Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Outside cushions
Buying the right outdoor furniture cushions is very important, not only has the style got to fit your eye, but you need to be mindful of practical issues, such as will the cushions be left outside at the mercy of the weather, or will your really put them away at the end of use? Buy the wrong outside cushions for your chairs or chaise lounges, and you will soon grow tired of them. So let's see if we can help you get this decision right...
First consideration goes to the colors and patterns you may consider, ideally your outside leaving area may draw from themes you may have indoors, alternately you maybe looking to create an outside oasis of your dreams, either way note down colors, styles and themes that interest you. There are many retailers of outdoor furniture cushions, and the vast selection may become mind blowing. I would suggest looking through decor magazines or ideally the Internet, where you will able to browse through all the variations and compare prices at the same time.
There can be a vast difference in price between outside cushions, the main reason for these differences is the level of hardiness the outdoor cushion, pillow or pad may possess. If you opt for cushions made from marine grade fabrics designed to handle the hardships of a sea faring life, you'll pay a lot more than for a cotton cushion designed for use in perfect weather and lucky enough to be stored in a dry airy storage area.
If your climate is warm and wet, you know your battle is with mold and mildew, If you have to endure blistering sun you will need cushions with UV protection. No fear though as there are now cushions designed and manufactured that seem near indestructible, and are guaranteed accordingly! I would again suggest a little homework on the web to discover the level of protection you will need manufactured into your perfect outdoor cushions, pillows and pads. I also believe that buying the cheapest cushion will become a false economy, and would suggest getting the best quality outside cushions your budget will allow.
Should you cushions encounter any spillage, clean immediately before the stain can lock in, gently rubbing with soap and water, will deal with most stains, you can use commercial stain remover, if the stain is more oil based, but adhere to the manufactures instruction, as if the cleaning agent is too strong it may damage the cushions finish or treatment.
Though we have talked about some of these modern outdoor furniture cushions being near impervious to extreme weather, if you can your cushions will thank you for be stored when not used, and if they could ask for a dry airy environment, they'll gratefully serve you for many, many years.
Well I wish you all the best for your replacement outdoor cushions hunting project, and that you enjoy your outside space as much as I do, do take the time for a little research on the web if you can, the vast amount of choice, and competition for our money, is reducing prices substantially, and there are subsequently some fantastic bargains to be found
Outside cushions
Due to the resilient nature of the job it has to do, outdoor furniture is not always as comfy as we would like. Sitting for long periods on materials that are pretty much indestructible, may take its toll on your backside. However outdoor patio furniture, be it made from wicker, teak, metal or plastic, is an expensive investment, and so manufactures, at least good ones make the furniture to last. The solution to making this furniture comfortable and stylish, is to add the right outside cushions.
Buying the right outdoor furniture cushions is very important, not only has the style got to fit your eye, but you need to be mindful of practical issues, such as will the cushions be left outside at the mercy of the weather, or will your really put them away at the end of use? Buy the wrong outside cushions for your chairs or chaise lounges, and you will soon grow tired of them. So let's see if we can help you get this decision right...
First consideration goes to the colors and patterns you may consider, ideally your outside leaving area may draw from themes you may have indoors, alternately you maybe looking to create an outside oasis of your dreams, either way note down colors, styles and themes that interest you. There are many retailers of outdoor furniture cushions, and the vast selection may become mind blowing. I would suggest looking through decor magazines or ideally the Internet, where you will able to browse through all the variations and compare prices at the same time.
There can be a vast difference in price between outside cushions, the main reason for these differences is the level of hardiness the outdoor cushion, pillow or pad may possess. If you opt for cushions made from marine grade fabrics designed to handle the hardships of a sea faring life, you'll pay a lot more than for a cotton cushion designed for use in perfect weather and lucky enough to be stored in a dry airy storage area.
If your climate is warm and wet, you know your battle is with mold and mildew, If you have to endure blistering sun you will need cushions with UV protection. No fear though as there are now cushions designed and manufactured that seem near indestructible, and are guaranteed accordingly! I would again suggest a little homework on the web to discover the level of protection you will need manufactured into your perfect outdoor cushions, pillows and pads. I also believe that buying the cheapest cushion will become a false economy, and would suggest getting the best quality outside cushions your budget will allow.
Should you cushions encounter any spillage, clean immediately before the stain can lock in, gently rubbing with soap and water, will deal with most stains, you can use commercial stain remover, if the stain is more oil based, but adhere to the manufactures instruction, as if the cleaning agent is too strong it may damage the cushions finish or treatment.
Though we have talked about some of these modern outdoor furniture cushions being near impervious to extreme weather, if you can your cushions will thank you for be stored when not used, and if they could ask for a dry airy environment, they'll gratefully serve you for many, many years.
Well I wish you all the best for your replacement outdoor cushions hunting project, and that you enjoy your outside space as much as I do, do take the time for a little research on the web if you can, the vast amount of choice, and competition for our money, is reducing prices substantially, and there are subsequently some fantastic bargains to be found
Peeling fingernails
I work in the nail industry and I am amazed at just how many people still believe the wive's tale that eating jello or gelatin will help them improve their fingernails. Every self-help website on the internet has people giving advice to take vitamin E or gelatin. I am here to remind people that don't know yet, that buying an oral supplement to help your fingernails is a complete waste of time and money.
WASTED MONEY SPENT ON ORAL NAIL SUPPLEMENTS
It is generally accepted that unless you are malnourished, no supplement will help you grow stronger nails. Dry, brittle, cracking and peeling fingernails are in most cases caused by environmental factors. Fixing the problem is usually simple, straight forward and relatively inexpensive.
THREE BIGGEST FACTORS EFFECTING NAIL HEALTH
Three of the biggest factors that effect the health of the fingernail (excluding injury and fungus) are water, the weather and efforts to make them look prettier (polish / fake acrylics). These factors act to strip the lipids out from the protective coating. This "dries" the fingernail out and makes it brittle or susceptible to peeling. I will briefly explain each factor and then tell you how to get the best bang for you nail care efforts.
Water: Health care professionals or teachers or anyone that washes their hands many times a day are giving their nails a beating. Nails in water strips out the lipids and raises heck with its protective barrier.
Weather: Living in a harsh, dry, cold (or hot) climate also dries out the nail and hurts the nail's protective coating.
Nail Polish and Fake Nails: Excessive use of nail polish doesn't give you nail a chance to "breathe". The frequent color changes and the harsh nail polish remover strips the nails. I won't waste a lot of time on what happens to your nails under the acrylics.
SIMPLEST, MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR NAILS
Use a lipid-rich, penetrating nail conditioner to remedy peeling fingernails.
Don't cheap out and buy some oil that will just sit on top of the nail. Spend a few extra dollars and get a formula that will penetrate into the nail and through its protective coating. If you don't, you are again wasting your time and effort. When you consider how long a small amount of nail conditioner actually lasts, the added cost is really insignificant.
An excellent penetrating nail conditioner is the simplest and best thing you can do to help strengthen and make your nails naturally gorgeous. It literally costs just pennies and takes only seconds a day.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Outside chair cushions
Your garden should not just be considered part of the outdoors, you should treat it as part of your home. You can do almost everything in your patio. It can be your haven, comfort zone, a family area, or a barbecue place. It can be everything you want it to be. Most have big umbrellas for picnics and grills for barbecue parties.
That is why it should not come last when it comes to comfort and design. So what can you do to give your garden more life and color? Your wrought iron chairs might look boring to the eyes, and not to mention, cool to the back. Your big outdoor oak chairs may need some revamping.
Well, why not add some outside couch cushions? I can almost see the frown on your face now that you're starting to think about what will happen to those cushions when it rains. You have probably never heard of water-resistant outdoor chair cushions. Available in striped, floral, and abstract designs, they can brighten up even the rainy days. Weather-defying and mildew-resistant materials were used in manufacturing these types of cushions. These softies are also fade and stain-resistant and come in the brightest of colors. Those of the highest quality are made with solution dyed acrylic fabrics which are durable and truly weather-friendly. There are also manufacturers who offer the custom-made ones to cater to the needs of unique-shaped patio chairs.
You can also add some more interesting furniture in the outdoors such as garden sets, hammocks, and swing sets. You can buy small fountains, patio umbrellas or a comfortable chaise lounge, the possibilities are endless and your space is the only limit.
Whatever it is that you plan to do, which I'm sure is making you more and more excited by the minute, just make sure that you'll purchase something comfortable, stylish, and decorative. You might think it's impossible for those three aspects to be present but with the designs and quality of materials available in this age, it's as easy as a Sunday afternoon in terms of designing and arranging your garden.
You just might be surprised at the length of the time you'll be spending outside after you've tied the ribbons of your outside chair cushions or once you have finally secured your hammock in place.
Friday, 30 September 2011
Outside seat cushions
In the recent years, there have been a variety of outdoor seat cushions as compared in the past where the only available option would be simple and flat cushions. Among all of the designs, box cushions have become mostly popular since they are much bulkier than traditional patio cushions and they offer greater comfort. A lot of modern outdoor furniture is paired with box cushions. It is significant that the cushion size will fit the furniture perfectly. A cushion that's too small will look awkward. If it's too big, it will look crammed and will not give the proper support. It should fit exactly and should be tied into place without the hassle of sliding.
Comfort and style are the things that you should consider when buying any outside seat cushions. Nowadays, you can find just about any color and design of outdoor seat cushions. Not only are they especially made to withstand any weather conditions, they also add spunk to a boring furniture. You may find them in detailed patterns, plain striking colors or tailored look. Details such as fringes or patterns are not often found in these cushions since these are easily subjected to wear and tear.
Although they are made to survive against the sun, wind and rain, extra care should be given to outside seat cushions if you want them to last long. Put the cushion indoors when a bad weather in on its way. Clean them with the use of soap and water. Flip the cushions from time to time so that one side will not break down faster than the other.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Wash couch cushions
You should always remember to be very gentle whilst washing couch cushion covers. They shouldn't be washed with other clothes. Rather than using hard detergents, mild detergents should be used to wash them. Covers shouldn't be washed in washing machine that can damage their embroidery, colors and designs. It's better to just softly rinse them by hands to make them clean. If your covers are white in color, you can use oxygen bleaches to wash them. It is easy to find out the exact amount of bleach to be used through experiments. You should avoid using chlorine beaches as they can cause yellowing.
The temperature of the water is also an important consideration when washing couch cushion covers. You can either use cool or warm water for washing the covers. Hot water should never be used for washing the covers as it can harm the fabric, particularly if it is satin. In case you have colored covers, they should be washed with cold water. Another important point to remember is that soft water should be used for washing the covers. The drawback of using hard water is that it produces soap scum and therefore makes your covers dull, rigid and uncomfortable. Moreover, you should always dry them in shady places to avoid direct contact with sunlight as it can harm the color of the cushion covers.
Even though many covers are stain resistance, you should immediately wash off any stains on your covers. If you don't do this, the stain may become permanent. It makes sense to have a small book on stain removal nearby.
Following these simple instructions will help you wash couch cushion covers.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Cleaning couch cushions
If it does not have any zipper and you intend to wash it with the stuffing and all, you should be using a front loader as it has more gentle tumbling system compared to the top load washers.
Okay, for those with removable couch cushions, just do the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the pillowcase and make sure no decorative things will come off the fabric. This will not only damage the fabric design, it will also damage your washer if the beads or those small decors come off.
Step 2: Place it in your washer's tub. Put fabric conditioner and detergent in their compartments and run it using gentle wash only. Dry it halfway and then get it from the washer and hang it some place sunny to dry completely.
As for those who wish to clean their whole couch cushion, here are the things you should do:
Step 1: You are not actually washing it per se, but you are cleaning it in a different manner. If there are spots in the fabric, you might want to spot clean it first using detergent or any cleaner.
Step 2: Use your dryer to clean it completely. Now place the pillows one at a time. This will take time so you have to be patient. Spray it with a little Febreeze first so it will smell fresh and clean. Use the lowest drying cycle and allow it to stay there for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, get it out of the dryer and fluff it.
It is not recommended to wash it using the washing machine as it can damage the foams inside and can lead lumpy couch cushions. Also, soaking the foams through can make it difficult to dry it completely. It also depends on the washer you are using. Some have more gentle features and some have features that can specifically cater to this cleaning need.