Wednesday 24 May 2017

10 home design trends to ditch in 2015





P hoto courtesy of Zillow

Brass hardware -- out. Big showers -- in.

47

Home design trends may come and go, but homeowners are always looking for inexpensive, easy ways to increase their property's value. Some of those trends can translate into bigger bucks when it comes time to sell a home, while others can actually drag value down.

Part of figuring out whether to change a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQK4Bl3s_I design element involves predicting what potential buyers might want down the line, while also considering the needs and tastes of the people who live there today. It's a balancing act for almost every homeowner's budget. The risk? That some design decisions make your home look dated before its time.

We talked to three interior design professionals about which trends to resist and where they would https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=TbQK4Bl3s_I put their renovation dollars instead. Here are 10 trends they think homeowners should steer clear of in 2015.

http://www.cbsnews.com/media/10-home-design-trends-to-ditch-in-2015/

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Rapper Vanilla Ice in plea deal over Florida theft charge: lawyer | Reuters

By Barbara Liston

| ORLANDO, Fla.

ORLANDO, Fla. Rapper Vanilla Ice avoided prosecution in Florida on Thursday after agreeing to a plea deal over a grand theft charge, his attorney said.

"He's pretty thrilled. He's never really been in trouble like this before so obviously he was nervous," said defense lawyer Bradford Cohen of Fort Lauderdale.

The rapper, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, appeared in Palm Beach County Court on Thursday where he agreed to perform 100 hours of community service and pay $1,333 to the estate of a neighbor in Lantana for allegedly stealing furniture and pool equipment, according to the pre-trial intervention deal.

Van Winkle also must acknowledge that he is guilty of the crime, but the charge will be dismissed and he will have no criminal record upon completing terms of the agreement, Cohen said.



The grand the ft charge was a third-degree felony which carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The 47-year-old musician turned reality television star, who famously rapped that "anything less than the best is a felony" in his 1990s hit song "Ice Ice Baby," said at the time of his arrest in February that the situation had been "overblown."

The rapper's home currently is under construction and also is the site https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/garden/watering-accessories/hose-end-sprinklers/sprinklers of his latest venture, a reality TV show for the DIY Network called "The Vanilla Ice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ Project."

Cohen said Van Winkle is happy to have the charge resolved before the kickoff of season five of his television series.

Van Winkle, who i s also a general contractor, regularly performs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ community service, his lawyer said, including a project two weeks ago to build a swimming pool for a quadriplegic firefighter.

His community service under the plea deal must take place at a Habitat for Humanity project in Palm Beach County.

At the time of his arrest, Van Winkle also was accused of burglary although prosecutors never formally filed that charge.

Van Winkle all along said the incident was a misunderstanding. Cohen said most of the items he was accused of stealing had been left outside the home by squatters who had been vandalizing the unoccupied property.



(Reporting by David Adams; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sandra Maler)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-rapper-arrest-idUSKBN0MT29520150402

Saturday 13 May 2017

The Many Functions of a Garden

A Garden on its Own

If you grew up in a house with a garden, then you would appreciate the peace and solace that a garden can give; the Mckinney Sprinkler System fun and enjoyment that a garden plays hosts to in events and parties, there are many, many ways to use a garden. You just have to learn to sit back and appreciate what you have in order to see how much of a difference having a garden could give. By itself, a garden is where you can rest, relax and appreciate nature for itself; take a fresh breath of air, and by taking care of it, give back some of that nurturing that nature bestows upon us.



The Garden and You

You do no need some elaborate plan or expensive equipment just so you can appreciate your garden. Just pull out a nice comfortable chair unto your garden, grab a book and experience the f eel of reading in such a beautiful atmosphere. You do not even need a book, you can just go there and rest, the fresh clean air is always good for the lungs and is very relaxing too. If you have a large enough space, you can do some of your hobbies in the garden too. If you have pets, then a clean garden is a good place to play with them. You can even train them tricks in a peaceful garden since they will not be distracted.



If you like to draw or write, being in the presence of nature could be quite the inspiring feeling. You will not even need special li ghting since sunlight is bright and easy on the eyes. Roll out a blanket and whip out some snacks to give yourself a private picnic. One way or the other, you can turn your garden to your personal vacation spot. This is how you can truly appreciate the garden on your own.

Bringing More to Your Garden

Taking your friends and your family to a garden is quite a refreshing experience. You all get to enjoy nature and its beauty together. You can hold a grill Sprinkler Installation or a small party in the outdoor settings. The open air is perfect for grills and barbecues since the smoke will not stay in the confines of the house. Just lay out a few tables and chairs and you are ready to go. The added bonus of having a party in the garden is that cleanup is not as complicated and there are less chances of your things in the house getting ruined.

Gardens can host many events; you can go star gazing on clear night s just by preparing a telescope. Weddings are very romantic when held at a garden setting, and the green and white plays beautiful effects on the eyes. You can also have get-togethers, soirees, and other social functions in the garden. Just make sure that you prepare your garden with the right materials and proper maintenance to help it enhance the party instead of being a negative https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/city-gardens/Pages/default.aspx factor. This is why you should take care of your garden, because it can do so much for you. GP

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the_many_functions_of_a_garden.html