Step On It

I have a tree growing in the middle of my living room. Somehow, the tree on the area rug in my living room ended up being perfectly centered in the middle of the space. Walk into the room and there it is: the base of the tall, gnarly tree starts at edge of the rug facing the door and branches out, reaching toward the balcony windows. The colors are muted but rich; deep brown tree trunk, burgundy apples and teal leaves on a soft tan background.

When I first moved into the apartment, I entertained the vague hope that I could somehow resurrect the oriental carpet I had inherited from my grandmother. But no such luck: I resigned myself to buying a new one when the backing began to seriously disintegrate. I chose the tree rug because it seemed hopeful, representing growth and change.

If you’re facing a similar predicament, Klaussner Furniture Store can help. Featuring Klaussner Home Furnishings, from bedroom sets to dining tables to living room furniture, you will also find a fine selection of area rugs.

The right area rug, like the Klaussner Furniture The Simple Life Rug, with its soothing earth tone hues, can instantly set the mood and bring harmony to a room’s décor. For something a little more traditional, the Klaussner Furniture Rug has an oriental rug feel. To make maintaining the area carpet easier, Klaussner rugs do not have fringes.

An area rug, no matter if it’s a solid color or has a tree theme, creates a mood and adds character, while making the room warm and inviting.

Growing Popularity of Futons

In the past five years, futons have become more popular largely due to a combination of factors including smaller living spaces, improved designs and the growing trend of furnishing our homes with multifunctional pieces. This once much maligned piece of furniture has fast become a respected member of the furniture community. If a sofa that can be transformed into a bed (or a place to sleep can be changed into a sofa) piques your curiosity, you can browse a great selection of futons at More Futons.

Futons are lighter and more stylish than traditional hide-a-bed type couches. Like the Lifestyle Solutions Casual Convertibles Orlando Convertible Sofa, convertible futons typically come as a complete unit with both frame and mattress. If you are in the habit of having people visit you on a regular basis, you can also put them in more than one room, for example a den and the living room, increasing the available sleeping spaces in your home, with or without the assistance of a guest room.

Manufacturers have responded to the futon’s growing popularity by offering consumers not only improved designs but futons in a range of décor styles, as well. The Strata Furniture Carriage Plantation has a transitional style that is easily adaptable to more formal or traditional décors. But if the vibe in your home is more modern, Innovation USA manufactures some pretty stylish contemporary futons while being super functional at the same time.

In the years since its first tentative North American appearance, technology has greatly improved both the mattress and frame construction of the futon. Part of the bad press coverage futons previously experienced was due to the foam mattress becoming lumpy or hard. But today, several brand name manufacturers of traditional mattresses, like Simmons are producing plush, versatile futons mattresses that make owning a futon very comfortable. Wood futons, like the Elite Products Florenzia Futon Frame include user-friendly hardware that makes converting the futon to a bed almost effortless.

With a growing emphasis on making the most out of our living spaces, it’s no wonder that futons have gained in popularity in recent years.

Kathy Ireland Says Thank You Baby

Last year Thank You Baby teamed up with Kathy Ireland Home to design and manufacture top-of-the-line bedding sets and coordinated accessories for infants and toddlers, with stunning results. The collections are fun, playful and bold, and a couple, like Chocolate Mint and Simply Sorbet, are simply good enough to eat. If you are shopping for your own baby (or for someone else’s), see these delightful products for yourself at Cymax Baby.

From burp clothes to lamp shades and everything in between, Thank You Baby offers a complete line of fine bedding and accessories for any and all tastes and styles. Using beautiful hues of greens and blues, Mr. Pete is as funny and mischievous as he appears. This collection includes a crib set with the basics to help you make crib ready for baby, a diaper stacker and accent pillows. You can also decorate the walls of the nursery with the Kathy Ireland by Thank You Baby Mr. Pete 3 Piece Canvas Art set, which definitively demonstrates Mr. Pete’s sense of humor.

Send your baby on safari with the brightly colored The Adventurer collection. Displaying a funky jungle animal theme, this series also includes different kinds of accent pillows, drapes and crib bedding. Or if dinosaurs are more appealing, consider Dino Dreams, also by Thank You Baby. The Kathy Ireland by Thank You Baby Dino Dreams Mobile is a truly unique creation, featuring four distinctly colorful dinosaurs.

In the Forever Blossoms collection, light and dark pinks with a hint of apple green will create a beautiful garden for your little one in which to sleep and play. Kathy Ireland by Thank You Baby Forever Blossoms Medium Quilt is minky soft, reversible and trimmed in a satin material for that perfect, finishing touch.

Most of the collections, like the Sweetie Carnival Bloom collection, use a select number of different kinds of fabric including stripes and patterns. With a punchy combination of flowers and stripes, the Sweetie Carnival Bloom Valence really pops. Another really great thing about the Thank You Baby collections is that they can grow with your child. Several of the infant collections are also available for youth.

There’s a lot more for you to discover! Explore other bold and beautiful collections by Kathy Ireland Home and Thank You Baby at Cymax Baby.

How to Keep Your Sanity without Really Trying

This past weekend, I attended the fifth birthday party of a friend’s child. When I arrived, he and his wife were a little frazzled, dealing with kids and the stuff they had left lying around: they were having difficulty walking anywhere without crushing toys or stubbing toes. What my friends really needed were some handy kid-friendly storage solutions from Children’s Furniture Select.

It reminded me of a long distance telephone call I had received from my friend Barbara, when her daughter had turned two. The first words I heard after picking up the phone were, “I have a living room floor again!” Her daughter had been given a toy box for her birthday but Barbara felt it was her own personal gift from the gods. Up until then, she didn’t know how she had managed without one.

Inspired by the toy box, which stayed in the living room, Barbara found ways to organize her daughter’s room so that hopefully (this was the theory) kid-related clutter would remain in her child’s room. Clear storage bins, like the KidKraft See-Thru Bin allowed her daughter to see what was stored where. Casters were a must-have feature, so that it could be wheeled into the living room when needed and back out of sight into her daughter’s bedroom after playtime was over.

Barbara has passed her passion for reading onto her children, especially her daughter. Although they hadn’t totally buried her living room floor like the toys had done, books were another source of clutter that needed containing. Resembling the Young America by Stanley Madison Bookcase, she wanted bookcases in her daughter’s room that could be added to when needed.

But her flash of genius became evident when she put two clothes trees, one for each of her children, in the hallway by the door. They still don’t actually hang up their things when they enter the house, but now Barbara doesn’t have to walk as far to the cupboard to put their coats away when they come home.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there was a country called the United Reiterates of Fairy Tales where the characters of fairytales from many worlds and cultures resided in peace and harmony. At the heart of this thriving country’s economy was Cymax Stores, a group of niche markets, where all of the characters did their online shopping, because, no matter what they needed, they could find it on one of the company’s many websites.

The Queen, with the Princess tagging along for something to do, would often be seen at the Public Library, where there was free internet access. Logging onto More Mattresses, she ordered 20 full size box springs and 20 mattresses with a few clicks of the mouse and had them delivered right to her castle. (The pea she took from a big bowl sitting on the kitchen counter in front of the fire when Cook wasn’t looking.)

The family of Three Bears furnished the master bedroom, the guest room and their child’s bedroom at Bedroom Furniture N More, purchasing bedroom sets rather than buying each piece separately, since it was more economical (and Papa Bear really liked that part). Mama Bear appreciated the fact that she could set up a repeat order with Cymax Stores for the KidKraft Avalon Chair in Honey. This meant that every time Goldilocks sat on Baby Bear’s chair, she didn’t have to keep ordering new ones; it was just sent automatically to their quaint little cottage.

Of course, Stepmother bought the now famous mirror from Mirror Source. She actually purchased it long before she married Snow White’s father. It took several days of browsing before she found the Murray Feiss Villa Medici Mirror. But it was worth it; it was so perfect. She had to pay extra for the voice-over that told her she was the fairest one of all. When the mirror changed its mind and named Snow White as the fairest, Stepmother wanted her money back (for the voice-over only; the mirror she wanted to keep).

Like the fair citizens of the United Reiterates of Fairy Tales, you too can find pretty much anything you need for your home, from bedroom furniture (including mirrors) to dining chairs, at Cymax Stores. And everyone lived happily ever after. THE END

Wine Storage with Style

Throughout the history of civilization, wine has been an integral part of all aspects of life, from religious ceremonies to social gatherings. Today, as more and more people discover the joy of tasting and collecting wines from all over the world, they are turning to More Wine Racks for their wine storage needs.

Wine furniture not only adds distinction and visual interest to a room, it also allows you to showcase your collection. Especially if you’re in the habit of entertaining regularly or having people casually drop in, a wine rack can actually enhance the time you spend with family and friends. With a top shelf for glasses, a cork screw and other items that you need to make guests feel welcome, the Winsome Kingston 16-Bottle Wine Cubby is an attractive way to organize a small number of wine bottles.

If you want to add the functionality of a wine rack, but don’t have the space for a freestanding piece of wine furniture, consider the Concept Housewares Wall Mounted Deluxe Glass and Bottle Wine Rack. It utilizes wall rather than floor space, is esthetically pleasing and includes a convenient stemware rack.

On the other hand, if space isn’t an issue, the Howard Miller Vintner Wine and Spirits Console is an elegant wine cabinet with plenty of features that will help you entertain in style. It is decidedly contemporary, its linear lines emphasized by rich, dark finish paired with sleek brushed nickel hardware.

At MoreWineRacks.com, there is a wide selection of both wood and metal wine racks, wine cabinets and other types of wine furniture to choose from. It doesn’t matter if you indulge occasionally or if you are a serious collector, wine furniture selected with both your décor style and lifestyle in mind will greatly enhance your living space, while giving you the perfect place to display your delectable collection.

Chance Favors the Well-Prepared

You may think that the middle of winter is not the best time for thinking about greenhouses. Over at GreenHouseSelect.com there are plenty of reasons why now is actually the best time to get a head-start on this growing season. As they say: chance favors the well-prepared.

Why wait until the growing season is perfect to start your home garden or nursery. You can start the growing season early this year with a SpringHouse from FlowerHouse. These specially made houses are not made for harsh winters, but instead provide a suitable environment for early spring and summer growing. It’s easy to set up, lightweight, and very durable.

If you’re looking for something with more durability for growing all year round even in snowy regions, you will want to go with something like this: This Solexx greenhouse is a full-featured greenhouse built to let you grow when you want. It features a super-strong composite frame, optional thick panels for heavy winters, and twin-walled paneling for insulation and optimal light diffusion.

The FlowerHouse Easy Pop-Up Planthouse is a great alternative if you are just a beginner, or are only interested in protecting a few plants throughout the year. This small, lightweight planthouse pop-up for easy set-up and is very durable, featuring waterproof Gro-Tec™ material.

The best part of planting and growing throughout the whole year is showing off. We have just the thing for that. Designed after the English conservatories, the H Potter Wardian Case is a great way to showcase your hard work.

As you can see, GreenHouseSelect.com has many reasons to think about greenhouses in winter. Why wait? Get started today!

Sit, Don’t Kneel

Okay, I’ll admit it; my place isn’t exactly kid friendly. But it does have a television, a sofa, chairs, other handy pieces of furniture like a coffee table and board games such as Scrabble and Monopoly. So, imagine my surprise when two of my nieces and one nephew (all siblings) came to visit me with their mother (my sister), lugging game chairs with them. Shaking her head when she saw my face, my sister explained the situation to me.

The last two times they had come to visit, her children had had to kneel on the floor (it’s carpeted) when they played their favorite video game while the adults made coffee and chatted in the kitchen. She finally cajoled them into coming by suggesting that they load up the car with their personal game chairs. Cajoled? Weren’t they coming to see their favorite aunt? As my nephew, with his sisters following close behind, made his way into my living room, my sister smiled at my naiveté. Like the X Rocker V-Rocker SE Wireless Game Chair what he sat down on my living room floor resembled something out of a 757 jet cockpit.

When I voiced this opinion out loud, my sister assured that that was nothing. Her son really wanted the Repose E-1000 Entertainment Chair which had a built-in stereo system designed to, when watching movies or playing games, let you experience sound rather than just hear it. It’s also fully contoured, making it really comfortable when gaming for long periods of time. I asked her if she was kidding; my sister assured me that she was not.

My two nieces had managed to find room beside their brother for their own gaming chairs. When my younger niece went into the kitchen for a glass of juice, I promptly sat down in hers. Resembling the X Rocker Video Bag it was really comfortable and reminded me of my youth and the first time I ever sat in a bean bag chair at a party. For a few minutes, I watched my nephew intently blow things up. Then my niece returned and of course my sister had to help me up.

Next visit, I plan remove all of the living room furniture and move in three state-of-the-art Playseats Evolution Game Chairs. That should catch their attention (and make them notice their favorite aunt).

Bedroom Furniture as a Canvas

Do you wake up in the morning from nightmares about your children drawing all over the walls, the floor and the furniture? Why don’t you beat them to the punch? At More Accent Furniture, you will find a collection of bedroom furniture by Powell designed specifically so that your children can draw on it.

LittleMissMatched is a delightful two-part collection that is bright, imaginative and just plain fun. And yes, you read the above correctly – they can draw a picture, scribble a note to themselves or write a poem on the side of a dresser! The pieces in the LittleMissMatched SKETCHoRAMA series are finished on all sides and surfaces with a gloss white Dry-erase material so that your children can be as create as they want to be without you panicking. It can be easily cleaned as many times as it needs to be.

As the name indicates, the LittleMissMatched SKETCHoRAMA collection also includes a number of colored, patterned and clear panels, which allows your child to personalize their space and change it as often as they want. Perfect for you too, because, like the Powell LittleMissMatched™ SketchoRama Youth Bookcase Bedroom Complete Set so clearly demonstrates, it incorporates some handy storage options including under-bed storage and a bookcase headboard with a built-in clothes hamper on one side and a cupboard on the other.

The second part of this entertaining collection is the Powell LittleMissMatched™ SwitchaRoo series. You can’t write on the Powell LittleMissMatched™ SwitchaRoo Youth 9-Drawer Triple Dresser but you or your child can arrange the interchangeable drawer panels as they so desire. They are flippable; all polka dots one day; a mix-and-match of solids and stripes the next.

The LittleMissMatched™ SwitchaRoo series has comparable pieces to the LittleMissMatched SKETCHoRAMA collection, including a desk, desk chair, dressers and nightstand. It also has a couple of really cool pieces that are not a part of the SKETCHoRAMA series, like the Powell LittleMissMatched™ SwitchaRoo Youth Round Rotating Twin Size Headboard.

The LittleMissMatched collection will stretch their imaginations and inspire young girls to do great things. And if they just happen to draw something that looks like a Picasso, remember to take a picture of it first before you wipe it off.

The Secret Life of Nesting Tables

The nesting tables were shipped to me from my hometown, along with some other items I claimed, after my father sold the house my sister and I grew up in. I wanted these particular items because each one I had chosen reminded me in some way of my mother and represented to me the comfortable home she created and recreated throughout the years.

I also chose the nested tables because, after working at Cymax Stores combined with living in an apartment, the value of multipurpose or multifunctional furniture pieces has become clearly evident to me. The three tables, of varying heights, sit one underneath the other and can be used as a single unit or separated and used as accent tables or end tables. The handy thing about these tables is that, when entertaining, they can be moved around the room to accommodate those not sitting next to a surface upon which they can put a drink or a plate.

The wood nesting tables resided for a good portion of their lives in the living room of my childhood home. Even though they had been moved about the room from one place to another over the years, I don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t pass by them on my way to somewhere else. I have walked passed them so many times, even if they weren’t in my possession, I could describe them to you by heart. They have bowed fronts with routed edges, fluted legs, arrow feet and a fluted, three-sided stretcher. How then could I not notice that the feet of the two smaller tables never touched the ground?

Perfect size for a telephone table, ever since they arrived at my apartment, they stand against the wall next to the big armchair. The top nesting table holds the phone, a funny pen holder and a small basket of assorted note pads collected over the years from stocking stuffers and promotional handouts. But one evening I came home from work late, and because a favorite TV show of mine was about to start, I broke my own rule and ate dinner in front of the television. I grabbed one of the nested tables, placed it in front of the couch, put a placemat on it and sat down to dinner. After I had eaten, I cleared everything away. That’s when the trouble started.

When I tried to put the table back, it had me totally stumped. Like the Powell Brown Cherry Two Piece Nested Accent Tables, I thought it would simply slide in underneath the two other tables. But it didn’t. Something seemed to stop it from slipping back into place. Sometime later, I finally figured it out. Working on the theory that something was blocking the way, I removed the middle nesting table and turned it upside only to find grooves on the inside edges. The nesting tables should be slotted not slid into place. Hence the reason for the legs of the two smaller tables floating above, rather than resting on, the floor.

I experienced a weird sensation. I sat on the floor, just staring; these tables had been so much a fabric of my life, they were now revealing something new to me, after all these years? The more I stared, the more I appreciated the simple elegance of the design of these nest tables. All three tables can be lifted up and moved as one without any slewing around or unnecessary juggling. Ingenious! I returned to the couch and what was left of my show.

But all the time, I wondered what other secrets my mother’s nesting tables were keeping from me.

Shadow Seen

Another year and another string of failed publicity efforts for Val Marie Vern, as malcontent a prairie dog as you’ll find in the Saskatchewan flatlands just north of the Montana border. “Discrimination I tell you,” he lamented to his wife who disinterestedly nodded without taking her eyes of the tube. “If I were a groundhog we’d be swimming in renown by now.” “I can see my shadow as well as any other rodent,” he thought to himself, “and yet Puxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie get all the glory.”

He sulked over to his den and brought his laptop out of hibernation. Destination? ChandelierSelect.com. He wasn’t ready to pack in his campaign for a Western Canadian version of the legendary events that occur every February 2^nd in Puxsutawney, Pennsylvania and Wiarton, Ontario, but another long year lay ahead before his promotional efforts began anew.

When you live in a burrow, it matters little whether it’s day or night. There’s no opening the blinds or parting the curtains to add some natural light to the place. It’s dark, always dark, and the decrepit white orb that hung precariously from his dining room ceiling was bringing him down. When every meal of every day consists of the same fare – leaves, grass roots, seeds mixed with grasshoppers and other insects – the whole experience loses its appeal somewhat over time. Vern came to decide his dining area was in need of a pick me up to mitigate the monotony of it all.

Vern knew to defer to the missus’ decor sensibilities, and beckoned Violet over to the den. It was nearly impossible to pry her away from Oprah at this time of the day, or any other talk show for that matter. Credit where it was due, Violet was quickly drawn to a number of attractive and competitively-priced ceiling fixtures.

Many of the AF Lighting Chandeliers glowed with old world grandeur and charm, perfect for reflecting them as the gentile Prairie Dogs they considered themselves to be. After all, it certainly couldn’t be considered a hallmark of common folk to serve beetle sautéed in wheat grass and garnished with elderberries. The AF Lighting Morning Dew One Light Chandelier struck her as especially appealing with its depth of design and unbeatable price.

As participatory as he was, Vern couldn’t stop fuming; What makes groundhogs so special? We’re both rodents and the average Joe couldn’t tell us apart if he tried! Is my shadow inferior somehow? What the heck does a Prairie Dog have to do to get some recognition and respect around here? Maybe I should hire a publicist this year ...

“Vern! Are you listening?!”

He was jerked back into the here and now by Violet’s anxious bark. She was asking his opinion on a number of Murray Feiss Chandeliers that blended classic design themes with a more modern take, suitable for impressing their uppity neighbors the Gatherlords. You think Prairie Dogs don’t need to keep up with Jones’ as well? The Murray Feiss Gatsy 4-Light Chandelier really caught his eye.

The selection of ELK Lighting chandeliers was so large that perusing it took the remainder of the afternoon. Night fell, and Vern yet again began to dwell on the coming morning in much the same way he had for the past week. He’d seen his shadow each and every daybreak as well, just the same as Phil and Willie had. Difference was, a Prairie Dog’s shadow just doesn’t carry the same weight. “It’s just not fair” Vern grumbled as Violet turned out their bedside lamp. She sighed tiresomely as she rolled over.

“Give it up, honey”.

When a House Becomes a Home

A house is just a building until it’s transformed by a child’s laughter, a shout of joy in response to good news or a sigh of relief when a loved one walks through the door after being caught in a storm. But the furnishings we choose for our homes are also part of this transformation, enhancing our quality of life by creating a sanctuary that we can share with one another, both family and friends. Distinction Leather designs leather living room furniture with this transformation from a house into a home in mind.

The ideal starting point for any living room is of course the sofa. Well-designed, with softly rounded lines, the Distinction Leather Skirted Sofa has a casual, contemporary style that is warm and inviting. The plush cushion back is the perfect backdrop for curling up with a book or kicking back to watch a favorite TV program.

For those of you more traditional at heart, Distinction Leather has sofas for you, too. Sophisticated yet comfortable, the Distinction Leather Tufted Chesterfield Short Sofa includes classic decorative accents such as brass stud detailing and hardwood bun feet. Most of the manufacturer’s leather sofas are part of collections like the Distinction Leather Chelshire 4 Piece Leather Living Room Set.

If somewhere in the middle is more your style, the transitional Distinction Leather Brooke Chair will be the ideal choice for setting the tone of your décor. It has classic club-style rolled leather arms and an oversized wing cushion back. Like the other members of the Distinction Leather family, this club chair comes in a wide selection of leather color and wood finish choices.

No matter what the style, from contemporary to traditional, Distinction Leather, a family business, starts with quality materials and designs with today’s lifestyle in mind. The company’s product lines include leather sectionals and recliners. There’s a little something for unexpected guests, too, to make them feel at home. The Distinction Leather Regis Sleeper Sofa has clean, comfortable lines that are only enhanced by its genuine leather upholstery.

When decorating your living space, browse the fine selection of furnishings by Distinction Leather at Every Sofa to find those perfect furniture pieces that will make your home a welcoming place to be.

Be Right With You

From doctor’s offices to car rental centers, the words “please have a seat” typically follow guests being greeted at the reception desk. Whether the wait is two minutes or 20, it is genuinely in your best interest to see to it that your clients, customers or associates are well accommodated during this time. With an assortment of Safco office products from Cymax Stores you can easily and affordably furnish your waiting area in a manner that reflects the professionalism of the office and one that will make guests comfortable during the wait.

Sturdy, simple stylish and featuring a generously cushioned seat and back, Safco Cava Sled Base Guest Chairs are an ideal starting point for this aim. The Cava also boasts durable and stain-resistant fabric upholstery in a selection of color finishes. The more modern office may be better complemented by the sleek and contour molded Safco Apprentice II Guest Chair with its distinctive cantilever base.

The Safco Workspace Urbane Guest Arm Chair will mesh seamlessly with a modern contemporary decor with its hardwood framing, rounded back and distinctive integrated slope arms. Those with a more diversified clientele base may wish to ensure comfortable seating for individuals of varying sizes with a number of Safco Uber Big and Tall Guest Chairs with the same quality upholstered and cushioned seat but weight rated to 500 lbs.

Providing guests with reading material is a tested and true accommodation measure for any office. Rather than have magazines and / or newspapers strewn across the occasional table, offer them to guests with the attractive style and presentation of a Safco 5 or 10-Pocket Black Leather Look Magazine Rack that can be easily wall mounted. For those inclined to a little more flair, consider a pair of Safco 3-Pocket Wave Magazine Racks for a little pizzazz in your waiting area.

The right waiting area is part of creating an understanding of customer / client care in your workplace. Comfortable seating and a means of engaging themselves while biding their time are necessities for these valued individuals, and making them feel genuinely welcome is a gesture you cannot go wrong with no matter what business you’re in.

Do keep in mind the fact that you need a waiting area is indicative of the extent to which your business is thriving. Accordingly, you are well-advised to embrace its design and furnishing in imagining every individual is entering your office for the first time, and adhering to the all-too-true belief that you never have a second chance to make a first impression.

Should You Go Backless?

Nothing else quite shows your personal taste like leather barstools Regardless of the décor style, leather barstools bring a sophisticated look and feel to any kitchen island, breakfast bar, family room or den. The trick to attaining the appearance and functionality that best suits your lifestyle is to determine the purpose of the barstool and the overall form or profile you want your barstools to have.

When selecting barstools or counter stools, many people associate comfort with backrests. But others are loyal supporters of the backless barstool. Both backless stools and bar stools with backs have their own unique advantages. At Leather Barstool Select, you will find a number of both types of stylish leather bar or counter stools to choose from.

Since there is more barstool to look at, leather stools with backs can appear more impressive. Typically, the backrest of a barstool is where many of the stool’s defining decorative details can be found. Especially in the case of leather barstools where the seat back is made of wood, metal or a combination of both, the contrast between the leather upholstery and the backrest can be striking, adding texture to your décor while creating visual interest. The Hillsdale Lilly 30 Inch Wood Bar Stool is an excellent example of how leather and wood combine with stunning effect.

Aside from added comfort, another advantage of choosing leather barstools with a back is they are safer if children will be using them on a regular basis, since the backrest can help to prevent them from tipping backwards. Leather upholstery for a bar stool or counter stool might be the last type of material you would choose when buying stools for a family with children. However, you might want to reconsider. Leather is extremely resilient. A high quality leather barstool is durable and fairly easy to maintain, and it doesn’t necessarily have to cost much more than its faux leather counterpart.

At first glance, there might appear to be fewer reasons for opting for a backless leather barstool. But there are several advantages to consider, particularly when purchasing leather stools for rooms or counters where space is an issue. Backless leather barstools tend to take up less floor space than ones with backs. They are also lighter and easier to move around if and when you need additional seating in any of the other rooms of your home. Sitting down on a backless leather bar stool or counter stool is simpler.

The main advantage of backless stools, however, is esthetics. Because the profile of the barstool is unimpeded by the backrest, a backless leather barstool like the Hillsdale Backless Montello 30 Inch Swivel Leather Bar Stool is an excellent choice for high traffic areas, since the stools can be pushed underneath the counter or gathering table without hiding or obstructing their esthetic qualities.

Take a look at our great selection of leather barstools at Leather Barstool Select and you’re sure to find the ones that will perfectly fit your taste and style.

Easy to Shop For

Most of us have, at some point or another, been told by a family member or significant other whether or not we are easy to shop for. This assessment is typically given around Christmas or one’s birthday, and if finding a gift for you doesn’t require much thought or effort you will be given this distinction.

Young children are the only demographic group as a whole that can have the “easy to shop for” tag attached to the lot of them. This is even more true when you consider the array of children’s products at www.childrensfurnitureselect.com. Don’t be too quick to assume that simply means toy after toy for the little ones. Although toys are a big part of the ease in finding enthusiastically-received kids’ gifts, playfully themed children’s fixtures are an equally safe bet much of the time.

As you might imagine, I’m a big proponent of planting the bookworm seed at as young an age as possible. Your little guy might beam upon receiving a Levels of Discovery Firefighter Revolving Bookcase with its fire-hydrant theme, and if so you may want to consider adding any one or all of the Levels of Discovery Firefighter Collection.

Enjoy these years, as before you know it you’ll be in a record store grossly mispronouncing the name of some obscure indie band. They don’t remain easy to shop for for very long.

Reveling in all that is dainty is very much a rite in the life of all young girls. While it’s not as simple as being drawn to anything pink or frilly, it does make it somewhat easier for parents and extended family or friends to choose a suitable gift for the little princess. To that end, do consider any of the Levels of Discovery Always a Princess Collection of suitably charming bedroom fixtures for your little lady before her tastes to switch to all manner of paraphernalia related to painfully androgynous-looking boy bands.

Don’t let your token adherence to conventional wisdom deceive you as to whether members of your family are easy to shop for. That you buy a tie for your father’s b-day every year doesn’t mean he’s just that, and the same goes for buying oven mitts for your mom the every 3-4 years it takes for the last pair to perish. I freely admit to being one for which the lack of intuition and creativity when it comes to occasion shopping makes easy-giftees out of some who perhaps shouldn’t be.

For example, if your little girl has amassed quite the doll collection over the years, why not veer wide left and surprise her with a Levels of Discovery Best of Buds Mirrored Storage Seat in her bedroom. She can admire herself in the full-length mirror and the storage seat means she can keep Barbie and Ken as immaculately proportioned and blemish free as the good lord intended them.

That young children are indeed so easy to shop for is a blessing that certainly does not last. While it’s here, be sure to enjoy it and make it equally easy on your hectic schedule with the convenience of shopping online at Cymax Stores.

Online Shopping Safety

The internet has changed our lives in so many profound ways. One of the ways it has, has been with shopping. Whether you are looking for clothes, electronics, cars, household goods, or whatever it is that tickles your fancy, you can find an online retailer that sells it. And don't think for a second that online shopping is just a fad. According to statistics released by StatsCan in November 2008, online shopping propensity has actually increased to $12.8 B in 2007, up 62% from two years earlier.

More and more people are opting to shop from home. The benefits are pretty clear: more convenient, less time consuming, less stressful as there are no line-ups or parking issues, no travel costs are involved, etc. But even with those benefits, some still prefer to go out to their favorite mall or shop. And there are several reasons for that. Some like going out because it can be considered an activity, some like it because of the touch and feel aspect involved in traditional shopping.

But for some, a simple distrust for online shopping is still holding them back. Many people still feel unsafe about using their credit cards online. Some people think they won't be getting what they paid for or for anything at all. Yes, as the number of credible and reliable online stores increases, so too are the scammers looking to make a quick buck. But how can you prevent internet thievery? Perhaps one of the best ways to do this would be to familiarize yourself with some of the qualities of a good online store.

Most credible online stores can usually be identified and separated from the shady ones usually from pure aesthetics. However, you can't simply rely on what looks good, because many more internet thieves nowadays are getting better at web and graphic designs. So what else can you look for?

One of the first things you should look for is for contact information. Make sure there is a dedicated customer service line you can contact so as to ensure you aren't working with a faceless company. Another thing to look out for is a standard return policy. Most credible online retailers will give you the opportunity to return your item for a full refund as long as certain requirements are made (depending on the retailer, of course). If a store you are planning on buying from doesn’t have a standard return policy, then it's best to stay away.

Other important information to look out for includes the terms and conditions. This information describes what you are agreeing to, and what the retailer is offering you. The terms and conditions may also include other types of information such as privacy policies, shipping info, and security assurances.

On the note of security, not all retailers will have the exact services, but it definitely makes things clearer of who's legit versus those who aren't, if they are partnered with McAfee Secure or Thawte. Both these companies ensure the security of online retailers across the World Wide Web. Also search for credibility from third party sources as well such as the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or Internet Retailer (if they are included in Internet Retailer's Top 500 List, you can almost guarantee the site is perfectly safe and legit).

Finally, look for other payment options other than using your credit cards. Companies like Google (Google Checkout), Paypal, and BillMeLater only agree to work with retailers who are 100% trustworthy and meet all statutory requirements. For added assurance that you are working with a safe online store, try searching the site for customer testimonials as well (past customers who have left positive feedback about their experiences with the retailer).

A good example of an online retailer who meets all of the above is Cymax Stores. Cymax was founded in 2004, selling TV stands and other home theater furniture. They have since increased their product breadth to include bedroom, living room, dining room, and office furniture, as well as other small household products. Since its inception over 4 years ago, Cymax has seen growth in the online retail business of over 100% year after year. The navigation of their 100+ niche market sites is very user-friendly, and as noted, they cover all of the grounds covered above.

So next time you want to go shopping, but it's too cold to go outside, or you don’t want to spend money of gasoline, try your hand at shopping online. Online shopping is growing in popularity at break-neck speed and can be quite convenient most of the times. And with this information on hand, you'll be able to know how to differentiate the contenders from the pretenders, and make a successful, safe and secure online purchase.

Where In the World Are They Going To Sleep?

I live on the West coast. So, when family members or friends phone out of the blue to announce they’re coming to visit, I consider it an acceptable penance for living in an apartment with an ocean view complete with mountains outlined in the distance. Of course I’ll be glad to see them, but the minute I put down the phone, that nagging little question pops into my head: “Where is everyone going to sleep?” Fortunately, More Bedroom Furniture can offer some convenient answers to that pesky question.

If you’re like me and already own furniture, none of which is dual purpose, preparing for guests can be problematic. One neat solution is the Linon Verona Folding Bed. Unlike some fold-away cots, it’s not just the frame; it comes as one unit with a thick mattress included.

When in the market for a new couch, consider purchasing a futon. Over the years, the futon has slowly shed its image as the bed of choice for money-strapped students in dorms all over the world. Today, it has become a trendy must-have piece of furniture, especially for apartment and condo dwellers in the market for multifunctional furnishings that save space. The LifeStyle Solutions Aruba Casual Convertible Upholstered Sofa easily converts from a sofa to a recliner and/or a bed, perfect for guests (expected or unexpected).

They tend to be heavier than a futon, but sofa beds or convertible sleeper sofas offer similar options when you are looking to increase the number of sleeping spaces in your home. Unlike the futon however, the bed is built into the sofa. The mattress pulls out when needed as a bed and can be folded back into the body of couch when it’s no longer needed. Tastefully designed, the Van Gogh Designs Courtney Sofa Bed is a perfect example of just how savvy sofa beds can be.

The daybed is a viable solution when prepping your home for visitors. Essentially a bed, a standard daybed resembles a couch and has a back and two arms. However, it does not convert into a couch, but rather can be used as one. A daybed with an attached drawer-style trundle unit, the Hillsdale Brookland Leather Daybed with Pull-out Trundle provides two sleeping options for the price of one.

Freestanding trundle units are another great way to make room for guests. They are available in a number of types, depending on the manufacturer. The pop-up trundle can be conveniently collapsed and stored underneath a bed when not in use. Another under bed option is the South Shore Furniture Prairie Trundle Bed, which can be slid out from under any sized bed as needed.

Just because you don’t have a second bedroom for guests, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make them comfortable when they come for a visit. With so many options to choose from, adding a futon, daybed or convertible sleeper sofa from More Bedroom Furniture is the perfect way to welcome them.

Love Fixtures

The token bounty of chocolates and flowers suffices during the early years of a relationship, but for those of you who tied the knot many years there may be a need to up the ante a bit. There’s no room of your home, save the living room perhaps, that reflects the permanence of your settling down like the bedroom. The rickety futon and upturned box-as-a-nightstand days of your bachelor youth are a long distant memory, though it’s almost certain you wouldn’t wish to revisit them even if you could.

This year, give some thought to showing her your continued devotion with something less delectable or perishable. It’s also quite likely you’ve showered her with a bevy of jewelry over the years, so maybe this year adding a jewelry armoire from www.jewelryarmoireselect.com to your private space will be an equally tasteful and practical choice this Valentine’s Day. Vertically-oriented, they are in line with space concerns and yet still offer a wealth of storage options for a woman’s accessories.

The armoire itself grew out of a wish to have stored garments concealed in a time before closets or any other in-wall cabinet design. The jewelry armoire likely came to be proposed after the opulence of the Elizabethan era led women to have more trinkets and baubles than could reasonably be retained in their expansive vanities.

Whatever the reason, it’s interesting to note that the jewelry armoire is one bedroom fixture that has not evolved to take on more contemporary or modern themes. At least not to a noteworthy extent. Nearly to a one they feature classic carved legs and molded and/or scalloped details like those of the Powell Jewelry Armoire in Heirloom Cherry, one that retains the charms of French colonial life for the bedrooms of today.

The Powell Natural Cherry Jewelry Armoire has something of a vintage cosmopolitan vibe to it, but truthfully that’s about as updated a jewelry armoire as you’ll find. This stoic resiliency to change may play a part in their appeal, as some women feel that making such a classically sophisticated console part of their morning routine adds a certain whimsical charm to it.

The Powell Jewelry Armoire in Merlot is representative of the style most popular today. It offers more quiet trademarks of old-world sophistication with a toned-down transitional nature and a dark merlot finish to make it stylistically suitable for most bedrooms. Both the Heirloom Cherry and Merlot feature side-door cabinets with necklace hooks and a flip-top lid compartment with vanity mirror and 4 ring rolls.

A year passes in no time at all, think back to how you felt on New Year’s Day if you’ve lost track of that already. Valentine’s days come and go, and no one is suggesting you can’t return to the obligatory chocolate/roses/jewelry fare some time in the future. This year, however, throw her a curveball with a gift that will have the appeal of posterity and one she can revel in as she goes through her pre-day or evening routine.