Children's bedding safety tips

Which safety tips to employ for your child will depend on age, size and other common sense factors. But the list below will help provide some guidance from which to select.

If your child is under 12 months old, you'll want to ensure that comforters and other blankets are not too thick or large. It's natural to want to ensure that your baby is warm and comfortable. But solve part of that need with clothing. Don't rely solely on blankets for that purpose.

Large comforters easily bunch up into pockets and areas of 'valley and mountain' that provide a place where the baby's face may land. It's rare, but suffocation can occur when a baby is placed on or rolls over onto the stomach. Even partial air obstruction can lead to medical problems.

Common sense dictates that any small object that could poke an eye or insert into the mouth should be removed from the bed or crib at sleep time. Every parent knows that babies and young children of all ages do move around during sleep, just as adults do. It's all too easy to accidentally sweep a small toy into an eye, nose or mouth.

Clean dry linen and blankets are another obvious common sense necessity. Most infants will eliminate sometime during sleep. Even potty trained children will sometimes continue to wet the bed or eliminate into later ages. The practice varies from one child to another and there's no easy way to predict which will or won't. Keeping the skin dry and free of waste products is essential to good health.

More subtle are the possible health effects of various materials and modern technologies.

Some modern materials are truly lifesavers. Fire resistant, non-smoking sheets and blankets have prevented many a tragedy in recent decades. Death from fire or smoke inhalation used to be much more likely than it is today. But with the importation of bedding from other countries with different standards, along with the still-existing use of non-treated bedding, the hazard does still present itself. Look for labels that offer protection.

On the flip side, it is possible (though less likely) to find bedding that contains substances that can produce rash or are manufactured in a way to produce irritants or even cuts. Loose threads can catch between the thumb and fingers that can produce bruising. Some children are sensitive to compounds that can lead to skin irritation.

Even those advertised as 'natural' (and sometimes because they're manufactured without modern techniques), sheets or blankets can cause itching or allergic reactions. Some children are allergic, for example, to hemp, a substance sometimes touted as a near miracle fiber. The best course of action is to observe your own child carefully and take note when anything new is introduced into his or her sleep environment.

Keep in mind that bedding designed for adults may not be suitable for children. Their immune systems are different and they're less likely to wake up when their brain signals a problem during sleep. Use bedding designed for children from reputable manufacturers and you'll generally be on safe ground.

Making the right desicion when choosing a mattress

There are now distinct types of mattresses (and a few sub-types) on the market. Which is best for any individual is, well, individual. To help narrow the options, here's some information about two of the most popular different types.

Inner Spring

This is one of the oldest modern styles. It's the familiar coil array that fills the interior of millions of mattresses today. In generations past, they were often weak and prone to sag. They squeaked shortly after bringing them home. Thanks to modern materials and manufacturing techniques this once-staid design has gained new life.

All other things being equal, the better coil material used, the better. Most will use 13-gauge steel alloy, which suggests that all other things aren't generally equal, since mattresses do differ. Debates rage between manufacturers about the value of wrapping coils. Whether they are or not, what is important is to reduce the coil shifting sideways when pressed down. Tying them together is one common technique, though wrapping them has long been in use, too.

Most good mattresses will have between 700-1000 coils and, again other things being equal, the higher the number the better. Some quality mattresses do use fewer coils, but on average the ones with higher number are more comfortable for a longer period.

Apart from coil material and design, much of the durability and long-term comfort of a good inner spring mattress is the result of the layering. More layers of thick egg-shell crate foam is usually better than fewer. Different layers will typically be made from different materials, with one layer being synthetic foam rubber. The top layer is often a dense, cushiony latex. Today, memory foam may well form the top layer.

Memory Foam

Going by different names from different manufacturers, this space age foam really is something new in mattresses. While the material and its use in mattresses have been around for many years now, still over 90% of mattresses sold are the inner coil type.

But memory foam is catching on. Some sleepers find it disconcerting at first. It does behave differently than a 'standard' mattress. But given a few weeks to get used to it, many will never go back to the older type. Made from a type of synthetic rubber that responds to body heat, it gently forms a valley that closely conforms to an individual.

Some common complaints are that it takes too long to do so, making the mattress appear hard, especially when turning. Others dislike the odor which typically dissipates to nothing after a few weeks. Still others simply don't or can't get used to the difference in the way it moves.

But given a break-in period, most regard it as a real back-saver. Vive la difference. The material is safe, long-lasting and provides a warm, super-comfortable surface.

Summary

Whichever your preference, do yourself a favor and try a wide variety of both types. Ultimately, the only way to choose is by feel. But getting statistics and opinions from reviews can help you narrow the options, and possibly avoid a lemon.

Granite countertops for your kitchen

Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality.

Of course there are other options beyond granite countertops. Other choices include anything from concrete countertops to corian countertops to laminate counter tops. Whatever choice you make for your solid surface countertops, take some time to research your options. Many of these choices are expensive investments in your kitchen. Learning some about your options will benefit you in the long run.

Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination.

Yet another choice is laminate countertops. This is the most common kitchen countertop available. It is synthetic, made up of colored plastics. It is available in many colors and even patterns and finishes. It is easy to upkeep and tends to be less expensive then the others mentioned.

Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime.

Accents and accessories for the bedroom

Luckily for those who love to decorate the bedroom, the job isn't finished when the bedding and furniture are picked out. There's an array of items that can form a secondary theme, or flesh out the first one.

Rugs are the first thing that come to mind. A stylish throw rug next to the bed, especially on hardwood floors, makes for a nice accent. They're practical and add to the overall look. They can be used to cover a high traffic area between an attached bathroom, as well.

Cloth wall hangings are a way to continue the color and design up into the vertical dimension. Whether a simple yarn abstract or an elaborate scene, such hangings have been a popular addition for a thousand years. Hunting scenes, peaceful pastures or any other image that integrates with the design of furniture and bedding is a good idea.

To illuminate those hangings, as well as the furniture and the overall room, a variety of lighting fixtures can be placed. The simple pole lamp has become popular in the past 20 years and the style options available today are unlimited. But track lights, hanging lamps and much more can fit the bill, too.

Those lighting fixtures can form the primary illumination for the room, or just throw a spot into a corner to add an accent. Adding shadows and bright areas uses light to make a design that alters the mood of the room any way that's desired.

For those who like another source of heat, or just an attractive decoration, a bedroom fireplace may be just the thing. They can be full sized and send out enough heat to cover the coldest nights anywhere. Or, one can select a miniature fireplace that provides a modest amount of warmth while giving maximum style.

Fireplaces for the bedroom can run on propane, special lamp oil-type fuels or even be simulated using electrical displays. They may be a modern, slender brick that gives a Scandinavian look. Or, they can provide a traditional American colonial accent that provides the perfect complement to that oak four-poster.

Bookshelves are another popular choice. Models are available that can be placed into the wall, similar to a bathroom medicine cabinet without the door. Or, the more usual type can be placed on L-supports. One interesting newer design hides the supports by using rods that insert into the shelf itself, while going into the wall in an L-shape behind the drywall or paneling.

Storage and closet organizers have expanded the usable space by making every cubic inch count. Modular designs allow for implementing more as needed. Movable shelves, wire racks and a thousand colors and patterns make it possible to find the one just right for your bedroom. Plastic, metal, wood or composite material options give you a choice perfect for your circumstances.

Don't let the decorating fun stop when you've arranged the bedding on that perfect piece of furniture. Pick out some bedroom accents that give the design that final touch.

Where have all the good contractors gone?!

Have you ever had a bad experience with a contractor (ex. painter, roofer, plumber, landscaper, carpenter etc.)? Did problems such as these occur: contractor showing up late or not at all; poor workmanship and work ethics; missed deadlines? Have you landed in court because of a bad contractor?

I can relate. Although finding a reliable and punctual contractor who takes pride in his or her work often seems impossible, contractors possessing these characteristics do exist. The key is knowing how and where to find them.

Here are a few easy ways (outside of using the yellow pages) to find contractors who will make you want to smile at the completion of the job, instead of cry:

• Ask family members, friends and associates for referrals of contractors who have worked for them. People close to you are usually more than happy to give you the name of someone who did excellent work for them.
• Visit your local home improvement center. Employees and customer service representatives (CSRs) may be able to refer quality contractors to you. Contractors patronize these centers regularly and sometimes leave business cards with the CSRs.
• Attend local home and garden shows. These shows are packed with home improvement professionals who are eager to explain and demonstrate the type of services they provide. Visit the various vendor tables/booths. Retrieve information provided by the professionals and use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have concerning your next project and your search for a contractor.
• If your city or town has a real estate association, attend one of the regular meetings. The real estate investors, agents, brokers and others who attend the meetings can refer you to quality contractors. Some contractors are members of real estate associations.

Remember, before hiring any contractor, do the following:

• Contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if the contractor is a member of the bureau. If so, obtain a copy of the bureau’s report. The report contains general information about the contractor and will inform you whether or not the contractor has a satisfactory record with the bureau. The report also contains information such as the number of complaints, if any, the contractor received within a determined period of time (usually 36 months).
• Ask the contractor to provide references and pictures (if applicable) of his or her completed work from previous jobs.
• Make sure the contractor is fully licensed and insured.
• Try to obtain a minimum of 3 price quotes for the job to be performed.

After you have selected a contractor for your project, be sure to PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING! This can save you down the road in the event that something becomes a disputable issue in court. Your contract should include a detailed description of the work to be performed; materials that will be used; timeframes (dates) for the progression and completion of the project; a cost breakdown for the project and payment information. Penalty clauses should also be included for any breach of the contract by either party. The contract should be signed and dated.

By looking for contractors in the right places and doing a little research prior to hiring a contractor, you will greatly increase your chances of having a satisfying and relatively trouble free experience that will be a win/win for you and the contractor.

The season to clean up and organize your garage

As days grow shorter and temperatures become cooler, it means the inevitable is just around the corner: everything that came out of your garage this spring needs to go back in before winter rolls around. That means you need to find room for the gardening supplies, the patio furniture, the sandbox toys and more. Not to mention corralling all the tools that you’ve used throughout the summer to tune up the bikes, fix the swing set and put together the new picnic table.

If you’re wondering where it’s all going to go, maybe it’s time to spend part of the weekend creating some order in all that chaos. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Divide and conquer

Start by separating the clutter in your garage into piles. For example, all snow shoveling equipment (shovel, ice scraper, salt) should be together, all sports paraphernalia goes in another pile, lawn care items in yet another pile … you get the picture. This will give you an idea of what you’re dealing with in terms of organizing.

Be sure to have a “throw it out” pile and a “donate it” pile. Throw away broken toys, almost empty cans of paint, and rusty garden tools. Donate sports equipment your kids have outgrown or that extra lawn edger.

A place for everything

Now you know what you need to store. Home improvement stores are a good place to start. Look for storage systems that match your needs. If your family owns bikes, consider hooks designed to hang them from the ceiling or a vertical bike rack to get the bikes off the floor and create more space. A tall storage cabinet provides a place to put out-of-season toys and tools. Shelving units or wall-mounted cabinets supply a convenient spot for sporting equipment.

Take care of your tools

For many homeowners, the garage doubles as a work area. If your tools have become scattered over the summer, or if they’re in a pile on your workbench, now’s the time to corral them. A pegboard and a good tool chest will help keep tools safe and handy. Waterloo Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of tool storage products for professionals and do-it-yourselfers, has a variety of high-quality options.

There are units that offer a bulk storage area for those large items or power tools. Many chests offer split drawers for all your small hand tools as well as a roomy top tray. If you’ve found that your tools have multiplied over the summer, and you’ve outgrown the storage in your current chest and cabinet, why not consider adding an intermediate chest to expand your tool storage capacity? Intermediates are available in most categories and stack in between your chest and cabinet to help organize your tool clutter.

Start with a clean sweep

Before you start putting all your organized stuff back into the garage, take the time to sweep the floor and hose it down to get rid of accumulated dirt and dust. If your car has been leaking oil, use a product made for this problem to get it cleaned up as well.

With a little time and compartmentalizing, it will be easier than ever to find what you’re looking for, your garage will seem roomier and it will be a more pleasant place to work.

Visual space adds value to your house

All homebuyers want as much house for their money as they can get. Many buyers are looking for a larger home because they've outgrown their current one, and especially desire more closet and cupboard space as well as larger rooms.

Visual space makes your home appear larger by allowing the buyer's eye to move from one side of the room to the other without interruption, giving the illusion of more space and openness. In contrast, a cluttered room stops the eye repeatedly and gives the illusion of less space.

In order to make your home appear larger, decluttering and removing unnecessary furniture is essential. The goal is to create a comforting atmosphere in which buyers can imagine their furniture and belongings easily fitting in. Once a buyer has this image in their mind, you're one step closer to a sale!

Follow these easy tips to add space and openness:

1. Pack away family photographs and small accessories. Family photographs make your house personal, but you want the buyer to see the house as theirs, so pack away all family pictures and mementos, including awards, trophies, plaques, etc. Small accessories (knickknacks, collections, figurines) distract the buyer by focusing on many small items instead of large, open spaces. These items should also be stored away.

2. Take small pictures off the walls. Small pictures break up the space of a wall and cause the buyer to stop and look at the pictures instead of allowing their eyes to see the wall without interruption. Keep large pictures above areas you want to highlight, such as over the bed, fireplace or sofa.

3. Leave accessories that add color and interest. A room without any accessories feels cold and sterile. Large accessories such as books, chunky candles and silk flowers should be left to give the room warmth and character.

4. Store small and unnecessary furniture. Many pieces of furniture, such as TV trays, end tables, and magazine racks can be put in a storage facility or at a friend's until you move. This immediately creates space between the larger pieces and makes the room appear more spacious. Now is a good time to decide what you'll take with you when you move and what you want to get rid of. Keep larger pieces of furniture in place (sofas, dining room tables) so the buyers can get a better idea of how their furniture will look in the space.

5. Clear off countertops. Remove all personal items in the bathrooms and kitchen. Items such as makeup, medicine and toothbrushes can be left in baskets on a shelf, to be brought out when you need them. In the kitchen, remove salt and pepper shakers, the dish rack, and small items on windowsills and on top of the stove. Clear countertops of all but large items such as canisters, a colorful cookie jar or a decorative plate. Have as few items as possible on the countertops to give the illusion of extra space.

6. Show off your closets. Perhaps number one on the buyer's "must have" list is more closet space. To make even small closets appear large, show shelf and clothes pole space by packing up and storing out-of-season clothes and sporting equipment, and donating unneeded items to charity. Now is the time to sort through all that clutter and decide what to keep and what to discard. You'll be amazed at how big your closets will look to you and your buyers!

You may think after all these changes that your house doesn't look like your own, but remember, the house you sell is not the same as the house you live in. By creating visual space, you are allowing the buyer to easily imagine integrating their life into your home - the first step to selling your home faster and for more money!

What about furniture styles for your bedroom?

It's often reported that the average person spends about one third of his or her life sleeping. But add in other activities and we actually spend much more than that in the bedroom. Shouldn't it, then, be a stylish and comfortable place to be?

Fortunately, thanks to modern materials and designs (not to mention what we sometimes don't like to admit: good marketing), any style imaginable can be delivered.

There's the classical American Colonial look. Descended from the days when a four poster was a bed, not a set of large photos of rock bands on the walls, it is still a great choice. Headboards are elegantly carved from woods such as oak or maple and look spectacular. A cloth canopy with draperies is often added.

Ironically, this style appears as the epitome of the upscale, well-to-do bedroom, yet the designs actually go back to the ordinary merchant of post-Revolutionary days. But whether it's a chest containing a down comforter or a chest of drawers that matches the rest, this style says 'solid American values'.

Asian designs became popular around the turn of the 20th century and continued on to the present. For good reason: they incorporate ancient elegance with modern esthetic ideas of efficiency and minimalism. They also make possible a range of colors that few other choices can encompass. Bright reds, sea greens and the colors of the sun and sky are all part of the Asian palette.

An armoire of slick black lacquer, inlaid with mother of pearl is one possibility. But even a simple jade or ceramic bowl on the dresser used to hold jewelry and coins can add a touch of Asia to the bedroom. That's sexy and stylish, cool and hot. This yin and yang effect of Asian bedding and furniture brings into an intimate area all the exotic and stylish attributes that culture is famous for.

What could be more comfortable than a set of pillows in Mandarin red stuffed with goose down? A throw rug in matching design to keep the feet off that cold hardwood floor is both stylish and practical. That's the Asian way.

In the 1950s Scandinavian, Swedish in particular, became all the rage. That choice remains equally popular today. It's not hard to see why. The simple elegance and clean lines of a Swedish bed frame and chest of drawers performs a double service.

It harkens back to an older style such as that of the Shakers, suggesting simplicity and peaceful living. That's always appreciated in these hectic modern times. But it also is an echo of the high-tech look that dominates computers, stereo designs and much more today. That integrates the bedroom style perfectly with other parts of the house while it provides a place of rest and quiet. The best of all possible worlds!

Whatever style suits your taste, and it could even be an eclectic mixture of many, you'll find modern bedding and bedroom furniture or accent designs available to match. Spending over a third of your life in the bedroom makes spending a little money to make it match you a great investment.

Wood shutters for that classic look

Shutters are a wonderful addition to any home. They give the home an air of warmth and comfort, a feeling of home. They can be traditional or modern, farmhouse shabby or city chic.

Shutters can be made from a variety of materials, from vinyl to faux wood. The most popular, however is wood. Wood shutters, in general, are better made than their vinyl or faux counterparts. Though they are more expensive, they also add tremendous value to your home. Additionally, wood shutters offer more choices in style and design. They can be bought for all sizes and shapes of windows. For the moment, that is simply not the case with vinyl. If you live in a historic or landmark area, preservation of the history is important. Wood shutters are far more likely to reach that goal. In fact, some custom shutter companies will guarantee that their wood shutters are historically accurate.

Wood shutters can also be used inside the home. Plantation shutters are installed inside the windows in place of blinds. These offer added privacy and shade. Though they are offered in other materials, they are most often made of wood.

Wood shutters are available in most types of wood, including cedar, pine, oak, and maple. The shutters can be etched to be louvered, paneled, or raised paneled. The type you choose simply depends on personal preference and the look of your home.

Wood shutters are relatively easy to install, and require only a few tools. Detailed instructions can be found on the Internet or at home improvement stores. Shutter manufacturers also offer instructions for installation. If you prefer to have someone else do the installing, you can hire a local contractor. Some shutter companies also offer installation at an additional price.

Baskets can help you with your home organization

Baskets are a perfect "tool" to use in organizing your home. They're often inexpensive, beautiful and functional items. And baskets are usually made of quite durable materials for the typical person's usage. You can use them in every room of your home. Use them to organize and store everything from your kitchen utensils to your bathroom towels to your child's toys.

In a way, baskets are a magical organizational tool. Why? Baskets are decorative items that hide mess right before your eyes (and those of your visitors). They're your home organization magic wand--the one that makes disarray disappear in seconds.

Here are seven types of baskets and how to use them to organize your home.

1. Stair Basket - A stair basket is shaped like the letter "L" upside down. Set one on your top step or your bottom step of your staircase. Fill the basket ongoing throughout the day with things that need to go up or down. That way you only make one trip. And whichever direction you go with it, up or down the stairs, leave it at the opposite end of the stairs once it's empty. That way your next trip with the basket will include items that go to the opposite end of your home.

2. Bushel and Peck Baskets - These look like wide, round pails and usually have swinging metal handles. They're deep baskets (that hold a bushel or a peck, for example). And unless you're a farmer (or selling produce at a farmer's market), you won't want to fill them with dozens of tomatoes, apples or other fruits and vegetable (unless you have a lot of immediate family members to feed!). Instead fill them with your children's miscellaneous toys divided into different categories for each basket (dolls, soldiers, rubber balls, etc.).

3. Wicker File Baskets - Wicker file storage baskets or boxes are becoming quite popular. You'll find them in lots of mainstream stores or specialty organizing stores. They're sort of square or rectangular shaped baskets (to accommodate hanging file folders or manila file folders). Usually the wicker file storage basket is made of rattan (because it's quite sturdy and durable). And they'll often have a lid and swinging handle so you can go mobile with the baskets from room-to-room. For instance, carry the file basket from your home office closet to the kitchen table to do your work. Just store the file basket on a shelf in your home office like you would a box. Or store the basket in the open; that's okay because wicker file baskets are much more stylish to look at than a plain paper file storage box or traditional metal filing cabinet. A wicker file basket is part of your home decor.

4. Utensil Caddy - You've probably seen these at picnics. They're a caddy or basket with dividers and a handle so you can tote it around. A picnic caddy might be used to separate the knives, forks, napkins, etc. The utensil caddy might be made of rattan or willow or something else even such as plastic. Use them in your kitchen to separate whatever you'd like (anything from straws and coffee filters to plastic forks and knives). These baskets work in the bathroom too for separating and toting toiletries.

5. Hanging Wall Pocket Baskets - These baskets, often wire or rattan, have a flat back so the basket hangs flat against the wall and a pocket opening. Stuff it with oven mitts in the kitchen. Or fill a "pot-bellied" wall pocket basket with a decorative flower arrangement and hang it in the foyer.

6. Wicker Hamper - The best thing about a wicker hamper is it's lightweight and durable. Fill it with guest pillows in storage or your child's large collection of stuffed animals. You'll find many sizes ranging from mini hampers to full-size hampers. Rattan is common in hampers. But look for rag basket/hampers too for ones that are more unique and stylish.

7. Wine Caddy - Store your bubbly in a vertical, cylindrical shaped wine caddy or tote it in one that has a top handle. A wicker wine caddy is an inexpensive way to jazz up a gift bottle of wine (and it's classier than a paper gift bag.). Just line the caddy with some colorful tissue paper that starts at the inside basket base and fluffs up all the way around the wine bottle where you can see it. Then tie some curly, sparkling streams of ribbon to the handle. When your gift recipients are done with the wine, they can use the wine caddy basket to store tall utensils.

So where do you get all these nifty baskets? From everywhere. Here are six places where you can purchase baskets (or perhaps even get them for free):

• from online stores that solely specialize in baskets
• from flea markets
• from yard sales
• from home decor bricks-and-mortar stores
• from home decor online retailers
• from friends who are discarding empty gift baskets (Ask them ahead of time to save them for you year-round.)

And don't forget, even the plainest, ugliest basket (in your opinion) can be painted or adorned and decorated in many other ways. Don't discard these functional, handmade works of art.