4 Things Every Parent of Twins Needs to Survive

Read article : 4 Things Every Parent of Twins Needs to Survive

I don't know if I've ever faced a harder challenge in my parenting years than raising twins.

Maybe it's because our twins came near the end of the line of boys and they see all their older brothers do, then expect that life will be exactly like that for them.

Except there are two of them.

Oh, you want to drink out of a big-boy cup because your older brother did it when he was 2? I'm sorry. There are two of you.

Oh, you want to sit free at the table instead of strapped into your chairs because all your brothers did it when they were almost 3? I'm sorry. There are two of you.

What? You want me to leave the baby gate on your door open because you haven't yet figured out how to climb over it? I'm sorry. In case you haven't noticed, THERE ARE TWO OF YOU.

Our twins are identical, two sides of the same egg. Nature's gift, doctors say. One is left-handed, one is right-handed. They complete each other.

That's part of the problem. What one doesn't think of, the other does. What one is afraid to do, the other will try. It's like having toddler wrecking balls walking around the house, scheming about what they can destroy next. I imagine their silent conversations go a little something like this:

Twin 1: "Hey. Hey, bro. Mama's not watching. Remember how she told us not to touch this computer? She'll never know. Where is she?"

Twin 2: "She's in the bathroom. Remember what we did last time she was in the bathroom?"

Twin 1: "Oh, man. That was fun. But this computer. She'll never know. I just can't figure out how to open it."

Twin 2: "Like this. But how do you turn it on?"

Twin 1: "Easy. I've seen Daddy press this button right here."

Twin 2: "There it is."

(Mama comes back into the room with the baby she just changed.)

Twin 1: "Close it, close it, close it!"

Twin 2: "Walk away. Not too fast, not too slow. Just enough to look like we weren't doing anything."

I love my twins. Of course I do. It's just that they were unexpected.

If I could have read a primer two years ago, this is what it might have said:

Every parent of twins needs...

1. An extra dose of patience.

You will need this for many things. You will need it for the stranger at the store who asks to see your amazing bundles of joy and, after looking at their angelic, sleeping faces, declares she "always wanted twins," and you want to say, "Oh, really? Then take mine," because one was up screaming at 3 a.m. and as soon as you got him calmed down two hours later, the other one woke up screaming, and as soon as you got that one calmed down an hour later, all the other boys were up asking for breakfast. Which woke up the twins, who were also hungry. Again.

You will need it for when they learn to talk and there are so.many.words and so.many.whys and so many demands for everything under the sun. You will need it for the potty-training and the big boy bed transitions and the constant fighting from dawn until dusk.

You will need it for the times you were helping one out of his pajamas and into his day clothes and you return back downstairs to find all the jackets removed from your poetry books and spread across the living room floor like a special carpet for toddler feet for the six thousandth time. (You should probably just put those books away, Mama. Far, far away.)

"I'm an angel." That's what this face says. Keep this picture close. You'll need it for the times you wonder if he really is the devil.

2. Good decision-making skills.

These will come into play those times they both wake up at 3 a.m. because they're hungry. Which one do you feed first? (Answer: You'll figure out a way to feed both.)

You'll need these skills when one twin is in the downstairs bathroom playing with a plunger in a potty you specifically remember your older boy didn't flush five minutes ago when he stunk it up and the other is in his bathroom upstairs finger painting the mirror with a whole tube of eco-friendly toothpaste. Which do you get first? (Answer: The toilet one. Toothpaste is much easier to clean than the mess an overzealous plunger can make.)

You'll need them when the one who's known for wandering does exactly that, moves from his nap time place while you take a minute or five for a shower (because it's been four days since the last one) and you walk out to find him playing with the computer he's been told 50 billion times to leave alone and, in his panic to close it, he deletes the 1,500 words you wrote this morning before kids got up. What do you do? (Answer: Cry. And then start all over.)

3. A rigorous workout regime.

When one is running down the street because someone forgot to lock the deadbolt he can't reach and another is going out back without shoes in 26-degree rain, you'll want to be in shape for that. I recommend interval training. That way when they stop and change directions, you'll be ready. You've done this a thousand times. Ski jumps. Football runs. All-out sprints.

When they slip, unnoticed (because they're like ninjas), into the playroom while you're wiping down the table after a ridiculously messy lunch, and both of them come out with their scooters, you'll want to be able to wrestle those "cooters" from screaming, flailing bodies without hurting anyone.

And when one collapses in the middle of the park because it's time to go and he's not ready yet and the other thinks that just might work, you'll need strong arms to carry 32 pounds of kicking and screaming twins back to the car, one tucked under each armpit.

4. Containment measures.

This would be things like strollers until they're 3 and booster seats until they're 4 and a baby gate on their door until they're... 15. Well, maybe 13.

It also means leashes at the city zoo on a packed day, even though you said you'd never use them and you can feel the disapproval of other people and you want to say, "Come talk to me when you have 2-year-old twins. These things have saved their lives 17 billion times, and that was before we even got out of the parking lot."

Containment saves lives. And sanity.

Twins are great. And hard. And maddening. And great. And so hard.

They can disassemble an 8-year-old's room of LEGO Star Wars ships in 3.1 seconds. They can disassemble a heart with one identical smile and a valiant try at saying "Uptown Funk You Up" that sounds like it should have come with a bleep.

There's just nothing like them in the world. You'll be so glad you get to be their mama.

Especially after they fall asleep.

A version of this essay originally appeared on Crash Test Parents. Find Rachel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Converting a Victorian school

Read article : Converting a Victorian school

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If you’ve got a big master bedroom that could potentially be partitioned, or a little used adjacent room, then adding or creating an en suite could be a great way to add a sense of luxury to your bedroom. It is also a great way of adding to the value of your home, especially if you currently have only has one bathroom.

There are several things you need to think about before you go ahead and add a new en suite to your house, from the cost of adding the bathroom, to relocating plumbing, wiring the space and deciding exactly what sanitary ware to invest in.

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How much will an en suite bathroom cost?

The most quoted, average cost of adding a new bathroom to a house is £3000. This is inclusive of labour, fixtures, fittings and finishes like flooring, tiling and painting. However, adding a new bathroom to your house can vary in cost, depending on where your proposed bathroom is going to be. Ideally, you want to add your en-suite directly next to an existing bathroom on the same floor, or above a bathroom on the lower floor.

The issue is, it gets more expensive to add a bathroom if you have to redirect plumbing, especially soil stacks and waste pipes. It is possible to install a small bore pipe with a macerator, but this isn’t an ideal solution. You will have to factor in the day rates of a plumber, but again, it is difficult to predict how long this job is likely to take.

It is far easier to estimate how much fixtures and fittings are going to cost once plumbing has already been sorted.

Bath

A new bath will cost from £70 for a low end, acrylic model, but expect to pay from £300 – £500 for a good quality steel example. When you start looking at cast iron, stone and composite baths, expect to pay north of £1000.

Shower

Your basic electric shower is cost effective, both to buy and to run. They can cost a little as £50, but look at paying between £100 and £200 for a stylish and functional unit. Power showers start at around £200, and feature a pump that increases the force of the water. Digital showers, shower towers, shower columns and shower cabins will cost £500 and up if you want quality, and advanced models can even cost as much as £2000

Shower enclosure

Your shower enclosure is an important decision, because this will create the overall look of the shower. A shower tray and enclosure combo will probably cost you around £150, but could cost you up to £600if you want higher quality.

Wet room enclosure

A wet room will cost upwards of £500depending on the structural work required, this includes waterproofing, plumbing, the shower and a screen, if you’ve chosen one. The cost of a wet room shower can vary depending on your fixtures and fittings, and tiling it afterwards will need to be factored in.

Basin

A simple ceramic basin is an inexpensive choice and will cost upwards of £50. Basins made for vanity units are more expensive, and the cost of the unit is usually separate. These can cost around £100 for a basic unit, but on average you will pay £200 – £300.

Toilet

Toilets are much the same as basins, with ceramic, wall-mounted examples costing around £50.Expect to pay between £150 and £300 for a good quality toilet, and quite often, savings can be made by buying it in a bundle with a matching basin.

Taps and hardware

Bathroom taps often come as an afterthought when your bathroom fixtures, but they are an important addition. A statement tap is usually enough to make even the cheapest basin look high end. You can pay as little as £20 for a basic mixer, and an average of £100 for a good quality one. To get something luxurious, you can easily pay upwards of £400,but this isn’t as extravagant as it seems if you have made a saving on your sanitary ware.

Planning permission for an en suite bathroom

Adding an en suite bathroom rarely requires planning permission if the work is happening in an existing house. If you plan on adding a bathroom to a listed building, then planning permission is essential, as you will be altering the internal fabric of the building.

Building new walls for your en suite

If you are creating a complete new room or partitioning an existing room, then you will need to build extra walls. These will usually be stud walls constructed with a timber frame with plasterboard over the top. Choose water resistant plasterboard when creating a new bathroom to avoid damp.

In the case of a bathroom, you can get structural metal components that will support the weight of wall-mounted basins. The cavity in this type of wall is also perfect for concealing pipework, cisterns, wiring and additional storage

Having a stud wall built will cost you around £15 per m², not including any internal works, like plumbing and wiring, which will need to be planned out in advance.

En suite bathroom heating and plumbing

If you have a combi boiler, which provides hot water on demand rather than requiring a cylinder, you need to ensure that it has sufficient hot water flow to supply an extra bathroom. You should also check your water pressure and choose appropriate mixer taps and shower fittings.

Most people choose heated towel rails for bathrooms, rather than radiators ad these basically offer a solution to both, drying your towels, and the need to heat the room. These can cost as little as £30 for wall mounted options, and can cost as much as £500, not including installation.

Choosing lighting for your en suite bathroom

The most important factor you need to consider when you’re choosing bathroom lighting is safety. There are strict regulations on what lighting can be used in a potentially wet environment. A lights IP rating depends on its distance to the water source, and that determines the type of light you can use. The higher the rating, the better protected the light.

The bathroom is then broken up into zones that correspond with the IP ratings of certain lights.

• Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower, so the light needs an rating of at least IP67.
• Zone 1 is the area directly above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. IP45 is recommended, but it is always safer to go higher when this close to water.
• Zone 2 is the area stretching 0.6m from the perimeter of the bath or shower where a minimum IP rating of 44 is required.
• The outside zone is any area where water isn’t likely to go. However, if this is still within the bathroom, it’s a good idea to choose a light with a IP44, just incase.

Featured image: This en suite bathroom was created as part of a whole-house renovation. Read more about this en suite bathroom.

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30 Ways To Upgrade Your Apartment On A Budget

Read article : 30 Ways To Upgrade Your Apartment On A Budget

So you’ve just moved into your first apartment on your own (or with roommates), and you seem to be baffled by how expensive everything is! Well don’t worry, because there are ways to upgrade your apartment on a budget. Sure, you pay electricity and internet.. and water..and heat. There is some serious budgeting needed in order to live comfortably. I also understand that you want to know more than just “put baking soda in your fridge to avoid it from stinking up.” So here are 15 great ways to upgrade your apartment while on a budget! Good luck!

*This article is in collaboration with Kayla Nannariello.

1. Use Command Hooks!

The most standard tool among students! Command hooks have a universal purpose, to make life easier. I have command hooks for clothes, I have command hooks for lights, I have command hooks for my whiteboard and anything else I want to hang. they can hold a lot of weight depending on the size of hooks you get. I have hooks for my keys, my umbrella, any dangling wires and even my night light! These little life and space savers not only make it easier to find stuff, but also make your place look so much cleaner and organized…something you definitely want to see when you come back from a long day of classes. This way you will have a place to put your keys instead of throwing them around and regretting it the next morning when you’re rushing around.

2. Use the free cups and bottles you get around campus fairs (housing fair, clubs and organizations fairs, career fair.)

Don’t just use them to drink; use them as pen stands, stands to hold your dish washing brush, fill them up with change that you don’t want in your wallet. I covered my cup with three layers of paper on the top and made a slit through the center and there you have it, your college piggy bank (you’re going to need that money for laundry and err..)
The bottles particularly, can be used to store pretty much anything. One of my bottles is filled up with paper clips. The other is in the fridge so I have cold water when I need it, and another one makes for an easy lime-juice dispenser.

3. Don’t hold back, get a huge trash can.

This is by far the most convenient thing I have done for myself in the apartment. We bought a 55 gallon trash can from Walmart and now we save on trash bags all the time…and the best part? We don’t have to take it out very often. If you want to budget and you’re lazy, this is a win-win. Moreover, these giant cans have a cover, so they don’t stink up the apartment even if you decide to dump food that’s days old because, come on, let’s face it, every college student forgets to throw away old food for a long time because they actually forgot or they’re just procrastinating.

4. Keep those twist ties you get with almost anything you buy.

You know when you buy a loaf of bread or something that has wound up wire over it? And you decide to throw it away? Don’t. These things can come in handy at any time in your apartment. Leaving for summer and don’t want to let the cutlery just lie around? Use this to wind up the spoons together and store them away. Phone charger too long for where its plugged in? Wind it up a bit and hold it together with this! Tape can make it sticky, very easily. Opened a pack of Doritos and want to save it for later? Don’t leave it open, use these!

5. Use an old or cheap blanket as a window blind.

I’m not kidding, some blankets at Walmart go for less than $8, and if you are renting an apartment, it’s highly unlikely that it will come with fancy blackout curtains. Get a blanket, and use command hooks to hang it up right around your window. Put two loops at the bottom corners so you can roll it up and hook it to the hooks on the top to make a blind, there you go! Cheap and easy blackout curtains to help you sleep in after that rough Friday night.

6. Use over-the-door hooks.

You don’t want to have to deal with putting 5 command hooks up when you know you need them there, and you want something that you can load up more than just the capacity of those sticky magicians. They’re cheap and there are so many options on Amazon. There are no restrictions for these and you do not need to do any work, just stick the hooks over the door so they hold on and hang away! In any case, most rental apartments will not allow you to drill holes and screw in hooks and this is the only alternative to get hooks as strong.

7. Get LED strip lighting for your apartment.

Ever get that feeling when you don’t want any lights on but also want to be able to see and move around your room? Here’s your solution, and it’s pretty cool. These lights go for anywhere between $15-$25, and they come in lengths up to 32 feet! You simply put them across the top of your room’s walls with command hooks (of course) or if the wall is flat enough then you can even use their built-in adhesive. They have a remote, and they are LEDs, so they’re barely using any electricity. They have brightness control and color changing capabilities for when you’re throwing that Saturday night party. It’s easy, cheap and will impress any guests. They can set the mood, become an ideal everyday light and even become party strobe lights.

8. When life gives you lemons, CLEAN!

You know how after you make a glass of lemonade, you throw out the squeezed lemon…right? Wrong. This is the perfect way to save yourself from over-spraying the kitchen with Febreze. Just throw that thing into the sink disposal, run it and run warm water as you do so. Crushed lemon will release a fresh aroma, much better than using any spray since it’s acidity will clean as well. Got a dirty or stinky microwave? Grab any microwavable mid-sized bowl and fill it halfway with water, cut a lemon in half and squeeze both halves only a little into the water, not all the way. Now dump them into the water and microwave for 3 minutes. Once it’s done, your microwave will smell fresh and will be much easier to clean!

9. Use a giant bowl of water to keep your room air from being too dry.

The weather gets dry and cold in the winter, which means we all start having dry hands, and feel really dehydrated. Our apartment heaters can be the culprit in this dry air problem. A simple solution is to take a large bowl, fill it with water and simply place it in your room. This works, and it works well. It will keep the air slightly humid and especially if you’re from a less cold region, you will be saved from terrible and painful dry skin. Save your money and don’t buy those heavy and space hogging humidifiers, do this instead!

10. Use Brita filters!

If you’re the kind that likes to drink bottled or filtered water, you’d be spending at least $4 a day or more than those who drink tap water. But what if I said you could drink filtered tap water? Look no further! If you don’t already know about Brita jugs and filters, you need to know. These things have filters built into them, so it’s as easy as filling up a jug by turning on the faucet. It even reminds you when to change a filter, and no its not every week, it’s around every 4 months.

11. Buy everything in bulk.

If you’re at Walmart and you love getting orange juice for that night, it is very likely that you will come back to get more. Instead, save yourself the trouble and the money…buy a giant jug of it, or even four jugs of it. Buying bigger packs saves more than you think, and you will have to make less trips, so there’s time and energy saved too! This applies to pretty much anything from frozen food to toilet paper. I would even recommend buying the large boxes of laundry detergent/pods. You’re not going to stop doing laundry, so you might as well stock up.

Using Amazon’s ‘dash buttons’ is a pretty neat way to be lazy too. Just press the button when you’re running low and there you have it, delivered supplies to your doorstep. They even have these things for Red bull and Gatorade cases, and they don’t cost anything extra. You get a discount on your first order that matches the amount you paid to get the button so that’s pretty neat and convenient.

12. Buy Windex, a lot of it.

This magical solution we all know is much more useful than you think it is. You can use it to clean counters, tables, wall stains, floor spills and pretty much anything that your apartment life can throw at you. Simply buy a refill after your first spray bottle. Fear not, Windex can even clean your stained bathroom mirror very easily so you can look good and feel fresh every morning!

13. Buy space-savers for literally everything.

I have one for snacks, one for stationery and one for cutlery. We also have one in the living room which helps when we simply leave our stuff out. There are sizes that fit on a table to keep small items and sizes that stand alone and can even be used as a bedside table or in my case, a place to keep the bowl of water so the air doesn’t get too dry!

14. Look into Mainstays products.

They make inexpensive household items such as the space-savers I mentioned. They also make furniture, so if you’re looking for a desk in your room, a chair, a comfortable chair to watch TV in, sheets, blankets and anything else you might need, they probably have it. Remember, most of these items are the cheapest when the semester starts and the large stores are having their sales. Most of my kitchen, including plates, cooking vessels and cutlery is from Mainstays, they have great deals and it’s definitely worth it.

15. Add some Throw Pillows!

Throw pillows are a great way to spruce up your apartment without spending too much     money. They come in millions of prints, so you’ll always be able to find ones that match your personal style and the look you’re going for!

16. Use decorative baskets as opposed to plastic storage bins.

Baskets are a great alternative to plastic storage bins. They act as decor but keep your things organized just as well! There are so many cute basket options out there whether you enjoy wired baskets, canvas, or woven ones and they come in all shapes and sizes to fit into whatever space you need!

17. Wall art makes a huge difference!

Dress up any boring drab walls you have in your apartment with some wall art. The possibilites here are endless! You can even buy just the prints or download prints from sites like Etsy and add your own frame.

18. Add slipcovers to your furniture.

Do you have an old beat up couch and can’t afford to buy a new one? No worries, just buy a slipcover. Slipcovers are awesome because they come in so many different colors and designs, and you can switch them out whenever you want a new look!

19. Make your space more inviting with picture frames.

Another cheap way to spruce up your apartment is to buy cute picture frames and fill them with your favorite pictures! It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your apartment. This will make your living space feel more cozy just like the home you grew up in!

20.  A rug.

If you don’t like your flooring, area rugs are a great way to cover it up. They come in so many different sizes that you’re bound to find one that will fit your space. A good rug can do wonders for an apartment by covering up any messed up flooring and making your apartment look bigger than it actually is.

21. Set out some candles.

They’re cheap, they smell good, and they act as decor. Candles have a great way of turning any drab apartment into an inviting atmosphere!

22. Decorate with artificial succulents.

Fake succulents are great because they require no maintenance. And unlike real plants, you don’t have to worry about replacing it when it dies.

23. Your table lamps can make a statement.

Instead of buying simple lamps for your end tables, get more interesting ones. Not only will they dress up the room, but they are bound to be a conversation starter.

24. Buy simple furniture.

When buying furniture, don’t buy anything crazy. Go for things that are neutral colors and won’t go out of style and can look timeless in any setting.

25. Choose the right comforter.

Your comforter can make or a break a room, and unless you are absolutely in love with a printed comforter, I wouldn’t buy it. Instead, go for a solid color, preferably a neutral. This way you aren’t limited on how you decorate your room. The solid color also gives the room a very clean feel.

26. Opt for placemats.

Placemats are a super cheap way to make your dining room or kitchen look instantly more put together.

27. Get a shower curtain.

Shower curtains take up the most room in a bathroom, so make sure yours is something that people won’t mind looking at. Resist the crazy printed ones and instead, go for a simple print that will dress up your bathroom and make it seem brighter and bigger.

28. Add a good throw blanket into the mix.

Throw blankets are great because they give a cozy feel to the room and it’s always great to have a blanket nearby, but they also work as decoration.

29. Add some mirrors to your walls.

Mirrors are amazing because they make the room look bigger and they tend to draw in people’s attention.

30. If you ever need anything for your apartment, always look it up Amazon first.

When I was setting up my apartment, there were many things I found that I didn’t even know would help me so much! For example, many of my sockets have a switch extension, so I can turn them off while I am not using them, without unplugging them. This is especially useful for behind the bed and under the desk sockets, since unplugging requires a lot of effort and plugging it back in is even worse…you might even have to move the entire piece of furniture. Power strips, USB adapters and anything you can think off, it’s probably cheaper on Amazon.

Do you have any other good ideas on ways to upgrade your apartment on a budget? Share in the comments below!

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Featured Image source:http: //homelk.com/apartments/cute-college-apartment-bedrooms-for-girls

Tags: apartment essentials, apartment hacks, things you need for your first apartment, upgrade your apartment, upgrade your apartment on a budget, ways to upgrade apartment

Why Sliding Shower Doors Are Better For Your Bathroom

Read article : Why Sliding Shower Doors Are Better For Your Bathroom

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Sliding shower doors will bring a touch of luxury and elegance to your bathroom. Also, this type of doors is very comfortable inside the bathrooms. Bathrooms are not particularly large spaces, on the contrary. And, since you have a lot of things to put in there: sink, cabinets, the toilet, shower enclosure, you need some type of doors that don’t take space. Sliding shower doors are perfect from that point of view: you can operate them even in very small bathrooms. You can build your shower enclosure form drywall and tiles and you can add customized doors to it. There are lots of companies that build you personalized sliding shower doors.

 Sliding Shower Doors – Much Better Than A Curtain

If you use a shower curtain in your bathroom, maybe it’s the time to trade it for a real door. There are doors that can be installed to the shower enclosure, but also ones that are suitable for your bath tube. When people are showering, a lot of water and soap residues end up on the bathroom floor. A shower curtain can’t keep all the water inside the bath tube or inside the shower enclosure. Not only that you will have to clean and to dry the floor every time after you or another family member takes a shower, but you can also risk serious accidents. A set, slippery floor is the last thing you need inside the bathroom. Cleaning a shower curtain it’s almost impossible. You can put it in the washing machine, but it will probably be completely ruined after one or two washing cycles. The fact that you can’ t really clean it and dry it after use transform the shower curtain in the ideal spot for lots of dangerous bacteria to grow. With sliding shower doors, the situation is very different. You can easily wipe them and dry them in a matter of seconds, after you shower. Also, once a week you can disinfect them with an antibacterial cleaning product.

Another important aspect to mention is the aesthetic one. Good quality sliding shower doors look infinitely better than any shower curtain. Once you install them, you will have them for years.

 Sliding Shower Doors Made Of Glass

If you want to install some new sliding shower doors in your bathrooms, you should definitely consider glass. Shower doors made of glass look great, are durable and easy to maintain. A lot of people are worried about those doors, because of the accidents that might occur if the glass breaks. You should know that the glass from the sliding shower doors is very thick and the chances of having them break into pieces while you are showering are practically inexistent. Even if an accident occurs, like if you hit them with something hard, there will be a small chip in the doors, like the ones that appear on the windshield of a car. So, you can rest assured, sliding shower doors made of glass are quite safe.

Once you install them, it will be much more easier for you to keep the bathroom clean. You can apply any type of cleaning products on glass, without worrying that you will ruin them. You can use rust and lime removing products or antibacterial products, and your bathroom will always look spotless.

 Sliding Shower Doors – How To Install Them 

When it comes about installing them, there are a few steps you need to follow. First of all, measure carefully the space where you want to put them. Take the measurements with you and go to a bathroom appliances store or find some specialized websites. If your shower enclosure has standard dimensions, it will be very easy: you can order the doors and you will have them in a day or two. If you can’t find the right dimensions you need to buy, you have to order the sliding shower doors to a manufacturer. It will probably take a week before they will deliver you the doors. You should allow the professionals to install them in your bathroom. Those doors are very safe, but only when installed properly. If they are not mounted right, you will have a lop of problems with them – they will be hard to maneuver and they will break faster.

How to Split a Vacation Rental with Your Friends without Ruining Your Trip

Read article : How to Split a Vacation Rental with Your Friends without Ruining Your Trip

Image from tommypayne .

Sharing a vacation rental with friends is a great way to cut down on accommodations costs and have a space to relax together after a long day sightseeing. But splitting a vacation rental doesn't always go smoothly - we've all had that one friend who hogs the bathroom getting ready, spews their stuff all over the couch, or tries to skirt paying their fair share.

We've got some ideas on how to share a vacation rental and keep your friendships intact, and while this kind of planning and high level of communication isn't for everyone, but it does tend to make vacations with other people go more smoothly. If this isn't your style, or your friends balk at the idea of talking about things in such detail, then you might have to go with a more "wing it" style approach. If you do, know that things may not go as you want them to or that not everyone will be happy with what ends up happening.

Coordinate Ahead of Time

As with any group trip, a solid planning session or two goes a long way to making sure everyone enjoys the trip. Your session should include discussing:

• Everyone's top two or three wants in a rental . You need to get a sense of what's important to each friend. Set the expectation that everyone won't get all of their top wants, but it gives the group an idea of what should be prioritized when picking a place. For example, if three out of five people list proximity to the beach as their top want, that's something that should be considered when booking. Make sure that everyone has at least one of their wants satisfied so they don't end up feeling like they're paying to stay in a place they don't even like.
  
• Expectations of the trip . This goes beyond sharing a vacation rental, but is something you should discuss ahead of time. Some people might want to go out clubbing and some might be expecting to get an early start on sightseeing each day. You don't want to walk out of your room after a night of partying to see your friend annoyed that you weren't up in time to be first in line at the museum.
• Splitting major expenses . Discuss how the costs of food, transportation, activities, and the rental itself will be split. Will things be split evenly? Or should people expect to pay based on how big their room is? Also, agree on how damage caused to the rental by one person will be paid for.
  
• Who owns organizing what parts of the trip . To avoid confusion, ask people to volunteer to organize different parts of the trip. Things like booking the rental and being the contact person with the host, planning any meals you cook, who actually cooks (this might rotate within the group), booking rental cars or train tickets, and buying other supplies you'll need.
  
• The guest policy . Decide from the start if other people will be allowed to join your trip once the planning is already in motion. You should also talk about whether last minute guests are allowed and if they are, what that means for the shared costs and how they're split.
  
• A schedule for limited spaces . Work out who likes to shower in the morning and at night so you can make a schedule for the bathroom. Talk about morning routines so you know if you need to find a rental with a mirror or other space that can be used for doing hair, makeup, and other prep so that the bathroom is free. You might also decide to go as far as putting together a schedule for cooking and cleaning if your group plans to have a lot of meals at the rental.
• What to do if someone drops out . It sucks, but sometimes people have to bow out of a trip. Talk ahead of time about what costs they're responsible for if they do (this may depend on when they cancel) and how plans might change if someone does drop out. You may need to switch rentals or cut back on other trip costs to make up for the increased expense.

Not everyone is going to be thrilled about diving into such details, so propose planning as a fun get together where you all can get even more excited for your trip. Sipping drinks or chowing down on tasty treats puts everyone in a mood to agree on details.

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If you're not able to meet in person, you can supplement with Facetime, a phone call, or shared Google Docs. Avoid long email chains or group texts. If others aren't willing to pitch in at the planning stage, consider if you're really up for going on a trip with them. Their lack of effort from the start could put a damper on the vacation.

Set Up "House" Rules

Once you arrive at your vacation rental, have a quick chat to go over house rules. Some of these will relate back to the schedule and other agreements you made in your planning session, but a refresher at the start of the trip helps people remember what they agreed to. Some other things you should go over:

• Quiet time : Is there a designated time (or times) during which people in the rental are expected to be quiet? For example, an hour in the afternoon when some people might nap or otherwise decompress, and then after a certain time at night.
• Keys : If you have a large group, it's likely that not everyone will have a key to the vacation rental (this may also be true if you have a rental car). Decide who will have keys and if there's a system for sharing keys (like leaving them in a bowl by the door or on the coffee table).
• Plan for the first day or two : Quickly discuss what everyone wants to do the day your arrive, and possible the next day. This gives you a chance to decide on things like, buying groceries or other supplies, unpacking, going out, or seeing high priority sights.

End on a High Note

At the end of a great trip, it can be tempting to let everyone drift off to their flights home. However, you want to make a little effort to end things on a good note so that there's no last minute wrinkles.

• Wrap up lingering IOUs . On the last day, set aside time to tally up the costs and make sure everyone who is owed money gets paid (and not in a "I'll Venmo you later..." kind of way).
• Organize a cleaning crew . Get everyone to pitch in to clean up your rental. You should know how much is expected from the host (maybe they don't want you to do anything). Split up tasks like taking out the trash, emptying the fridge, piling up dirty sheets and towels, washing dishes, and vacuuming or sweeping. If people are departing at different times, those who leave first should try to do one or two cleaning tasks with the expectation that the last person there will do a final sweep and spot clean anything that's left.
• Share a fun memory . After the trip is over, send a postcard that you picked up or print out a fun photo and mail it with a note to remind your friends what a great time you had. This is optional, of course, but a nice gesture that ends things on a high note.

Things That You Need To Know About A Waterfall Tub Faucet

Read article : Things That You Need To Know About A Waterfall Tub Faucet

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If you want something truly special for your bathroom, then a waterfall tub faucet is the right choice. With just a small accessory you will change the entire aspect of your bathroom, transforming it into a beautiful, relaxing space. What could be more unwinding then taking a long bath in your tub, with the waterfall-like jet massaging you gently? Well, the waterfall tub faucet will do the trick.

 How To Pick A Good Waterfall Tub Faucet

There are many types of waterfall faucets: made of metal, ceramic or glass. When shopping for one, make sure that it matches the other appliances from your bathroom. Such a faucet brings a contemporary, modern vibe to your bathroom. If you prefer antique or rustic styles, you should pick a different faucet. If you decided on a glass one, then you should buy a vessel sinkCredit: Amazon.com or waterfall sink faucet also made of glass. When shopping for a waterfall tub faucet, you need to pay attention to the water jet. The way that water flows from this type of faucet is influenced by its shape and you need to make sure that the water will fall inside your tub, without splashing all around. Measure the distance from the bathroom wall, where you will install the faucet, and the interior of the tub.  The faucet’s spout should be long enough to prevent water from falling on the border of the tub. Measure the faucet before buying it and ask the seller about the trajectory of the water jet. Most stores have a faucet installed and functioning, to see exactly how it looks. This will give you the opportunity to understand if the faucet is right or bot for your bathroom.

When it comes to the waterfall tub faucet handle, check to see if it’s comfortable to use. Make sure that the manufacturer also sells replacement parts, in case that the handle breaks. Those faucets are pretty expensive, and you certainly don’t want to buy a new one for just a broken handle.

 Waterfall Tub Faucet With A Hand ShowerCredit: Amazon.com

If you want to enjoy the comfort of a tub in your bathroom, but you don’t have the space to install a shower cabin, then a waterfall tub faucet with a hand shower is the best option. A waterfall tub faucet set is a very versatile, elegant bathroom accessory. You can enjoy your long, relaxing evening baths or quick morning showers, even in a small bathroom. Make sure you buy a good-quality shower curtain for your tub, to prevent water from spreading all around the bathroom when you are using the hand shower inside the tub.

 Waterfall Tub Faucet From Lowes

If you are shopping for an exquisite faucet for you tub, then you should definitely try Lowes products. The offer good value for the money and come in a huge variety of models and designs. If you are remodeling your bathroom and you have to stick to a tight budget, the best thinCredit: Amazon.comg you can do is shopping for discounts or clearance sales. A waterfall tub faucet from Lowes might seem a little expensive. Still, if you take the time to search and plan your remodeling in advance, buying the accessories when you stumble across a good deal it’s a smart way to save money.

Checking for better offers online it’s another strategy that pays off. You have to be organized in order to be able to buy all the accessories you want at affordable prices. When you shop online, you need to take into account the fact that it might take a while to have the product delivered. Most of the online retailers deliver them in a day or two, but in some cases it takes a little longer. This is why you need to get all the parts and accessories before starting to remodel. It’s very uncomfortable to turn your bathroom in a working site and not be able to finish because the new faucet or the new sink that your ordered weren’t delivered yet.

Once your new faucet is in place, you have to maintain it properly. The problem with waterfall tub faucets is that, if the tap water in your region contains too many minerals, they will deposit on the narrow spaces of the faucet, Make sure you use cleaning products that prevent limescale from building up. Also, it’s a good idea to install a water filter.

Simple Tips for a Successful Bathroom Renovation

Read article : Simple Tips for a Successful Bathroom Renovation

From design inspiration to choosing the right materials and fixtures, we’ve got all the information you need to complete the perfect bathroom renovation project.

Regardless of whether you live in an apartment or a house, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home.

A practical and modern bathroom dramatically enhances the appeal of any home, so if you’re planning a bathroom renovation it’s important that you get the details right. So if you’re looking for a host of handy tips and tricks to help you turn your tired and impractical bathroom into a relaxing and luxurious retreat, you’ve come to the right place.

Getting started

Before you start thinking about design ideas, colours, and choosing shower heads and tiles, you need to sit down and work out exactly what you want to achieve with your bathroom renovation.

If you’re renovating an ensuite to create a peaceful space where you can unwind, warm tones and a modern free-standing bathtub might be high on your wish list. If you need a bathroom for your growing family, then durable materials and plenty of storage will be essential inclusions.

So take the time to develop a clear idea of what the bathroom will be used for and any features on your must-have list. Once that’s done you can start planning the finer details.

Design ideas for different projects

There are several features and factors you’ll need to consider when planning your bathroom renovation, including:

Layout

The right layout is essential to create a functional and comfortable space, so consider ambience, flow and practicality when deciding on your bathroom layout. Speak to an architect or a builder about the functionality and layout of the space. There’s a seemingly endless array of floorplan options available, though you may be constrained by the location of existing plumbing connections. Consider the features you want in your bathroom, for example maximising natural light or ensuring an easy flow from the bedroom through to your ensuite shower, when deciding on the right layout.

Shower

The shower is one of the features of your bathroom that will get the most use. From choosing a screen for privacy to deciding on a shower head to sourcing the right water flow, there’s plenty to think about when selecting your shower. You can choose a fixed or hand-held shower head, massage showers, waterfall showers and high- and low-pressure jets. In terms of shower screens, do you want a framed, frameless or semi-frameless screen, or perhaps no screen at all? Chat to an interior designer and shop around at bathroom specialist stores to learn more about the different options available on the market and how they fit into your plans.

Bath

A contemporary bathtub is a must — and there’s a seemingly limitless range of beautiful designs to choose from. There are freestanding tubs that are statement pieces in their own right, recessed baths that use minimal space, easy-access baths for the elderly or those with a disability, as well as full jacuzzi setups for a touch of luxury. However, if you live in a second-storey house, be mindful of having a bath on the second floor as the weight of a full bathtub may put pressure on the upper floor. The amount of space available is also going to have a big influence on the bath you select.

Vanity and basin

Every bathroom needs a sink, but if you and your partner are usually getting ready at the same time, could the space benefit from his and hers sinks? Ample storage space is a must for any vanity unit, while looks should never be neglected in order to ensure that the vanity you select matches the rest of the bathroom. The right vanity will combine good looks and handy storage options with plenty of usable bench space. From wall-mounted vanities to cabinet vanities and even minimalist vanities with a simple shelf system, there’s a huge range of choices available.

Fixtures and fittings

From taps and towel rails to frameless shower screens, the right fixtures and fittings are practical inclusions that complement the design of the rest of the bathroom. Taps come in an extensive selection of materials, including chrome, brass, gold and stainless steel, and there’s no limit to the styles available depending on the space available and the look you want to achieve. The sink, shower, bathtub and toilet should all serve a practical purpose but should also seamlessly integrate with their surrounds and complement one another perfectly.

Tiles

Tiles play a hugely important role in determining the look and ambience of your bathroom. From floor tiles to wall tiles and even special feature borders, choosing the right tiles is crucial to the success of your bathroom renovation. It can also be a daunting process, You’ll need to consider the ambience you want to create in your bathroom, your colour scheme, the size of tiles you want and how they will be laid out. For example, do you want to use contrasting tiles to add a feeling of space to a small bathroom, or do you want tiles with a textured surface to create a unique and interesting feature? Tiles come in ceramic, glass, natural stone, porcelain and clay, so research the looks and benefits of each option before making your choice.

Storage space

A bathroom with insufficient storage space is impractical and cluttered, so make sure you’ve got ample room for all the toiletries, towels and other odds and ends you need to store in your bathroom. Vanity cabinets, shelves and drawers are the obvious places to keep your items so they don’t clutter up the rest of your bathroom, but there’s plenty more you can do to maximise storage space. There’s a huge range of clever internal hardware options available to cleverly use the available space, while a recessed niche built into the shower cavity is great for storing shampoos, soaps and the like. Even installing a simple ledge-style shelf can help keep the vanity top free of mess.

Lighting

Last but certainly not least, don’t overlook the importance of lighting in creating a welcoming and refreshing space. The bathroom is one area of the house where it’s important to be able to see clearly, but where you can also relax in comfort if that’s what you feel like doing. Whether you’re looking for soft LED down lighting, a feature pendant that stands out or simply the warmth of natural illumination, include lighting considerations in your initial renovation plan. Light fixtures will obviously need to be moisture-proof and capable of standing up to life in your bathroom, while you may also want to consider heat lamps if you live in a cold area. One other thing to remember when choosing lighting is energy usage - the right choices can make a noticeable difference to your power bill.

Bathroom design ideas

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Renovating a small bathroom

When you’re renovating a bathroom, space is the final frontier. In a larger space, having more room to work with often means that you have more flexibility to add privacy and create different zones for each bathroom task.

When you’re renovating a bathroom, space is the final frontier. In a larger space, having more room to work with often means that you have more flexibility to add privacy and create different zones for each bathroom task.

Unfortunately, most bathroom renovators only have a limited area to work with, so they need to take advantage of clever ideas and design solutions that help them make the most of the available space. For example, a normal hinged door can eat up much more space than you have to spare, so a sliding door can offer a better solution. Other great space-saving and space-creating ideas include wall-mounted toilets, neutral colour palettes with occasional bursts of colour, and including handy built-in storage nooks and crannies wherever possible.

Renovating a small bathroom means you’ll also have to be more ruthless when deciding what belongs on your bathroom wish list. For example, while soaking in a hot bath might sound appealing, are you really willing to sacrifice such a large amount of floor space to include a tub?

Do it yourself or get in the experts?

If you’re keen to save as much money as possible on your bathroom renovation, you may want to consider a DIY project. While this lets you take control of your bathroom renovation, it’s always wise to think about your options before going the DIY route as bathroom renovations can become complicated very quickly.

Some jobs are fairly simple for the DIY renovator, such as stripping out your old bathroom and prepping the space for your new bathroom. Other jobs, for example waterproofing and tiling, you might also be able to do yourself if you have the right experience under your belt.

Plumbing and electrical work will need to be done by the professionals, however. A good plumber can help you through your renovation from start to finish, so find a plumber you trust before you start knocking down walls or stripping out tiles.

What can you DIY and what's best left to experts?

Where to buy bathroom renovation supplies

From tiles to toilets, there are several options when you need to stock up on the right supplies for your bathroom renovation. A good place to start your search is a large hardware store like Bunnings, Masters Home Improvement or Home Timber and Hardware. This will give you a good idea of some of the fixtures and fittings available to include in your bathroom.

It’s also a good idea to browse specialist renovation and bathroom supply stores — research online to find one near you, and where you find one bathroom store you’ll often find a few more. There’s a huge range of products to choose from for every aspect of your renovation, from the smallest of tiles to the largest of freestanding baths, so take the time to consider all the options available before making your decisions.

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Top tips to help you save money on your bathroom renovation

• Do your research. Jump online and visit local bathroom renovation specialists to see what kind of materials and fixtures are on offer. Speak to architects, building experts and bathroom renovation specialists to ensure that your renovation plan and budget is feasible. Source several quotes from different suppliers before deciding which company to go with.
• Plan ahead. Don’t start your renovation unless you know exactly what you want to achieve. Getting halfway through your project and then deciding that you don’t like the layout, you want different tiles or you’d like to make room for a bigger bath can be an expensive and stressful mistake. Work out exactly what you want before you reach for a hammer.
• Make a budget and stick to it. Bathroom renovations have something of a reputation for unforeseen costs and budget blow-outs. Around $15,000 to $20,000 is a realistic estimate for many bathroom projects, see our guide on the costs of bathroom renovations, but sit down and work out the material and labour costs for your project. Once you’re fully aware of how much your project should cost and how much you can afford, it’s time to start work.
• Know what you can do — and what you can’t. While DIY renovations are great for saving money, it’s important that you don’t get ahead of yourself when choosing what jobs to take on and what to leave to the professionals. If you’re at all unsure about your ability to complete a particular task, you’re much better off getting the experts in to avoid problems occurring later down the track.
• Take your time. While it can be frustrating having your bathroom out of action for a couple of weeks or more, when you’re doing it yourself it’s important not to rush things. Measure everything twice and be certain you’re doing the right thing before you cut, lay or install anything.
• Plumbing costs. You might want to completely rearrange the features and layout of your bathroom, but take note that plumbing costs can sometimes make this prohibitively expensive. Moving plumbing pipes and outlets for sinks, toilets, showers and baths can cost thousands of dollars, so you may be better off leaving some fixtures where they are to lower your costs.

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Clever Budget Bathroom Ideas | Victorian Plumbing

Read article : Clever Budget Bathroom Ideas | Victorian Plumbing

● Bathroom Walls and Floor
● Bathroom Fixtures
● Bathroom Lighting
● Bathroom Accessories

Jump to a section of this post by clicking a link above.

Something almost everybody wants to be able to achieve is a bathroom renovation that doesn’t raid the savings. So, we have decided to give you some advice and guidance alongside some clever budget bathroom ideas on how to give your bathroom a completely new look without having to strip the whole room and hopefully not emptying your pockets along the way.

Sometimes it’s a simple change of style to give your bathroom the new look you’ve been waiting for. This means you don’t need to consult plumbers and designers to transform your bathroom, you just need the right guidance.

First things first, you have to really clean that room. If you’re going to give your bathroom a new personality you’re going to have to start from scratch. This means taking out anything in there that you don’t need like old towels, accessories and clothes. Now that is out of the way we can get on with the fun stuff.

Bathroom Walls and Floor

wall tiles online at Victorian Plumbing" title="Shop floor and wall tiles online at Victorian Plumbing" src="https://images.victorianplumbing.co.uk/images/Victoria-Metro-Wall-Tiles---Gloss-Black---20-x-10cm-Pack-of-50-d1.jpg" width="304" height="304" />Shop floor and wall tiles online at Victorian Plumbing - click the picture above

Tiling the whole room can be time consuming and costly if you're looking for a budget bathroom, a good way to give your walls a new look is to simply give it a new lick of paint. You can, however, use a small amount of tiling that will make a big difference by making a feature of your basin with splash back tiling. This can completely transform the look of your basin. Remember that if you want a naturally curvy effect use small tiles that can easily manipulate corners.

If you want to give your floor a bit of a revamp without ripping out the current floor a good option is to choose a large bath mat / bath rug. A bath mat is ideal for wet areas of the bathroom, such as next to the bath, whereas a more expensive rug will go in the drier spaces to add colour and style.

Bathroom Fixtures

Shop showers online at Victorian Plumbing - click the picture above

This is an important one to think about, because you may think that you can’t possibly make that much of a difference in your bathroom without changing the fixtures, but you can with a few small changes. A great example of this is changing the shower head instead of the shower itself, this will not only give it a new look but a new feel when having a shower.

If you think your bath or basin is looking tired and dull, try changing the taps for a new style, with a huge range of taps available you’ll be sure to find a new style to revive them.

Bathroom Lighting

If you have particularly heavy curtains or blinds covering the window in your bathroom you will be losing out on a lot of light that could potentially bring the room to life. Lack of natural light wouldn't make any bathroom look drab an sad, so your new budget bathroom will need lots of it. We suggest going for a thinner and lighter material which a generally quite cheap to buy.

Also consider bringing in some artificial light for those night time soaks. A great way to do this is to introduce some LED bathroom lights to create a spa like ambience, and they are energy efficient so you save your pennies throughout the year.

Bathroom Accessories

Shop shower curtains online at Victorian Plumbing - click the picture above

Shower curtains are one of those products where you get what you pay for, so if you're looking for a beautiful budget bathroom, we recommend this is one of the places where to spend the money you've saved elsewhere. Choose a shower curtainwith a thicker, heavier fabric, as it will hang better. We also recommend choosing a patterned shower curtain with a design such as the one above. This will add a personal touch and can really brighten up any showering area.

By now your budget bathroom will be looking great, but it might still be looking a bit bare on the counter-tops (if you listened to me at the start and threw away everything you didn’t need). So now is your chance to give your bathroom some personality and begin to make a unique space just for you. You can bring in new colours that your bathroom hasn’t seen before, small plants to give it a natural feel (planted orchids work best as they last for much longer than cut flowers) or even a little piece of art or sculpture that gives your bathroom a makeover and makes it feel a little more special.

Greg, Victorian Plumbing

How to Convert a Dual Valve to a Single Mixer Shower Fixture | Home Guides

Read article : How to Convert a Dual Valve to a Single Mixer Shower Fixture | Home Guides

Converting to a single-mixer shower valve can be done without a major remodel of the bath.

A two-handle shower faucet is installed through two small holes in the shower wall, and a single-lever faucet requires a single larger hole in the shower wall. When replacing a two-valve faucet with a single-mixer faucet, you are left with the challenge of the two existing holes from the old faucet. You will need to repair the wall to cover the two holes from the old faucet or use a repair escutcheon plate to cover all three holes.

Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet; this may require turning off all the water to the house. Remove the handles from the dual-valve faucet. Remove the escutcheon plates from behind the faucet handles. Remove the shower head by turning it counterclockwise.

Remove the access panel on the back side of the shower behind the faucet area. If an access panel doesn't exist, open the wall on the back side of the shower by cutting the drywall with a utility knife. Open the wall directly behind the existing shower faucet. Make the hole at least 12 inches square; you can increase the size later if needed for more working space. Locate the water pipes that supply the shower faucet.

Disconnect the pipes from the two-valve faucet. If the pipes are galvanized steel, unscrew the union nuts that join the faucet and pipes. If the pipes are copper, use a copper tubing cutter to cut the pipes about 6 to 12 inches away from the faucet. If the pipes are plastic, use plastic pipe cutting snips or a hack saw. Do the same with the pipe that supplies the shower head. Remove the faucet from the wall.

Attach short pieces of new pipe, 6 to 12 inches long, to the new faucet. Use the type of pipe your new faucet requires. If it's copper, you will need to solder the pieces into the faucet. If it has threaded connections, you can use male adapters that will transition to the type of pipe you want to use -- copper; chlorinated polyvinyl chloride plastic, or CPVC; or PEX, a flexible type of plastic tubing. Some faucets will have a tub spout port. Plug this port by installing a 3- to 6-inch piece of pipe with a cap on the end.

Place a mark on the front of the shower wall where the new faucet will be centered. This location should be directly between the two existing holes of the old dual-valve faucet. Check the installation specifications that come with the faucet for the proper size of hole necessary for the new faucet to fit through the wall; it should be about a 5-inch diameter hole. Use a power drill and hole saw to drill the hole.

Place the new faucet in the hole that you drilled. Hang the new faucet securely in place by nailing supporting pieces of wood braces between the framing studs and using plumbing support straps to attach the faucet and pipes to the wood braces. Instead of wood you can use metal support braces specially manufactured to support plumbing pipes.

Attach the short pieces of pipe from the faucet to the existing hot and cold water supply pipes using couplings. If joining two types of pipe, such as steel and copper, use manufactured transition fittings designed to attach the two different types of pipe. Attach the shower head pipe to the faucet.

Install the repair escutcheon plate on the faucet if you're using one. Install the new face plate to will help hold the repair escutcheon in place. Install the faucet handle and the shower head using plumber's tape on any threaded connections. Place a small bead of latex caulk around the outer edge of the escutcheon plates to prevent water leakage.

Turn on the water to the faucet. Check for leaks in new pipe connections and tighten or repair them if necessary. Repair the shower wall if you're not using a repair escutcheon plate. Replace the wall access panel or repair the wall opening on the backside of the shower.

Things You Will Need

• Utility knife
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Pipe wrench
• Hack saw
• Copper tubing cutters
• Plastic pipe cutting snips
• Torch
• Tape measure
• PEX crimping tool
• Power drill
• Hole saw
• Conversion shower faucet cover plate
• Plumber's tape
• Copper pipe
• PEX pipe
• Pipe fittings
• Solder
• Flux
• Latex caulk
• Wood boards for bracing
• Manufactured plumbing support braces
• Steel to copper transition fittings

Tip

• If attaching copper pipes to the new faucet by soldering, first remove the plastic cartridge from the new faucet to prevent damaging it by excessive heat.

Warning

• Be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves while working.

If I want to become a Navy Seal what are the steps I need to take to achieve this goal?

Read article : If I want to become a Navy Seal what are the steps I need to take to achieve this goal?

Col John Boyd (USAF-ret) used to ask his guys “do you want to be somebody or do you want to do something?”

By which he means, everyone wants to look cool. They want the title. They want the cool hat or badge. But they don’t necessarily want to do that work or put in that effort.

Everyone would love to be a firefighter. Not everyone wants to run into a burning building.

What makes an operative "special"?

James D. Kiras approaches the question of ‘special operations’ with his definition, “Special operations can inflict disproportionate moral damage, in conjunction with strikes against material resources, by virtue of their ability to accomplish what was previously thought impossible.”

Unfortunately, Kiras’s definition is too generic and leaves open the possibility that air power in many forms represents a “special operations”capability. (Very few people would begrudge the Air Force, in general, the title of "special operations.") It also tends to focus on the relatively narrow “direct action” aspect of special operations vice some of the other significant roles undertaken by SOF.

The most complete definition of “special operations forces” is provided by Dr. Robert G. Spulak who first identifies the three most common frictions of war (intense mental and physical stress, the inability to predict what is going to happen, and the inability to know what is out there) and then provides three attributes required by special operations personnel to overcome those frictions.

Spulak suggests that SOF need to be "elite warriors" who are "flexible" and "creative."

The first means they have the physical and mental endurance to survive the stressors of combat and long term deployment behind enemy lines without support. SOF personnel are in incredible physical shape. They approach every work out with the intent of making themselves better, not just maintaining what they have. They are constantly pushing the limits and they are always in competition. Mentally, they exhibit discipline. The ability to deny themselves simple pleasures or to push on through pain, exhaustion, and even demoralization.

Being flexible requires a wide repertoire of skills which can be adapted to a given situation (demolitions, skydiving, SCUBA diving, languages, etc.) By extension, this implies the ability to learn new skills quickly. How to break down a subject into its component parts, how to study, how to practice effectively. Which skills are not as important as a variety of skills and the ability to pick-up new skills quickly.

With regards to practice, SOF personnel subscribe to the philosophy:

“Amateurs practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.”

Creativity relates to the operator’s ability to conduct unique missions with no previously established doctrine or tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and to develop the necessary solutions to the problem at hand. In other words, there is not an "approved solution" to a given tactical situation. (For example, when conducting an assault there is specific doctrine, a requirement for at least a 3:1 force ratio, and TTPs for how to apply covering fires, etc, etc.) Special operators understand how to break a problem down. Look at the root causes, pick apart the vulnerabilities and then to focus their efforts on those solutions with the highest “return on investment.” So critical thinking skills, lateral thinking, and problem solving are essential.

Develop those three attributes and everything else is details.

With that in mind, I would suggest the following with regards to how to prepare…

Discipline. Develop discipline both physically and mentally. If you can do that, you can overcome any of the challenges that are thrown at you.

Every special operator I have ever met has had two stories: 1) about the guy who was in better shape than anybody else in selection and washed out and 2) the guy nobody thought would make it because he was slight, goofy looking, a city kid, whatever but he had the intestinal fortitude to push through all trials.

What's the difference between them? Discipline. One was physically powerful but when everything went to hell, he was unable force himself to go on. He didn't want it bad enough and chances are he had never had to force himself to dig down deep. Everyone has certain things that they are naturally more inclined to because of a combination of genes and environment. Many who are physically strong likely come from a gene pool where that was in abundance and then they were able to apply it an environment that rewarded those traits. Those people are physically strong and will do well in many, many circumstances. But SOF (regardless of the Service or country) is focused on pushing people to their limits. If you are used to things coming easy to you (even if you still have to train, go to practice, etc.), then SOF selection is going to be very difficult for you. If you don't have the right mindset, if you aren't there for the right reasons, you won't push on.You'll quit. And that's the one thing you have to learn not to do.

SOF operators strive to be the best. At everything. Everything is a competition and every challenge is an opportunity not to just overcome it and prove something to yourself but to actually beat everyone else. Be faster, stronger, smarter, funnier, etc. There is no place in the SOF community for someone who is wiling to settle for "good enough" in ANY endeavor.

Bottom line: While in school, you need straight As in every course you take.The only reason you can't get an A in every course you take is because you aren't willing to put in the time to study and prepare for the tests. "Not willing" is the key to failure in selection.

On top of that, you need to ensure that you are maxing out your PT. Know the standards you are going to be held to and MAX them. Again, there is no room for someone who can *pass* the PFT. SOF only wants those who can beat the maximums in every category. And do so AFTER a full workout. Every PFT you take in selection will be after you have already done a full workout by any normal human's standards. You'll do your 1.5 mile run after you've already done a mile of walking lunges. You'll do your push-ups after you've already done log carries. You'll do your crunches after you've already done hundreds of flutter kicks. If you can't max the PFT after all of that, its because you didn't put in the effort for it. And "not putting in the effort" is the key to failure in SOF.

Lastly, take only cold showers. No kidding. Cold showers are the bane of human existence. It is the most uncomfortable you can make yourself on a daily basis and it requires intense discipline to accept that as your day-to-day life. That it will never start with a hot shower. Every morning you can look forward to standing under ice coldwater while you wash-up. And really, you will find that this will be your life in selection, so get started now.

Straight As. Maximum PFT scores. Cold showers. That doesn't leave much time for socializing. It doesn't leave much time for drinking. It doesn't leave much time for sleep. Embrace it and you will succeed. Make excuses and don't waste your time with selection, you'll just leave with an unfulfilled sensation.

Physically, there are no special exercises you need to do but running long distances and swimming long distances will help. Seize every physical challenge you can find by competing in marathons, iron man races, and spartan events. Always find a way to push yourself to your very limits. That's the only way to train for SOF selection.

And then of course, at some point, you need to meet with a Navy recruiter.

Slow Travel United Kingdom - Household Appliances, washer/dryer, plugs, tea kettles, phones

Read article : Slow Travel United Kingdom - Household Appliances, washer/dryer, plugs, tea kettles, phones

> SlowTrav > United Kingdom & Ireland > Instructions for Visitors

Pauline Kenny updates by Susan (aka Panda)

This page is an overview of the appliances you will find in most vacation rentals in the United Kingdom.

Plugs

UK plugs are not the standard plugs used in much of Europe. They are as pictured below. You need a plug adapter for the electrical things you bring to the UK. See our Europe Trip Planning - Electronics page for more information about plug and power adapters.

Plug and AC Adapter for my notebook with the United Kingdom Adapter plug

Where to Buy Plug Adapters

Purchase plug adapters from our affiliate Amazon (see details at bottom of page).

Wall Switches/Plugs

Plugs in England have an extra level of safety - an on/off switch for each socket. In the photo below, you can see the socket with the plug in it is turned on (on the left), but the other is off. Put the plug in the socket with the socket turned off, then turn on the socket. Remember the voltage is much higher in England and you do not want to get a shock when putting in the plug. Turn the socket off when the appliance is not in use.

Wall socket with two sockets and two on/off switches

Telephones

Many vacation rentals in England do not have phones. Most holiday cottages are used by people from England and it is assumed that they either want to "get away from it all" or will have their own cell phone. If a cottage does have a phone, it will be one of the following types:

• Coin Box Phone: You can make out going calls using coins, but you cannot receive calls and you cannot use it with your computer to go online (there is no place to plug in the phone line).
• Incoming Calls Only: This is a regular phone, but it has been set up so that you can only receive calls, you cannot make any calls. You cannot use it with your computer.
• Telephone: Usually this means a phone that you can use to receive or make calls, but always check to be sure. If you need to connect your computer to a phone to go online, be sure to tell the agent/owner and confirm that you can do this. Some phones are hardwired into the wall and you cannot unplug the phone and plug in your computer modem.

Coin Box phone in a vacation rental

Stovetops and Ovens

In England, most vacation rentals have stovetops and ovens. Some ovens have a fan setting for defrost or for oven cooking. If the oven does not turn on, check the fan setting.

Water Heaters

A common type of water heater in vacation rentals is an "on demand" heater; the water is heated as it runs. It can be slow to get the hot water started, but usually these work very well. In our Winchcombe cottage in 2004, the water heater was used for the heating system as well as the hot water. Beware if you are trying to run two showers or a basin tap and a shower at the same time since from one of these ‘combi’ boilers, as they are known, as the flow rate will be very disappointing. We have also run across immersion water heaters. These you turn on 30 minutes before you have a bath or shower, but you may not have to do this as they are often on timers to ensure that there will be sufficient hot water in the morning or for bedtime.

Washing Machines and Dryers

Many vacation rentals have a small washer/dryer combination; this is one machine that looks like a washer, but it also a dryer. You put in the laundry and it washes, spins, rinses, and then dries. These are usually small machines and you do not want to fill them too much, or the dryer will not work. Fill them about 2/3s full. You can often get a better result by doing the wash, taking out the clothes and dividing into two shorter drying sessions.

The photo to the right is a Hotpoint washer/dryer in our Somerset vacation rental.

How To Use

On the control panel you find the following: a drawer to pull out and add soap (on the left), buttons for economy wash or half load, the descriptions of cycles, settings for the dryer (length of dry time), settings for the cycle, on/off button.

For adding the soap, usually there are two places labeled 1 and 2. If you select a prewash, put soap for the prewash in compartment 1. For the regular wash, put soap in compartment 2.

Set the cycle, set the time for drying (usually 60 or 90 minutes), put in the soap, load the clothes, close the front loading door, press the on/off button. Make sure the power is switched on (at the wall). Many of the cycles are quite long (two hours for the wash alone is not unknown): unless you are washing sheets or towels, use the Half Load option. The ‘Quick Wash’ cycle on most machines of between 25 and 45 minutes gives a perfectly adequate result for clothes unless it has been a particularly muddy hike! The Economy button often means either a reduced heat or water just as it comes from the water tank or pipeline – fine for the summer months or if using the latest low temperature washing detergents.

The control panel. Click for a larger image.

Electric Kettle

All English vacation rentals have an electric kettle and they are fabulous. They boil water in just a few minutes! Put the water in the kettle, put the kettle on its base, turn it on (there will be a switch, usually on the handle, and a light comes on), and the water is boiled before you know it. The kettle turns off once the water has reached a rolling boil. (Make sure the socket is turned on at the wall!)

Electric kettle. Put it on the base and flip the switch under the handle.

Cafetiere

You will find "cafetiere" coffee makers in most cottages. They are also called a "French Press".

To use: Take the top and the filter off, rinse with warm water, put in the ground coffee, pour boiled water over the grounds (make sure it is "off the boil"), put top and filter on and let sit for a few minutes. Then gently push the plunger down so the filter and coffee grounds move to the bottom and the coffee sits above. Pour when the plunger is all the way down.

Electric kettle and cafetiere - coffee and water are in, plunger is up.

How much coffee? Use the same amounts as for a drip coffee maker. The caffetiere in this photo holds 4 cups (5 oz. per cup, total of 20 fluid ounces). I put one tablespoon of ground coffee for each cup - 4 tablespoons. This might be a bit strong.

Other Appliances in Vacation Rentals

In most English vacation rental cottages, you will find a toaster and a microwave.

US to United Kingdom Plug Adapters

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