Soot on your walls indicates a problem somewhere in your house, and you often don’t notice soot until it’s become a huge problem.

Most often, you move a picture on the wall and notice the telltale signs of soot. Upon closer inspection, you’ll probably find stains on carpets, drapes and other home furnishings as well. Ductwork can pickup soot particles and quickly spread soot throughout your home, evidenced by soot stains around registers and embedded into your air intake or filter.

Before addressing cleanup, let’s address the cause.

FIREPLACE or WOOD STOVE

First, if you notice soot stains around your fireplace or hearth stove, you may have found clues to the culprit. However, a byproduct of burning any fuel is carbon. If your fireplace or stove is a vented model, the problem is the venting system, not the appliance the venting components, connector pipe, chimney liner or the chimney design itself are to blame. Either look for excessively dirty venting, a blockage such as a bird’s nest, or improper maintenance of the appliance. A fireplace or stove that has not been properly maintained may produce more smoke, fumes and particulates than the venting system was designed to withstand. Have the appliance cleaned and serviced, have the chimney cleaned and inspected.

FURNACES & WATER HEATERS

Again, gas and oil furnaces are designed to vent fumes and soot out of the house. A properly installed and maintained furnace that’s connected to a well designed chimney and venting system should show no signs of soot. If you see soot near your furnace, have the appliance cleaned and tuned for optimum performance, then have the chimney and venting system inspected. If the venting system is oversized, undersized, contains offsets or has been blocked by leaves or birds nests, make corrections immediately. If you upgraded the furnace but attention was not given to the venting system then your furnace may not be able to perform at its optimum, and may actually be dangerous. Additionally, consider the needs of a water heater, especially if the water heater shares a flue with your furnace. The water heater may perform well in the winter when rising flue gases from the furnace assist draft, but not these fumes may linger during warm months when the chimney lacks sufficient draft to evacuate fumes.

Be aware that soot caused by burning fuels (oil, gas, wood, coal) indicates another great potential health and safety risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Soot is carbon, and where there are carbon stains then carbon monoxide has also been present. Carbon monoxide exposure can cause flu-like symptoms. Exposure to abrupt high concentrations, or long term low concentrations, can lead to permanent health damage and even result in death. If dirty walls are not enough motivation for you to immediately address your soot problem then the health and safety concerns of carbon monoxide should spur you into prompt action. Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors installed relatively close to each fuel burning appliance, and on every floor of the home.

A knowledgeable chimney sweep can also point out design flaws in the venting system – such as a flue that’s too small, too short or with improper offsets – that may prevent adequate venting. If the appliance is in good repair, the chimney is clean, unblocked and designed properly then the chimney should perform its job of carrying away fumes and smoke. If not, your house design may be at fault, not allowing sufficient combustion air to enter the house. Research negative draft issues and how house designs may encourage other appliances to pull combustion air INTO your chimney.

CANDLES

Yes, candles can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home before you even realize this is where your soot stains originated. The worst culprits are imported candles using petroleum byproducts and/or lead wicks. Combine these ingredients with the chemicals added to manufacture scented candles and you may have a real soot maker on your hands! Most candle manufacturers recommend keeping wicks trimmed to 1/4″ as this promotes a more even burning that results in less soot. Also keep candles away from drafts that visibly affect the flame. Never blow out a candle as this produces smoke and soot extinguish the flame with a candle snuffer or by suffocating the fire by putting the top on a jar candle.

Soy and beeswax candles are generally preferred to parafin wax (a petroleum based byproduct). Soy and beeswax are renewable resources that burn cleaner and with less chemical additives. While they generally are more expensive to purchase, they burn longer and more cleanly than paraffin wax. Non-cored wicks made of natural plant fibers are also safer and cleaner burning.

Candles are a source of open burning fire in your home and should only be used with extreme caution any way. Don’t burn them for hours on end extinguish the the flame after one hour, and allow the candle to cool completely before relighting. Don’t burn candles unattended, and make sure the wax is properly contained as the candle burns down.

CLEANUP

Once you find and remedy the cause of your soot stains, it’s time to begin the cleanup job. A variety of consumer-grade cleaners are available that claim to clean up soot stains. They’re certainly worth a try, but commercial cleaning products and a professional cleaning team may be in order, followed by repainting and replacement of carpeting and furnishings in extreme cases.

While soot damage is sometimes covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, the company will generally investigate the cause of the soot. Insurance policies often cover a “sudden occurrence” event – such soot caused by a kitchen stove flareup – but won’t necessarily cover damage that’s occurred over a long period like that caused by candles. Chemical analysis of soot can determine whether it’s caused by an improperly vented fireplace or by candle wax, so expect large cleanup claims to be investigated thoroughly.

Checklist

Make sure the venting system is properly designed for the appliance it services
Have all fuel burning appliances cleaned, tuned and maintained annually for optimum performance and efficiency
Have all chimneys and venting systems inspected annually and cleaned when needed to eliminate excessive buildup
Use candles with extreme caution
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home
This article copyrighted by THE FIREPLACE CHANNEL

Karen Duke is a fireplace, chimney and hearth industry expert of over 25 years in both the retail and service sectors. She is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and has numerous hearth industry certifications. She is the founder and webmaster of TheFireplaceChannel.com TheFireplaceChannel.com and she is the co-founder and webmaster of TheVictorianFireplace.com TheVictorianFireplace.com , which is one of the largest online fireplace retailers in the world. She makes her home in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Karen’s contact information can be found on either of the above sites.

There are many differences between the security and convenience of a free standing burglar safe and a wall safe,

A Wall Safe can be concealed or hidden behind a large wall painting, cabinet or a wall panel and therefore is not easily found. Because it is located at a higher level off the floor, the access to this safe is easier. Wall safes are also easy to install.

But to their detriment, they are commonly not very large, and therefore usually does not offer much storage. They are generally only 3-1/2 inches thick because of wall thickness limitations. Only a few manufacturers make a wall vault with a decent fire rating, and those safes require a depth of 15 inches, which most homes cannot accommodate. In general. it is not a good idea to store more than $5000 in content value in a wall safe because the wall and door thicknesses are relatively thin.

Free standing safes come in three distinct styles: a burglar safe, a fire safe or a burglar fire safe. For this article we will compare a burglar fire safe to the wall safe. A burglar fire vault can store a much higher content value because the construction of the walls and door is much heavier and impervious to burglars and fires. Many free standing safes have an Underwriters Lab Burglar and Fire rating. These safes weigh much more than a wall safe, and if properly anchored into a concrete floor, will resist burglar attacks much better than a wall safe. Burglar fire safes are the most common type and will offer 1 hour to 2 hours of fire rated resistance. Whereas most wall safes have no fire rating and little resistance. A free standing safe with a TL-15 or above burglar rating are a much better choice for protecting valuables that exceed $5-10,000 dollars.

On the other hand, a free standing safe is not as convenient to open and close. The user has to bend over to turn the combination or the electronic lock. They are much harder to conceal than a wall safe, but with clever thought, these too can be concealed behind a sliding panel or door. Heavier free standing safes, such as TL-15 or TL-30 rated safes cost more to deliver and install due to their weight and size.

No matter which type of safe you select, think about what you will be storing and for how long. Wall Safes are popular for “temporary storage” before an event. So, if you want to store a valuable piece of jewelry overnight before you wear it, then a wall safe may be the right solution. However, if you have a valuable piece of jewelry that you want to keep secure at ALL TIMES, then a free standing vault with the proper U.L. Burglar rating would be a better choice.

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Dining room decor should lift the spirits to complement the food you are serving. Global styling is ideal for creating an exciting sense of theater that livens up the experience of eating at home.

Hospitable and comfortable, the global style combines informality with strong handling of the decorating basics – confident color, characterful texture, and lively pattern. The look is simple and natural yet exuberant, with the emphasis on straightforward materials and unfussy detail. Rugged, natural surfaces and finishes marry with cheerful handmade accessories to create dining rooms which are practical as well as enjoyable. The informal approach goes well with today’s casual lifestyles and the latest trends in decorating.

Global styling is also economical and easy to assemble. You needn’t travel far to find most of the ingredients for the look – homespun furnishings, handprinted textiles, handcrafted baskets, bowls, and tableware are as accessible as they are affordable. It’s always worth keeping your eyes open for ethnic craft items with bold profiles or striking designs, such as pottery jugs or metal candelabra, that look good on the dining table.

Unless you want to achieve a particular regional look – a minimalist oriental scene or a sumptuous Indian setting, for example – you can mix and match artifacts from different countries of the world and combine colors, patterns, and textures with abandon. In this relaxed styling, there’s no need to agonize over what goes with what, since most elements blend well together whatever their country of origin. If you like to travel, global style provides the perfect excuse to display your treasured souvenirs.

Creating the Look

Walls: The look is fundamentally bold, rather than pristine, warm rather than cool. Rich earthy tones, from ocher to brick red, epitomize the look. If you prefer a more reticent background, chalky white makes a good foil for dark wood and lively patterns.

For once, less than perfect wall surfaces actually suit the look. Paint loosely washed over rough plasterwork provides a wonderful textural dimension while layers of glazes or washes add luminous depth to the finish. You can accent the main divisions of the wall, at the top, bottom, or wainscoting level, with a handpainted trim.

Floors: Dining room flooring should be easy to maintain. With its bias toward natural materials, the global style is best expressed in plain sanded or stained floorboards, natural stone or brick flooring, plain terra-cotta quarry tiles or natural fiber coverings such as seagrass, coir, or sisal.

As an extra layer of comfort, you can partner basic no-nonsense flooring with bright scatter rugs or runners.

Indian dhurries, kelims, and Mexican scrapes come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and price ranges. Natural fiber floor coverings can be made up in room-sized mats or runners, loosely laid over a non-slip backing.

Windows: Window treatments are best kept simple and uncluttered. Slatted wooden louver shutters, natural split-cane blinds, or wooden Venetian blinds filter the light interestingly. If you prefer fabric at the window, choose a homespun or handprinted textile, such as batik or tie-dyed designs. You can catch up a length of ethnic fabric, including saris, in front of the window with clips or drape it over a wooden, bamboo, or metal rail for an instant, no-sew window treatment.

Lighting: For atmospheric dining, combine a chandelier over the table with soft wall lights, table lamps, or discreet torcheres. Plain modern fittings are best, while lamp bases in polished metal or glazed ceramics fit in well. Metal candleholders with tiered branches look right on the table.

©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Want to learn all about different types of

Hardwood floors can add beauty and warmth to any room in your home and can be a wise choice if you are remodeling or building an addition. Hardwood floors can last for decades so selecting the best hardwood floor for your particular needs is important. Here’s some things to think about if you are considering installing hardwood floors in your home.

1. Type of hardwood flooring. Believe it or not, there are countless types of hardwood floors. The first thing to do is to choose amongst the various types.

2. Price. Not everything that is expensive is of the best quality. Most often than not, the price of flooring depends on the cost of materials from which it is made and how it was transported from the manufacturing plant to the present store. If the flooring is imported from another country, chances are it might cost a lot, but is not necessarily sturdier.

3. Maintenance. Various types of hardwood floors require different forms of cleaning to maintain the original look. Though the usual sweeping and waxing will do, specially formulated cleaning formulas are available depending on the type of flooring and different kinds of woods may have different cleaning restrictions and needs.

4. Repair. Not all wood floors lasts forever. Proper repair and maintenance of damaged floors can preserve the original grandeur, but you must be sure that the appropriate materials will be on hand years down the road.

5. Method of payment. If one is short in cash, look for stores that accept credit card payments. Since there are still some home depots that do not accept specific types of credit cards, it would be best to check first if ones credit card is acceptable from where one has decided to purchase. If the only place where ones preferred hardwood floors is available does not accept credit cards, it would be best to first save the needed cash since it would be unlikely that they would run out of stocks until such time that funds are accumulated.

6. Not all hardwood floorings are of the same color. Choose the shade that best suits the general motif or shade of the house and its furniture for a more coordinated look

7. Consider the rooms where the hardwood floor will be installed. Naturally, if one prefers their bathroom floor to be made of wood, this would entail a special type one since it is common knowledge that wood and water don’t mix.

8. To purchase unfinished or pre-finished wood flooring. Hardwood floors can be bought in its unfinished (not subjected to any treatment) or pre-finished (has several coating of UV-cured polyurethane) state. Installation of pre-finished hardwood floors would result in lesser odors and dust, thus requiring little time for clean up.

9. Installation. Hardwood floors may be nailed down, glued or floating. If the current floors are covered with ceramic tiles or vinyl the floating form is the best. This also cuts the cleaning time since it would only be assembled on top of the old flooring Choose which best suits the type of under floor one has or the capability of the one doing the task.

10. Choosing between engineered and solid woods. Engineered ones are much easier to install since they can be glued or nailed down. Solid woods on the other hand cannot be subjected to sub-standard installations.

Whatever type of hardwood flooring one chooses, you are sure to end up with a handsome element for the room that is both functional and durable.

Lee Dobbins writes for refinishing-hardwood-floors.com refinishing-hardwood-floors.com where you can learn more about different types of flooring as well as refinishing-hardwood-floors.com/ choosing a hardwood floor that is perfect for you.

1. Ask for recommendations. If you have friends, co-workers, or family members who have had a positive experience with their contractor, ask them for recommendations. You can also contact the National Building Association of the Remodeling Industry for members in your area.

2. Interview. You will also want to conduct interviews of your prospective contractors. Most often, these will take place over the phone. Questions to ask include the following:
 What size projects do you take on?
 Do you have financial reference from material suppliers or from banks?
 Can you provide referrals/lists from previous clients?
 How many projects are you currently working on now?
These questions are important to ask and will give you a general idea about how smoothly the project will run and whether or not they are reliable.

3. Meet the prospective contractors in person. Once you have narrowed down a few potential contractors, meet with them in person to talk more and to get an estimate. There are a number of things you should be aware of in this meeting. The contractor should be able to answer all of your questions. In addition, it’s important to make sure you communicate effectively and are comfortable with your contractor.

4. Check up on references and job sites. Use the list of references and former clients and call them up. Ask them how the project went and whether or not their home was completed on time. See if you can drop by and see the work. In addition, you may want to visit current job sites and see that the job site is safe, orderly, and that the workers are treating the materials and property in a respectful and careful manner. You will also want to look up your contractor on the Better Business Bureau and see if he has any disputes or claims filed against him.

5. Get bids. Once you have narrowed it down further to one or two potential contractors, start to deal with your project. Meet with the contractor with blueprints as well as to discuss what you want from the project and what your budget is. Ask the prospective contractors to break down the costs into materials, labor, and other expenses. This makes it easier to compare your bids.

6. Discuss payment plans and schedules. How your contractor deals with finances can also tell you where he stands financially. Typically, large projects start with 10 percent when the contract is signed, then three payments of 25 percent over the duration of the project. The final 15% comes at the end of the project.

7. Get a contract. It’s very important to have all terms put into writing. This includes the payment schedule, proof of insurance, projected start and completion dates, specific materials to be used, and so forth.

The contractor is one of the most important people in your homebuilding experience, so it’s important to pick an ethical one who will help you build your home. Carefully interview prospective contractors before hiring them to help ensure the successful completion of your home.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality homebuildingremodeling.com/ home building, homebuildingremodeling.com/preparing_to_build_or_remodel/ remodeling and home decorating information. For free articles delivered daily by email, visit HomeBuildingRemodeling.com HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

There is a new system that was introduced to the western world by ancient Chinese civilizations that is called feng shui. Feng shui is supposed to bring positive energies to the space that you incorporate them into and improve certain aspects of your life. Follows of this powerful belief use feng shui for improvement in their lives in the areas of health, prosperity and wealth as it essentially brings harmony and balance to these aspects of your life.

Feng Shui History

Feng shui for improvement has been used for many years and in fact, it is one of the oldest belief systems in the world that dates back to over six thousand years ago and was even in use before the pyramids were formed. There has been many research and scientific studies done that have uncovered the secrets of heaven and earth as well as the cause and effect relationship of environmental influences such as water and wind. Feng shui for improvement balances those energies using directions from a compass and other methods that improve these energies in your spaces such as the home or office.

Feng Shui Fad

Some people believe that feng shui for improvement is just a fad that like other fads will pass however the difference between feng shui and a fad is that this fad has already lived for 6, 000 years! Feng shui is being practiced today in all corners of the world by many different cultures and people because they all share the same belief set that life is too short to suffer constant setbacks without trying it. Feng shui for improvement is not becoming more of a fad; it is proving itself in various cultures around the world.

There are many very good reasons to incorporate feng shui for improvement into your life especially in our society today where everything is a rat race to bring more balance to life. If you compare your life to a hearty thunderstorm, the storm is happening because of the imbalance of hot and cold air masses in the atmosphere and by that very principle, the imbalance of feng shui in your life may be the cause of many problems and setbacks that take place in life. Feng shui for improvement will only bring balance of energies in your home, office or wherever you introduce feng shui principles to your life.

If you want to learn more

Everyone needs a place for their own, a space for their family and a roof under which they can spend their lives with their parents and with their children, and we all work to make that dream house the most beautiful and the most wonderful place to live. This dream gave birth to the thought of interiors that in-turn fueled the thought of defining roofs.

The craze of roofing natural slates that are available in the market in various colors, textures and designs. These bring an enhanced and elegant look to any property by improving its view. The natural slates are relatively light weight as compared to concrete or clay tiles. And being the most durable roofing material available in the market, if installed and maintained properly, it lasts for a number of years. These slates come in a wide range of colors and textures to choose from along with high-quality designs.

Considering the fact of looks, you must always keep in mind the topic of durability, so make sure which ever material you use it should match with general look of your house as well as your neighbor’s house. The most durable material may tend to be more costly but as you know once you build your dream house you make it for your lifetime, so doesn’t matter if the investment is a worth few more bucks than you imagined. Re-roofing can be expensive so before you hire the roofing contractor take estimates from different contractors and once the roofing is over go for a proper roof maintenance with the contractor.

Our aim is to provide our customers with a range of isdl.ie/building-contractor-ireland.php quality products and a top quality level of service supported by a very competitive pricing structure. Isdl is the most experienced, one of the best and respected company in roofing in Ireland.

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Independent Slate Distributors Ltd.
Unit B3/B4 Baldonnell Business Park
Naas Road
Co Dublin
Email: mailto:info@isdl.ie info@isdl.ie

When looking to decorate a bedroom both easily and cheaply you may find that you are at a loss as to where to start. However it is quite simple to do and below are some bedroom decorating ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. By simply rearranging and moving the furniture already in the bedroom it will make a huge difference to the ambiance and feel of the room. Certainly this is one of the easiest ways to give a room a new feel and it won’t cost you a penny to do (other than your own hard earned sweat of course). For example put the bed in a corner rather than against the wall and this will give the bedroom a more homey, intimate and elegant feel to it.

2. Why not change the colour of the walls by simply painting them. It does not matter if you paint them in a new colour or you just put on a fresh coat of the colour already there, either way the feel of the room will be changed. You may even think about putting up a border or stencil some designs on instead, but don’t limit yourself to putting the borders just at the top of the wall they can be placed around the middle area to create a more old fashioned, elegant and rich affect to the look of the room.

3. Why not change the bed by buying a new comforter, duvet or bedspread, in fact why not splurge out a bit and buy a complete new set with sheets and pillow covers as well. You will soon see how much difference a new bed cover and pillow covers can make to a room as well (so why not start with these before you decide to do anything more drastic).

4. Hang up some prints or framed pictures on your walls. Don’t limit yourself to just photographs, but why not consider some artwork or say a film poster, they do not need to be expensive and you may find that you already have some photos or prints that just need a new frame.

5. Why not add a vase of silk flowers or floral greenery to your room. All you need is a pretty vase, jar or glass then buy a handful of pretty silk or plastic flowers and greenery (remember to choose colours that will compliment the colours of your room). However they do not need to match the room exactly, you may find some beautiful white silk flowers and although the room is predominantly decorated in blue just add a small sprig of blue flowers to the arrangement will not only enhance the decoration but the room as well.

6. Why not consider purchasing a new lamp. Not only are bedside lamps cozy they are also useful as well. Most small bedside lamps or nightlights are usually inexpensive especially if you take the time to shop around. You may even think about putting new wall sconces close to your bed, dresser or on either side of a wall mirror to add that extra touch of elegance to the room.

Lee Dobbins writes for bedroom-designs-and-decorations.com bedroom-designs-and-decorations.com where you can get more tips on bedroom-designs-and-decorations.com budget bedroom decorating.

Home security cameras are one of the components that can be used in a home security system. Security cameras have long been in use for offices and stores and are gradually gaining popularity for use in home security with decreasing prices and ease of installation. They can be simply connected to a TV and viewed as a separate channel.

Home security cameras provide safety in many ways. One can see who is at the door before opening and avoid suspicious people. Cameras can keep an eye on driveways to watch vehicles and equipment and check on anti-social elements. They can record events while members are out of the home. They can also be used to check on small children in their rooms. For farmhouses, it is even more important to keep a check on any trespassers and any danger to livestock. Computers and the Internet have even made it possible to keep a vigil on your home while away even in another part of the world.

There is a wide variety of security cameras available. One can go in for black and white or color ones. Black and white security cameras produce sharper pictures and are less expensive. However, advanced color security cameras are also available. Cameras placed outside the home should be shielded from weather and may be equipped with auto settings to adjust with changing weather like heat, rain, snow, and darkness or brightness. There is also a choice between wired and wireless security cameras each having their plus and minus points. Lens size is an important criterion. A wide angle lens can cover a wide area and not show details of strangers, while a narrow angle lens can project details and not show a large area. It is wise to use both kinds of lenses depending on location. Cheaper cameras have fixed lenses while expensive ones may allow options. For simple purposes, a cost-effective security camera can be created by using a webcam, pc and some software.

Home security cameras can add to security if placed well on strategic locations and used in combination with other security systems like control panels, detectors and alarms. Different kinds of cameras are available depending on the proposed use and cost factor. They provide great comfort to people who are alone, invalid or at large properties.

i-HomeSecurity.com Home Security provides detailed information on Home Security, Home Security Systems, Wireless Home Security Systems, Home Security Cameras and more. Home Security is affiliated with e-HomeSecuritySystems.com Home Security Alarm Systems.

It is not uncommon to see people argue over the exact theme portrayed in furniture. With Egyptian theme furniture, this surely is never the case.

Invoking visions of the time of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, replicas of Egyptian theme furniture have continued to find their way into modern decorative schemes. The Egyptians are among the first cultures that have given us insight into their use of furniture because so many pictures have been found in the tombs uncovered. The furniture was made mostly from wood, and the passing years have deteriorated them to dust. However, some pieces have survived to give us a better idea, and to confirm that the drawings represented furniture the way it actually was in the homes of the nobles of Egypt three thousand years ago.

The Egyptians combined their practical and their artistic sides in their furniture design. They had a great deal of respect for nature and the natural world, and this is reflected also. One of the first and most basic items of Egyptian theme furniture was the simple stool. It seems to have been a staple item in every Egyptian home. It was covered with pictures of animals, and its feet were often carved into the shape of animal’s feet or claws. Folding stools were common. They were most likely first used by armies while in the field, but soon found their way into homes.

Chairs are thought to have evolved from the earlier and more basic stools by a slow process of adding ever larger backrests. A chair that once sat in the home of an Egyptian noble three thousand years ago, now sits in the British Museum. It is made of cedar imported, most likely, from Lebanon and has inlaid ivory in the shape of lotus blossoms in the back rest. The legs end in the curved claws of a lion. The woods of Egypt came mostly from trees like the acacia, the fig, date, or willow. These trees yielded wood full of knots, with poor grain and not much strength. Hardwoods were exported from Lebanon, Syria, Nubia, and Ethiopia.

Beds were an interesting item in Egyptian theme furniture. Their design remained unchanged for over two thousands years. They were slanted downward from the head, and the foot rest served the very practical purpose of keeping you from sliding off. Many beds were built with side rails as well. Again, almost all the legs were carved into the shape of animal feet. This ranged from the hooves of bulls or fleet gazelles, to the feline curved claws of a lion. The mattress was made from wooden slats or reeds. Often a woolen cushion would add comfort, and the sheets were made from linen.

Today replicas of Egyptian theme furniture are available. Many of them are intended more for decoration and theme enhancement than for practical use. This fact would have offended the ancient ones whose designs are copied. They believed in the melding of the beautiful and aesthetic with the practical. They would have hardly understood a chair that was intended to be only looked at regardless of how expensive and beautiful it might be.

Stephan Teak is with