How to Paint Chandelier Globes

Chandeliers give dining rooms and entryways a classical aesthetic. From opulent hanging chandeliers to more minimalistic fluted chandeliers, the decorative silhouette is part of this light fixture's bold statement. Aside from the overall shape of the chandelier, the colorization is also important. Chandeliers provide a focal point for the room, so they should complement wall and furniture colors. You can update the look of a mismatched chandelier with fresh paint on the glass globes that cover chandelier light bulbs.

Instructions

1. Place an A-frame ladder beneath the chandelier.

2. Climb the ladder and remove the chandelier globes. Most chandelier globes are fastened in place with three or four small screws.

3. Place the chandelier globes on several pages of scrap newspaper.

4. Clean the surface with water, soap and a sponge. Though chandelier globes do not come in contact with excessive dirt, thin layers of dust buildup are common.

5. Dry the chandelier globe surfaces with a paper towel

6. Apply painter's tape to any parts of the globe that you don't want painted. If you paint the entire globe, barely any light will shine through the surface, so consider just painting a small portion of the chandelier globe.

7. Prime the globes with bonding primer and a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Bonding primer is designed to adhere to glass, ceramic, acrylic and other slick surfaces. Wait for the primer to dry.

8. Paint the chandelier globes with semi-gloss or high-gloss latex paint. Use a foam paintbrush to avoid unsightly brushstrokes.

9. Climb the ladder and reattach the globes after the paint has dried for a full 24 hours.

Vietnam Festivals and Events

Vietnam's festivals follow an age-old calendar based on Buddhist and ancient Confucian beliefs. The list below is a work in progress - a run-down of ten important Vietnamese holidays and festivals, although each province has its own series of festivals unique to the locals. Dates are subject to change without further notice.


PERFUME PAGODA ( HUONG TICH) FESTIVAL


Chua Huong - Viet NamThe Perfume Pagoda (Huong Tich), At My Duc, 69km south of Hanoi, without doubt, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to this sacred cave to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. pilgrims board boats, usually rowed by young women, which carry them along the Yen Stream through a stunning landscape of blazing green rice paddles studded with jagged limestone mounts to the base of Huong Mountain.


                                  


From the riverbank, pilgrims proceed on foot, past various ancient pagodas, monasteries and shrines, up hundreds of stone steps and a switchback trail, all worn smooth by the passage of countless feet. The Perfume Pagoda consists of a group of caves and is an impressive architectural ensemble of both human and natural endeavor.


                                 




The Perfume Pagoda Festival lasts from the 6th day of the 1st month to the end of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. Visitors can get tot the Perfume Pagoda either by the inland road or by water way. The Vietnamese believe that Huong Son is Buddha's Heaven. Huong Son is considered the place to worship Brodhisattva Kwan Yin. People conduct a dragon dance in the yard of Trinh Pagoda, and sail the royal barge on the 6th day of the 1st month. The festival is held in three places, Huong Tich, Tuyet Son, and Long Van. The festival is most crowded from the 15th - 20th day of the 2nd month of the lunar calendar as this period marks the main festival. The path leading from Ngoai Pagoda to Trong Pagoda is full of visitors coming up and down the mountain.


A pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda is not only for religious reasons, but also to see the numerous natural landscapes and the buildings that are valuable artifacts of the nation...


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Feb 08, 2012 Jan 28


COW RACING FESTIVAL


Cow racing Festival - Viet NamEach year on the last day of the Khmer calendar, the Khmer, an ethnic minority group living in the Mekong delta province of An n Giang, hold a festival to honor their ancestors. The festival begins with a visit to the pagoda, where Khmer families invite the souls of their ancestors to dine with the living. Should any visitors appear during the festival they will be warmly received since the Khmer believe that guests who arrive around New Year are messengers sent by their ancestors.


Following a visit to the pagoda people walk to the nearest stream or river where they tie the trunks of banana trees together to form rafts. Offerings are placed on these rafts, which are then pushed into the water to be swept away by the current.


                               




These quiet ceremonies are sharp contrast to the highlight of the festival, a cow race. The racetrack, set in a muddy and slippery paddy field, is 120m long, with both the start and finish lines marked with red and green flags. Each race involves two pairs of cow, controlled by two young men. To further complicate their task, the teams must run in a straight line and will be disqualified for veering off course.

The races are both exciting and hilarious. People travel from miles for the show, bringing food and pots and pans for a picnic. Part rodeo, part race and part comedy, a Khmer cow race is an unforgettable spectacle.


HUNG TEMPLE FESTIVAL


Hung Kinh Temple Festival - Viet Nam Hung temple is located on Nghia Linh Mountain, Hy Lang Commune, Phong Chau District, Phu Tho Province. Every year, this national festival is held to worship the Hung Kings, who were instrumental in founding the nation.


                                 




The festival lasts for 3 days from the 9th to the 11th of the 3rd lunar month. The worship service is held on the 10th day and commences with a flower ceremony with the participation of state representatives. Held in Thuong Temple, where the Hung Kings used to worship deities with full rituals, the ceremony consists of a lavish five-fruit feast. Cakes and glutinous rice dumpling are also served to remind people of the Lang Lieu Legend (the 18th Hung King who invented these cakes), and the merit of the Hung Kings who taught people to grow rice.


                                  




Next to the stage procession for deities, there are several marches in the procession, such as the elephant march followed by the procession chair. These procession marches are conducted in Tien Cuong, Hy Cuong, Phuong Giao, and Co Tich Villages. The procession marches are followed by a Xoan song performance (a classical type of song) in the Thuong Temple, "Ca Tru" (a kind of classical opera) in Ha temple, and other activities.


The Hung Temple Festival not only attracts visitors from all over and allows visitors to participate in special traditional cultural activities, but it is also a sacred trip back in time to the origins of the Vietnamese culture. People usually show their love and pride of their homeland and ancestral land. This religious belief is deeply imbedded in the minds of every Vietnamese citizen, regardless of where they originate.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Mar 31.


CHU DONG TU FESTIVAL

Chu Dong Tu Festival - Viet NamThis festival occurs for three days from the 10th - 12th of the third lunar month in Chu Dong Tu Temple in Du Hoa Village, Chau Giang District, Hung Yen province, some 20 km from Hanoi.


                              




Saint Chu Dong Tu was one of the "four immortal heroes" at the centre of Vietnamese society. Chu Dong Tu was a cultural hero and the founder of agriculture because he conquered the marsh and developed agriculture and trade. After the opening ceremony, there is a procession to remind people of the legend, life, and work of Saint Chu Dong Tu and his two wives.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Apr 31.


LE MAT SNAKE FESTIVAL


Le Mat Village Festival - Viet NamLe Mat Village belongs to the Viet Hung Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi. The Le Mat Village Festival is held annually on the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month. In the early morning on the 23rd day of the 3rd month, representatives of the 13 camps to the west of the Ancient Capital of Thang Long carry 13 trays of food over their heads from the capital to the Le Mat Village.
                              




                              




At the beginning of the festival, water and carp processions are staged and brought to the Thanh Communal House. This ritual reminds the present generation of the heroic accomplishments of exploiting and bringing about agriculture to the village. A snake act is then performed in the yard of the communal house. The snake (made of bamboo taped with cloth) symbolizes the water-monster species that has been bitten by the power and will of youth. The music of this act is an octet and the sound of the drummer's double rhythm is haunting. The Le Mat Village Festival provides an opportunity for children in the village, and those who have reclaimed this ancient wasteland in the city, to meet and retell the history of the establishment of the village. The challenge and difficulty that was encountered in the establishment of the village is expressed in the sincere homage of the ancestors of the village.


In addition to the ceremony, the Le Mat people have a special talent for catching snakes. While attending the Le Mat Village Festival, guests are offered a cup of snake wine made from three or five snakes.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 25, 2012 Apr 13.


WHALE FESTIVAL

Whale Festival Viet NamThe Whale Festival has been, for centuries, the biggest water festival of the fishermen in Quang Nam, Danang province. The worshipping of the whale is not only about paying respect to their God, but also about ensuring prosperity for the villagers. This festival last for two days in the middle of the 3rd lunar month. On this occasion, the whale temple, as well as all the houses and boats, are beautifully decorated. The peace offering is conducted in the first evening at the whale temple by village elders. Offerings, which do not contain seafoods, are given while the oration is read out. The ceremony is held to respect the Whale God and to pray for the safety and prosperity of the village.


                                   


At dawn the following day, there will be a procession of boats on the sea in a set formation. This procession displays the sincerity of fishermen to their Whale God. By midnight, the official ceremony is conducted as school children offer incense and the orchestra plays a classical opera. All the fishing boats and villagers, no matter where they are, will return to take part in the Whale Festival.
Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Apr 31.


ELEPHANT RACE FESTIVAL


Elephant Race Festival Viet NamThis festival is held in the spring, around the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. It is usually held in Don Village or in forests near the Sevepoi River (Dac Lak). The race track is on even ground where there are only has a few big trees. The width of the track is large enough for 10 elephants to stand in a line at the same time and the length of the track runs 1-2 km.


                                   


With the signal of the horn (a wind instrument), the mahouts command their elephants to go to the starting line. When the command to start the race is released, all of the elephants rush ahead, excited by the sound of the drums, gongs, and cheering from the viewers. At the end of the race, the winning elephants lift their trunks above their heads to wave to the viewers. They walk deliberately flapping their ears gently, gazing through half-closed eyes to receive sugarcane from their viewers.


The elephant race is the biggest festival in the middle highland. It bears the martial spirit of the M'nong ethnic group, who are very famous for their bravery and skill in hunting wild elephants.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Mar 31.

Vietnam remains world’s top pepper exporter

                                  

Vietnam exported 15,000 tonnes of pepper in May, earning over 102 million USD, bringing pepper exports in the first five months of this year to 62,000 tonnes, worth 424 million USD.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department says that Vietnam continues to be the world’s number one pepper exporter, making up almost half of the world’s pepper exports.

The US , Germany and the United Arab Emirates are Vietnam ’s three biggest pepper importers, with a combined export revenue of more than 30 million USD. They are followed by Egypt , India , the Netherlands , Singapore and Spain .

The department added that the United Arab Emirates is an export market with a huge potential for Vietnamese businesses as the country has no tariffs or trade barriers.

It also recommended that Vietnamese pepper businesses should seek out agents and distributors in the country to make Vietnamese pepper more widely available to consumers in the country.-VNA

Modern bedroom Lamps ideas

With this post we put an end to the series we have been devoting to the latest trends in decoration. In this latest installment will show two new trends and how to follow the upgrade just one of our bedroom accessories, or with different combinations in decoration and without the need for works.

Lamps with personality bring an element of visibility to the environment and give them a stamp of identity. A good example to keep in mind if we add a personal touch to our own bedrooms. Furthermore, the trend can be applied to all types of lamps, whether desktop or standing and even ceilings and fixtures. See these nice bedroom lamps designs.

                             

                                        

                                      


                                

                             

                             

Light House

92 NAM KY KHOI NGHIA, DIST.1.HCM CITY

+ T: (84-8) 22 103 460

+ E: lighthouse@kimsa.vn

+ W: www.kimsa.vn

Vietnam, Morocco inked investment protection deal

Vietnam and Morocco signed an agreement on investment encouragement and protection in the Moroccan capital city of Rabat on June 15. 

                                    

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed the Vietnamese Government’s determination to strengthen cooperation with Morocco and join this country’s development efforts through boosting investment in the Moroccan market. 

Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nizar Baraka stressed that the agreement will help increase the flow of trade and investment between the two countries. 

He said through this agreement, the Moroccan Government wants to lure more foreign investment from Vietnam , which enjoys stable economic growths. 

The agreement will also open up opportunities for the two countries’ businesses to penetrate deeper in each other’s market, thus promoting bilateral trade, he added. 

On the same day, Deputy Minister Son met with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Saad Dine El Otmani to discuss measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics

Ho Chi Minh Spas & Massage

Increasing numbers of high-end luxury spas are opening up in Ho Chi Minh City.

The therapists have good knowledge of massage and other treatments, mixing eastern philosophy, knowledge and techniques with some western practices.

                                         

YKC Spa

Exceptional service and customer satisfaction for over a decade has firmly established YKC as a premier pampering destination for Saigon’s expats and visitors. Complimentary beverages are offered in addition to a complete range of professional spa and hair services. Family owned from the very start, YKC operates with the utmost integrity and respect in regards to serving its clients.

Address: 219 Dien Bien Phu, District 3, Saigon. 

Tel: +848 3829 2791 / 3827 5194 

                                         

                                       

Glow Spa

This is a day spa where you receive massage therapy, facial care, hair spa, hand and foot care services while enjoying views of the lush, tropical garden. It is situated right in the city centre.

Location: 129A Nguyen Hue, District 1 

Tel: +848 3823 8368 

                                      

L'Apothiquaire Spa & Retreat

L' Apothiquaire is in a colonial mansion with beautiful surroundings dating back to 1959. Services include facials, body treatment and fitness programs such as yoga and T’ai chi. There are a few branches spread out over the city.

Address: 

63 Le Thanh Ton St, District 1, Tel: +848 3822 1218 

64A Truong Dinh, District 3, Tel: +848 3932 5181 

                                      

Jasmine Spa

A long-time favourite among Japanese and European expatriates, Jasmine is famous for its cellulite treament package using seaweed and its cavier facial treatment.

Location: 45 Ton That Thiep, District 1 

Tel: +848 3827 2737

QI Saigon Spa

QI Saigon Spa is a luxury day spa and salon using Qi beauty products, a brand of the Japanese cosmetics firm Shiseido. 

Address: 151 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan District. 

Tel: +848 844 0611 

                                   

SEN Spa

SEN Spa offers body massage, facial care, Jacuzzi and herbal steam room. It is on the 10th floor of Miss Aodai Building in District 1, just minutes from the Saigon River.

Location: 10th floor of Miss Aodai Building in District 1

Tel: +848 3910 2174 

Spa Authentic

Situated on the Saigon River in District 2, Spa Authentic offers massage and facial packages in a luxurious pool surroundings.

Location: 195 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2 

Tel: +848 3744 6452 

                                 

Thann Sanctuary Spa

A branch of a successful Thai company, Thann reaches out to HCMC with its range of therapies that include healing stone body and foot scrubs and massages using their aromatic products based on Southeast Asian flora.

Location: 

Nguyen Du Park Villas, 111 Nguen Du, District 1

Saigon Center Level 2, 65 Le Loi Street 

Tel: +848 3822 0788 and +84 983 624 497

Ho Chi Minh Cooking Classes

Vietnamese food was one of the first true ‘fusion’ cuisines in the world, thanks to the history of the area, with its Indian, Chinese, French, Russian, and American influences. It is also renowned as one of the healthiest foods in the world.

So, while visiting the country, why not learn how to cook your own authentic Vietnamese dishes? Many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City offer cooking classes or you can try the following: 

                                            

Bi Saigon Cooking Classes

Bi Saigon Cooking Classes are held in the Bi Saigon Hotel & Restaurant. Here they teach visitors how to cook a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese recipes. There are no set times for classes. Instead, lessons are organised for individuals and small groups on request. 

Address: 185/26 – 185/16 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1

Tel: +848 836 0678 

                                          

Hoa Tuc Restaurant Cooking Class

Hands-on cooking classes are offered twice a day at this Vietnamese restaurant which used to be an opium refinery. Hoa Tuc is renowned for its authentic and fusion Vietnamese cuisine.

Location: 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Dist. 1 

Tel: +848 3825 1676 

Saigon Culinary Arts Centre

One of the latest additions to the burgeoning cooking schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Culinary Arts Centre is run by Vietnamese chef Mai, who take guests to the local markets, followed by a cooking demonstration at the well-equipped kitchen at Mai Home Restaurant.

Location: 42/3 Nguyen Van Troi Street - Phu Nhuan District 

Tel: +848 3997 9565 

Vietnam Cookery Center

Vietnam Cookery Center offers a morning course from 09:30 to 13:00, including lunch, or an afternoon course from 15:30 to 19:30, including dinner. There are also special courses for professional cooks and for children. Address: 177 Dien Bien Phu, District 1

Tel: +848 823 5872