tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22802704257005764892024-03-06T03:37:22.215-05:00El Dorado FurnitureThe Official El Dorado Furniture BlogEl Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-68407878613434818752013-07-05T14:42:00.003-04:002013-07-05T14:42:47.790-04:00Making More Out of Less: Maximizing Space in a Small Room or Studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So you moved into a dorm room in college, you have a small
room in your home, or you live in a studio apartment. Whatever the case may be,
you have one major problem: many ideas wrestling around in your head, but
little space to work with. Don’t let the challenge overwhelm you—we’re here to
help! Here are some tips for maximizing space in a limited area. With a bit of
creativity, you’ll open up unlimited possibilities.<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Cut the Clutter</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcTOAq1W9RhVE4iZMKb-KiIYdHNvI-529APfjVqi4leLbSv3pnH1mD2FE8EjM2DE_HhVozi3LII003j9NWeyd0nCpliwHwZStkt3apeTsUsVCrEdx04P2daM991NNTET2RiTvC3t_TB4/s640/Messy+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcTOAq1W9RhVE4iZMKb-KiIYdHNvI-529APfjVqi4leLbSv3pnH1mD2FE8EjM2DE_HhVozi3LII003j9NWeyd0nCpliwHwZStkt3apeTsUsVCrEdx04P2daM991NNTET2RiTvC3t_TB4/s320/Messy+Room.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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One of the best ways to get the most out of a small space is
to simply get rid of the things you don’t need. That extra microwave? Out.
Those piles of seldom-worn clothes? Donate them to friends, family, or a
charity of your choice. Keep only the essentials. Everything that uses up your
valuable floor space should be carefully chosen and have a good reason for
being there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Lighten Up<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Choose lighter colors over darker ones when painting your
walls. Lighter shades open up a space visually, making it appear larger. Make
sure not to cover any windows with big pieces of furniture, since abundant light
also inspires a sense of freedom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Time for Reflection<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Mirrors are great for getting dressed and fixing your hair,
but they’re good for plenty of other things, too. Placed in a highly-visible
area, mirrors add a sense of depth, making your room look even bigger. As an
added bonus, they reflect light, also creating the impression of a larger room.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=1587" target="_blank">Divide and Conquer</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc50i4wfCfoFXfccUfglSSlaP70QLk0bWZzvgk04B2A32JXCJvfNRdwQCey52Vu1NNOukGHX7N_EEAYh-WcprynUBVt_98bArIm5ffaxP2ztkU-KF_5Pddvw1Pq4CTzQxWq1t5YhnRuU/s1600/Room+Divider+edf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc50i4wfCfoFXfccUfglSSlaP70QLk0bWZzvgk04B2A32JXCJvfNRdwQCey52Vu1NNOukGHX7N_EEAYh-WcprynUBVt_98bArIm5ffaxP2ztkU-KF_5Pddvw1Pq4CTzQxWq1t5YhnRuU/s320/Room+Divider+edf.jpg" width="320" /></a>Dividers can turn a seemingly chaotic mess into an ordered
paradise. These pieces allow you to separate your floor space into sections, whether
by color, theme, style, or anything else you choose. Maybe you just want a
little area of privacy in your studio. Some dividers even feature shelves,
doubling as a “sort-of” bookcase.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Think Vertically<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Don’t limit yourself to the floor. You have at least four
walls—take advantage of them! Installing shelves along your walls is a great
way to add much-needed space for storage. You can place books, trinkets, knickknacks,
photos, and plenty more here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Different types of furniture take advantage of
<a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/search/index.html?search=dividers" target="_blank">vertical space</a>, by favoring height over other dimensions. Here are a couple of
examples</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl1IFI1p21qrAHQZXnmB-_GL6yMPHszFrX0Q1vACU-MyMEG_s8NiwCa3yFKT4944rAVkJco3mFeSEl5ZHP0lAfYXmmaVDwL_optT5MISTuGSpy6rgfcV8p-IN4P0zYBkdQUq9pF3_3Rc/s600/Wall+Units.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl1IFI1p21qrAHQZXnmB-_GL6yMPHszFrX0Q1vACU-MyMEG_s8NiwCa3yFKT4944rAVkJco3mFeSEl5ZHP0lAfYXmmaVDwL_optT5MISTuGSpy6rgfcV8p-IN4P0zYBkdQUq9pF3_3Rc/s320/Wall+Units.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=9184" target="_blank">Wall units</a> are tall furnishings that provide
storage for your television, electronics, media, and much more. They are
available in a variety of different sizes and styles, to suit your particular
needs. With the right choice, you’ll have the benefit of adding an inviting
focal point to your room, as well.</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal">Don’t
sleep on your childhood memories. You probably remember that<a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/search/index.html?search=bunk" target="_blank"> bunk bed</a> you
shared with your brother or sister as a young child. These genius
inventions allow more than one person to sleep comfortably in a room, taking
up the space of a single bed! You can pick from variations such as twin
over twin, twin over full, and more. Some even feature an additional
trundle unit that slides out from below the bottom bunk, housing storage
space or yet another mattress, as you wish. Have you ever heard of the
bunk bed’s lesser-known cousin, the loft bed? This type of bed features
only the top bunk, leaving ample space beneath it for a dresser, a desk,
or anything else your mind fancies.<o:p></o:p></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96IidYue45kjy5a1gtIsL53cyfSyN2k-boVd4xaOB6q2rnxUKbBjjrKjREQZBnodsB8wtWUdO-isrquT2k1Fdey-rKjSD1_-8hbxohkDgS9bFnWulUJVxu5l8qjwRR_gFSDd6CFxDego/s600/Futons.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96IidYue45kjy5a1gtIsL53cyfSyN2k-boVd4xaOB6q2rnxUKbBjjrKjREQZBnodsB8wtWUdO-isrquT2k1Fdey-rKjSD1_-8hbxohkDgS9bFnWulUJVxu5l8qjwRR_gFSDd6CFxDego/s320/Futons.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Multifunctional Furniture<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We can’t stress this tip enough. The smaller the space
you have to work with, the more you want to make sure that your furniture has
more than one purpose.</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal">Futons
and sofa beds are comfortable seating options whenever you have company
over, but turn into cozy beds at nighttime.<o:p></o:p></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6Z1ChbWdDhi1CjrgGkqb6Vazssk9Z5qnrfNBa7Cql8mS30bW-jr-sjgRaiAZkqlhypyR-9fcygOhcIEH3C2n9RnFo6cEp35ouYhqEz3FVaQsQBJ6NWNepTj6aTPmgvUgGhgVlKCcJDg/s600/tvChest.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Space Saving TV Chest" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6Z1ChbWdDhi1CjrgGkqb6Vazssk9Z5qnrfNBa7Cql8mS30bW-jr-sjgRaiAZkqlhypyR-9fcygOhcIEH3C2n9RnFo6cEp35ouYhqEz3FVaQsQBJ6NWNepTj6aTPmgvUgGhgVlKCcJDg/s320/tvChest.png" style="cursor: move;" title="TV Chest" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.eldoradofurniture.com/catalog/index.html?cID=116&sRef=TV%20CHESTS" target="_blank">TV Chests</a> are built with several drawers for storing your socks, undergarments,
personal items, and more. But that’s not all. These pieces also feature
shelves where you can place your Blu-ray or DVD player, VHS player, a
gaming console—you get the picture. Lastly, the top has a space for your
television. That’s at least three different functions combined into one
stylish and compact piece. How convenient is that? If you just can’t fit
anymore furniture into your space, you can always mount your TV on a wall.
Problem solved.</div>
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<li class="MsoNormal">Dining
tables are available with drop leaves or leaf extensions which increase
the length of a table, but can be folded down or removed when you don’t
need them. If you’re in a really tight bind, you can even use your table as
a desk or workspace. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoX1fU6Twzy0m6oYv0_9si0dj1Toy1VzOX52Df-ixs7bmA7Nnkh8LlNrQAy20yC9ZrJ2zPN9J4-0YI8bzcv1vvWTeUOAbRz2W7DXQQswvtvq_hvhHqmov5kL7ONDUxM9rjwBvGQow7E4/s1200/Dining+Set+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoX1fU6Twzy0m6oYv0_9si0dj1Toy1VzOX52Df-ixs7bmA7Nnkh8LlNrQAy20yC9ZrJ2zPN9J4-0YI8bzcv1vvWTeUOAbRz2W7DXQQswvtvq_hvhHqmov5kL7ONDUxM9rjwBvGQow7E4/s320/Dining+Set+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the end, the more your furniture does, the more you benefit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Little Details, Big
Results<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Whatever you choose to do, each of your choices is
going to add up. Furnish your room or studio with an eye towards the big
picture. Though it may seem difficult, there are many ways to make what seems
impossible, possible. And, don’t forget, our furniture experts are always happy to help
you with </span><span id="goog_1305237382"></span><a href="https://www.eldoradofurniture.com/DECOR/index.html" target="_blank">complimentary décor advice</a><span id="goog_1305237383"></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></div>
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For more space saving options, visit us at <a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/">www.ElDoradoFurniture.com</a></div>
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El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-31160099209934734382010-11-22T14:37:00.001-05:002010-11-22T14:37:03.798-05:00Thanksgiving Traditions<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TOrGVJ2vm5I/AAAAAAAAAOo/fcq0KNkbhDw/s1600-h/happy_thanksgiving%5B4%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="border-bottom: ; border-left: ; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; border-top: ; border-right: ; padding-top: " title="happy_thanksgiving" alt="happy_thanksgiving" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuIDbjGbAyUFRTdNat5wTi9Ubn59SWiRt5-tVISKJAwT-4zKP_zouvCge6Ox5OXYu_TK-uRpvUeoI3kKf5XvCF2zU0Wu7JWKVxfvTPuW1pcvUaoD3asDi8BddRPC4mZ9SrOLnBea9vA4/?imgmax=800" width="448" height="361" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Ah, Thanksgiving -- the time of year when we get to break our diets for a day and feast on turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin pie.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Of course, this being Miami, most of us Latinos will probably be eating an equally ginormous feast consisting of turkey (typically marinated to taste just like pork, or <em>lechon</em>), a proper serving of actual <em>lechon</em>, Cuban bread, fried plantains, white rice and black beans, and <em>flan</em> for dessert.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving, the main focus of this treasured holiday centers around reuniting with family and friends, and giving thanks for everything we have in our lives. But who should we be thanking for having this holiday in the first place?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Most American schoolchildren know the tale of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving on Plymouth Rock: after barely surviving a treacherous journey across the sea in search of emancipation from English rule, and suffering through an exceptionally rough winter that killed most of their crops, the Pilgrims sat down to give thanks to God and their new native American friends who taught them how to hunt and grow bountiful crops.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">That first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, but it would be more than 200 years before President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving Day. Up until then, each state had its own Thanksgiving day and traditions (if it was celebrated at all). President Lincoln’s decision to standardize the holiday was due in part to Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential writer and magazine editor.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TOrGXSqJH7I/AAAAAAAAAOw/1m5relrGhdk/s1600-h/Sarah_Hale_portrait%5B5%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="border-bottom: ; border-left: ; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; border-top: ; border-right: ; padding-top: " title="Sarah_Hale_portrait" alt="Sarah_Hale_portrait" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMrqXycOpxOT5Mb4JwcxzO6JGn2Zn9uV2BomeiRyq6VlWZrIpDuzCPLjilt8H6-dspE3VSmFCC7727qAfR3bniv-a0av4qUuPK8CU20m3YoS1Jdh7xRCjJfG3f_lMX8S5U2ZC7pVurj4/?imgmax=800" width="346" height="454" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">For more than 40 years, Hale petitioned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, noting that “We have too few holidays … Thanksgiving, like the Fourth of July, should be considered a national festival and observed by all our people.”</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Hale also helped in domesticating Thanksgiving. Many families at the time celebrated Thanksgiving in ways that would be unrecognizable to us today. Some threw rambunctious parties, others served goose or duck as their main course, with sides that saw no mention of stuffing, yams, or mashed potatoes. Dinner was served at tables with mismatched chairs and silverware, while some guests (usually children) ate on the floor.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">In one of her written works, Hale described the picturesque Thanksgiving gathering of an upper class family. It was here that many of the holiday traditions we know came to be. From the plump turkey served with stuffing, and the potatoes drizzled with gravy from a gravy boat, to finishing off the feast with pumpkin pie, Hale’s description was the quintessential Thanksgiving celebration. The scene also helped re-establish the original reason behind Thanksgiving – an idea which seemed to have been lost over time. She stated, “There is a deep moral influence in these periodical seasons of rejoicing, in which whole communities participate. They bring out…the best sympathies in our natures.”</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">It would be <em>another</em> 200 years (1941) before Congress declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, but Hale’s influence can still be seen when we gather with our families and friends around the dinner table today.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">So let’s give thanks this holiday, not only for the loved ones around us, but to the people who helped mark this special day in history and keep it alive for generations to come.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">From our family to yours, have a very happy Thanksgiving.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </font><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><font face="Verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</font></a><font face="Verdana">.</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-13155820418610233892010-10-25T16:26:00.001-04:002010-10-25T16:27:15.910-04:00(Literally) Spooky Furniture<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXnrN8F_lI/AAAAAAAAAN4/DMLqa48OiIE/s1600-h/16e490b2ca83419b58799abee438fa9b%5B11%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="16e490b2ca83419b58799abee438fa9b" alt="16e490b2ca83419b58799abee438fa9b" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXnrmU5tmI/AAAAAAAAAN8/IjzZPm2SoYc/16e490b2ca83419b58799abee438fa9b_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="297" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">With Halloween just around the corner, it seems everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. From slimy snakes and spiders to ghastly ghouls and goblins, homes all around America are being decked out with spooky decorations in anticipation of the big night.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">If you’re one of the lucky few hosting the big Halloween bash at your place, you’ve no doubt gone the extra mile to give your home a terrifyingly fun makeover, inside and out. Decorations and accessories can go a long way in transforming your humble abode into a haunted estate, but if you still feel like there’s something missing, you may need some Halloween furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">That’s right. Some furniture designers have taken to creating fully functional furniture pieces with a genuinely creepy motif. So, whether you’re looking to add some “oomph” to your Halloween party, or simply have a really morbid sense of interior design, these pieces are for you!</font></p> <p><strong><font face="Verdana">Coffin Couches</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn0P_fITI/AAAAAAAAAOA/VNvmgbIpcaQ/s1600-h/3c840718b8411996329507c29f1892c3%5B10%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="3c840718b8411996329507c29f1892c3" alt="3c840718b8411996329507c29f1892c3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn0eW7S_I/AAAAAAAAAOE/xwJGPQ7zhcU/3c840718b8411996329507c29f1892c3_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="334" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Now you can experience the comfort of a coffin without meeting the typical prerequisites (e.g., death)!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">One California-based company has created a niche market, buying real coffins from local funeral homes and repurposing them as couches. The coffins are unusable due to cosmetic defects, but California health and safety laws prohibit them from being resold to the public, so many funeral directors are glad to have someone take these off their hands.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">And thus, the coffin couch was born. These unique couches come in a number of colors and designs, or can be custom made. Companies from all over the world have commissioned custom coffin couches for marketing purposes. Lounging around on what was once intended to be someone’s eternal resting place won’t come cheap, though – prices range from $3,500.00 to $5,000.00.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><font face="Verdana">Casket Furniture</font></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmd7Gb1CoHsvEhFuo3-2VV8doHbWRoYJ61G-SB0iVQ6kTAvAQMeMIdl1JE8YZXVa1Pyrp62wNbeuzMZDuGubMGdegOoULukrlzCN2Yed9nDVEkxWHxqc8SKT5zbwMDkvC-Q34MyOeZqI/s1600-h/item_20090224041035%5B6%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="item_20090224041035" alt="item_20090224041035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn1vSuL7I/AAAAAAAAAOM/DKuRZMHS9mE/item_20090224041035_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="443" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Coffins a little too modern for you? How about a tried and true casket instead? Another furniture design team has taken “lifetime guarantee” to new levels with a wide selection of casket-themed furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The casket display case (pictured above) could be used for books, trinkets, shrunken heads, or anything else you can fit on the shelves. Friends coming over? How about a casket pool table (below)? This is sure to spice up your typical game of pool.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn1zbu1xI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/fWe2Nl-W7MU/s1600-h/item_20061018095743%5B5%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="item_20061018095743" alt="item_20061018095743" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn2cqC2sI/AAAAAAAAAOU/qBqQZvAuI78/item_20061018095743_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="228" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">These casket concoctions also include coffee tables, entertainment centers, sofas, and even phone booths. But you’ll have to dole out a pretty penny if you want your home to resemble the Crypt Keeper’s pad – prices range anywhere from $500.00 to $9,000.00. Ouch!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><font face="Verdana">Modern Halloween Furniture</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn2qBU-pI/AAAAAAAAAOY/KHtukFP6M10/s1600-h/Skull-Chair-Modern-Urban_6731D998-skulls-pink%5B6%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="Skull-Chair-Modern-Urban_6731D998-skulls-pink" alt="Skull-Chair-Modern-Urban_6731D998-skulls-pink" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVLLpE46ykySgqZ29ZAY6G66J6Zq7L6D7wM_r6loHuRdt2ODcKX125_sKNtDKMzN0D-GOFjpYk3-yjSxwpfn-dh04y3c3GDpbNnujfO7ysxi1uuTu1k2a4owQ-laQbklkVmDXNuwcSWI/?imgmax=800" width="426" height="426" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">So maybe you want to take a more subtle approach to your dark decorating desires…</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">This skull chair (above) offers up just enough creepiness to set the mood on a dark and stormy night, but still manages to pull off a sleek and elegant  look come daybreak. Throw in a pair of skeleton hand salad tongs (below) and you’ve got yourself one classy monster bash!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn3TKRjgI/AAAAAAAAAOg/sVCWQIsKcK0/s1600-h/Gothic-Skeleton-Hand-Salad_88B48905%5B5%5D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="Gothic-Skeleton-Hand-Salad_88B48905" alt="Gothic-Skeleton-Hand-Salad_88B48905" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TMXn3vobbtI/AAAAAAAAAOk/mTbcpvmudTc/Gothic-Skeleton-Hand-Salad_88B48905_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="386" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Whatever your decorating preferences, just remember Halloween is all about having fun! Be creative, be silly, go all out! It’s not every day we’re allowed to dress up like our heroes and act like kids! May as well take advantage!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Happy Halloween!</font></p> <p><strong><em><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </font><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><font face="Verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</font></a><font face="Verdana">.</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-67824317695969747202010-10-04T16:52:00.001-04:002010-10-04T17:23:50.636-04:00Wordplay: Etymology of Furniture Terms<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH372nq5jOVKPQHZphYa2iiOLvaDBTasnW6g3nvDfkAd1vWGGIJmqVWy3s1JlO27VHGk3EubMKvq8tryZD1cdcsHIr6_tEtIGsIKhjSkbpMNEk0iXV3wauAfbqK9RhhsI39OE1RWSxtD4/s1600-h/FURNITURE%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: ; border-left: ; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; border-top: ; border-right: ; padding-top: " title="FURNITURE" alt="FURNITURE" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lM4Rv78ITSo_lvAwOk5h5nhkgvaJjJo7cd_g1lNydLE08HYvUlz_NqQjJtaLNbJBb00uv3GRUqeK8R3ZSfbRSLYvg1Sey7V5bSw1mgyBn_oFkuY0j5sEEmv5YzMsFZ6v79R6lgGIXJQ/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="264" /></a>With all this talk about furniture, it’s only natural to wonder where some of these terms came from. The English language is notorious for “borrowing” words from other languages, which is why the root of a word can be just as important as its actual meaning; a person fluent in French can quickly deduce the meaning of a French-rooted English word they’ve never heard before. Hence the widespread belief that multilingual individuals are more intelligent than monolingual ones.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">For this post, we’re driven more by curiosity than anything else. But if you happen to learn something in the process, kudos to you!</font></p> <p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BURsLOnh4szh9SIzhOU85hf25idYIZbQIJ9hHg59ONuHLRe4N8i6LcT7Ewuk_aT6sLwG5NzESX5jwtdPf33ZwnWipDhG7YQFgi0RCFryKGWI8i_k5n4gy89_uaVuzHeQUtmRmbx5kgM/s1600-h/8KUK-118.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="8KUK-11" alt="8KUK-11" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92pB19sbDrJI2mTfNUR7YjGa8ZxTG3yX4-Quf-DPGT5m-u_BKyQTmJWfBVkvwKRKTQV-IBCkAI5y_2tsHUFq0d-Gfvq7Phg8sIqLdnCWi3hRqgiy4cNd7YnXiCl_0PZTiZ8c3ekTzoC0/?imgmax=800" width="414" height="238" /></font></a></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>furniture <br /></strong>We’ll start with the mother of all furniture terms. The word <em>furniture </em>actually comes from the French word <em>fourniture</em>, meaning “supply” or “the act of furnishing.” These days, we use <em>furniture</em> to refer to several pieces, but during the 19th century the plural form <em>furnitures</em> was commonly used. That slowly disappeared by the time the 20th century rolled around. Because we modern folk are so busy, we don’t have the time to pronounce that superfluous “s” sound. Take that, logic!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoAcfuCqqV5Y-tNKaZpgSgIrZ8XiCGZq_kNcjs7V39uVQZGCLynv1rWGuMSEjrCwszdT4JVM5BA6Y30AafMBKmvxJktMUh4jERVZO2ztNaYVwGufKbHwZ76AFC6cpsEN01iqabGsQ7jE/s1600-h/MAGI-72-Bed-98.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="MAGI-72 Bed (9)" alt="MAGI-72 Bed (9)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-hbUZEII/AAAAAAAAAM8/yf33c0FvHLc/MAGI-72-Bed-9_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="279" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">bed  <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana">Such a tiny word could stem from any number of languages. Indeed, many languages contain terms that could conceivably be the root word of <em>bed</em>, but there’s still some debate as to its exact origin. <em>Bed</em> most likely comes from the Old English word, <em>bedd. </em>It<em> </em>may also have roots in the Proto-Germanic word, <em>badjan</em>, meaning “dug sleeping place,” the German <em>Bett</em>, or the Latvian <em>bedre</em>, meaning “hole.” (Hole? Really?) Throw in some possible Latin, Dutch, and Russian root words, and you’ve got yourself quite a diverse slumber party! Whatever the case, it goes without saying that today’s beds are far more comfortable than the  “beds” – or dug sleeping places – of yore.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-h8eIDMI/AAAAAAAAANA/b4Q3LnfFeQQ/s1600-h/NOVA-85-LAMP5.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="NOVA-85 LAMP" alt="NOVA-85 LAMP" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-iY9gffI/AAAAAAAAANE/9SVYKd_mHwQ/NOVA-85-LAMP_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="311" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">lamp <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana">This one is a little easier. Our everyday term for “device that generates heat, light, or other radiation” stems from the ancient Greek word <em>lampas</em>, meaning “torch.” This made its way into Latin (<em>lampas</em>) and French (<em>lampe</em>) and eventually to us!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-inAMBnI/AAAAAAAAANI/W9pRsAlHt6c/s1600-h/1-BEST-65-Occ-Chair-2-fix6.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="1-BEST-65 Occ Chair (2) fix" alt="1-BEST-65 Occ Chair (2) fix" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-jNi7OJI/AAAAAAAAANM/eoviQqj4kc4/1-BEST-65-Occ-Chair-2-fix_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="321" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">chair <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana">This word seems to make its debut as the ancient Greek word <em>kathedra</em>, which is made up of the words <em>kata </em>(“down”) and <em>hedra </em>(“seat”). This eventually became the Latin word <em>cathedra</em>, meaning “seat,” and then evolved into the French <em>chaire</em>.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY7snkKjZ8eVZge5Cy_ncskn84TNRFb_dGDB8eqBNm2O2nAKPRj0VTsfn2Pk6XWiDuxFcpLasLaxYC4WGjCK_aze2fl4JDTHlhl1ri3EGjS0VwBk6i21DiPtflG_mxqkPtYeIAVv0VCU/s1600-h/GILD-16-Sofa6.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="GILD-16 Sofa" alt="GILD-16 Sofa" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatOqZR5ACM80hIFAX-z0G8M0fh2wO6SN9ITQsDemSkrskgxsP0yzf7m2QSSMU52uJ3NrHvT7BUMzeG5OFyZSAGY_1OOTc9jXdboGvATLoD8b8T-4oQfF8byVwnY7ushHayUer7N4VlhU/?imgmax=800" width="425" height="225" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">sofa <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana">The etymology of this word also gives some insight into the history of the product itself. The Arabic word <em>súffa</em> means “long seat made of stone or brick.” Sounds comfortable, doesn’t it? Though it isn’t clear how the word made its way into our modern vocabulary, it is believed the Turkish or Moorish occupation of Spain helped spread it to European languages.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-j5sTg9I/AAAAAAAAANY/e6MZBFG-xfU/s1600-h/kiwi-35_lounge7.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="kiwi-35_lounge" alt="kiwi-35_lounge" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-kcgS4HI/AAAAAAAAANc/wNZ0w8pCbr4/kiwi-35_lounge_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="256" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">chaise lounge <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana">We find the story behind this term particularly funny. First of all, <em>chaise</em> is a variant of the French word for “chair,” <em>chaire</em>. <em>Lounge</em>, however, has an unknown etymology. But that doesn’t really matter in this case because the original term for this piece of furniture is actually <em>chaise longue</em>, or “long chair.” The term <em>longue</em> was inadvertently changed to <em>lounge</em> by Americans when this type of furniture became popular in the U.S. The error was so pervasive, the piece eventually became known as a <em>chaise lounge</em>.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-kwX1KsI/AAAAAAAAANg/KNf7TD_zGtQ/s1600-h/SUNS-72-Futon6.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="SUNS-72 Futon" alt="SUNS-72 Futon" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-lHLp86I/AAAAAAAAANk/6m37FPVCtfw/SUNS-72-Futon_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="270" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">futon <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana">Plain and simple, this one. <em>Futon</em> is the Japanese word for “bedding.” Sure, it’s kind of a stretch calling a futon a bed, but it <em>does</em> function as a bed so… it’s not like the word is misleading anyone. Right?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TKo-liinG4I/AAAAAAAAANo/-POC7dUQA2w/s1600-h/1-SARU-03-Credenza-611.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; padding-left: ; padding-right: ; display: block; float: none; padding-top: " title="1-SARU-03 Credenza (6)" alt="1-SARU-03 Credenza (6)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S9PP2ujfxS2vy7tz5KcrCUtHAS0M0KNyijkI5r2pHuXKMsDqfmD9VxWoKlZn84VXSAk2ln8FJ8tjOWqn6nkZggr88lEDdivKN7bOiqh3I_kVa4hd7IeiWrKYw9aKpMy-ZmiJKhm94Ck/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="274" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">credenza <br /></font></strong><font face="Verdana"><em>Credenza</em>’s roots stem from the Latin word <em>credere</em>, which means “to believe.” It eventually evolved into <em>credentia</em>, and then the Italian <em>credenza</em>. The modern credenza was most likely inspired by the credence, a long table used to hold items during Catholic mass. The credenza’s first known secular use was as a sideboard for nobility where food would be placed and then taste-tested by servants for poison.</font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small"><font size="1">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><span style="font-family: verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana">.</span></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-31745366691628330832010-08-30T15:43:00.001-04:002010-08-30T15:43:12.337-04:00Shaker Furniture: The Birth of Modernism?<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJw3Kf2dI/AAAAAAAAAMI/DfVnISSCEUE/s1600-h/482pxShaker_box_maker7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="482px-Shaker_box_maker" alt="482px-Shaker_box_maker" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJxL2NVMI/AAAAAAAAAMM/E0ykNc3UTto/482pxShaker_box_maker_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="479" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Poor modern furniture. If it had feelings, it would almost certainly have an assortment of self-esteem issues. It’s so polarizing – people either love or hate it. There doesn’t seem to be much room for a middle ground.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The same features that make modern furniture so appealing are the ones that turn many people off. Its smooth lines and sleek appearance can sometimes favor style over functionality, while a generally abstract (and sometimes bizarre) design can simply leave some people confused.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Despite its bad-boy reputation for not staying inside the lines of traditional furniture design, the ideas for some of today’s hottest modern furniture designs have been propelled by a surprisingly humble source: Shaker furniture.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJyKTA03I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/6tYG2Qiopd0/s1600-h/mrmrsb8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="mrmrsb" alt="mrmrsb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJyer_3jI/AAAAAAAAAMU/tk30aclvIgM/mrmrsb_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="311" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Established in the 18th century, the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing was a religious sect known for their emphasis on equality, rejection of marriage, hard work, and the pursuit of perfection. These Protestant Quakers believed God could be found within oneself rather than through clergy or rituals.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Although they didn’t perform rituals per se, they did dance, as they considered music to be an integral part of the religious experience. The group’s erratic dancing often frightened outsiders, who took to calling them “Shakers.”</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJy_N77tI/AAAAAAAAAMY/p_cIFLAg7tc/s1600-h/800pxShaker_bureau7.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="800px-Shaker_bureau" alt="800px-Shaker_bureau" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJzFN6fZI/AAAAAAAAAMc/1cFKeqRyF2I/800pxShaker_bureau_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="323" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Shakers were known for creating a style of furniture known as Shaker furniture, which they made for their own use and sold to the general public. Shaker furniture is widely admired for its simplicity, innovative joinery, quality, and functionality.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJzVV3xrI/AAAAAAAAAMg/yzG-khrZfBU/s1600-h/450pxShaker_closet5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="450px-Shaker_closet" alt="450px-Shaker_closet" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THwJz5_PaUI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5PLfPETf6kA/450pxShaker_closet_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="482" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Many examples of Shaker furniture still exist today, including Shaker tables, chairs, rocking chairs, and cabinets. Collections of Shaker furniture are maintained by many art and historical museums in the United States and England, as well as in numerous private collections.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Though it would be a stretch to say Shaker furniture gave rise to modern furniture design, the influences are striking. The underlying principles of Shaker design have given inspiration to some of the finest designers of modern furniture.</font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</span></em></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><span style="font-family: verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana">.</span></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-87366607377760104382010-08-23T15:31:00.001-04:002010-08-23T16:24:02.927-04:00Back to School Season, or Parent-Christmas<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl_v7XTX_Xz83sG3YQPHva0S3eIog97brmBKcghJm4G0eDcNXRls6RSMYUMK6LDNmq0OmPQc2hiS_tZ9UdM9pvDF2iio4CtQAzw5sKiBuRBiQqV4q97zkrMuMw5zkJbfNPpnhEFkXzqY/s1600-h/DJI_Dazzle_Sept_back2school_b800x202%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DJI_Dazzle_Sept_back2school_b (800x202)" border="0" alt="DJI_Dazzle_Sept_back2school_b (800x202)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLR_YFsjeI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yQ0zuqQbmUg/DJI_Dazzle_Sept_back2school_b800x202%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="121" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Shh. Do you hear that? Listen closely.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">It’s one of the most wonderful sounds in existence.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Silence.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">As summer draws to a close, kids all over the country are headed back to school, relieving their poor, exhausted parents of the constant rowdiness that only an energetic child with no responsibilities can inflict upon his/her guardians.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">For about six hours every day, moms and dads everywhere can slowly regain pieces of their sanity while the kids are off at school.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">As Staples not-so-subtly implies, back-to-school season is akin to Christmastime for parents – Parent-Christmas, if you will.</font> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:22f76bc4-b95f-4d3a-b463-4ddad9289894" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="474564ec-6964-46b3-998e-2b3753e06f39" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwcYbo7pjto" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgEeH-EsqlN0yXYFBDNrazG6ENaMD37GNU-ENEdbK0A2Kh_ewpS3w0o7p66SWdzlOjBYCsDVlWj946OL2g7MajxY5MumbsyZUlgj2ERxqSaENha0CZp0Y5T-1c1cTKIMuqko9R9MOYeI/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('474564ec-6964-46b3-998e-2b3753e06f39'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fwcYbo7pjto&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fwcYbo7pjto&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:425px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Parent-Christmas takes place around August.</div></div> <p><font face="Verdana">This daily respite is brief, however, for once the school day ends, the kids return home. To maximize their learning potential (and your quiet time), you’ve got to keep them focused on their homework. This can prove to be quite a struggle, but you can get the upper hand with the right furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Studying for next week’s history exam while on the couch in front of the television isn’t exactly productive. Solving algebra problems while sprawled out on the floor won’t get your child high marks for organization. And doing online research while sitting on the front porch watching the neighbors go about their day won’t yield the greatest results.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Like adults, kids need designated areas to do their work properly. Getting your child their own desk to work from will not only improve their homework and study habits, it will also get them excited about doing the work! Having their own desk space can boost a child’s self-esteem by reminding them that they’re capable of handling more responsibilities, thereby bringing them one step closer to adulthood.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">El Dorado Furniture offers a huge selection of desks designed for children and young adults. Listed below are just some of our more popular items. Many of these products are part of a larger collection, so you don’t necessarily have to stop at the desk.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Want to get your child even more excited about their new set? Bring them to any of our showrooms, or browse our website and have them choose a set they like best. If they’re excited about their desk, they’ll be even more excited to work on it.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Click on a piece to find out more about it!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p align="center"></p> <font face="Verdana"></font> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Artsy Craftsy Desk</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=5930&pLabel=Artsy Crafty Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="POWI-123%20Desk%20(4)1_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="POWI-123%20Desk%20(4)1_MEDIUM" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDmMUQ4GA-PFprhI5HtcEh2CUbgWVg8hbrvQYjjpBFKcrci34L-DZdFtZLmNxZmq_Y8_12z7qN5oNi1IsY_P8p5c9ImQ0K3gIvNMwjpQ8y4SgqOol6qPdAgnWDFBtuEZgdYdpOf87iH0/?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Jia-Li 4-Piece Modular Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=7142&pLabel=Jia-Li 4-Piece Modular Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="4SOL-26%20Modular%20Desk%20(1)_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="4SOL-26%20Modular%20Desk%20(1)_MEDIUM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMjCvfhAI/AAAAAAAAAK4/9-Pn-ZtBzGM/4SOL-26%20Modular%20Desk%20%281%29_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Jerraffin Writing Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=5924&pLabel=Jeraffin Writting Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="JEPO-01%20Writting%20Desk%20(1)_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="JEPO-01%20Writting%20Desk%20(1)_MEDIUM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMjpSRhUI/AAAAAAAAALE/wB7eV7jEhzY/JEPO-01%20Writting%20Desk%20%281%29_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Simon Cherry Gloss Complete Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=6097&pLabel=Simon Cherry Gloss Complete Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DIAS-149%20CHERRY%20DESK%20(4)1_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="DIAS-149%20CHERRY%20DESK%20(4)1_MEDIUM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMkHFGZ6I/AAAAAAAAALI/LrPli8iXX4g/DIAS-149%20CHERRY%20DESK%20%284%291_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Hida Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=2269&pLabel=Hida Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="como-35%20desk_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="como-35%20desk_MEDIUM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMklgxmzI/AAAAAAAAALM/jL0h2XLXUz8/como-35%20desk_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt" face="Verdana"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana"></font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Santa Fe Frame Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=5562&pLabel=Santa Fe Frame Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SUDE-02%20Frame%20Desk%20(6)_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="SUDE-02%20Frame%20Desk%20(6)_MEDIUM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMk305H0I/AAAAAAAAALQ/nTJurQYpF0Q/SUDE-02%20Frame%20Desk%20%286%29_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Aura Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=3234&pLabel=Aura Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OPUS-06%20DESK%20(6)_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="OPUS-06%20DESK%20(6)_MEDIUM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMlPL6FWI/AAAAAAAAALg/yvuz4I-gsZg/OPUS-06%20DESK%20%286%29_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><font face="Verdana">Leeland Laptop Desk</font></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 10pt"><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/product/index.html?pID=5490&pLabel=Leeland Laptop Desk" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ASIA-302%20DESK(1)_MEDIUM" border="0" alt="ASIA-302%20DESK(1)_MEDIUM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/THLMlk10y8I/AAAAAAAAALk/eD86BbzGp3Q/ASIA-302%20DESK%281%29_MEDIUM.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="244" /></a></font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</span></em></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><span style="font-family: verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana">.</span></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-92005188905869641332010-08-17T18:08:00.001-04:002010-08-17T18:17:12.041-04:005 Useless (But Fun!) Facts About Office Chairs<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIIbv60SI/AAAAAAAAAJU/GTomsmhPbgw/s1600-h/xion0320office20chair_MEDIUM4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="xion-03%20office%20chair_MEDIUM" alt="xion-03%20office%20chair_MEDIUM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsII49TsqI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4GRH50_haBg/xion0320office20chair_MEDIUM_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="363" /></a><font face="Verdana">Office chairs: we use them all day, every day. But how much do we really know about our trusty seating tools? Did you know…</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIJ8vKaaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/yMs1sUvj5Q4/s1600-h/429pxCharles_Darwin_seated4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="429px-Charles_Darwin_seated" alt="429px-Charles_Darwin_seated" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIKhHGiNI/AAAAAAAAAJg/B7ppHpLWE9w/429pxCharles_Darwin_seated_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="472" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">1) One of the earliest iterations of the office chair was invented in the 1800s by naturalist Charles Darwin. Yes, the same chap who took the science world by storm with his claim that humankind evolved from primates is partially responsible for our modern day office chairs. Mr. Darwin added wheels (which would later become casters) to his personal lab chair so he could get to his specimens more quickly. Today we use those wheels mainly to roll ourselves over to the copy machine five feet away. And office chair racing. Charles would be proud.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIK1nSkZI/AAAAAAAAAJk/5QjXOluinKQ/s1600-h/office_chair5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="office_chair" alt="office_chair" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3hgzaeaL-VpoMc1oG5_-krjh-XawfD3CYTmMRRW76rLYeCEMP8cKljrBbX53hzD4Nkez_b6vUluErWE1hP_lS_KFLCNcZTlrZPH1CZkfb-hqNdGk0D5NlkkJL40YNR_p6QhobIacaR4/?imgmax=800" width="272" height="447" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">2) Although it may not look like it, comfort was the focus of the original office chair’s design. It’s funny to think that even during the mid-1800s, furniture designers were thinking about personal comfort in the workplace. But this design concept didn’t exactly come from the kindness of their hearts. The idea was to make the chair as comfortable and functional as possible so employees would stay seated longer and be more productive.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIM391hWI/AAAAAAAAAJs/hKilxiK8zeU/s1600-h/chair787898.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="chair78789" alt="chair78789" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIN89gz9I/AAAAAAAAAJw/fcrv_SlBUeQ/chair78789_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="603" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">3) Though we were only joking about office chair racing earlier, some people have really taken this “sport” to heart. In 2009, the first German Office Chair Racing Championship was held in Bad Koenig-Zell, Germany. Seventy participants brought their office chairs out into the sun and put them through their paces. The downhill race started on a steep ramp before facing another ramp. The only rule was that everyone wear a crash helmet, which most participants needed. Dozens of racers fell off their chairs, and many didn’t make it to the end of the 170-meter race.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGrlQRR_-9NlivZCJti-o8eMo9P_DJaq-LH9sdTcPQO7uy_hDv5uWVM75RWQidPN26ZAyOoWzJ5_jgWQiw1hhFUCJ1NuwfFYLY-anXME2clO3mnHHgVzFe-Ca-cK_v1P32NBMgJfcoA4/s1600-h/rc12425466.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="rc124-2546" alt="rc124-2546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5S69bMTCTKLUpg3U0PbB9GwKBfSh1xz_lYx6crYjMlGC0B_wA5SZrzYzCaLidQx5aZKPN_lePsyfF82thyrgkDkoAzcV7L-8ogqmpkaMMjSPEAYF0CeUnqOXToyuurP1yqD6-SYYLMqg/?imgmax=800" width="407" height="261" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">4) Though many of the above participants’ chairs were likely hand-made, more serious office chair racers may want to invest in some extreme hardware for their craft. Some specialists offer top-of-the-line accessories so you could race your office chair in style. Customers can trick out their chairs with actual seats from a selection of cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Maserati. The seats typically come from race conversions, cars that have suffered low mileage wrecks, and dealer errors (such as ordering the wrong color seat or forgetting to order a seat feature). The customizations even include genuine automotive paint!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyoKxfeI0o4yYgjYfNa4g183L3HwS1m-6hJEIH0waN2lTITHw4hDGCMm2C1KySNIrpdcAgIv2nwmPbQUaKCK4-Ld7yaRKLnpjB43IvqVY-Wqd9gLnKLkkRWyImCzwWDqhk8qwUKjZyIc/s1600-h/100_21104465465.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="100_2110446546" alt="100_2110446546" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGsIQ_U_JfI/AAAAAAAAAKA/N4XslEPjzZQ/100_2110446546_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="271" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">5) Some cutting-edge chairs are taking ergonomics to a whole new level, especially in the office. Many people with chronic back pain are turning to these specialized chairs as a replacement for their standard office chairs. These special chairs claim to ease back pain and even improve posture by redistributing some of the weight from the upper thighs to the calves. Studies are still being done on the effectiveness of these chairs, but the weirdness of their design has definitely been confirmed.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </font><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><font face="Verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</font></a><font face="Verdana">.</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-22449776139239523362010-08-10T14:51:00.001-04:002010-08-10T14:51:22.107-04:005 Common Furniture Myths<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGCbmlaw0_LdDJaGY_6abaKcEzNdN-ylbW39HpyDp3FAw7aEbeI1QJQbUAp5li-EiP7RZ_0uv29v35Fg4n_tjxFH_pGU2Y74KFNmiD1CReI0cIvQq_AmQFTRpT4TF8NU5hs0J0mmhKKA/s1600-h/ital-21%20sectional%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" class="wlDisabledImage" title="ital-21 sectional" alt="ital-21 sectional" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfnCVUjyI/AAAAAAAAAIo/FhvSQvNz_Hc/ital-21%20sectional_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="262" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">I’ll be the first to admit it: I’ve had my share of “space cadet” moments – those moments when your brain completely ceases to function and you’re forced to contemplate a particular situation without the benefit of thought or logic. Others may simply refer to these as bouts of stupidity. Whatever you call them, I’ve had them. Many times.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">That having been said, I’m sure many of you, dear readers, have suffered these bouts as well. (Admit it!) The good news is that </font><font face="Verdana">these synaptic misfires can usually be attributed to ignorance. The cure for ignorance is education, and that’s what we’re doling out in this week’s post.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The following is a list of some common misconceptions about furniture. If you’ve ever had a space cadet moment pertaining to any of these topics, consider yourself cured! How many of these have crossed your mind?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>1) Removing that tag from your mattress will land you in trouble with the law.</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">An iteration of the following scenario has played out in all our minds at some point: while changing your bed sheets, you accidentally rip off the mattress tag bearing the ominous words “DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW.” Moments later, the mattress police show up at your door and haul you away to mattress prison where you’re forced to fashion shivs from coil springs for the rest of your days.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">A little wisdom and logic help us to realize this is a ridiculous scenario and the tag is not meant for consumers. But the question remains: why is that tag there in the first place?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfnR7ikhI/AAAAAAAAAIs/h-F2HmK-aak/s1600-h/donotremove5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" class="wlDisabledImage" title="do-not-remove" alt="do-not-remove" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfnq0HLJI/AAAAAAAAAIw/GITpm3JV4k0/donotremove_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="297" /></a>In the early 1900s, some shady bed makers were filling pillows and mattresses with anything they could get their hands on: horse hair, straw, rags, crumpled paper, and other less-than-hygienic materials. Consumer awareness was on the rise, and so were disease and infection. Many sicknesses were passed on through this kind of bad bedding, so lawmakers implemented regulations </font><font face="Verdana">that required bed makers to clearly display what materials were used in their products so consumers would know exactly what they were buying. The solution was the mattress and pillow tags. The DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW warning was meant for the manufacturer. Recently, some manufacturers have cleared up this long-standing confusion by adding a line explicitly stating that only the consumer may remove the tag. But for many of us, the damage has already been done.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">So rest easy knowing that you can rip off that annoying tag, but know that that tag is your guarantee that you’re sleeping on safe, quality materials.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>2) Imperfections on a leather piece mean it’s damaged or isn’t made of real leather.</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Whether it’s a coat, purse, couch, or recliner, genuine leather can transform an ordinary product into something exquisite. Unfortunately, many people avoid leather products because they see imperfections and consider them to be defects, or sometimes think they’re being “tricked” into buying something that isn’t really leather.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfn9GJi0I/AAAAAAAAAI0/ljZj1B-I96Q/s1600-h/scars6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="scars" border="0" alt="scars" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfoDZazYI/AAAAAAAAAI4/dOp4XcQ70uM/scars_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" height="152" /></a>It’s reasonable to expect a brand new product to be flawless, but this mindset works against you when shopping around for natural products like leather. It may sound like backward thinking, but the reality is that a product made of 100% top grain leather will most likely have some kind of imperfection somewhere. Leather is a direct representation of the animal from which it came. These animals have their own imperfections in the form of injuries and scars. As a result, these same imperfections will be visible on the final piece.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Some types of leather have undergone treatment to remove imperfections and make the entire piece look uniform. This doesn’t make the leather any less genuine, but it’s not considered top grain leather (which is typically untreated) since it doesn’t have the unique, one-of-a-kind imperfections.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">To find out more about leather, check out some of our previous posts:</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://eldoradofurniture.blogspot.com/2010_07_05_archive.html" target="_blank">Leather, Pt. 1</a> and <a href="http://eldoradofurniture.blogspot.com/2010_07_13_archive.html" target="_blank">Leather, Pt. 2</a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>3) Tempered glass is unbreakable.</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfoSzxdcI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Vw1aVJGjKfM/s1600-h/BrokenGlass1014094.jpg"><img style="display: inline" class="wlDisabledImage" title="BrokenGlass101409" alt="BrokenGlass101409" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkOBXN55WC2W-4gU4Hfa0ji8kmwJda8kuhueHW_bd8VRe-cRubARIgdDCuFPVyCG0ua4oI15j7cEp-5_K2yCauBM4Se-R9EflfUlkw8jIOCbKW-wsbkm7oRcnfXXJEB9LEXU2fwJ3TZU/?imgmax=800" width="298" height="202" /></a>It’s hard to find something that is truly unbreakable. Even Bruce Willis’s seemingly invincible character in “Unbreakable” had a breaking point. The same is true of tempered glass.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Tempered glass is glass that has undergone a special thermal treatment to make it stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is used in car windows, refrigerator trays, and as a <em>component</em> of bullet-proof glass. Many people assume that tempered glass is indestructible due to its versatile applications. While tempered glass is statistically stronger and more resistant than plain glass, it <em>will</em> break with enough force.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Ironically, one of the major selling points of tempered glass is that when it <em>does</em> break, it shatters into smaller, duller pieces instead of larger, sharper shards. Despite this, people continue to abuse the tempered glass on their furniture and are appalled when it breaks.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">So take the baby (and the pets) off the glass coffee table and remember that just because it’s been treated, it’s still glass and still very delicate.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>4) Knots on wood furniture are defects that need to be repaired or touched up.</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">This is very similar to the misunderstanding surrounding leather and its natural imperfections. Wood can carry a number of imperfections that are often exploited for artistic use. Knots are one such imperfection.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5w6oiLxrNgkaonoFGQIQxo3sDjgwJpwnQwh1b_Gem3ogqYEYgrop8tH_EhQv7PD3jW5buu37HDgGDEk5wUsitq4PcO8sVKe0i71eg4eUs4CtP7QEusAsOx4EDNObQaDIwMfc_4Xd4hY/s1600-h/Birnbaum01%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline" class="wlDisabledImage" title="Birnbaum01" alt="Birnbaum01" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9dT96PcFFV5eYwZnE9-RYMe94uUWDK0huoBaWWKhMBDGFfikaPNfdFRQanihQs3iTHuh_yTGDkc7A4SqLNMYT0BxfTw3fikQQuDVtT-fVr_PVKuvtVIk5CUNaPuv8Uv37pPe62Y9DDE/?imgmax=800" width="213" height="291" /></a>During a tree’s development, some of the limbs die, but side branches from these dead limbs can continue to grow for years. A knot is usually the result of these side branches growing into the tree’s bark. Because the rest of the tree continues to grow in one direction, the dead limbs’ side branches continue to grow in a different direction, digging their way into the rest of the tree. The size and color of the resulting knot can vary depending on the thickness of the branch and how deeply it penetrated the tree.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">With natural wood, it’s nearly impossible to avoid these imperfections, which is why many furniture manufacturers have embraced knots when designing pieces; the knots add a visual flair while reinforcing the natural origins of the materials used.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>5) Leather furniture gets too hot, especially in the South Florida heat!</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">I have a sneaking suspicion that cars (and school buses) are to blame for this misconception. Stepping into a car that’s been sitting in the scorching South Florida sun for a few hours is uncomfortable enough as it is. Add a leather interior to the mix and the experience can become downright painful! Initially, the leather almost seems to burn your skin, but within seconds, you feel fine.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfp9P4njI/AAAAAAAAAJM/lG4SVGFPuXg/s1600-h/ITAL-51%20Sofa%20%281%291_MEDIUM%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" class="wlDisabledImage" title="ITAL-51%20Sofa%20(1)1_MEDIUM" alt="ITAL-51%20Sofa%20(1)1_MEDIUM" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TGGfqKFHoaI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/T9v75XNKM6s/ITAL-51%20Sofa%20%281%291_MEDIUM_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="280" /></a>Leather is a breathable material. The degree of breathability varies depending on the quality of the leather. Top grain leather is the most breathable; as the quality degrades, so does the breathability.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">This breathability causes the leather to adjust to your body temperature and maintain it just slightly cooler so that you’re comfortable over extended periods of time. It also ensures that moisture won’t accumulate between your skin and the leather itself, so there’s no worry about “sticking” to your furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Right about now, you may be thinking, <em>What about all those times on the school bus when I’d get all sticky and my legs would get stuck to the seat?</em></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Unless your school bus was commissioned by Bill Gates, chances are those seats weren’t covered in leather. Most buses (and other public places) use a leather-like compound based primarily on polyurethane. To a certain extent, polyurethane can achieve the look and feel of leather with the added benefit of lower manufacturing costs. But these benefits come at the expense of comfort, breathability, and overall quality.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </font><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><font face="Verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</font></a><font face="Verdana">.</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-89816379256631105152010-08-02T13:20:00.001-04:002010-08-02T13:21:23.896-04:00Mysterious Furniture: The Haunted Mirror at the Myrtles Plantation<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TFb-Q09_brI/AAAAAAAAAHw/fzXX-IDqOEU/s1600-h/MYRTLESPLANTATIONMIRROR5.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" class="wlDisabledImage" title="MYRTLES-PLANTATION-MIRROR" alt="MYRTLES-PLANTATION-MIRROR" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TFb-RTVYQKI/AAAAAAAAAH0/UIIOLWxc0w4/MYRTLESPLANTATIONMIRROR_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="345" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Just outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the small town of St. Francisville, there lies a majestic plantation. </font><font face="Verdana">The 10-acre property has been home to many families throughout the years. Today it is a charming bed and breakfast. Guests can take guided tours of the grounds and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant before settling in for the night.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Many guests prefer to forego sleep, however; they’re here for something more than a picturesque getaway. Legend holds that at around 3:00 am each night, the ghosts haunting this plantation make themselves known.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Welcome to the Myrtles Plantation. This 200-year-old property has been declared one of the most haunted homes in America. It </font><font face="Verdana">is said to be inhabited by, not one – not two, but at least 15 ghosts.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-N8f2CC4fe9VsBZ-ShnjDfxh3iw8OvBlvNQIF_DBpmpB_B2SQdoM4tKEWqvxlRzfidJewsWNHU7WSvNjosTKTpbhjX4o5kYD0Lw8n7zx266XlqXkSiUlN7djr-2iALc-Y14KoZAxRTg/s1600-h/myrtlese1.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" class="wlDisabledImage" title="myrtlese" alt="myrtlese" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUY-A9rx3YFigAqY6rgjNOVcC6g4r0cHBuh2nvbqZ24g84qTxMK-exGCZMtvFJOyOebQLK399QZmlN4bKGuJeGgcM1ajyqwNLTjW5Vw93exTyyNz1pFeoMNvb5IqeHWD0HVQMlrpZxs0/?imgmax=800" width="418" height="345" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The Myrtles has seen a colorful history. This, coupled with the plantation’s age, provides the perfect breeding ground for innumerable stories and legends. From Indian burial grounds to grizzly murders, there are many unsolved mysteries surrounding the property.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">In this post, we’ll </font><font face="Verdana">be focusing on one story in particular: the tale of the Woodruff family and a young slave named Chloe. According to legend, the souls of these individuals continue to haunt the Myrtles to this very day. But before we get into the hauntings, let’s delve deeper into the history behind them.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The year is 1796. General David Bradford, a law professor, builds a small cottage on his plantation (then known as Laurel Grove) and lives there with his wife, Elizabeth, and their five children.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">One of Bradford’s former students, Clark Woodruff, begins dating Bradford’s daughter, Sara Mathilda. The two eventually marry.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">After Bradford’s death in 1817, Clark, Sara, and their three children move onto the plantation to help manage it.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Clark brings with him a slave named Chloe. Clark seemed to favor Chloe over the other slaves. But she became jealous when she noticed Clark was losing interest in her.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Afraid she would be sent to work out in the fields, Chloe began eavesdropping on Clark’s conversations. Clark had caught and reprimanded her several times. Fed up with her insubordination, he cut off her offending ear as punishment. After that, Chloe wore a green turban to hide the missing ear.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Undeterred by Clark’s abuse, Chloe devised a plan to win back his affection. She would make a birthday cake for the Woodruffs’ eldest daughter and </font><font face="Verdana">spike it with a poisonous mixture of oleander leaves – just enough to make the family sick. Knowing the cause of their illness, Chloe planned to nurse them back to health, winning back Clark’s affection in the process.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The plan backfired. Chloe accidentally used too many oleander leaves, killing Clark’s wife and two of the children. Horrified at what she had done, Chloe confessed her crime to the other slaves. Fearing they would be punished for harboring her, the slaves hanged Chloe and threw her body into the Mississippi River. Clark was devastated at the loss of his family. In memory of them, he planted beautiful myrtle crepe trees around the house and moved to New Orleans.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The plantation saw many owners and underwent a number of expansions and renovations throughout the years, but the souls of Chloe, Sara Woodruff, and her two children are said to remain on the property.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Guests touring the Myrtles have reported seeing a mysterious figure walking the grounds. In most accounts, the figure is described as a dark-skinned woman wearing ragged clothing and a turban. One witness allegedly captured the figure on camera. Many believe this is the ghost of Chloe.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TFb-TL0N7RI/AAAAAAAAAIA/2FzrgbAt0hw/s1600-h/Chloe%20Composite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" class="wlDisabledImage" title="Chloe Composite" alt="Chloe Composite" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpb3x_JGaIEfuzJl2VKL84PgSQQX-q1Wfj3k5glPTU1v-RlXaCWcnmX92muWGjAhNU2mdh23Z5DVxy-ZkIBpfXQzLKJBoYrnhxcX56-Mu5zF6VcEqfO9x_g7MTz5MNSzh5wSXKHxWfnM/?imgmax=800" width="447" height="445" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Another legend revolves around an ornate mirror inside the house. The mirror, which has been in the house since its construction in 1796, is said to hold the trapped souls of several spirits – more specifically, Sara Woodruff and her two children.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TFb-T-WkQtI/AAAAAAAAAII/nZ3nE2C_hb8/s1600-h/mp84.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><img style="display: inline" class="wlDisabledImage" title="mp8" alt="mp8" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TFb-UNUvhwI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Udw_HwSROLQ/mp8_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="309" /></font></a><font face="Verdana">An old Southern tradition holds that when a family member dies, mirrors in the home are covered in order to keep the soul of the deceased from becoming lost. According to legend, when Sara Woodruff and her children died, all the mirrors on the plantation were covered, save one. It is inside this mirror where the Woodruffs’ souls are said to be trapped forever.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Those who have seen the mirror up close describe it as “unsettling.” A faint residue of “drips” running from top to bottom mar the glass. Others claim to have seen markings resembling handprints on the mirror.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjfAyCzGVsAvJC1UQbfcmrr_-rUtsoK8hJDtDAN_dfQyARI08DP5xjKO6yMggQovPI9_l5ICboGwAu2pqRYDDGKSIIomPgKqTv7RFN9GwczxQ1bQxyk2KwUxsKcXBqvKacZ9nlzcpe0g/s1600-h/mirror_ghosts_lg5.jpg"><img style="display: inline" class="wlDisabledImage" title="mirror_ghosts_lg" alt="mirror_ghosts_lg" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ1H-q4N8v6h9IDFDsUuOmNAyxRQklEUl-iopdeqyiK7Lq4LbXh_3UEiu6LIJSp2j_k-7jsQU4uAJJeSbd2uIXhMIsZoUw3Da1OQ7xFUu3ZhVZcRWVwhavYSpug8p4pTPrcAlLfMPNuk/?imgmax=800" width="313" height="454" /></a>Though the its original wooden frame remains intact, plantation caretakers say the glass portion of the mirror has been replaced at least twice due to the disturbing markings. Shortly after the first replacement, the markings reappeared.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Many tourists claim to have captured what appear to be “faces” when photographing the mirror. Most of the time, these ghostly faces seem to resemble children.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">One unsuspecting guest even managed to capture a strange anomaly on video!</font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:60a97713-ce4c-4993-93ce-047abec8a396" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="527672b5-7238-4e92-80c1-c3bc882a58f7" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqrCuMVQGOM" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TFb-VT7J_0I/AAAAAAAAAIc/ILVKLPEZwps/video741921982fe5%5B25%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('527672b5-7238-4e92-80c1-c3bc882a58f7'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/uqrCuMVQGOM&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/uqrCuMVQGOM&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p><font face="Verdana">Is it a trick of the light? An overactive imagination? Could it all be one big hoax? Or is there really some otherworldly presence roaming the corridors (and mirrors) of the Myrtles? The evidence is compelling, but the most important question remains…</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">What do you believe?</font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small"><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at <a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</a>.</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-16063027075589462352010-07-26T14:44:00.001-04:002010-07-27T13:11:58.560-04:00Supporting Cast: TV Furniture, Pt. 1<p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TE3Xn9mu37I/AAAAAAAAAHg/DnmGxH7gc4I/s1600-h/SupportingCast6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="Supporting Cast" border="0" alt="Supporting Cast" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06uSmlceNquCpx6twS1psYkYcyuLkQggBwgE5eZjy8YrOEymFjcVSlsyblsKtR_Xrh6IHOAT4q0FHCen4WYdJlk543Gf-0GI7NKiFMFgDLH4DwHTzO4eZwN8qIQyI7jIShRtzu_AGKyM/?imgmax=800" width="282" height="190" /></a><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The last few months have been huge in TV Land, what with many shows wrapping up their current seasons and some signing off for good (Goodbye, <em>LOST</em>, <em>24</em>! We’ll miss you!). This got us thinking about a number of shows, past and present, and a very overlooked, yet defining cast member they all have in common: furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">There are (arguably) two main things that determine a show’s appeal and success: the main cast and the storylines written for them. The chemistry among the show’s cast, as well as each member’s individual appeal, is a key factor in winning over an audience, whereas interesting and captivating storylines are what drive a show and keep fans tuning in for more.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">But those things alone do not <em>define</em> a show. That’s where the little things come into play; things like costumes and music and set design… And with set design invariably comes furniture. There are plenty of shows with great casts and storylines, but what sets all these shows apart is their sense of style and the image they convey.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">We’ve chosen five shows where furniture is just as important as the more obvious elements, and we’re finally giving these furnishings their long-overdue credit. Keep in mind, this is just the beginning of a series of homages. There will be many more to come.</font></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong><img class="size-full wp-image-517 aligncenter" title="Friends" alt="Friends" src="http://senoi.com/edfnews/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Friends-560x373-custom.jpg" width="446" height="306" /></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Friends</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">If ever a show truly lived up to its name, <em>Friends</em> was it. This sitcom chronicled the lives of six friends, each of whom had their own distinct personality. These personalities were reflected through the furniture and design in their respective homes. </font><font face="Verdana">Nerdy paleontologist Ross Geller’s apartment exuded a studious, elegant vibe, with a mostly brown color scheme and lots of leather. This was in stark contrast to Monica and Rachel’s apartment with its offbeat design and mismatched furnishings which worked to create a cozy, inviting feeling. Joey and Chandler’s apartment offered a peek into their personalities as well: barebones decoration with a foosball table and the home entertainment system as the focal point. And who could forget the wipe board hanging on the back of the door? Jennifer Aniston may have started a ‘90s craze with “The Rachel” hairdo, but <em>Friends</em> as a whole ignited an interior design revolution for twenty- and thirty-somethings all across America.</font></p> <p style="text-align: center"><img class="size-full wp-image-519 aligncenter" title="The Simpsons" alt="The Simpsons" src="http://senoi.com/edfnews/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Simpsons.jpg" width="448" height="338" /></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>The Simpsons</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><em>The Simpsons</em> is going on its… 127<sup>th</sup> season now? That’s just fine by us. The animated family’s surname has become commonplace throughout the world. Aside from its memorable cast of characters, the show features several hallmarks, from Bart’s ever-changing after-school lines during the opening sequence to Ralph’s oddball lines (“My cat’s breath smells like cat food!”). But probably the most recognizable hallmark of the show is the one that manages to unite the family: the couch. At the end of each opening sequence, the entire Simpson family scrambles to their beloved couch to sit and enjoy some quality time in front of the television. In addition to being the centerpiece of the Simpsons’ living room, the couch is also the foundation for a plethora of gags, ranging from subtle changes in seat positioning to huge showcase extravaganzas featuring dancers and other characters from the show.</font></p> <p style="text-align: center"><img class="size-full wp-image-526 aligncenter" title="decor-frasier1" alt="decor-frasier1" src="http://senoi.com/edfnews/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/decor-frasier1.jpg" width="267" height="400" /></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Frasier</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">We first met Dr. Frasier Crane at a bar where everybody knows your name. The pompous psychiatrist initially seemed out of place in the small Boston hangout, but his own tinges of neuroses soon made Dr. Crane a perfect complement to the <em>Cheers</em> gang. But it wasn’t until the show’s spin-off, <em>Frasier</em>, that the good doctor moved to Seattle and unleashed his full-blown (and lovable) pomposity. Nothing revealed Frasier’s endearing arrogance more than his posh furniture selection which he describes as “eclectic.” The centerpiece of his collection: a suede couch, which is “an exact replica of the one Coco Chanel had in her Paris atelier.” Nothing could have possibly trumped this magnificent couch… until Frasier’s father, Martin Crane, moved in, bringing his old, puke-green easy chair recliner with him. This was the source of many comical conflicts in the Crane household, but nothing was more amusing than the time Frasier accidentally destroyed his father’s beloved recliner and then paid a hefty fee to have an exact replica constructed, ironically making the easy chair recliner the most expensive piece of furniture in Frasier’s collection.</font></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-518" title="LOST" alt="LOST" src="http://senoi.com/edfnews/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Lost-Composite.jpg" width="446" height="314" /></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>LOST</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">We’re big <em>LOST</em> fans here at El Dorado Furniture – well, at least this blog writer is. Say what you will about the show, it was arguably one of the most mind-boggling, intelligent, and engaging television dramas ever produced. <em>LOST</em> literally kept audiences guessing up until the very end. And while the show depicted some momentary departures from the mysterious island, the remaining survivors managed to make the best of the tools at their disposal in order to make life on the island more comfortable. From John Locke constructing a crib for Claire’s baby to the gang piecing together a stretcher for the (many) injured victims, the makeshift furniture assembled from scraps of the wreckage of Oceanic flight 815, clothing, wood, and stone served as a constant reminder of the survivors’ plight and a reminder that they were a long way from home – and for one gripping hour every week, so were we.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TE3Xoxq2X_I/AAAAAAAAAHo/Ns0Oa5Zmw_0/s1600-h/0000067936_20100611144502%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" class="wlDisabledImage" title="0000067936_20100611144502" alt="0000067936_20100611144502" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TE3XpEGcL2I/AAAAAAAAAHs/Pz_6mF7HEZk/0000067936_20100611144502_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="317" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Kourtney & Khloé</strong></font><font face="Verdana"><strong> Take Miami</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">When most people think of Miami, two things immediately come to mind: beaches and style. The beaches speak for themselves, but Miami has spent years cultivating its world-renowned signature style. It’s for that very reason that the Kardashians decided to extend their <em>D-A-S-H</em> product line to the Magic City. <em>Kourtney & Khloé Take Miami </em>is a spin-off of the infamous reality series <em>Keeping Up With the Kardashians</em>. The show follows the exploits of Kim Kardashian’s sisters as they struggle to launch their new <em>D-A-S-H</em> store while living it up on the Miami streets. At the end of the day, however, a girl’s gotta rest, preferably in a well-furnished home. When it came time to furnish the sets, the show’s designers needed furniture that captured the essence of Miami’s unique lifestyle while exuding that unique Kardashian flair. El Dorado Furniture’s huge selection of contemporary furniture was the answer. El Dorado has provided furnishings for many of the sets on the shows first and second seasons. A recent episode even featured Kim and Kourtney browsing our very own Kendall Boulevard showroom! Man, those designers have excellent taste!</font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small"><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at <a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</a>.</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-62266333667214565292010-07-13T10:29:00.001-04:002010-07-13T10:59:38.385-04:00Furniture Facts: Leather, Pt. 2<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4GgF4bFI/AAAAAAAAAGg/FwD4tcWvQMI/s1600-h/Leather14.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="Leather" border="0" alt="Leather" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4HO8qjeI/AAAAAAAAAGk/z3nA4FjE9HY/Leather_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="170" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Now that you know all about the <a href="http://eldoradofurniture.blogspot.com/2010/07/furniture-facts-leather-pt-1.html" target="_blank">history of leather</a>, you’ve got a hankerin’ to go and get some leather for yourself. Great! Before you head out, though, you may want to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the different types of leather.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">A common misconception is that all leather is the same. </font><font face="Verdana">The fact is that the quality of leather varies based on two important factors:</font></p> <ol> <li><font face="Verdana">The animal from which it came</font> </li> <li><font face="Verdana">The tanning process used</font> </li> </ol> <p><font face="Verdana">These factors not only determine the quality of the leather, but its feel and durability as well. That means that certain types of leather are better suited than others for use in particular products. </font><font face="Verdana">We’re not going to cover every type leather here, but we’ll go over the most common ones to give you an idea of what you’ll be looking at.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Full/Top Grain Leather </strong>– Easily the highest quality leather on the market. In the leather world, the term “grain” refers to the pattern visible on the outer surface of the skin once the hair has been removed. This pattern typically consists of pores and any other unique markings or injuries the animal’s skin may have, including mosquito bites, scratches, branding, wrinkles, and more. Full/Top grain leather is one of the purest forms of leather in that the outer surface of the skin has not been buffed or treated for uniformity. In other words, what you see is what you get; all those pores and bites and scratches the animal has on its skin? They’re not going anywhere.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4HtAfmuI/AAAAAAAAAGo/a66Z1NNrH_U/s1600-h/veins1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="veins" border="0" alt="veins" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4IO4fHBI/AAAAAAAAAGs/GgyJ145NDC8/veins_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="136" height="142" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4InxEYSI/AAAAAAAAAGw/x0lo2AmvOfQ/s1600-h/wrinkles3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="wrinkles" border="0" alt="wrinkles" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4J-2PxCI/AAAAAAAAAG0/u5twJl3fwlQ/wrinkles_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="135" height="138" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4KLgwNFI/AAAAAAAAAG4/udEFT1XUyQs/s1600-h/scars3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="scars" border="0" alt="scars" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDKjR72aROFYDps_3oAExqa8MIvp4NyVJh229vlD6LxYwW_cgOi8Eac7rDZoWQwIRxPod9WqAjevq3FIXjGEQxvJFjoNTf5XqewgzKRFT09-6lXEemH-uhOK0o3vHctDY67KOGu_4kaE/?imgmax=800" width="136" height="138" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4LKrWLTI/AAAAAAAAAHA/Fhy8GLrFD70/s1600-h/fire5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="fire" border="0" alt="fire" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4LsmP9hI/AAAAAAAAAHE/oCO-HIAvihA/fire_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="139" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Ironically, many people buy a beautiful piece of full/top grain leather furniture only to find one of these natural markings on it. They immediately perceive the marking as a defect and demand an exchange or a refund. However, these markings are part of what make full/top grain leather so unique and valuable. Has someone ever put a dent in your car and tried to play it down by telling you the dent “adds character?” They’re usually just looking for a way out of having to pay for repairs, but in the case of leather, these markings really <em>do</em> add character.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Full/Top grain leather tends to be more durable than other leather types since the top grain has not been altered. It’s also more breathable, so your skin won’t stick to it after prolonged contact. You’ll usually find full/top grain leather in furniture like couches, sofas, and recliners.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Corrected Grain Leather</strong> – This is exactly what it sounds like. Whereas full/top grain leather has opted to go <em>au naturale</em>, resisting any cosmetic procedures, corrected grain, embarrassed by her spots and blemishes, wants to have them removed. As such, corrected grain leather is leather whose grain has been buffed or treated to remove imperfections. Buffing alone isn’t enough, however; the procedure changes the fundamental pattern of the <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4MDC2WXI/AAAAAAAAAHI/uTbZz2BFiAA/s1600-h/CollectedGrainLeatherHF33812.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="Collected-Grain-Leather-HF338-" border="0" alt="Collected-Grain-Leather-HF338-" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4MhNTYaI/AAAAAAAAAHM/tfAXF1TH9NQ/CollectedGrainLeatherHF338_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="158" /></a>grain itself, leaving a very noticeable smooth spot that differs from the rest of the grain. This is “corrected” by applying a finish (or paint) that closely matches the original grain pattern. The result? A completely spotless and uniform piece of leather that looks great! (But we all know she’s had some work done.)</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnkrxF8jp_XfwZ976mUCQ2Bd1F_AZcIiau5h9o-arfWBv0DCZhOKb24URD6AOmXwEHsiSxqHEtRZ61IaNOWsGRfsV7bJKR6tKErkHmbj4d5gBsJcD3oo0vwq2mZzMn1OzP6e94LWgKaA/s1600-h/TLEL099.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="TLEL09" border="0" alt="TLEL09" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4N5dyzaI/AAAAAAAAAHU/7FlDeOq0wMs/TLEL09_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="187" /></a>Split Leather</strong> – When the top grain of a hide has been removed, you are left with the layer beneath; split leather is made using this layer. Split leather tends to be more fragile than full/top grain leather and can be easily damaged if not properly cared for. It has a soft, fuzzy feel and is not naturally waterproof like full/top grain leather. Split leather is cheaper than full/top grain leather and is commonly used to make suede.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Coated/Bycast</strong> <strong>Leather</strong>– This leather is made by applying a layer of polyurethane to the surface of split leather. This results in increased durability. Coated/Bycast leather was once used exclusively in shoes, but its low price led to its use in upholstery as well. Many public places with seating (such as bars and restaurants) use coated/bycast leather on their furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Bonded Leather </strong>– Bonded leather is a mostly synthetic material made up of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfN56aPwD-m0jgiJEIJ5t421eZg8SaSNbJIeaN3-9AypV3ThwmB9-9XjE_1phnyZCrpxghggc2IWsyzrP30N0nTHTGTSfsSonU5wg183-43iiHOz-nRhGKYpvjuSG7rKFFIO7vgaq1_o/s1600-h/BondedLeatherST00716.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="Bonded-Leather-ST-007-" border="0" alt="Bonded-Leather-ST-007-" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDx4O8nK6qI/AAAAAAAAAHc/aZ46Mb9Hv5A/BondedLeatherST007_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="167" /></a>varying degrees of genuine leather combined with other materials (usually polyurethane or vinyl) to give the appearance of leather. This is the least expensive type of leather (aside from synthetic leather) on the market. Bonded leather is typically found on Bibles, diaries, art books, and desk accessories.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Once the grain has been “cut,” it’s time to apply a finish. The finish is essentially a protective coating that enhances the leather’s durability and longevity, but can also </font><font face="Verdana">give the leather a specific texture or color if so desired. Again, there are many more finishes than those listed here, but these are the most common.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Aniline Finish</strong> – Aniline leather is leather that has been treated with a completely transparent finish. In other words, the original grain is completely visible with the naked eye.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Semi-Aniline</strong> <strong>Finish</strong> – This leather has been treated with a semi-transparent finish, giving off a slight hint of color, but still not obstructing the original grain.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Pigmented Finish</strong> – Pigmented leather has been treated with a completely opaque finish. Essentially, this is like painting or coloring the leather. The original grain in this leather is not visible.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">When shopping for leather, most products will clearly state the type of leather used. If you can’t find this information, just ask a sales associate. The important thing is that you are well informed about the type of leather you’re investing in. Get a head start on your leather quest by checking out </font><font face="Verdana">our huge selection of leather furniture at <a href="http://www.ElDoradoFurniture.com">www.ElDoradoFurniture.com</a>!</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at </font><a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com"><font face="Verdana">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</font></a><font face="Verdana">.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <font face="Verdana"><font size="2"><font face="Verdana"><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small"></span></strong></font></font></font> <p><font face="Verdana"><font size="2"><font face="Verdana"><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small">Sources:</span></strong></font></font></font> </p> <p><font size="1"><font face="Verdana"><span style="font-size: xx-small">“Natural Characteristics of Leather” Leather Resource Website, <a title="http://www.leatherresource.com/naturalcharacteristics.html" href="http://www.leatherresource.com/naturalcharacteristics.html">http://www.leatherresource.com/naturalcharacteristics.html</a> (accessed June 29, 2010).</span></font></font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana"><span style="font-size: xx-small">“Terms” Leather Resource Website, </span></font><a title="http://www.leatherresource.com/terms.html" href="http://www.leatherresource.com/terms.html"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://www.leatherresource.com/terms.html</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (accessed July 5, 2010).</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana">“What are the different types of leather?” Wisegeek Website, </font><a title="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-leather.htm" href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-leather.htm"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-leather.htm</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (access July 5, 2010).</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana">“Different Types of Leather” Buzzle Website, </font><a title="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-leather.html" href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-leather.html"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-leather.html</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (accessed July 5, 2010).</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana">“Leather” Wikipedia Website, </font><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather#Concern_for_animals_and_the_environment_and_alternatives" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather#Concern_for_animals_and_the_environment_and_alternatives"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (accessed July 5, 2010).</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana">“The Various Types of Leather Used in Leather Furniture” Home Furniture From North Carolina Website, </font><a title="http://northcarolinahomefurnitureblog.com/?p=116" href="http://northcarolinahomefurnitureblog.com/?p=116"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://northcarolinahomefurnitureblog.com/?p=116</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (accessed July 5, 2010).</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana">“Definitions” Leather Resource Laboratory, </font><a title="http://www.leatherusa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3285" href="http://www.leatherusa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3285"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://www.leatherusa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3285</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (accessed July 5, 2010).</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-37851835935873719322010-07-05T11:33:00.001-04:002010-07-05T12:35:11.807-04:00Furniture Facts: Leather, Pt. 1<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7LpomaJI/AAAAAAAAAGA/YStKKreQLGk/s1600-h/leatherswatch6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" class="wlDisabledImage" title="leather swatch" border="0" alt="leather swatch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7MO_K8bI/AAAAAAAAAGE/9mjAIWQKFGI/leatherswatch_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a>In today’s fast-moving world, tomorrow’s technology is yesterday’s news. That state-of-the-art, brand-spanikin’ new computer you bought last week? It’s already obsolete. That groundbreaking phone you waited three days in line to get on launch day? They just announced a newer, even <em>more</em> groundbreaking version of it due out next month.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">We are living in a time when technology is expanding at a mind-blowing rate, and it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. </font><font face="Verdana">That’s why it’s nice to know there are some things that can stand the test of time without ever really changing. One of those things is leather.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">When it comes to luxury, few things are more well known than leather. You see it everywhere: Handbags, shoes, coats, wallets, and, yes, furniture. Today, leather is as much a status symbol as it is a quality material. In this respect, leather defies the logic of current trends; instead of depreciating, leather has managed to become <em>more</em> valuable and prestigious over time. Pretty ironic considering the material’s humble roots…</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7MgtfbsI/AAAAAAAAAGI/fZ-iOalCa6E/s1600-h/125226541_b9781e7aea_o4.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="125226541_b9781e7aea_o" border="0" alt="125226541_b9781e7aea_o" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7NQqYtMI/AAAAAAAAAGM/eSTl43tT2uE/125226541_b9781e7aea_o_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="278" height="192" /></a>The first use of leather practically dates back to the origin of man himself. Animal skins gathered from hunting were commonly used to make clothing and shelter. However, these raw skins weren’t very reliable, becoming stiff in cold temperatures, and rotting in hot temperatures. </font><font face="Verdana">Unless something could be done to make these skins more durable, the survival of mankind was uncertain at best.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Luckily, our ancestors were ingenious enough to stumble upon <em>tanning</em>, the process of converting skins and hides into leather (hence the intimidating cowboy portent, “I’m going to tan your hide!”). Leather proved to be more flexible and durable than raw skin, and it lasted longer, too.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Several tanning methods were developed throughout the ages. The oldest, most rudimentary method involved rubbing oils and animal fats onto the skin to make it more flexible. Another was smoking, which was simply the burning of branches and green leaves. Drying skin by using salt or exposing it to the sun proved effective in stopping its decay, leading to huge advancements in tanning methods. Refinements to these techniques allowed for more versatile uses of leather. </font><font face="Verdana">Ancient texts reveal that leather was used in everything from shoes and dresses to shields and harnesses. One account even describes a working system of leather-made water pipes!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7NlCOGnI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/y_u4Q1uuv78/s1600-h/leather16.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="leather1" border="0" alt="leather1" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIzapbDEmAUydjYWmqBXiRbPv08VoKw-QFB_HA_Or5o2rLmU6DPw0vAmQuLd2OX1Ojc1C705Zh0KeYtgNi1Jje2_535Fq8F_tD-A4LNgfbEbdlJDbn0mzm6Z8XlL6XVfZTNx1Y1rddWU/?imgmax=800" width="206" height="301" /></a>By the 14th century, most cultures were using leather in everyday craftsmanship. The popular material was used to make chests, cases, book bindings, and more. It was around this time that craftsmen began implementing leather into furniture. Not only did this make for more comfortable, durable furniture, it added a decorative effect as well.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Despite these innovations, the tanning process still took a long time to complete – typically eight months to a year! </font><font face="Verdana">The discovery of the tanning properties of chrome salts drastically reduced the tanning process to just a few days.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7Og0rpaI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PRz2Mxt75R8/s1600-h/leather210.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="leather 2" border="0" alt="leather 2" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TDH7O41IebI/AAAAAAAAAGc/smjDeR6Ybmo/leather2_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="224" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">A typical tanning process consists of four basic steps:</font></p> <ol> <li><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">Before tanning, the hides and skins are thoroughly cleaned. Special techniques are used to remove hairs, fat cells, and other elements that are not suitable for the manufacturing of leather.</font></p> </font></font></li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">The hides and skins are tanned. Modern tanning methods utilize either chromium or vegetable oil extracts for efficiency and quality retention.</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">A “wet finish” is applied to the leather. This process determines several leather properties, including softness, color, and malleability.</font></p> </li> <li><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">The final leather finish is applied. This finish determines the leather’s final appearance such as glossiness and feel.</font></p> </font></font></li> </ol> <font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"> <p>The fascinating thing about modern-day leather-making is that, aside from a handful of tools and chemicals, the fundamental process of transforming raw skin into leather has remained unchanged since its inception thousands of years ago.</p> <p>Tune in next week for an in-depth look at the different types of leather and what they mean to you. In the meantime, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.ElDoradoFurniture.com">www.ElDoradoFurniture.com</a> to browse our huge selection of leather products!</p> </font> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small"><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at <a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</a>.</font></p> <font size="2"><font face="Verdana"><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small">Sources:</span></strong></font></font></font> <p><font size="1"><font face="Verdana"><span style="font-size: xx-small">“History of Leather” Leather Resource Website, <a title="http://www.leatherresource.com/history.html" href="http://www.leatherresource.com/history.html">http://www.leatherresource.com/history.html</a> (accessed June 29, 2010).</span></font></font></p> <p><font size="1"><font face="Verdana"><span style="font-size: xx-small">“Characteristics of Leather” LANXESS Leather Website, <a href="http://www.lanxessleather.com/lea/en/basics/raw_hides_and_skins/characteristics_of_leather/">http://www.lanxessleather.com/lea/en/basics/raw_hides_and_skins/characteristics_of_leather/</a> (accessed June 29, 2010).</span></font></font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-45261559897185258352010-06-28T10:30:00.001-04:002010-06-30T10:19:43.864-04:00Outdoor Furniture: History and Evolution<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRhEJpgD3tklgMbxaHk3qxRwqx74E0Z4N8IGhFYeqTZaq1kOqETH0eX13RWwD9UCWVbjPDBrc7qUOTVWEqRlvl1ED9IBpx2UHwU87LfNTQF_rwql4YIhg8kxUnK6jz3NwdXoDv8Nyr-0/s1600-h/PatioFurniture7%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Patio Furniture" alt="Patio Furniture" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0yz3sLC0KmE7rel54Ph__0WtceJMFmNOI43Zq0VGXSUXsGCpPMz7G3QaSYpUcruVOSqXM69GxFA-M72O_1QzVzI0fHCoxwp30sLb-Z4YRUhjPBL3Yt7ZMQwL6Z_vcaAACVfwp7VbPDI/?imgmax=800" width="439" height="204" /></a> Summer is officially in full swing (not that it feels any different to us South Floridians), and that means spending more time outside soaking up the sun! </font><font face="Verdana">But what’s the fun in getting your tan on without the right outdoor furniture? After all, sunbathing on that dilapidated blue/tangerine plastic beach chair you got in 1984 isn’t going to get you any kudos for style.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Outdoor furniture has come a long way since its 18th-century roots. It all started with the rocking chair. Since air conditioning hadn’t been invented yet, many people would sit out on their porches for some fresh air. And since nobody had thought to make furniture specifically designed for outdoor use, most people would simply drag their inside furniture outside. Unfortunately, the popular wrought iron furniture of those days wasn’t exactly comfortable, let alone suitable for the outdoors. The wooden rocking chair, on the other hand, was a much better alternative: It was comfortable, could be easily moved around, and was (relatively) more durable than other furniture pieces at the time.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaioQ70hldAq6BcznglQ2tnnRD_QEfIb5Cg_mbnAaH6QoJTzLyMzflRhdKzS0yg0egTnS2rH-INtoK1hMSzjqOe65Gnj-pL0LIeiA0JXp_Wth6tGE4HCuNt8P9IFPiNg3zmXoR9Gk1Bbs/s1600-h/TorgesonGirlsPorchSwing19.jpg"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="TorgesonGirlsPorchSwing" alt="TorgesonGirlsPorchSwing" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix3UUUudI/AAAAAAAAAE4/TjCmAZ2Nhog/TorgesonGirlsPorchSwing_thumb17.jpg?imgmax=800" width="245" height="305" /></a></font>The rocking chair eventually evolved into the porch swing, which </font><font face="Verdana">could seat several people at once. By the 1930s, furniture makers were making chairs geared for outdoor use. Lawn chairs in particular became </font><font face="Verdana">the craze among consumers. T</font><font face="Verdana">here was obviously a huge market for outdoor furniture, and thus a new industry was born.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The first waves of outdoor furniture after the initial boom served their purpose, but were also cheesy-looking, overly complicated, and flimsy. (Ever tried folding up one of those old three-part beach chairs? You could lose a finger!) </font><font face="Verdana">Thankfully, technology and common sense intervened, and today we’re blessed with stylish, durable outdoor furniture that’s both useful <em>and</em> easy to use!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Seriously, some of these designs are comparable to some of the chicest furniture you’ll find <em>indoors</em>.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Black Chaise Lounge</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix4XHDNcI/AAAAAAAAAE8/rLtzGLZd4YA/s1600-h/hhhhhhhh8.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="hhhhhhhh" alt="hhhhhhhh" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix5HUdAII/AAAAAAAAAFA/cHVHxT8QKzI/hhhhhhhh_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="260" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">A more comfortable take on the traditional lounge chair. This lightweight chaise features an aluminum frame for sturdiness. The included cushions make it comfortable enough to lounge, sleep, read, or whatever else you like! The woven wicker makes this piece extremely durable, so don’t be afraid to relax on it after a quick dip in the pool.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Palm Chaise</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix5hpgIXI/AAAAAAAAAFE/AA_nafRhK-Q/s1600-h/hgthfghfghfg13.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="hgthfghfghfg" alt="hgthfghfghfg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix595McgI/AAAAAAAAAFI/DPAndH3HM0A/hgthfghfghfg_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="307" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">For those with more modern taste. This is yet another twist on the traditional lounge chair; the Palm Chaise features a detachable canopy to help shade you from the sun, allowing you to relax even more comfortably. The attached casters also make this piece easily transportable.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Wilson 4-Piece Patio Set</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix6Zoc-LI/AAAAAAAAAFM/2ZWt2hOdu10/s1600-h/khjkjkhkjhkjhjk9.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="khjkjkhkjhkjhjk" alt="khjkjkhkjhkjhjk" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix6sEHTzI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/s0WHyVqr-BY/khjkjkhkjhkjhjk_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="206" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Part of the fun of the outdoors is that they’re different from the indoors; it’s a change from the norm. That’s the whole point, really. But if you still need a little bit of indoor convenience while lounging outside, this is your best bet. This set can seat up to three people. And it even comes with a table! You can’t really ask for much more from an outdoor furniture set.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Selinet Brown 7-Piece Patio Set</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix7Lw29GI/AAAAAAAAAFU/-ShF1D5ps1o/s1600-h/khuiuhhi11.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="khuiuhhi" alt="khuiuhhi" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix7ioRQRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/3vGAvY7mz9U/khuiuhhi_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="198" /></a></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Feel like having some friends over? This one’s for you. Durable frame. Lightweight. Seats up to six people. Stackable chairs for easy storage. Wicker for durability. Oh, and that table top? Tempered glass. Need I say more?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Roland 3-Piece Patio Set w/Round Table</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi118WMgqr976flVDFRlBDawfnpTndf5yw8oFkFwCuhaBtKBDYj6vNb2N7e00wt8TZZD3Wxfaf-lvb2O7GDvVWcAihr92vSwoDhJ5tlw2ZnLha-8c8RQtjtY2MX08zWmX1VCFYXQG6OIQQ/s1600-h/tyhgjghjghjghjghjghjghj4.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="tyhgjghjghjghjghjghjghj" alt="tyhgjghjghjghjghjghjghj" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix8W5L_1I/AAAAAAAAAFg/0Fc3RrGv3r0/tyhgjghjghjghjghjghjghj_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="220" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">For more intimate moments, there’s the Roland set. It’s perfect for sharing a drink, having a snack, or just catching up with a friend. The chairs are stackable and the table can be folded for easy storage.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Splash Shower</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix89Bg5dI/AAAAAAAAAFk/_FbwINCT8Rw/s1600-h/uyyuyukyuk6.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="uyyuyukyuk" alt="uyyuyukyuk" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TCix9uQaPpI/AAAAAAAAAFo/EgNgb0Drru0/uyyuyukyuk_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="424" /></a><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Sun a little <em>too</em> hot for you? Ready to head back inside? Use the outdoor Splash Shower to cool or rinse yourself off and avoid tracking sand into the house. The copper showerhead and soap dish can withstand outdoor conditions, and the attached teak polywood platform is perfect for getting out all the excess sand on your feet.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">And it doesn’t end there! Check out these pieces and more at <a href="http://www.ElDoradoFurniture.com">www.ElDoradoFurniture.com</a> and make sure you’re ready for some summer fun! Don’t forget the lotion!</font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small"><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Have a comment or topic suggestion for the author? Shoot him an e-mail at <a href="mailto:vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com">vcapo@eldoradofurniture.com</a>.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana"><strong>Sources:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana">Houser, Tom. “The History of Patio Furniture,” Ezine @rticles Website, </font><a title="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Patio-Furniture&id=596200" href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Patio-Furniture&id=596200"><font size="1" face="Verdana">http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Patio-Furniture&id=596200</font></a><font size="1" face="Verdana"> (accessed June 21, 2010).</font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-75948231599085998872010-06-21T10:37:00.000-04:002010-06-21T12:11:32.109-04:00Need a Lift? -- Power-Lift Recliners<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TB-PL4NFPfI/AAAAAAAAADs/K5PshIWSk-0/s1600-h/Power-Lift%20Recliner%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Power-Lift Recliner" alt="Power-Lift Recliner" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WrZzXs2GpcY/TB-PMjDBmUI/AAAAAAAAADw/2wbLosP-dFo/Power-Lift%20Recliner_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="260" /></a> </div> <p><font face="Verdana">A few weeks ago, we brought you some hands-on time with one of our power-lift recliners. This week, we thought we’d give you a more in-depth look at these pieces.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">If you’ve been paying attention to your television lately, you may have caught a glimpse of El Dorado Furniture’s new TV spots. One of these spots focuses on our selection of power-lift recliners.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">While these special recliners can be used by virtually anyone, they are especially convenient for the elderly, infirm, or disabled who may need assistance when getting up.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">In the past, these individuals generally had to avoid more comfortable seating (such as recliners) because they can be difficult to get in and out of. But thanks to power-lift recliners, they can enjoy the comfort of a luxurious recliner without worrying about needing assistance. The touch of a button opens the recliner to your desired position; the touch of another button gently closes and lifts the recliner until you are upright, allowing you to effortlessly get up. The recliner will remain in the upright position until you’re ready to sit back down, so you’ll be seated gently and comfortably in no time!</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">As an added benefit, power-lift recliners are just as comfortable as traditional recliners. They can be used for everyday activities like watching television, listening to music, or just relaxing and lounging.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Unlike dedicated medical equipment that favors functionality over comfort, the power-lift recliner manages to combine comfort, functionality, and ease of use into one stylish furniture piece.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Check out a hands-on demonstration of one of our power-lift recliners by clicking here.</font></p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small"><font face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-60384212453581489742010-06-14T18:20:00.001-04:002010-06-15T18:43:01.870-04:00Useful Furniture: Guest Beds<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WigVMZFGFKOq4FjSn6VKYyMU33J9Vpfc55filKlg4RC0_HplaFgOltcxsK66jNbM3Hd4D4jbIkquGJ2BpSaluwniiBRHs3WDlaORN55_9wqm43sgXKxEd5WyOVStIbnXX3y23PI3IEc/s1600/Sofa_Bed_Regata_Obsession_Truffle_700-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WigVMZFGFKOq4FjSn6VKYyMU33J9Vpfc55filKlg4RC0_HplaFgOltcxsK66jNbM3Hd4D4jbIkquGJ2BpSaluwniiBRHs3WDlaORN55_9wqm43sgXKxEd5WyOVStIbnXX3y23PI3IEc/s320/Sofa_Bed_Regata_Obsession_Truffle_700-2.jpg" qu="true" /></a></div> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Houseguests. We’ve all had them at some point. Your cousin from out of town who’s visiting for a few days. Your sister and her husband who need a place to stay while their house is fumigated. That one friend who had a little too much to drink at the party and can’t drive home.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Houseguests (particularly the unexpected kind) keep us on our toes, especially if we don’t have room for a guest bed. Luckily, there are several versatile furniture solutions that can help ensure that both you and your guests are comfortable during their stay, no matter the size of your home.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Sofa Beds</strong></font></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana">The perfect solution if you’re tight on space or just appreciate efficiency. The sofa bed inconspicuously parades as a fully functional sofa by day, and transforms into a comfy bed at night. Many sofa beds are made using quality materials like 100% genuine leather, so you and your guests can enjoy the ultimate in comfort and luxury while sitting and watching TV. The hidden pull-out mattress makes the sofa bed perfect for a living room, den, or home office. Just like regular mattresses, sofa bed mattresses come in a variety of sizes.</font></font></font><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Futons</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Like a sofa bed, but smaller. In the past, futons were most popular among college students living in dorms that didn’t have room for much more than a few essential pieces of furniture. Once notorious for their flimsy construction and cheesy design, futons have evolved into a legitimate addition to many furniture collections thanks to their comfort, style, and functional design. Many even have hidden storage compartments for pillows and other items. Futons fit well in a living room, den, home office, or bedroom.</font></p> </font> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Daybeds</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The daybed is appropriate for those who have very little room to spare and don’t mind putting it all out there. The daybeds is small, so you can place it virtually anywhere. It’s essentially a guest bed in its simplest form, but can be used as a couch as well. Many daybeds now include trundle units, effectively turning them into pseudo-bunk beds for two.</font></p> </font> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Rollaway Beds</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">If you have no room left in your home, the rollaway is a good solution. Rollaway beds aren’t as stylish as the aforementioned beds, and they serve just one purpose, but they’re convenient, folding up for easy storage inside a closet. Rollaway beds also come in a variety of sizes.</font></p> </font> <p><font face="Verdana">Get a better look at each of these pieces on our site by clicking </font><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/catalog/index.html?cID=147&cLabel=Facebook"><font face="Verdana">here</font></a><font face="Verdana">!</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-88053389125675308782010-05-17T15:43:00.004-04:002010-06-17T11:41:56.686-04:00The Benefits of Sleep and How to Get Them, Pt. 2<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvhtLWKC1USmbWEQXl86ru2Vbr1C2rx5FrXuvid8RjrvYm3h_C2y83Q4VltY7zyzoJ3q5zLuqbN2UvYvvBWbGXeYya_04_KA4IuGsqyeFk4E6QjgP5D7Djo11qI9jE1hI9eQllAjwWV0/s1600/liquid-mind-viii-sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvhtLWKC1USmbWEQXl86ru2Vbr1C2rx5FrXuvid8RjrvYm3h_C2y83Q4VltY7zyzoJ3q5zLuqbN2UvYvvBWbGXeYya_04_KA4IuGsqyeFk4E6QjgP5D7Djo11qI9jE1hI9eQllAjwWV0/s320/liquid-mind-viii-sleep.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div> <p><font face="Verdana">Last week, we looked at some of the benefits of a good night’s sleep. This week, we’re focusing on what you can do to ensure you get that quality sleep. <br /> <br />Sleep is a surprisingly complex activity; a number of factors can affect the quality of your sleep. Your age, physical health, lifestyle, and mattress are just some of those factors. Because of this, there is no single, surefire way to ensure a good night’s rest. But here are some things you can do to help improve your sleep, so you can reap its rewards. Always check with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes. <br /> <br /></font></p> <ul> <li><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Only use your bed for sleeping and the other “s”-word.</strong> Like most people today, chances are you have a TV and maybe even a computer in your bedroom. While this isn’t the most ideal bedroom setup, it can still be conducive to sleep, so long as you’re not watching your favorite soaps and checking your e-mail from your bed. The bed should only be used for sleep and sex. Once you’re in bed, give yourself at least 15 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re not sleepy after 15 minutes, get out of bed until you are, but avoid stimulating activities like watching TV or reading an exciting book.</font> </p> </font></li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Sleep and wake up at the same time every day.</strong> Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. It’s tempting to stay up late or sleep in on the weekend, but just an hour change in your sleep schedule can disrupt your entire sleep cycle. Your body adjusts to your sleep schedule at a rate of one hour per day. So if you usually wake up at 6:30, but decide to wake up at 8:30 on the weekend, your body will need two full days to re-adjust. Is two days of bad sleep worth two hours of sleeping in?</font> </p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Have a bedtime.</strong> The term “bedtime” shouldn’t just refer to the moment you get into bed and turn out the light. We all have things we do before settling in for the night. Doing those same things every night will let our bodies know that it’s time to start winding down. This nightly ritual should be performed about 30 minutes prior to going to bed. Whatever your ritual is, do it every night to let your body know it’s time for bed.</font> </p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Exercise.</strong> Daily exercise provides innumerable health benefits, and that includes a good night’s sleep. Try to exercise every day, but not within three hours of your bedtime as this will make it harder to fall asleep.</font> </p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Get some sun.</strong> Expose yourself to some sunlight every day. The sun’s light helps the body’s internal clock keep track of day and night. So the next time the sun’s out, step outside for a brisk morning walk, or at the very least, open the drapes to let some sunlight in.</font> </p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Darken the bedroom.</strong> Darkness helps regulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep. Just like sunlight lets the body know it’s day time, darkness signals night. Don’t undermine your body’s internal clock by fooling it with artificial or unnecessary light. Close the drapes and turn off all the lights when you’re ready to sleep.</font> </p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana"><strong>Change your mattress.</strong> One commonly overlooked factor in sleeping conditions is actually the most important: The mattress. Mattresses can be a fairly big investment, and as such, we expect them to last for years with minimal maintenance. While a good quality mattress is built to last about five to seven years, you may need to change yours before that time. As we age, our body’s needs change. Because of this, your mattress may feel comfortable, but it’s not actually giving you the support your body needs. This can lead to trouble sleeping at night, and pain when you wake up in the morning. To find out more about how your mattress can affect your sleep, check out El Dorado Furniture’s </font><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/mattress/"><font face="Verdana">Mattress Buying Guide</font></a><font face="Verdana">, where you’ll also learn about our exclusive </font><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/comfortscale/"><font face="Verdana">Comfort Scale</font></a><font face="Verdana">, which makes it easier than ever to find the perfect mattress.</font></p> </li> </ul> <p><font size="2"><font face="Verdana"><strong><em><span style="font-size: xx-small"><font size="1">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></span></em></strong> </font></font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Verdana"><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small">Sources:</span></strong></font></font></p> <p><font size="1"><font face="Verdana"><span style="font-size: xx-small">"Need a New Mattress?" The Better Sleep Council Website, http://www.bettersleep.org/Ease/evaluate.asp (accessed May 17, 2010).</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small">Stibich, Mark, Ph.D. "Top 10 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep," About.com Website, October 30,2008, http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongenergy/tp/sleep_hygiene.htm (accessed May 17, 2010).</span></font></font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-24037970632293193472010-05-10T12:13:00.001-04:002010-06-17T11:42:07.836-04:00The Benefits of Sleep and How to Get Them, Pt. 1<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCBX8yNGozB5q5Q7bxbYu9bF1mbkEjLypY_R6NxqKgMTmL1YM7vxicZRQpThyphenhyphenXbz1aqgX6FD0S7Dv6GU1NcaWbCmni2QnQwdvaRMSGIw_32_2xxZ18npYMb7U9yaBe2He44p4ozVRYFo/s1600/Man+Sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCBX8yNGozB5q5Q7bxbYu9bF1mbkEjLypY_R6NxqKgMTmL1YM7vxicZRQpThyphenhyphenXbz1aqgX6FD0S7Dv6GU1NcaWbCmni2QnQwdvaRMSGIw_32_2xxZ18npYMb7U9yaBe2He44p4ozVRYFo/s320/Man+Sleeping.jpg" width="320" height="214" tt="true" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: xx-small"><font size="2"> <p><font face="Verdana">Question: How did you sleep last night?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">This simple question is often overlooked when trying to pinpoint the cause of problems in our daily lives -- problems like feeling tired, back pain, trouble concentrating, unusually high stress, and depression. These are just some of the issues that can stem from lack of quality sleep.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Researchers have only recently begun to discover that sleep has innumerable health benefits; sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can seriously hinder the most basic body functions and impair cognitive abilities.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">May is national Better Sleep Month, making it the perfect time to re-evaluate your sleeping habits. In this two-part series, we'll explore the many benefits sleep can provide, as well as several ways you can improve the quality of your sleep.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Before getting started, let's see how much sleep you should be getting. These numbers may change depending on your age, lifestyle, and overall health. Check with your doctor before making any changes to your sleep habits. On average, experts recommend the following sleep times:</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Infants:</b> 16 hours a day</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Young Children:</b> 10-14 hours a day</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Teenagers:</b> 9 hours a day</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Adults and Older Adults:</b> 7-9 hours a day</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Pregnant Women:</b> Several extra hours a day during the first trimester</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Getting a good night's sleep every night can yield the following health benefits:</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Heart Health </b>– Heart attacks and strokes most commonly occur during the early morning hours. This may be explained by the way sleep interacts with the blood vessels. Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Sufficient sleep can lead to a healthier heart.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Cancer Prevention </b>– Researchers believe that melatonin, a hormone that induces and maintains sleep, can also protect against certain types of cancer and suppress the growth of tumors. Exposure to light reduces melatonin production, so be sure your room is dark when you sleep.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Youth Extension</b> – Stress-related hormones can raise the level of inflammation in your body, creating more risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflammation is thought to be one of the causes of deterioration of your body as you age. Sleep can help decrease the level of inflammation in your body.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Body Reparation</b> – Sleep is a time for your body to repair damage caused by stress, UV rays, and other harmful exposures. While you sleep, your cells produce more protein molecules, which form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair damage.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Memory Boost</b> – While you sleep, your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings, and memories. This is a process known as memory consolidation. Getting more quality sleep will help you remember and process things better.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Alertness </b>– A good night's sleep makes you feel energized and alert the next day. Being engaged and active not only feels great, it increases your chances for another good night's sleep. When you wake up feeling refreshed, use that energy to get out into the daylight, be active, and engage in your world. You'll sleep better the next night and increase your daily energy level.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><b>Weight Loss</b> – Researchers have found that people who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to be overweight or obese. It is believed that the lack of sleep disrupts the balance of hormones that affect appetite. So if you're trying to lose weight and have hit a plateau, make sure you're getting a good night's sleep.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Be sure to check in next week when we look at several things you can do to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana"><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small">Sources:</span></strong></font></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small"></span></strong><span style="font-size: xx-small"><font size="1" face="Verdana">"Consumers Connect Quality Bedding to Quality Sleep and Quality of Life," The Better Sleep Council Website, http://www.bettersleep.org/pressroom/get-physical-pr.asp (accessed May 10, 2010).</font></span></p> <span style="font-size: xx-small"></span> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana"><span style="font-size: xx-small">Stibich, Mark, Ph.D. "Getting Enough Sleep," About.com Website, October 30,2008, http://longevity.about.com/od/sleep/a/enough_sleep.htm (accessed May 10, 2010).</span></font></p> <span style="font-size: xx-small"></span> <p><span style="font-size: xx-small"><font size="1" face="Verdana">Stibich, Mark, Ph.D. "Top 10 Health Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep," About.com Website, May 8, 2009, http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongenergy/tp/healthy_sleep.htm (accessed May 10, 2010).</font></span></p> </font></span> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-20329349507905720302010-05-03T17:01:00.001-04:002010-06-16T11:39:20.615-04:00Mysterious Furniture: The Cursed Chair of the Busby Stoop Inn<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsOcGktaSQwFXJ00tjBfr9RkdypvTrDBd13kQ7VxSLcGFlQEV3WqOxqkYsdtzZdpNJtIS7pwM9zBswP_TpsPW8aNUZGlSkdc9NKqNfCoX45QOUT97fadIM4ct3ahxHR3AhQj3cBWb3tw/s1600/Busby+Stoop.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a></div> <p><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsOcGktaSQwFXJ00tjBfr9RkdypvTrDBd13kQ7VxSLcGFlQEV3WqOxqkYsdtzZdpNJtIS7pwM9zBswP_TpsPW8aNUZGlSkdc9NKqNfCoX45QOUT97fadIM4ct3ahxHR3AhQj3cBWb3tw/s1600/Busby+Stoop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsOcGktaSQwFXJ00tjBfr9RkdypvTrDBd13kQ7VxSLcGFlQEV3WqOxqkYsdtzZdpNJtIS7pwM9zBswP_TpsPW8aNUZGlSkdc9NKqNfCoX45QOUT97fadIM4ct3ahxHR3AhQj3cBWb3tw/s320/Busby+Stoop.jpg" tt="true" /></a><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Settle in, dear readers. This week’s blog leaves behind the here and now, transcending far into the realms of the unknown and unexplained. </font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">But wait — isn’t this a blog about furniture?</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Indeed, it is! But who says furniture can’t be adventurous? Like most everything in this world, sometimes there is more to furniture than meets the eye…</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">And thus begins a new installment at the Official EDF Blog: Mysterious Furniture.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">From time to time, we’ll regale you with creepy, unnerving tales of phantom futons, cursed credenzas, and possessed pedestals. So sit back and grab a flashlight if you must, as we delve into this week’s tale: The cursed chair of the Busby Stoop Inn.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Inside the Thirsk Museum, in North Yorkshire, England, is the infamous chair of Thomas Busby. The chair hangs on a wall, about five to six feet up, in order to prevent anyone from sitting on it. Legend holds that the chair is cursed, and anyone who dares sit in it will meet an untimely end soon after.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">The story behind the chair dates back to the 18th century. In the summer of 1702, coin-forger Daniel Awety moved to the rural area of Kirby Wiske, where he bought a farm and renamed it ”Danotty Hall” (a play on the name Dan Awety). From there, he would continue his illicit coin-forging business.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Soon after, Awety partnered with his son-in-law, Thomas Busby. Busby, a reputed thief as well as a drunk and a bully, owned an inn just three miles from Danotty Hall.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">One day, Busby returned to his inn and found Awety had sat in his favorite chair. A heated argument ensued and Busby kicked Awety out. Before leaving, Awety threatened to take his daughter back to Danotty Hall with him.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Later that night, Busby snuck into Danotty Hall, murdered Daniel Awety, and hid his body in a nearby wood. Awety’s sudden disappearance aroused suspicion and police organized a search. They eventually found Awety’s body and Thomas Busby was arrested and sentenced to death by hanging.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">On the day of his execution, a drunken Busby had to be pulled and dragged from his favorite chair inside his inn. As he was being led to the gallows (located at a crossroads near the inn), he cursed the chair, vowing that anyone who dared sit in it would die a sudden and violent death, just like the one he was about to face. After Busby’s death, the inn was renamed the Busby Stoop Inn.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">More than 300 years later, the Busby Stoop Inn still stands and the tale of Busby’s cursed chair continues to dare the foolhardy and fill men’s hearts with fear. When the inn was taken over, the new owners kept Busby’s chair out on display. Stories about the curse, as well as alleged sightings of Busby’s ghost wandering the second floor, drew many curious customers to the inn. Friends stopping by for a drink would dare one another to sit on the chair, though very few did.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">But according to several reports and eyewitnesses, those who were brave enough to sit in Busby’s chair all met an untimely demise.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Consider the following:</font></p> <ul> <li><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">Across the road from the inn lies an old airfield. It was home to four squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. Their crews would regularly drink at the Busby Stoop Inn. It is said that those airmen who sat in the Busby chair never returned home after bombing sorties over Germany.</font></p> </font></li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">The inn’s previous owner recalls two airmen daring each other to sit in the chair. Both airmen sat in Busby’s Chair. Later that day, their car hit a tree and both men died. </font></p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">A group of builders having lunch at the inn dared a young worker to sit in the chair. The brave young man obliged. After returning to their building site, the young man fell through a roof and died. After the young worker’s death, the inn’s landlord locked the chair away in the cellar. </font></p> </li> <li><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">In 1978, a delivery man sat in the Busby chair in the cellar. He told the landlord how comfortable the chair was and suggested such a fine piece of furniture should be in the bar and not locked away in a damp cellar. Hours later, the delivery man’s vehicle inexplicably veered off the road and crashed, killing him.</font></p> </font></li> </ul> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana">There are countless other stories about the chair’s victims, including a Royal Air Force pilot who was killed a day after sitting in the chair, a motorcyclist who died on his bike shortly after leaving the inn, a hitchhiker who was knocked down and killed two days after visiting the inn, and a local man in his late thirties who died of a massive heart attack the night after sitting in the chair.</font></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana">Busby’s chair has since been moved out of harm’s way, at the innkeeper’s request. It is still one of the most popular pieces on display at the Thirsk Museum. Though it hangs on a wall several feet above the ground, many patrons still ask to sit in it, but it has never been taken down.</font></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana">But the question still remains: Is there really a curse on Thomas Busby’s chair, or are people letting their imaginations get the best of them? More importantly, if you had the chance, would you sit in his chair?</font></font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Verdana"><strong><em>Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</em></strong></font></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-59072106047238743572010-04-26T13:53:00.000-04:002010-06-16T11:33:57.058-04:00Simplicity at its Simplest: Black and White Design<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUF5G8KzhrQxZpx1Hk7tUDx_s_0Zhn40Sq1RQU09nNfI4JsCz4G6ROLG_acKdoSiB5lM8lA48BNbeI7QSrtBF7L4Exk27Sf0euwpaqtj3ZuT3dm3JEAgM5UMIHguu6ZMGwO-RKR82EUA/s320/living-room-natuzzi-frank.jpg" tt="true" /></p> <p><font face="Verdana">This week, we're venturing into the sleek, stylish world of black and white interior design. The idea of designing a space primarily around two contrasting colors can intimidate some people. However, this surprisingly versatile color scheme can be used in a number of ways, from adding a touch of elegance to your existing decor, to making a bold design statement that adds spark and drama to a room.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Before you commit to any major changes, start small. If you're just looking to enhance a particular living space, consider adding touches of black. Black adds a focal point of color that grounds, anchors, and adds sophistication to a room. Black in accessories, light fixtures, trims, paintings, or in one bold piece of furniture will catch the eye and sharpen any decorating scheme. It will serve as an outline that sets off specific areas or objects.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">If you're feeling a little more daring, pair black with white. The use of black and white in decorating gives a clean and unquestionably elegant look to any room. If you're afraid of using just black and white, add variety by incorporating areas of yellow, pink, camel, red, or purple for a striking look. Keeping black and white prominent, however, preserves the effect of elegance.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Here are some ways to use black and white in your home:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">Walls painted stark white or a soft, ivory white serve as the perfect background for framed photographs, prints, and other artwork. Choose dark wood or painted black frames. Select stark black and white matting for your artwork or add a punch of color with red, gold, or black mats.</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">A small room is a great place to use black and white as the main color scheme. A powder room or small bathroom looks elegant with a black marble countertop, white sink, and shiny gold accessories and fixtures. You can also trim lush terry towels with some black ribbon or braids for a custom look without much work.</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">Crisp white bed linens are perfect for the bedroom. Add a black and white striped bed skirt, pillows, and a comfortable black chair. For seasonal changes, have a variety of pillows in different colors on hand. Pink, yellow, or soft green works great for summer, while red, hunter green, or even shimmering gold or silver looks great during winter.</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">Use dark, charcoal rugs or carpeting. Don't feel obligated to paint all the walls the same. Choose vibrant accent colors for a focal point. Add colorful artwork, shiny or matte finish metal accents, and modern designed fabrics.</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font face="Verdana">Black iron accent pieces are very popular. For the dining room, try using a black metal table base with a glass top, and black iron candlesticks and light fixtures. For the family room or home office, try black iron bookends.</font></p> </li> <li><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">To create a striking table setting, look for black and white china. All white or all black works well. Choose plain white china for greatest versatility. Add table linens and accessory pieces in black or any accent color</font></p> </font></li> </ul> <p><font face="Verdana">Whether you're just sprucing up a room or starting from scratch, black and white is easy to implement. If you're ready to incorporate black and white design into your home decor, check out El Dorado's huge selection of black and white furniture and accessories at our website or any of our stores.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-72135304361511631272010-04-19T12:55:00.000-04:002010-06-16T10:49:29.392-04:00EDF Blog: Special Green Edition<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqm6IRHA_6Tk5vcBuWn-hWzzBEZ1hZIwaCYbAE8LrG-v4HtCXjXQxQmVVaT4Q29oq8gX635ESTe4hs5rJIeYlg2TBRVPXsr_rWZ3i8ZIcHdTVFOZQKKs2N71i4DeYWuaA2JxJ_ytl-Nk/s1600/GREEN_EARTH_op_580x386.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqm6IRHA_6Tk5vcBuWn-hWzzBEZ1hZIwaCYbAE8LrG-v4HtCXjXQxQmVVaT4Q29oq8gX635ESTe4hs5rJIeYlg2TBRVPXsr_rWZ3i8ZIcHdTVFOZQKKs2N71i4DeYWuaA2JxJ_ytl-Nk/s320/GREEN_EARTH_op_580x386.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div> <font face="Verdana"></font><font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">Earth Day is almost here and nowadays, it's more significant than ever. From power companies to car manufacturers, it seems like everyone is jumping on the "green" bandwagon, doing their part to help preserve our planet. But how is the furniture industry contributing to a more eco-friendly future?</font></p> <font face="Verdana"> <p>Furniture manufacturers as a whole have long been criticized for delaying their transition to more eco-friendly production standards. But many manufacturers have recently made huge strides in the way they run their production plants and make furniture, significantly reducing their carbon footprint in the process.</p> <p>In fact, a number of furniture manufacturing plants have received an E-1 rating -- the highest (and best) rating in a system established by the European Union in Brussels to measure the environmental friendliness of furniture. The system rates furniture according to the amount of chemicals used in the manufacturing process, the degree to which formaldehyde and other toxic gasses are released into the atmosphere, and the source of base materials used. Each product is then assigned a rating; E-1 being the highest and E-5 the worst. This is the most stringent rating system for furniture in the world.</p> <p>Some furniture makers have gone one step further by manufacturing furniture made from natural and recycled materials. These pieces offer the same quality, comfort, and style as traditional furniture with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.</p> <p><font face="Verdana">El Dorado proudly offers a wide selection of eco-friendly furniture pieces ranging from sofas to dining sets. Want to find out more about how El Dorado Furniture is taking steps to help the environment? Be sure to visit out our </font><a href="http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/"><font face="Verdana">homepage</font></a><font face="Verdana"> on Earth Day (Thursday, April 22) for a special surprise. In the meantime, take a look at our eco-friendly furniture selection on the site or at one of our stores.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> </font></font> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-25144501903198247612010-04-12T12:41:00.000-04:002010-06-16T10:44:57.940-04:00Color Me Meaningful: The Psychology of Color and Interior Design<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg948bvJSydPnTnzpSu1hEji01j4VwVvUjHqonpDHuONa2RsMfL9Wftfh0K0M3KOAdoRPncAaOrDgPwgeBNRylwLNo9b-eD4iFlh-BDCagzUyK0-RxKGP10Hubv1ntelD-f6EiO3km6ePE/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg948bvJSydPnTnzpSu1hEji01j4VwVvUjHqonpDHuONa2RsMfL9Wftfh0K0M3KOAdoRPncAaOrDgPwgeBNRylwLNo9b-eD4iFlh-BDCagzUyK0-RxKGP10Hubv1ntelD-f6EiO3km6ePE/s320/rainbow.jpg" width="320" height="228" wt="true" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none"><font face="Verdana"></font></div> <font face="Verdana"> <p><font face="Verdana">This week we’re looking at the impact color can have on your living space. Certain colors can affect your mood in different ways. For years, companies have hired industrial psychologists to use the psychology of color to elicit certain unconscious reactions from consumers. You may not realize it, but every time you walk into a store, restaurant, or even a doctor’s office, the colors in the room — particularly the paint on the walls — affects your mood. Most of the time, you can bet a lot of thought and research went into these colors, and the mood you’re feeling is exactly what the proprietor intended for you to feel.</font></p> <font face="Verdana"></font> <p><font face="Verdana">When it comes to decorating your home, it’s important to know how colors will affect you in order to get the most out of each room. Let’s take a look at the most basic colors and what affect they can have on you.</font></p> <font face="Verdana"></font> <p><strong><span style="color: red"><font face="Verdana">Red</font></span></strong></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Red packs a punch, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat, and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.</font></p> <font face="Verdana"> <p><strong><span style="color: orange">Orange</span></strong></p> <p>Like red, orange tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: yellow">Yellow</span></strong></p> <p>Yellow is warm and welcoming, but it’s more attention grabbing than either red or orange. For this reason, it’s a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: blue">Blue</span></strong></p> <p>Blue is part of the cool color palette. It makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it’s not the best option for a dining room… unless you’re on a diet.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: lime">Green</span></strong></p> <p>Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces, and schools.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: magenta">Violet</span></strong></p> <p>Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms, and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children’s bedrooms and play areas.</p> <p><font face="Verdana">Keep in mind that these are just general color descriptions and they can affect everyone differently. In the end, choosing a color is a matter of personal taste. What really matters is that you’re happy with whatever colors you choose and that your home looks great!</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> </font></font> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-18126834155709908672010-04-07T15:00:00.000-04:002010-06-15T17:47:55.099-04:00Feng Shui, Pt. 2<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyQWJ7ALQ6N417RcjDXJj3o0oKGldOu1tWL2ctfWD0JFIeqKf3u6d6n4IvjhlzF3kmJQxvBKEACERGBn3nV21wtxSWoZeaaSD8WPzoRq3Hj3sN_hWvwhtlRBiH9f9qMJELPM8N_Cigsk/s1600/Feng-Shui_Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyQWJ7ALQ6N417RcjDXJj3o0oKGldOu1tWL2ctfWD0JFIeqKf3u6d6n4IvjhlzF3kmJQxvBKEACERGBn3nV21wtxSWoZeaaSD8WPzoRq3Hj3sN_hWvwhtlRBiH9f9qMJELPM8N_Cigsk/s400/Feng-Shui_Bedroom.jpg" width="400" height="260" nt="true" /></a></div> <p><font face="Verdana"></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana">Now that we know a little bit about the history and basic tenets of feng shui, here are some tips for decorating your home and office, feng shui style. These tips will help maximize the flow of positive <em>qi</em> (energy) and liven up a room in the process. Remember to use a <em>bagua</em> (energy map) and do some research in order to get the most out of feng shui.</font></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Feng Shui Basics</font></span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p>One of the most important things to keep in mind when decorating according to feng shui is to avoid clutter. Clutter represents stuck energy and hinders the smooth flow of energy; this can result in depression and procrastination.</p> </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Don’t cram furniture and accessories into tight places; the optimal furniture placement should allow qi to flow freely.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Furniture too low to the ground blocks the flow of qi.</font></span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Empty space is necessary for a good flow of energy.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font face="Verdana">Feng Shui in the Bedroom</font></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Your bed should be placed far away from the bedroom door, but in such a way that the door can still be seen from the bed; this will provide a sense of security.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">While sleeping, your head should be away from the window. Otherwise, your energy will go out the window, leaving you feeling tired when you wake up.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Don’t place a mirror at the foot of your bed and don’t sleep where you can see your reflection in the mirror; this can bring about negative energy.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">For couples, the bed should be equidistant from the walls, symbolizing equality in the relationship. Using a strong bed also symbolizes a solid relationship.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Bedside tables should have rounded instead of square edges to avoid cutting qi that is focused towards you and your partner.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Use soft lighting in the bedroom, but avoid using ceiling lamps directly above your bed.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">The space underneath your bed should be clear and free from unwanted clutter.</font></span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">If possible, don’t put your computer inside your bedroom.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font face="Verdana">Feng Shui in the Living Room</font></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Living room furniture should be placed facing the front door. If this isn’t possible, hang mirrors on the wall so the front door can be seen. People feel less vulnerable when the furniture is facing the room’s entrance.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Furniture pieces should be placed at least three feet apart.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Hang artwork at eye level.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Living room furniture should be soft, with rounded edges.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">High backs on furniture symbolize the support family members give one another.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Place televisions inside pieces of furniture to hide the overwhelming electric field given out.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Place plants around pieces of furniture to attract healthy qi.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Place heavy furniture in a corner, but not too close to the wall.</font></span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Avoid placing furniture so that it faces a blank wall; this does not feel good and will leave a person feeling vulnerable.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Feng Shui in the Dining Room</font></span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Keep dining room furniture free of mail, clothing, and other everyday “junk.”</font></span></p> </font></span></li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Eat at the dining table every day; this will bring positive energy to your financial life. If your dining table is allowed to gather dust, your finances can do the same.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Dining room tables and furniture should be round or oval and proportional to the room itself.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Place an even number of chairs around the table to keep the energy in balance.</font></span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Purchase the best quality wood possible for the furniture; this signifies a sense of abundance and wealth.</span></p> </span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font face="Verdana">Feng Shui in the Office</font></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">De-clutter. Throw away papers and files that you no longer need and organize those that need to be filed. Desks should be open and free of accessories to enable you to work continuously without distraction.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Use comfortable, high-quality furniture; appealing office equipment will make your office more attractive, thereby allowing the entry of positive qi.</font></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Position your desk so that you are facing the doorway and your back faces a wall or corner. If you can’t move your desk, place a small mirror on your monitor to enable you to see what is going on behind you or who is approaching.</font></span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">A leafy green plant in a red pot on the top left corner of your desk attracts beauty and life energy into your space. Bamboo, jade, or a money tree are highly recommended.</font></span></p> </font></span></li> </ul> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> </span> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-64545627005691066012010-03-29T10:38:00.001-04:002010-06-15T17:49:46.840-04:00Feng Shui, Pt. 1<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr3qVMLVn6zZS7N5Sexdgx-5Z7yGtMFl-uz61rcqIS-zs-skjfqF3yxm1DZrkpWV4mEo0FuvIJmPYdIOasTbDn4F62gVqFjgUp9JSatk1gs-Vr2uUZ6DPfZ8dAQ411iaaiD84mJcnz1o/s1600/meditation_feng_shui.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr3qVMLVn6zZS7N5Sexdgx-5Z7yGtMFl-uz61rcqIS-zs-skjfqF3yxm1DZrkpWV4mEo0FuvIJmPYdIOasTbDn4F62gVqFjgUp9JSatk1gs-Vr2uUZ6DPfZ8dAQ411iaaiD84mJcnz1o/s320/meditation_feng_shui.jpg" nt="true" /></a></div> <font face="Verdana"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Did you know… in the West, feng shui is usually associated with the placement of furniture in the home; the ultimate goal of modern feng shui is to situate human-built environments, namely furniture, on spots with positive <em>qi</em>, or life force. However, this ancient Chinese art originally encompassed aesthetics in every aspect of life, including the orientation of entire buildings and the alignment of stars. Therefore, the “perfect spot” for positive qi flow consists not only of a physical location, but an axis in time as well.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Feng shui incorporates five main elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. It is believed that qi moves differently through each of these elements, so it is important to arrange items associated with them in a manner which maximizes qi flow. The term <em>feng shui</em> literally translates as “wind-water.” The general belief is that qi scatters with the wind, but is retained when encountering water.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Many people use an energy map, known as a <em>bagua</em>, as a re-arranging guide in order to bring the right balance and harmony to a particular space. Something as simple as changing the position of a desk or adding live plants to a room can drastically alter the room’s qi flow.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Many people who incorporate feng shui into their decorating believe it can help them live healthier, more prosperous lives. However, some believe it can cause harm if improperly implemented. Regardless, feng shui remains a popular decorating option for those seeking a fresh and exciting way to decorate their home.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><font face="Verdana">Stay tuned for some feng shui decorating tips to use in your home!</font></span></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> </span></font> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-68133054781164417552010-03-15T10:30:00.000-04:002010-06-15T13:26:16.866-04:00Furniture Facts: Chairs<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkbJEq2y7TYjBGqRXh2rVhJminj__cD-p75a_AOhJ1XIqQWRruuf6pQxPJxDyMUzbYDKrTnkji8KXciPsADcNhJxSyICWieP0rHB_PM9Gl6gNpoyouhoEKAvc-DrcDTtv0adg7gQb_h8/s1600/thronecrop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkbJEq2y7TYjBGqRXh2rVhJminj__cD-p75a_AOhJ1XIqQWRruuf6pQxPJxDyMUzbYDKrTnkji8KXciPsADcNhJxSyICWieP0rHB_PM9Gl6gNpoyouhoEKAvc-DrcDTtv0adg7gQb_h8/s320/thronecrop.jpg" nt="true" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> <p><font face="Verdana">Did you know… the chair, as we know it today, was originally reserved for only the highest and mightiest in noble society. It was a sign of authority, power, and wealth (just look at that lavish, intricately decorated throne). In fact, the chair didn’t become a common household item until the 16th century. Up until that time, stools and benches were the common seats of the time. Thankfully, ergonomics led to some revolutionary (and more comfortable!) chair designs, eventually giving rise to task-oriented chairs like the desk chair. The recliner (my personal favorite) became increasingly popular in the 50s, thanks to radio and television.</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> </span> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280270425700576489.post-57899835436997525142010-03-08T12:07:00.002-05:002010-06-15T13:21:58.607-04:00Furniture Facts: Beds<div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3fhcCfqOVbV7FHJ7EDDsPBd0AObb1bizA6hDZQqUfUu168xuG2sifiwP9O175tugIXqQ3DjQfecQRLJD_byeGld7rKMlz8cEhjihmp1Ua4EY-DLSCFcNLgUDwljxVHErulWqCCm3BSo/s1600/furniture8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3fhcCfqOVbV7FHJ7EDDsPBd0AObb1bizA6hDZQqUfUu168xuG2sifiwP9O175tugIXqQ3DjQfecQRLJD_byeGld7rKMlz8cEhjihmp1Ua4EY-DLSCFcNLgUDwljxVHErulWqCCm3BSo/s320/furniture8.jpg" nt="true" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> <p><font face="Verdana">Did you know… the earliest accounts of beds date back to the 8th century B.C., and they didn’t sound very comfortable; they were essentially made from piles of straw or leaves on the floor. One of the biggest breakthroughs at the time was the idea to elevate beds in order to protect them from being washed away by floods. Bed designs improved over time, though — check out this Egyptian bed or “cot.” Hope those Egyptians kept a chiropractor nearby…</font></p> <p><strong><em><font size="1" face="Verdana">Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.</font></em></strong></p> </span> El Dorado Furniturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709777537839216194noreply@blogger.com0