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AWESOME THINGS YOU CAN “REALLY” DO IN YOUR BATHROOM

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By Alan Knight

I suppose the internet is for everyone. By that I mean anyone with an idea, regardless of how weird, suddenly anyone can becomes a journalist. And then again, some things are just for fun, like the unknown person who gave a list of 100 awesome things you can do in the bathroom. Some are worth noting, if for no other reason than to make you laugh.

• BE NOSTALGIC. Ever notice how good looking people in dramatic films wallow in self-pity and think of the past while looking at their own watery reflection? You could be that person!

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

• TAKE THE HIT. Quell your thirst for anarchy by using your own bathroom wall for graffiti instead of the walls and cubicle doors found in public restrooms.

• SAVE THE PLANET. Cut down on the amount of hot water you use in the bathroom to help reduce carbon emissions and save the lovely ice caps.

• GET ROMANTIC. Woo your other half with a romantic bathroom setup: scented candles, champagne on ice, chocolate liqueurs and big Barry White on the boom box. You can't lose.

• HEALTHY HALLOWEEN FUN. Bobbing for apples is an old Halloween tradition: set up your bobbing station in the bath and award points to whoever fishes the most apples in 30 seconds.

• MAKE LIKE A MONK. Meditation might be a bit far for some people, but it can really help relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing. Take a dip and give it a try!

• FLOWER TUB. Give your old vintage tub lick of paint and fill with soil and flowers for funky, rustic addition to your garden. Guests will be amazed and slightly confused.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

• GET A MASSAGE. Treat yourself to a soothing massage in one of the new Walk in Tubs. You can enjoy air jets, water jets or both together. We have these in stock, by the way.

• AHOY THERE. Make your own pirate movie with some floating galleons, a few dodgy accents and a waterproof camera.

• MATH IN THE BATH. There are plenty of great toys and kits for kids that can help them get super-smart while taking a bath. Secure your retirement and teach your youngster math in the bath.

• DO YOUR BUSINESS. All great minds do their business in the bathroom. Order new business cards and take those important calls while power scrubbing.

• GET SNUG. Need an extra bed for a guest? Is that guest open to sleeping in unconventional surroundings? Fill the bath with pillows and blankets and see how it works out.

• BATHROOM LABORATORY. Little ones love to play games in the bath or shower. With some plastic chemistry beakers they can mix shampoos and colored gels to make a range of foamy concoctions.

• BUDGET SNORKELING. Have your very own underwater adventure.

This requires a big bathtub (which we offer by the way). Fill your bath with sponges and treasures of the deep for an authentic snorkeling adventure. By the way, this sounds better if you're drunk.

Courtesy of pixabay.com

• MAKE A SHORT FILM. Just think of all those famous bathroom movie scenes. Tons of great famous horror scenes take place in the bathroom. Upload your very own clips to find reflections of ghost-type people in your bathroom mirror. You could be the next Wes Craven.

Okay, that's enough of the silly stuff. Let's look at some “real” awesome ideas for your bathroom. Let's focus for a moment with on the bathtub design. Staying up to date with interior design trends can be a tricky business. It's easy to get lost in color charts and worry too much about accessorizing. While it's great to keep these things in mind, it's important to remember that these features can be easily swapped out without too much work or hassle.

There are some features in the house, however, that have a tendency to become more permanent fixtures, and therefore can start to look a little dated after several years of service. It is for this reason that it's a great idea to replace tired old fixtures and fittings with updated models that are packed to the brim with contemporary style. Doing so will breathe new life into your home and keep it looking stylish for years to come. The very first on my list is a deep, relaxing and ultimately stylish old friend – the bathtub.

Check out this short video with examples of beautiful & affordable bathtubs.

There are so many different styles of bath tubs available today (and we carry about all of them) that it can be a little daunting to choose which is best for you. There are two main things to consider when it comes to choosing the design of your modern bath. First, you don't have to necessarily choose a cutting-edge style to ensure your bath is considered stylish and fashionable. For example, our most popular clawfoot design is the old traditional roll top-the same style that you saw in grandma's house. I guess for many it brings back fond memories. Plus, it's practical, with plumbing on one end and the relaxing porcelain slope on the other. It also comes in various sizes to fit every body type. Secondly, there are bathtubs in all shapes and sizes that have a sleek modern design. Be sure to look for a model that fits your bathroom perfectly, instead of rushing to buy the first contemporary model you see. If you have the room, try the dual ended, double slipper style that can reach lengths of over 6 feet.

And if soaking in a tub is not your thing, consider the new Walk in Showers with zero threshold. They look modern, elegant and stylish and offer plenty of room for two people. You can go crazy with accessories like the sunflower shower heads and adjustable grab bars, and ornamental dishes and holders.

If you really want to turn your bathroom into something awesome without going looney, start with the tub or shower. You will be glad you did.

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Tub King has many great reviews and guarantees the lowest prices. Check out TubKing.com for current special closeout and scratch and dent models as well. Call today to arrange a consultation with a bathtub professional from Tub King.

This article discusses some fun remodeling ideas for your bathroom. It also provides information about the features bathtubs, available options, and considerations related to the installation, layout and usage of these bathtubs.

If you’ve found this article helpful in any way, please post a comment and pass the article along to friend’s family and co-workers.

Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook - Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free! This book sell on Amazon, but its yours for signing up to receive our quarterly newsletter. You can see this book on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

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CLEOPATRA CHIC

THE MANY BENEFITS OF BATHING IN THE DEAD SEA

by Alan Knight

Image courtesy of dead-sea-cosmetics-shop.com

Imagine you’re wandering through the desert and see a picturesque clear blue lake in the distance. Surely it must be a mirage, you tell yourself. As you walk closer you see people floating on top of the water and lying next to the shores of a desolate lake covered in mud. You also see salt formations that almost look like ice sculptures and you think this is completely surreal. Do not panic. You aren’t having a hallucination. You have happened upon the Dead Sea, the earth’s lowest elevation of land and one of the most mineral rich bodies of water on this earth.

LET’S START WITH A LITTLE HISTORY

The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan was formed about 2,000,000 years ago after the land was repeatedly flooded by the waters of the Red Sea. Through geological changes over the millennia, the topography changed, causing the Red Sea to recede and a large creek to form where the water eventually became trapped. As the water flowed in from the surrounding rivers and streams, the creek grew over time and formed a landlocked sea.

SO WHY IS IT SO SALTY?

Oddly enough, water does not flow out of the Dead Sea. It’s only escape is through evaporation. This concentrates the salt and minerals from the original seawater, making it ever more salty. The heat of the desert causes more evaporation and the process continues. Water flows in, evaporates quickly, and salt and minerals collect in the water and on the shores. (There’s so much concentrated salt and minerals that people who swim in it bob to the surface like corks.

WHAT MAKES THIS WATER SO SPECIAL?

The list of minerals in its water is long, containing everything from potassium, magnesium, bromide, sulfur, collagen, calcium, lithium, strontium and so much more. The salt content in the Dead Sea is about 31%, while the salt content in most of the earth’s oceans is closer to 4%. Due to the high salt and mineral content, no plant or animal life can survive there. Have you ever seen a natural lake with no plants growing near its shore or fish swimming below the surface? However, it's the same properties that won’t allow marine life to survive that provides people with many benefits. The Dead Sea’s amazing healing properties have attracted people to this area for thousands of years.

CLEOPATRA BATHED THERE

Image courtesy of jacksonupperco.com

When Cleopatra learned of the health benefits of the waters and mud surrounding the Dead Sea it is said she built the first spa along its shores. History tells us she was a lover of indulgence and wanted to preserve her beauty and health. According to legend, she used the therapeutic properties of the mud and minerals as part of her own beauty regimen.

NOW THE WORLD WANTS IN

The Dead Sea has today become a mecca for wellness and health, with spas and treatment centers surrounding it. People from all parts of the globe travel there seeking treatment for everything from skin conditions, to arthritis and many other ailments that can benefit from the natural minerals and salt in the water, mud and clay.

Who doesn’t want to turn back the hands of time? Sure, aging is inevitable but there are natural remedies out there that have been proven to delay the process or at least soften it. Sulfur helps to provide softness and smoothness while sodium helps to heal dryness. Manganese helps to promote a healthy glow. The Dead Sea contains all these in abundance.

THE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF BATHING

Balneotherapy (In Latin balneum means “bath”) has been effective in treating many rheumatic diseases since Roman times. One of the therapies in the Dead Sea is to have patients bathe in pools of thermal sulfur spring water with mud packed the mud around the joints. Huge cisterns are placed on the shores of the Dead Sea so people can slather on its healing mud. These therapies have been known to aid in joint stiffness, reducing chronic pain to the joints, lower back and more.

The climate in this region is also a major factor in these treatment therapies. The temperatures in the area are uniformly warm with a low level of relative humidity. The oxygen-rich air, high barometric pressure and low content of pollen and other allergens provide the perfect climate for people suffering from rheumatic ailments. Many sufferers of asthma and other lung conditions have reported significant improvements due to this optimum climate for health.

The Dead Sea waters and salt contains many of the minerals our body needs. Magnesium can combat stress and help to calm the nervous system. Bromides aid in relaxing muscles and calcium is effective in increasing circulation and balances skin moisture. It’s amazing to think one body of water can contain all these essential elements that aid in keeping us healthy. The Dead Sea has all of these elements in abundance.

DO I HAVE TO GO TO ISRAEL TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF THE DEAD SEA?

While it is quite an adventure and might be an item to add to your bucket list, you can enjoy many of

Image courtesy of TubKing.com

these benefits in the comfort of your own home. Dead Sea salts, creams and mud masks can be purchased online and in many retail stores. All you need is a tub filled with hot water. Pour some of that salt into the warm water, light a candle and slather on some mud in order to enjoy the natural benefits of those healing minerals and salts can impart. Afterward, you will feel much more relaxed and rejuvenated whether you are using the salts for healing purposes or just wish to bathe like Cleopatra.

In this article, we have discussed some of the history of the Dead Sea as well as the healing properties of the waters and salts. There have been studies for centuries about the health benefits that come from this magical place. It is worth a visit, but the exciting thing is you really can enjoy the benefits to your health in the privacy of your own home. I think it might be time to take a bath!

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and my brother, Alan, who heads up Tub King, will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. To contact Tub King directly, call (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.

Traveling Tubs on the Wagon Trail

By Alan Knight

Photo Credit: www.peachridgeglass.com

It was 1867 in a small mining town called Denver, Colorado. With signs of winter fast approaching, the sun set at 4:30 p.m.and didn’t rise again for nearly 15 hours. With the thought of the long, cold hours that lay ahead, there was only one thing on the miners' minds -- whiskey! The hard-drinking miners knew they didn’t have enough liquid gold to make it through the winter, and this made them grow restless.

Determined not to face the harsh mountain weather without it, they hired a group of Irish Teamsters to transport 40 wagon loads of whiskey through the Colorado plains. To ensure its safe arrival, the US Cavalry was commissioned to escort the load.

However, when a crusading group of women from the Temperance movement learned of the shipment, they were furious. They formulated a plan to intercept and destroy the "evil cargo" on its way to Denver. Dressed in their finest Victorian gowns, they packed up their wagons and headed west for the 185-mile journey, singing as they went.

Image courtesy of fotolauncho.com

Knowing it would take at least a month of hard travel through dangerous territory, these ladies of refinement turned their wagons into little mobile homes. They packed every luxury their prairie schooners could hold. There were tables, chairs, linens and silverware, colorful rugs and lamps, even pianos and several bathtubs.

The Temperance ladies were committed to their cause. But they drew the line when it came to traveling without their washtubs. And these were no ordinary tubs. We aren’t just talking galvanized buckets. These traveling tubs were Victorian furniture, replete with intricately decorated modesty covers. All these ladies had to do was slip into the tub while another one poured hot water through an opening at their feet.

Image courtesy of movpins.com

Meanwhile, several other groups became aware of the shipment and decided they, too, wanted a bit of the joy juice. Local Native Americans who were interested in easing the pain of an approaching winter sought to intercept the shipment. To make matters worse, the Irish Teamsters began to grumble and soon decided to strike. Receiving word their precious cargo was in peril, the miners created a posse that headed eastward, ostensibly to recover their wayward shipment. With so many opposing parties looking to get their hands on the whiskey, the wagon train came to a halt … in the middle of nowhere. Inevitably, the women caught up with the whiskey wagon train as it made its way west, and demanded demolition of the alcoholic "mountain dew." (BTW: To learn the fate of the whiskey wagon train, you’ll need to rent the movie, "Hallelujah Trail," made in 1965 starring Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick.)

Early Bathtub History

Photo Credit: dreamstime.com

But in 1867, it wasn’t only women that enjoyed the luxury of bathing on the trail. It's reported that the Bathtubs that existed during the antebellum period before indoor plumbing came into vogue were large but relatively light containers. They were usually hidden away and only pulled out when needed, perfect for on-the-road washing. The typical mid-19th century bathtub was a product of the tinsmith's craft, commonly made from a shell of sheet copper, or zinc. The use of copper continued into the mid-1900s as a liner for wood-enclosed tubs. Commanders and officers of the US Cavalry also enjoyed some downtime relaxing in traveling tubs.

More commonly, tubs back then were steel-cased. By 1867, tub manufacturers started using cast iron, which had been used for several years for making sinks and toilets. The problem with metal was corrosion. Copper and zinc discolored readily around water and soap, and the seams of sheet metal were hard to keep clean. Iron and steel, of course, rusted eventually, even under the most meticulous coat of paint. Bathtubs made of lead were only found in more progressive homes equipped with early water-heating devices. As running water became more common in the latter 19th century, bathtubs became more prevalent and less portable.

Birth of the Modern Bathtub

Photo Credit: brettcogburn.com

While some members of the US Calvary and the Temperance ladies were enjoying their high society tubs, the miners most often bathed in horse troughs, if at all. Bathing wasn’t considered a necessity by these hard-working men. In fact, personal hygiene was considered something of a nuisance. Over time, as bathing became more fashionable, more tub manufacturers entered the market and began improving designs. Out with the horse trough and in with cast iron bathtubs with porcelain interiors on "Clawfoot" pedestals. These tubs rose to popularity in the 19th century and remain so today.

To combat the corrosion problem, tub makers began successfully marketing porcelain-enameled, cast iron bathtubs, a process that remains broadly the same to this day. Some modern bathtubs are made of acrylic or fiberglass; occasionally, waterproof finished wood. In addition to the advanced materials used in making today’s modern bathtubs, many new and innovative bathtub designs have entered the market.

Photo Credit: huffingtonpost.com

One such design is the Walk-in tub that is perfect for seniors. These bathtubs provide a great safety advantage to handicapped persons or those with limited mobility. Not only are these tubs highly functional, there is also a range of hydrotherapeutic options available. Walk-in tubs are perfect for everyday bathing needs, but importantly, they also provide personal safety and independence wrapped in therapeutic luxury.

Tub King's cast iron/porcelain Clawfoot and Pedestal tubs as well as our therapeutic Walk-in Our tubs are made to fit in your bathroom. Or, if you want one for your covered wagon, we can hitch you up with that, too.

In this article, I first gave a brief historical account of the development bathtubs. I highlighted a story made famous by the motion picture, "Hallelujiah Trail," about a skirmish between whisky-thirsty miners and Temperance-minded women of the Old West. It then goes on to talk about elegant cast iron/porcelian Clawfoot and Pedestal tubs as well as safety-minded Walk-in tubs.

If you found this article useful, please share it with your family, friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the Comment section of this blog. Thanks again for visiting with us.

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Alan Knight has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, they are also multi-award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. If you’d like to contact Tub King, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to Alan@tubking.com.

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Decorating the Bathroom in Your Log Cabin Home

By Alan Knight

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Today there are tens of thousands of log cabins and log homes in the United States alone. Additionally, here are many more log home lovers who are considering building their dream home based on this revered material and design structure. There are about 400 companies in the U.S. and Canada vying for your business, ranging from small mom-and-pop shops to large-scale, multi-state operations

History of Log Cabins

For those who’ve never researched or have been introduced to it before, the history of log home building is fascinating.

In some of the earliest writings, construction of abodes and structures using logs was described by Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio as laying logs horizontally over top of each other and filling in the gaps with “chips and mud.” Earlier precursors to the log cabin of olden time construction has its roots in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Although their exact origin is uncertain, the first log structures were probably built in Northern Europe in the Bronze Age (about 3500 BC). Even before Europeans began to settle in North America, they had a long tradition of using logs for houses, barns, and other outbuildings in the Scandinavian countries as well as Germany, Northern Russia, and Ukraine.

According to noted historian C. Weslager, the Finns had a “close attunement” with forests. He states: "By stacking tree trunks on top of one another and overlapping the logs at the corners, people made the ‘log cabin.’ They developed interlocking corners by notching the logs at the ends, resulting in strong structures that were easier to make weather-tight by inserting moss or other soft material into the joints. As the original coniferous forest extended over the coldest parts of the world, there was a prime need to keep these houses warm. The insulating properties of the solid wood were a great advantage over a timber frame construction covered with animal skins, felt, boards or shingles. Over the decades, increasingly complex joints were developed to ensure more weather tight joints between the logs, but the profiles were still largely based on the round log.”

Back to the Present

Though log home construction features some classic, “Daniel Boone” and “Davey Crockett-type” models as often seen on TV and in motion pictures, the log homes of today can be quite different than their earlier American counterparts. Today's log homes often feature innovative designs that, unlike their smaller predecessors, feel modern, open, and upscale. Many contemporary builders include large windows with outstanding views of the outdoor landscape, cathedral ceilings for a light and airy feel, and modern kitchens that are perfect for entertaining the scores of guests who always flock to any cozy log home.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Many residents or landlords of these homey dwellings today decorate their homes with stylish, contemporary furnishings and accents. Although the outside looks rustic, the inside looks much like any other home in the 21st century. However, there are still various elements that are commonly maintained in many of the current log homes, such as solid wood construction, not just in the logs, but even the furniture. Exposed solid wood beams that stretch across the expanse of the vaulted ceiling are common. Bedrooms enjoy exposed wood, or box-and-tray ceilings, giving each bedroom a more spacious feeling. Many tables are made of solid oak, hickory or cedar. Even chairs have the touch of the outdoors, with impressive carvings. Wall hangings of antlers and animal skins are not uncommon.

The Rub on Bathtubs

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

In the younger years of our own country, if a log cabin had an indoor bathroom (most didn't), it would be very small. Inside the small bathroom, there would be a basin for washing, possibly a hand-pump, and a bathtub. Water would be heated on a wood stove and brought in for the tub. The bathtub would be made of wood or metal (zinc was popular), or later, porcelain and cast iron. The tub would typically be about 54 inches long, which is small by today’s standards.

Today's log homes’ bathrooms are usually enormous by comparison. An abundance of ceramic tile and stone tile line the floors and walls. The indoor toilet is oftentimes hidden in its own private room, allowing the separate area containing the sink and bathtub to make a statement of classic elegance. Today, there are many refinished (restored) antique Clawfoot tubs in log cabins, but something has changed in the market. No longer do you have to go out in search of an old porcelain tub that has been discarded, with all the problems of chips, broken porcelain, scratches, and fading porcelain. Over the last several years, many American companies (such as Tub King, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida) have begun to import impressive, newly cast porcelain tubs from foundries all over the world. In addition to being built using time-honored materials with the latest technologies and equipment, they come in many sizes, designs and colors. The old Roll Top rim traditional tubs have given way to many handsome, and popular styles:

Photo Credit: homeaway.com

The Slipper Tub with its high, arch back has become the most popular choice for log home lovers. Shaped similar to Cinderella’s slipper from the Disney movie, it offers a sexy look with fine lines and smooth edges. The legs come in various finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, white, and oil-rubbed bronze.

The Dual-ended Tub has a gentle slope on each end of the tub for perfect balance and symmetry. The faucet and drain are located in the center of the tub, which allows for two bathers at once in the larger 68- or 75-inch versions.

The Double Slipper has the high back on both ends of the tub and is designed for the home that is looking for the very best in glamour and elegance. Since the modern log homes have opted for larger bathroom space, this tub will fit in almost any bathroom.

And for someone who really wants to display their bathtub, the Pedestal Tub is the ultimate. The tub, regardless of size, sits on a cast iron/porecelain skirt or base, instead of clawfoot-sculpted legs that actually place it on a pedestal. It is ideal for the homeowner that wants to feature their tub as a highlight of their home.

Victorian Pedestal sinks are also popular with the more modern log home designs, taking advantage of the precious space in even the smallest bathrooms.

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Log homes may have changed in some aspects over the years, and the new improvements are certainly welcome. Designing your log home’s bathroom(s) to show off your beautiful, porcelain and cast iron bathtub makes for great décor as well as ensuring many wonderfully relaxing moments in your own, private provincial palace.

In this article, I shared information about the historic and contemporary build/design features of log homes, and also highlighted the various types of porcelain/cast iron tubs that have frequently complement their bathrooms. I pointed out that various types of porcelain/cast iron tubs are available today, and that will add a rustic, and memorable bathing experience.

Customer Testimonial for Double Slipper Pedestal Tub

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Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed below and I’ll personally get back to you. Thanks for reading; it’s been my pleasure to share this information with you.

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