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New Bathroom Technology For The Modern Home

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Technology has infiltrated every aspect of home design. State of the art kitchen appliances, home theaters, sophisticated timing systems that turn house lights and air conditioning units on or off and elaborate home audio systems are just some examples of technology that has influenced the overall atmosphere of the home. Not to be overlooked, bathrooms are now rising to meet the standard of technology set elsewhere in today’s modern home. Listed below are 10 of the most inspiring innovations trending in contemporary bathroom design:

1. Hidden televisions:

A flat screen TV cleverly hidden behind a special mirror is a cutting-edge innovation in bathroom technology. The unseen TV is only visible when turned on. At all other times, it appears as a beautiful mirror. This is a great way for users to keep up with the news or their sports teams even while getting ready for the day.

2. Digital water temperature:

The digital thermostatic valve, or DTV, electronic control system is a high-tech way to control water temperature and settings in the bath or shower. Most DTVs allow users to set and save their personal preferences for temperature, and it procures this information when each person is showering. Some models even allow users to turn the shower on from another room via remote control.

3. Towel warmers:

The towel warmer gives users the ability to heat their towels on a warming rack while they shower. When they step out of the shower, there is a warm towel waiting to make their transition from hot shower to cold room more comfortable.

4. Mirror defoggers:

Another common annoyance people face after showering is a fogged mirror. Mirror defoggers are just the solution needed for this frequent occurrence. Special mirrors with defoggers built-in mean that they will stay fog free even in very steamy bathrooms.

5. Heated floors:

Walking across cold bathroom tiles in the morning or after a shower is unpleasant. Thankfully, electronic under floor heating is now available. It comes in a mesh style that goes directly under the bathroom tiles. Thermostatic controls give users the ability to maintain the floor temperature they prefer. In addition, they often have timers that turn the heaters off or on automatically according to programmed settings. This enables users to wake up to a warm bathroom floor each morning.

6. Luxury shower heads:

The latest advancement in shower head technology is large shower heads that produce a rain-like effect. These shower heads are installed in the center of the shower and are aimed directly down. They often have several settings that include differing types of rain-like water flow from drizzle to down pour. Some even have massage settings and colored lights that shine within the falling water to create a beautiful effect. These shower heads are sure to have users singing in the rain.

7. Toilets and toilet seats:

Innovations in toilets and toilet seats are astounding. There are now tankless toilets that rely on electricity to flush. Moreover, some companies are designing their toilets with touchless technology that means users never have to open or close the lid with their hands thanks to sensors that automatically shut the lid after use. There are even some models that incorporate all the aforementioned features and have heated toilet seats and lighting within the toilet bowl for midnight trips to the bathroom.

8. Touchless faucets:

Another great addition to the technologically advanced bathroom is touchless sink faucets. These sensors on the faucet sense a user’s hand underneath the spout and turn on. The touchless faucet is a great way to minimize the spreading of germs especially in bathrooms that are used by multiple people.

9. iPod dock toilet tissue holder:

In the high-tech bathroom everything gets revamped even the toilet tissue holder. There are now moisture resistant toilet paper holders that double as an iPod dock, charger and player. Speakers are built right into the sides of the holder to project the sound outward.

10. Bathtubs:

Last, but certainly not least is the high-tech bathtub. Now available are tubs integrated with luxurious massage jets that users can control via controls located on the side of the tub. There are also some models that come with built-in TVs, digital thermostats, iPod docks, DVD players, radios and colored lights that create a beautiful effect in the water.

In a society that demands the very best when it comes to technology and design, bathroom innovations are now increasing to meet this requirement. The 10 technological inventions listed above make bathrooms just as high-tech as any other room in the house.

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Eric Blair writes about interior design and spicing up any bathroom with the proper use of unique oval wall mirrors.





Trendy Decorating Tips For Battery Operated Tea Lights

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Right now, do it yourself decorating is at the height of popularity. All you need to do is turn on your television or laptop. Home decorating shows, blogs, and social networks like Pinterest, provide thousands of unique and affordable ideas. With winter just around the corner, many people are looking for easy ways to help your home look welcoming and festive. As the days get shorter, decorating with lights is a great way to go. During winter months, there are fewer hours of natural light. By using tea lights and other decorative sources of illumination, your home can seem like a paradise amidst the cold weather.

 

Different Types of Tea Lights

One of the reasons that tea lights are a popular alternative to other types of candles is that they are enclosed in a canister, meaning they will not drip wax. This makes them a great decorating piece for any room in the house. They can even be used in wreaths and centerpieces. Traditional tea lights are also available in different colors, sizes, and with various aromas and other features.

Battery operated tea lights are also a great option because they do not pose a fire hazard. LED tea lights burn for 50,000 hours or more so you can plan to use them season after season and year after year without needing to purchase replacements.

Enclosed Tea Lights

One of the most common ways to decorate with tea lights is to place them in some sort of container or holder. You can even create your own tea light holder by hollowing out a small pumpkin or gourde, an apple, or another type of fruit or vegetable, depending on the season and your decorating theme. Although tea lights may be mostly enclosed, their glow will be just enough to draw attention to your handmade centerpiece or decoration.

Glass Holders

Placing tea lights in a glass holder is one of the most classic options. Whether you are using fine crystal, colored glass, or even clear glass, the radiance of your tea light decoration can add elegance to any room. You can easily purchase glass containers for tea lights at a local thrift store or online. You can use one that was specifically designed for use with tea lights, or repurpose another type of glass.

Rows of Light

One of the best ways to decorate with tea lights is to line them up along a window sill, countertop, or on a table. Using multiple lights is a very striking choice that looks great in many different areas. You can even use them outside to decorate the walkway up to your house, or create a border around a pool area or patio in your backyard.

Floating Lights

Another classic choice for decorating with tea lights is to place them in a decorative bowl or vase filled with water. By adding another decorative element to the bowl, such as flower petals or citrus fruit, you can create a simple, yet lovely, decorating piece that will add elegant luminescence to your home.

Using these basic ideas, you can create your own decorations using tea lights. With a little bit of creativity, tea lights are one of the most affordable and attractive home decorating elements.

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Article courtesy of Battery Operated Candles, the best idea in candles since wax. Battery operated tea lights are perfect for every occasion and offer unparalleled safety.

8 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

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For most, the holidays are usually a joyous a time of year. People are out and about singing Christmas carols and shopping for loved ones. However, not everyone is as full of holiday spirit and good will as others. Don’t let your holidays be ruined by becoming injured or a victim to a unwanted crime. Follow these simple holiday shopping safety tips to ensure you have a safe and successful holiday season.

Choose the right parking

Mall parking lots are notorious for theft during the holidays. When choosing a parking space, try to park closest to the mall entrance, preferably in a well-lit area. Not only is this safer for you when walking to and from your car, but thieves tend to use the darkness to operate. Parking in a nicely lit area will reduce the chances of having your car broken into.

Have your phone charged

Regardless of the time of year you should never leave your house with a dying phone battery. It’s imperative that your mobile phone is at full battery life, especially for long shopping trips. If you were to ever experience an emergency, a charged phone would enable you to call someone for help. You might also want to purchase a phone charger for your vehicle too.

Bring a friend

If you know that you are going to be out late shopping, bring a friend along. People who shop alone are more likely to become victims of a crime. Using the buddy system is a great way to stay safe during the holidays, and it’s fun too. Try to coordinate long shopping trips with a friend or family member.

Take extra precaution

When exiting the mall be as alert as possible and examine your surroundings. If something seems suspicious it probably is. Also, carry your car keys in your hand. This will make for a quick exit. And before you enter your vehicle, be sure to check the backseat for potential criminals.

Wear comfortable shoes

Malls and shopping centers are packed during the holiday rush. Wearing comfortable shoes will allow you to walk faster and easier. Plus, more people equal more traffic, and ultimately more spills. In order to prevent an unwanted injury, wear a comfortable pair of sneakers.

Conceal your purse

If possible, wear your purse across the body. This will keep your hands free and it’s much harder for someone to rob you. If you carry your purse, always keep it within arm’s length. Purse theft is always a problem. And never leave your purse in a shopping cart or backseat.

Have packages delivered

When possible, have your packages delivered rather than lugging multiple packages to and from your vehicle. Women carrying many packages often become targets of theft. And walking with free hands will help prevent injury.

Carry a flashlight

To some this may seem silly. But carrying a flashlight is great way to not only see where you’re going but it also lets others know you are coming. As I previously mentioned, thieves operate in the dark. And a flashlight can prevent clumsiness.

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Sarah Barnes is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about safety advice. As a paralegal, she studying to be an injury lawyer NY. Her life motto is that it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

6 Ways to Release Resentment

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In life we all face disappointments with or in people and can feel resentment.  Keeping these feelings bottled up inside ends up hurting you in the long run.  Letting go can lead to a much happier existence.

Try these six ways to help you get started on living a resentment-free life:

Don’t be afraid to vent. Venting can be therapeutic.  Write down all you grievances and issues. Blame, cry, judge and allow yourself to feel like the victim and treated unfairly.  Although this sounds counter-productive, acknowledging something that can be changed and releasing what we can not is the key.

Fill yourself up with love. 

A representation of love and joy in everything you do will make you see that resentment is no longer necessary.  It is hard to hold a grudge when you are feeling good.  An ultimate outcome should be inner bliss.

Understand where the other person is coming from.  Changing your perspective can help you to understand the person who has hurt you.  Not to show who is wrong or right, but this will allow you to see how different people deal with life.  This does not mean that you have to tolerate disrespectful behaviour but will help you to realize that not everyone comes from the same frame of reference.

Don’t take things personally. Insecurity can make you perceive other behaviour as a personal attack against you.  In reality, it may have more to do with someone else’s personal issues.  If you have received the brunt of someone’s hurtful behaviour, take a look at the vibe you are presenting.


Are you allowing others to take advantage or walk all over you?  Self-empowerment can help raise self-esteem and eliminate self-deprecating behaviour.  However, do not only look at how you are being treated, remember to evaluate how you are treating others and if your behaviour has warranted a negative response.

Express yourself. Presenting your point of view and feelings in a diplomatic and non-accusatory way allows others the opportunity to learn and grow.  This also allows you to express yourself without building resentment.  Detach yourself from their reaction, because with too many expectations on their response, resentment will be able to seep its way in.  In giving others a chance to take ownership in their role and actions of the problem, you are not doing this for validation or approval.

Set healthy boundaries. Setting boundaries for yourself will prevent future resentment.  Having these guidelines in place will encourage you to act with integrity and from choice, not chore. If you don’t want to do something it’s better that you don’t do it because if you do it begrudgingly you will surly meet the resentment feelings at a later date and relive them all over again. Know that it’s ultimately your choice to do something or not.

No one can actually “make” you do anything. So if you make the choice, accept the consequences or make another choice.  When it comes to setting boundaries, be honest about where they are coming from to make sure they are protective of your energy rather than tools you use for avoidance. For example, instead of setting a boundary that rejects everyone for fear of being hurt, set a boundary that allows you to take your time getting to know someone.

Learn to set healthy boundaries and uphold them and resentment will be a thing of the past.

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Serge, the author has found that reading about emotional intelligence his helped him run his gift idea business of uncommon goods.

Ready to Decorate? Christmas Decoration Safety Tips

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The holiday season is officially in full swing. If you’re in a rush, you may already have your holiday lights hung outside and we certainly don’t blame you for taking advantage of the nice weather. Others prefer to wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving to morph their homes into a winter wonderland. No matter which category you fall into, make sure you’re keeping the following safety tips in mind.

Form House Decorating Groups

Those outside lights can be a real bear, especially if you’re constantly climbing up and down ladders to adjust lights and move along your rooftop. Consider getting a group of neighbors together to decorate each home in the group. You can work together to hold ladders, hand each other lights and fixtures, and to generally oversee safety during the house and tree decoration portions of each home’s layout. You could likely finish each home in the group on the same day, ensuring everyone is safe, and then return to your own to finish up with your lower lying decorations and lawn ornaments.

Check Your Lights (Twice)

Check and then double check the strings of lights you’re going to use in and around your home. Make sure the lights for the outside are rated for outdoor use and make sure the lights for inside your home are rated for indoor use. Use the right fasteners to secure your lights to your home and trees to prevent people from getting hurt on or tripping over the cords. When decorating your lawn with metallic trees, avoid attaching lights. The lights can charge the metal decoration and cause potential harm to children or those who touch it.

Safe Holiday Plants

Poinsettas, mistletoe, and holly are all popular holiday plants, but they’re also poisonous as well. If you have young children and pets, you’ll want to avoid plants that can make them sick. Children are often attracted to small berries and pets that tend to eat and chew plants just don’t know the difference. If you have children or pets, you may want to stick to artificial plants or, at the very least, make sure they’re placed far out of reach.

Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree

Will you be putting up a real tree or an artificial tree this year? Both have their risks, but real trees are far more dangerous. If you use a fake tree, make sure the lights and decorations are safe for use with the tree materials. If you buy a real tree, make sure it is as healthy as possible. You’ll need to keep it away from heating sources, candles, and other flammable pieces and you’ll need to keep it well watered. Many people wait until close to Christmas to buy their real trees because they dry out so quickly. A dry tree can engulf a room in flames in as little as 40 seconds if not cared for properly. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.

The holiday season is for fun with family and friends. Enjoy your decorations for as long as you can – but make sure you’re keeping your home and family safe in the process.

About the Author: Lianne Vanliew is a home improvement guru who loves working on her own home, replacing door gaskets and window seals and painting whenever she can. She also loves decorating for the holidays and takes great care to make sure everyone is safe.

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