Divide and ConquerNo matter what size your outdoor space, use the concept of space planning to create comfort zones on your deck or patio. For a large space, create separate spaces for eating, conversation and play. The individual spaces will set a tranquil mood for each activity. For example, four antique rockers pulled up to a fire pit or chiminea will guarantee comfortable conversation. Keep the clutter of sand boxes and water toys in the play area. The dining space should be located close to kitchen access or your outdoor grill for ease of entertainment. The Sounds of SummerPart of the charm of a summer evening is the relaxing tones of the season. Plan your garden with water features. These soothing tones can mask street noise, the buzz of the lawnmower next-door or noisy neighbors. Even a simple tabletop fountain will do the job. A set of wind chimes made of tubular steel or glass, or even bamboo, can create an exotic, faraway feeling. Incorporate music with outdoor speakers or a portable stereo. Tame the OutdoorsAdd a focal point to your outdoor living space. Tame the outdoors with an architectural focus such as a pergola, trellis or antique Victorian fencing. Simple garden statuary designed into the landscape can create moods as diverse as Eastern, English Garden or classic American backyard. All of these create a unique comfort zone and a space that people will always remember. Color CoordinateCoordinate your outdoor colors with the features of your home. From awnings and textile selections to flower pots, and florals keep a similar color palette to set a comforting mood. In addition, always follow nature¹s hint for designing an outdoor color scheme. Visual pollution can be rampant when mixing colors not found in nature such as neons or electric pastels. Instead try, terra cotta, whites and any soothing shade of green. The TabletopIncorporate the season in your outdoor tabletop when entertaining. Wicker or rattan placemats set against the texture of outdoor linens provide the base for almost any type of tableware. Even the Duchess of Windsor incorporated potted red geraniums as centerpieces at formal outdoor cocktail parties. Portability a PlusTea carts and trays are a necessary component of a portable feast. Before guests arrive, you can prep your cart with the evening¹s essentials to avoid distracting trips to and from the house. For casual family dining, always keep a basket filled with plastic cutlery, colorful paper plates and toss-away glassware for an impromptu outdoor evening together. Even meatloaf tastes better outside.John C. FrankeInstructorThe Art Institute of Pittsburgh

THE SCENT OF SPRINGEven though it might take some planning, don¹t underestimate the power of scent. Think about the cleaning products you plan to use before cleaning day. Too many powerful, contrasting scents like bleach, ammonia and heavily perfumed products will clash with your personal comfort. Try citrus-scented products such as orange, lemon or other fruit scents can create a comfortable, fresh feeling. If a heavier product is needed, consider fragrance-free alternatives. A CHECKLIST FOR COMFORTTime management eases the overwhelming burden of spring cleaning. A huge, daunting job can be much more doable if spread out over two weeks worth of 30 minute cleaning projects. Set the mood by creating a task list over coffee, careful to break the jobs into things that can be done in short periods before or after work or during weekend mornings. The last thing you want is to devote entire weekends of your glorious spring to cleaning. Remember to delegate specific jobs to other members of the household. RELAX, READ AND CLEAN AT THE SAME TIMESwing by your local library and select a few thrillers, romance novels or biographies of books on tape. Pop them into your stereo, turn up the volume and start cleaning. Time will fly by and your home will radiate comfort and cleanliness. INVENTORY THE PRODUCTSEver open your cleaning product closet to find a jumbled array of products including 5 varieties of window cleaner but no furniture polish? We know. Before spring cleaning, inventory your products and separate them into bright, colorful buckets with supplies separated according to type of task. This way, you'll know what you need to get started and save time the long run. PACK AWAY! THROW AWAY! GIVE AWAY!Before beginning spring cleaning, have three large bins placed strategically for collecting items. One is for saving. One is for tossing. One is for donations to charity. You will reduce your excess clutter and confusion by two-thirds with very little effort. SPRING HOME TRANSFORMATIONSFive tips to creating a comfortable, spring interior.Minimize your accessories by packing away at least half of your tabletop and bookcase clutter. Spring¹s design focus should be simple and minimalist.Try rolling up rugs, freshen pillows and change your bed linens to reflect the season. Create relaxed mood by bringing nature inside for a visual relief from the long, cold winter. Bring branches of willow, quince, apple and plum into a room and force blooms to breathe freshness into your personal space. Buy potted flowers from the supermarket and lots of wicker baskets. Place fresh flowers in miniature vases in rooms where you spend your most time, like bathroom, kitchen and family room. A touch of the outside will always create a relaxing mood. Try reversing a room for a spring feeling. Mix it up by shifting a room's focus away from a fireplace and towards a window where the season can become part of the décor. Scramble the furniture to create a new view. Create an economical, pale pastel accessory theme by spray-painting dollar store items a monochromatic, creamy pink, soft green or pale yellow. Group these items in a focal zone in your home to lighten the mood with spring flair. For example, cheap flower pots, candle holders or vases can be painted and clustered to display your spring fever. Slip into a spring with simple slip covers for your darker upholstered pieces. Or add a piece of outdoor wicker furniture with a floral pillow in your bedroom so that you wake each morning with the anticipation of the season to come.John C. FrankeInstructorThe Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Stress in college can be caused by competition for grades, worry about career prospects, tension from relationships, living on your own for the first time, financial concerns and many other factors. Signs of stress may include: problems eating or sleeping, frequent illnesses, overpowering urges to cry, nightmares, frequent headaches, problems making decisions, increased procrastination and inability to concentrate. The physiological tensing and added mental alertness that goes away when the challenge has been met allows you to relax and carry on with normal activities. Failing to return to normal situations leads to stress becoming negative. The changes in your body - increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, stomach and muscle tension start to take their toll, often leading to mental and physical exhaustion and illness.The Art Institute of California-Orange County Student Counselor Laura Pinkham offers stress management techniques:Take a break - get some exercise or fresh air, go somewhere private and have a good yell or cry.Is it worth being upset over the situation — You can choose to be calm and ignore the situation. Talk it over with a friend, or write it out in a letter you don't send.List all the things you need to do right away - Prioritize the list and only do the top few. The rest can be a priority tomorrow. Getting rid of procrastination helps reduce stress.Choose your own goals — Don't live out choices others have made for you.Think Positively — Be optimistic. Your mind sends signals to the body to prepare for danger whenever you think about possible negative outcomes and you become tense whether or not the situation occurs.Build a support system — Let your friends help you handle your stress. You can help them when they are overloaded as well.Keep your expectations realistic — Don't expect perfection from yourself or others. Expect there will be problems reaching your goals and realize you can solve most of them with practice.Accept what you cannot change — If a problem is beyond your control, you are better off accepting it for now than spinning your wheels.Anticipate potentially stressful situations and prepare for them — Decide whether the situation is one you should deal with, postpone or avoid. If you decide to deal with it, practice what you will say.Live in the present — Learn from the past and move on. Laura PinkhamThe Art Institute of California-Orange County School Counselor

SHARE THE PLANNINGCome up with a design concept that includes your roommate. It's important that both people living in the room share in the creative process...this will insure a greater continuity in the atmosphere, rather than dividing the room straight down the middle. Plus, both personalities can be reflected in the finished design and both residents will be happier because of it.STORAGE IS CHALLENGE #1Consider storage as your number one design challenge. That means everything that is purchased or added to the overall design should create more storage space. Things like wicker baskets with lids, colorful boxes, shelving and organizational bins can be coordinated for your theme, but hide the clutter. Mass merchandisers, office supply stores and discount chains now offer bright, dynamic storage solutions. USE SMARTS WHEN SPLITTING COSTSWhen purchasing design elements for the room, consider ownership issues. Try to avoid mutual purchases, knowing that eventually you'll be moving on. The idea of splitting the cost of a mini refrigerator might seem okay now, but imagine trying to divide it in half later. THINK SLEEK, NOT SLOPPYTo create a stylish dorm room, you can be trendy without being sloppy.Rather than taping posters or magazine clippings to the wall, select your five favorite magazine covers and slide them into a simple, inexpensive frame and mount them to the wall in a sleek series. Or wrap a plain corkboard in vibrant fabric to create a functional piece of wall art.Consider thrift stores and garage sales for rare finds to give your room an eclectic, vintage look. This is a great summer activity for roommates to plan pre-move-in day. If your residence hall permits, consider paint color. Woodsy browns, electric neons, or chic grays can all be the catalyst for creating a unique flair.AVOID SICKLY FLOURESCENT LIGHTDon't rely on fluorescent overhead dorm lighting. Don't even turn it on. Check out contemporary task and mood lighting, instead, available at discount department stores. Just a few simple accents of light will dramatically change the mood of the room from sterile to sophisticated. TUNE IN TO THE PROSLast but not least, consider using popular TV shows such as "Trading Spaces," "Design on a Dime," or other trendy shows for affordable inspiration. New roommates can agree to watch a variety of shows and share their favorite ideas.

1. Become One with the Game. In other words, study the mechanics behind the game play. Every game is built around a pattern. Learn this and you can figure out the game. Each time you try to beat a certain level, for instance, you many notice that a character may kill you the same way each time. Watch the way this character moves in the game, because your timing may be all it needs to defeat this "foe" and move forward in the game.Perhaps all it takes is to turn the corner a second sooner, or sneak up on him to break his need right before he turns around down the hall. Some characters have particular "hit" areas that will weaken them and kill them faster. Look for these things and it is just a matter of time before you catch on and master the game.2. Play with your friends, and ask around. Chances are you hang with a crowd of people that play games as much as you do. If you don't, join an online game environment. Many games today allow you to play with others online, connected to the same server. This is a great way to get advice, learn from others and meet new people. It also makes the game more interesting. It may be easy to beat the computer or console, but a little harder to beat someone's unexpected moves.3. Use the Internet. There are tons of sites that offer walkthroughs, cheats, and hints. These sites are geared for the "gamer at heart" and offer pictures, chat rooms, advice, and naturally a "guide" to the structure of the game play. A true gamer, however, should never use the cheats area unless it is totally imperative. My recommendation is not to use cheats unless you totally are in a "rut", or if you have beat the game on your own and just want to open up the "hidden" modes.4. Gameshark! I know I just mentioned trying not to cheat above, but this add-on to your console is perfect to help you achieve those perfect scores, over and over again. That is, if this is what you are going for. This gives you the ability to "unlock" secrets within the game. Unlimited lives, invincibility, change of characters, unlimited ammo, new weapons, you "name it".) Naturally you are limited to what modes are programmed into the game, created by the programming wizards behind it. This also allows you to access hidden levels that perhaps you can not get to because you just can't beat a level you are stuck on.5. Repetitive motion, what! Some games are built on the speed at which you play. Since not all games are based on characters with in-depth action plots, you may find that you are playing a game that is based on strategy and timing. Many online games provide you a chance to play against, well, yourself. You need to beat the time allotted, or your best time, to progress to the next level. This next level may very well be identical to the previous, but just a "little" faster. The goal, naturally, is to get the highest score possible and have a surplus of extra lives to get there. Although you are putting all you energy in your wrist and finger movement, you may want to sit with the correct posture and look directly into your monitor, not have the monitor off to the side. The goal is to give your body the best alignment and reduce tension on your wrist and fingers. Hence my next tip:6. Posture, a.k.a. Ergonomics. I know this sounds like the "hum drum" rantings of a doctor, or a mother, but your posture is key to staying alert and getting the most out of your reflexes. The following is a list from Cornell University Ergonomics Web Site:Back supported by chair (sitting back in chair with back >90° and well supported)Chair seat should not compress behind the kneesFeet firmly on a surface for support Head balanced on neck (not tilted back or too far forwards)Popliteal angle >90° (i.e. angle behind the knees should be open)Upper arms close to body and relaxed (not abducted to the side or flexed forward)Elbow angle >90° (forearm below horizontal)Wrist neutral (7. Console Game comfort. Ok, once again, I am harping, but the way you sit will give you a better chance of staying alert and get good nerve flow to your fingers for those quick moves. Just remember to get up once in a while to get the blood going and give yourself a chance to gain some fresh insight into your game play. There have been so many times when I start to play a game at 10 a.m. and don't stop to eat or take a break till after 5 p.m. I find that when I can't get through a particular part in the game, I step away. Lets face it, no one should be in front of a TV for that long of a time, but it happens. Try to step outside for a bit or get some food, you may come back and just have enough rejuvenation to beat that level with your "new head".8. Start your own Chat Room. I know several people that have done this. Start your own site dedicated to your favorite games or "games". You will be surprised at how many people will start to add feedback and advice.9. Play a previous version. Many games today have had prior versions made. Look at Mortal Kombat and how far this has come. Allot of times if you have been a devout fan and player of a game, similarities will help you work out the new controls or mechanics behind a game. It won't be long before you catch on to what is new and "improved" in the game, and be able to complete the game successfully.10. PLAY PLAY PLAY. I think this is a combination of all of the above. Play the game often, and never ever give up. The real thing to remember is that once you complete a game, you can now play it again, perhaps on a harder mode, and then again, and again. Many games today allow you to open up new levels, so it almost seems like the game is never ending. The real challenge of course is being able to beat yourself and your old score.Playing with your friends and perhaps others online if the game permits, is also rewarding. There are many online games that now allow you to log into and WIN prizes or money. It feels great to say you are the "master" of a particular game, who can perhaps provide your own tips to others who are just beginning to play. GOOD LUCK!Vikki HrodyMedia Arts & Animation InstructorThe Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago

With the advent of the holidays, people are readying their cameras to immortalize those special moments and occasions. Here are some quick tips for getting the most out of your camera and producing eye-catching shots:Be sure that you are well-equipped. Have extra film and batteries. If you are shooting digital, it pays to have a spare memory card. It's a rule of life that the best shot always presents itself when you've taken the last shot on the last roll, your battery dies, or you've just used up your only memory card.Since most holiday pictures are taken indoors, make sure that you have adequate lighting. A pop-up flash illuminates within only a very short range. Digital photographers may be able to select a higher setting for shooting in low light. Film photographers should be sure to purchase film appropriate for shooting indoors.Get in close, especially if you are photographing people. Fill the frame, and aim for an interesting composition. Don't place your subject at the center. In your mind, divide the photo frame in thirds both vertically and horizontally. Where the lines intersect are the "sweet spots" for positioning your main subject.Take a lot of photos of the same subject, especially if a great shot presents itself. The first photo doesn't always come out the way you think it will, and this way you'll have a choice. Film is cheap, and with a digital camera, taking multiple photos is a snap. Shoot first; view your shots afterwards.Don't pose people and wait for them to smile. Candid shots are more genuine and more interesting.Lastly, holidays often mean color. Take advantage of the bright colors to rev up your photos.Marcia LloydInstructorThe Art Institute of New York City

The time has come to look forward to warm, beautiful sun, bright flowers and the prospect of being at the beach or poolside...Ugh!Summer to most women over a certain age is a season of dread. Not because of the heat, but because we will be forced into the torture chamber called the dressing room, where we will try on swimwear. What's a woman to do? Short of resorting to cut-offs and a tee shirt, here are some tricks to finding a perfect bathing suit. The first consideration is color. If your taste runs to bright colors, and you're not model-slim, think this one through. Black and navy work well. Unless you have been visiting a tanning salon, a dark color is best, because it won't clash with pasty skin. A well-cut swimsuit can do wonders for a woman's confidence. Various cuts and styles can help you emphasize your strong points. It's like magic—you distract the eye with one thing and you don't realize that something else is happening. The bikini, in my humble opinion, should be avoided by everyone but Supermodels. The tankini is the newest silhouette to hit the swimwear market. It was probably invented by a Baby Boomer when she realized that she was more "Boom" than "va-voom". Unfortunately, this style of bathing suit forces your extra adipose tissue simultaneously down and up. But the tankini has its good points. It comes with a wide range of bra styles and trunk coverage, and flatters a slim waist.The tank suit is the one-piece suit for swimmers and people who are active. It's sleek and slimming and it stays on while you are playing beach volleyball. Make sure that you get the correct sizeThe blouson, both one and two piece, is a merciful version of the swimsuit. It's full in the middle, comfortable, and able to hide a multitude of sins. A swim dress is flattering to anyone who has less than perfect legs. Because it is full skirted, it allows free movement. The only downside is being hit in the face with a floating skirt as you enter the water. The boy short is best left to boys. The line of the trunk hits the widest part of the leg. 'Nuf said. So, I return to my daydreams of summer? Gosh, I wonder if there are any pool parties in our future? Maybe I should rejoin the gym. Monica E. SpenceInstructor: Fashion DesignThe Art Institute of New York City

Trust us: as far as Father's Day presents go, this year neckties are done. Fish wall decorations that sing? Out. Help your dad be hip this year with stylish gifts that encourage him to tap into his playful side. Do you think your dad works too much? Get him a great pair of lounging pajamas to encourage him to rest more and some matching slippers.If you constantly hear your dad complaining about how he needs to exercise more, think about buying him a pair of quality sweats in the colors of the season.If you and your siblings want to pitch in for an outdoor adventure trip for dad this Father's Day, also consider hitting your local outdoor outfitting store for a wardrobe that will match the adventure. For instance, if you're getting him a river rafting trip, buy him a