Friday 22 June 2012

Bathrooms in Hollywood


Whether featuring in classic movies or in the celebrity gossip columns, bathrooms have always been a big hit in Hollywood.

Bathrooms may seem like an unlikely star of the silver screen, but they seem to make as much of an appearance as some of Tinseltown’s most famous names. Stories about celebrities taking drugs or having illicit liaisons in nightclub and restaurant bathrooms are rife. Then there are the bathrooms famous for appearing in some of Hollywood’s best loved movies, across all genres from thrillers to chick flicks. Here are just some of the ways bathrooms play a starring role in Los Angeles.

Hollywood Bathrooms: Love in the Loos
Celebrity magazines love nothing more than a story about an A-list pair getting cosy in bathrooms about town. New celeb couple Kate Hudson and Lance Armstrong were recently caught out in the men’s room at a Dolce & Gabbana party in Cannes. A witness said they found Kate Hudson washing a man’s shirt in the sink and when asked what she was doing, she blushed and laughed, then Lance walked out of a bathroom stall topless.

Hollywood Bathrooms: Lewd in the Loos
Perhaps one of the most famous A-list bathroom scandals took place in 1998, when George Michael was arrested in the men’s toilets at the Will Rogers Memorial Park in LA. The singer was charged with lewd conduct, and released on bail.

Hollywood Bathrooms: Drugs on Film
Another pastime for LA’s wild child stars is taking drugs in bathroom stalls. The A-lister most famous for being caught is Lindsay Lohan, whose cocaine-fuelled antics are no secret. Gossip columns report that a ‘friend’ recently filmed her taking the Class A drug in the bathrooms at Teddy’s nightclub in the Roosevelt Hotel, just 20 days after she left rehab. The star had even been caught out whilst she was actually at rehab. Staff found her in a compromising position with a fellow addict in bathroom stalls that she was meant to be cleaning, before she failed a drugs test.

Hollywood Bathrooms: The Funny Side
Not all A-listers use bathrooms for sleazy purposes. At the 2007 American Cinematheque Julia Roberts tribute – an award given to her for 20 years on the big screen – Ocean’s Eleven co-stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt made a comedy sketch set in bathroom stalls.

Hollywood Bathrooms on Screen
Bathrooms have featured in some of Hollywood’s best-loved movie moments, from the slasher sequence of Psycho to the bath tub scene in Pretty Woman. Other famous bathroom scenes include Cher dressed as a mermaid in Mermaids, Ewan McGregor diving into a filthy toilet in Trainspotting, and Ben Stiller ‘preparing’ for a date in There’s Something About Mary, with comic consequences. http://www.homeanddesign.com/

Bathroom Sale Tips


Bathroom sale bargains are hard to resist, from basins to cast iron baths. After all, who could say no to discounts of hundreds of pounds on full bathroom suites or the latest designer showers? But in order to bag the best bargains, you need to know where to look, how to shop and when to be there. Follow this guide to bathroom sale shopping and beat the crowds to the best deals.


Bathroom Sale Tip 1: Do Your Research
The first thing you must always do before heading to a bathroom sale is to do your research to find out where the best bargains are going to be. Keep an eye out for TV and newspaper advertising and note down the discounts being offered. Go onto websites and into stores, and ask to be given an idea of which products are going to be put on sale. This way you can go to the most likely places for a good deal, and ignore the time wasters who may only knock off the odd fifty quid.


Bathroom Sale Tip 2: Make a List
Bathroom sales can be dangerous – to your bank account at least. Surrounded by amazing offers, you may be tempted to spend, spend, spend. The downside of this is coming home with items you didn’t really need for the bathroom, and feeling ripped of (and impoverished). Make a strict shopping list before you hit the high street and stick to it.


Bathroom Sale Tip 3: Good Timing
There’s no point turning up to a Boxing Day bathroom sale at lunchtime if it opened at 8am. All the best bargains will be long gone. Make the extra effort to get to the store at least an hour before its advertised opening time, and be prepared to queue in the cold. If you really want to save money, this tactic will really pay off as you’ll be first into the showroom.


Bathroom Sale Tip 5: Concentrate
Once you’re inside the showroom, don’t be distracted by what other people are doing, or by exciting discounts being displayed on products you don’t ant. Head straight for the section you’re interested in and use your eagle eyes to spot the best product at the best prices. With so much noise and activity around, you will have to concentrate hard. But it will be worth it. 


Bathroom Sale Tip 6: Be Ruthless
This is not a time to be generous to others. If you want to walk out of that bathroom sale showroom with the best bargains, then you’re going to have to forget your manners and get ruthless. Don’t feel bad about elbowing people out of your way, and as soon as you’ve spotted the item you want, make an immediate claim to it. Spread yourself across the top of a bath if you have to!

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Go eco with your cleaning products


When you are spring cleaning you will no doubt end up using an array of products, containing various chemicals which are damaging to the environment when they are inevitably washed back into the water system. However, it is possible to get your place clean and tidy with new eco friendly cleaning products UK.  

Carpets and rugs

For your carpets and rugs there is now an ecologically sound cleaner that does no harm to the environment and won’t stink out your home either, as many carpet cleaners do.

Chewing gum – gone!

Chewing gum is a real pain, whether it gets into your clothes or on your furniture. In the past, to get rid of gum, you had to use strong chemicals, but thankfully that is no longer the case. Today you can use an environmentally friendly gum remover which is solvent and silicone free.

Bathrooms

Private and even public bathrooms can now be kept clean and fresh with eco friendly cleaning products, so great news for homeowners and businesses alike.

Friday 8 June 2012

Windows to the Soul


If you are lucky enough to live in Worcestershire, one of the biggest assets you can give your home is a set of beautiful, expansive windows. To find out more visit http://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/article/529157/Energy-Saving-Windows-Do-they-work-.html

If you have a conservatory or are thinking of building one, buying beautiful conservatory windows is a must. Why? Because Worcestershire’s main feature and attraction is its gorgeous countryside. The region attracts many visitors who simply wish to take in the glorious landscape. If you live in the area, having a home that makes the outdoors a feature is one way of improving the quality of your lifestyle.

A Breath of Country Air

Survey after survey reveals the numerous benefits the outdoors can bring. Being surrounded by gorgeous vistas framed by bespoke windows is the best way to really make the most of country living. Bringing the outdoors in with expansive windows can add value to your property and to your life. Countryside views offer a peaceful, relaxing environment, turning your property into a desirable home.

Worcestershire Attractions

Depending on where you live in Worcestershire, there are countless breathtaking views to be had. From the Malvern Hills, the Wyre Forest, the Vale of Evesham and the Teme Valley – the Cotswolds are in reach too, as is Lickey Hills – with such a vast array of green spaces, homeowners can really make the most of their views. Windows can work in the same way a frame does, showing off a perfect piece of artwork – helping you bring the beautiful outdoors into your home.
Increasingly in interior design, windows are becoming a main feature thanks to the current trend for maximising the use of glass in properties. Huge windows ensure that light floods through a home, making the space look and feel airier and attractive.


Double Glazing Windows UK Expert Help On Hand


The world of double glazing windows is continually evolving with new glass technology emerging continually like Guardian Film. For the consumer, this is both welcome news but can also be confusing as the number of choices can at times be overwhelming.



In environmental terms, the development behind the latest double glazing is welcome, as the insulation properties are getting ever better. Durability and longevity of the finished double glazing is also a key development, again leading to products that will last longer, and in turn a much needed limitation on the drain on resources.

The number of companies that are offering double glazed windows has also grown exponentially and this again has a benefit in terms of competition, but also added some element of confusion. With all companies claiming to be the best, how does the consumer find truly the best option?

For a region specific consumer in UK, how does the consumer truly find the best windows UK has to offer?

  • Showroom. Anyone claiming to have the best windows the UK has to offer should have a showroom. Consumers want to see the product for themselves and a visual demonstration speaks volumes.

  • Sales material. Having looked at a huge range of windows, the consumer will want to take sales collateral to view at their own pace. Windows technology and options are huge and sales materials will clearly showcase the values of each type of window on offer.

  • Testimonials. Anyone claiming to offer the best windows UK has to offer should have a list of happy clients happy to endorse their windows, service and product offering.

  • No pressure sales. Choosing the right windows UK has to offer should be done at your own pace. Avoid anyone offering high-pressure, limited windows sales.

How to Make the Most of Your Garden Furniture

Beautiful garden furniture can transform your property and make it attractive to potential buyers.  It can help you boost your house value and it can also improve your standard of living.  Garden furniture can turn your garden into a stylish party venue, a great sanctuary to relax, and an outdoor living space which can also add another reception area to entertain your guests. To find out more visit http://www.gardenvisit.com/blog/
Whether it’s rain or shine, the great outdoors can still be enjoyed. Here are some fantastic ways you can make the most of your garden furniture:
  1. Throw garden parties – the British summer isn’t always predictable and rainy showers are never too far away, so make the most of the hot weather with garden parties.  Enjoying your garden with friends and family will make your investment in garden furniture feel so much more worthwhile.
  2. Kids birthday parties – when it come to children’s parties, many parents turn to local venues and hire out halls / areas where children can play, eat and dance.  With garden furniture, you can easily turn your garden into the perfect outdoor party  area for your little ones.
  3. Barbeques – everyone loves a good barbeque.  Whether it’s just a small one with the family or a big do with invitations to friends and neighbours, garden furniture can give you a great place to sit down and relax.
  4. Al fresco dining – this is an extremely European way of dining, and more and more Brits are catching on to the trend.  Al fresco dining is suitable for all meals of the day; breakfast, brunch, lunch, late afternoon tea or dinner.

Create a Romantic Home with Garden Swing Chairs

Romance is one of the biggest themes of interior design, and over recent years it has returned with strength, after country cottage furnishings have inspired homeowners to return to primitive decor.  A romantic theme can be created throughout your property from the interior details to the external furnishings, and garden swing chairs have become one of the favourite design pieces for the home and garden. They can easily be stored away over winter in garden sheds from companies like http://www.asgardsss.co.uk/.

Garden swing chairs can turn an ordinary outdoor space into tranquil area for rest and entertainment. It adds a wonderful bohemian edge to your property, and guests will find it to be a great talking point at parties. So how else can you add to this look?
Ideas for Creating Romance in the Garden
  • Roses – traditional flowers such as roses are timeless. A traditional English cottage garden is the perfect place for garden swing chairs and benches, and roses – of every shape and colour – make the perfect addition to your theme.
  • Charming accessories – it’s all about the finer details. Decorating your garden with pretty watering cans and charming pieces can help to bring the whole look together.
  • Water features – water features such as fountains really add a level of tranquillity and elegance to a garden. Teamed with garden swing chairs, the overall look can be beautiful, inspiring and truly romantic in every way.
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Why Pine Furniture is so Popular



Pine furniture is one of the most sought out types of furniture in the UK. So what’s the secret of the popularity of pine? To find out more visit http://www.pippajamesoninteriors.co.uk/2011/design-post/a-guide-to-shabby-chic-furniture-painting/

Pine furniture exudes warmth and beauty. Not only does it offer the natural elegance of wood, but pine furniture is a sustainable choice. Pine is a soft wood that takes ten years to grow, explaining why pine furniture is usually more affordable than hardwoods that take decades and decades to mature. Pine furniture in the UK more often than not is from sustainable sources and is FSC-certified. The Forest Stewardship Council promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests to help safeguard the planet.

Pine Furniture: Working Class Hero

In fact, the affordability of pine furniture has somewhat shaped its popularity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, pine furniture production boomed. The Industrial Revolution resulted in a housing boom and with it an increased demand for furniture. Whereas the upper classes opted for expensive hardwoods such as oak and beech, pine furniture took its proud place in history as the wood of choice for the working classes.

Pine Furniture: A Flexible Choice

The popularity of pine furniture and the fact it has endured today has more to do with its flexibility and contemporary quality. Unlike hard woods, pine furniture captures the warmth of wood without the heaviness and old fashioned quality a hard wood exudes. Pine furniture can sit easily with a range of styles and tastes, creating a light modern feel that still exudes quality and durability. Additionally, pine furniture can be easily stained or treated to resemble other woods or to create a distressed antique look. Pine furniture is the ultimate in flexible furniture, making it a popular choice for homeowners all over the UK.

For Flexible Designs

Pine furniture is also the perfect type of furniture if you want to achieve the shabby chic look that’s currently all the rage. Pine lends itself to flexibility – and the shabby chic appeal is all about transforming furniture to look used aged and slightly battered. Painting pine furniture white and getting to work with a wire brush is a good way to get that shabby chic vibe. Pine furniture has a complex and textured grain that gives instant character if you want to achieve a bohemian shabby chic look.

Mirrored Wardrobes – Make Your Bedroom Look Bigger


The bedroom should be a haven of undisturbed sleep and relaxation, but most bedrooms lack space - mirrored wardrobes can make your bedroom look and feel bigger.  Look for beautiful bedroom furniture from specialist retailers like And So To Bed.



When it comes to bedroom furniture, the two most prominent features are the bed and the wardrobe.  Both are equally as fundamental to the bedroom layout, and both can take up a large amount of space.  But when ergonomics is a problem, how can you create that feeling of spaciousness?  Mirrored wardrobes could help to open up the room and bring natural light into your home. 

Space is in the Eye of the Beholder

Space can often be an illusion.  There are so many ways of fooling the eye to believe that there is space when there simply isn't. From use of mirrors to clever lighting, neutral colours to coordinated furniture, there is an entire book of tricks that could help to make your bedroom appear bigger and feel more spacious.  Matching wardrobes and beds can also help to create continuity in the room and are often less interrupting.

Wardrobes are a key feature in any bedroom and a clever wardrobe choice can create the appearance of more space.  A well organised wardrobe makes good storage for unnecessary clutter and mirrored wardrobes can help to bounce natural light around the room.

Wardrobes that Light up Your Life

Mirrored wardrobes will save you floor space, and they will also reflect the natural light around the room.  Any room will look larger if it is well-lit, either by natural light or artificial light.  Installed track lighting and recessed lighting can help to give your bedroom a burst of light when the weather is poor. 

Mirrored wardrobes can come in many variations – wardrobes with sliding doors can blend easily into your bedroom interior, free standing wardrobes with mirrors can look grand a make a great bedroom feature, and wardrobes with just one mirror panel can break up a large block of colour.