Saturday, September 30, 2006

Do you have questions?

Do you have questions about our fantastic outdoor furniture? How about our tiles? Need to know if we have a special design that you need. Or do you just want to know about life on Cape Cod?

Ask a question. We will be happy to give you the answer!!!!

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Do you have a business on Cape Cod?

If you do, we'd love to hear from you! We are looking to do a short article on our blog about different companies in the area.

We would be interested in knowing about your business. When it started? How did you get involved in your business, what are some of challenges of running your business.

You can also put a link to your web site and store hours.

I think this will be a great way to see what businesses are in the area.


If you have a Cape Cod business and would like to be added to my blog send me an email with your information.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Dogs, Cats, And Horses… We Love Them All!

Dogs, Cats, And Horses… We Love Them All!

By Willie Jones

We have a long history with domesticated animals and even the nay Sayers can’t deny their roll in society past and present.



There is evidence that as long as 10,000 years ago the Native Americans had domesticated dogs as depicted in early rock paintings. Apparently, the dogs in the painting look remarkably like the Carolina dogs of today.



It has been well documented that dogs and horses of past have been bred to assist us in various ways whether it be pack dog, work horse, hunter or herder. There is no doubt that they have value and have contributed to society in many ways.



The cat however is a very interesting animal indeed. I have yet to see a cat that can herd, or help with the hunt or carry supplies on their backs for us. The cat is strictly a companion to us, that is if they decide to allow you to be graced with their presence. Most cats still have that strong hunting urge as evidenced by your cats offering of that bird he just caught or mouse he brings to you. Most cats get attached to an area that they claim as their own. Some cats get very attached to the people who love them but as a general rule I think the cat feels he is the one who rules and he is allowing you to care for him. Still, we love them.



Horses are a special breed and have a tremendous ability to assist us in ways as only the horse can. Horses have been our mode of transportation much longer than our current ways of getting around. They are to me of such beauty, grace, and power and I always think of them in that way much more than an animal that works for us. They are spectacular.



Dogs however are by far the most domesticated of all animals. They not only help us but they are so genuinely attached to people and their antics are a constant source of pleasure to us. Just look at children or elderly people in an old folks home. If a child finds a stray dog they will surely beg you to allow them to keep the dog. If you take a dog into an old folks home you can see the dog respond happily around them and the smiles on peoples faces are a joy to see.



I had a Springer Spaniel when I was younger and he was the funniest, most easy- going dog around. He was unusual in that he had a very special relationship with our guinea pig. We had the best time watching these two at play. It was the same every day. The guinea pig would wait at the hallway entrance and would stay there until the dog noticed. Then the chase was on! The dog would bark and chase him all the way down the hall. The guinea pig at the last minute would veer to the left and run into the bedroom and go under the bed. The dog was big and somewhat clumsy and would never be able to slow down in time and he’d crash into the wall, get up and then go put his nose under the bed and bark. They would do this four or five times in a row and then curl up together and sleep. Those two made us laugh. It was great!



As animal lovers, we also can adorn our walls with prints and motivational posters of them. They also make great gifts.



We love our animals, as it should be. Be kind and take well care of them.



About the Author: Willie is a freelance writer, researcher and artist. Thanks very much for reading this far. Please come and visit us at: http://www.artinspires.com and make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing. All winners receive a free framed print.”



Source: www.isnare.com

We have some great dog, cat and horse tiles for sale. A perfect gift for the animal lover! Indi Cat Tile
1) Indi Cat Tile

Friday, September 01, 2006

Top 10 Decorative Tiles Ceramic Tile Review

The most popular art tiles being used to beautify America's
kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces.



Whether a homeowner is looking to add that perfect touch of
color to a lovely room, or bring a drab corner of the house
to life, decorative tiles are one of America's top choices for
meaningful home decor. Imagination is sparked by a favorite
animal, flower, or perhaps a still life of fruit for the
kitchen. If you're looking for inspiration, our list of the
top 10 decorative tiles our clients seem to reach for again
and again is sure to get you thinking about what the perfect choice
will be for accenting your home.



The decorative tiles featured here are of special value, as
they are multi-purpose. They feature a backing which makes
them suitable for wall hanging, but the backing may be removed
so that the tiles can be incorporated into counters, backsplashes,
fireplaces or what have you. The rich, full-color designs
are the work of skilled artists including Kathleen Parr McKenna, Carol Eldridge
and Claudia Sanchez. We invite you to get inspired by our list of Top
10 Decorative Tiles!




Manatee Tile
1) Manatee Tile

The friendly aquatic treasure of Florida's warm waters seems to be
beloved by people around the world. Though the manatee is known
for his messy eating habits, this colorful tile makes a neat
addition to the bathroom, and is a hit in children's bedrooms.




Sandpiper Tile
2) Sandpiper Tile

Carefree days at the coast, whether you live in the east or the
west, are perfectly captured by this scene of three sandpipers
dipping their toes in the sea. This decorative ceramic tile
is a popular choice among people who are aiming to lend that
nautical feel to their home decor.




Sailboat Tile
3) Sailboat Tile

Sail away on the simple beauty of this charming ceramic tile.
A nice one for your lakeside cabin or beachfront home. Children
love it, too!




Dolphin Tile
4) Dolphin Tile

The energetic spirit of the dolphin seems to capture the hearts
of so many people. No wonder people yearn to pay tribute to
this beautiful and brilliant creature, and this gorgeous
ceramic tile is a perfect way to do so.




Cape May Lighthouse Tile
5) Cape May Lighthouse Tile

We know a couple who declares that their happiest vacations
have been spent visiting America's lighthouses. The famous
Cape May lighthouse has been guiding ships since the mid
1800's, and is a national favorite. Our ceramic lighthouse
tiles pay tribute to this part of our history.




Polar Bear Tile
6) Polar Bear Tile

The king of the icy, arctic world fits cozily into any home, and seems
especially favored by those who love the arts and crafts of
North America's native peoples. This tile is extremely life-like
and would be well suited to a living room, bathroom or child's room.


Elephant Tile
7) Elephant Tile

This elephant mother and baby has endeared itself to all elephant
lovers, and is one of the most beautiful in our safari tiles.
Elephant tiles make a splendid addition to so many decor styles -
colonial, old world or new! Also, a beautiful gift for a new
baby's room.




Wine Tile
8) Wine Tile

An abundance of good food and good wine bespeaks the bounty of your
kitchen in this exquisite decorative tile. Hang it on the wall or
build it right into your countertop or backsplash for a look
of welcoming warmth.




Iris Tile
9) Iris Tile

Make the language of flowers the language of your home with our
Iris tile and other flower tiles. This one looks especially nice
in homes featuring English or Asian elements and is painted
with very realistic detail.




Yellow Angelfish Tile
10) Yellow Angelfish Tile

Turn your home into a lifelike aquarium with our decorative
angelfish tile and other fish tiles. The artists who paint
these have truly captured the wonder and mystery of the
coral reef and deep sea, and we are not at all surprised
that this line of tiles is so popular.



When it comes to home decor, every person's style is as unique
as the individual themselves. This is just as it should be. Your
home should look like you live there, and we aim to
offer ceramic tiles that reflect your personal tastes. Remember,
the tiles shown on our site are only a small portion of what
we stock. If you don't see something you're looking for, just
contact us to ask - chances are, we've got it!