CreditDonkey Releases Infographic on the History of Hotels

CreditDonkey

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 02, 2011

CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison website, released an infographic illustrating the fascinating history of hotels. The history reminds consumers just how far hotel accommodations have come as well as educating them on the sometimes confusing hotel star rating guide.

As revealed by the colorful timeline, the hotel was first established nearly 1,300 years ago in Komatsu, Japan. The H?shi Yokan hotel and spa is still in operation and owned by the same family over all of these years. As time has passed, hotels have evolved, as demonstrated by these milestones from the history of hotels timeline:

1700-1776: American seaports offer lodging to sailors; sailors hung hammocks from hooks in inns or stayed in communal rooms that featured numerous beds
1776: Inns and hotels start to provide enough amenities that many people lived in them during America’s revolutionary period
1794: City Hotel in New York becomes the first known American building that was built for the purpose of becoming a hotel
1829: America’s first 5-star hotel is built in Boston; the Tremont House featured private lockable rooms, pitchers of water, bowls and free soap for washing, and is the first hotel with indoor plumbing and a bellboy
1908: Ellsworth M. Statler, the “father” of the modern day hotel opens his Buffalo Statler, which provides guests with locked doors, light-switches next to the door, private baths, icewater and daily newspapers
1910: Motels begin to spring up in America, and were often mom and pop establishments with cabin-like rooms
1960s-70s: Independent hotel owners join referral organizations to help compete against large hotel chains
2000: Computer and internet advances lead hotels to offer online reservations, reducing the number of staff needed for the reservation process; electronic keys also replace traditional metal keys to provide additional security

As hotels have made their changes over the centuries, consumers’ expectations have changed as well. These expectations are what drive the hotel rating system, giving travelers an easy to interpret system to help them know what to expect when it comes to hotel amenities.

Hotel Rating System Infographics: http://www.creditdonkey.com/history-of-hotels.html

Of course, the 5-star accommodations come at a price. But, as explained by CreditDonkey, these costs are now more easily offset by hotel rewards cards.

“When we travel, we look for a place where we can relax and sleep comfortably at the end of the day,” said Charles Tran, founder of CreditDonkey. “By paying special attention to the star rating system, travelers can increase their odds of being happy with their hotel choice. And when taking advantage of hotel credit cards, consumers can more easily bump their stay from a 3-star to a 4-star or 5-star hotel without having to increase their travel budget.”

Travelers can use CreditDonkey to compare hotel credit card deals. CreditDonkey publishes credit card research, informed opinions and related news/trends that empower American travelers to make informed credit decisions. Use CreditDonkey to save time and money.

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cwhammocks.com Camping With Hammocks presents the first in the MYOG series. I show how I cut ripstop nylon and the tools I use to cut ripstop nylon for making hammocks and hammock camping gear.

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by brightsea

Common Ground Center Adds Eco-Lodge to Facility to Encourage Multi-Generational Travel

Eleanor Horowitz has been joining her daughters, Susan Levine and Michelle Roth, and their families at Camp Common Ground since her grandchildren were infants.

Starksboro, Vermont (PRWEB) July 27, 2011

This summer marks the inaugural year for Common Ground Center’s modern and sustainable new Eco-Lodge. Common Ground Center is a family camp and retreat center home to Camp Common Ground, a unique family vacation destination running in four weeklong sessions this August.

Common Ground Center’s beautiful facility is nestled in a valley between the Hogback and Green Mountains on a former horse farm. Programs take place in converted Vermont barns and campers sleep in cozy, handcrafted cabins complete with mattresses, beds, and window screens, but lacking electricity and indoor plumbing (there’s a central bathhouse). Although many campers who attend Camp Common Ground relish the opportunity to dust off their camping gear and live a little closer to nature for a week each summer, Common Ground recognizes that this can be challenging for grandparents joining camper families on vacation. Common Ground makes a point to celebrate diversity at their programs, but realized that without certain accommodation options, diversity of age was harder to achieve.

There are many returning camper families that have already been coming to camp with three generations in tow who have shown other campers and Common Ground what a wonderful vacation option family camp can be for the whole family (i.e. extended family, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents). Camp Common Ground offers the freedom and the flexibility to spend time together or engage more deeply in separate activities.

While Michelle Roth, Susan Levine, and their mother Eleanor Horowitz all live quite close together in New York City, the Camp Common Ground experience is still one that they all look forward to. “The best part of being together for me is getting to see my grandchildren in a relaxed setting,” says Eleanor. “When I pick them up at school or something like that it can be stressful,” she adds. “This way I get to spend time with my grandchildren and they totally relax. The kids are free to be kids and I love seeing that.”

When Cara Feldman Hunt, her mother, and her sister first came across Camp Common Ground, it appealed to this three generational family for many of the same reasons it appeals to all families. “The challenging part of most vacations is figuring out what to do each day, which can be tricky since we all have different needs. Camp Common Ground is a great place for us since it has something for everyone.” Common Ground’s daily activity options aren’t just attractive to parents traveling with their kids; the activities are actually accessible to all ages and include hiking, yoga, guitar, archery, watercolors, improv, glass bead making, non-violent communication, and more.

“There are different levels of fun. You can sit and play ukulele or go on a strenuous hike, so there is something for everyone to do,” said Susan Levine. And Elaine Feldman, the grandmother in her group, added, “It is truly a perfect place to combine three generations of family togetherness with some great opportunities for each person to do their own thing or learn something new.”

In fact learning something new as a group added a unique layer to these three generational family vacations. “In general there are not a lot of opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to experience new things together. We were able to have new experiences together at Camp Common Ground, it is just wonderful,” Cara Feldman Hunt gleefully reported. Her mother, Elaine, also shared this feeling: “I have a particularly lovely memory of an arts and crafts project, held on the screened porch one rainy afternoon…everyone together and happily engaged.”

Whether extended families spend a lot of time together or not, there is no doubt that vacationing at Camp Common Ground together creates a lifetime of shared memories. “What’s nice is that we all get the same kind of experience. We all share the same stories,” said Susan Levine, “In the winter, when it’s overcast and grey outside we can reminisce about playing tennis, lying in the hammock, taking long walks together, or simply enjoying a delicious meal.”

Many campers are hesitant when inviting another generation to join their crew at Camp Common Ground because of the more rustic accommodation options, but with the addition of the Eco-Lodge, traveling with older generations is easier and more attractive than ever. Adult children, grandparents, and children can all have their own fun while creating lasting memories with each other. Each room in the new Eco-Lodge at Common Ground Center has electricity and a private restroom, making the camp experience possible for a wider range of ages.

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Harvey Clayton is back.. And still… doing his thing, helping the Kendall Hammocks Warriors to their third consecutive championship. This time at the 120lb level (12yrs). Kendall hammocks enjoys a perfect season once again… the 2nd in 3 years, as they earned a 15-0 record. Once again they could not be stopped. Enjoy! Game not Player…

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by Clover_1

My Home in the Jungle (Diary of a Expat): Finding Paradise on a Tropical Island New Book Release

Marge and Neil

Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) August 01, 2011

Although author Neil A. Hoag was born in a farming community in Michigan, USA, he found his home in the tropical shores of the Philippines. He shares to readers his story of finding true wealth in My Home in the Jungle: Diary of an Ex-pat, an Xlibris release.

From a fast-paced, modern city, the author found a sense of peace on the rural village of Sangahon. In this book, Hoag relives his days of being a taxi driver in Palm Beach, Florida, to becoming a coconut farmer in southern Philippines. While most people see Sangahon as a poor, third world village, he learned the exact opposite. These people don’t base their happiness on their possessions, but their true wealth is how they love and care for one another.

My Home in the Jungle is also a story of finding love. In fact, it was the author’s search for love that brought him to the Philippines, which he has found in his wife. Readers will follow their whirlwind romance as Hoag details the story of their first encounter until they became parents to three wonderful children.

“A tropical island paradise where a rattan hammock calls your name and rum and Coke in your hands, a pretty girl by your side. Put on your sandals and come with me on my adventure through Sogod Bay to a jungle island paradise,” invites the author.

My Home in the Jungle is a story proving that love has no boundaries. For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

My Home in the Jungle * by Neil A. Hoag

Diary of an Ex-pat

Publication Date: September 21, 2010

ISBN ; 978-1-4535-7525-3, 978-1-4535-7526-0, 978-1-4535-7527-7

To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

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www.mayans.com www.hammocksrada.com The best site for buy a hammock hammocks rada is the largest supplier of mayan style hammock in mexico american style hammock chair hammocks hanging kit and more…. Hammocks RADA
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Lamps Plus Launches New Version of Interior Design Ideas Blog, Style Illuminated

Lamps Plus Design Blog Logo

Chatsworth, CA (PRWEB) October 13, 2011

Get to know a new side of Lamps Plus, the leading home décor and online lighting store, with a stopover at the recently updated Style Illuminated interior design ideas blog.

The company is celebrating their blog’s fourth anniversary with an updated name, logo design and a fresh emphasis on lifestyle design content. The name was selected from hundreds of submissions during a recent contest hosted on the blog and the Lamps Plus Facebook page. The new blog focuses on interviews, interior design ideas, home design photos and inspirational solutions for today’s home.

Each week, the blog will spotlight notable TV home-décor personalities, decorators, interior design bloggers and celebrities. Recent posts have included designers Christopher Lowell, Jeff Andrews, Kenneth Brown, Mark Cutler and Emily Henderson. The designers are profiled in an interview or offer tips and creative design solutions to everyday home décor problems. The blog also features collaborations with noted online publications such as Lonny and Rue magazines.

A recent post, for example, revealed the Christopher Lowell’s home decorating “color sculpting” tip for using three or four shades of the same color. Said Lowell in the post, “It allows you to bring key walls visually forward and recess walls that seem to close. It creates space and depth where there often is none.”

Other regular blog features include “Trend Forecasting”, which focuses on emerging home décor trends and styles such as cane furniture, marbleizing, the reemergence of brass and more. “Get the Look” posts are centered on a Lamps Plus expert or a designer guest, who show how to achieve a particular room design. “Home Tours” offer behind the scenes photos and pictures of different home design projects. Seasonal decorating ideas throughout the year, such as an upcoming series on holiday entertaining tips, offer beautiful photos and timely tips. Other posts have focused on lighting product from such names as the New York-based designer Lindsey Adelman.

Noted Angela Hsu, Vice President of Internet Marketing for Lamps Plus, “Our goal is to create an online destination filled with fresh and creative ideas for our consumer’s homes. We are striving to provide home décor solutions and inspiration in an informative and empowering manner that allows our readers to make their homes a reflection of who they are or aspire to be.”

In addition to all the style changes and the celebrity profiles, the blog has also added an exciting roster of regular design bloggers. Contributing writers for Style Illuminated include Los Angeles-based designers Michael Murphy, Marcia Prentice, Rob Levine and Tina Martin. Guest bloggers, such as “Designer to the Stars” Kari Whitman and Brooklyn-based designer Babette Holland, will also be a regular feature.

Style Illuminated is currently updated daily, Monday thru Friday, with special posts being published on select weekends.

About Lamps Plus

For over 30 years, Lamps Plus has been synonymous with excellence in the lighting retail industry. Established in 1976, Lamps Plus is the nation’s largest specialty lighting company, with over 40 superstores throughout the western United States. Together with their retail stores and online business, Lamps Plus serves over five million customers each year with the largest selection of functional and decorative lighting fixtures, accessories, furniture, and home decor. This selection includes hundreds of products available exclusively from Lamps Plus. Services include free in-home lighting consultations, in-store lighting seminars and installation from expert, licensed electricians. American Lighting Association certified lighting designers are available to offer product recommendations and lighting advice in all our stores, by phone or online at Lamps Plus. For more information, please contact: PR@LampsPlus.com

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Q&A:

by Rebecca Williamson

Ceiba Del Mar: “Rest & Relax” For The Holidays With 4th Night Free”

Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico (PRWEB) July 26, 2011

Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico — Ceiba del Mar Beachfront Resort & Wellness Spa, a boutique, award-winning Riviera Maya outpost situated on half-mile of a private beach at the edge of sleepy village, is gifting wintertime travelers who book a five-day, four-night stay during the holidays with a one extra night of indulgent accommodation at no extra cost with the Rest & Relax With 4th Night Free package.

Amenities of this exclusive offer includes:

    5 days and 4 nights in luxury Ocean-View accommodations, with the 4th night free;
    A welcome champagne cocktail;
    Two 50-minute Relaxing Massages with a 10% discount on all other spa therapies at the holistic aromatherapy Spa at Ceiba del Mar;
    Daily ala carte breakfast featuring freshly cooked Mexican cuisine, fresh juices, baked sweets breads and other savories;
    One three-course private candlelight dinner for two amid a romantic backdrop with one bottle of wine and personal butler service.

Rates for the Rest & Relax With 4th Night Free package start at $ 916.00 USD, per room, per night, plus 19% taxes based on double occupancy (European plan basis). Two optional meals plans—the European Plan (EP), which includes a daily a la carte breakfast, and the all-inclusive Luxury Gourmet Plan (LP), which includes all a la carte meals, snacks and top-brand beverages from Ceiba del Mar’s two fine dining restaurants and lounges—provide further savings. Gratuities are not included. Offer not combinable with other promotions or available for group reservations.

Located just 20 minutes from Cancun, breezy Ceiba del Mar offers guests calming oasis in proximity to the Riviera Maya’s top attractions but removed from these high-traffic spots in 88 spacious suites (one of which is a well-appointed penthouse with expansive view) and deluxe rooms, all of which boasts ocean views and the following amenities:

    A balcony or terrace and hammock;
    Expansive sitting areas;
    A bathroom with a shower and separate bathtub;
    Organic Bath products;
    Handcrafted furnishings and decor;
    Complimentary wireless Internet;
    Daily housekeeping service;
    300 thread-count Premium Cotton linens and pillow menu;
    Complimentary in-room morning coffee;
    Nightly turndown service with Mexican handcrafted gift;
    International cable TV and DVD/CD player;
    24-hour room service; and
    Personalized mini-bar service upon request at an extra cost.

For more information about Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, which was included on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List, earning perfect scores of “100” in “Best Rooms” and “Best Service” categories for Mexico, visit http://www.ceibadelmar.com, or call XXX.

Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort is an oceanfront boutique property in the Riviera Maya district of Mexico. Situated on half-mile of a private, white-sand beach, the resort offers 88 deluxe Ocean-View suites, seven of which are penthouses; two restaurants; a swimming pool; the Spa at Ceiba del Mar with gym, and indoor/outdoor event spaces.

Photos available by request.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Demonstration by Lyn on how Bay Hammocks make their hammocks. They make all the hammocks by hand and make the rope for every hammock they make.One of the the best guarantees on the Hammock industry.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Q&A:

by qwrrty

Sloane’s Carpet Secret to Give Away $ 300 for Best Ongoing Deal in Denver

Denver, CO (PRWEB) October 04, 2011

Sloane’s Carpet Secret will give away a $ 300 cash card to one participant in its current “Best Ongoing Deal in Denver,” Facebook initiative.

“This is a natural expansion of our ‘Living Well for Less’ blog,” said Scott Alban, owner of Sloane’s. “For years, we’ve built our brand around ‘Home Decorating on a Dime,’ and, ‘Hot Deals in Denver.’ We’ve always stood for the best values in higher end carpet. Now we’re using social media to build community around the idea that saving money and living well go together.”

No purchase is required to participate. Anyone can enter by visiting Facebook.com/SloanesCarpetSecret and completing a simple Web form. Because entries will be shared on the Facebook Page Wall, visitors will want to “Like” the Page to remain informed of additional entries. Each valid entry will receive an offer for $ 100 off a carpet purchase of $ 500 or more (some restrictions apply).

“Our Facebook Page will be a destination for people in Denver and Colorado to find that special, high value yet affordable product or service; enhance their lives or simply reduce ongoing living expenses,” said Alban. “With many families still struggling to find balance in this economy and the holiday shopping season fast-approaching, the timing seems right.”

The contest is active now and runs through December 31, 2011.

About Sloane’s Carpet Secret

Since 1979, Sloane’s has been one of Colorado’s top privately owned carpet stores. Sloane’s provides the largest collection of high-end closeouts and Grade A Irregulars in Denver, Colorado, at its “Secret” warehouse. For more information, please contact Scott Alban at (303) 300-9555 or visit http://www.SloanesCarpetSecret.com.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

www.MiltonDecoratorFabrics.com Buy Duralee Fabrics from Milton Decorator Fabrics. Youll find a wide selection of wonderful patterns and gorgeous colors to suit every decorating style.

We are pleased to announce the TidalWalk Grand Re-opening in Wilmington, NC!

Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) July 24, 2011

Mountain Real Estate Capital (MREC) and L Star Management (L Star) are proud to announce the grand reopening of TidalWalk. Since the purchase of the community in December 2010, significant work has been underway to re-establish TidalWalk as the premier coastal community in Wilmington.

“The purchase of TidalWalk by our group will ensure the original vision for the community is fulfilled,” said Arthur Nevid, Mountain Real Estate Capital’s Chief Investment Officer. “The community will benefit from strong financial commitment, as well as our ability to offer home sites at current market prices. An aggressive marketing campaign is underway with Realty World Cape Fear and L Star is commencing work on the completion of our clubhouse, pool, boardwalk and other great amenities. Final negotiations are also underway with a well-respected builder who will be making a substantial building commitment to TidalWalk.”

Kyle Corkum, President of L Star Management added, “With no debt and strong financial partners, current owners plus our future residents can find comfort in TidalWalk’s stability. TidalWalk’s great frontage on the ICW, its sandy beach and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean makes this one of the most unique communities in Wilmington.”

TidalWalk is a 197 lot, gated community on the Intracoastal Waterway located across from Masonboro Island, the largest undeveloped barrier island in North Carolina. TidalWalk features a 1/4 mile long private beach, a pier with boat slips and pavilion on the ICW and more than two miles of roadway already installed. Green Turtle Hammock, TidalWalk’s private island, will be accessible by boardwalk. Paddlers will enjoy the tidal creeks and easy access to Masonboro Island.

One of TidalWalk’s most appealing features are the views and calming sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. This proximity to the Atlantic Ocean is also appreciated by boaters. Less than a 1/2 mile via the ICW from TidalWalk is access to the Atlantic Ocean through Carolina Beach Inlet. Just south of Carolina Beach Inlet is Snows Cut, bringing you into the Cape Fear River providing access to Wilmington’s waterfront.

“Realty World Cape Fear is very excited and honored to be chosen as the exclusive firm to sell the amazing water view and waterfront lots in TidalWalk,” said Harold Chappell, Broker in Charge and Owner of Realty World Cape Fear. “TidalWalk is an ideal location for both local families and as a second home. With its easy access to the water and ocean, close proximity to Carolina Beach and numerous recreation areas and golf courses, there is something for everyone.”

For more information on TidalWalk, visit http://www.tidalwalk.com

About Mountain Real Estate Capital

MREC is organized to invest $ 1 billion in bank REO/NPL with a focus on residential development loans/projects to be either acquired or restructured/recapitalized for existing borrowers. Since 2010, MREC has acquired over $ 600 million of loans from over 20 banks. These NPL/REO acquisitions totalled over 8,700 lots plus another 7,500 acres of developable land. Its nationwide team of seasoned investment managers and local development and builder partners enabled MREC to close each of these REO/NPL transactions typically within 30 days.

MREC’s bank portfolio acquisition platform is headed by its chief investment officer, Arthur Nevid, located at the company’s Charlotte headquarters. Its homebuilder joint venture program is based in its Minneapolis office. The national origination team has additional offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Richmond and Newport Beach. Most of the group is comprised of former bank REO managers who had been responsible for the management and disposition of 46,000 lots and homes valued at over $ 2 billion, and currently manage approximately $ 1 billion of various residential and commercial assets for MREC. http://www.mountainrecapital.com

About L Star

L Star, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a highly experienced real estate investment firm that specializes in distressed debt. Partnering with some of the country’s pre-eminent private equity and wealth management funds, L Star acquires assets across the eastern half of the United States.

L Star’s senior staff has more than 200 years combined experience in land acquisition, project/asset management, site development, design, planning, permitting, real estate law, finance and construction. In the past two years, L Star Management LLC has purchased over $ 135 million in Notes and REO including over 5,000 residential units.

For more information visit: http://www.lstarland.com

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

The village of Bunabumali on the slopes of Mt. Elgon in southeastern Uganda, has a history of landslides. Over a thousand people have been killed in recent years, leaving many homeless. The Nakhokho family, who includes eight children of their own, adopted another 12 kids and created the Good Samaritan Orphan & Needy School. Norman Nakhokho invited Stitch Uganda Together to the village to make hammocks that would provide beds. We brought sewing machines and fabric, and in a single day they made 20 hammocks. Hammocks are uncommon in Uganda. In fact, no one we met had ever seen a hammock. Hammocks are useful for many reasons. In the rainy season, a person can stay clean and dry up off the ground. It is a comfortable, portable bed that can be rapped around you like a cocoon, keeping biting bugs out, protecting from malaria. For the many suffering from AIDS, sleep is necessary to keep the immune system strong. Simply having a hammock for comforting rest can greatly increase a person quality of life, and we can give that to them. We are seeking action heroes for our next project in Uganda, fall/winter 2009. We are going to plant gardens and make playgrounds in addition to sewing hammocks. Will you show up? Action Hero Hammocks are currently being created by villagers in Bunabumali, and by Life in Africa, an artist collective in Kampala, Uganda, and you can buy one soon at www.ActionHeroNetwork.net! Every hammock purchased will enable us to give a hammock freely to a person in …

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by Dan4th

Design Competition Announces Its Third Winner

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) September 30, 2011

Teenlike.com, Inc. announces the third winner of its ongoing design competition, a very exciting time for the winning designer. Teenlike member Radiomode’s work was selected based on the final score and comments from the Teenlike community. The winner, who’s real name is Budi Satria Kwan of Singapore, took some time out to talk about his exciting experience.

Budi, who’s style of art is Surreal, started designing out of the fulfilling experience of creating design. Having entered several contests, mostly T-shirt contests, he wanted to try something new, which is how Teenlike caught his attention. A concept of creating designs that are chosen by the community for the teen room. He created a design for the competition, titled “Sound of Nature,” and because of the positive feedback he received from community members, he earned a cash prize of $ 500. “Have you ever seen abandoned stuff which somehow turns into part of the nature? Old, forgotten stuff that is left outside, covered by the plants and become house of critters. It’s strange that technology can actually become part of nature when there is no human involved,” explains Kwan about his design. He also expressed his view as to why most teens have not been interested in bedding. “I think because bedding products is more of mom’s thing. I never actually see teenagers in the bedding section of a department store. Other than that bedding is not something that one can use as self expression, unlike clothes or music, or electronic devices.”

Budi Kwan’s winning design, along with previous winners’ designs are available for purchase at Teenlike’s online store.

About Teenlike

Teenlike is an ongoing, online home decor design competition, where winning designs are printed on home decor products, including bedding and rugs.

For more information, visit http://www.teenlike.com

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Get more Home Decor Ideas from Home Made Simple at www.homemadesimple.com Wooden berry baskets are inexpensive little containers with a big range of use. You can find them at any craft store or even second-hand shops. Use them as shelving organizers inside your cabinets. If you want a more finished look, decorate them with ribbon or paint. You can also tack them anywhere inside your cabinet or out. Fill them with cleaning supplies. Keep the things you use most close at hand.

Peace, Love & Decorating Expands Christmas Ornament and Holiday Decor Offerings

Fresh Magnolia Wreaths and Garland from The Magnolia Company shipped directly to your home and a great holiday gift idea

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) September 30, 2011

With the holiday season just around the corner, Peace, Love & Decorating, a leading online home decor boutique retailer, is excited to announce its holiday decorating boutique. Peace, Love & Decorating (PLD) co-founders, Jennifer Cook and Jana Contardi, begin to focus on holiday decor several years ago while participating in Holiday Show Homes. As established interior designers in the Atlanta-area, Cook and Contardi’s work has been featured in various Charitable Holiday Show Homes.

“Over the years, we have discovered an array of boutique holiday decor ranging from heirloom collectible lines of glass Christmas ornaments such as Christopher Radko to vintage-inspired, Old World Christmas lines such as Cody Foster. Our love of holiday decorating has inspired us to shop and hand-select our featured items which cannot be found at mass retailers,” explains Cook.

Ditz Designs by Hen House is one of Cook and Contardi’s favorite lines of holiday decor. First discovered in early 2003, Ditz Designs specializes in life-size Father Christmas and Holiday Santa figures as well as the Tahoe Tree Bear which has been a PLD best-seller for years.

Inspired by their love of religious and vintage items, Cook and Contardi both favor nativity scenes. Early customer favorites are the Driftwood Nativity from Roost and the large, vintage nativity from Cody Foster.

Holiday fragrances and scents always invite the memories of the Christmas’ past. Christmas Sage from Votivo Candles and the scent of Cinnamon Bark from Ergo Soy Candles create images of preparation for the gathering of family and friends.

Following the use of fresh Magnolia wreaths in a 2003 Show House, PLD has continued to carry The Magnolia Company each holiday season. The Magnolia Company’s product line includes dried and fresh magnolia wreaths and garland that are shipped directly to your door or the door of a gift recipient.

Christopher Radko continues to be a featured line of collectible Christmas ornaments, and PLD has been an authorized Radko retailer since 2004. PLD’s Radko ornaments offerings include Limited Edition Ornaments, dated ornaments, Charity Awareness Ornaments and Retired Ornaments.

Peace, Love & Decorating is an Atlanta-based e-commerce boutique offering holiday decor, home accessories and decor, designer home lighting, luxury bedding, boutique jewelry and unique gifts for women.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Liz and Lisa are an unstoppable team of talented ladies who are making great waves in the Real Estate Staging and Home Decorating circuits. They help sellers prepare their home for a fast, profitable sell. They offer furniture rentals and color consultations as well. Lisa and Liz offer a special service called “Elderly Transitions” to help people adjust to moving in to a smaller home or assisted living facility while still maintaining a look that pleases them and shows off their personal style without becoming overly cluttered. Lisa and Liz show passion for their work in every job, whether it is from a simple room redecorating or a full home staging, they will be there with a smile and a list of fun, fresh, and creative ideas!
Video Rating: 0 / 5

Lamps Plus Launches Enhanced Website Design

New Product Page Design at Lamps Plus

Chatsworth, CA (PRWEB) September 29, 2011

LampsPlus.com last week unveiled a newly enhanced website for its online lighting store based on extensive user feedback. The upgraded site aims to create a new and improved shopping experience for the Lamps Plus customer.

The redesign of the leading home decor and decorative lighting store is an evolution of the existing shopping site, and is the result of rapid product expansion and user growth over the last several years. The well-known lamp and lighting fixture retailer, has most notably continued its growth into home decor, chairs and furniture. The company is currently ranked 8th in the housewares-home furnishing category of the recently released Top 500 Guide (2010 edition) by Internet Retailer Magazine.

One of the major website changes is the switch to a wider website template design. The wider home page layout includes a large, rotating display area for highlighting product categories and sales, with changing messages and graphics. A new horizontal slider area sits below the rotating display, highlighting designer brands, departments and special values. Both areas allow for more messaging and click points, encouraging increased customer interaction and exploration of deeper levels of the site.

Commented Angela Hsu, Vice President of Internet Marketing for Lamps Plus, “We are incredibly excited about the new look and features of LampsPlus.com. First impressions are priceless, and this next step offers significant enhancements to our online browsing, making our shopping experience faster and easier than ever.”

The product page layout and user experience has also been completely redesigned. After extensive user testing, the page has been updated to create a clean look and feel, as well as accommodating a significantly larger main image size. In addition to larger images, the changes include new in-scene room photos and larger close-up images that give shoppers an even better experience before they buy. Pages have a new underlying architecture to run 75-percent faster, even with the larger image size.

Other improvements include a new layout for the product description, including feature highlights, sizes/dimensions and other details. Separate tabs display related items and product reviews made by other Lamps Plus customers who have purchased the product. A new Facebook Like function allows users to recommend the product with family and friends across social networks. The page design also accommodates a new call-out for product videos and a larger video player.

Additionally, the Lamps Plus lighting and home décor product pages now support Certona driven personalized product recommendations. The software is the market leading personalization optimizer for a wide range of online and multi-channel retailers. The Certona recommendation engine takes into account a user’s browsing history and combines it with larger site browse behavior and purchasing relationships. Recommended products are dynamically displayed on the product page below the main product image.

Commenting on the new feature, Hsu noted that, “We are looking to Certona to offer our customers an improved shopping experience by helping people find products of interest to those with a similar browsing behavior. Automating the recommendations should enhance the usability and look of our product pages, and should increase the value of each visit for our customers over time.”

Other site changes include enhancements to the popular Design-It Lighting page to allow customers to make custom lamp shades with metal trims, and improvements to the shopping cart and to the site’s Wish List feature. Lamps Plus plans to make additional changes to the site over the next several months. Surveying all of the changes made to the company’s online lighting store, Hsu said, “We are always looking for ways to improve and refine the customer experience. The website is never done, it’s always changing and getting better, so all of the changes we’ve made are just a part of that natural growth process.”

About Lamps Plus

For over 30 years, Lamps Plus has been synonymous with excellence in the lighting retail industry. Established in 1976, Lamps Plus is the nation’s largest specialty lighting company, with over 40 superstores throughout the western United States. Together with their retail stores and online business, Lamps Plus serves over five million customers each year with the largest selection of functional and decorative lighting fixtures, accessories, furniture, and home decor. This selection includes hundreds of products available exclusively from Lamps Plus. Services include free in-home lighting consultations, in-store lighting seminars and installation from expert, licensed electricians. American Lighting Association certified lighting designers are available to offer product recommendations and lighting advice in all our stores, by phone or online at Lamps Plus. Please contact PR(at)LampsPlus(dot)com for more information.

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