A Room With a View

Come rain or shine, day or night, glass conservatories always offer a different atmosphere than any other room in the house. Originally intended for horticulture by Dutch farmers some 300 years ago, conservatories are always all the rage for more than just backyard botany.

The diversity of uses, along with the sheer comfort, makes for an increase in property value as well as a boost to ones everyday quality of life. The addition of a glass conservatory also contributes to the rest of the house. Your home will receive a lot more light, thus making it warmer and more of a live-in pleasure. There are many uses for a conservatory, here are a few:

Winter Garden
These mini-greenhouses are perfect for the potted projects of homebound horticulturists. As the climate inside is easily controllable, youll soon find you and your favourite plants thriving in only the most favourable of environments.
The versatility of climate control means that youll be able to accommodate plants you never thought possible.

Shed
Of course you may need the facilities of a tool shed, or a potting shed. Keep your tools on hand, in a place and in a style like no other. From professional landscapers to hobbyists, be the master of your green thumb and the envy of the Joneses.

Lounge Area
One of the most popular uses for conservatories, glass lounge areas are perfect for those rainy Saturdays. Keep the rain out and enjoy a good book underneath a canopy of self-cleaning glass. A simple couch or bench will transform your space into an inviting area in which to relax and unwind.

Entertainment or Dining Area
Conservatories provide ideal cover for Sunday BBQs. Open the doors and let your friends and family spill out into the garden.
A lot of enthusiasts opt for swimming pools, Jacuzzis or bars in their glass houses. Pool tables, pinball machines and such are ideal for creating a games room in your space.
These areas are also perfect for doubling up as relaxing environments for enjoying a glass of wine, or watching the game with friends. Dont let the weather get you down, rather transform into all year-round relaxation.

Gym
A treadmill here, an exercise bike there, and youll have the most inviting home gym on the block. Work out in the comfort of your home, and take in the beauty of the world outside.

Perfect for pumping iron or just getting in shape, your gym conservatory will help you stick to your routine. Its also ideal for yoga, pilates or just creating a Zen-like environment through meditation.

Artists Studio
Great for a private sanctuary in which to express oneself; glass conservatories open up your everyday living experience to the world outside.
Controllable internal conditions mean that youll always be able to appreciate every external weather condition.
These additions to the everyday house are proving popular in recent real estate trends. Artists studios (or glorified conservatories) are marketed as just that, and have the added capacity to increase the value of your home.

Kids Playroom
Let the little ones run wild in their own private den, and keep the rest of your house mess-free. Glass conservatories are also generally low maintenance and easy to clean.
Perfect for keeping an eye on the little ones, while still having enough freedom to do what you need. These areas can easily be kept secure with a little childproofing, leaving you to enjoy your space and your children to enjoy their own recreational area.

Guest Room
With built in blinds or controlled tinting, glass conservatories will have your guests feeling like theyre living in the lap of five star luxury. Your new unique guest room will have them extending their stay and coming back for more, so use it wisely.

Observatory
Enjoy a blanket of stars without leaving the comfort of home. With the small addition of a telescope, one can convert ones living area into a personal observatory. The aesthetic beauty of glass (or rather what lies behind) will keep your eyes on the skies.

Other
The possibilities are endless, and are ultimately up to the homeowner to decide how to best utilise the space.
Conservatories can also be used for hobby space, as a library or computer room, a home office, or even a sleeping area for dogs during those cold nights.

Many conservatory companies recommend Pilkington when it comes to glass. Having been in the glass industry for 179 years, Pilkington is recognised as the world's technological leader in glass. Out of all of their innovative products, Pilkington Activ - the world's first self-cleaning glass is one of their greatest products and an ideal glass for conservatory construction.

Denise Austin Pilates Yoga

Swords - Introduction to Japanese Swords

the Japanese sword stands out as a premier weapon of power and legendary work of art in both appearance and manufacture; made by pattern wielding or folding. the Japanese swords have become known worldwide as a must-have for any weapon or sword aficionado. In the category of Japanese swords there are many types. The most popular and well-known sword is the katana, which is the successor of the parent Japanese sword the Uchigatana; sometimes referred to erroneously as the Samurai Sword. And although the katana was the primary weapon of the Samurai, it had its own name and reference. The second Japanese sword that was an indispensable weapon was the wakizashi. Always worn together to form what is referred to as a daisho, the wakizashi was that weapon that never left a Samurais side. Upon entering a domicile the katana would be removed in a systematic method to alleviate suspicion, but the wakizashi remained with the owner.

Other lesser known Japanese swords are similar to the wakizashi and katana, but are distinguished by the curvature and or length of the blade. Some of these Japanese swords by name are: odachi a longer sword that is defined as one that is at least 3 shaku in length. Another Japanese sword that is unique is the tanto, or more commonly referred to in western culture as a dagger. Typically the shortest of the Japanese swords, and double edged, it was a wonderful tool for its purpose and is a beautiful depiction of Japanese sword making prowess.

Overall the Japanese sword is definitely a sword to impress. The elegant curve, famous in legend and made more so as depicted in movies, is a reminder of a wonderful work of art. These unique weapons standout throughout the world and herald the Japanese sword maker as unique among artisans of their craft, and have ensured the legendary status of the Japanese swords.

Chicagoclyoga