My Leather Couch Can Beat Up Your Fabric Recliner – Leather Or Fabric For The Masses?

Are chocolate sundaes more fattening than vanilla? Coke or Pepsi for a summer day at the beach? Did the Beatles have better bangs than The Rolling Stones? Are boxers more comfortable for skydiving than briefs?

The great debates of the world seem like they will rage forever, across continents, during both war and peace.

But, maybe the biggest debate of all is this: Should my next sofa, recliner, sectional or chair be covered in leather or fabric?

Tough stuff, I know, but I’m willing to tackle it.

Drawing Lines In The Sand

Of course, just like there are cat people and dog people who will never cross over to the dark side, so too are there leather and fabric people who can’t imagine living the desperate lives of the others’.

The leather gang celebrates the style, durability, comfort and versatility of their furniture covering of choice.

And the fabric crowd? They celebrate its style, durability, comfort and versatility.

Uhh… wait… something’s amiss here. So, let’s dive in point-by-point and see what’s going on.

Comfort Is As Comfort Does

Fans of leather like its supple softness. And leather does get softer and more comfortable with age, like the love of a good friend. (I hope this doesn’t make you weep for hours, but it’s true.) As long as you maintain and clean your leather furniture it will be comfortable for years to come. It’s a little slick and has a nice cool feel that many people are drawn to.

Folks who tend not to wear a lot of clothing prefer fabric. They report sticking to it less. Of course, high quality leathers aren’t very sticky anyway. And there are many kinds of fabrics you can use to cover your furniture, so if you are looking a very specific texture and feel you can get it with fabric.

Pets Love Your Furniture A Little Too Much

Leather is winning the pet war. Many cats avoid it, probably because they think it’s not ideal for a 12-hour nap. While it can be scratched by claws, leather is easier to clean than fabric and won’t absorb smells and fur as easily.

Will It Outlast Aunt Edna?

A well-made leather couch is usually more durable than all but the highest quality fabric sofa. Of course, this all depends on how you maintain your sofas and whether you have five kids who play flying superhero games off them while eating cheesy poofs.

The Kids Are Alright, As Long As They Eat At The Table

And speaking of kids, some folks swear that leather couches are easier to clean and keep stains off than fabric. If Little Johnny spills his Sunny D, you can quickly and easily wipe it off a leather couch. If he spills it on fabric it will quickly soak in and might never come out. Of course, if you choose a fabric with good Stainguard protection you are in good shape too.

Style Is In The Living Room Of The Beholder

Some people would rather wear a purple tube top, a checkered mini skirt and plaid leg warmers, all at once, than put an ugly leather couch in their home. And some leather nuts think adding a leather couch to their living room is akin to parking a red Ferrari in the corner – which they think is a good thing.

While leather couches, sectionals, chairs and recliner come in a wide range of colors and styles, there will always be exactly 12,812 more kinds of fabric available to cover your fine furnishings. So, if you are trying to match your next settee to the exact shade of chartreuse on your emu lampshade, you will probably have to go with fabric.

Can I Still Afford Hair Extensions?

The cheapest real leather couch is always going to cost more than the cheapest fabric couch. But, leather aficionados say a good leather couch will last your whole lifetime and gain character and suppleness with age. If you are looking to get the most long-term value in a classic piece, leather is probably the better value. If you want a cheap item to tide you over until your book of cat poems gets on the New York Times bestseller list, go with fabric.

Faux Vs. Real Leather

Fake leather is great for college dorm rooms, transmission shop waiting areas and 24-hour diners along state highways. Don’t buy it unless you want your home to look, feel and smell like one of these pungent locations.

Maintenance Is For Lovers

You really don’t have to do anything other than wipe leather off occasionally, to keep it looking good. Some leather conditioner a few times a year – especially in hot, dry climates – is a great idea too.

Fabric couches usually require a little more maintenance. If Senor Fluffy sleeps on it you will find yourself vacuuming a lot more with fabric. Of course, some people never clean any of their furniture, so it’s a moot point for them.

Conclusions, Conclusions, Delusions

It mostly boils down to your personal style and preference. A classic leather couch is going to cost a lot up front, but should last longer and be in style through four or five presidential terms. A fabric recliner can be had in almost any color or style, but pets, kids, and drunken uncles might damage to it easier.

Source by Sarah V Moore

Temecula Movie Theaters – Where Sunny Skies and Big Stars Meet

The perks of watching films unfold on the screen at Temecula movie theaters is that there are two establishments in the region that provide stadium seating accommodated by high tech sound systems, which blare the best in listening entertainment.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for the joyful sound and scent of buttery popcorn wavering in the air, chocolate covered raisins, and the invigorating thrill of ice cold Coca Cola hitting the back of your throat. When looking for an entertaining activity, you can always consider one of the satisfying Temecula movie theaters found below.

The Movie Experience at Tower Plaza (27531 Ynez Road)

Head for I 15 at Rancho California Rd to unforgettable a well rounded out that includes an explosion of shrimp, chicken, and steak at Chilis or the Black Angus Restaurant. Stadium seating and all digital sound are just some of the advantages when you plan to see the latest flick at this movie theater in Temecula. The sound and visual impact of these features create an experience like no other. Some films literally come out of the screen to surround you with the magic of movie making. On a monthly basis, locales scramble to the theater to enjoy the Classic Movie Series, a sponsored event by the Colony Movie Buffs Club.

Edwards Temecula Stadium 15 (40750 Winchester Road)

Shop until you drop [http://www.best-temecula-guide.com/temecula-shopping.html] and then settle into a movie at this theater located right at the Promenade Mall. A trip to Edwards Temecula Stadium 15 bars about a day filled with Macys and JC Penneys, as well as many Temecula restaurants to explore, such as the tasty hamburgers and fries found at Red Robins or the flavorful pizzas at California Pizza Kitchen. After a show, consider a quick trip to the Bell Villaggio European Village, where Aiyara Thai Cuisine and Vallée d Brume [http://www.best-temecula-guide.com/french-temecula-restaurant.html] are found.

Temeku Discount Cinema (26463 Ynez Road)

LaTely, trying to get a good deal at the movies is nearly impossible. After buying popcorn for the kids and springing for a medium soda, you have definitely spent a pretty penny. However, discounts at Temecula movie theaters are still alive and well. The latest films to have recently left other theaters find new life at Temeku Discount Cinema, where matinees cost $ 3.25 and evening outings are only $ 4.

Movie Experience 17 at Cal Oaks (41090 California Oaks Road)

In Murrieta, the Target Center is home to a movie theater with all stadium seating and all digital sound. Prices for tickets to Movie Experience 17 shows are $ 9 in general, $ 7 for matinees, $ 6.50 for children and seniors, and $ 8 for students furnishing a valid ID. While the Movie Experience located at Tower Plaza offers the allure of a Classic Movie Series, this feature is not a fixture in Murrieta.

If you are ever looking for a less complicated method of visiting Temecula movie theaters, consider the perk of paying in advance in order to bypass all of the cumbersome waiting in line while crowds gather to catch the latest Friday night premier. With Fandango, you can purchase movie tickets and bring a printed receipt to gain instant entry. Additionally, you will never have to worry about wasting your time with a sold old show. Instant payment equals the luxury of instant access. The Fandango site also offers the times of shows, convenient synopsis of movies, and reviews of the current blockbusters.

Source by Rikki Quay

Home Renovation Tips to Enhance Your Movie-Watching Experience

Movies take you to a beautiful world and make you forget the drudgery of ordinary life. If you are a movie-lover, you will understand the importance of watching a beautiful movie. And, you will realize the fact that regular visits to the local movie theatre take a toll on your monthly budget. It can become a costly affair if you consider the money that you spend on tickets, popcorn and other snacks. So, what’s the affordable alternative to a movie theatre? It is your home.

It is a better idea to watch a good flick in the comfort of your home. You can eat whatever you want and wear whatever you like. You can make your movie-watching experience personal and save money in the process.

Is your Home ready?

If you want to enhance your movie-watching experience, you have to make your home ready for it. Here are a few home renovation tips that will enable you to create a home theatre effortlessly:

· Know where to sit

Your home may have several rooms. But, select the room that will provide you with a real movie theatre ambience. The room should be large enough to accommodate your loved ones. Decide the location of the couch. If you want to convert your bedroom into a home theatre, you can use the bed as the sitting area. When you decide a place for the couch or the bed, make sure that the area enjoys the best sound frequency.

· Position your Speakers properly

When it comes to enhancing the movie-watching experience, speakers are important. The front speakers should face the center of the room. It is ideal to place them in the corners. Alternatively, you can position them towards the chair or couch.

You must place the center speakers above the television. If you have purchased surround speakers, you can put them near the sitting area. Be ready to conduct small experiments in order to find out the perfect angle and the spot for the speakers.

· Consider Acoustic Panels

It is practical to have acoustic panels for your windows especially if they are made out of glass. Glass is a terrible option for a home theatre because the material messes with the audio. Install acoustic panels as they aid you in creating an exact movie theatre ambience. If you find acoustic panels expensive, opt for pre-owned panels that are available at affordable rates.

· Soundproof the Room

It is fun to watch a movie with speakers on blast. But, you have to remember that you are watching the movie in your home. And, sound will travel to other rooms. So, be considerate to other people by sound-proofing the room. You can ask a home renovation contractor to install sound-proofing drywall or acoustically engineered drywall in the room.

· Switch on the Lights

People turn off the lights while watching movies in their rooms. But it is not advisable because watching a movie in a pitch-dark room can cause strain to the eyes. So, it is necessary to switch on a few lights. Buy small wall-mounted lights and place them strategically in the room. The light will not only create a feel of a movie theatre but will also prevent you from stumbling in the dark.

Creating a movie theatre ambience in your home is not a difficult task. But, you must hire a home renovation contractor to transform your ideas into a reality. He will consider your ideas and provide you with practical solutions to build a home theatre. In order to enhance your movie-watching experience, consult an experienced contractor and review his work before making a hiring decision.

Source by Christine Delongte

French Party Ideas – 7 Fun Ideas For Your French Theme Party

Throwing a French theme party is one of those rare occasions you get to poke fun at some of the many French stereotypes while drinking wine and eating fine food. For some French party ideas, take a look at the list below.

1. Send your invitations out on the back of mini French flags. Failing that you could send them out on cut outs of other emblems of France such as the Eiffell Tower, a clove of garlic or a cut out of a beret.

2. For the costumes, the men could go a few days without shaving to create the rugged look. Wear a black and white horizontal striped pullover, French beret, onion necklace and sometimes a moustache.

3. The ladies could quite comically dress in exactly the same way. Other alternatives could possibly be to dress as Marie Antoinette or as a French maid.

4. Think about trying to make your French party venue look like a typical French cafe, if you have seen the film Amelie then you will know what I mean. This should be an opportunity for talking to your friends so get in plenty of wooden tables and chairs.

5. You could also decorate the room with small and large French flags.

6. Play French cafe music to give the atmosphere of being in a real French cafe.

7. Consider hiring a real French chef to make excellent food and sometimes give a talk on French cheese or wine. This of course will be budget dependent.

Source by DC Jackson

5 Ideas for Building a Killer Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate dream for a lot of people who enjoy backyard entertaining. Imagine gathering your friends or family together for a summertime barbecue or a cozy winter cocktail party in the comfort of your own garden. Here are some great tips for designing your killer outdoor kitchen.

1. Design Ideas

Pinterest is a great resource to find design inspiration and to compile your plans. Simply go to pinterest.com, register an account, and type in “outdoor kitchen ideas”. There is a multitude of design options out there. Take a look at some of these tips!

  • Moern and Sleek

Concrete or rich colored woods are a great way to create a modern design aesthetic. Most classic or traditional kitchens use white-washed or light colored wood to create the look so go the opposite way for modern! Minimal furniture and features also help to create a modern feel. This also helps with maintenance and clean-up too. Check out these images for inspiration.

  • Classic or Country

White wood, blue accents, and exposed stone are a great way to give your outdoor kitchen rustic, classic appeal. Flowers and plants growing up the sides of walls or arbors are great for creating softness and a traditional appeal as well. Think of white-washed cabinets, pale-wood benches, and large rustic dining tables.

2. Grills

So many grilling options! There are 6 major types of grills to consider for your outdoor kitchen. Think about what you most enjoy cooking and what you can get the most use out of before choosing your grill.

  • Open Grills

This is the simplest set up of all grills. It consists of a metal or stone box with a heating element (wood, charcoal, gas) and a metal grate over the top of the box directly over the fire. Open grills are best for direct grilling over high heat and are best suited for quick cooking foods like kebabs, thin steaks and chops, and fish.

  • Covered Grills

Add a cover to the open grill and it allows you to add smoking and indirect grilling features to your outdoor grill. Covered grills are best for thicker steaks, rack-of-ribs, or whole chickens and ducks. You can also add different types of wood to your grill, close the lid, and let the meat slowly absorb the aroma of the wood.

  • Ceramic Grills

Ceramic grills are made of thick walls that allows heat to radiate off the side of the walls for even cooking. Ceramic grills are usually much deeper than typical grills and are generally used to cook bread (like flatbreads or India’s naan) directly on the side walls. The grill portion of ceramic grills are best suited for thin sliced meat, kebabs, fish, or veggies.

  • Rotisserie Grills

A rotisserie grill adds a rotating spit to the grill to allow for even cooking of thick slabs of meat or whole animals. Food is cooked slowly over several hours that results in crispy skins on the outside and tender, moist meat on the inside. Rotisserie grills are best suited for thick steaks, fatty meats, or whole animals like chickens, ducks, or even whole pigs (if your grill is big enough).

  • Smoker Grills

A smoker grill cooks meat on low heat for several hours over aromatic wood chips for flavorful and tender meat. The most common woods used for smokers include maple, hickory, mesquite, oak, and pecan. Smokers are best suited for tough cuts of meat that it slowly tenderizes while in the smoker. Meats like briskets and ribs are perfect for this.

  • Firepit Grills

A firepit grill allows your whole family to feel like you’re camping out right in your backyard! Firepit grills are just like campfires but with a metal grate positioned above the fire to cook food. The grates for the grills are height adjustable so that the food raised or lowered to be closer or farther from the fire. This makes firepit grills extremely versatile and can handle delicate foods like fish, veggies, and S’mores to thick cuts of beef and whole animals.

3. Appliances

Take a browse through these links for some ideas for your appliance purchases.

  • Pizza Ovens

Here is an affordable, moveable outdoor pizza oven.

  • Grilling Space

This is a comprehensive, versatile grill designed especially for outdoor use.

  • Beverage Center

This is a great option for those who really want to entertain! Store your drinks and drink accessories in a sleek design.

4. Furnishing Ideas

There are so many options to consider when it comes to furnishing. Will you go for a table and chair configuration, or a bench and stool set-up? Consider what kinds of gatherings you will use your kitchen for to help you decide which is best.

  • Color: try to think about what color scheme you will like and enjoy throughout the years. You don’t want to choose a bold, crazy color palette that you end up tiring of after one season. If you want a bold, bright touch, use interchangeable pillows, cushions, and throws. You can choose, bright appliances or flowers to add color too. That way, your base palette remains neutral while adding add splashes color that are easy to change out.

  • Fabric: Obviously, you need to choose a weather-resistant fabric for your outdoor furnishings, especially if there is a minimal overhead cover. Treated canvas and Olefin fiber are good choices for outdoor furniture.

  • Shade Sails and Covers: It is important to protect your appliances and furniture from the weather and potentially harsh elements. If you live in an extreme climate, consider the kind of protection you want to use for your outdoor kitchen. You can build awnings to shade the patio area or you can build a structure, like an arbor or pergola. Basically, this has a sturdy roof and side pillars. You can also install weather-resistant curtains to the side pillars that you can pull closed to act as walls if you’d like some privacy in your patio.

  • Finishing Touches: once the heavy appliances and furniture pieces are installed, take a step back and think of what else space needs. Here are some ideas for finishing touches:

– Ornaments

– Lamps

– Small side-tables

– Decorative trays and bowls

– Vases and good-quality fake flowers

– Water-resistant throws and blankets for winter months

5. Money-Saving DIY Options

You don’t need to rely on the expertise of others for every aspect of your outdoor kitchen needs. You can handle some of it yourself if you’re up to it!

  • Use recycled wood and old furniture/benches from second-hand stores or yard sales. Upcycle it yourself and get to work making your chairs, benches, or shade sails.

  • Go out and find weather-resistant fabrics from fabric stores or furniture sales. You can re-upholster your outdoor furniture to suit your own personal aesthetic.

Source by Bob Tom

Top 5 Gaiam Balance Ball Chair Review

The Gaiam exercise chair is developed under the consultation of chiropractic pioneer, Dr Randy Weinzoff; thus, this chair immensely alleviates the aching back, legs and arms syndrome that comes from sitting at a desk for hours. It helps to strengthen core and improve alignment.

Below are the top 5 best Gaiam office ball chair:

1. Classic Balance Ball Chair

The Classic Balance Ball seat comes is designed by leading health and fitness experts to enhance core strength and health. It features the same yoga ball employed by exercise experts.

Featuring the same yoga ball, it helps to build a healthier core, align the spine, relieve back pain and stiffness, boost energy levels and increase productivity with an active body and engaged mind.

This is built for users 5′ to 5’11” tall. It fits most standard-height desks. For a taller chair, add 2 inches with Gaiam’s compatible leg extenders, sold separately. It has a 300-pound weight capacity.

It comes with a black colour including a removable 52-centimetre exercise ball, an air pump, an adjustable metal support bar, desktop exercise guide to staying active and a 4 easy-glide casters – 2 back wheels lockable.

2. Backless Classic Balance Seat

This supports core strength and healthy back. It encourages better posture throughout your sitting period. It features the same yoga ball designed to relieve stiffness and back pain and align your spine. Using this ball chair boosts energy levels while helping you to remain focused.

Users who should be making use of the backless classic balance ball chair should be 5′ to 5’11” tall. It fits most standard-height desks. For a taller chair, you need to add 2 inches with Gaiam’s compatible leg extenders which are sold separately from this 300-pound weight capacity.

It comes with a blue colour plus a removable 52-centimetre exercise ball, an air pump, an adjustable metal support bar, 4 easy-glide casters (2 back wheels lockable), and a desktop exercise guide.

3. Custom Fit Adjustable Balance Seat

The custom fit ball chair is easily adjustable to fit your height & size. It features the same yoga ball as the exercise guide. It helps to build a healthier core, align the spine, relieve back pain and stiffness, as well as boost energy levels.

It is designed for users to 5′ to 5’11” tall and fits most standard-height desks. Its adjustable legs allow for custom height setting to fit your exact needs.

The blue colour, 300-pound weight capacity ball chair comes with a 55cm exercise ball, air pump, metal base, 5 adjustable legs, 5 easy-glide lockable wheels, backrest, desktop stretching and strengthening guide plus a DVD with three 20-minute workouts and three ten-minute “express routines.”

4. Balance Ball Stool

This ball chair works as an active seat, causing micro-movements which strengthen the core. It improves your posture and boosts circulation. The balance ball stool features anti-burst, half-dome balance ball Stool adjusts from 18″ to 23″ to fit most standard size desks making it perfect for an office, home, and classroom or school desks.

It features a black colour, 23″ height with an easy-inflation pump. It comes with a stable 360-degree swivel base which allows for easy and free movement while the height is easily adjustable to meet the changing needs around your workspace. You could tag a lightweight and compact active sitting stool with 5 lockable, easy-glide caster wheels.

5. Kids ball chair

The Kids ball chair promotes a healthy posture & keeps the mind focused and body engaged. It is the perfect kid-sized seat for improving concentration & focus at home or in the classroom at their desk. It helps to reduce restlessness, fidgeting and prevent boredom.

It is recommended for kids ages 5-8, or children between 42 and 51 inches tall making this active sitting chair ideal for preschool, 1st and 2nd-grade students. Its weight limit ranges 175-pounds.

It comes with a child-sized 35cm balance ball, easy-inflation air pump, adjustable back support bar, secure metal ball holder, and easy-glide caster wheels (2 lockable).

Source by Chukwu Valentine