Seoul, Korea is one of the best places to live in the world and here’s why:

1. The Food

Korean food is some of the most delicious in the world. Korea is the home of kalbi (marinated barbecued ribs), bulgogi (spicy, marinated pork), kimchichiggae (spicy soup), bibimbab (mixed rice), etc. You also get more side dishes than main dishes, which can be nice in mixing up your eating experience. Most importantly, in Korea, you get lots and lots of Kimchi. Kimchi is delicious and great for your health. When Korean came out relatively unscathed from the SARS outbreak, Korean credited the nation’s kimchi consumption. Also, it’s important to note that most restaurants (even McDonald’s) delivers. And they deliver the food with teenage boys on scooters. What more could you ask for? Also, I should mention that McDonald’s delivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, there’s live octopus.

2. Korean Bath Houses

A Korean bath house is one of the most wonderful places you will ever go. The houses are split into two sections: one for males, one for females. Everyone strips down completely naked jumps into various little pools with different herbs and salts in them. They are also various temperatures. By the end of your experience, you will feel more refreshed than you ever have in your life.

Also, Korean bath houses have bidet sprayers. Bidet sprayers are like strong shower heads that are on a long cable so you can point in any direction. Bidet sprayers help you clean every part of your body, especially the parts you normally don’t get to clean very well. Additionally, you can also find bidet sprayers in most of the toilets around the city.

3. Heated Floors

When it gets cold in the winter, at least your floors will be heated (ondol). This is nice, because instead of sleeping on a bed, most Koreans sleep on pads on the floor. Additionally, instead of sitting on chairs at meals, most Koreans sit on pillows on the floors. Heated floors are nice on a cold day when you can get home and walk around barefoot on the warm, heated floors.

4. Technology

Seoul is more wired than any other city in the world. It is the birthplace of global electronics companies like Samsung and LG. Apartments in Seoul are controlled from cell phones and central keypads. Facial recognition is used in addition to bio-recognition security systems. Once a giant landfill, Seoul’s Digital Media City’s 557,00 square meters of electronic nirvana is the home for broadcasting, film production, games, telecom companies, cable channels, online shopping centers and e-learning.

Source by Greg Kimbler

Interior design is the art of enhancing interiors, also including the exterior, to achieve astatically pleading environment for the user. And also we can say it is the process of shaping the experience of interior space, the manipulation of spatial volume as well as surface treatment for the betterment of human functionality. An interior designer has plans, researches, coordinates and manages projects.

There are 7 elements of Interior Design:

1. Space

Space is one of the most important parts interior design. Space acts as a foundation on which the entire interior design plan is built. Hence it is essential that the designer is well aware of the space available, its dimensions and its utilities.

2. Line

Lines are broadly categorized into three types – Horizontal, Vertical and Dynamic. Whereas horizontal lines adorn structures likes tables, chairs and beds, vertical lines may be found on windows and doorways while horizontal lines add a safe and secure feeling to the space, vertical lines emote free and expansive nature. Dynamic or angular lines, that are action oriented add drama and may be seen on structures like stairs.

3. Forms

Forms mean shapes in general, an outline of any three dimensional object in the space. Forms may be created by combining two or more shapes and might be accentuated with the assistance of different elements like texture, patterns and colors.

4. Light

Light is one of the most obvious elements of interior design. Either natural or artificial, without light other elements namely color, texture and pattern have no significance at all. Light sets in the mood and ambience into a living space and highlights the every other element including space, line and forms.

5. Color

Colors don’t need any special introduction. Colors establish an aesthetic affiliation between objects and set the mood. Colors must be chosen based on the psychology and the mindset of the dweller. As an example, red is a superb choice for dining area as it encourages appetite and green for bedroom as it is the color of tranquility and health. Every color has three distinct characteristics namely Hue, Value and Intensity, and an interior designer must be well aware of these characteristics to perform various permutations and combinations. Colors are broadly classified into two categories: Primary and Secondary colors.

6. Texture

Texture mainly deals with surfaces and determines how a typical surface looks and feels. Texture adds depth and interest into room and defines the feel/appearance and consistency of a surface. Texture is broadly classified into two types – Visual Texture where the texture is only visible and Actual Texture where the texture is both seen and felt. Anything that has to do with textiles such as pillow cover, bed spreads or anything to do with covers like drapes, wall paint or wallpapers have a texture.

7. Pattern

Patterns add interest and life to interior design and work along with colors. Patterns tell a story of their own and add the elements of continuity and smooth transition in a room. Patterns could be of any shape and mostly comprise of attractive and repetitive designs.

Source by Charles Hsu

In today’s economy going on an expensive vacation to a fancy resort is not an option for most people. However, the importance of finding time to “get away from it all” couldn’t be greater when times are hard. That is why creating a resort atmosphere at home is so important. Think about all the perks you get at a fancy resort-type hotel such as luxury beach towels, fancy fruity drinks with little umbrellas and straws in them and a fancy gourmet mint chocolate on your pillow before bed. Taking the time to treat yourself and your partner to these little luxuries can create the same happy feelings and warm memories as going away on an expensive vacation.

You don’t even have to have a built-in pool to enjoy your spa getaway at home. You can array the large bath towels in your bathroom and pretend it is a hot tub. Or you could even put a kiddy pool in the backyard surrounded by tiki torches. Extra large beach towels especially the attractive striped beach towels could then be draped over the lawn chairs to create the perfect faux tropical resort setting. Have fun with the idea and remember that unlike the vacation which will be over and gone, the things you purchase for your resort at home can be used again and again which makes your fantasy vacation even more of a good value.

You might also want to consider ordering some carry-out meals from a local restaurant and serving them picnic style on soft beach towels under the stars. You can contrast the picnic blanket with fancy dishes and silverware like you might find at a resort. After dinner you might want to roll up solid beach towels to use as pillows and hold hands while you gaze up at the stars. Who needs the ocean with a view like that?

Tough economic times don’t have to put an end to romance and relaxation. With a little planning you can create your own resort at home using simple items like beach towels and tiki torches. Life is short and you need to make the most of it while you can, because it’s the simple happy moments we share with loved ones that we take with us.

Source by Robert J Yost

Are you organising a hip and happening outdoor party? Or having a small gathering over for a barbecue? Or simply having some friends over for a casual outdoor tea? If so, what are you planning on letting them sit on? Plastic chairs? Metal folding chairs? Or just any piece of moveable furniture? You know, you could make your outdoor party / event a huge success with your guests going home impressed and happy with just the right setting.

Imagine how horrifying it would be if the folding chair were to suddenly collapse with one of your guests sitting on it! Or worse, your plastic chair had cracked but you didn’t notice and it cut one of your guests. This just would not do. Why not invest in some long lasting, extremely presentable outdoor furniture? There are plenty of outdoor wicker furniture being sold in stores and online stores that will add elegance and comfort to your patio or yard. No need for folding chairs. No need for plastic chairs. Those are just so outdated and ugly.

With the latest range of outdoor wicker furniture available in stores and online stores, you will be spoilt for choice. If you are apprehensive about getting wicker furniture, please let me reassure you that nowadays, the new range of outdoor furniture are very durable and can withstand all sorts of weather. Thus, this type of furniture are also known as all-weather wicker furniture or resin furniture.

So, what’s so different about this new-fangled outdoor or all-weather furniture? Well, for one thing the wicker is not just natural wicker but contains resin. The resin is the special ingredient that enable the furniture to last longer and withstand heat, cold, dampness or even dryness. The resin-wicker are weaved around a sturdy aluminum frame so you do not even have to worry about rust.

However, as much as it sounds unappealing, resin furniture are very elegant pieces. It comes in various designs and colors. So much so that you will be spoiled for choice. You can check out the collections available over at Wicker Warehouse, WickerFurniture.com, Patios USA and many other wicker furniture companies and stores and you will realize that you should gotten a set of outdoor wicker furniture for your patio a long time ago!

That’s not all, if it is comfort that you are worried about, these all-weather furniture are also very comfortable. Most of it comes with plush, soft comfy cushions that will have your guests staying and not wanting to leave! Team the three-seaters and love seats with a beautiful coffee table, then you are all set for a beautiful setting that will wow your guests anytime. Best of all, even after your guests have left, you can enjoy your furniture yourself by having a leisurely breakfast there on weekends or even a romantic after-dinner nightcap.

The costs of these outdoor wicker furniture are not that high too. You can find loads of great bargains for full sets of outdoor furniture even online.

Source by Lyn Mok

Many disabled people are in need wheelchairs in America and simply can’t afford them. One way to obtain a wheelchair, powerchair or scooter is through the Medicare/Medicaid insurance programs. It is possible to get a wheelchair through a combination of coverage by Medicare and Medicaid at no cost to the recipient, it is not guaranteed. Medicaid wheelchairs are available if you know how to get them.

The Medicaid Program:

Medicaid is a government subsidized healthcare program designed to assist people who fall into the low income category to receive adequate healthcare by providing supplemental insurance coverage to Medicare, the primary government subsidized insurer. Within both the Medicare and Medicaid programs are sub-programs with coverage for durable medical equipment. Wheelchairs, power chairs and scooters are considered durable medical equipment and therefore qualify for coverage most of the time.

How it Works:

Most people, who have supplemental Medicaid insurance, also have primary coverage under Medicare. Medicare will generally cover 80% of the cost of a medically necessary wheelchair, if the Medicare recipient has Part B coverage, which covers outpatient services including doctors’ visits and durable medical equipment, and has undergone a full physical examination by an approved physician. Conditions that warrant a medically necessary wheelchair include: spinal, brain or muscular conditions that prohibit the normal use of the patient’s legs, an inability to build upper arm strength due to spinal, brain or muscular conditions, or any other condition that would render a patient bedridden when not in a wheelchair.

Whether or not the supplemental Medicaid coverage will pick up the tab for the remaining 20% will depend completely upon an independent review by Medicaid. Medicaid is under no obligation to approve coverage, even if Medicare has.

The Result:

There is no guarantee of a free Medicaid wheelchair, power chair or scooter and those companies who make such promises should be regarded with caution. Since 2003, Medicare and Medicaid have imposed much stricter guidelines in determining who qualifies for medically necessary wheelchairs and the amounts they will cover for such equipment after being the victim of several unscrupulous companies who bilked the insurers for thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims and astronomical prices. Medicaid recipients who have been deemed disabled and requiring a wheelchair should work closely with both Medicare and Medicaid to understand what costs will be covered and what limits will be imposed when looking for a wheelchair as well as whether or not their condition falls under a covered condition category.

Source by Jackie Jones

One of the most exciting ways of traveling when on holiday is through a campervan. Hiring a motorhome is an easy thing to do and it is undoubtedly an affordable way to see the world, coupled with the freedom to pause where you like and stay as long as you wish at each stop. Comfortable and convenient, a campervan will take you to where you can experience exhilaration, adventure, sensuality, and breathtaking beauty without having to worry about the sun setting down.

Campervan travelers know that there are many models for them to choose from, depending on the number of people traveling with them, and their preference for home-on-the-road travel. Most motorhome vehicles come equipped with beds, tables, chairs, cooking facilities, toilet and shower cubicles, and even CD players, television, and DVD facilities. Meanwhile you can also hire extra items like outdoor chairs, tables, tents, and more.

The ease and accessibility of campervan travel is only one of the advantages to motorhome road trips. Affordability plays a great role, imagine not having to pay for hotel accommodations that would otherwise eat up a huge margin of a holiday-makers budget!

No vista or landscape is ever the same on this quest of discovery. The great outdoors makes for a more cheerful trip, and the freedom of choice to go off the beaten track is beyond compare – a freedom that isn’t available when taking the travel agency and run-of-the-mill tourist route.

Imagine pulling over and stopping by a grassy glade for a refreshing cup of coffee while enjoying the sunrise. Or lounging on a pristine beach while a romantic moon shines down upon the water. The next day can be lunch with the locals overlooking a ruggedly uplifting mountain canyon. No one day is ever the same.

More importantly, traveling by campervan creates experiences that are meant to last forever. The freedom of the road, and various adventures shared with family and friends will be mental keepsakes that can be taken out with reverence and joyful remembrance again and again.

Source by Sydney Liang

Interior design is the most interesting and enjoyable concept for most homeowners and home builders. It is a good foundation that provides a huge effect on the look and space of the house. Whether you are planning to build a new house or renovating your existing house for happy living, it doesn’t matter because in interior design there is something that can be added or something that can be modified to make things beautiful and better.

Today, the idea of interior design has significantly revolutionised, and the designers and homeowners are decorating and designing creative and innovative interiors through wooden furniture, marbles, sofa cum bed, lounge chairs, granites and much more. Thus the concept of best interior design has become a never ending process, and there is always something new you can learn or apply in your interior to improve it in a better way.

Interior design companies provide numerous interior design ideas online with the photos on the websites to have a better understanding of the style and design.Thus one can conclude that interior design gives a genuinely modern and aesthetic appeal in the house. It adds more value to the home along with the exceptional beauty. So have a look at some smart tips and tricks to have a more significant and impressive look in the interiors of the house.

1. Paint the walls in lighter and softer colours: There are thousands of paint colours available with different shades, tones and tints and each one gives a different look. So stick to the colours like beige or cream or grey for the living room where the flow is necessary. And if you have small rooms, then painting them with neutral and light colours helps them look larger. Conversely, rooms with darker shades seem more smaller than it is.
2. Give your furniture some breathing room: Gracious and luxurious interior means space to move quickly so resist overcrowding a room. You don’t need to fill up space with lots of furniture. Spend more of your budget on fewer but quality and attractive furniture pieces to give a better and impressive look to your house.You can go for a fabric sofa along with wingback chairs to have a sense of balanced and designer look in the home.
3. Use decorative items to add a beauty in the house: Home needs some accessories to provide an enchanting look. Decorative mirrors, antique artwork pieces, wooden items, metal or acrylic, etc. can be placed on the coffee table tops, bedside tables, tea carts and much more for extra dimension and texture. Pictures from magazines and children book’s can be framed and hung in children rooms. Arrange candles, books and family photo frames on the nest of tables, bookshelves to add a charming look in the room.
4. Layer your lighting: Every room should have three types of lighting: ambient light from ceiling fixtures to provide overall illumination, task which should be fixed over a reading nook or a kitchen island, and accent light, which provides more decorative and highlighting feature to the house. Thus proper lighting in the room creates a brighter and pure ambience in the home.
5. Create a focal point: As there are leading roles and supporting members in any production, the same holds for interior design. Choose furniture in every room that can make a focal point to anchor the room and rest can be treated as secondary pieces. Focal points in the house create a dramatic look. In the bedroom, a poster bed with curtains or an upholstered headboard can draw attention, in the living room a mantel and art piece can provide impressive look. In the kitchen, a wooden display cabinet with designer patterns on it gives a stylish look to the house. Thus whatever it is, central points will always create a visual appeal in the home.
6. Be Bold: Personality is what makes a space great. Create your own designs and have fun. Incorporate ottomans seat, library style bookshelves, chandelier if you want your living space that really wow. Add plants to every room space to add colours and textures and to provide a balanced humidity in the house.

Source by Suman S

When it comes to dining room furniture most of us overlook the fact that dining room chairs are as important as the tables to make the room appealing. Dining chairs should compliment the style and structure of the tables and also be comfortable. When buying dining room chairs it is always better to keep certain key points in mind such as your dining table’s finish, style and dimensions.

Dining room chairs come in various styles like dining arm chairs and chairs without arms in wood or leather finish, upholstered, etc. With so many varieties of dining table chairs we need to carefully consider our requirements as well as our personal liking. Moreover, the chairs have to complement the table for which you need to consider the size, design and finish of both the table and chairs you select.

The very first conclusion we need to settle on is whether to go for armchairs or armless chairs. In general we find armless dining room chairs most preferred by all. They have more of a modern appeal and are comfortable. On the other hand dining arm chairs give a formal appearance. In case of small dining tables, armless dining chairs solve the issue of space. One can accommodate an extra member on the dining table as armless chairs do not ask for much space. If the room is large enough to have an elegant dining table then armchairs will compliment it the best. One option which is popular these days is to have the end chairs for rectangular dining tables as chairs with arms and the rest are without arms.

Another important factor to be taken care of is the dimension of the room and table according to which the size of the dining chairs is considered. In order to get a comfortable seating the dining chairs should be big enough in size. Also, the height of the chairs should match the height of the table. The distance between the seat of the dining chair and dining table should be a minimum of twelve inches.

The build materials of both table and chair should also match. You can’t expect a wooden dining arm chair to match a heavy metal table. Also when the table is more of contemporary design, then modern dining chairs are ideal option. Dining room chairs vary in designs and are available in different materials and finishes. Choose dining chairs with low maintenance as they are used on daily bases. Wooden dining room chairs come in attractive designs. The back support of the chair is crafted well to support the back and to look stylish. Different designs can be found in metal chairs as well.

Dining room chairs comes in sets of two, four, five and six. With so many options available in both dining arm chairs and armless dining chairs, it is not difficult to match them with the already existing dining room table.

Source by Ginny Sandhu

Many people do not know what Napolite is or where it comes from. It’s not surprising, because there isn’t much to be found on this topic. In this article, I will explore the origin and the uses of Napolite.

First of all, Napolite is a type of leather product. It is similar in texture and appearance to leather material. It is not leather, though. It is found in powder form and originates from the Napolite mines. It is a mineral that is part of the Sodalite group. This name is derived from the word sodium. Sodalite is usually found as large grains and are filled with white veins of calcite. The powder form of Napolite is then manufactured into a particular type of material to give it a leather-like appearance. It is considered that home crafting equipment and certain furniture products consists of fifty percent of Napolite residue.

It is widely used in the production of furniture, more specifically as the exterior of certain furniture products such as lounge suites. When you search online, you’ll find that the types of products that appear in the list include various types of home furniture such as lounge suites, dining room chairs, and seating chairs. It is a more affordable alternative to genuine leather. Leather products, as we all know, can be quite costly and we don’t always have the budget for it. Napolite leather gives you an option to have the leather-like feel and appearance without the high price tag. It is durable as it never cracks and differs much from that of PU or imitation leather.

As with leather products, you need to take good care of the Napolite products also. Be sure not to use harsh detergents as this could stain your furniture or could damage it. The use of harsh detergents could wear out the furniture surface causing it to tear or develop holes. Rather opt of milder detergents to clean the Napolite furniture or simply use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces clean. When it is dust free and clean, it tends to last longer than you would expect. However, it all depends on the environment.

To summarise, Napolite is a leather-like product that is widely used as an alternative to leather materials and is mostly used in the manufacturing of lounge suits and dining chairs. You’ll find that there are many modern furniture design options available to you at affordable prices when you decide to opt for Napolite leather as the material of choice.

Source by Meghna Lalloo

Aluminum patio furniture is very much in vogue across the United States and other countries, too. Such furniture has the strength of wood furniture, but the lightness of plastic chairs, and can be easily moved around without breaking a sweat.

It also makes a beautiful decoration to your patio. Good quality aluminum is rustproof and light weight. It’s strong enough for heavier adults, and is comfortable for children. It’s created and designed in a way to withstand extreme heat, cold and rain. It is durable enough to last you and your family many years.

It is normally powder coated to prevent rust, and make it stronger. When most people think of aluminum patio furniture, they think of aluminum chairs and tables. However, don’t forget about rocking chairs, recliners, bar chairs, aluminum umbrella stands, frames and aluminum flower pots.

Because aluminum can be shaped into many figures, you can have nearly any type of custom design that you want. Although it’s simple material, it can be made to look stylish and elegant.

Types of Aluminum Patio Furniture

You can purchase both non-painted and painted aluminum patio furniture. The biggest difference is that non-painted can eventually become oxidized from years in the elements. This will cause it to lose some of its shine. However, since they are rust resistant, you can apply special metal polish to restore their original luster.

For stronger material, try purchasing commercial grade aluminum patio furniture. By doing this, your furniture will last longer, and protect against mildew and other substances that can damage the surface.

Regardless of the type of furniture you choose, make sure that it contains an iron-clad warranty for a long period of time.

Best Ways to Clean Aluminum Patio Furniture

Cleaning is as easy as some indoor furniture. However, it can sometimes be exposed to extreme weather conditions, and it will collect dust and dirt. Your furniture will also get stains from people spilling drinks and other food on them. Generally, your furniture can be cleaned with warm soapy water, or other mild detergents.

In addition to cleaning, it also needs proper maintenance and care. It’s good to keep your furniture covered during times when you don’t plan on using them for longer periods of time.

Tips about Aluminum Patio Furniture

• Aluminum umbrellas are great to protect against the strong sun. Make sure the design you choose is also strong enough to stand when it’s a little breezy outside.

• Aluminum chairs are also great if you’re having a cookout, or even as a change of location for your family meals.

• If you live near the ocean, salt water can cause damage to some aluminum. Check with the manufacturer if the aluminum you are purchasing can stand up to those conditions. If so, make sure that’s included in your warranty.

• In addition to soap and water, it’s also possible to clean your furniture with vinegar.

• You can use car wax on your non-textured aluminum. Apply it once or twice a year to keep it shiny. Just make sure you don’t apply it to textured aluminum.

There are many kinds of aluminum patio furniture to choose from. It’s best to take your time and choose what looks best for your patio.

Source by Joyce Henry