Lakeside Collection Blog

A quick search in Google for best-selling books of all time will yield more results than one could imagine. Depending on what you are searching for, the list changes considerably. You can find best non-fiction books, best fiction books, best book in a series—it can get very granular.

For the sake of this post, we will look at the best-selling books of all time in the broadest sense. These books would have made more than one top selling list—and are worth noting. So without further ado, here are the top 10 selling books of all time.

The Bible
Copies Sold: 2,500,000,000+
It’s no surprise this tops almost every list out there. The Bible has been around for thousands of years and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With being one of the oldest books ever written, it’s no surprise it’s one of the best-selling books of all time.

Quotations from Chairman Mao
Copies Sold: 800,000,000+
This book you may or may not be as familiar with. Quotations from Chairman Mao was published in the late sixties and it was mandatory for all people living in China to carry a copy. This might not top everyone’s favorite book of all-time list, but it has been sold more times than not.

A Tale of Two Cites
Copies Sold: 200,000,000
One of Charles Dicken’s most popular novels, this book has been sold again and again. A favorite among literary circles, it’s not hard to imagine why it’s sold so many copies. Wikipedia also sites this book has been made into a movie seven times—three of which were silent films.

Le Petite Prince (The Little Prince)
Copies Sold: 200,000,000
This book is also credited with being the most read and translated book in the French language. According to Fun on the Net, “It’s about a delightful little prince who sets off on a journey across all the planets so see if he can find a friend. He has no luck until he falls to Earth. It was first published in 1943.”

The Lord of the Rings
Copies Sold: 150,00,000
With the popularity of the epic blockbuster trilogy it’s not a surprise this book by J. R. R. Tolkien makes the top ten. Written from 1937-1949, Tolkien draws us in with his great writing and makes us want to be part of the journey to destroy the evil ring. This is definitely one of most entertaining books ever written.

The Hobbit
Copies Sold: 100,000,000
Written before the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R Tolkien hit it big with The Hobbit. Wikipedia reports, “Encouraged by the book’s critical and financial success, the publisher requested a sequel. As Tolkien’s work on the successor The Lord of the Rings progressed, he made retrospective accommodations for it in The Hobbit. These few but significant changes were integrated into the second edition. Further editions followed with minor emendations, including those reflecting Tolkien’s changing concept of the world into which Bilbo stumbled. The work has never been out of print.”

The Dream of the Red Chamber
Copies Sold: 100,000,000
Another book sprung out of China, The Dream of the Red Chamber is considered one of four classic Chinese novels. Outlining the rise and eventual fall of the Qing Dynasty, this book is said to be semi-autobiographical. The author alludes to his own family during this time.

And Then There Were None
Copies Sold: 100,000,000
The only female author to break the top ten, Agatha Christine’s And Then There Were None is said to be the best murder mystery book of all time. If you haven’t had a chance to pick this book up, it’s time you did.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Copies Sold: 85,000,000
Available to buy in 1950, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has grabbed the attention of children and adults ever since. Now considered one of the best books for kids ever published, it has been translated in over 47 different languages. This book doesn’t seem to be losing steam over 60 years later.

She: A History of Adventure
Copies Sold: 83,000,000
Written by Henry Rider Haggard, this book rounds out our top ten list. According to Wikipedia, She is, “a first-person narrative that follows the journey of Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey to a lost kingdom in the African interior. There, they encounter a primitive race of natives and a mysterious white queen, Ayesha, who reigns as the all-powerful “She”.”

Have you read any of these books on the list? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

Image Credit: The Producer’s Prospective 

The debate around whether you should or shouldn’t take your cell phone to the beach is still open. The arguments against it are strong: you risk damaging or losing it, you will probably spend a huge part of your beach day talking to the friends or checking for updates from your work, and there will be little time to recharge and rest when your cell phone is with you. But on the other hand, you will be able to take pictures and share your moments with your friends, you’re ready if you’re waiting on important news, and in case of any emergency you can call for help – which are very good reasons as well; so let’s see what you can do to reduce the risks and to keep your cell phone safe from sun, water, sand, thieves, and what you can do to correct the mishaps.

1. Put it in a zip lock sandwich bag. It will be safe from the moisture and sand scratches; but you have to make sure that both the bag and your cell are completely dry, unless you want to turn the bag into a steamer.

2. Put it in your beach bag, but place it under your underwear and socks – hopefully they will serve as a deterrent.

3. Leave it in a locker, but carry the locker key with you when you swim. You can put the key in your shorts (if they have zipped pockets), in your water shoes if you wear them, or tie it to your bathing suit or around your wrist. Even the cooler is an option if you get really desperate.

4. Password protect your cell phone when you go to the beach.

5. If you see that your cell is overheating (some phones will display the warning message), put it in a cool place (if there’s nothing at the beach, place it under your towel or bag), or switch it off. Never handle it when it’s too hot to touch. Never.

6. Download the beach waves ringtone and use it if you don’t want to switch the ringtone off. This way it won’t be drawing attention when it rings. And you won’t be irritating the people around you (unless you have that bad habit of speaking loudly on the phone – if you do, kill it immediately!).

7. Add your home number as “01 Return to” to your contacts list. If you’re lucky enough and the person who found it wants to get in touch with you, this way it will be easy for him to find out who to call.

8. If you have dropped it in the water, there may be a way to salvage it if it hasn’t been in the water for too long. Dry it off and place it in a plastic bag filled with dry rice – it can help to absorb the remaining moisture, but you’ll have to keep it like that overnight.

9. Just in case, have a chit chat with a few people around you at the beach. Make sure that they remember you, so no one else can pretend that it’s their belongings, while you’re in the water.

10. Take an old lotion bottle, clean it well, cut the top part almost entirely (it should stay attached to the bottle on one end) and put your cell phone, keys, money in it. Keep the bottle in your bag, so that the possible thieves can’t see where you’re pulling the phone from. This way, no one will notice that you have any valuables with you.

It’s good to be free to carry your cell phone with you everywhere you go, but it’s also a good idea to make sure it’s safe. If you have anything to add, please share your tips!

Do it yourself options are great for many things—it saves money, gives you the satisfaction that yes, you put in that kitchen sink and in some cases gives you eco-friendly alternatives. Household cleaners clean your home, but also bring in toxic chemicals. Check out these five DIY house cleaning options that save you money and chemical use.

Bathtub Cleaner
The bathroom is one of those rooms that you want spotless, yet it always seems dirty. Instead of bleaching, and spraying toxic chemicals in the tub, try this option instead. It does a great job and you will save money while benefiting your health.

Ingredients: 2/3 cup baking soda

½ cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap

2 tablespoons vinegar

In a spray bottle (or similar container) combine the above ingredients together and shake well. You can apply with a sponge or cloth. Make sure to rinse well, the vinegar and baking soda tend to leave a light film if not rinsed thoroughly.

Tile Cleaner
There are a few options here—each work just as well, just depends on your preference. For more great ideas like the ones below check out The Daily Green.

Ingredients: Baking Soda
Lemon Juice
Vinegar
Tea Tree Oil

Baking Soda and Water: Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.

Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.

Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It’s easy!

Kitchen Cleaner
If the bathroom is a room that needs constant attention, the kitchen is the second most time-consuming. Between preparing meals and eating, it can get messy fast. My Own Ideas gives a great option for kitchen cleaners.

Ingredients: 1 part distilled vinegar
1 part warm water
2-3 drops tea tree oil

Funnel the ingredients into a clean, empty squirt bottle and gently swirl the liquid around to mix. Vinegar and tea tree oil are mild disinfectants, so this solution works great a kitchen surface cleaner. Avoid surfaces with finished wood, however, because the vinegar ratio is high enough that it can strip wood stain.

Wood Furniture Polish
According to the EPA chemicals in furniture polish, “may irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract (that is your throat, lungs and wind pipe). If ingested, furniture polish can cause nausea, vomiting, and medical help should be sought.” Avoid all of this with the DIY option below.

Ingredients: 1 Cup olive oil
½ Cup lemon juice

Mix ingredients into a spray bottle, mist into a soft cloth and polish away! The olive oil moisturizes your wood while the lemon juice cleans the furniture. The nice lemon smell lofting in the air afterwards is another great perk.

Window Cleaner
Glass and windows can be a pain to clean. You don’t want to leave a streaky mess, but the cost of window/glass cleaners can add up fast. Check out this DIY option that will leave your windows shiny.

Ingredients: ¼ Cup white vinegar
¼ Cup rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Cups warm water

Combine all elements and shake well. Spray away and see the fantastic results. Fabulously Frugal suggests shaking well before EACH use.

Have you concocted a great DIY cleaner? Share your DIY cleaner in the comments below.

It’s Friday and that can only mean one thing—Lakeside’s Selection. This week we have everything from home décor to grill covers. So sit back, relax and pick your favorite Lakeside items you just can’t go without.

The attractive designs of this Decorative Rug Collection will add a rich look to your home while protecting your floors. Beautify high-traffic entrances and halls with the Accent Rug or Runner. The Area Rug makes a statement wherever you use it.

Like a mighty defensive line, an NFL Grill Cover protects your grill from the wear and tear of the elements and heavy use. Rain, snow, frost and UV rays are no match for it! Durable vinyl offers superior protection against tearing and withstands outside temperatures from -20° F to 140° F.

Coordinated sheets and pillowcases come at a can’t-miss price in this 6-Pc. Bonus Pack Sheet Set. The set features bold stripes and soft, wrinkle-resistant construction.

Sanibel Quilt or Sham will make your bedroom feel like a relaxing beach house. It features images of seashells, starfish and seaweed on a rich blue background.

Create an enchanting oasis with a Fairy or Gnome Garden Kit. Add the pieces to a container or a corner of a flower bed, select a few plants, and soon you will have a mini garden. Perfect indoors and outside.

Doing a family photo shoot can add quite a lot of stress to your life. Especially if your children are little! Trying to get a toddler to sit still and look where you want him to is about as possible as finding a unicorn in your backyard. Not to mention getting them to the studio with their hair still combed and clothes still clean is a superhuman feat!

Here are some tips for making the family photos something you will love to share – without pulling your hair out first.

Remember, kids will be kids.
A comfortable kid is a happy kid. If you have your child in some starchy piece of clothing they aren’t allowed to move in, all the photos will be a fight. You will have grumpy looks, tears, and at the very best, a fake smile. Dress them in something nice, but casual and comfortable. Let them play. Some of the best photos will be when your child is not aware a photo is being taken, and you will have genuine smiles and emotions. Don’t force them into a pose. Give them a couple guidelines, and then let them be themselves. Just remember to be patient, be flexible, and have fun. If you have multiple children, let them interact and play off each other. What could be a cuter picture than siblings playing together? Much better than sitting stiffly and awkwardly.

Relax.
The more stressed your family is, the worse the picture is going to be. A photo shoot will never go how you expect it to, so just go with the flow. If you are at the park and your son picks up a stick to play with, let him play with it! Just think of it as a prop. It will show his personality, keep him happy, and add character to the photo. We are all our own worst critics, but don’t worry about how you look in a photo. The more you worry about it, the harder it will be to look good. Sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true! Relax, be yourself, laugh, and be happy. Your photo will turn out with you looking natural and great.

Be Yourself.
What is your family’s personality? Do you like to dress up as superheroes, or would you rather pose with favorite sports equipment? If your family loves board games and not sports, don’t have them pose with baseball bats! Sitting around a board game in the grass outside can make just as fun of a shot as sports equipment can. At the same time, if your family is big into sports, having them pose with books just will not work. Find your family’s personality and work with it.

Keep things simple.
The more complex your photo shoot is, the more frustrating it will become. Have only a couple props as opposed to 20, a couple changes of clothes rather than 10 each, and only one or two locations rather than 9. Too many things will just make the photo shoot long and arduous, and too many props in a photo makes it look messy and detracts from the people.

Clothes
It is good to coordinate clothes to get a sense of unity, but your clothes should not be identical; that just detracts from your beautiful faces! An overlapping color scheme works, as well as different shades of one color. Avoid extreme colors or patterns, as well as all having the same style. A Polo shirt might look good on Uncle Joe, but not on cousin Sally, even if they are different colors. Keep a certain color scheme, but let everyone chose their own style. That will help you match as well as show individuality in your photo.

Location
Your location is just as important as your clothing or props. The location should be interesting, but not messy with lots of distractions. You are the star after all, not the background; it should not detract from you! Pick a background that matches your clothing and mood; a wedding shot in a parking lot full of trash would not be the best pick. Pick a photographer that knows the area as well. You would not want a Cincinnati wedding photographer to photograph a ski trip in Colorado. A local photographer will know the best places to shoot, the weather tendencies of the area, and may even have a couple out of the way locations up his sleeve that an out of town photographer would not know.

So there you have the 6 commandments of family photo shoots! Follow these and your pictures will be the amazing works of art you will want to show off and pass down through the generations. Happy photo taking!

Melanie Hargrave is a wife and homemaker whose pride and joy is her family. In addition to spending time with her husband and daughters, she loves being outdoors, playing sports, and sharing her experiences with others.

If you haven’t jumped on the Pinterest craze, the time is now. Pinterest is a wealth of ideas, tips and everything in between. We are on Pinterest  go check it out—you’ll be glad you did. One of our most popular boards is our Kids! board. We’ve compiled our top five pins for you to check out below.

Kids can have fun chalking where they do their walking with a Sidewalk Designer kit and 50-Ct. Chalk set. From the backyard patio to the sidewalk and driveway out front, these tools will bring out their creative side. The Magic Art™ Spiral Sidewalk Design Kit allows a child to design giant sidewalk creations.

Kids won’t be dreading bath time when they know they get to play with this Tub Time Water Park Playset. They won’t ever get bored with all the options included. The 3-pc. waterway features a swing, a water wheel, a water scoop, a floating penguin, a floating hippo and 3 barricades to change water flow.

Engaging stories share lifelong lessons for young readers in this Make Manners Fun 8-Book Set. Each features cute animal characters to draw kids into the instructive tales.

Plush Turtle Ball Pit is a soft pal and a play place for babies and toddlers. The cozy and friendly Turtle Activity Bag and the Set of 25 Play Balls combine to entertain babies all afternoon. Sit them inside the pit, or zip the turtle up to discover other activities on the outside of its shell.

Kids can have fun chalking where they do their walking with a Sidewalk Designer kit and 50-Ct. Chalk set. From the backyard patio to the sidewalk and driveway out front, these tools will bring out their creative side. The Magic Art™ Spiral Sidewalk Design Kit allows a child to design giant sidewalk creations.

Image Credit: Flickr

As a family nurse practitioner with a special interest in dermatology, I frequently have people ask me how they can not only prevent skin cancer on their faces, but how to keep their skin looking youthful.

The list of age-defying products, foods, tips, and “secrets” is endless. Typically they involve expensive lotions and creams, eating foods that contain antioxidants, or even sometimes rubbing those foods on your face. But here are some simple, everyday changes that can alter your look without altering your lifestyle or significantly impacting your budget.

1) Use daily moisturizer with sunscreen on your face all year round.

Everyone already knows that to prevent premature aging, they should protect themselves from harmful UV rays from the sun.  But think about it. How do you typically use sunscreen? You arrive at the beach and proceed to put it on. What about your drive there, though? It’s likely that the sun was beating down on your face as you wended your way down the road from your house to the beach, daydreaming of your toes in the sand. You should apply sunscreen before you leave the house. There are many facial moisturizers that contain between 15 to 50 SPF that are available in discount pharmacies as well as department stores. Higher price doesn’t necessarily mean more sun protection.

Image Credit: Flickr

Since my private practice is in the state of Washington, many patients say to me, “but we don’t have sun here in the winter.” Any amount of sun can be damaging to your skin, leading to age spots, wrinkles and cancer. Just like you should brush and floss your teeth daily, developing a daily habit of year-round sunscreen is best. See your healthcare professional or cosmetic dermatology practice to discuss treatments available to remove sun spots, skin cancer and minimize wrinkles. Using daily sunscreen can minimize the return of these aging effects of the sun.

Image Credit: Flickr

2) Just as less makeup is more youthful 

In most situations, less scrubbing will help protect your skin from damage. Dab – don’t wipe – your face with a towel to dry it off. I have seen women who, although using age defying cosmetics, are absolutely brutal with their face when it comes to removing the very makeup they are hoping will keep them looking youthful. And don’t forget, your daily makeup applying and removing rituals aren’t the only times you interact with your face!

Many times throughout the day we touch our faces without even thinking, breaking down the elasticity of our skin and creating perfect homes for wrinkles. Try to be conscious of when you touch your face;  fold your hands in your lap when you are tempted to rub your temples or rest your chin on your hand, and be gentle when using a napkin.

3) Sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin.

Sun protective clothing, gloves and hats are all great ways to block the sun’s rays.  Each day I see men with cancer or precancerous lesions on their ears, temples, cheeks and neck, even though they have worn a baseball cap every day for most of their lives. You need to wear a broad brimmed hat to fully protect your face, ears and neck. Since I have fair skin, I make sure to wear a hat with UV50+ sun protection year-round, even when the sunshine is not as intense. Cowboys and people on the prairie learned this lesson a long time ago, and sun protection can be a fashion statement as well as a health decision.

Image Credit: Flickr

With just a few tiny adjustments, you will be well on your way to maintaining a youthful appearance. Like other things in life, I believe it’s the little things like these, that when compounded over time, can make the most profound difference.

Susan J Jones, ARNP is a registered Family Nurse Practitioner. She now runs her own family practice on Whidbey Island, Washington. In 2011, Susan was awarded the Hometown Hero award for her medical work, both domestically and in Latin America.

It seems like we have always been able to shop online or maybe it’s that I can’t imagine not shopping online!  Well it wasn’t always that way, let’s take a look at an overview of how this online world started:

 1971: Email

Email began in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson.  Also the “@” symbol began.

1978: The Bulletin Board System (BBS)

Since we are headquartered in Chicago, I didn’t find it surprising that the first bulletin board system (BBS) was developed here in Chicago during a blizzard.

1978: Spam is born

No you don’t want spam but you do not want your Lakeside emails going to spam!  Double check and make sure you are getting all our deals and promo emails, if not sign up at lakeside.com.

 1982: The first emoticon

Began by Scott Fahlman in 1982.

1989: AOL is launched

1993: Governments join in on the fun

The White House and the United Nations go online, using the .gov and .org domain names.

1995: Commercialization of the internet

1995 is believed to be the first year the web became commercialized- happy shopping!  Amazon started in 1995.

1995: Geocities, the Vatican goes online, and JavaScript

Yes a new pope was chosen this year which was all over the internet but the  Vatican also went online for the first time in 1995.

1996: First web-based (webmail) service

1998: Google!

Google went live in 1998, changing the way people search and shop online.  Go ahead and google Lakeside Collections!

2001: Wikipedia is launched

2003: MySpace

MySpace began in 2003 and grew to be a huge social network that is until Facebook came!

2004: Facebook

2005: YouTube

YouTube launched in 2005, you can look up all the Lakeside Collection videos there too.  I love the Lakeside Collection Photo Shoot Behind-The-Scenes one!

2006: Twitter

Twitter launched in 2006.

2007: The iPhone and the Mobile Web

The iPhone, what a creation!  I don’t know how I would get by without mine or shop online at Lakeside.com without it!

The Future?

The Lakeside Collection will continue to bring the latest trends and technology to our website so we can offer our wonderful customers the best shopping experience possible!

Just a few more hours ’til the weekend! Why not take a break now? Sit back, relax, and check out our favorite items for the week. We have everything you need to add fun to your home and decorate your garden.

NFL Country Stone Marker shows that your team loyalty rises from the ground up. Place it near your garden, a walkway, or anywhere you want to make your support known. It features the team logo and realistic rock-like texture and weathering.

Cheerful images in colors girls love highlight the patterns of these Peace or Love Sheet Sets. They bring a whole new, vibrant personality to her bedroom decor. Pastel colors make them pretty, and microfiber material makes them easy care and wrinkle resistant.

Vibrantly colored flower garden stake is sure to bring attention to any outdoor area. Use it as a unique planter decoration, a clever trellis for vining plants, or an eye-catching accent almost anywhere.

Show how much you love your pup with a porcelain dog lover mug. Double-wall insulation keeps your drink hot and the outside comfy to hold. It features a tight-fitting silicone lid that seals tight to prevent drips and messes.

The details of the Solar Color-Changing Heavenly Wings are so realistic, your visitors will have to look twice! Nestled in the intricately sculpted wings, there is a crackled glass sphere that lights up at dusk. It glows in changing shades of red, green, blue, yellow and purple.

A home is the single largest asset most people will ever own. In tough economic times, that fact takes on new meaning. Millions of Americans lost their homes during the Great Recession (2007-2009), which made those that managed to hang on to their houses appreciate them that much more. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in home improvement projects in recent years. Even if they have never sanded a floor or put up wallpaper, new homeowners are tackling DIY projects at an unprecedented pace, especially when it comes to home decorating.

Why are they doing it?

As we mentioned, home remodeling and redecorating is more popular than ever, thanks to the do-it-yourselfer. These hardworking homeowners typically undertake new projects in order to save money, but soon discover they actually enjoy the challenge a new project presents. Having complete creative control is another obvious advantage of decorating your home on your own.

Where to start?

Major remodeling projects are best left to the professionals. But if you want to save a little money without the input of a third party, you might opt to paint or wallpaper at least a few of the rooms in your abode. The most challenging aspect of this DIY project is finding the right color scheme for a main room. Whether we refer to this space as a living room, dining room, or hallway, this area often sets the tone for the entire home.

Choosing a color

There are many different way to select the right hue, from the visceral to the sophisticated. None of the following suggestions are absolutely right or absolutely wrong. It all depends on your taste and mindset. With that said, let us take a moment to discuss them individually.

Pick your favorite color

It seems simple enough. If you go with your favorite color, you really can’t go wrong…right? Well, maybe. Colors tend to reflect the dominant mood or personality of the viewer. Folks who are generally energetic and upbeat tend to be drawn to brighter colors, such as yellow and red. But those who are more easygoing often prefer calmer colors like blue, pink, and green. It is no wonder neutral colors (white, gray, brown, and black) are the most popular, since they don’t provoke a strong response.

Choose colors based on the largest pattern in the room

If you have a treasured Oriental rug, large painting, or an upholstered piece of furniture that you want to use in the space, it is often a good idea to match the dominant color in any of the aforementioned with that of your paint or wallpaper. At the very least, you must make certain that these two colors do not clash.

Stick with classic combos

The single most common mistake do-it-yourself decorators make is that they try new color combinations that simply don’t work. You can’t go wrong with red and brow, green and blue, blue and white, and other tried-and-true classics–they help the flow of your home look more cohesive. If you would like to spice them up a bit, do it with accents, rather than dominate color combinations.

Set an atmosphere

When someone walks into the main room of your home, how do you want them to feel? Do you want them to feel relaxed, excited, or engaged? As we mentioned earlier, color has a very real and measurable effect on our moods. It can make us feel calm and cozy or somber and serious. If the owner wants a more formal arrangement, she might select duller, darker colors, such as burgundy or forest green. But if she wants a calmer more inviting atmosphere, she might choose more relaxing white and beige tones in her main room.

This post was provided by Martha, who is working with custom writing service for many years. She enjoys sharing her experience on essay writing and her posts will be of good help to anyone.