A word of warning upfront, if you have a wallpaper removal task ahead of you’re your in for a bit of work. Make sure you set aside a considerable amount of time for this project as you may run into tough spots and problem areas that will eat up a lot of time. Removing wallpaper however, while not a fun task, can be done quickly and easily if you are prepared.
First get the room ready. Remove everything from the room that can be removed. This includes furniture and rugs where possible. When the room is emptied cover the floor with a drop cloth in the area you will be working. This will aid in cleanup later.
Goggles and a mask are on the list first for a good reason. You will have little pieces of who knows how old paper with who know what kind of glue on it flying and dripping all over the place. Wear the goggles and the mask whenever you are doing the least bit of work.
I can’t underestimate the importance of the perforator. They come in a couple styles and sizes. Get the one that is most appropriate to the amount of paper you have to remove. The perforator is pretty simple to use. With a slight amount of pressure you roll it around the wall and it makes little divots into the paper. Be careful not to press to hard as you do not want to dig into the wall itself.
Next is preparing your solution. The commercial products work well, but I’ve had good results with warm water and vinegar. If you are going to use the commercial products, be sure to follow their instructions as to mixture ratios. For the vinegar solution, 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water is sufficient for most glues. Add more vinegar if you are having difficulties.
Ok, so we’re ready to start soaking the walls. Pick a spot, not to large, and get it thoroughly wet with your sponge and solution. Some people like to use a sprayer as well, but I find the sponge and a little pressure works better. Don’t be shy about wetting the wall. Your solution needs to soak through the paper and loosen the glue. You may have to repeat this step depending on your situation.
Now comes the scrapping. Use a blunt scrapper or even a putty knife to start with. You want to avoid nicking or gauging the wall underneath to save the trouble of spackling later on. Use slow even strokes to remove the paper. If it is loose enough it will simply melt off the wall. If not, wet it again. If you continue to have trouble, you may have to switch to the sharp scrapper. Be very careful though, of both your fingers and the wall!
Once all the paper if off, you may have to repeat this process to remove extra paper layers or even a glue layer that may be left behind. You want to get all the way down to the plaster or drywall. Then, spackle any nicks or holes smooth, clean up the mess and paint to suit. Oh, and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
About The Author
D. David Dugan has a website, http://homeimprovement.divinfo.com to help homeowners find all the information they need about remodeling, home repair, building decks and carports, room additions, and more. He also actively participates in an article directory at http://www.articlemotron.com that has current and up to date information on many topics
All we see on television in the movies is bright white smiles. With the release of several over the counter teeth whitening products over the past few years, it can be hard to know which one is going to give you the Hollywood smile that you dream about.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes generally cost between $2-$10. Several studies have been done on these toothpastes to see if they really can whiten your teeth just while you brush. Studies have shown that you they can help a bit, and also that the same results can be achieved with normal toothpastes with a little extra brushing every day. The simple fact is that the toothpastes doesn’t sit on your teeth for long enough to actually bleach any discoloring that is present.
Bleaching Trays
Bleaching trays are usually obtained through a dentist. What happens is that the dentist will take an impression of your teeth, and make a mold. You will then have to wear that mold with bleaching solution in it for a certain amount of time each day. Experts all agree that this is the most effective method however the price is more than most people are willing to pay. Bleaching trays can cost between $300-$2000. If this is a method you are interesting in I would recommend talking to your dentist for more information.
Over the Counter
There are several brands of over the counter whiteners. The two largest ones that I am familiar with are Crest Whitestrips, and Colgate Night Effects. Both of these products work in a similar way although have completely different application. Crest Whitestrips are small plastic strips, that you rap around the upper and bottom sections of your teeth. The bleaching solution is on one side of the strip, and rests along your teeth while you wear the strips. You must wear the product twice a day for 30minutes for two weeks.
Colgate Night Effects is a paste, that is "painted" on your teeth before you go to bed, for 14 days as well. I have personally tested out both of these products and have found that most others agree that the Crest Whitestrips are the superior method. I noticed a much greater level of whitening after using the Whitestrips, and was much more impressed with the ease of application, and the time involved in using them. Whitestrips are simple to use, and can be used anywhere. I’ve popped them on at work, and no one will even notice that I’m wearing them. Crest Night Effects are a bit cheaper of a solution and if you don’t mind waking up with a chalky feeling in your mouth, they might be the product for you.
Before trying out any bleaching solution I would recommend talking to your dentist, as he or she knows your teeth the best, and will be able to guide you in the right direction.
Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.
Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Toothwhitening Area. Which is a great web directory and information center on Tooth Whitening and related issues like Teeth Bleaching.
Written by admin · Filed Under Beauty
Just about every expert in the ADD field will tell you that exercise is one of the best ADD management strategies there is. According to the book Delivered from Distraction:
“When a person exercises, she sets in motion a cascade of events that her brain loves. She sends more blood to her brain. With more blood comes more oxygen. Exercise also stimulates the release of a plethora of nutrients, hormones, chemical precursors of neurotransmitters, growth factors and cleansing agents that bathe the brain in precisely what it needs to function at its best.”
From Delivered from Distraction by Edward Hallowell, M.D. and John Ratey, M.D. Copyright 2005. Page 219.
And in addition to the health and focus benefits, exercise feels good. So why don’t we do it more?
For many adults with ADD, the answer to that question is “boredom”. When exercise becomes boring for an ADDer, it becomes something to avoid.
Here are 4 strategies for alleviating the boredom associated with exercise:
1. Get out of the Gym
Many ADDers join gyms with a lot of excitement, only to find that their enthusiasm wears out quickly. Being on a stationary bike, treadmill, or stair climber for 30 minutes begins to seem like torture after a while.
Instead of feeling forced to get your exercise at this gym, take these activities outside. Walk or bike around the neighborhood, or find some real stairs to climb! Change of scenery goes a long way in alleviating boredom.
2. Follow the Seasons
Find seasonal activities that you might enjoy. In the winter, skiing, ice skating and snow showing are great forms of exercise. In the summer, the choices are almost limitless: team sports, swimming, rollerblading, biking, etc.
3. Join an Activity Club or Take a Class
A great way to ensure that you get regular exercise is to follow some pre-set structure. Exercise classes that meet once or twice a week for an hour or so will really help you shape up. Try dance or martial arts classes for a good workout!
Or, if there is a physical activity that you really love, but never allow yourself the time to enjoy, give yourself permission to join an activity club. You’ll meet new people, spend more time on what you enjoy, and get your exercise in the process.
4. Use Music
If you must go to the gym, bring along some headphones and some fun music. It will keep your energy level up, and will allow you to focus on something a little more interesting than the wall in front of your exercise equipment.
Exercise is an excellent tool for managing ADD. It offers many physical and mental health benefits, and it can be a lot of fun! Remember, when an ADDer starts to get bored with exercise, it’s time to mix it up.
Note: Always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages clients to increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents, and create realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer’s free email newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm
You can have different water pond designs, however ones that don’t restrict water movement are the best. What I mean by that is you don’t want to have a backyard pond with tight corners in it where it will be hard for water to circulate.
The best water pond designs are round, oblong, or kidney shape. They look the nicest when finished off with lots of different flowers and plants around them. They seem to look more natural than say a square one. I’m sure there are plenty of nice looking square ones though.
Everyone has their own tastes on what they like and what they don’t. I highly suggest that you have a waterfall for your pond. The sound of the water rushing over the rocks is very relaxing and it looks great, it also helps aerate the water for the fish.
Flat pieces of sandstone stacked around the pond give it a very natural look and is very popular as far as water pond designs go. Other things that can be used are fieldstone, pebbles, bricks, mulch, or any combination thereof. Just use your imagination.
When you are designing your pond, please keep in mind that if you are going to have pumps and filters, you’re going to need an electrical supply nearby and don’t forget some kind of water supply.
Your best bet is to search around the Internet and look at different pond pictures and decide what you want to go with, there’s a lot of information out there to be had. I hope this helps a little with your question about water pond designs.
Robert Dorrance has had a pond for the last eight years and would like to share his experiences with you. Be sure to come by and download the free e-book, How To Build A Beautiful Backyard Pond. Find out more at http://www.Backyard-Pond-Guide.com
Many young people don’t know how to study efficiently and effectively. By knowing how to study students maximize their time, improve their learning and also reduce stress. Research indicates that successful students follow smart study habits to maximize their effectiveness.
Here are eight smart study habits you can help your secondary school student develop at home:
1. Listen carefully when assignments are given at school. Your student should be aware of what each assignment requires and what teachers expect. Careful listening is an often-neglected study skill.
2. Study at a suitable time. Students need to set aside regular time within their most productive hours.
3. Choose a study area free from distractions. Studying smart requires concentration so encourage your student to eliminate distractions such as telephones, television and loud music.
4. Review the day’s work. This enables a student to recall what was done and plan ahead.
5. Allot time for each task. Set aside short periods for study that require your young person to concentrate better and reduce the chance of boredom.
6. Complete one assignment or task at a time. It helps sometimes if a student completes easier tasks first that will allow time for the harder ones. This also helps prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed with work.
7. Take regular short breaks to renew energy. The habit of taking a break helps productivity, but a break should last no more than five minutes.
8. Review completed work periodically. Check over the work you have done to check for errors and omissions.
9. Review each subject periodically so that you stay on top of concepts taught. Allocate a subject a day to review for five or ten minutes each day.
10. Ask for help if needed. Successful students have a habit of using the help and assistance that teachers and other adults offer.
Encourage these smart study skills to become habits rather than activities that young people do once in a while. It is their consistency that makes them such a potent force for young students.
Michael Grose is The Parent Coach. For seventeen years he has been helping parents deal with the rigours of raising kids and survive!! For information about Michael’s Parent Coaching programs or just some fine advice and ideas to help you raise confident kids and resilient teenagers visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au
Pregnant with her first child, Jill could barely contain her excitement over the dreams and hopes she cherished for her unborn baby, whom she had already named Mara (she was so sure it was a girl). She practiced the lullabies she would sing as she nursed Mara close to her breast. She imagined how Mara’s eyes would light up on Christmas mornings. She dreamt of Mara’s first day at school, her first date, and her college graduation. She even imagined how Mara might look in her wedding gown.
Suddenly, on a bleak November morning in the fourth month of her pregnancy, Jill miscarried. Like a sandcastle swept away in high tide, her precious dreams dissolved in an ocean of despair. It turned out that a normally harmless medication prescribed by Jill’s doctor produced an allergic reaction, causing a miscarriage. Though Jill later gave birth to three healthy children, she never stopped grieving for her precious Mara.
Jill’s anguish is incomprehensibel to those of us who have never lost a child. Equally incomprensible is the grief our heavenly Father must feel when the dreams He cherishes for His beloved children never reach fruiton. Considering the wealth of potential residing in each of us, His heart must agonize over gifts that are never developed, callings that are never embraced, and purpose that is never fulfilled.
People often say, “God has a purpose for your life.” That’s true. But it’s also true that we have a vital part to play in whether or not that purpose is realized.
Just as newly conceived embryo needs the nurturing environment of her mother’s womb to gestate and mature, divine purpose must also be nurtured in a healthy environment. That environment is your heart - often referred to in the Bible as your spirit. And the condition of your heart will have a powerful influence on whether or not you reach your divine potential.
The Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Prov. 4:23)
Nowhere else does the Bible use the phase, “Above all else.” Clearly, guarding your heart should be a top priority.
Your heart is the wellspring of life. Whether or not the wellspring issuing from your heart brings forth sweet waters or bitter depends entirely upon you. From your heart flows purpose or mediocrity, success or failure, joy or depression. Your heart will define your attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, and choices — ultimately, they mould your destiny.
Heart Toxins
“You are what you eat” is not only a true maxim for physical health; it also applies to the heart. Regularly ingest “heart junk food”, and every area of your life will suffer.
A caring expectant mother would never intentionally harm her unborn child by ingesting toxic substances or refusing a nutritious diet. But it’s surprising how many people neglect caring for their hearts.
Just as physical toxins can damage an unborn child in his mother’s womb, heart toxins will hinder your gifts, dreams and purpose from maturing to their divine potential.
Heart toxins come in many forms. External sources may include books, TV programs, and Internet sites promoting themes such as violence, sexual perversion, selfishness, and hatred.
A counselor friend told me about a client who came to him for help, overcome with guilt because of intense sexual desire for his two young daughters. During the session, this man admitted reading pornographic materials, including those depicting sex between adults and children. He insisted there was no connection between his pornographic reading habits and the lust he felt towards his daughters.
“There’s nothing wrong with reading pornography,” he said. “It doesn’t affect me. It can’t hurt anyone.” He felt terrible guilt and confusion about the lust he had for his daughters. But he refused to see the link between the junk he was feeding into his mind and his perverted emotions.
Most sex offenders are avid consumers of pornography. This reflects a basic life principle: garbage in, garbage out.
Internal heart toxins are equally damaging. These represent thoughts and emotions such as anger, bitterness, worry, hatred, pride, and impure lusts. If you dwell on these negative thoughts and emotions, your faith will weaken and you’ll block the river of God’s Spirit from flowing through your life.
Heart Nutrients
A responsible expectant mother is not merely concerned with avoiding nicotine, alcohol and carcinogens; she is also conscientious about getting proper nutrition. She drinks more milk. She eats more protein. She may take vitamins or other supplements.
Likewise, we must invest the time to learn about the nutrients that will benefit our hearts. Following are three potent “heart vitamins” that will nurture your heart, build your faith, and empower you to embrace your purpose.
Prayer
Spending time each day in God’s presence will nourish your heart and inspire you with fresh vision.
Recently I went hiking with my sister and a friend in the mountains of British Columbia. The trail started at the creek bed of the Sinclair Canyon; then wound up, and up, and up. We were amazed at how different the mountains, valleys and canyon looked from different vantage points on the way up the trail. From the vantage point at the highest point of the trail, the canyon walls that had seemed so huge and overpowering from the creek bed now seemed small and insignificant.
Prayer takes you to the high vantage point of viewing life from the perspective of God’s greatness, rather than viewing it from the perspective of personal limitations and obstacles. Instead of looking up at your problems and feeling as though they are huge and insurmountable, you see them from the perspective of God’s power and majesty.
As you spend time in God’s presence and focus on him, your heart will be nourished with peace, grace and power - providing a fertile environment for your dreams to thrive.
Positive Thinking
Another key to nourishing your heart is to discipline your thought life. Our thoughts and emotions are inextricably linked. Next time you are feeling depressed or angry, check your thought life. What thoughts were going through your mind when you began to feel depressed?
The Bible says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7) In other words, the person you become will reflect your thought life.
We must train our minds in much the same way that a soldier trains for military action. Like any soldier, you must be committed, disciplined and consistent. Disciplining your mind not only means immediately and aggressively rejecting negative thoughts the moment they come to mind; but also habitually training your mind to focus on positive, godly thoughts.
The Bible provides practical advice for our minds. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (Phil. 5:8)
Creative Activities
Finally, nurture your heart with creative activities and hobbies. Ask yourself, “What stirs creativity, vision and inspiration in me?”
For me, spending time in nature refuels my creativity and nourishes my heart. Besides reminding me of the awesome majesty of my Creator, nature calms my spirit, renews my faith and inspires fresh vision. Playing the piano and writing are other activities that nourish my creativity.
If you love nature, schedule time on a regular basis to enjoy your favorite outdoor haunts. If you love art, visit art museums. If you love music, attend concerts. If you love flowers, plant the most extravagant one in the neighborhood. If you have always wanted to try painting, take a course. Who cares if you never sell a painting? That’s not the point. The point is to cultivate and express the creative nature that God placed in you.
Find at least one creative hobby and make it a part of your schedule. Never say that you don’t have time. You’ll be a better person and you’ll have more to give to others if you take time to nurture your own heart.
Never forget: All of life flows your heart. Your heart is the very seat of your dreams and the womb of your divine destiny. In light of that, I suggest you make a “healthy heart’ your number one priority.
Judy Rushfeldt is an author, speaker, and online magazine publisher (http://www.LifeToolsforWomen.com) whose passion is to help women reach their dreams. Her latest book, Making Your Dreams Your Destiny - a woman’s guide to awakening your passions and fulfilling your purpose, is available in quality bookstores in Canada and in the United States. You can read more about this book and order online at: http://www.MakingYourDreams.com
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