Our Answer: Stagetecture’s new category is called Best Of – Round Up

Think of these posts as “Staff Picks”. Each week we compile seasonal themes from Stagetecture’s archives and deliver them to you in one post! This helps save you time from searching through thousands of posts, but it also gives you inspiration you may not have considered before. From Our Favorite Fall Pear Dishes to Best Year-Around Pet Care Tips and Great Summer DIY Projects are just a few we have already gathered.

Stagetecture’s Round Up Posts – Save Time: More Inspiration

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Access the Round Up category from our Inspiration Menu on Stagetecture:

You can also click on the Round Up Posts Image in the side bar of Stagetecture:

We know you will love our staff’s favorites, but also posts that performed the best in our social communities. We wanted to make sure these Round Up posts save you time and inspire you to create something great! If you ever have suggestions for upcoming Round Up posts leave us a comment here and we will consider it.

Here’s to saving you time and gaining more inspiration from Stagetecture’s archives.

-Ronique

Pohela Boishakh is the first day of Bengali New Year. The day is celebrated on April 14 in Bangladesh and in West Bengal of India. Apart from that, the Bengali communities in some other Indian states including Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Assam also observe this day.

Image via: News2d

‘Pohela Boishakh’ is a mark of cultural unity in Bangladesh. Irrespective of religious, ethnic, or other identities, every Bengali celebrates this day by taking part in Mongol Shovajatra (a kind of festive rally), going to Boishakhi Mela(a fair displaying things representing the rural roots of the country), eating Panta-Ilish(watered rice with fried Hilsha fish), and participating in different cultural activities. However, the trend of exchanging gifts has also become rife in these days. Check out the following gift ideas for Pohela Boishakh:

Gifts for Office Staff

If you are the owner of a company, giving gifts to your staff on Pohela Boishakh is a great way to establish a friendly working environment and improving your relation with them. You can make a gift basket by stuffing a bamboo-made basket with one or two pieces of clay-made toys, a replica of spinning wheel, a jar of honey collected from the forests of the Sundarbans, ripe tamarind, hand-made fans, a catapult, some amlas, etc. All of these things are very Bengali in nature and remind every Bangladeshi of his or her roots.

Image via: Flickr

Gifts for Guests

A tradition of Pohela Boishakh is to give gifts to the guests who will come to your house on that day. Just a little bit of your care is enough to make the gift a memorable one for your guests. Clay-, wood-, bamboo-, and fiber-made things are deeply related to Bengali tradition. So, you can give them clay-made horse, elephant, tortoise, flower vase, pitcher; wooden key ring; bamboo-made or wooden jewelry items; fiber-made hanger or mattress; or hand-made fans. Give children small replicas of boats, palanquin, tabor, dhol, etc. If you have time and are willing to take some extra pain, make them flower vase or picture frame from paper grind.

Gifts for Dear Ones

The gifts for your special ones should be special in nature too. You can give them wooden jewelry box containing wooden or fiber-made bracelets, wooden bangles, wooden earrings, etc. Otherwise, you can prepare some special foods related to this festival and give them by stuffing in a small paper or bamboo basket. Food items that represent Bengali culture are puffed rice, fried corns, flattened rice, and different types of sweetmeats mainly made of coconut, meshed rice, and date juice. To add more Bengali flavor, you can wrap each item with leaves of jackfruit or banana.

Image via: Mimpi Dreams

This festival holds the essence of Bengali culture. It gives people a chance to come closer through remembering the roots of Bengali tradition. Just take care that the gifts must reflect the essence of Bengali culture and tradition. Enjoy the great festival!

Shuvo Noboborsho (Happy New Year)!

For more holiday and travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Well the day is finally here! Joanne Mathis from Mathis Interiors Blog Talk Radio and myself have launched our new joint venture – Mathis & Gibson Media! Tomorrow  – September 21st at 11:00amEST is the official Mathis Gibson Media launch party – find more details here, or scroll to the bottom of this post.

Mathis & Gibson Media website

First I want to tell you about our new website located here: MathisGibsonMedia.com it will have all the information on how you can gain exposure on Stagetecture & Mathis Interiors Radio together or separately.

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Inaugural Digital Magazine

To debut Mathis & Gibson Media – we wanted to assure that all the information – who we are, what service we can provide, and exposure opportunities were in a beautiful digital magazine! Take a look below, visit us at Mathis Gibson Media.com for more information and to contact us!

Here’s a direct link to the digital magazine —> Mathis Gibson Media digital magazine.

Mathis & Gibson Media

Mathis & Gibson Media – Launch Party

Join us on Facebook | Twitter – #MathisGibson | Blog Talk Radio

When: Sept. 21, 2012 – 11:00am EST

Twitter: First – Follow me at Stagetecture  and Joanne at Mathis Interiors – then join the party – Hashtag – #MathisGibson

Facebook: Follow Stagetecture & Mathis Interiors

Blog Talk Radio: Mathis & Gibson Launch Party show  – Special surprise guests will drop in. Make sure and listen in while we Tweet & post on Facebook!

It will be so much fun! We will be giving away prizes, talking about how Mathis & Gibson Media will bring you new opportunities: whether you are a brand, enthusiasts, entrepreneur, listener, reader, international lifestyle person wanting to showcase your talents, goods, services, this party will give you details and we will of course CHAT!!

Join Joanne and me tomorrow – Friday, Sept. 21st at 11:00am EST on Facebook, Twitter, and hear us on Blog Talk Radio – talk about a Multi-media event!!!  All at the same time…. CAN’T WAIT!

For the last year I have been saying that I wanted to accomplish a few things:

• Publish a design ebook – 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home
• Be on a podcast and Blog Talk Radio – Artistically Speaking and Mathis Interiors Radio
• Create a Media Kit (That I put off for 2 years) – Advertising
• Create a You Tube Channel – Stagetecture You Tube Channel

and the last item on my list:

To reach a broader number of people through multi-media…

I’m excited to announce that I am joint venturing into a new project that will make this possible!

Introducing: Mathis & Gibson Media

I am joining Joanne Mathis from Mathis Interiors Blog Talk Radio show.  We are partnering to launch Mathis & Gibson Media – A multi-media venture to bring my Stagetecture readers and her Blog Talk Radio listeners multiple ways to connect and share creative ventures. Her listeners will be able to reach Stagetecture readers and vice versa. This opens up the opportunities for you to engage with Blog Talk Radio, as well as her guests to bring their creative content to Stagetecture and Stagetecture’s guest bloggers, DIY content and other home lifestyle topics will be featured on Mathis Interiors Radio.

We will be connecting:

* Radio    * Lifestyle Blog    *Video   *Digital Magazine

Find out more next week.. I’ve already let out enough!

On September 21, 2012 at 11:00am we will be officially launching and having a party!

Mathis & Gibson Media Launch Party

Join us on Twitter – Facebook – Blog Talk Radio

When: Sept. 21, 2012 – 11:00am EST

Twitter: First – Follow me at Stagetecture  and Joanne at Mathis Interiors – then join the party – Hashtag – #MathisGibson

Facebook: Follow Stagetecture & Mathis Interiors

Blog Talk Radio: Mathis & Gibson Launch Party show

It will be so much fun! We will be giving away prizes, talking about how Mathis & Gibson Media will bring you new opportunities: whether you are a brand, enthusiasts, entrepreneur, listener, reader, international lifestyle person wanting to showcase your talents, goods, services, this party will give you details and we will of course CHAT!!

Join Joanne and me next Friday, Sept. 21st at 11:00am EST on Facebook, Twitter, and hear us on Blog Talk Radio – talk about a Multi-media event!!!  All at the same time…. CAN’T WAIT!

Wheh hew!

One of the newest trends in residential architecture is saving space and reusing shipping containers. Ever wonder why some people are interested in container houses? Well, wait until you see some of the most remarkable container houses built in different places across the country. These houses are well-designed that you may not notice that it’s made from a robust container.

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Aside from its design, container houses are getting the attention of people for so many reasons.

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To provide you with the advantages of container houses, here are some notable reasons:

Mobility and Durability

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Containers are primarily designed for easy transport. It handles a hefty amount of materials for deliveries. This is why container manufacturers ensure its durability and toughness to any adverse condition. These two features make it perfect for containers to qualify for a stable home that can withstand diverse weather conditions. Along with durability the cost of construction is extremely low than a standard home.

Environmental friendly

The fact that these houses are built in recycled or repurposed containers, you can be certain that it alleviates the need for wood coming from trees to build a home. Not to mention the plastics and wastes that are produced in building a regular house. The container houses also require less operational cost for air-conditioning or heating. With owners placing their garden on top of the roof, the direct heat from the sun and cool breeze of the surroundings are filtered and the home now acts as an eco-system.

Economical

With a container house, you are assured of low maintenance and cost-efficiency. It is safe to say that you only have to spend for paint to maintain its benefits. But take note that by repainting your container house, you are not only doing maintenance but enhancement as well. This makes it two benefits for price of one. Since these home are limited square footage, the cost of upkeep is low and can help homeowners save space for their building footprint and more.

The increasing popularity of container houses can be driven by the high cost of monthly amortization of regular housing and their maintenance. It’s nice to know that there are architects and designer who are using their knowledge and skills in building great ideas like these container houses.

For more house tours on Stagetecture, click here.

Your floor carries a heavy load at home. This is why choosing the right flooring should not be taken for granted and needs proper planning before purchasing. In deciding what type of flooring, you have to consider the durability, installation, materials and maintenance. But the more crucial decision would be the type of materials you choose for your flooring and your lifestyle of your family.

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Before making the decision, take time to think about being environmentally friendly. Here are a few green flooring options to consider:

Cork

Cork flooring started as a by-product from surplus or scrap from the wine cork industry. The popularity of cork tile flooring increased not because it comes cheap but due to its resiliency. This type of flooring is tolerant to dropped dishes and very comfortable to stand on. Cork also features stain and fire resistance which makes it low in maintenance and more safe. Other notable characteristics of cork floors are the ability to absorb sound and resistance to soak up moisture.

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Bamboo

As you know, bamboo is a fast growing type of grass that is so abundant and looks like wood. It is remarkably durable and can last for a long period of time. There are three distinct bamboo patterns available for your home floors: grain, horizontal and vertical grain. You can also choose between natural and caramel shades.  One of the best features of bamboo is its cool and cozy effects on your home. It absorbs heat and is hard-wearing.

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Linoleum

People often refer this material to vinyl flooring but these two materials are different from each other. Linoleum contains no vinyl and is made from flax seed by-product which is the linseed oil. It is a mixture of sawdust, powdered cork, minerals and pine resin. Although it is a bit expensive than vinyl, you can count on its durability, low maintenance and more importantly biodegradable. But linoleum gained recognition with its antibacterial properties especially when used in healthcare facilities.

Getting the best flooring for your home is one of the major decisions you have to make. You should take some time and be aware of your options. Remember, a healthy home environment is priceless! Use these green flooring ideas to choose the right one for your home and the environment.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

To receive more home inspiration get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

Home is where our heart is. This is so true since our home is not only a structure but a sanctuary. It should be a safe haven for all the members of the family. Our home is where comfort, convenience and safety take place. It doesn’t matter where it is located, total area or the size of the home.

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There are several ways to make your home a personal sanctuary. All you have to do is to provide time and consider what makes you feel good about your interiors. For every person it is different, but there are a few areas that most of us humans love. Whether it is comfortable colors and aesthetics, personal items around us that feel secure and safe, and feeling comfortable with space and not cramped, are all features that most people can agree are wanted in their homes.

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Here are few ways to do this:

Maximize all areas at home

Maximizing all your areas at home will make it very convenient and spacious. For instance, you may use the space under you stairs as storage. Consider how you can create multifunctional spaces that can serve dual roles. A dining room table may be able to double as a home office for homes that are small and have limited home office space.

Organize your home

Plan a comfortable arrangement of your decor at home. You may remove all unnecessary furniture, decorations and accessories that are not functional. You may sell them or donate to charities. If there is a need for new furniture, choose eco-friendly materials and multipurpose. If you have personal items you just love, surround yourself in them, but balance them with decorative items that can hold magazines, or can serve a purpose of functionality and beauty.

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Consider repainting

The general color or theme of your home affects the mood and ambiance of the surroundings. Color stimulates energy and relaxation. To freshen up your home, choose neutral colors or nature colors like green, blue or beige. You may also mix and match colors as you prefer. A neutral palette can give your home a feeling of spaciousness and calm!

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Personalize with accessories

The personalize accessories will allow you to feel ownership and refuge. This may be something you repainted, repurpose or recycled. Get something you like and make it the theme of your home. Of course, consider the likes of the other family members. You can change your things around very often like display paintings and other craft materials and flowers. You may also display inspiring quotes and photos.

These are just a few of the things you can do to make your home a sweet home! Use these tips to make your personal space comfortable and livable for years into the future.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

To receive more home inspiration get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/how-to-personalize-your-interiors-just-for-you/feed/ 0 28103 https://stagetecture.com/green-tips-to-keep-your-lawn-healthy-this-summer/ https://stagetecture.com/green-tips-to-keep-your-lawn-healthy-this-summer/#respond Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:10:20 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=28622 Entry #1337, June 25, 2012

Caring for your lawn is often a challenge in the summer months. Hot temperatures, less rain and increased bugs can wreak havoc on your lawn! On the other hand, caring for your lawn can be a great way to move around and get exercise. While caring for your lawn and garden can be a challenge there are green ways to keep the environment healthy and still have a stellar lawn this season. This chore entails periodic maintenance to preserve what its scenic beauty.

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Grasses play a big part in taking care of your lawn. They occupy the largest part of your lawn and the center of attraction. But maintaining these grasses can be costly and harmful to the environment, if not carefully done.

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Here are some of the eco-friendly lawn care tips:

Know your grass

Grasses come in different types that vary from their maximum height, water requirement and grass color. To be more eco-friendly, choose a grass type that is low in maintenance and water requirement. Grasses like Buffalo, Bahia, Bermuda, Zoysia and St Augustine are just among those types that are water friendly and low-maintenance.

Use the right maintenance tools

Some mowers are designed to be more effective with use of specific types of grasses. But it is great to use manual grass cutters as it will enhance your lawn and at the same time exercise your hand and chest. Also, you can save money for gasoline intended for the lawn mower. However, if you cannot do away with your power mower, specialized mowers will result to cleaner cut and faster completion. You can also modify it with your desired cutting limit on the grass. Limiting the depth cut of your lawn will help protect your grass as well as shield the roots from extreme sun and drought conditions.  Replace your mower blade when it is needed.  This will give you a much cleaner and quicker cut to save time and fuel.

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Lawn Fertilization

Fertilizers can enhance the growth of your lawn grasses especially if the climate is not suitable for the type of grass. It is great to use organic compost as fertilizers for your lawn grasses. This can save you money and be friendly to our environment.

These ideas are not only applicable to grasses but also to other plants surrounding your lawn. Proper knowledge on your plant selection, fertilization, tools and equipment should be considered. Have fun in beautifying your lawn, the greener way!

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Find more outdoor home inspiration in 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

So many questions come into play when choosing a new range for your kitchen. Are you replacing an old model and working within the confines of your current cabinets, or do you have the flexibility that a remodel or new build would allow? Is your kitchen equipped for an electric or gas range? Do you need to match other appliances? What kind of cook are you and how much will you be cooking?

There is a seemingly endless supply of quality ranges on the market. Here are a few things to ponder as you make your decision.

Image via: Coastal Living

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Gas or Electric?

Start with knowing what your kitchen is equipped to handle. Most professional chefs prefer a gas range, but electrics have come a long way. If you are set on having gas, and you don’t already have a gas line, you will have to cover the cost of installing one specifically for your new range. Shop around first though as you might be surprised by some of the features available on new electric models.

What is Your Style?

Next consider the style of your kitchen. Are you after the look of a commercial range? Some of the more professional looking high-end brands to consider would be Wolf, Dacor or Viking. Most of these are stainless steel, but there are some color options if that is what you seek. Stainless steel is quickly being the homeowner’s most popular choice even among the more traditional standard models made by companies like Frigidaire, Kenmore, LG, General Electric, Samsung and others. Most manufacturers still cater to consumers with a broad range of options in black, white and almond as well.

Image via: Becky Manning.Pinterest

Three Basic Choices

There are three main kinds of ranges: slide-in, drop-in or freestanding. Slide-in ranges are built with contoured sides and cooktops that rise up a bit above counter level so they may be installed between cabinets and the cooktop can rest on the counter. This makes for a custom-fitted look.

Drop-in ranges are typically custom built right into specially-designed cabinet enclosures featuring cabinet panels below for a built-in look. Both slide-in and drop-in models usually have controls conveniently positioned along the front of the cooktop. This could be a concern for some families as the controls could be within reach if you have small children.

Freestanding ranges simply slide directly into their spot. Freestanding models are usually more affordable even though many are packed with options. You can find models with convenient features like six burners (as opposed to the traditional four), warming drawers and burners, self-cleaning, extra deep interiors, storage drawers, a broad range of temperature options, and even grills or griddle tops.

Most freestanding ranges are built to a standard height, but they may vary in width and depth so it is still important to accurately measure your space before shopping. Even though free-standing ranges typically fit between two cabinets, they may also be used in at the end of a bank of cabinets or in a completely freestanding location.

Image via: Houzz

Convection Option

Another increasingly popular consideration is a range that features a convection oven. Convection ovens use a fan to evenly circulate hot air throughout the oven. Food cooks more quickly and browns more evenly in a convection oven. Convection options are available in all three of the configurations discussed above.

The best advice is to get online or visit your local appliance store to see what’s available today. Know the features you would like to have and start searching! You will likely find a model that incorporates everything you seek across a broad range of price points. Good luck in your search!

Chelsea Garrett is a working mother of 3 living in the Chicago area. She is a fond believer of remodeling kitchens using Drury Design and communicates with them using a business owner network.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Deciding on indoor furniture in your home is a hard job, but deciding on outdoor garden furniture can add the extra challenge of holding up to the elements. Now that spring is on its way, it’s the perfect time to consider what type of outdoor garden furniture will work best for your home, and your lifestyle. How much space you have, the geographic location you live in and your entertaining style will all be important factors to consider. Here are helpful tips to think about before deciding on garden furniture.

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  Space and function:

  Many homeowners strictly go by the aesthetic nature of outdoor furniture and then are disappointed when it comes to entertaining and functional living. Consider how much you space you can allocate for your furniture. An urban apartment terrace may only fit a bistro set of a table and two chairs, while an suburban home with an expansive patio may be able to fit a full patio set, umbrella, benches, and lounge seating. Measure out your patio or porch area and allow room for walking and circulation space around doorways, furniture, and pathways off the patio. When you visit outdoor furniture stores in person or online, make sure the dimensions meet with yours for no surprises when you the furniture arrives!

Image via: Crowders

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  Entertaining and geography:

  Another important factor to consider is your entertaining style and where your home is located. For desert climate homes that entertain frequently, you may opt for removable cushioned garden furniture that is comfortable, and can be stored in a garage when the hot summer sun is unbearable. While a moderate tempered climate may opt for wrought iron sets that can remain outside year around. Determine if you will use your furniture often, or only when throwing a pool party. This will help you plan a budget for furniture, and help you design your space that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Image via: 79ideas

Choosing garden furniture should be an enjoyable experience that you will reap the benefits of while lounging and entertaining guests. Be realistic when planning the space necessary for the pieces you desire. Remember, a chair and a small table may be all you need for your one-bedroom apartment balcony, or you may opt for a 10-piece set for your outdoor kitchen, patio and pool area. Feel confident that you will choose exactly what fits your lifestyle with these helpful tips.

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.