Design Post Update

Most people know that the quality of their food can make a difference in their health. But how many know that the quality of cookware is also important and can impact their health? It definitely can make a difference and I'm going to briefly explain why.

The main reason has to do with the composition of materials. Pots and Pans come in six categories: 1) Non-stick, 2) Aluminum, 3) Cast Iron , 4) Glass, 5) Stainless Steel and 6) Enamel-Coated. And there are variations in most of these categories.

Non-stick cookware is extremely popular and widely available. You can find high-end brands at department stores and on the Internet all the way down to dollar-store brands. But no matter what brand you pay for, you are risking your health using chemically-coated cookware. It does break down in high heat and can release toxic gases and particles into your food and into your environment. Think the heat isn't that high in every day cooking? Not so. Your cookware can easily get above 400 degrees on the surface in less than five minutes. Non-stick cookware is one of those "modern conveniences" that is in the long run not-so-wonderful.

Aluminum cookware is also very popular because it is very light-weight and it heats up quickly. It can also be inexpensive. Since aluminum is a soft metal that dents and scratches easily, aluminum cookware can be problematic. Aluminum does not belong in your body. It is not some kind of "trace mineral" that you should have--it is toxic. You may find cookware labeled "anodized aluminum." That's a little better because that means the aluminum has been treated to make it harder, less porous and more scratch resistant. But it doesn't 100% resolve the problem of aluminum getting into your food. If you have aluminum cookware or choose to buy it, my best advice is to keep it protected and don't let it get scratched or dented.

Cast Iron cookware is said to be beneficial because the iron can leech into your food. I'm not one who would promote getting your iron in that form, but at least it is probably harmless. I use cast iron frying pans and I have recently gotten a cast iron stove-top grill which I love. All of these are very well seasoned and most cast iron cookware comes with instructions on how to season them. One brand, Lodge, has a line of cast iron that is already seasoned. My son used cast iron for camping throughout his scout career and became the chosen one for preparing dinner for his troop. His specialty was peach cobbler made in a cast iron dutch oven. For some, a downfall to cast iron might be the fact that it is extremely heavy. Also it requires special care and attention so it doesn't sit in water or remain wet because, after all, it is iron and can rust.

Next is glass and I really don't think many manufacturers are making glass pots and pans--though I have seen some. Mainly we know glass cookware when we're talking about baking pans. I like them and I use them.

Now we come to stainless steel and there is a seemingly infinite variety of these and many decent brands to choose from. Growing up my mother had the old Revere Ware with the copper bottom. The first thing you should know is that stainless steel cookware has "ingredients." That's right! Just like food (sort of)! It is a combination of metals and/or sometimes a layered conglomerate of metals. For instance the stainless steel may be on the outside and the inside cooking surface with layers of aluminum and metal alloys in between. I highly recommend good stainless steel cookware and tend to choose the layered variety. My favorite brand is All Clad. That is a high-end brand but the quality is excellent. Regardless of what stainless steel cookware you invest in, you will still have to check the metal content and you definitely have to take good care of the pots and pans so they too do not get scratched and dented exposing other metals to your food.

And finally we have enamel-coated cookware which some say is the safest and best thing to cook with. The popular brands are enamel-coated cast iron which make them very sturdy but also heavy. Again you would have to take care to protect the enamel by following the instructions and making sure you use the right utensils so it doesn't get scratched. I would choose this cookware for preparing dishes with longer cooking times. Who wouldn't love a hearty stew cooked in a beautiful enamel-coated dutch oven? These types can also, by the way, go from stove top to table because they make beautiful serving dishes as well.

The best kind of cookware is cookware that suits your purposes and that you'll be able to enjoy using without compromising your health and the well-being of your family. Be prepared, no matter what you buy, to care for it, clean it and handle your cookware well because all cookware requires proper care and maintenance.

Here's to you and your future culinary creations!

Part of crafting a well-planned luxury home is ensuring the outdoor spaces are just as sophisticated and well appointed as the Interior spaces under roof. The secret is imagining the balcony, terrace or verandah isnt out-of-doors at all and approaching it the same way you would an Interior design challenge. Anchor your scheme with lavish, ultra-comfy furniture, art, lighting, sound, some great architectural detailing andof courselots of beautiful plants.

Time spent outdoors is when you relax, take in fresh air and let the surrounding world pass you by. Its vital that furnishings be stylish and noble, but equally important that they exude exceptional comfort. John Robert Wiltgen Design, a Chicago Interior designer that also specializes in outdoor spaces, recommends adding a piece of sculpture; depending upon the size of the space it can either become the centerpiece or can be tucked into a corner. You will also want some high quality in-ground speakers so that you can listen to music to lift your spirits.

Some great architectural detailing adds personality to your garden; it can be something as simple as a pediment over the exterior door or it can be something more elaboratea shed that looks like a Greek Temple with some moldings and columns. Once all of these pieces are in place then it is time to add lighting; it should come from a variety of placesin the ground and in the trees. And lighting does not have to come only in the form of something with lampsit could also be torches, tables with firepits, or tall heaters for your terrace.

High-end teak with oversized cushions is a popular starting point for quality outdoor seating thats cozy and chic while still being well suited to face the elements. Do not be afraid to mix it up a bit. Just like indoors, everything does not have to match. It is far more interesting to combine a variety of materials and textures. Make room for a glass-top or quartzite table and sculptural iron chairs for al fresco dining. An indulgent patio features ice buckets on stands, an outdoor television, a place for sunning, a place for those who dont like to sun, a gas grill, even a water feature. For those who wish to create a more private ambiance, consider a hedge or walled gardensimilar to the kind you find in Italy or the south of France.

Feel the warmth

Few experiences in life sooth like watching flickering flames on an open fire. Whether you opt for a full-on brick fireplace or an ornate gas-powered fire pit, adding an element of heat helps bring people closer together, even during the summer months. Homeowners short on space should consider investing in a gas firepit table; it could be a dining table, coffee table or both.

Be consistent with your color selections

So much of your balcony, terrace, or verandah is visible from the Interior of your residence so your color scheme should complement the basic palette of the rest of your home. There are so many choices in fabrics today that are suitable for the outdoors and yet so sumptuous; prints, textures, and lots of solid colors. Plenty of greenery is a must for any luxury terrace. Try to select the color of the leaves and flowers to blend with the fabrics and material selections of your outdoor space. All of these details are just as important as designing the inside of your home.

Twinkling lights

Take bold off the menu when it comes to outdoor lighting. Think lanterns, candles, torches and anything that sparkles. Electric LED faux candles are perfect for courtyards subject to a lot of wind.

Once night falls its all about relaxing and having a good time, so worry less about overhead lighting and more about accents and ambiance. Creating a mood is far more relevant than emulating sunshine.

Your own private piece of heaven

Friends will love coming over to your place for drinks and a bite to eat after setting up your little slice of paradise. Be sure to use heavy wine glasses so the wind does not blow them over. Cloth napkins always add a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Lush cushioned bar stools are a must and somewhere comfy for the bartender to sit while practicing mixology on you and your guests. Enjoy.

Looking to design the luxury home of your dreams? Contact John Robert Wiltgen Design, Inc., 70 W. Hubbard Street, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60654 or visit www. jrwdesign. com.

One of my favorite topics is the chandelier because of its history as a method of lighting that was used before the sixteenth century. The earliest chandeliers were very basic, almost primitive devices that involved two pieces of wood connected together to form a cross. A spike was inserted at each end to hold the candles and a rope or chain was connected to the crosspiece and then suspended from the ceiling. As a former antique dealer, Ive found that nearly all of the earliest chandeliers were destroyed and very few authentic examples remain in existence today.

The chandelier found its resurgence in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and was found in the great palaces of Europe and America. They soon began to find their way into some of the more expensive mansions and private homes in this country and abroad and have been around ever since.

The industrial revolution provided the impetus for mass production of this once exclusive lighting fixture and today, chandeliers can be found in many homes and in any number of rooms in these homes. One of the major appeals of the chandelier is the drama it creates. It automatically lends character and a somewhat regal atmosphere to an otherwise plain room.

One of the major appealing characteristics of todays chandeliers, are their versatility. A kitchen can be transformed into a high-class dining area with the addition of the right chandelier. A large bathroom can be given an air of elegance with the installation of a chandelier. Some homeowners will even use a chandelier in the master bedroom to give it that special feeling.

Chandeliers are available in all kinds of styles, shapes and can be made from a variety of materials. Although the most common type of chandelier is made of crystal, faux candles and other types of lighting is also available. One of the best ways to find the style and size chandelier that will best complement your dcor, is to go online and look at whats available.

Keep in mind that the chandelier usually draws the immediate attention of a visitor so it should fit the basic dcor of your home. Proper sizing is critical. A chandelier that is too large for the space it occupies will overpower the room and may even lend a sense of claustrophobia to the visitor. On the other hand, a chandelier that is too small for the room just looks out of place regardless of its style.

Although most chandeliers can easily light an entire room, the result can often be a harsh or raw look. Many decorators prefer matching wall sconces and have both the chandelier and the sconces on dimmers so that just the right balance of light can be achieved.

Always keep in mind that chandelier and elegance go together conceptually. In fact, many consider a chandelier to be a piece of art.

Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind when looking for and eventually installing a chandelier. Sketch the room and include dimensions. Consider the size of any prospective chandelier in terms of the ratio of its size to the room where it will be installed. Some individuals fall in love with a particular chandelier, purchase and install it and find that it just doesnt work. This is usually the result of improper sizing.

bptopteam@gmail.com.

Best regards

Brian McCoy
http://www.BigTicketToWealth.org

?
Is the Carbon Copy Pro system a scam or a legitimate
business opportunity? This article will give you an
unbiased view of the system.

Marketer Jay Kubassek has come forward with a lofty goal
for his newly launched Internet sales system Carbon Copy
Pro. He intends to develop 100 new millionaires over the
next five years. Is it possible? It is a very aggressive
statement.

There were hundreds, even thousands of entrepreneurs that
achieved this goal related to the dot com boom. The
internet revolutionized the business industry and padded
business owner's pockets. The dot com boom busted in the
'90s, but what remained was a wealth of high tech, modern
technology. The second wave of internet success is now upon
us. With this new era brings a more realistic outlook armed
with proven technologies. There is a major online movement
taking place with internet marketing. Entrepreneurs are
laying solid foundations to earn millions online.

Jay Kubassek, already a successful salesperson, focused on
creating a complete selling system. What he came up with
combined the capabilities of modern technology with the
latest Web 2.0 applications.

The system that Jay created attempts to eliminate a lot of
the guesswork from sales and marketing. Kubassek has tried
to throw out the human variable in sales by trying to step
around having to do personal selling, cold calling, and
lead generation.

While you have to admire the effort, what no one will ever
be able to do is remove the human element from sales. There
are very personal and emotional components that go into a
person's decision to buy. People don't buy from systems.
They buy from real people. If there truly was a 100%
automated system that existed like this on the internet,
everyone would be wealthy. The hard truth is that selling
and marketing online involves branding yourself and what
you have to offer.

Carbon Copy Pro works as a funnel system into the program
Wealth Masters International. Monthly advertising dollars
paid from members of the Carbon Copy Pro system are spent
to generate leads. Most people interested in getting
started with a home business opportunity are going to want
to talk to the person of the website that they are
investigating before they join. Once again, it goes back to
that personal touch issue. You just can't get that from a
replicated system that hundreds of people are utilizing as
a face plant.

While the Carbon Copy Pro system is not a scam, some of the
claims might be inflated. It is too early to tell whether
or not Jay Kubassek will reach his goal of creating 100 new
millionaires in the next 5 years. The honest truth that
any successful internet marketer will tell you is that
achieving success online requires educating yourself, not
being afraid of the phone, and a lot of hard work and
determination.

----------------------------------------------------
If you are looking to earn a Substantial Online Income,
visit http://www.BigTicketWealth.org .
Brian McCoy is a six figure earner and one of the top
income earners in the home business industry. Brian works
with entrepreneurs around the world. He devotes the time,
energy, and effort into his team and works with them to
ensure their success.

When you decide to buy a bed, you probably have a particular style in mind or at least a certain application for the bed. The question arises, though, when you've chosen the type of bed that you want, how do you narrow down your choices? If you are looking at metal beds, for example, how do you choose whether you want brass beds or aluminum beds? Both materials are sturdy and can work in a variety of applications, but there are some various criteria to consider before making a final purchasing decision. Here are a few tips to get you started.

If you are looking for a metal canopy bed, don't choose aluminum. While aluminum is an excellent material for some types of beds, especially kids' bunk beds where you need something lighter, easier to move, and less expensive so it's more easily replaced, it doesn't work well with a canopy bed. A brass canopy bed is preferable for several reasons. First of all, it just looks better. You may have to polish it once in awhile, but it won't get dull and rusty looking like aluminum. Also, aluminum bed posts on the canopy bed can get extremely cold, whereas brass, while still cooling off as metal tends to do, won't shock you should your toe touch it.

A metal headboard is a matter of personal taste. If you are planning on having a metal headboard (aside from wrought iron, which is a much more popular choice), again keep in mind the possibility of coming into contact with cold metal. A wooden or wrought iron headboard is more commonly decided upon, but if you must choose between aluminum and brass, brass headboards will take the cake any day. Again, you don't have to worry about flaking paint, rust, or other discoloration. Simply wipe off fingerprints and polish once in awhile for maintenance and shine.

A metal day bed is a great choice for a little girl's room. In this instance, you can use either brass or aluminum, since you may wish to repaint the aluminum as the girl grows into a young woman and changes the decor in her room. A day bed can last a long time in either material and blend well with a number of decoration ideas. This choice is based purely on personal taste, though price may become a determining factor, with aluminum being a less expensive way to furnish the room.

When looking at discount metal beds, you may want to stick with aluminum, as you'll pay more for a brass bed that is probably an alloy anyway. In order to reduce cost on the manufacture of such beds, the brass will be mixed with impurities and not be true brass, which can even compromise the strength and solidity of the metal, making it softer or more malleable. Neither of these properties is especially desirable in a bed of any kind. Aluminum, being less expensive anyway, will usually be as sturdy in discount beds as in higher-end models.