sponge http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for sponge Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:35:10 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/sponge Ideas For Wall Art Within A Budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/ideas-for-wall-art-within-a-budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/ideas-for-wall-art-within-a-budget#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:20:01 +0000 sponge paintingwet paintinterior design projectsbudgetinterior design projectreturn on investmentstencils http://www.artwoo.com/article/ideas-for-wall-art-within-a-budget interior design project then you will not fall short of any ideas or things to buy and put up. In fact, the main problem lies in the wide variety of items that you could easily integrate in your home or office d=E9cor. But, the bigger problem lies not in the variety of choices but in the and your ability to stick to it. Although the budget is an important consideration, this does not mean that you will not be able to achieve your decorating goals. All you have to do is to look at the project in a different way, and you will realize that you will not need a huge amount of cash to fulfill your ideas and plans.

So, when working on your on a budget the first thing you should do is stay away from the mass produced ready-made kits on wall art. These kits are generally over-priced and do not provide a good as to how much area of the room the actually cover. These kits also have the tendency to take away the fun from all the decorating and planning.

After this, you should take a good look around your home and try to imagine the effect a few normal household items and touch of paint can give to your home. For instance, if you want to add some texture to your wall, then you can simply achieve it by that wall. The technique of sponge painting is to just dab the on your wall with the help of a sponge or just directly paint the wall with a sponge.

Sponge painting is one of the most fun techniques that you can get. Here, not only will you be able to do it yourself but you can also involve your family in it. This will also not hurt your budget as you just need paint and a few sponge. You should definitely try out this technique as it produces some wonderful results.

If you are not into sponge painting then you can also use to decorate your walls. You can apply stencils with help of normal house paint. If you want a glossier and metallic finish then you can also use spray paints on the stencils. There are so many different kinds of stencils available that you will be spoilt of choice. You can definitely find a stencil that will not only enhance the theme of your room but also will suit your family. One word of advice, when you decide to use stencils, do not forget to cover the area outside the stencils to avoid any kind of spillage. Please visit our website http://www.european-wall-tapestries for further information on tapestries. ]]> Cheap And Cheerful Wall Art Creation Ideas http://www.artwoo.com/article/cheap-and-cheerful-wall-art-creation-ideas http://www.artwoo.com/article/cheap-and-cheerful-wall-art-creation-ideas#comments Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:27:09 +0000 sponge paintingwet paintspray paintbudgetstencilsinterior design projecthousehold objects http://www.artwoo.com/article/cheap-and-cheerful-wall-art-creation-ideas interior design project you won't lack options for what you can do or buy. Far from it in fact. The problem is the wide choice of items you could quite easily integrate into that new room of yours. No... the real problem is and keeping an eye on it. While budget is an important consideration for you it doesn't mean that you can't achieve your decorating goals - once you start looking at your project a different way you'll realize that you don't need to spend mountains of cash to get the effects you want.

So when creating wall art and working to a budget the first thing you should avoid are those ready-made kits which are mass produced and generally far over-priced. These simply don't provide a good return on investment in terms of how much area of a room they actually cover. They also take away from the fun of discovering techniques for yourself.

The next thing is to take a look around your house and open your mind to what some normal and a touch of paint can achieve. For example if you want to add some texture to a wall you can achieve this by simply that wall. Sponge painting means either dabbing the you've just applied with a sponge or alternatively you can also just paint directly onto the wall with the sponge itself.

The neat thing about sponge painting like this is that it's very easy and the whole family can get involved. Plus all it requires is some house paint and some sponges so it won't hurt your budget. You should try this technique when you get a chance - it really does produce a great result.

If sponge painting doesn't sound quite right for you then you could also use to create designs on your walls. Stencils can be applied with either standard house paint or you could even use to achieve glossier or metallic color effects. Stencils are available in a huge variety of styles and patterns and you can find something to suit and your family online in a matter of just minutes. One important tip is that when you use stencils you should cover the area around the stencil to prevent any over-spray or spillage. This article was provided by Aaron Walker at http://www.PaintSplashes.com where you can learn more about creating wall art on a budget as well as other interior decorating techniques and ideas. ]]> Get Out That Stubborn Stain http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-out-that-stubborn-stain http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-out-that-stubborn-stain#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:27:22 +0000 bleachlaundry detergentweatherspongestain removal tipscool waterglycerin http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-out-that-stubborn-stain
The first thought that may enter your mind, can I or can't I use safely? Labels at best tell you its safe to wash or dry clean only. Sometimes a label will mention if it's safe to use bleach or not. But much of the time there is no mention of bleach, or weather it can be used when laundering? Many of today newer fabrics, including colored fabrics, need bleach as well as detergent to help keep them clean, and free of stains.

A good tip to follow: When to use bleach? When the label doesn't mention bleaching or says bleach when needed, you can safely use chlorine or non-chlorine bleach on the article of clothing, as a rule.

Now, what about stains that bleach just won't get out or the fabric won't tolerate bleach? I have listed some on common substances that as a rule are very hard to get out. Please keep in mind all of these stain removal tips work better if the garment is tended to quickly, without the stain having time to set, and dry. Depending how bad the stain is will determine the number of times the stain treatment may have to be repeated.

1. Wine:

Treat stain promptly. Apply a mixture of and , in, leave in for a few minutes; sponge the stain with . If persists repeat.

2. Grass or foliage:

Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Then rub laundry detergent into stain, rinse with cool water. Repeat until stain is gone. Then launder article.

3. Ink:

Apply lukewarm water and glycerin to the stain. Blot with paper towel. Repeat until stain is gone.

4. Paint:

Treat stain immediately. Wash garment immediately in warm water and detergent. If stain does not come out sponge stain with turpentine, then soak garment over night in hot water.

5. Perspiration:

Sponge the garment with ammonia. Wash in warm water. If stain is old, sponge with white vinegar, let sit 10 minutes launder in warm water.

6. Rust:

Moisten stain with water. Sprinkle stain with salt. Drip on fresh lemon juice. Dry in the sun. Then wash in warm water, and detergent.

7. Urine:

Sponge the stain with white vinegar. Wash in cold water and detergent.

8. Blood:

Soak article in cold water. For old blood stains sponge stain with ammonia, then wash with cold water and detergent.

9. Coffee and Tea:

Immediately wet stain with hot water, work in laundry detergent into stain. Wash in hot water.

10. Axle grease or oil:

Scrape as much of the oil off as you can, wet with hot water, rub in detergent. Wash in warm water.

11. Chewing gum:

Rub stain with an ice cube .Scrape gum off with dull kitchen knife. Wash in detergent.

12. Cosmetics and crayon:

Apply liquid soap and rub into stain. Rinse thoroughly. For last trace of stain sponge stain with a mixture of liquid soap and ammonia, then wash in warm water. For more information on stain removal, please visit the following urls: http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/miscellaneous-recipes-3.shtml and http://www.oldandsold.com/articles23/dressing-well-119.shtml ]]> Humidors: Keeping Cigars Well-seasoned All Season http://www.artwoo.com/article/humidors-keeping-cigars-well-seasoned-all-season http://www.artwoo.com/article/humidors-keeping-cigars-well-seasoned-all-season#comments Tue, 29 May 2007 03:34:55 +0000 cigar humidorcuban cigarsmummies of ancient egypthumidity rangehygrometerhumidorsweather http://www.artwoo.com/article/humidors-keeping-cigars-well-seasoned-all-season mummies of ancient Egypt were preserved by being rubbed with special oils and then wrapped in cloth. But how do you preserve your pricey, hard-to-come by ? Why, with the use of a humidor, of course! A humidor is used to control how much humidity surrounds cigars and other tobacco products.

Not Just Another Box

At first glance, a may look like an ordinary box. Made of wood, its interior is often carved out of beautiful Spanish cedar. A humidor is far from being just another box, however. While mainly utilized as storage, it may also be used for maintaining and aging cigars. It may even be used as furniture or a valuable family heirloom that is passed from one generation to the next.

The Perfect Humidity

The ideal for storing cigars is 68% to 72%. This is at room temperature, which is usually about 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. A humidor typically includes a to measure how much humidity is inside the box. Then, it maintains its optimal range of humidity by inserting or removing moisture on the inside.

The Time to Season

So, you bought yourself or your friend a humidor. Should you immediately stash your cigars inside it? The answer is no. New and humidors that have not been used for a long period of time must first be seasoned. A humidor adds humidity to the cigars' environment. If you were to skip this step, the cigars would dry out because the wood would absorb their moisture. As previously mentioned, cedar is usually used as a cigar humidor's interior.

Seasoning Humidor

Why should you season your cigar humidor? Well, seasoning gives the humidor an atmosphere akin to the tropical where the majority of cigars are produced. To season humidors, follow these carefully and step by step:

1. Soak a new sponge in distilled water. Do not use soap or scents. Additionally, do not use tap water because it contains minerals that could damage the humidor.

2. Wipe all of the exposed wood. This includes the inside lid and the dividers. Make sure not to use a fraying cloth or paper towels because these could damage the wood.

3. Spray the sponge with additional distilled water. Then, put it inside the cigar humidor, on top of a plastic bag. The plastic bag is necessary because it keeps the sponge from touching the wood directly.

4. After the humidifying tool is filled, it must be wiped down. Then, for about half an hour, it should rest on a hand towel.

5. With the wet sponge and the humidifying tool inside, close the humidor lid and let it sit overnight.

6. The following day, refresh the humidifying tool. Also, if the sponge is only somewhat dry, more distilled water must be added.

7. Let the humidor sit for another evening. Afterwards, take out the plastic bag and sponge.

In a world where cigars are as prized as jewelry, South American cigars are the Roles Royce of tobacco products. Keep your cigars well-protected inside a seasoned cigar humidor to ensure that your investment will not go up in smoke. Blow smoke rings in style when you visit out http://ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com today! From humidors ( http://executivegiftshoppe.com/cigarhumidors.html ) to cigar cutters ( http://executivegiftshoppe.com/cigarcutters.html ) and cigarette cases ( http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/cigarettecases1.html ), the site has everything you need to live or give with panache. ]]> How to Clean a Horse Saddle http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clean-a-horse-saddle http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clean-a-horse-saddle#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:43:25 +0000 stirrup leatherssaddle soapsoft toothbrushsaddle standfinished surfacestirrupstack shop http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-clean-a-horse-saddle
A saddle should be lightly cleaned at least once a week, and thoroughly cleaned at least once a month. The more often you ride, the more often you should clean it. Even if you have not been riding, a saddle in storage benefits from a once-monthly cleaning and oiling. If well cared for a saddle can last 50 or more years. If left alone, it will become damaged and will quickly lose value.

To begin, you will need a small bucket of warm water, a bar of , a jug of saddle oil or conditioner, and two sponges. You may find a useful for getting grit out of the holes, or tooling.

Place your saddle on a secure stand. This can easily be made out of wood, or you can purchase a at your .

Moisten your first sponge and lather it with soap. Starting on the seat, gently scrub your saddle with the soapy sponge. You do not want to make your saddle wet, so be sure to wring most of the water out of your sponge. Rinse it regularly, and add fresh soap.

You will need to clean every surface of the leather. This means both the , and the underside of each part of your saddle. After scrubbing each section with soap, rinse the sponge and wipe any excess soap off the leather. Use the toothbrush to remove any soap caught in the billet holes or in fancy tooling.

Some parts of your saddle are removable. Take off the and , being sure to remember both what holes you had been using, and how they go onto your saddle. If you have metal stirrups, take out the rubber treads and soak both the metal and rubber parts in your water. Do not soak the leathers -- clean them with saddle soap, the same way you cleaned the rest of the saddle.

Be careful not to forget to clean the underside of your saddle. This can be one of the dirtiest parts of your saddle, particularly if your horse sweats a lot. Sweat can really damage leather, so it is very important to clean it off.

Once the saddle is clean, moisten the second sponge so that it is soft and pliable. Squeeze out any excess water. Now moisten the sponge with your leather conditioner. Without making a thick layer of oil on the leather, wipe the entire surface of your saddle with leather conditioner. It should all absorb into the leather. Any excess should quickly be wiped up as it can discolor the leather. Be sure to oil the stirrup leathers and any other pieces you may have removed.

Finally, take the stirrups out of the water and scrub off any remaining dirt with the toothbrush. You do not need soap or oil on the stirrups, unless you have leather stirrups (which you would not have dunked in water in the first place).

Put your saddle back together, making sure any parts you removed are replaced properly.

You can find quick fix products for cleaning your tack. While these are ok for situations where you just want to tidy things up, or after every ride, they are not suitable for a thorough cleaning. Many leave residue that can gunk up in the long run.

When selecting a type of oil, be aware that some oils, like Neatsfoot Oil, will darken the leather. Others, such as Lexol, will not. Some oils may leave residue on the seat, and could stain your breeches. Talk to your local tack shop if you are in doubt about the best product for your needs.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of quarter horses for sale, used trailers, used saddles, and she is a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> Tarpon Springs Living - A Little Bit Of Greece In Pinellas County Florida http://www.artwoo.com/article/tarpon-springs-living-a-little-bit-of-greece-in-pinellas-county-florida http://www.artwoo.com/article/tarpon-springs-living-a-little-bit-of-greece-in-pinellas-county-florida#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:27:07 +0000 tarpon springsundoubtedlysurprisinglyauthentic greek cuisinegolf course communitiesgreek immigrantsgreek culture http://www.artwoo.com/article/tarpon-springs-living-a-little-bit-of-greece-in-pinellas-county-florida Tarpon Springs, which has a population of around 20,000 is famous for its unique Greek heritage and culture. It also has the distinction of being the oldest town in the St Petersburg area.

The first were attracted to the area during the 1800s when they were employed in the thriving sponge industry. The town was given its name after residents spotted fish jumping out of the water and in 1905 sponge diving was introduced to the town. By 1930, millions of dollars a year were being generated by the sponge industry.



Today, although the sponge industry isn't as profitable as it once was, Tarpon Springs retains its unique and not , has the largest percentage of Greek-Americans in the country. Today, more than 20 restaurants offer and the downtown area offers antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores.



The town is also well known for its Epiphany celebrations every year in January -- the largest such festival in the United States. Naturally, delicious Greek food and traditional music feature large in the festivities, as well as several religious services.



though, the highlight of the event is the spectacle of several young men of the town diving into the cold waters of the bayou to retrieve a wooden cross. Tradition says that whoever recovers the cross will be blessed for the next year, and the proud winner is carried triumphantly through the town.



And, if like many others before, you have the urge to buy a home, a second home, a vacation home -- or even relocate - to this unique and fascinating town, property in Tarpon Springs is affordable and plentiful.



Homes for sale in Tarpon Springs range from sprawling waterfront properties such as Anclote Isles to exclusive gated like Wentworth or Crescent Oaks to imposing mansions in and around Craig's Park. The more affordable end of the market has a wide selection of condos, modest single family homes, and mobile homes as well. Greece never seemed so easy to get to! Living and working in Tarpon Springs everyday, Bob Lipply is the realtor you want to call when you need info on northern Pinellas County. http://www.lipplyrealestate.com/tarpon-springs.php ]]> Why Eat Fiber? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-eat-fiber http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-eat-fiber#comments Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:25:00 +0000 kitchen spongesoluble and insoluble fibercholesterol levelssoluble fiberfruits and vegetableshigh fiber diethealth care practitioners http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-eat-fiber health care practitioners often recommend a to their clients. Touted for its benefits to the cardiovascular system, experts suggest fiber will help us do everything from maintaining healthy , to supporting a healthy blood sugar balance. As a digestive care educator, I typically discuss the benefits that fiber provides to our intestinal tract. In particular, that fiber can help promote regularity and assist with the normal detoxification process that takes place in our colon.



Fiber is the indigestible parts of plants.

There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are needed in a healthy diet, because each type of fiber provides a different benefit to the healthy body. Let me offer a simple illustration: imagine your typical . It has two sides, each of which serves a purpose to properly clean your sink of dishes. The soft absorbent side of the sponge can represent . The scrubby side of the sponge represents insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber is found in foods such as fruit pectin. It dissolves in water, forming a gel, and absorbs water soluble materials such as cholesterol and excess toxins. This can assist body's natural process of elimination. It also provides food for intestinal flora, promoting a healthy intestinal environment.

By absorbing liquids, soluble fiber can help form our stool, alleviating bothersome problems such as occasional diarrhea.



The scrubby side of the sponge represents insoluble fiber, which is also known as roughage. This is found in foods such as bran and fibrous . This type of fiber provides bulk to the bowel, sweeping clean the intestinal wall, and helping to promote regularity.



Balanced correctly, work together, like a sponge and a scraper to help maintain the digestive tract.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains will give you a ratio of roughly 25% - 35% soluble fiber and 65% - 75% insoluble fiber.



The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults consume 20-35 grams of fiber every day, but most Americans are lucky if they consume 12-15 grams of fiber in their average diet. This is often blamed on the Standard American Diet, (or S.A.D.) which consists of high fat entrees, refined forms of carbohydrates, and low in raw fruits and vegetables.

Experts are calling us to eat more fiber, so we can begin to receive the benefits to a healthy digestive and cardiovascular system. With the small amount of fiber people consume every day, supplementation is an easy and convenient solution. Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the natural products industry. Having received her credentials as both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist, she is passionate about educating in better nutrition and optimum digestive care. http://www.fiber35diet.com ]]> 8 Tips For Professional Quality Face Painting http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-professional-quality-face-painting http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-professional-quality-face-painting#comments Wed, 14 Jun 2006 09:32:11 +0000 face paintingstart paintingpaintspongefacestemporary tattoosstencils http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-professional-quality-face-painting faces ed (especially the younger ones!), so it's the perfect thing to learn how to do if you have young kids... or you're planning to have a birthday party for your children.

With this in mind, I've prepared a few tips for people just starting out in . Here they are:

1) If you're painting a design that needs a large area to be covered with paint, use a instead of a brush. Why? Because applying the paint with a sponge means it will dry quicker. It's a good idea to have a few sponges set aside if you need to use different colors, because this means you won't have to try and clean the sponge for each color...which would take time.

2) Always let the first color dry before you on a second! If you forget to wait for it to dry, they colors will most likely mix and you're going to have to start from scratch again.

3) Make sure you know what you want the finished face to look like. Don't mak it up as you go along. You need to be able to paint faces rather quickly, as if you have children, you already know that kids aren't always very patient...and they may get bored or restless if you're thinking on what to paint next.

4) If you're not good at painting freehand yet, don't be afraid to use a stencil. You can get of stars, hearts, flowers, and all sorts of things. These are perfect for stencilling onto a cheek. You'll need stencils of different sizes to accommodate different face sizes.

5) If you want something faster than stencilling, why not try ? Make sure the person's skin doesn't react badly to it first, by asking them (or their parents)...or testing it on a small area first.

6) If you have a line of kids ready to have their faces painted, ask them to be thinking about what they would like a few minutes before its actually their turn. You don't want to be delayed while each kid thinks of what he or she would like painted on their face.

7) Remember to have a mirror with you at all times so you can show the person what you have painted, and to make sure they're happy with your work.

8) Professional face paint and stage makeup can be quite expensive, especially if you're planning to paint a lot of faces. You can make your own simple face paint with cheaper ingredients. A quick search on Google will find you plenty of ideas that you can use to make your own face paint with. Bear in mind this won't be as good as the professional face paint, so if you can afford it... I would advice you to get the professional stuff.

They you go, that's my 8 tips a for professional face painting! I hope you found them useful. For my info on how to do face painting, visit: http://my-face-painting.blogspot.com ]]> Foundation For A Flawless You http://www.artwoo.com/article/foundation-for-a-flawless-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/foundation-for-a-flawless-you#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2007 00:27:02 +0000 dark circles under the eyesfoundationsskin imperfectionsconcealerflawlesspimple scarsbeautiful skin http://www.artwoo.com/article/foundation-for-a-flawless-you flawless and healthy skin. For some of us, we once had especially when we were still young but due to hormonal imbalances during our teenage years we have developed and possibly acne or that may have left us scarred for life. But the creation of powders and have paved the way for these women to gain back the confidence they may have lost having felt some insecurity from the bad skin they may have on their faces.

The cosmetic market has heeded the problems of the women by offering various types of foundations to achieve that flawless look. One of the products that could help hide imperfections would be a . Though a concealer is not a foundation per say they are very useful for covering up unsightly flaws like . It is helpful to dust some loose powder after application of a concealer to seal it in place. Liquid foundation helps create that glow on your face and natural look. It is best recommended for people with normal or dry skin since it contains moisturizing ingredients. Apply liquid moisturizer on your face bit by bit with the aid of a wedge sponge. There are numerous brands offering long lasting liquid foundations that could even last to as much as 16 hours.

A powder foundation would also be a good option especially for day use. They also help you achieve that sheer and flawless look. If you feel the need for more coverage, you could always moisten your sponge and have the option to applying this product wet. This is best recommended for people with oily skin since it gives them a more matte effect or finish compared to that of a liquid foundation. Most powder foundations give you the option of applying it dry or wet.

You also have illuminating lotions that help you achieve the illusion of radiant skin that practically looks beautiful under any type of light.

Thanks to these products, the problem of achieving radiant and beautiful skin is just a sponge away. It is still important though to follow a beauty regimen to help maintain healthy looking skin for years to come. Mary Lorainne writes about http://www.simplybestcoupons.com ]]> Decorating Picture Frames And Boxes For Decoupage http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorating-picture-frames-and-boxes-for-decoupage http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorating-picture-frames-and-boxes-for-decoupage#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:20:00 +0000 marvelous effectsblank portionpermanent markerleaf edgestraight edgesbeautiful designsexact copies http://www.artwoo.com/article/decorating-picture-frames-and-boxes-for-decoupage leaf edge. Use your left hand to turn the paper as required, and cut the details of the design using your scissors.

When cutting designs like grass or fur, be innovative enough to add your own long curves if possible. In case you do not find some patterns good enough for your project like a in the picture or some , then you can cut away them from your image.

Once the design is ready to be pasted cut the bridges. In case the design is too delicate, you will need to put gum on the object and then paste the cut design. Use a moist sponge to clean any extra glue. Keep the sponge pieces handy when working with this technique. After wiping put your sponge piece in water. Because once the glue on it gets dried up, it would deface the sponge. Clean these sponge pieces properly with water and save for future use in your next project.

Fold and cut technique can give to your design. You can take colored pages from magazines and books and create symmetrical and using this technique. These designs can also be photocopied to make some layered/repeat design.

To decorate picture frames and sides of boxes, you can use cut corner patterns and other interesting shapes. You can cut coiled borders and repeat designs. For this you can cut it like a string or else outline your pattern on the paper and copy and cut it as many number of times as you require. Although it would not result in , but would be appreciably same.

Before pasting them, you will need to paint the white edges in your image. You can use a or acrylic paint to color this. These colors actually blend nicely with your image. Maximum time's sepia or black would solve your purpose but in a few cases you may need to go in for other hues too.

If required the images can be pasted one on another. Images reaching over the edges give a beautiful effect in a box. You can paste both the lid and the box with the whole image. Canadian artist Christopher Freville often uses Victorian photos for pasting on the side of a box. Once the paste dries up simply make a cut at the joint of the lid and the box. This way the pattern would exactly correlate to each other.

You can use a blue TAC to place your cut outs at as desired and then sketch your boundaries using a pencil or chalk. This way you would know which cut out should be glued where. Blue TAC can also be used to trace the place to paste the cut out. And obviously this needs to be done gluing every cut out piece one by one.

Only if your base surface has extremely good color and luster that you will not need to cover it thoroughly but otherwise you got to cut good number of prints from magazines or gift wraps so that they sufficient to cover the whole object. While cutting you should keep in mind that you have kept enough space to let the prints overlap slightly.

Before gluing experiment with different lay outs in which you can place your picture. Once you get a satisfactory look, paste it using your fingers and slightly press the print from the center towards its edges, thus avoiding any air bubbles or wrinkles. Teresa Edwards and has written many more hints and tips on decoupage sheets. Visit her and sister Karen's website at http://www.decoupage-secrets.com ]]> Hair Care For Shiny, Silky Hair! http://www.artwoo.com/article/hair-care-for-shiny-silky-hair http://www.artwoo.com/article/hair-care-for-shiny-silky-hair#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:27:20 +0000 shiny hairsafflower oilessential fatty acidsspongeimmerseefasdry hair http://www.artwoo.com/article/hair-care-for-shiny-silky-hair
Healthy, silky hair is something we all want, but in our fast paced, fast food world, is what many of us have. The long, luxurious locks on models in fashion magazines and the flowing curls of the girls on shampoo bottles may seem out of reach for the rest of us, but take heart. Not only is it inexpensive to treat your dry hair; you don't even have to visit a salon. All the products necessary to treat damaged or dry hair can be found in your local discount store or supermarket; in fact, you may already have many of the products at home in your medicine cabinet or kitchen. So, do take care of your hair for that silky .

Hair Moisture

Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair's moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair's ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers. Good one have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA's) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective is . It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA's. The scalp produces the best EFA's called sebum. It is this sebum that keeps hair looking healthy and shiny all the time.

Hair Care

Is the ability for hair to be able to absorb and retain moisture. The best way for me to explain this is to would be for you to imagine a . First of all imagine a brand new sponge. It will have tiny holes in it, and when you it in water, it will soak up a large quantity, and be able to hold that liquid for a long period of time. This is because it has good porosity. Now imagine an old sponge. Its holes have become damaged and distorted. It might even be torn in some areas. When you immerse this sponge in the same amount of liquid, it will absorb far less and will certainly not be able to retain the moisture so readily. Therefore, hair care is extremely important to ensuring great looking hair.

Good Hair, Bad Hair

Good ones have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA's) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective essential fatty acids is safflower oil. It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA's. Another way is to rub a drop of flax seed oil onto the ends of your hair to keep the ends looking supple.

Avoid Coarse Hair

Coarse hair tends to look dry, even if it's not. You might just need to condition more (but not with a leave-in conditioner, which can increase the appearance of dryness) as well as use asiliconeserum to seal in moisture and add shine. Sometimes we think of hair that is damaged from processing as being dry. Avoid dry hair by taking good care of your hair, avoid excessive sun and chlorinated water. In men, Thinning Hair and Hair Loss can start any time after puberty, usually in the late teens to early 20's! Find out more at http://www.hairlossfact.info ]]> 3 Steps Stress Management http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-steps-stress-management http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-steps-stress-management#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:15:23 +0000 stress management techniquescarton boxword stressgreat expectationwork stressbusiness objectivetime deadlines http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-steps-stress-management work stress is very common in most of the professions today. In every business unit there is a certain , limited with time frame and resources, with of "stakeholders" that this objective should be accomplished. In the situation of pressure toward the goal, pressure of and pressure of limited resources, it is obvious that in the middle of this pressuring environment there is the area affected by these forces. The meeting point of these forces is the focal point of stress that influences person who is responsible.

So how can an individual "survive" in this stressful environment? Is he/she will quit job immediately upon being exposed to stress? Or he/she will go to sick leave? Well, normally the answer should be no. The person should already have or try to learn the . Some of us absorb and manage the stress easily, but some of us not. Still, the Stress Management is the skill that can be learned. So, the question is what to do in order to successfully cope with stress.

In order to understand the stress-unstress mechanism, observe the following experiment on the simple sponge. Take the sponge in your hand and squeeze it. What happened? The sponge responded to your pressure by adjusting it shape and size to a new "requirement".

Take another example, the . Do the same what you did with the sponge and observe what happened. The box "resisted" to your pressure for a very short time. Then it is being destroyed by your hand. Now, let go back to our sponge. If you release it you will see it returning to its original size and shape.

From this example we can learn 3 basic steps of stress management:

1. Anticipate - There is always some "Force" or "Rule" in any segment of our life that we might be exposed eventually. We must be aware of it and be ready. We can not expect to exist in a perfectly stress-free world. Understanding this and adjusting ourselves accordingly will help us.

2. Adjust - When we face stress situation, we must adopt. If we do not adopt we must learn to do so, or we will be hurt, sooner or later. We will learn to adopt stress by following the rules and by observing others that are coping with stress successfully.

3. Relax - Still, even if we are skillful in handling stress, we must find some time of not being exposed to stress, in order to fully recover. No matter how good we are in managing stress, the best way of managing stress is time when we are not exposed to it.

Of course we can not live in isolation in order to avoid stress. We must live and face the life. The point is to utilize time between stressful periods in a best possible way. These periods recharge our batteries and strengthen us for a new challenges.

There are many ways to relax in these relief periods. Exercise, time with friends and family, reading a book, sleeping, enjoin landscapes, watching the movies or listening music, or even meditate.

Remember 3 basic Stress Management rules: Anticipate stress, Adopt to Stress Condition and Relax well in non-stress periods. These three rules will help you to cope with stress easier and to leave more energy for productive activities.Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. In 2007 he has started the www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills. He also runs www.my-introspective.com a Personal Exploration and Development Guide.]]> It's Baby Bath Time! http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-baby-bath-time http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-baby-bath-time#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 06:50:03 +0000 bath cushionsponge bathsbaby soapgroin areanewbornumbilical cordbabies http://www.artwoo.com/article/its-baby-bath-time newborn a bath. Don't worry though, you'll do just fine. Mothers have been giving a bath since the beginning of time. Today is much safer with all the new types of tubs designed just for infants and toddlers. And many babies love getting a bath!

Your newborn should just get for the first couple of weeks at home or until the heals. Since your baby doesn't need a bath every day, you can give sponge baths twice a week or as often as you feel is necessary. It is important to go ahead and gather everything you will need before you start. And here is the equipment you will need to bath a newborn:

* 1. thick towels or a sponge-type * 2. soft washcloths * 3. bath seat for basin or sink * 4. cotton balls * 5. baby shampoo and (non-irritating) * 6. hooded baby towel * 7. clean diaper and clothing

Make sure the room you are using is warm (around 75 degrees F). Place a non-skid cushion or towel at the bottom of the seat/tub so your baby will not slide around (little ones are very slippery). Run warm water (between 90 to 100 degrees or warm to the inside of your wrist) into the sink/tub. Gently undress your baby while talking in a soothing voice, explaining what you are doing. Place the baby in the water slowly.

Start with the face with just a little bit of baby soap. Next, wash the head, and continue moving downwards. When bathing your baby, make sure to clean the following areas (and creases) thoroughly: neck, ears, buttocks and . Try not to get the umbilical cord area wet; gently clean with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. And if your son is circumcised, try not to move the foreskin back when cleaning the groin area. Once you have the front clean, then finish with the back side.

Dry your baby thoroughly and then dress them. Make sure the head is completely dry. The first time may take a little bit of time because they will squirm and they are very slippery. But never take your hands off your baby. Once you both get used to this routine, it will be extremely easy. Have fun! Our History: With over 25 years of experience in the baby related industry http://HappyMothers.com has the most experienced and knowledgeable sales staff, and customer service representatives. SEO by http://TrafficXTC.com ]]> Upholstery Cleaning http://www.artwoo.com/article/upholstery-cleaning http://www.artwoo.com/article/upholstery-cleaning#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:30:00 +0000 upholstered furnitureupholsteryinconspicuous areasofa chairsolventfabricwarm water http://www.artwoo.com/article/upholstery-cleaning fabric or leather cover, it is called as . Upholstery makes the furniture more comfortable and gives a trendy and rich look to you rooms. The look beautiful befitting to the home d=E9cor. But their cleaning is also very essential as it cannot be done with ordinary cleaning. The upholstery requires different cleaning and proper care. All the stains cannot be removed in a single way; you need to apply different methods of removing stains depending on the type of stains.

The stains on your upholstery can mar the looks of your furniture; don't consider the hard and tough stains as a very big problem as simple cleaning tips on different surface materials will help you to do the job easily. The upholstered furniture is no doubt expensive like you have sofa, chair, loveseat and many more. It can get dirty with if you eat on sofa and bits of food falls down and drinks that leave stains on sofa, dirty feet and dirty clothing.

Before initiating the process of cleaning find out the fabric to be cleaned. The best way to clean is to test it in the to ensure no discoloration or damage is done to the fabric. With the simple steps and different cleaning methods given below can help you to remove stains effectively.

If it is a greasy stain so the best option is to choose a dry cleaning easily available in any grocery or retail stores. Put the solvent on a clean white cloth and blot at the stain, do not rub. Mix a mild ph balanced detergent in one cup of and blot it on the stain, after that use a towel to sponge the solvent and detergent off with clean warm water and let the spot dry.

Some may feel weird but baby wipes can prove effective in cleaning some upholstery. In this too much water and soap is not required and the alcohol in the wipes makes sure that it evaporates quickly. If the stains are mild they can be removed by the inexpensive sprays available. These upholstery sprays work quite well but should be used carefully. These sprays won't work if the stains are large patch of oil or grease.

The loose dirt which gets collected everyday on the upholstery can be removed by the vacuum cleaner. You should be wary if your sofa or a chair is an expensive one, the upholstery of such furniture usually has lot of organic material inside. In such cases it is advisable to get cleaned professionally rather than trying tips that ca be tried at home as it worth the investment.

It is a common problem to have hair of pet on your upholstery. To remove those hair use a pet rake, velour brush or even tape wrapped around your hand. The light and even strokes will remove the hair from upholstery. If not you can try with the rubber bottom on a clean tennis shoe, even the slightly dampened sponge can be used but see to it that it does not damage the upholstery. The vacuum cleaner with a beater roll or beater brush can be of great help. The place where vacuum cleaner cannot reach one can use a pet sponge. The pet sponge is available at every pet supply stores and is used dry. Looking for more information on Upholstery Cleaning visit http://www.upholstery-cleaning.net ]]> How To Avoid Foundation Flaws http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-foundation-flaws http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-foundation-flaws#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:25:00 +0000 natural flawslight applicationwords of wisdomjaw linefoundation worksblemishesmishap http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-avoid-foundation-flaws natural flaws, , and discolorations. However, many women make the very common mistake of applying or abusing the use of foundation. Granted, it is quite simple to misuse foundation, henceforth creating a very fake "clown- like" look. Few women desire a falsified look. As women, we universally yearn for that natural look that makes people question whether or not we even wear any make-up at all. Here are a few foundation flaws to avoid in order to create a more natural look from the start.

1. Remember these - Less is Best! It is true ladies, less is always best when it comes down to make-up. Only a is needed for most women. One coat of foundation will suffice. If you match your complexion perfectly, or as close to perfect as possible, you will be pleased with one light coat. Double coating against your look as it appears cakey and thick.

2. Blend it in. Have you ever been afraid to get too close to someone because you just know that they're foundation will rub off on you?? The way to avoid this is to blend in your foundation instead of sitting it on top of your skin. Foundation looks best when it is blended in with your skin lightly. Your skin should still be visible underneath the foundation. Use a sponge foundation applicator to blend in the make-up so that you create an even undetectable make-up appearance. Do not add more foundation to your sponge. Work with what you have on your sponge, which will create a smoother look. Once you start putting more foundation onto your sponge, the more you will find yourself packing it on. After blending, your skin should look radiant and clean, not as if your face needs a good cleaning.

3. Don't neglect the and neck! Okay, let's be honest, you know you've seen the two-toned ladies or now that you think about it, you may be guilty of being two toned yourself! These are the ladies whose faces are perfectly packed with foundation of one tone, and the neck is totally forgotten about with a tone of it's own. So, after blending your face, apply foundation to your neck and blend well. Again, one coat will do for the neck. Apply the same amount to your neckline and jaw line so that your complexion does not appear uneven. Other often neglected areas to give special attention to are the hairlines, earlobes, and around the eyes.

4. Follow up with a light powder. This will polish up your look. If you use a powder, apply it with a kabuki brush. Mineral powders or translucent powders work well on top of foundations to take away the oily look and allow your foundation to stay in place.

5. Check your face in a natural light source. Sometimes the lighting in your bathroom can be deceiving. Once you've checked it out, go and fix any areas that need attention. This always does the trick.

6. Request help from a professional. Many women don't have the skills that they need to find that perfect color for their complexion. If you're not one of the lucky ones, just take a trip to the department store to a Lancome or Clinique counter or any brand of your choice and let one of the skilled ladies do the job for you. They are experts, and chances are you won't be sorry for requesting help. Let them do a make over for you and even show you how to apply it.

These foundation tips will help to add beauty to your life in more ways than you'll know. It is always fabulous when you begin with a beautifully made up complexion. Donna Rice owner of http://www.blackhairplanet.com is the blogger for the black hair industry. ]]> How To Arrange A Bed In Small Bedroom. http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-arrange-a-bed-in-small-bedroom http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-arrange-a-bed-in-small-bedroom#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:05:02 +0000 sponge mattresssoft mattressspring mattressarranging furniturearrange furniturenatural fibersun light http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-arrange-a-bed-in-small-bedroom
As we know that some kind of residence like townhouse or condominium usually have smaller space provided for rooms and other functions, especially the space that used for bedroom. So it is really a hard work for you on planning to to fit all of rooms and functions that we require in a very limited space.

About for your bedroom, we are talking about the most important furniture, of course, bed and mattress. Firstly, you should consider choosing a mattress that fit to the size of the bed. There are loads of mattresses design and style available in the market. The types of mattress are varying from , , mixture of and sponge mattress, rubber mattress etc.

Generally, you should choose a mattress that suitable to the age of the person who will use it. For example, for children and teenagers, should use mattress that use soft stuff material, adult should use a little harder stuff material such as natural-fiber mattress.

The way that you maintain and keep your mattress also different depends on type of the mattress itself, for example, rubber mattress should be kept away from heat and , while and sponge mattress should be sometimes dried in the sun light.

The correct way to arrange a bed, which is the biggest furniture in your bedroom, in limited space. Firstly, you should arrange the bed close the wall as much as possible, in order to have the rest of bedroom's space for any other furniture, such as dressing table etc.

If possible, you can choose the bed style that has no bed top, or bed that using a flat board to replace the bed top. For the latter kind, please also make sure that the plat board is done neatly and has no sliver left, which very harmful when using it, because sometimes I found that this type of bed is done not properly. In case if you have to choose the bed that has bed top, it would be excellent if you can choose the bed that has small room on the bed top for contain lamps, this will help you to save space that will be used for bed lamps. You can also use vertical blind or slim line to make your bedroom looks clean and tidy and larger.

"Arranging your bedroom that make it clean and tidy is the key to make your bedroom looks bigger than it actually is."

Style of closet and wardrobe are also important to the look and feel of your bedroom. This include the way you arrange them also. If you have to share closet or wardrobe with other member in your family or you have to share bedroom with anybody in your family, try to use those closet as partition to separate the room, but you have to decide about the way that you will share the space with your room mate to make the most use of limited space. http://www.variety-beds.com/ http://www.contemporary-quilt.com/ ]]> How To Choose Furniture For Your Bedrooms. http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-furniture-for-your-bedrooms http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-furniture-for-your-bedrooms#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:27:04 +0000 sponge mattressspring mattresspersonal preferencecoconutsunlightrubber tirekapok http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-furniture-for-your-bedrooms personal preference of the owner. However, you should consider about the suitability of furniture that you are going to use for your bedroom such as bed size, which must large enough to make you use bedroom most comfortable.

The size of the bed should not too big in order to have the space in a bedroom left for other use, such as space for walking around the bed and enough space for you to clean the room very convenient. In case if you have a small bedroom, you should choose a bed that has wheels equipped in order to make it easier for cleaning.

The size of a mattress that you use should correspond to the size of the bed.

In nowadays there are plenty of various kinds of mattress available such as , , fiber mattress, fiber coconut mixed with sponge mattress, mattress, rubber/tire mattress etc. The selection of mattress to use in a bedroom also depends on the age of the person who use it, for example, teens should use softer mattress than the ones for adults, which should be a bit harder, such as fiber coconut mattress.

Generally the lifetime of a mattress is between 10-15 years. However, lifetime of mattress also depends on the way that you use and how proper you maintenance them. For example, rubber/tire mattress must not be placed entirely against the . Meanwhile kapok mattress should be placed where the sunlight can reach through. Sponge mattress should be taken to face the sunlight sometime for sterilized. However you should constantly turn the mattress over in order to maintain the softness to be equal on both side and keep it to have no bad smell.

The bed should not be too high, in case of accident you may falling from the bed during sleep and you should choose a bed that has no sharp corner angle or if it has sharp corner angle, you may have to stick shockproof material to protect in case the bed bumping against other furniture/wall and damage.

The blankets must thick enough to maintain the warmth but, should not be too heavy in weight. You should choose pillows that have enough softness for your convenient during sleep, especially this will benefit to elder people's health. In case of arranging bedroom for old people, you should also provide water container and necessary medicine for them too.

Wardrobe is another important furniture in a bedroom that can not be overlooked

Generally, the standard size of the cabinet used in bedroom should be about 50-70 centimeters wide, but the most popular size is 60 centimeters wide and the wardrobe should have the height about 180-200 centimeter.

The cabinet should have the size that large enough when open, so you will be able to see all stuff within the cabinet. But if you have small bedroom you should use the removable cabinet. http://www.art-home-furniture.com/ http://www.habitat-cabinets.com/ ]]> How To Be Beautiful On A Budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-beautiful-on-a-budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-beautiful-on-a-budget#comments Sun, 16 Apr 2006 17:50:15 +0000 manicured nailsmakeup spongeglamorous dressespure whitenail polishprofessional manicurediamond earrings http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-be-beautiful-on-a-budget glamorous dresses and million dollar , but women still want to feel that beautiful. With the exception of a haircut, you can do most things at home that can be done at expensive nail salons, tanning beds and beauty shops. Best of all, you can achieve the look you want on a budget that you can afford.

Every woman loves the look of perfectly , but few have the time or budget to treat themselves to a regular salon visit. For less than $5.00, women can manicure their own nails at home and, with practice, they will look just as fantastic as any . A bottle of , which can cost as little as $2.00, along with a light or sheer basecoat color (usually sheer pink or other neutral shade) will do the trick. Apply the basecoat to the entire nail in 1-2 coats. If the first coat isn't dark enough, apply a second and allow drying before adding the tip. When using the white nail polish for the tip, it is very important to follow the natural curve of the nail tip when painting. If your nails are short, it may be okay to add a very small tip with the white polish but don't go overboard. The total cost of two bottles of nail polish may be under $5.00 if you shop carefully and, best of all, these will last long enough to do many at-home manicures. When someone asks where you have your nails done, you can say "at home" with a smile.

Have you ever had a blemish or other skin imperfection? Sure you have, along with everyone else. But, few people know that concealer is not the only way to hide those little flaws that seem to sneak up on us. If you use an all-in-one foundation/powder makeup, you can achieve a smooth and flawless application by dampening the . Before swiping it through the foundation, hold the sponge under running water and squeeze it gently. When the makeup is on the sponge, it will provide better coverage than a typical dry sponge will do. This procedure can flawlessly conceal redness, acne, light freckles, veins, pores, etc.

A lot of individuals suffer with dry, itchy skin. This is true during both the winter and summer months. It can be difficult to select a moisturizer that will also help to ease the pain of dry, cracked skin. Pacquin Plus Dry Skin Cream, which costs $6.00 per 8oz. container, provides instant relief to this problem.

Rather than spending a lot of money on a monthly gym membership, many fitness gurus finds that a daily 30-minute walk will help to burn calories and chase away the blues at the same time. Having always been known as a popular cardiovascular exercise, walking will also help individuals achieve a better overall fitness level without having to worry about other dangers associated with using some types of exercise equipment. Plus, walking is free so you can save the money that would otherwise be spent on a gym membership and buy a swimsuit to show off your new figure.

With a little planning and budget, every woman can look as though she is red carpet ready without spending a fortune. And as for the diamond earrings, go for cubic zirconia instead. They are much less expensive and have no inclusions. Daphne Succes, Writer, Business Owner, Motivator and Self-Starter Independent Consultant for Passion Parties http://www.daphnespassion.com ]]> Interior Painting Ideas Guaranteed To Bring Your Walls Back To Life! http://www.artwoo.com/article/interior-painting-ideas-guaranteed-to-bring-your-walls-back-to-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/interior-painting-ideas-guaranteed-to-bring-your-walls-back-to-life#comments Tue, 15 Aug 2006 04:27:12 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/interior-painting-ideas-guaranteed-to-bring-your-walls-back-to-life There are many different interior paint ideas you'll discover that can be used to add style, and change the look of your rooms. As you begin decorating the rooms of your home.

Interior paint ideas are about being creative and you can be as creative as you wish. Plus, you shouldn't have a problem when it comes to controlling your budget.

That's because most of the materials you will need can be acquired for a small amount of money. However, you should remember that although interior paint ideas do not have to be expensive, creating your designs with them, can take quite a bit of your time.

So, be patient, because hurrying your paint designs will often result in an unrewarding outcome.

The following are some of the different ways you can use interior paint ideas to dress up the look of your walls:

Rag Rolling - Rag rolling is done by rolling up a rag as you would a magazine or newspaper, and then rolling it with your hands over the wet paint that has already been applied to the wall.

Stenciling - Stenciling is one of the best interior paint ideas because it is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to decorate your walls. Stenciling works by painting the areas that have been cut out of a template.

Then once the template is removed, a defined pattern or design remains. You can create your own stencils, if you have the proper materials, or you can purchase them at craft or specialty stores. Stencils come in various sizes and designs, and you can place them on any part of your wall to either create a picture, or boarder.

You should remember, however, that it is a good idea to use a darker or light color for your stenciling patterns to contrast with the main color of the wall.

Bagging - After the wall has been painted you can then use the bagging interior paint ideas to create interesting wall patterns, by placing a cloth that has been bunched up into a bag, and then dragging it over the wall.

Sponge Painting - For sponging interior paint ideas all you require is a simple sea sponge, and a tray to hold the glaze paint of your choice. You can then proceed to sponge the wall as intricately or loosely as you would like to create the desired effect you want. You will find that with sponging, you can create a lovely marble look on the wall.

Other interesting interior paint ideas you can create if you are more adventurous include dragging, stippling, combing, granite finish and marbleizing.

Types of paint that you should look into for your painting project include:

* Latex * Latex flat enamel * Alkyd * Enamel * Epoxy

As you can see there are several great interior paint ideas for you to check out and use to create some of the most wonderfull designs on your room walls. Take your time decorating your rooms, and you will love the result of your work. Michael Holland is the creator of http://www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com and http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com. His web sites offers lots of FREE decorating tips and ideas for decorating your home. ]]> Becoming A Student Of Life http://www.artwoo.com/article/becoming-a-student-of-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/becoming-a-student-of-life#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2006 18:00:06 +0000 reading booksquantum physicscuriosityattituderomance novelsstagnantinsatiable http://www.artwoo.com/article/becoming-a-student-of-life insatiable about a wide variety of topics, and I'm usually reading several books during the same time period. I've read about some really fascinating things, like , and some really cheesy things, like . Truth be told, I've enjoyed them all!

It occurred to me the other day that it doesn't matter what I'm learning about, as long as I'm consistently learning. I'm like a sponge that gets dry and shriveled if I don't absorb something on a regular basis. My life then becomes boring and , and I feel sluggish and uninspired.

If this describes your life right now, you can turn it around pretty easily. Adopt the of a student, and watch how it infuses you with joy, excitement, and motivation.

Being a student of life isn't just about and learning as much as you can on various subjects. That can certainly be part of it, but it's more about the way you see the world around you and the way you handle your daily experiences.

Here are five tips to help you become a student of life:

1) Develop Awareness. - Most of us spend our days rushing blindly from one activity to another without ever noticing our surroundings. If we can instead slow down a little bit and just look around us, we'd SEE so much more in life. Take time to notice that beautiful sunset on the drive home. Step outside during the day and feel the sunshine on your face, and indulge in some deep, cleansing breaths. Become aware of your own spiritual self, and your connection to all living things. Give yourself the gift of just being, noticing, and breathing.

2) Keep an Open Mind. - Rather than assuming you know all about something already, approach each situation with an attitude of curiosity. Question everything. Explore new ideas, thoughts, and subjects you've always wanted to learn about. This goes for the people around you too. Don't assume you know what they're all about based on their appearance or some preconceived notion. Ask questions, get to know them better. Be willing to release any judgments you may have, and instead seek truth.

3) Keep an Open Heart. - Express deep gratitude for your life, and all of the experiences you have - even the not so pleasant ones. Be willing to be vulnerable in your connections with others, and allow yourself to feel. Too often we are afraid of our emotions and try to numb them or run away from them. Instead, let your emotions be your teachers. Listen to them, and honor them. They will teach you a lot about yourself.

4) Look for the Lesson. - In every experience, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" Sometimes the lesson is obvious, and sometimes you'll have to search for it. With every lesson, allow it to become a part of you and make you a better, stronger, happier person. Though we all make mistakes and stumble, the goal is to make new mistakes, rather than repeating the same ones over and over again. As long as we are making progress, we're doing great! Use your own awareness to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

5) Enjoy the Journey. - Most of us take life so seriously! Yes, it does have its serious moments. But overall this is supposed to be a pleasant experience, and we can make it that way by simply choosing to. Don't worry so much about whether you're making as much progress as you should, and don't get frustrated when things don't always work out as planned. Instead take a lighter attitude and understand that it's all just a journey and the point is to relax and enjoy.

Imagine that you're a beautiful white sponge, and you come across these brilliant pools of colored liquid. There's a red pool of passion, a pink pool of love, a yellow pool of knowledge, a green pool of gratitude, and a purple pool of fun. Go ahead and dip your sponge toe into each of these pools, and your color will begin to change. Rather than being a plain white sponge, you are now a beautiful, multi-colored sponge, filled with passion, love, knowledge, gratitude, and fun.

Unfortunately, there are also a few pools of black, brackish stuff like negative self-talk, fear, regrets, etc. If you accidentally absorb some of this and it begins to taint your colors, don't worry about it too much. Just focus on revisiting the pretty, colorful pools and absorbing more good stuff. It will dilute the negative stuff, and eventually get rid of it all together. :-) About The Author: Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer who strives to motivate, uplift, and inspire you to make your dreams a reality. Visit her website, http://www.WingsForTheHeart.com for more positive thoughts to help you on your journey. ]]>