The Inside Store-y

Introducing Home Perfect

2008-12-29T09:58:00.005-05:00

Well it's been a while since we have updated this blog and for good reason. This is the last post here and we're using it to introduce a new company: A few of us at Inside Store have been working on our new platform Home Perfect! A long time in the making and we hope you find the experience there as satisfying as you have in the past with Inside Store. It was time to move on and while the Inside Store has brought many home owners products and services for the past 4 years, it was time to update and refurbish the back end with better technology and a better product assortment. We're sad to see Inside Store go but life and our home improvements go on.

Please visit Home Perfect now and sign up for our email. Receive an instant coupon for your next order and help spread the word!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Premier Upscale Service Oriented Online Home Décor Destination: Home Perfect!
New York, NY – December 22, 2008

Home Perfect allows you to embellish your home with a complete range of Home Fixture Solutions. Link: http://www.homeperfect.com/page/aboutus

Home Perfect brings to you an array of online plumbing, lighting and décor products that will beautify your home in the style you wish. Understanding that your home is a reflection of you – Home Perfect has handpicked a wide variety of products. From the elegance of Blanco sinks and faucets, to the futuristic and classic trends of Kohler kitchen and bath suites, the highly practical Grohe designs to the savviness of Robern Medicine Cabinets. HomePerfect understands its consumer’s needs for practical products that are highly styled and affordable.

Home Perfect is engineered on an advance platform that will continue to elevate its customers experience online as the website matures. Home Perfect has molded not only its site, but also its employee training to place the consumer on the highest pedestal possible. "Home Perfect was created with the frustrated home owner in mind. As we expand the Home Perfect store, we're prioritizing our customer's requests as the necessary enhancements to make the experience better each and every time” affirms Heather Coen, Director Marketing & Advertising.

“Through smart Marketing and a targeted approach to assisting the consumer we can maximize our customer service efforts knowing we are helping the right customer at the right time. That translates directly into profitable sales and satisfied, repeat customers." states Coen.

With a perfect balance of variety, sleek prices and a service-conscious consumer experience, HomePerfect hopes to change the way furbishing ones home is perceived. HomePerfect can help your home be a reflection of anyone's immaculate styles.

About Home Perfect
Home Perfect is one of the best-kept secrets on the Web. It is an online-only retailer of home furnishings from brands you know and love, including Kohler, Moen, Hansgrohe, and other leading manufacturers. Home Perfect offer the lowest prices, personalized customer service, and fast, free shipping on many products to anywhere in the United States.

Media Contact
Name: Heather Coen
Email: heather@homeperfect.com
Contact No: +1 888 850 3999 main
Fax: +1 212 354 5897 fax

Hansgrohe: Quality Faucets, Showers, and More

2008-07-15T09:44:00.059-04:00

Hansgrohe combines luxury and efficiency with timeless designs for faucets, tubs, Kink-proof and adjustable handshowers, showerheads, bodysprays, patented self-cleaning systems and much more. Their wide variety of styles ensures that you can match your family's needs and your personal sense of expression.

Who says all sinks have to look the same? These two share unique structure and great craft, keeping your water running smoothly. Shown on the left is the Hansgrohe Axor Puro Kitchen Faucet 14870, and on the right: Hansgrohe Axor Montreux Single Hole, Two Handle Faucet HAN-16505.

Shower Power!
Hansgrohe's Shower Power hand showers are hot and they put you in control, plus they have massage settings and their spray channels don't clog! The Hansgrohe ShowerPower Aktiva A8 28547 is shown below. All ages can enjoy hand showers, including the kids: with the playful, fun Alfie kit.

Shower Heads
These are like the Michelangelo of shower heads. The craft that goes into them is pure art with function. The one featured is the Hansgrohe ShowerPower Aktiva with Showerarm 27470, which comes in multiple finishes and with a quick clean/self cleaning feature, keeping spray channels deposit-free. They save you the headache of routine cleaning, and provide excellent water pressure.

I think Hansgrohe's products can bring function and fresh design to any bath or kitchen.

How To Care For Your Deck

2008-07-14T11:52:00.008-04:00

-Deck protection is important in waterproofing your deck and needs to be reapplied about every 12 to 18 months. You’ll know when it’s time to reapply when the water soaks into the wood.

-To get rid of debris, sweep your deck boards. Remove leaves, twigs, etc. that get caught in between your deck boards. (They can rot with time, which can cause the wood to rot too.)

-Fight dinginess. Wash out mold and mildew by scrubbing your deck boards with deck wash. Simply scrub then rinse and let dry for two days.

-Choose a tinted (which comes in colors and finishes) or clear (natural) wood protector and apply an even coat.

*Materials to keep handy: scrub brush, paint sprayer/roller/brush, water hose, towels/rags,deck wash, wood protector

Outdoor Kitchens: Take The Grilling Outside!

2008-07-11T14:55:00.023-04:00

Outdoor kitchens are a strong sign of individuality--no two are the same. They are customized to fit you. And when you can survive outback, it's impressive!

Putting together an outdoor kitchen is convenient because you don't have to go back and
forth with equipment/condiments,etc. while grilling. No more shouting: "Hey Theo! Do you have the sauce? Grab some zucchini from the kitchen please before my hands burn off...Ok...thanks". Plus on beautiful days, you can enjoy the weather, free from the confines of the indoor kitchen. Though you are outside, you can have all of the kitchen essentials with you in your prep station. The fridge is right there, and feel free to bring your condiments on board!

When planning your outdoor kitchen, map out your kitchen. Think about the four zones: cold (refrigeration, coolers, etc.),hot (grills/cook tops), wet (sinks/faucets) and dry (prep counters/storage). These four zones must have enough space to function and must work together, being kept apart at the right distance. Think about how much space you have and how you will use the kitchen. If you plan on grilling in cold weather, you will need a patio heater, unless you happen to own a time machine and the zero-freeze omni heat-suit that will not be invented for another 50 years.

Also--Do you plan on having guests or is it more about you and The Grill? For some grilling enthusiasts, there is nothing more romantic than you and the grill, no distractions, no demands, except what you want. And don't get me started on the evening flames. If you plan on having humans aka friends, family, guests, outdoor kitchen admirer's over, you can choose to add furniture and tables to your list. Always work with your space, and know your space measurements.

The first step in creating your outdoor masterpiece kitchen is the grill, which is the center, the big Kahuna. After your grill you will need grill accessories (like grids, a grill cover, side burners), lighting, and work space, preferably a prep station. The latter is very important for your sanity and organization. After that, it's your call. You can add whatever you want: a fridge, faucet/sink,a bar, an island, have fun with your space!

Hot Colors and Paint Jobs for Every Room

2008-07-10T16:44:00.017-04:00

Living Room: orange, red, yellow, lime green, white, pale iridescent gold, painting different sides of the room different blocks of color, experimental projects

Bath: lagoon blue, turquoise, nautical stripes, pale pewter, pastels

Kitchen: colors exuding spices like ginger, lime green, golden yellow, red, blue

Bedroom: primaries- red, blue, yellow, contrasting stripes, faux clouds, deep blues and crimsons, neutrals and earth tones

Basement: faux stone, bright colors, earth tones

Kohler- Luxury and Quality for your Bath and Kitchen

2008-07-09T16:00:00.004-04:00

Kohler's diversity of products and powerful portfolio of brands lead the way in design, craftsmanship and innovation. Whether it's a simple faucet replacement or an entire household in need of new or updated plumbing, Kohler will no doubt have everything you need to outfit your own kitchens and baths.

The Kohler Kitchen & Bath Group today manufactures world-class plumbing products often setting the standard in today's homes. Kohler plumbing products mean beautiful form as much as reliable function.

Kohler's Product Features are innovative, like Temperature Memory and High Temperature Limit Stop in sinks. For more features, check out their wide and quality selection of performance showers, spas, sinks, faucets, cabinets, vanities, and much more!

Top Left: Kohler BodySpa Waterfall KOH-K-1002-H2

Top Right:Kohler Verity Undercounter Stainless Steel Apron Front Single Basin-K-3086

Left: Kohler Avatar Single Control Pull-Out Kitchen Sink Faucet

- K-6352

13 Tools Your Home Needs

2008-07-08T16:08:00.011-04:00

1. A Toolbox with the right, essential tools inside. Stay organized, you want all your basic tools in one place. You don’t want to storm the cabinets to find your wrench. The box itself should be filled with pockets, and compartments, but ultimately, it’s your call. Whatever keeps you organized.

2. Hammer--Lately, homeowners have been buying hammers with a straight claw instead of curved. They are better for demolition.

3. Tape measure--16-ft., An easy-locking measure with ¾ inch width is the way to go. It will stay put and that’s what you want.

4. Pliers, especially the Visegrip--for locking and making adjustments, etc. Make sure you keep these in your toolbox!

5. Screwdriver Set--You'll never know when you are going to need these. Buy them in sets, you will get a better deal and more shapes/sizes.

6. Pry bar--If you did not already discover one in the closet when you first bought your house, a pry bar measuring 12- 15 inches, is a useful addition. Try it in hexagonal steel. It offers better quality than spring steel, which is hard to keep still when hammering.

7. Needle-nose pliers--These come in handy for electrical work. Preferred: ones with the wire-cutting blades close to the hinge.

8. Wire cutter--Another essential for your electrical work.

9. Electrical tester--Detect the presence or absence of electrical currents.

10. Utility knife—take a stab at one with replaceable blades.

11. Reversible drill bit set—Go with the corded model, they have more longevity and weigh less than cordless.

12. A Wrench Set--For all your hard-to-turn needs

13. Electrical Tape and Teflon Tape--Electrical for wires, Teflon for plumbing repairs

Relax and Bathe Safely with Safety Tubs

2008-07-07T15:00:00.013-04:00

Safety Tubs offer many benefits. They provide safe, convienient, relaxing bathing and offer spa products like dual massage systems. Here is some handy info. on these therapeutic tubs:

They Are Accessible and Easy To Use
There is no straining or struggling to get in or out of the tub when you own a Safety Tubs walk-in bathtub. Safety Tubs make warm baths or soothing showers accessible to people who thought they'd never enjoy the luxury on their own again.

They Are Safe
The walk-in tub door, low-entry, 17" chair-height seat, built-in handrail and slip-resistant tub floor are just a few of the features that make independent bathing safe in a Safety Tub.

They Are Comfortable And Convenient
Safety Tubs built-in chair-height seat allows you to experience a comfortable, full soak without the struggles of getting up and down. Electronic Finger Tip Touch Controls make adjusting temperature, water flow and jet options easy.

Features:

-Walk-In Bathtub Door For Safe, Easy Access, Eliminates the need to step over the front of the tub and allows safe and effortless entry and exit. Simply walk in, close the door and relax.

-Acrylic, the material of choice for leading bathtub manufacturers/trade professionals over fiberglass

-Watertight Seal With a Lifetime Guarantee, Their exclusive walk-in tub door system guarantees a watertight seal for life.

-17" Chair-Height, Built-In Seat for Easy Sitting and Standing

Plus: Safety Tubs are nearly twice as deep as regular bathtubs so you'll enjoy much more room to soak. Whirlpool Options Turn Your Bathroom Into a Heath Spa, Premium Faucet with Hand Held Shower Fills Tub in Half the Time, Built-In Safety Bar and Slip Resistant Floor Make Bathing Safe, Fits Into All Standard Bathtub Spaces

Outdoor Fans Make A Beautiful Addition To Your Backyard Or Patio

2008-07-03T14:00:00.010-04:00

Ready to take on the weekend heat? Outdoor fans keep your patio-backyard cool and they can also be seen as a form of decor. They inject some style into your outdoor living and have a Nautical, seaside ambience that brings you right to the beach, while blowing those flying pests away.They come in many designs and colors, mimicing the outdoor themes, so you can get the style and ambience you want!

Top Left: Emerson Westfield EMR-CF680

The back lit housing projects a warm glow into any outdoor setting. UL Wet Rated, the Westfield adds warmth and casual comfort to decks, patios, sunrooms and verandas.

Top Right: Emerson Maui Bay EMR-CF2000
"The Maui Bay can be outfitted with a variety of exotic new blades from tropical leaf to handwoven wicker. The Maui Bay is perfect for Florida rooms, sunrooms, verandas, or any area where a refreshing new look can bring cool, relaxing breezes."

Above: Deco Breeze Playa 18" Outdoor Adjustable Fan

*--Happy 4th of July Weekend!--*

Fireworks Safety Tips

2008-07-02T16:00:00.006-04:00

Have a blast celebrating the 4th of July without the safety hazards! Here are some tips for keeping it safe.

Common sense is a good idea. Fireworks are to be lit outside and only outside. Light them one at a time. Keep a safe distance-- which is an arm's length from the tip -- when lighting and if the firework does not look like it's going to go off--do not attempt to relight. These fireworks are often called the “duds” of the party and should be watered down until completely extinguished (along with the used fireworks). In case of emergency, keep a bucket and a hose nearby.

Pick up used fireworks with a shovel. When the kids want to use the fireworks, make sure there is an adult nearby. If that adult will be you, rock out with the kids but remember--safety first!

Have fireworks left over? Store them in a cold, dry area that is far from any flammable materials.

For more information and educational fun, you can visit http://www.fireworksafety.com/home.htm They even have a short safety video!

Why Are Pedestal Sinks So Appealing?

2008-07-01T15:00:00.007-04:00

The blogging spirit of 4th of July week would not be the same without a pedestal sink post! These sinks stand on their own, like our valorous Statue of Liberty--and are versatile. They work well in both Contemporary and Period style rooms. Their appeal is universal. There is a charm, a poise about pedestal sinks. My friend had one and that sink was the first thing I noticed in the bathroom. I found the great depth of the basin to be practical. If you want to save floor space, these sinks take little space and make your bathroom seem larger. Some pedestal sinks stand higher than standard sinks too, so less bending over. They really add character to your bathroom.

Want a pedestal sink with storage space? Try a console --a hybrid of a pedestal sink and a vanity.

How to Hire a Dependable Contractor

2008-06-30T16:00:00.011-04:00

Looking to hire the right contractor? Doing your research can get you a dependable, well-skilled contractor, a better deal, and results you can enjoy for many years to come.

Look into finding a contractor who specializes in the work you will have done. There are different types of contractors trained to do certain jobs. Make sure they are properly licensed and qualified for the job. Check the contractor’s license to confirm their information and check for any complaints. People complain and in this case discovering negative feedback can save you from ending up with the contractor of doom, who may not be a licensed contractor at all.

Do background checks and seek personal recommendations

Always do background checks on the contractors/builder/company and check their license status. Make sure they have the proper license for the job. With the internet, this is easier to do than ever-- just go to your state’s Contractor’s Licensing Board's website.

You could discover a dependable contractor through your own circle! Friends, family, colleagues--personal referals can be helpful, especially when you can see the work for yourself. If any of them have had recent work (of the type you want) done to their home, ask them about it and have a look.

Compare and shop around before you hire

You want to compare the bids/prices, backgrounds, and info. of multiple contractors instead of just looking at one. If someone has a temptingly low rate, you have every right to be suspicious. If it looks too good to be true on paper, then it is. You want a contractor who is not ripping you off, but does have realistic prices, especially for good quality--someone who will do the job right, leaving you with zero regrets.

Have your questions ready

When in doubt over anything, ask. Do not be afraid to ask 100 questions and never accept something, be it verbal or in the fine print, that is not clear to you. Make sure you are comfortable with your future contractor and the deal. Be in the know.

Got ID?

You can think of yourself as the border guard or bouncer of your own house. When a prospective contractor arrives at your house, you know what to do. Ask them for their license and photo I.D. Make sure the contractor is not an impostor!

Know the Laws

Contractor laws and bonds vary by state, so check your state's Contractors Licensing Board.

Get a New Look for Your Kitchen by Resurfacing Your Cabinets

2008-06-27T14:00:00.019-04:00

Home Improvement can start right in your Kitchen and it does not have to involve demolition! Your kitchen is considered one of the most important rooms and attacking your cabinets is a smart start. For some prospective buyers, the kitchen is a deal maker or deal breaker. Resurfacing your cabinets increases the value of your home, making the resale value go up. The new, up-to-date look gives a stunning first impression. “Wow, look at these cabinets!” are just the words you want to hear. It’s a worthwhile investment.

The Advantage: Your kitchen gets a new improved look. You have the flexibility to choose your own style and make it work. You can Think Big-- the sky is the limit. Add new features. You can add in extra cabinets that reach new heights…like the ceiling! You can even add full cabinet boxes. Materials can be customized to fit the look you are going for. Wood can be ordered natural, stained, painted, or paint ready. You also can choose from laminates. Door styles include panel doors, flat front, glass front, the classic deco-form, and many more. When choosing doors, you want to consider style and structure.

The Cost: Depends on many factors like size, style, materials, etc. but think between $1000 and $5000. Resurfacing cabinets costs about half of what you would pay to remodel. Engineered wood is the best quality material to use because it is a great value, well made, and built to last. If you want to go for a bargain, laminate (which would cover all exposed wood as a veneer) is a less expensive choice, costing about 25% less than buying new wood doors.

What Gets Done: Most commonly, your cabinets get new doors, drawer fronts and hardware. Your cabinets will look new and the project typically takes only 5 days. You can choose to do it yourself, hire a pro, or both (have pro replace doors, and then stain or paint them yourself, replace knobs, get creative etc.)

What’s Hot: using framed glass doors, oak and birch wood, vinyl-clad laminates, paint jobs- with warm bolds like yellow/gold/red, whites, ginger, earth tones

Why Ceiling Fans Are a Great Buy

2008-06-26T17:00:00.004-04:00

Brrr! Ceiling fans offer many benefits for summer living at your home. Because they hang from your ceiling, they free up floor space. They also provide great air circulation, and can keep you 4 degrees cooler. They are a great addition to your kitchen because they blow away flying pests. And for the environmentally conscious, ceiling fans save energy and costs on your electrical bill. Some ceiling fans come with lights-- now that's practical! So this summer, light up and cool down!

Maintaining Your Grill

2008-06-25T17:00:00.012-04:00

-Use a grill brush to keep your surfaces clean. Choose a brush according to your grill’s surface. For porcelain-coated grills, brass-bristle brushes are excellent and won’t damage that porcelain.

-To clean cast iron--use a stainless steel brush

-Clean your grease pan with a steel brush and a scraper. This is important because excessive debris buildup in grease pans is unsanitary and can become a fire hazard!

- Condition your grates with cooking oil spray to help prevent rust, and prepare your surface for your next grilling adventure.

-Are the lava rocks in your grill starting to crack and collect grease residue? If yes, it’s time for you to replace them with new lava rocks or porcelain briquettes. Because porcelain briquettes are less porous than lava rocks, they are easier to clean and are more efficient in the heat-radiating department--believe me, I’ve been there many times.

-Clean your burner assemblies (gas valves, venturis, and burners) on your grill from time to time. They are a nesting place for creepy crawlers, insects, spiders, and things that go bump in the night, and the openings can clog up. It’s not a fun picture. With a venture brush, you can clean the venturis’ openings and pathways. When you’re not in the “grillin’ mode” or do not plan on using your grill for a while, use venture covers to keep insects and debris out.

-Is the inside of your grill already rusty? You can repaint it. Spray paint your grill with high temperature grill paint—head on over to your local home/ department store to the grill supply department

- You want to keep the gas outlets on your burners open and debris free so the gas delivers to your entire burner surface for even heating.

-Don’t forget the grill cover! Grill covers are important and help keep the appearance of your grill in tiptop shape. When your cover becomes worn out or stained with residue, replace it.

Build your Bathroom or Kitchen with Empire

2008-06-24T16:15:00.018-04:00

Empire Industries has been conquering bath accessories and consoles, kitchen sinks, mirrors, vanities, and curio/cabinets since 1976. Their premium kitchen sinks combine luxury with practicality, for eye-catching designs.

They are popular for their extensive bathroom furniture collections, from Contemporary to Traditional, and offered in a wide variety of sizes, colors. You can buy different parts of their vanities in different finishes—so mix and match!

Bath

-Empire Malibu 200 Collection 24" Vanity EMP-M200-24-20D (Pictured Above)

-24" x 21.6" x 33".
-2 Doors.
-Available with undermount bowl (includes silicone sealing)

-Empire The Newport Collection Curio Cabinet EMP-NC
The Newport Collection 24" Curio Cabinet
-24" x 17.75 x 63".
-Curio Cabinet.
-Size includes Crown and base molding.

Kitchen

-Empire The New Loft Farm 9"W Sink EMP-LF30 The New Loft Farm 9"W Sink (Pictured Above)
-30" x 17" x9"/ 16 Gauge w/foam insulation and heavy rubber pads.

-Empire Stainless Steel Double Bowl 16 Gauge Sink EMP-SP-7
-Left Bowl 21 1/2" x 18 7/8" x 9"D/Right Bowl 7" x 14 1/8" x 5"D
- Sinks are Undercoated over Botton rubber & 4 Side Pads.

Great Outdoor Lighting Ideas

2008-06-23T17:11:00.021-04:00

Outdoor lights provide illumination, security and personalization for your home.

If you are looking for outdoor lights, there are a lot of great products to choose from, here are some ideas:

Classic. Go for a Lighting Fixture

Quoizel 17 1/2" Harmony 1 Light Outdoor Lighting Fixture

-The soft glow and texture of the linen glass add a special warmth to the exterior of your home.

Go Galactic. Try outdoor lanterns with space themes. They are great for parties, events, fun with kids and adults alike, etc.

Embrace the dramatic- Make your lights the standout piece with sharp, intricate designs. World Imports and Crystorama create unique, enchanting designs.

Friday Night Recipe: London Broil with Mushrooms in Red Wine

2008-06-20T16:30:00.010-04:00

1-2 lbs London broil, depending on how many servings you want
2 cups of red wine, I love Merlot, make sure it has a rich flavor that you fancy
(I'm getting into the spirit of London here...), a wine you would enjoy drinking. If you're not sure, sample some, but try not to drink too much before cooking!
2 cups beef broth
1 pound sliced shiitake mushrooms, I find these work best with beef, steaks, etc.
1/2 cup of minced fresh parsley
2 tbsp. minced shallots
1 tsp. dried, crushed rosemary
1 can canola oil cooking spray

1. Marinade time! Put the London broil, mushrooms, wine, parsley, rosemary, and shallots in a plastic bag and let sit in your fridge for an hour.

2. Place only London broil in a large skillet sprayed with canola oil and cook at medium temperature until it is cooked to your taste. Don't forget to study the meat closely. Put London broil
aside in large plate.

3. Using the same skillet, pour your marinade and cook at low temp. for 15 - 20 minutes--it becomes the sauce.

4. Pour sauce over the London broil. Add a little bit of fresh wine to the top to enhance flavor.

Make it fun-- With sides like sweet potato wedges or seasoned frites, asparagus and zucchini, rice pilaf, and a glass of the wine you used, of course!

Replacing Your Kitchen Counter

2008-06-19T16:00:00.019-04:00

With a new countertop, your kitchen can look and work better. As a home owner, you have a variety of materials to choose from. Also, installation time depends on the material you choose, heavier materials like granite will take longer. Adjustments may need to be made, like if your cabinets are unleveled or if you have unplumbed walls.Countertops that are fabricated during the process may take 2+ days, because the sealing and finishing need time to set.

Here is a look at four materials that are popular among home owners:

Wood/Butcher Block

Natural, and long lasting, wood countertops are the ideal surface for cutting your favorite sensual meats, vegetables and other foods--so regular cleanings are high on the totem pole for these tops if you use them for food prep.

Granite

This material is the most popular stone to conquer countertops. You do not need to worry about scratches, heat, and poor durability, because Granite withstands these, with its strong, heavy composition.

Laminate

Laminate is plastic-based, stain resistant, and a real chameleon- it can be manipulated to look like various materials, including Granite. It runs the gamut of colors, patterns, plus,edges can be shaped-- rolled or squared. Cleaning is easy, but watch out for heat--and try to keep your hot cookware away from Laminate. It is not heat resistant.

Tiles

Creative, and unique, tiles are a great choice if you want your kitchen to be one of a kind. Tiles are usually made from glazed ceramics, which makes them resistant soiling, scuffing and wetness.
Maintenance wise, tiles should be cleaned often to combat mildew.

Buying a Steambath?

2008-06-18T15:30:00.003-04:00

Steambaths provide many health benefits. They are great for relieving stress, muscle tension, and stiff joints. They also strengthen the immune system, stimulate blood circulation, increase metabolism, alleviate sinus congestion, and give your skin a healthy glow. Before you buy the steambath of your dreams, here is some information to help you:

-What should you consider before buying a Steambath? If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are on medication, you should speak with your physician beforehand.

-Consider getting a water softner. It's great for reducing scale formation.

-How long should you spend in a steambath? A typical steambath lasts 10 to 15 minutes but if you want to stay longer, it's your call! And steambaths can be taken daily.

-Though the correct bathing temperature is about 110 degrees, it can be adjusted to meet your comfort zone, needs, medical conditions and so on.

-What do you need to know about installation? The steam generator, which creates the steam, must be installed in an accessible and dry area. Examples are: a closet, basement, heated attic, etc. Steambath units and plumbing lines cannot be installed in unheated attics, or places where water would freeze.

-What does the steam generator require? The generator requires its own drain, electrical supply and cold water feed. It can be wired to your home's electric supply--Remember this can only be done by a licensed electrician.

-Here are some suggestions for the ultimate relaxation:

- Steamist SM Residential Systems Generator
- Steamist Tilt-Up Bath and Shower Seat

- Mr. Steam Residential Generator
- Mr. Steam Tempo Control
- Mr. Steam Aromasteam System

-Accessories like Mr. Steam Speakers and Mr. Steam Aroma Essential Oils

What's Hot In Garden Decor

2008-06-17T15:44:00.022-04:00

1. Lights, like Glass Oil Lanterns- These enchanting lights make your garden look straight out of a fairy tale. They provide the perfect glow at night, next to the moonshine.

2. Statues and Fountains- These classics never go out of style

3. Colorful Watering Cans- Functional, fun and full of bright, bold patterns, watering cans don't just come in silver anymore.

4. Watering Globes-These look snazzy and release water into the soil, promoting healthy root growth.

5. Glass Misters- They provide your plants with needed humidity and come in bright colors.

6. Stone Gargoyles and Angles- Balance the atmosphere of your garden with both light and dark themes.

7. Themes- The sea, the planets, the wild-- themes are a great way to add life to your garden, along with a story!

8. Elegant Chaise Loungers- These chaise loungers have had it with the poolside and squirm at the thought of getting splashed by a cannon-balling twelve year old, so they reside in the garden. They are comfortable, with super-soft cushions and a departure from the norm. Try them in bold reds and yellows, and intricate Victorian and Gothic designs.

Unique & Space Saving Vanity Cabinets by Robern

2008-06-16T15:00:00.019-04:00

Robern vanity cabinets are a great way to keep organized. They offer storage solutions for your bathroom, free up sink space, and make your items easy to find when you are in a rush. Some come with interior and exterior lights, great for when you're getting ready. If you are thinking of getting these cabinets, there are a variety of sizes to choose from and designs to conquer to fit your needs:

Robern Series F Framed Cabinet- 23.25"Wx39.375"H-FP24D
Features:
-Aluminum cabinet body
-Mirrored interior with adjustable shelves
-Safe arrival & moving parts warranty
-Interior light option available
-Shatter-resistant white acrylic lens
and more

Robern Arched Cabinet - 6" depth x 34" height - MT24D6A
Features:
-Dimensions: 6" depth x 23.25" width x 34" overall height.
-Option of recessed or surface mount.
-Side kit required for surface mounting.
-Plain or .75" beveled mirror.
-Can be hung as left or right door hinge.
-Shown with lighting kit, sold separately.
-Arched door.

Robern One Door Cabinet - 4" depth x 27.5" height - MFC1628 Features:
Dimensions: 4" depth x 16" width x 27.5" overall height.
Shown with mirror and lights, sold separately.
Option of recessed or surface mount.
Side kit required for surface mounting.
.75" Beveled mirrored door cabinet.
Can be hung with either left or right door hinge.
Optional electric feature.
Flat top door cabinet.

Summer Recipe- Pasta Salad with fresh tomatoes, shrimp and avocado

2008-06-13T15:30:00.004-04:00

This what I like to call “The Sea Shell Salad”. It's a great dish for a hot day--when you want a dish that's cold (without sacrificing flavor), takes little time to make, and can be just as delectable after a day in the fridge. The stuffed shells put a fun summer on the standard pasta salad. Plus, this recipe is loaded with protein and Omega 3’s! You can alter the ingredients to how you see fit and make it your own!

Core Ingredients:
-1 pound large shrimp or prawns
-2- 3 avocados

-4 medium tomatoes

-fresh feta cheese
-1 lb. pasta shells, any size works

-1 Tbsp olive oil
-1 can of canola oil spray

Optional condiments: pinches of pepper, sea salt,micro chopped red and yellow peppers, all to your taste

1. Cook pasta shells in a pot of boiling water. You want the pasta to be firm but not hard, so stay close by!
2. After draining, cool the shells via cool running water, pat the shells dry, then toss them into a large bowl.
3. Halve the tomatoes, and chop up, crumble the feta cheese. Toss them into the bowl. Pour 1 Tbsp of olive oil (or more/less depending on taste) and toss into the magic bowl.
4. Mix ingredients well. If you have an identical bowl, place it upside down on top of your bowl and give it a good shake, gourmet salad chef style. Or you can use a lid.
5. Put in a marinade pouch (Ziploc bag) and let marinade for 30 minutes.

6. Spray your skillet with canola oil spray
7. Pour the shrimp in the skillet, and let them sizzle on high. You want them to have as much direct contact with the pan as they can without sticking. Spray them on and off with the canola.
8. They should have a char grilled look when they are ready.
9. Put the shrimp in the fridge for twenty minutes.While they are cooling off, do something random on your lawn.
10. Take the shrimp out , put half of them aside, they will remain whole. The other half, you want to chop into tiny pieces. Mix them with the avocados, creating a smooth mixture and with a spoon, put them into the pasta shells.
11.The outside of the shells should be rich (but not heavy) with the flavors of olive oil, tomatoes, feta, you get the taste. The inside should have avocado, which acts as a sort of delicious paste for the grilled shrimp.
12. Now add the whole shrimps to the mix and any condiments you like
13. Then once the salad is thoroughly mixed, Add some of the diced tomatoes to the top of the mix.

Voila!

*Edible summer tip: a plate of fresh sliced tomatoes and avocados are great on their own too. Add some yogurt on the side and you have a great summer snack!

Danze & Toto Price Reductions- 40% OFF Select Toilets and Faucets

2008-06-12T12:00:00.015-04:00

All about the essentials, The Inside Store is offering 40% off TOTO One-PieceToilets and DANZE Faucets-- in stock and ready to ship for Free! These brands are well known for their quality, reliability, and their new, innovative designs.

This offer is great for enhancing, and adding value, comfort and style to your home. Enjoy affordable luxury and have a field day with it!

Why Buy An Undermount Sink

2008-06-11T16:27:00.021-04:00

You and your kitchen sink deserve the best. You both are a team, partners for life, holding authority over the kitchen, getting the job done. For all to go smoothly, you want your kitchen sink to have the right mount.

“Why do sinks come in different mounts?” Different types of mounts exist to fit personal preference. Today, undermount sinks are popular and "hot" for the kitchen.

Below are some facts to help you decide if an undermount sink is right for you:

Undercounter a.k.a. undermount sinks are popular because they fit seamlessly with countertops and easy to clean and maintain. Cleaning up after food prep is a breeze. You can slide peelings and remainders right into the sink without worrying about the lip or food getting stuck under it. With a disposal, this gets even better.

Also, undermount sinks are leak-free and tend to have a strong aesthetic appeal with their sleekness and uncluttered design. Because they are mounted under the countertop, they flow seamlessly with the countertop. They also free up the counter space, cutting the clutter. Undermount sinks work best with solid and stone materials.