Process Xml & Jdom In Java

The JDOM Java SDK lets you parse and read XML from the Internet or a file stored on a user's hard drive. You must open the file and create a "builder" variable that parses the XML from the loaded data. You use this process when you have a file on a Web server that you want to use to import data to display to your readers.

Instructions

1. Open the Eclipse Java programming platform. Open your Java JDOM project you want to use to parse the XML.

2. Open the XML file and create a file handler that contains the contents of the file. The following code creates the handler:

File filehandler = new File("c:\\thefile.xml");

Replace "thefile.xml" with the location and name of your XML file.

3. Load the XML data into the parser. The following code loads the data into a "builder" that parses the XML tags so you can extract the data from the tags:

DocumentBuilderFactory factory = DocumentBuilderFactory.newInstance();

DocumentBuilder builder = factory.newDocumentBuilder();

Document xmldoc = builder.parse(file);

xmldoc.getDocumentElement().normalize();

4. Display the data from the XML nodes. The following code writes the first node data to the user's window:

NodeList list = xmldoc.getElementsByTagName("employees");

Node internalNodes= list.item(0);

Element e = (Element) internalNodes;

System.out.println("Employee Name : " + getTagValue("empname", e));

Tags: following code, data from, data into, file create, that parses

Use Dowel Rods

Dowel rods

Dowel rods are wooden rods that are sold by the yard at most home improvement and craft stores. The dowel is round and is typically available in sizes from 1/8-inch diameter to 1 inch. Some stores will carry smaller and larger sizes and some sell dowels in grab-bag packages in 12-inch lengths. Dowels made of plastics and metals are also available but they are usually called rods and may be less easy to use. In home decorating, dowels are used in many ways. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a wooden dowel rod to the length you need by using a manual miter box and flat hand saw. Position the dowel in the box so that the cut line matches with the slot used for the saw and cut. A short piece of dowel rod (1 inch in length) is often used in the side walls of cabinets and it is used as the bottom support for shelves. Four dowels are needed per shelf.

2. Measure the width of an overstuffed chair cushion (or couch cushion) and cut a 1-inch diameter dowel to length. Arrange a slipcover over the chair and insert the dowel where the back of the chair and the seat cushion join. Work the dowel down under the chair cushion and then tuck and smooth the slipcover in place. The dowel anchors the cover to keep it from riding up when people use the chair.

3. Sew a 3-inch cotton pocket to the back side of a quilt using needle and thread. The pocket should be at least 1/2 inch from the top and sides of the quilt. Thread a large 1-inch diameter dowel through the pocket. Insert two nails in the wall at an angle and hang the quilt on the dowel.

4. Cut a dowel rod that is 1-1/4-inch smaller than the width of a roman shade blind. Open the roman shade tube on the back of a shade and remove a broken dowel. Insert the new dowel and sew the end of the tube shut to repair the roman shade.

5. Drill a hole through the side of a 3/8-inch diameter dowel. Insert wire through the hole and through the guide hole on the side of a pull drape or twist blind. Close the wire with pliers and you can use the dowel to pull drapes open or twist blinds open and closed.

Tags: diameter dowel, roman shade, 1-inch diameter, 1-inch diameter dowel, 8-inch diameter, chair cushion, dowel Insert

What Is Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture is a type of furniture that's cushioned with batting or foam and covered in fabric or leather. Usually, upholstered furniture has a steel or wooden frame, or some combination of the two, and it usually contains springs. Couches, dining room chairs, living room chairs, loveseats and ottomans are commonly upholstered. Does this Spark an idea?

History

The term "upholstery" originated in England, from the Middle English words "up" and "holden." Craftsmen were called "upholders" and their materials "upholstery," which later became "upholsterer," as they're called today. The craft of upholstery flourished during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and reached its peak during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. During this time, carpets, draperies, tapestries as well as cushioned furniture were created by upholsterers (See References).

Reasons to Upholster Furniture

Upholstered furniture is an expression of your personal taste and creativity. It's more comfortable than a hard, wooden chair. If you want to create the look of a bygone era, it's achievable with the right upholstery fabric. The possibilities for color, texture and durability are nearly endless. It's a way to recycle and reuse materials. Wooden and steel construction will last a long time, but fabrics wear out. There's no need to throw out the entire piece, when you can re-upholster and have a nearly new piece.

How Upholstery Is Made

Upholstery is made by skilled craftspeople who work as independent contractors, in studios, or in factory settings. They upholster furniture, pillows and buttons with fabric or leather, and work either as members of a team or individually. They often start with a wood frame and build the upholstered chair or couch or they could start from scratch, building the wood frame and adding the upholstery. Their tools include standard carpentry tools and sewing materials, including sewing machines. (See References.)

Types of Upholstery

Upholstered furniture should suit the environment it will be in. Before buying or reupholstering, consider how much you plan to use the furniture, how much you're willing to spend for upkeep, and if you want maximum longevity. Durability depends on the fabric you use and its finish, among other factors. Upholstery fibers can be cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic or polyester, which become tightly woven fabrics. If your upholstered furniture will be in a family room or other high traffic area, a stain resistant finish is recommended. Leather is extremely long wearing. Other fabrics used for upholstery are velvet, chenille, chintz, suede and ultra-suede. These should receive lighter use and be treated for stain and water resistance. (See References.)

Preserving Upholstery

Protect your investment with stain-resistant fabrics, or purchase products to apply yourself. Scotchguard is one example --- it can be applied at the factory or at home. Before applying it on your own, check with the manufacturer. Keep your upholstery out of sunlight to avoid fading and deterioration, or choose highly colorfast fabrics that tolerate sun exposure. (See References.)

Tags: fabric leather, room chairs, wood frame

Office 2007 Enterprise Will Not Install After An Aborted Install

You may have problems installing Office 2007 after a failed install.

If the installation of the Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise software is interrupted while in progress, you may find that you are unable to properly install the software afterward. Microsoft provides a utility program that allows you to remove the traces of the failed installation to enable you to successfully install the software.

Background

When you install software to your PC, files are copied to your computer, system registry entries are added or changed, and sometimes important system files are affected. If a software installation is aborted halfway through--for example, by a sudden loss of power to your PC--it can leave files in an inconsistent state and with your software incorrectly installed.

Solution

Microsoft provides a free Fix It utility online for every version of Office, which acts as a removal tool for an incomplete install of the software (see Resources). Download and run this tool and you should then be able to install Office 2007 from scratch.

Alternative

If the Windows System Restore functionality is enabled on your computer, you could alternatively use this utility. Restoring your system to a date before the failed installation may allow you to install Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise successfully.

Tags: Office 2007, install software, 2007 Enterprise, Office 2007 Enterprise, failed installation, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office 2007

Wood Sunroom Ideas

Wood sunrooms can serve many purposes in your home.

Sunrooms are attached to the main house and often are enclosed rooms, though some are not always enclosed. Wood sunrooms create the illusion of being both indoors and outdoors. They provide a space for relaxation and sometimes are used for greenhouses, children's play areas or sitting rooms. Does this Spark an idea?

Window Blinds

Wood sunrooms are known to be bright and airy. All the windows allow any surrounding nature views to be enjoyed. Window blinds are a great idea for a sunroom; even though "sun" is in the name, there are times when sunrays might want to be kept out. Installing blinds gives you the option to keep light out when it's not wanted. You should also consider installing outdoor blinds as an alternative to indoor blinds; properly installed exterior conservatory blinds can keep up to 90% of sunrays out. The most popular fabric for exterior blinds is mesh, because it allows some visibility while keeping intrusive sunlight out of the room.

Flooring

Wood sunrooms tend to have more windows than average rooms, allowing more light in, which can be damaging to your sunroom floor. Sunroom flooring should be able to withstand many hours of sunlight and years of foot traffic. The best option for a wood sunroom floor is tile. Other floor options are laminate or hardwood; however, neither will withstand the sunrooms wear and tear as well as tile. Tile is easy to clean, moisture resistant and can absorb heat during hot summer days and still help keep the floor and the room cool.

Wood Sunroom Design Phase

Sunrooms are ultimately part of your home's interior and should be thought of as an interior room during the sunroom design phase. The most important thing to consider in the design is the purposes the sunroom will serve (sitting room, entertaining, kids playroom and so on). Other things to consider are the relation of the sunroom to the home, wood type (cedar, oak or another type), size and shape of the room. Wood sunroom designs often have the option for window ceilings, creating a perfect marriage between the indoor space and outdoor space. If you are building a new wood sunroom in your home, you can hire a contractor or build it yourself. Wood sunroom do-it-yourself kits are available, which can save a lot of money, but be sure you have the skills to get the job done before you commit to building and designing the room yourself.

Sunroom Interior Design Ideas

Once the sunroom is finished and ready to be decorated, consider different ideas for the interior design. Light and airy should be the theme, with a light color scheme, light sheer curtains, and other window treatments to allow light in and out when desired. Furnishings should complement the wood framing of the sunroom; wicker and rattan are popular furniture options for a wood sunroom. Ultimately, the decor should be about function and comfort. Cushions are a must in the sunroom; they can complete a decor theme while providing a comfortable place to rest. Be sure to include plenty of seating in your design. Storage areas always come in handy for keeping things organized, especially if your sunroom will serve as a greenhouse. Other things to consider are night lighting, ceiling fans and even water features to complete the ultimate ambience of relaxation.

Tags: Wood sunrooms, your home, light when, Other things, Other things consider, sunroom floor

Protect Your Lime Or Orange Tree Freeze Thermostats

Protect Your Lime Or Orange Tree. Freeze Thermostats

Here is one way to protect your outside lime or orange tree from freezing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Learn your growing zone number before planting citrus. In many parts of the South and West you can grow some kinds of citrus outside. In zones 8 and above you will need to protect them from freezing from time to time. One way is to construct a rectangular enclosure using 3 to 6 mil clear plastic. You can use 4 steel "T" posts, driven at points around the lime or orange tree and wrap the plastic sheeting around it, securing it with a bungee cord for easy removal.

2. Make a rectangular frame from several two by fours to construct a rigid framework around the citrus tree. You can then staple the plastic sheeting to the two by fours. Make sure you attach guy wires on all four corners to stakes driven into your lawn so it does not tip over and crush the lime or orange tree.

3. Use a safe heat source. To further protect your lime tree or orange tree from freezing you should place a waterproof shop light with at least a sixty watt bulb inside the enclosure you made. Make sure it does not touch any branches or the plastic. You can turn it on in the evening before it gets cold or you can plug the cord into a freeze protection thermostat that will automatically turn the light on. One kind is the Easyheat or Easy Heat EH-38 This device will turn the shop light on when the temperature gets below 38 degrees. I have found the combination of a plastic cover and a 60 watt bulb is adequate to keep your citrus tree from freezing even on very cold days.

Tags: from freezing, orange tree, tree from, tree from freezing, citrus tree

Southwestern Room Colors

Red is a vibrant accent color in Southwest decor.

The landscapes in the Southwestern region of the United States include dry, sandy deserts, looming mountains and old forests. Amid the natural diversity are densely populated cities and suburban areas filled with a mix of Spanish, Native American and contemporary American architecture. The juxtaposition of vast and dramatic landscapes and diverse architecture inspires a varied and vivacious Southwestern color palette for interior room decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Foundation of Neutrals

Brown and green are used as neutral colors in Southwestern room decor. Shades of brown range from sandy pinks to more earthy colors such as those found in tree bark. Brown is used for wood flooring and trim, furniture and window frames, as well as in fabrics. Green is seen in fabrics as well, and is used for wall color, usually in a midrange tone. Although these two colors may play a dominant role in the Southwestern color palette, it's the accent colors that capture the attention.

Vibrant Accent Colors

The reds and oranges found in sunsets, cactus flowers and berries are used throughout Southwestern rooms. Used in printed fabrics, woven rugs and wall hangings, pottery and artwork, the more vibrant shades of red play against the neutral backdrop of brown and green. Lemon yellow, sunny yellow and gold are set alongside the bright red shades; the two colors offer high contrast to each other and against the neutral tones enveloping the space.

Muted Colors

The quiet, subtle shades of brown and green act as a backdrop, allowing the visually exciting reds and yellows to pop out and attract attention. Muted colors bridge the two elements in the color palette. Blue, gray and green in darker tones complement the shades of brown and green while acting as a buffer for the brighter tones; the reds and yellows are tied to the neutral background rather than just floating within it.

Adding Black and White

Black is found in wrought iron and stonework, and in pottery, fabrics and cabinetry hardware. Shades of gray are also used in the room, usually in stone flooring and fabrics, and may play a small role as a buffer for more vibrant colors. White is used sparingly and may be seen in fabrics and in ceramic pottery, and is sometimes used for painted furniture or cabinetry. The shades of white used in the Southwestern color palette are not pure white or true white. They are alabaster or creamy white, eggshell, candlelight or the bluish white found in summer skies in the desert.

Tags: color palette, Southwestern color, Southwestern color palette, against neutral, brown green, more vibrant

Make Cherry Wood Furniture Shine

Cherry wood is considered an exotic hardwood.

Cherry wood furniture has rich reddish brown hues that intensify and become more beautiful with age. Although extremely wear resistant, cherry wood furniture may eventually become dull. Failure to regularly clean cherry hardwood allows abrasive grime particles to accumulate on the furniture and potentially dull its shiny surface. Since cherry wood furniture pieces are lifetime investments, adequate maintenance is essential. Fortunately, basic cleaning and polishing of cherry wood furniture generally restores its shine and overall beauty. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wipe the entire piece of cherry wood furniture with a dry, lint-free cloth. Remove as much dust as possible.

2. Moisten another cloth with water. Wring the cloth thoroughly, then wipe the cherry wood furniture to lift stubborn grime.

3. Wipe the cherry wood using another dry cloth. Leave no moisture on the wood.

4. Spray the entire furniture piece evenly with aerosol furniture polish.

5. Buff the entire cherry wood surface with another dry cloth. Continue buffing the furniture until the cherry wood shines. Absorb all excess polish from the furniture.

Tags: wood furniture, cherry wood, cherry wood furniture, another cloth

Receive Free Bibles In Bulk

The Bible is a symbol recognized around the world.

The Bible is the main source of guidance in Christianity. Religious groups such as the Gideons are known for Bible distribution and leaving free copies in public locations such as motel rooms so many people can enjoy them. If you plan on distributing Bibles to others or using a lot of them for a church function, you may be able to get a large number of them for free. Getting free Bibles in bulk requires some diligence and research.

Instructions

1. Visit local churches and ask if they can donate any Bibles. If the church recently got new Bibles or will in the near future, it may be willing to donate the old ones.

2. Write to missionary groups to see if they can send you a bulk order of Bibles. You may need to cover shipping, but many missionary groups distribute Bibles for free, so they could be willing to donate some to your cause. Explain how many you need and what you'll do with them.

3. Download free Bible software online and print as many copies as you need. There are various programs available free of charge that allow you to read and print Bible text from the computer.

Tags: missionary groups, willing donate

Motels In Elkhorn Nebraska

Motels in Elkhorn, Nebraska are located close to historic sites, musuems and parks.

The city of Elkhorn is located in Douglas County, Nebraska, in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. You'll find four motels no more than 20 minutes away from Elkhorn, which was named for the Elkhorn River. During your stay, attend Elkhorn Days in June or visit interesting attractions located within 20 miles of Elkhorn such as the Boys Town Hall of History, Gerald R. Ford Birthsite & Gardens and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Super 8 Omaha

Located one mile west of I-680, Super 8 Omaha offers rooms with one queen-sized bed, two double beds or one king-sized bed. Aside from the usual amenities, this pet-friendly hotel features refrigerators upon request, rollaways for an extra fee and a recliner in single room. Bus, RV and truck parking are also available as well as free continental breakfast. Super 8 is located close to restaurants such as Fox and Hound English Pub and Grisanti Italian Restaurant.

Townhouse Inn and Suites

Townhouse Inn and Suites offers short-stay and extended-stay accommodations with jacuzzi, king and queen suites. Rooms for short-term stays have a dining table as the usual amenities. Extended-stay rooms, available for daily, weekly or monthly rates, have a full kitchen with a stove, oven and cooking utensils and also have a bedroom with one twin or more beds and a living area. Restaurants less than five minutes away from the motel include Sushi Japan Yakiniku Boy and Old Country Buffet. About 20 minutes from Townhouse Inn and Suites, a smoke-free and pet-free building, are Mormon Trail Center & Temple, the University of Nebraska - Omaha, and Crossroads Mall.

La Quinta Inn Omaha Northwest

La Quinta Inn is pet-friendly and has 129 rooms and three suites. Facilities and amenities include a 24-hour front desk staff, laundry facilities and a heated outdoor swimming pool. La Quinta is located close to Westroads Mall, the Henry Doorly Zoo, Children's Museum, Joslyn Art Center. No more than three miles from La Quinta Inn are restaurants such as PF Chang's, TGI Friday's and Wheatfield's. Within 15 minutes away are the Qwest Center, Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs Casinos, Rosenblatt Stadium, Reach Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Motel 6 Omaha

Motel 6 Omaha offers rooms with one king, a queen or double bed; or rooms with two queens or double beds. Facilities and amenities at Motel 6 include handicap-accessible rooms, a coin laundry facility, free coffee and an outdoor swimming pool. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Subway and Long John Silver's Seafood are close by. Some nearby attractions in the pet-friendly motel are the Strategic Air & Space Museum, the Nebraska Cross Factory Outlets, Boulder Creek Amusement Park and the Mallory Kountze Planetarium.

Tags: located close, minutes away, rooms with, Townhouse Suites, away from, double beds, Elkhorn Nebraska

Mexican Traditional Wedding Ceremony

Incorporating Mexican tradition into a wedding ceremony can make the day even more sentimental.

If you're going to be getting married soon and are of Mexican descent, you may want to add elements and traditions to your ceremony or reception that reflect Mexican culture. These elements can be either simple or extravagant, and will help to make the day especially memorable for everyone involved.

Bride's Attire

Mexican brides often wear mantilla veils--long veils trimmed with lace--and some brides choose to wear a bolero jacket over their dress. For a Mexican wedding ceremony, the bride ties three ribbons of three different colors into her lingerie for good luck. The red ribbon represents passion, the the blue ribbon symbolizes money and the yellow ribbon stands for food. Mexican tradition suggests that the tying of the ribbons means that the bride will experience these elements (passion, prosperity/money and food/sustenance) throughout her marriage. Unlike many American women who choose to wear elegant pearl jewelry for their weddings, Mexican brides avoid wearing pearls, as tradition suggests that pearls symbolize the tears a woman will shed during her marriage.

Groom's Attire

Traditional Mexican wedding ceremony attire for the groom includes a bolero jacket, usually in black, and fitted or tight pants. This is very similar to a bullfighter's outfit. The bolero jacket also may be embroidered with elaborate designs in gold or silver thread. Mexican-American grooms may choose to wear a traditional tuxedo with a pocket square or bow tie that is red or green.

Catholic Traditions

During a Mexican wedding ceremony, a string of rosary beads or a white ribbon is placed around the necks of the bride and groom after the marriage vows are exchanged. The beads or ribbons are used as a symbol of unity and never-ending commitment, and are also part of the Catholic traditions that many Mexicans adhere to, as a number of Mexicans are members of the Catholic church. The bride also presents her bridal bouquet or the flowers that the flower girl is holding to a statue of the Virgin Mary as an offering before asking her to bless the marriage. The bride then returns to the groom's side, and the priest offers a blessing over the couple to end the ceremony.

Wedding Attendants

A Mexican bride chooses special women or girls in her life to carry out important tasks for the ceremony; these individuals are similar to bridesmaids, but have specific tasks. For instance, the "madrina de copas" is responsible for carrying the glasses that are used to toast the newlywed couple. The "madrina de recuerdos" has the job of passing out wedding favors to the guests as they are leaving the reception, and the "madrina de velacion" is the woman whom the bride chooses to guide her throughout her married life and offer advice and support.

Leaving the Wedding

When a Mexican bride and groom leave the church where the wedding has taken place, the wedding guests often throw rice or red beads into the air as a way to celebrate the new couple. Guests may also shout to the bride and groom as they leave the church, or shoot guns into the air; the noise is said to frighten the evil spirits that may try to "bother" the new couple and disrupt their marriage.

Tags: bolero jacket, bride groom, choose wear, Mexican wedding, Mexican wedding ceremony

Repair Broken Glasses

Minor eyeglass repairs can be done at home.

A broken pair of eyeglasses can put a real damper on your day. Glasses are expensive to replace and many people need them to be able to see to drive, read or just get through day-to-day activities. Though shattered lenses or snapped temples (the piece that goes behind the ear) will require professional repair or replacement, some problems can be solved at home. With an inexpensive eyeglass repair kit, you can mend minor bends and squeaks on hinges, replace loose lenses, or tighten uneven nose pads.

Instructions

Hinges

1. Loose hinges are a common eyeglass problem.

Open the eyeglass repair kit and remove the contents. Place all kit tools and pieces on a piece of white paper so that you can easily see the tiny screws and tools available. Now identify exactly the problem with the hinge. Look for missing or loose screws, a bent frame, or bent temple pieces.

2. Remove the temple from the broken hinge(s) by unscrewing the hinge screws with the jeweler's screwdriver (found in the repair kit). Check the metal on the ends of the frame and the temple to see if any pieces are bent or twisted out of place.

3. Wrap the bent pieces with a soft piece of cloth to protect the finish and grasp the metal firmly with the needle-nose pliers. Bracing the temple or frame with your opposite hand, slowly and carefully bend the piece back to its original form. Place the temple back into the hinge and make sure everything lines up correctly.

4. Replace any missing screws with replacements found in the repair kit. Use the jeweler's screwdriver to tighten new or loose screws and to move the temple back and forth to test the repair. The temple should open and close smoothly, with only slight resistance, and should not wobble up or down.

5. Readjust nose pads or temple grips that may have moved during the repair. Place the material from the eyeglass repair kit back into the container. Put the glasses on and enjoy your new repair.

Lenses (Full Frames Only)

6. Lenses are expensive to replace.

Place the repair kit materials on a white sheet of paper. Use the jeweler's screwdriver to loosen the screw adjacent to the frame of the lens. This will open the frame itself to allow the lens to fit back in.

7. Carefully replace or adjust the loose or missing lens so that it lines up with the frame. If you're working with a lens that has fallen out completely, make sure the lens is facing the right direction. Press the frame closed with your thumb and forefinger and make sure it is aligned with the outside rim of the lens.

8. Replace or tighten the frame screw with the jeweler's screwdriver while holding the frame shut. After placing the screw in the frame, release the frame. Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the lens and gently move it back and forth. The lens should not move in any way.

9. Replace repair kit material. Readjust nose pads or grips to complete the repair.

Nose Pads

10. Repairs kits usually come with extra nose pads.

Place repair kits materials on a white sheet of paper to view all available pieces. Identify the exact problem with the broken nose pads. Check the pad itself, the nose pad screw, and the metal bar that attaches the pad to the frame.

11. Remove the pad from the bar using the jeweler's screwdriver. If the bar itself is bent, wrap it in the soft cloth and grip firmly with the needle-nose pliers. Carefully bend the piece back into place and make sure that it is even with the other side.

12. Reattach the nose pad. Either use the current nose pad or a replacement. Tighten the nose pad screw with the screwdriver. If the screw was the problem, replace it with a new one from the repair kit. Make sure that you do not overtighten the screw or rebend the nose pad bar while tightening the screw.

13. Adjust any grips or pads that shifted during the repair. Replace all repair kit materials.

Tags: jeweler screwdriver, nose pads, back into, eyeglass repair, make sure

Lawn Care To Get Rid Of Black Ants

Ant hills in your yard are a sure sign of ant infestation.

Black ants are an important part of the environment, but can become a nuisance when they infest your yard. Carpenter ants and little black ants are types of ants seen in yards and on lawns. These ants act as nature's garbage cleaners by eating old leaves, wood and food remnants left outdoors. When black ants build a nest in your yard, the repeatedly return to the same sources looking for food. While the presence of a few black ants is helpful, too many can result in damage to your yard and the surrounding areas. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wheel barrows make it possible to move loads too heavy to carry.

Rid your yard of potential ant homes by throwing out piles of old, rotting wood and unused compost piles. Use a wheel barrow to move heavy items.

2. Pick up and dispose of fallen fruit from fruit trees and unwanted vegetables from gardens. Store trash in airtight garbage containers so ants cannot access the garbage as a food source.

3. Locate all visible ant hills. Pour cornmeal around and into the ant hills. The black ants will eat the cornmeal, then the cornmeal will swell inside them, killing the ants.

4. Scoop out any flavor of jelly from a jar and place it on the ground where you see ants congregating, but cannot locate an ant hill. Observe where the black ants go once they've come to get the jelly. The ants will return to their nest, leading you to another source.

5. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar, liberally, on the ant trails you've observed as ants travel to their food source and back to the nest. Black ants create a scent trail and use it to return to the source of food. The vinegar odor will act as a deterrent and the ants will not use the trail.

6. Sprinkle boric acid or borax around ant hills, foundations and the perimeter of your garden, if the black ants return after using other removal methods. The boric acid will deter the ants from using that site. Use caution near your garden and any other plants, as boric acid will kill the plants.

Tags: your yard, ants will, black ants, black ants, boric acid, acid will, boric acid will

Lane Recliner Won'T Recline

Lane Recliner Won't Recline

Lane living room chairs are designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the user with their reclining mechanisms and extendable footrests. These recliners are sometimes prevented from moving back by the location of the chair or a fault with the mechanism. Many of the most common problems are fixable by rethinking the position of the chair or examining the mechanism. In the event of a more serious issue, many of Lane's recliners are covered by a lifetime mechanism warranty. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Verify the recliner has enough room to move back. Remove any furniture blocking the path of the recliner -- items like bookcases and tables can prevent the recliner from reaching your ideal position. Consider shifting the chair to another place in the room if it is hitting a wall or other immovable object.

2. Check you are putting enough pressure on the recliner's lever. It sometimes helps to lean back into the chair at the the same time you push the lever below the right armrest. Make sure you move the lever to its furthest extent to fully recline the chair.

3. Examine the visible parts of the recliner's mechanism for obvious problems. Ensure nothing underneath the chair has become caught in the gears and that the recliner lever is free to move. Furniture like side tables can stop the lever being moved to the necessary position.

4. Extend the footrest, if possible, and note down your chair's serial number. The serial number is also located on the legal requirements notice supplied with the chair. Contact a Lane Certified Service Representative or authorized Lane Home Furnishings dealer for all repairs. The manufacturer's warranty only covers the recliner for damage due to faulty parts.

Tags: Lane Recliner, Lane Recliner Recline, recliner lever, Recliner Recline, serial number

Landscaping Ideas For Outdoor Living Areas

The ideas you implement to decorate your outdoor living space should be built upon your primary purpose for the space. The features of the space should depend on its function. Consider whether you will be entertaining large groups of people, or whether young children will play in the area. These types of questions are important for many reasons, including safety and practicality. For instance, a water garden may be soothing for adults, but dangerous for small children. With some thought, you can satisfy your design goal for a beautiful outdoor living space. Does this Spark an idea?

Continuity of Hard and Softscape

Your hardscape includes things like your pavement and other permanent fixtures. Your softscape includes things like flowers and shrubs. Implement an outdoor living space landscape that flows with your home's existing structure, color, decor, and overall feel. For instance, if your house is brick and your indoor decor is modern, then make your patio from brick pavers and use modern but durable outdoor furniture.

Privacy

One of the drawbacks of an outdoor living space is the fact that it may be visible by the neighbors or passersby. It's obvious that you can create privacy using a tall fence. However, if you have a limited budget or are more inclined to use natural features to gain privacy, plant a series of tall hedges to attain a more private feel. Consider the use of a trellis with vines that are trained to grow over it. Develop your privacy plan based on your personal tastes and budget.

Limited Space

It's possible to make a small outdoor living space appear larger in several ways. Use winding paths through your space as opposed to straight walkways. Also, place tall plants far away from the space's entrance, and smaller plants close by. Finally, use hedges and other tall plants to block the view of a path's end point. These techniques work together to create the visual illusion of a larger, more intricate outdoor living space.

Defining a Space

Modern outdoor living spaces can be furnished and used very much like an indoor space. This means that subsections of your outdoor space should be defined just like they are indoors. If you have a large patio, you can several distinct spaces. The conversational area can be defined with an outdoor loveseat, and chairs arranged around a fire pit or atop a rug to pull the colors and fabrics together. The eating area can be defined with a dining set or bar arranged around the grill area. Be sure not to put a fire pit on top of a rug, however, for safety reasons.

Sounds and Scents

If you can hear traffic noises in your outdoor space, use hedges and a trickling fountain to drown out the noise so you, your guests or your family can relax. Part of our enjoyment of an outdoor living space is the smell of the plants. Choose herbs or flowers that are highly fragrant. If you will primarily use the space in the evenings, choose plants like the moonflower or night-blooming jasmine.

Tags: living space, outdoor living, outdoor living space, space should, your outdoor, area defined

What Are Twitter Lists

A Twitter list is an easy method of organizing your daily reading on Twitter. The lists allow you to categorize Twitter accounts by common subject or theme. Every Twitter account can add up to 500 Twitter users to the lists they create. At the time of publication, Twitter allows every Twitter account to create and customize up to 20 lists.

How Twitter Lists Work

Twitter lists create a custom timeline for you. Ordinarily, when you log into your Twitter, you see the tweets of all the Twitter accounts you follow all at once, in chronological order. With a Twitter list, you see only the tweets of the people you've added to your list. You can follow the lists other Twitter users have created, as well as your own lists. Because you follow the list itself, you don't have to follow each individual Twitter account on the list.

Advantages of Twitter Lists

Twitter lists allow you to read only the tweets of specific Twitter users. You can create Twitter lists to read a custom timeline about any given subject or category. For example, if you would like to read all the tweets of the cast of your favorite television show, or all the tweets of your family members on Twitter, you can create a Twitter list just for this group of Twitter accounts. Because you don't have to follow the individual accounts to read their tweets on your list, Twitter lists simplify your use of Twitter by excluding these tweets from your regular timeline reading, but still providing you easy access to them.

Creating And Following Twitter Lists

To create your own Twitter list, click the "Lists" drop-down menu from the Twitter homepage while logged into your Twitter account. Click "Create a List" and follow the on-screen instructions to create your own list. To follow someone else's list, visit the list homepage, whose URL typically uses the syntax of twitter.com/username/listname. Then, click the "Follow This List" button at the top of the right column.

Adding People to Twitter Lists

You can only add and delete Twitter accounts from Twitter lists you've created. Add other people to your Twitter lists by clicking the "Lists" button in the user profile. This button looks like a small list, just beneath the user name and bio in the right column, and found next to the button with the cog icon. Check the box next to the list name to which you would like to add the Twitter account. You can add yourself to your own lists following the same instructions from your own user profile.

Tags: Twitter account, your Twitter, Twitter accounts, Twitter list, Twitter lists, Twitter lists

Use Drywall Compound For Texture Techniques

Use Drywall Compound for Texture Techniques

Wall texture can be created by applying a coat of drywall compound over the entire wall. The compound can be applied directly after hanging the drywall, eliminating the need to achieve a pristine finish over the seams between sheets. Alternatively, it can be applied over lathe and plaster walls, wallpaper or paint. You can cover over a myriad of imperfections with this method, or simply use it as a decorative element. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply a coat of primer to the walls to be textured, and allow it to dry fully.

2. Load the sprayer with the texturing compound, and hold the nozzle 2 to 3 feet from the wall.

3. Apply an even coat of compound in a steady stream to the entire wall to create a texture that resembles an orange peel.

4. Wait ten minutes. Run the edge of a trowel down the surface of the wall lightly to create a knock-down texture, which is basically a less raised version of the orange peel style.

5. Apply the compound with a short-nap paint roller to create roller texture, then wait ten minutes and run the trowel down the wall to create a knock-down version.

6. Apply compound to the wall with a small hand trowel for a more irregular look. Swipe the compound on the wall in a long, fluid movement, then go back over it at random with shorter, irregular swipes.

Tags: Apply compound, Compound Texture, Compound Texture Techniques, compound wall, create knock-down

Labor Day Events In The Catskills

Catskills Mountains

The Catskills span six counties in New York state, and are home to more than a few dozen peaks, six major rivers and the state-protected Forest Preserve of 2.6 million acres. Since it is a short distance from New York and other major cities, the area is a very popular mini-vacation destination for urban dwellers. Consequently, city residents arrive in the Catskills in droves on extended holiday weekends like Labor Day.

Blackthorne's Celtic Festival

Blackthorne Resorts hosts an annual Labor Day weekend festival of music and activities in East Durham, New York. The event features a concert stage with musicians playing 30 minute slots throughout the day. Many of the musicians play music in tune with the Celtic theme. There are also taste tests, a haunted house, rides for kids, food stands and more.

Blackthorne Resort

48 Sunside Road

East Durham, New York 12423

518-634-2541

blackthorneresort.com

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Create your own educational adventure and attend an outdoor workshop hosted by the New York State Department of Conservation. The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshops are flexible programs that can be scheduled at any time, including the month of September. Women can learn kayak, read wildlife signs, acquire backwoods navigation skills, take a nature photography hike and learn many other skills. BOW has an extensive schedule of workshops and activities on its website.

NYSDEC

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

625 Broadway

Albany, New York 12233-4754

518-402-8883

dec.ny.gov/education/68.html

The DeBruce Family Labor Day Parade

The town of DeBruce, New York, in Sullivan County hosts an annual Labor Day Parade. Each year proceeds from the parade benefit a local organization. The parade is a celebration of the Autumn harvest. The creator of the parade, Steve Dill, is a well-known local personality and encourages idiosyncratic activities such as show-and-tells and impromptu speeches, as well as traditional parade activities like face painting and games.

DeBruce, New York

Philipsburg Manor Green Corn Festival

The annual Green Corn Festival celebrates the area's Native American history and culture. Traditionally, a green corn festival is an opportunity to show thanks for the season's corn harvest. The Philipsburg Manor event features a wide variety of activities including story-telling, cooking demonstrations, games for kids, Native American dance, medicine making and live music. The site is on the grounds of a 300-year-old manor house, which is a period museum showcasing the lives of its original Anglo-Dutch owners, the Philipses.

Philipsburg Manor

381 North Broadway

Sleepy Hollow, New York

914-631-3992

hudsonvalley.org

Labor Day Sales

The season for tourism and weekenders in the Catskills informally begins on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. Many stores in the small villages have sales during the last weekend of the season like the Emerson Country Store in Mt. Tremper, New York. The store houses a vast collection of kaleidoscopes that includes the largest in the world.

Emerson Country Store

5340 Route 28

Mount Tremper, New York 12455

845-688-5800

emersonresort.com

Tags: Becoming Outdoors-Woman, Philipsburg Manor, annual Labor, Corn Festival, Country Store, DeBruce York, Durham York

Market A Geriatric Care Management Practice

Geriatric care management practices provide services to aging adults, as well as the family members and friends who care for them. Since many families count on geriatric care management practices to assist in caring for older relatives, it is important that you market your services appropriately and reach the people who need your services. From online marketing to networking in the community, the options for marketing your geriatric care management practice are abundant.

Instructions

1. Research your local market to determine your immediate competitors. You may find small and large firms dedicated to geriatric care management. Find out what types of services they offer and how much they charge for their services. Pay attention to how they advertise their businesses to customers. Also, look at firms outside of your local area, so you can get a good gauge of where you stand. Determine your unique selling proposition and tailor your business so that you can differentiate what your practice from the competition.

2. Hire a graphic designer to create a website for you that allows you to give general information about your business, as well as useful information and resources to potential clients. You may decide to keep a blog on your site where you post information about caring for aging relatives. You can include tips, meal planning suggestions and activities. In addition to your website, business cards and marketing materials, such as brochures, are useful to have on hand when networking with other professionals and attending community events. You should also have the graphic designer create brochures and business cards, so that you can hand them out at events and seminars.

3. Consider purchasing promotional advertising items such as pens, notepads, calendars or mouse pads to distribute to current and potential clients. Clients are more likely to hold onto promotional items that they find useful.

4. Host free seminars in your area on topics such as caring for aging family members, finding affordable care and making tough financial decisions for aging family members. You can even host sessions on stay sane during the process, since caring for an aging family member can be emotionally and physically draining. Have guests sign in and give their contact information. You can follow up with them after the seminar to provide additional information and answer questions.

5. Network with businesses in your community to create mutually beneficial relationships. Firms that focus on law services, financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and even real estate offices can be good connections for helping to promote your geriatric care management firm.

6. Search for blogs and websites in your area that are dedicated to the senior market. If they offer advertising, you may consider posting advertisements for your geriatric care management practice. Often times, people who care for aging relatives search blogs and websites for resources they can use.

Tags: geriatric care management, aging family, care management, care management, caring aging

Match Doll Size And Dollhouse Scale

Match doll and dollhouse sizes by comparing the doll to the height of the room and by checking how the doll appears to fit in the furniture.

Instructions

1. Understand that there are two types of dollhouses - miniature and toy dollhouses.

2. Be aware that miniatures are made exactly to scale, and everything in the doll house should match the scale. Generally, these are collector's items.

3. Know that toy dollhouses are not made to scale.

4. Know, too, that the simplest way to match a doll and dollhouse is to place the doll in the dollhouse and see whether it looks like it's the right size - with at least several inches between the doll's head and ceiling.

5. Lay the doll down on a bed in the dollhouse. The doll should fit comfortably on the bed and not hang over the edges or appear lost in it.

6. Realize that a child will not be hugely particular about having everything in the dollhouse exactly the same scale.

7. Make sure the doll fits through any doorways and that the doll appears to fit comfortably in any chairs. When seated at a table, the table should be between waist and shoulder level.

8. Recognize that, in general, toy dollhouses are made in miniature size, in which the dolls are only several inches high; small size, in which the dolls are 4 to 6 inches tall; and fashion size, in which the house is made for Barbie-size dolls.

Tags: doll dollhouse, size which, doll appears, dollhouses made, Know that, several inches, size which dolls

North Carolina Christian High Schools

North Carolina hosts many Christian high schools. These high schools are mostly situated near major centers of North Carolina commerce such as Charlotte and Raleigh. Some of these schools are co-ed, while others cater specifically to either males or females.

Trinity Christian Preparatory School

The Trinity Christian Preparatory School is a private high school located in Charlotte, on East Independence Blvd. This co-ed, college-prep school opened in 1995 with a Christian religious affiliation. Classes here are small, offering a 15:1 student to teacher ratio. Classes are kept small to increase the one-on-one attention each student receives with his or her teacher.

Mount Pisgah Academy

Mount Pisgah Academy is situated in Candler, North Carolina, on Academy Dr. at a location that offers views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.This private high school has a Seventh-Day Adventist religious affiliation. There are about 25 faculty and staff at this school. Mount Pisgah Academy offers college preparatory programs to students that meet minimum requirements.

Christ School

Christ School has an Episcopal religious affiliation. This is an all-boys high school located in Asheville, North Carolina. This high school, founded in 1900, currently enrolls 249 boys. There are 81 faculty and staff members that are employed at Christ School. This school's campus is situated on approximately 500 acres of land. The Christ School in Ashville offers its students a college preparatory education.

Bishop McGuinness High School

The Bishop McGuinness High School was founded in 1959. It is located in Kernersville, North Carolina. This institution is a co-ed, college-prep high school with a Roman Catholic religious affiliation. This high school offers a number of honors and advanced placement courses to its students. The main facilities at this high school include a media center, chapel, computer lab, counseling center and a learning support center.

Cardinal Gibbons High School

Raleigh, North Carolina hosts Cardinal Gibbons High School. This is a private high school with a Roman Catholic affiliation. Students are provided a college preparatory education at Cardinal Gibbons High School. This institution was founded in 1909. More than 30 honors courses as well as 19 advanced placement courses are available at the Cardinal Gibbons High School.

Saint Mary's School

Saint Mary's School is an all-girl high school with an Episcopal religious affiliation. This high school is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Saint Mary's School was founded in 1842. This institution offers its students a college preparatory education. The high school's campus rests on 23 acres of land.

Tags: North Carolina, high school, religious affiliation, Cardinal Gibbons, Cardinal Gibbons High

Sell Tea Online

According to the Tea Association of the USA, tea sales have quadrupled since the late 1990s, bringing in $6.2 billion as of 2006. While start-up costs for an online tea business can depend upon the method you use, the competition is extensive. A Google search shows 98,300,000 results, many of them online tea retailers. The key to selling tea online is to offer something no one else offers.

Instructions

1. Write down a list of ideas for a business name. Look for something that distinguishes you as a tea specialist and distinguishes your business from other tea businesses. A name like "The Tea Bag" or "Tea Time" is probably already taken. Make a list of tea-related names and ask friends and family to vote for the best one.

2. Register your business name with the IRS by visiting the IRS website and filling out an online form. This will give you a tax ID number, which you will need to purchase tea for resale. This number is also required by many wholesalers before they will sell to you at wholesale cost.

3. Sign up with a web hosting service that provides a shopping cart service and will register a domain name for you. The shopping cart will allow you to take online payments. The domain name (www.yourteabusinessname) will make it easier for people to locate you on the Internet. Avoid using free web hosting because those companies place ads on your business website to pay the cost of giving you free web hosting.

4. Create an account with one or more tea wholesalers. There are many online. Look for one that will drop ship to your customers, which can save you the cost of keeping inventory and the hassle of shipping the product yourself. You can have more than one wholesaler, so choose as many as you need to acquire the products you want to sell.

5. Design a marketing strategy to help you stand out in the tea marketplace. This can be as simple as offering a tea knowledge column on your website, tea trivia, articles you write relating to tea, or even special items you design for sale. To compete with other tea marketers, you will need to offer something they don't --- a reason for customers to buy from you.

Tags: your business, business name, domain name, free hosting, offer something, shopping cart

Mediterranean Interior Paint Colors

Don't be afraid of the rich color combinations of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean interior design colors draw from the colors of nature in Greece, Italy, Morocco and Spain. These include the bright blues of the sky, whites of the clouds, turquoise and deep blues of the sea, creams and off-whites of the shorelines, yellows, reds and oranges of the sun and browns and terra cottas of the earth. They contrast with exterior whites to keep homes cool in the blazing heat of the Mediterranean climate. Blue is essential in Mediterranean interiors, and mixing warm and cool colors creates a rustic, relaxed atmosphere. Does this Spark an idea?

Blue

Blue is fundamental to the Mediterranean look and contrasts well with earthy terra cotta, crisp white, or pink and dusky brown. Accented with deep green and blue glazed wall tiles, clay pottery and carved wood, a bright blue sets the tone. Sky blue, red and deep mustard yellow recall sky, earth and nature in a warm, rich balance. Turquoise and light blue are perfect foils for earthy browns and ochers. Don't be afraid to try combinations of Mediterranean colors. Use a piece of scrap wood to paint on and experiment with colors to plan your final designs.

Red

Red, pink and orange on walls with blue trim or doors creates a warm and inviting space that feels safe and vibrant at the same time. One red wall in a room creates a dramatic backdrop for an antique hutch, a special credenza or a turquoise blue couch. Red sponged on a brown or orange wall warms the space and introduces a rich, mellow mood. Rustic wood accessories such as lamps, shelves and plant stands complete an organic-feeling decor.

Yellow

Paint bright yellow borders on a deep blue wall or cabinet to make the space pop with rich ethnic character. Paint one wall yellow in a blue or brown room to lighten and brighten and add contrast. Yellow and blue create a happy feeling, while yellow and earth colors create a mellow, warm feeling. Yellow and its shades of dark yellow, mustard yellow and burnt umber introduce a contrasting rich brightness against the blues and browns in the Mediterranean interior palette.

Brown

Use brown in large interior spaces on walls and floors with large areas of turquoise, white and terra cotta to create a balance of earth and sky coloring. This color scheme makes a good setting for brightly colored furniture in yellows and reds. Wrought-iron furniture and mosaic and marble tabletops and countertops look good in this color setting.

Tags: combinations Mediterranean, Mediterranean interior, mustard yellow, terra cotta, yellows reds

Kids Avatar Games

In kids' avatar games, children assume a character that represents them in the game. Avatars are typically used in virtual communities, multiplayer, role-playing games and Internet forums. In some games, a child can customize his avatar to such a degree that his online persona is highly distinct. Avatar games have been tailored to certain age groups, such as young children or teenagers, and are either action-oriented vehicles or community-builders.

Young Children's Games

Designed for young girls, Pixie Hollow enables users to create fairy-like avatars and experience the enchantment of Tinker Bell's universe. Wander through meadows, meet and chat with fellow fairies, decorate your home with fairy furniture, play talent games and gather flowers. Boys can create a Sparrow Man avatar and also participate in this game, according to Disney. Club Penguin has ramped up its game with the Elite Penguin Force, which allows children to become secret agents on missions and uncover mysteries. New devices, locations and vehicles have been introduced to the game, says the Disney Club.

Pre-teen and Teen Games

A multiplayer card game, Ren offers a two-dimensional (2-D) virtual world for children age 13 to 21. Although you can customize your avatar, your persona must fall within one of three races, which include the frightening Nuvas, cryptic Yaos or sphinx-like Shens. Engage in battles to increase your power, accumulate objects and win prizes, according to Play BBG. Prepare for tournaments by playing games with online friends. Designed for 'tweens, SuperSecret is a virtual world that enables children to play games, adopt pets, purchase new clothes, go on quests and decorate their apartments. It aims to recreate an environment where 'tweens can spontaneously roam around and meet new friends online, says "Wired." In contrast to fantastical avatars, SuperSecret avatars appear realistic and engage in real-world types of activities.

Massive Multiplayer Online Games

A massive, multiplayer online game (MMOG) that can accommodate thousands of players, Gaia Online has created an extension of its game, known as zOMG!. While players can use the same avatars from Gaia's traditional forum structure, they can now engage in battles, collect rings and gain powers, such as healing faster, moving faster and even creating a sword that will do the fighting for you, according to Gaia. SocioTown is a three-dimensional (3-D) social MMOG that involves players in an intricate storyline. Users can take on jobs and missions, and earn experience points.

3-D Chat Communities

Two avatar games that provide a chance to socialize and chat in virtual communities are Habbo and sMeet. Set in an expansive hotel, Habbo's virtual environment includes clubs, parks and cafes. Players can populate chat rooms that are rich in graphics. New players begin with an empty room they can decorate with free furniture or objects bought from a catalog. sMeet provides a 3-D world where you can garden, care for a pet and collect items. If you take on the challenge of an sMeet mission and manage to open a safe, you earn points, according to game's publisher.

Tags: Disney Club, have been, MMOG that, virtual communities, virtual world

Make A Space Suit For A Doll

Make a doll space suit with household materials.

Make a space suit for your Barbies or other dolls so they can go on a mission to another planet, or under your bed. You don't need to buy a space suit for dolls of any size, because you probably already have everything you need to make one in your home. Whatever you don't have in your home is available in a department or craft store.

Instructions

1. Unroll cotton balls or pull them apart into flat strips. Wrap them around your doll's legs and feet and tape them in place with clear tape. Continue wrapping and taping cotton around the doll's torso and arms, all the way up to her shoulders and neck.

2. Tear off about 20 strips of tin foil that are about 3 inches wide and 4 inches long. Wrap the foil over the cotton and gently squeeze the foil to help shape it to the doll's body. Place a small piece of clear tape over the ends to hold them in place.

3. Wrap more tin foil around the doll's hands, which you did not cover with cotton because your astronaut needs to be able to use her hands on her space mission. Squeeze the foil as you wrap it to keep it in place. Wrap clear tape around her wrists.

4. Cut the bottom 3 inches off the soda bottle. Put it over your doll's head and wrap masking tape around the cut edge to connect it to the rest of the suit. The plastic will not form to the doll's body, so fill in any gaps with masking tape.

5. Wrap foil around the back of the plastic "helmet" and tape it in place so only the front remains clear. Decorate the front of the suit with small round buttons or badges cut out of construction paper and glued in place. When you are ready to remove the space suit, unwrap the tape around the helmet and carefully cut a slit down the back of the suit so the doll can slip out.

Tags: clear tape, tape around, around doll, doll body, foil around, masking tape

Identifying Antique Silverware

Research a few key details to pick the antiques from the duds.

Antique silverware generally is classed as any silver dining item over 100 years old. Pieces include forks, tablespoons, teaspoons, knives and tea-sets. However, to casual observers a piece of silverware from the 1800s may not appear too different from a 20th century item. Accurate identification relies on the research of distinctive marks and patterns. Consulting the right sources to verify your information means you can identify your silverware correctly, whether for future sale or insurance purposes.

Instructions

1. Pick up your silver item and search for a hallmark. This is a symbol, letter, digit or word pressed into the surface of the metal. Marks can represent different things, but frequently denote maker, origin and date of manufacture. Use a magnifying glass to get a clear look at the mark. Use silver polish to clean around the mark if the piece is tarnished.

2. Compare your hallmark to those listed by a respected source. Options include the website 925-1000, which attempts to collect all silver hallmarks in one online encyclopedia, or a book such as "International Hallmarks on Silver Collected by Tardy". You should be able to check if the piece is over 100 years old based on available date and maker mark information.

3. Note the style and patterning of an item. Patterns on the stems of flatware often correspond to makers and periods, much like hallmarks.

4. Examine the condition of the silverware. Antiques often display blunter edges, worn areas and a duller surface than newer pieces. However, these factors do not absolutely guarantee that the item is an antique. Search the metal for evidence of silver rubbed away to reveal another metal beneath, which is a sure sign of silver plate rather than solid silver.

5. Ask a specialist silver dealer or auction house to assess your silverware. They often will encourage you to sell your item via their business, but you can get free estimates and information if you show some interest in future sales.

6. Investigate any supporting documents accompanying the item. This is known as provenance. Letters, wills, notes and receipts may indicate the origin and history of a particular item, especially those passed down through family generations.

Tags: over years, your silverware

Things To Build Using Mega Bloks

Children all over the world have been using Mega Bloks to build an endless variety of structures and learn to count and identify colors for 25 years. Mega Bloks keep children occupied while enabling them to use their minds and imaginations. Children can transform Mega Bloks into anything they want and enjoy the success of constructing something all on their own.

Castles and Homes

Castles and homes are two of the most popular things that children build with Mega Bloks. A child can spend hours building a teetering tower and then watch as it falls. Children can use Mega Bloks to construct a castle in a faraway land and then use it to act out a scene using other toy characters. Others use Mega Bloks to play "house." They construct a habitat and then use their toys to provide family members to live in it.

Animals and Insects

Children will also enjoy building different animals with Mega Bloks. Since Mega Blocks come in a variety of colors, children can use them to make cats, dogs, birds, reptiles and all sorts of insects that they see around their homes or on television.

Transportation

Many children create some sort of car, truck, plane or train with Mega Bloks. According to Best Preschool Games, Mega Bloks encourage children to create their own world that they can manipulate themselves, and parents are often surprised at the level of detail and creativity they demonstrate. Some children will even create a hybrid vehicle, such as a flying car or a boat with wheels.

Tags: Mega Bloks, with Mega, with Mega Bloks, children create, that they

The Types Of Storage Systems & Their Cost

Many consumers choose to store possessions in storage units away from homes. Consumers have access to regular storage units where climate is not controlled as well as climate-controlled storage units. Portable on-demand (POD) storage systems are also relatively widespread. Storage system rental fees can range from anywhere between just under $50 to several hundred dollars per month. Climate control, portability and size are all major factors that help determine the cost of storage. Does this Spark an idea?

Storage

Storage unit costs are determined by the amount of space offered. In general, a 5X5 ft. storage unit can cost as low as $40 per month to over $50 per month. A 10X15 ft. storage unit can cost as little as $75 and as much as $140 a month. 10X20 ft. storage spaces are available for just under $100 to upwards of $155 per month. For around $225 per month, consumers have access to 20X20 ft. storage spaces. Extra-large storage units are available with higher price tags.

Controlled Climate Storage

Controlled climate storage systems are guaranteed to provide a certain level of climate control. Storage units at climate-controlled storage facilities are kept at a consistent temperature and humidity level throughout the year. Prices tend to be higher at these facilities compared to other storage system facilities where the environment within a storage unit can change with the weather. 10X15 ft. storage units that feature climate control are available for $115 to $150 per month. 10X20 ft. storage units equipped with climate control are available for upwards of $180 per month.

Portable

Portable on-demand storage systems offer many advantages over traditional storage facilities. There are several portable storage companies in the country, including PODS. Portable storage units can be delivered to almost any location in America. They can then be picked up at the consumer's discretion and stored in a warehouse. This type of storage system can be convenient, especially for people moving into a new home. The unit can be loaded at the old home and delivered to the new one rather seamlessly. An 8X8X12 ft. portable storage unit can cost well over $200 per month.

Additional Costs

Several additional costs are usually linked with storage system costs. Storage units are traditionally grouped together in facilities, offering limited but not exclusive access to units. Most storage rental companies recommend that consumers put a lock on their storage unit to further decrease the risk of theft. A quality lock can cost over $20. Some storage unit facilities require security deposits. Storage unit managers may charge consumers late fees if rent is not paid by a predetermined date.

Tags: storage unit, storage units, storage system, storage systems, storage unit cost

Use Joint Compound To Texture Walls

Joint compound can add texture to walls.

Joint compound is a versatile substance that is easy to work with. It dries within about an hour and it is water-based, which means that you can thin it for different applications. You can apply it to a wall to create a variety of textures; you paint the wall when you are finished. There are many styles of texture you can add to your wall, but the method of applying the joint compound is similar for most of them. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prime the wall that you want to texture to create a surface that keeps stains from bleeding through and that holds the texture in place evenly. You can use oil-based or latex primer. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

2. Place a gallon of joint compound into a 5-gallon bucket, and add just enough water to make it more like a thick paint or pancake batter. Add 8 ounces of water to start with, and stir thoroughly with a wooden paint stick until the mixture is smooth. Add more water a few ounces at a time until you have reached the proper thickness.

3. Dip a 4-inch-wide paintbrush into the joint compound, and paint the wall with a heavy coat but without getting any runs. You also can use a paint roller with a thick nap; just make sure you apply enough to get a good texture.

4. Drag the paintbrush across the surface to create swirls or whatever design you like. Make the layer about 1/16 of an inch to keep it from cracking when it dries.

5. Let the joint compound dry for 24 hours. Paint with the color you like, using a thick-napped roller to get into the texture of the wall, drying between coats according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tags: according manufacturer, according manufacturer directions, joint compound, manufacturer directions, paint wall

Make Little Icons Like Music Notes

Making music note icons is like sweet music to your ears.

Whether you do a lot of work on the computer or use your system more for social aspects such as instant messaging, forums and networking, you’re probably familiar with icons. Icons are small, graphical files used to represent software programs, folders and even yourself on both the computer and online. If standard, preset icons start to feel generic, with just a couple of quick clicks through a variety of computer programs, you can make your own icons, such as music notes, which will be sweet music to your computer’s ears (or speakers).

Instructions

Using Paint

1. Open Paint, pull down the "Image" menu and click "Attributes." Set your icon size; icons are very small files, so choose dimensions such as 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches, and click "OK." Pull down the "Image" menu again and uncheck the "Draw Opaque" box. If it is already unchecked, leave it as it is.

2. Pull down the "View" menu, click "Zoom" and select "Large Size." This won’t increase your canvas; it just gives you more room to draw.

3. Click the "Brush" tool, select the small round brush head and click a paint color from the "Color Picker" at the bottom of the screen. Draw the round circle base part of the music note. With a steady hand, move your cursor up in a straight line to draw the staff for a note such as the eighth or sixteenth note.

4. (Optional) Change to a new paint color and draw additional notes.

5. Click the "File" menu and select "Save As." Name the file and select "GIF" from the "Save as type" menu; GIF is the only file type that will give you a transparent background. Click "Save."

Using Photoshop

6. Open Photoshop, click "File" and select "New." Name the file "MusicIcon" and set your preferred dimensions, such as 1 inch by 1 inch. Pull down the "Mode" menu and select "RGB Color" and click "Transparent" under the "Contents" section. Click the "OK" button and a small box appears on the screen. Pull down the "View" menu and click "Fit on Screen."

7. Double-click the top left box of the "Color Picker," which is the two overlapping colored squares on the "Tools" palette. Choose a color for the music note and click "OK."

8. Click the "Paintbrush" tool and pull down the "Brush" menu. Choose a small, round brush head such as #3. Draw a music note in the "MusicIcon" box. Change paint colors and draw additional notes.

9. (Optional) Switch to the #1 brush head and a black paint color. Draw the background grid for the music notes and a clef.

10. Click the right-pointing triangle in a circle on the top of the "Layers" palette on the right side of the screen. Select "Flatten Image." Pull down the "File" menu, choose "Save As," select "GIF" from the "Format" menu, choose a location to save the icon on your computer and click the "Save" button.

Using Publisher

11. Open Publisher and click "Blank Publications." Double-click the "Full Page" option, which opens a blank page on the screen. Change the size by pulling down the "File" menu, clicking "Page Setup," scrolling the menu to "Custom" and typing in the new dimensions, such as .75 inches by .75 inches, and clicking "OK." The Publisher workspace automatically adjusts.

12. Pull down the "Insert" menu, click "Picture," and select "Clip Art." Type a word or phrase into the "Search for" box, such as "music notes," "music," "clef" or "eighth note," and click the "Go" box.

13. Scroll through the results and double-click an image, which appears in place on the icon box. It probably opened much larger than desired, so grab a corner and shrink the image down to fit the size of the box.

14. Click the "File" menu, choose "Save As," name the icon, choose "GIF" as the "Save as type" and click "Save."

Tags: Pull down, File menu, menu click, music note, brush head, choose Save, dimensions such

Plant Jacaranda Seeds In Florida

Jacaranda is related to the trumpet creeper vine.

Jacaranda is a deciduous flowering tree from Brazil and Argentina. It's prized in tropical and subtropical climates as a landscape tree for its cluster of trumpet-shaped lavender or white flowers. Since the state of Florida crosses different climate zones, you won't find jacaranda trees everywhere. But if you have a garden in Orlando or south of it, you should be able to successfully get a sapling started from seeds at home and transplant it outside later. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Soak your jacaranda seeds in a bowl of water for one day to facilitate germination. Push the seeds into the water with your finger, as their light weight keeps them on the surface.

2. Fill compartments in a cell pack with seedling mix, one for each jacaranda seed. Leave 3/4 inch between the surface and the rim. Hydrate the soil thoroughly until excess water runs out of the drainage holes and the surface is evenly moist.

3. Remove the jacaranda seeds from the bowl of water after 24 hours. Push each one ¼ inch deep into the soil and cover it with the seedling mix. Germination takes two weeks. Maintain the soil moist to prevent the embryos from drying out and dying.

4. Transplant saplings to a location that's spacious enough to accommodate a 40-foot-tall tree with an equal or wider spread. This tree also requires full sun for blooming.

Tags: bowl water, with seedling

Plan A Fall Foliage Vacation

Plan a Fall Foliage Vacation

In many parts of the United States, trees turn from summer green to shades of bright orange, yellow and red in autumn. Travel agents prepare combination vacation packages that include flying to your destination and then driving along scenic routes when the fall foliage color reaches its peak. However, you can plan your own fall vacation package by noting the dates when the leaves change in different areas and including some local attractions in your trip.

Instructions

1. Look toward the northeast for the most popular fall foliage destinations. Although autumn brings flashes of color to many areas, New England hosts some of the most spectacular foliage in the nation. Favorite states include Vermont, Pennsylvania and Maine. In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains offer stunning views in bright hues.

2. Include some back road sights in your fall foliage vacation package by checking your atlas for the "scenic byway" designation awarded to roads and trails that provide travelers with natural, cultural, or archaeological points of interest. The Federal Highway Administration designates the sites. (See Resources)

3. See the changing of the leaves from the seat of a bicycle. Instead of looking out your car window, plan to navigate the many roads and trails in New England with other cycle enthusiasts and include a cycling tour in your fall foliage vacation package. (See Resources)

4. Plan a weekend vacation locally if you can't make it to New England to see the leaves change. Many parts of the United States offer their own fall beauty. Mountains provide breathtaking views of aspen and poplar trees in bright colors, while the southwest becomes a painted desert after the first frost.

5. Time your vacation to coincide with the forecasted changing of the leaves. High summer temperatures or a change in rainfall can speed or slow the color change. Although not an exact science, meteorologists use weather patterns to predict the first frost of the fall.

6. Choose your destination then write the local Chamber of Commerce for information on lodging, harvest festivals, and fall heritage events that coincide with the changing of the leaves. In addition to advising sightseers on the best times to visit, local Chambers send interest packages, free of charge, to potential tourists. Often these packages will include discount coupons for food and lodging.

7. Take a day trip with small children to see the leaves change. Sometimes the best-kept secrets are close to home. Pack a picnic lunch, round up the kids and pile in the car. Observe the native beauty with your family and teach the children to appreciate the seasons.

8. Make reservations early if you plan on seeing the fall foliage in New England. Hotels fill up quickly from mid-September through the first half of October. Try a Bed and Breakfast registry or look for small communities off the beaten path.

Tags: changing leaves, fall foliage, leaves change, vacation package, your fall, coincide with

Make Oak Wood Look Black

Ebonizing oak produces a black contrast to the natural light tones in the wood.

Oak is a popular hardwood choice for furniture and cabinetry. The beauty of oak can be enhanced with natural oil stains and finishes that allow the wood grain and varying natural hues to show through. In some situations there needs to be a break in the number of wood tones used in your home, or maybe you just want a different look for a particular piece. One option is to add contrast by ebonizing some or all of your oak project. Ebonizing, or staining black like ebony, is achieved by a chemical reaction created using a mixture of bark tea, steel wool and vinegar.

Instructions

1. Wash a fresh pad of steel wool and place it in a plastic quart bottle filled with vinegar. Allow the steel wool to dissolve in the vinegar. This can take up to a week.

2. Sand your surface thoroughly. Proper surface preparation is necessary. Raise the wood grain twice and before completing your final sanding.

3. Fill the other 1-quart bottle with hot tap water. Add the bark powder tea and mix well. Apply the mixture to the desired area of your project with a brush. Do not rub it in---just coat the surface well. Allow the tea to soak completely into the wood before proceeding.

4. Apply the vinegar solution using a brush. The chemical reaction should begin in the wood immediately. Continue applying the vinegar solution until all of the desired area has been covered. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly before continuing.

5. Use a rag to carefully wipe any iron deposits from the vinegar solution. Apply the bark tea solution with a brush again, this time as a rinse. Allow wood to dry before continuing.

6. Wash the completed project with clean water, and your ebonization is complete.

Tags: steel wool, vinegar solution, Allow wood, before continuing, chemical reaction

Wooden Headboard Instructions

Make your own wooden headboard to add a bit of class to your bed.

Headboards can be very expensive, especially if you want a nice wooden one. You can cut the cost and have a little "do-it-yourself" enjoyment at the same time by making your own wooden headboard. There are many possible headboard designs, but one classic and easy-to-build style is a slatted headboard between two bed-leg extensions. It is worth spending a little more for high-quality lumber. If you make all the measurements beforehand, you can ask the lumber yard to cut the lumber for you. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut two lengths of the 2-by-4-inch lumber to the length of the bed legs, plus the desired height of headboard. For example, if you want a headboard 30 inches above the bed and the bed legs are 16 inches, then cut two 46-inch pieces of 2-by-4.

2. Cut the 1-by-3-inch lumber into four planks the length of the distance between the bed legs, plus 2 inches. For example, if the distance between the bed legs is 54 inches, then cut four planks 56 inches long. Sand all the planks.

3. Measure the exact width and height of the end of a 1-by-3 plank -- it will be close to but a little less than the stated 1-by-3 dimension. On one 2-inch side of each of the 2-by-4 planks, measure down 5 inches from the top, and mark an area the actual width and height of the 1-by-3 planks. This will be the outline of a mortise cut. Measure down 2 inches more and mark another mortise outline. Mark two more mortise outlines 2 inches apart down the side of each 2-by-4 plank.

4. Attach a drill bit that is a fraction smaller then the width of the mortise outlines and make 1-inch-deep holes along the mortise outline. Use the chisel to clean out the mortise holes, leaving rectangular mortises for the 1-by-3 planks to fit into.

5. Lay the 2-by-4 planks flat on a work surface with the mortises facing each other. Insert the ends of all the 1-by-3 planks into the mortises on one of the planks, then fit the mortises of the other plank onto the other ends of the 1-by-3 planks. Ensure the fit is snug. If need be, use the chisel to adjust the mortises to fit properly.

6. Cover each end of the 1-by-3 planks with glue, then reinsert them into the mortises. Press the two 2-by-4 planks tightly together so that the 1-by-3 planks are inserted tightly, then clamp the planks in position while the glue dries -- about two hours. Drive two finishing nails through the back of the 2-by-4 planks into the 1-by-3 plank ends glued into the mortises.

7. Unclamp the headboard and varnish it. After the varnish is dry, position the headboard at the head of the bed, with the 1-by-3 planks at the top and the 2-by-4 legs positioned over the backs of the bed's legs.

8. Drive four evenly spaced hanger bolts through the backs of the headboard legs into the bed legs to secure the headboard in place.

Tags: 1-by-3 planks, 2-by-4 planks, into mortises, planks into, your wooden headboard, 1-by-3 plank, 1-by-3 planks into

Start An Elderly Home Care Business

Start an Elderly Home Care Business

There are many elderly patients that need to have people look after them. There are family members that may not want to put them into a senior citizen home, but can't be at home with them all day. You can start a lucrative business taking care of them in your home.

Instructions

1. You will need to check with your state laws. You need to see what it will take to run an elder day care in your home. Some states require you to have your nursing license, or even a health aid. This is the first thing to make sure is in place before starting a home care facility.

2. Check with your state and county laws to see if you need a license to run an elder care out of your home. Sometimes they will need to come and do a site inspection to make sure your home is safe.

3. You will need to come up with a name and get your name registered. You can register a DBA at your local county clerk's office. They will make sure the name isn't taken, and give you the name. With these papers you can open up a business checking account.

4. You will need to contact an insurance agency to see if you will need business insurance. You will need insurance to cover any liability while these people are in your care.

5. Create a place in your home where you will be running your service. Think of what you can do with your clients while they are in your care. Some will like to knit, sew, read, write, or watch TV. Many will love the time to just talk and tell you the same story over and over.

6. Think about your weekly/monthly rate. Write up a contract. Search the internet, and come up with everything you want to include in your contract. Prices, vacation, emergencies, etc. You will want to cover all bases, and then have a lawyer check over your contract.

7. Start to advertise your business. You can advertise over the internet on craigslist or you can go local. Leave signs up at the local doctor's offices (the doctor's consent).

8. Decide how many people you can accommodate, or handle at once. Set up shop, and enjoy!

Tags: will need, your home, make sure, with your, Care Business, care your

Sunroom Decorating Ideas

Flowers in a Sunroom

Casual comfort and peaceful relaxation is what your sunroom is all about. Decorate the space in ways to enhance the light from the sun and to embrace the natural beauty of your backyard landscape. Capture the sun's rays with colorful stained glass, create a peaceful oasis with water and plants or escape to an Asian-style retreat with sand gardens, grounded furniture and bamboo fountains. Does this Spark an idea?

Stained Glass

Decorate your sunroom with panels of stained glass hanging around the perimeter walls that are exposed to light. As the sun makes its way around the exterior of your sunroom, the translucent beauty of the stained glass will bathe the room in a warm mixture of shimmering colors. Add comfortable wicker or bamboo lounging furniture with single-color cushions to provide a simple background for the glass reflections. You can find old stained glass windows at antique stores or from online retailers. You can also have stained glass panels custom-designed and made by local stained glass artists. If the real thing is out of your budget, try painting glass or acrylic panels with stained glass paints to create your own inexpensive sunroom decorations.

Oasis

Transform your sunroom into a peaceful oasis with plants, fountains and a water wall. It's easy to make your own wall of water with acrylic sheeting that runs from the floor to the ceiling and a reservoir made from a planter or a pond liner. You can cover the acrylic with small river rocks, slate tiles or leave it clear as a backdrop for cascading water. The mechanics of the water wall are simple - stand the acrylic panel in your reservoir, prop it against a wall and fill the reservoir with water. Add a waterfall pump with tubing that runs to the top of your panel, spilling water over the face of the rocks or tiles. Place teak or bamboo furniture and meditation cushions to emphasize the Zen feel of your sunroom. Place tall and small plants throughout the space, along with two or three more tabletop fountains to complete the oasis theme.

Asian

Low-slung furniture made from dark hardwoods, combined with intricate silk wall tapestries, will add an Asian flair to your sunroom. Incorporate nature into your design with an oversized coffee table, complete with a sandy garden in the center and real grass around the perimeter. Place a low-to-the-ground dining table off to one side and thick, colorful floor cushions for seating. A bamboo tabletop fountain, votive candles scattered for ambiance and lots of live greenery will complete the soothing, exotic design.

Tags: your sunroom, stained glass, around perimeter, made from, oasis with, peaceful oasis

Mexican American Wedding Traditions

Mexican American Wedding Traditions

Octavio Paz, in his classic work, "Labyrinth of Solitude," identified traditionalism as one of the "masks" of Mexican culture. While American culture values innovation, creativity and individualism, Mexicans love tradition, formality and collectivity. When the two cultures combine, some of the traditions remain, and others evolve. In a Mexican American, we can see the fusion of cultures and the mixing of traditions.

Ceremony

The "lazo" is a tradition that unites the newlywed couple in a symbolic way and is a powerful tie to the Mexican culture. The white rosary around the couple's neck visually unites the couple as they kneel at the altar.

Having the wedding in a church is also traditional and a requirement for many Catholic families. In the Catholic religion, marriage is a sacrament, and it would be disrespectful to conduct the ceremony elsewhere.

Traditionally, the male empties 13 coins called "arras" into the bride's hands. This is symbolic of the male's role as the provider. A couple that plans to have both partners work and provide for the family may choose to have both share in the custom and take turns. This would not be traditional, but it is a variation of the original practice.

Food

Mole has been a favorite part of the wedding feast. To say "va a haber mole" (there is going to be mole) is an idiom that means someone is getting married. Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a sauce made of chili powder, peanuts and chocolate that is used to cover chicken.

Elote is also popular with Mexican Americans at wedding dinners. Along with butter, cheese and hot sauce are commonly spread over the corn on the cob.

Hamburgers and hot dogs are often served for the kids along with ice cream. A popular wedding cake is called pastel de tres leches, or the three milk cake.

Music

Music is a highlight of the wedding reception. Most families that can afford it pay for a live mariachi band to play traditional ballads. "Volver, Volver" and "Mujeres Divinas" are rarely left out of the lineup of songs sung along by all the guests. A professional DJ who knows Latin music as well as English favorites is also hired. Many rock 'n' roll classics have been produced in Spanish and English and often are played to get people dancing. "Cumbias" by Celia Cruz and Selena also work magic to fill the dance floor.

Decorations

The bride is most commonly in charge of deciding the colors of the decorations that set the mood of the party. Many choose to avoid blatant political color combinations such as red white and green or red white and blue. The table cloths and flower arrangements are full of a variety of bold, bright and festive colors that give an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

Costs

In a traditional Mexican wedding, the costs of the wedding are divided. Different relatives are assigned as being "padrinos" of different aspects of the ceremony and party. The custom of including as many relatives as possible is a healthy tradition. One person can provide the lazo. Another can provide the 13 gold or silver coins. Each part of the ceremony is an opportunity for a relative to take part financially and have a connection to the event. Most will feel honored and take part in decreasing the economic burden on either the groom or the father of the bride. The creation of community is key in planning and participating in a Mexican American wedding.

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Tags: Mexican American, American Wedding Traditions, have both, Mexican American Wedding, Mexican culture, take part, traditional Mexican

Make A Rustic Kitchen Table

Old Wooden Door

Rustic décor includes wooden furniture made from twigs or old, distressed wood. Making a rustic kitchen table is a simple project if you use an old wooden door. The character of old doors cannot be matched by distressing techniques and the patina of old wood is deep and rich, perfect for a rustic kitchen table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find an old door at your local salvage or thrift store. Natural wood doors that have not been painted fit better with a rustic design. Table legs can be taken from an old table or purchased new at your local home improvement store. Your local home improvement store will cut the glass you purchase from them to fit your kitchen table.

2. Remove the door handle and any other hardware from the door. Clean the wood with oil especially designed to bring life back to old wood. Holloway's Lemon Oil is a good product to use for this purpose. Lightly sand any rough surfaces on the side and edges of the door to protect your family from splinters. If the door is in really bad shape, you may want to sand it down completely and stain it. This will remove some of the charm, but the rustic nature of your table will still be intact.

3. Stain the four table legs to match your door, if new, or clean them with the oil if you're using old parts from another table.

4. Attach the table legs to the table with screws and a screw driver. Insert the screws at an angle from the side of the table leg up through the bottom of the table. Make sure your screws are long enough to pass through the corner of the leg and part of the door without coming out of the top of the wooden door table. Your kitchen table may look best with the legs attached at the corners of the door, or you may choose to attach the legs a foot or so underneath the door. Indenting the legs will make them less noticeable and will create a rim around the perimeter of your rustic kitchen table.

5. Add a sheet of glass to the top of your kitchen table to protect the wood. You can have a sheet cut to fit at your local home improvement store or glass supply house. Add small adhesive rubber stoppers to each corner between the glass and the door to keep the glass securely in place. You could also leave the table as is, without adding the glass protection.

Tags: kitchen table, home improvement, home improvement store, improvement store, local home