Most Expensive Homes In The World

Henley Mansion in Berkshire, England

This mansion is owned by a Russian billionaire with a value of $218 million. It's back sits on Thames River with amazing views, and it has two golf courses. The structure is 300-years old and holds numerous stories of it past, some of which are of hauntings!

 

Worth at least $150 million today, the Updown Court is one of most significant private homes in the UK. It shares the neighborhood with Elton John and the Queen of England and proves if you can afford to, you can live as extravagant as a royal.

Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts

Don't Think You're Just Gaining Weight . . .

At first being pregnant you have the nice sexy surprise of sporting larger breasts, but after 4 months, EVERYTHING starts to get large! 

 

 Baby Music

Unless you want a deaf baby or a radical punk rocker, avoid blasting the speakers

Food Craving

Omg. . . Even though we're not pregnant, we're feeling nauseous. Who eats monkey brains unless you're a money brain yourself? 

 

 Having A Good Time?

Before you start doing hip-hop, think. . . do you really want to put baby through a washing machine cycle?

 

 Pregnancy Exercise

You're not training to compete in the Olympics, although it may feel that way. Avoid killing yourself or baby. Your gold medal comes when baby arrives!

 

 The Big 'Delivery Day'

Dad's get nervous, consider doing a few "test driving runs" before the big day? 

 

Colors for Your New Bedroom

Picking out a color for your bedroom is easy, but knowing what other colors complement the shade isn't always so simple. Check out these pictures for ideas on modern bedroom color schemes that work.


Chocolate brown, blue and white or tan is a fool-proof scheme that looks modern and very sophisticated.


When using light colors like tan, white and pale blue, throw some reddish-pink accents in. It looks modern and adds so much interest to the space.


A honey yellow (not neon) looks fantastic with earthy green tones and natural wood. Wall maps are a great way to tie this scheme together.

Pictures of European Home Decor2014

Each country in Europe has a style of interior design unique to itself. Check out these pictures for inspiration on which style best fits your taste.


Traditional French decor tends to look very grand, ornate and colorful.


Italian design centers around earthy colors and usually looks much more rustic.


Spanish decor also uses warm, earthy colors and prints to create a hacienda style.


English interiors are more floral and often more feminine than other European styles, using light colors.

Colorful Photos of Living Room Decor2014

When it comes to the living room, you're decorating a room designed for family, friends, comfort and enjoyment. Choose cheerful colors that reflect your personality and create a space you love to be in. Check out these pictures for inspiration.


Bright green is used often these days, so it's very contemporary. Also, it pairs well with neutrals and deep browns.


In a small space like an apartment, a pale color opens everything up.


Turquoise looks great with bold jewel tones and a modern design, but this particular shade isn't  ideal for a traditional one.


If you're using bright, bold accessories like these orange chairs and and black sofa, white walls don't look boring.


This deep orange works because of the netural sofa and the wooden table and chairs. Spruce it up even more with wall art and accessories.

Christmas Decorating Home Tour

November and December is the time of year for holiday decorating. Granted, not everyone celebrates Christmas, but for those of us who do, putting up decorations keeps our family traditions alive and it brightens our homes during the shortest days - and darkest months - of the year. But what if you're trying to sell your home during the holidays? Do you still put up decorations and lights? Absolutely! But keep from going overboard with these few tips for celebrating the holidays while selling your home.
1. Go Light on the Lights. Putting up fewer lights inside and out lets potential buyers see how simpler lighting is still beautiful. First-time buyers will see just how easy it is to start off their decorating on a starter-home budget. They can use their imagination to figure out ways of adding on to their holiday decorations as they live in the house from one year to the next.
2. Keep Decorations Generic and Minimal. Both indoor and outdoor decorations should be kept simple. The fewer the decorations, the better. For one thing, generic and minimal decorations keep your home's lawn and interior from appearing too cluttered. As with any good staging, the simplified decorating scheme allows potential buyers to imagine their own decorations in the house. Minimal decorating (like removing personal photos and items such as that) also keeps your personal tastes out of the equation.
3. Fill Your Home with Christmas Scents. Most TV real estate shows have demonstrated how pleasant scents work as a selling point. If you're not a holiday baker, then find someone who is to come in and fill your house with the sweet smell of Christmas. It could be anything from apple pie to gingerbread men or snicker doodles. Or leave a pot of wassail (spiced cider) or warm water with whole spices (cinnamon sticks, candied ginger, cloves, and mace) simmering on the back burner when you know you're having an open house or when a realtor is bringing people by for tour.
What is the main reason for keeping the decorations and lighting simple when selling your house during the holidays? Un-decorating! If your simplified Christmas decorations have become the selling point for your home, you may just sell your house in a hurry. Which means you need to pack up your belongings - and your decorations - quickly, so you can get moved into your own new home. The less decorations and lights you have to remove, the better, right?
A Word of Warning:
If you live on the same street as someone who goes all-out with their decorations, you might want to hold off on selling your home until after the holidays. There are a few people in neighborhoods near mine that get so carried away with the lights and yard decorations that they draw huge numbers of light-lookers every year driving through the neighborhood.
I have to admit to being one of those who love to look at these holiday lighting masterpieces. I will also tell you up front that if I was looking for a house during the holiday season, and found a house near one of these killer kilowatt creations that I would not buy that house because of the traffic nightmare - even if I would have found it a top contender otherwise. Guaranteed there are other out there who feel the same way
 

 

Luxury Home Decorating From Women's Perspective

Luxury Home Decorating from Women's Perspective
Let's face it. When we talk about home interior, then lady of the house i.e. woman of the house must get a big amount of say in it. Why?
Because she has to spend much more time in home than the men in the house. This is more true when we are talking about the luxury interior. This is the topic which is discussed not only in individual homes, but also in various places outside the homes.
Take any small party specially kitty party and you will observe that almost half of the conversation is about the interior of the house in which the party is being held. And the interior is discussed with great interest. Women really enjoy discussing various aspects of the home.
Not only that, they also do the changes very actively. In fact, men are often reluctant in doing any changes to the existing setup or arrangement. But that's not the case with the women. They are so enthusiastic about all things of their homes, including interior decoration & designing. Most women love the idea of home decorating.
And they do verbalize their ideas,too. So many tips & tricks & ideas are passed among every member present that one can simply take those and write a book about it.
Are the affluent women any different than other when it comes to luxury decor of their homes? The answer to this question is Yes & No. Yes because basics are same. That means the above discussed things are really true of any women including affluent women. Means they love talking or showing of their homes, they love to make the changes in their homes. The idea of getting rid of the old things and bringing in the new ones gets women all excited.
No - because here comes the question of investment, style & mind set. Normally luxury interior needs good amount of investment. The women who want to have the best looks for their homes spare no efforts in getting that. They are ready to spend large amount of money in getting what they want. In fact, we have seen our clients are ready to go distances - with their wives - to get some part of furniture or carpet or wall decor. So that it will make their home look complete.
These women wants to get fresh & new feelings about their homes every now & then. That's the reason home renovation is a booming business in India. We see so many clients every month who wants to get their homes renovated. And almost every time the influence is of the woman in the house behind the decision.
And I may be biased here, but I feel that women do have that knack or the sixth sense when it comes to designing their homes luxuriously.
We are going to discuss various things regarding your luxury home decor in the coming articles.
Till then...
Have a nice home...

Vikas Bhujbal - Mumbai based Interior Designer & Decorator
Vikas owns Idea Inc.-A Mumbai based interior designer firm. Since last many years he helps his clients in living in their dream home. He does this through personalized creative ideas. His specialty is Environmental Architecture or Green Architecture.
Want to hire the designer who is reliable, then Vikas is the one to go to. His services includes - residential as well as commercial interior projects.

Living Room Furniture Decoration Tips

In the contemporary age, the homeowners are very conscious to decorate their homes especially their living rooms in the most luxurious style by getting help of an interior designer. The professional interior designers help you to décor your home in the unique style, which is not so conventional or boring.
There are many tips for decorating living rooms with contemporary furniture and you should follow such useful and innovative tips for your room décor. You should choose all colours of your decorative items with perfect blend of shades, which coordinate with other living room items so that there will be a complete harmony of all contemporary furniture items, curtains, bed sheets and other decorative items.
You should follow a perfect colour scheme according to the modern trends, having perfect blend of all bright and dull shades like yellow and purple, black or white and red, orange, or yellow etc. you may choose some stylish upholstery patterns or striped sofa with floral rugs or carpets in the room.
You shouldn't need to use excessive photographs of your family in living rooms, always try to use contemporary frames and places, which give fantastic contemporary touches to your room décor. You may choose a variety of contemporary furniture for your room, manufactured by different kinds of materials like glass, chrome, leather, stainless steel, wood and platinum.
You can coordinate few antique pieces with your contemporary decorative items. Never overload your living rooms with excess furniture if you like to have spacious rooms where you may get relaxation easily. If you have naughty kids, who visit the living room regularly, and you want to protect your precious contemporary furniture from any kind of damages, so try to use durable products of branded furniture manufacturers.
Always try to use contemporary design, having all bold, unconventional and sleek shapes, which enhance appearance of your living room so attractively. The main features of contemporary furniture are distinguished so prominently like its clean edges, soft upholstery, bright colors of couches and other items. There are varieties of different outstanding and innovative contemporary living rooms, which are manufactured by different reputable manufacturers and designers.

White Coats and Cancer Research...

They say a bad apple don’t fall far from the tree as a way of explaining away the behaviour of an individual, but is every seed within that apple bad as well? My day today has been built up of questions and more question. I was lucky enough to take a tour round the ICU on Fulham road. Breakthrough breast cancer had invited me last year to tour this cancer research facility. The minute they mentioned laboratory and tour they caught my attention. And I would recommend/encourage everyone to take up the chance if offered.

When I arrived there were several people I recognised from when I did the Westminster Fly in a year ago, so I did not feel like a Billy-no-mates. I listened intently to the introduction with every bit of information projected onto a white wall. At the end the man who had outlined statistics and aims of ICU and Breakthrough asked if anyone had any questions. I for once remained silent whilst one young woman asked the one and only question to do with the 40 year generation study program currently running. My soul aim of being there was to speak to the Lab technicians. 

As we were all gathered into our relevant groups (mine was the black group ha-ha!) and each group taken to their relevant starting point of their tour I began to get all excited because now I was in an environment where I could finally clear some of the if’s, what’s and why’s up.  

I was one of only a few who was still on treatment for cancer, and I had been festering on knitty, gritty details for too long. Now don’t get me wrong they cannot diagnose and dissect my case, but I can throw questions like no other when I get going. 

First stop was to see fruit flies in test tubes. Why fruit flies? Well they have a shorter life span which means there cells are on a faster growth rate. What have fruit flies got to do with cancer? Well flies cells can be manipulated to get a form of cancer, but because they have a simpler and faster cell growth they can use what results they achieve and compare them too certain mammal cells. To sum it up on how I understand science. All life starts from one point and that is one cell. By manipulating that cell whether it be a fly or mammal cell its aims remain the same until its instructions for whatever reason mutate. Looking at how they change eye colour and size of eyes by stopping certain receptors within a cell down a microscope was fascinating for me. Sorry guys I worked in a museum and I was just as enthusiastic when fresh discoveries were brought in.

Second stop off point got even more interesting because we were discussing cancer cells and how they were researching blockers. They mark each cell from nucleus out and monitor its behaviour comparing notes continually with labs that have the same batch of cancer cells growing. They were closely monitoring in particular metastatic cancer cells because these cells cancer adapt from breast to liver or lung, not all cancer cells can do this. My questioning was focused on the diabetic type two debate and whether there was a connection? They spoke of how they used glucose to grow cancer cells, so it was only a matter of time before I asked. Anyone who has followed my blog would understand my interest because I am type 2. The reply I received was well we are in the middle of the 40 year generation program which is looking at genetic, environment impact and it’s implication on breast cancer. From listening to the lab technicians I came to the conclusion that until the 40 years is up there is no answer only what if’s. Then I asked is there any way I could donate my cells to the ICU lab? They said that everyone goes to one source for samples which makes it easier to compare with other lab results on that particular batch.

Our third stop off point was to explain how cancer cells spread.  By using healthy cells that create veins lab technicians are able to create a path way for the rebellious adaptable cancer cells to have free roam within the confinement of a dish. They then showed us on speeded time how placing a scratch within a dish these cells adapt fast. Like a pack of octopuses out of water the cancerous tentacles reach out until the scratch that divided them is no more. They spoke of the HER2 and its importance on blocking growth. Then I asked if a man was hit between his legs and it causes scarring could he develop testicular cancer? The answer was yes and no, we cannot say for sure, but we believe there is a possibility we cannot rule out. Then I said ok. Then I said well this is actually leading to a more important question. You see two years before I was diagnosed with DCIS I was breast feeding and my child refused to feed off my left breast which happened to be the breast cancer was developing in. During my time breast feeding my left breast had developed mastitis and would continually block. Could the mastitis of scarred the ducts or become enflamed to create the right environment for cancer to develop? The possibility was there, but the cancer may have been there long before was their reply. 

Then we went to the final stop off point which was where the blood samples for the 40 year generation study program were being processed. The program is eight years in already, but it will take a further 32 years for this program to show some sort of comparisons or sense, but even then it could take a further ten years before those results reveal what others have pondered on. 

The truth of the matter is in 2030 the statically rate will of reached 70’000 and there is a drastic increase in women below 40 being diagnosed with breast cancer. The younger you are in developing breast cancer the more lightly you’re at risk of it becoming metastatic. The results are frightening for any young woman reading this, but the reality of a cancer journey was not meant to be easy. The only true way to beat cancer is to keep an open mind because 1-3 will develop cancer at some point in their life time. 

One thousand women do die of breast cancer in the UK each month that is fact, not fiction. All those deaths will be from a metastatic form of breast cancer, this also includes men. Isn’t it better to be pro-active rather than blind to your own body?  Developing a better understanding of how breast cancer could affect you could save your life? So people MOT... You would not climb into your car if it was knackered, so why ignore your body.

When in doubt shout, your life, your body no-one else can help you, until you speak out.

Florence Nightingale We Need You!

Are we so surprized that Colchester NHS is under fire on cancer patient care. Well I am not after what I have gone through as a cancer patient in London. 

On Thursday gone I was invited to the Imperial College, South Kensington to discuss patient care and how it should be improved. The whole experience of cancer patient care was a hot topic, but truth be known I did not know how bad it was until that day. The fact only 20 people turned up were an insult to the student doctor who arranged it, but the other two speakers who were a consultant and a Macmillan nurse made it an interesting two hours.

The statistics for London are little to be desired. London has the poorest outcomes of treatment and aftercare in the UK compared to surrounding areas in the UK. The questions amongst medical staffs at that talk was, is there serious room for improvement, and how? How can we change attitudes and improve patient cancer care?

I said it all boils down to communication breakdown. The conveyor belt of patients’ means emotional support breakdowns as well as cultural attitudes are invading hospitals. The prime proof is look at public transport in London. You walk on a bus up north you say good morning you are greeted with a smile even a reply. If you say good morning down south to a bus driver he keeps his head straight ahead with zero emotion. This exact same attitude is mimicked within hospitals in London.

I said you cannot expect perfection where treatment is concerned, but a warm bedside manner is the beginning of a patients’ experience. 

When you approach a patient’s bed without a smile and an understanding ear they think you don’t care, so they don’t care and they treat nursing staff likewise which means the attitudes on that ward fall. Treatment takes a dip because no-one takes their time because the job becomes a chore rather than about saving lives. Hospital staffs feel they are under appreciated and patients feel neglected/ignored and trust between patient and doctor is broken. There is no pride in London hospitals only number crunching and the pressure to move the patient on.

To create a coherent harmony within NHS hospitals we most start communicating across the board starting with a warm smile which helps with building trust.  Not only that, but when you mess up apologise. I have not received one apology over the treatment I received. The only option I was given was to complain to PAL. 

The consultant speaking at this talk said how long do you think it will take to make the changes needed to improve patient care. A student doctor replied six months. She explained she would not have a job if it was six months and it would take three years just to see improvements in the NHS on cancer patient care. It all fell on whether the consultants, nurses, doctors, cleaners, porters and receptionists were willing to make that change.

I tried to explain to these young doctors that they can remain being sheep by aspiring to be those consultants that don’t care about quality of care.  Or make a change…

You see it is not the National Health Service that is at fault, it all falls on the individuals that represent the NHS.

If Florence Nightingale was alive today I wonder what changes she would make.

West Siders Hear About Future Direction of New Development In City

Reaction was generally positive on the west side at the second of the Zone SJ open houses to let Saint Johnners know what the city wants to do with future development over the next generation. 

West side Common Councillor Bill Farren tells CHSJ News he has heard from people in South Bay who are worried growth in their part of the city will be stymied under the new regulations. 

The meeting also heard a warning about having too much intensive development in the area around Quinton Heights because it might disrupt the existing stability of the land and cause problems for existing homeowners. 

The city was also urged to implement incentives like tax deferral to offset the upfront costs of redeveloping older buildings which can be steep.
 
Another open house will be held tonight at Lorne Middle School with the final one at Simonds High tomorrow night. They start at 5:30 with presentations at 6.

Winner Announced In Hospital Home Lottery

Give Sarah Jacquard of Saint John a hearty congratulations next time you see her -- she has won the Grand Prize showhome as part of the Hospital Home Lottery.
The home is located on Crosswind Crescent in Rothesay and is valued at 750-thousand dollars.
Other big winners are Stephen Delaney of Quispamsis who won the early bird prize which is either the Mercedes Benz roadster or 60 thousand dollars in cash and Ann Lockhart who won the 50/50 cash prize of almost 195 thousand dollars.

The proceeds from this year's draw went towards the Saint John Hospital Foundation, the New Brunswick Health Centre, and Mindcare New Brunswick
The lottery was completely sold out this year and the list of all the winners will be released on November 30th.

Are Fake Cabs Trying To Abduct Women In Saint John?

You might have heard stories on social media about would-be abductors trying to lure women in vans or even fake taxis.

CHSJ News asked Police Chief Bill Reid once and for all what the truth is, and he wants Saint Johners to know there have been no such cases. Rather, he says it's a matter of something as simple as someone in a vehicle making a comment to a pedestrian that gets exaggerated and blown into something it isn't online.

The Chief says while some people find it interesting to speculate about crimes online after listening to the scanner, they actually end up wasting police time as the police then have to try to correct the misinformation.

Former CN Employee Raises Rail Safety Concerns

A former machinist with the Canadian National Railway Company expressing his concerns to town council about inspection standards for our railways.

Quispamsis resident Bernard Beukeveld tells CHSJ News they should be inspected to the highest standards since hazardous materials are coming through our communities, but says they are currently only meeting the minimum requirements.

Beukeveld says train derailments like the deadly disaster in Lac-Megantic this summer, and the recent incident West of Edmonton, should be a wake-up call to cities and towns.

Deputy Mayor Libby O'Hara telling Beukeveld she shares his concerns. Council passing a motion to have a Table Top Emergency exercise to evaluate the response capability of the town to a rail incident next year.

Alward Government Announces Plans For 2014

Anti-shale gas development protests happening outside of the opening session of the legislature as the government announce their plans for next year.

Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas says the Energy East pipeline project is a once in a generation opportunity and will improve the retain and return our workers. Nicholas says as TransCanada moves forward, the government will keep working with communities in New Brunswick.

He says the project will improve the quality of life for all New Brunswickers, including First Nations people.

Nicholas also touching on health in the province...saying it's no secret that we are facing serious wellness challenges in the province and more emphasis on community and home-based care is needed...he says the final touches are being put on a new home-first strategy.

Schofield Pleads Guilty In Court

44-year-old Brian Schofield pleading guilty to 2 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The Public Landing resident had a half pound of marijuana, 3 cell phones, 136 meth pills, a Bacchus patch, brass knuckles when he was arrested as part of Operational J-Turmoil in August.

The crown described Schofield's operation as mid-level, while the defence stated he was simply giving pills and marijuana to friends.

The court heard he was buying meth pills in Moncton and then bringing them to Saint John and more information is expected to be given when he reappears in court on December 13.

Former Bacchus member Ryan Wallace also pleading guilty to possession of a firearm he wasn't licensed to own.   

Judge Henrik Tonning pointed out he didn't disrupt the public peace because he wielded the gun to defend his property from intruders...and when he realized it was the police he put it away. 

28 year old Lia Olde Damink also charged in that bust will also appear in court on in the spring. 

She's also charged with stealing medical supplies from her job at the Regional Hospital.

The Poppy Campaign Supports Vets, Students and More

While you may be on our your 2nd, 3rd or 4th poppy this year, no one ever seems to mind because of the cause. 

Proceeds donated for poppies every year go towards the needs of veterans and to pay for the Remembrance Day poem and essay contests and a whole lot more.
 
District Commander for the Saint John Legions Larry Lynch tells CHSJ News the poppy campaign year ends on September 30th.

He says any money left over can be used strictly for things like donations to charities and in the past they have donated to the Bobby's House hospice and to prostate and breast cancer research.

Lynch says the farther we get from the Great Wars and the Korean War..the more important it is to remember all vets including the most recent ones from Afghanistan.

Liberals Skeptical Of Tory Promises To Create Jobs, Grow Economy

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant saying the Alward government is going to use the upcoming session for political strategies.

He tells CHSJ News this means instead of trying to create jobs, and grow the economy...the government will focus on how to win the next election.

He says we'll see a lot of excuses as to why nothing has happened on the job front and social services over the past three years.


Gallant says the the Liberals want to see the economy at the forefront during the session.

Police Save A Man's Life in Champlain Heights

A dramatic scene in Champlain Heights this morning with City police officers saving the life of a man.

Officers got a call about a man with some issues and the officers located him in woods behind homes on Sherwood Drive.

The man was standing on a fort with a rope around his neck.    He jumped and when he did an officer caught him.

He was resuscitated by paramedics and taken to hospital.

Two Teens Face Trafficking Charges

City police arresting two teens for drug trafficking and possession near Simonds High.
 
Sgt. Jay Henderson says just after 10am yesterday (Mon.) police got a call about students with some pot.

He says officers found a group of men behind the Stu Hurley area.    Two of the men were found in possession of marijuana.

The teens also had drug trafficking paraphernalia on them.  

They are both facing criminal charges of possession and trafficking.  

Both have been released and are due before a judge at a later date.