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	<title>&#124;&#124;-XpatConnections-&#124;&#124; &#187; featured</title>
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	<description>It&#039;s All about Interior Design and home decoration</description>
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		<title>Decorating Themes For Boys&#8217; Bedrooms</title>
		<link>http://xpatconnections.com/decorating-themes-for-boys-bedrooms/</link>
		<comments>http://xpatconnections.com/decorating-themes-for-boys-bedrooms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:17:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bedroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bedroom themes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boya bedroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boys bedroom themes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[themes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://xpatconnections.com/?p=113</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Using a theme is a great way of starting with a child&#8217;s room. Teddy bears are cute when your little boy is a baby. But most boys will outgrow this theme very quickly, once they get a little bit older. There are a lot of other themes available for boys rooms which can be adapted [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using a theme is a great way of starting with a child&#8217;s room. Teddy bears are cute when your little boy is a baby. But most boys will outgrow this theme very quickly, once they get a little bit older. There are a lot of other themes available for boys rooms which can be adapted as your child grows older. A special theme will also make your child more proud of looking after his bedroom. Here are some themes for you and your son to think about.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://s3.hubimg.com/u/429514_f520.jpg" alt="" width="364" height="272" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favourite Animals &#8211; Most boys have a favourite animal. Decorate the room with lots of pictures of your child&#8217;s favourite animal. Or you could have one wall of the room painted with a mural of the favourite animal. Scatter lots of stuffed animals everywhere.<span id="more-113"></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Safari &#8211; This is a popular theme for many boys. There are lots of wallpapers, borders and fabrics available to buy from retail shops with the safari theme. So it will not be a difficult task to put this theme together. Accessories for this theme are also easily available. Use stuffed tigers, lions, and leopards. Use animal print fabric for the bedcover, valances and curtains. You and your child can be very creative with this theme.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5120240/243381-main_Full.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Space Theme &#8211; With this theme you can paint reflective planets and stars in the ceiling. You can even buy stars that you just stick on the ceiling and they will glow in the dark. Use a bedcover set and curtains with a space theme on them. If you are artistic try drawing a spaceship and a man dressed in aerospace clothes on one wall or pay an artist to do it for you.</p>
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		<title>Tips for a Beautifully Decorated Bathroom</title>
		<link>http://xpatconnections.com/tips-for-a-beautifully-decorated-bathroom/</link>
		<comments>http://xpatconnections.com/tips-for-a-beautifully-decorated-bathroom/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:24:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathroom decor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathroom decor tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beautiful bathroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decor tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://xpatconnections.com/?p=165</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While other rooms of the home may get much of the glory, in fact the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is important to consider the humble bathroom in your redecorating plans, and to consider some unique and innovative ways to make it sparkle.

When it comes to decorating the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While other rooms of the home may get much of the glory, in fact the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is important to consider the humble bathroom in your redecorating plans, and to consider some unique and innovative ways to make it sparkle.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://sh3lly.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/bathroom-window-curtain.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /></p>
<p>When it comes to decorating the bathroom, it is important to consider your own individual taste, and to consider the needs of your family as well. It is also important to consider the rest of the home decor, and to incorporate those designs into the design of the bathroom as well.</p>
<p>One of the most important things to consider is choosing a theme for your bathroom remodeling or redecorating project. There are of course many different themes homeowners can choose for their bathroom, from fun and frivolous to relaxing and romantic. It is important to consider you own style and taste when making this important decision.<span id="more-165"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.bathroomtiledirect.com/images/sce/BT_03.jpg" alt="" width="293" height="293" /></p>
<p>After you have chosen a theme for your bathroom decorating project, it is important to shop for those products that best fit that theme. For instance, if you have decided that a fun and quirky theme works best, you may want to look for offbeat items, such as a rubber ducky shower curtain and some oversized yellow rugs and bath mats. If you have chosen a more serious and romantic theme you may want to look for gauze shower curtains and lush, fluffy throw rugs. You may even want to look at installing a romantic canopy over the tub, or installing a sliding glass door for added privacy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.barbarabrooksinteriors.com/images/European/HansBathroom06.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></p>
<p>Of course the tub, sink and shower themselves are important considerations as well, and it is important to look carefully at these items and determine if they need to be updated or replaced. It is important to look at the tub and shower enclosure and decide if a remodel or replacement is in order. If the tub and shower have begun to show their age, you may want to look at replacing them with newer ad more up to date styles. If, on the other hand, the tub and shower are still functional and in good shape, you may want to consider looking instead at inexpensive and effective ways to accent those items.</p>
<p>For instance, the simple addition of a new showerhead, such as a Thera Shower, new faucets and new wall decorations can make even the oldest and most tired bathroom come back to life. You may want to look at the current decor of the bathroom and consider ways to add new life to the old room. It can be quite amazing what a couple of simple little changes can do. So before you spend lots of money redecorating and redesigning your bathroom, look at the impact small changes can have, and spend your money accordingly.</p>
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		<title>Great Ideas for Decorating Boys Rooms</title>
		<link>http://xpatconnections.com/great-ideas-for-decorating-boys-rooms/</link>
		<comments>http://xpatconnections.com/great-ideas-for-decorating-boys-rooms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:29:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bedroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boys bedroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideas for boys room]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://xpatconnections.com/?p=107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Don&#8217;t let the mess fool you. Piles of toys, clothes, and garbage scattered everywhere don&#8217;t change the fact that it is a total myth that boys don&#8217;t care about how their bedrooms look. The truth is, boys take just as much pride as girls do in how their room looks and feels, and how well [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don&#8217;t let the mess fool you. Piles of toys, clothes, and garbage scattered everywhere don&#8217;t change the fact that it is a total myth that boys don&#8217;t care about how their bedrooms look. The truth is, boys take just as much pride as girls do in how their room looks and feels, and how well it represents their unique individuality. With that in mind, this article presents practical ideas for decorating boys rooms in a way that gives them the sense of comfort and pride they crave and makes them feel truly at home in their home.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even more than a bed, the single furniture item that boys desire the most is a comfortable place to sit, be it a couch, a futon, a chair, etc. For watching TV, playing video games, reading, coloring, studying, or just relaxing, a boy needs a throne of some sort to call his very own. Here looks are secondary to comfort.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://roomenvy.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/boys-bedroom.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="440" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comfort and convenience both, in fact, play larger roles in a boy&#8217;s world in general than how something looks. And in line with creating convenience in your boy&#8217;s bedroom, great consideration should be given to storage, particularly the kind of storage that displays objects, like shelves. Boys are proud of the things they own &#8211; their trophies, CDs and books, and favorite toys, for example &#8211; and they like to see them standing out in their immediate environment (and you just thought his stuff was scattered everywhere because he&#8217;s lazy). Build into your boy&#8217;s bedroom design ample shelving so he can display his most treasured items prominently.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite hidden storage spaces for boys include chests, creating the mystique of hidden treasure, and drawers beneath their beds, allowing boys easy access to some of their favorite items &#8211; comic books, for example &#8211; without having to leave the comfort of their bed.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One easy way to accomplish all of the aforementioned objectives in one fell swoop is to purchase a custom theme bed that has comfortable seating and ample storage built in. And not only can custom theme beds for boys include display cases, shelves, drawers, closets, and dressers, as well as soft, plush, comfy seating options, but they can also be designed to include a second bed (in the form of bunk beds or stowaway Murphy beds), even a desk of some sort.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for decorating boys rooms walls, you can leave this mostly up to your boy himself. Pick a simple color he likes for the basic background, and then create easy ways for him to hang, remove, and rearrange whatever pictures, posters, banners, pendants, and other hang-able memorabilia that interests him at the time. The freedom to change up the items decorating his walls will give him a real sense of ownership and help fuel his budding creativity.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last of all, don&#8217;t forget a wastebasket. Not that he&#8217;ll use it 100% of the time, but having one will increase the chances that he&#8217;ll keep this room you and he just decorated so nicely, if not clean then at least somewhat tidy.</p>
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		<title>Plants</title>
		<link>http://xpatconnections.com/plants/</link>
		<comments>http://xpatconnections.com/plants/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:29:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Decor Accessories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor plants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plants decor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://xpatconnections.com/?p=58</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Use plenty of greenery and plants of varying sizes and shapes with nice containers to add warmth and texture.

Plants provide a sampling of nature, variety and beauty, and help us to stay connected with the wonder of the natural world. They give a good energy when they are healthy. Choose them when they have a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Use plenty of greenery and plants of varying sizes and shapes with nice containers to add warmth and texture.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><img class="alignright" src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/rd/how-to-provide-correct-lighting-for-indoor-plants0.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="180" /></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="color: #000000;">Plants provide a sampling of nature, variety and beauty, and help us to stay connected with the wonder of the natural world. They give a good energy when they are healthy. Choose them when they have a good appearance and they will transform your room. Choose a nice container that is pleasing to the eye, choose in colors, shapes, and materials that correspond the most to you. A splendid plant in an attractive container gives a good atmosphere to your room.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="color: #000000;">When choosing the right plant for your needs, make sure to match the plant growth habit and light requirement with the location. An optimal location, care that is tailored to the individual requirements of the plant. Improper care weakens plants and makes them vulnerable, prevention is always better than a cure.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="color: #000000;">Plant provide us with the fundamental benefit of cleaning the air around us. Plants are powerful tools for activating the various corner of your home.</span></p>
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		<title>Choosing Outdoor Lighting</title>
		<link>http://xpatconnections.com/choosing-outdoor-lighting/</link>
		<comments>http://xpatconnections.com/choosing-outdoor-lighting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:50:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Decor Accessories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lighting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lighting decor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outdoor lighting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://xpatconnections.com/?p=159</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many good reasons to light your property at night, not the least of which is safety. Beyond safety, though, there are other considerations. Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look of your home after dark. Outdoor lighting has a reputation for being expensive to install and maintain, but it does not have to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many good reasons to light your property at night, not the least of which is safety. Beyond safety, though, there are other considerations. Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look of your home after dark. Outdoor lighting has a reputation for being expensive to install and maintain, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget to install outdoor lighting that makes a statement and turns your home into a nighttime showpiece in your neighborhood.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/moonlight-orbs-outdoor-lighting.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="283" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>Evaluate your resources and power sources. If you keep your lighting close to the house, you can save on installing new power outlets and additional wiring. If you do need to install wiring and outlets, there are do-it-yourself kits that you can install on your own. If you opt to install your own and you&#8217;re not a licensed, experienced electrician, though, do have your work inspected by one before using it. <span id="more-159"></span></p>
<p>On the same note, check with your local code authorities before adding any outdoor power sources to be sure that you adhere to regulations. Nothing turns a cheap job into a huge expense faster than fines for violating local ordinances.</p>
<p>Consider solar powered lights for walkways and paths. Solar powered stake lights are an extremely budget conscious option for path and safety lighting. You can buy them in sets of four or six at your local home and garden store for as little as $30. Installation is as simple as driving a stake into the ground. There are no wires, and no drain on your electric bill. Most are powered with a battery backup for those days when there&#8217;s not enough sun to power the lights.</p>
<p>Consider safety first. Decoration is wonderful, but your first concern should be safety. Use motion sensor lighting to illuminate dark areas on your property without having lights glaring all night long. Do not skimp here &#8211; your safety is vital. Do, however, check with your insurance company. You may get a break on the premiums for making safety improvements.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://quicktricity.com/outdoorlighting/images/outdoor-lighting.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="300" /></p>
<p>The second safety issue is illuminating pathways and steps to avoid falls and injuries. Path and stair lighting can be very decorative and attractive. One inexpensive option for stairway lighting are strips that fit along the edges of the risers. The light is indirect and shines down on each step so you and your visitors can see where you&#8217;re putting your feet.</p>
<p>Less is definitely more when it comes to outdoor lighting. Avoid garish, overbright lights. An additional benefit to using fewer lights is a savings of wattage, and, in turn, expenses; both up front and in long term maintenance.</p>
<p>Backlighting and low lights can add drama to a bland landscape. Choose a feature to highlight and use a single light behind it to cast it in silhouette. If you shine lights through a tree, the overall effect can be truly dramatic.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to be tacky. Twinkling fairy lights may be overdone, but a single strand of tiny white Christmas lights twining a potted patio plant or edging the patio deck can be surprisingly effective.</p>
<p>Turn to unusual sources. For instance, instead of using overhead or spotlighting for your patio or deck, rely on battery or solar operated table lanterns on your patio tables. Light your outdoor space just as you would your indoor space, taking into account ambient light and task lighting. Do not light what doesn&#8217;t need lighting.</p>
<p>Driveway lighting serves two purposes. It should illuminate paths and walkways so that your guests and family can make their way safely from vehicle to house, and it should outline your driveway enough that drivers can navigate it safely. Consider walkway lights along the edges of the driveway, especially if the driveway is edged with stones, bushes or raised flowerbeds.</p>
<p>Providing good outdoor lighting can offer added security as well as extend your outside parties or other activities well into the night. Adding outdoor flood lighting will also enhance the beauty of your home and increase its value. There is a wide selection of decorative outdoor lighting from which to choose. Before beginning your project, consider these valuable tips.</p>
<p>Step1</p>
<p>Contact your local municipality on code requirements and adhere to these closely.</p>
<p>Step2</p>
<p>Call the electric company to arrange for them to mark any areas with underground wiring prior to your dig.</p>
<p>Step3</p>
<p>Purchase lighting fixtures that are comprised of approved properties and made for outdoor usage. Look for the Underwriter&#8217;s Laboratory seal.</p>
<p>Step4</p>
<p>Obtain a ground fault interrupter to stop the current should the hot wire become compromised in any way.</p>
<p>Step5</p>
<p>Disconnect the power source to prevent electrical shock.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://picturethislandscape.com/houston_landscape_design_architecture/landscaping_outdoor_lighting_4.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="293" /></p>
<p>Step6</p>
<p>Ground the cable and lighting fixtures.</p>
<p>Step7</p>
<p>Dig your trench at least 2 feet deep to protect your cable. If there is above ground exposure use a conduit to prevent weather damage. Local codes may require the entire line be protected. Consider key placements for your fixtures and direct them away from the home. Prevent glare by using lower watt bulbs. Test your angles to make sure you are not flooding your neighbors yard or the street with your flood lights.</p>
<p>You can create many other different effects without much investment if you take the time to plan your lighting blueprint as carefully as you do your landscaping. Find interesting features in your landscape and use light to accent them at night. Do keep in mind that light pollution has become a serious consideration when lighting at night. Keep the lights low, and angle them so that they do not disturb neighbors or local wildlife.</p>
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