How to Take Care of Flokati Area Rugs

Caring for Flokati Rugs



Flokati rugs are very popular style of rug, and many times when you get a shag rug you may not have even realized that you bought a flokati style shag rug. Flokati rugs are usually Greek, made with thick wool, and goes through a unique and rigorous creation process. So we at Plaza Area Rugs get the question quite a bit about best practices in caring for these types of rugs. Below are the three main things you'll encounter during your ownership of a flokati and what to do.



When you first get the rug

When you get the rug, it's likely that it came wrapped up in a roll. If it's a smaller rug, it's possible you'll get it folded up. Either way, once you get it, you'll the hair on the rug is going to be pretty flat. That is common, and all you'll need to do to get it looking in tip top shape is brush it out. I've heard stories about how people try to brush it out... a garden rake seems to work well. So will a really thick hair brush. Whatever you choose to use you want to give your flokati rug a good, strong brushing. Some of the wool will stay in the brush, and that's to be expected. Once you are done brushing your flokati rug will be thick and soft.



Day to Day Maintenance

There isn't much to do for a flokati rug to keep it in great shape. Once in a while take it outside and shake it out hard. That should get any loose items out of the rug that have gotten caught in the wool. If something has been sitting on top of the rug, say the legs of a coffee table or sofa, all you'll want to do is comb out the flattened section. This is really similar to when you first get the rug... the hairs are just pressed down and need a good brushing to get them to be thick and fluffy once again.



Spills on the Flokati Rug

Spilling something on your rug is not the end of the world and cleaning it doesn't require anything too special. If what you spill is dry, for example a cup of flower, simply vacuum it up. Be sure you keep the vacuum on low. If you have it on full suction you will risk sucking out some of the hairs (depending on how strong your vacumm is). If you're not getting any of the substance up, then turn up the setting of the vacuum slowly. Once the bulk of it is sucked up, take the rug outside and shake it out. If you spill something wet take a moment to clean it as soon as possible. Mild soap and warm water is really all you need to clean it up. You could also use a very mild cleaning material, but we don't recommend it unless it has specifically been sold with your rug. Harsh cleaners will take some color out of the rug, and once that happens it's not likely to ever gain that color back.



If you can handle those simple things you should be able to maintain your flokati rug for many, many years. Remember, these rugs have been around for hundreds of years and are built to last. So a little effort now will go a long way in this investment!
About the Author

Andrew Ketter, Partner of Plaza Rugs offers flokati rugs and numerous other styles of area rugs.

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Layered Haircuts

Many people are tired of having hair that is all one length opt for layered haircuts that give a more dramatic, stylish effect. True, hair that is all one length can easily be pulled back into a ponytail if it is long, or coaxed into a bob if it is short, but layered haircuts give the hair volume and can be fun for style experimentation. Layered haircuts can be confined to bangs, or can have fringes throughout. Some prefer spiky, funky layered haircuts, and others like classy French layers that accent the face. Whatever layered haircuts you choose, it is a good idea to look for styles you want in magazines before you make your decision, since it is hard to get alter layered haircuts once they have been created.

The most familiar layered haircuts include bangs. Many people with medium to long hair are faced with the decision to create bangs or to leave their hair all one length. The advantage to having bangs is that they tend to accentuate the eyes and can be quite stylish. However, once you have bangs, it is difficult to get rid of them, so many people think with care before choosing bangs. Once you have bangs, you can curl them under with them curling iron or straighten them with a flat iron. Bangs can be thick or wispy, depending on your mood and the look you want to create.

Popular short, layered haircuts have a shaggy look. Many people choose these stylish, short layered haircuts because they involve less maintenance than sleek do's. Judging from magazine covers and the hair models sport on the runway, the Just-got-out-of-bed look can be quite chic (at least if it is created intentionally). A good mousse is the secret ingredient to these dramatic styles. For a great shaggy do:

? Shampoo and condition hair. But the shaggy do is created more easily on hair that is not freshly washed. Go easy on the conditioner, and try washing your hair the day before a big event

? Use a mousse that has a strong hold or a sculpting gel. Shape hair any way you wish, and you might want to use a pick for a more spiky look.

? Blow dry and shape your hair using your fingers rather than a brush

? Hold your shaggy style with a good quality hair spray

Many people opt for layered haircuts as a way of making frosted or highlighted looks more dramatic. The top of the layers are given blond effects, while the lower areas are allowed to remain their natural color. Some prefer a rather bold look using layers for a spiky look and dyeing the edges in colors like purple or blue. This look isn't for everyone, but if you like to stand out from the crowd, start with layers and lay on the dye (of course, there are always temporary dyes you can wash out if you want a wild look for one night).

Although many layered haircuts can look quite spiky and bold, other layered haircuts create the opposite effect, and can be rather feminine. If you prefer a softer look that brings out the eyes and the curves of the face, try a French layered look, with soft bangs of medium thickness and layers that curve toward the face. Important tools needed for soft, layered haircuts include:

?A curling iron, wide or narrow barrelled, depending on the look you want

?Mousse

?A soft, round brush

?A gentle conditioner

?A good hairspray

Use a good mousse before you blow dry your hair, and coax your hair into the shape you want with a round brush. Follow by creating soft curls with a curling iron, or allow the mousse and the round brush to create your style before spraying it. Try coaxing your hair in different directions for an extra wavy look.

About the Author:

Author: June Mala
? 2006 www.Lktd.com

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The Tibetan Terrier And Willy Crufts Best Of Show 2007

Since the Tibetan Terrier 'Willy' (full name Fabulous Willy) won the trophy for Best in Show at Crufts Dog Show 2007, many people may now be considering choosing the Tibetan Terrier as a family pet. If you are, you will be pleased to hear that the temperament of this breed has been one of the most attractive aspects of the breed since it was first established in the 1920's. As would be expected from a dog previously used as a watch dog, they tend to be reserved around strangers, but should never be aggressive or shy with them.

One of the features for which the Tibetan Terrier is known is their broad, flat feet. We don't think that such feet can be found in any other dog breed. The eyes are large, and dark. The Tibetan Terrier is one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, as has been established by recent DNA analysis. The feet have developed for mobility in snow. It has been said that the Tibetan terrier, is more of a herding dog, than a terrier.

It makes an excellent guard dog and has a powerful, siren-like bark which is surprising in a dog this size. It is also a loyal and affectionate pet, though it has a mind of its own and needs firm training. Although its coat requires regular grooming, it does not need a great deal of exercise. This is a playful breed and will enjoy human company in the garden or on the occasional foray into the countryside.

The eyes are large, dark, and set fairly far apart. Long and thick, but should not be so long as to touch the floor, as is typical in breeds such as the Lhasa Apso, or the Maltese.

The appearance of the Tibetan Terrier is that of a powerful, medium sized dog of square proportions, with a shaggy coat. A fall of hair covers the face and eyes, but long eyelashes generally prevent hair from getting in the Tibetan Terrier's eyes, and the breed has very good eyesight. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs.

No particular colours are preferred, as with terriers generally a wide range of colours are permissible, however, liver and chocolate are not allowed. Although waves are acceptable the coat should not be silky or curled.

Breed health problems have been seen and because of that, Tibetan Terrier clubs recommend purchasing from breeders who participate in eye and hip testing.

The Tibetan or Lhasa Terrier, being such an ancient breed, is probably the ancestor of the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. The most plausible version of its history is that it was bred as a herder, working in tandem with the much larger Tibetan Mastiff which guarded the herds. Less hardy individuals were given to the Tibetan monks, who in turn may have given them to nomadic tribes to protect them on their travels; it is also possible that the nomads stole the dogs. Another account claims that the Tibetan Terrier originally came from Japan and was brought to Tibet by nomadic traders.

Like the other Tibetan dogs now popular in the West, the Tibetan Terrier has a long and luxurious coat. Typically it has a fringe falling forward over the eyes, a small beard and a jaunty kink to its tail.

It makes an excellent guard and has a powerful, siren-like bark surprising in a dog this size. It is also a loyal and affectionate pet, though it has a mind of its own and needs firm training. Although its coat requires regular grooming, it does not need a great deal of exercise. This is a playful breed and will enjoy human company in the garden or the occasional foray into the countryside.

More information at http://www.dog-breeds.me.uk/html/tibetan-terrier.php . A 'must-visit' web site for all Dog Lovers.

About the Author:

Steve Evans is web master of the the Dog Breeds Compendium Web Site.

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Hairstyle Trends For 2007

Selecting a hairstyle in 2007 will be pretty easy. The major trend this year will be to update retro looks from the 20th century. To find a trendy hairstyle that will look good on you select an era look that you enjoy and have fun with it.

Long hair style trends for 2007 will focus on long curls. You can go soft and wavy or tight and crimped. Long hair styles work best for people who have the time to style their hair in the morning or for special events. To keep your long hair healthy make sure that you use the right products and make sure that you keep the ends trimmed. You may also want to use anti-frizz hair care products and curl enhancer products offered by quality salons. These products will make your long hair products look great all day long.

If you are a person who doesn?t have a lot of time in the morning to style their hair then this really is your year to be trendy. Short hair is definitely in this season. You can select from dozens of updated styles from the 20s, 60s. 70s and 80s. Some of the popular styles that you can select from include: page boy cut, pixie cut and shag. To care for your short haircut keep things simple. Use salon quality shampoos, conditions and styling products. If you have naturally curly hair then you will want to add products specifically formulated to work with your curly hair to your daily routine.

Looking to find a hair salon in Utah? Landis Salon located in Sugarhouse is a full service Aveda salon. Find the best selection on unique clothing, accessories and apparel at the Black Chandelier online store. Treat your body right with herbal soaps with our organic soap recipes and natural body products at Pure and Natural Soaps.

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Trendy Shag Haircuts

Hair is the sexiest visible part of human body. Hairstylists are always inventing cool, hip and ultramodern haircuts for ladies and gentlemen. Hairstyling is not a child's play; there are different hair cuts which suit people according to the shapes of their face, types and colours of hair and skull. I met a lady in a hip hair saloon of NYC, her hair was trimmed, properly cut and coloured but she was not happy with it. She told me that she wanted to be messy chic as this is the fashion of day. Messy chic is low maintenance; fuzz free looks very popular in Parisian and Londoner neighbourhood. This messy look comes from the word Sprezzatura a term originated from Castiglione's The book of courtier, mean a certain nonchalance in looks, deeds or saying. Shaggy haircuts help in this kind of messy looks. Most of the shaggy haircuts have different layers which give them a permanent style. Unrestricted flow and hiding various flaws of the face can be easily done through shaggy haircuts, like on wearing a high volume shaggy haircut gives you a height or wild scissor work on the hair on forehead will help in enhancing cheekbones or a strong jaw if a person on haircutting chair is male. Shaggy haircuts sometimes relate themselves with the out-of-bedroom look. It is like pronouncing their sexuality for women. Just-I've-a-good-quickie hair style tends to look confused, chaotic and careless but it is not a carelessness of a dirty and slipshod person.

It is a studied carelessness. Every fashion enthusiast since the birth of fashion is trying to achieve this supreme style. If you want to have trendy shaggy haircuts then don't take scissor and start working on your hair but call for an appointment to some good hair saloon at your place. However shaggy we call it; at last it is a tailored cut. There are layers-short and long, cuts at different angles and other hair works involved in it. Now days are not far when everybody will look as cool as cucumber and at last how so ever beautiful something is but if it does not say anything, whether it is a fashion eccentricity or a philosophy book, it's useless. By Jennie Amit Gandhi

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Celebrity Hairstyles - The Shag Hairstyle

The fashionable layered haircut called the shag hair style has been embraced by many stars and people have followed by the masses. The shag takes many forms and is basically a messy layered cut. Layers are more prominent towards and around the face with hair length ranging from short, medium and long. Shags can be curly, wavy or straight. The look is crisp, carefree yet still professional. This hairstyle is so versatile that and potentially looks fantastic on anyone regardless of their age, hair length, texture or color. The short style gives elder women more flamboyancy and youthfulness in their appearance. Doesn't Lisa Rinna always look exceptional? Her short multi layered cut gives her a sophisticated yet I'm ready to play persona. The chocolate brown with blond highlights admiringly complements her facial features and is suitable for any occasion. Paula Deen's Layered Shag What about the beloved restauranteur Paula Deen? Paula's layered shag haircut speaks for itself - she doesn't even need to color her hair! Paula Deen has adopted a medium shag varying her layers from softly angled, straight and to beautiful waves always giving her that graceful radiant quality. And of course who could forget the classic blond Meg Ryan shag, giving her that irresistible innocent charm. Other celebs with shags include Jodie Foster, Kate Micucci, Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, HalleBerry, Jessica Biel and Sharon Osbourne. Male celebrities Famous men have also jumped on board the shag craze.

Brad Pitt's just got out of bed look makes any woman go wild. Other shagsters include chef Gordon Ramsay, David Duchovny and Owen Wilson. Stars with a shag radiate youth and trendiness. But what more do these styles say about the celebrities or more importantly what are they trying to convey? No matter whether she's in the kitchen or the garden, Paula Deen always looks presentable. Being in an advisory position, if you will, Paula has gained our trust and our love for her. How did she do it? Not only through her priceless knowledge and charisma, but also with a hairstyle that says "with age comes wisdom and I still know how to be hip". We know sadly David Duchovny has been trounced by his sex addiction but to his credit has sought rehabilitation assistance. His ever sexy shag haircut gives him a boyish innocent charm. Who would have guessed that such a stylish and poised Fox Moulder would encounter any such dilemma? Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's long burgundy cut with shaggy side bang has given her a boost of freshness, perhaps a Bittersweet edge. Owen Wilson's medium wavy layered cut is rather unique. It's still suitable for professional outings and for his age yet no woman can resist the young blond surfy guy look he presents. He says he's a trouble maker and his rugged sexy cut confirms that. A celebrity that just exudes fun and enthusiasm, Lisa Rina's multi layered cut says I'm wild and ready for action, quite appropriate for her Chicago musical. As you can see, the shag hairstyle is so versatile in terms of both the look and the persona that it can portray. Stylists of the above celebrities are miracle makers, capturing each of their personalities and presenting them in sophisticated fun loving shag styles. Hopefully we'll see more and more celebrities take our breath away with their gorgeous shags. By Jakub Bednar

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