Grommet Curtains

The iPad will be a popular device to watch movies and television on. With upcoming $1 cost to shows, this could become even more true in upcoming months.

The iPad has caused quit a bit of buzz and controversy. There are many good things about this device as well as a long list of complaints. One thing that isn’t to be debated is if this high resolution screen would be good to watch movies or television shows on as it’s a much better screen than most laptops.

In the upcoming months as the iPad is released the iTunes store is thinking of lowering prices of television shows from $2 each down to $1 a piece. This is considerably lower than ever before and much cheaper than Amazon’s current prices for this type of media.

At this price it’s very easy to justify buying a digital copy for keeps since at $1 each this is lower than what many DVD box sets offer although you would be missing out on the extra features and clips.

For a device like the iPad being what it is, these $1 television shows could really boost sales. Not only will people want cheap shows but also will want a quality device to actually watch these on.

The iPad is going to need is a proper stand. People aren’t going to want to hold the device in their hands the entire time and it’s hard to see if it’s laid flat on a table in front of you. There needs to be a stand that holds it around 45 degrees for proper viewing.

Another connection the iPad will need is an HDMI jack to connect it to a larger television. This way media can be stored on the device to be watched on a much larger screen.

There are still other devices that can play iTunes files. Any computer that can run iTunes can play the media as well as popular MP3 player devices and other Apple products.

I write articles on subjects regarding family and home, I also enjoy reviewing products, enjoy my latest reviews on what you need to know about choosing grommet top curtains and a pinch pleated drape for your home.

Every dog deserves a bed, but not every dog owner can afford to buy one. If you’re in that situation, perhaps these homemade dog bed ideas will be helpful.

There are several things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about making a bed for your dog:

1. Where will the dog use the bed?
2. What type of climate do you live in?
3. How big is your dog?
4. What kinds of materials do you have access to and plan to use?
5. How thick would you like the bed to be?
6. How soon does your dog need a bed?

Where will your dog use the bed?

Indoor beds can be found inside dog crates, in corners, in various locations in rooms throughout a house, or inside vehicles. Consider where you will want to put it before you start. With careful planning and measuring, you can create a bed that is shaped to fit neatly in a corner of a room out of the way. See the Dog Bed Patterns link at the end of this article for ideas for shapes.

Outdoor beds can be located inside a dog kennel, a dog run, or consist of a cot that places the dog above the ground and that can be placed anywhere in the yard.

What type of climate do you live in?

If you have cold winters, you may want to consider a thicker bed than if you are in a warmer climate. Remember that a dog will be lying close the floor which will be the coldest layer in a house.

If you live in a warmer place where fleas are a problem, you may consider building a dog bed out of PVC that is then covered with canvas or mesh. You can also take out the upholstery from an old loveseat and use that for the frame.

How big will the bed need to be?

A larger dog bed will require more materials than a smaller one – the chief reason that they cost so much more to buy. However, thrift stores, old couches and mattresses can yield large quantities of free or low-cost materials. Then it’s simply a matter of making sure the bed will be big enough for your dog and fit in the space you plan to put it in. It’s best to measure your dog while he/she is lying down fully stretched out as well as curled up. A bed that’s a little too big will be preferable to one that’s too small. (Your dog may not mind but you’ll probably feel bad if the fit isn’t right).

What kinds of materials will you use?

• Sources of materials in thrift stores include old quilts, pillows and sleeping bags as well as upholstery or curtain fabric that can be used to cover foam pillows. Talk to the folks at an upholstery shop and see if they have inexpensive remnant pieces of foam in the size you want.
• Old couch cushions are another wonderful source for dog beds. In fact, you can make a bed for a medium sized dog from just two old cushions (see DIY Free Dog Bed link at bottom).
• You can also simply use an old daybed, sofa, or love seat and not have to do anything except throw a sheet or quilt over it. (That worked at night with our German Shepherd mix, Comet, when we traveled in the RV, and he now chooses it as his prerogative when we leave him home alone!)
• Or you can use the frame from a couch/daybed/sofa to create the base for a bed.
• Another possibility that would require quite a bit of cutting would be to take layers of old carpet or carpet padding and stack them on top of one another, perhaps wrapped in a sheet or quilt.
• For an outside cot, put together a frame from Schedule 40 PVC and then attach canvas or some other strong material using grommets or several lines of sewing with heavy duty thread.

How thick will your dog bed need to be?

For a dog that is older with some aches and pains, a thicker bed will be more desirable. In fact, at least 7 inches of non-compressible foam is recommended for an orthopedic dog bed. That would equal close to two average couch cushions in height. To test a piece of foam for compressibility, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger.

How soon does your dog need a bed?

If you have unexpectedly acquired a dog (this seems to happen quite regularly), you can simply take an old quilt and fold it into a size that fits. An old foam piece that is big enough can be sandwiched in between the layers for a more cushioned effect, or use old carpet or carpet padding, sleeping bags or towels for the same purpose. A discarded sheet can be placed over the top and it can be shaken out daily and washed occasionally until you can create a more permanent bed. This type of pad works well inside a vehicle or dog crate too.

Well, here’s hoping these homemade dog bed ideas will be of use to you so that your dog can have all the comforts of home.

Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood.
For Dog Bed Pattern ideas, see http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/dog-bed-patterns.html
For the Free Dog Bed, see http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/how-to-make-dog-beds.html

Whether your dream room is formal and filled with fabulous antiques or if it is cozy and sporting worn leather, you can complete the vision with carefully planned window treatments. Privacy, protection from the sun and energy efficiency rank high on the list of consumer needs for their windows. Blinds and shutters will provide this practical layer of window treatments. Purchase the best that your budget will allow because constant opening and closing will wear on the mechanisms that work these coverings.

Let the (Partial) Sun Shine In

Often we want to enjoy the sun streaming into our home or the view of the trees outside our window but we still want the privacy of a covered window. The solution is installing shades with the top down/bottom up feature. Simply put, they can be lifted from the bottom to give a view of the outside world but still allowing the lower half of the window to be covered. When privacy is not a concern, they can be used as traditional horizontal blinds.

Top Down / Bottom Up Shades

I recommend these for your office or media room because they will minimize the glare on your computer or television while maintaining a well lit room. Do not underestimate the damage sun can do to your home and furnishings. Window film can also be used to control the harmful UV rays that will fade your flooring, furniture and artwork. This coating placed directly on the window panes will block out the heat and deflect glare while allowing sunlight to safely come through the window. You can purchase do it yourself kits or have it professional done.

Clothes For Your Windows

Now it is time to think about the fun layer of window dressing. A room looks complete when you add great treatments. What is the style of your room? What will it look like from the outside? Do you want them stationary or functional?

Panels

Panels are as popular now as when your mother was decorating her home. The difference is the variety in headers.

* Grommets create a modern vibe. The panel has metal rings along the top that threads on to your rod. They look best when used in areas they can remain stationary.

* Pinch pleats are strong in the custom treatment business. The most popular look is to hang them from metal or wooden rings. This look works well if you want to open and close your curtains often.

* Tab tops are fun for casual rooms. The tabs can be of different colors, have added buttons or be adorned with tassels. They should be used on windows that you do not need to close the curtains.

Valances

Valances are strong in window treatment decor. They add a finished look over your blinds by hiding the mechanical header. Hang them high enough so that they cover the top casing but they do not block the sun streaming into your window. There are so many styles of valances from box pleats to swags. Let your fabric design and the style of your room guide you on choosing the perfect valance.

Enter The Romans

My young clients seem to be drawn to roman shades. They can be easily lower when privacy is needed. When raised, they create a tailored look that works well in so many homes. They look great in a crisp cotton as well as a raw silk.

Window Treatment Crazy? Seek Professional Help

If you have a hard time visualizing the end results, choosing decorative window treatments can be daunting. A designer specializing in windows will take you step by step through the process. They will give you access to resources (fabrics, hardware, specialized blinds) that you would not be able to buy at your local big box store. They will also help protect you from costly mistakes. What kind of window treatments do I have in my upstairs office? Well, looking at my windows I see delicate wispy strands of silk like material. Even though the design is intricate and somewhat pretty, I think it is time to knock those spider webs down! Until next time, enjoy more decorating ideas and video at my site below.

30 Changes In 30 Days –

Melisa Verch has created a free special decorating guide available to you for a limited time at DecorateMyHome.net

Don’t miss her decorating ideas video.