Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Water Gardens Tranquility

By: Daniel Roshard

If you have a spacious backyard you have probably spend considerable time debating what you should do with it. For some families it becomes a play space, essentially filled with climbing equipment, a sandbox and toys. For other families they want to utilize the space by creating an oasis and a refuge from the daily stresses of life.

Water garden can be the key to that retreat. If you have the space and the inclination you can create a water garden in your back yard that will become a focal point. A water garden can be either large or small and can even include a fish or two. It has been a known fact the water and especially running water have a soothing affect, from the ancient roman fountains to the indoor Zen pools and waterfalls, people have always liked to relax by water, not a surprising fact when you remember that humans are made, in part, by water.

Finding the water garden of your dreams may prove to be a serious task, with many different things to consider, you will have to put in some time for research if you want to get the most for your money. Many garden centers have displays of water gardens for their customers to see. If you see one there that you like you can inquire if they have the water garden plans for that particular design, try and build it yourself, or get the plans and find a professional to do it for you.

If you don’t have access to a specialized garden center consider visiting your local home improvement store. In the spring and summer months most have an area that focuses on gardens and accessories. They will generally have several different water garden plans for you to look at and choose from. The internet is also a good place to look for information about water gardens and what you need for them.

Once you’ve perused the water garden plans and chosen the one for you it’s time to gather together the supplies and get to work. It may seem like a daunting task at first glance but in reality with the proper equipment, some patience and some helping hands you can build your own water garden that you and your family will enjoy for many years.

If you are especially creative why not bypass the traditional water garden plans and design one of your own. Make it a reflection of your own personal taste and style. You can incorporate some of the ideas from water gardens you’ve already seen along with the vision you have. It will become a one of a kind masterpiece.

Water gardens are a wonderful thing, pleasing to eyes and calming the soul this can be your place to relax and forget about the troubles of the world, good luck finding and building your own water garden and I wish you and your family many happy and calm moment by your new attraction – the water garden.

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About the Author:
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Want To Improve Home Decor And Reduce Stress? Try An Indoor Fountain

By: Bill Urell

There are not many things as lovely to watch or as pleasant to listen to as the soothing sounds of an indoor fountain. If selected and purchased with care, and maintained properly, an indoor fountain will continue to give pleasure for many years to come.

Naturally, one of the most important things to keep in mind when selecting an indoor fountain is whether it goes well with your home decor or clashes with it. For example, a minimalist Chinese design will look out of place in an elaborate Victorian Style room, but it may go beautifully in an elegant modern room. A fountain in a room that doesn't suit it will stand out like a sore thumb and look out of place, not the effect you want to achieve! Select your fountain with your room in mind, and you'll save a lot of hassle and the need to redecorate down the line.

It is not necessary to seek out or purchase the most expensive fountain you can find, but you should avoid very cheap ones, unless there's a good reason for them to be so cheap (a well-known brand on sale at a store going out of business, for example). You should always make sure to get an indoor fountain with at least a one year limited warranty. You don't want to have to replace your fountain every six months, and if something does go wrong in six months, you at least want to know that you don't have to pay for replacing it. An indoor fountain becomes more than just a piece of room decor; it becomes part of the fabric of your life, a little piece of stability and tranquility no matter what life throws your way. You want one that will last and be pleasing to the eye and ear.

Lastly, a word about maintaince and care. Some fountains may come with care instructions; follow these carefully, to the letter. If your indoor fountain doesn't come with instructions for proper care, there are still some things that can be done to keep it working at its peak efficiency for a long time to come. Make plans to change the water out at least once every three months. If you have pets, or your house stays fairly dusty, it should be done every month. Clean the fountain itself every six months or so with warm water and mild dish soap. Above all, keep it free of debris. Floating flowers in it may be romantic, but if even one petal clogs the filter, it can be a pain to clean and repair.

About the Author:
Start your life over with and start drug and alcohol addiction recovery.The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading drug addiction treatment center. He teaches healthy life styles and life skills. Tell your story! Visit: http://www.AddictionTreatmentResources.com


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Is a Water Fountain the Solution to your Decor Issues?

By: Julien Raynal

Water has an innate quality of bringing in serenity and peace. Water fountains are interesting and nice to watch, both for the children and the grown ups. Water soothes frayed nerves by its continuous motion, with no sudden jarring movement – unlike water falls that have variations in the volume of water flowing based on the level of water in the river that feeds them.

In fact there are a number of books on Feng Shui that suggest having small water fountains inside the home or in the lawns to bring in peace, harmony, and relaxation. Water fountains serve as good humidifiers in allowing water to evaporate and provide the environment with a cooler atmosphere. Water fountains are soothing and relaxing, possibly because they bring a constant flow of water, eliminating abrupt changes in the normal flow of the water.

Water fountains come in various designs and creative patterns. There are floor fountains, wall fountains, and desktop varieties of water fountains.

Large size fountains are great fun to watch. Some of the very nice and popular fountains are present in United States. For example, the water fountains in the Bellagio Casino of Las Vegas number more than one thousand and they are part a beautiful song and dance show every day. The fountains move and throw water in special patterns, their heights rise and fall based on the pitch of the songs. Another large size water fountain that is a pleasure to the eyes is the one in Chicago, called the Buckingham water fountain, which was presented by the English and is even maintained by them.

Interior wall water fountains can fill a room with a relaxing sound. These can be as small as a paper pad or as large as to occupy one whole wall. These normally adorn executive offices, lobbies, and homes. These come in various shapes and sizes as well as in different materials like glass, marble, cement, plexi glass and metals like steel or copper. The only requirements for these fountains are a source of water, strong wall support and electricity to circulate the water back to the top. These come in straight designs or in different shapes – either straight or using shapes like leaves or sea shells to get the water from top to the bottom.

Desktop water fountains are those that can adorn office desks, and create a pleasant environment compensating for the pressures of work life. Water fountains come with decorations that can enhance the surroundings, providing an interesting and sophisticated look using colored lights or angels. Staggered leaves allow a gradual flow of water. Pebbles allow water to seep through and sometimes can even glow in the dark. Such desktop or counter top water fountains can also be used for homes in kitchens, living rooms or bedrooms where they provide a good continuous flow of water and soothing sounds to enhance the peaceful environment of the house.

Desktop varieties of water fountains are relatively easy to maintain and clean. Basically the water level comes down, as it continuously evaporates and needs to be replenished. It would be good practice to clean the adornments like pebbles, copper containers, and small items placed for decoration purposes. If not well attended to for a long time, water fountains can form a green curtain of moss.

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About the Author:
We are dedicated to promoting and helping our visitors learn more about camping and hiking. Hiking and camping are some of the best ways to connect with nature and present an affordable way to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Achieving A Peaceful And Relaxed Home With Do-It-Yourself Indoor Fountains

By: John Morris

Water fountains in indoor settings have become quite a buzzword among home decorators and owners like you in the last few years. This is not surprising, since indoor fountains give you a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, as the water quietly runs in the fountain. Stores can attest to the popularity of indoor fountains. A look at stores in malls and on the Internet results in a lot of indoor fountains being sold. But what happens if you can’t find your indoor fountain of your dreams in the malls or in the various websites? Do not fret. Actually, there are many of you that do not seem to find what they think are the right indoor fountains for them.

Having a beautiful and elegant indoor water fountain does not always have to be the same with what other people have just because you bought yours from a store or in the Internet. And, no, you don’t want to pay for a fountain with an extremely steep price just to avoid having a commonly owned fountain. Try doing it on your own. The sound of the trickling water from a fountain you did might prove to be more peaceful and relaxing than the mass-produced ones.

I. Build Your Own Indoor Fountain

If you can’t find an indoor fountain in the market that could match your personal taste, lifestyle, and uses, why not make your own? Making your own indoor fountain is cheaper than buying it in a store or online. Generally, making one would cost you around $40. There are a number of variations available in making your own water fountain, but the instructions in making one are very basic.

II. Materials

- for base, you could use a waterproof container
- aquarium pump that is submersible; easily available in garden centers or at fish stores
- copper pipe with diameter of half an inch
- easy-to-use pipe cutter that costs around $2.50 only
- silicone glue - when this dries up, the glue becomes clear
- two pieces of elbow joints
- reducer that goes on top of your pump
- t-bar
- a copper piece
- beautiful and appealing rocks which you will be using for your foundation to stabilize the fountain and make the foundation more sturdy

III. Building Steps:

1. Put the pump into your container

Since the pump hole is relatively smaller compared with copper fittings, you must add the reducer. By this time, you are prepared in putting the first arm of your copper foundation.

On the pipe’s outer edge, put some silicone. Then put together the pieces one by one. Before putting the top pipe over it, you must have some holes pre-drilled. You can pre-drill using a drill bit with a one-eighth-inch size. This will make your fountain have the perfect flow. You must remember all the time that the copper frame size should fit snugly into your container, allowing the water to freely circulate.

2. Check if its top part is aligned

The top part is aligned if the water perfectly flows right into your container. Expect that the final arm will be longer since the pump will elevate it. Place the joint first, as this will make the arm secured. Measure then the pipe. Cut down the excess part.

3. Keep it stabilized

Adding a number of beautiful and large stones should make the weight heavier. After putting the large stones, put some small river pebbles. And then add water.

4. Go From There

Now you have the basic foundation for your indoor fountain! From there, you can design it based on your imagination, for the look of your fountain is limitless and depends on how imaginative and creative you can get. For just starters, you could improve your fountain look by putting dried flowers and grasses. Arrange them. If you plan on installing a fountain right inside your kitchen, you might want this example. You could create your base foundation using a used or old copper pan. Flatten it using a hammer. Then suspend the flatware using copper wire.


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For more great advice to help you have a fun, safe and enjoyable pregnancy, visit http://www.mommy-mommy.com. The place to find fun baby names, and new baby advice.

Now You Can Discover the Best Kept Secret to Beautiful Gardens

By: John Savage

Garden ponds and fountains were once mainly for the very rich. Today, anyone can have a garden pond. A fountain or waterfall can be included almost anyplace--even if your "yard" is limited to a patio or balcony.

Adding water to your patio can be as simple as setting out a shallow dish of water for use as a birdbath. Any shallow container at least 6 inches wide and a half-inch deep will work. Pie pans, garbage can lids, or flowerpot bases work well in small spaces. Fill the container with clean water and wash it every day or two. The wildlife attracted to the water will depend on where you place the container. Containers set on the ground usually attract the greatest number of wildlife species, from birds and butterflies to squirrels and toads. Hanging birdbaths or ones on pedestals will be restricted to those creatures that can fly or jump high enough to reach the water, and give birds a chance to escape from neighborhood cats and other predators.

If you want to grow water plants--and perhaps add a fish or two--you can add a tub garden to your patio or yard. Many products are on the market today. Frequently, half whiskey kegs with plastic liners are used. Numerous plastic tub gardens are available in a variety of sizes and have the advantage of being lightweight and inexpensive. Small pumps can be added to any of these containers to allow for fountains or cascades of water. Moving water is pleasant to listen to and attractive to wildlife.

Here are some considerations before adding a small tub pond to your patio or yard.

If you want to grow water plants, choose a container that is at least a foot deep. While some water plants do well in shallow water, other species--including some water lilies--require deeper water.
Consider adding a variety of plant species. Depending on the depth of your tub, place pots of plants either on the bottom or on bricks to achieve the proper depth. Floating plants such as duckweed also can be added. Floating plants reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the water, which helps reduce the growth of algae. When adding potted plants, place a layer of stones on top of the soil before setting the pots in the water. This will help hold the soil in place and help prevent any fish from "digging" into the pots.
If you live in a cold climate, consider what you will do with the tub garden in the winter. Small tubs can be moved inside if a suitable location is available. Other tubs may need to be drained to prevent damage from freezing.
Caution: Use caution and take security measures if small children have access to your pond. Even small tub gardens can be hazardous. If you intend to have a fountain or waterfall, be sure a grounded electrical outlet is available.

Above all, have fun. Water gardens provide habitat for wildlife, but also can be an enjoyable hobby for you and your family.

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About the Author:
john savage is director of the Bible Network and more info is available by Clicking Here

PacificOutdoorLivingPro.com: Pondless Waterfalls

By: Terry Morrill

Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful and spectacular sights in nature. People travel hundreds or thousands of miles to see the awesome sight of one of the world’s mighty waterfalls. But even smaller waterfalls are relaxing and give one a feeling of tranquility and connection with nature. The sights and sounds of running water are like nothing else in nature.

There are many homeowners that would love to be able to enjoy the relaxing sights and sound of a backyard waterfall, but don’t currently have the space or budget to install a full-sized pond. Others are concerned about the safety of their young children wandering into the pond.

For such homeowners, the pondless waterfall is a great solution, and is one of the fastest growing sectors of the water feature installation industry. For the landscape contractor, a pondless waterfall is another option he can offer to clients. Or, if a landscape contractor is looking to newly get into building water features, pondless waterfalls are a great way to start.

The way a pondless waterfall works is: water flows down the stream and waterfall and then falls into a layer of gravel. Below the gravel is a hole lined with watertight liner and filled with layers of porous material. The water falls through these layers and collects at the bottom, where a pump sends the water back up to the top of the waterfall. The hole is deep enough so that when the waterfall pump is turned off, the water just collects down in the hole without spreading across your yard.

Aquascape, the leading manufacturer of pond products and pond equipment, has recently come out with a new product called an AquaBasin, for use with pondless waterfalls, fountains and “disappearing” fountains. One simply digs a hold and then places the 4-foot wide basin into it. The basin collects the water and a pump placed inside pumps it back up again. The AquaBasin greatly simplifies the installation of a pondless waterfall, disappearing fountain or other type of fountain.

A pondless waterfall can be designed and installed for a fraction of the cost of a full pond. Ease of installation makes the pondless waterfall the ideal water feature for a contractor looking to get into the highly profitable business of installing water features.

Pondless waterfalls are also far easier to maintain for homeowners. There is no pond; therefore there are no fish to care for. There is no concern about algae. The only real maintenance is to occasionally clean the filter, and add water occasionally to make up for evaporation. Another benefit of not having a pond with fish is that the pump does not need to run constantly to provide aeration. You can switch it on at certain times of the day or only when desired. The pump will then last much longer and cost less to use than it would with a pond.

The joy of the pondless waterfall is that it gives the sound and beauty of a waterfall without the many problems associated with the pond. As this option is becoming more common, more water feature installation companies are offering this option to the public.

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Terry Morrill is the CEO of Pacific Outdoor Living Pro Division (http://www.pacificoutdoorlivingpro.com), which is a distributor of Aquascape pond installation products. The company is located in Sun Valley, CA. Pacific Pavingstone, also owned by Terry Morrill, has twice been listed on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing companies in America, and this year is listed on the Inc. 5000 list.

Tips For Picking Perfect Wedding Jewelry

By: Lee Dobbins

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable believes of your life and you want everything to be perfect from the ceremony to the gown to the jewelry. Selecting the perfect wedding jewelry can not only make your wedding day more memorable something that you can treasure for the rest of your life and also has an annual to pass down to your children for their wedding day.

If you are lucky enough to have heirloom jewelry to wear on your wedding day and the choices are simple. You can wear what you were given however if you haven't been given an entire set of jewelry you will need to find matches to complete the set. Since you're heirloom jewelry is most likely antique the best place to look for matches is in an antique store. You can find antique stores most anywhere and also online. When looking at vintage orientate jewelry be sure to check the jewelry over to make sure there is no missing stones or excessive wear.

If you don't have any heirloom jewelry then it's up to you by jewelry and create heirlooms for your children. One thing you want to consider is the quality of the tools and how long they'll last over time. Wedding jewelry doesn't need to be expensive but if you want handed down to future generations you'll need to buy something that will last.

Here's some tips on how to choose the perfect wedding jewelry:

One thing to consider when buying jewelry is the shape of your face. If you have a wide jaw and you want to choose jewelry that doesn't call attention to this. In this case she would want to choose long looking jewelry such as necklaces with long pendant lariat and long earrings.

It's your hairstyle is another consideration if you're wearing a long do you want to be sure that you earrings can be seen if you're wearing your hair out then small earrings might be consideration. However if you want to accentuate your knack then you probably want to wear some great chandelier earrings or long Drippy shoulder duster's.

You want to keep your jewelry elegant and simple. You want to jewelry to accentuate the moment but not overshadow the beautiful glow of the bride.

Many brides have a preference whether they like silver or gold if you want to spend a lot of money you can opt for sterling silver which is certainly a shiny and beautiful as gold. Diamonds, of course, are always a good choice if you can use many other gemstones to add some color to the day. Just be sure that the jewelry does not draw attention away from the beautiful bridal dress.

Pearls are a traditional bridal jewelry choice. They look great and enhance almost any complexion and always match perfect with the bridal dress. Even if the brightest choosing off-white you can choose cream-colored pearls for your wedding jewelry and still have an elegant look.

No matter what you choose for wedding jewelry you want to be sure to care for them properly so that they last for years to come. While diamonds are hard and aren't easily damaged pearls and other gemstones are softer and you will need to handle them with care. Be sure to store them in a protected area where they can't rub up against other jewelry and get scratched. Always be careful when cleaning any kind of pearls or gemstones that you do not use harsh chemicals that might damage the stone. Periodic cleaning using the proper methods can go one way to making your jewels last a lifetime.

Choosing your wedding jewelry should be one of the fun tasks of your wedding planning. Be sure to pick jewelry that you can wear on other occasions and your wedding jewels will always be a reminder of your beautiful day.

Our wedding jewelry will keep your blessed event in the minds of your friends and family for many years to come.

About the Author:
Learn more about decorating small bedrooms at http://www.decorate411.com where you can learn how to put big style in small rooms.

Choosing Gifts for Your Bridal Party

By: Natasha Young

Standing with you at your wedding are those most close to you. What gift do you give to a person who's meant so much to you in your life? It's always best to make it personal. The customary thing to do is to give the people who will be standing with you a unique and personal gift to show them how much you've appreciated the time and attention they've spent to make your special day. The wedding day will be focused on the bride and groom. The gifts are meant as a 'thank you'.

Traditionally, gifts are given to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer and parents of the bride and groom. There are a few traditional gifts for each individual wedding helper. You must remember that the best gift is going to be personal. You don't have to break the bank to let someone understand that you appreciate their attention and friendship.

Bridesmaids are traditionally given jewelery to wear with their dresses as part of their gift. A personalized message could make it extra special with their name, the date or their initials. A bracelet, necklace, anklet, ring or earrings are fine gifts, and will give your loved ones a sense of status at your wedding. A gift they can wear for years to come, again and again, will remind them of just how important they are in your life.

Groomsmen are also given gifts. These gifts aren't as flashy as the gifts generally given to bridesmaids, but they will show them you care just the same. The traditional gift for a groomsmen is something they can keep in their pocket. Personalized cuff-links, a pocket watch or an engraved money clip are all special gifts that will show them that they're appreciated.

It's perfectly acceptable to give your flower girl child sized jewelery as their gift to wear at the wedding. A pearl bracelet, a necklace or an engraved jewelery box. The ring bearer might be intrigued with his own set of engraved cuff-links, or a bracelet with his name and date to remind him of the special day. Indeed these two special people in your life will cherish the gifts for a long time to come.

Your mother(s) deserve a special gift that acknowledges the new person in the family. A necklace or bracelet with her name or initials would be exceptional. A wonderful gift would be a piece of jewelery with birthstones of all of her kids, including the new one. Give your mother(s) a gift that she can touch and reminisce on the special day.

Give your father(s) a personalized gift as well. This can be a men's watch, cuff-links, or a money clip. As long as it's personalized with some kind of engraving or unique style of your choosing, it will be loved.

The said gifts are simply suggestions of more traditional gifts. By all means, find something that will be unique to each of the individuals standing with you.

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Pet Memorials Help Owners Deal With Loss

By: Mitch Endick

The loss of a family pet is a source of grief and sadness. For many of us, pets are very much a part of the family. Over the years, our pets become our loyal friends, companions, guardians and even confidants. Even though the lifespan of a pet does vary on the species, they are with us long enough to establish bonds that are hard to break.

Those of us who feel a spiritual connection with our pets believe that the day will come when we all reunited at the fabled Rainbow Bridge. Even for people who do not share spiritual bond with their pet, the loss can be no less devastating. As with any death, different people deal with the loss in different ways. Grief comes in many forms from a fond memory to more debilitating emotional responses.

Many of us look for ways to memorialize the loss of our friend in some appropriate way. Picture albums and other memorabilia allow us to go back in time, reminding us of happier times. Owners may keep a collection of favorite toys and other reminders of the pets daily life. This is not unlike the process many of us go through when we lose a beloved human.

A growing trend in pet memorials is to create a long lasting symbol of our late pet. This can take the form of statuary, headstones and others types of monuments to honor our lost companion. The strong connection between pets and humans is undeniable, leading many of us to follow rituals that are quite similar, if not exactly like those followed for deceased humans.

Just like cemeteries for humans, pet cemeteries cater to the bereaved, often with the same compassion and level of service. Pet cemeteries offer a menu of services, from simple burials to cremations. Pet owners can select from caskets, urns and burial services. It is not uncommon that the deceased pet will be buried at home, using a casket purchased for that purpose. Larger pet cemeteries may feature a mausoleum for those people who prefer above ground interment.

Cremation is a common option with some owners choosing to inter the urn at a traditional pet cemetery or take the ashes home. The mobile nature of our modern society can make interment in a cemetery or backyard impractical. Cremation could be an appropriate option for those pet owners since the ashes are portable.

Cremation offers another interesting, though expensive way to memorialize your pet. A popular option among people of means is to have a portion of the ashes turned into a gem quality keepsake. Certified as diamonds, the cost of this process is beyond the means of most folks. The same process is used to turn human remains into unique and valuable keepsakes.

More and more pet owners are choosing to create memory boxes and baskets, designed to hold memorabilia of their pet. The baskets can hold identification tags, toys, and other artifacts of the animals life among humans.

Other popular ways to honor our past pets can include garden stones and other types of enduring memorials. Again, for those people of means, there is no end to the ways that pets can be remembered. Though not one of my first choices, some people will turn to freeze drying their beloved pet. In essence, the process will keep the pet around for many years.

So whether you plan to meet your deceased pets at Rainbow Bridge or just want to memorialize your companion, there are resources available that can help you cope with the loss of a friend and keep their memory alive.


At WordStones we offer a complete line of memorials that will forever express your affection for your beloved pet.

A New Trend: Watergardening

By: Sandra Stammberger

There are many new trends surfacing in gardening, and water gardening is one of the main new interests. Water gardening can be in the form of waterfalls, ponds, fountains, all of which can be enhanced by rock work combinations and lighting, plants, and fish. Water gardening doesn’t have to be a pond or natural water source either, it can consist of just a plastic tub, basically anything that can hold water.

The most important thing to consider in water gardening is probably the spot chosen. Since plants and fish both need plenty of sunlight, places in direct light away from trees and bushes is the best place. This will also help prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the water.

When planning for a water garden first decide the size you want. This will depend on how much money you are willing to spend because water gardening can get expensive if you opt for a large garden full of plants, rocks, fish, and lights. Also consider the size of our property, and the amount of time you want to spend with maintaining your water garden.

When you choose what type of aquatic plants you wish to have, remember that the plants should only cover about half of the water. Plants can be free floating, submerged, or marginal. Which you choose is all a matter of personal preference. Some plants are good for their scent, some provide more oxygen than others and will keep the pool health, and some are just beautiful. Fish are not only nice to look at but they are also very beneficial. Fish help keep debris at a minimum and help in controlling larva and other insects.

One of the main difficulties in water gardening is keeping water clear of algae. Algae problems are usually caused from too many nutrients in the water from feeding fish too often or from over fertilizing plants. If ponds are made correctly and are maintained properly algae problems and control will be kept at a minimum.

All garden pools regardless of size will need maintenance throughout the year. With proper planning you can ensure a healthy balance between living and decorative features of a water garden that can almost care for itself with simple maintenance inputs from you.
You can get rid of algae by reducing on the nutrients that cause the algae by cutting back on feeding and fertilizing, planting more plants, installing a filter system, or replacing existing water with fresh water. There are some chemicals that can be used, like copper compounds, but overuse can kill plant life and fish.

Water gardening doesn’t take anymore time than regular gardening, but obviously isn’t near the same thing. You may be the type person who couldn’t grow a flower if you tried but would be excellent at water gardening. If you are looking for a way to occupy some time or to beautify your yard, water gardening is an excellent way.

Wordstones' garden rocks will compliment your new watergarden. Be sure to check out or river stones.

About the Author:
Sandra Stammberger is the editor of Consumer Control. Don't waste any more time searching for a flat fee ipod music download site! Download millions of iPod movies, games, and music for one flat lifetime fee. http://ipodmusic.consumercontrol.org

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Cheap Wedding Reception Ideas

By: Bradley 23 Abert32

Practical Wedding Favors

Wedding is an occasion that demands favors from others and you also have to shower wedding favors. Wedding favors are given as an appreciation for your guest’s participation to make your event a great eve. Wedding favors are a way of expressing your gratitude towards your guest and this also shows how much you care for their presence on your D-day. Wedding favors are a part of your budget with other wedding expenses. You can buy wedding favors at economical prices. This can be done by buying practical wedding favors that will be appreciated by the guests and will suit your pocket.

Practical Wedding Favors does not indicate cheap products. You can buy products suiting the theme. You should keep the taste of your guests in mind as this will help you come up with fantastic ideas. Your practical wedding favor need not be romantic, but should be memorable and expressive. Searching for practical wedding favors indicates quality products at affordable prices. This can be home made also with little creativity. You can always consider few items that are evergreen items as wedding gifts.

The first practical wedding favor can be considered is a key chain. Mere flip flop key chains with a just married sign are fun and practical. Even key chains with heart shape, rocking horse or angel make appropriate practical wedding favors. The only thing you have to consider is the sturdy quality and design that will jog their memory of your wedding day for years.

Coasters are practical wedding favor that can match your wedding theme. Heart shaped coasters are ideal as they are romantic and are of immense use after the wedding as well. Coasters can be on any beach theme or your wedding picture or even your names on it is a remarkable and memorable wedding favor.

Anything in heart shape is highly appreciated. So even wine charms in heart shape are romantic and a practical thought. If the wine charms are shaped like wedding bells and one wine charm is placed in each wine glass it looks fantastic and unique. Your guests can pursue their glass even if the wedding party goes until night.
Candles are one of the most appreciated and practical wedding favor. You can also select tea light candles, taper candles and candles of various styles. Candles are considered an appropriate choice as it is always useful in the future. You can use when there is some power cut or for a romantic session or even to enhance lighting.
Besides all these you can give key pouches as wedding favor. These pouches are useful for men and women. This wedding favor is always handy and is of practical use. You can print your initials on the pouch and make it a memorable and unforgettable favor.

Giving wedding favor though is seen as a necessity recently, it does not demand heavy investment. You can always give a simple article festooned with creativity. The personal touch of you will enhance the weight of the gift and mark your thought as an excellent presence of mind to be memorable.

Bradley Abert is author of this article on Practical wedding favors. Find more information about Weddingstar favors here.

Our wedding favors will keep your blessed event in the minds of your friends and family for many years to come.

Planning For A Successful Reception

By: Margene Petersen

The key to a well-executed reception is in the planning. Plan in advance, enlist the right help. Employing adequate staffing to execute your plans is vital to a successful, low-stress event. Your catering staff should work almost invisibly at the reception to make sure the evening runs smoothly.

For plated meals, plan on one server for every twenty to twenty-four guests. If you do not have this server-to-guest ratio, the service will be slow and inefficient and guests may feel neglected or impatient. When scheduling a reception center, plan on at least five servers for the reception. For receptions with over four hundred guests, add one additional server per each one hundred additional guests. You should assign either a server or wedding hostess to handle the specific needs of the bridal party, from bringing water to those in the receiving line to managing the details of cutting the cake.

Another element of a well-organized reception is the comfortable flow of space. Organize tables so people can move comfortably between them. Tables with too much distance from each other feel isolated, while tables placed too close together feel cramped. Place the receiving line in a well-chosen spot that doesn't cause a bottle-neck in the entranceway. Guests should be able to enter the reception area, sign the guest book, drop off their gift, move through the wedding line, and be seated for refreshments, all without feeling crowded or being forced to zigzag back and forth.

For wedding breakfasts, luncheons, or dinners, guests should be able to find their assigned seats easily, either by place cards or with the direction of a hostess assigned to this task.

At a formal wedding dinner it is important to have assigned seating because guests will spend a large portion of the reception at their tables. A good hostess should make an effort to determine compatible dinner partners. This can be a challenging task, but it is an important one. Think of the common interests or shared experiences of your guests. For example, you might put all your single friends together, friends from college together, or co-workers from the same company together. Seat guests together whenever a possible connection might be made. Use a pencil for preliminary sketching of the seating arrangements until all RSVPs are in and you have a definite guest list. Have everything ready ahead of time but be prepared for the possibility of last minute changes.

Place cards are an essential part of formal seating arrangements, directing guests to their assigned seats. There are many ways to create place cards that match your wedding theme. A place card can be printed or handwritten on cardstock, which is folded into a small tent and placed at the head of the plate. They can also be combined with favors in a number of creative ways.

At a formal wedding meal, the bride, groom, and their parents often will sit together at a head table. This table can be either at the center or at one end of the room. The bride usually sits on the right side of the groom. The bride's parents are placed next to her, with the groom's parents at his side, alternating men and women. This seating arrangement can be tricky, as divorces and remarriages often come into play. Organize the seating in the best possible way to accommodate the different needs of your guests and yourself. If either you or your fiance have children from a previous marriage, be sure to include them in your wedding breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners, and all your celebrations. After all, they will be some of the people most affected by your marriage.


My Chocolate Favors offers a large selection of unique, elegant and personalized edible favors, gifts and treats. Our website has a wonderful selection of wedding and party favors to reflect your own personality. We specialize in personalized chocolate photo favors ~ your favorite photo printed right on the surface of delicious chocolate.


Our polished or natural river stones make a great reception place card. We have many versions for you to chose from. What, you can't find one that you like? No problem! Shoot us and email and we'll have our expert rock guys get back to you!

Add a Trellis to Your Garden without Overwhelming the Space

By: Kristin Kronstain

People invest a lot of money in the things they love. From cars to shoes to art, there are people who are constantly looking for the next interesting piece to add to their collection. Landscaping has become an art form in itself and people like to invest in its cultivation and continued improvement. There are even professionals who create this type of art: landscape architects. Just like traditional architects design structures that will be built with combinations of materials, landscape architects design gardens that are pieced together using beautiful combinations of style and color.

By gardens, this is not to imply a few carrots planted alongside of a rhododendron. Gardens have come to include porches, patios, gazebos, decks, courtyards, fireplaces, ponds, fountains, bridges, and waterfalls. Beauty is not simply in the flower arrangement, but in entire layout of the space. People want to spend time in their yards relaxing, so enclosed porches and patios are a must. These outdoor structures used to be simply ornamental, a nice place to sit, but now many are equipped with electricity and even heat to enjoy being outside all year round.

These outdoor enhancements can add to the value of your home. Actually, they can add to your home if they are tastefully orchestrated. It can be quite easy, especially if your yard is on the smaller side, to go overboard with garnishes trying to create an outdoor paradise. Like jewelry or garlic, too much can look gaudy or overwhelm people, driving them away. Your landscaping should suit the space and conditions it utilizes. You don’t need to put everything you like into one small corner of the yard. Choose what will add to the style of the space, just as you would your living room.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money or buy many pieces to create a beautiful, welcoming garden. You simply need to choose a tasteful trellis or an artful pergola to give the space definition and appeal. Enhance your project with elegant colors and contemporary designs. You can choose from trellises with benches, multiple panels, or planters. Planters built into your trellis can provide a vivacious accent, giving life and continuity to your yard. If you worry about air circulation in your yard so you avoid putting up a fence or wall, a trellis can be a welcoming change for you. The combination of structure and plants can give you beauty and privacy simultaneously while still allowing for air movement.

You choice of color in your yard can give purpose and consistency to your designs. If you want your backyard to be an extension from a room in your houses, you can choose flowers or patterns that match the designs inside. Your guests will move outside and still feel like they are in your home. You can even match the wood you use outside in a trellis to the wood you have used inside the house for a table or chair.

Though there are landscape architects available to you, you can design your outdoor space yourself. If you are someone who enjoys decorating a room, you can find similar enjoyment outdoors as well without spending a fortune. Just keep in mind that a few pieces can go a long way. You don’t need to overwhelm your yard with large structures to make it look stylish and inviting.

The Cedar Store can assist you in designing the backyard of your dreams. They can help you choose colors and structures that will fit best in your space. If you are interested in coordinating the space yourself, The Cedar Store can provide you with beautiful pieces, such as arbors and trellises, to enhance your design. From garden benches to patio dining sets and everything in between, The Cedar Store has a variety of materials to turn your plain backyard into a stunning outdoor living room.

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