ECO-ALTERNATIVES Every product we use has a lifecycle, and a life span. Not most companies are offering to recycle their products once used. Smart, sustainable design in product manufacturing is not a norm yet, so We have to monitor our own consumption and waste habits to try limiting our support of polluting industries and contribution to ever-growing landfills. The Green Design Institute at Carnegie Mellon University has created a chart, with comparisons between most commonly used products, their recycling rates and suggested alternative options.   MATERIAL  TIME TO DEGRADE/ SIDE EFFECTS ALTERNATIVES Paper 2-4 weeks Use recycled paper and scrap paper and limit  printing Glass Containers 1 million years Recycle or reuse glass bottles and jars Plastic Bottles 450 years Save money by choosing refillable versions than use and throw ones Plastic bags and film upto 1000 years and more Use washable cloth shopping bags Carpets and rugs upto 20,000 years Use carpets carefully,  or use individual carpet tiles with recovery effort (CARE) standards Soaps and cleaners Toxins from cleaners contaminate water supply Recycle plastic cleaner bottles and use biodegradable cleaners Light Bulbs and parts upto 1000 years and more Use CFL/LED for interiors and Solar exterior bulbs Mattresses upto 1000 years and more Buy organic mattresses or recycle old ones Computers upto 1000 years and more Look for recycled content in new electronics and recycle old equipment Cell Phones upto 1000 years and more Only upgrade when needed, trade old phones, give to recycle, or donate to charity   Prathyusha Talluri   More articles from this author..... NO EMPTY VASES COFFEE FILTER COCOON  

Easy Gift Tags Season of Weddings, Engagements, New Year Parties and Celebrations....and Gifts are obvious !!! We spend our precious time thinking of the item to buy, spend enough time selecting the best gift, pack it well, but forget to mention our name on the gift...you may not be wanting to announce to all that you gave it, but the host or the guest deserves to know who it is and you deserve to see your name on that warm-hearty gift for the interest and care you took. After all the preparation, you might forget to buy a gift tag but making a few and keeping them ready, few in the car, your money purse and a few at home would be useful and handy in emergencies. Here are some ideas,,, You dont need much, just a good thick drawing board, pair of scissors, strong glue, sketch pens, acrylic or water colors, silk-colorful threads for tags.   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... WEDDING RETURNS YOUR OWN WRAPPING PAPER

Easy Mehendi Designs Class 05 Learn to Simple and Easy Mehendi Designs By Anusha Mehendi Artist.

How to Make Christmas Decoration Items With Color Papers How to make pretty paper Christmas accessories for your home and Christmas tree.how to make amazing christmas decoration.

SEETHAKOKA CHILUKALA MUGGU    

GREEN BATHROOM Our suggestions to turn your Bathroom into the Cleanest, Greenest room in your home. I am not suggesting you to color the bathroom, here i mean to make it a more eco-friendly and non-toxic environment. Clear the Air: Excess humidity causes mold, which can spur allergies, asthma and other breathing troubles. Since, bathroom is the most humid area in the house, ventilating it is a good idea. Install exhaust vents, as the existing ventilators are very narrow and small. Decorate the area with oxygen-producing plants, they will not only reduce humidity, but also absorb a variety of indoor air pollutants. Plants that don't need direct sunlight are better here. Conserve Water: Controlling the usage of tap water while brushing teeth and taking showers instead of baths can save upto 240 gallons/ 888 liters a month. Installing low-flow shower heads save upto 80% of water consumption. Fixing leaks can save upto 3000 gallons/ 11100 liters a year. Replace or Retrofit your toilet: Replace the flush by installing a controllable flush handle. Put a sealed soda bottle or few pebbles in the tank to instantly reduce water consumption. : Low flow toilets are high-efficiency ones, replace the old models with them. Pick Green products: Use Vinegar to clean the bathroom, instead of the toxic bleach cleaners, Saves you money and harm from toxicity. Using Ceramic tiles is also good as they are not easily damaged due to moisture and they are made in a low-impact process without putting any labourer's life at risk.   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... NO EMPTY VASES JARS AND DECOR

PAPER WORK We like reading the newspaper, and feel happy when the junk sells for few rupees atleast....but meanwhile if the papers are stacking up, then i have a better idea to use them and also an art project for you. We need: A plastic/ tin container Few old newspapers Long pencils/ something even long and similar in shape to roll Glue Water/Acrylic/Oil colors of your choice Pair of Scissors To Make: Take the container, and decide the length of paper rolls you need to cover the surface. Start rolling the pencil onto the paper and stick it with glue once rolled, slowly slide the pencil out. Make as many rolls as you need. They will dry out soon, Meanwhile, apply glue to the container's surface and start sticking the rolls, without any gap. Adjust the thickness of the last roll, if there is not enough space or if more space accordingly, to cover the gap. Let it dry. Then the next day, start painting the whole surface with 2-3 coats of color, after each coat dries off. Decorate it as you like.   I completed mine, and here are the pictures. I used a soft plastic oil can, it was easy to cut the top and make it as a basket. Earlier, i used tins to make hair clip/ pencil holders. I used this as a flower vase, my friend used it as a decorate waste paper bin in her office!!!   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... JARS AND DECOR POWERLESS BULBS

మీ పిల్లలనే గిఫ్ట్ గా ఇవ్వాలనుకుంటున్నారా...? ఈ సారీ మీ పాపకి బర్త్ డేకీ అచ్చంగా మీ పాపలా వుండే బొమ్మని గిఫ్ట్ గా ఇస్తే ? తను ఎంతో హ్యాపీగా ఫీల్ అవుతుంది కదా "My twinn" పేరుతో ఇలాంటి బొమ్మలు తయారు చేస్తోంది ఓ అమెరికన్ కంపెని. "My twinn" బొమ్మ అచ్చుగుద్దినట్టు, మన పాపాయిలానే వుంటుంది. దానికి చేయాల్సినదల్లా మన పాప ఫోటో ఇవ్వటమే. ఆ ఫోటోలోని పాప లాంటి బొమ్మని చేసి మనకిస్తారు. అదే రకం డ్రెస్,హెయిర్ స్టైల్, కలర్.. ఇలా ప్రతిది కూడా మీరు పంపిన ఫోటోలాగే ఉంటుంది. ట్విన్ డాల్ కావాలి అని అనుకుంటే ఒక్క డ్రెస్ ఏం సరిపోతుంది.అందుకే మన పాపాయి డ్రెస్సెస్ లని ఫోటో తీసి పంపిస్తే అలాగే డ్రెస్సెస్ తయారు చేసి ఇస్తారు.షుస్ లాంటి యాక్ససరీస్ కూడా వీళ్ళే సప్లై చేస్తారు. ఎప్పటికప్పుడు పాపాయి డ్రెస్ తో పాటు ట్విన్ డాల్ డ్రెస్సెస్ కూడా ఆర్డర్ చేయవచ్చు. మన పాపాయికి బుల్లి రూపంలో కనిపించే బొమ్మ మీద కూడా పెడతారు. ఆర్డర్ చేయాలన్న ఇంకా వివరాలు కావాలంటే www.mytwinn.com లోకి లాగిన్ అవ్వండి. మీ పాప ఫోటో వివరాలు పంపిస్తే 3 వారాల్లో మీ పాపను పోలిన ట్విన్ డాల్ మీకు అందుతుంది.   - రమ

JARS AND DECOR We buy tins and jars often. They keep coming into our kitchens regularly. However, some old designs/ models of glass jars dont come these days. Your Mom might have sent one with a pickle, it reminds you of her love or if the Childhood days' Horlicks/ Boost bottles are still with you, they need not be hidden in the Kitchen cabinets, bring them out and use to decorate. Here are some ideas. Even i have a set of jars lined up for winter decoration. We dont have to buy Fish bowls anymore, if there is a bigger size, strong glass jar, let your fish stay happy. Make an artificial Aquarium or a water Zoo for a School project. We dont need experts to create ideas   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... POWERLESS BULBS NO EMPTY VASES

POWERLESS BULBS Save power, and reuse bulbs!!...today, we are using bulbs that are no longer useful to light-up as decorations. People who like decorating their homes with Christmas trees can use these bulbs as ornaments, if not on trees, they always dazzle up your space. We need: Used Bulbs, except the Spiral CFL bulbs, they are difficult to paint. Colorful adhesive tapes Oil colors in tubes Paint brushes One tough Glue Glitter powder, or glitter chips Long Satin ribbon or a decorative thread, enough to make a beautiful simple bow for hanging. Steps to make these ornaments: Take the bulb and clean the surface with a damp cloth, let dry. Now if you have colorful adhesive tapes, start sticking them as per your design. Or start painting the surface with oil paints, dont use paint thinners, the paint should not drip. use oil paints that come in tubes instead. Let the paint dry and now take a satin ribbon, make a bow and stick it to the holder with a hot glue or a strong glue. To only make a shimmery bulb, apply glue all-over the bulb, shower the shimmer onto the bulb, let dry and your shiny bulb is ready.   - Prathyusha Talluri   More articles from this author.....   NO EMPTY VASES WEDDING RETURNS

NO EMPTY VASES Decorations need not be spent on. I had some expired pasta spaghetti at home, i ddnt want to throw them. I found an empty flower vase so decided to stash the spaghetti in it and Lo, people asked me where i got that idea from. I might have found it some day on TV or a Magazine, today my Kitchen has this statement piece. I switch the vases, presently my idle water pitcher is busy holding the spaghetti. One summer afternoon, i found an interesting grain like weed at a beach shore...i plucked a few strands and my another flower vase is full now. These ideas are so inexpensive!! Think and try...   - Prathyusha Talluri   More articles from this author..... COFFEE FILTER COCOON WEDDING RETURNS

COFFEE FILTER COCOON I was decorating my Guest Bath and the color theme turned out to be Red, White, Black and Grey. I found a beautiful shower curtain, thats where the story started, i had to buy everything else to match it! I found the bath accessories, towels, mats but the wall was empty...i searched and searched, i couldnot find anything in red that would be bright on my white wall. One sudden idea and now my guest bath decoration is done.. THINGS I HAD: Paper coffee filters (mostly used in USA in electric coffee makers), an empty photo frame, a thick drawing sheet, necessary red color, glue, a grey color printed paper, all already at home. I DID THIS: I cut the drawing sheet in the size that fits my photo frame. I started folding each coffee filter cup into half and pasted the papers one after the other to the sheet, starting from center. Towards the edge, i folded the papers short and adjusted the shape. Once the papers were stuck well and dried, i painted the edges with Red color and used a printed Grey paper to stick some stem like pieces.....similar to the design on the shower curtain. I started with a design in mind, people said it looks like a cocoon!! My wall looks so beautiful and the guests are surprised too, with the story behind !!   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... WEDDING RETURNS YOUR OWN WRAPPING PAPER

WEDDING RETURNS Wedding season again! People who have enough time in hands, can plan for what not....return gifts are hot these days. Think of giving these Pretty Little Packages with sweets or your chosen gifts like Silverware, some like giving silver kumkum boxes, lamp holders etc.... Musical Memories A CD with a custom label that includes the bride and groom’s initials is a wonderful favor. Include songs from Sangeeth or the wedding and reception as a reminder of the special day. Sangeeth is no more an only North Indian tradition. Fruits not flowers Use artificial fruits to decorate the Mandap or the reception stage, not just flowers. It can be comparatively affordable. HandMade Using handmade paper bags or jute bags from a cottage industry will not only look elegant but also support those labourers and the organisation running the business. Sametime those bags can be reused too.   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... YOUR OWN WRAPPING PAPER

YOUR OWN WRAPPING PAPER Everytime we have to pack a gift, we realise often that we are running short of wrapping paper or we have totally forgotten to buy a roll. Here is my idea to design your own gift wrapping paper. Things we need: White paper or any color thick paper, long enough to wrap your gift Along 2 Sided tape, ( instead you can use Vinyl Foam Weather Seal available in USA and cut them in pieces) A wide paint brush A wooden scale or a scrap wooden bar Acrylic Color of your choice Cut the 2-sided tape into shapes of your choice, stick them to the wooden scale/bar. Pour the desired amount of color onto a flat plate, apply the color with a paint brush to the 2-sided tape pieces on the scale. When the color is wet, impress onto the paper you chose. Let it dry and your gift wrapper is ready. Create the designs of your choice on your favourite color paper.   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... Cup Cakes- Paper Flowers CANS AND CRAFT  

పిల్లలను ఆకర్షించే పెన్సిల్ బాక్స్ తయారీ ఎన్ని పెన్సిల్స్, పెన్నులు కొన్నిచ్చినా కూడా మీ పిల్లలు వాటిని ఎక్కడో పాడేసుకొని, మిమ్మల్ని ప్రతిరోజూ పెన్సిల్ కొన్నివ్వమని విసిగిస్తున్నారా? అయితే వారికీ పెన్సిల్స్, పెన్నులు పెట్టుకోవడానికి కంపాక్స్ బాక్సులు అందరి దగ్గర ఉంటాయి. అవి స్కూల్ వరకు మాత్రమే జాగ్రత్తగా ఉంచేలా చేస్తాయి. కానీ ఇంట్లో ఐతే అలా కాదు కదా. వారికీ నచ్చినట్లుగా అక్కడ, ఇక్కడ పడేస్తుంటారు. మరి అలా పిల్లలు వారి పెన్సిల్స్, పెన్స్ లను ఎక్కడ పడితే అక్కడ పడేయకుండా ఉండాలంటే.. ఆ వస్తువులను పెట్టుకొనే బాక్స్ వారిని ఆకర్షించేలా ఉండాలి. మరి అలాంటి వస్తువును ఎలా తయారు చేయాలో ఇపుడు ఈ వీడియో ద్వారా చూసి, మనం కూడా అలాగే చేద్దాం...!

DRAINAGE NO-NOs Putting the wrong things down the drain can damage the sewer system, result in sewer backups in your home, and harm to the environment. Anyone who uses the city sewer system should be responsible for what they flush or pour down drains. Don't Flush This Basically, the only thing you should ever flush down a toilet is human waste and toilet paper (in Western countries). Here is a list of some things to keep out of the toilet. disposable diapers Teeth floss condoms cleaning wipes/paper napkins of any kind, except the toilet tissue bandages and bandage wrappings Automotive fluids Paint, solvents, sealants and thinners Poisons and hazardous waste tampons and tampon applicators cotton balls and swabs Unused Medications Do not flush unusued medications down the toilet. You can safely dispose of medications in the garbage, or take medications to an approved prescription drug take-back site or event. Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Grease in sewer pipes causes sewer maintenance problems for property owners and the city. Never pour grease in your sink drain and try to use your garbage disposal ( in the Western countries) less.   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author..... WHITE VINEGAR TALKS

WHITE VINEGAR TALKS If your Vinegar could talk....it will shout to Help you!! Dont Boil Eggs without me: To keep eggs from cracking, add 2 tablespoons of White Vinegar per Litre of Water before you boil. Your cooked eggs will stay intact and be easy to peel. I'll hunt that Fish Smell in the Kitchen: Next time you's searing fish or cooking something equally pungent, like Cabbage, place a small bowl of vinegar next to the stove to absorb the odor. I've never met a Sink/Bath Tub Drain i couldn't unclog: The fizzing combo of vinegar and baking soda is a great way to clear out gunk. First pour half a cup of baking soda in the drain, then follow with the mixture of one cup of white vinegar and one cup of hot water. Immediately plug/cover the drain with a rag/ cleaning cloth to keep the bubbles contained for 10minutes. Rinse by pouring a kettle of boiling-hot water down the drain. I can get rid of Sticky Stuff: When you have to remove the sticker from a bottle, to get rid of the sticky glue, dab the spot with vinegar. Try me on a Manicure: Before applying nail polish, wipe your nails with a cotton ball dipped in white vinegar. It removes the coat of natural oils, allowing the nail polish to stay longer and it prevents chipping too. Dont use me to do these: Cleaning Marble/ Granite countertops. Cleaning waxed Wood surfaces/furniture. Remove grease from Cast iron/ Aluminium pans. Scrub Ceramic tiles.   - Prathyusha Talluri   More articles from this author..... Cup Cakes- Paper Flowers Cute Nut Bird CANS AND CRAFT

Five  herbs which you can grow in your apartment block   If you can think out of the box, then even a small apartment can be used to grow some essential herbs! Lemongrass: Whenever you buy a stalk of lemongrass at the local market, you can choose pick a stem with firm base. Just trim the top of this herb and place it water but see that you don’t submerge it. The stalk produces roots and news shoots within few days. Mint: Compared to spearmint and peppermint, this is a relatively easier option since this herb shares a tendency to grow like a weed. Simply spread the mint seeds in a small pot filled with soil and keep it under slight shade and sun. Curry leaf: A rich flavored herb with a beautiful aroma, curry leaves are common in most South Indian homes. You can plant this sapling in a flower pot and provide support it with a stick for vertical growth. See that there is enough sunlight and you should water the plant at least once every day. Rosemary: There is no need for frequent watering and therefore this can maintained easily in an apartment. Out of the different varieties of this herb, you can pick the one which grows upright, that makes it easier for growth in compact spaces. Indian Basil (Tulsi): Most of the Indian homes will have the Indian basil which doesn’t require much care and also grows well if kept near the windows. Make sure that the soil remains moist.   - Kalamdhari