A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even for those of us who spend most of our cooking time around the microwave!) Time spent together in the kitchen can bring a family closer together and make wonderful memories (although my own memories of doing dishes as a teenager are less than pleasant – something about dishwater being *disgusting!*) Turning your plain kitchen into something special isn*t as hard as you might think. Here are a few simple ideas which can make your kitchen a designer showcase.
1. To give your cabinets a special flair, use three different stains. Use one lighter stain on the upper cabinets, one slightly darker on the drawers and an even darker one on the bottom cabinets. Add a little pigment in a primary color (red, blue or yellow) to add an additional dimension and a little *pop.*
2. To add a little flair, take out a few drawers and insert low baskets in their place. You will probably have to remove the middle drawer slide or side slides, but that is easily done with a screwdriver.
3. Want to update your backsplash? Use beadboard! Have your local home improvement store cut it to length and attach with nails or adhesive.
4. Tired cabinet doors? Cut out the middle of the doors, leaving a two inch edge all around. Stale fabric panels to the back of the doors. Cover the staples with fabric trim glued with a hot glue gun. You can use any fabric from elegant to country, stripes to plaid, or gingham to quilted.
5. Update your cabinets with special memories. Attach frames painted or stained to match the cabinets to the front of each door. Fill the frames with family photos or your children*s artwork. Or highlight a special collection such as vintage handkerchiefs or postcards.
Try one of these ideas or use them to jumpstart your own creative imagination. Remember, there is a designer in each of you! It*s just very well hidden in some – VERY well hidden!

(ARA) – Three thousand parts. According to the National Association of Home Builders, that’s what the typical home contains. And when you’re building a home, you’re faced with hundreds of decisions regarding those 3,000 parts. One or two car garage? Carpet or hardwood floors? White or oak cabinets? Paint or wallpaper? Chrome or polished brass fixtures? And the list goes on and on.
While these questions may seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to take your time and closely consider each decision you make. And it’s not just the major choices that matter when building a home. Equally important, if not more so, are the smaller decisions, such as accessories. Items such as lighting, towel bars, glass shelves and more can make all the difference in a room’s décor.
These items make a significant difference in particular areas of the home, especially the bathroom. According to Eric Jungbluth, vice president and general manager of Creative Specialties International, a leading designer and manufacturer in the bath accessory marketplace, “A bathroom is a reflection of a homeowner’s personal style. Our research shows consumers truly seek an emotional benefit from their baths … a sense of comfort, serenity, and of style. The right accessories and finishing touches can add these feelings to the bath in an instant.”
But, how do you know where to start? Do certain accessories match a specific decorating theme? What accessory options are available? Read on as we explore the world of accessories.
Accessories 101
We all know that an outfit isn’t quite complete until you add the finishing touches. A vintage belt, stylish glasses or brand-new necklace can tie an ensemble together and give it a unique style. So, why stop with your clothing? The right mix of accessories, combined with a splash of creativity, can really make a house a home and show off your own unique style.
But how do you actually accessorize your home? According to Sherry Ruggieri, host of HGTV’s Design & Decorating program, “Accessorizing is the art of placing and arranging objects to enrich the style of a room, add personality and most important, create visual interest.”
Whether accessorizing a bath or an entire home, a recent survey found style is extremely important to Americans when decorating. The research conducted by Creative Specialties International and Rooms of America, a consumer research organization, determined 74 percent of those surveyed believe style is “very important” to “extremely important” in their overall decorating decisions.
In terms of specific style preferences, the survey found consumers typically decorate in three primary thematic approaches: country, casual/contemporary and traditional. Thirty-eight percent of the population decorates in a casual style (also referred to as contemporary); following closely behind, 35 percent of consumers choose a traditional style of decorating; lastly, 27 percent of Americans decorate in a country theme, which includes secondary themes such as Shaker, Country French and Mission.
Accessorizing the Bath
Once you have a style chosen for your home, how do you translate that into the bath? Where do you start? And what types of accessories should be chosen?
An important tip, according to Jungbluth, is to remember there are no rules when it comes to accessorizing the bath. “If your family room and kitchen are decorated in a traditional theme, it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to accessorize your bathroom in the same style. It’s a personal decision — experiment with different looks and determine which style combination works best for your home.”
In terms of accessorizing the bath, where should you start? Recently, on HGTV’s Web site, host Joan Kohn asked two well-known designers for their “words of wisdom” when it comes to creating different looks in the bath, simply with accessories. According to designers Jean Zoller and Nancy Redifer, it’s as easy as “1, 2, 3″:

The first design decision to be made in any bath is the type of tub to be used, since it must be installed before the walls and windows go up. The color chosen for the tub will affect the rest of the color choices in the room.
If neutral colors are chosen for the large elements that form the background in the bath — walls, floor, fixtures — it’s easy to change the room’s looks, simply with accessories.
Accessories for the bath include candles, towel rings, plants, mirrors, robe hooks, glass shelves and more. Color can also be used as an accessory, with deeper colors being more traditional, while lighter colors have a more contemporary feel.

Jungbluth offered a final tip when choosing accessories, “Think of traditional accessories in untraditional ways. Try placing a grouping of different accessories together on a wall — perhaps a towel bar, glass shelf and robe hook. The combination of the varying sizes and textures can add an interesting flavor to a room.”
Choices Abound
Until recently, chrome or polished brass were the only finish choices in the bath accessory marketplace. Fortunately, the industry has changed dramatically in the last decade, and manufacturers now offer dozens of finish and style options in bath accessories.
“The bath accessory marketplace has really come to life in the last few years,” added Jungbluth. “Consumers today have more choices than ever before. From ‘retro’ styles in oil-rubbed bronze to contemporary designs in brushed chrome ?dramatic wrought iron finishes and even accessories made in maple and oak, homeowners have a wide variety of new and innovative design options for the bath.”
With all of the new options, Americans still hold true to a traditional finish. According to the aforementioned survey, chrome is still the most popular bath accessory finish, but consumers’ second choice, brushed nickel, is on the rise. In addition, other finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze and wrought iron, are also increasing in popularity with consumers. In fact, non-chrome finishes now represent almost half of bath accessory sales.
Relying on this extensive research, Creative Specialties International recently introduced four new bath accessory collections designed to reflect the styles used in today’s bath. Sold under the Inspirations brand, the Kelsey, Vernini, Sienna and Westbury collections each fall into one of the three design categories — traditional, contemporary/casual or country.
Featuring a distinctive retro flair, the Kelsey collection offers a unique look that combines simple curved lines and soft details. Perfect for a bath with a casual style, its design features a round base with ceramic accents and curved posts.
For those looking for a bath accessory with contemporary style, the Vernini collection is the ideal choice. Drawing from a modern European look, it offers a crisp, decorative style for the bath. What sets this collection apart is its sophisticated, architectural elements including geometric-shaped posts and finials.
The Sienna collection brings a fresh, new look to wrought iron, making it more style-oriented and updated in appearance. With a dramatic black finish that highlights the collection’s handcrafted workmanship, it works in many design contexts to make a bold statement in the bathroom.
To enhance a country feel in the bath, the Westbury collection features the warm look of decorative wood. It brings classic bath accessory design elements to a wood collection offering a streamlined, clean appearance. Like fine furniture, it utilizes metal accents for an updated look and is designed to match today’s popular cabinetry finishes and is sized so it does not overwhelm the bath.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! By this point, you should be completely comfortable with adding the finishing touches to your home through the world of accessories. You know what accessorizing is, how to select a style, and carry it through to the bath. The room has been well planned and includes your own personal stamp.
Whether you’re building a home or simply redecorating, we can all see the dramatic effect accessories can have in creating your home’s style. Remember to keep the style consistent, and have fun in trying new things.
The best advice? “Experiment and try different techniques,” added Jungbluth. “Decorating with accessories is a cost-effective way of changing the look of a room in a matter of minutes.”
For more information on bath style trends, or accessory products available from Creative Specialties International, write 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, OH 44070-8022, call toll free (800) 321-8809, or visit their Web site at www.moen.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art used in the home to create balance and harmony. Feng Shui Practitioners have many tricks of the trade used to get rid of negative energy and promote happiness, stability, affluence, tranquility and peace. With the help of this guide, now you, too, can use Feng Shui to enhance your surroundings.
Here are some Feng Shui fast solutions to allow you to experience maximum fulfillment in your current home:
Color. Color can lift you up or bring you down, so pay attention to the colors you choose for your furniture and to decorate your house. Decide on which color best suits your living room, bedrooms, dining room and furniture by figuring out the energy you would like for that particular room or area.
* Red: Great for energy and excitement. Works perfectly in a dining room to keep folks awake at the dinner table. Not so good for bedrooms and studies, as its properties can make it hard to relax and unwind.
* Orange: Stimulates hunger. Softer, lighter shades work great for living rooms, playrooms, and even bedrooms.
* Yellow: Inspires happiness and creativity. Use in any room to add brightness and vitality.
* Green: A healing and soothing color. A perfect choice for a living room or any room where you want to enhance the energy of balance.
* Blue: A healing and soothing color. A perfect choice for a living room or any room where you want to enhance the energy of balance.
* Indigo: Yet another color that heals and soothes. Good for a child’s room to promote healthy sleep habits.
* Purple: A highly spiritual color that promotes richness and transformation. Can be too high of a frequency for a large room, so consider using accents of purple as an alternative to painting an entire room.
Light. Light exerts a strong influence over how we feel. Take care to light each room so that you achieve the appropriate calming or energizing effect.
* Sunlight: Natural lighting is the very best way to brighten a room.
* Good Quality Lighting: Second best to natural lighting. If possible, don’t skimp when it comes to buying lamps, track lighting, or fixtures for your home.
* Bright Lighting: Promotes energy and activity (for a playroom, for example).
* Low Lighting: Promotes calmness and relaxation (for a bedroom or study, for example).
* Dimmers: Can be purchased at a local hardware store. Dimmer switches give you the flexibility to alternate between bright and low lighting in the same room. With a dimmer, bedrooms can be used to play, study, or sleep, your dining room can accommodate a lively brunch or a romantic supper, and the living room can foster animated conversation or some quiet family reading.
Touch. Designers often overlook the power of texture and how it influences the energy of your home and surroundings. Play with accessories and furniture of different materials to achieve surprising results.
* Rugs: A shag rug emits a playful energy, while a tightly coiled country rug adds a homey, nurturing touch to a living room. Decide whether you would prefer to tread barefoot upon a soft carpet or a cool shiny wood floor. One draws the energy of comfort, the other professionalism. Choose the materials best suited for the energy you would like each room of your home to radiate.
* Pillows: Silk pillows add richness and sensuality. Cotton is good for kids or casual relaxation, and fun, fluffy pillows can be employed for a lighter, playful effect in a living room or playroom.
* Furniture: Sleek wood furniture conveys a sturdy and reassuring energy, while soft leather couches and armchairs add a luxurious energy to a living room or study.
Smell. Aromas are an easy and inexpensive solution to help you achieve a harmonious home environment. Play with different scents in each room, changing them occasionally to see how the smells aid in energizing or relaxing you.
* Flowers: Flowers can be a terrific addition to any household because of their color and innate positive energy. Easy to forget, however, is how wonderful a room smells when fresh flowers are added.
* Candles: Candles look beautiful and have an immediate calming effect on a room. Use different scents for each room, or place various candles with unique smells together in one collection.
* Cooking: Cooking provides nourishment and comfort. An added benefit is the wonderful smells of cooking, which contribute to a balanced atmosphere in your home.
* Incense or alternatively, Sage: Incense is a fantastic cleansing agent. Use it to erase negative energies, such as after an argument. The scent will permeate all corners of the room, and either relax or invigorate the inhabitants, depending on what type of incense you use.
You! Don’t forget the most important element of your home: you and your family. Even plants and flowers play a vital role in livening up an environment. Pets and children are great for adding movement in each room, which, in turn, keeps the energy of your house circulating. Play with these and other Feng Shui solutions, to maintain balance and perfect harmony in your home.

The history of artificial or fake grass is to say the least an interesting one and arose out of the social desire to in-effect ward off what could be seen, as far back as the 1950s, as an increasingly unhealthy tendency by youngsters not to exercise.
History has it that birth of synthetic grass began through attempts by scientists trying to develop a type of grass that would not only allow children and adolescents to play on regardless of the weather condition but encouraged them to do so, in other words, a surface that they enjoyed using or a user friendly surface. Hence the advent of fake or artificial grass.
The result was one of the early prototypes of what we now know to be fake or artificial grass. The earlier types were not only hard under foot and made for impracticality especially where sports and children were concerned given the tendencies to fall but were very unpopular. Conversely, however, in terms of workability and endurance this surface proved itself worthy, with the originally playing field where the fake grass surface was installed lasting twenty years of solid wear.
Claims that in terms of practicalities due to poor drainage and its tendency to rot fake grass has limited applicability are unsubstantiated. Furthermore, highly contentious arguments revolving around the argument that artificial grass causes more on-field injuries when used in sports-grounds is again unfounded and may be derived from factions wanting to see this type of surfacing a thing of the past. The claim by the industry is that if laid correctly no problems should occur. In fact, if anything, this type of surface should encourage better drainage enabling competitive sports to continue play with less interruption time due to rain.
Today the advances in artificial grass surfaces are enormous and can’t be down-played. It is common practice to no longer use asphalt as an underlay beneath the surface of the grass which has increased the shock absorption provided by the grass, decreased the retention of heat during summer and further improving the drainage ability of the grass. Finally and possibly most importantly no longer does fake grass look, both on and off T.V like the earlier versions of fake grass, that is, FAKE.
Typically artificial grass is approximately 3cm thick (from base to blade tip). The material of the ‘blades?themselves are a polyethylene-polypropylene blend which are then woven into a mat-like backing (much like that of carpet). The only maintenance that is recommended is that the surface be given a once over each month, which involves rubbing it down. It you were to get this done professionally it is estimated that it would cost no more than a couple of thousand dollars a year. While this may initially sound a lot when compared to the water costs alone for the real thing ?there is virtually no comparison. For those still sceptical and missing the small things associated with ‘real?grass consider this. In America, consumers missing the smell associated with cut grass can purchase, that is right, purchase a can whose contents promise that ‘just cut smell?
But wait there is more?in addition, other requests by customers have included wanting to have the newly laid ‘fake?lawn have the same effect as when you just cut real grass and there are the alternating light and dark bands of grass. This too can be achieved?.ah the marvels of modern society.
Once perceived as being exclusively for those at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale, time-and resource-poor, fake grass has now become the stable for all regards of income bracket. With everyone becoming increasingly time-limited and wanting immediate results – ‘visual?perfection ?artificial grass answers both these requirements.
As already mentioned fake grass has many advantages being both low maintenance, cheap and providing reliable year-round good looks for those concerned with their gardens aesthetic appearance. Especially in areas where water is particularly scarce and or for areas whether there is heavy usage ?i.e. constant foot traffic ?then fake or artificial grass may provide a practical solution. What is more, with fake or artificial grass there is no limit to the amount of area you wish to cover and up-keep is negligible especially when compared to the requirements of real grass. Golfing greens require the employ of a number of full-time ‘green keepers?whose job it is to solely look after the lawns!!!! For those without this luxury in budget or time the alternative is clearly ?.fake grass. No need for pesticides, watering, mowing, and replacing of dead patches etcetera.
While slow to catch on in many Westernized countries, Asian nations who are resource tight have long used fake grasses for their play-grounds, private lawns and commercial turfs. Furthermore, using fake grass removes the threat of degradation by human or other pests. The laying of fake grass is also immediate ?like that of carpet. Another advantage is that is does not have to be a permanent fixture but can be lifted at any time.

Little girl’s love to spend time in their bedrooms. It’s a place all of their own. A place where they can not only sleep, but dream. What better way to help your child’s dreams come true then by surrounding them with their favorite things! Decorating your child’s bedroom can be both a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. Here are five simple tips to get you started in the right direction:
Listen
The most important factor is to hear your child’s ideas; after all it is “her” room you are decorating! Have her sit down and make a list of her favorite things from toys to television programs. Would she like to have a themed bedroom? Or would she like to utilize her favorite colors as a canvas for a potpourri of decor?
Recycle
Make use of what is already in place. You will be amazed at how you can turn items already in her bedroom into something new! If her dresser has an attached mirror, remove it from the dresser base and place a new mirror directly to the wall. Change dresser knobs/and pulls. Flip posters around and let her draw her own masterpiece. Paint bedroom doors for a new bold look. Purchase a duvet cover for a quick bedding change.
Think Ahead
Like the seasons change, so does your child’s likes and dislikes. As a parent you may have obtained a “feel?for this. Take this in account when decorating. Also, ask yourself if she will still love the hand painted mural of the fairy’s garden a few months from now. Will she love the pink carpet when she is a teen? Explore less permanent options such as wall stick ups, framed art, and accent rugs.
Simple Impact
You can make a dramatic change by just adding splashes of color and texture. Add accent pillows and throws to bedding. Hang throws and tapestry from the wall. Change window treatments. Throw down accent rugs for quick impact.
Have Fun
Spending time with your child decorating her room should be fun. Explore each other’s creative side by creating artwork, bulletin boards, and other decor crafts together. Throw a bedroom-makeover party for her and her friends. They can each make a decor item for the room.
These are just a few of the many tips and ideas to incorporate when beginning your decorating adventure. You’ll be sure to come up with plenty of your own by project’s end. Make sure and jot them down for next time. Yes, there will be next time!

One of the main elements of the landscape is the use of plants. Plants provide interesting places for the eye to dwell, as well as providing soothing scenery and even contributing to the energy efficiency of a home. Unfortunately, the costs associated with purchasing plants for use in your landscape can be rather steep. In order to save money and use you landscape budget wisely, it is important to buy cheap plants.
Just because a plant is cheap, however, does not mean that it is quality. Be sure that the plant you are buying is free of disease, and that it is in generally good health. Purchasing a plant for a rock bottom price may only result in you having to go out and buy another plant if your wilted or diseased “find?dies shortly after planting. Planting can be a traumatic thing, so you want a plant that will survive and then flourish. Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing inexpensive plants is to think about the maintenance costs on down the road. A cheap plant may in actuality end up having a great many care needs. You may spend more taking care of the plant than is worth the savings of an initial bargain.
Inexpensive plants can be found in a variety of places. Most people buy them at big box home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. There are even plants available at some WalMart and Kmart stores. These plants are often very cheap, but many of them have not received proper care, and may not be healthy enough to survive planting. One sliver of peace of mind that stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer is that these places offer guarantees of up to one year, so if your plant dies, you can be compensated.
Nurseries are great places to find healthy, professionally cared for plants. These are a little more expensive, but they are often of a higher quality. If you are looking for a bargain at a nursery, they can still be found, however. Many nurseries have a clearance table full of unpopular plants or plants that they plan to discontinue carrying. These are often discounted dramatically. Additionally, going to end of season sales can help you find good prices on the plants that nurseries have to offer. Most nurseries also provide plant guarantees, and you can receive expert help and advice if you are a novice.
The Internet also offers cheap plant deals. It is possible to order online and have your plants shipped. Online providers often provide a variety of seeds and starts that can be shipped without incurring too much damage, and that are very inexpensive. Check to see if your online plant provider has a guarantee, however, and make sure that the costs of shipping do not make the plants more expensive.
Other ways that you can reduce your plant buying costs is to choose plants that are seeds or starts. These are available online or in stores and nurseries. A packet of seeds costs less than a start, and starts cost significantly less than plants that are already growing. Choosing smaller plants not only reduces the amount of money that you pay up front, but it also reduces the amount of money you pay later in maintenance. Mature plants require more care when they are first planted, and they also require more water and maintenance. So, while you do not have to purchase tiny plants, you can purchase plants that are off to a good start but that have not reached maturity.
Related to the idea of choosing plants that are smaller, is selecting slower growing plants. While these may take longer to fill in your landscape, if you plan accordingly you can save a great deal of money and still have an attractive yard. Rapidly growing plants require more care and the maintenance costs are often much more than the costs associated with their slower growing counterparts. Choosing slow growing plants is a great way to save money in the long run.
Looking for cheap plants for landscape can be a fun adventure as you search for the best deal. Just remember that the best deal is not always the cheapest plant. The best deal is a plant that is reasonably priced, healthy, and has low cost maintenance requirements.

If you are in the market for new carpet chances are you have plenty of questions about which manufacturers are best, which carpets have the best warranties, what to look for when buying carpet, and the list goes on. Of course there are several excellent carpet manufacturers but one that really stands out is Stainmaster Carpet. Find out why Stainmaster carpet is your best choice.
Stainmaster carpet offers it all. Exceptional service and a first class product with plenty of styles to choose from, and a superb warranty.
Stainmaster is known as an industry leader when it comes to innovation and carpet fashions. They’ve got hundreds of colors and styles to choose from. They’re very proud of their latest member to the family the Tactesse nylon fiber line which is even more luxurious than wool.
Stainmaster is very proud of the carpet construction which is second to none. They use bulked continuous filament which means that the yarn is formed from continuous strands of nylon which is textured to create a fuller rug as well as provide curled fiber as well as straight.
Each carpet fiber is then wrapped to provide a tighter twist and a more resilient carpet. It also resists crushing from footprints, matting, and texture change.
After the fiber is twisted it is then treated with a heat system to lock the twist into place. This means your carpet is less likely to snag and unravel or crush from heavy traffic.
After the fiber has been heat treated it is thread onto large carpet needles and then stitched to the backing. How dense the carpet becomes is determined by the amount of yarn that is used.
It is then saturated in a liquid dye solution followed by a solution that sets the color, then it is dried. Finally it is saturated with the stain guard solution and it is once again dried. Finally it is coated with Stainmaster’s unique Teflon?solution. The end result is a carpet that’s gorgeous, able to repel stains, and dirt, and will last a long time.
Stainmaster Carpet offers a variety of styles. The Cultured Beauty Line is their most popular line offering a warranty that guarantees it won’t wear more than 10% in ten years during normal home use. It also has been engineered to retain its texture and not flatten down. The stain guard guarantees against most household type stains for a seven year period and it’s also guaranteed to not change color due to soil for a seven year period. It even has an anti static warranty.
Some of the most popular carpet styles in the cultured beauty line are beach comber, birch bark, champagne bubbles, chenille white, and ice crystal. In their vibrant colors there is earth violet, crab apple, faded denim, nocturne, ocean reef, confetti pink, and a host of other choices.
Four very other popular styles are the 352 Rhett, 353 Scarlet, 358 Romeo, and 359 Juliet all with the Teflon solution, the wear warranty, stain and soil warranty. These four lines are rich and plush providing a full bodied carpet in a wide range of fashionable colors. Durable and beautiful all in one!
Carpet is a big investment so be sure you check out Stainmaster Carpet and see what they can offer you!

In mid-March when winter blues overtake you and it’s hard to find a clear patch in the grey overcast above, I look out my front door and find a spot of sunshine in my newly growing daffodils.
Growing daffodils is one way to get a good dose of sunshine before spring pulls back the blanket of winter. Daffodils are one of the easiest flowers to grow and a perfect choice for the beginning gardener. Famous for the bright yellows of cultivars like jonquils and the yellow trumpet, daffodils also come in thousands of colors that range from the demure whites of paper-whites to peach and on to bold orange.
Although narcissus is often mistakenly referenced as another type of flower, narcissus is the botanical name for the daffodil. The family is divided into 12 divisions of 25 species and over 13,000 hybrids. However, it isn’t only selection that makes growing daffodils an easy introduction to gardening. Daffodils are prolific in multiplication. While many other types of bulbs dwindle in a few short years, with minimal care, a planting of daffodil bulbs will last a lifetime!
Daffodils come in all sizes from 5-inch blooms on 2-foot stems to half-inch flowers on 2-inch stems. Along with the harbingers of spring, there are also daffodil cultivars in mid and late season varieties. Growing daffodils in an assortment of sizes, colors, and bloom-times gives you an irresistible display that carries through spring into summer.
Although daffodils can be grown from seed, it takes up to five years to achieve a blooming plant. If you want growing daffodils in the spring, bulbs need to be planted in the fall. If you didn’t know that, take note of it for next September. For success in growing daffodils, plant bulbs deep-six to eight inches down from the top (pointy end) of the bulb-where they will get plenty of sun. Remember, they’re going to make their appearance when sunshine is at a premium! Also important for growing daffodils is a location with good drainage. Daffodils like water, but they can’t swim!
Less is more when growing daffodils. Space your daffodil bulbs according to the package directions. Although you may be tempted to plant them close together for a great looking first-year group, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that they are prolific in bulb propagation. Planting daffodils too closely together results in a crowd of bulbs that fight each other for growing room!
One common mistake you can make when growing daffodils is to cut back the foliage after the flowers finish blooming. After your daffodils bloom, they’ll start rebuilding their bulbs in preparation for the next year. During this time, the plants use foliage to collect both sunlight and moisture, so keeping them watered during this period is also important. Your daffodils are planning ahead to create that spot of sunshine to melt away the winter blues!

High Definition DVD (HD-DVD) vs Blu-ray is shaping up to be a battle to rival the VHS vs Betamax format war of the early eighties. Looking like they’ve learned nothing from the DVD ?RW debacle, the companies involved, whether they are in the technology or content distribution industry (or in Sony’s case, both), are set to slug it out over the next few years.
The prize is the licence fees that will be payable to the format owners when the next generation of high definition DVD players and recorders start shipping in volume. As high definition television becomes increasingly popular, consumers will want a recordable format that has the capacity to hold at least a couple of hours worth of HDTV content. Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD were developed in response to the anticipated need for an HDTV recording medium and provide content whose quality would match the expectations of HDTV-owning customers. Additionally, the film distribution companies will cash-in as they release all the titles currently available on DVD in one or both of the new formats and convince consumers that they really should chuck out the DVD collection they’ve spent time and money building and start afresh with the new high definition versions.
Rather than get together and agree a format for high definition DVD, the industry has split in two and is producing two different versions. In the red corner is Toshiba, which has developed HD-DVD and has signed up numerous film companies as supporters, including Warner Brothers, New Line, Paramount, and Universal Pictures.
In the blue corner, is, if you’ll forgive the pun, Sony’s Blu-ray. Sony intends to use Blu-ray as the format for the next generation of the PlayStation and has signed up Disney, and MGM, and is expected to add 20th Century Fox to the list.
Currently the major Hollywood studios are split down the middle with almost exactly half of them in each camp.
HD-DVD has been developed by Toshiba and NEC and has the support of the influential DVD Forum, whereas Blu-ray is supported by Phillips, HP, Sharp, Pioneer, Panasonic, and Sonic Solutions.
Microsoft stands to benefit whichever format succeeds as its Windows Media 9 video codec has been approved for use in HD-DVD and Blu-ray content.
For details of the specification of each format, click here for Blu-ray, and here for HD-DVD.

You are a young contract cleaning company or just starting out and want to expand? So many cleaning firms are run as a ‘one man band?and do not want to employ cleaners so they are incapable of expansion. If you are reading this then you are not among that number and want to enlarge and expand your cleaning business. There are a few simple rules you must follow if you want to be successful in this and retain your contracts.
1. Visit each site at least once per week. In order to ensure that the cleaning is taking place as you want it to. Vary the times and days of your visits.
2. Maintain good communications with the client and respond rapidly to any requests or complaints.
3. Maintain good relations with your staff. Your most valuable resource are your staff so treat them well and not just in monetary terms.
4. Maintain all equipment used on a site in excellent working order. If a piece of equipment is not working efficiently then the cleaners no matter how hard they work are not going to be able to carry out the cleaning effectively and they will soon become disgruntled.
5. Ensure that there are always adequate supplies of cleaning materials available for the cleaning staff on each site. If they have not got the materials then they cannot carry out the job effectively.
These five points would seem to be common sense and indeed they are. However the larger you become and the more contracts you take on the more difficult it becomes to carry them out consistently. You are out there working away trying to attract in more business, attending to new customers, setting up new contracts and sometimes involved in crisis management. Under these normal pressures of work these basic principles can be pushed to the bottom of the ‘to do?list. A clean may be going along with no problems and under these circumstances it is quite easy to assume that all is well and does not require your attention. Then out of the blue it can come up to bite you! Consequently always give time to perform these five ‘rules?regardless of the other pressures on your time.
Experience has shown that the larger the company becomes the more these five points become neglected. Very large companies often lose contracts simply because they neglected these five cardinal rules and you can step into their place and pick up these contracts. However you must always be on your guard that you do not fall into the same trap as you become bigger.