Cristian's Blog http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan Broadcasting my thoughts Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:36:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Successfully Planning a Cheap Wedding http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/20/successfully-planning-a-cheap-wedding/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/20/successfully-planning-a-cheap-wedding/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:35:58 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1440 Weddings are a very expensive business. Currently, the average wedding cost can range from $20,000 to $25,000, and that’s just for the ordinary type weddings. The cost can easily go up from there depending on the amount of “extras” you want. This can be scary information, but there are definite methods for planning an inexpensive wedding that can still turn out to be the one of your dreams.

To begin with, wedding gowns can be totally over the top financially. As this is a dress that you’ll only be wearing once, you can always choose a second-hand wedding dress. Something else you can do is buy an evening gown or cocktail dress, which is much cheaper, or you can consider renting a wedding dress.

The reception is another way that you can easily overspend but you can also save the most if you try. Ways to cut costs can begin with trimming your guest list. Why invite relatives you haven’t seen or talked to in years? Consider catering the reception yourself or organize a hot and cold buffet rather than a sit down meal.

As for the photographer, shop for the best prices. You can also consider using a photographer just for the ceremony while asking a friend or relative to take snap shots of the reception. If someone close to you takes decent pictures, why not get them to take all the pictures and save the cost of the photographer.

Invitations can actually be designed and printed right from your home computer these days. There are many programs that you can get now that will help you design the exact invitation that you want. If you want to forego postage, it’s also possible to email your invitations to the guests with computers and internet.

Flowers are another way to keep down expenses. Florists are very costly but you can use fresh cut flowers as well from street vendors or from your own garden. Consider getting plain wedding bands. As for your cake, ask a friend or relative to make one for you. Cakes are rather easy to make these days with all of the available mixes, frostings and decorations on the market. You can still have a lovely wedding without shooting a hole in your budget. Remember, you want to save some money for the honeymoon.

Weddings tips - Read more about choosing the perfect wedding dress and finding the perfect wedding reception venue.

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Organizing and Planning Your Wedding http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/20/organizing-and-planning-your-wedding/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/20/organizing-and-planning-your-wedding/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:35:09 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1437
Even though you’ve stocked up on all the most recent bridal publications you can find, it seems that they don’t really help you in organizing and planning your own wedding. Sure, there’s a multitude of pages gorgeous color photographs showing wedding gowns and rings along with lots of “how-to” articles on wedding planning, but all of that may just serve to confuse you even more. Before you panic, you need to realize that all you have to do is begin planning your wedding earlier rather than later.

First of all, create a way to file every detail in one place. This can be a binder with tabs for each category. These categories should include Catering, Bakery, Florist, Photography, Ceremony, Music, Reception and Transportation. You can arrange these in order of importance or alphabetically, whichever is easiest for you. Another choice is an accordion file. With this, you can see all categories at a glance. Whatever system you decide upon, keep your receipts, brochures, pictures, business cards and other important items in this same area.

When you’ve got your system arranged, start doing some research. There are so many books available both in physical form and ebook form on planning weddings that your biggest problem will be deciding on the ones that will help you the most. You can also save money and find them in your public library.

Locate a layout for a wedding timetable. It will have a list of things you need to do according to the timeline of your wedding. These will give you the items in the order that you need to do them. Included will be such thing as talking with your fiance and parents to figure out the budget, deciding on how many people to invite, selecting the type of wedding it will be and possibly interviewing wedding coordinators. The timetable is to help you keep things on track and you can even use your computer to create one.

When you’ve got an idea of how everything works in planning your wedding, you can start asking your family and friends for help. Assign everyone a task to take care of and you’ll have everything done in plenty of time to enjoy your wedding day.

 Wedding blog - Read more about how to write wedding vows and wedding day advice.

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Tips to Find the Right Suspended Ceilings http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/13/tips-to-find-the-right-suspended-ceilings/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/13/tips-to-find-the-right-suspended-ceilings/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:26:03 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1433
When you are considering getting suspended ceiling, you need to take your time as there are numerous available systems, designs and materials. You must also know what exactly you are expecting from the ceiling.

First, you need to determine the system to go with, as different type of buildings requires different systems. Certain systems are more efficient for a building style than others, thus, it is important to choose the most suitable one.

Suspended ceilings are attached to the existing ceilings and can be used to hide various things on your ceiling, for instance air vents or pipes. Sound insulation can also be added with these ceilings. There are various different reasons that can determine you to install suspended ceilings.

Suspended ceilings are drop down ceilings that are attached to the original ceiling by cables, they are made up of a metal grid which is hung onto the original ceiling joints. They are used so that you can cover up anything that is on the existing ceiling i.e. air vents. They can also be used so that you can insert ventilation or to provide more acoustic protection to the room.

There are many different reasons why you might install suspended ceilings. Another brilliant part to suspended ceilings is that you can use the void in the ceiling below the original ceiling to carry out maintenance, but then again you can also get suspended ceilings that are not demountable. If you opt for these then you can’t remove them and use the void for maintenance.

Throughout the years, suspended ceilings have evolved a lot and today ceiling tiles are available in almost any design and of any material to best suit your needs and preferences. Special acoustic tiles are also available to get rid of the noise that might disturb you. They’ll make your room significantly quieter, as these tiles are equipped with sound insulation. Other type of tiles contains heat insulation, which can help you to have a warmer room. This is an extremely useful feature, especially in the case of a colder room.

As already mentioned before, various different designs and materials are available, including various lights, insulation materials and various patterns, allowing tiles to offer heat insulation or more light.

The currently available suspended ceilings are based on today’s new technology. Thus, the AMF Beamex System has been developed by AMF, where an LCD projector has been incorporated into the ceiling tiles. As a result, the need for cabling has been fully eliminated. With a simple touch of a button the tile (with the LCD projector) is automatically pulled down and it is ready to be used. The major advantage of this system is the fact that the projector doesn’t require extra storage room as it is nicely hidden in the void of the ceiling.

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Tips How to Improve the Look of Your Panel http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/13/tips-how-to-improve-the-look-of-your-panel/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/13/tips-how-to-improve-the-look-of-your-panel/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:25:19 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1430 There are things you can do if you are not pleased anymore with the look of your wood paneling. You can try several treatments to improve the appearance of your current paneling. You just need to follow a few basic steps to have a wonderful home again. However, the task requires a certain amount of effort from your part.

Wood paneling is one of those unfortunate 1970s leftovers that many people are still living with. Styles have definitely changed, and panels are not considered high home fashion any more. However, many people with these panels on their walls don’t have the budget to fix them. If that sounds like you, there is good news. There are a few things you can do to make your wood paneling snazzier; home improvement ideas that don’t have to break the bank.

One of the simplest things you can do is painting your paneling. Still, you can’t simply just paint it and expect to look perfect. Proper painting requires certain preparations. First, the surface needs to be properly prepared. Using a good cleaner, the surface has to be degreased and got rid of all build-up. Next, apply the grease solution on the surface by rubbing it into the wood. Let it dry for roughly 30 minutes and apply the first layer of paint. Once it has dried, you can apply another layer if the first layer hasn’t adequately covered the paneling.

The look of the paneling can also be improved by putting some kind of paintable wallpaper on it. Actually, there are high quality wallpapers available on the market, which can be painted on. Thus, the paneling will look just like a regular wall that has been painted. When you paint the wall paper, you are able to choose any color and design you want. First, clean the wall with a strong cleaner and wait till it dries completely. Next, use caulk to fill in the grooves of the wall paneling. Trim down the excess caulk. Prime the wood paneling to stick the wallpaper. As soon as the primer has dried, you can add the wallpaper. Also, follow the instructions, if there are any, of the paint manufacturer.

The paneling can be improved by glazing it and thus adding shine to it. First, eliminate the build-up on the wall by cleaning it with a string cleaning solution. Next, paint the panel with a color of your choice. Next, mix a color with glaze and paint the paneling in small sections. It is up to you how much glaze you want on the paneling.

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Things to Consider Before Installing Suspended Ceilings http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/13/things-to-consider-before-installing-suspended-ceilings/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/13/things-to-consider-before-installing-suspended-ceilings/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:24:29 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1427
Several reasons might determine you to install suspended ceiling into the office or home with an already existing ceiling. You might want to add heat and sound insulation to a room, hide those awful looking pipes in your current ceiling or you just want to have a decently looking ceiling. All the above reasons are good enough to install suspended ceiling.

Whether it’s for a home renovation or a new industrial unit, there are a few things you will want to consider when choosing a suspended ceiling. From ease of installation to having your new ceiling match your existing décor, it’s all about getting the details right so that the finished project will leave you feeling satisfied. You will also want to look towards the longer-term when making a decision about your suspended ceiling, as the choice may have to last a lifetime.

Prior of installing suspended ceiling you need to take in consideration several things, including flowing design, heat and sound insulation, materials, fire safety issues and maintenance.

If the suspended ceilings are going to be installed into a school or office, you have to consult the applicable safety and health regulations. The suspended ceiling system of your choice has to be acceptable from that point of view. The safety and health regulations vary according to the type of building you want to install them. Thus, strict sterile and hygiene standards must be met in the case of labs, hospitals and wherever food is being prepared. If you are unsure about the applicable safety and health regulations, check with your supplier.

Another aspect you need to consider before selecting a type of suspended ceiling, regards the sound insulation you want to have in the room. Various different tile systems are available on the market that offer different sound absorption or attenuation, so it should not be difficult to find one that best suits your particular needs. It is recommended to ask the manufacturer for the most suitable sound system for your case.

The fire resistance of the suspended ceiling is another important aspect that has to be taken in consideration. Thus, AMF ceilings do their best for their tiles to strictly follow the fire regulations. In case there is a fire, these ceilings are able to control the flow of the fire, significantly eliminating the risk of further spreading the fire.

The above mentioned things are important ones and therefore it is highly recommended to consult your supplier or manufacturer prior of ordering suspended ceilings. Thus, you will avoid purchasing suspended ceilings that do not meet the applicable rules and regulations.

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Purchase and Invest in Authentic Oriental Rugs http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/purchase-and-invest-in-authentic-oriental-rugs/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/purchase-and-invest-in-authentic-oriental-rugs/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:23:09 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1417 If you are looking to purchase an original oriental rug, keep in mind that it is not as simple as the purchase of an everyday rug. The style, size, texture and pattern of an oriental rug will generate a completely new look for your home.

Furthermore, people who buy oriental rugs for their collection value some characteristics as a long-term investment. Read on for some simple and valuable tips on how to choose the right oriental rug for your everyday life and also as an investment opportunity.

       
  • Signed Rugs - As these art works are generally made by illiterate people, it is quite rare to find signed rugs. Still, merchants or companies in charge with the production and distribution of these rugs frequently “sign” the rugs in an attempt to identify the products. Thus, signed rugs are highly valued investments.

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  • Go for Natural - The subtle and artistry nature of natural dyes is one a kind and can be never truly replaced by synthetic dyes (which, however, are a lot more stable). Naturally, quality comes with a certain price, as rugs made of natural dyes are more expensive. Luckily, they keep their value in time.

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  • Sizing - It doesn’t make much sense to purchase very large rugs as they hardly fit into a regular home. The modern day’s market asks for rugs with reasonable sizes.

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  • Washed Rugs - Well, in this country, the bright colors of most authentic oriental rugs were not considered popular and thus, quite often, they were simply washed to get rid of those bright colors. As a result, unwashed rugs are extremely valued as they represent the unique artistry and splendor of the original work.

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  • Cleaning and Maintenance - There are only a few things that influence more the appeal and value of an oriental rug than the cleaning and maintenance that has been performed over the years. The right cleaning and maintenance of an oriental rug requires special knowledge on the weaving and construction technique and also on the dyes in order for the rug to maintain its original splendor.

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Choose a Soapstone Wood Stove for Your Home http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/choose-a-soapstone-wood-stove-for-your-home/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/choose-a-soapstone-wood-stove-for-your-home/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:21:30 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1411
As because of government mismanagement and speculator’s greed the costs of heating oils has greatly increased, the installation of a soapstone wood stove. This simple heating tool, the soapstone is available ever since the Stone Age. Furthermore, a soapstone wood stove can be easily and beautifully integrated into most contemporary decors.

The soapstone stove has a nice grained appearance and it is made of dolomite, talc and magnesium. Although similar to marble, it is a lot softer making possible to be easily carved into different forms and shapes. One of the most important features of soapstone is its heat conductivity. It is a great heat conductor and it is also extremely heat resistant. Over the years, it has been largely used to manufacture cooking and cookware surfaces. For these reasons, among others, soapstone stoves are so durable and practical.

Without any doubts, if you choose to have a soapstone stove, it will definitely going to last for generations (if you properly take care of it). Ever since the 19th century, there are numerous household heating tools that have been used on a daily basis. One of the main advantages of soapstone is the fact that it does not become stained for good and its lack of reaction with any chemical substances. You can easily clean almost anything accidentally spilled on the surface of soapstone.

If you are one those people who are desperately searching for a viable alternative to the rather expensive heating oil, you should definitely consider the durability and appeal of a soapstone stove. Although we are talking about a considerable initial investment, it well worth its money, as in time, the investment will pay for itself. Furthermore, once you have seen the numerous advantages of such a piece, you will want to experience various other available soapstone surfaces, including countertops, water basins and cook stoves. All these surfaces will deliver the very same beauty and durability of a soapstone stove.

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Things to Consider when Choosing a Fence for Your Home http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-fence-for-your-home/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-fence-for-your-home/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:17:21 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1420
There are things to consider when looking for a type of fence for your house. It is highly recommended to think things over before going out for shopping.

Appearance
For instance, let’s take a look at a wood fence and a chain link fence. I prefer the wooden fence as it is a more appealing appearance as a chain link fence. Still, similarly to fences, they both serve multiple purposes: offer protection to children from traffic or potentially dangerous nearby areas, protects your home from intruders and so on. The wooden fence is the best option if you want to raise the value and improve the look of your home.

Low Protection
Another type of fence, but smaller in size is the picket fence. This fence is more of a decorative one (as opposed to the chain link fence) and offers almost no protection, especially when it comes to human intruders. As it is usually about 3 feet high, it mainly serves ornamental purposes and to keep away such small animals as chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits and mice.

Yards neighboring pond areas, small gardens and shrubs are often surrounded by picket fences. Some people choose to surround with them tomato and various other plants. Animals can also kept away from garden areas with a smaller chain link fence.

Increased Protection
People who want more protection might choose an electric fence, which is also known as unseen fence. Although it is invisible, when unwanted - human or animal - intruders trip it, they’ll notice it immediately, as they get an electrical shock. Electric fences are in most cases used at farms to keep animals within the yard areas. Various valuable items can also be secured with some smaller versions and variations of the electric fence.

In conclusion, there are indeed things to consider when you plan to surround your house with a certain type of fence. Take your time and make sure you choose the most suitable type of fence according to your needs and preferences.

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Green Home Improvement to Save Money http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/green-home-improvement-to-save-money/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/02/06/green-home-improvement-to-save-money/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:41 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1414 As the growing population of the planet gradually takes up the available natural resources, we need to protect our planet.
Whatever kind of home improvement you may do, if it is not a green application, it is definitely not the perfect one. When the currently available resources are all gone, there are going to be major changes in terms of home improvement.

To ensure that our planet has a chance of survival, green home improvement is the way to go. This is good for the planet itself but for your wallet as well.

With green home improvement you help saving the limited available natural resources and in the same time, on long term, you’ll be saving a considerable amount of money. This is how we can make a difference and change things for the better. Our actions can have a great impact on the environment, for instance when using renewable resources.

We have to be conscious about what and how we are doing. We need to be aware about the implications of our actions. With that we can have a “greener” life, which will eventually help the entire planet.

Recycled
The green home improvement placement means that you need to use recyclable or already recycled materials. This is a major step and you need to get used to it. The use of such materials is becoming more and more popular among people who have realized the importance of this process.

The most important thing here is to know the materials you are going to use. It should not be difficult at all, as today, being green is actually a strong selling point for numerous companies and they point this out on the labels of their products.

Low Waste
Green home improvement also means low amount of waste. And here we are talking about an essential part of the entire process. You are already making a difference as you are making efforts to produce as less waste as possible.

It is perfectly normal to produce a certain amount of waste, just make sure you limit the amount of disposable things.

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Use Photos To Create The Perfect Gift http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/01/27/use-photos-to-create-the-perfect-gift/ http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/2012/01/27/use-photos-to-create-the-perfect-gift/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:39:00 +0000 Cristian Stan http://blogs.rediff.com/cristianstan/?p=1407 Photo albums have been around for centuries and they are great for gifts as well. They can be personalized from the inside and out, and many places offer engraving as an option to give it a more meaningful touch to it.

Cushions, Cubes and Blankets
Using photos to create truly unique gifts has become a growing trend for Christmas as well as birthday holidays. Bedding or blankets re great for everyone to enjoy in the home and you can even create photo cubes to capture a favorite memory. This can be a past time or when your child was born and these make great home décor items.

Canvas Prints
You can also opt to get a photo or a collage of photos painted onto a canvas. It can be uses as a wall image or hanging. These are great for family portraits or of siblings or of grandchildren. These make ideal gifts for grandparents. You can create a few photos to place on the canvas r a large one. You can even opt to have a mosaic look to it.

Photo Collage or Montage Prints
While you also can have photos printed on to a canvas, you can also opt to take a few pictures and create a montage or a collage. This allows you to capture a few of your favorite memories depending on who the gift is for. This is a great option as you can showcase a number of photos that you are proud of. This is a great idea of you have wedding pictures that you want to cherish and add to your bedroom wall decor. Canvas allows your pictures to have life to them and can also give them a deeper look while being on photographic paper.

Calendars or Paper Weights
If you work in the office, you can opt for choosing your favorite pictures to put in a calendar. That way you are always reminded of something with each coming month. You can create a custom design for the front page of the calendar as well. This is a great gift to give as well and you can choose a photo block or paper weight. If you work in an office, consider getting your picture at the bottom and giving it to your spouse.

This can show them you are always with them and thinking of them. Photo blocks are printed directly onto the resin block and there is no frame or glass covering it. Some come on stands that have lights that shine through to give it a more elegant look.

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