THE STOOP: A Big Leather Couch, A Sun Personal Computer, a Fire Extinguisher and an Old Hot Plate

Browsing on the web today I came across quite an interesting story from a website calling itself Park Slope Patch. After some investigation I have concluded that Park Slope is an area of Brooklyn which is itself an area of New York. Anyway, the story is about what residents of Park Slope leave in their Stoops (I am assuming that what we in the UK call a porch, residents of Park Slope call a stoop) Apparently the haul in the story included a big leather couch, a Sun PC, a fire extinguisher and an old hotplate.

Whilst the other items looked quite interesting, it was the couch that attracted my attention. I quote "The leather couch was the best, most comfy and cozy find. It was a smooth, nut brown in color and in perfect condition. I took a seat and it was worthy of taking home—but my “affordable” one bedroom apartment in Park Slope simply does not have the shear girth to fit this beauty." and the picture bore this out. for more on this story go to http://parkslope.patch.com/articles/the-stoop-a-big-leather-couch#photo-9351345

Although the couch looked to be in good nick, I feel sure it would respond well to being treated with Heritage Leathercare Heritage Leathercare can be bought online, visit http://heritagepolish.com./shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html

Microwarm Heatwraps - what they are, how and where to use them etc.

I have had a query about Microwarm Heatwraps - what they are, how and where to use them etc.

Containing wheat, and available in lavender and herbal mix fragrances or unfragranced, our heatwraps can be used either hot or cold for the relief of pain and, (heated), to keep warm or (frozen), to keep cool. Simply pop into the microwave for up to three minutes (depending on the power of your microwave) or (wrapped) in the freezer for three hours and apply to the affected area for deep and soothing relief. They can also be used to keep warm or cool as appropriate. Full instructions are enclosed with each heatwrap

I use one myself for the relief of arthritic pain and to relieve back problems. I have also used them to keep warm when I was exhibiting at outdoor shows. Indeed, at many of these events my demonstrators were being used by other exhibitors or if they had their own they were then heated in my microwave. I was also told by an aquaintance who was the manager of a shopping complex in London that in the summer she kept hers in the freezer and when she came in from work she would kick her shoes off, lay the frozen heatwrap on the floor and rest her feet on it. "it was absolute bliss" was how she described it.

Note - Caution should be exercised with hot products. Not suitable for children under three years of age; older children should only use with adult supervision.

Microwarm Heatwraps are available online, visit http://www.heritagepolish.com/shop/paston-crafts/cat_3.html

The benefits of Interior Design

We have just returned from a short break in N.Wales. We had a great time, made more special because a friend whom we haven't seen for years lives only a few miles up the road from where we stayed. When we phoned him and told him what we were up to, his first comment was to ask us to dinner that night!.

We were staying not far from Prestatyn and there is a shopping outlet there. Fellas, we know what that means, don't we! We left with bulging shopping bags and lighter wallets. My wife was happier though as she now has an outfit for the wedding we are going to later this year. We also visited Swallow Falls at Betws-y-coed. It was a great day with bright sunshine. Did you know, there are 109 steps from the top to the bottom (and, of course 109 bigger, wider, deeper steps back to the top!)

There was only one real problem during the few days we were away. That was the accomodation. The bed was a very small double and the seating in the lounge was the most uncomfortable I have come across.The owners of the proprty we were staying in told us they had only just bought it and were slowly renovating it. They showed us an area that had been renovated and, although it was cleaner and brighter, much of what I felt about the part where we were still applied.The owners could really have benefitted from the services of an interior design expert such as Jane Yates from Sweet Lime Interior Design. Jane would have listened to what both the owners and customers had to say before coming up with her recommendations and that is what the property needs.

Jane really knows her subject and has helped many people in both commercial and domestic settings. Check out her website at www.sweetlimedesign.co.uk She tells you about herself and gives examples of what she has done with testimonials from satisfied clients. Her website also incorporates her blog which explains lots more about Interior Design giving lots of examples. Check out the website - it's well worth it.

www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk , www.heritageleathercare.co.uk

I am proud to announce the launch of 2 new websites - www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk and www.heritageleathercare.co.uk Each site does, as it says on the tin, brings together all the information about each polish with the eventual aim to be to stock a greater range of products relevant to the theme of the individual websites

Each site has its own shop so you will now be able to make your purchases either by visiting the individual sites or by visiting www.heritagepolish.com which will continue as now. Although each site has its own blog with posts being confined to the theme of the site, this blog will continue and will carry the same range of posts as now ie there will be no changes to the existing sites, just that you will have greater choice.

Leather floor and wall tiles - did you know about them?

Earlier this week I came across a reference to leather floor tiles. Now, I don't know if you are like me, but I had never come across leather floor tiles before and, like the No 9 bus, the subject cropped up a couple of times more. I thought then that I ought to find out a bit more about them. One thing that became clear perhaps explained why I had not come across them before - price. It appeared they started at around £100 per sq. mtr although you can get cheaper fibre board versions, so they would not be used in the circles I mixed in! And did you know you can also get leather look porcelain tiles. I didn't

So, what are leather floor tiles. Well, it appears you can get 100% leather (buffallo hide / cow hide) or leather fibre board (leather fibres bonded together probably on a backing such as cork). Leather, whatever it is used for, is essentially a by-product of the food industry.

Although I researched leather floor tiles, it does seem that these tiles are also used as wall coverings and for furniture. I wiuld guess that having leather on your wall is the hight of luxury, leather being sound absorbant as well as looking warm and comfortable. Having a real leather top on your desk is also luxurious and, to some extent, quite decadent!

It would appear that leather floor tiles are, surprisingly durable and, like some woods, do get better as they age, especially if they are looked after. That is where I come in! Using Heritage Leathercare in the usual manner, will keep your leather products, including floor and wall tiles looking good and in good condition and will also extend their lifetime.

Heritage Leathercare can be bought online, visit http://heritagepolish.com/shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html

How to remove bird droppings from a leather coat (part 2)

In my last post I was telling you how to remove bird droppings from a leather coat and said that I would discuss what to do if the finish was damaged.

In order to restore the finish and colour of your coat it has to be clean. Now, you can buy propriatory cleaners, but I find that washing the damaged area with PURE soap (Simple soap, baby soap, soap flakes, Dreft, etc.) can do the job just as well. Do NOT use washing up liquid or detergents - they can dry leather out and may damage the colour and finish even more..

You then need to make sure that your leather is absolutely,totally dry. Having made sure your leather is clean and dry, take a pot of Colour Restorer and apply in circular motions. If necessary you may need to apply to the whole section of your coat so that you keep the colour even. The last job is to THOROUGHLY buff up, and I mean thoroughly - otherwise it will come off on other items of your clothing.

Colour Restorer is not yet available online but will be shortly. It comes in a range of 23 colours. Until it is available online, contact me on 07967 139636 to discuss your requirements.

All other HERITAGE POLISH products are available online at http://www.heritagepolish.com/shop.html

How to remove bird droppings from a leather coat

I had an interesting, if somewhat slightly bizarre, request in my inbox this week - how to remove bird droppings from a leather coat.

The first thing to bear in mind is that droppings are acid so remove them quickly to prevent damage to the finish of your coat. (If there is damage to the finish, I will deal with that in my next post.) Wash the area of your coat in clean water.If there is still a residue left then wash using a clean cloth soaked in a pure soap solution (Simple soap, baby soap, soap flakes, Lux, etc.). Squeeze the cloth so that it is not over wet and wash in circular motions.

Having washed your coat ensure it is totally dry.The next stage is to apply a quality polish i.e. Heritage Leathercare. Take your tub of Heritage Leathercare and wipe the sponge provided across the surface taking any excess off by wiping on the inside of your tub. Then wipe the sponge in circular motions on your coat, ensuring it is not left greasy (if it is you have used too much and will need to buff up using a soft, dry cloth or a sheet of kitchen towel)

Heritage Leathercare cleans, polishes, and protects your furniture and will leave a water resistant finish. It is also colourless so can be used on any colour.Heritage Leathercare can be obtained online, visit www.heritagepolish.com/shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html