Mango wood is a hard, beautiful wood and throughout Southeast Asia has been a sustainable resource for furniture and other goods for decades. Although the mango tree is prevalent in Costa Rica, it is the sweet fruit that is harvested here, not its lumber. Presently, mango wood furniture is imported to Costa Rica from a small manufacturer in Indonesia.

Costa Rica offers incredibly talented wood craftsmen when it comes to producing quality furniture. Although milled wood is available in Costa Rica, mostly it is softer woods, such as Melina and Cedar, that are available; harder lumber such as Cenízaro and Guanacaste are becoming more difficult to acquire.

Due to the high demand for lumber in Costa Rica, for both furniture and building, local craftsmen are more frequently forced to order their wood inventories a year in advance, often catching the manufacturer short for custom or larger orders. Add to the fact that country officials,fortunately, have begun to clamp down on the illegal felling of endangered trees, which until recently had mostly gone unchecked, depleting one of Costa Rica’s most precious resources.

Processing lumber for furniture involves drying the raw wood; there are a few manufacturers in Costa Rica who implement a kiln to dry their lumber, however, most let the wood air dry. This air curing method can result in cracking or warping with climatic changes of the dry and wet seasons. Moreover, the softer woods are susceptible to marring and scratching of the finished product.

In Indonesia, as well as other countries throughout Southeast Asia, sustainable plantations utilize the timber once the mango tree stops producing quality fruit after approximately twenty years. A small community factory on the island of Java in Indonesia mills and kiln dries plantation mango wood to produce handcrafted quality hardwood furniture for export to clients worldwide.

Handcrafted mango wood is an eco friendly furniture option when looking to furnish a home, condo or hotel in Costa Rica, thanks to Turi Imports, an import company based in Costa Rica. The inventory is available for viewing by appointment and special showings.

Previously an importer of sustainable mango furniture to the United States, Turi Imports’ proprietor moved to Costa Rica and was surprised to learn that furniture makers were not incorporating mango wood lumber in their offerings.

Hopefully, in the not too distant future one will be able to select from the local furniture artisan pool to make a purchase of eco friendly furniture made from Costa Rica’s own mango wood; for the time being, however, mango wood furniture is imported to this country.

Source by Rebecca Wheeler

USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 by Dr. Myron Wentz. Dr. Wentz has many accolades in the fields of science and nutrition. He believes in the science of prevention through proper supplements and diet. Dr. Wentz, has lead USANA to be a leading company in the health and nutrition industry.

The Products

USANA markets a range of health and nutritional products that fall into the following categories:

1. Essentials – USANA Essentials are advanced daily nutritional supplements that supply optimal nutrition for every age group. To help meet the "essential" nutrient needs of children and teens during the years of development, when good nutrition is most important.
2. Optimizers – USANA understands that each of us has a unique health profile and thus unique nutritional needs. For this reason, they have created the USANA Optimizers, an extensive selection of state-of-the-art nutritional products that enable you to customize our nutritional program to meet your individual needs.
3. Macro-Optimizers – are a healthy source of complex carbohydrates, complete proteins, and beneficial fats, based on high quality soy protein, provides complete and balanced amino acids.

Additional products include natural toothpaste and a complete skin care product line as well.

The Opportunity

USANA is a network marketing company that markets its products through a network of independent distributors. Each distributor has the opportunity to recruit other independent distributors to become a member of their team. You will get paid when you buy products at wholesale and sell them as retail. The other and most lucrative way to earn money is to recruit other people onto your team. The more people you recruit and the more product they sell, the more money you can make.

USANA's compensation plan is a binary compensation plan. You will develop a right side and a left side. You are paid when your right side and left side volumes hit certain levels. For example, if you have 1000 points or your right and 1000 points on your left you will receive a commission of $ 200.

In conclusion, USANA Health Sciences is not a scam. USANA is a real business opportunity that sells products and allows you to build a team of people that will enable you to be paid off their efforts and not only your own. To become successful with a USANA business you will have to recruit people like your friends and family into your business, attend product parties, attend hotel presentations, host and attend home presentations and attend company sponsored trainings. If you would enjoy recruiting and selling products than this business may be right for you.

However, if you do not want to recruit your friends and family, sell products, attend hotel meetings and company trainings than USANA will probably not be right for you. I would look into the world of online marketing and partner up with a team of successful entrepreneurs that are already achieving the success you desire.

Source by Joshua Valentine

In the era where pollution has become very serious problem and has raised its head in almost all sectors. Hotel industry is no exception, specialized eco hotels are mushrooming, and existing ones are resorting to environment friendly products and this means reducing the level of pollution in the environment. Therefore the guest amenities and toiletries are being packed and manufactured with such materials that blend well with the environment and are free of chemicals.

First thing that can be worked upon is the packaging of guest amenities with materials or specially manufactured plastic that can be recycled or is biodegradable. There are many companies that offer such type of packaging without comment on the look and quality of the packaging. One gets to choose from many options without compromising on the luxury factor.

From towels to toiletries all products can be manufactured using eco friendly materials, such things do not pollute the environment, water, air or ground with chemicals. They are basically produced using non-renewable resources that can blend well with the environment. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, furniture, shower gel, slippers, bath robes, body lotion, toothpaste and much more can be made eco friendly. Some hotels offer their guests an entire range of complimentary eco friendly products. Such products and things are good for our body as well as the surroundings.

‘Going Green’ is the latest corporate mantra, which is liked by the masses especially who travel frequently and have to stay in hotels more wish to have such products that are harmless yet have good quality and satisfaction. These hotels get the accessories packed into eco friendly packaging which may include sewing kits, shaving kits, sanitary bags, nail care kits, vanity kits, combs, dental kits, shower caps, shoe shine sponge, etc.

Hotels do not go on packing and producing toiletries themselves, they give contract to companies who undertake such services. It is important to select a company who is known for its quality products and services. You can find such manufacturing companies online and surf through the range of eco products they offer, you can also ask them to get your products customized.

Some hotels that have turned into eco hotels even provide guests with certain suggestions and tips on how to save the environment. Hotel owners can bring down the cost of such products by purchasing them or ordering them in bulk.

This concept is becoming very popular, thanks to the marketing of eco tourism that focuses on merging with the environment yet enjoying luxury staying and travelling. Eco friendly guest amenity manufacturers can provide various information on their websites, therefore if you are considering a company which is not geographically nearby, use their website for further enquiries and contract prices.

Source by Hamad Subhani

Humble Beginnings

The first Lladró figurines can be traced back to 1953 to a small workshop in the rural village of Almácera, Spain near Valencia. Three brothers: Juan, José and Vincente Lladró founded the company. Besides the figurines that define the company now, the brothers crafted jugs, vases and decorative plates. A Professional Training School, the Grant Centre for the City of Porcelain, was founded in 1962 to train the next generation of craftsman.

International Expansion

Starting in 1965, the company expanded beyond Spain when North Americans traveling to Spain started to import the figurines. In 1988, the Lladró Museum and Gallery was opened in New York City and distribution to Australia began. In 1997, a Lladró Centre was opened in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas saw a Lladró Centre open in 1999. In 2000, Sydney Australia was the site of another stand alone Lladró Centre.

Logo Evolution

Changes to any logo are important to a collector because they help to identify the age of a piece. In the beginning, the Lladró brothers personally signed their names to their work. These signatures were incised. The first logo was a representation of the Greek sculpture called “Winged Samothrace”. As the company evolved and expanded internationally, the next logo was a stylized version of the bellflower, local to the region, along with an ancient chemical symbol and the Lladró name below it. In the 1960’s, the word “Spain” was added. The marks during this time were standardized and incised. Adding the word “Spain” was precipitated by the increased role exporting was playing to the company. By the 1970’s, a trademark was developed; the familiar blue stamp. In 1974, the accent over the “o” was added. In 1986, the chemical symbol and the typeface were simplified. Using this information, a collector can look at a piece and get an idea of its age.

Building Loyalty

Early on, Lladró understood the value of cultivating loyal customers. In 1985, The Collectors Society was created for customers to interact through events and communications from the company. At a variety of events, in a number of countries, over 100,000 avid collectors continue to meet and share their passion. In 2001, a new level of membership was introduced – Lladró Privilege and a more exclusive Gold level. For a yearly membership fee, Lladró aficionados receive updates on the latest news from the company and are invited to participate in social and cultural events at venues around the world. In 2005, Lladró sponsored a team in the 32nd Americas Cup sailing regatta. Privilege Gold Members were invited to join a VIP boat, have access to the team headquarters and more behind-the-scenes perks.

Fakes

Pay attention to marks. If they are not in line with the evolution of the logo, it may be a fake. Lladró figurines are known for their unique facial characteristics. It is one of the attractions to these collectibles. Authentic Lladrós do not use black to outline the eyes, brows and lids. If these areas are outlined in black, it is likely a fake. The company also started a more modest line called Nao, which should not be confused with the Lladró line.

Most Valuable

Fewer matte glazes were produced, so they are more valuable. Very early Lladrós (1950’s – 1970’s) had a creamy finish and command steep prices. Early on, the company understood the importance of creating limited editions and retiring designs, which creates scarcity that increases the value. In 1982, The Sculptures series was introduced but with a very few produced again increasing their value.

Damage

Any damage reduces the value considerably. Look for damage on any of the protruding areas (hands, arms etc) or the delicate flowers.

Finishes

Lladrós are sealed with one of three finishes: a high gloss, matte glaze and “gres” finish.

Museums

The importance of Lladró craftsmanship is evident in the fact that Lladró creations are included in the permanent collections of the Brussels Royal Museum of Art and History, The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia and the Modern Art Museum in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Lladró Today

From the small workshop in a rural village, the company has expanded to over 2,000 people working for the company today. Fine porcelains by Lladró are sold in over 100 countries in more than 4,000 retail locations. Retired Lladrós can be found on eBay and at antique shops.

Source by Martin Swinton

The biggest question asked by people who had experienced bed bug infestation is: “Where do bed bugs come from?”

Despite their attempt to maintain cleanliness and the highest standards of hygiene, these blood suckers still hound their homes and interfere with their daily activities. There are various factors with regard to the origin of these bugs in your home.

The resurgence of bed bug infestations in recent years has been reported in parts of Europe, North America, and Australia. Modern-day bugs are said to have come from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Presented here are some of the most common ways for these pests to infest your homes.

One of the possible sources of bed bug infestations is used furniture. Sold from a street sale or a used furniture store, it could be a source of infestation since these pests can live an entire year without feeding. Bringing in any used furniture could be the start of infestation in your house.

These bugs can also come from your neighbors. Since they cling onto the clothes or anything, visiting the house of your neighbor with an infestation is another source. Your neighbor can also bring these bugs to your house through their clothes, boxes or bags.

If you live in an apartment or high-rise building, an infestation is also possible since they crawl along pipes, on wires through heating and cooling vents. Due to their growing population, these bugs will seek for additional sources of food. They may also transfer to other units because the previous unit has been fumigated.

Your laundry can also serve as a mode of transport for these bugs. People with infested bed linens often clean them in the laundry rooms. They are transferred to your linens without you knowing it. People with dirty clothes or laundry bags can easily bring the bugs with them to the laundry room and the bugs can travel back to your home brought by your freshly laundered clothes.

If you travel frequently and stay at hotels and hostels, the possibility of being exposed to these bugs is high. They often reside in the bed sheets, pillows, and mattresses. They will piggy back on your travel luggage and baggage hiding in the seams and become the uninvited guests in your home. Your kids who go to college can unwittingly bring home these blood suckers from their schools or college dormitories.

You should take the necessary action to stop or prevent an infestation. Consult a professional expert to know the best method to exterminate them. Knowing where these pests come from and how to deal with them can help you permanently eliminate the house pests.

Source by Jason Urkel

While selecting a hotel for your stay at a new place, the first thing that we notice is not just the tariff of the rooms, but there are also many other things that we look at including the cleanliness of the rooms, the inviting atmosphere, the style that has been used, etc. In short the interior design of the hotel, the interior design of the hotel fuses all these elements. When an interior designer works on the interior design of a hotel he keeps in mind and works on all the above elements. While designing a hotel, as a hotel interior designer, you will have to keep in mind all the following elements to make it more inviting for the customers.

1. First of all, do your detailed location studies i.e. evaluate the area that you are asked to design by figuring out various ways in which you can use even the smallest of details. Make a blueprint of the room with exact dimensions.

2. Keep a meeting with the hotel owner and their team and ask them about their likes and dislikes. Take their suggestions and incorporate these ideas into your design. Ask them about the color combinations, the furniture set up, the look and most importantly their budget. Decide upon your design by keeping the budget in mind.

3. Research about the customers that the hotel wants to attract and design it accordingly. Before buying any furniture, electronics, carpets, paints, or even small wall hangings or accessories, discuss it with the hotel owner and ask him whether it is acceptable to them. Let him know about the price of each item and after taking his approval go and purchase it. Make a design plan.

4. After purchasing all the items, arrange them as per your design plan. Give proper instructions to all your workers, electricians and painters. Arrange the tables and chairs at sufficient distance from each other. Hide all the unwanted wires, so that the room does not look messy.

5. You can also add plants, paintings, lamps, etc. to make the hotel room look more attractive. Special attention should be given to the lobby area, as it is what gives the customers the first impression about the hotel. Also maintain cleanliness in the rooms and the bathrooms.

These are some of the points that you can follow to make your hotel interior design project successful and more attractive.

Source by Satish Shetty

Demand is a product of changes in personal tastes and global fashion trends. When it comes to furniture, the same rule applies. There are people who follow tastes that have prevailed for decades opting to stick with the classics rather than move with the time. Many however go for more dynamic, urbane and polished tastes. It is this change in tastes that has stimulated the rapid growth of Contemporary Furniture Manufacturers.

Modern Furniture Manufacturers have dedicated their time and efforts to come up with standardized designs and styles that suit the modern customer. Customers are looking for uniqueness and distinction and are not willing to go with what has always been there. The modern generation wants furniture that is hippy and stylish. They are looking for seats and sofas for instance that will fit in with the general theme of the home. For this reason, manufacturers today have invested a lot in scientific research to create unique and trendy pieces of furniture that their customers want to have.

There is something that really stands out about Contemporary Furniture Manufacturers and puts them a stride ahead of the rest. They have a variety of products meaning that they are able to meet the demand of any customer who makes an order. The online store is well stocked and displayed with useful hints on what is available for sale. This means that they are able to reach a huge amount customers within a short time. They also make use of a wide array of materials infusing a flair for art and innovation that ensures the end products perfectly combine aesthetics and functionality. For those in search of glass furniture you are sure to get a breathtaking piece that will blend in with the rest of the home style. Contemporary furniture allows more freedom in designs and materials. Clients come with varied tastes and regardless of the material used, whether wood, stone or metal, they are looking for elegance that can only be offered by Modern furniture manufacturers.

The preference for contemporary furniture manufacturers is also as a result of the changes in interior and exterior decor. A number of decor experts opine how the popularity of condos has changed and how people furnish their houses. There is no longer luxury in space as most people are going for small and stylish as opposed to large and luxurious homes. There is also an increased trend for outdoor furniture due to the great emphasis on outdoor living and shared compounds. Lounge chairs and bar stools are created to entice and provide ample room for relaxation.

There is no doubt that many people are going for modern furniture more than for the classics. This may be a reflection of the change in demographics but most Contemporary Furniture Manufacturers are rising to the challenge and providing goods that are attuned to these tastes. The new contemporary furniture is also as a result of inspiration of the various cultures. It is a fusion of Western and Eastern European elegance, Asian style, American sturdiness and Mediterranean originality among many others.

Source by Emily J Jayden

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as a designer is -Can I fit an island in my kitchen?

Gone are the days of kitchens being the epicenter for cooking and here to stay, at least for a long while, is the modern version of the kitchen which has become not only a space for cooking but a hub for social gatherings and entertainment. To balance every function a kitchen now serves designers have turned to the kitchen island, making it the new work horse of the kitchen.

Islands are multi functioning offering home owners extra work zones, storage space and entertainment/social space. Most recently the kitchen island has even become the primary piece of furniture for dinning at. With so many functions it’s no wonder the kitchen island has become such a popular design element in the home.

But is an island right for your kitchen and furthermore do you have the space for it?

Let’s start by looking at the different island configurations and the space requirements for each.

The working island- the cooks answer to function and purpose with the added bonus of increased easy access storage for everyday items or deep storage for once in a blue moon appliances.

The working islands function is to give the home owner more usable space for prep and every day tasks that take place in a kitchen. For bakers the working island is often built with a marble or quartz top for ease of dough preparation. For chefs and novice cooks the work island offers a large amount of square footage to create multiple dishes at one time with the convenience of tasks taking place in a central location.

The working island is most effective if NKBA clearances for walk ways are met, however these are guidelines only and are not part of any IRC codes.

When planning your working island you must first establish if your kitchen is a one or two cook kitchen. In other words how many people at one time will be doing the cooking? For most people even if there are multiple cooks they tend to stick to the guidelines for a one person kitchen. That guideline requires a minimum of 42″ for the work aisles and 36″ for the walkway.

In a two cook kitchen the work aisles are increased to 48″ while the walkway remains at 36″.

Another island that remains extremely popular is the island designed as the social hub of the kitchen. In this island designers incorporate bar stools for additional seating and social gatherings. Designed properly this island will quickly become the place to hang out, do homework, socialize and catch up on the day. All though it still functions as a work island and offers storage its primary purpose is to bring people together.

For this island the working aisle clearances remain the same however thought must be given to walk ways once stools or seating is incorporated into the design.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends a clearance of 44″ for the walk way where stools are present. However 36″ is allowed but only leaves clearance for an individual to edge past.

If the stools are not in a walk way a clearance of 32″ is accepted.

Another island design that is becoming increasingly popular is the island designed to function as both work space and the homes kitchen table. This design idea works well in smaller spaces where both island and kitchen table are hard to accommodate for. In this layout the designer must pay close attention to adding enough seating to accommodate the users needs and the size of their family.

All NKBA guidelines previously discussed are applied to this island but further thought on seating is important to assure the island functions properly allowing the home owner to use the space as intended.

For table islands it’s important to note the following seating criteria. For a counter that is 36″ in height allow 24″ wide x 15″ deep per person seated.

If you plan on raising a section of your islands counter all guidelines remain the same with the exception of the depth of space needed which decreases to 12″.

Designing an island to fit your space will require some planning and following of guidelines. But with the proper layout and clearances a kitchen island can become one of the most used spaces of the home.

Source by Kim M Ward

Are you anxious to find the best way to get in shape, tone your muscles, and get rid of that extra flab? When you use these 7 most effective body firming exercises you will get that tightly toned physique that most people only dream about.

• Thigh Toning Titan -Tones and Trims those thighs when nothing else will work. This is an isometric exercise that tames and tightens your thighs even if you already are seeing the dreaded condition known as "Thunder Thighs". You will need a bar stool or straight chair with straight legs. Sit on the floor with your back against a wall. The stool should be positioned between your feet. Lift your legs and feet 4-6 inches from the floor. Angle your feet so your insteps are firmly positioned against the legs of the stool. Now exert as much pressure with your feet as possible. Hold for a count of 30-60. Repeat 6 times.
• Jack-ass Kicks – Kick your way to a better, booty-licious backside. Well, the name may not sound that impressive but if you want that perfectly round, tight booty this is the exercise that works. Assume a hands and knees position. Your palms should be resting on the floor. Keep your back straight. Now lift your (R (leg up and backwards with a tightly controlled kicking motion. When your leg is fully extended upward the bottom of the foot points toward the ceiling. Return to the starting position and then repeat with the other leg for a total of 25-50 for each leg.
• Saddle Bag Stripper – This exercise will target the upper, outer thighs. You know those unsightly lumps that you can see protruding on the outer sides of your thighs just at the juncture of the butt and thigh have got to go. Lay on your (R) side, supporting your upper body at a 45 degree angle with your elbow. Keep (R) leg straight and place your (L) foot flat on the floor directly in front of the (R) knee. Now lift your (R) leg slowly up and down 25 times. Change position and repeat with the (L) leg.
• Glute Glamourizer – This will firm and lift your butt and tone your legs . Stand with feet separated about the width of your shoulders. Your toes should be angled outward. Put your hands on your hips and rise up on your toes. Staying balanced on your toes, lower your body 1 "and hold for the count of 10. Lower your body an additional 1" and hold for the count of 10. Continue to lower your body by 1 "and holding for 10 for a total of 10 times.
• Lean Leggy Peggies – This exercise gives you leaner, tighter legs. Place your hands on the back of a chair for balance. Keep your body erect and feet slightly apart. Toes should pointed inward. Lift (R) leg slowly 4-6 inches straight out to the side. Do 25 reps and then repeat using (L) leg.
• Tricep Trainers – Get rid of underarm flab quickly. Stand erect holding 3 # weights. Lift your arms straight up overhead. Your arms should be alongside your head. Slowly extend the weights backward over your shoulders until elbows point to the ceiling. Return to starting position repeat 30 times.
• Belly Bustin 'Berthas – These crunches rule. Lie flat floor hands behind the neck. Pull your abdomen in and roll your upper chest upward from the floor. Twist your torso from the waist so the (R) elbow points toward the (L) knee and the (L) elbow points toward the (R) knee. Return to starting position. Do 20 reps.

Source by Cliff Pape

If you thought mid-century furniture designs were merely a product for its time, think again! Today vintage mid-century pieces are as popular as ever. Their 1950s flair is ideal for today's contemporary styles that favor a sleek and functional appearance. Because so many great vintage pieces have stood the test of time, it's still quite easy to incorporate signature furniture examples throughout your home for a hip and modern look.

Great Functionality
There aren't too many mid-century pieces that contain overtly superfluous design elements or features. You want see ornate carving or appliqued pieces that are more reminiscent of pre-art deco periods. Mid-century furniture is designed to work with a design style that does not compete or try to show up the item's functionality. The style is evident, of course, but it enhances the functionality of the item without upstaging it.

Regarding Shape
Many pieces take their design inspiration from the Art Deco period when geometric shapes were all the rage from furniture pieces to jewelry items. A boomerang shaped couch while novel and whimsical in some aspects actually function quite well to hug the coffee table and allow occupants to better engage with one another. Rectangular, circular, and square-shaped items are also characteristic of the era.

Fashionably Sleek and Thin
There isn't a lot of heft when one things of mid-century. Over-stuffed sofas and chairs better belong to other eras. The furniture items tend to be trim and sleek. You won't see an overabundance of fabric hanging or draped from pieces; You won't see a busyness reflected by other styles. The styles pay homage to the shape of the item by celebrating – not masking it. For today's urban looks, the style is quite suited to the modern look that continues to remain popular.

Novel Materials
The mid-century style ushered in all sorts of materials that hadn't been used in furniture before like vinyl, chrome, and plastic. These unconventional materials might then be paired with wood, but light woods that were highly processed and rendered to be sleek. You'll find remnants of these alternative materials in today's 1950's style diners that employ the same style with their chrome and vinyl bar-stools and colorful decorative schemes.

Sophisticated and Playful
While sleek designs demonstrate a modern sophistication, many other mid-century designs convey a playfulness that is evident in shape of color. Sun-burst shaped clocks, for instance, in colors like avocado show a light-heartedness that may have been a response to emerging from the Depression and war years of the two previous eras. The boomerang, of course, is certainly more playful than the sedate sedans of earlier living room décor.

Today it's possible to mix and match these playful and sophisticated styles to achieve a modern look that celebrates the aesthetic design. You'll enjoy the adding various mid-century pieces to complement your overall modern decorative plan. Of course, not only were these items built with style, they were made to last which is why so many wonderful examples remain around today!

Source by Marie Ascolani