Fast and fabulous fixes to banish a boring bath

Luckily, simple updates can breathe new life into this small space. Transform your boring bath by incorporating these fast, fresh updates that don't cost a fortune.



Create a focal point with updated faucets

It's a focal point, one of the most frequently used items in the bath, so it's important that your vanity incorporates a fabulous faucet. If you prefer more traditional styling, the Moen Wetherly bathroom faucet offers a refreshed, old-world design that's guaranteed to add a touch of luxury. Or if you like a more industrial, yet elegant look, Gibson bathroom faucets feature an edgy, square-shaped high-arc spout and sleek lever handles. And to keep your new fixtures looking flawless, both are available at Lowe's in Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish, which resists fingerprints and water spots, maintaining the brilliance of the faucet.



In addition to the beautiful styling, you'll feel good about your update, since each bathroom faucet has been certified to meet WaterSense criteria, meaning the fixtures meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidelines as an environmentally responsible and efficient product.





Add beauty with bath hardware



Once you've upgraded your faucet, look to the other metallic accents in the room for a subtle, yet effective way to pull together the design. Coordinating bath hardware, such as towel bars, rings, robe hooks, shelves, knobs and pulls, will instantly add a functional and fashionable impact.



Let there be light

Assess your current lighting to ensure it offers the look and feel you want for your bath. Too dark? Add new decorative fixtures that complement your faucets and hardware. There are many styles that feature multiple lamps for added illumination. Too bright? Add a dimmer switch to your lighting to soften the mood when you're looking to relax.



Set the mood with color



According to Freshome architecture and design blog, room color affects our moods and thoughts - so choose wisely. Add a splash of color to the walls with a fresh coat of high-gloss paint to give the space an instant facelift. Create a zen retreat by enhancing your bath with shades of yellow, which are energizing and uplifting; or soft blues, which are calming, relaxing and serene.



Next, add coordinating textiles; a fabric shower curtain, plush bath towels, rugs and bath mat can add a finishing designer touch.



Shower sanctuary

A quality showerhead can dramatically improve your daily showering experience. Take your shower from lackluster to luxurious with the new Moen Halo rainshower. The pivoting, double-ring design offers up to 60 percent more coverage than standard rainshowers and features three consumer-preferred spray settings - all presented in a clean, modern design to make a style statement in any bath.



Replacing a showerhead can be a quick and inexpensive project, simply unscrew the old showerhead and attach the new one to the shower arm.



Add a finishing touch with furniture



No matter the size of your bathroom, we all want more storage. Look around your home for unused accents, such as a small shelf, chest - or even a cupboard or armoire. The extra drawer space will come in handy to keep your clutter under control - while also adding a bit of style, warmth and pizzazz to your newly updated room.



Don't think that fix-ups have to be long, drawn-out projects. By following these fast updates, you'll be surprised how quickly and easily you can take your bathroom from boring to a spa-like sanctuary.

APRIL 2015 MARKET UPDATE

 April 2015

DeLena Ciamacco

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for April! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

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Taking a look at key food issues

This fall, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance wants to help families make informed decisions when it comes to those nutritious meals and learn how food gets from the farm to kids' plates. More and more, people have questions about food production, food safety and health. These are always top of mind for any of us, but they take on even more importance when you're providing meals for children and your family.



Three key food issues have been getting increasing attention lately and it's important to know what these really mean when it comes to choosing and preparing your food:



Are GM foods a healthy option?



Food from genetically-modified (GM) seeds have been commercially available and have been proven safe for human and animal consumption. GM seeds undergo testing for safety, health and nutritional value. This regulation is overseen by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Research shows that the current commercial crops from GM seeds have the same nutritional properties as non-GM seed crops and are not harmful for humans and animals to consume.



Farmers have been genetically altering plants and seeds through selective breeding to improve characteristics such as hardiness, yield, taste and nutrition for thousands of years. Today's GM seeds are part of this evolution. Their development is sped up and more precise by inserting the genes from one plant into another in a laboratory setting.-These crops can be grown using GM seeds: sweet corn, field corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, sugar beets, papaya, alfalfa and squash.



What is the difference between organic and non-organic, and is it really important to me?



The main difference between organically and non-organically grown foods is the production method - those who raise organically grown food must follow a strict set of guidelines outlined by the USDA. The USDA organic label indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Like many other value-added products, organic food can be more expensive because, in some cases, it costs more to produce. A common misconception is that the increased cost of organic food relates directly to its superior nutritional value, which is unproven.



Another common misconception about organic food production involves pesticide and fertilizer use. Organic farmers can choose from organic-certified pesticides and fungicides, which are outlined by the USDA Certified Organic program. They can also use organic matter (livestock manure) for fertilizer.



Are antibiotics being used to treat farm animals harmful to me and my family in our food?



Antibiotics are used to ensure animal safety, food safety and the safety of humans and our health. A common misconception is that antibiotics used on animals will be present in the meat you buy at the store. All animals treated with antibiotics go through a withdrawal period and must meet standards for antibiotic residue before the meat enters the food supply, ensuring that any animals treated with antibiotics are safe to enter the food supply.



Another common concern is that antibiotic use in animals has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a concern for both animal and human health and antibiotics are crucial to all of us. To date, there has been no proven link to antibiotic treatment failure in humans due to antibiotic use in animals raised for consumption.



"Providing a variety of food choices is very important to America's farmers and ranchers, but ensuring that consumers have the right information to make the right food choices for them is just as important," says Katie Pratt, an Illinois farm mom and U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance spokesperson. "Being an informed food consumer will help ensure healthy and nutritious meals for your kids and family throughout the upcoming school year."



For more information about food production and the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, visit www.FoodDialogues.com. Wholly or partially funded by one or more Checkoff programs.

Become a master of the BBQ

As the weather gets warmer, nothing is better than a barbecued meal with friends and family. However, after a long cold winter, it is necessary to get your grill ready with a bit of a tune-up first. Here are some tips courtesy of The Home Depot that will get you serving up tasty burgers in no time:

Get your grill as good as new

Similar to an oven, barbecues need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Here is what you can do:

• Remove the grills and scrape away excess build up with a grill brush or scraper.

• If your kitchen oven has a self-cleaning setting, place the grills on the oven racks and turn on the self-cleaning feature. Not only will it incinerate every bit of foodstuff from your grill grate, but you'll kill two birds with one stone and come away with a clean oven as well.

Clean inside - and out

It is also important to keep the outside of your barbeque looking its best - no one feels confident eating food prepared on a grill with a rusty, dirty outside. Here are a few tips to help you get rid of the mess:

• Simply wipe it down with a moist cloth and some soap.

• If possible, remove gas control knobs and wash.

• Wipe down stainless steel models with oil to keep the weather at bay. Always remember to choose your cleaning products carefully as some may be flammable.

Make it easy on yourself

To prevent excess build up and make next year's preparation even easier, make sure you clean your barbecue after every use. A brush made of silicone is a perfect tool to get the job done. Also, invest in a cover to prevent the harsh weather from ruining your investment.

Tips to keep potty training positive

(BPT) - Parents everywhere agree - potty training can be a struggle. You worry about taking your toddler out in public or trying to find ways to simultaneously encourage potty training and boost your child's self-confidence. Still, of 1,000 moms surveyed, 76 percent feel that their child's personal growth as a result of potty training is, ultimately, a big reward.



Every parent goes through the potty training stages, and every parent will experience a challenge or two during the experience. The following advice from Pull-Ups Potty Training Partners Dr. Heather Wittenberg and Jen Singer addresses the fears parents and toddlers have during the training process and explains the Pull-Ups Potty Breaks Ritual - a simple call-and-response routine that keeps potty training fun and consistent.



* Not making it in time - It's helpful to monitor how long it's been between potty breaks and how much your child has had to drink. Reminding your child to go is another important step. Sixty-eight percent of 1,000 moms surveyed say that accidents occur as a result of their toddler not wanting to stop playing and take a potty break. Get your child excited with the potty breaks ritual by calling out, "What does a Big Kid take?" and let them excitedly respond, "A potty break".



* Fear of the toilet - For children, the fear of falling in the toilet or of something reaching up to grab them is both real and scary. Remember that toddlers may not understand a logical explanation. Instead, try to take their mind off of the fear by turning the experience into something fun. The Pull-Ups Big Kid App offers more advice for parents and fun activities and games to help toddlers have fun with potty training.



* Accidents - We all know accidents happen. While it may feel like you're causing a scene, remember that no one around you is as concerned about it as you. Try to stay positive and be prepared. When heading out the door, bring an emergency kit containing wipes, a change of clothes and some fresh training pants. Pull-Ups Training Pants have new Disney Monsters University designs to help get kids excited and to take the scare out of potty training.



* Taking too long to train - As one of the most common potty training concerns, every parent has a different idea about what is "too long." Don't let external pressures give you false expectations about your child's development or potty training process. Potty training is a marathon, not a sprint, so enjoy the ride.



* Training on the road - Vacations and trips can interrupt a child's schedule, from traditional sleep times to potty training. Try your best to schedule stops and count on spending extra time for potty breaks. Once you're at your destination or back home, jump back into your normal training routine.



Every child will have a unique experience with potty training. Establishing a fun, consistent routine ensures you'll both endure fewer frustrations and share a positive experience together. Before you know it, your little one will soon be a Big Kid.



For more potty training tips, inspiration and tools, visit Pull-Ups.com.

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Backyard trends: Save money installing your own vinyl fence

If you want the maintenance-free benefits of a vinyl fence but are intimidated by the price tag, you're not alone. Many homeowners are initially surprised at the cost of a vinyl fence, particularly since the installation costs are generally as much as the materials. Recent trends show that more and more homeowners are saving money by installing their own vinyl fencing.



In the past few years, the market has surged with DIY-friendly fencing products, making it much easier for a homeowner to install a vinyl fence without the use of specialized equipment. In the past, heavy auguring and cement mixing equipment was required to install a fence, making the project much more intimidating, time consuming and dirty.



The modern way is to install a vinyl fence post much like you would a chain link fence post - by driving a pipe anchor deep into the ground. After leveling the pipe, a vinyl post is sleeved over top. The result is a level fence post installed without the labor-intensive process of digging a deep hole and pouring concrete to set the post.



"The no-dig installation method makes vinyl fence installation so much easier and cleaner," says Denise Esser of WamBam Fence. "You manually drive the posts with a pounder, but for those who don't like the idea of manually driving pipe, there are new gasoline powered pounders on the market. Although certainly not required, renting one for an afternoon makes the job even easier."



The no-dig way of installing vinyl fence has been used in Western Canada, where weather conditions are particularly harsh, for almost 20 years. In the past decade or so, it has also gained traction in the States as fencers and homeowners embrace the simpler installation method, particularly after the method passed wind load tests withstanding the class 1 hurricane category winds of up to 75 mph.



"We believe every homeowner with an average skill set can install their own vinyl fence, which can save their family thousands of dollars," says Esser. "It's important to make sure that the fence you buy has detailed installation guides, videos, and technical support available so that if you run into a snag, you're not left feeling stranded."



This may be one of the reasons that homeowners have been hesitant to tackle their own fencing projects. Along with the labor-intensive and tedious installation method of digging holes and pouring concrete, fencing wasn't previously sold with installation guides and other helpful resources. Fortunately this has changed with the DIY-friendly fencing products currently on the market.



In a day when consumers everywhere are looking to save money, it's refreshing to see that this is one home project that just got a lot easier for homeowners to tackle.