the morning dew can make the floor slippery. Make sure that you use carpets and mats where required especially on the outside to avoid any accidents and it will also ensure that the inside of the house remains dry.
  • Dressing Requirements: Make sure that you are appropriately dressed. If you observe closely, most of the removalists are dressed in proper fitting clothes and shoes. This is not just a dress code, its the requirement of the job they do. Avoid wearing flip flops, heels and baggy clothes as a safety precaution.
  • Take Care Of Children And Pets: This is a cause of concern for many. If you have small children or pets in the house, you need to take certain precautions for their safety. Have your child spend the day with the babysitter, a friend or a relative. This will keep him/her out of the danger zone. Also, pets can be really tough to take care of while moving. Have a friend or someone else take care of your pet for the day.
  • Clear The Area: You don’t want your removalist or yourself dodging your way through scattered things while moving boxes. Hence, make sure to check that the way to the door and to the rooms is clean and free from any obstacles.
  • Lifting and Carrying: It is important to consider your safety if you are lifting or carrying items, whether moving them yourself or just rearranging them for loading or after unloading. Try to maintain a proper posture- bend at your knees, and straighten your back by tucking your chin. Ensure you have a strong grip by utilizing your palms and avoiding lifting a box by its flaps with your fingertips. This will aid in securing the bottom of the box as well.
  • Preparing your Items : A rule of thumb: Heavier items should generally go in the smaller boxes. For example, avoid packing books in large boxes, as it becomes much more difficult to carry them for your movers and also for you when you arrive at your destination to unpack.

Jorge Cervantes is a research writer and a contributor with City Move. He believes in providing informative and quality content to his readers.

Top Tips: How To Create The Ideal Bedroom

by

Creating the ideal bedroom can often prove a difficult challenge. In the past I have struggled massively when trying to perfect the most difficult room in the house. Yes it’s true that only you and your partner stay in there but there is still a sense of competition that surrounds the bedroom.

You want to have the biggest bed with the comfiest mattress accompanied by the greatest mirror anyone has every laid their eyes on. I’m not really sure who you are competing with but if it helps you create a beautiful bedroom then go ahead.

This article will attempt to show you three simple ways in which you can transform your bedroom into the most beautiful room in the house and that will leave your friends jealous. Not only will it look better and make your house more aesthetically pleasing as a whole it will add a bit of spice to the physical side of the relationship.

It’s incredible what clean sheets and a lock on the door can do for your love life.

Bedroom

Think Big

You have got to have vision, it is very important that you know what you want from your bedroom and don’t stop until you achieve what you want. If you are going to take the plunge and create the ideal bedroom then you have to make sure you do it properly, no half hearted efforts will do.

My advice is if you are not going to do the job properly then don’t bother doing it at all, if you don’t put your all into it, it will be noticeable. Having a vision and chasing it is important, it can prove to be extremely rewarding if you execute the design of the room as you desired.

If you have visitors round you want the master bedroom to be the centre piece of the house, after all it is a reflection of you and your partners personality.

Be Brave

Don’t be afraid to break the mould, if there is a particular theme that you want to execute then go for it, there can be no repercussions as it is your personal room. Think outside the box and choose a theme for your room, there are countless examples online so have a shop round, see what tickles your fancy.

Make sure you add some vibrant colour to the room, so many people have boring paint colors and this just brings down the whole mood and vibe in the room. Ensure that you both agree or make a compromise if necessary but please have colored walls; it will make all the difference and set the mood.

Be Selfish

This is your bedroom and nobody else’s so do be selfish, decorate it how you like and don’t scrimp on cost (if you can afford to). Superglide is a great example of a potential company that could help fit your wardrobes. They custom fit their fittings and plan their design around what you want and what kind of vibe you are going for in the room.

Check out their website for some examples, the same applies for the bed frame, mattress and flooring. All of these aspects need to be researched and mastered in order to ensure your new bedroom is perfect.

Featured images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MB900448496.jpg

Andrew is an author with 7 years industry experience. He has a very specific style of writing and likes to focus on articles about family life.

Meta

Tags

basement bed bedroom clean cleaning clutter dog exercise family fitness flowers friends Furniture garden Health help home house husband ideas Kitchen laptop Lighting money Music neighborhood neighbors party plants room Shopping sick skin spring summer tips tired Toronto Travel tv Vacation walking warm winter work

Pages