Thursday, August 31, 2006

bean bag : Rucomfy bean bag

Bean bags from rucomfy. Rucomfy supply a wide range of beanbags, chairs, cubes, sofas and more. A bean bag is ideal to relax on after a hard days work and take the stress away. Our range of fabrics, colours and sizes mean rucomfy should have the ideal bean bag for you, and we even offer bean bags for your pets! On top of all this, an excellent selection of rugs, cushions, pictures and mirrors is available to complement your home perfectly. rucomfy accept all the usual cards, ordering is secure online, delivery is free when you spend over £50 and you can expect your goods within 7 days. Please feel free to browse our online store and call us free on 0800 085 3152 if you have any questions.

Our Range of Beanbags
When you want the ultimate in relaxation, bean bags from RU Comfy are the perfect addition to your home. Bean bags, Throws and bean cubes are available in many fabrics - Leather and fur for the ultimate in comfort along with many different types of cotton, corduroy and even waterproof fabrics. Beanbags are ideal to help relax after a stressful day at work and enjoy your rest time. All fabrics that are used to create our beanbags are of the highest quality, and when cared for properly will give years of comfort.

© rucomfy 2004 - 2006

bean bag : Bean Bag DIY

The good old bean bag was huge in the '70s. Now it's making a comeback, especially when covered in unusual fabrics like fake fur. This bean bag not only looks great, it's really comfortable and quite easy to make!

Lay the fake fur face down on the table and pin on the pattern (provided below). Check to make sure that the fur pile is lying down towards the base of the bean bag - ie. as you rub your hand over it, it smoothes naturally down towards the widest parts of the panels to be cut.

2
Cut out the two circles that make up the top and bottom and the four panels. It's best to cut the fabric fur-down with a craft knife. This will give a straighter edge.

3
Mark the position of the zipper in chalk on the middle of the bottom panel. We decided to place it there to avoid legs being scratched, and to keep it out of the way of prying little fingers. Cut the fabric where marked on the pattern and then carefully trim - with scissors - the seam allowance of the fabric where the zip will be placed (so that the fur is not caught in the zip during and after attachment). Next, with the right sides of the fabric together pin the zip in place and then stitch using the zipper attachment on your machine. Double stitch the seams.

4
Sew the four panels together along the long sides of the fabric. Use double stitching for added strength.

5
You will now have a tube of fabric which makes the main portion of the beanbag. You now have to attach the top and bottom pieces to complete. With the right sides of the fabric together, pin and stitch the top and bottom circles on. Turn the fabric the right way out. Use a wide-tooth comb to help tease the fur out of the seams.

6
Fill the bean bag with polystyrene balls. You will need about three small bags, which you can buy from most major department stores. Keep a vacuum cleaner handy to suck up any runaways. Be sure there aren't any balls left laying around as they can be hazardous if inhaled by small children. As an added measure, remove the pull-down attachment on the zip with a pair of pliers. By doing this, you ensure the bag will only open when you want it to and not by accident. You can insert a paperclip in the zipper to pull open when needed.

If you have young children or are concerned about treating stains which inevitably occur, it would be better to make an inner bean bag using the same pattern from some inexpensive fabric, such as calico or old sheeting. The beans would be placed in this and the fake fur used as an outer cover. The advantage of this is that you can change covers as desired and remove the cover and wash it. The fabric should then be gently brushed to bring back the soft pile. Never place the fabric near heat, either from an open fire or a clothes dryer, as it will be damaged.

bean bag : SUMO Omni Bag

In a home theater or listening room you need to sit. For some, the constraints may warrant that the typical theater chair simply isn’t going to be an option (like in a dorm room). For others, they may be looking for something for the kids, or perhaps something a bit less mainstream. SUMO is a company with a product which caters to all of these needs. Their Omni bag is a 4.5’ x 5.5’ “bean bag” chair that allows you to push, scrunch, and misshape it into just about anything you desire – and it will stay that way. I know what you’re thinking. Bean bag chairs are for 70’s rejects or maybe those people who spend $20,000 in those HGTV redecorating shows who end up with rooms looking like it was blessed by Mike Brady. Well, you’re right – but in case you haven’t noticed, the 70’s are in right now and the “chair” is way overrated (I mean, how 16th century). The Omni bag is different. It’s cool, it’s light, and it’s pretty affordable. Hey, that’s 3 for 3 so read on.

First Impressions
The SUMO bag arrived in a single large box. At first I thought that perhaps they had shipped the cover separate from the bag since it weighed less than 20 pounds – super light for a bag that has dimensions exceeding 20 square feet. When I opened the box, I found the Midnight Blue SUMO Omni bag, scrunched up and ready for use – no assembly required.

The first thing I did was test its pliability – after all, this is a bean bag chair, right? The last chair I reviewed that was in this category was extremely comfortable, but basically a big blob that didn’t hold any particular shape – no so with the Omni. It will retain just about any shape you can think to put it in – and we tried a bunch.

Kid-Friendly
I’ll admit it, I didn’t have to do a lot of work reviewing this bag – I simply let my son and his cousins have at it. The easiest way to test usability and durability of a product like this is to subject it to the whims and imagination of a 3, 4, and 5 year old. The results were as impressive as they were amusing:

The first position is what I call the “crowd in and lounge” position. The second was the infamous “motorcycle” rig. Basically all three kids would climb on board the SUMO Omni and pretend they were riding a Harley (no Japanese rocket bikes in this family). It was funny to watch, but you know what – the bag took three kids and didn’t tip over. It was amazing to see the shapes and positions this bag could be put in and hold weight. The website lists a bunch, but I also found a couple more that I liked, particularly one where I could fold back one end across the width of the bag and use it as a pillow of sorts to prop up my head while watching TV.

Do yourself a favor and make sure that you have the bag completely upright with the polystyrene foam balls all settled in at the bottom should you decide to open it up and examine the contents. I unzipped it and was greeted by a gleeful evacuation of hundreds of tiny white foam balls. The neat thing about these balls is they are anti-static by nature, which means that they will “run away” from your fingertips as you reach for them – good fun. Going back to the zipper, it was heavy duty and well-placed inside of a small area that could be opened by separating a foot-long stretch of 2” Velcro. This bag isn’t going to open up by accident, but you are given a way to “re-inflate” it should the polystyrene decompress over time (it does, but it will take a while and you can by additional or replacement foam balls in 3 cubic feet increments online).


Copyright ©2005 Audioholics.com. All Rights Reserved

Sunday, August 27, 2006

bean bag : bean bag sales

It's impossible not to relax and enjoy yourself for just a little while. Listen to music, play games, read, watch TV, videos, dvds or just hang out! Some people even work in them.

Bean bag chairs can be cute, chic, funky, hip and cool, it just depends on the material used, setting and age group. Designers and families of all types love the retro modern look that a quality bean bag can give. Great for kids, teens and adults.
We sell quality, durable, bean bag chairs and furniture in a wonderful array of materials and sizes. All of our bean bag chairs are manufactured using flat felled seams and have child safe zippers.

Our best seller in all collections is the "Extra Large" our biggest bean bag chair.

Our bean bag chairs are filled with double pass virgin bead for durabilty. We don't use regrind (recycled polystyrene), recycled, shredded, polyurethane or polyethelene foam, all of which in our opinion are of dubious quality.

Kids, teens and adults love this giant bean bag chair. Easily five times the size of your average bean bag chair found at department stores.

© 2006 BeanBagPlanet.com all rights reserved

bean bag : bean bag furniture

We have searched near and far over the years and have come up with the best possible quality materials for our products. We are very proud of the King BeanyTM collection. We offer the best in childrens furniture. Whether you want velvet or brushed cotton, we only offer the best materials available and use the best craftsmanship to construct your bean bag chair. We Have Soft Brushed Cotton in an assortment of hot colors, We offer the original Denim, and Finally the Hand Tie Dye.

King BeanyTM offers some of the finest bean bags on the market today. If you are searching for childrens furniture then you have come to the right place. King BeanyTM offers a wide variety of bean bag furniture. King Beany'sTM Large Denim featured in the picture on the right has a removable cover and an inner liner. This product is available in numerous different colors, styles and styles. If you want a bean bag chair or a piece of foam furniture, everyone here at bean bag chairs factory are confident that King BeanyTM has a chair for you!

We now offer a complete line of Foam Furniture which is competitive to the Foamy Flop And the Poof Chair, The only difference is that we don't use the cheap 8oz material for our Foam Furniture, We use the same material that we use for our remove and wash bean bag chair collection. The highest quality available on the market today. All of our Jumbo Loveseats come complete with an inner liner, not for an additional price but for FREE. The only ones to offer the Foamy in Swirled Velvet,Crushed Velvet, And Faux Suede. Complete with an inner liner and a hugh zipper for easy removable The Foamy chair is the right choice if quality is what your after!


http://www.beanbagchairsbeanbagchairs.com/

bean bag : FUNKY BEAN BAGS

Funky Bean Bags has been selling bean bags online since 2003. They were acquired in January 2006 by Ambient Lounge Designer Bean Bags an online designer furniture retail store that was created by award winning European and Australian designers with a passion for funky, functional and affordable furniture. Ambient Lounge bean bags have found their way into designer clubs, cafes, penthouses and luxury apartments - as well as student dorms, guesthouses and everyday living rooms

Sometimes it's hard to experience a product over the internet, so what feelings and emotions would overcome you if you sat in an Ambient Lounge bean bag? Words such as comfy, lush, snug, cozy, relaxing, blissful, cathartic, soft and therapeutic are all apt adjectives for immersing yourself in one. As for the look of our beanbags - elegant, cool, stylish, funky, chic, sexy, modern, vogue, innovative, fashionable, exclusive, beautiful and sleek have all been used by customers and critics.

Bean bags have been around in their traditional ‘teardrop’ form since the late 60’s, with little innovation and imagination. Even though they have been widely recognized as the most comfortable & cost effective form of furniture – many people did not wish to purchase beanbags because of the ugly aesthetics or poor quality of the products offered at retail. Ambient Lounge bean bags are now the sophisticated alternative for youth and adults alike - and no longer an embarrassing luxury shoved into the cupboard when guests come around

The boutique bean bag chair is a piece of designer furniture for your home, studio, study, office or apartment. You just have to sit in the boutique beanbag chair to realise why it's the best of its kind. Contoured to allow your body to submerge completely with a curved back that keeps your head upright like an oversize pillow, you can watch tv, read or just completely relax in one of the body's most comfortable positions. Click the image on the right to read more about it

© 2006 Ambient Lounge

Friday, August 18, 2006

bean bag : Dog Beds

Take my word for it, no matter how much you want your new puppy to sleep with you, this is not the best option. Especially when you’re dealing with a 75-pound behemoth that’s scared of a little thunder. Your king-sized bed suddenly becomes half a twin-size bed. So next to food and a trip to the vet, a good dog bed should be one of your first major purchases. But what kind of dog bed should you get? There are literally hundreds of choices. For instance:


Large dog beds for the type of dog mentioned in the first paragraph
Outdoor beds for the pooch who prefers sleeping under the stars
Fancy designer beds for the pampered pooch that’s probably related to Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbelle
Travel and car beds for the dogs who spend a lot of time on the road
Heated beds for the cold-natured little breeds
Orthopedic beds for the pooches getting up there in age
Iron beds for the decorating pooches in your household
Chew-proof beds for…well…you know
And waterproof beds for the little pups who sometimes get a little scared at night…you know what I mean.

But no matter the bed you buy, there are a couple of rules you should be aware of. First, make sure every part of the bed is machine washable. No matter how many times you wash your dog, he’s going to manage to smell up that bed. And if it’s a bed you keep in your own bedroom, the odors that will eventually emanate from that bed will give you nightmares.

Second, get a bed with cedar shavings or a thick foam pad as the padding. This will help immensely with keeping your favorite flea friends from becoming permanent residents of your dog’s bed. Third, make sure you buy the right size dog bed. If possible, take your dog with you when you buy the bed. No matter how cute the bed is, or how well it goes with your home décor, if your dog can’t comfortably lay down in the bed, he won’t use it.

Also, pay close attention to what the bed is made of. Wicker is cute and very stylish. But fleas love it. And for the dog that hasn’t quite gotten over the chewing stage yet, a wicker bed is little more than the world’s largest chew toy. Bean bags are also popular dog beds because most people born in the late 60s still have one stowed away in their basements or attics somewhere (yes you do, admit it). But have you ever seen what’s inside a beanbag? You will find out very quickly if Fido discovers how to operate the zipper that keeps the stuffing in the bag. You would be wise to leave the beanbag in the attic and open your wallet cheapskate.

So now that you’ve done the research, go out and buy your new best friend a great bed. Remember to get the proper size. Get one with cedar shaving or foam as the padding. Make sure all parts of the bed are machine washable. And most importantly, make sure Fido likes the bed or you will have an unwanted visitor in the middle of the night…especially when there’s thunder.

by Allen Shaw

bean bag : Reduce Your Stress

Of all the methods of stress elimination used, the most popular methods is through good old stress balls. The simple act of squeezing something in your hand can help you ease a few of your concerns, release some built-up tension, and make you feel like you are at least doing something rather than brooding upon everything that has you down. Fortunately, stress balls are easy to find and they can be very effective for some quick relief.

The most common stress balls are the beanbag type that can be picked up at job fairs and industry gatherings. They are very effective, they provide enough resistance to make you feel good and they give off a relieving noise that tells you that something is happening. Sure it is just some sort of filler grating against itself, but darn it, it's something! And when you are stressed, the simple feeling of doing something, anything is its own reward. Plus, you are getting a little bit of a workout for your hands and even this form of exercise can give you some benefits.

As well, there are some liquid filled stress balls that can be very good for relieving your worries. They usually do not give as much resistance as the beanbag type, but they do still provide you with something that will give your hands a workout. This can be a good thing if you tend to squeeze the stress ball a lot, simply because your hands will not get tired as quickly. As well, they tend to squeeze out much more than the beanbag type, so they give you a bit more of a feeling of doing something. However, they also tend to make a serious mess if you happen to break them, since the contents cannot be vacuumed up. But, if you are going to be spending a lot of time squeezing the stress ball, this might just suit your fancy.

However, not all stress balls are the squeezable kind. There are also Chinese stress balls that are made out of very hard materials that are not meant for squeezing. Rather, they come in pairs so that you can roll them around in your hand in order to relieve stress. Also, these stress balls sometimes come with some sort of noisemaker inside that provides a soothing sound other than the noise of the balls banging and rubbing against each other. However, this form of stress ball is usually not very good to use at work, since they do tend to make some noise. But, if you are sitting at home and you want to relieve a little tension, they can be very soothing.

When using stress balls, it is best to treat them as a form of meditation. That is, you concentrate on the stress balls so that you are not worrying about anything else. Feel them in your hand and notice the weight. When you are either squeezing them or rolling them around in your hand, notice how they feel in your palm and in your fingers. Concentrate on putting your concerns into your hand, then putting them into the stress balls, as though they are absorbing all that stress and taking it away. By placing all your thoughts into your stress balls, you can push away all those concerns and worries and put them into an inanimate object that does not notice the stress. Then, once you are done, you should feel as though a burden has been lifted and your mind is cleared.

However, you should also be careful with stress balls, as the squeezable kind can break. Yes, it takes a lot of effort, time and strength to break them, but it can be done. Thus, if you notice any leaks in your stress ball, or you notice that weak spots are starting to appear, you should throw it out and get a new one. After all, the stress of cleaning up some sort of fluid or vaccuuming up a large quantity of small, grainy material can stress you out too. Thus, do not squeeze a stress ball over a computer keyboard. If it does break, you will have a lot of problems that you would much rather avoid -- such as the need to run out and buy and new keyboard.

Used properly, stress balls can have a very beneficial effect on your mind and body. Though the only workout you are getting from them is in your hands, it is at least something. And those people who have to type constantly could also get a nice break from pecking at a keyboard and, by exercising their hands in a different way, will be able to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. So see what is out there, see what you like, and let some stress balls take away those petty concerns for you.

By Trevor Dumbleton

bean bag : 50th Birthday Party Ideas

Is a 50th birthday party coming up and you're at a loss for ideas? Here are a few tips and ideas to help you get started.

You can create your own invitations by drawing 50th birthday theme such as "50" or over-the-hill gag themes.

A great themed 50th birthday party is 60's memorabilia. Have beanbag chairs handy for a groovy gathering. Share old stories about the guest of honor.

Be sure to include items such as a "magic bus", peace signs, and candles luminating the room.

Wear your flowered pants, John Lennon glasses and peace sign, or go all out with your leisure suit. Don't forget your hippie wig!

Have the guest of honor wear a birthday crown or Happy Birthday hat. Be sure to complement their outfit with an "over-the-hill" cane

Serve your food of choice on these tie-dyed party plates and tableware. Drinks can be served in psychedelic light up glasses.

An easy choice of games is to play a game of 60's trivia. There are several available including Trivial Pursuit 60s/70s editions.

Play clips from 60's TV shows or movies and competing teams guess first what movie/show the song was from.

60's karaoke is lots of fun and gets everyone laughing.

Complete the night with a Woodstock karaoke and flower power dance contest. Happy 50th!

By Dee Schrock

Sunday, August 13, 2006

bean bag : Homemade Toys

How often have you seen this happen around the holidays? The parents have spent a small fortune on the latest, greatest toy. After a few grins and giggles, the parents take the toy out of its huge box and proceed to put it together. In the meantime, the child finds the box to be quite fascinating. By the time the toy is fully put together, the child is so engrossed in the box that he or she has no desire to play with the expensive toy.

This scenario is replayed in house after house across the country. The lesson is, children are easily entertained and homemade toys can be created from every day materials that can easily keep their attention. Here are some ideas for easy to create homemade toys.

One idea for a homemade toy is a cardboard box car. Take a large cardboard box and cut a hole in the top and cut out the bottom. Decorate it like a car, using paper plates for the wheels and steering wheel. Your child will enjoy "driving" this car around the house!

Create a hand made bubble blower out of a toilet paper roll. Wrap the roll with aluminum foil. Make the bubbles by mixing liquid dish soap with water. Dip one end of the roll in the mixture and blow gently through the other end. You should be able to easily create very large bubbles!

Create a scoop ball game out of a one-quart plastic milk jug. Cut the jug in half and save the handle side. Toss a ball back and forth and use the jug to catch the ball.

Model planes can be made out of the Styrofoam trays that meat is packaged on. Cut out a body, wings and tail shape. Use a knife to cut a slit in the body for the wings and tail. Because the Styrofoam is so light, these planes can soar for a decent distance.

A personalized homemade toy is the homemade puzzle. Have your child create a drawing or other piece of art. Glue the artwork to a piece of cardboard. After it is dry, turn the cardboard over and trace out puzzle piece shapes. Carefully cut out these shapes. Your child will have fun putting together his own artwork. Store the puzzle in a Ziploc bag.

A homemade beanbag toss game is another fun and active toy to create. Take a sturdy piece of cardboard and cut holes in it to make the targets. Be sure the holes are large enough that the beanbag will fit. Then make some bean bags. Take scraps of material and fill them with beans or pasta. Hand sew them shut. Have your child decorate the target and assign points to the holes. Then have fun tossing the bean bags at the target!

Whatever toy you decide to make, be sure to include your child in the process of making the toy. Not only will you create a fun toy, but you will also create life-long memories with your child. Using what would be trash to make a fun toy also helps to protect our environment.

by Michael Russell

bean bag : Garden Party

Celebrate a summer birthday with a garden party. This party may be held inside or out but it is best if some of the activities can be done outside. Have your guests dress in casual clothes so they can get messy.

INVITATIONS

You will need white and yellow construction paper, glue and some markers. Fold a piece of the white paper in half. Cut a flower out of the white paper being careful to leave two of the petals joined together. Cut out a yellow circle and glue in the center of your flower. Open the flower to write the invitation inside. Be sure to include your own name, date, address and R.S.V.P. and phone number inside the invitation.

DECORATIONS

Decorate the table with a flowered tablecloth. Use a tin watering can as a vase and place cut flowers in it for your centerpiece. Set new, clean garden tools on the table to use as serving spoons for sunflower seeds or for the fruit salad.

SEED PACKET NAPKIN RINGS

You will need cardboard tubes, construction paper, scissors, glue and packets of seeds. Cut a 2-inch section from a cardboard tube. Cover the section with construction paper. Glue one seed packet onto each napkin ring. Insert the napkins into the napkin rings and lay one at each place setting.

MENU

Serve Garden Pizzas with fruit salad and sunflower seeds. For the grand finale, serve "Sunshine Punch" and Dirty Cupcakes.

GARDEN PIZZAS

Use refrigerated pizza dough to make individual pizzas. Let children create their own pizza. Supply them with tomato sauce, mozzerella cheese, and an assortment of veggies such as mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Some of your party guests may prefer plain cheese pizza.

FRUIT SALAD

Mix together strawberries, cantaloupe, banana slices, or any other favorite fruit.

SUNSHINE PUNCH

Mix 2 liters of orange soda with one pint of vanilla ice cream.

DIRTY CUPCAKES

Bake cupcakes using your favorite cake mix. Frost the cupcakes with chocolate icing. Crumble crushed oreo cookies on top to make the cakes look dirty. Place gummy worms or gummy bugs on top for decoration.

Place a bowl of sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds in the center of the table as a snack for children.

ACTIVITIES

PIN THE BEE ON THE FLOWER

Using a poster size sheet of white construction paper, draw a large flower. Hang the poster up on a door or a wall before the party. Make a small bee out of construction paper for each of the children. Place a piece of tape on each of the bees. Have children line up one at a time, blindfold them and ask them to pin the bee on the flower. Give prizes to the children who get their bee in the correct place.

DECORATE TERRA COTTA POTS

Buy a 4" terra cotta pot for each of the children. Supply the children with paint, stickers, ribbons and glue and have them each decorate a pot. They will be able to take these home as party favors later.

PLANTING FLOWER SEEDS

Let the little gardeners plant flower seeds in their terra cotta pots. Have garden tools, dirt, flower seeds and a watering can available for them. Let them get messy since the invitation asked them to wear old clothes. If you have a small plot of dirt in the backyard let them plant a flower garden.

BEAN BAG TOSS

Place dried beans into snack size zipper baggies to make bean bags. Use two large empty coffee cans as targets. Line the children up in two teams. Give each team five beanbags. The children on each team will take turns tossing the bean bags into the coffee cans. They each get five tosses. The team that gets the most beanbags into the target wins. Give out prizes to the winning team.

FAVORS

Guests can take home the flower seed packets from their napkin rings as well as the terra cotta pots they decorated. Other ideas are gummy worms, flower stickers, and gardening gloves.

By Renee Kirchner

bean bag : Stress Relief Products

Stress relief products are readily available resources to relieve stress. Stress occurs for a variety of reasons and the products are made to suit the different types of stress. Stress depends on the physical, emotional, or chemical event that causes mental or physical tension. Stress has to be managed properly; otherwise, it may result in anxiety, tension, loss of concentration, anger, sleep disturbances, headaches, mild to severe bouts of depression, and lack of interest in food or increased appetite. As stress is becoming a common phenomenon, more and more stress relief products are appearing in the market.

Some of the stress relief products for relaxation include natural awakening alarm clocks, a huge selection of stunning water fountains, wind spinners, comfy hammocks, snuggle comfort pillows, bean bag chairs and bean bags, stress massage oils and Japanese incense. In addition, various stress relief capsules are also available in the market. Several natural and homeopathic products are marketed to relieve stress. Since allopathic medications have severe side effects, more and more people are on the lookout for natural products.

Most stress relief products are soothing for stress, tension, and anxiety. Online games, multiplayer games and online tournaments have also proved their effectiveness in reducing stress. Relaxation and sleep CDs and other musical and visual images have proved their effectiveness in dealing with stress. Brain fitness kits are unique products with proven capability. Different types of pillows, massage slippers, cushions and sleepers are some of the other stress relief products.

Before buying a stress relief product one must have an idea about the quality and its usefulness. Understand your need and look out for a product that suits your needs.

Cheap and high quality stress relief product can be now bought online. There are many Web sites offering these products at a discount. Many companies also provide money back guarantees for their products if the customer is not satisfied with the products, which should help reduce stress as well.

By Eric Morris

Monday, August 07, 2006

bean bag : Beach Bummiing

Fancy a sunny day out at the beach? Well, if you’re in Amsterdam, you don’t have to travel out to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal any more. Amsterdam is quite well-off in the trendy beaches sector. Beaches like Blijburg, Amsterdam Plage and the brand-new Strand West are all in Amsterdam itself. Apart from beaches Amsterdam also has other amazing places where one can kick back and sunbathe during summer without getting so much as a grain of sand between the toes.

Blijburg aan Zee is a sandy beach on the new IJburg island complex. Not only does Blijburg have a pleasant beach, it also has a beach café with a bar and an open kitchen. Every Sunday there is a performance by a DJ or a country band. It is on the new islands in the East of Amsterdam. Only this beach allows swimming officially allowed. One can find a café or a restaurant on the beach itself.

Amsterdam’s newest stylist city beach is Strand West. It’s a wide sandy beach with a panoramic view over the waters of the IJ. One can laze in a hammock or beanbag, drink a cocktail, eat tapas or play beach volleyball with friends and colleagues. Children can ride on the giant stride or enjoy the view from the mini big wheel. When the weather is good, there are barbecues or paellas.

Last year the Amsterdam Plage beach at Stenen Hoofd, to the west of the Central Station, was a huge success. This beach, right next to the Silodam, was laid on the age-old dike that projects far out into the IJ. It is smaller than Strand West but more popular because of its intimacy.

Another beach is Strand-Zuid, located at the back of the RAI Congress Centre, just south of the centre of Amsterdam. It has 2,000 m2 of sand, chairs, terraces, a beach volleyball field and there are showers. One can go there by a boat also, as there are places to moor your boat.

Towering above Amsterdam is the ‘Green Boat’ designed by architect Renzo Piano. It’s not a beach in the classical sense of the word, but one look at the palm trees, the large sandpit, the waterfall and the splashing Waterwonder and one can imagine that one is in the South of France, Spain or some other holiday destination.

By Rahul Viz

bean bag : NEW KUSHKUSH SAC BEANBAGS

It's impossible not to relax and enjoy yourself for just a little while. Listen to music, play games, read, watch TV, videos, dvds or just hang out! Some people even work in them.

Bean bag chairs can be cute, chic, funky, hip and cool, it just depends on the material used, setting and age group. Designers and families of all types love the retro modern look that a quality bean bag can give. Great for kids, teens and adults.

We sell quality, durable, bean bag chairs and furniture in a wonderful array of materials and sizes. All of our bean bag chairs are manufactured using flat felled seams and have child safe zippers.

Our best seller in all collections is the "Extra Large" our biggest bean bag chair.

Our bean bag chairs are filled with double pass virgin bead for durabilty. We don't use regrind (recycled polystyrene), recycled, shredded, polyurethane or polyethelene foam, all of which in our opinion are of dubious quality.

Kids, teens and adults love this giant bean bag chair. Easily five times the size of your average bean bag chair found at department stores.

All of our products are packed and ready to go.

Most orders ship same day via FedEx or UPS. Larger order ship via common carrier (trucks).

We welcome ASI, custom silkscreen, embroidery and special projects.

Whether you want a truckload for a special event or just one for your home, we can fill your orders and get it there fast.

© 2006 BeanBagPlanet.com all rights reserved

bean bag : Funky Bean Bags

WHO ARE WE

Funky Bean Bags has been selling bean bags online since 2003. They were acquired in January 2006 by Ambient Lounge Designer Bean Bags an online designer furniture retail store that was created by award winning European and Australian designers with a passion for funky, functional and affordable furniture. Ambient Lounge bean bags have found their way into designer clubs, cafes, penthouses and luxury apartments - as well as student dorms, guesthouses and everyday living rooms

WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?

Sometimes it's hard to experience a product over the internet, so what feelings and emotions would overcome you if you sat in an Ambient Lounge bean bag? Words such as comfy, lush, snug, cozy, relaxing, blissful, cathartic, soft and therapeutic are all apt adjectives for immersing yourself in one. As for the look of our beanbags - elegant, cool, stylish, funky, chic, sexy, modern, vogue, innovative, fashionable, exclusive, beautiful and sleek have all been used by customers and critics.

DESIGNER FURNITURE

Bean bags have been around in their traditional ‘teardrop’ form since the late 60’s, with little innovation and imagination. Even though they have been widely recognized as the most comfortable & cost effective form of furniture – many people did not wish to purchase beanbags because of the ugly aesthetics or poor quality of the products offered at retail. Ambient Lounge bean bags are now the sophisticated alternative for youth and adults alike - and no longer an embarrassing luxury shoved into the cupboard when guests come around.

SPOTLIGHT

The boutique bean bag chair is a piece of designer furniture for your home, studio, study, office or apartment. You just have to sit in the boutique beanbag chair to realise why it's the best of its kind. Contoured to allow your body to submerge completely with a curved back that keeps your head upright like an oversize pillow, you can watch tv, read or just completely relax in one of the body's most comfortable positions. Click the image on the right to read more about it

© 2006 Ambient Lounge

Friday, August 04, 2006

bean bag : A Cozy Combination Of Comfort And Style

Bean bags are incredibly comfortable and the relaxing feeling of sinking into a snug and welcoming bean bag chair appeals to both kids and the young at heart. Bean bag furniture offers a quick and versatile way to furnish practically any room in the home, from a family room or childrens bedroom to a rec room or den. Bean bag chairs have come a long way from the traditional design we all remember from our childhood. These days bean bags come in a range of lounger and teardrop styles, some have arms, some are used as ottomans and sizes range from small kids bean bags and fun animal shapes to extra large sofa sized ones.

A bean bag chair can make a great gift for children or teens. There are loads of colorful patterns to choose from, to add a splash of color to your décor or to blend in with a themed bedroom. For sports fans of all ages, there are bean bags emblazoned with the logo of a number of professional and college teams. NHL, NBA and NASCAR bean bag chairs are popular among fans of all ages, and provide the perfect seat from which to kick back and enjoy the big game. Bean bags are easy to move around, so you can be sure of getting a premium viewing position!

Bean bags are an affordable option when you're looking to combine comfortable furniture with casual style. Many come with removable covers, or can simply be wiped clean when necessary. Fabrics include hardwearing cotton twill, faux leather, vinyl and velvet. Bean bag chairs are filled with either foam stuffing or polystyrene beads. Because bean bags are so comfy, they're likely to get a lot of use over the years, but they can instantly be given a new lease of life by plumping up the cushioning with refill beads or filling.

Whether you're looking for a snug and cozy place to curl up with a good book, lounge around in front of the TV, or simply relax with friends and family, a bean bag chair could be the ideal solution.

by Caroline Smith

bean bag : The Case for Using a Tripod

No photographer likes to burden himself down with unnecessary accessories and weight when going out to take pictures. We have All heard that a tripod increases the chances of producing a sharp picture but we are not sure that having a steady hand and using faster shutter speeds will remedy the situation.

It seems to me that digital cameras are especially sensitive to camera movement. I have observed a noticeable difference in images taken with and without a tripod even when using a fast shutter speed, for instance faster than 1/125th of a second. Keep in mind that if there is camera motion, any slice of the time that the shutter is open will capture some of that motion, even at the higher shutter speeds. A tripod opens the possibilities of extremely slow shutter speeds and it’s sibling , a wide depth of field.

One way to save space and weight is to carry one of the light weight tripods. Monopods and table top tripods are very limited in use. As long as the total height measures to your own eye height, this tripod will be usable. In order to avoid camera shake when taking the exposure, these light weight tripods work better if you use the self timer to make the exposure.

A good alternative to carrying a tripod is the bean bag tripod. In most cases out in the field there are walls, branches, rocks and even the ground itself on which to place your camera. But these surfaces are rarely level and an up or down angle may be needed. The bean bag tripod like “The Pod” from a Canadian company works well in these situations. The Pod may even fit inside your camera case. Again, it is best to use the self timer when photographing landscapes or other static scenes.

The tripod is also useful when taking multiple images for later stitching. These panoramic pictures make beautiful wall images since the total number of pixels in the final image is multiplied by the number of images uses. Another benefit is that a wider angle perspective is possible without the foreshortening and distortion of a super wide angle lens. When a scene would benefit from including a person in the scene, you yourself can be that person. Just predetermine the position and pose needed for the composition and use the delayed self timer for the exposure. A sharp image will enlarge successfully and will also make possible extreme crops without losing quality .

By Kenneth C. Hoffman

bean bag : Choosing the Right One

Decorating can be a big challenge in today’s world. There are all kinds of decorating styles from which to choose. Each room of your home can have a different style including ecclectic, traditional, modern, or formal. But for those casual and impromptu rooms and occasions, a bean bag chair can be just what’s needed. Choosing the right shape, material, size and color are very important.

Shapes – Bean bags come in many shapes. You can get fun bean bags in the shape of animals, flowers, stars, and lips. You can get functional shapes such as arm chairs and ottomans, video rockers, and teardrops. And you can always get the traditional round shape.

Material – Bean bags come in any material to suit your needs. These materials include upper lines in faux suede, velvet, faux leather and fur. They also come in more casual material such as cotton, vinyl, denim, and nylon.

Size – Bean bags can be found in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large and also sofa sized.

Color – Bean bags come in a wide variety of colors to compliment any room.

So whether you want a formal and fancy bean bag chair or a more casual bean bag lounger, you should not have a problem finding the perfect one.

Copyright © 2005 Susan Daniel and Debbie Overstreet


By Susan Daniel and Debbie Overstreet

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

bean bag : Selecting Bean Bag Chairs to Suit Your Home Decor

Noted Italian designers developed the first bean bag chairs in the 1960’s. Their creation was called the ‘Sacco’, and was at the time described as an ‘anatomical armchair’. It became the first mass produced bean bag furniture. Just like its counterpart these days, the Sacco was filled with polystyrene beads that make them lightweight and easy to mold to the shape of the body. While enhancements to its size and shape have occurred over time, in general the bean bag chair form remains true to the design of the Sacco from the 1960’s.

The original concept behind the bean bag chair was to create stylish mobile furniture, which is unlike conventional bulky furniture. Thus the bean bag chair is easily moved from room to room as well as from indoors to outdoors. The design of it is highly praised, as it adapts to many different body shapes. The original Sacco featured a headrest that got its shape from beans being pushed up into this area. In the more modern bean bags, the head area is not a separate component, rather now a part of the bean bag chair which is accentuated.

These days, bean bag chairs are available in a vast range of colors and styles. However not all fabrics are created equal – some are more hardwearing, some suitable for outdoors use, whereas others may be warmer to the touch. In general though, the sturdier the fabric, the longer the bean bag chair will last. More sturdy fabrics are easier to maintain and clean, and require less care. Also, darker colors show fewer marks and stains than lighter color fabrics do. If your climate is cooler, a chair with a fur rather than denim fabric for instance will keep you warmer.

Fur bean bag chairs are an extra cosy option and come in a variety of colors and designs. Many feature designs that resemble animal hides, while others feature bright cheery colors. Denim bean bag chairs are one of the more hardwearing designs. These have a classic coloring and are one of the easiest styles to co-ordinate with the rest of your home décor. Like a pair of favorite jeans, denim bean bags will go with most other colors. Nylon and Vinyl bean bags help repel liquid, so are suitable options if children will be around or using the chair. Vinyl features a more leathery look and a textured feel.

You need to take extra care when filling a bean bag chair. It is best done with someone else helping you out – otherwise you can end up with thousands of polystyrene beads rolling around the floor of your living room. The best approach is to put the bag that contains the beads inside the bean bag chair and gently open it. Then the beads need to be gently poured in. Filling bean bags needs to be done indoors – as even the vaguest hint of breeze can cause the beads to scatter everywhere. One key consideration is how full the bean bag should be stuffed with polystyrene beads. Many people have their own preference – however you should bear in mind that if a bean bag chair is understuffed it won’t provide adequate support for you and may be a little uncomfortable. A fully stuffed bean bag provides very firm support. It is recommended that people with bad backs overfill their bean bag chair - as a fuller bag will provide particularly good support for your back. In general though, a good rule of thumb is to fill the bean bag to 6 inches above the widest point of the bag.

When sitting in a bean bag chair for the first time, you should sit in roughly the middle part of the bag. If you sit too high up in the bag, your back won't be entirely supported, and sitting too low may put strain on your legs. However it is best to find your own favored position on the bean bag chair - the position that you are comfortable in is best.

As a piece of interior design, bean bag chairs can be used as a main feature in a room, providing a contemporary, relaxing look. They can also be added to complement other furniture or colors. Their minimalist look provides a relief from other ‘busy’ furniture. One could argue that just looking at one is soothing and induces relaxation. In particular, they are suited to décor that will lend itself to a retro look. However bean bag chairs aren’t confined to any particular style, as the variety of fabrics and colors available will allow them to tastefully blend in with any decor.

by Claire Calkin

bean bag : Bean Bags Versus Traditional Sofas

Why bean bags chairs are better than traditional furniture When you are looking for new furniture for your home and not ready to commit yourself to an entire lounge suit, or maybe you are trying to find something to brighten up a living room or child’s room, don’t always dismiss what may be right in front of you. For whatever reason you are buying furniture, you should consider the prospect of bean bag chairs over contemporary furniture. A bean bag chair, if you haven’t heard of them before, are a large cushion like shape filled with polystyrene beads or beans.

The history of the “beans”
They were first invented by workers who use to throw polystyrene off cuts into bags at the end of a work line. A Company that expanded on this idea later developed this in 1969. They brought a pear shaped leather bag called a Socco, this idea didn’t work so after alterations on the name and design it became a smash all over the world. Now, bean bag chairs are finally back in fashion as the latest craze in home decor. Brought back from the 1970s’ as a comfy option for indoor seating and have come back in style just in time to give you peace of mind when buying furniture. With such a variety of options to suit your home, you can now choose your favorite colors, sizes, fabrics and styles. Best of all, they are made with strong, UV protected, water resistant fabric, so you can take them outside with you whether to the boat or by the swimming pool.

Bean Bags vs. Traditional furniture
With most traditional furniture you couldn’t dream of sliding them outside to lounge by the pool (if you are strong enough to), as some lounge suites can run up to thousands of dollars and you wouldn’t dare think of ruining the beautiful lounge leather. A convenient and easy way to take a comfortable and lightweight chair is to make a bean bag chair your new best friend. They will help you relax and are especially great for easing back or neck pain. Think of it as your own personal masseuse.

Health benefits of the bean bag
They are a healthy investment and comparatively cheaper than a lounge suite too, as they are ideal for pregnant women as they provide a comfortable and supportive seating. They are also great for students, parents, children, pregnant women and sufferers of back conditions. Students can use beanbags as a lightweight seating in a dorm room and are so inexpensive that it doesn’t matter if they spilt a mess on them, as they are relatively easy to clean. Choose any sport and you will find a beanbag that is shaped in your favorite ball or animal. Great for kids as they provide a soft place for your children to site while watching TV, reading or playing a video game.

Things you need to know about bean bags
As great as they are, there is also a safety issue to be address when using bean bags in your home. If you do decide to by yourself or someone else a bean bag chair make sure you remove the pull tag once the bag is filled with polystyrene beans. This is done to prevent a choking hazard for children. A liner that slides between the bag cover and the beans can also be purchased as an extra child hazard prevention. Once you have you bean bag and have filled it with beans, it is finally the best part: the experience itself. The best way to approach a bean bag is to back yourself into one, sit down, let the bag support your body and shape to you then sit back, relax and enjoy!

by Claire Calkin

bean bag : Bean Bag Chairs Compared to Regular Furniture

Bean bag chairs still remain one of the worlds many mysteries. How did they come about, who or what inspired the shape, are they safe, and where can I get one? To answer these questions and more we need to look into the 1960’s when this design was first uncovered. Created by an Italian design and first called a "Sacco", the bean bag chairs became greatly popular and then mass-produced. Today this design is still remains basically the same with exception to the fabric, filling, the original headrest and additional safety features.

Bean bag chairs are the only furniture other than plastic patio chairs that can be easily relocated. This makes them ideal for flats, the poolside and any other outdoor area. (Check the waterproof qualities on the tag.) Also ideal for use on new carpet or floor lining as these clever designs won’t leave a dent in your floor. Bean bag chairs can be found in every color of the rainbow with so many designs and colors to choose from including pet beanbag beds, leather, denim, fur and suede fabrics. There is a design and color to suit any home with the exception being a too classic home may not necessarily suit a bean bag, try the den or playroom instead. There are also bean bags fabrics that are waterproof and can repel liquids that may them ideal for pets or little children. One of the fun things about having a bean bag chairs is deciding where to put it.

These wonderful creations are also great at saving you money. Why spend thousands on a new lounge suite when you can buy modern, furniture set in the few hundreds. Bean bag chairs can be found filled already or with just the case so they will need to be filled. If this is the case then you will need a helper. They can hold the bag open while you pull the polystyrene balls in. Stand away from a door as even the slightest of breeze can cause a small snowstorm in your lounge. Make sure to stuff the bag incredibly full if you suffer from a bad back or sore neck. To check that the bag is filled enough, check that there are still 6 inches between the widest point of the bean bags. If you prefer a loose comfortable fit only fill the bag ¾ of the way for a fuller fit try filling it as close to the top as you can while making sure it can still close.

Decorate a room with bean bags, they are affordable, bright, welcoming, cosy and fashionable. All your friends will be over to enjoy trying out your new bean bags. To get the perfect shape from your new bean bag chairs there are a few ways to go about this. Sit in the middle of the bag, not too high or too low. The bag will provide a supported yet comfortable seat. Make a bean bags the main feature of the room if you are going for a modern look. Brighten up any dull room with a colored beanbag. Ideal as gifts for students leaving for uni, they can fit into any space are lightweight and easy to move. They can blend in tastefully with any room if the right color and fabric have been selected. When it comes to bean bag chairs and children, there are a few safety issues to be considered here. While beanbags are safe they pose a risk if loose beads escape from the bean bags. Try to find a bean bag chairs supplier that will line you bean bags when they make it with a safety liner. This ensures that the beans will be extra secure in the beanbag.

By Claire Calkin