Many people are actually becoming fearful of where their bathroom is located. While it is true in Feng Shui that bathrooms are notoriously “bad” from all the drain energy they produce, there are simple and effective methods to keep you money from going down the drain.

All bathrooms have several universal principles to help avoid any negative energy coming your way. We always ask you to put the seat down (which, admittedly is not so easy with the little ones or even an uncooperative mate in the house). We also ask you to keep the door closed to keep the energy inside the bathroom. Through the years I have found this is not always practical; after a shower, without ventilation, you need to let that steam out. Other homes just get a musky type smell when the door is kept closed continuously; you can then open it at certain times to relieve this.

Another “standard” cure for this area is to add a plant on top of the toilet itself. It deflects the drain energy as well as adding some much needed life force to this room. Particular areas of where your bathroom might be located may be a concern. For example, from the layout of the bagua if your bathroom is in a Wealth area, we might want to add some added enhancements while keeping our Intentions in mind that we will not lose money simply because our bathroom is located in that area. You might want to hang money coins (you can put these behind a curtain or even a picture if they are not in scheme with your décor), or even a Red Envelope (which also symbolizes wealth) with 3 like coins (3 nickels, 3 dimes, 3 quarters) and can also be kept hidden.

Only you (and possibly your partner) need to know they are there and why they are there. Remember as with any Feng Shui changes you are making, your intention behind the cures is every bit as important (if not more) then the cures you are putting in place.

People used to ask why the Intentions were so important; thankfully, with the enormous popularity of “The Secret,” ideas, thoughts and actions that haven’t been a secret to Feng Shui Practitioners are finally out to the public in a big way. People see the reasoning behind it and they resonate with it. After all, Energy follows Intent (known in The Secret as the Laws of Attraction). So it makes sense that it is the very energy you are sending out that will attract back that which you are seeking.

Worry less about the location of your bathroom and concentrate more on the positive aspect of being able to simply turn that energy around to just another wonderful place in your home. Particularly as bathrooms are now being designed with some having views, people having Jacuzzi’s to relax in, the use of aromatherapy and soothing music, it’s now a room to renew and refresh, instead of the dreaded “drain” energy. Enjoy it!

Feng Shui Expert Carole Provenzale is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island and has been a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner for over a decade providing Feng Shui Consultations for Homes, Businesses, Offices, New Construction, Renovations and Realtors. Carole is also a published auther and keynote speaker for large and small corporations such as Fox 5, Nordstrom’s, NYS Dept of Parks and Recreation and The Long Island Board of Realtors. Feng Shui Long Island consultations are available for all of Long Island, New York City, Queens and Online for those at a distance. Please visit the website at FengShuiLI.com FengShuiLI.com or email mailto:FengShuiLI@aol.com FengShuiLI@aol.com for further information.

While decorative ceramic tiles are readily available in several stores, there are still people who opt to design their own ceramic tiles through painting.

Those who wish to paint ceramic tiles should understand that the durability of the finished product depends on the way the tiles are used. No matter how good the painting materials are, when the tiles are used with little or no precaution, the painting can still be easily damaged.

There are several ceramic tile-painting kits available. These kits have instructions on how to prepare the materials. It is best to consult with people who know how to mix the materials involved. Most of these materials are dangerous and when used incorrectly, can lead to severe skin damage.

Once the paint has been prepared, the ceramic tile area should be washed with a 50/50 solution of household ammonia and water. This helps to remove any grease or dirt that accumulated in the tile area. The grout, on the other hand, can be cleaned with a mild acid solution.

Afterwards, the primer can be applied. Be sure to use the right primer. The best product is one that adheres most to ceramic tiles, glass and other resistant areas. The primer provides an anchor to the topcoat. When the area to be painted is exposed to too much water, it is helpful to use alcohol-based primers.

When the primer has dried, the area can be painted with one or two applications of the topcoat paint. Water-based paints may suffice for areas that are not prone to moisture. Otherwise, alkyd finishes are better as they are more resistant to damage caused by excessive moisture.

e-CeramicTile.com Ceramic Tile provides detailed information on Ceramic Tile, Ceramic Floor Tile, Ceramic Tile Design, Installing Ceramic Tile and more. Ceramic Tile is affiliated with i-Mosaics.com Mosaic Arts.

If you moved into your home when house prices were low, thinking someday you would move on to a larger home or a home with upgraded features, you may be asking yourself a tough question. Should I sell my home or remodel? House prices have drastically increased in recent years and many people are finding that what seemed like a small jump before, could cost a huge price tag now. If your home is on a sizeable lot, has great views, and nice neighbors, you may consider staying in your home and remodeling. Many homeowners have found that putting on a large addition, updating kitchens and baths, or adding on a pool, is still more affordable than moving to a new home.

Before making any decisions, first decide on what you are looking for in your future home. More bedrooms, a larger kitchen or living area, close proximity to schools, etc. Make a list of necessities and desires. Then investigate how much homes in the neighborhoods you wish to live in, or homes of a certain size are selling for. Next, you will want to contact a contractor to give you an estimate of how much it will cost to remodel your existing home. You may find that the changes you want are not possible with your property. Building codes and zoning laws may prohibit the changes you will need to stay in your current residence.

There are a few other considerations to bear in mind. How much will your taxes increase? Insurance? Will you miss your neighbors? Do your school zones change, meaning your children may have to change schools? It is important to weigh all of the changes that moving can bring. After you have a complete picture of the cost comparison from moving to a new home or remodeling your existing home, you will need to make your final decision. Moving to a new home can be exciting, but you want to make sure you can afford to make the larger investment before you purchase that home. Sometimes you may find that with a new kitchen, or a swimming pool, you may be able to enjoy a few more years in your current home.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the

When you want to get a job done in your home or in the yard, it is important to have the right equipment. If you are building a foundation to a home, garage or shed, repairing a sidewalk, or repairing the side of the building, having the right type of concrete mixer can ensure that you will do a job in excellence. There are several tools and types of concrete mixers that can be used to ensure that your job gets done easier.

The first type of concrete mixer that you may want to consider using is a mobile concrete dispenser. This is used to batch concrete in one area then move to another area. Usually, these dispensers are used to pour sidewalks and other projects that need concrete batched into several areas. You are able to control the amount of concrete that is needed in one area at one time as well as be able to mix other types of rocks in with the concrete. Usually, this type of concrete mixer will also mix the concrete and other materials without having to use extra water with the process.

The second type of concrete mixer that you can use is the stationary concrete dispenser. This is designed to stay in the same place while you pour the concrete. Most of the time, this type of mixer will be used if you are pouring molds for a building or are using cement for a pre-caster for a project that you are doing. If you are in a remote location or are going to be staying in one area to build a project, then a stationary concrete dispenser is the better type of mixer to get.

Another thing to look at with concrete mixers is the parts that you will need. Even if you are simply renting a mixer, it is important to know what is being used in the mixer. This will eliminate problems and will help you in understanding how the concrete is mixed. If any problems arise with the process, you will know which parts is not working properly or need replaced. One of the main things to look at is the type of blades that are being used. There are certain sizes that are included with the blades and different materials that are used, depending on the type of mixer that you are getting.

There are also different types of belts that will be in the mixer. This helps to turn the mixture before and while you are pouring concrete. The sizes on these belts will differ, as well as the type of belt that is being used. Chutes, filter bags, air pads, cartridges, and other parts are some of the other things that will be included in the mixer. You should always make sure that these are in tact when you get your mixer.

By having the right type of mixer and the right parts that go with it, it will be easier for you to finish your large and small projects. Concrete mixers, no matter what kind, can help you to get your landscape or home project looking new again.

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