Carl Zeiss enhances the performance of its Stemi DV4 stereomicroscope with a new illumination system. The Stemi DV4 on the C LED stand features integrated LED illumination units for reflected light, transmitted light and mixed light. The LEDs provide excellent light intensity with low power consumption and a long service life of the illumination system (approx. 25,000 operating hours). Thanks to white light illumination in daylight quality, the objects are visualized in high contrast and natural colors. To protect the specimen from exposure to heat, the LED light doesn't contain infrared wavelengths.

These benefits of the Stemi DV4 on the C LED stand are particularly important when 3D observation of small objects is required in high quality and at higher magnifications, e.g. at routine workstations in biomedical laboratories, in industrial production and quality inspection, and for training in schools and scientific institutions.

Compared to the previous halogen illumination system, the C LED stand offers brighter and more homogeneous illumination of the object field ? with considerably lower costs as power consumption has been halved and the long service life of the LED systems makes bulb replacement unnecessary.

The C LED stand provides the well-known, time-tested benefits of the Stemi DV4, such as 4:1 zoom range, standard magnification range of 8x to 32x and a 92 mm working distance. The Stemi DV4 offers the best optical quality in this class of stereomicroscopes thanks to mechanically corrected zoom optics, parfocal and distortion-free imaging up to the edge of the object field and eyepieces that can be adjusted on both sides. Attachment systems enable magnifications down to 5x or up to 64x and enhanced resolution. Additional benefits of the Stemi DV4 on the C LED stand include the out-of-the-box design featuring illumination in reflected/ transmitted/ mixed light and the possibility of flexibly upgrading the system with various accessories such as transmitted-light darkfield equipment or an eyepiece measuring device.

 

When ordering a custom gown be absolutely certain of your decision. Most salons require a 50% deposit when the dress is ordered. Be sure to check exchange and cancellation policies. The wedding dress is ordered to your nearest size then fitted to you perfectly. For your fitting make sure to take the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day.

 

Some bridal salons include one fitting in the cost of the gown, but most do not. Be sure to ask about the additional charges for any special alterations, including headpieces and veils. Get a contract or deposit receipt with the total amount and the date the china wedding dress will be ready.

 

    * Many designers have both a high end and a lower end line of gowns, usually under a different name, and using different quality fabric and lace.

    * Some designers have their gowns made overseas. These gowns can be considerably less expensive because they are mass produced, rather than custom made when ordered.

    * Be cautious! Don’t order from hotel sales or people who ask for all the money up front, unless you leave with the bridal gown; even then, inspect it. Even if the salesperson only requires a 50% deposit, be careful if he or she doesn’t have a store.

Until recently, lower power-consuming fluorescent alternatives have received minimal acceptance due to undesirable color tones, lack of good dimming capabilities and noisy ballasts. One would think that fluorescent bulbs should have outpaced incandescent bulbs based on power conservation issues alone, yet they are still a second choice for most homeowners. U.S. government requirements enacted in 2005 affecting ballasts, added to environmental concerns regarding mercury, as well as the introduction of white LED light, appear to be limiting the future of fluorescent bulbs in the home to the attic, basement, and workshop.

White LED lighting is creeping into the mainstream. Holding back progress, however, are issues such as variations in color rendition and intensity, heat management, cost of manufacturing, market entry issues and consumer acceptance. For general-purpose applications for example task lighting, changing customer’s expectations from using several down lights or a fluorescent tube to using a single linear fixture employing a bulb with multiple LEDs is a tough sell.

While these issues need to be addressed by all LED lighting applications, the greatest hindrance to entering the consumer market is incentive. There is little incentive to replace an incandescent or fluorescent bulb unless the alternative has clear advantages. This is difficult to achieve, and has not been accomplished since the introduction of electric lighting.

However, many of these issues are resolved with the new white light LED solutions. Among the many advantages of LED lighting are: low power consumption; long life expectancy, which reduces replacement costs; robustness due to absence filament; environmentally friendly; can improve color quality; can be directional for task and display lighting; variety of colors are available; delivers a wide range of illumination intensity by increasing the number of LEDs; instant-on capability; dimmable; can be designed so that damage to one LED does not affect the others; adaptable to mobile and battery powered applications. Last but not least, the new generation of LEDs are expected to significantly outperform incandescent and fluorescent alternatives.

These are compelling features and have prompted the industry to introduce specialized solutions that target specific high-end markets, often requiring new fixtures. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing fixtures is price-prohibitive for most homeowners, leaving LED fixtures for new construction.

Architects are reluctant to design using LED fixtures due to UL requirements (see below), and the justification for the initial investment in these fixtures is further limited because the fixtures remain in the buyer’s home when the seller vacates.

 

LED    china LED manufacturer     LED display

Installing outdoor lighting can pose many challenges to the homeowner. In addition to the cost of the lights themselves, it's usually necessary to hire a licensed electrician to do the installation.

Solar lighting are an increasingly popular alternative. They are affordably priced, simple and safe to install yourself, can be relocated easily, and, of course, you also save on electrical costs.

Until recently, most solar lights emitted only a dim light and were not all that reliable. This has changed, as super-bright LEDs have replaced more conventional filament bulbs. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) create light without generating the waste heat of normal bulbs, so they are very bright, yet require far less electricity to operate. The result is a dependable, long-term "bulb" that will usually shine for the life of the product.

Other recent advances in solar lighting technology include the development of more efficient, affordably-priced photovoltaic cells, improved circuitry, and more efficient batteries. These new solar lights are able to perform year-round -- even through the cold, short days of winter -- with little variation in performance.

When shopping for solar lights, it's important to match the light to the function you want it to perform. There are three primary types of solar lights for use in the landscape: accent, path, and task lights.

Accent Lights

Accent lights add a pleasant glow to your landscape. Their relatively low level of illumination is designed to "mark a place," not illuminate an object or light a pathway. Due to their low light output, accent lights usually boast longer runtimes than other types of solar lights. In fact, it is not unusual for a quality accent light to run many nights on just a single day's charge. 

Accent lights typically use efficient multi-crystalline solar cells that allow them to charge even on cloudy days or in partially shaded areas. Many accent lights utilize amber LEDs to create an even softer ambience than the standard white LEDs. Some of them also "flicker" to simulate candle light. Amber LEDs use less electricity than their white counterparts, which allows for even longer runtimes.

Accent lights can be used to mark landscape hazards, such as a large rock that could be tripped over at night, or as garden features themselves. Accent lights can also be used as roadway markers or,  floating on the surface of a pool or pond. Compared to the other categories of solar lights, accent lights generally have the lowest light output and because of the smaller solar panels and less powerful storage batteries, are the most affordably priced.

Path lights

As the name implies, path lights are meant to light paths, walkways, driveway perimeters or other small areas around your home and in your landscape. They are often used in multiples to guide the way along a set of stairs or a dark walk. Path lights typically come with a choice of ground stakes, flange mounts and hanging hooks, to give the user a wide choice of positioning options. Most are designed to focus their light downward. 

Path lights may also have on-off switches, a feature that allows the homeowner to "store" the electrical charge for a special event and ensure the longest possible run time. Some models may offer options such as high-low power, colored lenses, or timers. Solar path lights are a mid-range choice in terms of price and light output. Housing materials may be plastic, copper, cast aluminum, brass etc - just ensure any plastic housings are UV stable.

 

Tips: solar water heater    solar lighting    solar panel 

There are many different traditions associated with wedding dresses but some of the most common and oldest ones are those to do with the actual colour of the wedding dresses. One thing that you are going to need to think about when you are planning a wedding is the flower girl dresses. Over the centuries wedding dresses have changed, but a bride has always wanted her dress to be special, to make her look more beautiful.

A bride with a fuller waist but an impressive bust may wish to consider wedding dresses that simply skim the middle part of her body and cling to the bust and hip area. You should select bridesmaid dresses that are not only complementary to your wedding dress and overall wedding theme, but you also need to consider whether your choice of dress is also affordable for your bridesmaids, who often don't have the same budget as you do for your dress. As a result not only do brides now have a much wider choice of color for their wedding dress but, more importantly, dispensing with the veil and train and the need for a full length dress now means that brides can choose from a range of far more simple wedding dresses.

For many people a wedding dress should be a traditional full length white gown, symbolizing the bride's pure heart and innocence, complete with veil and train first popularized by Queen Victoria when she broke with the royal custom of marrying in silver and chose a white gown for her marriage to Prince Albert. A formal daytime wedding is when the bride wears a white, ivory or pastel colored floor length gown with a train and a long veil. For a semiformal daytime wedding, the bride usually wears a white or pastel colored floor or tea length dress with an elbow length or shorter veil.

Flower Girl - a child attendant wearing a child-like dress in either Tea or Formal length who usually carries a basket of petals the she may sprinkle on the aisle or path announcing the arrival of the Bride. With a little imagination and not too much extra expense simple wedding dresses can be turned into stunning wedding outfits that will have you looking like a princess as you walk down the aisle. Many wedding dresses that have been passed down through the generations are made of wonderful silk and lace and the extra age of them often enhances their overall appearance.

Today, wedding dresses are all different; no-one wants to look the same as the next bride and, naturally, brides go to extreme lengths to make sure that they stand out from the crowd. You are not going to be able to avoid paying a lot for your wedding, but you can take steps to find affordable wedding dresses.

Picking a dress from the wide range of simple wedding gowns available today is just the starting point. One final, but excellent, option is to find your perfect wedding dress on the Internet. Appropriateness is the key word as a bride searches for the perfect dress, whether in real life or written into a story.

Tips: wedding dress     china wedding dress    bridal gown

Congratulations! Finally you are all set to enter into the wedlock. You have already finalized the date and now you are gearing up to plan your ceremony. And I know, you want the occasion to be the best occasion of your life. For that you don't want to leave anything with imperfection. A planning with assistance of a reputed planner would be of great help in your quest to make your an unforgettable event for not only you and your spouse but all guests.

The first and the foremost thing is to decide what kind of you are planning for yourself. You must be clear about the theme that you would love to assign to your wedding.

Once you are clear about the theme of you need to do your bridal preparation accordingly. Your wedding dress patterns, your shoes and your make up all must gel with the theme. You can visit bridal stores to fetch out all that a bride needs on the occasion.

A theme requires you to choose a venue that could be helpful in actualization of the theme that you have chosen for your wedding.

At the time of planning you would also decide on the type of floral arrangement on the venue. For that you may seek assistance of a florist having expertise in extending services. For a theme you are also needed to be very specific about the bridal bouquet. Orders must be given in advance.

Your groom's outfit preparations should also go hand in hand with your preparations. Your planning also includes the number of guests that you would love to invite and accordingly you need to order invitation card. Seeing expected number of guests you should decide on reception and return favors that you would offer to departing guests.

Decision on a cake perfectly suited to the customized is a difficult task. For that you will have to wander from one confectionery to another. Choose a cake that is in consonance with the personalized theme of wedding.

Click here to see more related information    

 

 

Tips : wedding dress   china wedding dress   bridal gown

 

Although you may have a favorite designer, there's really no need to stick with just one. In fact, there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizazz!

Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck, we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, put it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money.

Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.

Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have for any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.

Have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold, like silver, can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.

When purchasing rings, you can have great fun - again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example, long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet on a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short nails? it all makes a difference. Play and see what you like, and what looks good. Also, determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example, if you're working around fine fabrics, you'll not want any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement.

When purchasing necklaces, be certain you know your neck size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing online as you don't get a chance to try it on. If your neck is average in size then a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favourite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30" are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces, make sure to pick a color that complements your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn't match or complement your skin tone your look could be lost.

When purchasing bracelets, you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainty gem bracelets. If it is a slip-on bracelet, be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. Too large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small and it can constrict your wrist movement.

Your hands are your expressive area and many of us "talk with our hands." (they are also the smallest part of our body!) Try wearing three bracelets on one wrist - its a sign of power. They don't have to match either so step out and do something different. Don't forget to wear a dainty bracelet with your watch.

When purchasing earrings, realize that the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. There are materials from enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. The size of the earrings is very important to the statement you're making. The larger the earring, the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.

Another thing to remember with purchasing your earrings is that tiny earrings make you look larger and larger earrings make you look smaller. Large earrings can give you the appearance of losing 10 pounds! (We all love that) Pick something that is in proportion to your size but most women can wear nickle to quarter size without any problem. Pick your earrings to the opposite shape of your face - they will be more complimentary. If you have a round face and wear round earrings your face will appear much rounder.

Your jewelry choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!

 

Step 1:

Browse through bridal magazines to find styles you like and those that exemplify the styles that would compliment the wedding you are planning. Clip the pictures to take with you to the wedding dress shops.

Step 2:

Schedule an appointment to try on wedding dress at a wedding dress shop that has a variety of dress styles in a variety of sizes that you can try on.

Step 3:

Go to your wedding dress shop appointment with a good friend and a camera.

Step 4:

Show your magazine clippings to the wedding dress shop consultant so she knows what you are looking for.

Step 5:

Ask the wedding dress shop consultant to pull dresses for you to try on that are similar to the magazine clipping dresses and a few that exemplify other styles that she thinks would compliment your body type.

Step 6:

Try on many wedding dresses in as many different styles as possible, even if you think they are not what you want. Try on dresses with different skirt styles and top styles to get a feeling of what looks and feels best on you.

Step 7:

Ask your friend’s opinion of every china wedding dress and note the pros and cons of each style. Have your friend take a picture of you in each dress for reference when you leave the dress shop.

Step 8:

Pick the wedding dress style that you looked the best in.

Step 9:

 

Everyone thinks they know how to choose a wedding gown style. What most women don't realize is fabrics, style and measurements can influence the style of wedding dress that best compliments a particular body type.

 

FULL FIGURED WOMEN

If you are a full figured woman the best silhouette is an A- Line. A-line lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline. The empire waist is another good choice. The empire is narrowest just below the bust and conceals your waist and hips.

 

Many plus size girls tend to purchase wedding dresses that cover a lot of skin. If religion isn't an issue don't be afraid to show some skin. Skin is sexy and showing your arms and neckline can often make one appear smaller.

 

Deep V necks and scoop necks flatter curvy figures and always look best on full figured women.

 

PETITE

A-line wedding dresses are also flattering on a petitewomen. As we stated earlier it lengthens the body. Sheaths seem to shorten a small body even more. Stay clear of very full skirts. You want to keep your wedding gowns in proportion to your body.

 

Be careful with strapless.

 

A petite woman may have to lift her arms to reach up to her new husband.

 

A cap sleeve gives the feeling of a strapless gown and also serves a practical purpose in holding the gown in place.

 

LARGE BUSTED WOMEN

Off the shoulder gowns look wonderful on a full bust. It draws our attention upward, emphasizes the shoulders and minimizes the chest. Keep your skirt narrow. Wearing a full skirt will make you look large on top and bottom.

 

BOTTOM HEAVY

Women who are larger through their hips and buttocks should look for a bridal gown that focuses on their upper body preferably with a full skirt.

 

Show your arms back and bustline.

 

Corset style bodice with lacing will highlight your upper body. We want to draw attention away from your hips. Avoid pleats or gathered fabric around the waist. An A-line skirted wedding dress always works the best.

 

Click here to see more related information  

  Being engaged is one of the happiest times of your life, but it can also be one of the most stressful times. For brides of all sizes, shopping for the perfect dress is often complicated and a bit intimidating. It's even harder for a full-figured bride searching for a plus-size wedding dress. You have to deal with samples that are too small, sales people that are sometimes unfriendly and the worry of not finding a shape that flatters your body type. Before you set foot in the first store, it's helpful to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Here are some tips that every plus-size bride should know before embarking on her journey for her wedding dress.

 

Sizing:

The sample dresses in most bridal salons are a size 10. Or so you think. Bridal clothing runs small, so a size 10 is actually equivalent to a size 6 in sportswear.

 

This means that many women will attempt to try on a sample that simply doesn't fit. Don't let this frustrating fact discourage you though. Many designers make their wedding gowns up to a size 22 or 24, so finding a fashionable plus-size wedding dress is far from impossible. You should note that, for larger sizes, many stores tack on additional charges to cover the extra fabric and the special measurements it takes to ensure your dress fits correctly. But it's worth it because you are guaranteed to get a dress that fits you properly and, more importantly, makes you feel beautiful. After all, it is your wedding day.

 

Body Type:

Learning which shape sheath is flattering on your body type is an important step in the plus-size wedding dress shopping process. Although each woman's body is different, there are a few silhouettes that consistently flatter most full-figured brides:

 

 

 

Slim A-line: A-line dresses are flattering to the pear shape figure because they highlight the top half of the body and camouflage the lower half. But make sure to keep the skirt on the smaller side as too much volume will add bulk.

 

 

The Princess Cut: Princess Cut dresses have an A-line shape and no seam at the waist, which gives a long, uninterrupted appearance that is extremely flattering. Skirts can range from slim A-lines to full A-lines, but the key is that they begin to flare just below your natural waist, hiding a heavier bottom.

 

 

Sleeves and Straps: Despite the popularity of strapless dresses, many curvy women shy away from them. Designers are responding to this by making more options in necklines. Busty brides often feel most comfortable with a little covering up top. Tank style dresses are very flattering as are cap sleeves and even three-quarter sleeves. One trend that works particularly well is sheer fabrics. Netting and tulle are chic alternatives that provide coverage without drawing attention to the chest area.

 

Fabrics:

Most bridal fabrics are suitable for any season, with the exception of eyelet, pique, and gazar, which are most suitable for warmer weather. Fabrics that have more weight to them are especially flattering on the plus-size bride because they do not cling to the body. Additionally, they are stiffer and allow the Ivory wedding dress to maintain its shape. These include duchesse satin, taffeta, mikado and dupioni/silk shantung. Stay away from fabrics like charmeuse, chiffon, and crepe since they have a tendency to show dreaded lumps and bumps.

 

Timing:

  Although you may have a favorite designer, there's really no need to stick with just one. In fact, there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizazz!

Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck, we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, put it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money.

Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.

Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have for any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.

Have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold, like silver, can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.

When purchasing rings, you can have great fun - again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example, long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet on a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short nails? it all makes a difference. Play and see what you like, and what looks good. Also, determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example, if you're working around fine fabrics, you'll not want any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement.

When purchasing necklaces, be certain you know your neck size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing online as you don't get a chance to try it on. If your neck is average in size then a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favourite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30" are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces, make sure to pick a color that complements your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn't match or complement your skin tone your look could be lost.

When purchasing bracelets, you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainty gem bracelets. If it is a slip-on bracelet, be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. Too large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small and it can constrict your wrist movement.

Your hands are your expressive area and many of us "talk with our hands." (they are also the smallest part of our body!) Try wearing three bracelets on one wrist - its a sign of power. They don't have to match either so step out and do something different. Don't forget to wear a dainty bracelet with your watch.

When purchasing earrings, realize that the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. There are materials from enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. The size of the earrings is very important to the statement you're making. The larger the earring, the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.

Another thing to remember with purchasing your earrings is that tiny earrings make you look larger and larger earrings make you look smaller. Large earrings can give you the appearance of losing 10 pounds! (We all love that) Pick something that is in proportion to your size but most women can wear nickle to quarter size without any problem. Pick your earrings to the opposite shape of your face - they will be more complimentary. If you have a round face and wear round earrings your face will appear much rounder.

Your jewelry choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!

Are you a bride creating a budget with no idea how much a wedding dress will really cost? Magazines are confusing and often don't even list prices for gowns. Here's an easy guide to what you'll get for your money. For around $500, you can purchase a wedding dress at a larger retailer that is machine made. Generally, these are made largely of synthetic fabrics, and have minimal amounts of hand-detailing. You may be able to purchase a lovely bridesmaid's gown in white from a more well-known designer. Make sure to get the wedding dress altered to help it fit you properly. Brides who are looking for a designer wedding dress in silk or other natural fabric should expect to pay between $2000 and $4000. For this amount of money, the gown should be very well made, and include some hand detailing. You'll go to a salon where they'll measure you, help you pick your wedding dress, and order it directly from the designer in your size. Once it arrives, you'll pay a little extra to have it altered to fit you. For brides who have an extravagant budget, expect to pay $6000 and up for a designer wedding dress custom made just for you. A seamstress will work with you to precisely fit and design the gown around your body. Most of the work will be done by hand. Oh, and don't forget that you'll have well known designers and an au courant design. 

Floridians want more solar power, even if it costs a little more, according to a new state survey.

High consumer demand has exhausted the state's solar rebate program fund six months early, and lawmakers and solar advocates on Thursday released the new survey showing Florida residents overwhelmingly support spending more money on solar energy.

The survey of 625 registered voters, showed 85 percent believe the state Legislature should act to encourage investment in solar energy, and 81 percent said they support investment, even if it costs $1 extra on their monthly utility bills.

"It's clear that the Sunshine State likes the idea of Florida becoming a solar energy leader," said Bruce Kershner.

South Florida showed the most enthusiasm, with 87 percent in favor of solar energy investment. Central Florida and the Gulf Coast were close behind, and 80 percent of those living in North Florida also favored more state investment for solar energy.

Florida House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, said residents understand solar energy could create jobs.

"It's clear that 'going green' is good for protecting our environment and strengthening our economy," he said.

While voters of all ages said they supported spending more on solar, 93 percent of those between 18 and 34 agreed. Statewide, the consensus crossed party lines, with 82 percent of Republicans favoring more public money for solar energy, compared with 87 percent of Democrats.

The poll also showed strong support for solar energy even if it led to an increase in utility bills. Overall, 81 percent of those polled said they were willing to pay $1 more each month on their utility bill to support solar energy.

"Germany and New Jersey are current leaders in solar energy, and one thing you can say about those places is that sunshine isn't as plentiful there as it is in Florida," said former Congresswoman Claudine Schneider, who serves as president. "With its plentiful sunshine, Florida has a God-given advantage when it comes to solar energy. What's needed is a long-term commitment from policymakers."

Last year, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature set aside $3.5 million for the Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program, which provides the rebates to residents and businesses on the purchase of solar equipment. Rebates were available for solar thermal swimming pool heaters, residential solar water heaters and commercial solar water heating systems. Some solar power panels or photovoltaic systems also qualified for a rebate.

But, the first-come, first-served program was so popular that applicants exhausted the funding in six months. The waiting list includes 500 solar rebates totaling more than $1.2 million. To meet public demand, Crist's 2008-09 budget proposal included an additional $10 million.

Many people are familiar with compact fluorescents (CFLs). Miniature versions of full-sized fluorescent bulbs, they screw into just about any standard light bulb fixture you can think of (indoors or out) and give off warm light that looks just like an old-fashioned incandescent bulb while lasting as much as 10 times longer.

When they were first introduced, CFLs were very expensive. They were so efficient, though, that in the long run they came out to be cheaper to use than incandescents. (A 22-watt compact fluorescent bulb puts out about the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent, while using about 2/3 less electricity.) Luckily, over the past 10 years they’ve come down substantially in price.

But why stop there? How about a bulb that will last ten times longer than a CFL and more than one hundred times longer than an incandescent? That’s where LEDs come in.

Light emitting diodes have also been around for awhile. They’re usually used one bulb at a time in little portable pen lights, or as an indicator in electronic devices and even outdoor holiday and Christmas lighting fixtures. LEDs are durable, energy efficient and cool running.

Now, designers are bunching LEDs together to get brighter output and using them to make highly efficient headlights, flashlights, traffic signals and even light bulbs for standard fixtures.

My friends at C Crane — the radio experts — sell a number of LED devices in their current catalog. They've been marketing battery-powered LED flashlights for years. (I use a 2-LED flashlight all the time. It's nearly indestructible and after almost five years, it's still bright and I've never needed to change the batteries.)

They’re also selling LED bulbsin a number of sizes, shapes and styles to run on household AC power. I’ve been able to play with four different models and I’m beginning to understand what all the fuss is about.

The CC Vivid LED Light Bulb is a tiny device with a standard screw-in lamp base. It has 18 bright, white LEDs, draws two watts of electricity and produces 31 lumens of blue-white colored light. That doesn’t seem like very much, but it is actually perfect for a porch, accent light or reading fixture. I’ve been using it next to my bed and it allows me to read and not disturb others while all the other lights are off.

Its big brother is called the CC Vivid +. It has 36 bright white LEDs, draws three watts and produces 60 lumens of output. I’ve been using it in a reading lamp on my computer desk and find that the white light is perfect for illuminating the keyboard while complementing the light coming from my monitor screen.

The Sun’s Dusk bulb looks like a miniature CFL but it has 18 LEDs, 26 lumen output, a translucent bulb cover to create a warmer color and draws only two watts. The Sun’s Dusk is designed to be an accent light and I’ve put it to good use in a number of different rooms.

I’ve also tried CC’s Color Changing bulb.  Inside there are 36 red, blue and green LEDs which change colors every few seconds. I had an old uplight fixture that I hadn’t used in years and had lots of fun with the mini light show I had going in my stereo listening room.

The only downside is the cost. Even though prices for LED bulbs are dropping, the bulbs I used ranged from $26.95 (Sun’s Dusk) to $34.95 (Vivid and Color Changing) to $44.95 (Vivid +). They’re where compact fluorescent bulbs were just a few years ago.

As prices continue to fall we’ll see new designs with more LEDs and higher lumen output giving CFLs a huge run for the money. In the meantime, you should think about trying a LED bulb.

Maybe one of the new LED spotlight bulbs (60 LEDs, $59.95) or a little night light replacement bulb (1 watt, $24.95). You will be way ahead of the curve.