Just a few comments from a materials engineer. To put things straight, I'm familiar with various stainless alloys but do not work directly with them. I deal with zinc coated steel. Davidrol's comments in terms of the name are a little off but he is correct that one should read other sources for more info. One should think of it as 'stains' less. Any alloy will have an environment that will corrode or attack it. Basically the stainless alloys will have different levels of chrome or nickel. Depending on the alloying level of each element different oxides or passivating layers will form on the surface. These thin oxide layers on the surface are what prevent any corrosive attack. For the most part in the home environment most of the alloys wheter 200, 300 or 400 series alloys will provide adequate red rust resistance. However, fingerprints are a different matter and really is not directly effected by the alloy. Just rub a mirror and see if it looks different after you touch it with your greasy fingers. In terms of finish any given alloy can be ordered with various finishes. This could be a 'matte' rolled look, brushed or even polished. All depends on what the various manufacturer specifies. In terms of the various stainless look finishes, these are typically a low carbon steel substrate that could have a zinc coating or not but also have a clear paint layer on top. One should avoid scrubbing on these types of surfaces. In general some stainless alloys may be more susceptible to attack by various household cleaners. I for one have experience with ammonia containing cleaners leaving surface rust on 400 or magnetic stainless. I will vouch for Bar Keepers Friend in being able to remove various levels of staining and leaving it fairly resistant to additional stains. One should also note that this product is also recommended by All-Clad for removing any bluish stains on their pots. (All Clad generally will sandwich aluminum between 300 and 400 stainless alloys in their pots, but their more pricier versions have many different layers.) In terms of fingerprinting seen on the surfaces one again should reference the manufacturer's manual. Some give recommendations. We had fairly good luck with 'stainless wipes' found at Bed Bath and Beyond on our old stainless appliances. (Our current home has white appliances, and my wife feels they look 'brighter' so we decided to keep white with any new appliance.)

What a great idea to check out the dollar stores! There are several in my area that won't be out of the way to check. Thanks for that idea! Were trying to use up paints that the volunteers already had and not buy any new materials, which is why I was curious about the indoor/outdoor gloss. IÂll let you know what plaid says if I get an answer in the next few days. But I suspect that what Suero says is true about the need for special paints for the flexible vinyl. Dilly - actually the handprint idea fits in perfectly with other art we have at the pool complex. The members wanted a colorful garden in one area, but no one was willing to tend it on a regular basis. Our solution was a colorful mural on the side of the pool house where all the little kids placed their handprints and we went along and added green stems and leaves to make them all into flowers. A few clouds and birds added in made the blank wall a beautiful piece of folk art that everyone loves. Thanks for the additional ideas! :)

Mcnastarana – I totally agree. Beth, I picked up two Roberto Capucci, St. Patrick, Belle Rouge, Bella di Todi and a Calm Composure which isn’t in HMF, but it’s similar to RC, but a paler pink with a moderate fragrance. Sherbet definitely caught my eye. I didn’t get one because I have quite a lot of mid-range pinks. You should order it! Diane, are you SURE you don’t have room for one more little o’rose bush? Lynn, something “a-rose?” Lol I thought that was cute. If there are specific roses you’re interested in, I’d call first and I also think they could ship to you since that’s a drive for sure unless you have other fun things to do in PHX. Moroseaz, interesting. That makes sense with the way the nursery is set up. I don’t know PHX land values, but it’s too bad it can’t remain sort of a plant co-op maybe even with the City’s help (parks and rec/some kind of grant) and become part co-op, part parking, part park. You must live or work around there to be interested in parking. :-) We had dinner at Hulu’s just up the street from Ludwig’s the night before and it was really good food. Thanks everyone for taking part in the "field trip."

Hi Sandplus, That is cloth in my photo above -- but maybe you mean one with more white? Anyway, I ended up buying "napkin rings" from Etsy. The napkins rings were 50 cents each. I got napkins at Pier 1; they were the ones I liked best on line and in person they did not disappoint. The napkins were $3.71 each (versus $15.26@ for the British ones). I ended up getting some salad plates, too, for $3.88@. I looked first at Goodwill because so many people are getting rid of their china, I figured i might find something interesting. I didn't find anything that would work, and plates were cheaper at Pier 1, LOL. I do not really need plates but WTH, so cheap and the color works well. When I am done with them I can always donate them to Goodwill! I also bought a beautiful set of Alphabet cards for a new baby in the family. I was looking for someone who did fine printing like the napkins at the top of my post, and was reminded of a local co that makes gorgeous notecards (but alas nothing on fabric). While on her site, I just fell in love with her alphabet cards! http://www.saltboxpress.com/alphabet-cards/