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7 Tips On How To Buy The Perfect Engagement Ring On A Budget

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The day you propose to your special someone may be the most important day of your life.  When you’ve found that person that you want to share your life with, you want to give her the ring of her dreams; however, with the current state of the economy, your budget may not allow it.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t find a beautiful engagement ring.  Here are some tips on how to find a gorgeous ring, without breaking the bank.

1.     Determine how much you can afford. 

The old saying is that one should spend two months’ salary on a diamond engagement ring.  Times have definitely changed.  While you want to buy a fabulous ring that will impress your girlfriend, you don’t want to enter a marriage in debt.  Find out how much money you can comfortably afford.  If it isn’t much, you can always switch her ring with a larger replacement ring when your financial situation improves.

2.     Consider a non-traditional alternative.

Many people are using various stones in their engagement settings.  Unique and unusual stones, such as rubies or sapphires, are usually less expensive than a diamond.  Find a stone that has a special meaning to you, maybe her birthstone or her favorite jewel.   Keep in mind, that the ring you choose should be based on your relationship, and not the price tag.

3.     Buy synthetic.

If your girlfriend is more traditional and has her heart set on a diamond ring, you might want to opt for a fake diamond ring.  New advancements have made these synthetic counterparts look less perfect, and more like actual diamonds.  They are the perfect alternative to classic diamonds, and much more affordable.

4.     Choose an inexpensive band.

Platinum seems to be the most popular choice when it comes to choosing a band for your ring.  Although platinum is a quality material, consider using gold or white gold instead.  White gold closely resembles platinum, and is much more affordable.

5.     Consider antique.

Not only does an antique ring possess a beauty from another time period, but it has a history all its own.  Whether you use your great grandmother’s ring, or you purchase a classic ring from an antique shop, your girlfriend won’t be able to refuse your proposal.

6.     Educate yourself.

Before you visit the jewelers, educate yourself on the basics of engagement rings.  Make sure that you understand what to look for in a ring, as well as what price ranges to expect.  Knowing the various terms that are used will improve your communications with the jeweler.

7.     Shop around.

Never buy a ring from the first jeweler that you visit.  Be sure to shop around in order to compare the prices, and quality of the merchandise.  Since the internet allows you to shop at many different stores in a short amount of time, it’s a great way to see what is out there before visiting the various jewelry stores.

Whether you choose to take your girlfriend with you to pick out the special ring, or you want it to be a complete surprise, buying an engagement ring is an exciting process.  Purchasing a ring that you can afford will get you off to a great start.

Attached Images:
  •  License: Image author owned

Author courtesy of Moissanite.com by Charles and Colvard.





5 Quick Tips for Creative Photographs of Children

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As cliché as it may sound, we often hear the phrases, “they are only little once,” and “a picture is worth 1,000 words.” Since this is the case, you will want to ensure to take plenty of pictures of your baby, so you can look back and cherish the memories for the rest of your life. However, you do not want to make the mistake that most people do, which is to have a bunch of pictures that look practically identical with the exception of the child being a different age in each picture. We have done the research for you and came up with five quick tips for creative photographs of children.

Different Angles

First of all, you, nor anyone else you show the pictures to, wants to feel like they are looking at duplicate pictures with the exception of the child’s age and the clothes they are wearing. For this reason, you should try to vary the angles of your shoots. For instance, you could take some full-body portraits in some pictures, while you could have the angle looking up, down or from the side in others.

Zoom

In some pictures, you will want to capture your child with a cute background, such as in front of their playhouse or toys. However, there will be other times where you just want to focus in on your baby’s stunning eyes. You can accomplish either task by zooming in or out.

Caught Off-Guard

One thing that many parents have done in the past that they end up regretting is only having professional pictures or pictures they carefully choreographed taken. For this reason, we have found that your best bet is to catch your child off-guard when you take some of the pictures. If you see them making their infamous “pouty” face, quickly take their picture. In other words, you do not want to just have a bunch of pictures of them with a plain background and a cheesy smile on their face.

Bring it to Life

Another mistake many people have made is to take a bunch of generic-looking pictures of their kids. Instead, you should bring the photographs to life by using various special effects and angles as aforementioned. However, if you want the maximum effect, you should try to catch them when they are crawling around for the first time or playing with their favorite toys.

Lighting

Finally, you do not want every picture to have the same lighting. You can change up the lighting a bit by taking some pictures indoors and others outside. Additionally, you can create homemade backgrounds, such as using their favorite blanket, to make the photographs even more personal.

While your baby may keep you up all night and flat out wear you out, you should cherish these years because they are only young once. However, you are only capable of remembering so much about your child’s baby years, so you will really regret it if you do not have a wide variety of their baby pictures.

Attached Images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=children+photography&ex=1

About Author

Betty Pierce is a photography enthusiast from New York who first started using a rangefinder before switching to DSLR. She hopes to eventually work with Dr. Mark Antman; founder of the famous stock photography agency, Image Works.

How to Make a Small Bedroom Stylish

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A small bedroom doesn’t have to limit your decorating abilities. There are so many ways you can turn that small bedroom into a stylish retreat. Whether you create an accent wall or choose the right furniture, the room can be just as beautiful as a large master suite. The following are just a few tips on how to make a small bedroom stylish.

Create an Accent Wall

A great way to add interest to a small bedroom is to create an accent wall. This is easily done by placing the bed’s headboard on that wall, but to jazz up the wall, you’ll want to paint it another color or add high-quality wallpaper that makes it stand out. Because you’re decorating such a small room, you can afford to spend more money on high-quality, unique touches.

Add Trendy Colors and Finishes

Colors and finishes make the room. In a small bedroom, chances are you will only need one gallon of paint. To make the process easier, choose a paint that has the primer and paint all in one. This ensures you’ll only need one coat. Decorators recommend neutral colors in small bedrooms, but don’t be afraid of dark colors. The myth is that it makes the room appear smaller, but a color cannot change the size of a room. In fact, dark colors can be very cozy. Adding a bright white trim can also make the room more stylish. When it comes to metallic finishes brushed bronze or brushed stainless are very hot right now.

Buy Furniture That Fits the Room

If you can afford to purchase new furniture, purchase pieces that fit the room. Furniture that actually fits the size of the room will instantly make the room feel larger because you’ll have more space. While you may want a king-sized bed, a queen will probably be a better fit. Of course, you can always keep the king if you’re willing to omit extra dressers and storage pieces.

Make the Room Inviting

A small bedroom doesn’t have to be a turn off, by adding an accent wall, you’re already on the way to making the room more inviting. By adding a few of your favorite accessories, fluffy bedding, and different types of lighting, you can make the room truly inviting.

Cut the Clutter

Last, but not least, as you put the room back together, take the time to cut the clutter. Place items in three piles donate, throw away, and keep. Remember, the fewer things go back in the room, the more inviting and stylish the room will be.

Don’t overlook decorating your bedroom because it’s small. Take the time to add the perfect touches so that the room is stylish and inviting.

About the Author: Bok Dunnaway and his wife spent a great deal of time searching for the perfect Manhattan apartment, but that mean small rooms. They purchased a modern bedroom set and have worked hard to make their small space into a home.

New Bathroom Technology For The Modern Home

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Technology has infiltrated every aspect of home design. State of the art kitchen appliances, home theaters, sophisticated timing systems that turn house lights and air conditioning units on or off and elaborate home audio systems are just some examples of technology that has influenced the overall atmosphere of the home. Not to be overlooked, bathrooms are now rising to meet the standard of technology set elsewhere in today’s modern home. Listed below are 10 of the most inspiring innovations trending in contemporary bathroom design:

1. Hidden televisions:

A flat screen TV cleverly hidden behind a special mirror is a cutting-edge innovation in bathroom technology. The unseen TV is only visible when turned on. At all other times, it appears as a beautiful mirror. This is a great way for users to keep up with the news or their sports teams even while getting ready for the day.

2. Digital water temperature:

The digital thermostatic valve, or DTV, electronic control system is a high-tech way to control water temperature and settings in the bath or shower. Most DTVs allow users to set and save their personal preferences for temperature, and it procures this information when each person is showering. Some models even allow users to turn the shower on from another room via remote control.

3. Towel warmers:

The towel warmer gives users the ability to heat their towels on a warming rack while they shower. When they step out of the shower, there is a warm towel waiting to make their transition from hot shower to cold room more comfortable.

4. Mirror defoggers:

Another common annoyance people face after showering is a fogged mirror. Mirror defoggers are just the solution needed for this frequent occurrence. Special mirrors with defoggers built-in mean that they will stay fog free even in very steamy bathrooms.

5. Heated floors:

Walking across cold bathroom tiles in the morning or after a shower is unpleasant. Thankfully, electronic under floor heating is now available. It comes in a mesh style that goes directly under the bathroom tiles. Thermostatic controls give users the ability to maintain the floor temperature they prefer. In addition, they often have timers that turn the heaters off or on automatically according to programmed settings. This enables users to wake up to a warm bathroom floor each morning.

6. Luxury shower heads:

The latest advancement in shower head technology is large shower heads that produce a rain-like effect. These shower heads are installed in the center of the shower and are aimed directly down. They often have several settings that include differing types of rain-like water flow from drizzle to down pour. Some even have massage settings and colored lights that shine within the falling water to create a beautiful effect. These shower heads are sure to have users singing in the rain.

7. Toilets and toilet seats:

Innovations in toilets and toilet seats are astounding. There are now tankless toilets that rely on electricity to flush. Moreover, some companies are designing their toilets with touchless technology that means users never have to open or close the lid with their hands thanks to sensors that automatically shut the lid after use. There are even some models that incorporate all the aforementioned features and have heated toilet seats and lighting within the toilet bowl for midnight trips to the bathroom.

8. Touchless faucets:

Another great addition to the technologically advanced bathroom is touchless sink faucets. These sensors on the faucet sense a user’s hand underneath the spout and turn on. The touchless faucet is a great way to minimize the spreading of germs especially in bathrooms that are used by multiple people.

9. iPod dock toilet tissue holder:

In the high-tech bathroom everything gets revamped even the toilet tissue holder. There are now moisture resistant toilet paper holders that double as an iPod dock, charger and player. Speakers are built right into the sides of the holder to project the sound outward.

10. Bathtubs:

Last, but certainly not least is the high-tech bathtub. Now available are tubs integrated with luxurious massage jets that users can control via controls located on the side of the tub. There are also some models that come with built-in TVs, digital thermostats, iPod docks, DVD players, radios and colored lights that create a beautiful effect in the water.

In a society that demands the very best when it comes to technology and design, bathroom innovations are now increasing to meet this requirement. The 10 technological inventions listed above make bathrooms just as high-tech as any other room in the house.

Attached Images:

Eric Blair writes about interior design and spicing up any bathroom with the proper use of unique oval wall mirrors.

Trendy Decorating Tips For Battery Operated Tea Lights

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Right now, do it yourself decorating is at the height of popularity. All you need to do is turn on your television or laptop. Home decorating shows, blogs, and social networks like Pinterest, provide thousands of unique and affordable ideas. With winter just around the corner, many people are looking for easy ways to help your home look welcoming and festive. As the days get shorter, decorating with lights is a great way to go. During winter months, there are fewer hours of natural light. By using tea lights and other decorative sources of illumination, your home can seem like a paradise amidst the cold weather.

 

Different Types of Tea Lights

One of the reasons that tea lights are a popular alternative to other types of candles is that they are enclosed in a canister, meaning they will not drip wax. This makes them a great decorating piece for any room in the house. They can even be used in wreaths and centerpieces. Traditional tea lights are also available in different colors, sizes, and with various aromas and other features.

Battery operated tea lights are also a great option because they do not pose a fire hazard. LED tea lights burn for 50,000 hours or more so you can plan to use them season after season and year after year without needing to purchase replacements.

Enclosed Tea Lights

One of the most common ways to decorate with tea lights is to place them in some sort of container or holder. You can even create your own tea light holder by hollowing out a small pumpkin or gourde, an apple, or another type of fruit or vegetable, depending on the season and your decorating theme. Although tea lights may be mostly enclosed, their glow will be just enough to draw attention to your handmade centerpiece or decoration.

Glass Holders

Placing tea lights in a glass holder is one of the most classic options. Whether you are using fine crystal, colored glass, or even clear glass, the radiance of your tea light decoration can add elegance to any room. You can easily purchase glass containers for tea lights at a local thrift store or online. You can use one that was specifically designed for use with tea lights, or repurpose another type of glass.

Rows of Light

One of the best ways to decorate with tea lights is to line them up along a window sill, countertop, or on a table. Using multiple lights is a very striking choice that looks great in many different areas. You can even use them outside to decorate the walkway up to your house, or create a border around a pool area or patio in your backyard.

Floating Lights

Another classic choice for decorating with tea lights is to place them in a decorative bowl or vase filled with water. By adding another decorative element to the bowl, such as flower petals or citrus fruit, you can create a simple, yet lovely, decorating piece that will add elegant luminescence to your home.

Using these basic ideas, you can create your own decorations using tea lights. With a little bit of creativity, tea lights are one of the most affordable and attractive home decorating elements.

Attached Images:
  •  License: Image author owned

Article courtesy of Battery Operated Candles, the best idea in candles since wax. Battery operated tea lights are perfect for every occasion and offer unparalleled safety.

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