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Common Sense Home Security Tips

Friday, 13 June 2008 07:00 Daniel Amezcua Home Design - Interior Design

Is it just me, or do we spend more time worrying about the safety of our computers these days than the safety of our own homes? You’ve got firewalls and virus protection for your CPU, but have you changed your door locks since you moved into your house? Do you have ladders, tools, and other things lying around your yard that a burglar could use to break a window and access your home? Do you have an alarm system you never arm? Windows you leave open? Doors left unlocked? When was the last time you walked around your house and, thinking like a burglar, considered just how easy it would be to break in? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Let’s take a look at some smart security tips that can help make your home safer for you and your family. And guess what? Most of them are easier to implement than the security software loaded on your computer. First off, remember that in general burglars will avoid occupied houses. That doesn’t mean your family is always safe when they’re home, however. There always exceptions to the rule, and you shouldn’t assume that nothing can ever happen just because someone is there. If a burglar breaks in while you’re not there, your belongings are at risk. If a burglar breaks in when your family is home, your family is at risk as well.

by The Onion Movie

Now that I’ve got you thinking, let’s look at some measures you can follow in order to minimize the risk of being targeted. Keys: Don’t hand out keys to friends, even if they’re trustworthy. Make sure you know the location of all your house keys all the time. Never use hide-a-keys or leave the key under the doormat, above the door, in a flowerpot, or anywhere outside the house. You may think you’re being clever, but guess what? Burglars know all the tricks. It’s their job to (however despicable). Also, it’s a good idea to keep your car keys and house keys on a different ring if you ever use valet parking or leave your keys with parking lot attendants or even at a repair garage. Don’t let strangers in the house: Adults have no problem telling this rule to their kids, but they don’t realize it should apply to them too! Home security means being cautious. Even before you open the front door to accept a package, you should ask for photo identification. This goes for anyone you don’t recognize. Don’t assume someone is "legit" just because they are wearing a uniform or driving some company’s truck (these things can be stolen). If somebody comes to your door and asks to make a phone call, offer to make it for them, but don’t let them some inside. If someone looks like they’re injured, call 911, but don’t open the door. When you walk away to make that call, lock the door behind you; you don’t want to leave the door unlocked and unmanned. A chain on the door helps insure people can’t force their way in while you’re home.

by tinney

Locks: Keep your doors and windows locked, even if you’re at home. Get your children into this habit, too. It’s too easy to forget an open window when you leave the house, and that provides an easy way in for burglars. Don’t assume a second story window is out of reach for a thief. They’re good at finding ways in. Don’t be predictable: If you always leave home at the same time every day and return at the same time, thieves can easily memorize your routine to take advantage of the times you’re not at home. Work is work, and you probably can’t change those hours, but if you always go to a class or the grocery store at the same time, try to make yourself less predictable. You can also consider automatic timers for your lights and electronics, to make it seem when someone is home, even when they’re not. Valuables shouldn’t be on display: I know you want to show off your hard-won plasma TV, but if somebody can look in your window and see your wallet, credit cards, purse, jewelry, or fancy electronics in open sight, they’re going to be tempted. A computer or television placed in front of a ground-floor window may make an easy target. Likewise, electronics placed across from a window are easily visible, too. In a similar vein, don’t leave your garage doors open for the world to see all the cool stuff you have in storage. Lightweight items could be snatched away quickly and easily. Be mindful of your trash: Just bought a new entertainment system? There’s no need to tell the world about it. A bunch of empty boxes out by the curb is an open invitation to would-be burglars. Instead of putting boxes out in plain sight, cut them down, and stuff them in trash bags. Also be wary of identity theft. Never put personal identification information in your trash until it’s been shredded. Be alert: Try to be aware of your surroundings on a day-to-day basis, even in your own neighborhood. This doesn’t mean walking around like a crazy paranoid person; just get in the habit of watching for suspicious activity. Paying attention to the simple things can make you and your family much less of a target. Burglar alarms and home security systems are great investments, but common sense prevention is the best way to stay safe. © By: TC Thorn. TC Thorn is a freelance writer and the webmaster for Home Security Tips. Read more Articles on Home Security at FileBlogs.com

Architecture - Building Green Homes And Buildings

Thursday, 05 June 2008 07:00 Daniel Amezcua Home Design - Interior Design

By Wai Ping-Chim

Everything is going green from cars to clothes to what we eat and where we vacation. Green buildings are the next step in the crusade for the environment and are no longer restricted to private homes or eccentric designers. Going green has several benefits for the building owners and for the environment. The only downside for many is construction cost since eco friendly building materials do tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional materials. Most are fine with the increase in prices since it will pay off in the long run with reductions in the price of utilities. Going green is becoming very popular with over 50,000 such homes being constructed in just the past decade alone. Whole communities devoted to being ecologically friendly are springing up and even professional buildings are joining the cause. At this rate, many experts believe that a majority of new homes and buildings will soon be all green with older structures being converted in an effort to reduce energy costs and consumption.

There are a large number of materials available on the market today that can be used in the construction of environmentally friendly buildings. From the outside, to the inside, savvy builders are implementing new technology and reused materials in a way that benefits the environment. In fact, many cities and states are looking into implementing guidelines requiring new buildings to be more eco-friendly. There are many companies offering green building materials for the exterior and interior. Before beginning construction it is important to consider a few key points that will help determine what type of eco friendly materials should be used in construction. With the variety of construction materials some of the materials will not be suitable in every environment. Builders have to take into consideration what it will take to heat and cool buildings during the winter and summer months when energy consumption for homes and offices are higher. If the materials used make it more difficult to keep the home cool then it will still be damaging to the environment even if the material is eco-friendly in itself. The importance of recycled materials is worth repeating. There are several building materials on the market that are created using recycled content. Concrete, pipes, carpet, all have recycled counterparts. By buying recycled goods, the consumer is helping complete the cycle that reduces landfill waste and strains on the environment.

Of course, it is wise to purchase eco-friendly materials locally when possible. Most do not take transportation cost into consideration when ordering construction materials. Purchasing local materials will cut down the effects of transportation such as gas usage and harmful emissions. So, what are some specific benefits of building green? These vary in several fields but all have an overreaching benefit. With the reduction of waste and harmful effects that buildings have on the environment, it will improve the quality of life. Building a green home or building will aid in improving air and water quality which is becoming a major concern for communities the world over. By using recycled materials, these green buildings will help to conserve natural resources that are being rapidly depleted. The overall operating costs of green buildings have proven to be cheaper in the long run then traditional buildings. As more green buildings sprout up, the demand for them grows creating a very healthy trend that is pretty much guaranteed to continue throughout the years. The Green Pages is the leading environmentally friendly directory for people who want to shop smarter to help the environment. To help Mother Nature, please visit Eco Services. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Installing A Trellis

Wednesday, 14 May 2008 06:00 Daniel Amezcua Home Design - Interior Design

A

trellis can provide a sensational addition to any veranda, regardless of the style you have and what kind of room you have available. If you are considering adding some to your existing layout however, it's a good idea to sit down and consider where you want to install it before you start.

Trellis is extremely versatile, which makes it ideal for using with any kind of veranda. From the complicated designs to the simple ones, whatever you choose provides a way of softening the design of your veranda and introducing more greenery at the same time. It can also close off your space from prying eyes, should you want a little more privacy.

Begin by sketching out a rough plan of your veranda and mark out where you might want to include some trellis. There are several different types you could go for - if you have a large section of blank wall that you would like to liven up you could attach a single piece of trellis to it. On the other hand a trellis gateway to link your veranda with your garden can look sensational once you have flowers and climbing plants trailing all over it.

Decorate With Style - Decorate Feng Shui

Wednesday, 04 June 2008 07:00 Daniel Amezcua Home Design - Interior Design

By: Danielle Bradshaw

It is said that the way your house looks represents you. We spend a lot of time at home and this is why it should be a place where we enjoy staying and which fills us with positive thoughts and energy. This is exactly what Feng Shui does, it helps us feel better and fills us with positive energy. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese knowledge that examines the natural and build environment. Feng Shui literally means wind and water and it is an amalgamation of ancient Chinese mathematics, interior design, architecture and simple rules of good housekeeping. It is a popular practice that is being applied to home and work places in order to create a balanced environment. Feng Shui has quickly evolved from a new age trend to a widely spread decorating phenomenon between professional decorators and amateurs alike. Decorating in the Feng Shui style involves the movement of energy and moving blocked areas so that the energy moves at a balanced pace around the entire home. To be able to move the energy professionals and amateurs use many types of tools such as: mirrors, water, plants, color, sound, scent, etc.

The aim of Feng Shui decorating is to balance the energy levels and redirect harmful energy.

Colors in Feng Shui. In China decorating with red brings good luck. Red is said to be the only color of good fortune. In Feng Shui yellow is considered an Imperial color that many Feng Shui masters make use of and some of them consider it more beneficial than red. Green is considered to be the color of freshness, peace and growth. Darker decorative colors can be either relaxing or depressing, light colors can be uplifting or annoying, extreme colors can be exhilarating or aggravating. Wealth area and Family area have as the main element wood. In Feng Shui you should decorate with plants which have healthy leaves. Silk plants are allowed but do NOT decorate with dried plants because they symbolize ill health. It is recommended to add some blue items to this area because it represents water and water helps wood to grow. In Feng Shui, decorating with fish is a symbol of wealth. An inwards pointed ship laden with cargo is symbolic of excellent opportunities for new sources of income. In Feng Shui birds such as robin or oriole and the 3-legged toad are symbols of wealth. Fame and Reputation area has fire as the main element so decorating with red is a good idea. Decorating with red and fire elements brings luck and recognition. Fire is represented by light so many fixtures, floor lamps, ceiling fans and candles are good choices for decorating. Adding the element of wood to this area helps because it fuels fire according to the element's creative cycle. Health, Relationship and Knowledge areas have as the main element earth. When choosing colors for this area focus on orange, red, yellow and even brown. In Feng Shui it is said that fire produces earth so you should add some light and red to the mix of earthy colors. Children, Creativity area and Helpful People area have metal as the main element. Decorating with metallic wind chimes calling in the energy or other metals like wrought iron are a nice choice. In Feng Shui silver and gold bring good fortune too. Recommended colors for these areas are the mettalic ones, white and also earthy tones. The Career area has as the main element water. Thus decorating with too much water brings negativity. Water in small amounts such as a fountain, an aquarium or a painting with water is excellent. Black and white are the best colors for this area. The Chinese Dragon ( Dom Jang) is a popular Feng Shui symbol which brings good fortune and works well with a water fountain improving your career area. With Feng Shui decorating you can incorporate various elements such as lighting, placement of furniture, mirrors and landscaping to optimize the human potential in a healthy environment. The aim of Feng Shui decorating is to balance the energy levels and redirect harmful energy. Danielle Bradshaw is the chief editor of DesignShell.Com, the free online resource with design tips and a href="http://www.designshell.com/" target="_blank">home design articles about everything you need to know before starting the adventure of creating your dream home. Link: www.DesignShell.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Bradshaw http://EzineArticles.com/?Decorate-With-Style---Decorate-Feng-Shui&id=1197477

Color Combos for 2008

Friday, 20 June 2008 07:00 Daniel Amezcua Home Design - Interior Design

There are some really exciting trends going on for color combinations this year. Here are some of the most popular:

Going Green: Let's face it, the world is going green. Now-a-days it is so much easier to be environmentally conscious than it was even five years ago. It used to be the tree-hugging, granola-eating, Birkenstoch-wearing type of people who would make an effort to help our environment. But with new technology and more innovative ways, going green is not only simple, but it can be beautiful as well. Therefore, the trend of going green has spilled over into a very popular color combination. This is more of a monochromatic (one color, but in different shades) scheme. Anything and everything from deep pine greens, to sage, to your classic green-apple work well together. One thing to keep in mind when going monochromatic: it's best if you break up the color with your neutrals (black, white, and brown) and texture.

Classy Elegance: Your traditional black and white is really popping up this year. Again, because there isn't much, it's best to add interest in the room with texture and one accent color. By adding texture, the room will feel very elegant and chic. And having one accent color will add drama. This color combination is best if used in the master suite or guest suite.

Home Lovin': Our country is going through a lot right now. We're in war, the economy is struggling, and we're always on the go with some sort of electronic attached to us. When people come home they want to feel secure and loved. Imagine one of your grandma's cross-stitched pieces with all the deep, rich colors in it: Cranberry Red, Pumpkin Orange, Chocolate Brown, Mustard Yellow, and Hunter Green. While these colors are your typical autumn colors, they are definitely being used year-round and in all rooms. Rachel Hagen has quickly established herself as one of Utah's most sought-after young interior designers. She has been quoted in design magazines, highlighted as a speaker at women's conferences on the subject of fashion and design, and is a featured designer in the 2008 Utah Parade of Homes. Visit her website, RachelHagenDesign.com, for more information or her blog, EleganceRedefined.com, for more inspiration.