Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?
January 30, 2006
A bathroom designs idea — can I really design my own bathroom? Why not! Today, the bathroom is much more than just a room for grooming and a place to read. Bathrooms can be a good place for home exercise equipment and a good music system or TV, for example. What better way to unwind from the day than a soothing shower or warm soak in the tub with candles and relaxing music. So start a notebook. When you get a bathroom designs idea, write it down. Soon you’ll have defined the bathroom that’s just right for you.
Design my own bathroom? You bet you can! When designing your own bathroom, some of the questions you should ask (and answer) include:
1. How big will the bathroom be? Bathroom sizes include:
? Master bathroom or luxury bathroom - includes toilet, bidet, two sinks, separate tub and shower, whirpool or spa and perhaps more, depending on your budget. Some master bathrooms are large enough to have exercise equipment, and they are subdivided into smaller compartments for privacy depending on what is needed.
? Full bathroom - includes toilet, sink, and combination tub/shower plumbed along one wall. Typical dimensions are 5×7 or 5×8 feet.
? Half bathroom - includes sink and toilet only. It can be placed on the main floor of your home to reduce the morning rush, and the family doesn’t have to go upstairs to use the toilet. Common dimensions are between 3×6 and 4×5 feet, about the size of a smaller closet.
? Small bathroom - includes corner shower stall, toilet and sink and typical dimensions are 6×6 feet.
? Childrens bathroom - can be a three-quarter bathroom or full bathroom depending on the size of your home and how many children you have. Children’s bathrooms should have plenty of storage and cubbies that are safe and colorful. If several kids will use the same bathroom, a wall or half wall between the toilet and the rest of the bathroom may be a good idea.
? Guest bathroom - can be a three-quarter bathroom or a full bathroom.
2. Are you planning to have convenient storage in the bathroom? A design my own bathroom person will always include bathroom storage. You can find a combination sink/vanity for extra storage. A great bathroom designs idea is you can never have too much bathroom storage! Use the wall space wisely with shelves or cabinets over the commode or almost anywhere in the bathroom. Consider using corner shelves, and hang towel bars above one another. Add a medicine cabinet with mirror to your bathroom to store grooming supplies, medicine or toiletries. Traditionally, the medicine cabinet was always located above the vanity or sink, but nowadays you can place it elsewhere in the bathroom. Add a shower caddy to your corner shower for extra storage.
3. Do you have enough lighting planned for your bathroom? Natural light is an important element in bathrooms. A window, a wall or roof skylight will bring in natural light, a view or a dramatic skyscape. Having a skylight that opens is great because moisture build-up is reduced. Artificial lighting is also vital and often overlooked in a bathroom. Without good lighting, the decor and the personality of your bathroom can not be developed properly. Lighting for your bathroom can be natural and manufactured. Lighting should be used to brighten and define the space since both can affect your mood and how you feel inside your home.
4. Another bathroom designs idea - what about ventilation? If you live in climates prone to mold and mildew, you should install an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Ventilating fans are sized by the number of cubic feet of air they move each minute (cfm). A design my own bathroom person will have a good ventilation system that can move the air from the bathroom to the outdoors about eight times per hour or once every 7 or 8 minutes. Bathrooms generate humidity and moisture that can penetrate ceilings, floors and countertops. Remove odors and humidity from a bathroom by installing a power ventilator large enough to do the job. You do not want your walls to break into a sweat every time someone showers.
Design my own bathroom? Go for it! A design my own bathroom person will read as much as possible, thinking through what is wanted and needed in this important room. A bathroom designs idea will range from materials used to the bathroom layout to the finished colors. Having a successful bathroom project is about making informed decisions while planning and while building. Continue the process of learning as much as you can before building begins. How much can you spend, what style will the bathroom be, what size ventilation should you have and so on. Your answer to each bathroom designs idea question is what will guide you so you’ll have the best bathroom ever.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - learn more bathroom design ideas for layout, lighting, storage, bathroom vanities, small bathrooms, childrens bathrooms and more.
Lewis And Clark Pay Attention
January 30, 2006
As I write this Southern California has just ended its second week of triple digit temperatures. The intense heat changes the way we live and alters the rhythm of our days. We are up earlier to walk the dog while the park is still cool. We spend a lot of time indoors in the air conditioning. We’ve been eating better. We don’t want to heat up the house with the stove ? so it’s salads and chicken from the grill. And, as I don’t want to head out in my black car two or three times a day, I find myself thinking more about what I need to do and combining trips and make lists.
When I take a break and flop in front of the TV I watch the third Hurricane in as many weeks bear down on Florida. When I try to call the airline to book my Christmas vacations a cheerful voice tells me there is no-one to answer my call right now because of the extreme weather across most of this country.
It occurs to me that we’re paying attention to the weather. Or, more accurately, Mother Nature is commanding our attention whether we want to give it or not.
I’m reminded of a trip of the Western states I took years ago when I followed the river course of Lewis and Clark. They took on the amazingly brave project of finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean through uncharted, then-foreign territory. They took their guidance from the Indians and sailed for years on swollen rivers around mountains and plains where no white man had ever been. They rose when the sun rose and took to their beds when dusk fell ? battling mosquitoes as big as small birds throughout the night. Illness and hunger were their frequent companions. Fear walked in step with them.
They paid attention to the weather.
In 1803 when they began their expedition it would have been unthinkable to have made any decision on their journey without considering what nature would bring that day. A wrong move could have exposed them to great danger or even death and could’ve meant the abandonment of their trip ? ten years in the planning.
Today, we’re pretty much cocooned inside our aggressively air-conditioned or heated automobiles, homes and offices. When we venture outside we wear space-industry fabrics which conserve our body heat or wick moisture away from our skin. We don’t even need to go outside. From our computer we can make a living, socialize and keep in touch with our extended family all from one room.
It’s easy to forget that we survive with the grace of, and at the mercy of, a natural world which has its own laws.
So every so often when we are stopped in our tracks by nature and we become aware of the all-encompassing reality which contains our all-important man-made world our perspective shifts.
We become aware of the dualities of our lives. Controllable or uncontrollable. Important or unimportant. Man-made or natural. And as always reality guides us just as surely as it guided that brave party from the Missouri to the Pacific Ocean.
Mary Rosendale is a writer, speaker and Founder of “The Constructed Life” a unique Holistic Life Coaching Service which assists people in re-directing their lives with purpose and action. Visit her on the web at http://www.TheConstructedLife.com and sign up for her free newsletter or check out her blog at http://TheCosntructedlife.blogs.com
How To Build A Waterfall
January 30, 2006
The number one, most asked question that I receive about water features is “How do I build a waterfall?”
The first advice I give is to visit natural waterfalls or at least look at photos. Don’t try to memorize just how they look…just get a general idea how the water flows around and over the rocks.
The design of your falls will depend on topography, pump and pipe size, length of water flow from pump to falls, pond size and possibly other site-specific factors. If your pond is just 4′ x 6′, you certainly don’t want a large, three foot wide falls - keep the elements of your water feature in scale.
One of the most common mistakes results from the desire for a tall waterfall at a level building site…large amounts of soil are imported to build the falls up to a three or four foot height. Yes, you will achieve a dramatic waterfall, but the total effect will look more like an out of place volcano. A falls of just two feet will produce a very satisfactory effect both visually and audibly.
On a level site, with an “average” size pond of 11′ x 16′, the amount of soil needed to surround the biological filter and create the berm is just about equal to the amount of soil excavated from the pond…it works out quite well. To further enhance or enlarge the berm, you may want to import a little more soil, large boulders or other features.
If you are working on a slope, you have the option of placing the biological filter (waterfall source) uphill from the pond and creating a series of cascading waterfalls. This is how I built my falls, described in the photo essay here: http://clearwaterlandscapes.com/pondphotos.htm
It was definitely an exercise in visualization to determine exactly how the water would flow down the falls. I made a slight underestimation of the total flow and could have widened the falls somewhat, but the effect is very acceptable.
Even on a level site, it’s a good design strategy to place the falls six to eight feet from the pond. This will create a short stream to the pond.
Be sure to use a wide EPDM rubber liner under the falls and/or stream…this will allow for twists and turns in the course of the water and also contain splashing. A ten foot wide stream liner is recommended. Underlayment under the falls and stream liners is usually not required.
When your excavation is complete for the falls, and liner is in place, add your stone. Don’t be in a hurry - try several (or many) combinations and visualize how the water will flow.
When satisfied with your arrangement, use black waterfall foam to direct the water over the stone instead of under it. That is, stone that is directly in contact with the liner should sit on a bed of foam so the water goes around or over the stone instead of underneath it. Caution - the foam expands greatly…don’t use too much!
Though it requires some creativity and patience, building a waterfall is extremely satisfying. Though you should give some time to preliminary research, you’ll learn most by actually building your water feature - just do it! You’ll find that your water garden is the most relaxing and enjoyable part of your yard.
About The Author
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Make Your Own Brown Sugar Body Scrub
January 30, 2006
To promote radiant, shiny skin tone it is advisable to exfoliate on a regular basis at least every 15 days. It removes dead cells and clears your skin. You’ll love the results.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 spoon of orange oil or half a fresh squeeze orange
- 1 spoon of vitamin E oil
Steps:
- Mix brown sugar, orange oil/juice, and vitamin E oil on a bowl.
- Get on tub and get wet.
- Take a handful of mixed ingredients and scrub in a gentle circular motion.
- Rinse off and apply a moisturizing lotion to re-hydrate skin.
About The Author
Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com “For Every Aspect of Today’s Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics”.
Reincarnation: Sacred Children Series - 1 of 3
January 30, 2006
Many years ago, my children were raised on the various teachings and concepts of “magic” as I was studying different religions and spiritual beliefs. I had come across many metaphysical teachings woven throughout most of the different religions. It was very important to me that they stay authentic and real. I didn’t want them to ever allow anyone to convince them to be something other than the beautiful souls they already were. They took to the metaphysical teachings quite easily and naturally. Often they already knew whatever it was I had thought I was going to teach them.
My four-year-old son asked me one morning, “Where did I live before I got into your tummy to be born.” He naturally assumed that he’d always existed despite his lack of memory about life before being born. It was just after Valentine’s Day and I reminded him of those cupid style angel babies that we had seen in the stores. We had both really like all of the statues, greeting cards, and pictures of the little cherubs. I told him that he was one of those little baby angels up in heaven before I got pregnant with him.
He asked if his younger sister had been a cherub too. “Yes, of course.” He then double checked to make sure they had been hanging out up in heaven together waiting to come down. He seemed satisfied with the idea that his little sister and him had both played together as little winged babies in up in heaven waiting for their turn to be born.
My son had heard the stories of how I had seen visions of his sister for five years before she finally came into our lives. He wanted to know if I’d had visions of him too. “No, just this one dream where you were running around peeing on everything. However just because I didn’t see you ahead of time doesn’t mean that you aren’t a wonderful and amazing gift in my life. It doesn’t mean that I don’t love you just the same as if I had seen you coming ahead of time.” He sat there nodding his head with this wise old man’s expression on his face as he thought for awhile.
When he spoke next, I almost laughed aloud at his reasoning. So, he wanted to know, didn’t this all mean that he was faster than his sister and had bested her in yet another race? After all, he’d beat her by two whole years. “Yeah,” I chuckled at where his mind had gone with it all, “I guess you did.” With that he ran off to rub it in her face. He always took such pride in being bigger, faster, and older than her. As far as he was concerned, it was proof that yet again, he was faster than her.
Later that evening he came back to ask me some more questions, “So, if I was in heaven before I got into your tummy and I’m going back again after I die, then can I come back again and again if I want to?”
“There are some people who say yes you can and there are some people who say no you can’t. They say you only get one turn at life.”
“Is it okay with you if I come back again?”
“Yeah sure,” I shrugged, “if you want to. I don’t see why not.”
“I can come back and live again and again if I want to?”
“It’s okay with me. You can come back as many times as you want. It’s really up to you.”
With a worried look on his face he asked, “Will you be my mom every time?”
“Yes, of course, honey. I’ll always be your mom forever and ever.”
His face lit up with relief at the reassurance that I’d always be here for him. Then he asked, “So next time, can we be farmers?”
“No, absolutely not.”
He did his best to argue the point, but he never could convince me to become a farmer. I always told him that I was tired of working that hard and that I wanted to play more in my next life. He enjoyed a childhood in which he believed that he could be anything and everything he could dream of. He never worried about running out of time, because he had so many lifetimes to fill.
Over the years, he’s asked many big cosmic questions about spiritual and paranormal topics. How is it that sometimes we see visions of things before they happen? How is it that we can talk to guardian angels that we can’t see and yet we can hear answers? How come not everyone hears them? Who’s in charge? Why is it that the religions are all so much alike and yet people fight so much over which one’s exactly right? Who’s right? How is it he could have memories of being an adult Native American warrior when he was only a young boy? Why is their music so haunting? How come he sees Celtic symbols in his dreams at night sometimes? Why is he so attached to the falcons?
He’s in high school now and has studied many different belief systems. He’s not so sure now that reincarnation is how it all works. He’s open to different beliefs, but as a rather scientific type, he’s really quite skeptical and requires a lot of proof. I encourage him to do his own research and find proof as to what really happens after we die. He hasn’t really studied religions for quite some time now because he’s far more interested in studying girls and bass guitars. I’m not too worried about it because I know that the seeds of spirituality were firmly planted in his upbringing and at some point in his future he will again look towards the heavens for answers as to where he was before he was born.
Copyright 2003, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow’s Edge
About The Author
Skye Thomas began writing books and articles with an everyday practical approach to life in 1999 after twenty years of studying spirituality, metaphysics, astrology, personal growth, motivation, and parenting. After years of high heels and business clothes, she is currently enjoying working from home in her pajamas. Go to www.TomorrowsEdge.net to read more of her articles and to get a free preview of one of her books.
The Health Benefits Of Drinking Water - Is Bottled Drinking Water Healthier Than Filtered Tap Water?
January 30, 2006
Water is a key ingredient in a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are many health benefits of drinking water. It helps flush impurities and toxins out of our systems. It aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. In fact, nearly every system in our bodies relies on water for proper functioning. But what if your water is unhealthy?
In past decades, concerns about tap water and its impact on overall health led some people to turn to bottled drinking water instead. In those days, there were few choices. You could pay to have a company deliver large bulky plastic bottles of water for the water cooler. Or you could purchase gallon jugs of distilled or "drinking water" at the grocery store.
In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of different bottled waters available, with big distributors such as Coke and Pepsi jumping on the bandwagon. But are bottled drinking waters like Coke’s Dasani brand, Pepsi’s Aquafina, or Wal-Mart’s store brand really any healthier than your tap water? Or would you be better off with a drinking water filtration system?
As we’ve learned more about the water we drink, the technology behind drinking water filters and purification systems has improved dramatically. There are filters to remove impurities, chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria and most every contaminant you can think of. With the right size and filter combination for your specific home, your water can be exceptionally pure and healthy.
Cost Comparison
Drinking water filtration systems have also become more affordable and easy to use. Although the initial cost of a whole house system usually runs several hundred dollars, that cost is often less than $100 each year if spread out over the life of the system.
There may be additional expenses to replace carbon filters, membranes in reverse osmosis drinking water filtration system, or lamps in an ultraviolet light water treatment device. These expenses can add another $100 or so to the annual costs of operating drinking water filters and purification systems.
While some people may hesitate to spend two or three hundred dollars each year for clean, safe drinking water, they are probably paying more for bottled drinking water. Calculations show that at a price of $1 to $4 per gallon, bottled or delivered water costs an average of $400 each year, especially if you purchase individual bottles. And that doesn’t take into consideration the gas needed to drive to the store or the environmental impact of all the empty plastic bottles.
Health Aspects
Many people who choose bottled drinking water understand that it is more expensive, but are willing to pay the extra money because they feel bottled water is safer and healthier than filtered drinking water. After all, bottled water is often marketed as "natural spring water" or "pure glacier water."
In reality, few bottled waters come from natural springs, and most of them use municipal tap water. The companies are able to get away with this false marketing because the regulations and standards for bottle drinking water are less stringent than those for residential drinking sources.
Bottled water quality is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while drinking water systems are typically regulated by State regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This doesn’t mean that the FDA isn’t doing their job. It’s just that the rules for bottled water only require it to be as good as tap water, not better.
In addition, the FDA regulations only apply to bottled drinking water that is transported across state lines. If a company sells their bottled drinking water in the same state where it was bottled, the federal regulations don’t apply. The result is that many bottled waters are not any healthier than filtered water, and in fact some are less pure.
This was demonstrated in a study conducted in 1999 by the Natural Resources Defense Council. They tested over 100 brands of bottled drinking water and found that about 1/3 of the waters contained contamination in the form of chemicals, bacteria, and arsenic. The study also found that up to 40% of bottled drinking waters come from a city water system.
How To Tell If Your Water Is Healthy
So how do you tell if the water you’re drinking is healthy? With tap water, it’s relatively easy. If you water comes from a municipal source, the suppliers are required by law to provide annual water quality reports. If you have a well, you can have an authorized lab test your water. It may cost $100 or more, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. Or you can purchase a kit and test it yourself, although the results are not as conclusive or reliable.
When it comes to bottled drinking water, it can be more difficult to know what you’re getting. Start by checking the label or the bottle cap. Some may tell you that the water comes from a municipal source or "community water system,” which means tap water.
If the label doesn’t give any information, you can call the bottler and ask. But don’t be surprised if you get the run around and are transferred to several different departments. Some states have a bottled water program that tracks bottled drinking water and can tell you the origin of the source water as well as other information.
Safe and healthy drinking water has become big business. Thousands of companies are vying for your hard earned cash, and some are not always honest about what their products offer. The initial investment for a home drinking water filtration system can seem expensive at first, but over time, it is usually less expensive than bottled drinking water. And with a water filter, you at least know where the water you drink came from and how it was treated.
Before going out and spending your hard earned money for bottled drinking water that may be no better than your own tap water, it’s a good idea to do some research. You’re likely to decide that a drinking water filtration system and/or purifier is the healthier choice and provides the best value as well.
About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Water-Filters-N-Purifiers.com, providing consumer information on water purification systems such as whole house and under sink water filters. She found out about comparing the health benefits of drinking water years ago when she learned that the bottled water she was buying came from a municipal system in a nearby city.
