Earth's Altar at Beijing - Temple of Earth

Temple of Earth, which is considered as a time-honored and solemn imperial garden with elegant environment, is located to the east of Waida Avenue, Anadingmen, Dongcheng District of Beijing. Here, the main tourist attractions include Square Water Altar, the Bell Tower, Holy Horse Hall, Earth God Worship House, Fast Palace and Slaughter House and Holy Storehouse. As a place for Emperors to offer sacrifices to God of Earth in the Ming and the Qing dynasties, Square Water Altar is surrounded by a square-shaped ditch, which was initially built in the 9th year of Emperor Jiajing's reign in the Ming dynasty, and it was reconstructed in the 15th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing dynasty with the original yellow glazed bricks on the surface of the altar replaced by light gray slab stones. The present altar was re-constructed in 1982 according to the Qing-style when it was in reign of Emperor Qianlong. 


The Temple of Earth is square-shaped with the outer layer and the inner layer, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophical idea of 'Round Heaven and Square Earth.' Initially built in 1530, the Bell Tower is roofed by green glazed tiles, and it consists of three side by side rooms with 12 meters in its total width, which was demolished in 1965 owing to long being out of repair, and it was rebuilt in 2000 by following its style when it was in the Ming dynasty. The Bell is 2.58 meters in height, 1.56 meters in diameter and 2,324 tons in weight, on whose body is inscribed, 'Made in the Reign of Ming Emperor Jiajing'. The sound of the bell is sonorous and can be heard from miles away. Roofed by green glazed tiles and covering an are of 19.55 meters in width and 7.5 meters in depth, the Holy Horse Hall was firstly built in 1530 with five side-by-side rooms of the same size, which was renovated thoroughly in 1999 and takes a new look now. 


Firstly built in the 9th year (1530) of Emperor Jiajing's reign in the Ming dynasty, the Earth God Worship House is the place for enshrining the spiritual tablets of God of Earth and the other side Gods, and it has functioned as a room for storing cultural relics of Temple of Earth since 1986. The Fast Palace was built 1530 as a place for the emperors' fasting prior to the ceremony for offering sacrifices to God of Earth, where Emperor Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong and Jiaqing of the Qing dynasty once lived. Facing east, the main architecture in the palace is made up of Southern Hall, Northern Hall and Western Hall. The Slaughter House is where the animals such as pigs and cows were slaughtered before the sacrificial ritual day in the Ming and the Qing dynasties. 


In addition, a number of gardens are built in the Temple of Earth Scenic Area, including Chinese Rose Garden, Peony Garden and Collecting Flower Garden, adding much luster to your Beijing travel. In 2006, as a holistic artifact of ancient architecture, Temple of Earth was approved to be the sixth batch of cultural relics under the state protection. In ancient China, the ideology of Round Heaven and Square Earth was very largely accepted. Hence, as the architecture for worshiping the earth, the most highlighted point is the use of square, which is the symbol of the earth. The use of color also shows the strong tradition. The symbolic colors, the builders just use four kinds, which are yellow, red, brown and white. The whole architecture system of the Temple of Earth presents the exquisite, dignified, grand and special and ancient architectural characteristics. 

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Organic Bedding Solutions

As everything in the world is changing with time we look for the safest things for our world and our bodies. Organic products come in many different forms, from food to bedding to cleaning products. These items are becoming more and more popular all over the world due to the increased demand for a healthy life, as well as to preserve our beautiful mother earth.  This would eliminate toxic chemicals in a place where your children spend a good portion of their time. Organic cotton is naturally grown and has a low rate of combustion eliminating harsh industrial fire retardant chemicals. 


Organic bedding is becoming more popular because of our awareness of the impact of chemicals on our body. Sleeping is one of the most important activities we do. One third of our lives are spent sleeping. The quality of our sleep affects our mental and physical well-being. For many people it makes sense to create a chemical free environment for our bodies. Latex is seen as one option in creating an organic sleep environment. Natural latex is a 100%-natural, earth-friendly, and is made from 100% certified organic materials. Botanically derived latex contains nothing artificial. It is antimicrobial, dust mite free and resists mold and mildew. Therefore it is good for people who have allergies and asthma from dust. It is environmentally healthier and free of allergens and chemicals.


This organic latex product comes from the natural oil of the rubber tree. The oil extraction leaves the tree and sap unharmed in their natural environment. Latex mattresses provide relaxation and extraordinary support for the body. With the increase in demand for latex products the alternative blends are popular, however they are not organic. Therefore, when researching for an organic bed, be sure to read the terminology, as the foam might be an 80-20 or 85-15 blend of natural latex and synthetic latex. Since wool is naturally anti-bacterial and resistant to mold and mildew without chemical treatments, you won't have to worry about problems with odors or asthma attacks. 
You can take control of your family's safety simply by replacing mattresses, blankets and sheets with organic bedding.

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Tough Stanced Haven - Quake Proofing Your House

When a building experiences earthquake vibrations its foundation will move back and forth with the ground. These vibrations can be quite intense, creating stresses and deformation throughout the structure. A building needs to be slightly flexible and also have components which can withstand or counter the stresses caused in various parts of the building due to these horizontal movements.The foundation must laid with utmost care. It must be laid, taking the soil conditions into consideration. Also should be considered are the various forces and loading coming on it from the building is calculated. On this rubber bearings are placed. 


Thus even though the building foundation may experience horizontal movements caused by an  intensity of considerably high level on the Richter scale, the building above it would experience very low impact as if that caused by an earthquake of negligible intensity.Frames of the superstructure are generally made of steel sections and is designed for the stresses acting on the structure with cross bracing and shear walls where required. The slabs used are again supported by steel sections and made of wooden sections, this system provides nominal flexibility and thus safety, since in an extreme condition a falling plank from the roof has less chances of giving a fatal injury than a falling concrete slab. All connections and joints are designed to withstand shear forces and where required flexible joints are provided so that there are minimum chances of slab failure.


The walls are again made of wood, toughened glass with flexible anchorage systems or of any other material taking precaution that in case of extreme condition of breakage they have minimum chances causing the total failure of the structure system. The walls are also designed to be tough enough to protect you from the impacts of nature such as cyclones, storms and hurricanes and of course from people trying to break into your home.


While designing the structure precaution also needs to be taken to ensure that in case any one structural component buckles it does not trigger a chain reaction of failures of other components and thus collapse of the total building structure. Thus structural isolation zones should be created for additional safety and additional supporting systems be created where considered critical.


While designing the building with seismic isolation bearings the total building has to be isolated from the surrounding ground thus a gap is provided all around the building. This gap should be 1.5 times the expected movement of the ground and building relative to each other and this has been recorded to be up to 49 cm. The gap should also be sized with respect to maintenance and easy accessibility for repairs and maintenance of the sub structure. This gap should be covered from safety point of view with slab or steel or aluminium grill cantilevered from the building. 


All the approaches for accessing the building such as stairs and ramps are to be cantilevered from the building and should not come in contact with surrounding ground. All services such as water supply, sanitary and drainage pipes have to be connected from the municipal connection to the building with a flexible connection so that they do not break due to the movement of the ground under the building.The safety of the human life during the worst scenario should always be of the highest consideration during the selection of structural components and the design of the building. 

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On The Pinnacle of Architectural Wonders - Architecture of Burj Khalifa

The United Arab Emirates owns the distinction of having the tallest building internationally. Measuring a staggering 2,717 feet (828 meters), the Burj Khalifa, formerly known as Burj Dubai, is the highest man-made structure in history, with 160 floors. It can be found along Sheikh Zayed Road generally business district in Dubai. This marks the second time the Middle East has claimed the honor of having the tallest artificial structure in the world. The Great Pyramid of Giza once held that distinction for many hundreds of years until England built the Lincoln Cathedral in 1311.

 

Named in honor of one or more of the project's top supporters and the actual president of the United Arab Emirates and king of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Sayed Al Nahyan, the Burj Khalifa gained the attention and recognition of the rest of the world. It was constructed with the primary goal of diverting the country's image from a debt-ridden oil-producing country into a tourist mecca generating necessary income and investments. Conceptualization and construction began in 2004 and the building was launched on January 4, 2010 during the rise to the throne of Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashin Al Maktoum.

The Burj Khalifa was designed by architect Adrian Smith and engineer Bill Baker who were with Chicago's Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) right at that moment. Among the other groups involved in the actual construction were South Korea's Samsung Engineering and Construction (primary contractor) and Besix and Arabtec. Emaar Properties served as the project's developer. This tower which is worth $1.5 billion was inspired by Islamic traditions and culture and featured patterns prevalent in Islamic architecture. The three-lobed base of the building was patterned after the flower Hymenocalli.

Among the lavish features of the Burj Khalifa are the 57 double-deck elevators with modern LCD displays for the visitors' entertainment. There are also eight escalators and a total of 2,909 stairs. The 124th floor showcases the highest open-air observation deck internationally, the At the Top. It was opened to the public on the 5th of January, the day after Burj Khalifa's inauguration and also houses the Behold Telescope. Being the tallest building ever, the Burj Khalifa holds a number of other records, which include a swimming pool, situated at the 76th floor and a night club on the 144th floor. The tallest wonder also hosts a mosque on the 158th floor.

The highest outdoor observation deck at 1483 feet is situated at the 124th floor; it is the second highest observation desk on record. The building also holds the highest restaurant on the 122nd floor at a height of 1450 feet, overriding the height of the restaurant at CN Towers by 302 feet. Burj Khalifa also flaunts of the world's fastest elevator which goes at a speed of 64 kilometers per hour. The Burj Khalifa Tower is located in the heart of Dubai. It is surrounded by luxury, five star hotels, fabulous shopping destinations and a wide variety of entertainment options. The tower also houses Burj Khalifa residences, private residences, corporate offices, hotel guest rooms and suits, a four story fitness club, fine dining restaurants and more.

The Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai has aroused more curiosity and intrigue than any other building in modern history. Standing at over 828 metres, this remarkable example of high tech architecture is the tallest building in the world. It is a world-class destination considered the masterpiece of downtown Dubai.

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Assured to be Secured - Home Insurance

Purchasing a property is probably the biggest financial commitment you have ever made and will ever make. There is a lot of money involved, so you need to eliminate as much of the risk of loss as possible. Once you actually own a property, there are a wide variety of insurance products you can buy. Your mortgage lender, if you have one, will detail the minimum you must carry. Your perfect adobe might not be situated on the sea beach but there are things other than a hurricane that can damage or god forbid, destroy it.


Home insurance or property insurance is a must for every home or property owner as it can restore your lost paradise when destiny decides to pick on you. One needs to take few precautions before zeroing on a specific home insurance policy. If one can afford to pay the premium of an 'all-risk policy' then nothing like it but otherwise as well the consumer should try to get hold of a contract which provides maximum cover against any untoward incident.


You should pick and choose the types of insurance covers included in the policy keeping in mind certain things like someone dwelling in the East, should have a separate windstorm deductible and if your area is situated on a fault line, earthquake policy is a must for you. These are the basic things one should keep in mind before opting for a home insurance policy.


If something totally unexpected strikes you, which is not covered in the insurance policy, like theft, vandalism, lightening strike or any such freak event do not panic because if you lose property through casualty or theft, you may be entitled to a tax deduction. Insurance is not an indicator of an impending doom; it's just a safeguard against misfortune. Get your home fully insured and secured for generations to come.

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Modular Interiors & Ambiance - Designing the Ambiance of a Contemporary Restaurant

When you are planning to launch your company's resort interior renovation project or to construct a contemporary restaurant interior design from scratch, you shall need trendy and highly skilled hospitality interior firms that are best able to present the most suitable amount of imaginative style and finesse to craft that striking interior. It is fundamental to choose the best interior design firm for the job or you risk losing or failing to attract hotel guests. There has been a dramatic shift in the past decade towards a more modular design. To keep up with the competition, a lot of resorts are modernizing their facilities to formulate an ambiance of luxury. Commercial interior design professionals are able to adjust their talent to meet the needs of the property owner and an added advantage here is the location of the property.


Interestingly, there are a variety of design factors for the lobby, restaurant, business centers and the guest rooms that have to be taken into account. Many new lobby designs are cheerful, open format with a great deal of natural illumination, natural woods, foliage and neutral colors and the likes of themes. This type of lay out is alluring and makes the visitors feel as if they are entering a living room rather than a boring lobby. This also will allow the resort staff to have vis-a-vis with the guests and assist them where required. Since the hotel lobby is generally the visitor's beginning and finishing spot, it is imperative that all of the major elements flow from this central place. For instance, a two-tone wood strip in the floor may appear to be an attractive design element. As it flows directly to the guest room wing, elevators or restaurant, it makes it easy for the guests to find their way around the property. Hardwood floors are also easier to keep clean and stays longer than carpeting.


The guest suites feature a functional space with interior design furniture that appeals to visitors on business or pleasure. It is important that the room's windows be large enough to allow in natural light so the guest space will feel more spacious. You want to be sure that when all of the design features are in position like the bed, desk, coffee table and chairs that the guest can move about the space without bumping into the furnishings. Also, the bathroom flooring should have large neutral tiles that will be easily changed out when broken or cracked. Another classy impression is two-tone painting in the rooms. A main color that is offset with another tone is a way to make the suite more refined while keeping it straightforward to preserve. When a guest enters their guest space they expect to have it look in like new condition. Cleanliness is what is most important to them. These contemporary interior design ideas will help property management preserve their guest suites looking fantastic.


It has to be noted that as your guests begin and end their hotel experience in the lobby, they spend a majority of their visit in the room and other areas of the property. Moreover, sometimes travelers enjoy taking photographs or video to capture their travel experience. Therefore, it is vital that the entire property be well coordinated so that your visitor will recall their favorable encounter when they glance back at their images. No detail is too small. Visitors with a positive hotel event time and again return for future visits and are a great deal more likely to make a recommendation to their family and friends. When this happens you know that your hospitality interior design is successful.

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Building in Style - Mediterranean Architecture

The flexibility of many home builders today gives you a wide range of choices when it comes to modern home architecture. Today's houses are more spacious and simpler due to application of wise space use in the house. There is also a significant change in the materials for house construction. You will be amazed with the various wonderful architectural designs of houses nowadays. Knowing the popular home architecture style that is popular today will help you choose the right one for you and your family. It is recommended for buyers who are seeking to purchase a house to have an idea about an authentic examples of rich and complex architecture used before going in for a deal.

Let us take a look at some background aspects about the Mediterranean region. Because of its location linking Europe, Asia and Africa, the Mediterranean region is home to an amazing diversity of peoples and cultures. Added to that, the occupation of Spain for hundreds of years has resulted to an eclectic architectural style that dominates Spanish style homes. The robust trade, migration patterns and even warfare and conquest have all contributed to the rich and varied history and culture of the Mediterranean region.

What has come to be termed "Mediterranean architecture" has its roots in a melange of lifestyle, culture, historical building styles, climate and topography of the region. The Spanish style house always seeks to exploit location and views, especially sea views. You'll see Spanish houses tucked away on rocky hillsides that tower above the sea or are proudly situated on glorious white sand beaches. Roof terraces are common, again to take advantage of the view.

Since sites for Spanish style homes are often hilly, rocky and uneven, the architecture tends toward low-slung and boxy designs with flat roofs. Windows are situated to take maximum advantage of both the view and the whole house seems to just blend into its surroundings. A typical Spanish style house has thick walls faced with white or light colored stucco to help keep the interior cool. Classical Roman features like columns and porches firmly anchor the Spanish style home in a vibrant historical context. Red clay tile roofs are typical and there are usually no overhanging eaves. Arches are integral design features and often appear above windows, doors, entryways and porches.

Spanish house styles tend to be asymmetrical in shape with multiple wings. Hip roofs are common. Details like carved doors and carved stonework, spiral columns and tiled walls and floors are also highly characteristic of Mediterranean architecture. Courtyards are prevalent and often function as outdoor rooms, making for easy transitions between outdoor and indoor spaces.

Fountains and water features grace the courtyards, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the arid climate. Spanish style houses give an overall impression of oneness with their surroundings. Spanish style homes continue to be popular in the present scenario due to their authenticity that reflect the best of Mediterranean architecture, culture and character.

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Pooling Up For A Cozy Weekend - Setting up a Game Room

Setting up a game room in your home is anytime good for a cozy game with friends or family. The first big step to prepping your game room is to measure the area you have to work with. A game room tends to be best served by putting your primary focus on one main form of entertainment. If a pool table is part of the game room equation, then it deserves to be the central piece of furniture in your game room. The key to it all is making it fit.


Get all the primary measurements like height, width, and length before you start with setting up the game hub. Several multi-functional accessories are available for those of you who happen to be limited on space. Cocktail arcade tables are available that can serve to provide the perfect place to set your drink or indulge in a head-to-head game. Also, there are plenty of two-in-one or three-in-one tables that are also available for game enthusiasts.


The two-in-one is a billiards table with a reversible top that can serve as a dining/poker table, with the three-in-one adding bumper pool in its base. The dining sides of these tables can also be inlaid with chess or backgammon boards, as well as small-sized football or air hockey tables. If interested in these space-savers, please keep in mind that this sort of equipment is often below regulation tables in both size and quality, so be careful before you purchase.


Pick up some pool table lights, custom pool cues, floor cue racks, chalks, pool balls and the likes. All of these great products will help to both enhance your game room experience. Spectator chairs can make a great addition to any game room featuring a pool table, allowing for a more authentic look and feel. For more cozy home environments, a big, comfy couch never hurts to create an inviting, warmer tone to the space.


Whatever your flooring decision might be, it has to balance the games and activities you’ve included in order to achieve the appropriate usability and feel. While wall-to-wall carpeting may sound like a good idea, it generally doesn't handle spilled drinks, food, and cue chalk as well as a hard surface floor.


Solid or laminate wood flooring is a great choice as it tends to give a room a more welcoming feel, and adds a more sophisticated look than most other flooring options. Tile flooring is also a great choice for game room flooring, and can be interchanged by color or pattern to create that custom look. However, if you feel that carpet is preferable to the look of your game room, indoor/outdoor carpeting is widely available to fit the bill, and is extremely durable and easy to clean. Basically, it’s all up to your tastes and your budget.


Another big centerpiece item, a game room bar will demand a lot of space, but can also make for one hell of a good time. Providing adequate space for the bar, the bar stools, and of course, the bartender can take up substantial room. If you’re trying to conserve space, it’s always a safe bet to tuck the bar into a corner or noticeable wall area where it will attract lots of attention.


Well, that about covers all the essentials to setting up a game room. Now it’s up to you to decide how to personalize it. As said, always keep your budget and the space allotment of the room in mind. Choose your favorite games, the art deco, and, most importantly, the guests with whom you want to share the room with. Just remember, if this is your dream room, you’re going to want to provide it with the utmost care it deserves.

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"What's Your Color?!" - Feng Shui & Coloring Your Living Room

Whether it be the T.V. room, family room or lounge room, a living room is a room in which you spend the most time together as a family. As this is an important room to your family members, it's interesting to note that the arrangement of objects, furniture and even your living room color ideas can have a large effect on the moods of the people who spend the most time here. Interesting it may sound, it can also be affecting the health and wealth of the people in your home.

In Feng Shui , the color of your living room walls plays a big influence. There aren't set colors in Feng Shui that you have to use. It is important that your own unique style and tastes are taken into consideration when choosing a color for your walls. It doesn't have to be just about paint or wallpaper either. It could be a large hanging painting or tapestry for example. Anything that covers your walls.

Color can have a direct influence on the energy of a room. We need to make sure that energy is good and positive. The 'safe' living room color ideas to cover your walls in Feng Shui would be beige or white. Too much white can be too yang. In order to add some yin to the room, you can add a splash of color in the decor or furniture of the room to balance out the energy a little.

Even having a feature wall of yin color can help to balance out the energy. Lighting and mirrors are also excellent resources to help with the balance of energy. If we consult the five elements, we know that shades of white are more earth colors. The earth colors will make your room look brighter and feel more cozy and inviting. It will also give your family a sense of security and stability.

Not only that, but the brightness of the white shade will help to magnify and echo back the positive energy of the room. The opposite effect is the result of dark colors such as red and blue on the walls of your living room. You may feel an indirect sense of tension, insecurity and even feel threatened by such colors without knowing exactly why. This intense energy can take its toll on you mentally and physically, more so over time. You should choose colors for your living room that are beneficial to you in terms of being suitable to your overall harmony. Whatsoever, your living room should be fresh and have a feeling of being lived in with a sense of contentment and belonging.

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Monolithic Marvels of Mahabalipuram - Mahabalipuram -South Indian Architecture

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, a prominent tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, is called a majestic open museum because of its rock-cut caves and numerous ancient temples. Located at a distance of 55 km from the capital city Chennai, Mahabalipuram served as a 7th century port city of the Pallava Kings, a Dravidian dynasty.

Mostly all the rock-cut and monolithic monuments in Mahabalipuram date back to the 7th and the 9th century. These are unique in their architectural patterns as these differ from the later-Dravidian era temples that were built during the Chola dynasty. The beauty of the temples of Mahabalipuram lies in their high raised 'Gopurams' which is common in almost all the south Indian temples. The temples showcase the early phases of Dravidian architecture and a few Buddhist elements of design.

Its glorious history dates back to the 7th century and most of its arresting monuments were built between the 7th and 9th century. The brilliant Shore Temple is the most enchanting structure of Mahabalipuram, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Ideally set at the sea shore offering breathtaking views of the surroundings, the temple was constructed in the 8th century. Surviving the test of time, the temple takes pride.

Another bewitching attraction in the sleeves of this ancient city is the Five Rathas, which is a collection of majestic monolithic rock temples. Fashioned in the form of  chariot, these temples are dedicated to the five Pandavas, the heroes of the Great Hindu Epic Mahabharata. Their towers, multi-pillared halls, carvings and sculptures are simply awe-inspiring. These temples were carved out of a small hill. Mahabalipuram still serves as one of the most rich cultural centre of Tamil Nadu.

When it comes to the best of stone carvings in Mahabalipuram, the Arjuna's penance tops the chart. Built on two massive boulders, it is considered as one of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world that measures up to 31m in length and 9 m in height. Carvings of various gods and semi divine creatures, birds and beasts, men and saints can be seen on its surface. People believe that the sculpture shows Arjuna undertaking a penance to obtain a powerful weapon to fight against his enemies.

The rich culture, historic monuments, traditions and blissful ambiance of Mahabalipuram and the splendid architecture of the temples make it a fascinating tourist attraction and a must-see.

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From the Warmth of Your Haven into a New Place Called Eden! - Shifting Your House With Ease

Moving from your present living space to another is just not as hassle some as you think it can be, with a little planning ahead of the move. You just need to know how and when to do all the important things to make it run smoothly. Might beat many people as to where to start from. But with a systematic checklist, things turn out to be a piece of cake for you.

To start with, the date of moving has to be finalized and after having the date finalized, you can get back to make clusters of short time periods, setting each cluster for a particular task. Consider milestones before the move, like say, four weeks until the move, three weeks until the move, two weeks until the move, one week until the move and finally, moving day.

At the stage where you have one month to move, decide which items are going and which can be sold, donated or dumped. No need moving things you no longer want, need or use. If you plan to use a mover, get quotes and find out about any special requirements they have like special insurance for antiques or valuables. Decide if there are any items you will move yourself. Open new bank accounts, if necessary, at the new location and remember to transfer all your automatic payments and deposits to the new account. Start packing out-of-season items and those seldom used. Close safe deposit boxes, post office boxes and collect records from doctors, schools and dentists in preparation of your move. Transfer any outstanding prescriptions if needed.

When three weeks to go before the date, preparing for a move, it is easy to overlook changing your address with magazine services, banks, investment companies and employers. Make a list of everyone you do business with; receive periodic statements from and those who might need to be able to find you. File a change of address with the Post Office. This is a good time to terminate membership at places like the health club or country club and terminate service contracts with providers like exterminators, lawn care and newspaper delivery. Make necessary preparations to move any pets.

And so the clock ticks, leaving with two weeks to go. It's time to step up your preparations to move. Schedule utility shut offs for the day after the planned move. Schedule new services to start the day before you plan to move in. This leaves you a little wiggle room. Empty lockers at school or the gym; return any borrowed items like library books, rented movies and your neighbor's chain saw. Dispose of any hazardous materials that cannot be moved and finish getting rid of the items you don't want. Packing should now include all non-essential items: excess toys, books, movies and music, extra clothing and dishes. Use up perishable foods as you are preparing for your move.

The countdown begins with 7 more days to go for your stay at the good old haven of warmth, which never failed to provide you with shelter under its nurturing might. Now that you have a week more to the D-day, it is a good idea to have a survival kit. In the kit should be a 30 day supply of any medications, important paperwork, your contact list, the mover's information and a copy of the contract, favorite toys. Essentials like toilet paper, drinks and anything that will make the travel to the new destination enjoyable.

 Finally, the day is here. Unplug and clean all appliances. Complete final packing and load any vehicles being driven to the new location. Make one last walk-through of the old residence before locking up. And its time to bid adieu to the warmth of your nest and be welcomed to adopt your lifestyle in this new living Eden.

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Something More to a Handshake - Interior Designing for Your Workplace

There is nothing better for making the office space more pleasing and welcoming than the addition of a few props and plants. The wide range of interior plants makes the look of the business ambiance  thoroughly sophisticated. Improving the aesthetic of the office environment is vitally important for the comfort and wellbeing of the office workforce and can also play a great part in projecting a positive corporate image, welcoming clients into your business. There are many benefits and advantages to the installation of office plants. It is widely proven that interior plants can vastly enhance the business atmosphere and working ambiance, boosting the wellbeing of the robust manpower of the company and raising efficiency and productivity levels to a great extent.

The drab aesthetics of an average office space can be reinvigorated and revitalized with the addition of the glowing greenery of office plants. When a company shows it is conscious of its environment it suggests their commitment to ensuring their stylish corporate image matches their strong reputation for great business. Furthermore, with eco-friendly protocols such an important standard in today's business world, interior plants can symbolize a company's corporate social responsibility and dedication to meeting environmental duties. A green office environment speaks suggests a green business ethic.

The corporate workforce will greatly benefit from the uplifting effect of office plants, which have been proven to radically reduce stress levels and the absenteeism it can cause. Naturally, this also enhances staff wellbeing and boosts productivity. Just as important as the aesthetic and stress reducing effects brought about by installing indoor plants are the very real physical benefits created by the natural chemical processes of plants which raise humidity levels and reduce air pollution. There are dangerous toxins which build up from the materials used in computers, furniture and plastic fittings, not to mention the chemical residue of cleaning products.

Office plants naturally absorb and nullify these dangerous chemicals while also increasing air humidity, which eradicates the dry conditions in which germs thrive, thereby helping employees to stay well and avoid unnecessary absence. Office plant maintenance is extremely simple, many of the indoor plants are extremely hardy and very little time needs to be invested in maintaining healthy plants through a quick cleaning process and watering. Employers shall definitely approve of the psychological and physical benefits which result from indoor plants, employees find working in the place a soothe, while visiting clients will be impressed by an ambiance as such find it a pleasure to associate with, par an initial handshake!

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