Holiday Necessities - Milanoo Releases Red Home Decoration for New Year

- http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-necessities---milanoo-releases-red-home-decoration-for-new-year-184802651.html

CHENGDU, China, Dec. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the coming New Year, perking up your house with a special holiday atmosphere is an important thing for a family. Milanoo.com, a leading transnational online retail store, has released a home decoration collection in eye-catching shades and patterns of red, evoking passion, beauty, and happiness during the holidays and adding fun bursts of red in a cozy house.

Milanoo's red home holiday collection covers every essential home decoration, from bedding sets, curtains, artificial flowers, pet clothing, special figures and accents to lighting that are refreshingly simple and updated by a happy shade of holiday red. According to many decorators, red is perfect as it will attract attention. Milanoo specially launched four different red patterned bedding sets and nice red floral curtains as a symbol of celebrating the New Year holiday in both the bedroom and living room. When decorating a house for a holiday party, one can never ignore the function of small accessories. This collection provides red themed artificial flowers and special figures and accents on Christmas pots that shine as decorations in a house. Milanoo also never forgot how important your pets are by designing pet dresses in red to get them in the festive spirit.

Decorating a home in holiday red has been a traditional way of celebrating New Year. Whether considering the factor of price or diverse choices, Milanoo offers the most convenient and direct way for buying decoration materials online and provides 10 percent off all products in this red home holiday collection. You can find more information about Milanoo's red home holiday collection and other special home fashion sets at Milanoo.com.

About Milanoo.com

Milanoo.com is one of leading Internet's premier suppliers of fashion apparels. Cosplay costumes and wigs, lingerie, formal wear, wedding attire, shoes and Spandex Zentai suits are included in their scope of business. Milanoo.com's inventory also includes bedding and yoga essentials. Customers choose Milanoo because of their dedication to professional service, fast delivery and quality products, which they have provided for a number of successful years.

Related Links

http://www.milanoo.com/For-The-Home-c1058
http://www.milanoo.com/gs/red-home-holiday/  

SOURCE Milanoo.com

RELATED LINKS
http://www.milanoo.com/gs/red-home-holiday
http://www.milanoo.com/For-The-Home-c1058

Bicentennial House Decorating Contest Winners Announced

http://bloomfield.patch.com/articles/bicentennial-house-decorating-contest#photo-10969564

--written by the Bloomfield Bicentennial Committee

Bloomfield has been in full celebration mode all year, as residents have been honoring the 200th anniversary of the town's founding with events from the Bicentennial Opening Ceremonies March 23 (on the exact date of the signing of the town charter in 1812!) to the planting of the Bicentennial tree to themed concerts and discussion series.

Few will forget the sight of members of the Town Governing Body joining "General Joseph Bloomfield" in period costume, recreating the original scene. Now it's time residents have shown their spirit with the Bloomfield Bicentennial House Decorating Contest.

The theme, "Happy Birthday, Bloomfield!" was expressed in the way residents decorated their homes to celebrate the town's history and the special occasion.

"The Bicentennial House Decorating Contest fosters town pride," said Janice Litterio, Chairwoman of the Bloomfield Bicentennial Committee. "Although many residents are excited about Bloomfield's 200 year Anniversary, not everyone has time to attend Bicentennial Committee meetings. This contest enabled individual families to participate and express their creativeness."

Committee members from each of the three wards visited and judged the applicants' homes. Homes were judged between August 3 and August 6 on creativity and the facilitation of Bloomfield's 200th Birthday theme. Winners were announced on August 7 during National Night Out.

Janice Litterio, Chairwoman of the Bloomfield Bicentennial Committee said, "Originally there was supposed to be one winner in each ward. However, in the end there were seven entrants and the judges decided that each display captured the true essence of the contest theme. The other judges and I were thoroughly impressed by the level of participation that each entrant exuded when we visited their home. Therefore, all entrants received a winning certificate from our committee."

The "brainchild of the Bloomfield Bicentennial Committee," according to Litterio, the House Decorating Contest may have in part been inspired by photographs of the 1912 Centennial celebration in town, which show many homes draped in bunting and other commemorative decoration. With the July 4 celebration now passed, timing for the contest is perfect in keeping with the celebratory theme.

"National Night Out was selected because the night lends itself to community," added Litterio. "Many residents throughout town have block parties and join their neighbors in local unity."

BICENTENNIAL BITS:

After a busy summer, Bicentennial events take an August respite before revving back up in September with Oakeside Mansion's Victorian Tea on Sept. 9.

October events will include Bicentennial Walking and Bus Tours on Oct. 6, Pumpkin Carving on the Town Green on Oct. 26 will have a Bicentennial theme, as will the Bicentennial Spooktacular on Oct. 27.

Several Bicentennial programs are available for viewing at the WBMA-TV Website, www.wbmatv.com, for those who may have missed them live, or want to re-live the day. Select 'Media Center' at top then 'Community Events' in the player.

Official bicentennial merchandise is now on sale at www.bloomfieldbicentennial.com and at the Bloomfield Civic Center at 84 Broad Street... Volunteers are needed for many Bicentennial events; email info@bloomfieldbicentennial.com or visit the Website for more information.

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Home Renovation Safety

http://www.home-improvement-and-financing.com/home-renovation-safety.html

The Four P's in home renovation safety could help to save your life, protect your investment and help make your home a dream home reality...

Please read through our basic safety equipment checklist and tips before starting a project.

AND always carefully read the manufacturers instructions before you use any tools, chemicals or electrical equipment, if in any doubt - seek professional help.

When you start to imagine and plan a project, the first stages are usually Plans and Permits

• Planning - is the time spent on measuring and feasibility studies of the proposed project to suit your home and lifestyle (often with an architect or engineer)
• Permits - submit your building application - check up on codes at your local building office to see if your plans will pass inspection - this is vital in making sure that your project adds value to your home as well as improving the quality of your home life.

  ***Also ask them about any home improvement safety advice or leaflets they may have.

• Protection - The third and most vital "P" is Protection, that includes your own personal protection and that of those around you.

  When you are just starting out on an exciting new project, unfortunately often the last thing on your mind is home renovation safety.

  But - while you are waiting to hear the decision from the local building office - use this time to make sure that you know what home renovation safety equipment you will need and read any home improvement safety information available. Make yourself a home renovation safety shoping list.

Read Manufacturers Instructions

If you are going to use hand or power tools - read all of the labeling, instructions and warnings thoroughly - now instead of skimming over them later when you are busy with contractors, material orders, deliveries etc.

Home Safety Tip - Know what you are doing before you start a phase of your project and know your equipment before you use it.

Home Safety Tip - If there is quite a distance between power supply and what you are working on - only use recommended heavy duty extension cords

Study Products Before you Buy

If you are deciding on which products to use - read the instructions and warnings before you buy to see what home improvement safety equipment and safety measures they recommend when using each and every product.

Check any chemical ingredients and find out how they can affect your family and your home and see if there are any safer, easier to handle alternatives.

Project - the fourth "P" is for your project, so you get the green light and the first thing that you do is...

Go out and actually buy all the home renovation safety equipment that you have on your pre-prepared home renovation safety equipment shopping list!.

Basic Equipment

Again, always follow the manufacturers instructions and safety guidelines, this list is only to remind you of some of the basic home renovation safety equipment you should have at your home before you start your home improvement project:

• Safety Glasses - whatever work you are doing - your home renovation safety starts with protecting your eyes. There are so many styles to choose from but the most important point is that they protect and are comfortable. If your safety glasses are comfortable you won't be continously reaching to take them off.
  
  Some of the modern safety glasses come tinted for outdoor use. Prescription safety glasses are an important investment.
  
  Modern styles can look chic but do they give you adequate protection. I prefer full eye protection for my safety glasses rather than trying to look cool in them, they have an important job to do!.
• Workgloves - there are different workglove materials for different jobs, for example latex, canvas and rubber gloves for working with chemicals and solvents. other workglove types for working with metals and woods which range from lightweight to heavy duty.
• Head Protection - Hard Hats are essential once your home converts into a construction site. They are also useful when assessing your attic or basement for conversion - before the work even starts. Always protect your head.
  
  Basic hard hats are bright so that other people working on site can easily see you. There are also fancy interior design - hard hats painted with logos and flags.
  
  Some jobs require a hard hat with full face mask.
• Respirators - breathing in dust and particles is a real hazard and wearing the right type of face mask or respirator is an important part of home renovation safety.
  
  As soon as you start to use the hammer and chisel or plug in electrical equipment - the first thing to rise is the dust.
  
  Basic disposable nose and mouth dust and mist masks vital to wear but remember that they are only going to protect you against solid particles and those that are non-oil based.
  
  Sometimes a full respirator mask is a necessary home improvement safety equipment item, especially for hot and humid environments and when using chemicals.
• Home Safety Tip - Try not to cut corners with your safety - if you are going to buy disposable masks - buy enough to get you through so that you are never without one when the dust starts to fly - AND - go for masks with a metal nosepiece so that they can adjusted to fit well on any face.
• Hearing Protection - if you subject your hearing to continued "unprotected" high decibel noise levels - there's a good chance that you are going to incur permanent damage and hearing loss.
  
  Wear good quality hearing protection.
• Protective Clothing - Why take risks of burns and rashes when you could be wearing the right sort of protective clothing that is especially design to protect you from chemicals and/or not get caught up in machinery.
• Ergonomic Products - ergonomics relates to the efficiency of people in their work place, and from studies - some great products have evolved to protect and give your back and joints support while you are working.

Personal protective equipment is a vital part of home renovation safety. Good project planning also plays the important role in knowing what you are doing before you start and giving yourlself enough time so that you are not rushing to finish.

More accidents happen when people are under the pressure of time, it's easier when you are in a hurry to forget vital steps, turning off valves, stabalising equipment, wearing your home renovation equipment.

But, unfortunately accidents do sometimes happen and that is why the following is so important:

• First Aid Supplies - not only should you have a properly and fully stocked first aid supply box - but it should always be easily accessible. Imagine if something happened and no-one on site could find the first aid supplies because they were buried under a pile of materials that had just arrived!.
  
  Keep your first aid supplies well stocked and accessible at all times and tell everyone on site where it is located.
• An Extra Pair of Hands - An important aspect of successful home improvement projects is having the help when you need it. An extra pair of hands is important when lifting heavy objects, helping you secure a ladder, reach difficult to get to areas, supporting materials while you bolt them together - you get the idea.
  
  It's important not to over extend yourself or go beyond the capabilities of what one person can do.
• Work Boots - sometimes what really helps you get through a long day on site - safely - is wearing the right kind of work boots, and not just trainers etc.

Toxic materials

While you are waiting for your permit to come through - source the best materials for your proposed project - the least toxic and least harmful for you and your home - this may lead you to save some money as you study all the options available.

If in doubt about products try this government site which is especially for wood safety and Home Improvement Safety when using chemicals and pesticides.

Getting Help - Asbestos & Lead

There are a number of jobs you should NOT do on your own, make sure that you get the help and advice you need regarding any removal of asbestos or lead based paints.

If you home was painted before 1978 (even if someone has painted over the old paint since) - get your home tested - please don't try to remove old lead based paint yourself.

What you will need is a certified lead evaluation and abatement contractor.

The Lead Hazard Abatement Program can help confirm the status of a certified contractor near you, give them a call on (609) 633 6224

You might find it easier to go to this government web site for more advice and Home Renovation Safety Leadbase Information

Remember - your safety and that of those around you should always be more important than your project.

Careful home renovation safety leads to a successful home improvement project.

Go from home renovation safety to our home page for www.home-improvement-and-financing.com

Renovation safety

http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/os/C/GN_renovation.pdf

Renovation encompasses a wide range of job types and covers projects of different sizes. It includes decoration, redecoration, modification, upgrading, improvement work, maintenance of new flats or existing flats, and also internal and external repair work for a whole building or even an entire housing estate, etc. Injuries suffered by renovation workers usually relate to working at height, working with tools, electricity, inflammable substances or manual handling operations.

Renovation safety is mainly governed by the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance; other related regulations include the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cartridge-Operated Fixing Tools) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Woodworking Machinery) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations, the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, etc.

In fact, to reduce work injuries, people in the trade not only should observe the above regulations, but also implement safety management system. Safety management is very important in view of the fact that many types of job are usually carried out at the same time in the sam workplace for a renovation project. If hazards are not identified timely or if there are co-ordination or communication problem, work injuries may arise. Besides, renovation projects in general are relatively short-term. As many tools and equipment are hired for temporary use only, workers may not be fully aware of their safety requirements. To tackle these problems at root, a safety management system, including safety guidance on site, supervision of the implementation of safety measures by designated personnel, etc. should be put i place.

Building contractors have generally adopted safety management for their projects. In fact, safety management is not just for big companies. Sub-contractors and renovation firms should also implement an effective safety management system as small firms are more vulnerable risk and can be ruined financially by a single serious work injury case. The main concept of safety management is to assess the risks involved before commencement of work, draw up plans to manage such risks, designate suitable persons to ensure the implementation of the plans, review the effectiveness of safety measures and make improvement on a regular basis. Small and medium-sized renovation firms can follow these simple steps to ensure work safety.

Under the law, renovation contractors are responsible for ensuring the safety and health of their employees at work, regardless of the size of the renovation projects and the number of workers employed. For workers, they should co-operate with the employers to safeguard their own safety and the safety of others. The practical examples in this guidance notes serve to help renovation contractors and workers learn more about safety matters that require their constant attention so as to prevent accidents.

Renovation work is a kind of construction work. According to Section 6BA of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, the contractors responsible for the renovation work shall only employ persons who have successfully completed a recognized safety training course and hold a valid certificate (generally know as "Green Card"). Workers carrying out renovation work are required to undergo relevant safety training and obtain the relevant certificates. They shall carry the certificates with them while at work and produce the certificates upon demand by the contractor or an occupational safety officer of the Labour Department.

Springmaid Beach Resort completes multi-million dollar renovation project

http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/50030-Springmaid-Beach-Resort-completes-multi-million-dollar-renovation-project

Specifically, renovations to Springmaid Beach Resort's Live Oak guest rooms feature decor with new carpet and porcelain tile; new window treatments; new American-made furniture; new wooden cabinetry, Five Diamond Series mattresses with plush bed toppers, pillows and linens; contemporary artwork; granite countertops; all new energy efficient lighting fixtures; new appliances; flat panel televisions; and new balcony flooring. The Resort's Live Oak tower features new corridors, elevators, refurbished parking areas and newly renovated pool areas; resurfaced and tiled water features, resurfaced decorative pool decks; new pool furniture and landscaping.

Renovations to the Resort's Palmetto guest rooms feature; Five Diamond Series mattresses with plush bed toppers, pillows and linens; new American-made furniture; new window treatments; contemporary artwork; granite countertops; all new energy efficient lighting fixtures; new appliances; flat panel televisions; and new balcony flooring.

A majority of the Resort's oceanfront meetings and conference facilities have been renovated to feature new carpeting; updated bathrooms with granite countertops, lighting, partitions and decor; window treatments; updated foyers with new furnishings; and crown molding.

Resort-wide upgrades include decorative corridor flooring; enhanced resort signage; landscape enhancements with new vegetation; renovated pool areas including resurfaced and tiled water features, and new pool furniture; an upgraded fitness center with all new equipment including treadmills, elliptical, exercise cycle and nautilus weight machines, gym flooring and wall coverings.

Springmaid Beach Resort also now features a newly constructed tackle shop stocking all necessities for the perfect day of fishing on the Springmaid Pier; an enhanced General Store and renovations to the Resort's Harbor Oaks miniature golf course; as well as extensive renovations to the Resort's on-site Marlin's Restaurant.

"We are already receiving overwhelming positive feedback from our guests on our renovations," said Don Singletary, Springmaid Beach Resort's general manager.

Green Tips for Home Renovation

http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/public/green/greenrenovation.htm

Renovations can produce a great deal of waste if not handled properly. Here you can learn about the management issues you should consider, the availability of green building products, indoor air quality problems that might arise, how to reduce renovation waste and how to dispose of the remaining waste properly.

Managing Your Renovation

Home renovation can improve your living environment, but it can cause pollution and waste problems. That’s why it is very important to manage your renovation project carefully, taking into consideration what you need to do, how you will do it, how you will dispose of waste and how you will affect your family and neighbours. If you live in an apartment building you can seek help from the property management company to notify others of your intentions, and to help resolve any disputes. The property management company can also provide you with information on your rights and responsibilities during the renovation project.

• More on what your property management company can do

Controlling Noise from Renovation Work

Noise from renovation work can cause annoyance to your neighbours. To minimise the disturbance, you should:

• Avoid carrying out renovation work before 9 am.
• Remind your contractor not to use powered mechanical equipment, carry out hammering or handle rubble between 7 pm to 7 am or at any time on public holidays.

• More on noise from renovation work

Using Green Building Materials

Many conventional finishing materials, such as solvent-based paints, solvents and adhesives, contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which cause air pollution and smog having a significant adverse effect on human health. They are also smelly during the renovation process, which can be a problem for your neighbours. But you can avoid such situations by choosing to use water-based paints or paints with lower VOC content, and avoiding the use of adhesive-rich plywood.

Another way of using more environmentally friendly products is to purchase recycled materials. In Hong Kong, such materials are available for:

• Walls and partitions
• Carpets and other surfaces
• Benches
• Windows and doors

A list of recycled building materials, noting their specifications, supplier names and contact details, is available online.

• More on reducing paint VOC emission
• More on recycled building materials

Maintaining Indoor Air Quality

When you begin renovating, you should be aware of how your activities affect the indoor air quality for both you and your neighbours. Apart form volatile organic compounds, dust from polishing, sanding, cutting and grinding materials can be a problem. This can cause nasal and eye irritations, headaches, dizziness, nausea and even breathing problems. To avoid such problems, you should:

• Schedule the renovation work during periods when the fewest residents are at home.
• Identify areas that do not need extensive renovations – sometimes a new coat of paint will do.
• Isolate renovated areas from other areas by installing physical barriers to prevent dust spreading.
• Ensure that you have adequate ventilation by opening windows and operating exhaust fans.
• Seal the inlets and outlets of air-conditioners to minimise the spread of dust and other contaminants.

When your renovation has been completed you should:

• Ensure that the area is ventilated with fresh air well before you occupy it again.
• Air out any new furniture that might contain formaldehyde adhesives for at least several days before taking it indoors.
• Maintain a high rate of ventilation during the first few months of occupancy to ensure that air quality is maintained.

• More on maintaining indoor air quality when renovating

Waste Reduction during Renovation

You can reduce waste during the renovation process by:

• Reusing items such as hoardings, formwork and scaffolding, and recycling materials such as metal.
• Ordering the right amount of materials at the right time.
• Collecting small materials in suitable containers so you can locate them easily – this will both reduce wastage and save you money.
• Allocating a storage area for old materials that have been sorted, such as metal, concrete, timber, plastics, glass, excavated spoils, bricks and tiles.
• Giving your renovation contractor clear instructions on the separation and removal of construction waste.
• Delivering used items, such as electrical appliances and furniture, to recyclable outlets.

All sorted materials can then be recycled/disposed of as appropriate.

• Waste reduction guidelines
• More on construction waste reduction
• Outlets for used items

Disposing of Your Waste

When you are ready to dispose of the waste from your renovation, or have a contractor do it for you, be aware that you will be charged under the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme. You or your contractor will need to open a billing account with the Environmental Protection Department before using Government waste disposal facilities. If you need to dispose of asbestos, it is a legal requirement that you must hire a registered asbestos consultant and contractor to do so, and give written notice to the Environmental Protection Department at least 28 days in advance. 

• More on the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme
• Frequently asked questions on asbestos removal

Choosing Energy Efficient Appliances

If you need to buy new electrical appliances after renovating you should look for those with energy efficiency labels. These labels tell you about energy consumption and efficiency, with highly efficient appliances allowing you to save on electricity bills, and to help save the environment.

• More on the Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme
• More on the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme

Last review date: February 2012

How to Renovate a House

http://homerenovations.about.com/od/planningtorenovate/a/artremodelproce.htm

The process of renovation can be mind-bending. Here is one suggested whole house renovation timeline.

1. Design and Planning

Whether it's a sketch on a cocktail napkin or full-blown architectural plans, some type of planning and design always comes first.

• Ensure that you have funding for your renovation.
• Draw up a simple "yes/no" list of do-it-yourself projects and projects you want professionals to do.
• Look for contractors and subcontractors for those jobs you do not want to do yourself.
• Apply for permits.

2. Roof, Foundation, Siding, Windows

Protect your future renovation work by making certain the house won't collapse on you (foundation, major structural problems) and that it will remain dry (roof, siding, windows).

• Secure the foundation.
• Make major structural repairs to areas such as weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams.
• Repair or replace roof.
• Replace seriously damaged windows that may threaten future remodeling work. If not seriously damaged, leave it for later in the process.
• If the siding is so damaged that it will allow water infiltration, repair or replace the siding. If not seriously damaged, leave it for later in the process.

3. Demolition

Depending on the scale of your renovations and the condition of the house, demolition might be the first step.

• Rent a large container for waste.
• Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated. Demolish as much as possible if you will not be living in the house.
• Exercise caution when demolishing surfaces coated with lead-based paint.

4. Structural Carpentry

At this time, call in the carpenters for major carpentry projects. Things like:

• Moving walls.
• Constructing new walls.
• Significantly enlarging window openings.
• Adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs.
• Punching in new doors (or removing existing doors).
• Adding new construction windows.
  

5. HVAC Ductwork, Electrical, and Plumbing

With the walls and ceiling open, it's time for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning. Also with the walls accessible, run new electrical and plumbing systems. Electrical and plumbing inspectors will visit at this time, too.

6. Insulation

Last thing to do with the walls open: install fiberglass batt insulation in the walls and attic. Insulation goes fast, so give your drywaller a call and let him know he's next up.

7. Drywall

• A second inspection from the electrical inspector (and perhaps the plumbing inspector) will give you the go-ahead to close up the walls.
• Drywallers hang sheets of drywall, apply drywall compound, and let the compound dry. After drying, they sand it smooth. Sometimes, they will repeat the process until they achieve a seamless surface.

8. Flooring

Installing the flooring later in the renovation process saves your flooring surface from significant damage.

9. Windows

Install new-construction or replacement windows.

10. Fine Carpentry

Here's where you introduce carpentry that doesn't involve structural issues. Install baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, built-in elements (bookcases, breakfast nooks, etc.).

11. Interior Painting, Wallpaper, and Other Surface Finishes

Painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, staining and sealing trim: all of these detail-oriented surface finishes should be the last items you do indoors.

12. Siding, Gutters

With the house mostly finished, it's safe to put on siding. You don't want to do this earlier (unless absolutely necessary) because doors and windows may get punched out, ruining the siding.

13. Major Auxiliary Building

Last, do major auxiliary building projects like:

• Additions
• Sunrooms
• Swimming pools

Large building projects like additions should come last. My view is that you do this last so you don't deplete all of your money and energy on projects not related to renovating the house itself. However, an alternate view is that you may want to build an addition very early in the process so that you don't ruin any work you do in the main part of the house.