The Revenant

Hear the name RICHARD NEUTRA and you’d be forgiven for thinking first and foremost of the legendary Austrian-American architect’s sun-kissed Californian villas. But, as premium German furniture manufacturer VS highlights through a unique staging, Europe provided fertile creative ground for his pioneering work, too.  (Design)





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Architonic TOP 20 Lighting Brands 2015

On the occasion of the Light+Building 2016 in Frankfurt, taking place from March 13-18th, we are following up with Architonic’s ranking of the Top Brands, this time drawing special attention to the big hitters when it comes to Lighting Brands.  (Architonic Trend Analysis)





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Material Tendencies: Front

Swedish design duo Front realise their fantasies by creating design objects that are often surprising and somewhat irritating at first sight.  (Architonic Trend Analysis)





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Smart homes become a reality: Simple installation and intuitive operation

There are few words that have impacted on the language of technology so massively over the past two decades as the notion of 'smart'. The things it covers begin with the 'smart phone' and end up with the 'smart watch' and the 'smart grid'. Everyone is talking about them. In building services engineering, interest now centres, after the 'smart meter', on the 'smart home'. And there are now more and more practically usable and market-ready concepts appearing on the market.  (Fairs)





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3 Benefits of Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion becomes the fastest growing batteries available across a wide range of golf carts and electric vehicles. In this short post we’ll discuss 3 benefits of lithium ion batteries, including: high energy density, longevity and low rate self-discharge.

High Energy Density

The energy density of lithium-ion is typically twice that of the standard nickel-cadmium. There is potential for higher energy densities. The load characteristics are reasonably good and behave similarly to nickel-cadmium in terms of discharge. The high cell voltage of 3.6 volts allows battery pack designs with only one cell. Most of today’s mobile phones run on a single cell. A nickel-based pack would require three 1.2-volt cells connected in series.Source: http://ift.tt/1x510lD

Longevity

Longevity is the main advantage and thus greater value for money. While lead-acid batteries usually last between 12 and 18 months, our lithium products have a five-year limited warranty. Lead-acid batteries often deteriorate rapidly and are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, especially during the winter. It’s realistic to estimate that a lead-acid battery may only deliver one season of regular golf. In contrast, Motocaddy lithiums are protected by an integrated Battery Management System and designed to handle at least five years of golf, irrespective of temperature and downtime. Source: http://ift.tt/1QGPRPA

Low Rate of Self-discharge

One issue with batteries and cells is that they lose their charge over time. This self-discharge can be a major issue. One advantage of lithium ion cells is that their rate of self-discharge is much lower than that of other rechargeable cells such as Ni-Cad and NiMH forms. Source: http://ift.tt/1UuqBSJ

For more information about Lithium-ion golf cart batteries, chargers or battery maintenance systems, please give us a call or contact us here.

Contact:

Recreation Sport Carts
7191 Progress Way
Delta, BC V4G 1K8
604-940-6236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Münchner Stoff Frühling: 11 – 14 March 2016

"Münchner Stoff Frühling" has developed into one of the leading trade fairs for high-quality home textiles. From 11 - 14 March 2016, 26 renowned international textile editors are inviting to their Munich showrooms and exhibition spaces to present the new collections, textile trends and brand productions to interior designers, decorators, architects and designers.Get to know the 26 exhibitors and what is special about their textile collections, traditions and innovations.  (Fairs)





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Münchner Stoff Frühling: 11. – 14. März 2016

Der Münchner Stoff Frühling hat sich zu einem der führenden Messe-Events für hochwertige Einrichtungstextilien entwickelt. Vom 11.-14. März 2016 laden 26 renommierte, internationale Textilhersteller und -verleger in ihre Münchner Showrooms und Ausstellungsräume ein und präsentieren Inneneinrichtern, Raumausstattern, Architekten und Designern ihre neuen Kollektionen, textilen Trends und Marken-Inszenierungen. Lernen Sie die 26 Aussteller und die Besonderheiten ihrer Textil-Kollektionen, Traditionen und Innovationen näher kennen.  (Fairs)





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Real Estate Negotiation Techniques 101 That’ll Save You Thousands

 

 

Are you finding yourself it hard to buy a place in this aggressive real estate market?

Are you constantly being outbid in bidding wars and tired of it?

Don’t you wish you had some inside secrets on how to negotiate like a boss?

 

In this hot market, you’re going to be engaging in wild negotiations.  Here are some basic tips that can help you when buying or selling real estate.

 

Look at the Home like a Home Inspector:

When you’re buying a property, look closely at the features of the property.  See if you can pinpoint areas that need some touch ups and repairs.  Are there chips on the floor?  How about dents, scratches and marks on the wall?  Is the place so outdated that it needs a new coat of paint? 

Find out the cost to mitigate these small problems and use that to bring the price down.

How about the age of the roof, hot water tank and the furnace?  Do these need replacing soon?  Is the flooring dirty or outdated as well?  Factor those costs in as well.

 

BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement):

When you go into a negotiation, always have a BATNA.  

The post Real Estate Negotiation Techniques 101 That’ll Save You Thousands appeared first on Vancouver's #1 Family Real Estate Homes, Houses, And Condos For Sale | Gary Wong Realty.

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5 Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Bathroom Luxurious

When planning a new bathroom or updating your existing bathroom the first thing to consider is the style you want to achieve.

Read below to learn 5 inexpensive ways to make your bathroom luxurious:

Natural Accents
Natural stone counter – A soapstone top, with its river rock color and matte finish, has a warmer look than polished granite. Cut one to your specs using woodworking tools.. Source: ThisOldHouse

Two Shower Curtains For a Grander Tub
Shower curtain panels make for a far more luxurious bath experience. For a tiny bathroom, just cut the curtain in half and hem the edges. Easy peasy. Source: Buzzfeed

Arrange Artfully
Consider your counter: Are your beauty and hygiene supplies just strewn about randomly? If so, adding a few small trays can mean the difference between a mess and an artful arrangement. And don’t write off apothecary jars just because they’re a cliche — they’re a beautiful way to display the small but necessary items that often come in gaudy packaging (cotton balls, q-tips). Source: ElleDecor

Fresh Flowers and Greenery
This trick may sound too easy, but you’ll be amazed at how much a little plant life can go a long way in making your bathroom much prettier and vibrant. Source: RedbookMag

Mirror Power
A large mirror has so much power. It cuts down on tile costs by filling much of a wall (while reflecting the material you do invest in) and can virtually double the size of the room, making it feel like a vast personal oasis even if the room is a more modest size. Consider taking a mirror wall to wall. Source: Houzz

If you’d like more information on how to make your bathroom look luxurious in an inexpensive way, please contact us.

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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In the spotlight at Heimtextil 2016: textile designer products and technical innovations

New designs and technical developments were exhibited across all product divisions at Heimtextil 2016 in Frankfurt am Main. From 12-15 January 2016, 2,866 exhibitors from all over the world showcased the materials, colours, patterns and shapes that will be on trend over the coming season and which technical refinements will provide a greater level of comfort.  (Fairs)





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Get over yourself

Recent landmark bridge architecture shows how this most utilitarian of construction types, when imaginatively planned, can add real regenerative value to its environs. Build a bridge and get over it, people!  (Architecture)





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Material Tendencies: Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby

Established in 1996, British design duo Barber & Osgerby have worked across a variety of disciplines, including industrial design, interiors, architecture and site-specific installations.  (Architonic Trend Analysis)





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3 Simple Repairs to Sell Your Home Faster

Thinking about how to prepare your home properly before you put it on the market? These short post will cover 3 simple repairs to help sell your home faster. Read on!

Repair #1

Repair the Floor If your home has hardwood floors, you should seriously consider removing your carpeting and getting the floors refinished. If your sub-floor is plywood, on the other hand, transforming it into a hardwood floor will be far too costly. Rather, replace the carpeting with a neutral carpet color, such as light tan. If you have any ceramic floor tiles that are chipped or cracked, these should be replaced before putting the home on the market. Source: Hometoindy

 

Repair #2

Painting the walls in updated neutrals and on-trend colors will set your home apart and help home buyers remember each room. Open areas all should be painted the same color — maybe a light griege or muted-down color. You’ll want to skip the dark or intense colors in these areas.

Master and guest bedrooms are best painted in muted but distinct colors. Muted versions of blues, greens and yellows are good bets.

This lovely guest room painted by Warline Painting in Benjamin Moore’s Georgian Green will be remembered over a similar one painted Builder Beige.

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3 Tips to Save Money in Golf

The only sure rule in golf is he who has the fastest cart never has to play the bad lie.
– Mickey Mantle

Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into a even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose.
 – Winston Churchill

Golf is a good walk spoiled.
 – Mark Twain

Golf can be a an expensive sport. Luckily, these tips can save you some money in golf. Read on!
Golf Balls

Balls, there I said it, let’s talk about balls, they can be really expensive so look for ones that may be cheaper than the top of the range ones. A lot of manufacturers will produce balls with company logos or for a particular event and they can have a surplus which they need to off-load at a reduced cost, so look out for excess stock clearances, they’re the same quality as the other balls but just have and different logo or name on them. You can do an internet search for ‘excess golf stock’ or ‘wholesale golf stock’ to get you started in the right direction. Some of our local places include Play it Again Sports and Replay Golf Supplies. Source: Fatwallet

Golf Practice

Golf course coupon books are best for groups of three or four players buying together who will actually use the “four for two” or “four for three” rounds. Again, these too can be quite restrictive so check the listings before you buy.

Taking golf lessons with a pro can be cheaper than green fees, will improve your skills and increase your enjoyment of the game. Golf pros can suggest proper clubs and equipment for your level/physique potentially saving you more in the long run.

Getting some swings in at a driving range is always a good way to improve your game, and relieve stress. Who doesn’t like whacking the heck out of a bucket of golf balls! Be careful to not overdo it, stretch before and after, and know your limit: two buckets MIGHT be too many swings! There are some great ranges around us, like Birdies & Buckets, Sunshine Woods, and Fraserview, so check them out! Source: Vacay.ca

 Golf Clubs

Whether you buy them in sets or individually, golf clubs can feature some pretty incredible price tags. Depending on what you’re looking for, though, you can usually save a lot of money by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Buy used clubs: There are more used golf clubs out there than there are new clubs, so go out there and explore your options.
• Buy demo clubs: Demo clubs are available in almost every pro shop for golfers to try out the latest and greatest golf clubs before purchasing them.
• Don’t rent clubs: Unless your course provides free rentals, they’re probably getting away with making a lot of profit on a relatively cheap investment. Source: Golf.isport

 

Contact:

Recreation Sport Carts
604-940-6236
#3 – 7191 Progress Way
Delta, BC  V4G 1K8

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Modern Talking

Having established itself, through its collaboration with an impressive international cohort of designers, as a premium accessories brand, Menu’s highly considered, new Modernism Reimagined collection successfully positions the high-end Danish manufacturer as a serious player in the lighting and furniture markets, too.  (Design)





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The Living Kitchen

When premium kitchen brand FRANKE KITCHEN SYSTEMS decided to develop Frames by Franke, the market’s first-ever total product line, they didn’t skimp on quality or performance. Things are definitely cooking.  (Design)





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What’s The Difference Between The 3 Types Of Mortgage Professionals?

 

Mortgage Broker?  

Mortgage Specialist?  

Mobile Mortgage Specialist?  

Mortgage Manager?  

Financial Services Representative that does Mortgages?

Ever wondered what the difference between all three are?

 

Mortgage Broker:  These guys are licensed.  They take a mortgage broker’s license and they have access to multiple lenders.  They get paid by a percentage by lenders.

 

(Bank Name) Mobile Mortgage Specialist:  These guys work for the bank.  They took some mortgage courses but did not take a mortgage broker’s license.  They do not get paid a salary, they get paid by a percentage of the mortgage by the bank.  They can only sell their own bank’s mortgage products.

 

Bank Representative:  These guys work for the bank.  They get a salary from the bank.  They may have taken some mortgage courses but did not take a mortgage broker’s license.  They can only sell their own bank’s mortgage products.

 

Which one is the best?  It’s up to you.  I prefer mortgage brokers who are licensed because they have access to multiple lenders, including smaller lenders.  However, some people only want to get their mortgage from certain big banks that mortgage brokers may not have access to.  

One thing for sure is I recommend clients to not shop based on rates.  

The post What’s The Difference Between The 3 Types Of Mortgage Professionals? appeared first on Vancouver's #1 Family Real Estate Homes, Houses, And Condos For Sale | Gary Wong Realty.

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3 Things to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be a hard process to go through. Luckily, we’ll help by sharing few things to avoid when selling our home, such as: overpricing the property, letting your pets roam free and skipping the market.

Below are 3 things to avoid when selling your home:

Overpricing the Property
He says while it is good to have high expectations, sellers should rather be smart when pricing their home. Although many sellers will be tempted to overprice their property to counteract buyer negotiations, overpricing could chase buyers away altogether, leaving the home sitting on the market for longer than it has to.
Listing the home at a price above fair market value and then letting it drop several times can also lead to a lower selling price than the seller was originally hoping for.
A savvy agent can help the seller set the best, most competitive price for their home based on other recent sales and local market trends. Source: Property24

Letting your Pet Roam Free
You may have the gentlest pet in the world, but that doesn’t mean prospective buyers want your pet jumping on them or following them around when they come to view your home. Some people simply don’t like animals and just seeing a dog, cat or rabbit may drive them away before they’ve had the chance to give your home a proper once over.

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Utilizing Furniture to Colour the Bathroom

Lately, modern bathroom design has been characterized by minimalist styles and clean lines. People are now opting for acrylic and white ceramic thus thrusting coloured bathroom suites into the past. However, this doesn’t conform to all. Some find the lack of colour somewhat bland. This 2016, adding a splash of colour is said to be a new and upcoming trend. While the trend catches on, it is worth nothing that introducing colour via the furniture is where it all starts.

Bathroom furniture is a must in all bathrooms. It helps keep the room clutter free and pristine looking. It also serves to add flair to the bathroom if the white ceramic surrounding is driving you nuts. Coloured bathroom furniture is definitely the way to go if you are after a striking bathroom that has a unique focal point. What furniture colours should you go for though?

 

Neutral Tones

For those who are at basic stages of disgust with bland bathrooms, neutral colours are perfect. While they add a bit of colour, they are still close to the white palette. Neutral tones add warmth to the bathroom without shying far from the white we’ve become accustomed to in the room. While it complements white, it only slightly breaks the monotony of white.

 

Pastels

Neutral tones are perfect for people who are not that fond of shying away from white. If you are much more open to striking colours, pastel shades are for you. Pale mint green, for example, suits traditional bathroom suites. This colour is usually used in country kitchens but is also apt for bathrooms. Another pastel shade that looks great is light grey. It gives off the impression of a nautical environment and works great with blue palettes. In fact, grey and blue are used almost exclusively together in bathrooms.

 

Black

Monochrome is something that will definitely make a statement in the bathroom. It gives of a masculine ambiance and is a common style choice in other rooms. In the bathroom, you can accomplish this by introducing black furniture. It will right away spark a contrast between the white tiles and walls. Furniture with high gloss black finishes are great for creating dramatic looks in the bathroom. When viewed side-by-side with the white ceramic, it gives off a sort of an overpowering effect.

 

Red

Among interior designers, there is one colour that is said to be only for the brave homeowner. Red offers a very striking look but only if pulled off well. It isn’t a relaxing colour to look at because of its vibrancy but it catches attention quite well. Red furniture brings a unique look to the bathroom and it doesn’t take a lot of red to brighten things up. If you are a daring homeowner, red is the perfect colour for you.

 

Designing bathroom furniture is a really great way to introduce colour to bland bathrooms. There are numerous shades, palettes and tones you can choose from in the market.  Feel free to experiment and you’ll be surprised at what you arrive at.

 

Contributed By: Perfectbath.com

 

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How to Use The Color of the Year 2016 in Your Bath & Kitchen Design

The Pantone colors of the year always have a huge effect on fashion, interior design, and art throughout the year. For 2016, Pantone acknowledges the burgeoning trends toward pastel colors by selecting Rose Quartz, a soft peachy pink, and Serenity, a pale, dusty blue, as their colors of the year. They might seem intimidating at first, but both colors are actually extremely easy to integrate into your kitchen or bathrooms.

Make Small Changes

Many people are concerned that covering an entire room in pastels may make it look like a nursery, and they do have a valid point. If you are not entirely sold on Rose Quartz and Serenity, try incorporating small accents throughout a more neutral room. A beige and white kitchen can be livened up with touches of Rose Quartz on appliances or as a backing paper for open shelves, and a gray and navy bathroom can benefit from the calming hue of Serenity on light fixtures.

Update Old Classics With New Colors

Though actual Rose Quartz is an impractical choice for a kitchen, there are other countertop options that mimic the beautiful and trendy color. Granite countertops continue to be prevalent in kitchens, and many suppliers have began including more pale pink granite among their selections. This is a great way to incorporate the trendy color into a classic kitchen material.

Painting One Wall

If you do not want to commit to a fully painted room, just painting one wall has always been a good solution. This tried and true interior design trick is a great way to add Rose Quartz or Serenity to your kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, having one colorful wall looks particularly nice around a design element you want to highlight, such as a gorgeous view through the windows. In bathrooms, the wall behind the bathroom mirror can be a good way to make an impact.

Create a Fun Focal Point

Many interior designers cringe when they recall the colored bathtubs and toilets of the seventies. However, a recent modern twist on this concept is actually a great way to create a peaceful and stylish bathroom. A freestanding tub with a white interior and a Rose Quartz pink or Serenity blue exterior can be an excellent focal point in a bathroom and create a feeling of peace and relaxation.

Pick Your Color Scheme

Pale pink and lilac-blue may seem like they would be difficult to incorporate into a home, but the colors go well with all neutrals and many shades of blue, green, purple, and even yellow. This means that the Pantone colors of the year work well with more traditionally neutral-colored design elements. For more inspiration on color pairing, check out Pantone’s suggestions for how to match Rose Quartz and Serenity with other colors throughout your kitchen and bathrooms.

Makeover Your Cabinets

Cabinets are an ideal way to give either a kitchen or a bathroom a whole new look. They are extremely easy to paint and repaint, and make a big impact. Both matte and glossy paints work well with the 2016 Pantone colors, so you can pick the right type of finish for your cabinets easily. Cabinets with neutral, clean lines have a surprisingly modern look when painted Rose Quartz or Serenity, while more traditional, detailed cabinets take on a slightly whimsical feel.

 

Contributed by: Perfectbath

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5 Minute Bathroom Cleaning Tips

Thinking about how to keep your bathroom clean with a minimal amount of effort and time? Read on as we share the 5 minute bathroom cleaning tips that you might want to know.

Minute 1
First I put away everything on the counter tops.  If you just focus & do this, it will take just a minute or two.  Put your toothbrushes away, too.  I put ours in the corner (out of sight, because I like things to look clean & non-cluttered.)    My husband & I use the Reach Complete Care toothbrushes.  Our older boys use the Tooth Tunes toothbrushes  & our younger ones use Spiderman Ready Go Toothbrush (by Firefly). I’m telling you this because then you know that the kids tooth brushes have their own built in stand, so they can just ‘stand’ on the countertop, out of the way.  Source: YourModernFamily

Minute 2
Surface Cleaning:  Spray showers with daily cleaner (right after you shower) to prevent soap scum build up.  Give the counters and sink a quick wipe down to pick up rogue hairs, powder, and toothpaste.   Next wipe down the toilet tank, handle, seat, base and lip of toilet bowl – in that order.  Keep a bottle of all-purpose cleaner under the vanity along with a bin of rags so everything is handy. Next, swish water around the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush and flush.  I also like to keep a container of cleaning wipes under the sink to wipe the floor around the toilet and for quick clean ups any time. Source: TidyMom

Minute 3
Your third minute is dedicated to straightening. Refold your towels and pull your shower curtain closed so it can air out. Check to make sure you have toilet paper and even take a few seconds to straighten the bottles on your countertops and those that live in your shower. Source: ApartmentTherapy

Minute 4
With a fresh wipe, clean the top of the toilet tank, the flusher handle, and the lid. Use a new wipe for the top and the bottom of the seat and the lip of the bowl—in that order. Take one more wipe and do the base of the toilet and the floor around it. Next, swish water around the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush and flush. Using (you guessed it) another wipe, clean the vents and the baseboards. Source: RealSimple

Minute 5
Lastly, target those floors. Floors should be vacuumed to remove any debris then mopped to make it sparkle. Doing half the job just won’t cut it this time around. If you have decorative carpets, you can vacuum them as well or take a lint roller to them for a quick and easy clean-up. Source: CleanMySpace

We hope this post has given you some ideas for keeping your bathrooms clean without spending a lot of time.  If you have more tips and tricks, leave them in the comments below!

Contact Us:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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3 Common Golf Cart Facts

TIGrr in Paris

After Indochina, Megève and Saint-Tropez, the TIGrr has come to Paris. Certain bars and restaurants are more conducive to meetings and rare moments that become precious memories over time.  (Design)





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How to Survive Your Bathroom Renovation

 

Bathroom renovation projects are dreaded by many homeowners. The potential for expense, plus the possibility of a long project duration during which time it is less convenient to use the bathroom, cause stress for many people. But don’t let the thought of a bathroom remodel put you off. There are many ways you can make the experience much less stressful, without compromising on quality or style. Here’s how to survive a bathroom makeover without any hassle.

1. Choose the Right Contractor

Unless you are experienced in DIY and building projects, it is probably best if you leave renovations and changing bathroom fittings, showers, and baths to the experts. You need to know about plumbing and have the experience needed to manage a change in the location of these bathroom fittings. Unless you are simply painting walls, or changing taps, major bathroom renovations are better handled by professionals. And make sure you choose the right contractor – the best are not necessarily the cheapest, although you do still want to get a good deal on the people who work for you.

2. Understand What You Want to Change

Make sure you know what you want to alter and what you want to stay the same before starting on the project. Be clear about the reasons for the renovation before you get stuck into the actual project. Do you want to create more space? Get more light? Or simply replace an old shower with a new model? Being clear on what you want to change and what will stay the same will help you set a budget and work out the timeline of the project. It may be that the changes you want to make are reasonably light and cosmetic, and that you can do them without having to cause significant disruption to the family.

 

3. Focus on Functionality

It is important that the renovation tackle issues of functionality so you are left with a space that truly works for your family, and this can make it easier to live with the temporary inconvenience of a remodel. When you know that you will have a bathroom that is easier to live with you will be able to bear the loss of a shower for a few weeks.

4. Shop Around for Fixtures

Shower Cubicles, bathtubs, toilets and even things like bath mats and shelves can bring up the cost of the project, or bring it down if you choose wisely. Take a look at what’s on offer so you can be sure you are buying the best items to meet your budget limits. You may want to splurge on one fantastic shower cubicle and save on basic items, or look for the budget option for all fittings. With the amount of choice available today, there are options for every budget.

 

Image courtesy of JTSpas.co.uk

Contributed by: PerfectBath.com

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Bathroom Decor Ideas on a Budget

We all have those restless moments when we want to do something different with the décor when the timing and budget just couldn’t be more wrong. Sometimes, however, you just need to do something different so that you don’t end up pulling your hair out. If you want to make some changes to your décor, but you’re on a strict budget, there are still some small and simple tweaks that you can perform to make your bathroom feel like it was given a significant upgrade. Upgrading the décor doesn’t always mean replacing the big hardware, like showers or vanities. Instead, you can choose to make simple decorative adjustments that will still change the room’s appearance and give it a new vibe without taking everything from your budget.

Repaint

Repainting is one of the simplest and easiest ways to give your bathroom an upgrade.  When you paint, it doesn’t just have to be on the walls or other common painted areas. Consider painting your vanity a new color, repaint your floors if they are made of wood, or paint another piece of furniture in the bathroom. The new color along with the touch up will make your bathroom feel like a completely new room and it will be a big change with a small impact on your wallet.

  Photo Credit: homerenovations.about.com

Invest in New Hardware

By hardware, we don’t mean all of the bathroom’s biggest appliances. Sometimes, some of the basics will do the trick. A new towel rack, toilet paper roller, soap dispenser, etc. will make the room feel enlivened. Changing the cabinet and vanity handles can also help to give the bathroom an upgrade. These things tend to look pretty dingy and rusty over time, so having some new hardware to replace them could ultimately become the upgrade your bathroom needed all along.

Photo Credit: restorationhardware.com

Recycle
Sometimes, the biggest deterrent in a bathroom is the amount of perceived clutter and mess. This is especially true of small bathrooms where storage is limited and additional storage may be either too costly or too impractical. If you have even the smallest room for additional storage, consider using old wooden crates for additional storage. These can not only make great small, compact storage bins, but they can also be a decorative and stylistic statement for your bathroom.

Photo Credit: etsy.com

These are just some of our favorite budget bathroom décor ideas, but you’re sure to find many more with a little bit of research and a lot of creativity. What changes have you made to your bathroom with a limited budget? What are your favorite bathroom décor DIY hacks? Leave your suggestions and feedback in the comments below – we’d love to share your ideas!

Contributed by:Perfectbath

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“unique youngstar” wanted: Enter your unique design and join the young designer competition for outdoor living at the world’s leading garden trade fair

In the “garden unique” area at spoga+gafa the top brands of outdoor living meet and inspire with high-end products and creative concepts. Here also young, aspiring design talents get the chance to share their ideas with international experts. Since 2013, the resourceful and innovative designs of the young talents are presented and awarded during the unique youngstar competition. Be a part and send in your prototypes!  (Fairs)





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Basic Real Estate Bidding War Strategies

 

Do you feel nervous when it comes to bidding on real estate?

Do you shy away from competition?

Are you constantly losing in the bidding wars?

Don’t you wish you knew some basic strategies so that you’ll have the upper hand next time?

 

First off, in this hot Vancouver market, bidding wars are inevitable.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re buying a house, condo, townhome or duplex, you’re going to be buying something that others can’t wait to buy.

Let me first dispel a common myth first.  

 

Myth:  Bidding wars mean that I am going to overpay for the property

 

No, not necessarily.  If there’s a bidding war for the property you want to buy, it’ll mean a few things:

1.  The property and/or neighborhood is in high demand

2.  In bidding wars, there’s only 1 winner, meaning there are a bunch of buyers who still want to buy that property or similar properties in that area, leading to increases in market value for that area.

3.  Bidding wars sometimes occur because the property was priced at below market value to start with

4.  If you win a bidding war, you may be able to flip it to one of the bidders who didn’t win for a quick profit

 

In a hot market, there is a lack of inventory, meaning there are more buyers than there are sellers.  

The post Basic Real Estate Bidding War Strategies appeared first on Vancouver's #1 Family Real Estate Homes, Houses, And Condos For Sale | Gary Wong Realty.

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How to Clean Hard Water Stains from Bathroom Fixtures

How to Clean Hard Water Stains from your Bath & Kitchen Fixtures

 

When a home has hard water, the fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen may constantly look dirty or even gritty. If the stains are not removed, they can tarnish the fixtures and prevent them from working properly. To avoid this, homeowners should remove the stains as soon as they appear.

What Causes Hard Water Stains?

Hard water contains large amounts of minerals that can buildup on plumbing and bathroom fixtures over time. Some of these minerals, like calcium and limestone, create a crust around faucets and fixtures as the water molecules evaporate. While the water itself is perfectly safe to use, the minerals can impede water flow and degrade the look of the bath and kitchen fixtures over time. To keep the bath and kitchen looking pristine, the hard water stains should be regularly cleaned.

Cleaning Light Hard Water Stains

Light hard water stains can be cleaned using a white vinegar and water mixture. Using a simple spray bottle filled with 50 percent warm water and 50 percent vinegar, the spots should be lightly sprayed. Once the mixture sits for a few minutes, the stains should easily come up once the surface is wiped with a towel. The area should then be rinsed and dried to prevent more spots from forming.

Dealing with Problematic Hard Water Stains

If the hard water stains have been around for some time or the fixtures have crusty buildup, the spots may be harder to remove. Homeowners can try soaking an old towel in white vinegar and letting that towel sit on the stain. After about 10 minutes or so, the mineral deposits may be soft enough to remove. A scrub brush may also be useful for larger or thicker deposits.

When Home Remedies are not Enough

For tougher stains, white vinegar may not be strong enough to handle the stains. A bathroom cleaner that specifically states that it was made to remove hard water stains can be used. The cleaner can be sprayed directly on the spot. After it soaks for a minute or two, a damp cloth can be used to wipe away the cleaner and the stain. The area should be rinsed with clean water and dried to prevent more stains from showing up.

Because hydrochloric acid is usually the main ingredient in these cleaners, the bathroom or kitchen should be well ventilated when the cleaner is used. Additionally, homeowners should always use gloves when handling harsh chemicals.

Preventing Hard Water Stains

As long as the home has hard water, the stains will return unless homeowners take care to prevent the stains from coming back. One of the easiest ways is to simply dry any surface that gets wet before the water molecules evaporate. This removes the deposits before they have a chance to dry.

A more permanent solution is to purchase a water softener system. Although this system can be expensive, the water softener removes some of the minerals that cause the stains. Further, homeowners may notice that their bathroom fixtures will appear brighter and need less cleaning over time.

 

Contributed By: PerfectBath

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Best Oils for Herbal Steam Showers

Best Oils for Herbal Aroma Therapy in Steam Showers

 

Regardless of the time or culture, people have understood the benefits of using steam baths for their health. This is true not only to experience the physical but the mental benefits of relaxation as well. It doesn’t matter whether you are experiencing a physical problem such as achy, tired muscles or respiratory distress, constant mental tension or just a hard day at the office, a steam bath can help. It stands to reason, however, that once a steam bath has helped to open pores, adding oils to your self-therapy will add to those benefits. 

A steam bath provides a gentle and natural way to open pores, and allow botanicals to work their magic in every part of your body. Open pores allow oils access to the lower levels of cells in your skin. Steam also facilitates deeper breathing, which allows you to take in oils and herbs to be breathed with ease.

To infuse the steam for your shower into the steam generator, take a handful of each dried herb or just a teaspoon of pure essential oils to the water prior to heating it.

Eucalyptus – use about 1/2 cup of fresh or 1/3 cup dried. The oils from the plant will be released into the hot water, and the steam is helpful in supporting and clearing your respiratory system.

Thyme – use about 1/2 cup of fresh thyme or 1/4 cup dried. This can be very relaxing and don’t worry about smelling like a pork roast either.

Pine Needles – Use about 1/2 cup of pine needles (or just snip off a few inches of a pine branch).

Peppermint – Use about 1 cup of fresh peppermint leaves or 1/3 cup dried, or 2 or 3 peppermint tea bags.

Herbs can be used alone or mixed. Eucalyptus and peppermint make a relaxing and wonderful combination.

Also, consider adding calming, soothing herbs, such as chamomile and lavender, to help with a feeling of general well-being. This combination is particularly attractive when you add a measure of rose hips as well.

A steam bath is a wonderful detox regimen for whatever is ailing you. Steam will cause your body to sweat, carrying out toxins, which can benefit your liver and other organs. You can also use a steam shower to give you the cleansing effects of the heat and water along with the herbs. One herb that is especially good for acting as a diuretic and encourage your body to expel uric acid is juniper essential oil.

Want to really go for the gusto? During an oil-infused steam bath, apply an herbal face mask with rose and chamomile.

 

Contributed by: Perfectbath

 

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• Buying Guide : Finding The Steam Shower That Is Right For You
• Questions and Answers about Steam Showers
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• Custom Steam Shower or Modular FreeStanding Steam Shower Which is Better ?
• Popularity of Steam Showers Taking to the Sky
• Steam Showers to treat Colds and Flu
• Steam Shower Indulgence Pays Relaxation Dividends
• Do Steam Showers Improve your Skin ?
• Steam Saunas Vs Far Infrared Saunas – What’s the Difference?

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