Thursday, March 31, 2011

5 Keys to Successful Parenting


*GEMS 'Genuine Encounter Moments'
A child's self-esteem is greatly influenced by the quality of time not the amount of time spent. This day and age with our busy schedules parents often don?t put 100% focused attention on what their child is saying, by pretending to listen or ignoring the child's attempts to communicate with us. If you don't give children GEMS throughout the day, they will often start to misbehave. Negative attention in a child's mind is better than being ignored.

*Give Children Appropriate Ways to Feel Powerful
If you don't, they will find inappropriate ways to feel their power. Ways to help them feel powerful and valuable are to ask their advice, give them choices, let them help you balance your check book, cook all our part of a meal, or help you shop. A two-year-old can wash plastic dishes, wash vegetables, or put silverware away. Often we do the job for them because we can do it with less hassle, but the result is they feel unimportant.

*Withdraw from Conflict
If your child is testing you through a temper tantrum, or being angry or speaking disrespectfully to you, it is best if you leave the room or tell the child you will be in the next room if he wants to "Try again." Do not leave in anger or defeat.

*Separate the Deed from the Doer
Never tell a child that they are bad. This will tear his/her self-esteem. Help your child recognize that it isn't them that you don?t like, but it is the behavior that you are unwilling to tolerate. In order for a child to have healthy self-esteem, he/she must know that he is loved unconditionally no matter what he does. Do not motivate your child by withdrawing your love from him. When in doubt, ask yourself, did my discipline build my child's self-esteem?

*Be Consistent, Follow Through
If you have made an agreement with your child for example, that they must go to bed at a specific time, do not give in to pleas, tears, demands or pouting. Your child will learn to respect you more if you mean what you say.

Source - www.PositiveParenting.com

Satin Bedspreads

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Any Bedding For Kids

Any Bedding For Kids
The term Kids Bedding is often used to refer to age specific whimsical pattern suitable only for kids. However, short of bedding featuring themes of an adult, nature, any colorful, unique or plain, comforter, duvet, coverlet, quilt or sheeting can suffice as children?s bedding. This does not mean however, that anything will be lost when it comes to decorating the room.

One might argue successfully that plain bedding proivdes more flexibility to add more decor without the kids room end up looking too cluttered. What about the importance of surrounding your children wit their favorite images and themes, you may ask. It is a fact kids bedding with with patterns and themes stirs their imaginations and encourage creativity, but there are many other way to incorporate these images and themes into their surroundings.

Themes and images can be added though the use of photographs, illustrations, posters, sports memorabilia and just about any item that fits withing a them will do. Kids Wall Decals and Kids room rugs are wonderful for this purpose. You are only limited by your imagination.

Consider using just about any pattern you find suitable for boys bedding or girls bedding and do not limit yourself to whimsical designs. There are many gorgeous quilts, comforters, pillowcases, and pillow shams that does not fit the conventional mold of kids bedding, but with a little imagination and experimentation with different styles, even some adult styles of bedding achieve a marvelous bedroom for your kids. As always give them a say, it?s their room, but do not limit yourself.

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Twin Bedspreads

Friday, March 25, 2011

Irish Linen Tablecloth

Exquisitely designed and classic in appearance, an Irish linen tablecloth is a timeless addition to any dining area.

About Irish Linens

Soft and lightweight, Irish linen is a simple yet luxurious material used in a variety of products that range from clothes to household goods. Since it is so breathable, Irish linen is popular for use in warm weather since it easily absorbs moisture and remains fresh even in the stickiest conditions. Irish linen is also eco-friendly, and is a favorite of individuals who favor natural products.

True to its name, Irish linen is produced in Ireland. It begins as pure flax fiber, which is spun into a yarn and finally woven into the fabric known as Irish linen. In order to be considered authentic, the linen must be produced using Irish workmanship and machinery, but the flax fiber itself does not have to be Irish grown. In fact, the majority of flax fibers used in the process are imported from Belgium, the Netherlands and France, since climate limitations prevent high quality growth in Ireland. Finally, the weaving itself must also be done in Ireland.

Features of the Irish Linen Tablecloth

If you're thinking of adding an Irish linen tablecloth to your dining space, you'll soon discover that there is no better choice for a look that is at once relaxed and elegant. A tablecloth made from Irish linen is quite versatile; it can be used in just about any dining setting, from the actual dining room to an informal picnic. There are many varieties available to suit different occasions, and you will find them available at all price points. Other features include:

  • Cleanliness: Basic household stains are very easy to remove from Irish linen. A simple wash should do the trick, but a spot treatment with everyday detergent can also easily vanquish more stubborn stains.
  • Distinction: In a market full of synthetic and mass produced products, Irish linen boasts a certain distinction among its peers. It exudes a graceful, crisp appearance, yet is practically effortless in its care requirements. Tablecloths run the gamut from simple to extravagant, but all styles feature the same thoughtful attention to proper weaving techniques.
  • Durability: Irish linen holds up extremely well over time. It handles regular machine washes with ease, and actually tends to become stronger over time.
  • Elegance: Don't mistake Irish linen for being too relaxed for fancy settings. A double damask linen tablecloth offers the same dramatic elegance as silk and satin. This is thanks to its high thread count (200 threads per square inch as opposed to 162 threads in a single damask). This adds weight and allows intricate embroidery to stand out even more than it would otherwise.

Where to Purchase

Irish linen tablecloths are readily available both online and in brick and mortar stores. You will likely find a more outstanding selection online, where many e-commerce stores are dedicated solely to Irish linen products. They include:

  • Celtic Linen: For an immense selection of tablecloths with various prints, look no further. This online retailer offers everything from basic, everyday tablecloths to colorful Irish linen complements, like placemats and napkins. If you're seeking great variety, this is a good place to start.
  • Simply Irish: The name says it all. Look for tablecloths in a variety of sizes, all woven with intricate patterns like shamrocks, chrysanthemums and Celtic knots. The products ship directly from Dublin, Ireland, and shipping charges vary based on your country and import duties and taxes.
  • Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen: In business since 1854, Ferguson is one of the few retailers left that weaves traditional damask table linens in Ireland. The striking tablecloths are available in shades of natural and white, and consumers can purchase sample fabric swatches if they wish to get a feel of the material prior to ordering the actual tablecloth. Some of the company's products are available at retailers around the world, while the entire collection can be purchased online. Visit the Stockists (retailers) page for details.

Treat It Right

As with any delicate household fabric, it's imperative to take proper care of your Irish linens. While regular machine washing techniques are suitable for most Irish linens, pay close attention to the care instructions for your tablecloth purchase since some may be better suited to hand washing. Irish linens should never be treated with bleach, which may irreversibly alter the fabric color and fiber integrity.

It's preferable to allow the tablecloth to line dry in the sunlight instead of tumble drying. If you do choose to iron Irish linen, do so while the tablecloth is still slightly damp. Start on the wrong side to smooth out creases and then lightly run the iron over the front side. Finally, store the tablecloth in a cool, well-ventilated space, preferably rolled up instead of folded. These tips will protect your investment and ensure you enjoy years of use.

Author: Tanya Sharma

Source: http://bedding.lovetoknow.com/irish-linen-tablecloth

Bedspreads

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

First Test Post About Bedspreads

We ordered the girls two twin beds which will be delivered this month and I had absolutely no bedding for them since they\'re currently in toddler beds. So I went out and bought 2 twin bedding sets (which seem to include the same stuff in every store I visited - one pillow case, one fitted sheet, one flat sheet). And I got them each a thick white duvet for the bed since it\'s cold.

Now, do I need to buy each a duvet cover set??? What is the point of the flat sheet in the bedding set?

I don\'t get it. Back home, EVERY bedding set we bought already included a duvet cover (i.e. it had a zipper or snaps that you insert the duvet into so it can be washed), but here the duvet cover sets seem to be sold separately and include 2 shams (pillow cases?), so you buy extra pillows for those?