Maps and Scrolls - Eye Candy for Your Walls

Hanging maps and scrolls is eye candy with a difference. Authentic retro reproductions painstakingly copied from original maps and cartographers drawings they have a classic timeless appeal. As an interior design statement they have always been popular but lately, there has been a surge in popularity. Is it because we hanker for less frenetic times, or is it because true class never goes out of fashion? 

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I love Paris in the springtime

Actually for all intents and purposes Paris in the springtime isn't quite as romantic as we are led to believe. It can be a cold, dreary place and anyone who has a love of Paris will know it can be a less than joyful place to visit in early spring. Thankfully, Paris has some wonderful places to visit on cold, damp days. One of the most visited monuments in France is the immediately recognisable from the map in the image.

In the centre of these authentic models of one of the original maps, the detail of the Ile de la Cite and the Ile Saint-Louis is exquisite. The former of these two islets is home to one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous (if not THE most famous) churches in the world. These fortified islands in the middle of the River Seine meandering gently though the centre of this vast metropolis rise majestically, and probably little has changed from when the original map was created.

Take a closer look at the detail on the map and you will clearly see it is Paris if you know the topography of this ancient city. Clearly the skill of the topographers and map makers of the era, this one being a fine copy of an original dated circa 1739 is clear for all to see and has been faithfully reproduced on these authentic models. The originals were probably created on the instructions of the city elders of the time, and are fine examples of the cartographers’ art. They would have been in production for an almost unbelievable length of time before the final map was ready for publication.

Continuing the French theme

Fine copies of maps, manuscripts and scrolls add a certain je ne sais quoi to any style of interior décor and something you can be proud of. These fine reproductions of maps reflect the skill of the map makers. This particular iconic piece was originally in production for five years, and it is easy to see why. The detailing is unbelievably fine and intricate with every window, chimney and turret in the cente ville clearly visible. To call this a remarkable piece of work is to wonder at those map makers from centuries past and admire from a distance their skill, patience and attention to the finest detail. Such a piece of work nowadays would be prohibitively expensive to create let alone commission, survey and record before being put down in print.

These authentic models are painstakingly recreated to give the owner a beautiful wall hanging and a sense of the grandeur of ancient times. As homage to the map maker they have little in the way of competition and will enhance any interior décor style.

Graham Green is a freelance writer and blogger, and has a love of old books and AuthenticModels of historical maps, manuscripts and scrolls. 

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The Importance of Choosing the Right LED Display Cases for your Jewellery Store

Any person who owns a jewellery store understands just how valuable proper lighting is in driving up sales and making more profits. The proper lighting and showcasing of your goods in display cases and display cabinets can make a big difference between a sale and losing a potential client. While most business owners understand the many benefits of illuminating their jewellery, most have a difficult time deciding exactly what type of lighting to choose. So, how do you provide optimal lighting condition for your store’s collection of jewellery?

I am going to take a quick minute to explain to you the importance of making sure that your store has the absolute best lighting system which your money can afford. Every piece of merchandise in your store can benefit from proper lighting which is why every store should have their very own lighting scheme.

Not all spaces need the same type and amount of lighting. Lighting depends on a lot of factors. There are display cabinets which need soft lighting and there are also some display cases which would work best with bright lights. Jewellery stores need to utilize LED display lighting solutions which highlight every cut, every facet and the brilliance of the gems sold. If you have ever held up a piece of jewellery to the light and watched it, you would understand what I am talking about.

LED lights have just the right amount of versatility and brightness which would make your display case and display cabinets pop up with life, aside from making it easier for people to see exactly what is inside the display counters. You must keep in mind; however, that aesthetics are not the only concern when purchasing LED display cases of LED lighting. This type of lighting provides a variety of benefits aside from making your products look their very best.

Display cabinets with LED lights are energy efficient. They produce very little heat because they need a small amount of electricity to run properly. If you have touched a LED light, you will notice that they are cool, unlike fluorescent and other types of lights. Display cabinets with LED lights are friendly to the environment. In an era where there is great concern over how the products we use affect Mother Earth, LED lighting is the perfect choice. Because it consumes less energy, it does not have ill effects on the environment. Lastly, LED lights are economical. They do not burn out as fast as other types of lighting. Initially they may cost than other types of lighting but in the long run you will be saving more money.

Searching for display cabinets with LED lights should not be very difficult especially with all the choices available today. You can buy display cabinets with LED lights pre-installed, you can install the LED lights yourself or you can have someone do the installation for you. With your LED display cases, you will see your sales go up and you will be catering to more and more customers.

Article by Dixcey Joyce is a freelance writer who enjoys exploring Display Stands, he writes about Display Cabinets.

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Is Water Fluoridation the Solution for Healthy Teeth?

Your teeth are an important part of your life, but like many other important things, they can often be subjected to neglect and don't always receive the care they deserve. In fact, so many outside factors influence the condition and health of our teeth, can we really make an impact in protecting them JUST through daily brushing and flossing? While it is entirely true that daily brushing and flossing are one of the biggest factors in teeth health which we have direct control over, there are other forces out there that are working to protect our teeth.

Recently the city of Portland, with direct support from the ADA and the Oregon Dental Association, decided to vote in favor of water fluoridation. This is excellent news for local Portland residents as studies show water fluoridation being effective in reducing tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent.

Dentists around Boston also support water fluoridation but understand that there are roadblocks in the process of implementing fluoride into the city's water supply. Since 2005, the powdered sodium fluoride has clogged filters at the city's water plant, much to the befuddlement of city workers. This has made the ability to measure how much fluoride is being added to water very difficult, ultimately leading to the decision to stop fluoridation in early 2009.

Fluoride is also an incredibly useful tool of cosmetic dentists. The Local Boston dental practice, Dental Partners of Boston has said, "Regardless of whether or not fluoride is being used in water, individuals should be treating their teeth with fluoride when they brush their teeth. There is also alternative forms of fluoride sources in the form of over-the-counter treatment kits, or when visiting your dentist."

While water fluoridation has become more common through the United States all dentists can agree that the importance of applying fluoride to your teeth is paramount, and should be done regardless of whether or not it is through drinking water.

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Fall Shoe Trends – Aesthetics and Style

A stylish pair of shoes is an instant pick me up! Slip on a pair of shoes that are superbly tailored and suit your sense of style and it can make you feel instantly more chic and well dressed. This fall, the emphasis is on heels, colors, bold choices and thinking out of the box when it comes to crafting the perfect pair of shoes. In fact, fall is pointing towards color finding its way into men’s shoes as well. In general, there are a few trends that are hitting shoes this fall and here’s the low down on them to help you get your best foot forward. The very first fall shoe trend is that your boots are back with a bang. 

This fall will see boots reaching ankle length and being combined with chunky heels. The boots will see plenty of colors and even prints inspired by Navajo and other ethnic tribes. Colors like black and brown will reign supreme but so will mustards and greys. Tassles, fringes and buttons are making an appearance on boots and depending on your personal sense of style, you can choose a combination of all this. Suede and leather have made a big time return in the realm of boots. From the return of the boots comes the return of the pumps but this time in a really glamorous avatar.

Pumps are being combined with a varying length of heels and with vibrant colors. Pastels, rich burgundy, bold reds and the ever classic black is coloring pumps. Women’s shoes are seeing a distinct influence from men’s shoes. The classic brogues and oxford are coming in feminine varieties and are inspiring women’s shoes like smoking slippers as well. Even though these slippers are extremely comfortable because they are flat, they are also colorful and vivacious like never before. Animal prints and colours like shades of blue are very popular. Speaking of colors, this fall, shoe trends are seeing amazing use of the palette.

Splashes of neon are finding their way into shoes like never before. So the shoe body could be a sober black or a staid brown but it will take you by surprise with its neon green sole or shocking pink shoe laces. As far as embellishment is concerned, shoes are also getting a whole lot more glittery this fall. Heels, brogues, flats, platform shoes and more are getting glitter – either all over or in specific areas like the tops of the shoes or the toes alone. Studs or metal buttons are also back with a bang. These metal tone studs are coming up in boots, flats and heels and giving the shoes that extra bling factor.

Leading shoe manufacturers are also turning to fur to lift their shoes into magnificent category! Fluffy bundles and even tiny feathers are being fixed to the shoes in various places. These fluff balls are either in the same color as the shoe itself or in total contrast to the same. Sheer is also coming back into shoes. The tops and sides of the shoes are being made totally transparent so you can show off your pretty toes. Prints are making a bold statement this fall. Graphics, images, embroidery and more are drawing inspiration from almost everywhere to embellish shoes with a lot of prints.

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A Modest Barbershop

This is the barbershop that my husband frequently visits. He can have his hair cut  twice per month there. He ever tried different barbers in more comfy places, but he never liked the results. That’s why he’s back to this barbershop again. There are usually three barbers there, but sadly, one barber –Ujang- died of heart attack a few months ago.

 I accompanied my husband last week. There’s only one barber as the other one was being returned to his hometown. Though we had to wait for four men, he preferred to stay and wait for his turn. While waiting, we ordered hot tea and fried food at the canteen nearby. That afternoon, my husband came out of the barbershop with a smile on his face :)

BlueMonday

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