Nellys Unique Treasure Chest of Gifts

Window Treasures

2009-03-27T15:51:00.028-04:00

After searching high and low, I found these unique ideas for window treatments. Try some of these ideas to update a room, or just to satisfy your personal style

This nature inspired functional work of art is easy to make. A relatively straight tree branch an white pray paint.

Reuse Old Curtains

Don't toss curtains you love if they don't fit your new windows or need to be replaced. Instead cut and sew them into panel-style window shades with rod pockets. Tension rods hold the shades in place in place and make them easy to change or remove. This trick also works to make outdated curtain fabrics look trendy again.

Second Time Around

A pair of ski poles can also be used as a rod with a wool blanket as the curtain. Tie together the fringe on one end of the blanket to creat loops for hanging on the pole, then attach the other pole at one end of the curtain hanging down

A boat oar mounted on wooden brackets and drapeed with fabric can add a nautical touch to a room, while an Indian blanket stitched with yarn around its sides makes a beautiful curtain when hung on an old wooden walking tick.

Create Drama

This window treatment idea will leave you asking yourself.

"Why didn't I think of this sooner?"

Buy enough sheer fabric to reach floor-to-ceiling and hem the edges. Tie the panels from a curtain rod mounted just below the ceiling, then cinch the sheers with decorative rope or ribbon. It's so easy and it looks great over french doors -- the treatments won't hinder traffic like bulky one would.

Dess up a plain roller shade - use material squares from the same color family in a variety of patters to create a grid. Adhere to a plain shade with craft spray adhesive (spray both the shade and the bak of the paper for the best results). For a uniform grid, mark the vertical cener of the shade. Start by placing the squares along the bottom of the shade on either side of the center line, then work your way up in rows. Trim paper along the sides if necessary. Glue ribbon across the botom edge to finish.

Source:Better Homes & Garden

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/window-treatments/budget/curtain-rods-you-can-make/

I would love for you to share your ideas - leave a comment

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Wine Storage

2009-01-20T18:00:00.041-05:00

Understanding proper wine storage helps determine the wine rack or wine cabinet that's right for you. Store wine horizontally. When it comes to storing wine, let it lie. Whether white or red wine, select a wine rack or wine cabinet that accommodates the bottles of wine lying on their side. This allows the cork to maintain moisture and the sediment to collect on the bottom of the bottle.

Showcase Your Handsome Wine Rack or Wine Cabinet Of course, you will want to display your new, beautiful wine rack wine cabinet in a prominent place in the home. But when selecting the location of your focal point, keep two key environmental factors in mind: light and temperature. Unable to keep things cool, but still want to store and display your wine? Don't aim for long-term storage if warmer temperatures are unavoidable Select and store wine you plan to enjoy in six months or less. And be sure to chill both red and white wines before serving. Even a red wine should be brought down from room temperature to 60 degrees before serving.

The Best Places to House Your Wine Rack or Wine Cabinet
Select an area of the home for your wine storage that will remain under 70ºF and not experience wide temperature fluctuations. Temperature variations may cause the cork to expand and contract, letting air into the bottle. The wine can become oxidized under these conditions. Strive for balance in your humidity levels. High-level humidity can cause deterioration of the wine labels. Low-level humidity can cause the cork to shrink, and oxidize the wine.

Re-Storing Wine after the Party
Even though you may have put a good dent in your wine collection,
after a party there may be an opened bottle or two you would just hate
to throw out. Save the wine with a vacuum seal and store it in the
refrigerator.

Store vertically. If bottles are positioned on their sides, you run the risk of leakage; plus, keeping the cork moist by storing horizontally is more for
long-term storage, not short term.

Note: some wines will not store well after being opened, while others may be good from one to three days. Some wines hold up well for a few days and others deteriorate quickly... so drink up and don't waste.

What's the difference between cork, synthetic cork and screw cap wines?
Wine storage depends a great deal on how the wine was
bottled. You will find cork, synthetic cork and screw cap
bottles of wine. Cork is the traditional method for sealing.
Corked bottles, as well as synthetic corked bottles,
should always be stored on their sides. In recent
years some great wines have come out with a screw
cap. Screw caps give wineries more control over
environmental factors, while corked wines may
develop an odor. The culprit is a chemical called
2,4,6-trichloroanisole or TCA, which causes wines
to pick up a dank, moldy, wet cardboard
left-in-your-basement smell. You won't get sick
from consuming a corked wine with TCA, once
your nose picks it up it makes the wine terribly
unpleasant to consume. A screw cap better
ensures that the wine will arrive at your table the way it was intended, since screw cap seals are less affected by environmental factors than cork sealed bottles.

Fountain Decor

2008-12-15T20:19:00.007-05:00

When searching for a unique way to add beauty and serenity to your home consider adding water fountains to your decor.

Tabletop water fountains are a unique and interesting way to create a soothing sound to listen to, they are excellent room beautifiers and stress reducers.

They are also beautiful to watch. The prime motive of a fountain is viewing how the water bubbles around rocks, wood and whatever sounds natural and looks pleasing.

This is a very well selected gift choice that provides a sense of relaxation and serenity. It can be used in the home or office. They deliver a peaceful atmosphere during stressful conditions. This can be used as a centerpiece on the buffet table at the garden party or as an accent in the dining room for a romantic candlelit dinner.

Do you have a corner that you need some thing? You cannot quite find it!

Place a water fountain on a pedestal. When you need a little me time sit and listen to the relaxing sound of water. (great conversation piece)

There is a wide range of table top fountain decor gifts in many different styles, sizes, colors and types of natural materials like slate, copper, stones, ceramic and stainless steel.

Candles, Candles, Candles

2008-12-09T20:07:00.032-05:00

Decorating your home with candles can be fun.

Cluster several candles on a shelf in front of a wall mirror, or use a small mirror as the candle tray. The mirror doubles the glow.

Place pillar candles in pretty bowls filled with greenery, nuts, fruit, or coffee beans. Try stacking two or more bowls for a tiered effect, perhaps tucking small flower sprig peaking out of the bottom bowl.

click on picture

Tips - How to get the most from your candles. Place them in the refrigerator an hour before use, and they will burn longer.

The first time you burn a candle, always burn it for one hour for each inch of diameter, and you will avoid the hole in the middle, wick disappearing trick.

If you buy scented candles, always smell the bottom of the candle. If you only get a strong scent from the top, they have probably only been dipped in scent, and you will be disappointed.

Finally, if your candles smoke, trim the wick to a quarter inch before burning.

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Gardening

2008-12-08T19:39:00.024-05:00

If you have little or no space for a traditional garden, then container gardening is your best bet.

Container gardens can also be a charming way to embellish your patio, entryway or deck. Although container gardens generally require more watering and feeding, they are quite easy to maintain and care for.

Consider the style and color palette you are working with.

Small spaces can handle a lot of color creating interesting areas such as cobalt blue containers in one corner which can be a focal point and a great way to tone down hot color plants.

Tip - The only must for choosing your container is that it must have drainage holes. Another consideration when choosing your container is whether or not you need a container that can hold up to freezing temperatures. Soil expands when it freezes, so if you live in a cold climate, it’s best to choose a forgiving material, such as wood.

For a Mediterranean-style garden - terra cotta would be more appropriate.

With the increasing range of colors and styles of containers available today, sizable, stylish (and affordable!) containers are easy to find, so make the containers part of the grand scheme instead of just a place to plant.

Tip - It’s best to consider the space first and then decide on the plants and containers that will create the desired effect that suits your style and space. Experiment with clustering containers together. In larger containers, don’t be afraid to mix complimentary plants together in the same pot.

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Bath And Body Treasure Chest

2008-12-07T10:20:00.027-05:00

Life is tough. It does not matter who you are or what you do, we all have to face many difficult and stressful situations. Being the effects of life can leave us feeling stressed, worried, angry, confused and frustrated which affects everything in our lives.

When we feel bad, everything seems much worse than it is. A bad mood is like a filter that prevents us from seeing the positive things in life. Every thing seem like another irritation.

If that's something you can relate to - take - heart well know that it's like to feel stressed and frustrated. The important thing is to have the tools to recover quickly and naturally, find yourself again, and get back on track.

We can learn to deal with life's challenges by setting aside some time to go to work on ourselves. When we can learn to calm our body and mind, separate ourselves from our problems, we are on the road to significant improvement.

Here are some simple tips that may help, even when you are on the go:

Use time spent standing in line or sitting in traffic to take a stretch break and loosen tense muscles.

Try some basic neck stretches: Tilt your head toward each shoulder. Turn your head from side to side and look over your shoulder. Be sure to keep your head aligned, and do not stick out your neck.

Try some basic shoulder stretches: Shrug your shoulders and then relax them. Roll your shoulders forward and backward. Gently shake your shoulders.

These invigorating peppermint infused lotions send a tingle of satisfaction through your toes. Includes a mesh tote, slippers, and pumice scrub.

7pc Spa Set. Treat yourself to a day at the spa in the privacy of your own home. Set includes nail brush body loofah pumice body scrubber wooden hairbrush and wooden massager. All are packed in an attractive gift basket

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