Email: query-25ao@helpareporter.net

Media Outlet: Magazine

Deadline: 7:00 PM PST – 17 May

Query:

Do you have a stylish, modern or unique office space? We are
looking to profile offices and the businesses behind them. We
need offices that truly stand out or have a great design
aesthetic. Please email a sample photo, link to your website,
and what is unique or stylish about the office you work in, or
own. Small offices, cubicles, desk setups, closet offices,
live/work and Home offices also welcome. Email:
assistant@theofficestylist.com Please do not reply directly to
this HARO, use the above email.

www.TheOfficeStylist.com www.SortingWithStyle.com

Music has been proven to bring a lot more benefits to a child’s life than just the ability to mouth the words to the latest Nicki Minaj or Taylor Swift chart-topper. It can expose them to different rhythms, sound combinations, and even cultures. And it has been shown to improve concentration and make students more productive when they study. So whether it’s time for your toddler to move out of the crib and into a big-kid bed or your tween is finally ready to ditch the ballet or pony motif that has dominated her bedroom and replace it with something “cool” and age-appropriate, it may be time to make over your child’s room. And whatever the age, you can find ways to incorporate music into the theme of the room.Here are just a few tips to rock the casbah with a musical motif.

The first thing you’ll probably want to include is an array of musical instruments. Young kids will have fun with simple items like bongos, maracas, tambourines, and penny whistles. And you may even throw in a small keyboard for them to fool around with as a way to become familiar with the concept of a more complex piece. As they get older they may become interested in woodwinds, brass, strings, or any manner of instruments. Many music stores offer rentals, so your child may want to try several types of instruments before settling on one (or a family of instruments). And of course, teens will likely be keen to try their hand at electric iterations of their faves (like guitar and piano). Singing is another option, and if this is the avenue your child prefers you can start with a simple karaoke machine.

But you don’t have to limit yourself to playable instruments. If you’re going for a musical theme you could also use antique or even signed items as décor, hanging them on the wall, setting them up in a corner of the room, or otherwise turning them into art. And along those lines, you could make other music-related items into decoration for the room, as well. Old vinyl LPs or CDs could be strung up to make mobiles or curtains, favorite album art (like old record sleeves), concert posters, and sheet music could be framed and hung on the wall, or you could even get an iPod dock that looks like a miniature jukebox to play your child’s favorite tunes. You can also get sheets, curtains, and even furniture that feature music-related patterns.

But that’s not all. Older, tech-savvy kids may be more interested in editing music than making it on an instrument, so you might want to include some recording equipment (mics and stands, a mixing board, etc.) and a computer complete with sound-editing software (like Pro Tools). You may even get some DJ equipment if that’s what your kid is into. In the years to come, your child may go off to college to earn a music education degree, but until then you can help to nurture a passion for music by providing ample access to a variety of instruments and supporting your child’s natural inclination to explore the art and science of sound with a music-themed bedroom.

Are you tired of looking at a dull, drab lawn with nary an embellishment, weeding the plants that pop up in the cracks in your driveway, or stepping on dog mess hidden in the grass every time you walk through the backyard to reach your storage shed? While there are several possible solutions to each of these problems, you may find that one simple product can help to combat these annoyances and beautify your exterior space at the same time, making your life a little easier all around while concurrently adding to the value and curb appeal of your home. If you haven’t yet considered placing pavers in your outdoor  space, here are just a few ways you can use them to create the gorgeous and function exterior you’ve been craving.

To begin with, you may be interested to learn that there are many options when it comes to the type of pavers you can choose. They come in a wide variety of materials, sizes, shapes, and colors to meet  every landscaping need. You can use them to create a simple pathway of stepping stones laid over the existing lawn, or you can buy several different types to create an artistic mosaic for a patio or driveway. In addition, you will find that pavers are available at several price points (generally depending on the type of material, the size of individual items, and the number you order). So even if you have a limited budget to work with, you should be able to complete your project.

That said, there are a number of ways that pavers can be used to improve your exterior space. The most common use is to create walkways rather than taking on the hassle of clearing space and pouring concrete to create an unbroken, paved pathway. However, you might also make effective use of pavers in the driveway area. Suppose your old and outdated driveway has started to buckle, resulting in ugly cracks filled with weeds. If you don’t have the money on hand to get your driveway removed and repaved you can still update this area on your own for less.

Get yourself a sledgehammer, some gloves, and a wheelbarrow and get to work removing the old driveway. Then rake the dirt underneath to level it out and string guide-lines to stakes around the perimeter for the layout. Next, lay pavers in a pre-planned design, and if you want to, leave a little space in between to fill in with river rocks, gravel, or even moss for an added artistic element that looks super chic (and helps to keep pavers from shifting).

Of course, there’s a lot more you can do. You might also use pavers to create a patio in your backyard so that you have a designated space for entertaining (it’s an easy and attractive way to get your outdoor furniture and grill off the lawn). Or you can stack them to hold berms (if your yard has a grade), define terraces, or create decorative planters. The point is, there are many possible uses for pavers in your exterior space, and they have the potential to provide an appealing aesthetic along with a functional solution to many outdoor issues. Even better, you can often save money by selecting affordable materials and installing them yourself.

If you suffer from allergic reactions to substances commonly found in the home (dust, pet dander, smoke, mold, and all manner of chemical compounds), your sanctuary from the world could become nothing so much as a tomb. With the sneezing, wheezing, itching, congestion, and sinus pressure that may accompany these allergies (not to mention the possibility of rashes, hives, or even anaphylaxis), you may find yourself putting in extra hours at your office rather than heading home. And while you might enjoy the overtime pay, the truth is that there are many ways to make your home a kinder, gentler environment that is nearly free of allergens. Here are a few design tips to help you create the welcoming home you’ve always wanted.

1. Non-VOC paint. Every homeowner wants to put their own personal stamp on the décor, and this often starts with a fresh coat of paint. However, your average can of paint contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pollute your interior air, causing you respiratory (or other) issues for years to come. So look for non-VOC options in order to significantly improve your health.

2. Remove plush surfaces. Carpets, furnishings, and linens are like dust magnets, capturing all manner of microscopic allergens and then releasing them into the air each time you take a step,plop down on the couch, or pull back the curtain to let the morning sun shine in. While you can vacuum, dust, and launder to your heart’s content, you’ll be hard pressed to really fight the problem in the long run without opting to replace some of your plush surfaces with hard or non- fabric materials.

3. Address leaks. Perhaps part of the problem is that exterior air is getting in, bringing with it the pollen and dust that lead to seasonal (or even year-round) allergies. You can, however, combat this problem by arranging for an energy audit (call your utility provider to schedule one or ask for the names of independent service providers). The auditor will go over every seam in your house looking for leaks and then recommend a course of action to help you stop them (sealing cracks, adding weather stripping, using double-paned glass for windows, etc.). As a bonus, you may decrease your energy usage, lowering your utility bill in the process.

4. Reduce humidity. In recent years, people have become more aware of the existence of mold within homes. And while small amounts of mold are totally normal and generally harmless, humid conditions can lead to accelerated growth (which is where allergies begin to kick in). So if you have your home tested and levels are high, or if you actually encounter visible signs of mold, you may want to take steps to eradicate the problem and then install dehumidifiers and proper ventilation in areas that have a lot of moisture (bathroom, kitchen, etc.).

5. Air purification. Anyone who has joined masters in nursing online programs probably knows that levels of allergens within the average household are typically higher than outdoors (anywhere from 2 to 100 times as high, according to the Allergies Health Center on WebMD). And few homes are equipped with the air purification devices necessary to combat this reality. So consider getting a vacuum with a HEPA filter, air purifiers for every room, or even installing an HVAC system made to reduce allergens in the air. All should help you breathe easier each time you walk in your front door.

Email: query-255p@helpareporter.net

Media Outlet: Anonymous

Deadline: 2:00 PM EST – 15 May

Query:

Need to interview an interior designer via email about the
latest design trends in kitchen and laundry rooms.

Requirements:

Must be able to provide answers by midday Monday.

Easter Spring Summer Romantic Cottage Garden Wreath

From: ProCelebrations/Provitola Design

Lush flowers blossom and greenery flourish in abundance upon a whitewashed grapevine wreath. A beautiful array of spring and summer’s most gorgeous blossoms, soft pink and creamy white/soft citrine green glow Hydrangeas, soft green cabbage roses tipped in rosy pink, classic pink tulips and creamy dogwood blossoms join in a glorious medley to create this stunning romantic Springtime treasure. Realistic silk flowers & greenery Custom designed & carefully handcrafted. All measurements are approximate. Dimensions listed are measured tip to tip.

See Below:

Treasury from: bombayjewel
Mother’s Day is comming
Antique Rose Magnets From: My Little Chickadee Creations $10.00	A Rose is a Rose From: mfeganart $325.00	Romantic Bouquet Silk Flower Arrangment From: Floral Creation by POMA $59.95
Breaking Away, Original Fine Art Photograph From: Sandy Belk Fine Art $16.95	Easter Spring Summer Romantic Cottage Garden Wreath From: ProCelebrations/Provitola Design $149.00	Cherry Blossom Pillow Cover From: Designs by Derilyn $34.99
Set of four napkin rings with pinecone, and plaid fabric From: House of Peltier $24.00	Chenille Leopard print accent pillow From: House of Peltier $45.00	Set of four tile coasters From: House of Peltier $12.00
Oyster Shell Wall Clock – amber leopard From: ART ON THE HALF-SHELL $65.00	Wineglasss Lampshades From: Seclusion Cove $24.00	Stoneware Teapot, Teacup and Dessert Plate/Espresso Sunrise Series From: Pat Parker”s Stoneware Pottery $132.00

Saving For Your Dream Home

It’s one of the primary dreams of most young people. But owning your own home these days can mean getting into massive amounts of debt. The solution? Instead of spending years paying back a mortgage, if possible it’s far better to save like crazy for a few years and pay off a large down payment in the first place, thereby lowering your future interest repayments. Here are some top tips for avoiding home debt…

Aim for a larger down payment. Ok, so it’s perfectly possibly to get away with putting a   10% deposit down. And that’s fine, if you’re certain your income will remain steady at least. But the risk of putting down too small a down payment is that your house falls in value and you have to sell at a loss. Not only that, but lenders who issue mortgages to those who put down a small deposit often require that you get private mortgage insurance before they will lend – adding more to your monthly outgoings. Save up for a 20% down payment (at least) and you might find life is a little easier in the future.

Keep separate accounts. Set up a house fund, so you can keep your other savings separate and keep track of how much you’re saving. Most banks will provide a separate account for this. Try Santander for starters, as they also provide mortgages and loans and are well-versed in all aspects of house-buying – click the link for loans from Santander. Set up regular direct debit deposits from your checking account into the house account.

Get some help. This just isn’t possible for everyone. But few first-time buyers can afford an entire down payment on their own. It’s reckoned that 23% of down payments from first timers come as gifts from relatives or friends. There are also some assistance programs run by banks and local government organizations, often open to low income buyers.

Sort out your finances. Credit history is the major determining factor in mortgage-lending. Having a bad track record could prevent you from getting a mortgage, or simply increase the rate you have to pay. Before even approaching lenders, give your finances a physical. Fix any errors with credit agencies like Experian, and pay down some debt, especially things like credit cards.

The Huffington Post |  By Rachel Tepper

By the looks of it, illustrator Nathan Shields is more creative before noon than the rest of us are all day. At least that’s our impression from seeing his intricate pancake art, which he posts on his blog, Saipancakes.

Shields is also a stay-at-home dad living in Saipan, the largest of the many small landmasses that make up the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Inspired by his own mother, who’d create “monster pancakes” for him as a boy, Shields decided to try and impress his own young children.

A former math teacher, many of Shields’ designs seem to have some geeky inspiration behind them — get a load of the “Star Wars” designs or the fractals, a mathematical concept that when repeated results in a complex pattern. Shields is able to achieve such a fine level of detail by using a baster, which affords him much better control over the runny pancake batter.

“Eventually I’d like to try doing some portraits, but my skills aren’t there yet,” Shields told HuffPost. “Readers are welcome to suggest future themes on my website.”

“Star Wars” Characters

Marine Invertebrates