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The many unique finds you can get from the many weekend markets that are springing up all over the place cannot be understated as they are a very good source of recyclable furniture and other trinkets that can be turned into unique stuff. Using some basic tools, loose crystals from antique chandeliers and some silver bits and parts can be made into very attractive lighting fixtures that would be the envy of your peers. Most chandelier crystals have holes which were used to hang them and with some gold or silver wire, available at crafts stores, these can be turned into light accents or other interesting pieces that would allow you to create one of a kind masterpieces. Read the rest of this entry »

Flea markets are vast resources of bits and pieces to help make your condo or apartment more spiffy and smart. When going to a flea market, here are some tips that might help you out:

1. Get there early.
When you see people coming out and carrying lamps and picture frames – they are considered the most popular items – then you’ve come too late. To find the best pickings, get there early before anyone else beats you to a good lamp or couch or collection piece for your display cabinet.

2. Don’t load up on big bills.
Carry small denominations instead – with the total depending on your budget – so you have more bargaining power.

3. Don’t doll up or dress up.
Vendors will be inclined to give higher prices to pricey looking people. So if you want to get a good price, dress in casual, comfortable clothes.

The product has the same feel as the real thing but they are actually recycled wine bottles that have been shaved, re-heated and flattened out to get the same look as stained glass that tends to be expensive. Wine bottle recycling is a very nice way to recycle glass that can be taken out of landfills though the process of recycling glass is a very expensive and it does require a lot of hardware, it is still a way of recycling for the good of the earth.
Glass bottle recycling is not a new concept for glass is one of the most easily recyclable man-made materials on earth. Old bottles and other glass refuse is added as cullet to new glass that is actually more energy efficient for it melts at a lower temperature over the pure materials that glass is made of. It is added to the batch of molten glass to lower the temperature of the raw glass allowing savings in the production process. Go green and save the earth, the future you prepare for might be yours, or your children’s

There are a lot of people who simply cannot do away with some family heirloom in one way or another, a cabinet that belonged to your grandparents or some other antique. It may seem straightforward but these precious pieces have more of a sentimental value than practical use but with some creative thinking it can serve the same purpose. The best way to give tribute to a piece with such character is to use it and use it well, the only problem is that these pieces way not be able to handle the regular wear and tear we may place upon them so additional protection should be applied in the form of a re-finish with modern protective coatings that can have the same feel and look of the original finish yet is more robust to use. Read the rest of this entry »

Many people find it hard to imagine the fact that going green doesn’t entail a lot of cost, for simple DIY projects can not only add beauty but make your small space more earthy and natural. Have carpet, why not opt for wooden floors made from laminated bamboo, they are sustainable and cost little compared to more expensive and rare hardwood. Want natural walls, simple hemp fiber mats hung on stainless steel rods can add a natural feel to an otherwise harsh cinder block wall, you can also use them for window coverings.
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Lighting can be use to create dramatic effects for a small condo or an even bolder one for a big one. So lighting is a way of bringing to light some of the hidden features of your house you might want to share or not with your guests. Use it to sine light on an impressive collection of vases you have on the shelves. Behind plants, they add drama combined with the beauty of your green friends.
Ugly corridor you hate, use a centerpiece at the end of it and get the ceiling re-done perfect installed with indirect lighting and you get drama on the ceiling, that once the guests eyes leave that area, the art piece of sculpture takes over. Got a bland bedroom, use indirect lighting with colors to bring it to life. Be sure to use your inner artist and sure enough you get something personal and not store bought or copied right off a magazine.

Styling a condo is more challenging because of the limited space. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to living with functional but ugly furniture. There are a lot of new designs that are suitable for condos (compact!), but are still chic and stylish. I especially love ingenious transforming furniture such as this:

The Doc sofa/bunk bed unit by Bonbon Trading is a single couch that swings easily into two separate beds. Now that’s what I call a real space saver!

Image Source: www.kauai-condo-vacation.com
Most colleges and universities provide (usually for a fee) single or multiple occupancy rooms for their students. These buildings consist of many such rooms, like an apartment building, and the number of rooms varies quite widely from just a few to hundreds. Many colleges and universities no longer recognize the word “dormitory” and staffs are now using the term residence hall or simply “hall” instead. This is promoted as better describing a living and the learning community that is part of the larger academic institution. When the word “dorm” was first adapted for universities and colleges, the atmosphere of the buildings served as places for students to sleep. Often students had a curfew to be in the building for “lights out” and a “dorm mother” was in charge of running the building.. Features of life such as cafeterias, academic centers, active and passive programming, resident assistants and hall coordinators have given a new experience to living on campus.

If you think that the grass mows itself, or the heater repairs itself, then you better think again The maintenance of the condo building isn’t done by one person.

The group who pays for all those things are the financial entity known as the condominium corporation. This group is made up of a board of directors run by the unit owners. They ensure that the building and grounds are well-maintained and that all owners follow the bylaws.

So if you’re looking around for a condo, do look for the corporation’s monthly financial statements and Reserve Fund Study. Both provide a wealth of info on how the building is cared for.

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If you’re thinking of buying or renting a condo unit, then I suggest you get a Condominium consultant. This person has been in the trenches when it comes to dealing with condo documents, and experience in haggling with Developers, Realtors, Buyers and Sellers of condo units.

Buying a condo is more complex than it seems because not only are you buying a unit, you’re also buying an interest in real estate. This is where the Condo Consultants come in and make it all organized for you.

The problem is, since there are very few of them around, they cost a lot. Usually, their pay start at around $350. Don’t worry, it’s better to spend early than regret buying the unit in the end.