Below lists several of the most common lampshade shapes and the situations in which you should use them. Often, the rule of thumb is to choose a shade which complements the shape of the lamp.

• A bell shade is a classic shape that complements a wide variety of lamps because it is both curved and tailored, however, it is a particularly successful look when paired with feminine, Victorian influenced lamps. Steer clear of using a bell shade with contemporary lamps.
   
• A basic lamp shade shape is used with almost any kind of lamp. It is the shape you’ll most often run into if you are not in a store that specializes in lighting. This shape is the best shade to choose for lamps that are remarkably wide or irregular shapes.
   
• A cylindrical lamp shade looks best with a lamp that mimics its shape. Pair this shade with a tall, cylindrical lamp and you’ll have a great look.
   
• With contemporary lamps that have a circular or oval shape, drum shades are an excellent, streamlined choice.
   
• With square or rectangular lamps, stick to the similar shapes rule and pick a square shade.
   

Of course, rules are always made to be broken! So have some fun and remember that with a basic knowledge of the most common lamp shade styles, you should be able to make an informed decision regarding your next lighting project.

You have heard of the psychology of color.  Colors make you feel emotions, so why not create the emotion of your choice in your home?  Below illustrates the emotional power of five popular colors:

• Red – Red stimulates the body and mind.  It increases your metabolism and your blood pressure, and makes you more alert.  Because red stimulates appetite, food tastes better when surrounded by red.  So it is often used in dining rooms.  Red can make a person feel passionate and excited.  But beware – too much red can evoke anger and lead to anxiety – not a good choice for the bedroom.
• Blue – Blue acts like red’s opposite.  It decreases the pulse rate, lowers body temperature, and reduces appetite.  Blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is great to use in rooms where relaxation is desired.  People are also more productive in blue rooms, so if you need a little kick in the pants, try blue for your home office.
   
• Yellow - Yellow has been proven to stimulate the brain.  This stimulation can make you more alert and decisive.  It helps memory and promotes clear thinking.  With a yellow kitchen, you just might not need that extra cup of coffee in the morning!
   
• Green – Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect.  It helps us balance and soothe our emotions.  Green relaxes our muscles and helps us breathe deeper and slower.  Studies show that those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches, but may produce laziness!
   
• Purple – Purple is a mysterious color.  It is the combination of two complete opposites – red and blue.  Purple can be invigorating or calming, depending on how much red or blue is in the shade.  Use purple in rooms where you want to feel creative or spiritual because it balances the mind.

Combining colors is often a challenge for homeowners. Which color goes nicely with brown?  How do you add color to a blue room?  The following tips will give you confidence to add the right hues to your home. Know the Three Basic Color Schemes:

• Monochromatic – colors with the same hue but different values (brown and taupe; two shades of blue)
   
• Analogous – colors that are next to each other on the color wheel and thus similar (green and yellow; red and purple).  Rooms can use three analogous colors for more excitement, like green, yellow, and orange.  A subtler, more sophisticated analogous combination could be yellow-green, yellow, and orange-yellow.
   
• Complementary – color-wheel opposites.  Complementary colors give the most contrast and are exciting to the eye (orange and blue; red and green)

Take a Cue from Mother;  Mother Nature, that is!  Colors that are found together in the great outdoors are also beautiful when combined in the home.  Think of a light blue sky paired with silvery white clouds.  Or a forest with its combination of greens mixed with tree bark brown.  If it’s pleasing in nature, it’ll be sure to please you inside, as well.

Look to Your Closet:; think about the color combinations you enjoy wearing.  What accent colors do you add to your outfits?  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says,

          “If you look and feel good with those colors on, you’ll like them around you.”

When adding new color to your home; remember to stay classic with your largest, most expensive pieces.  That way, when you choose to make any changes, you just need to switch small accessories and other inexpensive items.  Easy!  Remember that color has a profound effect on how we feel.  Decide how you want to feel, and use color to achieve your goal.

By Guest Author Amy Wolff, CID

When you are dealing with a small bathroom or powder room, the details are instrumental in creating the aesthetic of the room. A pop of color, an interesting object, or an unexpected piece can set the mood and bring style into a small space. Here are several different methods of adding some WOW to your bath space.

• Fill a room to the brim with fabulous details. With bold wallpaper, an ornate mirror, bright splashes of yellow, and fabulous sconces, this room is not boring in the least. The details create a room that is cheerful, exciting, youthful, and even semi-formal all at the same time. Don’t be afraid to have lots of fun in the powder room – we don’t spend that much time in there for it to become overwhelming – go for it!
   
• Instead of a typical towel rack, try a ladder. This detail creates a beach-y atmosphere, and when paired with a woven basket that houses hand towels, the look says “pure relaxation”. The white accented with turquoise in the towels and in the basket provides a fresh, clean feel. And it is SO easy to change the whole color scheme seasonally by just changing the accents. BTW…did you know that the color “experts” are saying that turquoise is the “it” color for 2010?
   
• Don’t forget that the sink can be the spot for style, too! A copper sink can be the focal point of the room and offer a striking look! It serves as the inspiration for the rest of the bathroom, from the walls to the mat to the towels and shower curtain.

So if you have an awesome antique mirror, some girly-licious sconces, some zany artwork, or even the mannequin leg lamp (you know who you are!)…let those set the mood and give a small room the WOW of your personal style!

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).  Amy can be reached at 480-683-0200, or amywolff@rnsmte.com

To help ensure your swimming pool is clean and clear for your family and friends to enjoy, focus on two areas:

• Maintaining or adjusting the chemical balance of the pool water.
• Removing debris and foreign particles from the swimming pool.

The chemical balance of swimming pool water cannot be maintained by adding pool chemicals only when we remember to. Pool water needs to be tested on a regular basis and adjusted in accordance to the results. The most common chemical used is chlorine. If used in large quantities, or if not maintained properly, chlorine may irritate the eyes and skin of swimmers. A swimming pool owner should also be aware of the proper maintenance instructions for the chemicals and follow the manufacturers’ instructions when applying chemicals to the pool.

To remove unwanted substances from your swimming pool, many rely on a water circulation and filtration system. Regular brushing and vacuuming of our swimming pools helps ensure a minimum of foreign material in the pool water. In addition, you also need to clean the filter itself and replace the filtration medium when necessary. A swimming pool filtration system uses the same basic principle of passing water through tiny channels. Particles larger than these channels are trapped and separated from the main body of the water. This process continues until all of the channels are blocked. At his time, the filter must then be cleaned and the cycle repeated.

Debris and suspended matter usually find their way to the bottom of a pool and may need to be removed by vacuuming.  You may want to consider vacuuming as part of your regular maintenance. The swimming pool vacuum operates in a similar manner to the common household vacuum, except it draws water through the vacuum head instead of air. There are two ways this may be accomplished:

• One method employs a jet of water supplied by a garden hose to power the suction which draws the dirt into the head to be trapped in a cloth bag.
• The other method uses the suction power supplied by the filter which draws the debris and suspended matter from the pool floor for removal through the filter. When there is a considerable amount of debris to be removed, the filter valves should be adjusted so that the vacuumed water will bypass the filter and run to waste.

Don’t feel overwhelmed. Let QwikBids get you the service professionals who can take care of this or any other project you want done. QwikBids providers are already prescreened. In addition, you can remain anonymous until you choose a company with the best fit!

Only trim the brown drooping fronds on your palm.  Do not trim off the ones that are still green; the tree needs them to collect sunlight to create chlorophyll for growth and best health. To prune palm trees the key care factor is that only the palm knows when a frond needs to be pruned off, and that is when it is dying (yellow or brown). As each new leaf opens, it will take the place of a dying leaf. The palm knows the exact amount of fronds needed for a healthy Palm Tree. When Palms reach their ultimate height, the fronds will decrease in size and the palm trees will decline and die. As a new frond emerges, the oldest frond dies. The age that a frond may attain will be determined by many factors including size of mature palm trees and number of fronds produced.

• Fertilizing established palms is an important way to keeping them vigorous.

• In Arizona, nitrogen is the most commonly deficient nutrient; when it’s missing, the older fronds turn yellow or pale green.

• Some palm trees show Magnesium deficiencies; causing a yellow band on older leaves, with central vein remaining green.

Remember, discolored leaves on your palm trees do not recover. Therefore, preventive fertilization is best.  Your palm trees will look more attractive when they have adequate nutrients.

Discover the difference!  Request multiple bids for the services you need – at no cost – and you may remain anonymous. Go to www.QwikBids.com today. Service providers compete for your business, and when the job is completed and you give feedback, QwikBids will donate $10 to the charity or non-profit of your choice.

The carpet cleaning methods that are right for you will depend on the amount of traffic your carpet or rugs endure, whether or not children or pets live in the home, and whether anyone in the home has allergies. It is also very important for the life of your carpet to choose a carpet cleaning method that is compatible with the materials that your carpet or rug is made of. 

Below lists some of the most popular carpet cleaning options:

• Dry Foam:  A shampoo is applied to your carpet and allowed to dry. Once dry, it is vacuumed up, bringing the dirt with it.
• Dry Chemical:  After a cleaning solution is applied to the carpet, a machine spins a large bonnet from side to side to absorb dirt in the carpet. After the bonnet is saturated with dirt, it is replaced with a new, clean bonnet and the process continues.
• Dry Compound:  An absorbent mixture is spread over the carpet. A machine brushes the mixture into the carpet to absorb the dirt. When the mixture dries, it is vacuumed out, taking the dirt with it.
• Hot Water Extraction:  This carpet-cleaning method is also known as steam cleaning. Hot water extraction forces a hot water based cleaning solution into the carpet under high pressure, and then extracts it back out of the carpet along with the dirt.
• Portable Extraction:  The carpet is cleaned by a small machine using hot tap water and powered by the electricity source in the house.
• Truck Mounted Extraction:  This uses a large cleaning machine mounted on a truck or van. The water is heated to a higher temperature and is shot into the carpet at a higher velocity than is possible in portable machines.

Carpet manufacturers rely on standards from the IICRC when providing cleaning instructions.  In most cases the IICRC recommends you have your carpets cleaned at least two times per year. Below is a list of standards used by the IIRC to properly care for your carpet and provide your carpet with the longest life possible:

• Light Soil Carpet:  Carpet owner should vacuum weekly and spot clean as needed. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 12 to 18 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended every two years or per mfg. warranty.
• Normal Soil Carpet (families with children or elderly):  Carpet owner should vacuum once or twice per week and spot clean as needed. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 6 to 12 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended once per year.
• Heavy Soil Carpet (families with pets, smoking):  Carpet owner should vacuum two to four times per week and spot clean as needed. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 3 to 6 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended twice per year.
• Extreme Soil Carpet (large families, pets, smoking):  Carpet owner should vacuum daily and spot clean as needed.  Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 2 to 3 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended quarterly.

With QwikBids, not only are our consumers getting a great deal and the convenience of QwikBids handling the background and reference checks, they are getting the bids in a blink of an eye. These days, time is everything! In Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tolleson, Gilbert, and throughout the valley, use QwikBids to  find your carpet cleaning professional.

One great feature of QwikBids is the notification options available to consumers and service providers. QBids.com or QwikBids.com works on most smart phones through the web browser.

According to ENERGY STAR, a typical contractor maintenance check-up should include the following:

• Change air filters on a regular basis. Dirty filters reduce system efficiency and increase costs.
• Check furnace system controls and thermostat. This will insure that the starting cycle is working properly so the unit keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy (and money) when you are away.
• Tighten the electrical connections and lubricate all HVAC moving parts. Faulty electrical connections and lack of adequate lubrication can reduce the life of the unit components. An improperly operating system can also cost you in the increased amount of electricity you use.

• Make sure the condensate drain is working properly. Not only can a plugged drain or pipe cause water damage, it can also affect the humidity levels in your home.
• Clean the evaporator and air conditioning coils. Dirty coils can cost you money. They reduce the system’s ability to cool the home so it must operate longer, leading to higher energy bills. Longer operating times also reduce the system’s life and increase the amount of energy needed to operate.
• Check air conditioner refrigerant level. Too much or too little refrigerant will affect system efficiency, increasing energy costs and system life.
• Make sure blower components are properly adjusted. ENERGY STAR? Guidelines indicate that airflow problems can reduce system efficiencies by up to 15 percent!

Don’t let the heat get to you.  Look no further than QwikBids for your licensed service professional.  Licensed professionals are ready to bid on your requests at just a moment’s notice.  

Also, visit http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy for Arizona state rebates, energy programs, and upcoming energy related events.

Doubts in our economy have caused many problems and setbacks for consumers and businesses alike. 2009 was a difficult year indeed, as we witnessed record job-losses, businesses failing or cutting back and consumers spending much less. These things apply to us all, but there is much to rejoice about in 2010.

As our economy slowly makes its way back to recovery, the result is increased consumer spending. This spending is what fuels the engine for our valley businesses, and is vital to being successful with QwikBids.

QwikBids has hung in there, and the reward for patience is paying off.

Recent data tells us we are in recovery, and as we heal from the past 2 years of hardship, there will be an influx of consumer spending not seen since the recession began. Projects by homeowners and commercial businesses have been put off, and this year we project a large swell in bid requests to fulfill these needs as they come in larger numbers.

Now is the time to act!

Yes, it’s time to prepare for the inevitable consumer and business spending. No longer should service providers put off being in place to bid on projects in their respective professions. If it’s affordable, proven and easy to set up, coming aboard QwikBids just makes sense!

Take it from our own service providers.

John Wifler, owner of John’s Design and Tree Service, is playing it smart. Specializing in landscaping, tree care and irrigation systems, John realizes the importance of being ready and willing to take on additional projects to keep his crew busy. “Since joining QwikBids, I have been really busy, especially since December. People seem to feel a little safer about the economy and are now spending more money,” John states.

John says that he also landed a commercial job from a local college on QwikBids, and adds that the client was so happy with his services, they’ll be using his company again. In the beginning John rolled the dice with his marketing budget and joined QwikBids, and after his initial experience, it dawned on him just how valuable our services really are.

“I decided to sign up to QwikBids for an additional two years instead, as they gave me a discount on a special they have. It was a no-brainer. I’m now looking to expand my crew and invest more money in my business,” John says with confidence, adding, “Both door to door and word of mouth also work, but immediate results came with QwikBids.”

Getting involved with QwikBids is easy, economical ($399 per year; no hidden fees) and exposes registered users to ready-to-buy consumers. Set-up can be done online, but if assistance is needed, businesses are encouraged to contact customer service or arrange a visit to offices located in Scottsdale. Ask about specials that QwikBids offers to valley businesses as well.

Much is being accomplished to draw consumers to use this service, free of charge. It allows the consumer to remain anonymous if they wish, choose the best value for their needs and all from the comfort of their own home. What’s more, consumer confidence is high with QwikBids, as they know all service providers are verified for licensing (if it applies), insurance and reputation (references). These things are vital to consumers looking to spend their money again.

Lastly, QwikBids donates to charity when consumers leave feedback on a business that performed work for them. Giving back to the community is yet another incentive for consumers and service providers alike.

Again, we cannot express the importance of being prepared for the re-growth of our economy. Don’t put it off, visit QwikBids today. Now is the time!

Not everyone has the luxury of having large windows that let in lots of sunlight.  Many homes have at least one room that is continually dark.  A dark room can cause accidents, eye-strain, and even a poor disposition.  If you’d like to add more light to that room – without taking a sledgehammer to your walls, try a few of these room-brightening tricks.  A brighter room will lead to a brighter mood!

• Paint your walls a light color, and use eggshell or semi-gloss paint.  Dark, matte finishes actually soak up the light, making the room seem darker – even when you put the lights on.  Lighter, glossier paints will reflect the light back into the room.

• Keep your ceiling white.  We know it’s fun and fashionable to paint ceilings “anything but white.”  But in that very dark room, it’s amazing the difference that a white ceiling makes.  Just like dark walls, a dark ceiling will absorb a lot of the available light.

• Add more lamps.  Yes, this seems obvious.  But many homeowners rely solely on overhead lights to illuminate a room.  Light needs to come from various levels – low, middle, and high.  Combining up-lights on the floor and lamps on tables around the room with overhead lighting will create a brighter, more comfortable room.

• Hang large mirrors.  Large mirrors can act like windows, reflecting the light back into the room.

• Choose reflective surfaces.  Just like walls, other large surfaces can absorb or reflect your light.  Opt for glossier furnishings, add glass to your framed artwork, and place mirrored trays on top of dark tables.  We are seeing more and more sophisticated metallics in paints and fabrics, too!

Light is important for your physical and mental health.  So make sure your home is getting all the light you need!

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).  Amy can be reached at 480-683-0200, or amywolff@rnsmte.com.

Word of mouth is always great when you seek services and have no idea where to begin. But sometimes, there are projects around the home that require a specialist for an array of odd things you may need done. Too often, there are no suggestions from family or friends. However, there’s an alternative to having to “shoot in the dark” when choosing a service provider for your many projects. 

In the metro Phoenix area, whether it’s landscape, swimming pool maintenance, or handyman service, rely on feedback from homeowners like you!

QwikBids offers a unique rating and feedback system that’s easy to understand and is always completely free to consumers. Aside from word of mouth, feedback from other homeowners is the most reliable way to know you’re getting the best deal in addition to supreme workmanship.

Consumers have an incentive to leave feedback too. For their feedback, QwikBids donates $10 to the charity of their choice! How cool is that?

Very recently, a homeowner decided it was time to visit QwikBids with an assortment of projects that needed to be done. From what we could tell, she was looking for one company to come in and do it all. She placed her bid request (always free!), got numerous bids and scheduled a reputable handyman to come out to do the work.

After the work was completed, she happily gave feedback. She wrote, “Dan is the best! He is very knowledgeable, efficient, honest and his prices are very fair. He did a great job on fixing a messy electrical problem I had in my master bathroom. Dan is the first person I will call when I need any electrical, plumbing or repair work done in the future.”

This feedback will help many in choosing a service provider, but this is also very favorable to Dan, as he has now established a customer relationship through his performance and fairness. Good job, Dan!

What’s more, the customer chose Sequoya Elementary School for the $10 donation. She had her projects done superbly at a great price, and helped our kids!

It all starts with all-important feedback. Visit QwikBids today to take advantage! It’s free to consumers, plus you remain anonymous until you choose a service provider. Convenient, easy and just makes sense!