Valencian Design Debuts in Soho

A showcase of Fashion and Design from the Region of Valencia, Spain- one of the emerging style hubs of Europe - makes its debut this month in New York.

· Valencia Design is a showcase of designers representing the Region of Valencia, a trend-setting region at the forefront of Spanish fashion.

· The Valencian Design Showroom will present the newest collections from nineteen Valencian designers in the heart of the New York’s Soho District at 50 Greene St., New York (Grand and Broom).

· Valencia Design will be open to TRADE AND PRESS June 24^th – 26^th from 10.00 am – 8.00 pm and open to the General Public June 25^th from 6.00-9.00 pm for a wine and tapas reception as part of The Spanish Mile in Soho event.

The Region of Valencia, Spain has established itself as an emerging center for Fashion and Design in Europe. Blending the vanguard and the traditional, modernity with craftsmanship – its designers have made a name for themselves in the highly competitive world of European design, and have positioned themselves internationally as innovators and trend-setters.

This June, nineteen design-driven companies from the Region of Valencia that produce fashion, footwear, and accessories will present their latest collections in a 3,000 square foot showroom in the heart of the Soho district, creating a space where Valencian designers, some of whom are already well-established in the U.S., can demonstrate their native talent and creativity. The featured designers are:

FOOTWEAR: Audley, Biviel, Chie Mihara, Eli, Garvalin, Gioseppo, Hispanitas, Juan Antonio Lopez, Magrit, Oca –Loca, Romus, Sara Navarro and Vidorreta.

APPAREL: Alex Vidal, Barcarola, Dolores Cortes Beachwear, Francis Montesinos and Miquel Suay

ACCESSORIES: Lladró

Valencian Design is known for its bright, lively colors, evocative of the region’s Mediterranean shores. It is born of a historically diverse cultural background that has produced an aesthetic of contrasts - a cosmopolitan, restless and energetic approach to design that draws on centuries of craftsmanship.

Over half of the shoes designed and manufactured in Spain come from the Valencia Region. Their top two export markets: France and Italy, both highly competitive markets that know a thing or two about stylish footwear, selling 8 million pairs of shoes last year in Italy alone.

Valencian Design is organized by IVEX, the Trade Promotion Agency for the Region of Valencia, Spain, with offices in New York since 1993. The showroom is meant to coincide with “The Spanish Mile” a tour of Spanish designer showrooms in Soho organized by the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Region of Valencia

Strategically situated on the Eastern coast of Spain, in the center of the Mediterranean coast, the Region of Valencia boasts one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. The hosting of various internationally renowned events such as the America’s Cup, the Formula One European Grand Prix, the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as world class infrastructure projects such as the City of Arts and Sciences designed by Santiago Calatrava to be an icon of modernity, has situated the Region of Valencia as one of the most internationally visible regions of Spain.

For information contact IVEX New York, by phone at +1 212 922 9000 or by email at ivexnyc@ivexusa.com.

SeaVees Pantone White Shoes to Celebrate Summer Solstice

It all begins with white. SeaVees, Purveyors of California Casual, celebrates the foundation of color with the introduction of the 09/63 SeaVees Pantone White. A collaborative effort between SeaVees and color authority Pantone, this limited edition style honors the release of the first PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM in September 1963.

Pantone White is the basis for all 587 colors found in the original PMS guide.

True to their inspiration, each SeaVees style is named to recognize an important date in California-cool history. The 09/63, pursuant to an exclusive agreement, marks the first time in their 45 year history Pantone has allowed an external design team to utilize their hallowed archives.

The 09/63 SeaVees Pantone White is a solitary release to commemorate the Summer Solstice - the official beginning of summer (June 20, 2009 at 10:45 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time in California). Available starting 6/20/09 in select retail environments and at SeaVees.com. Retail price is $110.

Pantone x SeaVees is represented by The Skyline Studios. For licensing opportunities with the Pantone Universe brand, please contact Debra Stevenson, 213.624.1070 debra@buzzflikr.com.

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry 2009 Collection : Celebrities Are Going Green

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry is the hottest “green” fashion trend of the season, catching the eyes of celebrities such as, Drew Barrymore, Tori Spelling, Liv Tyler, Ashley Tisdale, Jordin Sparks, and many more. These celebrities can be proud of purchasing Cheeky Monkey Jewelry not only for its beautiful, eco designs, but because Simon Cardwell uses his jewelry to raise awareness of important animal issues, and supports The Humane Society of the United States.

On Tuesday, July 14th from 4pm till 8pm, Cheeky Monkey Jewelry wants to invite you to celebrate being GREEN. One Sock events will be hosting a trunk show/cocktail party at the Brass Monkey’s roof top lounge, 55 Little West 12th street, where you will have the opportunity to purchase the jewelry at a reduced price, while contributing to multiple amazing causes.

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry cares about protecting Earth’s valuable resources and believes that one change can improve the environment in which we all live. That’s why all the materials that Cheeky Monkey Jewelry uses are made from 100% recycled and fair-trade gold, silver, and gems. To see more information about eco-friendly jewelry, please visit www.cheekymonkeyjewelry.com

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry has been featured in Teen Vogue, In-Style, Nylon, People Style Watch, USA Today, Dailycandy.com and numerous publications. Simon has also recently outfitted the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders with his hot animal jewelry to wear at the games and showcased in their annual eco-friendly calendar.

Simon Cardwell was born in Cambridge, England, a city known for its famous university and rolling hills. Simon could often be seen sketching the countryside and wildlife. His studies in nature brought him to London's Kingston University, where he graduated with an honors degree. Years later, while working on a South Africa game reserve, teaching underprivileged children art and sculpture, Simon found himself in awe of the animals, particularly a rhino with whom he came nose-to-nose. Cheeky Monkey Jewelry’s handmade pieces are a tribute to the animals and planet he’s come to know and love – and now seeks to protect.

Celebrity lifestyle can cause bankruptcy

The research, compiled by accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy, is based on figures that show that the majority of bankrupts under 24 are now female.
It concludes that women succumb to the temptation for spending sprees as a reflection to their independence.

Last year, 55 per cent of young bankrupts were female, as compared to 48 per cent five years ago. Overall, 1,560 women under 24 were declared bankrupt in comparison to 1,250 men in the same age group.

The study has revealed that a large number of young women are under debt because they buy designer clothes and accessories to display the "trappings of success."
The research, based on data from The Insolvency Service, found that young women were keener than young men to show off their independence by renting or owning their own flat.
"Five years ago it tended to be young men who got out of their financial depth, but now it is far more likely to be young women who spend irresponsibly," the Telegraph quoted Anthony Cork of Wilkins Kennedy as telling the Daily Mail.

"That gap between the genders seems to be growing. Over the last decade, the pressure on young women to follow the lavish lifestyle of female celebrities has grown immensely," he said.

He added: "In all seriousness we are told that Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham are role models to be followed. The growing availability of credit has meant that for the status-conscious, who want to exhibit the trappings of success, designer clothes and jewellery seem misleadingly achievable."

Official figures have disclosed that 29 per cent of all 20 to 34-year-olds now live with their parents, as against just 18 per cent of women of the same age group.
Last year, around 67,500 people in all age groups went personally bankrupt in England and Wales, an increase of 89 per cent over the past five years.
Wilkins Kennedy said that overall, those over the age of 45 are the most likely to go bankrupt, as their ability to manage debt is compromised because of falling house prices and rising unemployment.

Almost 40 per cent of those declared bankrupt last year were over 45, with bankruptcy in this age group more than doubling in the past five years, from 10,594 in 2004 to 23,767 last year.

Fashion fraternity goes to Phuket, Paris

Designer Alpana of label Azara vouches for Costa Moi in Thailand
because it has clean beaches. "I went there with my husband after my marriage and fell in love with the place," she said.

"It has amazing beaches and the people there are so lively. It just lifts up your spirit," Alpana told IANS .

For Rana Gill, Paris is a great holiday destination because it has great siteseeing opportunities, good restaurants and endless shopping avenues. "That place is just perfect for a romantic holiday getaway and at the same time you can shop there as well," he said.

"I used to love Delhi but over the years it has become so crowded and polluted that I have started hating it. I am also in love with beaches as they are beautiful and you do not have to carry baggage and clothes are minimal too," he added.

For model Amanpreet Wahi, Phuket in Thailand is a shoppers' paradise and a travellers' delight because "you can do anything over there - dance on the streets, go nuts on the beach and have loads and loads of fun".

Model Esha Gupta says she would love to go to Spain not only for its beaches but also for its goodlooking men.

"I have never been to Spain but I would very much like to go there because I have heard a lot about the place and Spanish men. I'm a water person and I also like sun...so any place that has these two things is simply perfect for me," Gupta said.

Picturesque Switzerland has been an ideal romantic getaway and designer Charu Parashar says, "I feel I am in other world as the place is so serene and calm."

Ritu Kumar, known for her ethnic Indian designs, finds the capital's heat unbearable.

"Delhi is getting hotter day by day. I have always been in love with mountains and sea, so I can go to any place that has either mountains or sea," said Kumar.

There are some who prefer to stay back in India and visit places like Srinagar, Jaipur during holidays.

Rahul of label Sirali loves to be in his home town Jaipur because of its "warm" people and exotic food. "Jaipur is the city one should not miss because people there are so down-to-earth and value relationships, a thing which is missing in metropolitan areas.

"People will accept you the way you are. You do not have to pretend. So what matters to me is the people and not the place," Rahul said.

Model Laxmi Rana enjoys going to Kashmir and says she can't afford to miss its beauty. "I love Srinagar, especially the drive between Srinagar and Kargil is so amazing that you can't even afford to wink. I am in love with the place," she said.

A nice getaway has a different meaning for designer Leena Singh of Ashima-Leena duo, as she prefers to get close to her spiritual side when she takes a break.

"For me the best place on this earth is the ashram of my guruji where I mediate as that is the only place where I can be myself and learn to get close to the almighty," Leena explained

Our brain detects happiness faster

The finding springs from the efforts of an international team of Spanish and Brazilian researchers who studied how people process emotional expressions, looking at the pattern of cerebral asymmetry in the perception of positive and negative facial signals.

The research team worked with 80 psychology students-65 women and 15 men-to analyse the differences between their cerebral hemispheres using the "divided visual field" technique, which is based on the anatomical properties of the visual system.

"What is new about this study is that working in this way ensures that the information is focused on one cerebral hemisphere or the other," J. Antonio Aznar-Casanova, one of the authors of the study and a researcher at the University of Barcelona (UB), tells SINC.

Appearing in the journal Laterality, the findings suggest that the right hemisphere performs better in processing emotions.

"However, this advantage appears to be more evident when it comes to processing happy and surprised faces than sad or frightened ones," the researcher points out.

"Positive expressions, or expressions of approach, are perceived more quickly and more precisely than negative, or withdrawal, ones. So happiness and surprise are processed faster than sadness and fear," says Aznar-Casanova.

Previous studies have already shown that asymmetries in the way the brain process emotions.
Two theories are currently "competing" to explain the pattern of cerebral asymmetry in processing emotions.

The older one postulates the dominance of the right hemisphere in the processing of emotions, while the second is based on the approach-withdrawal hypothesis, which holds that the pattern of cerebral asymmetry depends upon the emotion in question, in other words that each hemisphere is better at processing particular emotions.

"Today there is scientific evidence in favour of both these theories, but there is a certain consensus in favour of the lateralisation of emotional processing predicted by the approach-withdrawal hypothesis," concludes Aznar-Casanova.

Twitter can raise publicity legal issues

Citing the examples of Peyton Manning and La Russa incidents, Faber said Indianapolis Colts issued a statement on www.Colts.com that a Twitter user posing as Peyton Manning was not the ‘real’ Peyton.

Similarly, Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa filed a lawsuit against Twitter for unauthorized and offensive content that was posted in his name.

The lawsuit filed by La Russa’s claims that an unauthorized page that used La Russa’s name to make light of drunken driving and two Cardinals pitchers who died, damaged La Russa’s reputation and caused emotional distress.

It also claimed that someone created a false account in La Russa’s name and posted “tweets” that appear to have come from La Russa.

“In addition to other potential legal issues like fraud and defamation, such activity also could drive attention and traffic to the fake site, creating various possible benefits to the impostor,” said Faber.

“Historically, user-driven websites have enjoyed a certain safe-harbour when users post content that violates some law.

“But it is conceivable that certain sites are so susceptible to abuse that those safe-harbours might be reduced, and an affirmative duty to regulate content and prevent infringements would apply,” Faber added.

Marriage - A Traditional Indian Fashion Show!

With the monsoon season coming - the marriage season is just getting over in India. For those who do not have much idea about Indian marriages, traditionally, most Indians still go for fixed or arranged marriages. And marriage means very big to all relatives of the bride and bride-groom specially to ladies - young or old who get an opportunity to showcase their special wardrobe through colorful saris, slawar kameezs and of course jewelry of different types and shapes during these occassions. Otherwise, Indian women of rural and semi-urban areas seldom go to parties and thus have very slim chances of showing off who got what dresses during the year!

A traditional Indian wedding is truly remarkable in the sense that, during the main ceremony, amidst continuous wedding interlude music, the priest chants the vows while thousands of eyes look on the stage. After the main ceremony women roam around boosting their colorful saris and they get engaged into socializing and gossiping around while wedding song are played on the background.

Most of the times, Indian weddings cost a lot of money. Who can forget the $60 million spent by steel tycoon Laxmi Mittal for his daughter’s wedding! True, most can’t afford that amount - but still wedding in Indian means colorful dresses, socializing, gossipping and showcasing one’s fashion sense.

Handbags and purses

Ask a woman what is that she will never leave the house without; and without batting an eyelid she would reply - “My handbag.” Yes, every woman requires her purse wherever she goes because in that she carries everything she requires. That is her little treasure case in which the house keys, money, car keys, shopping list, a few cosmetic articles, mouth freshener and cell phone, apart from other things is kept.

Most women prefer to have two or three handbags and purses in their closet. This is because the more they have, the more the confusion about which one they should carry. And unnecessary time is wasted in transferring everything from one bag to another. So, ideally the essential two or three bags make things manageable. So, there will be a black, brown and white, typically. However, the choice differs from person to person.

The trends in purses keep changing. Earlier it used to be on a yearly basis, but off late it seems to be something that happens with each changing season. In fact, this has been ingrained into the Indian fashion scene in recent years. Abroad, on the international ramps, the fashion designers and fashion houses of global repute showcase their seasonal collection on the ramp. This includes clothes, handbags and purses and other accessories. And so, almost every three months there is a new trend in the market to be followed.

The fashion may just change in terms of the dominant color or then the shape and size of the purses. For instance, in the last season big metallic bags seemed to be the in thing. Women of all ages were seen carrying these bags. During the winter season red seems like the dominating color and so one can see women carrying various shades of red, all over the place.

While women wait to get something new, as soon as the trend is launched, yet one should purchase it if it goes with their profile. For instance, a person working in the corporate sector is advised not too carry a comic-strip-print bag to work. Similarly, young college going girl need not carry a mini-executive bag to college, even though it maybe in vogue.

One can find out about the latest fashion in handbags and purses from the various publications, as well as fashion shows telecast on television. And a periodic visit to the market will also make one aware of all that’s in and what’s out too.

Summer Colours and Trends!

As we all know summer is in and the heat is usually an unwelcomed guest in India. There are ways to make your self summer friendly by styling yourself accordingly.

Throw out the blacks and dark shades in your wardrobe because its time for the brights and pastels to take over!

Citrus yellow, bubblegum pink, Juicy orange, pastel blue and all shades of green are colours you should look out to. Colourful skirts teamed up with a basic solid coloured top, bright-coloured shorts or the floral subtle dresses are totally “in” this summer.

Don’t forget to “summer”ize your jewellery and accessories accordingly. The plastic bangles which are available at inexpensive rates but take your outfit a notch higher when it comes to style and the funky beads which can make a casual top look elegant and modish are all in vogue this summer.

Not to forget, handbags and clutches are something all girls have a fetish for. The vibrant coloured bags are an add on to your attire and can make a plain simple outfit look lively.

Assemble your apparel with the perfect summer shoes like pastel blue or yellow heels to give it a semi-formal look.

For people who are not comfortable with experimenting with colours, can at least try them on their nails. You can bring your hands to life with the dazzling coloured nail paints. You can try out different shades of lip gloss and eye shadows too but be careful and just use one colour at a time.

This summer you can’t go wrong with the colours. Just team up vivid coloured outfits with the right accessories, shoes and make up and it’s a guarantee that summer will be sparkling more than ever! So let us all fight the heat and shine brighter than the sun this summer!

India Fashion Week

What has further boosted India’s place on the map of international fashion? In the recent years the largest domestic cosmetic company of the country introduced the Lakme India Fashion Week, which is hosted under its own banner. This particular event is a platform for buyers and sellers from across the world. It is not only a platform for the established designers; but also a first time ramp for launching new designers. These designers are selected by a panel set up by the company. Apart from showcasing the latest fashion trends, the company uses this as a stage to promote its products.

In order to keep the consumers interest in the range of cosmetics, with each Lakme India fashion week the company launches a theme on the basis of which designers have to create their respective lines. The India fashion week is conducted twice a year, wherein there are two sets of collections - the summer collection and the winter collection.

The designers are given freedom to use fabrics of their choice, however the color scheming has to be based on the theme set by the company. The cosmetic company also introduces into the market a range that is contributed by reputed designers, who have participated in the week.

In the initial two runs of the fashion week there were a lot of glitches. Creases were apparent in organization and showcasing. A section of the press went on a rampage bringing out the various nuances. However, by the third event the company had ironed out all the creases, and today, it is a major event where the who’s who of the celebrity section of society definitely visits a few ramp walks to see what dominates the scene.

In fact, in the last two to three events film stars have walked the ramp for certain designers, endorsing their label. This increases the marked value of the labels.

From the international trade perspective, vendors from around the world visit the India fashion week in order to purchase the latest fabrics, as well as establish contracts with some of the designers in order to have them showcased in their own city. The event is the only one in India, though from time-to-time designers host fashion shows to showcase their latest line of clothes.

India Fashion Week

What has further boosted India’s place on the map of international fashion? In the recent years the largest domestic cosmetic company of the country introduced the Lakme India Fashion Week, which is hosted under its own banner. This particular event is a platform for buyers and sellers from across the world. It is not only a platform for the established designers; but also a first time ramp for launching new designers. These designers are selected by a panel set up by the company. Apart from showcasing the latest fashion trends, the company uses this as a stage to promote its products.

In order to keep the consumers interest in the range of cosmetics, with each Lakme India fashion week the company launches a theme on the basis of which designers have to create their respective lines. The India fashion week is conducted twice a year, wherein there are two sets of collections - the summer collection and the winter collection.

The designers are given freedom to use fabrics of their choice, however the color scheming has to be based on the theme set by the company. The cosmetic company also introduces into the market a range that is contributed by reputed designers, who have participated in the week.

In the initial two runs of the fashion week there were a lot of glitches. Creases were apparent in organization and showcasing. A section of the press went on a rampage bringing out the various nuances. However, by the third event the company had ironed out all the creases, and today, it is a major event where the who’s who of the celebrity section of society definitely visits a few ramp walks to see what dominates the scene.

In fact, in the last two to three events film stars have walked the ramp for certain designers, endorsing their label. This increases the marked value of the labels.

From the international trade perspective, vendors from around the world visit the India fashion week in order to purchase the latest fabrics, as well as establish contracts with some of the designers in order to have them showcased in their own city. The event is the only one in India, though from time-to-time designers host fashion shows to showcase their latest line of clothes.

Floral Prints

Floral prints are totally in vogue this summer. Some people think floral prints don’t suit them but according to fashion experts, floral prints can be carried off by every body type and for every occasion.

According to the body type and choice of individuals, the prints differ from miniscule floral buds to large art deco flowers covering the entire dress. Floral prints enhance the feminine side of you. They make you look more modish and chic. The best thing about floral prints is that it’s not age –specific. Whether you are 18 or 58, you can go the flowery way without any second thoughts.

You can depend on floral prints for any occasion just by altering your accessories and make up. For your office, make sure your accessories are no where close to being loud. On a casual day out, you can wear the same dress with subtle accessories and flip flops or wedges. If you have to attend a party or a more formal occasion, you can add some flamboyant and glamorous accessories along with stilettos or attractive pumps. The print enhances your persona and represents the lively and fun side of you.

Moreover, the softer floral prints are taking over the choice of men as well. Bermudas, shorts, ties, and shirts, men are adapting to this fashion trend as quickly as possible. Stripes and checks are out and boring and floral prints are best nominated as club wear. Along with clothes, men are all set to experiment with floral printed slippers and flip-flops.

Floral prints are no longer feminine or girly; they are universal and represent the cool and dynamic side of you. So if you plan to get into the spring-summer mood, its time to embrace this fashion mode and add it to your wardrobe.

Monsoon Trends

It’s time to fold your pants up guys! The monsoons are here! Let’s see how you can change your style statement to get synchronized with the monsoons this year.

Let’s start with the most important accessory of the monsoons – raincoats. Colourful and attractive raincoats or windcheaters are the way to go this monsoon. Cute pastel and bright coloured coats are available in the market which make you look trendy and most importantly save you from getting wet. Use a compact bag to carry them with you wherever you go.

Footwear is another issue during the monsoons. Boots and heels are out! It’s time for you to go pick up a pair of rubber chappals or transparent and strappy flip flops which are available in striking colours and designs. Crocs are also another hip and stylish option this season.

Capris and shorts are the best option for bottoms. Avoid wearing denims and instead pick up dresses and skirts, preferably in the darker shades, since the lighter shades tend to get transparent. Go bright and flashy this monsoon. Vivid coloured tops and dresses are totally in vogue.

Trendy belts, hair accessories, beads and earrings are all calling out to you. Also while choosing a handbag, pick the ones which are waterproof like the transparent plastic purses. They look chic and keep your belongings secured.

Avoid applying any make-up like foundation or rouge. Instead of using the liquid lip colours, apply the long lasting colour stay. Also, make sure your eye liner and kajjal are all water proof to avoid getting a black eye.

We usually dread the monsoons, when it comes to dressing up and style. But, there is no such season like the rainy season and every one of you out there should experience the joy and bliss of this season without worrying about your clothes!

Indian Embroidery

Even, today the craze of Indian embroidery is still so intact and popular as it was in the olden days. Different kinds of fashions come and go but usage of different embroideries to accentuate the beauty of clothes never fades. In India the origin of embroidery is very region -specific but all embroideries are adored and worn by everyone in India as well as in the west.

Embroideries which are done manually require special maneuvering in the threads and needles to do the stitches unique to that particular embroidery. You can find embroidery on almost every kind of fabric from handkerchief to quilts to home décor items. Colors are of paramount significance in the Indian embroidery. Right thread color plus the maneuvering techniques give the refined results.

Kantha Embroidery – is very simple and created through variations of running stitches. Designs are simple as well as intricate like geometrical, god and goddesses flowers or animals etc. There are at least seven types of Kantha embroideries.

Banjara embroidery- is very popular among the college students as well as among the westerners they carry bags, purses decorated in Banjara embroidery. It is a traditional craft and increased its spectrum from skirts and kurties to bags, purses, belts and wall hangings etc. It is done by using mirrors, beads, shells and ivory beads.

Chikankari Embroidery- is origin of utter Pradesh (Lucknow). It is normally done on the muslin cloth but now days it can be found on georgette and chiffon too. It is mostly done with white thread and common deign is like creepers. Among the flowers design, lotus and paisley is preferred.

Zardozi Embroidery- is an ancient Persian embroidery form. In Persian “Zar” means gold and “dozi” means embroidery. It was very popular during the regime of Emperor Akbar. It is done with crochet hook with the metallic thread that appears like chain stitch. Coiled wire, dabka, tilla, beads etc are used to create designs. With the help of needle each element is picked up and incorporated in the design by pushing the needle into the cloth.

Not only fabrics but embroidery is also done on the jewelry. Embroidered necklaces, embroidered Rings, Bracelets, Ear Rings etc are liked by the people enormously.

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING TIPS

• Use a drop of liquid dish soap or hand soap on door hinges to keep them squeak free and working well.
• To save left over paint put it into a clean small bottle or small jar, label it and store it. When nicks and scratches appear on your walls, use cotton swabs to touch-up the paint with left over paint that you have saved.
• To get rid of ants coming into your home, stick cucumber rinds at their point of entry! The ants are allergic and won't enter.
• Use old boxes of baking soda to freshen drains...pour in drain and chase with vinegar and after 5 minutes rinse with boiling water.
• To clean ceramic tiles, use one-quarter cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Use a sponge to apply the solution. This solution cleans without leaving a film.
• When painting a chair or table, place jar lids under the legs to prevent paint from dripping to the floor.
• To whiten a porcelain enamel bathtub, make a paste with cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a brush and rinse.
• To keep your screwdriver from slipping, rub chalk on the blade
  
• Steam clean or shampoo your carpet every three to six months, or as needed. This will increase the life of your carpet.
• When the weather is mild, try opening all windows in your home to ventilate the house.
• To make stairs safer, have good lighting, install handrails and hold on as you move down or up the stairs. Always keep stairs free of obstacles.
• To prevent your bathroom mirror from fogging up, smear shaving cream over the mirror and then wipe it off well with a clean cloth.
• To deodorize carpets, sprinkle them with baking soda at night and vacuum in the morning.
• Use a soft cloth dampened with white vinegar to remove water spots from stainless steel and wipe dry.
• To help remove dried foods from pots and pans pour hot water in the pan and then add generous amount of baking soda. Let soak for 15 minutes, and then wash as usual.
• For faster dusting, wear old socks like gloves and go at it with both hands.
• The bathroom will be much easier to clean after a steamy bath or shower. The steam will help loosen the dirt.
• White toothpaste will shine silver up beautifully! Simply use a dab on a cloth, rub on the silver jewelry and buff as you would with silver polish! It'll shine, shine, and shine!
• Use a slice of lemon to rub off dried eggs from tableware.
• Use a soft paintbrush for dusting hard to reach places, cracks, corners, etc.
• Add a little vinegar to the rinse water for shiny, streakless glasses.
• You can clean silver jewelry by applying baking soda to a dry paper towel or rag and rubbing into silver, then rinse clean.
• Use baking soda on a damp sponge to remove odors from cutting boards.
• For an unpleasant odor from the garbage disposal, grind lemon or orange peels in it.
• Before you shampoo your carpets, place plastic bags on the legs of the furniture to keep them dry.
• After cleaning your ceiling fans, apply a thin coat of wax to the blades to repel dust.
• When painting, place a thin layer of a moisturizer on any skin exposed that may get splattered with paint. It will be easier to remove the paint from your skin.

Window cleaning
Keeping your windows sparkling clean has always been a problem. But not any more here is what you should do to have a sparkling clean window without much effort. It is very simple and easy way and believe me you will get great result.

All you want is 1-gallon water (or as per your requirement), 1-cup ammonia, 1 pint rubbing alcohol (available in store), 2-table spoon dish soap. Mix all these ingredients together and always have a plant sprayer bottle filled and ready.

Another method is if you use a heaping tsp. of cornstarch with hot water, your windows shine beautifully with "NO" streaks.