#removing tub and enlarging a shower

[adoringgreys]

Bathroom - Master Bath Double shower - large transitional master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile double shower idea with recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

[rogerlilyrp]

Bathroom - Master Bath

[msttiling]

What Provokes To Go For Bathroom Renovations

Go for the right Bathroom Renovations Melbourne Company to get more promising results for your renovation project. 

First of all, you’ve made a good decision by being involved in the remodeling projects. Most property owners thought it is an expensive move which is not necessary. But actually, it is not like that. 

How many days are you troubled with a single or small bathroom? It really pushes you to the stress when you have friends and relatives at home. In that case, renovating is a vital part of the home. 

Achieve a spacious and functional bathroom with simple actions. The renovation makes you feel more relaxed from installing non-slippery tiles to replacing your vanity, shower, and more. You can change everything, but it depends on your budget and requirements. 

Why go for Bathroom Renovation? Here are the reasons!

Uplifting Look

Approach an excellent Bathroom Renovations Melbourne to uplift overall look. 

When you start the renovation, you can give many colors and fashion changes to the bathroom while installing tiles. Simply say goodbye to the cracked and outdated tiles in the bathroom. It gives a clean and inviting look, and you can also escape from the odor that builds up on the floor and wall.  

To Resolve Plumbing And Electrical Problems 

Plumping issues often happen when it comes to older bathrooms. It begins with leaky pipes and develops an odor in your painted walls. Paints might slowly peel, and tiles break due to this reason. 

Hence, consult Tiling Services Melbourne professionals to eliminate these little problems with efficient tiles. Water-resistant tiles support you in a good way. 

Add Value To Your Property 

The bathroom is the smallest room in the home; do you want to make it bigger? Then, a renovated bathroom is valuable, and you can opt comfort countertop, vanity, and more. Additionally, various types of pattern tiles help you to change it to a bigger space. Your home’s value will increase as much as 20%. 

Ensure Safety 

You know what, certain hazards in the bathroom can’t be easy for the younger people. They make them feel uncomfortable whenever injuries or accidents they have. Therefore, you can install safety features such as 

Walk in shower

Slip-resistant flooring 

Add Another Bathroom 

All know that older homes have only bathrooms, which is also outdated. You can’t be happy to welcome a guest if your home has no specialties. In that case, simply go with renovation to bring your older home to new standards. Create a comfort level by adding another bathroom to your property. 

Get Functional Bathroom 

If the bathroom becomes the new standard, there are no doubt these lifestyle changes bring you peace. The renovation process meets your needs of tiling options as per requirement. You can install those that are easier to clean, waterproof, decorative, and have more choices for better functionality. Also, bring the changes in the tubs, sinks, and mirrors. 

Remove Mold And Mildew 

If the bathroom is not ventilated, it leads to suffer from water leaks. It can cause mold build-up and floors to rot in walls and floors. Your family may mourn from various symptoms like allergies and complications. Thus, renovate the bathroom with eco-friendly changes from tiles to the entire 

Lighting Fixtures

Mirrors 

Cabinets 

Shower Wall And More 

Create A Specious Bathroom With Lifestyle Needs

Enlarging the bathroom is one of the main reasons to go for bathroom renovation. Add space for storage with the right accessories and enjoy the newly updated tiling options. Most owners go with their individual lifestyle changes in their bathroom. It helps you with a safer bathroom environment. 

For all these, contact an expert who supports you with the best renovation project results. This simple step ensures the property value, enhances the appearance, and more changes. 

Sum Up 

MST Melbourne Superior Tiling is one of the best Bathroom Renovations Melbourne Company. The experts ensure a functional and stunning bathroom with a wide range of tiling supplies. They support you with premium quality renovation with unique plans and offer free initial consultation. So embrace peace with better project results. 

[chickensarentcheap]

Never Gonna Be Alone- Chapter 85

Title: Broken

Warnings:  heavy profanity at times, mentions of violence and blood

Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y, @innerpaperexpertcloud, @tragiclyhip, @kthynes​, @jewelswrites-ish, @raith-way, @starkhearted, @ocfairygodmother, @secretaryunpaid, @ocappreciationtag​

Link to Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28860450/chapters/92834668

Tag list is open!!

The house is a thirty minute drive up the coast and sits on a bluff overlooking the Tasman Sea. A two bedroom bungalow made of board and batten; robin egg blue with the shutters, front door, and wrap around deck done in pristine white. It’s quaint and simple; the idyllic getaway for a couple eager to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. A generous parcel of land with unkempt grounds that would need a professional’s touch; overgrown grass and out of control wildflowers exploded in the front garden, dense, thorny infested thickets, and loose branches on surrounding trees that would have to be removed. 

But it’s perfect for them; a fixer upper away from immediate neighbours and boasting incredible views of both the surrounding land and the ocean itself. Although their pocket book could afford far more luxurious accommodations and a patch of brand new, no expense spared condominiums lay further up the coast, a little place was all they needed; preferring to transform the older cottage into something charming and comfortable and fill it with all of the personal touches that would make it ‘them’. They’d done the same with their residence in Cooktown; extensive renovations and landscaping and the addition of out buildings and gardens turning the former four bedroom into a dream home perfect for a growing family. Finding the perfect spot and refusing to settle for less, it had been easier to knock down walls and add on square footage than to find something that would ‘speak’ to them in the same way; enjoying the privacy and security that came at the bottom of a dead end street, and in love with the acres of lush forest and private, pristine beach.

“Well, it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be,” Esme muses, as she observes their surroundings from the passenger seat of their rental. “The description on the ‘net made it sound like it was a jungle.”

“Nothing some landscaping can’t fix,” Tyler reasons, and kills the ignition. “ Place itself looks in decent shape, at least. Might not have to put a lot of work into it.”

HIs wife consults the cell phone in her hand. “Says there were extensive renovations done two years ago. Inside and out. Windows, watertight roof, siding, and deck are all new. Electrical up to date. Central air installed.” She slips the tip of her index finger into her mouth and taps her nail against her teeth. “And it says ‘enlarged and modernized Master with up-to-date amenities in the ensuite. What do you think that means? Up -to-date amenities?”

“Running water? A toilet that flushes? So we don’t have to go outside and shit into a hole in the ground?”

“I mean nothing can be worse than Dhaka, right? That hotel wasn’t exactly five stars.”

“It left a lot to be desired.”

“Remember how you used to fix the toilet every time we flushed it? How if you sat in the tub, your knees would be up near your face? And how low the shower head was? You practically had to kneel in order to rinse your hair.”

“It had its faults. The company was decent, though. I had to tip extra, you know. To get the really cute girl to bunk down with.”

She grins. “There were a lot of choices, were there?”

“A few. Nice little catalogue to look through.”

“All those choices and you picked me? Boy, you ARE a glutton for punishment.”

“Best choice I ever made, if you ask me. Cute girl, cute kids, great life. It all worked out for the best. Even if you were a stubborn little bitch at first.”

“You were just used to weak and submissive women that took your shit. Who just caved in because of your stupid handsome face and your stupid blue eyes and your stupid muscles. You’d never been challenged before; you were used to getting your own way. And then little old me came along and just knocked you down a peg of two, Mister Big, Bad Mercenary Man.”

“And you’ve carried my balls in your purse ever since.”

“At least you finally admit it. Now THAT’S progress, babe.”

Reaching for one of the bottles of water that sit in the console between their seats, he twists off the cap and takes a long, refreshing swallow. “You’re talking a lot about Dhaka lately.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about Dhaka lately,” she admits, then quickly adds -when he arches a quizzical brow-, “Not the bad stuff. Just the good stuff.”

“There was good stuff?”

“It wasn’t all horrible. I mean, the sex was incredible. All five days of it. And we had some good talks. We opened up to each other. Had some laughs. Got that whole ‘getting to know you’ ball rolling. It wasn't all shit.”

“It wasn’t. It’s just the shit stuff that sticks with you the most. And when you get left with a souvenir from your time there…”

His hand unconsciously reaches for his neck; fingertips briefly brushing against the puckered, faded scar that sits in the midst of the tattoo that spans the side of his throat. It doesn’t bother him as much anymore; simply seeing it as just another scar -another imperfection- that he’s added to his collection over the years. But there are times -when he looks at himself in the mirror or passes over the mark when he shaves- that it brings back vivid and extremely unwelcome memories. The oppressive heat and humidity and the sensation of blood and perspiration soaked clothing sticking to his tired body. The combined scents of gunpowder and spilt gasoline and the filthy, polluted waters of the river below. The aching that seemed to inhabit every inch o and travelled straight into his bones. The fatigue and the light headedness and uncharacteristic weakness caused by various, serious injuries , lack of sleep, and dehydration. And the sudden agony of a bullet tearing into the side of his neck; briefly stunning and immobilizing him, and then assaulted with crippling sense of dread as he began to choke on his own blood.

It’s been almost thirteen years and everything after that remains a blur; snapshots displayed in random order and making little to no sense. The burning in his lungs and the struggle to breathe, the scrape of asphalt against his blood soaked palms as he desperately pulled himself across the road and up onto the sidewalk, the glimmer of sun against the water below. Tired. Oh so tired. The kind of tired that comes when you have nothing left to give; your body and mind both spent and torn apart and the promise of rest only minutes��even seconds…away. He remembers thinking how he didn’t want to die; he’d found something…someone…to live for. Someone that looked at him with love and adoration. As if he was the most incredible man on the face of the earth and his mountains of baggage and layers of grief and guilt and regret were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He wanted more time with her; longing for years of seeing her smile and hearing her voice, kissing her and holding her hand, making love to her and then pulling her close afterwards. It couldn’t end this way; not after he’d just found her and she’d made him feel human again.

And then suddenly she was beside him; hair messy and wild, fresh bruises and scrapes littering her face, arms, and hands. Blood stains on her skin. Was it someone else’s? Hers? His? He’d wanted to ask her if she was okay; scold her for sticking around and putting herself in harm's way and being foolish enough to risk her life to save his. He’d wanted to tell her how beautiful she was; thank her for making him feel alive again and apologize for things not ending the way they’d wanted them to. He wanted to taste her lips and feel her skin under his fingertips and smell her hair; bury his face in those dark tresses and be lulled to sleep by the warmth radiating off her body and the way she stroked his hair and ears. He wanted to feel all those things he hadn’t felt in a long time, and certainly never to the extent that he felt for her; unbridled, animalistic lust and powerful, deep longing and wonderment and adoration at mere realization that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Life had just begun again; in that squalid little hotel room in the market area. She made him smile and laugh for the first time in more than six years; her playful teasing and the easy and smooth way they bantered with each other and the way she’d clap her hands and giggle into them when she was drunk and attempting to learn and repeat Australian slang. Falling in love with every inch of her; that petite frame decorated with ink and piercings, the freckles splattered across the bridge of her nose, those enormous dark eyes. And her heart; deep and seemingly bottomless, possessing an amount of humanity and compassion that he’d never witnessed on the job, but truly didn’t believe he was worthy of receiving.

But death had been close and he hadn’t been able to say any of those things. Every breath he attempted to take resulted in pain; the ferocious, agonizing burn and the tightness that came with the damage to his left lung. He could smell and taste his own blood; mixed with the salty tinge of sweat. His limbs felt uncharacteristically weak and impossibly heavy, and he’d been unable to keep his eyes open or hold his head upright; the entire world spinning around him and noises becoming muffled and indiscernible. But he could feel the touch of her hands; trembling and impossibly soft as they moved through his hair and attempted -vainly- to clear away the blood from the various injuries he’d suffered. Able to make out some of her words; voice shaking as she fought back her own fear and worry in order to attempt to comfort him. Assuring him that help was on the way; he just had to have a little faith to hang on just a little bit longer. Someone would come for them and he’d be tended to by the merc emergency doctor and when he was back on his feet again, they’d take the trip that’d been talking about over the course of the past forty eight hours.

While he’d later find out only twenty minutes had passed since Farhad had shot him and Yaz’ return, the time on the bridge with her had felt like days. Feeling any semblance of hope seeping out at him with the same fervent speed as the blood gushed from the bullet wound in his neck. He’d wanted to hang on. For her. He wanted to see the snow and mountains and meet her family; kiss her on a ski lift in Aspen and make love to her…worship her…in front of a fire while a storm raged outside. And he wanted her inside that little shack of his; wake up every morning to her sleepy, little smiles and her lazy kisses and the way her arms snaked around his neck and her naked body pressed tightly against his. She’d laughed when he’d invited her there; joking about not wanting to share the bathroom with the chicken. What if she -his longtime companion- couldn’t accept a new woman in his life? And he’d chuckled and assured her that it wouldn’t be a problem; he wouldn’t allow Mabel to pluck her eyes out in the middle of the night and would build a pen to keep her in. When Esme had asked “how long can I stay?”, there’d been no hesitation in his reply, , “As long as you want to.” He’d heard that nervous little laugh of hers and had seen the worry of rejection in her eyes when she’d countered with “What if I never want to leave?”. And he’d cradled her face in his calloused and kissed her with a tenderness that he didn’t even know he possessed; fingertips dancing over the swell of her cheeks and his eyes sweeping over those smooth, petite features. Hoping that she could see what he didn’t have the courage to say. Fear and pride preventing him from being totally honest with her; he wanted more than just those five days and he wouldn’t be able to just let her walk away and he’d regret it if he allowed her to. But his lips had met her forehead and he’d pulled her tight against him; mouth against her ear when he finally did manage to speak.

“I wouldn’t mind that.”

Twenty four hours hadn’t even passed. Between the moment he kissed her at the extraction point and assured her, “I’ll see you when I see you”, and his imminent death. And he was already beginning to grieve over the things he’d never experience with her; disappointed that he’d never find out just how far they’d manage to take things.

“I’m sorry, Tyler.” She’d managed through a flood of tears. “But I have to do this. I have to hurt you more to help you. I’m sorry. I am so sorry.”

It had been then that she’d shoved two of her fingers into the bullet wound on his neck; managing a weak and choked scream before passing out from the shock. It would be almost a week before he’d regain consciousness. Twenty four hours of being weaned off the medicine that had kept him in an induced coma, giving his broken and traumatized body the chance to begin the healing process. And when he’d awakened and found himself in the middle of a hospital bed surrounded by machines and tubing and wires connected to nearly every inch of his body, he’d panicked. Violently clawing and kicking at the sheets in a frantic attempt to mount an escape; yanking the IV out of his hand and the leads off the pads monitoring his heart rate and then reaching for the tube shoved down his throat. And in the midst of his sheer terror and the urgency to fight with whatever he had left, he heard her voice; begging him to calm down and take it easy and give her a chance to call the nurses. A soft, even tone that gave no hint to her own frazzled nerves; speaking to him quietly as she fought to still his hands and prevent them from doing anymore damage. Not fully settling until she said his name; reminded of those quiet conversations and the more intimate times in that dirty little hotel room in Dhaka.

“It’s okay, Tyler,” she’d assured him, fingertips gently stroking his sweat laden forehead; drawing lines along the top of each of his eyebrows and then down the bridge of his nose. “Everything’s okay. You’re fine. You’re safe. It’s over now. It’s all over.”

The relief he’d felt had been more for her than himself; she was alive and right there next to him and that was the only thing that mattered. And he’d weakly reached up to touch her face; calloused fingertips travelling over the now healing cuts and bruises. Those dark eyes sparkling down at him; filled with that adoration and the stirrings of love that he’d first witnessed during those five days together. He had told himself he was imagining it. There was no possible way a woman like her would ever fall for a guy like him; a broken and battered, alcoholic mercenary with mountains of baggage and a pain killer addiction. But as she stood over him and soothed him with both touch and the sound of her voice, he’d seen it again; the way she looked at him as if he was the most incredible man in the world and he wasn’t going to fail her and break her heart. And his eyes had briefly closed when she combed her fingers through his hair and pressed a kiss to his brow; feeling those soft, warm lips upon his skin and smelling the familiar scent that clung to her skin and clothes.

“It’s okay,” she’d repeated, as a hand came to rest upon the side of his face; thumb sweeping across his upper lip. “You’re okay. You’re awake and it’s all uphill from here.”

She had never given up on him. Not even when the doctors had told her that he’d likely not survive when he was brought out of the coma; the unknown full extent of his brain injury, the damage done to his body, the remarkable blood loss. The cards stacked against him when it came to making it out of that hospital in Dhaka. She’d fought with them to assure him the best possible care; questioning each of their decisions and fighting back when she felt they weren’t doing enough. And if he WAS going to die in the end, she was still going to be there; refusing to let him die alone. But he had made it; despite the doctors’ warnings and predictions. And she stuck by him every step of the way; quickly and easily abandoning her old life for a new one with him.

And she is by his side even now. Almost thirteen years later. Speaking his name in a tender, loving tone as she reaches for his hand. Pulling it away from its resting spot on the side of his neck and pressing kiss to each misshapen knuckle before squeezing as hard as she can. It’s the smile that grounds him; it’s soft and gentle and reminds him that she…this tiny, beautiful woman…is his safe place. His best friend. Most loyal confidant. The keeper of his deepest and darkest secrets.

The love of his life.

******

“You think about it too, huh?”

Tyler nods. “Sometimes.”

“And not the good stuff.”

He manages a small, terse smile. “No, babe. Not the good stuff.”

She briefly chews on her bottom lip; eyes filled with sorrow and worry. He knows she’ll never be able to tone it down; her concern for him and his various physical and mental ailments far outweigh her own issues and problems. In the same way he’s consumed with the need to care for her and assure her safety and security. The old Tyler would argue that that’s his job; to be the main provider and protector. He’s the man, after all. He’s supposed to shoulder all the problems and bear all the burdens in order to make things easier and less stressful on her. But he’s managed to shed most of the toxic masculinity beaten into him by his old man and now realizes that marriage, love, and deep and profound friendship is definitely a two way street; your problems and woes become your spouse’s and vice versa. It certainly isn’t fair and he doesn’t wish that kind of pain and agony on her, but it makes so many things easier to bear; knowing that your someone…your person…is so willing to help you carry the sins that weigh you down.

Unbuckling her seat belt, she flips up the arm rests between their respective seats and slides closer to him. A hand on his shoulder for balance as she pushes herself up on her knees; palm coming to rest on his cheek and turning his face towards her.

“I’m sorry.” Her smile is sheepish. “I shouldn’t have brought that place up. It’s always pretty touchy. Can go one way or another.”

“It’s not your fault. Some days the brain can take it, other days…” He shrugs. “...other days aren’t so good. But you’re used to that by now, huh? Things being so fucked up.”

“Nothing’s fucked up. Especially not you. It’s not like you want to be this way. I know you, Tyler. I know you’d rather anything BUT this. That you’d take all the bullets to the neck and the broken femurs and the busted ribs if it meant you didn’t have to deal with the things going on your mind.”

“I’d take all those physical things if it meant YOU didn’t have to deal with the things going on in my mind.”

“I need you to stop worrying about me. When it comes to this. You’re sick. It’s a legitimate illness. You didn’t ask to be like this. You didn’t do anything wrong.” A fingertip sweeps wayward strands of hair off his forehead. “So don’t worry about me, okay? I’m here. I always will be. There’s nothing that can scare me off. You’re stuck with me, buddy.”

A grin tugs at the corners of his mouth. “I can think of worse fates.”

“I’m sorry your brain is so mean to you. I wish there was more I could do. I’d take it away if I could.”

A hand pushes through his hair; moving slowly through the dirty blond tresses. And then both palms are upon his cheeks and his eyes are closing as her lips meet his forehead; the tension and anxiety leaving his body as whisper soft kisses are pressed on nearly every inch of his face. Her love and devotion a tenderness he’d never experienced before; the first person to love him…TRULY LOVE HIM...since his mother had passed. Somehow managing to break down those seemingly impenetrable walls that he’d built up around his heart following the death of his son; protecting both himself and anyone that would dare to venture too close. Viewing himself as a disaster and a failure and transforming himself into a pathetic and broken alcoholic with a painkiller addiction. It had been a success; his rough and intimidating demeanour scarring off anyone with substance and leaving him with nothing more than notches on his bedpost and list of ready and willing and available women he could call up if he was ever in their neck of the woods again. At times the loneliness bothered him; coming home to an empty house after a particularly trying job and having no one to talk to, or late at night in an empty bed when his mind and body were quiet and the grief and the regret came out to play. But he’d never found himself wishing or craving for companionship. He kept his life full in other ways; taking anything and everything Nik offered him, drinking himself into oblivion and seeing just how many Oxi and Scotch cocktails it would take to finally put him out of his misery.

And then he met HER.

Suddenly he liked having someone to share a bed with; enjoying her smell as it lingered on pillows and sheets, loving the way her body felt pressed against his, looking forward to that sleepy smile she’d greet him with every morning. And the way her face would light up when he’d return to the room after finding them breakfast and coffee. Her eyes sparkling and crinkling at the edges; letting him know that she enjoyed having him around just as much. His entire outlook on life began to change; he was no longer focused on dying but on finding ways to stay alive. Wanting more time with her; determined to get the hell out of Dhaka in one piece so they could travel together and get to know one another and see where life would take them. And hoping that wherever it DID lead them, they’d at least be together.

The final kiss is placed upon his lips, and his eyes open just as she pulls away.

“Better?” Esme asks, thumbs brushing against his cheeks. “At least a little?”

“A lot better.” Skimming his knuckles across the top of her cheek, he presses a kiss to her lips, then her brow. “Thank you.”

“It’s what good wives do, right? Make things better. Or we try to, at least.”

“Are you finally admitting you’re a good wife? No more of this mediocre bullshit you always spout off about?”

“Well, I’ve heard it from a very reliable source. That I’m pretty decent in the wife department.”

“Sounds like a pretty smart person. Whoever told you that.”

“He is.” Curling a finger around the necklace he sports, she pulls it out from the neck of his t-shirt; pad of her thumb brushing over the surface of the accompanying pendant. A custom made piece that incorporates their respective zodiac symbols; intricately carved into a hammered copper disk that hangs from black leather cord. “Probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. Even if he doesn’t see himself that way. If he doesn’t give himself enough credit.”

“You sound pretty crazy about him.”

“I am. First time he smiled at me, he had me. That's all it took. I was his.”

“Lucky guy.”

“I think he is. But I’m pretty lucky too. He’s a keeper. Even when he is being a ginormous pain in my ass.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t mean to be that way. Doubt it’s intentional.”

“No, I’m pretty positive there’s time he does mean to drive me nuts. Something about how I’m extra cute when I’m pissed off.”

Grinning, he loops her hair behind both ears. “I gotta agree with that. You are extra adorable when you get all worked up. Right before you really lose your shit and start screaming at me.”

“I very rarely scream at you. And when I do, it’s because you’ve tracked sand through the entire house. Or left the toilet seat up and I’ve actually fallen in. Who wants an ice cold ass at three am? But…” She drags a fingernail along his jaw. “...despite your annoying shortcomings, you’re a pretty decent husband. I think I’ll keep you.”

“For how long?”

“Why? You got plans to go somewhere else? Are you going to abandon me when I turn fifty? Trade me in for two twenty-five year olds?”

“Not planning on going anywhere, Me. Maybe you got a date in mind; for when you’re going to cut me loose. And if that’s the case, I’d like some kind of warning.”

“Like I said, you’re stuck with me. I’m not EVER cutting you loose. And if you ever even think of divorcing me…”

“Why the hell would I do something that fucking stupid? I know I got a brain injury, but…”

“So what you’re saying is I’m stuck with you too?”

“Until the bitter end, baby. Until you’re a very old woman, warm in her bed. And I hope I die one day before you, ‘cause I don’t even want to think about trying to exist without you.”

She bites down on her bottom lip; tears welling in her eyes. “There you go with that romance thing again.”

“I think that was more morbid than romantic. Sounded pretty damn morbid to me.”

“It was beautiful. In this quintessential Tyler way of saying things. A man of few words, until he busts out something like THAT.”

Lightly grasping a strand of her hair, he runs the pads of his thumb and forefinger along its length. “Would you rather I be a mean asshole?”

“Nope. I think you’re perfect just the way you are. A whole lot of bad ass and a little bit of cuddly teddy bear.”

“You did not just call me a…”

Laughing, she silences him with a kiss, then pulls away and brushes the tip of her nose against his. “I love you. More than you will ever know. You enormously stubborn pain in my ass.”

“You call me that all you want, but you wouldn’t know what to do without me. You’d miss me.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she presses a kiss to the side of his throat and settles her head on his shoulder. “You have no idea.”

*****

“How long do you think it will be? Before we hear about the house?”

They lay on the double lounge chair on Whalesong’s back deck. On their stomachs, their naked forms covered by the throw from the living room couch. Heads turned towards each other and the trips of their noses touching; hair and bodies damp with sweat as they’re tickled by the soft breeze rolling in off the ocean.

“Couple days maybe. I don’t see why there should be a hold up. Enough money in the bank for ten places like that. And then some. Also offered fifty above the asking price. Can’t see anyone topping that.”

The inside of their potential ‘getaway’ had been better than either of them had expected. A clean and modern open concept flow that connected the living room, dining area, and remodelled kitchen; beach influenced with stark white cupboards accented with robin egg blue handles and boasting state of the art appliances and a heated floor. The master bedroom a piece of art; three of the walls a pale blue and the other accented with ash grey shiplap. French doors leading out onto a recently restored patio that seamlessly flowed and connected with the deck that wrapped around the entirety of the room. And an ensuite bathroom to die for; a walk in shower with several rain heads and a piped in sound system and benches to sit on, a separate claw foot tub, and his and her sinks. A far cry from the outside of the home with its out of control gardens.

“You certainly are a man that knows what he wants,” Esme muses. “And how to go about getting it.”

“What and who. Had I been the kind to just back off, we wouldn’t be here right now. Like this.”

“Now that would be a goddamn Greek tragedy. If I wasn’t lying here, totally naked, with the hottest man on the face of the earth.”

“I was referring to our whole life, but if you want to apply it strictly to sex, I’ll give it to you.”

“Oh you gave it to me alright. Twice.”

“And you say my mind is always in the gutter? That I’M the perv in this relationship?”

“Listen, my hormones are off the charts insane. And it’s all your fault. You and your magically healing penis. You put this baby in me, you can deal with the hormones. It’s not like you have to do any of the actual work, so…”

“It’s not that I’m complaining. ‘Cause I’ll take all the sex. All of it. But you’ve been damn needy these past couple of days. More so than usual.”

“I am completely alone with my husband. No distractions, no interruptions, no one else to concentrate on but us. When was the last time…at home…we had sex like this? Where we can either just take our time and go nice and slow and drive each other nuts, or we can just go absolutely crazy with lust and make all the noise in the world?”

“You make a good point. It’s been a long time since we could do any of that.”

“I plan on indulging and enjoying as much as I can. IF you can keep up with me, that is. I know it’s getting hard in your advanced age.”

“Almost fifty and I can still out fuck guys half my age. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Good.” Settling a hand on the back of his head, her fingers push through his hair and dig into his scalp as she slides even closer to him; lips covering his in a long, slow kiss. “Because we have four more days left and I plan on taking full advantage of them. And of you. Just sayin’.”

“Hardly taking advantage of someone if they’re ready, willing, and able to go.” Tyler reasons, as he rolls over onto his back and pushes both hands through his damp hair; settling them at the nape of his necks, fingers locked together. “Have you ever known me not to be?”

“You’ve brought every single one of my dirtiest and wildest fantasies to life. Things I didn’t even know I DID fantasize about. Totally put every man that came before you to total shame. But you’ve set the bar extremely high and if you can’t live up to my expectations ten years from now…”

“Listen, wife…” Wrapping both arms around her slender body, he pulls her tightly into him. One of her legs immediately draping over his thigh and her hand coming to rest on his stomach. His lips meeting her sweaty, flushed brow as his hands -with their fingers laced together- settle on her hip “...in all the ways I’ve been an epic failure, THAT is not one of them. I don’t think I’ve ever disappointed in that area.”

Resting her chin upon his chest “Other than that time you were drunk as fuck and passed out on top of me before getting shit done? No. You’ve never let me down. And for the record…”

A finger slowly traces the handful of small, circular scars that mar the area just above his navel; shotgun pellets that had embedded themselves in the skin and he’d managed to pull out while seeking shelter and escape in a small cabin north of Kosovo. Snowbound and operating on very little sleep, and with the beginnings of dehydration and the confusion and disorientation that came with a severe concussion setting in, he’d worked by the light cast from an oil lamp as he used his own to knife dig out the fragments. He’d stay in that abandoned old cabin for two days; filling his stomach with years old canned food he’d found in the cupboards and hydrating himself by eating snow. And when the storm finally let up and he’d regained enough strength, he’d finally been able to make the fifteen mile trek to his extraction point. Waving off any suggestions of seeking medical care and sleeping the entire flight home; stumbling through the front door shortly after the kids had left for school and startling his wife as she tended to the mound of breakfast dishes in the sink. In lieu of a doctor, he’d requested that she care for him; wincing through the pain as she cleaned the wounds -and the various scratches and gouges that decorated his face- with iodine and then gently and attentively patched him up.

“...you have NEVER been a failure. Or a disappointment. Never, EVER.”

“What about those six months?”

“We went through a rough time. For many reasons. And not all of them were because of you. We both made mistakes. We both had so much shit weighing us down that we should have dealt with years ago. It just took being majorly unhappy in Colorado to bring it all out, I guess. I’ve got regrets about those six months too, Tyler. It wasn’t all on you.”

“You weren’t the mess I was. You didn’t fuck up. Go back to the job and the booze and the pills and…”

“We BOTH screwed up. And we BOTH didn’t know how to fix things. But we did, right? We got past and we worked through it and we continue to work at things every day. If that six months did anything, it helped make us who we are now. As individuals AND as a couple.”

“Have I ever told you how much I love your optimism?”

“No. But you have told me that it annoys you.”

“Deep down, I love it. It keeps me grounded. And sometimes it’s the only thing that gives me hope. Keeps me going.”

“We’ve come a long way, babe. We are not the same couple we were back then. We’re FAR from it. We’re better. So much better.”

Nodding in agreement, he cups her head in and kisses her; the long and languid press of closed mouth upon closed mouth. And his lips meet her brow before drawing her even tighter into him; one hand resting on the small of her back and the other a top hers as it sits upon his stomach. Eyes closing as his chin perches on the top of her head; enjoying the familiar scent that clings to her skin and hair and how it so easily relaxes him.

For several minutes neither speak; relishing the feel of their naked bodies pressed against one another and the cool, refreshing breeze that drifts off the ocean. And he cocks open a single eye when slides her hand from under his; lacing their fingers together and then drawing his arm across his body. A smile tugging at his lips when she places their joined hands on the side of her ever growing bump; easily feeling the ‘bubbles’ that she so often muses about.

“You liked the house too, right?” She inquires, as she rests her free arm across the top of his head; finger tips repeatedly brushing across his brow.

“Would I have put an offer in if I didn’t?”

“Actually, I think you would have. Because you knew how much I liked it. That’s not why you did it, yeah? Because you knew I wanted it?”

“I saw your face light up. Second we walked in there. I’d be lying if I said seeing you that into it didn’t come into play.”

“Your spoiling is starting to get out of hand,” she gently scolds. “A Range Rover for my fortieth birthday, now a house? Tyler…”

“We have shit loads of money. Cash we will never spend in a million years. I could buy you a thousand Range Rovers and it wouldn’t even make a dent. And more money would just keep rolling in. What good is it if we don’t spend it? Why not spoil the kids? And you? It’s not like we’re going to go broke, Me. That wouldn’t happen in five lifetimes.”

“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about what people are going to think. That we’re constantly driving new cars or adding more to our house and the property and we’re going on trips and now we’re buying a little getaway place. People are going to…”

“Who gives a fuck what people think? They don’t know us. They don’t know what we’ve been through. We started out with nothing. With barely any money in the bank and a baby on the way. And I’ve shed a hell of a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get us where we are now. Think I give a shit what people say? They don’t know us. Not really. They have no clue what our lives were like before. They don’t even know what they’re like now.”

“I just worry it makes me look bad. Like I’m some kind of gold digger or something.”

He laughs. “You? A gold digger? You hooked up with me I had fuck all to offer you; nothing but a shitty little shack in the outback and a run down truck. I could barely give you a place to live and you still wanted to be with me. And you’ve stuck around through all the hard shit. When a lot of other people would have washed their hands of me and got the fuck out of town. You are the furthest thing from a gold digger.”

“I don’t want you thinking you need to buy me things. I don’t want you thinking that it’s the reason I stick around. I don’t want you thinking I’m high maintenance or materialistic or…”

“Baby…” He pecks her lips. “...I don’t think ANY of those things. You are the least materialistic person I know. You don’t even give me a birthday or Christmas list because you always say there’s nothing you want and that we should just concentrate on the kids. I spoil you because I WANT to. Simple as. ‘Cause you’re a fucking queen and I want to treat you like one. In every way.”

“As long as you don’t think…”

“I don’t think anything,” he insists. “I buy you things because it makes ME happy. So can you give me that? Give me something that makes me happy? I like spoiling you. I like giving you things. And I would give you the world if I could. You know I would.”

“I do know that. And I guess maybe I feel I don’t deserve it. Things. You. The life we have. Maybe I think about all the mistakes I’ve made and all the people I’ve betrayed and how I’m the reason horrible things happened to them.”

“You were doing a job. What you were hired to do. And those people? None of them were saints. Far from it. Each one of them deserved what happened to them. Can you honestly tell me that they didn’t have it coming?”

She shakes her head.

“We’ve both done some shitty things for good reasons. We did what we had to do. To stay alive. And to make sure that bad people didn’t hurt any more good people.”

“Do you ever think about them? Some of the marks? Do you ever sit back and wonder if you did the right thing?”

“I’ve thought about it a few times. People I took out because I was being paid damn good money to do it. Guys that really didn’t do a damn thing to warrant a bullet between their eyes. I’ve got a lot of blood on my hands, Me. But most of it I don’t regret. Have you done it? Helped take someone out that didn’t deserve it?”

“No. There was always a good reason. They were terrible people. All of them.”

“They got what they deserved. Your conscience should be clean.”

“What about yours? Think yours ever will be?”

“I’m sure I’ll pay for my sins. When my time’s up. And I’ll probably pay pretty brutally. A few of my marks? Their crimes didn’t warrant death, that’s for sure. But I gave it to them anyway. That’s my cross to bear, though. Not yours.”

“You’re a different man now. You turn down jobs like that. If anyone comes to you and the situation doesn’t warrant that heavy of a hand, you tell them to take their business somewhere. I’ve heard you say it; tell them that you’re not that kind of merc and that you won’t stoop to that level. You’re not just sending guys out there just for the money.”

“Doesn’t erase the things I’ve done. The choices I made. I’ve made amends for a few things. But not everything.”

“Well it’s a good thing you have a lot of time on this earth, then.” She places a kiss on the side of his mouth. “You’ve got lots of chances to make your amends. You’re not a lost cause, Tyler. You never have been. Regardless of what you think.”

“You know what I think?” He rolls over onto his side and drapes a leg over both of hers; palm once more coming to rest on the side of her belly. “I think we need to talk about something else. ‘Cause this is heading to a really dark place I do NOT want to visit.”

Settling her head on his pillow, she presses a kiss to the tip of his nose, then rests her brow against his. “So…the house, then…”

“What about it?”

“Please tell me you at least like it. That you didn’t just go ahead with the offer because you knew I liked it.”

“I DO like it. I agreed with you; when you said it was perfect for us. Doesn’t need any work inside, so that’s a plus. IF we get it, we’ll just have to put some money and some effort into the outside, though. Kind of a mess. Hire someone to do the big stuff, tackle everything else ourselves.”

“I can’t wait to get my hands dirty in those front gardens. Dig them up and tear shit out and just totally revamp them. I’m thinking some orange, some purple, maybe a little yellow here and there. And to the front door and shutters one of those colours! Maybe even the spindles on the deck. You know, for a pop of colour. Liven it up a bit!”

“You know what I’m thinking, I’m thinking you’re going to have to wait to do any of that stuff. Until this one…” His palm rubs her baby bump in slow, smooth circles. “...is evicted.”

“I am perfectly capable of gardening while I’m pregnant. You do the heavy lifting and the real manual labour, I’ll stick to getting my hands dirty.”

“I���d rather you stick to waiting until after you have the baby.”

“What about at home? I’ve got the veggie garden and the flowers and all the animals to look after and…”

“And you have a husband and seven kids that can deal with all that shit.”

“But I like doing all that stuff,” she dramatically pouts. “Don’t take all my fun away from me. I can at least still help.”

“You realize I’m going to constantly be on your ass, yeah? Watching you like a hawk? You think it was bad during all the other pregnancies, just you wait.”

“I’m used to you and your over protectiveness. Which, I will admit, is fully justified this time. Will you at least let me pick the fruits and veggies? That’s the least you could do.”

“You promise to take it easy? With everything else? ‘Cause I don’t want you lifting and bending down a lot or breaking a sweat. Can we not risk something going wrong? I’d really like to avoid that. Something happening to you or the baby. Or both.”

“Just for you…” She pinches his chin between her thumb and forefinger and pecks his lips. “...I will be careful. EXTRA careful.”

“Thank you.” Placing a tender kiss to her forehead, he rests her brow against the bridge of her nose; eyes closing as the nails of index and middle finger slowly swirl against the nape of his neck. Her other hand once more covering his as it sits on the side of her stomach; her thumb repeatedly brushing across his wrist.

“Do you remember how we used to lie like this? When I was having Millie?”

He nods. “That little apartment outside of Sydney. When all we had was that mattress on the floor and a patio table and plastic chairs to sit on.”

“We didn’t have much, but we were happy. Well, I was happy. Were you?”

“I’d just gotten over a near death experience. I was given a second chance…a whole new life…and I was playing house with the most beautiful woman in the world. And I was having a baby with her. After thinking I’d never have more kids. Yeah, I was happy.”

“It wasn’t easy. For either of us. Trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table while still trying to get to know one another. It was hard, wasn’t it.”

“It had its moments. Where I wondered if we were going to make it. It wasn’t easy; getting used to living with someone and caring about them and not just myself. But I was always hopeful. That we’d make things work. That maybe love really IS enough.”

“It might not be enough for everyone, but it was enough for us. I knew that I wanted to be with you. That it didn’t matter how hard it got; I wanted to be your wife and have a family with you. I knew that I loved you. In a way I’d never loved anyone else. Did you know? That you loved me.”

“Way sooner than I’ve ever admitted. Even to you.”

“Yeah?” Her fingers sweep strands of hair off of his brow and out of his eyes; her gaze never leaving his as she proceeds to trace the scars that litter his face. “How soon?”

“A lot sooner than you think.”

“Couple months in?”

“Sooner than that.”

“Month in?”

“Even sooner.”

“In Dhaka?”

“Maybe a little after that. I mean, I knew something was going on; I was feeling all sorts of things that I hadn’t felt in a long time. And they were all a hell of a lot more powerful than they’d ever been. Scared the fuck out of me; realizing I was falling for you. Definitely NOT what I was expecting.”

“Weren’t expecting the feels, huh? Well, other than animalistic lust.”

“Even that surprised me. Not like I go into jobs expecting to get laid.”

“I’d be concerned if you did,” she teases. “ Considering I was the first woman you’d ever worked with.”

“I know you think I went into Dhaka hoping I’d get lucky, but I honestly never thought about it. It’s not like my dick was hard as soon as I met you. Or I was considering all the ways I could corrupt you. I mean those things DID happen. At the hotel. Before we went right into the city.”

“You had the feels,” she chides. “You were totally into me. You were falling in love with me.”

“I was. And I knew it was the real deal when I woke up in the hospital and saw you there. First thing I thought while I was looking up at you was that I was in love with you. And that it was a damn good sign that you’d stuck around. Would have been a hell of a lot easier for you to just leave. Go back to a normal life.”

“My life ended on that bridge. That Esme? She died in Dhaka. And the Esme that got out of there? She needed to start over. And she wanted to do that with you.”

“With a mercenary, huh? A drug addicted, alcoholic one at that. Boy, your taste in men IS shit.”

“I didn’t see you that way. I mean, I did. Obviously. I met you because you were…ARE…a mercenary. But I saw more than that. I saw different sides to you. And those are the ones I fell in love with. You had potential, Tyler Rake. Great potential.”

“Did I live up to it?”

She nods, then presses her lips the bridge of his nose. “And then some.”

Smiling, he places a kiss on her brow and then brushes her hair away from her face; calloused fingertips looping strands behind her ears. “You loved me already, did ya? Even on that bridge? You knew that soon?”

“I knew sooner than that. Which is what scared me. How can love happen that quick? Isn’t that impossible? Isn’t it wrong to feel all that for someone so quickly?”

“I don’t see how anything can be wrong if it feels that right.”

“Nik sure had a problem with it. She thought it was all kinds of wrong.”

“She wanted what she couldn’t have. And couldn’t stand the thought of someone else in my life.”

“And you never considered anything else with her? Other than sex? You never once thought that maybe…”

“Until you, I didn’t even want to live anymore. Why would I bring someone into that kind of mess? I just wanted to get my dick wet. And she was the one constant when it came to that and I’d made it very clear that that’s all it would ever be. That I’d never be THAT guy.”

“But you became that guy. For me. That had to sting a bit. That you told her one thing and turned around and completely did another.”

“There was never going to be a ‘me and Nik’. It’s not like there was a choice, Me. It was never between you and her. It was you. Just you. Always was, always will be. You made me want to change. I wanted to be a better man. For you. And I like to think in some way, I’ve managed that.”

Smiling, she drags a fingertip down the bridge of his nose. “You’ve managed that in a lot of ways.”

“It was never about you and someone else. It was always just you.”

“What about those six months?”

Tyler frowns. “What about ‘em?”

“If I ask you something, will you be totally honest with me? Will you tell me the truth? Even if you think it will bother me?”

He nods.

“Well, you know about that guy. That I went on that date with. That dad from the kids’ day care.”

“The one that got handsy with you and when you told him off, he slapped you? Yeah, I know about that guy.”

“So you also know that it was never about me not loving you. It was about me needing to feel wanted and beautiful and needed. By YOU. That’s why I turned him down. Because the only man I wanted to be with was my husband. Because I was so certain we could make things right again.”

“And we’re bringing this up because…?”

“Did you ever get that close to someone? Or even closer? When we were separated?”

“No. I didn’t want anyone else. I wanted you. I just didn’t know how the fuck to go about getting my shit together.”

“So you never kissed anyone? Or got to maybe second or third base?”

“Nope.”

“Was the temptation ever there? The chance?”

“Yeah,” he admits. “It was there. A few times. Women in bars that wanted to pick me up, Nik showing up at my hotel.”

“And you never…?”

“I never took any of them up on what they were offering. I may have been a fucking mess, but I was NOT cheating on my wife.”

“Well, we WERE separated. We made a conscious decision to take a break.”

“I seem to remember it a bit differently. I seem to remember that you made the decision. And then kicked my ass out.”

“Regardless of who did what, we weren’t together. So…”

“We were still married. And I may be a lot of things, but a cheater isn’t one of them.”

“So you never…?”

“I never got even remotely close to another woman. Like I said, I only wanted you. So if that meant I died miserable and alone and hadn’t sex in in a hell of a long time…”

“But you didn’t die. Miserable OR alone. Or otherwise. I just wanted to know. If you did. With anyone else.”

“I never even thought of it. And I’d never lie to you. Especially about something like that. Are we done? With this little trip down memory lane? Because sometimes it doesn’t lead to anything good. And the last thing I want to do is fight.”

“No fighting,” Esme assures him. “We’re done. I was just curious. If anyone had managed to get into my husband’s pants.”

“They didn’t. Not for the lack of trying. Just lack of interest. On my part.”

“Maybe it’s because you sowed all your wild oats already. Before we ever met. Maybe you’d done your time as a man whore and didn’t feel the need for a return trip.”

“I was a married man, in love with his wife. Simple as that.”

“You are so sexy when you pledge your undying love and fidelity. Kinda turns me on, actually.”

He consults his watch. “That’s a new record for you. You gave me a whole twenty minutes to recuperate.”

“Twenty two, actually. But who’s counting?”

“You apparently.”

“Why? Do you need more time? Need a longer breather in your advanced age?”

“You know what, wife? Have you been told today?”

“That I’m a needy, greedy bitch? A couple times.”

“I was thinking more have you been told ‘I love you and I’d die for you’.”

“That’s dramatic, Tyler James.”

“It’s the truth.” Smoothing a hand over her hair, his palm gently cups the back of her head. “I would. No hesitations. No questions asked.”

“It’s both morbid and extremely flattering. And romantic. You certainly have your moments, husband. You always seem to…”

She gives a small, almost startled gasp; eyes widening in both excitement and surprise. And she hurriedly moves his hand to the other side of her stomach; giggling when a very strong and purposeful second kick greets them. Tears welling in her eyes and emotion choking at her when she sees her husband’s response; the way his entire face lights up and his eyes brighten and sparkle and wrinkle at the corners. It’s always an amazing experience for him; thoroughly enjoying each one of her pregnancies and the magic of each and every squirm and kick and the awe that comes with meeting a new little human being and wondering who they’ll become.

“I told you it wouldn’t be long,” she says, as he presses a kiss to her forehead. “It’s a little earlier than usual, but stranger things have happened. Pretty strong, huh?”

“Like his mumma.”

“I was going to say like his…or HER…dad, actually.”

“You’re a hell of a lot stronger than I am. Always have been. This…” He softly rubs her stomach. “...and the other seven and our entire life? None of that would exist if it wasn’t for you. If you hadn’t stuck around on that bridge.”

“You deserved to live. You’d made your amends. There was no way I was letting you die. And selfishly? I wanted more time with you. A LOT more.”

“And you got it. Twelve years of it. And counting. Think you’ve got another…I don’t know…fifty in ya?”

Nodding, she curls an arm around his neck and pulls him into a kiss. A smile curving her lips when she pulls away and brushes the tip of her nose against us. “Even that won’t be enough.”

*****

They’re asleep by midnight; worn out from the activities of the day. House hunting followed by a road trip up the coast and into one of many of the small towns along the way; time spent sightseeing and shopping followed by a late lunch overlooking the water. Relishing their time alone; able to shower each other with attention and engage in adult conversation and indulge in little things like shameless, playful flirting and holding hands on the tabletop. A welcome relief from the usual hustle and bustle of their regular lives; days taken up with work and errands and chores around the house and managing their ever growing, lively brood. Their getaway a chance to recharge; much needed alone time that will not only help strengthen their bond and the various aspects of their relationship, but will help them return home with renewed patience.

The return to the shack had marked the beginning of much quieter and lazier remains of the day. A long, relaxing soak in the tub on the deck; sharing the remains of the cider from the night before and eating ice cream straight out of the carton. Followed by the gentle and innocent intimacy that comes with bathing one another; soapy hands moving over soft, wet skin, fingers moving through hair and deftly massaging scalps. It remains one of his favourite parts of their ever evolving relationship; the simple and mundane tasks that somehow feel so beautiful and loving when shared. A bond that he’d never experienced with anyone else; trusting her wholly and completely with his heart, mind, and soul and reaching a place of comfort and ease that he’d never believed was possible. And after thoroughly cleansing and rinsing, they’d retreated to the confines of the spacious double lounge chair; bodies and hair still damp as he worshipped every inch of her body with his mouth and hands. Urged on by the way she’d shudder and shake and her hands would grab at his hair and her nails would gouge trails down his back or along his ribs and shoulders. Everything about her familiar but still as intoxicating as the very first time he’d had her in his bed; the curves of her hips and the smoothness of her skin and the taste of her sweat as it beaded over nearly every inch of her naked body. His own arousal and want and need only heightened by the power he held over her; the ability to make her beg and plead and the sound of his name as it tumbled from her lips and the tears that would spill down her cheeks when -after being edged several times- he finally allowed her to come.

Evening had been much more low key and relaxing; dinner on the deck as they watched the sunset, a walk along the beach, and an impromptu skinny dipping session in the ocean. A warm shower to cap things off; his calloused palms soaping down her body and his fingers spreading shampoo and conditioner through her hair. Seeing that blissful smile that came over her face; the enjoyment of being adored and pampered without ever having to ask for it. A far cry from her old life; married to a man that abused her in every way possible and had managed to break her body yet not her spirit.

Rest had come quickly. A half an hour of quiet pillow talk while he held her tightly against him; both hands on the swell of her stomach and his face buried in her hair. Both lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves rolling up onto the shore and the warmth radiating from their bodies. And when he wakes the bedside clock advertises just before two thirty in the morning; stirred by the rustling of leaves across the deck and the snapping and popping of twigs and creaking of wooden boards.

He’s unsure of just what he heard. Or if the noises were indeed rooted in reality, or were merely the remnants of a dream that he’d been caught up in. On a hike through the woods back home with all of the kiddos in tow; a teenage Austin -taller than his father, with equally as broad shoulders and muscular arms and the same brilliant blue eyes- leading the way with an excited and chattering Addie tightly clutching his hand. His deceased son making frequent appearances since the unexpected reunion with Sarah and the reveal of his body’s whereabouts. Always at different ages and stages in his life; a giggling toddler sitting on his shoulders as they walked along the beach, a five year old holding his dad’s hand as he splashed in the surf. And much older; a strapping and strong young man that fit so easily into his father’s new life; adoring his step mother and effortlessly slipping into his role as a big brother to a brood of siblings. The dreams no longer end with Tyler waking in sheer panic; tears streaming down his face and the weight of his guilt and regret sitting heavily on his chest and a concerned and bewildered Esme trying to help him fight off the army of demons that still lived inside of him.

He waits. For anything other than Esme’s soft, rhythmic breathing and the fluttering of the curtains as the breeze pours into the room. Even if it wasn’t caused by a dream and the teetering on the edge between sleep and wakefulness, there’s a number of explanations for what he may have heard. The wind scattering foliage across the deck, animals waiting until the dead of night to make their way up to the house in order to rummage through the garbage that had been mistakenly left outside. He’d forgotten to put the bins away before bed; normally locking them in the garbage to prevent any unwelcome guests and the mess they’d leave behind. And when no additional sounds are found, he once more allows his body and mind to relax; rolling onto his side and reaching for his sleeping wife. A leg draped over hers and a hand on the side of her baby bump; his front pressed tightly into her back and his eyes closing as he breathes in the familiar scent that clings to her hair. On the verge of rest when he hears it again. Louder and more frequent; the creaking of wood and the snapping of twigs and crackling of leaves. Getting closer and closer to the cabin.

Panic and paranoia are non-existent. Erased by the mind of a soldier and mercenary long ago trained to deal with threats. He doesn’t have to worry about fear clouding his judgement; the switch inside of him…the one that activates the man capable of killing with his bare hands…instantly flicking on. It’s a fine line he treads some days; the distance between husband and father and contract killer extremely narrow. The desire to protect and defend always present; the smallest of threats and perceived dangers easily bringing out the savage, merciless man that can take a life with a single punch. It’s the side of him he tries desperately to keep under wraps yet often fails at; moments of intense rage when someone gets too close to his children or when someone disrespects his wife or has the courage to approach her in public and barrage her with sexual comments and the propensity to not take ‘no’ for an answer. He’s more than willing to draw blood and inflict immeasurable pain if his family’s safety is threatened; showing no remorse when breaking bones or collapsing windpipes.

He’s calm as he moves away from his wife’s slowly stirring form; deftly slipping out from underneath covers and out of bed. Pulling on a discarded pair of jeans; his fingers steady as he tends to zipper and button. The noises increasing in both volume and intensity; accompanied by the dragging of an aluminium trash can across the wooden deck and the sound of approaching footfalls. And when he turns and reaches for the top drawer on the nightstand Esme is awake and blinking at him through the darkness; propped up on her elbows, hair wild and messy.

“What are you doing?” She presses the heel of a pain into one eye, then the other. “Where are you going?”

“Gotta go outside for a minute. Check on something.”

She consults the bedside clock. “It’s two thirty in the morning.”

“No rest for the weary,” he chides. “Just gotta go and see what’s up. Heard something out there.”

She frowns. “Heard something? Like a ‘someone’ something?”

“Probably animals. Getting into shit. Making a big mess. Just gonna go see what’s up. Scare ‘em off.”

“You don’t think it’s a person, do you? I mean, why would anyone be coming here? Why…?”

“Doubt it’s a person. No reason anyone would show up in these parts. Probably nothing. Still…” Sliding open the drawer on the nightstand, he removes the Glock, quickly ensuring that the full magazine is snapped in place and the chamber is loaded and safety turned off. “It was just better to be safe than sorry,” he reasons, when he notices her eyes widen. “With Mark out there and us being way out here and pretty secluded…”

“You don’t think it’s him do you? How would he know we’re here? How…?”

“I doubt it’s anyone. Just some animals up to no good. Forgot to put the garbage in the garage; they’re probably tearing through shit. Stay here, yeah?”

“Tyler…”

“Just stay here. Don’t turn the lights on. Keep quiet. Humour me, alright?”

She nods.

“I’ll be back in a few,” he assures her, and then leans over the bed to press a kiss to her lips. “I’m sure everything’s fine,” he adds, when she grabs hold of the chain around his neck and refuses to let go. “Nothing to worry about. Just stay here. I’ll be right back.”

“Be careful.”

Dropping a kiss on the top of her head, he runs a palm over her unruly hair and manages a smile. “Always.”

****

There’s a chill in the air. One that causes goosebumps to invade his flesh and makes the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He’s unsure if it’s the wind rolling off the ocean or the adrenaline that’s coursing through his body; the sense of danger and touch of excitement that comes with the unpredictable and the hunt of your prey. And despite his size and weight, his footfalls are soft and indiscernible. Gait steady and purposeful as he walks with his back pressed to walls; gun at his side with his finger hovering over the trigger. He slowly and cautiously rounds each corner with the Glock raised and trained on everything in front of his; eyes scanning the dark for the smallest of movements or shadows under moonlight. It’s eerily silent save for the lapping of water and the swaying of trees; leaves rustling and the waves lowering in volume with each step he takes away from the back of the house. The wood of the deck cool under his bare soles; surface slick from the fine ocean mist that coats the surface.

All sounds he’d heard earlier have ceased; no creaking of planks or scraping of trash cans or snapping and popping of twigs. The deck itself looks relatively undisturbed. Now signs of footprints; human or animal. The only sign of something amiss the lone trash receptacle that now sits mere inches away from the railing, its lid slightly askew. It should be enough; a search of the outside perimeter of the shack with no sign of anyone or anything waiting to pounce. But he continues; down the front steps and out into the dirt driveway. Brow furrowed as he crouches down to trace lines of visible tire tracks with his fingertips; the moon not casting enough light to compare the tread impressions to those on the rental parked in the driveway. There seems to be too many to be from their travels; counting seven pairs of tires that have gone to and fro, a number that doesn’t match up to the trips they’ve made. Of course, could belong to the owners of Whalesong; dropping off fresh linens or specialty ordered foods or the fresh basket of pastries and flower arrangements that have been waiting on the doorstep every morning .

Sighing, he scoops up a handful of dirt; allowing it to slip between his fingers as he stands. Something ISN’T right; his gut telling him that this is the calm before the storm. His instincts are too well honed; years of being able to quickly observe his surroundings and flesh out possible threats and make split second decisions to avoid them. It’s a feeling he can’t shake as he makes his way up the driveway towards the house; eyes scanning the tree lines and the corners of the shack and those dark, shadowy places that make for perfect hiding spots. He’s feet from the garage door when he sees it; flattened tires on the passenger's side of the rental. And it’s then that the adrenaline amps up even further; the evidence right before him as he drops down to one knee and sees the slashes -obviously made from a knife- that travel several inches along the thick rubber.

It blindsides him. A thundering crash from inside the cabin followed by the shattering of glass; Esme unleashing a blood curdling scream that reverberates through the night air and is accompanied by his name. And when he attempts to get to his feet, the butt end of a rifle is hammered down on the back of his head; momentarily blinding him as pain shoots through his entire body and he’s brought to his knees. And it's immediately followed by a kick to the chest; a heavy, toe steel work boot that connects just below the left collarbone. Focused on the lung damaged in Dhaka more than a decade ago; the sniper's bullet ripping through it and requiring doctors to remove the destroyed area. The force throws him backwards; every drop of air knocked out of his body and his head colliding with the side of the rental car. The world briefly spins around him; the figures gathered around him blurry, their voices muffled and words indiscernible. His chest burning as he attempts to breathe; nothing more than a wheezing escaping his lips and rattling reverberating deep in his chest.

“Get the fuck down!” A gloved hand fists his hair and yanks him away from the car. “On your fucking stomach! Now!”

“Fuck you!” He struggles against the man holding him in place, attempting to plant the heels of his bare feet in the dirt and push himself up onto his feet. “I’ll fucking kill you. I will rip your head off with bare hands. I will fucking get a hold of you…”

“He said get the fuck down!” Another voice from behind; the sole of a boot connecting with the middle of his back; the force of the blow and the hand yanking at his hair sending him sprawling forward. “Don’t fight! Just fucking lie there! You wanna make this worse?! Fighting’s only going to make this worse!”

The moonlight captures the handle of the Glock as it lies just inches away; knocked out of his possession when the assailants landed their initial blow. And despite the foot on the small of his back and the palm bearing down on the back of his head, he manages to dig his toes into the earth and push himself forward. Fingertips briefly brushing against the barrel of the gun before a combat boot stomps down on his hand. The pain is intense and he bites back a scream; replaced by the snapping and popping bones and tendons.

“You dumb ass motherfucker!” The initial assailant hisses, then fists Tyler’s hair once more and shoves his face into the dirt. “We told you not to fight! We told you to just fucking lie there!”

“I’ll kill you, you little prick. I’ll get up and I will fucking kill you, you hear me? With my bare fucking hands!”

The barrel of a rifle is pressed against the back of his head, and he initially struggles when both arms are drawn behind his back; feeling the plastic zip ties that wrap around both wrists and then the burn as they’re pulled tight and cut into his skin. He can hear the commotion coming from the shack; the shattering of glass and the clatter of objects being tossed about as Esme attempts to fight back. A mixture of rage and immense fear in her voice as she screams at unknown assailants; warning them not to come any closer if they wanted to get out of the place alive.

“Tell her to calm down,” the first attacker orders, and jabs the muzzle of the rifle into the nape of Tyler’s neck. “Tell her.”

“Fuck you! I’m not telling her shit!”

“I said fucking tell her!” The sole of a boot is brought down on the small of his back; directly on the scar left behind from the bullet Nathan had put into him five years before. “Now! Tell her or we kill you both! But her first; so you can watch while we do it!”

“I swear if any of you fucking touch her…”

“Tell her! Tell her to shut the fuck up or we do it ourselves! Is that what you want? Her blood on your hands! Fucking tell her!”

He briefly closes his eyes, fighting to catch his breath. “Esme?!

The commotion from inside momentarily ceases. “Tyler? Are you okay? What’s going on? What…?”

“I’m alright. Just calm down, babe. Just take it easy. Listen to what they say. Do whatever they tell you to do. Don’t fight. Sooner you just cooperate, the sooner this will be over. I promise.”

“But…”

“I promise,” he stresses. “Just try and calm down. You’ll be okay.”

The shouting and the shattering of glass and various objects is replaced by Esme’s quiet and breathless sobbing. And desperate pleading. Begging her assailants not to hurt HIM. So very typical of her; always centering her worry and concern on everyone but herself. And he tries to stifle his emotions; eyes closing once more as he takes deep, slow breaths and tries to control both the pain and the rage that flow through him.

“We don’t want to hurt her,” one of his assailants assures him. “She’s worth nothing to us if she’s damaged goods.”

“If it’s money you want, I’ll give it to you. I’ll let you have every last fucking cent. On me and in the bank. I don’t give a shit if I don’t have a pot to piss in afterwards. Just let her go. She’s innocent.”

“Not if she’s tied up with you she isn’t.”

“That’s what you want? Who you really want? Me? Then just take me. Leave her out of it and take me.”

“Always the knight in shining armour. Heard that about you. Always willing to give up his life for his woman. Hasn’t that happened a couple times before?”

“Just let her go. She doesn’t need to be involved in this. Just take me and leave the girl alone. Don’t take my kids’ mother away from them.”

“It isn’t you we want, fuck head. It’s her. Now…” The muzzle of the rifle is jammed into the back of his head. “...just lie there and shut the fuck up. Less you fight, the easier this will be.”

The door of the cabin bangs open; light from inside flooding the deck and the driveway. A quietly sobbing Esme with the comforter from the bed wrapped around her and a fresh and still bleeding gash at the top of her brow below the hairline; a masked assailant with his hand tightly gripping the nape of her neck and forcing her to cooperate. And it isn’t until she sees him -prone and restrained with a gun pointed at his head- that her fight or flight kicks in one again; calling his name and then directing a swift elbow into her captor’s stomach. It’s enough for her to wriggling away from her captor; throwing off the blanket and rushing across the deck and down the steps in a desperate attempt to get to him. Screaming when one of the remaining men manages to chase her down and wrap both arms around her much smaller body, effortlessly lifting her off the ground and beginning his journey to the end of the long, winding driveway. But she doesn’t go easily; kicking and flailing with all the strength that tiny body possesses.

“What did you do to him?!” Her wails echo in the dead of night. “What the fuck did you do?! Don’t hurt him! Please don’t hurt him! Please! Tyler!!!”

“It’s okay,” he attempts to assure her. “You’re going to be okay. Just try and stay calm. You stay calm, they won’t hurt you.”

“Please,” she begs. “Please don’t do anything to him. Please don’t hurt him. Please don’t kill him. PLEASE! Tyler! I love you! I love you so much!”

“It’s going to be alright, Me. I love you. I’ll find you. I promise. Just do what they say, alright? Just try and stay calm. Just try and…” His words are cut off; finding himself tossed over onto his back; a boot against his chest and the muzzle of the rifle pressed into his forehead. “If you don’t kill me, I WILL find her. But not before I kill every last one of you. Every…last…one.”

The other man’s finger hesitates on the trigger.

“I will find her,” Tyler promises. “And I will kill you. With my bare fucking hands. So you either pull that trigger and stop me now. ‘Cause you won’t be able to once I track your ass down. I’ll bury you. You and your entire fucking family!”

Smirking, the captor re-adjusts his grip on his rifle. Then brings the butt end down onto the left side of Tyler’s head.

The entire world goes black.

[moonlighting-stellarts]

Got an idea for a Blue Angels thing: Ian messes up a growth spell and accidentally shrinks the Angels, the little Angels run around getting into mischief while Ian and Barley try to stop them

@bluezey​ Forgive me for making you wait to answer your question for so long, due to issues that crossed my life but I'm happy when you came up with that idea!

☆ﾟ. * ･ ｡ﾟ,The Blue Angels☆ﾟ. * ･ ｡ﾟ, *:・ﾟ✧❤️Some Stories To Tell❤️*:・ﾟ✧

Story-Title: A Miniature Adventure!

Ian and Barley were looking everywhere for Han, Zan, Lan, Yan all over the house, under every object and avoiding accidentally stepping on them.while with our little friends They were in the kitchen looking at how amazing it was,but Lan was trying to find ian to enlarge them and go back to their normal size, Han, Yan, Zan didn't want to revert to their normal sizes.

They wanted to explore and have fun and they separated to climb objects and jump on them,Landore he decided to correct them so they do not separate.

Lan: Guys don't break up the objects

let's go find ian, stop having fun you handore!

Han: No Landore I prefer to explore and have fun with Zan and Yan!

Zan: Come on, leader, have a little fun and we just want to have fun!

Yan: Yes, how bad can it be?, Despite being tiny-

Yandore could not finish what he was saying, as he felt a few steps making everyone jump, it was like a tremor,the boys saw Blazey approaching and Blazey saw small figures and was getting closer and faster,until Blazey stopped was in front Lan with the others,then Blazey starts giving Landore a big lick, but instead of that lick Landore had gotten into his mouth.

Han: Oh no ..... BLAZEY TAKES LANDORE OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! *I jump on blazey's mouth*

Zan: Wow, that was unexpected

*Inside blazey's mouth*

Lan: HELP GET ME OUT OF HERE! I DON'T DESERVE TO BE BLAZEY'S FOOD, I HAVE A LIFE AHEAD!*Screaming and paranoic*

Han: Blazey take landore out of your mouth is an order!

Lan: IF YOU GET ME OUT OF HERE, BESIDES I HAVE A FIRE PRESENT WITH MY MOUTH, I'LL BE A GRILLED ELF!

Lan: I WANT TO GET OUT OF HERE, BESIDES I FEEL THAT BLAZEY WILL SPIT FIRE ON ME, I'LL BE A GRILLED ELF!

Blazey spits landore together handore with blazey's saliva, then Zan and Yan e blazey approach the two of them The others were disgusted by the saliva but it's okay.

Han: Believe it or not, but at least Ian is fine, isn't he bro? Umm ... Landore are you okay?

Actually Landore had a traumatized face (From the saliva and feared for being eaten by blazey),but he will already pass during the 24 hours.

Han: Him seems to be traumatized and his face describes that they are screaming and his face full of saliva, her hands don't move, we better ride in blazey!

The boys mounted to Blazey until his destination: the bathroom but there was going to happen something unexpected ....

Han: At last we arrive

Zan: I love how the bathroom looks like that if we open the sprinkler to have fun!

Yan: Great idea!, That would be a real adventure!

The boys along with Blazey climbed onto the tub of bathing and handore asked Blazey to open the shower, then the sprinkler was opened by falling large drops of large water, the others were amazed by the wonder of the sprinkler.

* While with Ian and Barley *

Ian: I think we were not lucky to find them

Barley: Calm in some way have fun, if Blazey is with them

It was there where Ian I hear the bath sprinkler away It sounded (Ian is all heard) Ian I thought if someone opened it, or just that person simply if someone bathed.

Barley: Hey, what's wrong? *Looking at it*

Ian: Hey, do you think someone is bathing?

Barley: I do not believe, but for some reason it would be ...

Both brothers put their hands on my chin, thinking until suddenly it made them think of something else.

Barley, Ian: Oh no ..... that's bad!

Both were running towards the bathroom Handore hear someone approaching and was Ian and barley.

Ian: Blazey!?

Blazey jumps on Ian, dropping the others towards the bathtub Ian took off blazey from above and barley approaches the bathtub, trying to look for the others until a tiny hand came out of the water moving, in that they han come out of water to breathe.

Barley: Handore we found you!

ian: Are the others okay ?!

Han: No time to talk we have to rescue Landore! His leg was caught by the chain covering the hole in the bathtub!

ian put his hand and there under the water, zan and yan tried to remove Lan, in that ian took out the cover of the bathtub together with zan and yan, then the hole absorbed the water with a swirl of Water.

Han: AHHH Help me! * In the whirlpool of water *

Barley:I have you Han !!* Grabs quickly from the water *

ian:Ok I think you guys caused us little problems *closing the shower head*

Barley: and my only question you will have to answer: Why does Landore have such a face

Han, zan, yan: Long story

ian: ok and now we will go back to normal size

Han, Zan, Yan: Ok okay

The others come out of the bathroom, later Then ian uses his spell so that the boys return to their normal size, also landore still had a traumatized face and they decided to put him on the sofa and covered his face with a sheet.

ian: Hey, what happens if you don't react?

Han: Who knows, sometimes it always happens but during the 24 hours, Landore will react again and forget what happened ...

Yan: Hey, someone wants to draw Ian's face while he's in shock * pulling out two black markers *

Han: Okay okay

So han, zan made drawings in Lan's face, while ian, zan decided that they decided to do their personal stuff, but barley joined han and zan for fun, apparently Lan will have rage and anger when he realizes who I drew him face.

THE END

Moon:I know it was short for lack of inspiration but Thank you @bluezey for this idea you gave me! Maybe if you have more ideas for the blue angels, don't hesitate to ask!

[songsjapaneseblog]

B#4

Blog Entry 4 - Chapter 4: Curiosities and Symbols

Japan’s Bathing Culture and the Symbol of Big Ears

Bathing Culture

There are three big mains of the Japanese bathing culture.  There’s the ofuro, the sento and the onsen.  The ofuro literally translates to bath, its the one that you can imagine within your house.  Commonly it’s a nightly ritual done before bed to help relax the body before sleep, and it can be joined with children family members.  It is an important aspect to family communication.

Sento is a public bath that originated in the Edo period.  It was mainly built to allow people without baths a place to clean themselves, but eventually became a place for communication.  The biggest surprise to Westerners is probably the fact that people will be completely naked, sharing the same communal water.  It’s much cleaner than one would think, as it is expected that on goers will bathe themselves clean before entering and the sexes are separated.  The removal of the clothes also has a significance, in which it indicates everyone present is equal and is important to the social aspect.

An onsen is very similar to sento, with the same concepts and procedures, but the water comes from the mountain that are warmed by the many volcanic areas of Japan.  It is usually more grandiose than sento and known to have beneficial natural minerals.  People may travel to an onsen and stay overnight at a ryokan to enjoy themselves.

I even did a video project on some of the steps and rules of an sento or an onsen:

The Symbol of Larger Ears

...but in Japan having huge ears is a symbol of good luck and money. Popular belief says that those who have big ears, especially ears with long lobes, will be lucky in life and have plenty of money.

Before Siddhartha, or known as Buddha, went through his enlightenment, he was born to a royal family, who indulged him with anything he would always wanted.  He had earrings made of expensive metals and jewels which weighed down his ears.  They eventually pulled down and made his ear permanently elongated, even when he rid of them when seeking enlightenment.  It was believed that his larger ears allowed him to hear and be aware of the suffering in the world, which allowed him to respond back with compassion.  Perhaps, referencing back to Siddhartha’s journey as a prince, and as Buddha, Japanese believe that larger ears allow the individual to hear the gods’ advice better.  Thus allowing them a more successful life, in luck and wealth.

Analysis: 

Baths are not even as common, and seem to be something done once in a while.  Most of the time people opt to just use the shower.  But generally when people do choose to take baths, they are used to relax with either some kind of salt, bubble bath, or other cosmetic item.  Also, there really isn’t any public baths that I have seen, unless it’s the outdoor baths to wash yourself off at the beach. The closest you may have people in a shared warm pool is a hot tub, in their bathing suits.  From my experience, people don’t really talk to others (unless they brought a friend with them) in hot pools.  Everyone stays to themselves at a secluded area and just relax.  Not only that, most people do not wash themselves before going into them, and will most likely need to bathe after leaving.  The closest I’ve heard of a concept to Japanese baths in the West are Ancient Rome’s communal baths, but that was a very long time ago...

Like what Garcia has commented, in the West, having big ears aren’t something desirable.  Some people may tease others due to it, but what I’d like to do is compare this to my culture.  Exactly to how the Japanese believe that bigger lobes bring luck and money, the Vietnamese believe in it as well.  Parents will massage or pinch children ear lobes with some subconscious belief that it will enlarge them.  It’s a compliment if one has bigger ear lobes and there’s lots of great expectation coming from them.  Very interesting to see this in-common belief!

All direct quotes are from:  Garcia, Hector. Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony (Geek In...guides) . Tuttle Publishing. Kindle Edition.

(Picture of Sento)

(Picture of Buddha)

[royalexpertmercury-blog]

Royal Expert Mercury Great Advice For Taking Care Of Your Skin

Royal Expert Mercury Proficient tips provider.  Proper skin care requires knowledge. Acne breakouts, dryness and sun damage are a few of the many skin conditions you can experience. As your skin is constantly being renewed, you have ample opportunity to find a skin care routine that works for you. Continue reading to learn advice on how to enjoy beautiful and healthy skin.

Always use a moisturizing cream or body lotion. Doing so will prevent many of the skin conditions caused by dry skin such as, itchiness, redness, peeling, and acne. Make sure that it is hypoallergenic as well as of the non-greasy type. This simple tip will make your life a lot easier as well as help to keep you looking fabulous.

Skin care is important and this is a fact that most people realized at an early age.

The best routine for most is to use a mild soap and lukewarm water combination twice a day and a clean face rag. Astringents and medication should only be used by those who require them due to acne or other skin problems.

Using a daily moisturizer with an SPF is necessary for everyone. Sun damage makes one's skin age faster than it should, but it is easily avoidable. Using a daily SPF moisturizer solves problems before they start.

For a therapeutic, moisturizing treatment for dry and sensitive skin, look for bath products with rice milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Milk has soothing and softening properties and will not clog pores or leave residue on the skin. Limit your soak to twenty minutes, however; any longer and you risk dehydrating the skin.

Royal Expert Mercury Expert tips provider.  To keep the skin on your hands looking young, exfoliating is a good option. By exfoliating the thin skin on the hands at least once a week to remove the top, dead layer of skin, this uncovers smooth, new skin which then retains moisturizers better to keep hands looking and feeling great.

If you suffer from enlarged pores and excessively oily skin, consider cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink. Research by dermatologists has shown that alcohol consumption in excess of about one drink a day has been linked to increased oil production and larger pores. Excessive alcohol consumption has other health effects as well, so it's better to be safe and limit your drinking.

To give your skin a more youthful appearance, you should use products containing Vitamin A. Vitamin A has been clinically proven to help age spots fade and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While Vitamin A becomes less effective when exposed to sunlight, you can see rapid results if you use it at night.

It is important to make sure you get enough Vitamin E, which can be found in many food sources like avocados, in order to make sure your skin stays soft and pliable. If you do not get enough, your skin may crack and be vulnerable to infection and other damage.

To ensure vibrant and smooth skin, make sure you expose it to the sun for a little every day (after applying sun tan lotion, of course). Sunlight has Vitamin D and other nutrients that soak into your skin and help maintain healthy complexion. A little bit of exposure to the sun each day will do your skin a world of good.

Who doesn't want to have soft and glowing skin? If you want to stay looking young, healthy, and radient, make sure that you always wear sunscreen! Many face creams now include sunscreen in their formulas, and at just a few bucks a bottle, it's much cheaper than any procedure done at a dermatologist!

Royal Expert Mercury Proficient tips provider.  To help prevent sagging of the delicate skin under the eyes, always pat your face dry instead of rubbing with your towel. Because the skin under your eyes is thinner, vigorous rubbing more easily damages it. A gentle pat should also be used to apply eye cream after cleansing and patting dry.

Eczema, acne and dry skin are conditions that can all benefit from an increased intake of essential fatty acids. Foods like cold water fish are great for your complexion, and of course, for your body in general. Try making salad dressing with flax seed oil or walnut oil to add a delicious and beneficial change to your diet, and a healthy tone to skin.

Wash your pillowcase regularly. While you sleep, oil is being produced on your face. This build-up of oil and bacteria can be left on your pillowcase and re-contanimate your skin the next night. To help prevent future breakouts, wash your pillowcase at least twice a week. If you have sensitive skin, use a mild, non-irritating laundry detergent.

Jasmine extract is a wonderful product to help rejuvenate your skin. This little known soothing, deep conditioning oil contains many antioxidants that clarify the skin and help it look its best. Dermatologists will often recommend that their patients use jasmine.

An important tip to consider when concerning acne is to be sure that you drink enough water. This is important because it is a healthy way to keep your skin from drying out. If you do not have enough water in your body to keep your skin moist then your body will produce more oil, increasing your chances of acne.

The skin on your hands can take a beating during the winter, so be sure to take good care of your hands. Cold, dry air can quickly suck the moisture from your hands which can cause them to itch and crack. Keep them well moisturized and wear cotton gloves when you go outside.

While a long, hot bath or shower may be very tempting when you've just come in from a cold winter's day, avoid the temptation to soak in the tub or stand under the shower for ages. Too much hot water will dry out your skin and lead to more damage.

Royal Expert Mercury Qualified tips provider.  When you follow the tips we have shared, you will have far more attractive and healthier skin. You need to keep in mind that it is always possible to improve the look of your skin. Follow some of the advice we provided in this article, and you will be amazed at the results.

[ultra-bathroom-remodel-blog]

Can You Fear a Bathroom Remodel?

So You Want to Remodel Your Bathroom

An Growing number of individuals realize they can redesign their bathrooms to produce the ideal location in which they can relax, refresh, and refresh or possess a romantic moment. A toilet redo may be a cheap and enjoyable way to liven up your whole residence. Thus, what you want are a few hints for remodeling your bathroom.

When you Opt to Start a toilet Remodeling job, it's fastest to arrange your goals before looking for substances. Pick what things that you would like to substitute, add, or remove in the tub area. Look at refinishing existing things like tub, shower, sinks and bathroom, or repainting the tiles or bathtub and shower enclosure to provide a fresh look to your toilet even with only a tiny investment. The toilet is one of the most used regions of the home, and that means you wish to make confident you get it remodeled in such a manner it will endure for quite a while. Remodeling is very exciting as it means you're becoming to make the ambience you've always desired in among your favourite areas: the toilet.

Why Remodel If You Can Decorate?

Maybe You'd love to update the toilet, but in precisely the exact same time you'd like to keep things simple. When it's time for a bathroom makeover, then count yourself blessed once you find the amount of wonderful present decorating ideas for your bathroom now. There's a massive amount you can do with easy cosmetic treatments that prevent a complete remodel.

If You get a little bathroom, bathroom remodeling Denver thoughts should revolve round freeing the area of clutter and making better utilization of the space. Utilizing shelves, taller cabinets, along with other organizational things can assist the room look bigger because everything has a place and there's nothing to crowd the distance. You will find any number of cupboards available to fit over the bathroom or together empty walls to make the most of the open area, or cupboards could be hung on the wall to free up floor space.

Irrespective of the dimensions of your toilet, it Is crucial that you sort the present things in the restroom and select which items you would like to maintain and which things are now able to retire. Clearing out insignificant clutter out of the toilet can help you decorate the space easily and fit things for your new theme. Do not be afraid to be daring and exciting - create your bathroom a fun spot to see!

Another Decorating idea for a toilet would be to redo the ceramic sink and the bathtub. These have a tendency to have a good deal of abuse throughout time, and using a new therapy, they'll seem fresh. It is a whole lot cheaper than putting in new fittings, and in fact it will make your bathroom seem great.

A Frequent bathroom decorating idea for most folks on a budget will be Adding or replacing lighting fixtures. While picking a lighting might look to be an intimidating job, take note that when you've picked the ideal lighting to improve your bathroom's motif, it may make a dramatic change to the general feel of this space. Obviously, also consider new paint, tile or wall paper to freshen up the area.

Observing the new Bathroom decorating styles while preserving individual taste and design can be accomplished with just a small research and fantastic creativity. Building on these ideas is guaranteed to help anyone make the bathroom of their dreams. Home decorating magazines are often very useful, since in the event that you see decorating substances which you enjoy, there's frequently a section that reveals ways to get them. They're also great at letting you observe the way the materials you are considering match along with different colours in the room.

But I Need to Remodel

Should you find that Redecorating just will not do, and you need to redesign, within your preparation process produce a bathroom remodeling test list that will assist you ascertain how much of the update you are able to spend. Ensure to understand precisely where your fixtures will proceed when designing your renovation job, as you want the pipes there to adapt them. Unless you can move the positioning of your fittings, your sink, bathtub, and toilet will be exactly where you've got them at this time. Typically, the positioning of your fittings will be a tough limit, so plan accordingly.

Based upon how big your toilet and your Budget, there are a couple bathroom remodeling hints that will the job go smoother, in addition to make life following the job simpler. To get large-budgeted bathroom remodeling jobs, you are able to go beyond your fantasy bathroom by enlarging the region and separating the bathroom from the tub area. You may also add spa therapies, bathtubs, water heaters as well as other more expensive toilet add-ons.

If You've Got a more modest Budget, among the main things is to be certain the shower area is readily accessible. By way of instance, some showers call for a individual to step up so as to join the shower, while some others are only walk-in showers. Whichever type of shower you pick, it's very important to be aware it might need to be installed as a way to stop leaks. Another way of controlling bathroom remodeling prices might be rather than replacing your bathtub and the wall tiles, so you can start looking to a bathtub and wall mounted unit that fits into an present bathtub and wall. By utilizing this technique and to get a couple of hundred bucks the area can seem as though it's brand new. The alternate is substituting everything, which might run into the tens of thousands.

When you select where smaller fittings go in The bathroom remodeling layout, consider function above form. For things such As the towel rack or perhaps the toilet paper roll, remember that they Should go in areas which are practical, The towel rack may seem nice From the doorway, but when it is from arm's reach of the tub, then you Will not be pleased whenever you escape the shower, for instance. With all Matters in bathroom remodeling layout, should you design with a watch for Common sense and distance, you'll be prosperous in your endeavor to make A room that is both fashionable and practical.

[japvnesedenim-blog]

A Simple Key For strawberry face mask Unveiled

Rub Carefully around puffy places right up until the shells are now not chilly. Do this each morning, prior to deciding to’ve completed the rest to your skin, to acquire down underneath-eye bloat which could have amassed right away. Honey's intense antibacterial motion can cure present acne and prevent any more unwelcome pimples. Lemon acid don't just helps exfoliate your skin, but can limit the appearance of dim places, way too. Gently massage the mixture on to your face and depart on for around fifteen-twenty minutes, then rinse off. Spread it evenly on your own face and neck and loosen up for twenty minutes. Gently rub the mixture although washing it off with water. This aids in removing the lifeless pores and skin and brightens the complexion. If there’s any mask still left about after you clean your face with it, include a certain amount of drinking water to it and use it as a scrub for your backs within your arms and any other entire body component that would do with some smoothing. All the data & content material offered on the website is intended to become for informational purposes only, and never a substitute for Specialist or professional medical guidance. You need to always talk to your health practitioner prior to deciding to comply with something that you Continue reading this Internet site. Although some do-it-yourself face masks and scrubs do the job ideal on oily, dry or delicate skin, I've pulled collectively a list of nine awesome masks and eight scrubs that Focus on all pores and skin kinds. These recipes are great for get-togethers and for groups because they Focus on all sorts of skin. Mash or puree the avocado until it’s sleek and creamy, after which blend in the rest of the substances. https://www.facebook.com/steptoremedies/ towards your face, keeping away from your eyes, and go away it on for 10-15 minutes. Wipe your skin clean up by using a moist, heat cloth, or rinse your face with warm water inside the shower. Keep reading to find a remedy to your skincare requires, and pin along with SELF on Pinterest for other outstanding Suggestions. Use this all over your face and go away it to act for twenty minutes, after that rinse off your face with warm drinking water, pat dry and apply moisturizer. Use this mask number of time each week and the outcome will amaze you. “ https://www.pinterest.com/healthhomeremedies/steptoremedies/ have revealed that honey is a powerful broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. It’s received a lot oomph that it may even end the ‘superbug’ MRSA from increasing. Handmade honey face masks are straightforward to make. Honey is probably nature's most nutritious food items, made up of nutrients and enzymes not even discovered by scientists these days. Honey is usually revered as being a fountain of youth and sweetness - let us find out how to use it For making use of honey on acne & pimples: Utilize Uncooked honey over the acne - inclined places. Depart it for fifteen – 20 minutes and rinse it off with tap water. Reverses age: Continue to keep a jar all around and dab the honey on acne, burns or insignificant cuts. And if you’re emotion sick, take a spoonful or two.

The Single Best Strategy To Use For honey face mask

Combine one tablespoon of fast coffee powder and sufficient freshly squeezed lemon juice for making a thick paste. When you've got below-eye circles, combine in a handful of drops of olive oil and use it on the realm to note the revitalizing effect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCVdhwzejis may additionally have an interest in: How to apply a Face Mask Correctly Actions to adhere to: Puree the strawberries in a foodstuff processor, or mash with fork right before use. Be sure to usually do not use flavoured yogurt – utilize the plain one! In case your yogurt is chilly, enable it to reach space temperature first. Making use of honey masks for acne remedy can be a very fashionable property treatment and If you're serious about treating your acne in a very all-natural, harmless way or if Your whole body isn't going to reply very well to absorbing medicines made of severe chemical compounds, then honey masks are the ideal option for you. This is a wonderful mask for men, as it may possibly soothe the two razor burn, and over-weathered winter skin. The yogurt functions as a moisturizer, while the cucumber lessens redness and gives humidity to dry, delicate skin. In case you have extremely delicate skin, you might want to attempt replacing the cinnamon powder with turmeric. You have to just take special treatment of your skin throughout the summertime to guard it from the detrimental warmth and sun publicity. Just a few minutes outside can advert... This superfood contains lactic acid a powerful nutrient that smoothens out rough skin, moisturizes skin and nourishes dry withered pores and skin. The zinc located in yogurt is helpful in that it soothes inflammations a result of acne, thus producing them significantly less visible. Software: Implement just one layer of the combination on your own complete face and down onto your throat. Look ahead to a couple of minutes until eventually it dries. Then, utilize a 2nd layer and retain implementing until eventually you may have applied the whole batch. Include the water to your oatmeal and stir for a few minutes until finally it’s plumped up nicely. Incorporate the honey and yogurt, and put via a blender to easy and Merge it rather well. Slather this throughout your face, depart on for ten minutes or so, and afterwards clean with warm water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPlOEudlCv0 . Guantee that the combination experienced no lumps, thoroughly clean the skin and use the mask, clean off immediately after 15 minutes. skin mask eliminating any puffiness on your own face caused by the existence of toxins. Mix all the above substances in a little mixing bowl. Utilizing clean finger strategies, implement a thick coat of your mixture onto your face. increase yeast on the citrus, blend and utilize in your face, keep the mask for 25 minutes and after that rinse with amazing h2o.

How diy face mask can Save You Time, Stress, and Money.

•  https://twitter.com/steptoremedies/status/1087109036632391680 , smoothen, and brighten your skin by applying a mix of orange juice and coconut oil for about ten minutes after which you can rinse it off with lukewarm h2o.   Papaya is full of antioxidants, and its enzymes aid to slough absent old, dry skin cells to get a glowing, nutritious complexion. Jasmin Fiore of The Deva Life swears by papaya masks as Element of her therapeutic regimen, and sings the praises of the rejuvenating surprise-fruit. Applying heat h2o, rinse off, tackling the sides of your respective face and beneath your chin Primarily. Splash your face with chilly h2o to shut pores. Pat dry that has a clean towel. Increase some drops of lemon juice, and implement over the face until finally it really is dry. You could convey to if It is dry When you've got problem smiling. https://en.search.wordpress.com/?src=organic&q=beauty+tips and tone the skin, increase blood circulation in cells, normalize metabolic processes; Egg White Face Masks—Egg whites are recognized for their capacity to tone massive pores and cut down extra sebum, making them great for those with naturally oily pores and skin. Make an egg white face mask. Egg whites can tighten pores, supplying you with A short lived face lift, as lemon has vitamin C that may clear away blackheads and also other blemishes. Conquer a person egg white with a fork right until It is really frothy. All info is furnished on an as-is foundation. The information, points or viewpoints showing within the post usually do not mirror the views of NDTV and NDTV isn't going to presume any duty or liability for the same. This content is accurate and true to the most beneficial with the writer’s awareness and isn't meant to substitute for official and individualized guidance from an experienced Skilled. If you are drained to kind out a single following the other beauty to locate the best choice for the skin, explore the magical effect on the skin with yeast face mask, which is very easy to arrange at your house with their own personal palms. for oily pores and skin: no other beauty item is able so helps make slim enlarged pores and do away with as soon as possible harmful shine in the face; Honey works effectively for tightening our pores and skin and is an efficient moisturizer. I go through all your articles and find them really beneficial. That you are these a great author and also you give us an in-depth information regarding almost everything you create. Sit for fifteen minutes while you Permit the mask do its function. You need to use this time to soak in a tub or get lunch Completely ready. If the time is up, gently scrub off the mask utilizing warm drinking water. When it’s all off, splash chilly drinking water on to your face to close your pores. Pat dry by using a towel. How it works: Spirulina has antibacterial Attributes, helping to keep the pores distinct and tight. As well as, it can be loaded with additional antioxidants than blueberries, which implies that it may be effective at lessening the results of sun hurt and cutting down the appearance of fine traces and wrinkles, claims Fusco.

via steptoremedies.com of honey face mask

Before you decide to place a mask on your own face, firstclean pores and skin tonic, and better yet - make effortless peeling, including scrub. The pores and skin just after this treatment are going to be good to soak up nutrients from cooked mask you. Awesome publish! i love an excellent diy, would you be capable of go into depth as to why this stuff do the issues they do Green tea and honey get the job done anti-inflammatory magic on pores and skin redness and inflammation. This calming combo is Mild enough for delicate pores and skin (do a patch check should you’re apprehensive). Both equally ingredients are potent antioxidants to combat totally free radicals and restore skin harm. Pretty uncommon scenarios wherever somebody has been idiosyncrasy of the product. Any yeast face mask has by far the most constructive evaluations. If you need to ensure that the yeast mask will never lead to hurt to the skin, utilize a little level of diluted yeast in heat drinking water while in the wrist and rinse after ten minutes if there is no reaction, you may securely continue to the recipes. We might use conversion monitoring pixels from advertising networks including Google AdWords, Bing Advertisements, and Facebook in an effort to establish when an ad has successfully resulted in the desired motion, like signing up for the HubPages Services or publishing an write-up on the HubPages Service. Why squander revenue on highly-priced creams when you can handle yourself into a relaxing homemade face mask with whole-egg mayonnaise from your possess refrigerator? Gently distribute the mayonnaise around your face and leave it on for approximately 20 minutes. General strawberries lighten your skin color and give you a vibrant blemish free of charge and balanced skin. As a result, strawberries are combined with other all-natural substances to carry extremely effective face masks which support in skin brightening and lightening. Talked about beneath at steptoremedies.com are some these kinds of face masks with strawberries. Wash the orange peel in h2o and after that place it in a very location in which it might soak up a great deal of sunshine. After the peels dry, crush them using a mortar and pestle right into a fine powder. You may use this powder for all of the for recipes shown underneath regarding how to use orange peel in face masks: Add the drinking water towards your oatmeal and stir for a few minutes right up until it’s plumped up properly. Incorporate the honey and yogurt, and set via a blender to smooth and Incorporate it rather well. Slather this throughout your face, depart on for ten minutes or so, after which wash with heat drinking water. Pat dry. Turmeric masks are generally accustomed to even out skin tone and minimize the looks of dim spots or scars. Honey provides a slight bleaching effect while lemon juice and yogurt gently exfoliate to eliminate lifeless skin and stimulate new mobile advancement. Now that you've got your orange peel powder, here are a few face mask recipes that will enable you to enjoy their Gains: When you create a yeast face mask particularly towards the prescription and take note of all the recommendation on its preparation, it is going to convert your skin right into a actual velvet and do away with a lot of the problems. You may use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in on your Hubpages account. No knowledge is shared with Facebook Except if you interact with this particular feature. (Privacy Coverage) Enable it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse your face with cold drinking water and pat dry with a thoroughly clean towel. The skin will experience surprisingly gentle and glimpse thoroughly clean and moisturised. Should your face is somewhat dry following the mask, specifically in acne parts, simply just use a fall of olive oil to be a purely natural moisturizer.

coffee face mask Things To Know Before You Buy

Skin exfoliation mask, the yogurt will help get rid of lifeless pores and skin, lighten and brighten skin, receives rid of darkish spots and Pretty much helps prevent ageing. The Houses of yogurt are many and when Employed in this combination, it’s sure to provide you with Added benefits a lot better than a readymade mask. First off, mix the elements effectively until you've got a uniform and smooth paste that will persist with the face without the need of running off. Warning: Lots of people are allergic to cinnamon and it may possibly from time to time generate irritation in people with an unusually sensitive pores and skin. For that reason, this mask really should be utilised immediately after tests somewhere other than to the face. The views expressed inside of this article are the private thoughts on the writer. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/722616702689548197 is not really to blame for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this short article. This is an additional very good treatment for acne. This variation can be completely produced from purely natural and edible ingredients. One more pleasant update: Whenever you include honey to this mixture, it does not dry rigid in any respect. I did not be expecting that but it surely's wonderful! Honey has antibacterial and soothing Homes, And that i used Manuka honey and that is noted for possessing the highest antibacterial Attributes. I'm sure it is possible to mix a couple of other factors in it also. Retain a jar around and dab the honey on acne, burns or insignificant cuts. And if you’re emotion Unwell, have a spoonful or two. https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Skin-Care nourishes your skin and aids in holding it supple and comfortable. This face mask aids in supplying pores and skin with one particular lighter pores and skin tone. Selfmade face masks are stuffed with character's restorative goodness, in the shape of your nutrients, minerals, acids, and oils spelled out inside the tables previously mentioned, with no in the chemicals that retail outlet-bought masks have to have for an prolonged shelf lifestyle. Unfold the orange peels in a tray and area them in a region that receives an abundance of sunshine. Depart them there until eventually They may be completely dried—this usually takes one particular to 2 times, but can take up to five in cold, cloudy weather. little herbs is one particular organic astringent and will help fade dark spots and acne scars. The alpha hydroxyl acids existing in strawberries will help curb oil production on your skin surface, trying to keep blackheads and pimples absent. Info: When the grains in the apple works for a sort of gentle scrub for cleaning your face, the glycolic acid in it facilitates exfoliation. Prior to deciding to put visit on your face, firstclean pores and skin tonic, and even better - make straightforward peeling, which include scrub. The skin right after this technique might be very good to soak up nutrients from cooked mask you. In that circumstance, quit employing This method and try on the list of other masks. You should consult a practicing aromatherapist in advance of working with any necessary oils.

[akremodelingturnkey]

How Bathrooms Should Be Remodeled as Part of Aging in Place Remodeling in Houston and Sugar Land, TX

Wine tastes better when they age. Old age is much like fine wine. It is something that one relishes. It is not a stop but a new beginning. As more senior adults accept this, a bigger number of them are looking forward to staying in their own house independently. They want to enjoy every bit of their house that they have missed out on while living a busy work life. After they retire, it is time to relish what they have built. Though it might seem to be exciting, there are many senior homeowners for whom it becomes challenging. Age also brings its share of problems, making it difficult for senior homeowners to use specific areas of their house. The bathroom surfaces as one of the problematic areas. Aging in place remodeling in Houston and Sugar Land, TX, can fix the problem. Experienced remodeling contractors know the changes one needs to introduce to the bathroom as part of aging-in-place remodeling. There are many changes that can completely transform the existing bathroom and make it safe and perfect for senior adults to use every day. ​ The place to start with an aging-in-place bathroom remodeling is to change the location of the bathroom itself. If the primary bathroom requires one to take the stairs frequently, then senior homeowners can consider adding a new bathroom downstairs or enlarging a partial bathroom. The next thing should be to change the entrance of the bathroom. Usually, a bathroom door is 32 inches wide. It is recommended to be enlarged to 36 inches so that it is easier for seniors to move around with their assistive devices (if any) like wheelchairs or walkers. The doors need to open outwards so that access is never blocked. The layout of the bathroom has to be considered as well. When remodeling the bathroom according to aging-in-place standards, the bathroom needs maximum movement space. There should be at least 4 to 5 feet of space in front of the toilet for turning a wheelchair if any senior adult is using it.   The next thing to be changed is the floor of the bathroom. A good number of senior adults are reported to have fatal falls in the bathroom. If not life-threatening, many of them experience serious injuries that they must endure for the rest of their lives. So, the slippery floors have to be removed with non-slip tiles that would aid in foot stability. A good grip will ensure fewer falls. Install proper lights: Poor vision is a common problem for senior adults. That is why the bathrooms need to be illuminated adequately. The windows should be expanded to let more natural light pour into the bathroom. Or else, for artificial lights, one needs to use lights that don’t cause a lot of glare and is easy on the eyes. The combination of bathtub and shower needs to be done away with when undertaking aging-in-place bathroom renovation in Katy and Houston, TX. Instead, it is better to go for walk-in tubs with bench seating and handrails. The toilets, too, have to maintain the right height for ease of use for those with limited mobility. The closets, cabinetry, and sinks should also be installed at a height that can be easily accessed sitting in a wheelchair if anyone is bound to it. Wall mounting vanities and sinks make the task easy. Aging in place remodeling for the bathroom has to be done thoughtfully. For this, one needs to get in touch with a contractor with expertise in this area.

[mirandahomes]

Book Your Bathroom Renovation Early to Avoid Last Minute Rushes

If you're considering a bathroom renovation Engadine, you'll want to book your project early. The pandemic has caused a backlog in supplies across many sectors, including construction and plumbing. It's important to plan ahead to secure the materials and schedule for your project. Once you've booked a contractor, you'll want to secure a date for the work. If you wait until the last minute, you'll pay more for materials and be at the back of a long line.

Before you begin, decide what changes you'd like to make to your bathroom. Some of the most obvious changes will alter the layout while adding aesthetic value to your home. For example, you might want to convert a bathtub to a shower. Another good option is moving the toilet to a different location. You might even want to add a bathtub or a skylight. In addition to removing the tub, you may also want to change the door or window, or install new outlets and recess lights.

Lastly, you can change the layout of your bathroom. Some changes affect both aesthetics and functionality. For instance, you can move your toilet or convert a bathtub to a shower. You can also change the window or skylight, or add a new shower. You might also wish to replace an outdated medicine cabinet or drywall. These changes require a large amount of labor and can increase your costs. You may even want to remodel your bathroom to add a second toilet.

There are other changes that affect the layout of your bathroom, such as adding a tub. These changes will have a noticeable effect on its aesthetic appeal and functionality. For example, you may wish to switch your toilet from a sink to a bathtub. For an additional touch of style, you could add a bathtub. Changing the door, windows, or skylights will also make it more attractive and may also add to your budget. In addition, you may choose to replace outdated drywall.

During a bathroom renovation, you will need to hire a contractor or designer to complete the work. You'll also need to take into account labor and materials costs. A bathroom renovation requires many materials and can cost thousands of dollars. If you're planning on refinishing an existing bathroom, consider hiring a professional and keeping costs to a minimum. This will save you money on future repairs. If you're planning to change the layout of a shower, consider enlarging it or removing the toilet.

While you'll need to pay a professional to complete your bathroom renovation, it will add a lot of value to your home. While you can hire someone to do the job, you should be sure to check the prices of different options. The final price can range anywhere from $2,000 to $70,000. However, you must be prepared to do some demolition as well. You will have to remove the old toilet and other fixtures in order to make sure you don't break the bank.

When it comes to budget, a bathroom renovation should include both the visible and hidden parts. Remember that your budget can vary from one store to the next. A new shower will add more value to your home than an outdated shower. Moreover, you'll need to pay for the work, as well as the labor of the new fixtures. You'll also need to pay for the cost of the material and permits. If you're looking to save money on the labor, it's best to hire a contractor or a designer.

A bathroom renovation will also save you money in the long run. Whether you want to update the bathroom's fixtures or add a new shower, it's important to keep a few things in mind. If your bathroom is in bad shape, you may want to consider a complete makeover. Cracked tiles, loose grout, and old fixtures can be a safety hazard. And a leaky shower can cause damage to other areas of your home. A bathroom renovation can save you money in the long run by fixing the problems and avoiding repair costs.

The most common bathroom renovation costs are labor, materials, and disposal of old materials and fixtures. Some remodeling projects require a plumber and an architect. These professionals will charge a fee of $1,000 to $2,000, and will help you decide which options will best fit your budget. In addition, they'll need to take into account any structural requirements and wiring in the new bathroom. If you're considering a bathroom redesign, you can also save money by renovating your existing kitchen.

[mujeeburrehman]

Yes! Renovating During the Pandemic is Possible.

Hear from homeowners who successfully completed a renovation during the pandemic

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Kirsty + David’s renovation

When COVID-19 hit last year, it seemed like the entire country went into shutdown. People started working from home, kids entered remote learning, and businesses had to pivot to figure out how to continue in this mainly virtual world.

Sweeten general contractors adjusted their routine by limiting the number of people on the construction project, wearing masks, using separate entrances so paths didn’t cross, and giving updates via teleconference, among other changes.

Technology was used to keep the process moving forward by conducting virtual site visits on Sweeten’s platform. Homeowners were able to continue to receive estimates, hire their contractor, and get their projects slotted into their calendars.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Here, we look at some of the success stories of homeowners who decided that renovating during the pandemic was worthwhile—and achieved their goals.

Gutting the interior and changing the exterior

For Kirsty and her family, their renovation centered around adding square footage so that they were not “all on top of each other.” This goal would become even more poignant as the country shut down and the family found themselves spending a lot more time together. They worked with a Sweeten contractor to add 400 square feet to their home. This allowed them to enlarge the family room, master bath, and master bedroom.

The city of L.A. allowed residential construction to continue and precautions were followed while completing the renovation. Everyone on-site wore masks and the family moved out. The homeowner said on renovating during the shutdown, “We were limited by the pandemic on the things we could do as a family, so it made sense to turn our attention to something constructive.”

Renovating to work-from-home

Brooklyn homeowner Michele contacted Sweeten before the pandemic hit to look for a contractor to overhaul her bathroom and kitchen. At the time, she had acquired a work-from-home position and found a few aspects that she found frustrating the more time she spent at home. Little did she—or any of us—know that working from home would become a lot of people’s reality practically overnight.

“I had updated my home office to suit the remote role, but experiencing my out-of-date bathroom all day, every day, prompted me to get planning,” said Michele. She worked with her Sweeten contractor to make her “smallish” apartment accommodate her desired luxuries. Among them were a floor-to-ceiling pantry, a dishwasher, and plenty of storage space. Like many, customizing space to meet their daily schedules while at home is now more important than ever.

“We had to wait for the lockdown to lift and for my building to let the crew return, clearly articulating when they would arrive, and wearing masks as require.”

Planning for the future

Sweeten renovator Mickey was looking ahead to retire in the next couple of years and decided it was time to remodel his 1,000-square-foot apartment for his new lifestyle. With the help of his Sweeten contractor, he turned his kitchen into one l he’d admired in other people’s homes. He even included a washer and dryer. A walk-in shower replaced a tub for easier access for limited mobility.

He chose to stay in the apartment during the construction. This proved to be a challenge but one that outweighed the expense of renting a temporary space. Since COVID had shut down his gym, Mickey found alternatives for showering. In the end, it was worth it when he saw the final product!

An NYC urban nest gets the job done

When her family’s NYC studio got handed down to her, Taylor knew the 320-square-foot apartment wouldn’t be her forever home. The first step was overhauling the dark atmosphere and removing the many built-ins. She posted her project to find a contractor who would turn the space into a “light-filled, urban nest with an updated kitchen and bath.” She chose timeless materials and kept permanent fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom neutral. Resale appeal was the goal.

A couple of weeks into the process, New York City shut down. “Our Sweeten contractor was helpful in dealing with all the new health-related laws, as well as our co-op’s rules,” Taylor said. “As the pandemic escalated, only a few workers were allowed on-site, staying distanced; toward the end, it was only one worker at a time.”

Taylor ended up leaving the apartment and quarantining outside of Manhattan. Luckily, she was able to manage the construction from a distance. She discussed design choices over text, email, and FaceTime. “It was stressful, but I love what we ended up with!”

A Chicago bathroom prepped for resale

Sweeten homeowner Krystin was in the middle of updating her home in Chicago with the hopes of selling when the pandemic hit. Her Sweeten contractor remodeled her master bathroom along with the hallway bathroom. They were the areas in the home that needed the most help. Unfortunately, Krystin’s plans to sell the condo are on hold due to the pandemic. However, she’s optimistic that as things return to normal, her two new spaces will be real selling points.

Renovating during a pandemic requires expert help. Get matched with a licensed, experienced Sweeten contractor for free.

—

If you’re looking to renovate underfoot, read about different flooring options and what they cost.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Source link

source https://civilco.construction/yes-renovating-during-the-pandemic-is-possible/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/04/yes-renovating-during-pandemic-is.html

[civilcoconstruction]

Yes! Renovating During the Pandemic is Possible.

Hear from homeowners who successfully completed a renovation during the pandemic

(Above) Sweeten homeowners Kirsty + David’s renovation

When COVID-19 hit last year, it seemed like the entire country went into shutdown. People started working from home, kids entered remote learning, and businesses had to pivot to figure out how to continue in this mainly virtual world.

Sweeten general contractors adjusted their routine by limiting the number of people on the construction project, wearing masks, using separate entrances so paths didn’t cross, and giving updates via teleconference, among other changes.

Technology was used to keep the process moving forward by conducting virtual site visits on Sweeten’s platform. Homeowners were able to continue to receive estimates, hire their contractor, and get their projects slotted into their calendars.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Here, we look at some of the success stories of homeowners who decided that renovating during the pandemic was worthwhile—and achieved their goals.

Gutting the interior and changing the exterior

For Kirsty and her family, their renovation centered around adding square footage so that they were not “all on top of each other.” This goal would become even more poignant as the country shut down and the family found themselves spending a lot more time together. They worked with a Sweeten contractor to add 400 square feet to their home. This allowed them to enlarge the family room, master bath, and master bedroom.

The city of L.A. allowed residential construction to continue and precautions were followed while completing the renovation. Everyone on-site wore masks and the family moved out. The homeowner said on renovating during the shutdown, “We were limited by the pandemic on the things we could do as a family, so it made sense to turn our attention to something constructive.”

Renovating to work-from-home

Brooklyn homeowner Michele contacted Sweeten before the pandemic hit to look for a contractor to overhaul her bathroom and kitchen. At the time, she had acquired a work-from-home position and found a few aspects that she found frustrating the more time she spent at home. Little did she—or any of us—know that working from home would become a lot of people’s reality practically overnight.

“I had updated my home office to suit the remote role, but experiencing my out-of-date bathroom all day, every day, prompted me to get planning,” said Michele. She worked with her Sweeten contractor to make her “smallish” apartment accommodate her desired luxuries. Among them were a floor-to-ceiling pantry, a dishwasher, and plenty of storage space. Like many, customizing space to meet their daily schedules while at home is now more important than ever.

“We had to wait for the lockdown to lift and for my building to let the crew return, clearly articulating when they would arrive, and wearing masks as require.”

Planning for the future

Sweeten renovator Mickey was looking ahead to retire in the next couple of years and decided it was time to remodel his 1,000-square-foot apartment for his new lifestyle. With the help of his Sweeten contractor, he turned his kitchen into one l he’d admired in other people’s homes. He even included a washer and dryer. A walk-in shower replaced a tub for easier access for limited mobility.

He chose to stay in the apartment during the construction. This proved to be a challenge but one that outweighed the expense of renting a temporary space. Since COVID had shut down his gym, Mickey found alternatives for showering. In the end, it was worth it when he saw the final product!

An NYC urban nest gets the job done

When her family’s NYC studio got handed down to her, Taylor knew the 320-square-foot apartment wouldn’t be her forever home. The first step was overhauling the dark atmosphere and removing the many built-ins. She posted her project to find a contractor who would turn the space into a “light-filled, urban nest with an updated kitchen and bath.” She chose timeless materials and kept permanent fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom neutral. Resale appeal was the goal.

A couple of weeks into the process, New York City shut down. “Our Sweeten contractor was helpful in dealing with all the new health-related laws, as well as our co-op’s rules,” Taylor said. “As the pandemic escalated, only a few workers were allowed on-site, staying distanced; toward the end, it was only one worker at a time.”

Taylor ended up leaving the apartment and quarantining outside of Manhattan. Luckily, she was able to manage the construction from a distance. She discussed design choices over text, email, and FaceTime. “It was stressful, but I love what we ended up with!”

A Chicago bathroom prepped for resale

Sweeten homeowner Krystin was in the middle of updating her home in Chicago with the hopes of selling when the pandemic hit. Her Sweeten contractor remodeled her master bathroom along with the hallway bathroom. They were the areas in the home that needed the most help. Unfortunately, Krystin’s plans to sell the condo are on hold due to the pandemic. However, she’s optimistic that as things return to normal, her two new spaces will be real selling points.

Renovating during a pandemic requires expert help. Get matched with a licensed, experienced Sweeten contractor for free.

—

If you’re looking to renovate underfoot, read about different flooring options and what they cost.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Source link

from CIVICLO Construction & Interior https://civilco.construction/yes-renovating-during-the-pandemic-is-possible/

[jamiehueblog]

7 things you need to know if you’re renovating your bathroom

Preparing to launch a new remodeling project for the bathroom? This is your first time going through a redesign of your home? It's a fun chapter in your life and one that's the best way to approach it. To help you understand the perfect balance between your imaginative customization needs and practical design ideas that will help you bind the entire bathroom together, we have compiled our favorite tips and tricks.

All of us want a bathroom that represents our personal style and can provide the comfort we need at the same time. Apart from that, however, it is also important that it has the correct fixtures and facilities that can also provide function and value. Fortunately, you can have it all by careful preparation, selecting the right contractors, and choosing the right design. Here are some of the best tips that could turn your dream of bathroom remodeling into reality.

1. “Draft” your bathroom

You can first speak with someone who will be using the space before you even contact a remodeling company for your bathroom remodel. Try to have a conversation about the fixtures and finishes you are going to use and how much of a budget you're prepared to payout. It's important to have a little extra while you prepare for your budget because you never know if there will be any unforeseen issues that will raise the cost later on.

Some additional budget-planning tips are here: 

Set aside at least 20% of your budget just to cover the unforeseen expenditures and surprise expenses you are likely to face during your remodeling project. 

Work with your family to set the correct cap for your budget and strictly preserve those limits.

As you step forward with the project, this preparation will be very beneficial and go a long way towards keeping with your bathroom renovation plan. You have to realize that the process could take about 30-90 days once you start with the renovation. Try to avoid the idea of changing your plans, no matter how long it would take until financial restrictions or issues arise.

By delaying vendors, buying new products, and moving your end date further and further out, changing your plans will produce more secret expenses. 

If you have a tough time drawing up a plan for your bathroom, talk to a remodeling contractor and ask for their advice. A specialist may also have a vision for your theme, and manage the scheduling for both installers and suppliers.

2. Bathroom floor plans

For those who are not conscious, it is highly recommended to keep the plumbing fixtures of the new bath similar to the current plumbing of the bathroom if you really want to save a decent amount of money on restoration and demolition. 

However, if the remodeler finds obsolete cabling or plumbing, there is a huge chance that this specialist will recommend that you gut out the old pipes and wires, which, in addition to changing the positions, would facilitate the installation of the new ones.

If your budget is small and you need to maintain the same footprint. Don't worry, with the use of some tricks explicitly made for that reason, you can still give the impression that the room is a little bigger. Pedestal sinks, for example, are better known for making space look more spacious, so transparent glass shower doors are more desirable than tub shower curtains, as this will block the light and make it seem more enclosed. Also, as an alternative to a small medicine cabinet mirror, you may also suggest using a large mirror. Doing anything like this might double the space around your area of vanity visually.

3. Led lighting design

While an elegant faucet finish would certainly make a bathroom look elegant, once you consider installing ample and luxurious bathroom lighting, you'll never make a bad choice. Well-designed vanity lighting is likewise capable of removing the shadows on faces. 

A combination of LED recessed lights with wall sconces next to or over the mirror is also a smart idea since you can still mount and use dimmer switches if it is too bright.

Ambient and overhead

Overhead lighting is very necessary for bathrooms. As for ambient choices, the use of sunken track lighting, frosted glass fixtures, or even rice paper can always be considered. Similarly, perimeter lighting is also able to create both soft, ambient glow and usable illumination. Often, it is highly recommended to start using pendant lighting. Something like this makes it possible to disperse light in a direction that gives the illusion of a lovely centerpiece ceiling.

4. Poet Interiors

Have you observed that certain glass panels really do not go all the way to the top of the ceiling of the bathroom? There is a reason for that since a lot of experts agree that it allows more air circulation inside the bathroom to hold frameless glass installations from floor to ceiling. 

For good ventilation in your bathroom, there are some rules that must be observed. It's not just a code, it's safer for your wellbeing, too. Stuff like aerosol sprays would be left without adequate ventilation to stagnate the air. That would make it more and more difficult to use the bathroom over time. The renovation of most bathrooms involves some form of ventilation, either through a centralized system or through window installation. Shower doors, panels, and screens must leave sufficient ventilation space. The steam that builds up and permeates the air during a hot shower to the point where it becomes hard to breathe. You need somewhere for the steam to escape during a shower, and ventilation helps to circulate fresh air into the room. Besides, during an emergency, there should still be enough space for clearance. Custom shower systems provide you with the option to have a glass transom that can be tilted open to release steam and other contaminants into the air in certain instances. Adding a fan to the bathroom increases the airflow capabilities of your bathroom. Based on the size requirements of your bathroom, if you already have a fan built, you may want to add a second one.

5. Enlarge the Space

If your bathroom is on the smaller side, then you have to unleash your imagination to build the space to make it look bigger. Try to use all the space in your bathroom as much as possible. If your goal is to open the room, glass doors for tubs and showers are fine, and the pedestal sinks are ideal because, compared to cabinets, they take less space. For those who need storage, but do not have much room to work with, all cabinets and tower cabinets above the toilets as well as towel racks are fine.

6. Pick Timeless, But Strong Flooring

Bay Vista

A survey by Consumer Reports found that 80% of homeowners prefer durable flooring for bathrooms over trendy flooring for bathrooms. Not that there aren't many choices that are both robust and trendy, but people just want to go for the safest choice when it comes to brass tacks. 

Certainly, porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles look exquisite and appealing to the eyes, and they are also water-resistant options that make them the ideal bathroom flooring tiles.

Nothing is better than baseboard tiles with respect to longevity, and these tiles are often known for adding an elegant finishing touch. 

Tiles for the bathroom are not meant to be fragile. When you walk around your bathroom floors every day, several times a day, you need floors that are beautiful but can also take a beating. Don't compromise your design for anything that doesn't look fine, but because you like the way it looks in your new bathroom, you also shouldn't choose bad stuff.

You don't have to come up with a balance between feature and shape, luckily. Many of the above-mentioned options are both stylish and sturdy enough to be well-suited for bathroom use. Plus, several vinyl manufacturers produce specialized materials that are designed to withstand exposure to moisture and foot traffic. 

7. Design In Mind For the Future

In order to ensure that the value of your property increases over time, it is vital for those who are thinking of putting their home up for sale five years from now, to consider renovating your home for that purpose. On the other hand, it's really important to make sure that the design of your bathroom is something you would really enjoy and suit your style and desires if you're planning to live in your home for a couple of years.

The best balance of comfort, luxury, style, value, and durability needs to be found. This is no easy feat, but you can start putting the pieces together with the aid of a trustworthy contractor with some much remodeling advice to explore what designs and renovating structures can make you and your family happy.

When it comes to the daunting decision-making process for your bathroom remodeling project, you are never alone. To get you started with the fundamentals, you can use free online tools such as our Remodeling 101: A Free Homeowner's Guide. Your bathroom remodel project's brainstorming and the planning process can be enjoyable, but it's difficult to find out what materials and appliances are right for you when you go alone.

[jodybouchard9]

5 Home Upgrades Baby Boomers Love That Are Sure to Add Value

tulcarion/iStock

Baby boomers are the largest generation ever to retire (at around 74 million strong), and they’re continuing to alter just about everything in their wake—not the least of which are the real estate and design worlds.

When it comes to amenities and home upgrades, the members of the “me generation” know exactly what they want for their forever homes, and that matters to home builders and sellers looking to appeal to the widest audience.

“From my experience, baby boomers are at a life stage where they are ready to elevate their lifestyle with their home upgrades,” says Tracy Wick, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist in Novi, MI. That means modern conveniences that focus on comfort and luxury.

To pinpoint the exact home upgrades boomers crave, we spoke to the experts and asked them to break down why these features are desirable and how they can add value.

Open floor plans

Photo by Skyring Architects

Millennials aren’t the only ones who crave unfettered space—boomers also see the value in an open floor plan. An expansive layout can be great for everything from entertaining friends to letting grandkids run loose.

“Baby boomers are giving up formal living spaces and are opting for a versatile and open concept floor plan, a space known as the great room,” says Gena Kirk, KB Home VP of Design in Aliso Viejo, CA. “Two very popular spaces are connected—the kitchen and living areas—and that becomes the hub of the home.”

Mary Kay Buysse, executive director of the National Association of Senior Move Managers in Hinsdale, IL, says the ability to easily move around their home as they age is also a big focus for boomers.

“Baby boomers like the idea of open floor plans, because they’re seeking safety and flexibility. The open floor plan allows for older individuals to customize their spaces as they age in place,” she says.

A renovated kitchen

Whether they’re buying a new home or renovating their own, many boomers love the idea of entertaining in the kitchen surrounded by friends and loved ones. “As more baby boomers choose to age in place, function continues to be an important factor in the design of the home, and the kitchen is definitely an area they are focused on,” says Kirk.

They have a preference for open kitchen layouts, larger windows, and upgraded countertops made of natural stone or quartz.

Kirk says boomers are seeking a well-designed home that matches their lifestyle and that incorporates features like lower cabinets, hands-free faucets, and pull-out pantries for storage.

Bathrooms like spas

Photo by Cabinet Concepts by Design

You reach a certain point in life when you just want to slow down, relax, and have a “Calgon, Take Me Away” moment in your bathroom. “Baby boomers want their bathroom to be a sanctuary, where they can unwind at the end of a long day,” says Kirk.

Wick says bathrooms are one of the top features she sees boomers upgrading. Free-standing tubs, smart toilets with integrated bidets, enlarged showers with built-in seats, rain pan showerheads, and steam showers are all hot bathroom upgrades they choose.

Other popular features include remote options to fill the tub and adjust water temperature, mood lighting on vanities, or statement lighting fixtures like chandeliers.

“Some boomers are removing the bathtub in their master bath altogether, to have a more expansive—and accessible—feel in their bathroom,” says Buysse.

Smart tech at your fingertips

As people age, tech upgrades can actually make it easier to live independently. Smart amenities like security systems, heat and air conditioning, motion sensor light switches and faucets, and even built-in pet feeding systems are popular among boomers.

“Technology dominates every aspect of our lives, regardless of age,” says Buysse. “Some boomers are installing technology devices and services, or creating a smart home now, to possibly eliminate the need and cost for in-home care in the future.”

Kirk says her baby boomer clients are most interested in smart security systems such as Nest, to ensure their home is protected.

Outdoor rooms

Photo by Highmark Builders

Boomers relish the great outdoors—especially in their own backyard. “They truly enjoy natural settings, and they seek to entertain, cook, relax, and play in their finished outdoor spaces, whether it’s a patio, deck, lanai, courtyard, or porch,” says Buysse.

She says most older home buyers are looking for an outdoor space that expands their overall living area, something that functions like an interior space or “outdoor room.”

This can include an outdoor grilling area, comfortable seating, and low-maintenance landscaping.

“Baby boomers are opting to improve their outdoor living and entertaining spaces so they can better connect with their friends and family,” says Wick. “Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and fireplaces are all features they are choosing to make an outdoor room a venue for gatherings.”

The post 5 Home Upgrades Baby Boomers Love That Are Sure to Add Value appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

[whatiwore]

Farmhouse Bathroom Update

We’ve official owned our little farmhouse in the country for an entire month!  We love living out here and we’ve had a lot of fun making updates to the property. We’ve dug over 1000 square feet of gardens, removed an entire 1970s addition to the house (a sunroom that will now be a patio) and have freshened up two rooms in the house. Today I’m excited to show you photos of my “new” bathroom.

We started off with a nice raw space. It had been enlarged, retiled, and drywalled by the second owner and outfitted with a new vanity and storage area. I kept almost all of the hardware and fixtures, like toilet, tub and surround, hooks and faucets too. Are you scratching your head and wondering what the heck I actually changed? Ok! It’s time for some before photos and a rundown of the sources!

VANITY

We kept the existing vanity, but I changed the knobs and pulls. I also swapped out the lighting for a trio of barn style goose neck lights and added Edison bulbs (all from Lowes). I also changed the mirror to a more industrial style with a shelf, perfect for a vase of my hydrangeas!

All of the glassware was thrifted at Goodwill, but the soap and lotion pumps are available at Target (I have two in my shower as well!) I also treated myself to a pretty white hand towel with pale yellow stripe to bring in the slightest hint of color (similar).

PAINT

Green is my favorite color, but I thought the space would look bright and fresh with a neutral light grey. To save myself time on cutting in the many edges, I did both ceiling and walls the same (Benjamin Moore ‘Marilyn’s Dress’) in a semi gloss finish. 

One of my favorite improvements - the painted (gasp!) grout!  I did a lot of research online and had seen success stories, so I decided to say buh bye to the creamish-brown existing grout with a medium toned grey. I was aiming for something lighter, but this is what Adam picked up for me, so I tried it and liked it (Pearl Grey MAPEI Grout Refresh) What a huge difference!

Around the tub I pulled out all of the stained silicone and re-applied it. I also did new caulk between the trim and walls. I LOVE THAT PART!

Finally I spray painted the floor grate (originally an orangish metal) to rubbed oil bronze. While I had that out, I also sprayed the pulled on the storage armoire as well. I love the spray paint I used! (Rustoleum in Metallic Paint and Primer in One - Rubbed Oil Bronze)

Between the nook for the storage cabinetry and the tub/shower was a spot I missed when I filled in the nail holes. Luckily, I scored this vintage print (with Tulip Trees and birds - we have so many of both on our property!) I kept it in it’s original frame and it was an awesome one buck finishing touch on the space. I also got a one dollar silver toned trash bucket/trash can that I love! (Possible to love a trash can? Why not!)

One of my favorite parts of pulling together a new space is the big trip to Target. You know what i mean, right? I picked out a new shower curtain and rug. I can’t put my finger on why I like them so much, but I think they have the right vibe for the room and for our farmhouse in general.

Over the toilet, I hung a window shaped mirror that was in Bea’s room at the old house. Over it, I used a white wreath hanger to display a new white, green and yellow wreath I made last week (here’s a tutorial if you want to make one yourself!). I felt like the space was incredibly neutral and some flowers would brighten things up. I am crazy obsessed with faux flowers in wreaths! 

Finally, we hung a toilet paper holder (which we never got around to in our old house!) and added some baskets we already  had here and there for storage/decoration.

I’m really pumped with the results. The bathroom is a much used part of the home and it feels great to start and end my day in that lovely space! 

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