Monday, August 07, 2006

Bean Bags Versus Traditional Sofas

By Claire Calkin

Why bean bags chairs are better than traditional furniture When you are looking for new furniture for your home and not ready to commit yourself to an entire lounge suit, or maybe you are trying to find something to brighten up a living room or child’s room, don’t always dismiss what may be right in front of you. For whatever reason you are buying furniture, you should consider the prospect of bean bag chairs over contemporary furniture. A bean bag chair, if you haven’t heard of them before, are a large cushion like shape filled with polystyrene beads or beans.

The history of the “beans”

They were first invented by workers who use to throw polystyrene off cuts into bags at the end of a work line. A Company that expanded on this idea later developed this in 1969. They brought a pear shaped leather bag called a Socco, this idea didn’t work so after alterations on the name and design it became a smash all over the world. Now, bean bag chairs are finally back in fashion as the latest craze in home decor. Brought back from the 1970s’ as a comfy option for indoor seating and have come back in style just in time to give you peace of mind when buying furniture. With such a variety of options to suit your home, you can now choose your favorite colors, sizes, fabrics and styles. Best of all, they are made with strong, UV protected, water resistant fabric, so you can take them outside with you whether to the boat or by the swimming pool.

Bean Bags vs. Traditional furniture

With most traditional furniture you couldn’t dream of sliding them outside to lounge by the pool (if you are strong enough to), as some lounge suites can run up to thousands of dollars and you wouldn’t dare think of ruining the beautiful lounge leather. A convenient and easy way to take a comfortable and lightweight chair is to make a bean bag chair your new best friend. They will help you relax and are especially great for easing back or neck pain. Think of it as your own personal masseuse.

Health benefits of the bean bag

They are a healthy investment and comparatively cheaper than a lounge suite too, as they are ideal for pregnant women as they provide a comfortable and supportive seating. They are also great for students, parents, children, pregnant women and sufferers of back conditions. Students can use beanbags as a lightweight seating in a dorm room and are so inexpensive that it doesn’t matter if they spilt a mess on them, as they are relatively easy to clean. Choose any sport and you will find a beanbag that is shaped in your favorite ball or animal. Great for kids as they provide a soft place for your children to site while watching TV, reading or playing a video game.

Things you need to know about bean bags

As great as they are, there is also a safety issue to be address when using bean bags in your home. If you do decide to by yourself or someone else a bean bag chair make sure you remove the pull tag once the bag is filled with polystyrene beans. This is done to prevent a choking hazard for children. A liner that slides between the bag cover and the beans can also be purchased as an extra child hazard prevention. Once you have you bean bag and have filled it with beans, it is finally the best part: the experience itself. The best way to approach a bean bag is to back yourself into one, sit down, let the bag support your body and shape to you then sit back, relax and enjoy!

Claire Calkin operates several websites offering advice to people on decorating and enhancing their homes.

http://www.custombeanbags.com

Bean Bag Chairs - Best Guide to Bags

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Calkin

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Current Style in Handbags

By Morgan Ross

Bags are a very important accessory of a woman's attire in any season. Handbag designs keep getting better and more innovative every season. Interesting trends emerge and this year is no different.

BAG IT: Bags this current season are expected to have a lot of stitch details. Huge and oversized handbags are the hottest item this season. But remember to keep it small for the evening. The trend this season will veer towards accessories on the handbag, like plaited handles, plaited areas etc.

It may include that extra strap which buckles down or even the edges of the handbag having leather thongs wrapped around them. Some other trends may include tassels and studs and even possibly padlocks and frills on the bag.

Interesting accessories are expected in the handbag this season. These may include key rings and metal buckles. Pockets in the bag, leather appliqués and charms that dangle are likely to be part of the current handbag style scene.

Crystal beads, gold tone studs and even leather bows may add that extra special. It is likely that decorative trimmings on the bags will be extremely popular. Another trend may be to have headscarves threaded through the eyelets of the bag. Even a gold chain may be slotted to create a special look. The trend in handles may include chains in the leather or they may be made exclusively of chain.

STYLES GALORE: Printed bags are very much in vogue and so is the new deeper taller bag shape and deep tote styles. The material of the bag may be leather or suede, which may appear as washed out and faded. It may be tie-dyed or frilled or even tool impressed.

The handbag with a slouch is also set to make an impact this season. Hardware on bags is very much “in”, as is ironmongery. It is the large, oversized slouch bag, which will round off the fashion look whispering.

WATCH THE HARDWARE: Hardware on bags is a definite attraction this season. Bags are likely to have a row of studs or they may have extra leather, trimmed with metal over the bag’s body. Chain handles on bags are likely to be very popular. White bags are set to make a strong impression.

Another likely trend is the bag with the metallic finish that has metallic tones making it shimmer and glisten.

THINK SLIM: The trend is towards the shape of bags growing taller, sleeker, and cleaner. There is no lumpy untidiness of excessive bulky outside pockets on every available surface, although the size maybe big.

Here are some unique designs in purse and handbags, which can be, expected this year and which are sure to catch on.

USE THE CLOTH: Cloth purses are very casual fashion items but they are very popular. The strongest trend this year is likely to be colourful fabrics and unique patterns. Bold colors and striking contrast are likely to be “in”. Also very fashionable is the practical reversible cloth purse. The purse can be literally turned inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern. This allows you to have two purses for the price of one.

PUT A NAME TO IT: Monogrammed handbags never go out of style. The present styles are likely to be monogrammed handbags in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes and styles.

An expected upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. The preferred material for such handbags is soft leather, because it is durable and very stylish. Apart from that, sling handbags are very comfortable to carry. They form the perfect accessory whether the outing is a casual one or a business one.

Monogrammed tote bags are also very much in fashion. They are the most perfect, casual fashion accessories. Monogrammed tote bags serve a variety of purposes, whether at the beach, or at a picnic, even at school. The best material for tote bags is soft cotton canvas and this is likely to be the trend this year too.

DOGGIE BAG: Dog purses are gaining popularity. With almost everyone loving dogs the fashion is veering towards handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous pouch. Dog purses and handbags are also a great gift idea for anyone who loves their beloved hound. Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag.

If you don’t like dogs, you can have your own photo, or the photo of that someone special in your life, printed onto your purse or handbag, Photo purses or handbags are ultra-cool and make a special fashion statement.

CLUTCH THAT BAG: Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they’re the perfect size to carry all those little necessities. The trend for clutch purses and clutch handbags is likely to be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.

If you follow the above trends you can be sure that you will be never out of sync with your handbag this season. You will be very much a part of the “in” crowd.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Nike And Discount Golf Gear - Nike Golf Bags

By Mike Singh

If you are in need of a good golf bag to house your new clubs, why not take a look at discount Nike golf bags? By taking the time to look over the wonderful lineup of quality bags that Nike has to offer, you can be sure that you are getting an excellent product from a sports company that you can trust.

Albeit the fact that many of the Nike brand golf products can be somewhat expensive, there are in fact many great deals out there that will allow you to save money and still be at the top of the pack. It is clear that Nike has a mission when it comes to its products; this mission is to ensure that athletes have the best product available. When Nike entered the golf fray they came out strong, offering a full roster of solid well designed clubs, balls, and attire.

Founded in 1971 by university of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman, Nike was originally developed offer his athletes a solid sports shoe that gives the athlete what they need to win. Coming into 2006 Nike has now been deemed one of the most innovative products for golfers on the PGA tour. It has been 35 years in the making, and Nike golf bags are one of the finest golf accessories available today.

There are many way to find a great discount Nike golf bag, you could look on the Internet, or even go to one of the used sports goods stores. Many of the golf shops do indeed have discounted Nike equipment, including great golf bags. This is generally due to new high end products that hit the market, where it allows them to make these fine golf bags available to the public for a lower cost.

Buying a discount Nike golf bag is a great way to compliment your clubs; these bags offer the golfer the chance to have a great product at a more than reasonable price.


Best Guide to Bags

Nike And Discount Golf Gear - Nike Golf Bags

If you are in need of a good golf bag to house your new clubs, why not take a look at discount Nike golf bags? By taking the time to look over the wonderful lineup of quality bags that Nike has to offer, you can be sure that you are getting an excellent product from a sports company that you can trust.

Albeit the fact that many of the Nike brand golf products can be somewhat expensive, there are in fact many great deals out there that will allow you to save money and still be at the top of the pack. It is clear that Nike has a mission when it comes to its products; this mission is to ensure that athletes have the best product available. When Nike entered the golf fray they came out strong, offering a full roster of solid well designed clubs, balls, and attire.

Founded in 1971 by university of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman, Nike was originally developed offer his athletes a solid sports shoe that gives the athlete what they need to win. Coming into 2006 Nike has now been deemed one of the most innovative products for golfers on the PGA tour. It has been 35 years in the making, and Nike golf bags are one of the finest golf accessories available today.

There are many way to find a great discount Nike golf bag, you could look on the Internet, or even go to one of the used sports goods stores. Many of the golf shops do indeed have discounted Nike equipment, including great golf bags. This is generally due to new high end products that hit the market, where it allows them to make these fine golf bags available to the public for a lower cost.

Buying a discount Nike golf bag is a great way to compliment your clubs; these bags offer the golfer the chance to have a great product at a more than reasonable price.


Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Shopping For Diaper Bags by Angela Pruder

When the little one arrives, diaper bags are a must. This can be anything from a bag specifically designed for this purpose to an oversized shoulder bag with a lot of extra compartments. The truth is that there is no universal rule for diaper bags and how they should look. In fact, they can be very stylish and even affordable.

When shopping for diaper bags, you may sometimes end up paying more for a bag just because of it's intended purpose. The truth is that you can often find a bag, with just as much possibility, for a lot less money if you know what to look for.

What are diaper bags? Basically, these are bags that you take with you that include baby items, such as diapers, powders, baby wipes and a change of clothes for the little one incase of an accident. Just because you are sporting a bag full of diapers doesn't mean that you cannot do it with style. Shopping for diaper bags can be as easy as either visiting the infant section of a local retail or online store, but it can also be as simple as a stroll through the purse aisle.

Consider purchasing a large leather shoulder bag with internal compartments and lots of space. One thing that all diaper bags must have in common, regardless of their design, is a snap or zip closure. This will help to prevent the baby's things from accidentally falling out or rolling away if the bag slips off of your shoulder. And, this can happen, especially when your priority is holding onto a squirming baby and you aren't paying attention to much else. The main thing is to keep your child in your arms at all cost and if that means dropping a few diaper bags, then it helps to have a secured closure so that the contents of the bag will stay safe.

You can find diaper bags, or purses that can be used for that purpose, at any one of the many online stores carrying purses. You can often find a terrific sale on popular designs, which makes the deal even sweeter. One of the important considerations when shopping for diaper bags is their comfort. You will be spending a lot of time toting this bag, so you want and need for it to be comfortable. It should be large enough to hold all of the necessary items, but without being overly bulky or awkward.

About the Author

Want to learn more about diaper bags? Make sure you visit our site at: http://www.diaperbagreview.info for access to additional diaper bags tips and information.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Lingerie bags

DSN Retailing Today, March 27, 2006 by Kelly Nolan
Consumers can shop at a variety of places, from mass market to specialty retailers, to make sure that their latest hosiery purchase stays wearable as long as possible. Victoria's Secret sells a bubble-shaped delicates wash bag with a cotton knit mesh exterior and foam lining for $10. Bed Bath & Beyond has reconfigured its bag into a round cylinder design to accommodate more pieces. It rings in at $4.99.
Other retailers add a little something extra for consumers. For example, JCPenney sells its lingerie bags in pairs. The retailer packages both a medium and large bag together for $15. Nordstrom sells an exclusive hosiery wash with its mesh delicates bag for $10. The company also has a two-compartment intimates wash bag for $11.50.
Colors and fabrications of the bags do not tend to vary. All lingerie bags come in white and in a mesh fabric. Mesh bags are water penetrable, but still sturdy enough to protect hosiery and other intimates from further damage in the washing machine.
Methods of opening and closing bags do differ, however. Nordstrom's bag has a drawstring closure, while bags from JCPenney and Victoria's Secret both have washer-safe zippers.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group

Thursday, June 15, 2006

What are the best shopping bags

You may have found the latest assistance in relation to shopping bags. When you're seeking better advice about shopping bags, you'll find it's complex separating value packed information from poorly sourced shopping bags submissions and support so it is wise to recognize how to judge the information you are offered. Plasticase: Plastic CasesProvides carrying solutions to businesses in need of packaging cases, equipment cases, and demo cases. Ideal for carrying samples, tools, and papers.Here's several tips which we really think you should use when you're seeking information about shopping bags. Please understand that the advice we give is only relevant to internet information about shopping bags. We don't really offer any assistance or guidance for researching in 'real world' situations. myShopAngel.com: Promotional Bags & CasesSpecializes in promotional products, advertising specialties, corporate gifts and tradeshow giveaways. Tote bags, laptop bags, and leather bags.A really good piece of advice you can follow when offered information or advice on a shopping bags web is to verify the ownership of the website. This may reveal the operators shopping bags integrity The easiest way to reveal who owns the shopping bags web site is to look on the 'about' page or the sites 'contact' page. Any reputable site providing information about shopping bags, will nearly always have a 'contact', or an 'about', page which will list the people behind the site. The fine points should detail some advice about the owner's necessary expertise. You can then decide for yourself about the vendor's insight and appreciation, to offer assistance with shopping bags.
About the Authorhugh campbell is the webmaster for http://www.shopping-bags-1st.info Source: ArticleTrader.com

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Fabric Holiday Bags

Fabric Holiday Bagsby: Joyce Moseley Pierce - 641 wordsAs my children were growing up, it always bothered meto buy wrapping paper only to see it ripped open andthrown in the fireplace or trash after Christmas gifts were opened. I tried using comics but soon discovered I didn't like the black newsprint it left on my hands andeveryone else's. For me, gift wrap was right up therewith fireworks - we spent good money only to see itgo up in smoke. I began to look for a solution.I bought craft paper and stenciled things on it, butstill, I felt the paper was going to waste. Then oneyear after Christmas I saw holiday fabric on sale andhad an idea! I bought yard after yard of it on clearance and brought it home to make gift bags.I cut the fabric in various sizes. Sometimes I onlygot 2-3 bags out of a yard, but I knew that they wouldbe able to hold the bigger items, and better yet - I wouldbe able to reuse them next year. I basically cut and sewed them like a pillowcase. I sewed a seam up three sides and left the top open. Then I turned that edge in slightlyand stitched it on the machine to finish it off. Then I folded it in about 3 inches (or more on bigger bags)and hemmed it. I then put another row of stitchingabout a half inch above that one to create a casingfor the ribbon. I slipped a piece of ribbon through thecasing and tied it shut. If you have nosey kids, youmay want to tie a knot!Once the gifts are stuffed in the fabricbags and poofed up with tissue paper, stand them up around the tree and enjoy your creative artwork! They looklike miniature Santa bags. The best thing, besidesthe fact that in the long run you are saving moneyby not buying wrapping paper, is that you don't spendhours wrapping the gifts and don't need scotch tapeor bows. One satin ribbon will last the lifetime ofthe bag. I still use gift tags and punch a hole in them sothey can be run through the ribbon. You might save old Christmas cards and cut them up for gift tags.At first my kids hated it - I guess they liked thesound of the ripping paper and the big mess it created.As years went by, I was determined to make this work, andfeel I have now succeeded. I continue to buy fabricoccasionally because my family has grown and now includesin-laws and grandchildren. I make the bags big enoughthat I can insert a shirt box, or whatever size Imay be using. Sometimes I just wrap the item with a lotof tissue paper and then stuff it in the fabric bag.Tissue paper allows people to hear the crunching ofpaper and seems to satisfy the need for noise! Tissuepaper is also reusable for the same purpose next year. Just fold it up and put it away with the bags. All of the bags can be folded and stuffed inside the largest bag. You can save space, time, and money.If you have wrapping paper left over from last year (somepeople unwrap gifts and save the paper) try running itthrough a shredder to use as stuffing for your bags. The fuller the bags, the cuter they look under the tree.Use whatever fabric catches your eye or whatever is onsale. I like the red and green holiday fabric, but I've since incorporated some blue and gold into the group. Even plain muslin or pillow ticking can look good if you spice it up with fancy ribbon. Be creative.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joyce is a freelance writer and owner of Emerson Publications.She is the creator of "All They'll Need to Know," a workbook to help families record personal and financial information.http://www.emersonpublications.com/pages/843554/index.htmShe is also the editor of The Family First Newsletter, an ezine for families with young children. To subscribe: http://www.emersonpublications.com/pages/848640/index.htm