Rose Zella Myers'

Rose Zella MyersOffice: 417-683-0826

www.moreozarks.com

Dear Friends,

Tired of the same old things year after year? Is your once comfortable couch driving you

crazy? Have your developed the desire to re-design your space, but are stumped when it

comes to getting started and live in fear of what the cost of a professional interior decorator

would do to your budget? Relax and read on!

This month in Welcome Home magazine take a shot at all those things you are always

itching to do, but never seem to know where to start. Fine tune your plan for the cozy new

living space that you dream about or take the time to turn that fantasy bathroom of yours into

an amazing reality. We even have some help laid out for you in the financial planning

department so you can actually budget in all these great projects. And when they are done,

you can go get yourself a manicure knowing exactly what you are getting into! Come on!

Let's get started!

Please enjoy this issue of the magazine! Have a Re-invented July, and as always, Welcome

Home! Do you have a topic you would like to see covered or a recipe that you would like to

share? For comments and suggestions please email us at welcomehome@activeezine.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Rose Zella Myerswww.moreozarks.com

417-683-0826

Table of Contents

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not

intended to solicit other brokersʼ listings. If you are currently working

with another broker, please disregard this information.

The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any part icular purpose l ies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for Random Fact information and aid.

Welcome Home!

4 Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.

5 What Is A Manicure? - Unlocking the mystery of the manicure.

6 - 7 Making The Most Of Your Finances Take charge and plan out your financial future.

8 - 11 DYI Interior Decorating How the create that perfect room you long for, all by yourself!

12 - 14 Is That A Rug Or A Rat? You know it’s time to redecorate when...

15 5 Tips For Choosing The Best Photo Wall Murals How to get fit and be stylish at the same time.

16 - 17 Bathroom Improvements DIY Home Improvements - all the fun and decor, at less of a price.

18 - 19 Bamboo Flooring Bamboo is not just for Panda snacks anymore!

20 - 21 Products To Love! Hot trends, technological wonders of tomorrow and so much more!

22 City SpotlightGalveston, TX. Everything is beachier in Texas!

23 Businesses That Make A DifferenceTarget, lending a helping hand to make a better life possible.

Asian Slaw Dogs

Recipe and Design

Preparation:1. Coat cold cooking grate of grill with cooking spray, and place on grill. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Brush hot dogs with 2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce.2. Grill hot dogs, covered with grill lid, 6 to 8 minutes or to desired degree of doneness, turning occasionally. Grill buns, split sides down, covered with grill lid, 1 minute or until grill marks appear.3. Grate ginger using the large holes of a box grater to equal 2 Tbsp. Squeeze juice from grated ginger into a medium bowl; discard solids. Add mayonnaise, next 3 ingredients, and remaining 2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce, stirring to combine. Add slaw, tossing to coat.4. Serve grilled hot dogs in buns with slaw mixture and desired toppings.

Southern Living BBQ on Tour, APRIL 2009

Ingredients

• Vegetable cooking spray• 1  (16-oz.) package OSCAR MAYER Premium Jumbo

Beef Franks• 1/4  cup  hoisin sauce, divided• 8  hot dog buns• 1  (4-inch) piece fresh ginger• 2/3  cup  mayonnaise• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh cilantro• 2  tablespoons  lime juice• 1/2  teaspoon  salt• 1  (12-oz.) package broccoli slaw• Toppings: crumbled ramen noodles, fresh cilantro

sprigs, lime wedges

Prep: 20 min., Grill: 7 min. Squeezing the juice from grated ginger is easy and adds fresh flavor to this Asian-inspired slaw. To easily release the juice, press the ginger against the back of your

measuring spoon using a finger.

Instructions:1. Fold a 40-inch piece of wire in half. Starting at one point of the star, bend the wire around the cookie cutter to form the star outline. When the wire meets, twist to secure.

2. Straighten the ends of the wire and trim them with wire cutters to make them an even length.

3. Insert the trimmed ends into the chuck on an electric drill and tighten the chuck. Hold the wire taut and rotate the drill until the wire is twisted to the desired tightness.

4. Loosen the chuck and remove the wire. Trim the ends again.

5. Carefully remove the star from the cookie cutter. Spray-paint the star. Let the paint dry.

• Star-shape cookie cutter• 40-inch piece of 20-gauge wire• Wire cutters• Electric drill• Spray paint in desired color

Star Bubble Wands

Send airy bubbles afloat on summer breezes with these star-spangled bubble wands.

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.com

What You Need:

What Is A Manicure?This cosmetic beauty treatment is for the fingernails and hands. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish.

As part of the manicure, treatments for hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion. The word "manicure" comes from the Latin manus, meaning "hand," and cura meaning "care".

The process for a manicure begins with ensuring that the working area and tools are sanitized and conveniently located. This might include sanitizing the working surface, such as a table top, placing clean metal implements into a jar with sanitizing liquid, and having sanitized towels and such near the working area.

Normally a manicure starts with sanitizing of the subject's hands. Old nail polish or artificial nails are removed. The hands are then cleaned with soap and hot water and rinsing with hot water.

During the next phase of a manicure, the fingernails are then trimmed and filed to the desired length and shape using fingernail file. Metal nail files can be used for rapid removal of nail material, however, fine glass files are preferred. Disposable two-sided emery boards can also be used.

Proper filing technique starts with the file at the outer edge of the nail, moving towards the center. This is repeated from the other side of the nail to the center. The file should not be moved back and forth in a saw-like motion.

The cuticles are then pushed back with a cuticle pusher. A cuticle pusher is simply a wooden stick with a flat end, sometimes wrapped in cotton. Metal cuticle pushers should be used with great care, as they can damage the fingernail matrix. Orange wood is the preferred material because of its softness.

In this phase of the manicure, the fingernails are polished with a polishing board made of hard foam, paper, or plastic. A softer foam layer is added to each side, and fine polishing surfaces are placed on the foam.

To conclude the manicure, in most cases, the manicurist applies at least one layer of either clear polish meant to strengthen weak nails or several layers of color polish and top coat. A manicure is usually finished with a hand massage using hand lotion or oils.

Written by Heather Coleman. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com. Photo by Teodora Vlaicu/Stock.Xchng

Beauty

Let’s face it: your finances largely affect how you spend your everyday living. It plays an important aspect when you are determining what to wear, what to eat, where to go, where to live, what to drive, what to do during your free time, and even what hospital to go to when you are sick. In some cases, it seems as if your personal finances control you. But, this should not be the case. You should start taking control of your finances instead of letting it define your life.

Taking Charge of Your FinancesClearly, it is vital that you pay much attention in understanding how personal financing works. If you can just apply the principles of finance management in your everyday monetary decisions, then you can probably be a lot better in controlling and managing your personal finances.

Constructing a Financial PlanThe art and science of personal finance starts with constructing your personal financial plan. By coming up with a blueprint on how you should spend, save, and possibly capitalize on your money; you’ll start making the most of your finances in no time. Below are the general steps in coming up with your own financial plan:

1. Evaluate your Finances. The first step in making the right plan is to assess how well you are doing now. Examine your ways in obtaining money and assets, along with ways on how you save or spend your resources. Prepare a personal balance sheet. The list should include all your personal assets, along with their presumed values. Do not forget to jot down your checking and savings accounts, credit cards and investments in the stock market. You may also include your social security benefits, and other monetary privileges that you are enjoying such as your monthly income. After listing your monetary resources, you should then match it with a list of your expenses- from your monthly food allowance to expected monthly bills and other liabilities such as mortgages. This way you can see how much you are capable of spending and saving.

Making the Most of Your Finances

Written by Benedict Smyth. Courtesy of Isnare.com

2. Identify your Goals. Your goals provide direction to your plan. Usual goals for financial plans include raising funds for personal necessities such as saving for a new house, a new car, a long awaited vacation, or an education plan for your kid. Your financial goal may be a single endpoint, or it may be a long list of your personal ambitions. In deciding what your plans are, you should take note of the plans feasibility. Do not make plans that are impossible to achieve.

3. Devise a step-by-step plan. After you have identified your goal, determine the steps you should take in fulfilling your financial goal. This may include cutting down on unnecessary expenses, exploring new sources of income, or saving more money in the bank. Whatever your steps are, make sure that you are capable of implementing and following your plan. Do not forget to examine possible problems that may interfere with your steps. In such cases, prepare alternate plan of actions. Also, you ought to construct a time frame for your plan.

4. Carry out the Plan. This is probably the hardest part- implementation. When executing the plan, you need to constantly remind yourself about your goal. That way, you can stay motivated and inspired to follow the steps. Equip yourself with utmost discipline and large doses of perseverance. If possible, look for support groups that can possibly encourage you to stick to your plans.

5. Monitor and assess your plan. Keep an eye on how your steps work for the fulfillment of your overall goal. Examine if your plan is really working and if it still feasible and beneficial for you as time passes. Be open for alternatives or possible changes to your plan, especially if unforeseen circumstances affect the consequences of your assumed goal.

DYI Interior Decorating

You don't need to spend a fortune by hiring a professional interior design company not to be artistic to have beautiful home. You don't need huge budget to turn your home into a cozy place. All you need is a bit of time and the desire to make it a better living place.

First of all know the function of each room. Clarify the priorities is your living room solely intended for day activities or your home office is there too? Do you have separate dining room or an eat-in kitchen? Does your household has children and what's their age? The aim of interior decorating is not only to improve the look but to improve the functionality of each room. Once with your hands on the subject you will find that there are plenty of solutions for big and small spaces that can serve almost any need and satisfy any taste.

The next thing to consider is your personal preferences. While clarifying the functions of each room is mostly about the arrangement of the main furnishings, the second part is about their style as well as the walls and floor coverings, their type and color. Generally speaking there are established color schemes that are deemed to be best for each room. For example peach orange is perfect for kitchens since is stimulates appetite and is not offensive. Bedrooms are often white or within the place spectrum of colors as they should provide comfort and relaxation.

Living rooms can benefit from much more bright and strong colors as well as of a combination of two or three colors. As to the floor coverings you only need to think about which type will e most practical. Obviously

tiles are good to high circulation areas which are likely to be cleaned often kitchens, entry halls, while wooden floors are good for areas that need to be cozy, warm such as bedrooms and living rooms. Another significant factor when choosing your floor coverings is the budget.

Once you are done with the basics walls and floors, and have all your furniture placed properly, the fun part begins. And may be this is where interior decorating says it all. It's about all the tiny bits and pieces of your interior design that will make your home unique, cozy and comfortable. A fluffy pillow on the sofa, a rug under the coffee table, a vase of roses on the dining table or a set of candles over the fireplace are the things that make difference. The accessories type and style depends on you. If you are keen on traditional stuff than go for simple but elegant vases, photo frames, candle holders. Want to go ethnic find an Indian shop and get some wooden baskets, rugs and leather pillows.

Once you go over this you are done with the interior decorating task. It is not that difficult and all you need to do is to free your imagination and check a few home decor magazines or websites. And remember interior decoration is not one of task it is a constant thing that should and will continue naturally in time as you and your lifestyle changes.

Written by Keith Londrie. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com Photos courtesy of Pottery Barn

You know it’s time to redecorate when. . .

Is That A Rug Or A Rat?

You love your home! It is comfortable, cozy and stylish. . . or is it? Like anything else you home needs to be stylistically re-evaluated every so often and it make be crying for a make over, or even make under for that matter! So lets get started in evaluating you home and helping you on your way to having a amazing abode that is perfect for you, and anyone else who happens to drop by!

Have you ever had some one say the following, or anything similar to it? "EEEEK!..... Oh.... Sorry! I thought your rug was trying to eat my purse."

If so, it's probably time for a stylistic update for the homestead. Instead of burying the offensive decor item that so offended your guest, set it free (or at least chuck it in the trash) and get a new design outlook that will brighten your life considerably. This decision may have been brought on by one of many factors, such as a new baby, you maturing stylistically, someone taking issue with your style or moving to a new place. Whatever the reason, even idle curiosity at what might be out there, I’m here to help you along with the process.

First and foremost: Does your home actually need a total over haul? Or just a few design touches here and there? Most people have a couple of fantastic pieces of furniture that they love, but usually no idea what they want to do with them. Others love what they think are total opposites design wise and just give up. The good news, having your home decorated does not mean looking like a page from Elle Decor. If you like that kind of style, awesome! If not, no sweat! Your home is about you, it’s about having a place that is your comfort zone that relaxes you after dealing with the rest of the world. So On the the evaluation!

Evaluating Your Home’s Style - Is It Really That Bad?

Signs itʼs time to re-do:1. Are you constantly tripping over things/furniture? 2. Do you loath/fear/resent coming home at the end

of the day?3. Have you ever had someone refuse to come inside

your home after looking inside the front door?4. Does your couch “eat” things?5. Have you ever had someone mistake one of your

rugs for a dead animal?6. Is one of your rugs actually a dead animal?

7. Do your children and/or spouse go to great lengths to avoid having their friends come over?

8. Does your flower child aunt, the one who actually attended Woodstock, completely love the decor?

9. Have you ever had your spouse try to get one of those surprise design shows to come help out with a re-design?

10. Does your home look like a set from Dracula?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, honey, it's time! If the answer to several of these questions is yes, then shame on you for waiting so long!

First thing on your re-do list, take care of the damaged goods. If anything is broken, worn out or even just plain old ugly, take care of it first. If it is something you love or a family heirloom see if it can be repaired or refurbished, if not then sell it, give it away or cart it to the nearest dumpster.

Hanging on to broken or damaged decor items causes clutter and disorder, Keeping broken furniture around is a hazard both to your family and to unsuspecting guests. The second item on your list is to determine your budget. Having a huge budget for a redesign is fantastic, but usually not realistic, and you will find that sometimes even a little budget can go a long way.

Consider cleaning, painting and rearranging what you have before you go running to the nearest home decor stores and let a slick talking salesman talk you into a mountain of unnecessary debt.

The third and final item on your list is deciding the actual design. Remember that while it may be fun for the first few days to have a full blown tiki lounge in your

living room, complete with pool and fake palm trees, that it is neither practical nor easy to keep clean.

As for deciding the actual design process, if your budges allows for a professional decorator then feel free to hire one, just remember that it's your house and you have to live there. If they are not listening to your wants and needs then fire them, remember that they work for you and not the other way around.

If you are like most people and don't have to means to hire someone to help you and afford the redesign, or if you just want to have the satisfaction of doing this yourself, then there is still a huge array of options open to you. You can check out books from your local library and websites online for design ideas. There are a million and one design shows on television today and watching a few might give you a sense of what design direction you would like to pursue.

Just remember not to go overboard and add in everything including a kitchen sink to the room you choose to redo, unless it actually is the kitchen!

Written by Phly Jambor.

Redecorating and Renewing Your Home - What Now?

Photo wall murals can serve as a focal point or background for your favorite room. But there are just so many to choose from and so many factors involved in placement. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the best photo mural for you.

1. Choose the right wall. Take a good look at the room you have designated for your mural. Ideally, you want your mural to get maximum viewing exposure, and this is usually accomplished by hanging it directly opposite the entryway or door. If the room is oddly shaped, consider the wall your eye naturally goes to upon entering it. Ask a few of your friends if they agree with your findings.

2. Size of the wall. You may wish to cover your entire wall or just a part of it with your photo mural. Either way, take accurate measurements and check that the product comes in the desired size you need. Contact the manufacturer if you are unsure.

3 Theme of the room. What look are you trying to achieve in the room? If you are into modern styles, you can search for minimalist or abstract photo murals. If your room has an obvious theme, such as a team sport or favorite animal, naturally you will want to reflect that with your choice.

4. Color scheme. This might seem obvious, but you want to be sure the photo wall mural you choose will compliment, not conflict with your room's color scheme. If you're not sure about how to choose a complimentary color, use a color wheel. If your room is neutral, you can use the photo mural colors as the scheme to decorate around.

5. That extra special something. Sometimes you will look at a particular photo wall mural and just know that is the one for you. When doing your research, be sure to tune into how you react to what you see. The one with that extra special something may just be the perfect choice for you.

Use these tips when you are searching for photo wall murals. They will help making your buying decision easier.

Written by Lisa Herbik. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com Photo courtesy of Mural Superstore.com

5 Tips For Choosing The Best Photo Wall Murals

Bathroom ImprovementsAny advice or guide on the interior design of a bathroom should be based around one simple concept: keep it simple. Rooms inside of a home should have functional aspects, and if one room is designed for very specific functions, it is the bathroom. There have always been many jokes about the "throne" of a home, but the honest fact is that creating a visibly appealing and comfortable bathroom will inspire positive feelings to its users.

Hardware choices should be the primary concern when designing a bathroom. Faucets and spigots, as well as tubs and toilets, produced in a variety of shapes and materials can centerpiece a design. Open showers are currently popular with the younger upwardly- mobile crowd, and claw-foot bathtubs are almost always considered to be classic and attractive. Evaluate privacy issues first; don't put the toilet and tub too close together.

Is it a possibility to centre your bathroom around a favorite theme? The answer is most certainly "yes." Keeping in mind that "less is more" while

choosing a decoration pattern that will coordinate with the rest of the home will open many design possibilities. Finding a colour or pattern inspiration from simple or small artwork may be the first step toward creating a bathroom masterpiece.

When designing a bathroom's tiling, take the time to shop around through different hardware, decoration and craft stores. The more expensive of the different types of tiles should have durability, aesthetic value, and a non-porous surface. It should be easily cleaned and sanitized, and it needs to install easily without any expensive or caustic glues or cements. Get creative also; all tile in bathrooms need not be made of porcelain.

After the design and production of a space-conscious and attractive bathroom have been completed, focus on decoration accessories to bring out personality and individualism. The bathroom is the most sacred room of any interior, and placing prized possessions on the walls or shelves is an interesting way to bless this special

room. Use courageous ideas and do not be afraid to take chances, but above all: keep it simple.

Take a look around your own home. Is what you've been referring to as your time-honored home decor really just old fashioned? If so, maybe its time for you to join the remodeling parade. The good news is: there are lots of easy, low cost ways to give your homes look a nice pick-me-up.

The bathroom is one of the most popular targets for home improvement. While any project involving plumbing tends to intimidate the average homeowner, there is a lot of new product technology designed with the do-it-yourself in mind.

One of the easiest and most cost efficient ways to spruce up a bathroom is to replace the faucets. Improvements like this have a huge impact on the functional and aesthetic value of the space. You can create an entirely new theme for your bathroom -- such as contemporary, old world, or European -- based on the design of your faucet, says

DYI Home Improvement

Angie Coffman, director, Delta product marketing for Delta Faucet Company.

Before purchasing a new faucet, its a good idea to do some preliminary research. You may also want to consider a budget before beginning your search, as prices can vary widely. You will find that there are many different styles and designs in bathroom faucets. Consider ahead of time whether you want a single-handle or a double-handle faucet. Notice how the handles feel in the palm of your hand. Do you want something that is delicate or more heavy-duty? Explore different spout designs and finishes as well. Decide whether or not you want an escutcheon, the decorative plate beneath a faucet. An escutcheon will also cover extra holes that might be drilled in the sink.

Look for a faucet that installs easily -- you may notice language like quick connect or no adjust, indicating that minimal tools are required. Pay close attention to the existing hole configuration on your sink. How many are there and how far apart are they? Do you need a single-hole, 4-inch

centre-set, or a wall-mounted faucet? Your single-handle faucet may have three holes underneath, but you don't necessarily have to replace it with another single-handle. There's a design, called a mini-widespread, which provides flexibility for customers who have a single-handle faucet, but are looking to switch to a double handle, widespread look. The Victorian Mini-widespread from Delta is an example of a faucet that offers intricate, old-world styling in a smaller sink setting.

Make a Lasting Improvement

Look for a design that wont soon be outdated and one that will complement the rest of your bathroom, one that will stand out without sticking out, according to Coffman. Keep in mind that you will probably be using this new faucet for years, so choose something that is durable, versatile, and a brand that is considered reliable.

Installing high quality products in a bathroom will result in a high return on your home remodeling investment. That is why it is important to choose a faucet that offers long-lasting, worry-free

performance. You want to look for things like solid brass construction and a company that offers a lifetime limited warranty, along with customer support, in case you have questions while installing the faucet yourself.

Now that you are ready to give your bathroom the facelift it has been waiting for, have a few tools handy for the installation. A pair of adjustable pliers, along with an Allen wrench and basin wrench, will probably be necessary. Also pick up some silicone or caulk, and Teflon tape. Always double check the instructions on your faucet for any other tools or supplies needed.

If you are looking for additional support, try consulting your local home improvement store. Or, check out manufacturer Web sites, such as delta faucet, for installation tips. As you join the millions of Americans remodeling their homes this year, choose your projects wisely and remember that even seemingly small changes, like a bathroom fixture upgrade, can add value to your home.

Written by Neil Parnham. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

BAMBOO FLOORING

Bamboo: For those who think panda whenever anyone mentions bamboo, this might be an

instructive read. Thanks to the ‘green products’ trend in interior design, bamboo flooring has become the most environment-friendly and natural alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Yes, perhaps the idea of making a floor out of grass sounds a mite strange, but the idea is not as revolutionary as you think. Plenty of indigenous peoples have been following it for centuries.

Why is bamboo flooring so popular?

• Bamboo is a renewable resource. In plain terms, bamboo grass grows faster than almost any other plant in the world, reaching maturity in as little as five years. Apart from the frequency of the harvest, this means that bamboo grass can provide over 20 times the bio-mass of a stand of trees of equal volume

• The strength of bamboo can equal, if not exceed, that of some forms of steel. Though essentially a softwood, its strength intensifies once protective or laminated layers are applied

• The rich coloring of the flooring (golden, tan, or deep earth tones) also makes a home look classy and trendy, so it is a great favorite of interior designers. Of course, the natural coloring of bamboo is usually light tan, but the smoking process that the flooring is put through during production lends it several shades of rich amber

• As a result, you can buy bamboo flooring in at least 30-35 shades to match any décor. In fact, manufacturers of bamboo floor coverings are going all out to provide consumers with options regarding color, maintenance, ease of installation etc. Such options were unavailable perhaps even a decade ago.

How do you help the environment when you use bamboo flooring?

• Most traditional hardwood flooring is derived from hardwood trees that not only take a long time to grow (and we’re talking perhaps 200 years here). More worryingly, once cut down, these trees may never grow back owing to loss of soil layers and environmental degradation

• Almost all hardwood trees used to make traditional flooring come from the world’s great rain forests, which are our richest sources of oxygen, and cutting them down is like taking away bits from the lungs of our planet

Things you should know

• With bamboo floors, you can minimize the contraction and expansion problems that floors inevitably go through. In other words, the floor will bulge or cave in less than normal, so you needn’t worry about temperature swings.

• There are two broad grain alignments to bamboo flooring – vertical and horizontal. The vertical grain provides a consistent coloring that can give an illusion of roominess. The horizontal grain gives you an idea of the features of the grass, and from the design aspect, provides unique patterns

• Bamboo species that are harvested for flooring are actually harder than traditional hardwood species like Red Oak and Hard Maple, which means relatively low maintenance and replacement costs.

• Almost all types of bamboo flooring are made of solid strips as opposed to laminated ones, giving you ‘solid bamboo laminate’. With many hardwood floors, you will most likely get thin slices of wood stuck on to underlying thicker boards.

• How much foot traffic your floor gets should dictate which kind you buy. For commercial or rough use, choose flooring that comes with a long-term warranty

And before we go…

Remember, your choice of floor should ultimately be made based on:

• How much you pay• Whether the floor can be installed (and uninstalled if you want) easily• How you intend to use the floor• The time you want to have the floor installed for

Written by June Mala. Courtesy of Isnare.com,

Products To Love In July

Love the idea of pampering your self with a manicure, but just canʼt seem to justify the $70? Have a look at this! The Earth Therapeutics Manicure & Pedicure Deluxe Kit contains everything you need to for perfectly manicured hands and pedicured feet. This nifty kit comes with a cuticle trimmer, nail clipper, tweezers, scissors, toe separators, nail brush, an emery board and so much more! It comes packed together in itʼs own jar so you even have somewhere to store everything when you are done. Please click here for more information.

The one thing that you must have once you get your new kitchen pulled together is one of the Paula Deen Cookware Sets. I LOVE IT!! While I admit to being an admirer of that beautiful Southern lady, I would not recommend a pot I hated, no matter how sweet the designing chef. But Paula honey, you scored a culinary home-run with this set! They cook evenly, are pretty enough to display proudly, and best yet, the handles stay cool much longer than most pots and pans. I have made everything from chicken tacos to Elvisʼ favorite (grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches) in with this set and I can honestly say that even as picky as I am, Iʼm very, very pleased! Please click here for more information.

So you have this perfect home entertainment room. It has everything! The Tv is there, along with the amazing sound system and all the movies you could ever watch. So whatʼs the problem? Oh, you hate your couch. Problem solved! Meet the 7-feet Xx-large Cozy Sac Foof Bean Bag Chair/ Love Seat. This insanely comfortable must have bag is perfect for kicking back and watching movies or even taking a nap. And the best part? Itʼs big enough to share without being squished, unless thatʼs what your after. Comes in many different colors! Please click here for more information.

FIELD TESTED

Reviewed by Rural Jungle Testing

Products To Love In July

The first step in any major renovation decision is the financial planning, or at least it should be! To help you out try the super cool Quicken Deluxe 2010 Edition. With the planning guides and financial tool contained in this program you will be able to not only budget for your remodel but get your finances right where you want them and start making other goals for the future as well! Please click here for more information.

Want the beach, but not the sand? Try one of these out! The Ocean Breeze C831 Wall Mural delivers all the gorgeous feelings of standing and gazing out at the ocean without ever leaving your home. Turn your bedroom into a beach get away or your living room into a tropical paradise with this easy to install work of art. So realistic that you can almost feel the breeze! Please click here for more information.

Looking to replace your sad kitchen linoleum with something a little more modern? Eco Timber Woven Bamboo Flooring in Amber is a beautiful and eco-friendly way to update your flooring. The planks have tongue and groove on all four sides and are harder than red oak as well as specially treated to be scratch resistant. Affordable and durable, stylish and eco-conscience, what more could you ask for in a floor? Please click here for more information.

City Spotlight

Who says that you can go to the beaches only during summer? At Galveston, with its semi-tropical climate, visitors enjoy year-round coastal bliss. Located 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, beaches, as well as city ambiance.

On the north end of the island, the restored Victorian Strand district, resort hotels, and beachfront businesses provide a busy, commercial ambiance. If, however, you are seeking solitude and open beach access, then head south where you will find long stretches of private and rental residences.

There are several activity options that will keep you entertained in Galveston. You can shop to your heartʼs content, or visit any of the several delightful locations. If architecture and art fascinates you, then structures such as the Bishopʼs Palace, the Ashton Villa, the

Galveston County Historical Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum and the Moody Mansion are places you might want to include in your agenda. If you are an ocean lover, then Elissa and the Ocean Star may interest you. And if you enjoy spending time in parks, then do visit the Moody Gardens and the Stewart Beach Park. If you want to simply soak in the sun and spend time on the beach, then you can swim, sunbathe, and relax all day.

Night Life: If you are a nightlife enthusiast and love music, then you might want to check out the Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals as well as the Strand Street Saloon. For theater lovers, the Grand 1894 Opera House and the Strand Street Theater offer many delights. To keep up your spirits during your nocturnal adventures, you can visit bars such as The Press Box and Slices.

History: In the year 1900, Galveston was nearly devastated by

a hurricane. The resulting destruction of life and property led the city officials to raise the island and add a seawall. Galveston then became a safe place to visit. Though Galveston is no longer Texas's busiest seaport after the hurricane, preservationists restored stately homes and built commercial districts with modern facilities. The Strand (formerly the site of stores, offices, and warehouses) now features on the National Register of Historic Places, and has one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the country.

Reaching Galveston: The nearest airports to reach Galveston are in Houston. Do check beforehand with the airline as to which of the two airports you will be using, as many airlines serve both.

So if you are looking for an exciting, relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, kick off your work shoes and head to Galveston.

Galveston, TX

Written by Nancy Kinley, courtesy of Isnare.com

Target Corporation is consistently ranked as one of the most philanthropic companies in the US. It

ranked #11 in Fortune Magazine's "Top 20 Most Admired Companies" for 2007, largely in part to the donation efforts of the company as a whole. Target donates around 5 percent of its pre-tax operating profit; it gives over $3 million a week to the communities in which it operates. It also gives a percentage of charges from its Target Visa to schools designated by the cardholders. To date, Target has given over $150 million to schools across the United States through this program.

Further evidence of Target's philanthropy can be found in the Target House complex in Memphis, Tennessee, a long-term housing solution for families of patients at the city's St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The corporation led the way with more than $27 million in donations, which made available 96 fully furnished apartments for families needing to stay at St. Jude over 90 days.

During disasters, Target has been a major benefactor for relief efforts.

Target provided monetary and product donations during the September 11 attacks; it also donated money for relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami in South Asia and donated $1.5 million (U.S.) to the American Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It also allowed its store properties in the affected area to be used as command centers for relief organizations. It also donated supplies such as water and bug spray. Check out www.target.com to find out more.

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