Sunday, September 18, 2011

How To Add Charm To The Italian Decorating Style

To give your Italian decorating style that designer feeling, you must locate the most suited decorative accessories. In keeping with the sense of old Italy, you should plan to include robust and beautiful decorative items that have an Italian influenced charm. When shopping to spruce up your Italian design, you should use decorative items like artwork, knick knacks and pillows.
Hanging your prints and paintings the right way is key for the right look. Many homeowners arrange paintings and prints so that the top or bottom edges line up, but you'll want to arrange them so that the center of the pieces line up. When hanging many items in a group, it's a terrific idea to determine the configuration first by playing with them on the floor and reconfiguring them until you achieve that perfect look. To improve your Italian decorating style, try adding Ornate paintings and architectural pieces in grand fashion.
You may also decorate with carved wood, antique china, and alabaster items to build the look of old Italy. Be sure the decorative accessories you decide on do provide a coordinating theme or color as well as go with the interior design. Deploy on theme accessories only in order to be successful in the look and feel you are working hard for.
When looking for knick knacks for your decorating scheme be sure to buy ones that suit your design style and also show your individuality. To compliment your Italian interior decorating, think of using items with a robust and beautiful feel. Having marble figures on shelves can give you a fantastic look and so can gilded metal candle holders on the walls and tables. Spend time choosing appealing knick knacks that really display your personality. You don't have to spend too much dough to get fantastic items, try identifying a consignment store in town and you'll be pleased at the good quality items you can find for very little money.
To add softness and also enhance your decorating theme, decorative pillows may be a great choice. You can have a use for pillows in every room including the kitchen and bathroom. Pillows on your chairs or sofa should help bring the Italian interior decorating sense to the furniture. Pillows can add softness to the bath or kitchen - look at arranging one on the hamper or on a kitchen chair in a corner. Displaying decorative pillows arranged at the headboard of your bed is sure to add a fantastic professional appearance. Add an interesting touch to your design theme with pillows that use rich brocade fabrics.
Adding majolica pottery and wrought iron décor to your Italian decorating style will in effect help the room shine. Be sure you come up with a plan for what styles of pieces to purchase and focus on that plan. You would be smart to be sure also to take home items in the ideal sizes as well as proportions. This way you can be positive to get pieces which fit and look together perfectly.

Decorative Landscape Edging Ideas

Most landscape edging is designed to serve a useful and practical purpose, such as banishing that pesky lawn grass from your landscape beds. But another very important function served by landscape edging is primarily aesthetic. Decorative landscape edging plays a vital role in the enjoyment of your garden, and adds value to your property as well. Decorative edging can provide many of the same benefits as the more mundane variety, but it does its job with a lot more style and grace.
Cast-Iron Edging
Gardeners both great and humble from all over the world have known the secrets of using cast iron edging for many centuries. In the modern world, it lends your garden a touch of Old-World charm and authenticity, and revisits the days when blacksmiths produced cast iron fences in coal-fired foundries.
Once powder coated, cast iron is beautiful, strong and durable. It is capable of lasting a lifetime. In fact, it might even last longer than you will! There are so many beautiful and interesting cast-iron styles to choose from. Take a look at Canterbury-style overlapping peak designs from the Victorian era, or check out the modern elegance of an Art Deco design.
Cast-iron edging can usually be assembled as a series of individual sections. You simply press them into the ground, since they are constructed with spiked support posts that are easily pressed or pounded into place. It's hard to think of any other kind of landscape edging that can provide so much elegance and authority with so little effort.
Willow Branches
Natural willow branches for garden edging are used widely in European gardens. It's an ideal choice for those folks wishing to re-create a garden border that recalls the style and charm of the authentic willow fences found in English gardens. Willow is a beautiful and graceful material that provides excellent border definition - whether it's lining the walkway or accenting a bed of flowers. Being a natural wood, it also blends effortlessly into the design of your garden.
Garden Flowers
One of the simplest garden edging ideas, often overlooked, is to use beautiful dwarf flowers and plants to form living landscape edging. Is there anything more natural than seeing mounds of flowering Rocky Mountain Zinnia or Alyssum encircling your landscape beds? Other good varieties of flowers to use for edging include: Candy Tuft, Catspaw, Artemisia, or Veronica. Really, it's possible to use any dwarf species that grows in mounds.

Shawls: Must Wardrobe Accessories

Women are Gods' most amazing creation, who are liked and talked about her beauty. Since ages and almost all the times the women are involved in some or other things which highlight her charm. Shy and hesitant are the things of past, women have now grown as bold and dauntless. These women now have become highly experimental. Females now eye on every on going trend whether related to clothes or accessories. There are numerous options available with them which can be explored and tried on.
Women love to try out new things which can enhance their elegance. This desire make them to be experimental with accessories or clothings. Shawls are one such type of which can be teamed up as accessories and outfits. Shawls are light and long piece of clothings which are carried to add style and charm to one's personality.
Shawls serve the function both functionality and beauty. There are various variety of shawls which are available in the market. Shawls can be carried in number of ways. Shawls are delicate piece of clothings which can be wrapped as style statement to add sophistication.
Pashmina Shawls can really turn your wardrobe blues into wardrobe bliss. You love to adorn them around you. Pashmina shawls are best way to pamper oneself. Shawls made using pashmina are light weight. These shawls add versatility to one's wardrobe.
Silk is very light material and is queen of all fabric. It has in built shine and charm which can be make it highly desirable. Women love to adorn silk stoles and scarves. These scraves are excellent style statement which can well portray your taste. Silk shawls are available in various styles and sizes.
Face and neck can be well covered through wonderful cotton scarves. Scarves are also small piece of clothing which can be teamed with oodles of style and elegance. Cotton scarves are available in eye catching colors that can catch on many glimpses.

Outdoor Fountains Add Charm and Style to Any Outdoor Setting

Outdoor fountains fit into any style garden. A fountain packs a lot of charm into a small landscaping space. Whether traditional or contemporary, it propels a stream of water through the air and creates a cooling effect. It's ideal for up-close viewing, which is why fountains are usually located on a porch, patio, or other sitting area.
A fountain can attach to a wall or stand alone. Some freestanding fountains are designed to rest in-or next to-a pool or pond, while others are water features unto themselves, working well on a deck, patio, lawn, or tucked into a flower bed. Tabletop fountains have recently become popular, taking just minutes to set up.
You can choose from a wide variety of styles, colors, materials, and sizes. However, choose an outdoor water fountain that is in keeping with the overall style of your garden and home. A classical statuary fountain might look out of place in a simple country garden, for example. A wall fountain fashioned of brick and stone or stone look-alike is best set against similarly sturdy masonry-not wood-siding.
Most fountains are made of precast concrete. Reconstituted stone and fiberglass have also become popular, simulating the look of stone with amazing realism. Whether concrete or stone look-alike, fountains come in numerous colors and surface finishes. Finding just the right fountain for your garden takes some research. Visit garden centers to scout their offerings. Ask if there are other fountains that you can special order. Also check out mail-order catalogs. If you want a special, one-of-a-kind fountain, visit art fairs or ask at art galleries for the names of local artists who might design a fountain for you.

Freestanding outdoor water fountains
Appealing because of its ease of installation, a freestanding outdoor fountains also makes an ideal focal point for a patio, flower bed, or lawn. In this type of outdoor water fountain, a small submersible pump is housed in the lower pedestal, in a hollow base beneath the bowl. Its design should allow easy access to the pump so you can clean and maintain it, usually monthly.
These ornamental fountains can be placed near a pond or pool or in the water feature itself. The decorative statue has a supply pipe projecting from its base. The pipe is connected to the pump with flexible tubing. Large statues must have firm footing. For an outdoor water fountain on the side of a pond, make sure its resting place (including any edging) is firm and level. If you want to install the fountain in the pond, you can mount it on a hollow in-pond pedestal created specifically for that purpose or build your own with mortared bricks or stone. If the statue is small, black plastic storage crates make an easy, hard-to-detect base as long as the base of the fountain is slightly under water
Caring for your outdoor water fountain
Fountains in sunny spots tend to have problems with algae. If you are not raising fish or plants in your outdoor water fountain, you can prevent algae by adding chlorine bleach to the fountain water. Add it at the rate of 2 ounces of bleach to every 10 gallons of water, once a month. If that doesn't work, increase the amount of bleach to 5 ounces. If you do have plants or fish, consider using an algaecide. Make sure it's labeled for use in ponds with fish and plants; follow package directions exactly.

Charm Jewelry: It's Not Just For Kids

Create Heirlooms and Personalized Jewelry in Traditional or Italian Styles
History of Charm Bracelets
Charm bracelets have been popular from as early as 500 B.C., when Assyrians, Babylonians and even Persians wore charms which they associated with special powers. In recent years gold charms and silver charms are becoming popular once again.
Charm jewelry was also very popular during Victorian times in England, when charm bracelets were standard attire among fashionable women seeking spiritual protection and trendy jewelry. Queen Victoria was known to wear charm bracelets containing tiny pictures of family members.
Charm fashions did not become popular in the U.S. until the 1940s, when soldiers often collected gold and silver charms from cities they visited during the war.
Today charm jewelry is most often purchased as a keepsake; many charms are theme based, while others are sentimental in nature, often purchased as a souvenir of a trip or reminder of a special occasion. Charms are even passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms, often given to children when younger.
Owners may add their own charms to bracelets over time, including those representing favorite places, hobbies and interests.
Italian Charm Bracelets
Italian charm bracelets are slightly different from traditional silver charms or gold charms. Most charm bracelets are fashioned with the charms dangling from a chain; Italian charm bracelets however, are made with the charms soldered to flat links that can be removed from a stretch bracelet. Charms can easily be switched on and off depending on the owners personal preference. Italian charm bracelets are a unique and fun twist on the standard charm bracelet because they are dynamic, fun to wear and trendy. Popular among the young and old alike, these link style charm bracelets are usually made of high quality, hypo-allergenic stainless steel. The actual charms may be fashioned from a variety of different materials including 14 or 18k gold.
Most charm bracelets come in standard sizes, small-medium-large. For Italian charm bracelets these sizes are categorized as follows:
  • Small - includes 17 charm links
  • Medium - contains 18 charm links
  • Large - contains 19 charm links

Traditional Charm Bracelets
Traditional charm bracelets are made of a silver or gold chain with charms dangling. There are literally hundreds of different styles and themes to choose from when purchasing traditional charm jewelry. Some of the more common themes and styles of charm bracelets available include:
  • Beach lover themes
  • Victorian style charms
  • Vintage charm jewelry
  • Memoir or locket style charms
  • Silver charms
  • Gold charms
  • Gemstone charms
Traditional charm bracelets make superb gifts. You can literally find a charm to represent almost any interest, hobby or theme. Sports, animals, travel, landscapes... you name it! In the world of charms, almost anything is possible. Many people enjoy receiving and exchanging charms as part of a hobby or friendship building. Others pass on charm jewelry as part of family traditions. Charm jewelry fashioned with lockets is most commonly the type used for family heirlooms. Perhaps the best facet of charm gifts is that they can be modified at any point in time to reflect a person's changing interests and style preferences. Bracelets or chains can even be upgraded over time without losing the original charms.
Pricing
Silver charms and gold charms may run anywhere from $2 all the way up to $2000 depending on the materials the charm bracelets are made from. You can purchase chains or starter charm bracelets without any dangles for the $20 or less price range in most cases. Less expensive versions crafted of sterling silver with one charm can be purchased. The more expensive charms are usually gold charms crafted of 18k gold with diamonds and other precious gems embedded in the charm.
Italian charm bracelets $10 to $100 or more depending on the quality and the charms included. Their affordability makes them very popular among younger consumers, who are interested in investing in trendy jewelry that won't break the bank.
Price will also vary depending on the number of charms that come pre-fashioned with a particular piece of jewelry. Keep in mind that with charm bracelets, you can start with as little as 1 charm or buy into a bracelet that has several charms pre-selected. The choices are literally endless when it comes to charm jewelry.
Building a Unique Charm Bracelet
Anyone can create their own unique charm bracelet, whether Italian style or traditional. If you can't find something that exactly fits your needs and personality, why not create your own? Crafting individualized charm jewelry is increasingly popular among jewelry fans young and old alike. You can even create your own personalized family heirloom thanks to the versatility charm jewelry has to offer.
Before you begin you'll need to decide whether you want an Italian style or traditional bracelet; remember that the traditional style holds charms that dangle, while the Italian version has charms that are embedded in chain links.
Once you decide this you can decide on a starter chain bracelet. There are literally hundreds of different starter bracelets to choose from. Consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer the look of gold or silver? Perhaps you like a combination of both? You'll also want to have an idea of what size starter bracelet you need. Often you can tell this by measuring your wrist. You can do this by taking your thumb and middle finger and wrapping around your wrist. If your two fingers just touch, you'll probably need a medium. If they overlap, a small charm bracelet will work best for you. If your fingers do not touch, then you'll likely need a large.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Country Style Kitchens Never Lose Their Charm and Appeal

There is nothing quite like a big country kitchen to welcome family at the end of the day. It is a great space for entertaining when inviting friends and other guests who stop by for a visit as well. A country themed kitchen is warm, relaxed and inviting - and packed full of charm. Families can spend their evenings gathered around the table for a big meal, or discussing the events of the day. This article offers tips and ideas for transforming your kitchen into your favorite room of your home.
You don't have to have a great big kitchen for the country theme to work! Any space can be given old fashioned charm with a few simple changes.
Color is Key
In a country style kitchen you want colors that are basically natural and on the light side. Sand, cream, golden brown and terracotta are great colors to use as the base for your decorating. Cream colored walls are beautiful when trimmed in golden brown baseboards. This sets off the room and creates a depth that is noticeable. A countertop in terracotta or sand adds a bit more color and makes the room look rich.

Choosing What Fits Your Style

If you are planning add extra spark to your home interiors, consider adding chandeliers. Apart from providing light, chandeliers also offer added elegance and charm to your rooms. There are many options to select from, which may also be requested as custom made. People usually pick the crystal chandelier selection because such an exquisitely done ornament can be considered to be a beautiful piece of art that you can add to your home.
When you are shopping for a chandelier, you might be spending some time thinking around of the right crystal chandelier selection that fits your home, not only in size and shape, but in style and charm as well. There are a lot of choices. You have a vast option from crystal chandeliers that sparkle to crystal chandeliers that twinkle. The factors to consider in finding the right fit for a crystal chandelier include the function of the room, the size and color of the room, and the overall motif of the home. The appropriate crystal chandelier selection indeed takes a lot of work, but it will be worth your time.

Choosing the Right Style For Your Home

When it comes to choosing a carpet style for your home, there is a fine line between practicality and decorative charm. As a homeowner, you want your living space to be inviting and pleasing to the eye, as well as easy to maintain. These factors must be considered when deciding on your flooring options. Carpet can offer style and charm without requiring continuous upkeep.
Everyone has different lifestyles and factors such as children or pets can influence your decision on what type of carpet would be best for your home. You have an enormous selection of colors, patterns and textures, as well as durability, quality and cost. The sole reason why you decide on a particular carpet should not be expense alone, but rather if the carpet can hold up to your lifestyle and maintain it's beauty.
When figuring out your flooring budget, always look for the highest quality carpet that you can get for your money. Cheaper carpets are a lower quality and will probably require repair or replacement a few years down the road. Choosing a well-known brand will guard against wear and stains that cheaper carpets are prone to. Remember to include more carpet than necessary when calculating your budget. There can be difficult shapes or corners in a room that require extra carpet. If you have a tight budget restriction, look for carpet samples or remnants. It is possible to cover an entire large room with a high-quality carpet at a low cost.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Charm Bracelets - Excellent Bracelets to Express Your Personal Style

Most of the people around the world are interested to wear and purchase bracelets to express their personal style. There are many varieties of bracelets are available in the present market. These Charm bracelets and jewelry bracelets will play a significant role in function, parties and events. A Charm bracelet is a bracelet that is typically made of metal, with decorative pendants or trinkets hanging from it. While it is difficult to find a true date or era that the charm bracelet was first created, this jewelry style probably dates back at lease as far as ancient Egypt.
During early periods, the charms or pendants were typically gems, rock, or wooden and were used by the wearer to either ward off enemies or reveal status within a civilization. As time progressed, charms became markers of milestones in a wearer's life.
While charm bracelets have been ever-present in more modern societies, their popularity faded after a boom in the mid nineteenth century. The bracelets saw resurgence in the mid-2000s (along with a variation, the Italian charm bracelet). Charm necklaces, where charms hang from a chain or from an open pendant, are also popular.
Many of us are not quite sure what size bracelet will fit our wrists, especially when shopping for sterling silver and costume jewelry bracelets online. A linked watch can be adjusted easily by a local jeweler but bracelets often cannot. However, you can simply measure your wrist with a string, mark it and then lay it next to a ruler or use a garment measuring tape in inches, since most bracelets sizes are shown in inches. Make sure to add ¾ to 1 inch to your measurement to allow for needed room.

Charm Bracelets For Every Style Preference

Charms have been worn in one form or another since the dawn of man. Prehistoric men would wear bones, animal teeth, or shells as jewelry. As time went on, charms became status symbols or bragging rights. They became fashionable to wear just for the sake of beauty in the 20th century, and then became a fad around the 1950s. The popular way to wear charms today is on a charm bracelet that shows the history or personality of the person who wears it. No matter what your style or budget, there is a charm bracelet out there for you.
For the person who likes classic jewelry, there is the traditional charm bracelet. This bracelet consists of a base made up of silver, gold, or platinum links that is strong enough to hold a number of charms. There is a seemingly endless variety of traditional charms for such a bracelet. These charms normally clip on or are attached with a separate link and then dangle down from the bracelet.
Some people might not like the tinkling noise and risk of snagging their bracelets on something. They may like clean lines and simplicity. For someone with minimalistic tastes, there is the Italian charm bracelet. These are made up of square links that act as the charms themselves. Each link has a picture or symbol on it that represents some detail or occasion, just as traditional charms do. You can buy a starter bracelet that has blank links and then replace them with actual charms as you go along.

Charm Bracelets Offer an Enchanting Tale of Style

Did you know that there is one piece of jewelry that can tell a story without even speaking a word? Charm bracelets can tell of a special event, favorite pastime, accomplishments or even a historical prospective at one's life. Charms may be small, but they can have a very big significance in terms of a jewelry wardrobe. As a small accent that is attached to a bracelet by way of a spring-ring clasp, charms are available in nearly every conceivable image. From pets to places and everything in between, charms are the perfect way to take an otherwise typical bracelet and turn it into a real life story that's treasured by the wearer.
If you're in the market for a charm bracelet, whether it be for yourself or someone that you love, think about the special images that will mean the most. Is there a past vacation that has special meaning to the wearer? Does she love animals, shopping or is she someone who enjoys showcasing her faith by way of jewelry? Because charms attach via a spring-ring clasp, they are easily added, removed or alternated to create a new look at anytime. You can add one, two or even ten or more charms to a bracelet. If there is an empty link, you can add a charm to it.
Recent years have shown charm bracelets rise in immense popularity. Some believe that it's a fashion trend, while others remain confident that this traditional design is one that never goes out of style. After all, how can a meaningful theme or a story of one's life ever be outdated? If someone has a large family, perhaps a bracelet featuring charms to symbolize their children or grandchildren would be ideal. If the intended recipient is a new mom, charms featuring baby symbols would be a perfect gift.

Add Country Style Charm with Rooster Decor

Through the years, one type of decor that has stood the test of time is rooster home decor. People love this type of decor for many different reasons. Reminiscing of times long ago at grandma's farm, or just because of the charming and welcoming feeling given to their homes, roosters are always popular. They also add intense color to your rooms and are a pleasant greeting to wake up to in the mornings!
Rooster home decor comes in a wide variety of accents. For your kitchen, the list is endless: rooster figurines, cookie jars, wall clocks and dish towels, just to name a few. If you have the type of cabinets that drop down from the ceiling, using rooster figurines here adds a huge amount of color and charm! There are also many accents available for use in the dining room such as rooster place mats, framed canvas wall art, area rugs and knick knacks for the curio cabinet.
There are many rooster accents that can be used for the living room as well. Rooster decor can be found in the brightly colored hues that are usually used in the country kitchen, but more subdued rustic colors are better suited for the living area. You will even find many wooden rooster decor items that are very intricately detailed - these are wonderful for use in country and rustic decor.

Charm Bracelets Never Lose Style Points

If you are trying to find a gift that is thoughtful and memorable, then the charm bracelet is one of the best choices available. The charm bracelet is not only the perfect jewelry for both young ladies and more mature women, but it never seems to go out of style. For decades, the charm bracelet has been the gift of choice for graduating seniors, brides, and just truly special ladies. Often, the recipient wears the charm bracelet throughout the years, changing the charms as she gets older and has more experiences.
Another benefit to selecting the charm bracelet as a gift is that you can find truly beautiful and very affordable pieces. Though it is possible to find platinum selections, including charms and chains, that have precious gemstone accents, most of the bracelets that you will find are silver and have small rhinestones. You can purchase a starter bracelet for a young lady relatively inexpensively, and she will have the bracelet to add charms for the rest of her life.

Dress for Success - Claim Your Style With Italian Charms

I don't know about you, but the toughest part of my morning routine is deciding what to wear.
That's right: I have no trouble hopping out of bed early...but I rarely get to work on time-all
because I spend precious morning minutes pondering the perfect outfit. And it's not even the big
issues--like which top or what pants to wear--that take up all my time. I don't even hassle over
matching my socks: no, it's the accessories that always get me. I blame my mother. She has
always been great at accessorizing - a real natural! Some how her skills were lost on me.
Fortunately, I recently discovered the ideal accessory--it goes with every outfit!--the Italian
Charm bracelet. This little accessory has rescued me from fashion oblivion countless times. And,
lately, I've even managed to get to work on time! Italian charms meet every one of my criteria
(and even several of my mother's) for the perfect accessory: they match any outfit (very important
factor!); they are unique; and they attract attention (especially on all-important date nights).
Italian charm bracelets are the popular new style of charm bracelet made of small flexible metal
links, each with a unique image. They have become popular for their sleek style and because of
the great variety of charm links--there are links for each and every style. Italian Charm
bracelets are the perfect solution to any accessory problem because they go with any outfit.
The best thing about Italian charms is that they're removable and interchangeable, which means
that they can both fit your fashion needs and express your unique personality. Charms come in all
styles--from serious to silly. You can choose to put your Italian Charm bracelet together with
letters, to spell your name, or with images, to tell the story of who you are and what you like to
do. For everyday use, you may choose to wear fun, personal charms that express your identity.
There are thousands of charms to fit your personality: charms that reflect your favorite pastimes
and activities, charms that indicate your favorite travels or artists; you can even have Italian
Charms made with photos of yourself or your friends! And, on those special occasions when you
have to dress to impress, you can unlink a few of your personal charms and replace them with some
more elegant ones such as flowers, classic paintings, or just sophisticated designs.

Explore the Charm of Country Style Bedrooms

Country style bedrooms have become very popular these days, perhaps due to their informality, simplicity and a leaning towards hand-crafted natural materials. While it can be stylish, the country bedroom should always be restful and refreshing without over doing precise co-ordination of furniture and fabrics.
Since the emphasis is on comfort and character is is easy to see that the true hallmarks of the country bedroom are a clean unfussy environment that is perfectly conducive to rest and relaxation, with practical fabrics and furnishings that have restrained but often rich colour schemes.
If you're lucky enough to have a rustic room anyway, don't over furnish it. Instead, allow the architecture to do the talking and let the furniture complement it rather than fight it. It is often best to choose a showpiece bed and then match it with eclectic pieces of furniture.
Warm pine furniture mixed with cream and white bedding will often give the bedroom a cosy feel, while a traditional brass bed is an important ingredient of the traditional country style and can transform the look of your bedroom. If you feel able to afford a four-poster then you'll instantly create a bedroom that's not only spectacular but also perfect for relaxing in at the end of a long hard day.
Try to choose bedside tables that match for a co-ordinated look and layer your bed with throws and cushions. Be aware that generously stuffed cushions, feather pillows and duck-down quilts ensure that comfort is high on your list of priorities. A deeply buttoned, padded headboard instantly creates a comfortable feel in your room, while padding the foot of your bed creates a look that shouts pure luxury.

How to Make the Most of Your Pandora Style Charm Bracelet

Having the freedom to design your own jewellery from an extensive range of beads and charms can be very satisfying. There are many stunning and original designs of lampwork glass beads, which allow you to stand out, be unique and above all start your own trend.
A piece of jewellery which can be changed to reflect your style, mood or the occasion in which you are wearing it, is such a distinctive concept, it is no wonder they are increasing in popularity by the day.
Just by having a selection of different coloured glass beads, is enough to transform your bracelet. With no need to change your chain or your spacer beads, just swap your coloured beads to suit your outfit. For a more casual look you could replace your silver chain with a leather one, giving a completely different look. If you already have the leather bracelet, glitz it up with a silver chain for a special occasion.
There are also many different kinds of charms, which can make a bracelet more personal. Animal lovers are spoilt for choice with a wide range of animal charms, for example; horse, rabbit, dolphin, sheep, pig, elephant, the list is endless. To personalise a bracelet further, there are a range of dangle charms and beads engraved with 'Daughter', 'Sister', 'Mum', 'Wife', 'Bridesmaid', to name but a few. Charm bracelets also make a fantastic gift as the recipient can continue to build on their bracelet by adding beads and charms of their choice.

Weddings With Eclectic Charm

You are not just like everybody else, so why would you want your wedding to look like everybody else's? Set your wedding apart from the pack with unique details which showcase your personal style. This is how to infuse your wedding with an eclectic charm.
The decor is your first opportunity to put your personal stamp on your wedding. A fantastic way to add an eclectic appeal to your wedding decorations is with antiques or vintage items. Think "shabby chic" - in other words, things with character are more important than perfection. Some unique venues may already have some of these items on hand, but you can also source them yourself at vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, and maybe even your own attic.
There are a number of vintage pieces to consider using for your wedding decorations. Keep in mind that smaller pieces will have the most impact when used in (mis-matched) multiples. You could line a hallway with old mirrors in different shapes and sizes. Set up your escort cards on a painted antique dresser. Or gather an assortment of vases, jelly jars, or wooden boxes to use for centerpiece vessels. When creating a collection, look for pieces that work in harmony, but do not worry about them "matching".

Putting On The Charm To Your Cottage Style Kitchens

We believe that having some charm in the home is just as important as having comfort! So in our new miniseries we get to the core of charming decorating by taking a look at a particular decor known for its natural charm - cottage style.
Cottage style kitchens have a sense of history, they hold memories and become the centre of the home. They play host to family get-togethers and are the perfect kind of kitchen for some wholesome cooking and baking. Often quaint and rarely oversized, the cottage style kitchen has a warm atmosphere - cosy and of course charming! Here we take a look at how you can decorate your kitchen with a touch of cottage charm and share with you some of our favourite designs that we have discovered and come to love in recent years.
Cottage and country style kitchens have many similarities and you can often combine the two for a beautiful look. Think of a chocolate-box cottage which uses good use of homely accessories to carry off its style. Do display items that have been passed on through the family or if you are lacking in such pieces you can always buy antique décor items or pieces that are in fact new but with a worn or antique finish to them. You can even change the look of existing units by replacing the doors with a more rustic design. Fit an old-fashioned mantel above the stove and have the colour match your units; here, vintage plates can create a focal point.

Monday, September 12, 2011

How to Charm Your Man

There are thousands of women having trouble getting an ex boyfriend back, who they have lost over some petty issue. It may seem a big concern at the moment but if you follow a few tips and ground rules, you could easily win back your guy and build up the romance one more time.
Remember, the key trick to getting ex boyfriend back is to remain strong and confident about yourself. You need to ponder over your mistakes and the reasons why he left you, but you should never break down in such a fashion that he does not find you attractive anymore. This is the right time to work on your appearance and charms, all the things that pulled him towards you.
You need to show him that you still care and you are willing to change for his sake. In reality, all guys want a strong sense of love and affection that's genuine. Women often try emotional tactics, which fail on most counts, making them think on getting ex boyfriend back in some other way.
Have the psychology and will to focus yourself on other things. Talk to him every now and then, but restrict contact on a general basis. Give him subtle hints and signals of how much you still want him by flowers on special occasions, wearing his favorite dress or just customizing yourself to the way he wants you to be. Remember, getting ex boyfriend back is no easy task at hand so go for a complete makeover to look and feel like the queen of his dreams.

Rain Chains - An Aesthetic Charm To Your Home

Rain chains are being considered as a functional and affordable device that provides a sense of comfort to the user. They were originated in Japan. The procedure of handling them is comparatively simpler than a down spout. It consists of lots of benefits and has a huge scope for varieties. These are a fashionable, functional and affordable devices that add elegance and charm to your home.
History: These were firstly used by Japanese who used to pronounce them as "kusari doi." Japanese has been placing them in their homes to collect rain water and to use that later when needed.
The procedure of working with rain chain is quite simple as rain chain is a series of trinkets connected with a chain which is tightly attached to an opening called gutter. Water keeps on flowing from the upper trinket and continues till it ends up to a final barrel. These cups are available in various types of options which give a wider scope to the user to choose the chain according to his taste and preference.
Varieties available:- When it comes to the varieties, it becomes very difficult to choose in reference to their shapes, styles, size and material these chain is made from. Generally these are made of wood and ceramics but their containers may be elegantly crafted and plainly styled. Some of the people like small number of larger containers and other prefers multitude of small containers. We may choose a chain made of copper that will naturally transform according to the time.

Move Over Wilton, Here Comes Duff

The bold-colored packaging lures you in with Goldman's signature mischievous look and folded arms. Chef Duff Goldman has arrived, and his line of new cake decorating products has sprung up on the shelves as exclusive products at your area Michael's stores. Fondant in vibrant colors, baking pans, cake mixes, frostings, paste colors, sprinkle, various tools and shape cutters are there to tempt you to learn how to decorate just like they do at Charm City Cakes in Baltimore.
Ten years ago Charm City Cakes opened in Goldman's apartment. His star power has soared since then with comical appearances on several Food Network Challenges as well as his popular TV show. Ace of Cakes features Goldman and his able-bodied staff of 11 creating awe-inspiring cakes each week. Not to be outdone, his talented fans have been sending pictures of cakes they recreated based on the show's featured cakes for years. Do you think they'll buy the products? Absolutely. He's got "it" and they want it. There's usually a crowd of very happy people waiting to see him and get autographs at all of his appearances. And, his new book, Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes, is ranked #47 on amazon.com's baking book list. This book is all about how Goldman started out with pictures and information on the staff and production crew. There are no recipes or how to instructions included.
With that kind of power, should Wilton be worried? Absolutely. Last year Wilton Holdings, the parent company of Wilton Brands, Inc. was forced into bankruptcy court by their creditors over a $208 million debt. Richard Conti, the CEO/Chairman, resigned in October 2009 and was replaced by Jerry Levin. Wilton issued a press release to let its customers know that they had reached an agreement with their creditors to do some financial restructuring. That was August 6, 2009. No more press releases have been issued.

Give Your Kitchen Some Western Charm

When you like a certain style of decorating, it is important to show off that style throughout your home. This includes in your kitchen. For those of you who love western décor, there are endless ideas for your western kitchen. Because there are so many different aspects to this one design style, you have a few ways in which you can take your look. You either can incorporate all aspects of the style into your kitchen or you can focus on one aspect, such as cowboy hats, and use just those throughout. Both ways will show off your style sense, you just have to decide if you want it all or just one feature.
Decorating in western kitchen décor is actually really fun because of all the tiny details you can use. For instance, you can even have your salt and pepper shakers in many great western shapes such as horses and boots. You also can use cowboy cookie jars and canister sets that fit into your décor idea as well. Since it is your kitchen, an important decorating aspect is the curtains. You want to make sure your curtains reflect and match the rest of the room's western theme.

Add Charm To Your Yard With Picket Fences

Most homeowners like to have a privacy fence around their homes but then there are some who like to showcase their landscaping. Picket fences have something in store for both types of people. Fencing is the best solution to maintain privacy and does not block out the world. Moreover, this type of fence will protect your yard.
Just imagine those times when you stopped by a neighbor's house to admire their garden through a beautiful picket fence. This traditional and convenient fence might also prove be the perfect solution you wanted for your home.
While installing a picket fence around your house, you also have to think about practical aspects. In case you want the fence just to contain your pet or keep out unwanted animals, then the height of this fence will serve the purpose. However, if you are looking for a fence as a boundary for your garden that gives a welcoming feel to the visitors, then picket fencing is for you.
Despite its advantages, there are some people who hesitate to install picket fences mainly because they are painted traditionally. This adds up extra work for the homeowner because now they will have to do regular touch-ups or may also need to repaint the whole fence at least after five years. But let us not forget that the same thing applies to most types of fences. Nevertheless, there are still some ways to make your picket fencing long-lasting.

How to Make a Scorpio Man Fall in Love With You - 5 Irresistible Ways to Charm His Heart

The Scorpion is known for their intensity, passion and a great need to be loved. That's why being involved with a Scorpio man is one of the deepest and memorable experiences you'll ever had. And the romance you'll experience is definitely thriving, believe me. So when you find yourself attracted to a Scorpio man, get ready to have one roller coaster ride of your life -- I assure you, you'll never regret it. You don't have to pretend to be someone else to impress this dude -- they rely so much on intuition that's why it pays to be yourself all throughout. So here are the top tips on how to make a Scorpio man fall in love with you -- the five irresistible ways to charm his heart:
· Be intense. An intense man would definitely yearn for someone as intense as he as well. You don't have to be too weird or extreme to do that. Have passion in whatever you do and you'll absolutely stand out.
· Carry yourself well. You don't want to mess up your date don't you? Make sure that you prepare a day before your date. Making sure that everything is ready will lessen the stress. Wear something that you think what's best suits you and makes you comfortable.

Here is What Every Woman Must Know

Each person is different and so the methods you use to woo one guy may not work on another. However there are some simple actions that are more than likely to be successful on majority of the men you will meet. Here are a few of them:
• Be confident about yourself - Most guys are attractive to a girl who is comfortable with herself and also love who she is. It is very important that you don't try to be someone else in order to impress a guy, as this will be a big turn off when he finds out. In addition trying to be someone else speaks to being insecure and having a low self esteem.
• Complement the guy - Guys love to feel appreciated just as much as ladies do and giving a compliment is one way to do this. You can be straightforward with your complement or do it in a playful manner or in the form of a joke. Simple things can be complimented like his tie, hair cut and so on.
• Laugh when he gives a joke - This may seem simple and insignificant but it will show that you have a sense of humor and are a fun person and guys love that. This is also a good way to start a relationship if you go to the next step, as you will both know how to look on the brighter side of things.
• Use your body language to flirt with him - Sometimes our actions are able to get more across than our words. So send subtle signals to him to let him know that you are attracted to him and would love to get to know him more. This could be a something simple like a flirty look.

Has Your Charm Almost Faded & Your Boyfriend is Losing Interest

No matter how good your relationship with your boyfriend has been, there usually comes a phase when the charm of it seems to fade. It might sound difficult to enliven a dying relation but it is certainly not impossible. Yearning to get back to the good old days and longing to rekindle the past flame is nothing but natural. Follow some of the steps stated below to bring your lost love back into your life.
Patience is the key to success: Do not jump into conclusions rather have patience. This will enable you to have time to rethink about certain important factors like do you really want him back, or is he worth your effort to reconcile. Time and space is significant for both of you to realize how much you need each other.
Stay beautiful and as fresh as ever: Do not let the break up take a toll on your appearance. Rather keep it as fresh as possibly, change your hair style, do a make over, smell good and appealing and have focus on your wardrobe.

Charm Your Way Into His Heart

It is totally normal for girls to ask themselves, their friends, and their teachers this question. You'll be surprised to find out what it is that guys really like about girls because what they do like about them are a little different from what you'd expect them to like. Most girls think that guys like to see them with their faces covered in make up. The truth is, most guys would rather see girls with little to no makeup on because they want to see their natural beauty. When most guys see girls with their faces covered with makeup, they automatically think they're trying to hide something and they begin to wonder about them. No girl in her right mind would want a guy to wonder about them and get the wrong impression about them.
I know a lot of you heard that the first impression is always the last impression. This is very important because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, you only get one. The first step you should take is going to school wearing only lip gloss and very little eyeliner. This will give guys the impression that you're the carefree type. The second step you should take is to dress nice and somewhat conservative. This step will definitely grab a guy's attention because most guys don't want to be seen with girls who don't dress nice.
In high school, it's a very big deal and most guys feel embarrassed to be seen with girls like that. The third step you should take is to walk with your head up because it's a sign that you have high self-esteem. Guys really like girls who have high self-esteem because girls like that will always stand up for themselves and make everyone around them feel comfortable. If you do have high self-esteem, just make sure not to let it all go to your head because there is nothing worse than you coming off as a snob.

Promotional USB Drives Steal the Show

No matter what type of marketing strategy your company uses there is always the option to add something new and unique to your choice. If you think about it, most companies give away the same old items including pens, calendars, mugs and perhaps notepads or caps. While these are all great items, they are limited in their actual benefit to any particular customer. A better option would be to go with something that everyone actually wants. Promotional USB drives really meet that requirement very nicely.
Promotional USB drives come in a variety of sizes and prices. Smaller drives that are 64MB are a great basic type of drive and they are also very cost effective. You can have your logo and company name added to the drive cover. You can incorporate your own particular company colors right within the overall design. This handy little drive is sure to be appreciated by your customers and clients. Unlike other promotional items, it won't immediately end up in the bottom of a bag or drawer.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Budget Boutique Hotels

Super-chic summer escapes where the pound still has buying power...
Want a stylish break in the sun but worried about the exchange rate? Check out these smart destinations, where your pound still has power.
THE GRAND CAFE AND ROOMS
WHY?
Surrounded by stunning forests, incredible wildlife and rugged beaches, Plett is discreetly stylish with a down-home appeal, and this bijou hotel is its most enchanting bolthole.
WHERE?
Overlooking the Keurbooms River at the eastern end of the scenic Garden Route, Plett is the summer playground of affluent city dwellers, South Africa's version of Rock in Cornwall.
STAYING IN
Livingetc loved wafting around our vast four-poster-furnished bedroom and equally large bathroom (with its twin showers and river views). Guests can also enjoy the dip pool, terrace, and beauty treatments at the Grand Betty Salon, while the candlelit café attracts Plett's bon ton for lunch and dinner.
STYLE STEAL
Create faded decadence with rough plaster walls, vintage red velvet chaises and huge silver candelabras.
OUT AND ABOUT
Avoid Main Beach in high season (Dec-Feb) and head for the more deserted sands of Solar or Robberg. Hit the seas for dolphin and whale watching, or pop into Monkeyland. Dress up to watch the polo or take tea at Kurland Estate, then enjoy a plate of pasta at local Italian Cornuti Al Mare.
MORE INFO
Fly to Johannesburg then on to George Airport, or drive the Garden Route from Cape Town. From £70 per person, per night (+27 44 533 3301, thegrand.co.za)
RIAD LOTUS PERLE
WHY?
To escape reality by transporting yourself somewhere totally different. And with its bustling souk, spicy tagines and fragranced gardens, Marrakech offers a sensory overload.

How to Buy Celebrity Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry was often known as something you saw in your grandparent's jewelry cabinets. Times have changed and now these pieces of jewelry are extremely popular and real looking. These types of jewelry come in bold styles or simple elegant pieces and they are the perfect for your outfit.
Finding these styles is half the fun, only outshined by watching your friends looks in awe on your newest ring, necklace, earrings or bracelet. These types pieces can range from alloy to sterling silver and often use CZ diamonds as a cheap but beautiful looking alternative to real expensive priced diamonds. Best of all CZ diamonds are simulated to be flawless so there are not any blemishes.
While shopping for your new costume jewelry makes sure you look for a stamp of approval from a credible source such as authorize.net or PayPal. Additional tips are to read about other customer's reviews on the item as this can be a valuable tool to understand the quality of an item. Other customer's updates can also give you an understanding of how the retailer deals with their customer. Also make sure and learn about any return policies in case an item doesn't fit perfectly or look dazzling. After taking these few simple precautions you just have to wait for your new items to arrive.
Celebrity style costume jewelry is perfect for so many outfits and occasions and best of all you can steal the style from your favorite designers and celebrities at a fraction of the cost. Remember that you can pull out all the stops when you wear costume jewelry. The current fashion trends gladly accept large and loud jewelry and when using costume styles you will be able to fill your jewelry box with amazing new styles at amazing prices.

How Can UGG Boots Steal the Limelight

Winter has approached. Most trend conscious people do have begun to hunt for some popular clothes and shoes to transform their appearances. Undoubtedly, keeping pace with the latest fashion sense is always a safe bet if you want to spice up your look and strengthen your confidence. But keep these in mind anytime: it' s a must to keep aware about the latest trends. But it' s always a fashion no-no to overdo trend or luxury. Moreover, clothes, hats and various small accessories can help you finish a stylish or appealing appearance. Also, what you would like to wear on feet is a contributing aspect to your whole look.
Referring to popular trends on fashion footwear, Australian sheepskin boots must be collections that you can not neglect. If you are interested in keeping informed with those changing tendencies in the fashion industry, you will never feel strange about these shoes. They made a failing debut and had ever been called as ugly shoes. But after ingenious innovation and improvement on almost each tangible and intangible aspect, they have become collections that steal the limelight on the market in today' s era. They attract a really large amount of trend devotees and persons who attach more importance on practicality of fashion shoes. They please ordinary people' s needs for fashion, elegance and comfort. Also, their presences are indeed loved by lots of celebrated persons. It' s exactly well-known people' s favor that makes these shoes frequently appear on some red-carpet occasions and finally gain a worldwide popularity. Now, if you want to flatter a rich fashion appetite, this kind of sheepskin footwear must be wonderful accentuation to your appearance

Red Carpet Knockoffs

Celebrities have a unique ability to put something on, make it look fabulous and inspire us to want it. The price tag is usually way too high to be within our grasp, though. With a bit of creativity and research, you can steal their looks for a fraction of the price.
Before you can steal a celeb's style, you have to know which one you want. Watch some red carpet events, such as movie awards, screenings or Hollywood parties, and keep your eye out for a star that resembles your body type and complexion. A dress that looks fabulous on a dark skinned, dark haired starlet may not be as flattering if you're pale skinned and fair haired.
When you're watching these, consider that both red carpet and runway trends often run several months ahead of what's about to hit the stores. If you want to copy a recent style, you'll need to be resourceful in your shopping. Maybe you can emulate the feeling of the gown, rather than the style itself.

Get Your Own Boyfriend Jeans That Suit Your Body and Style

Fashion can be a funny thing. Quite recently, one of the hottest trends seems to involve stealing...from a guy's wardrobe. Menswear inspired fashion has been on the rise, as evidenced by the recent popularity of boyfriend jeans. However, you do not need to steal a pair from your man. Most denim designers have many versions of this style. Whether bunched and baggy, skinny and slouchy, distressed or regular, you'll have no problem finding one that suits your style and fit your body type. Here are some tips on how to look stylish in boyfriend jeans.
  • When searching for the perfect pair, be prepared to try on lots of styles so you can get the one that works for you. Make sure your jeans look cute and slouchy and not big and sloppy. Great brands to try are Current/Elliot, Hudson, Yanuk and J Brand.
  • Buy women's jeans. Just because they're called boyfriend jeans, that doesn't mean you should take the shortcut and buy men's jeans, or even wear your boyfriend's. Men's jeans are cut differently, and we, as women have curves that they don't have. For optimal fit, it is best to stick with women's denim.
  • When you find the right pair, you'll want to top if off with an overall feminine look. Wear them with a fitted tee or tank top. Or you can go super feminine and wear a sheer chiffon blouse with or without ruffles. Fitted cardigans and blazers also look great when worn with boyfriend jeans. You can balance the baggy, masculine look by accessorizing with layers of pearl necklaces or bangles.
  • Roll up the cuffs. Look for jeans that have a straight leg. This style flatters most body types and is much easier to roll up. If you're wearing heels, roll them above your ankles, or just below if you're wearing flats. Push the hems up a little, fold in the extra fabric on the side, and then roll. (the roll should be about 1 1/2" in size.)

Wear Pink UGG Boots to Steal the Limelight

When shopping for a special pair of Ugg boots to steal the limelight this year, a pink pair is enough to add a true touch of femininity to any woman' s or girl' s wardrobe-as well as being sumptuously comfortable. Among that a rainbow of possibilities in the color spectrum for Ugg styles, pink shades pop out to make a lasting impression on any occasion.
Usually though of being youthful, pink shades are mostly introduced as vibrant tones to set an active yet sophisticated mood for fashion expression. When combined the classy Ugg sheepskin styles, pink hues will even be able to do more than a wonderful job. And here is a list of pink for sought-after Ugg boot styles. Hopefully, you will get some inspirations to make a hit this year with pink Ugg pairs.
Classic tall in romantic flower-This style comes as a mainstay in the magnificent Ugg classic lineup. Themed with the simplicity only from Ugg Australia, this style with pink blossoms scattering on the knee high shafts just express your personality with a romantic hint of spring scenery. It is ideal to assort with any casual outfit practically and aesthetically.