New fan ideas for your home decorating ideas
Posted by: buychoice on: August 23, 2011
Hunter Fan Ceiling Fans
Using fans at home can save on electric cost as well as be more environmentally friendly than running the AC unit. Everyone knows the general construction of a fan. Blades, motor, and mechanical innards that make the unit run. Fans are most often used to cool a room, but they can also be elaborate, decorative and an attractive addition to your home. People have devised many different styles, genres and uses for fans over the years. We’ve moved past the days of Ancient Egypt, where handmaidens fanned the Pharaoh in times of heat, to motorized, beautiful designs that even inspire the architecture of the ancients.
Types of Fans
Many people still do not recognize all the uses for fans. Did you know that fans can be used in cold weather as well? During the winter months, heat collects at the top of the room. It stays drafty closer to the floor, but by turning on a ceiling fan at low speeds the heat will be evenly dispersed throughout the room creating a warming effect. Fans also help reduce condensation on the windows, but you want to look at the fan model to make sure that there is a switch to change blade direction. Blade direction is what gives you the push versus pull motion of the fan.
Using fans allows you to save on electricity, especially when used in conjuncture with heating and air conditioning units. The most common two types of fans people decorate with are below:
Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are placed in the ceiling of the room, typically in the living area or common room. They can be matched to fit the rooms style or be completely utilitarian. They provide air circulation, while allowing the air to exit the home efficiently.
Depending on your living room design, you can custom fit the appropriate ceiling fan into your décor. Say you have a yachting theme in your living room, there are many different nautical inspired ceiling fans for you to choose from. Some come equipped with a ships wheel, this may sound like a nice idea, but make sure that you do not get to kitchy with your designs. Having a Dale Earnhardt Jr. ceiling fan is not going to impress most house guest.
Table Fan
Don’t let the name fool you, table fans can be placed on a table or just about anywhere you want in order to enhance the décor. Rustic table fans can be used to create a newspaper press room feel for your office or to recreate themes of the 1940s. You can design, enhance or create just about any type of feel that you want and then accent it with a table fan.
In order to keep your fans working properly, and looking new, turn it off once you leave the room. You can also buy automatic timers for fans that trigger at set times. Set the fan blade speed as needed, you don’t need it on full blast all the time. Learn how air circulates best in your home and use your decorative fans for maximum benefit.
Top 5 outdoor activities for children
Posted by: buychoice on: August 8, 2011
Magic Circle Trampolines
Summer time brings the kids out of the house and into the yard, hopefully. But what if your kids like to hang out indoors? Sure it’s hot but they still need to get exercise and spend some time with their friends. Playing video games and watching TV all day sounds like fun, but it could potentially be bad for your child’s health and social skills.
So how do you get your kids to be more social and active outside? There are plenty of ways to get the children to entertain themselves, so let’s see how we can get those kids out of the house and into the fresh outdoor air.
1. Join a sports team
If you want to enhance your child’s social skills, along with getting them exercise, see if they would be interested in playing sports. Baseball, football, basketball and soccer are great for team building, as well as helping kids stay athletic. Best of all, many of these sports have year round leagues that offer children many opportunities to get better and hang out with their friends. When summer baseball ends, sign them up for fall-ball.
2. Add some outdoor activities
If you’re yard is in need of fun and games, then turn it into a playground for your kids. You can add a trampoline, swimming pool or various playground toys for them to play with. Trampolines provide fun year round, and with a quality trampoline, you’ll have it for years to come. Swimming pools are excellent but require cleaning costs and are only useful during the summer. Playground equipment can be used year round, but can lose it’s luster once the kids hit a certain age.
3. Get them to the park
The more parks you have around you the better, but there is always a park not too far from residential areas, you just have to know where they are. Many are walking distance, so you could take a walk with the kids to the park, play for awhile, then head back home in time for dinner.
4. Get a family pet
A dog is an excellent way to get your kids outside, if they are old enough to handle it.
Dogs require attention, both inside and outside, they need to be walked, played with and loved. Dogs add to the social fabric of the family and because each dog has it’s own personality, they increase children’s understanding of how to handle different situations. Dogs are the companions, friends and loyal followers that will never leave your families side. Not every family can handle pets, so make sure that this is a decision the whole family can agree on.
5. Bring back the basics
If you are ever at a loss, think about what you did as a child, Where did you play, what did you do, how did you have fun? Chances are you kids will enjoy many of the same outdoor activities that you once did. So take a second to be a kid again.
The summer heat is here – how are you staying cool?
Posted by: buychoice on: August 4, 2011
Hunter Fan Ceiling Fans
With the Summer heat blazing over 100 degrees in many areas of the US, it’s a common site to see people running their air conditioners non-stop, buying up portable window AC units or even, heaven forbid, leaving their refrigerator doors open.
With all this excess heat, many people are starting to think that the summer will never end, and what about next year? Will it be worse, will we see temperatures rise even higher? What do you do when 105 degrees becomes commonplace?
There are pictures online of people baking cookies in their car during the Summer heat, and this does not look like it’s changing anytime soon. The temperatures are up and will stay up throughout September. What does that mean for you and your family? Skyrocketing electric bills, more time indoors, less activity outside and more sleepless nights. The other night in Dallas, TX the temperature was 100 at midnight. At midnight! Read that again. It’s scorching outside and it’s not like the Southwest is the only region experiencing heat like this. Across the Northeast, South and into the Plains, people are experiencing record heat waves. Power is shut off as roving blackouts are put into effect in order to conserve electricity. People are becoming victims of heat exhaustion and in some cases, death, as a result of inadequate cooling of their homes.
Many of these people are our older relatives Some do not indoor fans, AC units or even a swamp cooler that they need to keep cool during the Summer months. Every year the temperature rises, so what can we do to keep ourselves, and our loved ones, cool through the Summer?
One option is adding fans to your home. Fans can lower an area by as much as 10 degrees. They provide a constant circulation of air which reduces the overall heat in the room. If you have young children, are older or live with older relatives, you need to have adequate cooling in order to keep yourself healthy. Fans are an excellent addition to a home. They come in different styles, colors, decorations, and sizes, all designed to make your home cooler during the Summer.
Another option is adding window AC units. These units help but also drive up your electricity costs and only affect a certain area of the room. You could have a room with a window AC unit that stays cool in one area, but the rest of the room is still blazing hot. What do you do? Add a fan. It will circulate the air and give you more bang for your AC buck. Sleeping in a hot room is the worst. Waking up with wet sheets that stick to you, is even more annoying. No sleep, plus sticky sheets, do not make for a happy home life.
Staying cool doesn’t just make you more comfortable, it keeps you healthy. No one wants to deal with that, so get some help in the house with a fan or AC unit.
Everyone Enjoys a High Quality Globe in Their Home
Posted by: buychoice on: March 13, 2011
- In: Globes | Home Decor
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Modern Globes made by Replogle
The living room is the center of the home, it serves many purposes and depending on your taste it can either be a social area for guests and friends, a place where the family can relax and watch a movie or a place for you to work and for viewing entertainment. Based on your living rooms design you can decide what type of place is suitable for you. Depending on whether you want a modern style or a traditional look will determine the type of high quality globe and other accent pieces are used in the decor. The right living room style is entirely up to you. During this process of deciding, you will be working with a creative mind while trying to find the right accents and wall décor that will work with your decorating goals. Here are some ideas and tips on how you can improve your living room just the way a professional would.
Finding The Right Color
It is important to look at everyone’s opinion when finding the right living room color. Peaceful, enjoyable colors like beige, taupe and grays, soft blues and soft greens are excellent ideas because every family will be using the area to relax and spend time together. If you’re living room will be used for family activities like playing games or watching movies, then you might want to brighten the color of the room. Choose colors and accent items to make it match the theme of the room, if it will be relaxing, then make the color relaxing, just try to capture the feel you want the room to have.
Decorate With Modern Wall Art and Decor
Modern wall art and décor can transform a plain living room into a sophisticated area. If the room contains modern art designs, then you should use metal wall decorations for that perfect feel. Metal home accents will help to put the room together, but just try not to go overboard on the decoration. We have found that Replogle makes some very nice modern style world globes. Keep in mind that you are trying to create a sleek and minimalistic feel. White and black work well together to create a minimalist feel. Metals are traditionally the most common form of modern art, but you can still use any other materials that go well with the overall design of the room. But, you still need to have a focal point.
A Globe Makes a Great Centerpiece
By decorating your living room with modern art décor and metal wall art has created that simplistic feel, you still need an amazing focal point for your room. A globe is an excellent focal point for your living room. Including a Replogle Globe is one of the most innovative modern art décor pieces that can replace traditional centerpieces and it gives you the option of moving the centerpiece or adjusting it for certain areas. Replogle Globes come in many different elegant, sleek designs that would be perfect to accentuate a living room. A globe will give your home the well deserved focal point it deserves and will add a unique look to the overall feel of your living room.
How do you know if you’re getting a high quality trampoline?
Posted by: buychoice on: February 23, 2011
Magic Circle Trampoline
We often get asked this question. People looking for their first trampoline often come asking for our advice after they realize the amount of options truly available to them. We will gladly help people who want to know the difference between a high quality trampoline and something that no parent would admit to having.
There are a few different things to consider. So, what are some things that you need to look for when deciding on your high quality trampoline?
Springs
For a 14 feet trampoline, the optimum spring size is 96 x 8.5 inches and 80 x 8.5 inches for a 12 foot trampoline. Stay away from trampolines that have shorter springs or few springs. Excess springs may sound like a good idea, but there really isn’t much of a benefit to the trampolines longevity. Performance will be affected the higher the “optimum” level.
Pads
Take a look at the pads covering the springs. Thickness is important, but it’s not everything, instead look at the pad filling. You will want to have heavyweight foam filling and heavyweight vinyl covers so that the pad stands up to the rigors of outdoor life. Heavy vinyl; last longer when in the Sun. You might also want to find a trampoline with a common size so that you can replace pads if need be. Higher quality pads will last longer, but they will still weather over time.
The Bed
Beds are usually the same no matter what mid-range or high-end trampoline you find. Round trampoline beds do not contribute to bounce, so it’s not much of a distinguishing feature for many people. Once again, try to find a trampoline with an average size bed in case you need to replace it. Beds are strong but sometimes people build outdoor fires where embers can burn away the bed. A common bed size will allow you to change your bed in the event something happens.
Trampoline Frames
Most mid-range trampolines and up have galvanized steel frames so they won’t rust and are strong enough to handle stresses. Frames won’t contribute to your bounce performance either. Frames are hard to find in stock, so most trampoline manufacturers will not carry additional frames. Typically, frames are guaranteed for up to 10 years, so frames are usually not the deciding factor when picking a trampoline. But, you will need to decide the right diameter for your trampoline and the size of your yard will determine your options.
If you’re interested in finding the right high-end trampoline, our research has found that the Magic Circle Trampolines brand makes a great selection of high quality trampolines with backup parts. You may find it harder to find interchangeable spare parts on other brands, so you’ll want to make sure that you have a trampoline that will last. Safety is important and nothing is more important than the safety of your kids.
Patio Umbrellas
Posted by: buychoice on: April 15, 2010
Get the Perfect Patio Umbrella at BuyChoice.com
Summer is almost here and that means spending as much time as possible outdoors. Make sure your deck or patio is outfitted with all the essential equipment needed for a hot sunny day including a colorful patio umbrella. Whatever your shopping criteria is based on, whatever your particular need is, you can find the right umbrella to make even the plainest of patios look festive and inviting.
Creating a new patio atmosphere is easy when you start with a new patio umbrella. Before you start looking for the perfect balance to relaxing in the sun and the shade, figure out what your maximum circumference ratio is. Patio umbrellas are made to last these days and it is important to make sure that you are purchasing something that is both festive and functional for your individual space. If you are looking to spice up your outdoor living area, and let’s face it, in the summertime we want to be outside as much as possible, a new patio umbrella can provide you with so many design ideas. Whatever your shopping criteria; whether shape, size or color, you will be able to come up with an innovative and creative concept if you use a patio umbrella as your starting point. Throw in a beautiful scrolled design umbrella stand and you are able to create shaded seating wherever you want in your yard and patio.
It’s easy to create a whole new design to your original seating area using your existing patio furniture, by just adding a new colorful patio umbrella. Instead of investing hundreds of dollars into new patio furniture, find a funky shaped, brightly colored umbrella. A new umbrella is the quickest way to create a whole new outdoor atmosphere. Adding some new accessories such as coordinating seat cushions or even creating additional seating in another area in the yard will change even the dullest of groupings.
Most umbrellas tip and tilt so that you and your guests can either enjoy a partial setting of the sun or sit completely out of the hot rays. It is important to also note that while umbrellas shield us from the sun, its main and original purpose, in the hand-held version, was to shield us from the rain. Having an outdoor umbrella large enough to provide shelter from the blinding sun as well as a light rain is another level of ambience that should be considered when thinking about your outdoor sitting area. Imagine a soft summer rain falling all around you as you sit, with a glass of wine and your favorite novel, relaxing after a long day or even on a Sunday afternoon.
Whether you are a roadside vendor, planning a day at the beach or looking to improve your existing patio, pool or deck area, finding the right umbrella for your needs can be a fun process as there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of styles and sizes to choose from. Finding the right umbrella for you is easy is as easy as a click away!
The beauty is in the details
Posted by: buychoice on: April 4, 2010
In the ongoing quest to make sure your home looks exactly the way you want it to look, you’ll find that there are so many little details to address that it seems they’re even more time consuming than the larger elements. This might seem like a tough task. It is. But, as with almost everything else, the saying stands true that the beauty is in the details. So keep this in mind when you’re considering the “smaller” but just as significant design elements of your home. By keeping many of your home’s furnishings within one brand, like Brabantia, you can make sure that your home is stylistically cohesive.
Also, keep in mind that things you didn’t even think could add to the overall interior design of your home can suddenly become art pieces if you just take the time to choose properly. Let’s take one of the least anticipated home elements: trash cans. Yes, it sounds ridiculous. In fact, I’ll admit that even I believed this was ridiculous until I looked for myself. But it’s true, a Brabantia waste bin can double as a design element. I’m not gonna lie to you, a lot can go wrong when trying to mix design with trash cans, but one brand you can’t go wrong with is Brabantia. From their sleek design, to durability, to lists of features seemingly far too long to be associated with waste baskets, this brand will keep you safe while playing the risky game of design. To get you started, here’s a look at a few of their models to get you in the right frame of mind to choose one of your own.
For the more chic, modern look, go with the classy rectangular style Brabantia bins. With the non-invasive appearance brought to you by a pre-painted baked enamel finish on steel and patented top rim technology which allows for silent lid closure and containment of waste odors, you’ll be able to place this trash can in any room without worry. Also, to cater to all needs, it comes in 5, 12, 20 and 30 liter sizes.
If you like things a bit more old school, the Brabantia retro pedal bins might be right for you. Although, modern, these bins offer up quite a versatile design that conforms to many different design themes. With non-slip grip on the bottom, a rounded top and steel body, this model is simple with flair. It includes a removable plastic bin, so if you’re not using it for messy waste purposes, for example in a home office, you can skip the trash bags altogether, saving you time and saving the environment some stress too. Use it as your office recycle bin and you’re two for two. Feeling bold? Try it in deep red.
For those with either a new or rekindled appreciation for the beauty that the small details can add to your overall home design, I can guarantee you that you won’t be disappointed with Brabantia’s wide variety of trash cans and bins and consistent quality. You can find plenty of Brabantia items for your home and kitchen to match, like bread bins, storage containers, and laundry bins at www.BuyChoice.com.
Unipack Builder’s Award 52 inch nickel ceiling fan
Posted by: buychoice on: February 19, 2010
Hunter Ceiling Fan
Decorating rooms with light colored wood and textures is popular home design option. Ash, Elm, Cedar, Myrtle, Oak, Aspen, Yellow Heart, White Oak, and Holly are examples of woods that are found in furniture and in wood flooring. There are many laminate wood products that can easily mimic the look and feel of natural wood floors. These wood design elements can be perfectly matched with a Hunter ceiling fan. The Craft made Unipack Builder’s Award 52 inch nickel ceiling fan package is a great ceiling fan option for complimenting light woods.
Light colored wood furniture is popular worldwide. Many furniture makers preserve the wood for years of usability. Light wood furniture is functional in all areas of the home. Kitchen cabinets often are composed of light wood and accented with nickel pulls.
This Hunter ceiling fan functions best when the ceiling fan is positioned so that the blades are seven to eight feel away from the floor. This positioning will produce the maximum temperature reduction. Ceilings that are taller than nine feet tall can take advantage of using a down rod. A down rod simply places the ceiling fan lower so that it can operate at the right height directly above the home flooring.
A ceiling that is more than nine feet tall will need a Hunter down rod extension. If the ceiling is thirteen feet tall an extension would need to be installed that was four feet. Fan blades would need to be adjusted so that they rest above eight feet on top of the flooring. Leave one foot for the distance between the motor top and the bottom of the housing switch. There are multiple capacitors to help support the three speed settings on the ceiling fan.
The three speed reversible fan blade system allows for both cooling and heating. The heating of air happens when the fan motor is reversed to help keep warm air circulating throughout the room.
The nickel hardware on the fan can easily compliment drawer pulls, picture frames, and another home décor item that is silver or nickel. Help the design plan of any room come together by using this Hunter ceiling fan. The light tones can be carried throughout the room by installing the ceiling fan. Microfiber or cotton blend furniture that is in light tones goes well with light colored wood accents. Neutral grays, browns, tans, and yellows are the perfect backdrop against a light colored coffee table or light colored wood bedroom furniture. Decorative throws, pillows, chair cushions, rugs, and bedding that have tan or silver in the pattern helps to tie the design plan together.
There are 76 lead in wires that need to be connected during the installation process. After installation simply add in light bulbs in wattage that helps meet the lighting requirements for that specific living area. There are energy efficient fan light bulbs available online and in local hardware stores. Use these tips to help install and operate the Craft made Unipack Builder’s Award 52 inch nickel ceiling fan.
How Should You Set Up Your Trampoline for Maximum Safety?
Posted by: buychoice on: January 29, 2010
Magic Circle Trampolines at BuyChoice.com
New safety features are being developed all the time to maximize the safety of trampoline use. Once thought of as a dangerous toy, trampolines are now a risk free plaything if the proper initiatives are taken for to ensure the well being of those who will use it. One of the most important measures you can take as a trampoline owner to prevent injury is to set up your trampoline with maximum safety in mind.
Set Up for Success – How to Ensure Trampoline Safety
• The most obvious and effective safety tip is one of the simplest to comply with: always set up your trampoline according to its exact instructions. Carefully read the accompanying manual and follow all directions; inform all who will use the trampoline of any pertinent information.
• Consider purchasing a round trampoline rather than a rectangular or square model. Round trampolines have a somewhat slower bounce and are less powerful, making them a safer alternative to square trampolines.
• The trampoline should have at least six feet of clearance around the entire structure; this includes but isn’t limited to: trees, shrubbery, and other play structures. Avoid placing your trampoline near fences, garages, clotheslines or power lines.
• If you are able to dig, the ideal place for the trampoline is in a pit, making it surface level with the ground. If this is an impossibility due to rocky soil or other restrictions, the second best place for a trampoline is on a completely level, soft, shock absorbing surface such as grass. Avoid placing it on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
• Shock absorbing safety pads are an absolute must. They should cover completely the trampoline’s hooks, springs, and frame. Remember, the trampoline’s hooks should always face down. Safety pads also set up a visual border which will help the bouncer stay away from the edge, helping to prevent a fall.
• Set up your trampoline in a well lit area; do not use at night.
• There should be at least a twenty four foot clearance above the trampoline; the airspace above the trampoline should be free of overhanging wires or tree branches.
• If your trampoline comes with a ladder, get rid of it, or at least store it when not in direct use. Small children can use the ladder to mount a trampoline unsupervised, which is a serious danger. Even if no small children are around to access the trampoline, it is better to act preventatively.
• Make use of a trampoline enclosure. This is an important and widely available safety accessory which consists of a net that fully surrounds the area of a trampoline, preventing falls to the ground during bouncing.
• Always thoroughly inspect your trampoline before each bounce session. If you find tears or worn out or defective parts, do not use the trampoline until they are properly repaired or replaced. Purchasing spare parts to have at the ready in such a situation is a smart preventative measure.
Trampoline Safety for Adults
Posted by: buychoice on: January 29, 2010
Magic Circle Trampolines at BuyChoice.com
Not meant just for children’s enjoyment, trampolines frequently provide hours of fun and great exercise to the adults that love them. Unfortunately, trampolines can be dangerous if not used properly, and most adults don’t want to tell their boss they have to miss a week of work due to a trampoline injury. Not to worry; just follow these simple tips and before you know it you’ll be (safely) bouncing your cares away.
• Make sure to purchase the appropriate trampoline. A round, family size trampoline can safely handle an adult’s weight and is somewhat safer than a family rectangular model, which has a stronger bounce. Make sure not to purchase a children’s rectangular trampoline, which have lighter frames and smaller springs; they are not appropriate for teens or adults. Heavyweight trampolines can also safely support adults.
• Set up your trampoline to the exact specification of the directions included with it, and read all instructions carefully before using the trampoline.
• Always use the trampoline by yourself. Collisions with others while bouncing can result in harm for one or both parties, and bounces can reach unsafe heights when two or more are bouncing together.
• If you are using the trampoline for exercise purposes, do not push yourself too hard on the trampoline. If you feel tired or woozy due to exertion, dismount and switch to another activity if you still feel the need to work out. Trampolines are unsafe if the bouncer isn’t fully in control of all their faculties. On a similar note, while it might seem obvious, this tip is still worth mentioning: never use a trampoline if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or impairing prescribed medication.
• Pregnant women should never bounce on a trampoline. Serious injury is a very real possibility for both mother and fetus should a fall occur.
• Remove all jewelry before you use the trampoline. Also check all pockets and remove any sharp objects.
• Bare feet are best; trampoline slippers are also ideal footwear. Avoid wearing socks on a trampoline – they can cause feet to slip.
• Use the trampoline only in dry, calm weather. Gusty or severe winds are very dangerous for trampoline use, and even a slight amount of precipitation can make the surface slick.
Bounce Tips
• To manage your bounce more effectively, focus on the trampoline’s perimeter and start by bouncing low. Once you’ve perfected your bounce control, then you can start adding more height to your bounces.
• The safest way to stop a bounce is to flex your knees when your feet hit the trampoline’s surface. This is an important skill to learn and should be one of the first you master.
• Aim your bounces for the center of the trampoline; this is by far the safest place to land.
• Never bounce onto the trampoline from another object, or off from the trampoline to the ground. Serious injury can occur. Always carefully mount and dismount.
