terra cotta containers http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for terra cotta containers Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:49:14 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/terra+cotta+containers Mediterranean Decorating http://www.artwoo.com/article/mediterranean-decorating http://www.artwoo.com/article/mediterranean-decorating#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:20:00 +0000 giant potsmany different wayspaint colorsmosaic tileaccent piecesbright colorscomplex designs http://www.artwoo.com/article/mediterranean-decorating
How can you bring more color into your home? There are so that this is just a short list of them.

Using , with its of the terra cotta or brick hues will automatically bring a floor and a room to life. Bring the concept even further into the room by putting these mosaics on the walls as molding, around door frames, and as back splashes, if you are doing a kitchen or bathroom. Start small by putting the tiles in small space such as an alcove or a foyer, and use a dramatic sweep of lavender or red caulking that you can easily apply with a trowel.

Furniture is another sure fire way to add drama and color to a home. The wood may be simple or , but if you keep them low and include different accents made of marble, iron or tile, you will create a bright Mediterranean look. This is probably more authentic then the types you will be ready made in the stores.

These kinds of materials such as terra cotta, glass and iron have been used to decorate homes for ages. These materials have an appeal to everyone because we all realize that they are time tested decorating ideas that involve care and craftsmanship, and are therefore very respected.

Another idea for color is a tapestry on the wall. If you use wrought iron mountings to hang it, it will look even more authentic. A grill made of wrought iron will serve as a simple decoration on a wall, or you can use it to create the look of a window or to accent entrances, doorways or mirrors. All of these will add color and charm. Use the basic to allow these to stand out.

Pottery is an easy way to add color to a room as well as form and a sense of drama. It can be in its natural state of terra cotta or it can be glazed in lovely colors, but either way it will add a lot. Try , elaborate vases in old world shapes and you will create a bright dramatic look for your home. Add wrought iron racks and candelabras, wood embellishments, table runners that reflect the colors of the pottery, and you have a lovely romantic setting. Other touches that will add to this ambiance are urns of burnished brass, a water fountain made from stone or one of the new resins that resemble stone, a relief over the fireplace and other touches that add to this look.

The purpose of all of this is to create the look of a bright Mediterranean idyll, full of sunshine and warmth. Create this by a main theme that creates the interest, and continue it will small touches that you and your guests glimpse at every turn.



To do your planning, perhaps it would help to envision yourself with a glass of Chianti at a villa by the Mediterranean. Picture yourself sitting in an garden enclosed by a stucco wall lined with sunflowers. The exit is a wooden door with wrought iron scrolling for hinges and pulls. In the background, you can glimpse the terra cotta tiles on the roofs of the local homes. Yours will look like that soon. Adam Peters is the editor of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A focused website that offers articles on ideas for sloped walls, read more here: http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/mediterranean-style.html .. ]]> Bamboo Fountains: Creating Your Own Tropical Paradise http://www.artwoo.com/article/bamboo-fountains-creating-your-own-tropical-paradise http://www.artwoo.com/article/bamboo-fountains-creating-your-own-tropical-paradise#comments Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:15:01 +0000 wire mesh screenterra cotta containersbamboo fountainsdrainage holeshome improvement retailerwater spoutsdecorative gravel http://www.artwoo.com/article/bamboo-fountains-creating-your-own-tropical-paradise bamboo fountains may seem a bit challenging, doing so is surprisingly simple, and can requires only a few items available at any like Home Depot or Lowe's. In no time, you can build strikingly attractive bamboo fountains to grace your home's interior for years.

Parts For Your Bamboo Fountains

Bamboo fountains can be built from parts easily obtained wither online or from a home garden or hardware supplier. The most important components of bamboo fountains, or any fountains, for that matter, are the fountain pumps. Look for the fountain pumps' gph, or gallon-per-hour-ratings on their boxes, and select one with a lower rating if you prefer a soothing flow of water to a more energetic one.

You should next look for half-inch tubing with which to connect the pumps for your bamboo fountains. Because tubing is so inexpensive, you should go ahead and buy twice what you think you will actually use, to be on the safe side.

Then find a waterproof container. You can get an inexpensive flower pot made of waterproof terra cotta, but try to find ones with no ; otherwise you will have to seal them. come in several sizes, so you will have plenty to work with.

Finally, choose your bamboo which is also available in several sizes. You should cet at least tow different sizes; three-quarter and two inch widths would be a good choice but whatever sizes you choose should be large enough to cover the on the pumps for your bamboo fountains. Get pieces of bamboo which are about three feet long, and make sure you have a hand saw to trim them as needed. You'll also need raffia, or rocks, and .

Assembling Your Bamboo Fountains

To assemble your bamboo fountains, begin by sealing any drainage holes in your containers with cork covered with a waterproof adhesive. While that dries, trim your bamboo canes to lengths of about fifteen inches, and drill a hole into some of the canes so that they will hold the nozzles of your bamboo fountains' pumps. Next, use raffia to lash enough pieces of bamboo together so that they will completely conceal the pumps.

Then place pieces of your wire mesh over the bases of your pumps, by cutting it in circles the diameter of the bases of your containers. Place the pumps into the pots, covering them with the gravel or rocks, and inserting the nozzle of the pumps into the bamboo canes which you have drilled. By tipping that bamboo cane into another one, you will cause the water to cascade and produce a waterfall. Pour your water in, and as your bamboo fountains come to life, you'll get the first glimpse of the lasting beauty they will add to your home!

Bamboo garden fountains are equally suited to interior or exterior d=E9cor, and are particularly popular among practitioners of the discipline of feng shui. Although the use of bamboo garden fountains originated in Asia, their grace and beauty have led to wide their wide adoption by homeowners and decorators all over the globe. There are bamboo garden fountains perfect for any decorating theme. You can also find more info on http://www.topfountains.com on fountains and http://www.topfountains.com/category/bamboo-garden-fountains on bamboo garden http://fountains.Topfountains.com/ is a comprehensive resource to know more about fountains. ]]> No Room For Gardening? Containers Will Work. http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-room-for-gardening-containers-will-work http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-room-for-gardening-containers-will-work#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:57:24 +0000 bottom drainagerelease fertilizersterra cotta claycoarse gravelwindow sillsflower potsdrain holes http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-room-for-gardening-containers-will-work
By utilizing containers, both large and small, it is possible to grow almost anything that you can grow directly in the ground. Patios, balconies, steps, and are good locations as long as there is sufficient sunlight (about 6 to 8 hours worth), the only limit being the size and the weight of your containers.

Containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials and in fact, can be just about any thing that will hold soil, even old shoes and sneakers can be pressed into service as with admirable results. Materials can be wood, plastic, terra cotta, clay or metal. All containers do need drainage, so it is good advice to add one inch of on the bottom and have ideally one half inch from the bottom. Drainage can be severely hampered by placing the pot directly on a hard surface such as concrete so elevate the container an inch or two to insure proper water flow.

The size of the container will be determined by the plant selected. Common sense is the rule here; provide enough growing room for the plants and that what you cannot see, the roots. Generally speaking the larger the container, the better, but is there enough support under the plant to carry the weight? Consider if you will have to move the plant when you bring them in for the winter or, if you are a renter and want to take your plants with you?

The ideal planting medium should be fairly lightweight and drain well, but still retain moisture to keep the roots moist. Soilless mixtures, which are available at your garden center are ideal and have the added bonus of being free from soil borne diseases, weed seeds and nematoids.

However because these soilless mixtures drain well and will leech whatever nutrients originally present, fertilization will probably be necessary. Water soluble and time are recommended. Follow the directions for the fertilizer chosen, but do not exceed the recommended rate, because over fertilizing may burn and kill your plants.

Proper watering is extremely crucial since the containers have small volume and tend to dry out quickly, especially if they sit in the hot sun or in the wind all day. Plastic containers will normally require more frequent watering. Learn to check your plants daily and water as needed. Preferably use a watering can to avoid getting water on the plants leaves as this will encourage diseases. Water until the water starts to run out of the drain holes. A moisture tester, which can be bought at any garden center, is an invaluable tool in proper watering.

Be sure the drain holes are clear to prevent the soil mixture from becoming water logged and rotting the plant. Too much water can be as bad as too little water.Dick Murray loves to write about growing fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and has created an information packed web site web site dedicated to gardening basics and designed for families who care about their food supply..]]> Nudist Resorts Celebrate 31st Aniversary Of Nude Recreation Week July 10th - 16th http://www.artwoo.com/article/nudist-resorts-celebrate-31st-aniversary-of-nude-recreation-week-july-10th-16th http://www.artwoo.com/article/nudist-resorts-celebrate-31st-aniversary-of-nude-recreation-week-july-10th-16th#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 20:27:05 +0000 palm springs chamber of commercepalm springs canude recreationnude sunbathingnude vacationssunny palm springsholland america http://www.artwoo.com/article/nudist-resorts-celebrate-31st-aniversary-of-nude-recreation-week-july-10th-16th Nude sunbathing and swimming have a long history in America. Some of the more famous early nudists were Presidents George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Ben Franklin took daily andquot;air bathsandquot; as he called them andquot;au naturel.andquot; Many more presidents such as FDR enjoyed skinny dipping. And Norman Rockwell's painting titled No Swimming showing skinny dipping at the local water hole, graced the front cover of The Saturday Evening Post on June 4, 1921.

This July, celebrate the 31st anniversary of Week from July 10th to 16th. The American Association for Nude Recreation is one of the major sponsors. The purpose of this week is to inform and educate people about all the fun they are missing out on by not taking .

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, nude recreation is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. Nude vacationers now have choices such as cruises (on such lines as , Carnival, and Star Flyer sponsored by Bare Necessities), upscale resorts, and rural campgrounds and clubs. Guests feel very safe and comfortable at nudist resorts as inappropriate behavior is not allowed. One upscale resort owner was even President of the .

As can be expected, the most popular clothing optional resorts are located in warm parts of the country. Most notably Palm Springs, CA and Florida.

Cypress Cove Nudist Resort located just outside of Orlando, FL in Kissimmee is Florida's most famous nudist destination. It is very popular especially because it is close to all the attractions of Orlando like Disney World.

In Palm Springs, the popular place is The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa. is a very popular nudist destination as it has the best weather in America. Averaging less than 3 inches of rainfall a year. there is no warmer, sunnier city in the U.S. Another very important reason that nudist love Palm Springs is there are no mosquitoes because it is a desert city. So save the bug spray for your Florida vacations.

The Terra Cotta Inn's popularity is also due to their catering to couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. They don't require memberships or mandatory immediate nudity like many nudist resorts. A first timer could initially wear a bathing suit or beach wrap if they so desired. Guests from around the world stay with them. Mary Clare, the owner says, andquot;women are more intimidated by nude sunbathing at first, but ultimately they love it because they love the sense of freedom. You don't have to worry how you will look in a bathing suit as you aren't wearing one. Some women are nervous the first time they come here, and will go topless sunbathing at first. But usually, after maybe 30 minutes, they feel comfortable and will completely disrobe just like everyone else. Guests always ends up nude sunbathing here because of our safe environment. Woman really appreciate it that we think of their feelings and well being and allow them to go nude sunbathing when they are read! y.andquot; This technique of allowing women to to feel comfortable is very successful. Terra Cotta has one of the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry at just over 75%.

Nude recreation week is to remind people that you don't have to settle for the same old boring chain hotel vacations this year. There really are fun places where you can relax and feel totally free. Isn't it time for a new, fun vacation? Give a clothing optional resort a call. Celebrate Nude Recreation Week this year in your birthday suit. Pack light, this is the year all of your friends will want to hear about your vacation. You will be glad that you went. Tom with his wife Mary Clare own The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort andamp; Spa in Palm Springs, CA. http://sunnyfun.com They are ranked as one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world. The most mainstream nudist resort in America, they are perfect for people trying nude sunbathing for the 1st time. Call 1-800-786-6938 for info. ]]> Indoor Organic Herb Garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/indoor-organic-herb-garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/indoor-organic-herb-garden#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2007 03:56:02 +0000 organic herb gardenpeat potsherbsorganic herb gardensmarjoramterra cotta containersbasil mint http://www.artwoo.com/article/indoor-organic-herb-garden organic herb garden is a delightful project. The fragrant plants not only look and smell good; they are also good for flavoring foods.

Indoor have the advantage of being year-round, giving a continuous supply of fresh . An indoor organic herb garden can be as small as a few pots on a window sill or as large as a greenhouse filled with containers of aromatic organic herbs.

Herb Choices

There are many ways to decide which herbs to include in your organic herb garden. Here are some ideas.

1. Italian Herb Garden: Plant rosemary, oregano, basil, fennel, and chives. will make your indoor organic herb garden look authentically old world.

2. French Herb Garden: Begin with lemon basil, , and parsley, and add other herbs you like to use in French cooking.

3. Fragrant Herb Garden: Choose angelica, bergamot, catmint, chamomile, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, mint, and sage. This organic herb garden is a natural air freshener.

4. Tea Herb Garden: If you enjoy herbal teas, your organic herb garden might focus on appropriate herbs for your tea: catnip, chamomile, lavender, lemon grass, mint, and peppermint.

You may not want to theme your indoor organic herb garden, but simply grow a few herbs that appeal to you.

Containers

Many herbs are well-suited to container gardening, but you will want to choose containers according to the herbs you intend to grow.

1. Those tiny herb sold in discount stores give the wrong idea. Your indoor organic herb garden will not last long with such small thinking.

2. Begin with containers a bit larger than those in which the live nursery plants were purchased. This will give your plants room to start growing.

3. Once your herbs are stabilized and growing well, transplant them into larger containers.

4. Basil, mint, oregano, and sage are examples of herbs that can be grown in pots of about 8 to 10 inches.

5. If you want a large crop of herbs that is constantly being replenished in your organic herb garden, use 3 to 5 gallon containers. This will assure you of having plenty of rosemary, basil, etc. when you want it.

Container Soil

Indoor organic herb gardens call for building organic soil. Your soil should have a pH of about 7, since herbs prefer a more alkaline soil. If yours is too acid, add some calcified seaweed. Be sure you use only organic fertilizers to build your soil.

Indoor Lighting

An indoor organic herb garden will need lighting, especially if your room is not sunny. Lighting is especially important for year-round indoor gardens.

Different plants have different light requirements, some preferring bright sun and others preferring shade. Most herbs prefer full sun, but there are exceptions, so learn what each of your herbs needs.

Incandescent lights, even though called "grow lights", are a poor choice for your indoor organic herb garden. Fluorescent lights are better, and have the advantage of being inexpensive, easily available, and easy to set up. The best choice for lighting your indoor organic herb garden is high intensity discharge lighting, often called HID lights. These are even more affordable and efficient.

Useful and Beautiful

An indoor organic herb garden can be both useful and beautiful. Herbs are generally eager to please, and require little maintenance. Simply give them the right food, water, and sunlight, and they will reward you abundantly. ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about organic gardening at http://www.organicspringtime.com. Anna is posting new articles every week on that site, each one dealing with some facet of organic gardening. If you want information on locating live organic herb plants for your organic herb garden, you won't want to miss Anna's article on the subject. ]]> Indoor Organic Herb Garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/indoor-organic-herb-garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/indoor-organic-herb-garden#comments Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:20:00 +0000 organic herb gardenfragrant plantsherbsorganic herb gardenspeat potsterra cotta containersmarjoram http://www.artwoo.com/article/indoor-organic-herb-garden organic herb garden is a delightful project. The not only look and smell good; they are also good for flavoring foods.

Indoor have the advantage of being year-round, giving a continuous supply of fresh . An indoor organic herb garden can be as small as a few pots on a window sill or as large as a greenhouse filled with containers of aromatic organic herbs.

Herb Choices

There are many ways to decide which herbs to include in your organic herb garden. Here are some ideas.

1. Italian Herb Garden: Plant rosemary, oregano, basil, fennel, and chives. will make your indoor organic herb garden look authentically old world.

2. French Herb Garden: Begin with lemon basil, , and parsley, and add other herbs you like to use in French cooking.

3. Fragrant Herb Garden: Choose angelica, bergamot, catmint, chamomile, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, mint, and sage. This organic herb garden is a natural air freshener.

4. Tea Herb Garden: If you enjoy herbal teas, your organic herb garden might focus on appropriate herbs for your tea: catnip, chamomile, lavender, lemon grass, mint, and peppermint.

You may not want to theme your indoor organic herb garden, but simply grow a few herbs that appeal to you.

Containers

Many herbs are well-suited to container gardening, but you will want to choose containers according to the herbs you intend to grow.

1. Those tiny herb sold in discount stores give the wrong idea. Your indoor organic herb garden will not last long with such small thinking.

2. Begin with containers a bit larger than those in which the live nursery plants were purchased. This will give your plants room to start growing.

3. Once your herbs are stabilized and growing well, transplant them into larger containers.

4. Basil, mint, oregano, and sage are examples of herbs that can be grown in pots of about 8 to 10 inches.

5. If you want a large crop of herbs that is constantly being replenished in your organic herb garden, use 3 to 5 gallon containers. This will assure you of having plenty of rosemary, basil, etc. when you want it.

Container Soil

Indoor organic herb gardens call for building organic soil. Your soil should have a pH of about 7, since herbs prefer a more alkaline soil. If yours is too acid, add some calcified seaweed. Be sure you use only organic fertilizers to build your soil.

Indoor Lighting

An indoor organic herb garden will need lighting, especially if your room is not sunny. Lighting is especially important for year-round indoor gardens.

Different plants have different light requirements, some preferring bright sun and others preferring shade. Most herbs prefer full sun, but there are exceptions, so learn what each of your herbs needs.

Incandescent lights, even though called "grow lights", are a poor choice for your indoor organic herb garden. Fluorescent lights are better, and have the advantage of being inexpensive, easily available, and easy to set up. The best choice for lighting your indoor organic herb garden is high intensity discharge lighting, often called HID lights. These are even more affordable and efficient.

Useful and Beautiful

An indoor organic herb garden can be both useful and beautiful. Herbs are generally eager to please, and require little maintenance. Simply give them the right food, water, and sunlight, and they will reward you abundantly. =A92007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about organic gardening at http://www.organicspringtime.com. Anna is posting new articles every week on that site, each one dealing with some facet of organic gardening. If you want information on locating live organic herb plants for your organic herb garden, you won't want to miss Anna's article on the subject. ]]> Perfume Bottles Glass and More http://www.artwoo.com/article/perfume-bottles-glass-more http://www.artwoo.com/article/perfume-bottles-glass-more#comments Wed, 20 Sep 2006 06:27:08 +0000 perfume bottlesperfume bottleairtight containersglass containersglasswaresenamelporcelain http://www.artwoo.com/article/perfume-bottles-glass-more Perfume bottle is a vessel made to hold scent. It has its origin right since the year 1000 BC and the Egyptians were the first ones who invented scent and made use of for it. However, the fashion and use of scent spread fast in other parts of the world as well, like Greece and Europe. In Greece, bottles made out of terra cotta were used in addition to some glass vessels, which were a luxury item those days. Before the advent of the , people used the heads and skulls of animals to hold scents for them.

The popularity of scent in France gained grounds very soon and people were interested in how to preserve perfume for longer periods. This led to the discovery of Venetian Glasses in the late 13th century. However, at that time, in Venice, glassmakers were already producing tiny and beautifully decorated but this art could not survive for long in Venice. In Italy, the production started with the man called Murano who led the race in producing colored glass specially crafted to hold scent. In Germany at the same time, the use of glasswares had been very famous already! By the 18th and 19th centuries, perfume bottles of great value and exquisite beauty were already being created in England, using a variety of materials such as , and silver. The enamel bottles contained glass coverings with movable stoppers to hold the perfume and were gently decorated with light painted flowers, sceneries and classical scenes.

Perfume bottles are essential for keeping the scent for a longer period of time as the perfume is volatile in nature and needs so that it does not get evaporated when exposed. The best perfume bottles are those made from colored or faceted glass or some other opaque material so that the perfume does not get evaporated by sunlight. Now a day's porcelain is widely used in making perfume bottles and many shapes are given to it like nuts, balls and shells.

An open bottle will keep its perfume safe for a year as long the level is maintained, but as the amount of scent decreases, the existence of oxygen in the air that is contained in the bottle will modify the perfume's smell character, eventually ruining them.

For best used up purposes, aluminum containers are the best for holding up perfumes for a longer period of time and without much damage being done to the smell of the scent. Light-tight aluminum bottles or in their original packaging when not in use, and refrigerated at a relatively low temperatures between 3-7 degrees Celsius are the best found perfume bottles till date.

Today there are numerous designs in perfume bottles. The amazing designs, shapes and colors have actually added value to the already pricey perfumes. Taisha Grant writes about http://www.perfumefragrancecoupons.com and http://www.perfumefragrancecoupons.com/Coupons/Perfume%20Emporium.html ]]> A Clothing Optional Vacation - Give A Unique http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-clothing-optional-vacation-give-a-unique http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-clothing-optional-vacation-give-a-unique#comments Mon, 26 Jun 2006 03:32:04 +0000 clothing optional resortsclothing optional resortnude sunbathingnudist coloniesnude resortsnude placesrustic campgrounds http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-clothing-optional-vacation-give-a-unique clothing optional resort.

Sound far fetched? Not really. Nude recreation is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. It is a booming travel niche with over $400 million in annual revenues reported by USA Today newspaper. In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have gone skinny dipping in mixed company. You may have already done this when you were young. Now is the time to recapture that lost freedom of your youth.

Traditionally, Americans had to go to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale topless, nudist, or naturist resorts. In the U.S., most were just , the old style "" that movies like the Pink Panther showed. But, in the last decade, the U.S. has now surpassed the rest of the world and has some of the finest around.

American clothing optional resorts cater to different customers. Many are still the rustic campgrounds where families with their kids go on the weekends. However, in Florida and Palm Springs, California, you will now find nudist resorts that are able to compete with the best regular 4 and 5 star resorts. Nudism in America has now grown up and some of these new resorts are considered the best in the world.

One of the most popular of these new upscale is The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa. It is very popular as it was the first upscale boutique clothing optional resort to cater just to couples. So, leave the kids with the grandparents or baby sitter an be prepared to be spoiled and pampered. The press reports it is the most mainstream nudist resort in the U.S. It is truly clothing optional. Although, repeat guests go there to go , sometimes "first timers" are nervous and need some time to ease into nude sunbathing. The Terra Cotta Inn is perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. There is never any pressure. Guests go nude as soon as they feel comfortable. And everyone always feels comfortable as 99% of the guests go nude sunbathing. The Terra Cotta Inn is located in sunny Palm Springs, California. http://palmsprings.com This beautiful resort community averages 340 days of sunshine a year and is the sunniest city in America. It has world championship golf, casinos, shopping, theater, and more. Everything anyone could ask for on their vacation.

Who takes clothing optional vacations? Everyone! People have been nude sunbathing for centuries. Even one of our founding fathers, Ben Franklin was a major advocate of nude sunbathing. Now that some nude resorts have gone upscale, more and more people are discovering the fun of nude recreation. Nude sunbathers range from their 20's to 70's in age. They are teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, police, firefighters, movie stars, Democrats and Republicans, etc. They are everyone. What they all have in common is they wanted to try something new. They were tired of the same old boring, stuffy vacations at chain hotels, They wanted to experience something different. Nude recreation is perfect. It is a great way to add excitement to a marriage or relationship. It is very romantic. Everyone feels comfortable at clothing optional resorts because guests are screened first and everyone knows that they are not wild, orgy places. Romantic? Absolutely! But, everyone always behaves themselves around others. So it is a very safe environment for couples. And once you have stayed at a clothing optional resort, you are hooked for life. For instance, a recent TV Travel show called "Ultimate Hotels" just reported that one clothing optional resort averages just over 75% repeat guests which is one the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry.

Why go to a clothing optional resort? You go to relax and have fun. Marie Claire Magazine in an article about nudity and body image sent a reporter to a clothing optional resort. She reported, "After a hours of lounging and chatting, I started to feel totally relaxed with both myself and my new environment... As the weekend progressed, I became more and more comfortable being naked and I sure didn't miss the pressure of picking out something to wear every morning! But most of all, I found myself feeling less critical about my body. In fact, since it was clear nobody there cared about body size, I found myself being less self-critical overall- and naturally more health-conscious." And you will have so much fun. At many of the best clothing optional resorts, you get to meet vacationers from around the world. Many life long friendships are started up from guests chatting with each other. Without wearing clothes, people are just naturally more free and friendly.

So this Father's Day, or any day for that matter, if you are looking for a new vacation experience, contact a clothing optional resort and make your next vacation a fun, nude vacation Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall own the popular Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA. Visit their site at http://sunnyfun.com The Chicago Tribune newspaper reported their resort was one of the 10 Best clothing optional resorts in the world. They are perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time! ]]> Find Peace And Happiness Through Gardening http://www.artwoo.com/article/find-peace-and-happiness-through-gardening http://www.artwoo.com/article/find-peace-and-happiness-through-gardening#comments Sun, 16 Jul 2006 06:27:12 +0000 container gardeningorganic gardeningterra cotta potssisal ropenatural compostglass bowlsmanure compost http://www.artwoo.com/article/find-peace-and-happiness-through-gardening
There are many types and forms of gardening. is a unique method of gardening and allows the gardener to really bond with Mother Nature. Organic gardening really gets down to the basics of growing fruits and vegetables, using only what Mother Nature provides. is another way of gardening and allows many people who do not have their own garden to still enjoy gardening using pots and containers.

Container gardening is a great way to decorate and accentuate your house and your outdoor area. Plant containers such as clay urns, metal pans, , wine tubs, wood boxes, bath tubs, , wire baskets, planters, cement hollows etc. all work well. You want to be sure to have an assortment of beautiful flowers and plants of varying heights as well as shapes and textures when planning your garden.

Organic gardening requires much more attention and involvement in the whole process. When you grow the plants organically, you do not add any artificial or chemical substances to the soil to avoid their negative health consequences. In organic gardening is needed to fertilize the soil. Natural compost is derived from plant, fruit or kitchen waste and contains no harmful chemical pesticides in it.

Whether you go for container gardening or organic gardening, the preparation and gardening methods are pretty similar. After you decide on what type of gardening you want to do, prepare your spot and soil for planting. You must remove all weeds, grass, stones, etc using various gardening supplies or herbicides. When this is completed, you can plow the planting area and add nutrients such as manure, compost, peat or sand to the soil. If your soil is too sandy, you will need to add compost to give it the necessary nutrients it needs.

Gardening supplies are essential for good gardening. They make gardening easy, and there are certain gardening supplies that gardeners find indispensable, including gloves, spade, scissors, pruners, levelers etc. Make sure to buy good quality gardening supplies for ease of use, such as gardening gloves made of high quality leather, and gardening spades or pruners made of stainless steel. To learn more about Gardening, visit Susan's sites at http://www.love-gardening.info, http://www.gardening-club.info and http://www.gardening-fun.info. ]]> How Can You Bring Nature Inside For a Garden Party Bridal Shower? http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-can-you-bring-nature-inside-for-a-garden-party-bridal-shower http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-can-you-bring-nature-inside-for-a-garden-party-bridal-shower#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:15:33 +0000 terra cotta potsoutdoor freshnessfresh cut flowersplastic potssummer showerswedding colorsgreen thumb http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-can-you-bring-nature-inside-for-a-garden-party-bridal-shower green thumb to host a fresh and whimsical garden-themed bridal shower! This theme is ideal for spring and where you want to bring a touch of into your party, even if the shower isn't going to be held outdoors. A few decorating touches can go a long way towards achieving this theme without blowing your budget. What could be more perfect for a bride who loves the outdoors?

If you're thinking of throwing a garden party bridal shower, it's important to keep in mind that the weather doesn't always cooperate for outdoor events. A spring shower could be rained out or it just might be too cool to sit outside. On the other hand, your guests might not be able to bear the heat of an outdoor summer bridal shower, or maybe the bugs will be too bothersome. Either way, it's a good idea to have a back-up plan. You can host a wonderful garden party indoors without worrying about what kind of mood Mother Nature will be in.

To start with, every garden party needs flowers and fortunately you have some beautiful options that will bring the ambience of a garden into your home. One way to create the right atmosphere is to decorate the party area with potted plants that you would normally see in a garden. Great and affordable examples are petunias, violets pansies, impatiens and maybe even daisies or herbs such as lavender. For an earthy look set these plants into to hide the thin that garden centers typically use. This combination isn't normally seen indoors, so it will immediately give a feeling of being outdoors. To dress things up a little, you can tie ribbons around the pots to match the .

If this look is a little more casual than you want, you could choose to have bouquets of placed about your home. Go for flowers you would normally see in a backyard garden such as daisies, wild flowers and lilies for summer parties, or perhaps tulips and daffodils for spring gatherings.

As a centerpiece, you could use a terra cotta pot filled with a pair of gardening gloves, packets of flower seeds and small gardening tools. This can also double as your gift to the bride so she can start a garden of her own. As an alternative, you could use a larger bouquet or potted plant as the centerpiece.

Make sure to keep an extra flower pot for some fun and whimsical garden theme shower favors! Some great favor ideas include flower bottle stoppers, plantable wildflower favors, or watering can favor boxes filled with some favorite little treats. Thank your guests for sharing this special party with a little gift that they can use at home as a reminder of the love shared by the bride and groom.

Getting ready for a garden theme shower doesn't have to take a lot of work. Bring the outdoors into your home with an abundance of flowers, either potted for freshly cut. This bit of nature will lend a natural feeling to the party and will also brighten up your home!Are you looking for favors for a wedding ? Wedding Favor Saver has a wide variety of wedding and bridal shower favors including garden theme shower favors and decorative shower favor boxes.]]> Wall-fountains Bring Tranquility To A Small Garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/wall-fountains-bring-tranquility-to-a-small-garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/wall-fountains-bring-tranquility-to-a-small-garden#comments Sat, 01 Sep 2007 06:15:01 +0000 wall fountainsgarden fountainswall fountaincatch basinsubmersedmatchclapboards http://www.artwoo.com/article/wall-fountains-bring-tranquility-to-a-small-garden wall fountain usually spills water through--such as a mask or a decorative plaque--into a basin which hides a small pump. The statuary can be terra cotta, plastic, fiberglass, cast concrete (often designed to mimic terra-cotta or stone), or metal. Stone and cast-concrete require a wall strong enough to support their weight, as well as sturdy, well-secured mounting hardware.

Hiding the Return Pipe and Cord on a Wall-Fountain

Wall-fountains look best if the return pipe doesn't show. Thus, the best place for these fountains is a freestanding wall that allows you to run the plumbing behind it. However, this is rarely practical for many situations. Small features work best, such as on a townhouse patio. Alternatives include hiding the tubing with vines or chiseling a vertical niche down the wall to run the tubing and then mortaring over it. A more satisfactory option is to build out the wall using similar material=97a new line of bricks, for instance, or an enclosure covered with to your home's siding. Mount the wall-fountain on the new surface, and run the pipe behind it. For more wall fountain ideas visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Wall+Fountains.

If the wall-fountain doesn't come with its own basin, homemade options range from building an elaborate brick or concrete reservoir to recycling a half-barrel or an old sink or trough. Don't make the too small or rapid evaporation will necessitate frequent topping off. To keep splashing to a minimum, mount the fountain no higher above the catch basin than the diameter of the catch basin.

Wall-Fountains Are Not Difficult to Install

Taking up no floor room, wall fountains are ideal for gardens or seating areas that are tight on space. A pump that recirculates water from the basin to a delivery pipe up to the spout powers most wall-fountains. Designs are nearly infinite, but most have a jet of water spilling into a trough or basin. The plumbing on some wall fountains can be rather complicated, often requiring pipes behind the wall. In other cases, the water lines run up the wall surface and must be disguised with vines or other plants. However, simple-to-install, preformed kits are now available with only a cord running from them. Because the ease and cost of installation varies widely, consider the installation when buying a wall fountain.

Wall fountains attach in several ways. Stone fountains attach with mortar and are supported with special T-blocks, decorative braces that act as brackets. Lighter weight fountain kits come with mounting hardware.

Wall fountains are commonly sold as separate units. They are designed to be installed with a pump. They will almost always come with complete instructions. As with any moving water feature, it is a good idea to be able to turn the wall fountain on and off from an indoor switch. Wall fountains are well suited for the small garden. They require a little more work to install, but installation is still straightforward if you have a wall with access to the back. Elizabeth Jean writes gardening and landscape design articles for http://Garden-Fountains.com, the premier Internet resource for indoor fountains, outdoor fountains and wall fountains. ]]> Bathroom Decorating - Please Do Not Ignore This Activity? http://www.artwoo.com/article/bathroom-decorating-please-do-not-ignore-this-activity http://www.artwoo.com/article/bathroom-decorating-please-do-not-ignore-this-activity#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 23:05:01 +0000 toilet areapedestal sinktastestongue and groovecentral spacebeadboardwall space http://www.artwoo.com/article/bathroom-decorating-please-do-not-ignore-this-activity
The first priority in dressing up the bathroom is designing a specific space for each of the most essential functions. A specific contained counter area or a wall against which a sculptural can be displayed should be allocated for washing. The same holds true for the tub, shower and . When considering the bath area, decide if a separate tub and shower or if a combined shower and tub can serve the same purpose.

Additionally specify whether the toilet needs its own room or whether it can be part of the open bathroom. To achieve that gorgeous fixture shine ideally, keep some clear in order to achieve this. Try as best as possible to control growth. The idea is to make your bathroom look and feel like a room, so move away from lining up fixtures against the wall. Instead, try to organize different functional areas around a , and give this space a room-like feel.

When decorating a bathroom a home owner or designer should try to use compatible fixtures and materials. These should be carefully selected in keeping with your and with the important character of the house. For instance if you're an owner of a 1920s bungalow, stick with a tile that reflects that period, or use tongue-and-groove that picks up other features of the home. Although it is a place where you spend a lot of time, it is important to remember not to make the bathroom the most fabulous room in the house. Hire a designer who is sympathetic to your tastes and to your home. Bathroom decorating does not have to be costly as many beautiful light fixtures and faucets are quite reasonably priced.

Traditionally bathroom flooring is tiled whether it is ceramic, marble, granite, or terra cotta. Some designers install heat coils installed under the flooring so that when you step out of the shower on a chilly morning, you stay warm. Undoubtedly the smallest room of any home will necessitate the largest number of professionals to either construct or remodel. These days homes are being constructed with special focus on more luxurious bathrooms featuring multiple sinks, toilet and bidet, separate tub and shower stalls, custom tile work and much more. Discover more great tips at http://www.allaboutthehome.info/ a website offering tips and resources on matters like bathroom remodeling ideas, color schemes and even plastic storage containers to fit any budget. ]]> Bathroom Decorating - Please Do Not Ignore This Activity? http://www.artwoo.com/article/bathroom-decorating-please-do-not-ignore-this-activity http://www.artwoo.com/article/bathroom-decorating-please-do-not-ignore-this-activity#comments Sat, 03 Feb 2007 08:27:28 +0000 toilet areapedestal sinktastestongue and groovecentral spacebeadboardwall space http://www.artwoo.com/article/bathroom-decorating-please-do-not-ignore-this-activity
The first priority in dressing up the bathroom is designing a specific space for each of the most essential functions. A specific contained counter area or a wall against which a sculptural can be displayed should be allocated for washing. The same holds true for the tub, shower and . When considering the bath area, decide if a separate tub and shower or if a combined shower and tub can serve the same purpose.

Additionally specify whether the toilet needs its own room or whether it can be part of the open bathroom. To achieve that gorgeous fixture shine ideally, keep some clear in order to achieve this. Try as best as possible to control growth. The idea is to make your bathroom look and feel like a room, so move away from lining up fixtures against the wall. Instead, try to organize different functional areas around a , and give this space a room-like feel.

When decorating a bathroom a home owner or designer should try to use compatible fixtures and materials. These should be carefully selected in keeping with your and with the important character of the house. For instance if you're an owner of a 1920s bungalow, stick with a tile that reflects that period, or use tongue-and-groove that picks up other features of the home. Although it is a place where you spend a lot of time, it is important to remember not to make the bathroom the most fabulous room in the house. Hire a designer who is sympathetic to your tastes and to your home. Bathroom decorating does not have to be costly as many beautiful light fixtures and faucets are quite reasonably priced.

Traditionally bathroom flooring is tiled whether it is ceramic, marble, granite, or terra cotta. Some designers install heat coils installed under the flooring so that when you step out of the shower on a chilly morning, you stay warm. Undoubtedly the smallest room of any home will necessitate the largest number of professionals to either construct or remodel. These days homes are being constructed with special focus on more luxurious bathrooms featuring multiple sinks, toilet and bidet, separate tub and shower stalls, custom tile work and much more. Discover more great tips at http://www.allaboutthehome.info/ a website offering tips and resources on matters like bathroom remodeling ideas, color schemes and even plastic storage containers to fit any budget. ]]> Learning About Indoor Container Vegetable Gardening http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-about-indoor-container-vegetable-gardening http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-about-indoor-container-vegetable-gardening#comments Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:19:59 +0000 container vegetable gardeningtypes of vegetablesgardening with containersplant containerscontainer gardeningbell peppersgreen beans http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-about-indoor-container-vegetable-gardening
If you are someone who doesn't have a lot of room outside, consider using indoor containers for your vegetable gardening. By gardening indoors, you may not be able to garden big vegetables and your options may be limited, but there are definitely some benefits to indoor vegetable .

The Best Suited for Indoor

For indoor gardening, you will want to use smaller vegetables, so things like corn are probably out of the question. However tomatoes, cucumbers, and even or carrots can be viable vegetable options for indoor container gardening. Anything that can be contained in some type of container without being cramped and restricted from growing well can work well for your indoor garden, and these fresh vegetables will make a world of difference in your cooking.

The Kinds of Containers to Use

For indoor , containers that have wholes in the bottom are the best to use. This gives the soil a chance to eliminate un-needed water which otherwise would kill your vegetables. You simply place the container on top of a deep dish that can catch the water, and empty the dish every so often depending on how much water the vegetables discard.

Depending on the vegetable, large containers used for plants can work well. Tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers do well in . For vegetables like carrots or green beans, you'll want to use narrower, longer containers. These kinds of containers offer a row like garden, similar to what you'd find outside for these vegetables.

The soil used should be specifically for vegetable gardening, and the kind used outside will do just as well inside. You'll probably want to make sure and find a place for your indoor container vegetable gardens that has access to light during the day, but keeps the vegetables safe from frost and chilly nights at the same time. If you can't find such a place, find one of each and simply move them from one place to another when necessary.

After just a few weeks of indoor container gardening, you should find that your vegetables are growing nicely and are ready for picking shortly. If you keep up on the replanting when it's time, you can have fresh indoor vegetables throughout the entire year. Healthy natural vegetables and indoor container vegetable gardening. Learn more and see what is available when it comes to indoor garden systems. http://www.tipsonindoorgardening.com will help you along the way ]]> Pet Food Containers: The Right Storage for the Right Pet Food http://www.artwoo.com/article/pet-food-containers-the-right-storage-for-the-right-pet-food http://www.artwoo.com/article/pet-food-containers-the-right-storage-for-the-right-pet-food#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:50:18 +0000 pet food containerscardboard boxnasty surprisesvitamins and mineralskittensstorage containerpet scraps http://www.artwoo.com/article/pet-food-containers-the-right-storage-for-the-right-pet-food cardboard box just won't do. Indeed, your pet doesn't only need special pet food; this food also needs special care!

Gourmet Pet

Of course, you can always feed your from the table, but really, if you care for him that much, you wouldn't want to do that. Pets, like humans, need to eat right. They have to be able to take in the requisite in order to be strong, happy, and healthy. What may be good for you may not be good for Fluffy.

It may seem painfully obvious, but first you have to take into account what your pet actually is. After all, you wouldn't want to feed a dog cat food and vice versa.

Next, you have to take into account your pet's age. There are recommended food for puppies and , as well as adult canines and felines.

Other factors to consider when picking pet food are your pet's size, weight, and even breed. For best results, consulting with your friendly neighborhood veterinarian is an excellent move. This way, your pet is getting the food that he really should be getting.

Pet Pantry

Once you have an idea of what your pet should be eating, it's time to figure out how to store them. And no, you can't keep them in your refrigerator, or in the old cardboard box your refrigerator came in. Indeed, special pet food needs special . Whether your pet has a taste for dry or canned food, there's an appropriate available.

When on the lookout for pet food containers, look for air-tight seals. Obviously, these seals keep the air out of your pet's food, so flavor is retained and food is kept fresh. Furthermore, unwelcome bugs, ants, and other insects will be unable to surreptitiously crawl in, so no for Fluffy.

Of course, you don't want any harm coming to your pet. With this in mind, look for the FDA seal of approval when buying pet food containers. This certifies that the containers are of food grade quality, meaning it's safe to store food in them without the risk of harmful leaks that could mix with your pet's food when exposed to direct sunlight.

You should also consider your overall budget when buying pet food containers. If you think that you'll be purchasing pet food in smaller amounts, then by all means, pick a container of the appropriate size. Same principle applies if you're buying pet food in bulk. This would help you keep track of your pet's food intake in the long run.

Indeed, when it comes to your pet, diet is king. Not only do you need to make sure that your pet is eating right, you also have to make sure that his food is stored right in pet food containers that are safe and pet-friendly.Getting your pet the right food isn't enough. You have to make sure that this food is stored right in special pet food containers. Whether your need cat food storage or dog food storage, PamperMePuppy.com has one for you.]]> Pompeii: A City Of Death Lives On http://www.artwoo.com/article/pompeii-a-city-of-death-lives-on http://www.artwoo.com/article/pompeii-a-city-of-death-lives-on#comments Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:19:59 +0000 terra cotta containersexcavation of pompeiivolcanic debristemple of apollodecorative columnsmagnificent beautyfarm tools http://www.artwoo.com/article/pompeii-a-city-of-death-lives-on
Amid the hardened ash and pumice of a two-thousand year old disaster lies a city so perfectly preserved, it sparks the imagination of even the most indifferent visitor. Pompeii has become more of a living museum than an excavation site since its discovery in the 1700s. Millions flock to the ancient Italian city to explore this pristine time capsule that has taken over 250 years to be slowly and delicately uncovered.

It takes at least one full day to be able to truly take in all of Pompeii's many intricate discoveries. Walk the stone streets where only the wind and birds now reside, wondering how much more of the town's secrets await resurrection. Take in the of elaborate mosaics and colorful frescoes that have weathered such utter circumstances. Marvel at the citizens' names that will live on forever in the clinging paint on their homes. Imagine the marble splendor of the mighty and the other religious icons of the day. Ponder what it would have been like to live in this flourishing city that was at its zenith when Vesuvius began to grumble its ominous warning.

The has been nothing short of astonishing. Such care has been taken since the beginning of its unearthing that we are able to see a clear snapshot of the city on its last fateful day in AD 79. Simple for oil and wine, giant millstones, iron , and have been protected for 2,000 years in a heavy blanket of ash and serve as witnesses to everyday life.

The most shocking is the presence of Vesuvius' victims. As the digging began, empty cavities were found among the layers of . Archeologists soon realized that each void was actually where a body had long since decomposed. Plaster was poured into the empty spaces to create molds of the bodies, which are chillingly detailed =96 their writhing agony during a suffocating death, the terror on their faces, even the way their hair was styled that day are frozen forever in the casts. Some were found fleeing for their lives while others were found curled up on floors and beds with their hands covering their faces. One cast depicts a thief with his hand in the purse of a wealthy man who is seemingly unaware of the looting while trying to escape the catastrophe. Another cast portrays a frightened dog fruitlessly fighting against the chain that held him captive. Each plaster mold projects such an intense emotion that visitors are sometimes moved to tears at the profound loss of life that Pompeii exhibits.

Despite its constant reminder of death and destruction, Pompeii proves that life continues to overcome obstacles as the vines and blossoms thrive among the silent ruins. A sleeping Vesuvius remains as a visual remembrance that life is precious and the unexpected could happen at any moment. Vicki Landes is the author and photographer of Europe for the Senses, a Photographic Journal. She has been soaking up Europe for the last six years and has visited 42 countries. Learn more at http://europeforthesenses.com/ ]]> The People's Republic Of China http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-peoples-republic-of-china http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-peoples-republic-of-china#comments Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:27:11 +0000 huangshan chinagreat wall of chinapeoples republic of chinaterra cotta warriorsweatherguangxi provinceforbidden city http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-peoples-republic-of-china weather itself is a bit extreme and ranges from very cold to very hot.

The country should be avoided during major public holidays, like the Chinese New Year, which usually occurs in February, unless you like crowds and don't mind being stuck in traffic jams- even the kind on two feet. Chinese festivals are fun and colorful though, so you may enjoy them anyway. The Lantern Festival with its exciting lion dances marks the end of the New Year celebrations.

China offers a variety of landscapes to tour from the Silk Road to the to the deserts of the Xinjiang Province. Sailing down the Yangzi River is exciting, yet you might prefer the excitement of shopping at one of the more modern areas of China.

When visiting China, one has the possibility of seeing some amazing sites. Do not be afraid to explore outside of the main cities. Below is a list of the top ten sites that should not be missed on your visit.

- Huangshan, China's most spectacular mountain. - The amazing . - in Beijing. - The Zhangjiaje National Forest Park. - The amazing Xi'an - The Yosemite of China, Jiuzhaiqou.

Eating in China can be a different experience. The Chinese are known to make use of many food items that western palette would think strange. Your adventurous spirit will be tested. As always, in the main cities, you will find plenty of restaurants that cater to the western palette. You will never be far from finding a place to serve you a burger.

The majority of the country speaks Mandarin Chinese. Over one hundred ports of entry exist, yet most people enter China by way of Hong Kong, Beijing, or Shanghai. For more information about China, please visit The Awakening of China at the following url: http://www.oldandsold.com/articles27n/chinese-history-1.shtml ]]> Vases - Essential Pieces Of Art http://www.artwoo.com/article/vases-essential-pieces-of-art http://www.artwoo.com/article/vases-essential-pieces-of-art#comments Wed, 08 Nov 2006 22:27:06 +0000 pottery vasesbronze vasesart nouveauviewing artart museumutilitarian objectsancient rome http://www.artwoo.com/article/vases-essential-pieces-of-art art museum, anywhere in the world, it is almost certain that one could come to learn a great deal about some contemporary culture or ancient civilization through a representative display of vases depicting that culture and that period of time.

Studying the worlds of ancient art that have been painstakingly restored or preserved to this day, one might have the opportunity to "attend" the funeral of an Egyptian king through a study of his burial vases and other artifacts of the period. One might have the chance to "visit" medieval Europe through an exhibit of its intricate glass, metalwork, enamel, stoneware, or ivory vases. Likewise, one might be given the opportunity to "tour" Asia, poring over the exquisite lacquer, jade, ceramic, cloisonné, or , or to "return" to or Greece through the media of marble, bronze, or terra cotta.

from anywhere in the world, from any period of time, one can feast one's eyes upon vases encrusted with precious gems or .

Even stopping in at a modern art gallery, one might encounter magnificent examples of vases fashioned by contemporary artists in a wide range of media. One might feast in a display of glass blown vases from Italy, one of clever aquatic themed paperweight-style vases from New Zealand, or an installation of brilliantly hued Native American . One might unexpectedly encounter a treasure-trove of exquisite cloisonné or enameled vases from China or Japan, or a cache of pottery from a rising artist in France.

Knowing about the history of these works of art can help you when it comes to choosing a vase for the home. An appreciation of the art form makes the job much easier.

And of course insights into the world's civilizations from the dawn of time to the present day can be had by anyone who is willing to take the time to explore them. Studying any culture's artifacts, including their vases, both decorative and utilitarian, can open one's eyes to the world around as well as to world's seemingly long gone. http://www.vaseshow.com is packed with glass vase articles and ceramic vase resources ]]> Top 10 Reasons To Vacation At A Nudist Resort This Summer http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-reasons-to-vacation-at-a-nudist-resort-this-summer http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-reasons-to-vacation-at-a-nudist-resort-this-summer#comments Fri, 07 Jul 2006 18:27:05 +0000 clothing optional resortspalm springs caclothing optional resortnude sunbathingnude recreationjoshua tree national parkterra cotta inn http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-reasons-to-vacation-at-a-nudist-resort-this-summer Nude recreation is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. It is a booming niche market with over $400 million in annual revenues. In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have gone skinny dipping.

Historically, Americans had to travel to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale nudist resorts and hotels. However, in the last 10 years, nude recreation in America has taken off. Now, the finest nudist and s in the world are found in the United States. The meccas for are Palm Springs, California and Florida. Palm Springs by far is the most popular as they have 350 days of sunshine per year, beautiful, warm weather, and no mosquitos (a big plus when you aren't wearing any clothes). Palm Springs http://palmsprings.com has world championship golf, casinos, shopping, theater, art galleries, museums, , hiking, and a host of other fun activities. Or, you just relax by the pool all day long sipping cool drinks, wonder why it took you so many years to work up the courage to consider vacationing at a clothing optional resort and get a great all over sun tan.

If you are tired of the same old boring vacations that you have been taking at chain hotels, now is the time to try something different and fun. Go ahead and call a clothing optional resort. The only thing you have to lose is your tan lines.

The top ten reasons are:

10) No funny tan lines 9) No need to take a vitamin D supplement 8) No Laundry when you return from vacation 7) Waves don't knock off swim suit top 6) The natural look takes on a whole new meaning 5) No luggage to check at airport 4) No shoes, no shirt, no problem 3) No sand in swimsuit 2) Everyday is really casual Friday 1) Clothing optional resorts are just plain fun! Tom with his wife own the popular Clothing Optional Resort andamp; Spa in Palm Springs, CA. http://sunnyfun.com Ranked as one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world and considered the Best in the West, being very mainstream, they are perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time! Call 800-786-6938 for info. ]]> Florence's Fortezza Da Basso http://www.artwoo.com/article/florences-fortezza-da-basso http://www.artwoo.com/article/florences-fortezza-da-basso#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:25:01 +0000 medici familyfortezza da bassofacade300viterboflorence gift martexhibitions http://www.artwoo.com/article/florences-fortezza-da-basso Fortezza da Basso, called also Fortezza of Saint John the Baptist (the patron saint of Florence), was commissioned by the and built in 1533 in the northern area of the historical city centre of Florence.

The architecture and design of the Fortezza

The complex of the "Fortezza" was built like those of a mediaeval city thanks to the idea of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, one of the greatest architects in Florence, with the help of Pierfranceco da : the of the dungeon are designed with spherical spearhead made of stones, to resemble the symbol of the Medici family. At the time of the demolition of the Florence city walls dating back to `, during the brief period of Florence capital of Italy, the fortress was isolated and its walls were levelled.

Once a house of correttion, nowadays the ,most important exhibition space in Florence

Under Piero Leopoldo Fortezza da Basso was used as house of correction: today, Fortezza da Basso is the largest exhibition centre in Florence, with an area of 34,000 metres, to hosts the most significant and fairs of the city (Pitti Immagine, , EuroCamper, Prato Expo, International Craft and Trade Fair).

All the main events in Florence are staged at Fortezza da Basso

All the main events in Florence are staged at Fortezza da Basso, even the "strangest" ones, like "do-knit-yourself", a national meeting of fans of knit-bars, the new fashion that broke out in USA and Japan, or "Terra Futura", and international meeting about sustainability in the future world.

This year "Terra Futura" in Florence

Terra Futura, born during the World Social Forum in Nairobi, is coming back to Florence at Fortezza da Basso. 3 days for a project promoting a more sustainable development of social, environmental and industrial issues: alternative energy, international cooperation, ethic finance. Institutions take part to the event that stages meetings, workshops, other than exhibitions and pure entertainment. I stayed at Lorenzo il Magnifico http://www.lorenzoilmagnifico.net is aluxury hotel in Florence near Fortezza da Basso Expo center for the Internation Craft Fair. ]]>