Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Humble Nail
Looking at antique furniture, we often seek clues for authenticity and age. There are many factors that show true historic construction, but one clue that is often overlooked is the type of nail used to hold the piece together. Nails in antique furniture are often barely noticeable, but they are another key to unlock the history of wooden pieces. The quest for the ideal nail has taken centuries of development. As Churchill noted, "To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often."
The ancient Egyptians and Romans used organic glue for wood furniture, especially with decorative veneer techniques, but like much advanced technology, glue for wood became a lost art after the collapse of Rome in 476 until the Renaissance, around 1400, when glue and veneer techniques reappeared. During the Middle Ages, furniture was held together with pegs, dovetails, mortise and tenon joints and a few nails.
Archaeologists have found hand made bronze nails from as far back as 3000 BC. The Romans made many of their nails from iron, which was harder, but many ancient iron nails have rusted away since. The hand-forged nail changed little until well into the 1700's.
For thousands of years, the traditional hand-forged nail was square and tapered, with a hammered head attached by the blacksmith. One nail at a time was heated and laboriously pounded out to shape with a hammer on an anvil. Nails were fairly valuable, and ruined buildings were often burned and nails were scavenged from the ashes to reuse.
Carpenters still speak of nail sizes by the "penny," abbreviated "d" for the Latin word for penny, denarius. The name refers to the price of nails in England in the 1600's: the price of 100 nails for one penny gave the size: 100 4d (4 penny) nails cost 4 English pennies or pence. One hundred larger 10d (10 penny) nails cost 10 pence.
Most local blacksmiths made nails. Thomas Jefferson, a true Renaissance man, made nails on his plantation. Until the very end of the 1700's, most nails in better furniture had a head that was rose-cut or faceted like an old miner's cut diamond. Some nail heads were "butterfly" shaped, with visible facets where the iron head was hand-hammered, one nail at a time.
The next phase of progress in nails was the appearance of "cut" nails, beginning in the very late 1700's. As plates of flat steel became available, a simple hardened steel knife was used to "cut" one tapered rectangular nail at a time. This new technology was also employed by Jefferson, and the new cut nails had rectangular heads attached by another machine, one nail at a time. This greatly accelerated the manufacture of nails, and these rectangular nails quickly became dominant by the early 1800's. These cut nails are often called "square," but they are really markedly rectangular, as are their heads, and easy to distinguish from the truly square and entirely handmade earlier variety.
Very tiny nails, used especially for trim and moldings, were made with a single cut, resulting in an "L-shaped" nail.
Cut nails continued as the standard until the end of the 1800's, and were used in building construction, ships and furniture. These nails fairly accurately date furniture to the 1900's, although it is worth remembering that sometimes modern nails were added in subsequent repairs.
Machinery was developed to produce cut nails in the 1900's, and they are still used in flooring and concrete applications, where holding power is paramount, and power nailing tools are standard. Machine made cut nails are also made for use in reproduction or hobbyist replica furniture, but they are so perfect and identical that it is usually easy to see that they are new.
In Europe in the 1850's, steel wire was made into tiny nails known as "brads," with only a very small widened head. These continue to be used to attach small moldings and trim.
About 1880 in America and in Europe, the modern wire nail was developed. Machinery was invented to cut pieces of steel wire, sharpen a point at one end, and put a flat round head onto the other end. These nails were much cheaper to produce. Because their sides were straight rather than tapered, they have only a fraction of the holding power of cut nails with tapered sides. Nevertheless, the reduced cost factor made wire nails the standard very quickly. By 1910, wire nails were 90% of the total market. A reasonable date for furniture originally constructed with round wire nails is after 1880.
The simple nail serves as a key to furniture dating. Until about 1800, nails were hand-forged - tapered square shafts and hand-hammered heads. During the 1800's, cut nails have tapered rectangular shafts and rectangular heads. In the 1900's, the round wire nail with straight sides and a round head are the standard. Nails are one of many clues to the age and authenticity of antique furniture and building construction as well.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans used organic glue for wood furniture, especially with decorative veneer techniques, but like much advanced technology, glue for wood became a lost art after the collapse of Rome in 476 until the Renaissance, around 1400, when glue and veneer techniques reappeared. During the Middle Ages, furniture was held together with pegs, dovetails, mortise and tenon joints and a few nails.
Archaeologists have found hand made bronze nails from as far back as 3000 BC. The Romans made many of their nails from iron, which was harder, but many ancient iron nails have rusted away since. The hand-forged nail changed little until well into the 1700's.
For thousands of years, the traditional hand-forged nail was square and tapered, with a hammered head attached by the blacksmith. One nail at a time was heated and laboriously pounded out to shape with a hammer on an anvil. Nails were fairly valuable, and ruined buildings were often burned and nails were scavenged from the ashes to reuse.
Carpenters still speak of nail sizes by the "penny," abbreviated "d" for the Latin word for penny, denarius. The name refers to the price of nails in England in the 1600's: the price of 100 nails for one penny gave the size: 100 4d (4 penny) nails cost 4 English pennies or pence. One hundred larger 10d (10 penny) nails cost 10 pence.
Most local blacksmiths made nails. Thomas Jefferson, a true Renaissance man, made nails on his plantation. Until the very end of the 1700's, most nails in better furniture had a head that was rose-cut or faceted like an old miner's cut diamond. Some nail heads were "butterfly" shaped, with visible facets where the iron head was hand-hammered, one nail at a time.
The next phase of progress in nails was the appearance of "cut" nails, beginning in the very late 1700's. As plates of flat steel became available, a simple hardened steel knife was used to "cut" one tapered rectangular nail at a time. This new technology was also employed by Jefferson, and the new cut nails had rectangular heads attached by another machine, one nail at a time. This greatly accelerated the manufacture of nails, and these rectangular nails quickly became dominant by the early 1800's. These cut nails are often called "square," but they are really markedly rectangular, as are their heads, and easy to distinguish from the truly square and entirely handmade earlier variety.
Very tiny nails, used especially for trim and moldings, were made with a single cut, resulting in an "L-shaped" nail.
Cut nails continued as the standard until the end of the 1800's, and were used in building construction, ships and furniture. These nails fairly accurately date furniture to the 1900's, although it is worth remembering that sometimes modern nails were added in subsequent repairs.
Machinery was developed to produce cut nails in the 1900's, and they are still used in flooring and concrete applications, where holding power is paramount, and power nailing tools are standard. Machine made cut nails are also made for use in reproduction or hobbyist replica furniture, but they are so perfect and identical that it is usually easy to see that they are new.
In Europe in the 1850's, steel wire was made into tiny nails known as "brads," with only a very small widened head. These continue to be used to attach small moldings and trim.
About 1880 in America and in Europe, the modern wire nail was developed. Machinery was invented to cut pieces of steel wire, sharpen a point at one end, and put a flat round head onto the other end. These nails were much cheaper to produce. Because their sides were straight rather than tapered, they have only a fraction of the holding power of cut nails with tapered sides. Nevertheless, the reduced cost factor made wire nails the standard very quickly. By 1910, wire nails were 90% of the total market. A reasonable date for furniture originally constructed with round wire nails is after 1880.
The simple nail serves as a key to furniture dating. Until about 1800, nails were hand-forged - tapered square shafts and hand-hammered heads. During the 1800's, cut nails have tapered rectangular shafts and rectangular heads. In the 1900's, the round wire nail with straight sides and a round head are the standard. Nails are one of many clues to the age and authenticity of antique furniture and building construction as well.
Nail Art designvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
It is true that humans, especially women, always pay attention to beauty. There was always the art of women's clothing or the art of women's hair, but what is new, in the last twenty years, is the development of a new kind of art, nail art. The art of making nails look beautiful, fancy. Today a lot has been done to organize nail art events in order to promote and make it more popular. We see this in many countries.
Nail art is the art of decorating nails with various materials found in the market. It is of Japanese origin, that's why the most famous nail artists are from Japan. It involves filing nails, painting them either in one color or two colored stripes, but also making draws and images on them.
In some cases women like to follow more complicated ways of nail beauty, such as putting chains, buttons and precious metals on the nails. All these require the efforts of fully trained individuals, so that people will not feel pain.
This whole process has the benefit, that serves the woman's need to do something about her appearance. However, at the same time and if the creation is successful, it brings feelings of satisfaction and happiness. These feelings become mutual among women who offer their nails for decoration and nail artists, especially those who do nail art as a full-time job.
People who like to take care of women's nails were very few until recently, but now with the great development of this magnificent art, the number of individuals that get training courses, in many countries of the world, is getting bigger.
Besides the increased popularity of this art, there is also a trend of increased number of relative advertisements. Different materials used for nail decoration and reference to special training schools are shown through TV and other mass media.
For how long nail art will continue to be popular among female population is not certain. Maybe it will be continued for ever, but nobody can tell for sure. Despite weird and not confirmed stories of negative consequences of nail decoration, for the time being, more and more women would like and try to take care of their nails, thinking that this process, is for their own benefit. So it is proper to say that at least for some decades, nail art will still be popular.
No matter how long the popularity of nail art will continue, there have to be even more systematic efforts to educate people, who want to work as nail artists. Thus women will avoid pain and enjoy the results, feeling confident about the beauty of their nails.
Nail art is the art of decorating nails with various materials found in the market. It is of Japanese origin, that's why the most famous nail artists are from Japan. It involves filing nails, painting them either in one color or two colored stripes, but also making draws and images on them.
In some cases women like to follow more complicated ways of nail beauty, such as putting chains, buttons and precious metals on the nails. All these require the efforts of fully trained individuals, so that people will not feel pain.
This whole process has the benefit, that serves the woman's need to do something about her appearance. However, at the same time and if the creation is successful, it brings feelings of satisfaction and happiness. These feelings become mutual among women who offer their nails for decoration and nail artists, especially those who do nail art as a full-time job.
People who like to take care of women's nails were very few until recently, but now with the great development of this magnificent art, the number of individuals that get training courses, in many countries of the world, is getting bigger.
Besides the increased popularity of this art, there is also a trend of increased number of relative advertisements. Different materials used for nail decoration and reference to special training schools are shown through TV and other mass media.
For how long nail art will continue to be popular among female population is not certain. Maybe it will be continued for ever, but nobody can tell for sure. Despite weird and not confirmed stories of negative consequences of nail decoration, for the time being, more and more women would like and try to take care of their nails, thinking that this process, is for their own benefit. So it is proper to say that at least for some decades, nail art will still be popular.
No matter how long the popularity of nail art will continue, there have to be even more systematic efforts to educate people, who want to work as nail artists. Thus women will avoid pain and enjoy the results, feeling confident about the beauty of their nails.
Deep red-2 nail-art
Manicures generally include shaping the nails, cuticle care, hand massage and polishing and giving a glossy finish to the nails. Professionally manicured nails look neat and very attractive. Nail art is an artistic process, which involves special care of the nails. The nails can later be decorated with designs and colors that can range from plain prints and glitter to crystal and abstracts. The nail is the canvas on which people can also use fragile dried flowers or even smiley stickers or diamantes.
A nail stylist uses various techniques in order to attain the preferred effect. Acrylic nails are stuck on the nails in order to extended them. This works best for people who do not have long nails or chipped nails. The nails can then be polished with any color and smoothened to give it a natural look. Nail art is an imaginative process and people can get their nails painted or stick different gems or water based decals.
Hand painted nail art involves painting innovative designs on the nails. Sharp brushes are used in order to paint fine dots. People apply several coats of clear nail polish. After that, they use a toothpick to make stripes or patterns. When the paint is partially dry, people fix hearts or stars on it. Airbrushing involves the use of an air gun that lets out a fine spray. Bridal nail art involves delicate patterns and designs, on a French manicure base.
There are nail art galleries that provide a selection of nail designs to choose from. Sometimes they come with easy to follow directions to aid the readers. Some web sites also offer nail art pictures, which are created by nail stylists and are put up at nail art galleries. People can also search for online sites that display such galleries.
A nail stylist uses various techniques in order to attain the preferred effect. Acrylic nails are stuck on the nails in order to extended them. This works best for people who do not have long nails or chipped nails. The nails can then be polished with any color and smoothened to give it a natural look. Nail art is an imaginative process and people can get their nails painted or stick different gems or water based decals.
Hand painted nail art involves painting innovative designs on the nails. Sharp brushes are used in order to paint fine dots. People apply several coats of clear nail polish. After that, they use a toothpick to make stripes or patterns. When the paint is partially dry, people fix hearts or stars on it. Airbrushing involves the use of an air gun that lets out a fine spray. Bridal nail art involves delicate patterns and designs, on a French manicure base.
There are nail art galleries that provide a selection of nail designs to choose from. Sometimes they come with easy to follow directions to aid the readers. Some web sites also offer nail art pictures, which are created by nail stylists and are put up at nail art galleries. People can also search for online sites that display such galleries.
Crystal sakura-3 -nail-art
Women of all age groups love to be trendy and stylish. Of all the accessories, bags make for an important place in their wardrobe. They prefer carrying bag to different places because it gives them a sense of convenience and ease. Generally, women carry a lot of things with them,, from nail paints, deodorants, tissue papers and other make up items to name a few. For fashion conscious and stylish woman, Swarovski evening bags make for a perfect choice.
Swarovski, a brand name synonymous with luxury, style and elegance, offers a wide variety of bags. Striking the right cord with classic and elegant design and chic sophistication, these stunning bags add glamour to your personality. Beautiful bags embossed with Swarovski crystals in golden yellow and lemon colour catches the fancy of everybody in an evening party.
You can buy these bags from various online stores and Swarovski outlet. You can select from a wide variety of designs, colours, shapes, materials and styles. You can select the one that goes well with your particular outfit or the one that complements with the theme of a party or celebration.
Each evening handbag by Swarovski is an exclusive work of art, ornamented with hand inserted crystals all over the handbag on a solid metal frame along with a tucked link chain, allowing you to use it as a shoulder-bag or simply as a clutch. These luxurious classy accessories cannot be surpassed by vintage bags.
Apart from assuring authenticity, these exquisite evening handbags offer classic elegance that add aura to your personality. Crafted in different shapes and sizes, from ovals, squares and eggs to cats and dogs, these eye catching piece of art are embossed with hundreds of crystals signifying distinction and elegance.
Make sure that the handbag you select have sufficient compartments where you can place all your accessories. Having many compartments in an evening bag gives you an opportunity to arrange all the items neatly without messing them.
Buying these stunning and stylish crystal bags complete your wardrobe. Carrying them to an evening party or celebration brings to you the desired attention. So, buy one not only to add style statement but also to catch the fancy of others.
valentine's day nail art
The movie, What Women Want, depicts Mel Gibson as Nick Marshall, a Chicago advertising executive, who gets a new perspective on life when an accident gives him the ability to read women's minds. Other than being privy to unwanted information, Nick realizes that he can use his newly acquired ability to outwit his boss, Darcy Maguire--played by Helen Hunt. In addition to falling in love with Darcy, Nick learns a coveted lesson about what women really want.
From the sensual to the practical, the popular vote for what women want is as follows:
1. Lingerie
2. Perfume
3. Spa treatments
4. Gift baskets
5. Sweets--especially chocolate
6. Weekend or vacation getaways anywhere relaxing, different or fun
7. Jewelry to include diamond studded trinkets from Tiffany's or a favorite jeweler
8. A luxe or designer bag, coat, outfit, other--LV, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Coach, are examples
9. Most things warm and fluffy e.g. a full-length mink coat with matching accessories
10. A favorite or meaningful something such as a CD, art, cookware, and recipe books or the latest gadget: iPod, PDA, trendy cell phone, etc.
Surprisingly, while acceptable, a house or that "Oh my God!" car for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any other occasion, does not trump being pampered or romanced often. Staple goods and services such as flowers, notes, shopping, and attention (hint guys really big hint) are must haves that meet four basic needs romance, rest, relaxation, and relevance.
ROMANCE
When it comes to ways to really "wow her," aspiring recording artist, Aloyisus Wordsworth has all the elements of the perfect gift for his fiancé. "After we get married, I'd like to shut down the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for 24 hours just for her," Wordsworth comments. In addition to having chefs on hand to cook themed meals throughout the day, a horse drawn carriage, and penthouse reservations at a prominent Atlanta hotel, Wordsworth's idea of romance includes rose petals on the bed, champagne on chill with accompaniments, a Jacuzzi filled with oils, more petals, soft candles, a skyline view of the city, and a full body massage.
With romance at the top of her list as well, newlywed and Atlanta based ABC news trainee, Leah Robinson muse over three things:"A day of holding each other and playing, a specialevening where my husband pays attention to me and we enjoy one another, and buying something he would like to see me wear."
REST & RELAXATION
Randy Love met his wife, Monday through mutual friends 25 years ago in Birmingham, Alabama. Among the things he knows his wife wants is being treated like a lady, respected, romanced, and loved. Love has also learned to allow his wife to "be independent and do her thing." According to Love, giving his wife space when she needs it often equates to having his time with her as well. "You get better quality time when you allow [women] to relax and be themselves," Love says. As a result, he asserts that the right gift for his wife would be "a vacation--'me time' somewhere in the Caribbean like the Virgin Islands. I'd give her two weeks--one week to unwind and the next week to enjoy it," Love advises.
Married for two years and the parents of one daughter, Shawn and Sharon Nelson find it easy to agree on an ultimate gift. The Chula Vista, California residents both list vacation time as a top present. "I like to keep things simple," Shawn says of his ideal plan. In addition to tangible gifts along the way such as jewelry, a spa treatment, and sweets, Shawn says that a "surprise vacation via boat cruise to an exotic island would suffice." Regarding the tangible gifts, Sharon elaborates: "I'd like princess cut diamond-studded earrings in white gold, three meals cooked daily, and a bouquet of flowers or roses." In lieu of a spa treatment, Sharon prefers being spoiled by her husband to include "a personal massage and a week off without working around the house."
Bronx, New York native, Ed Ramirez has a similar take on what to give his favorite lady. His mom, who loves to travel and socialize, would board a private jet at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. With close friends and family in tow, they would arrive at a destination of their choice for an all expenses paid three-day vacation. Upon arrival, ladies would be greeted with a room full of fresh flowers. Manicure and pedicure spa treatments, fine dining, lively entertainment, strolls on white sandy beaches, and shopping excursions would highlight each day's venture.
RELEVANCE
The ideal gift for Romeoville, Illinois resident, Lisa Hardaman must be both sentimental and family oriented. One such gift happened five years ago with the birth of the couple's daughter. Since then, Hardaman's husband Tyrone surprised his bride of 13 years by obtaining the couple's wedding video. At the top of Hardman's wish list? "We are over due for a family portrait. I wanted one before we put [the family dog] down. Now that we have a new addition to the family (the couple recentlygained custody oftheir nephew), I would love to have a formal portrait."
What makes a perfect gift? Director of programs for the Economic Empowerment Initiative, Shaneka Douglas, asserts, "It doesn't hurt to receive diamonds, chocolate, etc. [However] the best gift for me is something that is thoughtful..."Although a gift does not have to be expensive, Douglas says a gift should, "let [her] know [her] man has been listening to [her] all year."
Unafraid to learn through trail and error, Chicago native, Richard Coleman admonishes men to invest in their woman's passion without a motive. "I did and my wife can't keep her hands off me," says the 28 year old.
Writer, Matthew Keegan provides additional insight about gifts for women. "Your gift should illustrate that you put some effort into your attempt. Remember, there is no generic ideal gift for every woman. Each lady in your life is different...you don't want to get something too ordinary or too elaborate, depending of course, on which woman you're shopping for." Keegan also advises that a gift should reflect the seriousness of a relationship as well as the woman's taste and needs. "If you feel that one gift is not enough, don't hesitate to give her a full-fledged package of gifts," he admonishes.
From the sensual to the practical, the popular vote for what women want is as follows:
1. Lingerie
2. Perfume
3. Spa treatments
4. Gift baskets
5. Sweets--especially chocolate
6. Weekend or vacation getaways anywhere relaxing, different or fun
7. Jewelry to include diamond studded trinkets from Tiffany's or a favorite jeweler
8. A luxe or designer bag, coat, outfit, other--LV, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Coach, are examples
9. Most things warm and fluffy e.g. a full-length mink coat with matching accessories
10. A favorite or meaningful something such as a CD, art, cookware, and recipe books or the latest gadget: iPod, PDA, trendy cell phone, etc.
Surprisingly, while acceptable, a house or that "Oh my God!" car for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any other occasion, does not trump being pampered or romanced often. Staple goods and services such as flowers, notes, shopping, and attention (hint guys really big hint) are must haves that meet four basic needs romance, rest, relaxation, and relevance.
ROMANCE
When it comes to ways to really "wow her," aspiring recording artist, Aloyisus Wordsworth has all the elements of the perfect gift for his fiancé. "After we get married, I'd like to shut down the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for 24 hours just for her," Wordsworth comments. In addition to having chefs on hand to cook themed meals throughout the day, a horse drawn carriage, and penthouse reservations at a prominent Atlanta hotel, Wordsworth's idea of romance includes rose petals on the bed, champagne on chill with accompaniments, a Jacuzzi filled with oils, more petals, soft candles, a skyline view of the city, and a full body massage.
With romance at the top of her list as well, newlywed and Atlanta based ABC news trainee, Leah Robinson muse over three things:"A day of holding each other and playing, a specialevening where my husband pays attention to me and we enjoy one another, and buying something he would like to see me wear."
REST & RELAXATION
Randy Love met his wife, Monday through mutual friends 25 years ago in Birmingham, Alabama. Among the things he knows his wife wants is being treated like a lady, respected, romanced, and loved. Love has also learned to allow his wife to "be independent and do her thing." According to Love, giving his wife space when she needs it often equates to having his time with her as well. "You get better quality time when you allow [women] to relax and be themselves," Love says. As a result, he asserts that the right gift for his wife would be "a vacation--'me time' somewhere in the Caribbean like the Virgin Islands. I'd give her two weeks--one week to unwind and the next week to enjoy it," Love advises.
Married for two years and the parents of one daughter, Shawn and Sharon Nelson find it easy to agree on an ultimate gift. The Chula Vista, California residents both list vacation time as a top present. "I like to keep things simple," Shawn says of his ideal plan. In addition to tangible gifts along the way such as jewelry, a spa treatment, and sweets, Shawn says that a "surprise vacation via boat cruise to an exotic island would suffice." Regarding the tangible gifts, Sharon elaborates: "I'd like princess cut diamond-studded earrings in white gold, three meals cooked daily, and a bouquet of flowers or roses." In lieu of a spa treatment, Sharon prefers being spoiled by her husband to include "a personal massage and a week off without working around the house."
Bronx, New York native, Ed Ramirez has a similar take on what to give his favorite lady. His mom, who loves to travel and socialize, would board a private jet at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. With close friends and family in tow, they would arrive at a destination of their choice for an all expenses paid three-day vacation. Upon arrival, ladies would be greeted with a room full of fresh flowers. Manicure and pedicure spa treatments, fine dining, lively entertainment, strolls on white sandy beaches, and shopping excursions would highlight each day's venture.
RELEVANCE
The ideal gift for Romeoville, Illinois resident, Lisa Hardaman must be both sentimental and family oriented. One such gift happened five years ago with the birth of the couple's daughter. Since then, Hardaman's husband Tyrone surprised his bride of 13 years by obtaining the couple's wedding video. At the top of Hardman's wish list? "We are over due for a family portrait. I wanted one before we put [the family dog] down. Now that we have a new addition to the family (the couple recentlygained custody oftheir nephew), I would love to have a formal portrait."
What makes a perfect gift? Director of programs for the Economic Empowerment Initiative, Shaneka Douglas, asserts, "It doesn't hurt to receive diamonds, chocolate, etc. [However] the best gift for me is something that is thoughtful..."Although a gift does not have to be expensive, Douglas says a gift should, "let [her] know [her] man has been listening to [her] all year."
Unafraid to learn through trail and error, Chicago native, Richard Coleman admonishes men to invest in their woman's passion without a motive. "I did and my wife can't keep her hands off me," says the 28 year old.
Writer, Matthew Keegan provides additional insight about gifts for women. "Your gift should illustrate that you put some effort into your attempt. Remember, there is no generic ideal gift for every woman. Each lady in your life is different...you don't want to get something too ordinary or too elaborate, depending of course, on which woman you're shopping for." Keegan also advises that a gift should reflect the seriousness of a relationship as well as the woman's taste and needs. "If you feel that one gift is not enough, don't hesitate to give her a full-fledged package of gifts," he admonishes.
poker and dice nail
If you opt to use a nail fungus home treatment, either a "home remedy" or an over-the-counter remedy from your local pharmacy, there are some things that you must keep in mind for your treatment to work.First, and maybe most importantly, you must understand that the fungus lives underneath your nails, not inside or on your nails. For any nail fungus home treatment to be totally effective, it must attack the fungus from the outside and the inside.
The reason for attacking the fungus under your nail is obvious, but external treatment is also necessary because the skin around your toenail or fingernail is also infected. If you eliminate only the fungus below your nail, the fungus that remains in the surrounding skin will surely spread, eventually causing you to have to start treatment all over again.
Of course, the opposite is also true. If you eliminate only the external infection, the fungus under your nail will continue to reproduce and spread, as well.
The second thing that you must remember when choosing a nail fungus home treatment is the fact that the onychomycosis fungi (that's it's real name!) has a number of different strains. This means that some remedies will work on some strains while being totally ineffective on others. This is especially true with "home remedy" type treatments.
You can check this out for yourself by just reading information readily available online. You'll find some people that say a certain treatment (say...Vick's Vap-O-Rub or white vinegar) completely cured their infection. Others will attest to the fact that these same treatments are worthless.
The fact is, both groups are telling the truth. Most home remedies are effective, but just on some strains of the fungus. Taking this route to finding an effective nail fungus home treatment for you may require you to try several of these home remedies before (possibly) finding one that is effective on the fungus strain that is infecting your toenails or fingernails.
OR...You could hope to just get lucky the first time, but don't count on it.
Finally, always remember that nail fungus is just that...a fungus! All fungi reproduce by producing spores which, like plant seeds, grow into the adult fungus. Remember, too, that these spores (again, like seeds) can lay dormant for long periods of time before "taking root" and beginning to grow.
The point being, just because your nail fungus home treatment appears to be successful doesn't mean that the infection is gone. You must continue the treatments until your are certain that enough time has passed for the spores to die also. Otherwise you may think your problem eliminated only to find a new infection taking root soon after you stop your treatments.
Prescription treatments and most over-the-counter remedies have the treatment duration clearly marked on their label. Be sure to complete the entire regimen before stopping treatment.
If you choose to use a home remedy, continue treatment until you are absolutely positive that it's been long enough to eliminate the spores, then continue treating for another 2 or 3 months. Even then, it'll be like crossing your fingers and rolling the dice.
Pink flower-2 -nail-art
Have you been intimidated by the thought of assembling a flower arrangement but seasoned failure before you even purchased the flowers? Arranging flowers is not that challenging with a small guidance and some good ideas! Displaying your flowers can be fun specially when being creative in stylish but simple ways.
The first thing to start with is finding some fundamental household containers for your fresh cut flowers. Don't be restricted to the typical glass vase but expand the horizons of your creative imagination and just start to look around you. Grandma's old water picture produces a great country look or a sterling silver pitcher for a more conventional look. Simple candle votive holders with a single flower in it at each place setting at your feast, adds a touch of elegance. Old cans and bottles can be rather nostalgic. The ideas are limitless without the cost of buying a vase. Choosing flowers with large heads like lilies, orchids or sunflowers individually put in a container all queued is quite stylish.
Using vintage teapots, tumblers or even old jam jars can build a talking point. Be certain to cut the stems short so the flowerheads skim the top of the container. Jar or glass containers can be put inside baskets for an unique fall look or spring assortment.
If you have a fitting vase but the color is just not right, try wrapping it with ribbon, string or a scarf. This adds a nice visual interest and distracts the eye from the vase. You could even stick the vase inside an ornamental gift bag for that goes with your style or decor.
It is much simpler to coordinate the color of flowers once you've the vase design set. Another great idea, yet simple, is to cover the beyond the vase in double-sided adhesive tape. Then stick large leaves vertically around. Some household leaves look special because of their exotic markings, coloration or glossiness. If you have no leaves, wind plain string or colored in coils around the bottles of jars. Adding beads or shells can add an ethnic look. Satin parcel ribbon or even honeysuckle vines will work against. Go with where your interests lie.
If this is all not simple enough for you or you have had a few disasters in your demonstration, then a lovely way of displaying flowers is to shut down individual flower heads and float them in a low dish of water. Adding small floating candles is very romantic and brings a peace and tranquillity into your arrangement and your house.
Flower arranging is not something you can really fail at if the flowers you like are blended with the people you like. If the arrangement is for your house or elsewhere, enjoy your creation and the time you spent creating it. Stop and smell the flowers is a cliche we have all heard but oh so true! In this fast paced world, take time to take pleasure from the scents, beauty and diversity of flowers.
The first thing to start with is finding some fundamental household containers for your fresh cut flowers. Don't be restricted to the typical glass vase but expand the horizons of your creative imagination and just start to look around you. Grandma's old water picture produces a great country look or a sterling silver pitcher for a more conventional look. Simple candle votive holders with a single flower in it at each place setting at your feast, adds a touch of elegance. Old cans and bottles can be rather nostalgic. The ideas are limitless without the cost of buying a vase. Choosing flowers with large heads like lilies, orchids or sunflowers individually put in a container all queued is quite stylish.
Using vintage teapots, tumblers or even old jam jars can build a talking point. Be certain to cut the stems short so the flowerheads skim the top of the container. Jar or glass containers can be put inside baskets for an unique fall look or spring assortment.
If you have a fitting vase but the color is just not right, try wrapping it with ribbon, string or a scarf. This adds a nice visual interest and distracts the eye from the vase. You could even stick the vase inside an ornamental gift bag for that goes with your style or decor.
It is much simpler to coordinate the color of flowers once you've the vase design set. Another great idea, yet simple, is to cover the beyond the vase in double-sided adhesive tape. Then stick large leaves vertically around. Some household leaves look special because of their exotic markings, coloration or glossiness. If you have no leaves, wind plain string or colored in coils around the bottles of jars. Adding beads or shells can add an ethnic look. Satin parcel ribbon or even honeysuckle vines will work against. Go with where your interests lie.
If this is all not simple enough for you or you have had a few disasters in your demonstration, then a lovely way of displaying flowers is to shut down individual flower heads and float them in a low dish of water. Adding small floating candles is very romantic and brings a peace and tranquillity into your arrangement and your house.
Flower arranging is not something you can really fail at if the flowers you like are blended with the people you like. If the arrangement is for your house or elsewhere, enjoy your creation and the time you spent creating it. Stop and smell the flowers is a cliche we have all heard but oh so true! In this fast paced world, take time to take pleasure from the scents, beauty and diversity of flowers.
Friday, December 10, 2010
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