Chaise lounges have many meanings. It is called “long chairs” in French, especially in the furniture industry. It can also refer to a stretched chair, fitting under a person’s legs with an armchair or upholstered back.

Nowadays, modern discerning and machine manufacturing have permitted chaise lounges to be constructed and turned out more economically. It provide great comfort particularly when they are thoughtfully placed on a terrace or patio. There are many different alternatives or options when choosing a chaise lounge such as aluminum strap cushion chaise lounges or plastic resin cushion patio chaise lounges that offer a distinct design to any patio. Several of the earlier chaise lounges were made from rattan or caning wood.

Types of Chaise Lounges

Partola Cartridge Style Chaise Lounge Cushion – This attractive and comfortable cartridge style cushion is made suitable for commercial or residential use. The cushion of this has one to four ties depending on its size. It’s available in wide variety of colors and fabrics. The price of this cartridge style is 56 US dollars. For more information, contact the product specialist at 1-800-940-6123.

Avalon Chaise Lounge Cushion – This lounge is made from water-resistant outdoor fabric so as to endure the elements and have a fade resistant texture. This type of chaise lounge is perfect outside the house. It is also ideal for swimming pools, gardens or landscapes and beaches. It can be cleaned easily with warm water and mild detergents.

Canine Chaise Lounge – This unique chaise lounge is ideal for pets and pet owners. It features a Velcro that secures every part of it and an oversized pillow or cushions that tie the ottoman design to the chair frame. It has a machine washable cover and removable cushion. The average cost of this chaise lounge is 299.99 US dollars.

Sleek Dog Chaise Lounge – It is upholstered in a stylish Microfiber material and fitted with HR Reflex double foam base upholstery. The design was inspired by a company of home celebrity furnishing. This is made especially for owners and dogs that expect to rest and have leisurely time. It has a removable and washable cushion and covers.

Eucalyptus Outdoor Chaise Lounge – It is made from Eucalyptus and is especially great for outside use. This attractive and elegantly designed furniture features a removable cushion that is perfect for a garden view rest. The size of this is 77 inches in width x 25 inches in diameter x 4 inches in height. The cost of eucalyptus outside chaise lounge is 299.99 US dollars.

Charleston Chaise Lounge – It is definitely wonderful during summer in this weather-resistant , which looks like it’s made of wicker materials but is actually a durable material. It is perfect for patios, family rooms, or porches. This spacious Charleston chaise lounge is cleanable with water and mild soap. It features wheels for effortless moving, deluxe décor and has a size of 65 inches in width x 49 inches in diameter x 39 inches in height. It is available in eighteen designs and costs around 1299.99 US dollars.

Teak Chaise Lounge with Cushions – The well-crafted teak exterior furniture has a clean line which makes it comfortable to use and easy to assemble this with cushion. It is made from high quality of teak wood and stainless steel. This with cushion has a pullout receptacle or tray for reading materials, cell phone, and beverages. The cushion is removable and easy to clean with warm water and mild soap. The size of this is 77 inches in length x 30 inches in width x 32 inches in height and the cost is 995 US dollars.

Black Leather with Wood Accent Chaise Lounge -This is designed for people who look for comfortable relaxation. It features a high sheen accent wood trim and black leather. Its size is 73 inches in width by 34 inches in length by 39 inches in height and the price is about 159 to 200 US dollars, depending on the size you buy.

Sunrise Resin Chaise Lounge – Made from high quality resin plastic it has an adjustable arrangement. It is perfect beside the beach and swimming pool. The size of this sunrise resin chaise lounge is 74 inches in length by 27 inches in width by 34 inches in height. The average cost of this chaise lounge is 185 US dollars.

Source by David Urmann

Expecting company? If so, then you need the right accent chairs for your home. If you want to give your home interior a sleek and modern look, you must stress on getting the right furniture. And what can be better than getting these chairs?

Why do you need accent chairs for your home?

A lot of homeowners nowadays are looking for unique ways so that they can add beauty to their home. When it comes to the furniture, ‘accent chair’ is the first name they think of. Why? Not only do these chairs add variety but they also add style to the living room. Not only that, they supply additional seating when needed. Can it get any better?

If you go online, there are many reputable furniture stores that are serving their valued customers with premium quality chairs at affordable prices. In fact, you’ll get spoilt for choice the day you made up your mind to decorate your living room with these chairs. With a wide range of unique designs and styles, these chairs will give a stunning makeover to your home.

What are the benefits of accent chairs?

1. Perfect for Entertaining Your Guests – Do you like to entertain your guests? If yes, then you surely understand the importance of having premium quality accent chairs. Maybe your couch isn’t comfortable enough for your guests. These chairs provide a comfortable seating that will make your guests have a good time.

2. Reasonably Priced – Buying accent chairs from a reliable online furniture store will not cost an arm and a leg. Get these chairs at a reasonable price and place them in your living room. Don’t have a lot of money to spend on these chairs? Consider buying only one of these chairs is a good idea.

3. Perfect Touch – If your room is missing something you find interesting, placing accent chairs into it will give the much-needed design to the room.

4. Minimum Space – Do you have a big space in your home? If not, we understand that you’re being forced to have your guests seated in the minimum space available. But you don’t have to worry any longer as these chairs can blend well with a room with a small space.

An accent chair will not only draw the attention of your guests coming over for the first time, it’ll also steal the show. “Bravo” is what your guests will utter when they see these chairs in your living area.

Wrapping up…

If you have a limited budget, you won’t deny that giving a sleek and contemporary look to your living room is not always easy. You never know when you might have to make some of the major renovations to your house. Considering this, you need to look for the right way that allows you to make your home better than before without having to cost a fortune. And using accent chairs is the smartest move you can make for your home.

Source by Siddharth S Sehrawat

The rocking chair is one of the most popular chair types today, used by many people around the world for relaxation and relieving stress. Since its emergence around 1700s, the rocking chair has been helping thousands of people sleep better through relaxation, relieve lower back pain for the elderly people and pregnant women, and calm crying babies.

Many people prefer sitting on a rocking chair while watching television, reading books or magazines, and making handicrafts such as sewing or knitting because sitting on an ordinary chair for a long period time can be very tiring and uncomfortable. The rocking chair has an ergonomic design that allows you to remain seated for a long span of time without straining your back, and its rocking motion has a relaxing effect that can help you sleep peacefully after you’ve finished reading or knitting.

As rocking chairs continue to emerge in various designs, furniture makers also make sure that they become even more comfortable by improving their ergonomic design and features. Because rocking chairs are primarily made out of hard wood, many people would place pillows against the back area and on the seat to make them more comfortable. This gave furniture makers the idea of making upholstered or padded seats and back supports for the rocking chair. To improve ergonomic quality, modern rocking chairs also have a curved back support that follows the natural curve of a person’s back.

Today’s rocking chairs may also come with an ottoman or a foot stool that rocks or sways along with the rocking chair or glider. This is a relatively new addition to the rocking chair, which contributes to an even more relaxing effect. Padded or cushioned ottomans are the most popular, which allows you to rest your tired and aching feet on a soft surface. Because the swinging ottoman provides an increased comfort, it works perfect for the elderly and pregnant women.

The appeal of rocking chairs is not exclusive for adults, since they are also popular toys for children. The wooden rocking horse or chair is a classic children’s toy, and it became even more popular with the introduction of various themes, such as motorbikes, firetrucks, and pirate ships.

When it comes to comfort, relaxation, and stress relief, rocking chairs have certainly stood the test of time . There is no doubt that rocking chairs have gone a long way, and they have been subjected to various improvements to provide people with greater comfort. Modern rocking chairs may appear in designs that look a lot different from their early counterparts, but they still serve the same purpose and have the same effect.

Source by Jerry Brecken

There’s no denying what antiques can do to a place. Aside from bringing in a touch of the past with their quaint look, these vintage pieces make a great accent to a boring and plain space. And while many people choose old ornaments such as antique vases, paintings, and ancestral objects, some prefer something functional such as antique rocking chairs.

Antique rockers come in a variety of designs, and all of them are reminiscent of the fad when they were manufactured. And although all of these designs can be used to spice up your home, it’s imperative to choose a rocking chair that blends into the architectural design of your house. For instance, if you live in a modern-style dwelling, placing a wooden rocker in the living room can become a furniture misfit.

To choose wisely and make the right decision, your first step is to know the different types of antique rocking chairs available. Here are the top-selling designs and styles.

1. Victorian rockers

As what the name tries to imply, these rocking chairs are from the Victorian era. They are made usually from oak, but depending on a person’s status, other cheaper or more extravagant materials can serve as an alternative. There are three general types of Victorian rocking chairs, and they are the following: pressed back, slipper, and platform. Unlike the pressed and slipper types that have bowed rockers, the platform’s ability to swing back and forth is dependent on a spring located somewhere on the chair’s legs.

2. Gungstol style

According to many credible sources, the Gungstol first came out in Sweden a few centuries ago. They originally had 6 legs for added and sturdier support, but over the years, some craftsmen have found a way to create sturdy Gungstols using only 4 legs.

Antique Gungstols have a shiny surface, which shows the quality of the material they are made from. They come in different colors, but the most common are black and brown. In addition to that, these chairs also have long spindles that can extend above the head.

3. Windsor rockers

These days, the Windsor has different looks. But the original Windsor has short back spindles and short arm rest. In addition to that, this style also has a bowed back frame. The Windsor was originally used as a backyard furniture, but over the years, it can be an essential piece that can be put in any room of the house. A variation of the Windsor is Boston rocker. This chair is also short just like the Windsor, but the obvious difference is that the Boston doesn’t have a bowed back frame.

4. Grecian rockers

The previously mentioned rocking chairs have seats made of solid wood. But Grecian rockers are made from woven rattan. The main disadvantage of this is that the rattan does not last that long as compared with other materials.

Source by Jennifer Peter

From teacher to learner

To set the record straight I will confess: as a teacher I was a touch sanctimonious about telling students how easy it was to learn English. Then I arrived in Chile in July 2010 about the only words I knew were hola and amigos. Would what I’d been telling students to do work on the other side of the language learning experience?

Come with me as I live, eat and talk what I preach.

Getting Started

I rearranged my life so that Spanish becomes front and center. The language-learning formula is that you will quickly be able to read and follow what is happening. The context will help even if you don’t understand every word. Next you will be able to increasingly comprehend what people are talking about. Moving right along you may start to talk like an 18-month old, but vocabulary will develop. Writing is the most difficult. Even people who speak the language exceedingly well, rarely write like native-speakers.

Live

So how do I live Spanish? When I get up in the morning I tune in to RTVE radio and/or television out of Madrid on the laptop. No commercials and the announcers speak in clear, crisp voices. If the people you are listening to speak well, it is much easier to follow the conversation.

And when you really listen, you will start to hear how many words are, in fact, the same as English, but with a different pronunciation. English stresses the first syllable; Spanish the penultimate.

Another perk is that the newscasts are repeated so what I miss the first time I’ll catch more of on the second go-round. My usual station is the 24-hour radio exterior – en directo. I became fluent in economics as 23 of the 24 hours are devoted to discussing the financial crisis in Spain.

For newscasts on television, watch the announcer’s mouth. Remember this is now deaf people learn to speak, so pay attention and imitate. Sports broadcasts are also good listening exercises as the vocabulary is limited.

Now I only listen to Spanish music. And only watch Spanish movies. Sub-titles – which makes it a bit of a waste of time as you are reading in English rather than listening in the target language – isn’t a problem on RTVE. If your family and neighbors complain about the gongs and wailing in the Chinese opera you’re listening to/and or watching, get head phones and tune them out.

For the first few months– when I was reading the news in Spanish on the BBC– I really didn’t know much about what was happening in the news. But once I could follow it, I realized I hadn’t missed much anyway. However, my reading skills improved.

I have kept a diary since August 1981. So I force myself to write a bit in Spanish every day. Is t is not great literature, but it is amusing to re-read it after a few months and pick out the mistakes. When I read or write, I try to concentrate on the verbs. More on this topic later.

To live the language, also check out local food festivals, multi-cultural events, language-exchange programs and Internet offerings. Even if you want to learn rather obscure languages – such as Khmer or Inuit — there are online resources ready and waiting.

Eat

Studying Spanish – and one should live the culture – is so much more fun with a glass of sauvignon blanc from Chile in one hand and a tapas in the other. The same is true for steak and Malbec at midnight. In fact, after a couple of glasses of Piso Alto vino I get quite conversant.

While you are in the bookshop, pick up a cookbook in the target language and whip up a few dishes. If in doubt about the ingredients, check with a translation program as you don’t want a cup of sugar in your soup. Then put on some music, pour a drink, light a few candles and mentally transport yourself to the target language country.

Talk

Once you get past the grunt-in-single-noun stage, it is time to tackle the verbs so that you can talk to people. Even though memorizing how to conjugate verbs rivals getting a root canal all languages hinge around these stubborn little critters. No verbs, no action. End of story so get on with it and embrace verbs as your friends.

Turn learning verbs into a fun activity of saying a sentence in the present, past and future. Then reward yourself with a sip of saki if you are learning Japanese. Read a passage and underline all the verbs.

Also make a note of which tense they are in: past, present, future. All of a sudden you will have a “eureka” and patterns will start to appear. It will all begin to make sense. And when that happens, take yourself out for a meal at your target language restaurant. Hopefully the waiters in the Korean cafe will be able to talk with you.

To learn to speak well you have to practice every day. When I started to work as a lecturer at the University of Waikato I used to practice my lessons in front of a full-length mirror. By watching myself I learned how I presented to the 400 or so beaming second-years in the auditorium. I now do the same things with Spanish. And it is a good thing, too, as I now live in Phnom Penh and Spanish speakers are not readily available.

I would pour a glass of wine, pull up a chair in the front of the mirror and review my day. Topics include what I did and what I will do tomorrow. Sometime I just sort of wander off and talk about whatever. I take my Spanish book with me so I can refer to it – particularly the verbs – when I need to.

Okay, so it may sound a touch strange, but believe me it does work. Another option is to video yourself. If you are concerned that other people might think you need a mental health assessment, tell them you are trying out for a part in the Ukrainian play. As long as you have a cover story nobody ever asks.

Learning another language is mental gymnastics. The more practice the better you get. In summary live, eat, and talk it and it will be more fun.

Source by Jody Hanson

Les Muscutt (bjo, gtr) – born Barrow-in-Furness, England June 30th 1941. Outstanding jazzman, made himself a place among top jazzmen in New Orleans during the 1970’s, particularly with The French Market Jazz Band.

This item from the revised edition of “New Orleans Jazz – A Family Album” by Al Rose and Edmond Souchon (Published by Louisiana State University Press, long out of print and costing a fortune on eBay) gives a clue to the prestige of this wonderful musician.

It is not easy to be accepted as a “brother” in New Orleans but Les Muscutt managed this with the twin qualities of his gently sunny personality and his remarkable ability on the guitar and particularly on the banjo. His retirement due to health problems came as a shock to everyone and I felt drawn to write this article to encourage you to listen to his huge output and contribution to jazz and in particular to New Orleans Jazz. Les came from a musical family and the gift of a scruffy banjo and decent “Harmony” guitar led to his interest in music, and with BBC programmmes of dance music and jazz his fate was sealed. When a friend of John Beecham’s rang the doorbell and asked if he would like to come and rehearse with a group and maybe play a few gigs he was hooked!

Les moved to Central London, in fact Lisle Street in Soho.That was the hub of the jazz, blues, skiffle and folk scene. He got a job at 77 Charing Cross Road – yes the legendary Dobell’s record shop! Many of their customers were musicians, and Les’s first professional job was with the Nat Gonella Band. Short jobs with Acker Bilk, Cy Laurie, Terry Pitt and the London version of the Clyde Valley Stompers and over a year with Clinton Ford and Charlie Gall’s Jazz Band. Jobs with the “Mike Cotton Sound” and Bruce Turner came along, and all this time the quality of Les’s playing increased.

Les was married to the amazing “Babs” by this time and when an offer came to play in the new franchise of “Your Father’s Moustache” in New York, it was too good to refuse. Many moves to play for this franchise around the U.S.A. followed, and traveling with a wife and children was a costly business. When the offer came to open the franchise in New Orleans came along with a degree of permanency and as band leader, Les snapped it up

The opening of a “Red Garter Club” in New Orleans led to further opportunities. Being a band leader in New Orleans is the key to the magic kingdom! The wonderful Freddie Lonzo got his first jobs with Les, then came Maynard Chatters and Paul Crawford. The trick with the “Moustache” and “Red Garter” was to know just about every song ever written and Les had learned this ability. The three chord trick was gone and Les the master musician was here in New Orleans.

On these jobs, quantity was essential – they lasted five or sometimes six hours a night – but Les had the added asset of quality to add to the quantity! Les was the leader of the band six nights a week and on his night off, Emmanuel Sayles led the band. Try a CD entitled “Banjos on Bourbon” – ADD.NOBILITY 701 with Manny Sayles, Narvin Kimball and Jerry Green for a taste of Banjo music at the Red Garter.

During the intervals at his Bourbon Street gigs, Les would wander around the corner to St. Peter Street and Preservation Hall. He started playing with Kid Sheik’s band at the Hall and worked with many bands on Bourbon Street, including the Famous Door and with Connie Jones’s Band.

In the Al Rose/Ed Souchon book is a great picture of the “French Market Jazz Band”. I asked Les about this; he said “it was a wonderful way to spend the weekend! The band comprised of mostly band leaders, people loved the jazz, threw money into the kitty and we had plenty of money for beer and we had a great time with a little money to take home to our wives to prove we had been working!”

When Nina Buck opened “The Palm Court Cafe”, Les played with the band led by Louis Nelson.. When Nelson died in 1988 Pud Brown took over and when Pud died, Brian O”Connell took the clarinet chair, Lionel Ferbos played the trumpet and Les became band leader and maintained this position until his retirement early this year.

For many year Les did a summer tour in the U.K. with Chris Burke. This was made possible by a lucrative visit to Norway with Chris and then a trip to the U.K. to meet up with old friends and play a few gigs. In fact, Les was in the U.K. when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and he hurried home to find his Babs evacuated to the country to avoid the dreadful situation in New Orleans.

In 2001, Les had to have open heart surgery. He never entirely recovered and it brought about his eventual retirement. He lost feeling in two fingers on his left hand and even after extensive physiotherapy, he had to admit defeat!

I must tell you that even with this problem, I have listened many nights and enjoyed his superb playing, but Les is a perfectionist and as he said to me “I just got fed up with faking and knowing that I was not able to do what I wanted to do.” So the banjo sits in its case and is lifted so that Babs can clean underneath it!

There are so many CDs with Les Muscutt on them that I am almost scared to select, but here goes: 504CDS 100 “The 504 Records Story 1978-2003 ” This gives a cross section of bands that Les recorded with. 504CDS8 with Wendell Eugene’s Band; this is one of Les’s favourites – Albert Walters (tpt), Raymond Burke (clt) Janette Kimball (Pno), Chester Zardis (Bass) and Chester Jones (Drums)

Les played on a Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton record on the Verve label which was a Grammy Award winner.

Finally, one of Les’s favourites is a CD on the Jazzology label JCD-233 titled “Swinging Down to New Orleans”again featuring the legendary Doc Cheatham.

If you come to New Orleans you will not find Les Muscutt on a bandstand anywhere. You might spot him on a special night at the Palm Court Cafe, or if you are out fishing on the lake, the guy next to you catching the giant catfish could be Les Muscutt!

Source by Geoff Gilbert

Mt. Bachelor has some of the best powder in the Pacific Northwest, boasts short lift lines and almost 3,700 acres of winter fun. It sits in the Cascade Mountains within a short drive from Bend Oregon. It is known for its dry snow and some of the best skiing and snow boarding in the West. It has 71 runs and 13 lifts.

Mt. Bachelor has the largest ski area in the Pacific Northwest. It features spectacular views of the Cascade mountain range including Three Sisters and Broken top as well as a view of Bend and Central Oregon. It has an elevation of 9,065 feet above sea level and features downhill skiing from around the middle of November until early summer. Some years in the past have had skiing into July.

Oregon's favorite ski area boasts nearly 400 inches of snow annually. It has a vertical rise of 3,365 feet and features wide bowls and tree-bordered trails as well as vast open snow fields. "The Northwest Territory" is the wild back country and features 500 acres of tree skiing and rugged trails all served by lifts.

Bachelor's lift system is fast and efficient. It features 3 lodges and a Nordic Center. From the Sunrise Lodge you can easily access the vast trail system via the Sunrise Express high-speed quad. It goes up 800 feet to the timberline where you can catch the Summit Express to the top. You can also just ski leisurely back down to the lodge.

The Summit Express is not always open due to wind. If the Summit is closed due to winds you could turn right of the lift and follow the West Village Getback road that crosses the mountain over to the West Village Day Lodge. The West Village Getback crosses various runs named, Cliffhanger, Pat's Way, Chipper, Dentist or DSQ that will take you to Skyliner Express.

The West Village Day Lodge features several options for breakfast or a mid-day break.
If you can beat the crowds to Carver's you will enjoy some of the best food on the mountain. It features an expanded menu including made-to-order salads, smoked meat sandwiches, homemade breads, soups made-to-order burritos and baked potatoes! For those 21 and older specialty brewed beers are available.

Cocoa's Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily. It is the place to stop for a quick cup of hot cocoa or a full fledged meal. Breakfast options include bacon croissant, breakfast wraps, fresh made donuts and other bakery items. Lunch offers the famous Mt. Bachelor chili cheese fries, hand tossed pizza, Thai chicken wrap, tacos, nachos grande and sandwiches made to order.

The Clearing Rock Bar, "The Rock", is a full service bar offering lunch for those 21 and older. "The Rock" features Oregon specialty brews, beverage specials and reportedly the best Bloody Mary in the Northwest. Food includes bratwurst and kraut, chipotle chicken nachos and pig wings. Who said pigs can't fly?

If you are just looking for a little pick me up you can hit Pinnacles Espresso Bar on the upper level. It features espresso drinks and specialty baked goods. It is said the chocolate dipped macaroons are incredible.

If you can make it out of the West Village lodge without eating too much you can ride Pine Marten Express to Pine Marten Lodge and its large mid-mountain cafeteria. You can reach just about any trail on the lower mountain from here. Or you can take the Summit Crossover and go straight to the Summit Express lift.

Pine Marten provides access to the Outback which comprises of 6 long runs dropping almost 1,800 feet. It's served by the Outback high-speed quad. Past Outback the Northwest Express quad serves eight intermediate trails that are sheltered by the surrounding trees.

If the wind is howling you can ski the six lower mountain express chairs because they end at timberline which provides much needed shelter from the wind. If you didn't eat and drink too much at the West Village Lodge the Pine Marten Lodge is a good place to rest on windy days if you are skiing the sheltered runs.

Pine Marten Lodge features Scapolo's which is Italian for "Bachelor". It features open hearth gourmet pizzas, fresh garden salads, hot soups wine and a variety of microbrews on tap. Good food and great views make Scapolo's one of the most popular restaurants on the mountain.

Mount Bachelor features terrain for skiers and boarders of all abilities, 15% for beginners, 25% intermediate, 35% advanced and 25% for experts. It has 3,683 accessible acres and it's only a short drive from beautiful Bend Oregon. Powder snow and lots of sunshine!

Source by Jimmy D Johnson

If you spend time entertaining friends and relatives you will understand the importance of a set of quality dining furniture. It is possible to recreate many looks within your home, even your favourite restaurant or bistro.

In modern times the importance of sitting down and enjoying a meal with your family or friends seems to have fizzled out. Many people now decide to buy takeout food or eat out rather than go to the trouble of home cooking. This is a shame as there is nothing more enjoyable than relaxing and enjoying simple home cooked food in the comfort of your own home, with a little effort and planning it may even save you money which is an extra bonus.

If your dining area is decorated well and creates a welcoming atmosphere people will be more inclined to relax and enjoy the ambience, this is even achievable in a kitchen/dinner’s that are so popular at the moment.

Before embarking on a visit to a furniture salesroom some factors should be considered such as budget, overall colour scheme of your home, furniture you already own and the amount of space available. Think about events when you would use the dining room such as Christmas, how many seats would you require as a maximum?, should your dining room set have adjustable sizing?

If you reside in a modern home you may find the size of dining set you can accommodate may be limited. It is worth spending time thinking about the mood you would like to recreate, look at restaurant furniture while eating out it may give you inspiration.

Looking at existing items in the home can trigger ideas for dining room themes; you may adore your French style bedroom furniture and want to create a dining area with a French feel. When purchasing dining furniture you have the option of going for contemporary, ethnic or traditional style furniture. Depending on the budget you have available you may purchase brand named designer labels or furniture from your local discount store. Whichever style you choose the furniture you buy should complement its surroundings.

Two materials commonly used in dining room furniture are wood and wrought iron, wooden dining sets should be purchased from branded stores to ensure good quality, you will also need to maintain the appearance of the set by dusting and cleaning it regularly. Every two years varnishing will help maintain the sets condition and prevent the damage caused by humidity and dust.

If you decide wrought iron furniture is for you, maintenance will still be required, wrought iron furniture will rust you should make sure its rust free before you purchase it. If you go to the trouble of getting the wrought iron treated with coating for all weather resistance then your wrought iron set will be durable and good value for money. Should you spot a rust spot on the furniture, remove it with sandpaper as soon as possible, if you don’t it can lead to serious deterioration in the condition of the set in the long term.

Source by Jenny Austin

It was sometime after I buried my husband that I decided it was time for me to begin dating again. Can you imagine? Me, age 50 *hand-over-mouth*-something, doing that high school activity, again? Well, it’s true. I realized after three years, it was time, my time, to move on with the best of my life. I wondered where to begin. I chose an internet dating site, filled out a profile, hit return, and as Dr. Phil says, “It’s okay.”

Now, before you, dear widow, scurry on over to one of those internet dating sites, I have 3 tips to guide you, and here they are:

1. Give permission. Give yourself permission to go out with a member of the opposite sex, or same sex, as the case may be. Call it, go-for-cup-of-coffee, call it, meetup-at-the-library, call it, anything-you-like, but give yourself permission. You are a free woman now, and as such, you are entitled to get out of the house, and have some fun. If you feel like you are cheating, stop that!

2. Be cautious. Internet dating is risky. Do not give out your home telephone number. Under no circumstances, until you have had ample opportunity to meet this person, should you tell this person where you live. Meet at a busy, outdoors, if possible, busy cafe’, or busy restaurant, or busy bus stop waiting bench. Are you getting a message here? Tell a friend, tell a neighbor, tell a trusted family member that you have an internet date and when. You can even record the information in an email message to yourself, with a cc to an out-of-state acquaintance. I like to place a call to myself and leave a message on my answer machine stating where I am going and when I expect to be back. For chuckles, I describe what I have on. I figure if the meeting works out, I will have a record and know what not to wear the next time we meetup.

3. Be prepared. Okay. So you met the guy. And, he likes you; and, you like him. You agree to meetup again. Only this time, you say it’s okay for him to pick you up at your place. Why so trusting? Maybe it was the way he held the door for you at the restaurant, or helped you off with your coat, or gently held your chair as you seated yourself at the table. Maybe you like that he’s a civil structural engineer with International Business Machines, or that you feel sorry his wife died of lung cancer. Whatevuh. Take my advice, dear widow, and pin a mad $20 bill to the inside of your bra before you go out your door. What is a mad $20 bill? Mad money. It says you are prepared to get mad in case Mr. Wonderful trades wings for horns and need to call a cab. Never be afraid to pick up and leave.

It’s not easy losing a husband. And getting on and out into the real world again can be tough. But if you remember my 3 tips outlined above, you may discover a fun time, meet a nice friend, and be one giant baby step closer to the best of your life.

Source by Linda Della Donna

France is famous for its cuisine with the French known worldwide for their passionate love of food. Meals can be as basic as traditional baguette with cheese and ham up to elaborate dinners involving dozens of courses with a different wine for each course.

French Cooking Styles

Each region of France has its own unique traditions in how food is prepared and what ingredients are used.

There are four general approaches to French cooking;

• Cuisine Bourgeoise – also know as Classical French. These are rich and filling dishes which are often cream based. The recipes were once seen as regional but are now seen all over France.
• Haute Cuisine – classic French food at its most sophisticated. Generally the food is elegant, elaborate and rich and is characterised by an emphasis on presentation, the large portions and the heavy use of cream.
• Cuisine Nouvelle – this developed in the 1970s in a movement against the classical style. These dishes have an emphasis on local ingredients and simplicity with smaller portions and lighter flavours.
• Cuisine du Terroir – regional speciality dishes with a focus of local produce and traditions. This style of cooking is currently the most popular in France.

French Meals – What to Eat and When

Le petit dejeuner (breakfast) often consists of ‘Tartines’ (slices) of bread, Baguette or Croissants with jam and chocolate spread or slices of ham, cheese and boiled egg. Alternatively popular pastries to eat at Breakfast include Pain au Chocolat (filled with chocolate) or Pain au Raison (filled with raisins and custard). Adults tend to drink coffee or tea whilst children often drink Hot Chocolate in bowls. Cereals are mostly eaten by children and tend not to be favoured by adults.

Le dejeuner (lunch) is an institution in its own right in France and occurs between the hours of 12pm and 2pm when the majority of people will stop for a full two hour break. Restaurants will normally open at 12pm and close at 2.30pm. In larger companies and in schools lunch is eaten in a cafeteria which serves complete meals. In most schools children are provided with a 3 course meal and are not given an option but eat from a set weekly menu. Many workers in France, such as lorry drivers, are provided with lunch vouchers which can be used in many restaurants and supermarkets.

Le diner (dinner) is usually a family affair in France with most children having a snack after school at 4.30pm and then eating with their families later in the evening. Dinner normally consists of three courses starting with the ‘Hors d’oeuvre’ which is often soup followed by the ‘Plat Principal’, the main course. The meal is finished with a cheese course or dessert which may be something simple such as a piece of fruit or a Yogurt. Restaurants mainly open at 7pm and will stop taking orders between 10pm and 11pm. Many restaurants are closed on Sunday evenings.

Drinking in France

France produces and consumes the most amount of wine per person every year in the world behind Italy. However, wine consumption has decreased by 50% since the 1960s with beer and cider becoming more popular. Other popular drinks include ‘Pastis’ an aniseed flavoured drink. However, wine and water is normally served with both lunch and dinner.

Please note that since March 2009 the legal drinking age has increased from 16 to 18.

Where to Eat in France

There are a wealth of places to eat and drink in France.

Restaurants are open only around mealtimes and are often closed one day of the week. You can choose food from a printed menu which, by law, has to include a prix-fixe menu (a set menu). Very few restaurants offer vegetarian options.

Bistros are smaller than restaurants and you will find the menu us given to you verbally from the waiter or using a chalk board. They tend to feature regional cuisine. Bistrot a Vin are similar to Tavernes offering inexpensive alcohol drinks. They may provide food like a bistro or alternatively just offer simple snacks such as cheese and sausage.

Brasseries were set up in the 1870s by refugees from Alsace Lorraine and serve beers and wines from the Alsace region along with regional foods such as Sauerkraut. Most Brasseries are open all day along with local Bars which also serve cocktails, pastis, beer and wine.

You will find a Cafe in virtually every place in France no matter how small. Tables and chairs are often set outside where customers can enjoy hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as snacks such as croque-monsieur and moules frites. Cafes usually open early in the morning and shut around 9pm. Salon de Thes are similar to cafes found in the rest of the world and do not serve alcohol. They open for lunch until late afternoon and serve hot drinks, cakes and snacks.

Further Information

Why not check out Guide2Brittany Food Section for Guides on ‘French Food Words & Phrases’ and ‘Food & Drink in Brittany’…

Source by Natasha Wright