4 Important Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits For Your Home

There are few things in life as soothing and relaxing as the warm glow of a campfire, and Himalayan salt lamps offer this same ambiance at home.

I’ve talked before about how I use them to help purify indoor air and for their soothing red glow. We use these lamps so often that I figured they deserved their own post.

What is a Himalayan Salt Lamp?

Salt lamps or HPS (Himalayan Pink Salt) lamps are essentially large pieces of pure Himalayan Salt with a small bulb inside. They can be solid pieces of salt (like this one) or decorative baskets filled with large crystals of salt (like these). The offer a nice warm glow when lit and may be beneficial for indoor air quality.

Himalayan salt lamps are made from pure, food grade, himalayan salt crystals and can even be powdered to use as salt in recipes if needed. These beautiful lamps have gained massive popularity lately and there are many benefits attributed to them.

But are these benefits actually backed by science?

Read on to find out:

Do Salt Lamps Really Generate Negative Ions?

Many sources claim that salt lamps are natural negative ion generators, though there are some important points to understand:

What are negative ions?

At any given time, there are both positive and negative ions in the air. As a flashback to freshman science:

“An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving the atom a net positive or negative electrical charge.”

Positively charged ions are also known as cations, while negatively charged ions are anions. The positive or negative charge makes ions able to move and bond easily.

Negative Ions in Nature

Negative ions occur more often in nature and they are often created by things like lightening storms, sunlight, waterfalls, and ocean waves. Running water is considered nature’s greatest source of negative ions and may be one of the things that contributes to the refreshing scent of waterfalls and the beach. In fact, this is one of the reasons people often report feeling renewed or refreshed after a storm or at the beach.

WebMD explains some of the benefits of negative ions in the air:

Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy,” says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C.

“They also may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation.”

And for a whopping one in three of us who are sensitive to their effects, negative ions can make us feel like we are walking on air. You are one of them if you feel instantly refreshed the moment you open a window and breathe in fresh, humid air.

Places like waterfalls and beaches where negative ions are naturally produced can have a negative ion concentration of up to 10,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter whereas busy cities can have negative ion levels as low as 100 ions per cubic centimeter.

Do Salt Lamps Generate Negative Ions?

Short answer: Yes. But not in large amounts.

Spending time in nature, especially around water, is definitely the best way to get exposure to negative ions, but salt lamps do generate small amounts, especially when used consistently over time.

Since positive ions are often created by electronic devices like computers, TVs, microwaves, and even vacuum cleaners and can often exacerbate problems like allergies, stress and sleep trouble. Negative ions can neutralize positive ions (they bond together) and help cleanse the air. Additionally, salt lamps offer a soothing glow that many people find relaxing.

We don’t use salt lamps strictly as a negative ion generator, but keep them around the house, especially near electronics. If negative ions are the goal, using a negative ion generator would be a much more concentrated source.

But, Salt Lamps ARE Hygroscopic

Salt, by its nature, is hygroscopic, meaning that it attracts water to its surface and this water evaporates quickly due to the small amount of heat from the light source (this is also why salt lamps tend to sweat and appear wet in humid climates).

Small amounts of water vapor is present in the air and can carry things like mold, bacteria, and allergens. Salt lamps attrat this water vapor and the things it carries to its surface and removes them from the air. This is one of the main benefits of salt lamps, and one of the reasons we have them in most rooms of our house.

 

The Benefits of Salt Lamps

Salt lamps may not be the negative ion generation panacea they are made out to be, but we will have them in many rooms of our house for other reasons:

1. Great Night Light and Low-Light Lamp

Research has shown that different colors of light affect the body in different ways. My own doctor recommends avoiding blue light after sunset because it can interfere with circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep hormones.

Unfortunately, many modern light sources like cell phones, tablets, computers and TVs emit a lot of blue light and many of us spend a lot of time staring at these, especially in the evening.

Salt lamps, on the other hand, offer a warm orange glow, similar to the hues found in a campfire or by candlelight. For this reason, they are a great light source for the evening and can even be used as a night light without negatively affecting sleep.

I often wear orange sunglasses at night if I’ll be on the computer or watching a movie to avoid blue light and we use mostly salt lamps and other low and orange lights after dark.

2. May Improve Air Quality

Salt lamps are not a spectacular source of negative ions.  However, due to their hygroscopic properties, they may improve the air in other ways. Besides offering a soothing glow, they can attract pollutants in the air and even help neutralize the effects of electronics.

3. Light and Color Therapy Benefits

These soothing lamps may also help boost mood and energy levels, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The soft orange hues are one of the soothing colors often used to calm mood and increase focus. The small amounts of negative ions may also be helpful in boosting mood as well.

4. Soothing for Allergies

My brother in law has struggled with asthma and allergies for much of his life and he found relief from using a Himalayan salt inhaler. Others notice a difference from having salt lamps in their homes or offices.

How To Choose a High Quality Salt Lamp

It is possible to buy machines that create negative ions, but I’ve found that salt lamps are a less expensive alternative and offer other benefits as well.

We have salt lamps in most rooms in our home and enjoy them in winter months when it isn’t possible to have the windows open or to spend as much time outside. We now have a solid salt lamp or a basket lamp in each room of our home and I love them for their ambient glow and orange color.

Salt lamps cost less than many other types of lamps, and a high quality one can last for decades.

If you are interested in adding a salt lamp to your home, choose ones with these features for best quality:

1. Orange Color– Darker colored lamps are typically considered higher quality. Lamps should specify that they are 100% Himalayan salt, as cheap imitations may use lower quality salt.
2. Size– The bigger the salt lamp, the bigger the affect. Smaller lamps weight 5-6 pounds while larger ones can weigh up to 50. A good general rule is that 1 pound of salt will filter approximately a 4×4 area of a room. Smaller lamps are typically much less expensive, so we keep 1-2 in smaller rooms and 2-3 in larger rooms of our home.
3. Rough Surface– The surface area of a salt lamp determines its hygroscopic potential. Rougher lamps have a higher surface area than smooth and polished lamps and are more effective at improving air quality. In my opinion, they also look better and are a great decoration for most rooms.
4. Bulb– The hygroscopic benefits are due to the salt and heat together so it is important to use a heat-producing bulb. LED bulbs don’t accomplish this. I use these inexpensive bulbs.

HPS Lamps: Bottom Line

Salt lamps aren’t a panacea and they don’t take the place of an air filter. They don’t create large amounts of negative ions like you’ll find in nature, especially around water. If negative ions are the goal, taking a hike or a swim in nature is a much more efficient way to get them.

Salt lamps ARE a beautiful light source that may offer benefits of color therapy, by cleaning the air hygroscopically and in alleviating allergies. They are an inexpensive no-blue light source to use after dark and as a sleep-friendly night light for kids.

At the end of the day, they aren’t going to fix any health problems on their own or drastically improve indoor air quality. They are, however,  a beautiful and eco-friendly light source that produces a healthy spectrum of light. If you are choosing lamps for your home, they are a great option to consider.

More articles on air quality

• Three Ways to Clean Indoor Air Naturally
• How to Use Plants to Purify Indoor Air
• Why I Never Use Scented Candles

Sources:
http://ift.tt/1S9rOwL
http://ift.tt/1CGM0Sj
Thayer, R.E. (1989). Biopsychology of Mood and Arousal. New York: Oxford University Press
Diamond, M. (1988) Enriching Heredity: The Impact of the Environment on the Anatomy of the Brain. New York: Free Press.
Yepsen, R.B., Jr. (1987) How to Boost Your Brain Power: Achieving Peak Intelligence, Memory and Creativity. Emmaus, Pa.: http://ift.tt/2dqUyou

Ever used a salt lamp or other air filter? How do you like it? Tell me below!

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Patterns

For the last couple of days we have been working on copying and extending patterns. It’s so much more fun to do math with a partner!

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Sentio Giveaway

Love Putters?

How about limited edition putters?

If you answered yes to either of those questions stick around, because today we have something really cool for you.

Today, MyGolfSpy is going to be giving away the very first (#001) Limited Edition Sentio Century Edition Putter.

If you are one of those golfers who like something unique something, not cloned directly after an Anser style putter you will love this. Not only is this one of the more unique putters we have seen hit the market in quite some time, it also was a Top 10 finisher in our 2016 Most Wanted Putter Test.  After a test of over 9,000 putts it was one of the only blade putters in golf for 2016 that showed a positive SG18 score (meaning it would lower your scores).

About The Sentio Century Edition #001

The winner will be walking away with the very first model produced, the #001 model of a limited run of 100 available. Each putter is individually numbered. Each Century Edition has a back section fully CNC milled from a billet of 303 stainless steel and finished with a durable, low-glare black/bronze PVD coating. The soft green durometer core provides a supple feel while the precision MIM 304 stainless steel face provides a crisp contact. The two-tone finish helps to heighten the perpendicular alignment formed by the face and rear alignment line.

“We wanted to commemorate our company’s launch with something special” explains Jim Varney, President of Sentio Golf, in early testing that a lot of our better players liked a darker finish and a softer feel, so we created this special run to their preferences.”

Sentio’s unique construction which separates the entire stainless steel face from the rest of the putter head with a vibration-dampening thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) core, through a process called insert molding. A proprietary TPE formulation bonds the two metal parts permanently together while keeping them separated from each other without any contact.

PUTTER FEATURES:

• PRICE: $399
• WEIGHT: 350g
• LOFT: 2 Degrees
• LIE: 72 Degrees
• HOSEL: Full Offset Plumber Hosel
• TOE HANG: 4:00 Toe Hang
• GRIP: PURE Midsize Grip

Customers can specify their preferred shaft length at checkout. Other special requests may be possible.

HOW TO ENTER

Entering is super simple.  You just have to do the following (must be follower to win):

1. Follow Sentio Golf on Twitter

2. Like Sentio Golf on Facebook

• Extra Entry: Comment what you like best about the Sentio putters.

We will do a random drawing October 14th, 2016 from all entries.  We will contact the winner to get shaft length and other info.

Good Luck,

MyGolfSpy

 

 

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Mortgage rates for Thursday, September 29

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Refinance rates for Thursday, September 29

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Golf Patent: Titleist Aims to Throw Its Weight Around

By: Tony Covey

Current driver design is largely focused on two goals: saving weight and moving weight. A recent patent filing by Acushnet (Titleist) focuses on the latter.

Look Familiar?

There's no denying that in the golf equipment space, who invented what is often a matter of great debate, with more than one party often trying to claim ownership of an idea or technology. With that in mind, it shouldn't come as any real surprise that while some of what's disclosed here does appear different from anything else on the market, some looks to fit within been there, done that category. As with most anything else, reality is nuanced, and any actual innovation may be unclear to the naked eye.

In this case, the key phrase might be this: One aspect of the present technology is the realization that position of weight elements in existing golf club head designs are not easily adjustable.

Are existing methods of moving weight around really that complicated?

If nothing else, the patent application which was filed on June 3, 2016 (as a continuation from a patent application from 2014), and published on September 22nd, and lists Stephen S. Murphy and Darryl C. Galvan as inventors, provides some insight into Titleist's R&D department while highlighting a couple of potentially interesting ways to move mass around a metalwood head.

Here is, in part, how Acushnet summarizes the field of its invention:

The systems, methods, and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

One aspect of the present technology is the realization that position of weight elements in existing golf club head designs are not easily adjustable. Thus, there exists a need for an improved golf club head. The present technology is directed to a golf club head incorporating a position adjustable weight system. The position adjustable weight system provides the ability to fine tune the performance characteristics of the golf club via manipulation of the position of an adjustable weight, thereby manipulating the location of the center of gravity and the moment of inertia of the golf club to suit the golfer's preference and increase the club's playability.

As noted, a cursory glance suggests that many of the ideas contained within already exist in the marketplace. That said, you never know what kind of fresh spin can be placed on existing technology, and with its 917 series, Titleist has shown an ability to bring something different to the market. Perhaps there's more still to come.

Have Your Say

Do you see anything in the drawings that gets you excited about potential future Titleist offerings?

 

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Mortgage rates for Wednesday, September 28

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SAS Music Festival Concerts, Oct 24-26, 2016

This October, middle and high school music students will be performing in Music Festival Week under the guidance of our international visiting conductors-in-residence Travis J. Cross (band), Sandra Peter (choir), and William W. Wiedrich (strings). All concerts are free and all are welcome!

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35 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers that Like to MOVE

Gross motor activities for preschoolers are a MUST in my book.

Preschoolers aren’t quite as hard as toddlers to plan activities for, but there still are some limitations to what you can do. And getting their little bodies moving helps a ton!

Granted, preschoolers have much more control than a toddler does, and their academic level has jumped by leaps and bounds in only a year or so. So crafting and art projects come a little easier.

For more learning activities, check out these number activities for preschoolers to have fun learning!

And preschoolers still tend to have a lot, and I mean a lot, of energy that they need to expel in some form or another. And what’s a better way than with some fun gross motor activities that get them up and moving?

But there’s still certain things that holds preschoolers back from doing some of the more advanced activities that require a little more patience, precision and coordination.

These are 26 gross motor activities for preschoolers to have fun with!

These gross motor activities for preschoolers are just for fun!

Many of these activities could add in a learning elements or two, but really, they’re just for fun! Have fun, join in and enjoy the giggles.

• The Floor is Lava: A classic activity that doesn’t get enough credit. Enjoy this on any day when boredom strikes.
• Paper Plate Skating: Grab a couple plates, step on them and skate around the house!
• A Flash Light Scavenger Hunt: Turn off the lights and hide some objects around the house for preschoolers to go find with a flash light. They’ll be begging for you to hide them again!
• Target Practice: Set up a target practice for preschoolers to throw something at (whether its mud or bean bags)!
• Dumpster Diving: Preschoolers will just love searching in a box of ‘garbage’ for their favorite toys!
• Hop Skip & Jump: Set up paper plates around the house or outside and have them jump from one to the next. If you have different color plates, there’s lots of options!
• Sensory Walking Path: Add in the elements of different sensory objects and make a path to walk along to explore with your feet. Add in paint for a creative experience.
• String Scavenger Hunt: String some string around the room, through chairs and set up treasures along the way to find! Have them follow it through, going in and out, under and over to see what they can find!
• Tape Road: This will definitely get them moving and busy for the day! Tape a road throughout the house or room and let them drive drive drive!
• A Spy Game: Tape up a ‘spider web’ in the hallway for them to crawl through. Stick pom poms or cotton balls to it for them to pick up along the way.
• Jumping Game: See how far they can jump!
• Sticky Spider Web: Throw newspaper at a sticky spider web! How many can they get to stick?
• Lines of Colored Tape:  Tape lines on the floor to act as a balance beam. Or blow pom poms or cotton balls along them!
• Newspaper Throwing: Have a little indoor ‘basketball’ with newspapers!
• A Big Maze: Either use tape inside or sidewalk chalk outside and make a huge maze for the kids to drive or walk through!
• Balance Beam: If you have old boards laying around, or even a lineup of books, would work as a balance beam!
• Race with Straws and Pom Poms (shared on PBS Parents): Set up a track to blow pom poms around. Its much harder than it seems!
• Frisbee Toss: Find some lids to act as frisbees. Tape a couple lines on the floor for targets and see if you can land them just right!

Find all sorts of scavenger hunts for kids to keep moving!

Learning Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers

Learning at a desk is never easy for preschoolers. They need to move! It just so happens there’s ways for preschooler to learn while moving too.

• Maze of Numbers: Preschoolers will absolutely love to practice counting their way through a huge maze! Do it with tape if you’re stuck inside.
• Bean Bag Toss: Label your stairs with numbers and throw bean bags to land on each stair. Make it harder to land on them in order.
• What does it land on? A rolling version of target practice, roll a ball to see what it lands on (shapes, numbers, whatever)!
• Puzzle Scavenger Hunt: Hide pieces of a number puzzle around the house. Find them and match them up with the puzzle base!
• Learning Scavenger Hunt: Set out letters or numbers for them to find throughout the house and have them match it up to an ‘answer sheet’.
• Alphabet Ball: Pass a ball back and forth calling out letters, numbers, whatever they’re learning.
• Jump & Grab: Hang some objects for them to jump and grab (make it learning or just for fun)!
• Connect the ‘Dots’ Mazes (shared on PBS Parents): A tape maze for the kids to drive through and connect the matching letters (or numbers, shapes, sight words… ).
• Dandelion Counting Race: Make a grid to count dandelions in and see who can find and count the most!
• Trampoline Learning: Try any of these learning activities on the trampoline for a bouncing good time!

Preschoolers can get creative with gross motor activities too!

One of my favorite ways to get creative is in a big way, what I call Big Art. It combines movement with art and its just plain fantastic. It’s perfect for toddlers that don’t have control, but preschoolers still absolutely love it.

• Big Art with Carpet Samples: Get carpet samples and attach them to their hands to paint in a big way.
• Ribbon Painting: If you can go outside with this one, that would probably be best. Dip some ribbons in paint and throw them at paper! Watch the marks it makes.
• Painting with Wheels: Take the big wheels outside and roll across paint to cover the sidewalk!

Find more Big Art ideas to get creative

More gross motor activities for preschoolers from other hands on moms:

• Jumping Skip Counting from Learn Play Imagine
• Soft Toy Toss from Learn with Play at Home
• Gross Motor with Water Balloons from Little Bins for Little Hands
• A Race to Learn Phonics from Inspiration Laboratories

I always think these balance spooner boards (affiliate link) seem like fun for preschoolers too! And I got this Diggin Wobble Board (affiliate link) for my nephew that I think is much like the game of Simon (affiliate link, I also really love that game!) but with your feet and a balancing, rocking aspect.

Phew.

Their energy should be taken care of now! Hopefully it’ll be a peaceful evening now!

(Don’t have a preschooler yet? Try these physical activities for toddlers until its time!)

Get the Gross Motor Go-To List Printable!

More gross motor activities for preschoolers to try:

• 40 gross motor activities to get your kidsmoving
• 25 active ways to learn indoors using tape
• 30 energy busters for kids
• 32 scavenger hunt ideas for kids
• 25 just plain fun activities for active kids!

35 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers that Like to MOVE on handsonaswegrow.com

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MGS LABS: Putter Looks vs. Putter Performance

 

Does the way you perceive a putter's looks impact its performance?

The majority of you believe it does. A putter has to look good, to perform well. Am I right?

If a golfer doesn't like the way his putter looks, he's going to miss a comparatively higher number of putts. For many of you, that's the undisputed gospel truth.

In a recent survey we posted on Twitter, 78% of respondents told us that a putter's looks absolutely impact how the putter performs.

Seventy freakin' eight percent. That's massive. It's a huge number to overcome, but hopefully, we can convince some of you that this particular perception might not be reality. Accepting as much could open your eyes to an abundance of putters you may not have considered. Who knows, your game might end up better for it.

About Our Data

At the beginning of this year's putter tests, we asked each participating golfer to rate the looks of each putter in the test on a scale of 1 to 10.  At the conclusion of testing, we compared the aesthetic ranking to the actual performance of each putter. The goal was to better understand what, if any, impact Looks (or the perceptions thereof) have on performance.

Do golfers really putt better with putters they believe are better-looking? Here's what we found out.

Group Average: Looks vs. Performance

The chart below compares the five top-rated putters for Looks to the actual performance rank for those selections. Rankings include all golfers who participated in this season's Most Wanted Putter tests. It should be noted that these rankings include both blades and mallets.

Observations:

• Only two of the Top 5 ranked putters for Looks finished in the Top 10 for Performance.
• The average performance rank for the putters ranked in the Top 5 for Looks is 18.8.
• Although mallets were included in the survey, the Top 5 is comprised exclusively of blades.

GROUP AVERAGES: PERFORMANCE vs. LOOKS

In the chart below we examine the average Looks rankings for our Top 5 performing putters of 2016.

Observations:

• The average Looks rating for the Top 5 performing putters in this year's test was 31.8.
• None of the Top 5 performing putters was ranked higher than 10 for Looks.
• While no mallets were listed among the Top 5 rated putters for Looks, 3 of the Top 5 performing putters were mallets.
• The Odyssey White Hot RX  (ranked 10th) was the most highly-rated putter, on average, for looks among the Top 5 performers.

INDIVIDUAL Top-Rated for Looks vs. Actual Performance

The chart below lists the putters selected as the best-looking by each tester. The bar graph reflects the actual performance rank for that preferred putter. For example, Tester #1 felt the PING Ketsch Heavy was the best-looking putter in this test, however; with regards to actual performance, it ranked 11th overall for Tester #1.

Observations:

• For five testers, the top rated putter for looks actually performed the best.
• For 15 testers, the top rated putter for looks was not the best performing.
• The average performance rank for the individual top-rated putters for looks is 12.35
• Of 20 testers, only two ranked a mallet #1 for Looks.

INDIVIDUAL TOP-Performing vs. Looks Rank

The chart below lists the Top-Performing putter for each of the 20 testers in this season's test. The bars reflect the Looks ranking each tester assigned to his best performing putter. For example, The Odyssey White Hot RX 2-Ball was the best performing putter for Tester #1. However, he ranked the putter 22nd overall for Looks.

Observations:

• Five testers felt their top-performing putter was also the best looking.
• 10 testers listed their top-performing putter among their 10 top choices for Looks.
• A given individual's top-performing putter was, on average, ranked 15.35 for Looks.

Do looks actually influence putter performance?

When we look at the averages across all testers and all putters, the answer is a definitive no.

4 of the Top 5 performing putters of 2016 were rated in the bottom half of the field for looks. As a group, our testers ranked the #1 performing putter from the 2016 test 38th for looks. Furthermore, three of the Top 5 rated putters for Looks finished outside the top 20 for performance.

While it's true that five testers did putt best with their top choices for Looks, in the majority of those cases, the putter chosen as best-looking on an individual basis was one that performed well across the entire test pool. Simply put, the putters performed well for testers who loved the way they looked as well as the testers who didn't.

In fact, where there is some suggestion of correlation, the individually top-rated putter for Looks finished inside the Top 10 for Performance across all testers.

As the chart shows, it was not uncommon for an individual's top-performing putter to be ranked well below the average for Looks.

In those cases where performance and the perception of good looks appear to align, it's almost certainly a coincidence, not causation. Those putters didn't perform well because individual testers found them visually appealing; more accurately, some testers happened to like the looks of what were proven, by the larger group, to be very good putters. It's also true that many testers gave low aesthetic marks to the mallets that proved to be among the very best performers this season.

But Have You Considered...

We know. Nothing we've shown you today has changed your mind. You remain convinced that looks absolutely matter. You believe that you can't play well if the putter doesn't look good. And despite the fact that year after year we find no significant correlation between the perception of good looks and the reality of good performance, some of you will continue to insist otherwise.

Golfers believe plenty of things that have little basis in reality. That's fine. It's your game.

But have you, even for a moment, considered that you might be wrong? Maybe the best putter isn't the one whose looks you love. Instead of a perfect 10, why not consider an 8, or even a 7. With an open mind and some quantitative data, the results may very well surprise you.

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Wells Fargo rates and news for Tuesday, September 27

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5 Tips on Maintaining Your Steam Shower

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Steam showers are pricier than your average shower, but considering all the benefits, we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s worth the investment. Bearing in mind how much the cost is, as much as possible we would want to maintain the state of our newly installed steam shower as it is. The trick is to be on top of things and not wait until the damage becomes hard to fix, and to do that, follow the tips below:

Weak Steam Output
After about 20 showers its good practice to clean the steam generator
Fill the tank with between 5 to 10 grams of citric acid diluted with about 1.5 liters of warm water.
Let it set for 12 hours before turning it on to heat the water. This will vaporize the citric acid.
The steam generator will have a manual drain valve. This valve should be drained approximately every 2 months. You may have to remove any large clumps by hand. Source: Bathroomz

Inspecting for Tightness of Seals and Joints
Silicone seals, water supply joints, valves, and nozzles should be checked at least once a year. If the silicone seals are loose, replace them. Sealing the doors and walls is quite easy. Nozzles, joints, and drainage systems can be tightened or repaired using the most basic plumbing skills. Source: DoItYourself

It’s Worth It to Squeegee
Water can leave behind minerals that create a whitish haze over glass doors and tile. The longer the minerals sit, the harder they are to remove. So a quick squeegee after the last shower of the day will make cleaning easier in the long run. Source: HGTV

A Natural Alternative
A mixture of baking soda and water makes a scum-fighting scrub that many experts swear by. Measurements for the mixture will vary depending on how much you need. To get started, try using a half-cup of baking soda, and then add water as needed to make a thick paste. Using a nonabrasive sponge, scrub the glass and rinse it with vinegar. Source: Houzz

Maintaining Steam
Hot, damp areas are perfect incubators for mold and mildew. After using your steam shower, open the door to dry out your bathroom, and run the exhaust fan to suck out the steam.
Every few months, flush the unit to get rid of calcium deposits. Source: Houselogic

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

The post 5 Tips on Maintaining Your Steam Shower appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

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Refinance rates for Tuesday, September 27

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Chicken Parmesan Nuggets Recipe (Kid’s Love this Quick Meal)

Home equity rates for Monday, September

Many borrowers tap their equity to pay for things such as home improvements.

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Edible Slimy Eyes Sensory Bag for Toddlers

It has been a while since we’ve made a sensory bag. The last one we did was a nature sensory bag. But an all-time favorite was our slimy eyes sensory bag.

Often, I’ve filled these sensory bags with hair gel. And I usually don’t have that one hand and buy it just for sensory bags. Not too long ago Tina, a member of The Activity Room, shared a fantastic alternative for these sensory bags.

Tina suggested Jello.

How awesome of an idea is that?

It’s something I often have on hand (though I never seem to ever make it…) and plus its edible. So in case your toddler chews a hole in the baggy, they won’t be eating chemicals!

I made it a priority to try this out and share it with you. The result is almost identical to the hair gel.

Obviously though, it takes a bit of prep. You have to make the Jello ahead of time. Which my kids love doing this with me.

We made three batches of Jello, two to play with and one to eat later that night.

After mixing the Jello, pour it into a gallon sized freezer bag (affiliate link). If you have the 6 oz Jello boxes, split it into two bags.

I then let it lay flat in my fridge until it cooled off.

When it cooled off, I added in the googly eyes to make this a slimy eyes sensory bag. However, you could stick anything in at this point (we’ve done buttons before).

I added both large googly eyes and small googly eyes (affiliate links for you to see what I mean, get non-adhesive ones).

And then lay it in the fridge to finish setting up.

We probably didn’t let it set up completely so it was still a bit soft.

I do want to say this. Lay your sensory bags flat in a sheet pan in your fridge. We had a leak and my fridge was covered in red Jello.

Also, you may want to double bag it. If you do that, you’ll need to tape the inside bag to the outer bag, so it doesn’t fall down when you hang it up. (We didn’t double bag it, and had a little stickiness later on… but that was mostly because of our leak.)

Then I taped it on a window for the kids to explore.

The boys thought it was fantastic!.

They liked to try to get all the googly eyes up to the top, and then wipe them back down.

George and Louis raced each other to see who could do it. I don’t think they ever successfully got all the eyes to the top before they slid down though.

It looks awesome in the sunlight and feels cool on their fingers!

Edible Slimy Eyes Sensory Bag for Toddlers on handsonaswegrow.com

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