Waiting for the bus, green action, green bus (ha ha) and it actually runs on gas. I wish you all a happy DP theme day with not too much of a queuing.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Living in between the lines...
For decades, the woods and fields of Southwestern Michigan and Northwestern Indiana, with their close proximity to Lake Michigan, have offered Chicagoans weekend reprieves from urban intensity – and a short travel distance. To gain a sense of rural privacy, the owners were looking to experience pastoral views of nature and foliage, more than lake views, in searching for their vacation property. They were fortunate to find the land that fit their aesthetic aspirations and wanted a home that would similarly match their concepts for living.
The cottage was designed with a simple structure, a horizontal wood rain screen of cedar to privatize the entry sequence on the North, and a wall of operable glass on the South. The open plan of the kitchen, dining, living area and porch as one room intensifies the views to meadow and woods to the South and maximizes the solar gain in the winter. Radiant heat in the ground concrete floors is enhanced by passive solar gain, and runs throughout the three-bedroom cottage. The arrangement of the rooms and glass are to maximize views of the outdoor environment, while providing the most energy efficient operation. A fireplace is positioned in the front hallway that divides the bedrooms from the living area, and a custom sofa bench built in to the wall across from it creates a traditional fireplace inglenook.
Brininstool-Lynch.com
The cottage was designed with a simple structure, a horizontal wood rain screen of cedar to privatize the entry sequence on the North, and a wall of operable glass on the South. The open plan of the kitchen, dining, living area and porch as one room intensifies the views to meadow and woods to the South and maximizes the solar gain in the winter. Radiant heat in the ground concrete floors is enhanced by passive solar gain, and runs throughout the three-bedroom cottage. The arrangement of the rooms and glass are to maximize views of the outdoor environment, while providing the most energy efficient operation. A fireplace is positioned in the front hallway that divides the bedrooms from the living area, and a custom sofa bench built in to the wall across from it creates a traditional fireplace inglenook.
Brininstool-Lynch.com
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunset at Stronda
Fashion Trends
Look Stylish With the Latest Fashion Trends
By Connor R Sullivan
By Connor R Sullivan
Everyone wants to stay up to date in terms of what they wear. The society these days is very conscious about fashion trends and wants to stay ahead of the competition. Fashion keeps on changing but what matters is keeping up with the current trend. Currently, there are many styles which people are after and these include military outfits such as military t-shirt. Military t-shirts are really popular with those going out hiking, camping and fishing and is a must have for fashionable males and females of 2009. These days, fashion goes with the different occasions. There are different trends for every occasion such as shopping, parties, weddings, outing and so on. Here, let us look fashion trends for men and women for 2009.
Every man these days wants to be a style icon, but with the economic crisis, the trends have returned to basic and classic styles. The denim trend is continuing and since it is cheap and durable, men are going for jeans with washes being expanded and tints being more highlighted. Also fashionable are leather jackets which go with their skinny jeans. Sport shirts which are brightly striped and are stiff collared go well with worked jeans as well. For the colder season, men usually go easy and they can even do with a finely tailored coat that can be matched with any type of jeans or casual pants.
The most fashionable color for 2009 is yellow as yellow represents optimism, hope and a new beginning. During summer and spring, the most worn are clothing with exotic prints and large polka dots. Women look sexy and sleek during hot seasons with their lean silhouettes. Dresses never go out of fashion and for this year, the style is one shouldered dresses. Floral dresses suit women of all ages and sizes and this is the reason they are still continuing with the fashion. Satin and silk fabrics are a craze for spring as women are reloading their womanhood with full length skirts. Ruffled tops gives skinny girls fuller looks, adding volume to the body and is a must have for the thinners of 2009.
When winter approaches, it is again time for women to update their wardrobes. This is the season when women tend to wear clothes in layers and go with excessive accessories such as scarves, shawls, hats, socks, ponchos and so on. The most popular styles of jackets for 2009 are blazers and cropped jackets which go with leather pants or skinny jeans. Fur coats in colors of browns, blacks and grays are in style and look great with ankle high boots.
There are numerous designers who keep on releasing their styles throughout the year. It can be quite difficult at times to keep up with the different styles that are being introduced. However, if you have to keep up with the latest fashion, you need to consider buying clothes and accessories depending on your height and size. Styles keep on changing all year round and sometimes keep on repeating.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Mink Coats
Why Blackglam Mink Coats Are Considered The Best Fur Coats Available
By Gregg Hall
By Gregg Hall
Blackglama, this is a name which embodies a sense of comfort, elegance, and undeniable style. Blackglama fur coats live up to these associations and more, as they are considered, and have been for a long while, to be one of the world's finest natural fur coats. Blackglamas are considered an American Legend, and have a history of glamour which would make anyone proud to be associated with, and part of.
Minks are considered the most commercially valued animal with fur, because the quality of the fur is so explicit. Combined with the fact that they offer a variety of different colors, which vary from dark brown to white and include patches of diverse colors on the stomach, throat, and back, it is needless to say that mink furs are preferred by many. The company of Blackglama agrees.
Prior to manufacture, each fur coat is inspected by experts. They do this to ensure that the coats which Blackglama produces are of the finest quality. Blackglama has a reputation for being one of the best in the world of fashion, and they must continue to live up to that reputation as they have for some time now.
The mink furs are so meticulously examined, that every quality of it is examined. Every quality from the texture, density, length, resilience, to the leather which is found beneath the fur (called pelts). Blackglama manufacturers consider the leather to be one of the most important facts when choosing mink furs. Thus, when purchasing a Blackglama, you are purchasing the best of both fur and leather.
The pelts are tested for flexibility, lightness, and a variety of different things. Blackglama's reputation includes not only finding and using the best fur, but also use pelts with flawless leather. With such a built-up, strong reputation, it is a little surprising that Blackglama has continued to live up to its name for many years, and are still going strong. They understand that it takes high quality materials to make a high quality product.
Blackglama not only provides its consumers with great quality, but pairs this great quality with attractiveness. They are considered to be a very attractive type of coat, because as they are well-known for their selection of superior colors. The coats chosen have a color which portrays both richness and complexity. As is probably obvious, Blacklama fur coats are quite difficult to imitate.
Blackglama makers know, and have known what qualities they need to have to be considered a high-quality coat. They have achieved and surpassed the art of producing a fur coat, only to deliver what is considered to be the most attractive, the softest, and the most resilient fur coat your money can buy.
Wholesale Women's Clothing
Making Profit With Wholesale Women's Clothing For Your Online Wholesale Dropship Business
By Peter J. Johnsons
By Peter J. Johnsons
A wholesale drop shipper is heavily relied upon by its retail partner. This is because they are the supplier of products that retailers and vendors sell. They too are the ones responsible to get those products to their customers on time and in good condition. So finding the right wholesale drop shipper is a must in the e-commerce industry. Because without them, a retailers online wholesale drop ship business will not prosper.
So the best advice that anyone can give you is do your research about a wholesale drop shipper before you deal with any of them. Find that reliable, dependable and legitimate supplier so that you will not regret your decision to have your own online business. But before you can do this, you must decide what products to sell in the first place. After all, you can only know which wholesale supplier you will need if you know the products you will be selling.
There are many plausible products out there that you can choose to sell. The range is very wide considering the number of wholesale drop shippers out there ready to accommodate every retailers and vendors. But what niche is really doing well in this industry? Well, online and offline, the women's clothing forte is always doing good business. Although we see a lot of reports that we are experiencing a global crisis, it really has not stopped the women's clothing market to boom. Still, many people particularly women are still into buying a lot of clothes. They dress with the trends and when a fashion style ends and a new one begins so will women's buying sense. So doing an online business to accommodate such needs will be highly profitable for that entrepreneur.
Once your product is decided, make your research about that prospective wholesale drop ship supplier. Do not be conned into thinking that all suppliers are good suppliers. There are a lot of them that are not and some are scam artist so be forewarned about them. If you see an offer that is too good to be true, it probably is. Just be familiar with the usual benefits that drop shippers offer. Their products are cheap, they store your merchandise, they deliver your products directly to your customers and they take care of the packaging as well. Other benefits can be thrown in as a come on by them but make sure to read the fine prints at the bottom of the contract so that you know what you are getting yourself into when you sign.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Harajuku Fashion
Harajuku Fashion Style
By Marsudi Suwarnaadi
By Marsudi Suwarnaadi
Japan is not only famous for its automotive and electronic that has already spread all over the world market, but it is also famous for its lifestyle which is extreme and seduce the youngsters' desire. This culture is called Harajuku Fashion.
Harajuku refers to the area in the middle of Tokyo, exactly around Harajuku Station, in Sibuya District, Tokyo. In the beginning of 1990s, it is an important area that connects Tokyo to other surrounding districts. 1n 1906, The station was opened as an expansion of Yamanote railway. Several years later there were various kind of department stores around the place that led to the existence of fashion centers. This area became famous all over Japan after having been broadcast through some fashion magazine like Anan and non-no. That time, some girls groups were recognized wandering around Harajuku area. Their fashion imitated the style of fashion models in the Anan and Non-no magazine. Until now, group of youngsters wearing extreme styles can be seen in this area. Harajuku becomes icon of fashion style rebellion in Japan.
In Tokyo, most officers generally wear dark coats, dark trousers, white shirts, dark ties, dark suitcases, their hair was well combed, and they walk fast because they do not want to waste time. Students wear uniform determined by school authority. But in Harajuku, there is a rebellion of fashion. The youngsters refuse to wear neat and tidy clothes. Their desire to be creative is expressed through extreme, glamorous fashion and hair style. Not only extreme hair style they perform, but also extreme hair color like green, purple, red, blue, golden blond, silver, pink, and ash.
The contrast performance between color, design, motif, size, and the kind of clothes is the specialty of this fashion style. Harajuku style is divided into several types. Sometimes the style is adapted to the beautiful doll from Japan with white pale skin and nice dressing like the doll displayed in the window. This style is called Lolita. There is also a style called Cosplay (costume play). This style imitates the character of a hero or bandit in Japanese cartoon movies. Those styles are mostly adopted and promoted by J-Rock (Japanese Rock bands). The asymmetrical hair with loud color is one of their hair style. The asymmetrical hair is the hair that is cut unevenly. For example, one part is long but other part is short. Or the length on the left and right side are different.
In America, the Harajuku fashion style is getting more famous after a singer from America, Gwen Stefani, created a song that carried the theme of Harajuku fashion entitled 'Harajuku Girls'. In promoting her song, Gwen seemed employing some dancers wearing Harajuku fashion in some of his concert all over the world. The fashion style becomes more famous in many countries. And it may spread to your country.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Japanese Clothes
Japanese Clothes Could be the Solution to Body Odour
By Jonna Dagliden
Have you started to think about what to buy for your nearest and dearest this Christmas? Ever had friends with body odour, and never had the urge to tell them? Well, soon there will be a solution to both problems, and good bye to the stressful Christmas season. Japanese manufacturers are focusing on developing fibres from naturally-occurring chemicals obtained from plants and animals. They are increasingly focusing on developing fibres and textiles for personal well-being, hygiene and comfort.
Osaka-based Omikenshi has developed a number of health-promoting viscose fibres. One of these is its Sundia branded fibre which has special deodorizing properties. The deodorizing effect is activated simply by exposing the fibre to sunlight for five hours. Fabrics made from Sundia also have antibacterial properties and help to protect the wearer from UV radiation. The company also offers Crabyon branded viscose fibres which are coated with chitin made from crab shells. Crabyon fibres are designed to provide protection from germs.
Another unusual development from Omikenshi is its Kishu Binchotan fibre. This is made from a composite of viscose and charcoal derived from oven-baked oak. The charcoal particles generate negative ions, which are said to create a sense of well-being, to absorb odours and humidity, and to aid blood circulation by releasing far-infrared radiation.
In a further innovation, Omikenshi has developed viscose fibres which contain the health-giving compound squalene - a substance derived from shark's liver. Following extensive studies, it has been found that squalene plays a key role in maintaining health.
Daiwabo, another Osaka-based company, has developed a new deodorant fibre called Deometafi. The fibre is able to neutralize a wide range of odours - including unpleasant odours generated by the human body. In order to achieve these properties, Daiwabo has created artificial enzymes which are able to form ionic bonds with fibres.
Health, safety and environmental concerns, are also a driving force behind a number of Japanese fibre innovations. Three companies -Asahi Kasei, Teijin and Toyobo - have developed polyester cushioning materials to compete with polyurethane (PU) foam in public transport seating and household furniture. PU foam suffers from the drawback that it is difficult to recycle. Also, it generates toxic by-products when it burns. The new polyester materials overcome these drawbacks.
This must be too good to be true. Just wrap up the present and you'll soon have a body odour-free life, and at the same time, all Christmas wishes could come true, not to mention, yours!
By Jonna Dagliden
Have you started to think about what to buy for your nearest and dearest this Christmas? Ever had friends with body odour, and never had the urge to tell them? Well, soon there will be a solution to both problems, and good bye to the stressful Christmas season. Japanese manufacturers are focusing on developing fibres from naturally-occurring chemicals obtained from plants and animals. They are increasingly focusing on developing fibres and textiles for personal well-being, hygiene and comfort.
Osaka-based Omikenshi has developed a number of health-promoting viscose fibres. One of these is its Sundia branded fibre which has special deodorizing properties. The deodorizing effect is activated simply by exposing the fibre to sunlight for five hours. Fabrics made from Sundia also have antibacterial properties and help to protect the wearer from UV radiation. The company also offers Crabyon branded viscose fibres which are coated with chitin made from crab shells. Crabyon fibres are designed to provide protection from germs.
Another unusual development from Omikenshi is its Kishu Binchotan fibre. This is made from a composite of viscose and charcoal derived from oven-baked oak. The charcoal particles generate negative ions, which are said to create a sense of well-being, to absorb odours and humidity, and to aid blood circulation by releasing far-infrared radiation.
In a further innovation, Omikenshi has developed viscose fibres which contain the health-giving compound squalene - a substance derived from shark's liver. Following extensive studies, it has been found that squalene plays a key role in maintaining health.
Daiwabo, another Osaka-based company, has developed a new deodorant fibre called Deometafi. The fibre is able to neutralize a wide range of odours - including unpleasant odours generated by the human body. In order to achieve these properties, Daiwabo has created artificial enzymes which are able to form ionic bonds with fibres.
Health, safety and environmental concerns, are also a driving force behind a number of Japanese fibre innovations. Three companies -Asahi Kasei, Teijin and Toyobo - have developed polyester cushioning materials to compete with polyurethane (PU) foam in public transport seating and household furniture. PU foam suffers from the drawback that it is difficult to recycle. Also, it generates toxic by-products when it burns. The new polyester materials overcome these drawbacks.
This must be too good to be true. Just wrap up the present and you'll soon have a body odour-free life, and at the same time, all Christmas wishes could come true, not to mention, yours!
Japanese Clothing
History and Clothing in Ancient Japan
By Christopher Schwebius
Japanese history includes alternating periods of isolation and revolutionary influences from the rest of the world. As early as the Jomon period from about 14000BC to 300 BC, Japan had a hunter-gatherer lifestyle; wooden stilt houses, pit dwelling, and agriculture. Weaving was still unknown and the ancient Japanese clothing consisted of fur. However, some of the world's oldest pottery is found in Japan, along with daggers, jade, combs made form shell and clay figures.
The period thereafter to 250 BC saw the influx of new practices like weaving, rice sowing, iron and bronze making influenced by china and Korea. Chinese travelers describe the men 'with braided hair, tattooing and women with large, single-piece clothing.' Initially ancient Japanese clothing consisted of single piece clothing. The ancient and classical Japan begins from the middle of the 3rd century to 710. An advanced agricultural and militaristic culture defines this period. By 645, Japan rapidly adopted Chinese practices and reorganized its penal code.
The peak period of ancient Japan and its imperial court is from 794 to 1185. Art, poetry, literature and trade expeditions continued with vigor. Warlords and powerful regional families ruled ancient Japan from 1185 to 1333 and the emperor was just a figure head. By the Japanese Middle Ages, Portugal had introduced firearms by a chance landing of their ship at Japanese coast; samurai charging ranks were cut down; trade with Netherlands, England and Spain had opened up new avenues. Several missionaries had entered Japan as well.
Distinct features of the lifestyle, ancient Japanese clothing and women is difficult to decipher for the simple reason that it is super-imposed by the Chinese culture. Ancient Japan readily adopted other cultures and practices and most of its own culture is lost among these adaptations.
Ancient Japanese clothing was mostly unisex, with differences being in colors, length and sleeves. A Kimono tied with an Obi or a sash around the waist was the general clothing and with the advent of western clothing are now mostly worn at home or special occasions. Women's obi in ancient Japanese clothing would mostly be elaborate and decorative. Some would be as long as 4meters and tied as a flower or a butterfly. Though a Yukata means a 'bath clothing', these were often worn in the summers as morning and evening gowns. Ancient Japanese clothing consisted of mena and women wearing Haori or narrow paneled jacket for special occasions such as marriages and feasts. These are worn over a kimono and tied with strings at the breast level.
The most interesting piece of ancient Japanese clothing is the ju-ni-hitoe or the 'twelve layers' adorned by ladies at the imperial court. It is multi-layered and very heavy and worn on a daily basis for centuries! The only change would be the thickness of the fabric and the number of layers depending on the season. Princesses still wear these on weddings.
Since the Japanese people don't wear footwear inside their homes, tabi is still worn. These are split -toe socks woven out of non-stretch materials with thick soles. Clogs have been worn for centuries in ancient Japan and were known as Geta. These were made of wood with two straps and were unisexual. Zori was footwear made of softer materials like straw and fabric with a flat sole.
Ancient Japanese clothes, culture and footwear are slowly regaining their popularity with the western world. There is an honest curiosity in knowing more, wearing kimonos or using silk fabrics with beautiful floral prints from the 'land of the rising sun'.
By Christopher Schwebius
Japanese history includes alternating periods of isolation and revolutionary influences from the rest of the world. As early as the Jomon period from about 14000BC to 300 BC, Japan had a hunter-gatherer lifestyle; wooden stilt houses, pit dwelling, and agriculture. Weaving was still unknown and the ancient Japanese clothing consisted of fur. However, some of the world's oldest pottery is found in Japan, along with daggers, jade, combs made form shell and clay figures.
The period thereafter to 250 BC saw the influx of new practices like weaving, rice sowing, iron and bronze making influenced by china and Korea. Chinese travelers describe the men 'with braided hair, tattooing and women with large, single-piece clothing.' Initially ancient Japanese clothing consisted of single piece clothing. The ancient and classical Japan begins from the middle of the 3rd century to 710. An advanced agricultural and militaristic culture defines this period. By 645, Japan rapidly adopted Chinese practices and reorganized its penal code.
The peak period of ancient Japan and its imperial court is from 794 to 1185. Art, poetry, literature and trade expeditions continued with vigor. Warlords and powerful regional families ruled ancient Japan from 1185 to 1333 and the emperor was just a figure head. By the Japanese Middle Ages, Portugal had introduced firearms by a chance landing of their ship at Japanese coast; samurai charging ranks were cut down; trade with Netherlands, England and Spain had opened up new avenues. Several missionaries had entered Japan as well.
Distinct features of the lifestyle, ancient Japanese clothing and women is difficult to decipher for the simple reason that it is super-imposed by the Chinese culture. Ancient Japan readily adopted other cultures and practices and most of its own culture is lost among these adaptations.
Ancient Japanese clothing was mostly unisex, with differences being in colors, length and sleeves. A Kimono tied with an Obi or a sash around the waist was the general clothing and with the advent of western clothing are now mostly worn at home or special occasions. Women's obi in ancient Japanese clothing would mostly be elaborate and decorative. Some would be as long as 4meters and tied as a flower or a butterfly. Though a Yukata means a 'bath clothing', these were often worn in the summers as morning and evening gowns. Ancient Japanese clothing consisted of mena and women wearing Haori or narrow paneled jacket for special occasions such as marriages and feasts. These are worn over a kimono and tied with strings at the breast level.
The most interesting piece of ancient Japanese clothing is the ju-ni-hitoe or the 'twelve layers' adorned by ladies at the imperial court. It is multi-layered and very heavy and worn on a daily basis for centuries! The only change would be the thickness of the fabric and the number of layers depending on the season. Princesses still wear these on weddings.
Since the Japanese people don't wear footwear inside their homes, tabi is still worn. These are split -toe socks woven out of non-stretch materials with thick soles. Clogs have been worn for centuries in ancient Japan and were known as Geta. These were made of wood with two straps and were unisexual. Zori was footwear made of softer materials like straw and fabric with a flat sole.
Ancient Japanese clothes, culture and footwear are slowly regaining their popularity with the western world. There is an honest curiosity in knowing more, wearing kimonos or using silk fabrics with beautiful floral prints from the 'land of the rising sun'.
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