Do you enjoy singing with your family by a nice cozy Napoleon Stove? It is a perfect way to enjoy time with your loved ones. Maybe you have a list of songs or a song book that you already like to play together. Well now that you can already play the guitar or piano and sing together, how about creating your own songs to sing together. It would add even more pride to your family time. So what does it take to make your own song? Well, there are a few key things that would help.

If you can already play an instrument then you have already learned a few musical chords. It also helps if you can read a bit of music and know some of the theory of music. But let’s just say you want to make a song with the knowledge of the few chords you do know from learning other songs. That is doable. So take three or four chords and start some sort of progression with them. Which means put them in and order. Then add a rhythm to it. This would come with how you strum your guitar or play on the piano in a certain time. Then listen to the combination of rhythm and chord progression on its own for a few rounds. Do you hear any melodies in your head? Just listen and let any melodies come to your mind. Then start to sing. Even if it is just La la la la. Just get an idea of where you melody wants to go.

Now it is time to pick a topic. To get an idea of what to write about just soak up your moment. Who you are with, what you are talking about, where you are, maybe the fire itself can all become apart of your special song. You can rhyme your words if you want to but it is not necessary. Let everyone add a line or two so that everyone feels included. Top it off with some fun harmonies and Wa La you have created a song together as a family.

Fire Side Songs is a post from: TND West

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What is one of the things that makes trudging through the snow in the colder states, climbing the stairs in your apartment building, and stepping into your home, so delicious?  It is the warmth provided by well crafted fireplaces and wood stoves.  Add to that that having an efficient model will serve to lower your monthly electric bill, the warm scent of burning wood such as cedar will have a soothing effect on your soul, and create a homey and very cozy atmosphere, something that is necessary when the world outside is cold, and black and white without the green leaves on the trees or flowers lining the trellis.

What you need to know about wood burning stoves is that the right wood makes a difference in the heat that they will provide, and should you need more circulation of the heat, blowers can add this feature without creating much of an added expense.  Many people have recently made the switch to the gas fueled fireplaces and stoves, and while this is convenient with a flip of a switch, and is less of a clean-up, there really is nothing that is so aesthetically appealing as a fire in a wood burning unit.

The ambiance that is produced is just very difficult to match, even though the “logs” in a gas fireplace may look realistic.  They do no snap and pop like the real thing does.  One aspect of the “right” wood, is that you simply need to make certain that that wood is dry.  Also, if you are trying to burn green wood, be aware that it is just about fifty percent water, so lighting it and keeping it burning may be a bit of a challenge.

The wood must be cut in advance and given proper time to dry out thoroughly.  If you do manage to get the green wood lit, the creosote fumes will build up faster and thicker in your chimney, and not only means that you will need to clean the chimney more often, it could become in and of itself, a fire hazard.  It just takes a bit of time, to learn about a fireplace should you choose to add one to your home, and it is well worth the investment.

The Ambiance of Wood Burning Stoves is a post from: TND West

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Connecting with the larger worlds around you is a part of every journey, and it’s what makes a job fulfilling, and a relationship vibrant.  It’s the ability to leave your small spheres of concerns and let go of the ego enough to enter into another realm for at least a little while.  It’s nothing less that opening up your world to allow for other ideas and perspectives to come into play.  To enter, you have to be able to suspend judgement, in order to see things as they really are.  It’s a beautiful process, but it can also be very difficult, because sometimes it’s difficult to tell if you’re sleeping or awake.

However, the interesting contradiction here is that in order to enter into another world that’s outside of your ego, you have to be able to replenish the personal reserves, and that means having access to solitude and quiet time.  A personal spa in your own home can be like a portal to another world, in a sense, and often it’s the portal to your own world, or your own private Idaho.  Deciding which spa is right for you, then, is very important, because it will become a touchstone for your personal growth, and it’s certainly going to be a place of respite and regeneration.

Working with choosehottubsdirect.com is a great way to go, because of the excellent customer service and selection.  You can leave your worries behind, because you’re working with a company that works closely with their customers every step of the way.  This means you can focus on the serenity you’re looking for, and spend time considering what it will look like.  You can also start to daydream about the days to come, when you can climb out of the world of responsibility and into your own space again, and let the relaxation carry you away to a very splendid place.

Hot Tubs and Your Own Private Idaho is a post from: TND West

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Our planet consists mainly of water.  Our bodies are made up, mainly of water.  Without it we would not be capable of surviving.  The tides have conjured emotion, and the many people, depending on their belief systems and ideologies, consider the earth to be one living being.  And as we as humans are extensions of this planet, many cultures throughout history have contended that because of the similar elements, we are all just part of the one big whole.  This has led many to the shores of bodies of water, one of the four basic elements,  along with fire, air, and earth, to worship, to participate in rituals and celebrations, and to be affected by the healing properties of that water.

One scientist from Japan, has created scientific studies on water and the crystal elements in water.  When the water taken from all parts of the globe, are placed under his microscope, the patters of the crystals will change, forming complex shapes when spoken to with kindness and love.  Now, whether one believes this is up to each person, but throughout history, the healing properties of water, be it in the salt waters of the seas, the fresh waters of natural springs, or the warm waters of hot tubs and spas, the health benefits of water can simply not be denied.

Many people now are able to afford their own personal hot tubs, and check the site choosehottubsdirect.com to check out the options and learn more about home hot tub installation.  By adding this elegant appliance to you home and to your life, you will experience what people throughout the ages have, and that is the calming and peaceful effects of immersing yourself for a soak, in the quiet and the privacy of your own backyard.  You will be relaxed and rejuvenated, all at once, your concerns will melt away, and your slumber will be filled with perhaps…thoughts of delicate and complex crystal sculptures.

The Tao of the Hot Tub is a post from: TND West

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All you have to do is walk into a home décor store and you can see the many various home themes.  You could decorate your home to look like a beach house or Chinese temple; the options are endless.  Whether you realize it or not, each piece of furniture and decoration plays into the décor theme of your home.  So if you are decorating for the first time or just trying out a fresh new look, it is important to realize the many different aspects of home decorating.
Before choosing a theme for home, consider the what type feeling you want your guests to have when they are in your home.  Do you want it to be warm and inviting? Cool and classy? Fun and festive?  It can also vary from room to room.  Once you have decided, you can begin to decide on colors and patterns (
The furniture is the central point of any room, be it an end-table, chair, or piano.  Because furniture is expensive, we tend to use it until it wears out.  However, you can buy inexpensive slip covers to give your couch and chairs a fresh new look and paint or re-finish wood items to make them shine.
Painting the walls will also give your home a fresh new look.  It will also contribute heavily to feeling others get when they are visiting.  If are using a darker color it is usually best to paint just one wall.  Not only does it look more creative, but it also prevents the room from appearing too small and dark.
Window treatments are good way to express your style and enhance the theme and look of your room.  From swags to valences, there are many different options of window treatments to fit your home.  Of course the type of blinds or shutters you have will affect the types of window treatments you can use.  Shutters from www.NextDayBlinds.com often don’t need any enhancement.  With Next Day Blinds Virginia, reviews are usually limited because of the excellent service and custom made products that they offer.  Investing in window treatments from Next Day Blinds will not only increase your home’s value but enhance the style.
The final step is to add some finishing touches.  You can make a nice display on an end table or the fireplace mantle. You can often find nice pieces for affordable prices at thrift stores or garage sales. Just keep in mind the size and functionality of your room.
With just a few small changes you can give your room, and home, a whole new look.

Choosing a Theme for Your Home Décor with Next Day Blinds Virginia is a post from: TND West

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Add a home hot tub to your backyard and you are investing not only on your property, but in your well being as well.  Hot tubs such as those online at choosehottubsdirect.com, will provide your life with fun, health and an investment in your financial future.  One of the best things to do at the onset of spring or the beginning of autumn, is to set up outside and watch and old movie projected onto the wall.  Any wall, side of the house, side of the wall.  It’s all romantic in nature.  And you can have that, in your own backyard.

Rebel Without a Cause or Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a movie with a grill and and a hot tub?  Well what a great night will be had by all.  On top of the fun, there a financial aspect…everything these days seems to need a financial aspect to be valid.  That said, the value of your property will be greatly increased when you decide to add a hot tub.  Whether you decide to add a hot tub to the design of your backyard garden, or whether you decide to have it installed inside your structure, the property value will rise.  Homes currently under construction, include this addition.  Standard now, is the hot tub spa.  Once an accoutrement of the rich and famous, just a part of the deal, thanks to advances in technology, manufacturing and distribution.

On top of the party aspect, all guests will leave feeling…strangely wonderful.  What ancient cultures have known for centuries, modern cultures are just figuring out.  Water feels good, and water heals.  Imagine having this, your own hot tub, at your disposal, every night, in your own backyard.  It will relieve stress, ease aching muscles, and put you out for a very good, very solid, night’s sleep.   You will wake up refreshed for the next day of work, and bring you home each night for a certain, deep and well rested sleep.

Great Fun in Owning a Hot Tub is a post from: TND West

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Creating a new look in one’s home or office is as easy as switching out the window treatments.  Getting rid of worn out curtains or drapes, and installing coverings from the vast selection at Next Day Blinds, will not only update one’s space, but serve to uplift one’s energy as well.  Visual surroundings play a role in the way one feels throughout the day, for just as the flickering of fluorescent lighting can affect one’s mood, so too can unpleasant patterns and outdated colors.

The prefect Venetian blinds for the office or for the home give one the opportunity to control the amount of light or air coming through the window, as well as serve to offer privacy when it is necessary.   And perhaps more so with the Venetian style , the quality of their construction is important, as there are so many working parts.  It may be tempting to go for the good deals, and many reputable distributors will offer sales on the quality blinds, but it is important to consider when looking at the lower quality products, that what one may save today, may end up costing them in the long run.

Many choose to go with the wooden Venetian style shades from Next Day Blinds as these are sturdy enough for constant use, and they happen to look very classic as well.  There are other options for the materials which will still prove to be sturdy and structurally sound as well.  There are many styles in faux wood, and plastic.  With the plastic models however, it is best to take a look at the ones that are made with a bit of a thicker slat, as in the wood slats, these will also prove to be more sturdy and long lasting.  The shades come in a variety of colors, and are the perfect option for a quick pick me up of an office space or in one’s own home decor.

Venetian Style Shades from Next Day Blinds is a post from: TND West

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You back yard can be like your home away from home. And if you plan it right it can be just like having a vacation resort in your own home. You backyard should bring you peace and serenity not headaches and work. Here are some things that every backyard should have to make it a fun and relaxing place to hang out, kick back, and enjoy some family fun.

Depending on how big your yard is, no matter what you will have to maximize your space. It’s just not realistic to think that every yard can hold a bevy of outdoor kitchen appliances. But every back yard can have amenities to fit the family that is using them. If you don’t have space for everything just choose what you think your family would use most. If you do a lot of your cooking outside you should think about the many options out there for built in gas grills.

They offer a great cooking experience. It’s like having a full kitchen outside. This may not work for you if you are more the grill over charcoal type of person. If you like that smoky flavor, a gas grill will not give you that option.

If you have children in your family, you should consider having something fun in the yard that they can play with. Consider investing in a trampoline or other type of toy. If a trampoline requires too much supervision for your taste, consider having a badminton net or even a tether ball pole. Having a little bit of the playground in your backyard can be really fun for friends and family alike.

Another option that will be relaxing is a hot tub spa for the yard. They offer great relaxing benefits and could add value to your home if and when you decide to sell.

What every backyard should have is a post from: TND West

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What this economy and the current economic situation have done for us as a society is hopefully make up appreciate what we already have. Seriously do you we really need to spend all our time on the weekends in the mall or go out to eat every night of the week? Probably not.

We need to start appreciating what we already have in our lives and summer is a perfect time to spend with family. Summer, not matter if you reside in the country or the city, is all about food and fun. There is Fourth of July fun and cookouts, with fireworks galore. You need to take the time you have to spend with your family now and go back to simpler times.

The easiest way to go simple is to think how you can have fun in your own home. You should try and plan weekly activities to promote family togetherness. Start having a board game night every Wednesday or Thursday night and I’m sure you have some board games lying around the house. Go for classics like Clue or Pictionary. You could even break your family up into teams for a little friendly competition. Truth is all you have to do is spend a little time together.

Another thing you could do is spend some time in your own backyard. You don’t need a lot of fancy stuff, like a hot tub from choosehottubsdirect.com or a backyard pool. All you need is a game, something as simple as tag or hide and go seek are awesome games to play outside with your family.

The truth is its all about spending time together. It really does not matter what you do, it only matters that you are doing it together. You should have fun no matter what you do together.

Have a vacation in your own home is a post from: TND West

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I’ve decided what I will do for Earth Day, which is today. I will create a tree map of feral fruit trees during my travel through out Australia. I got this idea while I was staying at a Luxury Sydney Hotel. By happenstance, I was walking around the area by my hotel and spotted a Mulberry tree, quite a few of the Lilly Pilly trees, a rogue Passion fruit vine and a some surprising Warrrigal Greens, although it’s not a fruit, it’s still very edible. Spotting all of these edible and wild trees and plants made me want to use these as my way of showing how much nature is in our backyard, so-to-speak.

My classification of a feral fruit is any fruit the can be glean from a public space, like a park, overhangs from a fence or something along a roadside. They have to be free and hopefully organic. My concept for mapping the feral fruit trees is not original. I heard about it over at Milkwood. I believe it’s been something other people have been doing, if only in their heads, of ages. I remember that I always knew where all the feral mulberry trees and blackberry bushes were to be found in and around my neighborhood.

Even my brothers were called the Hunter-Gatherers by my parents and neighbors because they were always seen picking the berries and the fruit from the hedges and trees randomly growing. But, what I remember best about them was they knew where to find a good feral fig tree. Those fresh figs were so good to eat, yummy.

Now, to remember where the feral fruit trees are on my travels, I not only mark on my map where I noticed them, but if they were in season. I will use a traditional map and mark it with a pen. But, after I finish, I will use Google earth and share it with as many people who are interested in my feral fruit tree journey. I will invite people to share and add any feral fruit trees I will most definitely miss during my travels through Australia. There are already excellent feral fruit tree maps, but this won’t stop me from creating my very own. What a fantastic why to see a country.

Feral Fruit Trees in Sydney is a post from: TND West

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