Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
November 30, 2009
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
by: John Kicklighter
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
What is CPTED? The official book definition is “the proper design and effective use of the built environment that can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime and an improvement in the quality of life.” It is simply a goal to reduce opportunities for crime that may be inherent in the design of structures or in the design of neighborhoods. In other words, make your home or neighborhood unappealing to burglars and thugs.
Cities and Counties throughout the country are adopting CPTED ordinances requiring site plan reviews with crime prevention in mind. Law enforcement officers who are specially trained in CPTED are now working closely with Planners, Architects, City Officials, and Educators to ensure the proper design of structures, schools, and neighborhoods. These experts know how the design and use of the environment can control human or criminal behavior and reduce the fear of crime. They used natural means such as landscaping to deter criminals. Access control, natural surveillance, different aspects of lighting and its effects on human behavior, all deter crime.
Cabanas Dress Up the Patio
November 30, 2009
Cabanas Dress Up the Patio
by: Cat Greenbriar
Modern design has made way for some beautiful additions for any outdoor living space. If you spend lots of time entertaining outdoors, a cabana is a wonderful idea. Cabanas have many elements that make them extremely convenient and sheik when used to decorate a patio. A cabana is not simply another piece of patio furniture, but an element that can change the entire look of your outdoor living space.
Cabanas provide an alternative to patio umbrellas, which can be impractical when entertaining many guests. With umbrellas, you can only fit a small number of people under them, and usually everyone must be seated around a table to find relief from the shade. With a cabana, you can set up the furniture in a manner more like an outdoor room. It still provides shade from the sun, and guests are more inclined to spread out and get really comfortable.
Cabanas provide private outdoor space. Many cabanas are equipped with curtains or drapes that can be pulled down when needed. They come in sizes ranging from 8 to 10 feet, which could accommodate any outdoor activity ranging from craft sale, musical performances, even an outdoor masseuse parlor. Whether equipped with screens or curtains, cabanas are a great way to keep out the heat, and any other of natures elements.
Outdoor Trash Cans and Bins
November 29, 2009
Outdoor Trash Cans and Bins
by: Michael Hardgrove
For any hotel or resort owner, you know how important it is to have the proper receptacles where you need them. To keep your resort looking nice, and to make sure guests are happy, choose outdoor trash cans and bins that hide litter and do not create an eyesore.
One important thing to remember when purchasing outdoor trash cans and bins is their location on the property. If you are purchasing a large bin, make sure it fits and won’t be blocking any public areas. Also remember to place trash cans for litter in convenient locations so they are easy for guests to access. People are more likely to use trash can if they can get to them. And this way, it is more likely that the property will remain cleaner and litter-free.
Ash cans are another important item to help keep litter off the ground. Save hours of sweeping and picking up trash by placing ash cans in typical locations near doors and seating areas.
Park Benches
November 28, 2009
One of the best ways to create a warm and inviting outdoor space is to incorporate the use of park benches into your outdoor decor. Whether they are simple or grand, park benches send a subtle message to your neighbors and guests that you want your outdoor space to be appreciated and enjoyed by all.
Park benches are an open invitation to slow down, to linger, and to enjoy the beauty that has been created in spaces such as gardens, ponds and orchards. They present more than just the opportunity for outdoor seating; park benches help to create breathtakingly beautiful outdoor rooms that can be used for meditation, relaxation or for visiting with friends and family. One cannot help but to be drawn to these spaces as they walk by, or as they admire them from a nearby window. They are ideal gathering places for not only the family, but for your friends and neighbors as well.
Park benches can also be used at the main entrance of the home. By strategically placing a park bench along an entry path or in an entry way you send an open-armed message of welcome that will not go unnoticed by all who visit your home.
Update your Furniture with new Fabrics
November 27, 2009
Update your Furniture with new Fabrics
by: Angela Oliver
If your furniture is starting to look old and dingy, perhaps it’s time to try giving it a makeover with some new upholstery fabric. Overtime, fabric can start to fade or get damaged. Instead of buying all new furniture, reupholstering furniture can save time and lots of money. Whether for indoor or outdoor patio furniture, there are many options to make your furniture new and beautiful again.
Outdoor patio furniture upholstery fabrics have come a long way. They are now made with UV blockers that help keep out the suns rays and greatly reduce fading. The materials used are also naturally stain resistant. Another great thing about patio fabrics is they do not promote the growth of mold and mildew, an often common problem with outdoor patio furniture fabrics. Simple cleaning with soap and water will keep outdoor patio furniture fabric clean.
Indoor furniture has a great range of fabrics available. Upholstery fabrics can be chosen in all types of materials. Some are just prints, while others can be woven, double woven, tapestries, damask, silk, chenille, and many, many more. These types of fabrics vary greatly in price, with very intricate fabrics becoming quite expensive.
Bamboo To The Rescue!
November 26, 2009
Bamboo To The Rescue!
by: Dean Caporella
It was a sunny winter’s afternoon; another perfect Sydney day. I was on my balcony enjoying the sunshine when I heard a familiar voice. It was my neighbour Tom.
“Hey Dean. My garden’s looking good,” he said in a proud and confident tone. “But I can’t help but feel there’s something missing.”
“Like what?” I asked.
Tom, massaging his chin and gazing out over his own version of the botanical gardens then leaned over his balcony looking me straight in the eye and in a firm voice said…”bamboo.”
“Explain?” I responded with a puzzled look.
“Privacy my friend, privacy,” Tom retorted.
I thought a moment, looking a little puzzled and then it hit me!
“Yes, privacy! Bamboo would give us the privacy we’ve been looking for,” I exclaimed although I wasn’t sure how.
Let me fill you in. I live close to the beach in a block of four town houses. Tom lives next door with Jenny and the other two dwellings are occupied by another two couples. Until recently, we had a full view of the water but always knew it would one day be gone since we bordered a large block of vacant land. As it turned out, a large two level block of apartments was given the all clear to be built by the local council and developers didn’t waste any time in getting it up.
Managing My Household
November 25, 2009
Managing My Household
by: Jennifer Tarzian
As a work-at-home mom of one very active toddler, I recently acknowledged that my household was quickly spinning out of control. The housework was piling up higher each day and I NEVER felt like I was even catching up, let alone getting ahead. So, it was time for a makeover - an organizational makeover, that is!
When I was in the workforce, the only way I knew to get things done by their deadlines was to make a list and keep working on that list until I checked everything off. This was my first step in re-organizing my household. I know there are a lot of great scheduling software programs, but I find a paper day planner works the best for me. I write down absolutely EVERYTHING in this planner. I even schedule my shower! Why? I need to see a complete layout of my day and how long each item is going to take. If I’ve got an extra-packed day, I need to schedule that wake-up call a little earlier.
Pond Filter
November 25, 2009
A pond filter is one of the most important components for your pond, without one your pond water would get really mucky. The kind you need depends on its size and whether or not you have any fish.
Filters come in different sizes and varieties. You can get external, submersible, bio and others. They range in price from 40 or 50 dollars, all the way up above $1500.00 and more.
Having a pond filter is not the only thing you need to have nice clear water. You also need a UV filter and plenty of pond plants, especially in the summer when it gets really warm. The three components above, all work together to give you nice clear water.
An important aspect of having a pond filter is having an area in the filter that can capture and grow good bacteria to help maintain the waters proper balance. This is where pond filter media comes into play. The bigger the total area that can capture and grow this good bacterium, the better off you are. Pond filters use different things in their filters to promote this bacteria, from sponge like material, to bio balls, and a polyester knit material, which I use, and also sell if your interested.
Outdoor Benches
November 24, 2009
Outdoor Benches
by: Angela Oliver
Outdoor benches are a practical outdoor addition for any home. There are many different varieties to choose from, all with their own unique features. Benches are now so versatile and light-weight, they are perfect for any setting.
In the home, a perfect bench choice is one with storage. Many manufacturers are now making benches with clever storage spaces that have no effect on the look of the bench. These kinds of benches go great in a garden area, for storage of tools, pots, and other gardening material. They also go great on a covered patio or deck where you can store games, magazines, and other outdoor toys. Another great idea is in the kitchen or family room. It’s a great place to put things like blankets or cookbooks. These types of benches can be very decorative and make a wonderful accent.
Another option for large outdoor settings are heavy duty outdoor benches. These types of benches are made with heavy molded frames and recycled plastic lumber so they are sure to last a long time. Heavy-duty benches are great for playgrounds, parks, and pool areas. The lumber comes in a variety of colors and can withstand the elements.
What Does ‘Ski-In, Ski-Out’ Really Mean?
November 23, 2009
What Does ‘Ski-In, Ski-Out’ Really Mean?
by: Henry Schlee
When you are booking a vacation rental property in a ski resort there is an indisputable magic to the phrase ‘ski-in, ski-out’. It conjures up images of a loving restored log cabin on the edge of an immaculately groomed piste, of watching fellow skiers carve elegant turns from your living room window, with the occasional spray of snow against the window pane. It suggests stepping out of your front door, clicking on your skis and gliding down the slopes to the lift. You may anticipate avoiding the crush of people waiting for a lukewarm and soggy pizza in the mountain restaurant by using your own chalet as a mountain restaurant. And, perhaps best of all, you may look forward to skiing back to your own front door at the end of the afternoon and forgetting about trudging along paths and the indignity of crowded shuttle buses.
The reality may be very different. Knowing the power of the term ‘ski-in, ski-out’, vacation rental providers are quick to use it to cover a myriad of different arrangements and a range of proximity to the slopes. Here are a few things to watch out for:
