There are many ways to remodel a bathroom, but only one way to do it correctly. Improper lighting design takes away from the visual appeal and functionality of the space. It is best to have knowledge about lighting so you can utilize certain techniques, such as lighting layers, when doing your bathroom lighting design.


From the bright illumination of ambient lighting, the functionality of task lighting, to highlighting areas in the space, layering will enhance your bathroom design. After choosing your style, you will need to decide where to place those fixtures. This will require measuring the space, fixtures, and then properly positioning those fixtures in the space. Bathroom lighting design takes a lot of work, but learning the basics will help you create the bathroom of your dreams.


LIGHTING LAYERS FOR YOUR BATHROOM 
Before you begin your bathroom lighting design, the first step is knowing your lighting layers. Every bathroom has a general light that you turn on to illuminate the whole space. Ceiling lights typically provide this bright illumination. If you want to change the ambiance to warm and cozy, then add a frosted diffuser to the light.

Task lighting is bright directional lighting for putting on makeup, shaving, or any other tasks that you perform in front of a mirror. Avoid ugly shadows by placing wall sconces on each side of the mirror for cross-illumination. Highlight any areas or objects you want to stand out by using accent lighting. Use accent lighting in combination with ambient lighting and task lighting to create depth and a focal point. Note that the bathroom is a space where you will likely use all these layers.


EYE-CATCHING BATHROOM IDEAS

HANGING CHANDELIER OVER TUB
Add elegance to your bathtub by hanging a small crystal chandelier or pendant directly over the tub. To avoid bumping your head when you stand, place the fixture no lower than 8ft above the tub.

BACKLIGHT YOUR MIRROR
Use LED lights to backlight your mirror. While you will still need task lighting for personal grooming, the soft glow serves as ambient lighting. However, make sure you position the LED lights correctly to produce this effect.


TRADITIONAL WALL SCONCES
Placing a wall sconce on each side of your mirror will provide cross-illumination, preventing shadows while doing your tasks.

HIGHLIGHT ARTWORK OR BATHROOM SPACE
Use recessed lights as accent lighting and create a focal point. Here, recessed lighting highlights the bathroom window, directing your eyes toward it.


FIXTURE STYLE
The fixtures you choose depends on the look that you’re going for. Now, think about the lighting design idea you have in mind. You will need to buy fixtures that will match that style. Traditional, Transitional, and Contemporary styles are commonly used in bathrooms. If want a classy and chic look, then use traditional fixtures. They are typically ornamental and stand out in a room. Transitional is a toned-down version of traditional. They have a simpler look and are less ornate. Contemporary fixtures are modernized and not elegant like the other styles.


A lot goes into designing your dream bathroom so be sure to come up with a good, detailed plan. Learn the three layers and how to apply them. Choose a style that you like for your bathroom. For a decorative and eye-catching look, go for traditional. Remember that transitional has a similar style but moderate. And if you want something less showy, think about selecting contemporary fixtures. Be sure to measure the bathroom and the fixtures to ensure they will fit nicely in the space. Once you have chosen your bathroom idea, these steps will help guide you on your path to creating the ultimate sanctuary.

In the eyes of many parents, playing video games is a huge waste of time. When your child could be reading a good book, playing with other kids, or spending time outside, why would you want them to sit and stare at a screen? There’s no way that could be good for them, right?



Actually, that’s wrong! It turns out your kids may be gaining far more from video games than you thought. While there are indeed some games that don’t really have much to offer by way of teaching your kids a lesson, there are others that will actually help your little ones develop some essential life skills. Don’t believe me? Here are just a handful of the life skills video games can teach your kids:


COMMUNICATION. 
Many video games, whether they’re played through a console or a computer, require interaction with other people. In many multiplayer games, communication is absolutely critical to achieving your team’s goals and winning your mission. When playing everything from first-person shooters to massive multiplayer online role-playing games, your kids will likely use a chat function or a microphone to work with others. Playing these multiplayer games will help your child become a better communicator and will encourage teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration as they work with others to solve problems and accomplish their missions, and there are no better headsets for communication than a Turtle Beach headset, including their newest  Turtle Beach® Recon 200, that I'll tell you more about shortly.

PROBLEM-SOLVING. 
Nearly every video game on the market involves an element of problem-solving. From puzzle games to theme park simulators, your kids will need to think through situations, analyze options and take actions based upon the conclusions they reach to succeed and ultimately win. Your children will learn from their mistakes as they play and will have the opportunity to creatively think through ways to overcome the challenges they face - all skills and abilities that are incredibly valuable in the real world.


PERSEVERANCE.
Video games can be surprisingly challenging, to the point of inducing frustration. By getting stuck and finding the determination to work through their problems, your kids will develop an incredibly valuable skill - perseverance and patience in the face of a good challenge. While it’s easy to throw your hands in the air and give up, it’s much harder to struggle through the process of finding a solution to your problem. By letting your kids learn this in a fun, safe environment, you’ll equip them with the mental fortitude they’ll need to succeed later on.

RESPONSIBILITY. 
You might be surprised to learn video games can also be a great way to teach your child a sense of responsibility. In many games, actions have very direct - and lasting - consequences, and in multiplayer environments, this can be even truer. Allowing your child to learn this in a virtual environment instead of in reality can be an easy way to encourage a sense of responsibility and sound decision-making.


By allowing your kids to develop these critical skills through video games, they’ll have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning. However, they're going to need a headset and the Turtle Beach® Recon 200 is one that you're going to love. Not only is it inexpensive, but you still get the features that are available on the more expensive headsets. We have been gaming for many years with Turtle Beach's headsets and they have NEVER disappointed us EVER. This one is no exception.

Unlike previous models, the Recon 200 allows you to play on all your devices. From the Xbox One, PS4™, Nintendo Switch, PC and even mobile devices, there's no need to switch out your headset. And with a rechargeable battery that allows you to game up to 12hrs, now you never have to leave the game because your headset has died in the middle of a game. For those who are PUBG fans, you're going to love this! With bass boost, you don't just hear the bass, you feel it as well.


With crystal clear sound you can hear the enemy approaching, great for those in sniper mode, but still, keep in touch with your teammates and hear them clearly as well. The mic picks up your voice loud and clear and simply flipping it up mutes it. According to my son who games more than anyone else in my household, the synthetic leather-wrapped memory foam cushions are super comfortable, something you want when you're gaming for hours.


So don't stifle your kids love of video games, encourage it and get them the Turtle Beach® Recon 200!

When my elder daughter mentioned that she wanted to learn to play the guitar at age 8 and join an all-girl rock band, my answer was "go for it"! Today in collaboration with Guitar Center, I want to share with you why learning to play an instrument can help your child in more ways than one.



Music has always been an integral part of my life. As a child, I learned to play the recorder (my only instrument) and would later sing in the church choir. My dad encouraged our love for music, and we would sing along to Bob Marley albums and Kenny Rogers.

When I had kids of my own one of the things I decided was that they each had to learn to play an instrument as well. When my eldest decided that she wanted to learn to play the guitar and join the all-girl rock band "Toy Sugar" in Brooklyn, we knew exactly where to go. Guitar Center!

Guitar Center has always been the place to go when you wanted to know more about guitars and what was recommended. The guys at the store were the best, and we purchased her very first Fender Guitar. When the bassist left the group, my daughter once again decided she wanted to become the bassist instead, and once again Guitar Center came to our rescue, and we purchased a Fender Bass Guitar this time. She still treasures each of them although she's now an adult.

So much has changed since those days. I now have three other children who're interested in learning to play musical instruments. Kyle is learning to play the guitar, Mikael is learning to play the keyboard, while my youngest, Madison, is learning to play the piano.

While my knowledge of Guitar Center was that they sold musical instruments, until recently, I had no idea that Guitar Center also offered music lessons, including guitar, bass, keyboards, and even vocals. And many of you may not know that either.


What makes Guitar Center stand out? 

1. Their Curriculum
Guitar Center has created a custom curriculum that focuses on teaching theory through contemporary music. All of their curriculum programs are approved by the National Association for Music Education, the world’s largest arts education organization. They can also help tailor curriculum to your goals and interests with a database on thousands of songs to learn.

2. The Convenience 
With over 200 locations nationally, brand-new facilities Guitar Center Lessons is a one-stop shop. From lessons to retail to instrument repairs to supplemental learning materials, Guitar Center can cover any aspiring student’s needs. Their program gives students the ability to continue learning on the go with online resources and the ability to schedule at any location.

3. Pro Instructors with a Passion for Music 
All Guitar Center Lessons instructors are passionate, playing musicians who want to help you reach YOUR musical goals. Based on your needs and wants they'll pair you with the instructor that is right for you. With weekly office hours to help supplement your education, their instructors are there to make sure you have everything you need to become the musician you want to be.

4. Contemporary Instrumentation
Did you know that they offer more than the violin? You can take any instrument, anywhere. They can make sure you have the musical foundation to achieve any level or expertise on any instrument. After all, they know that learning music can be so much more enjoyable when you’re playing what you love.

5. Their Achievement Program 
They help students monitor their progress with a 6 tiered program that goes from Opening Act to Headliner in as much or as little time as you need.

So why should you encourage your kids to play a musical instrument? 


1. BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE & SELF ESTEEM
While your child's first notes may not be that of Mozart, once they've started practicing and get better at what they do, you will see increased confidence and even a boost in their self-esteem, all because they've successfully mastered what they're doing.

2. HELPS WITH SOCIAL SKILLS 
If your child decides to join the school band or even learn to play an instrument as a group, it's vital that he/she learn to play together. Group classes encourage teamwork as your child will need to interact and communicate with their classmates. They will also need to work towards a common goal, which is creating music.

3. AIDS WITH ACADEMICS & RETENTION
Did you know that music and math go hand in hand? When your child starts understanding scales and rhythms, they are actually learning how to divide and even recognize patterns. And when they start reciting music, they are beginning to use their short and even long-term memory.



4. HELPS WITH MOTOR SKILLS
While you may not have thought about it, but learning to play an instrument can help with your kids' motor skills and even their hand and eye coordination. For example, learning to play the piano requires the simultaneous use of both hands, while reading music at the same time. This not only helps with their music but can also help with other hobbies as well.

5. FOSTERS CULTURAL AWARENESS
Different instruments have different cultural roots, for example, the violin originated in Italy, and your kids can be taught how music plays a role in their culture. Even by incorporating jazz into your child's repertoire can be a learning experience about New Orleans where jazz originated. You don't need to travel to learn about other cultures, music can familiarize your child in ways that you never thought about.


While we know that music education is an essential cornerstone to academic, social and cultural success, isn't it enough to encourage your kids to play a musical instrument? And Guitar Center can help them on their way, with them being one of the largest independent music educators in the U.S.A.

Not only will your child get the lessons needed to start them on their way, but you can also get their musical instrument of choice as well. So visit your nearest Guitar Center store and see all that they have to offer.

When you're running low on time, but still want something nutritious and delicious for dinner, our rotini and pan-fried chicken breast made with the New RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce is just what you need.


Finding time to cook for my family can sometimes get overwhelming. By the time the kids get home and homework is finished, sporting events attended, and everything else that needs to be done is done, I'm exhausted and would just like to put my feet up, and relax in a warm soothing bath. However, as a mother, my kids deserve a home-cooked meal.

I'm also not one for slaving in the kitchen, however, and I enjoy cooking meals that are quick and easy, but also delicious for my family. We are big fans of pasta and the one pasta sauce that can always be found in my kitchen pantry is RAGÚ®.


However, now that their New RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce is available, it has joined the lineup. Made with 100% Olive Oil and containing no sugar, you can savor the taste in each delicious bite. From the tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices, the RAGÚ Simply Pasta Sauces brings out the flavor in your recipes, thus allowing you to feel good about the food that you feed your family.

One such recipe that my family thoroughly enjoys is my Rotini and Pan-Fried Chicken Breast, smothered in New RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce, it's deliciousness in every bite.


INGREDIENTS

6 Boneless Chicken Breast
Salt And Pepper
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2- 24oz New RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce
1 16oz Box of Rotini

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

Once your chicken is fried, pour your New RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce over the chicken and place your cast iron skillet in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until your pasta is thoroughly cooked. (The saucier the better)

Cook the rotini according to package instructions.

Serve 1 chicken breast with sauce over your rotini, eat and enjoy!


The New RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce simply brings out the flavor in your chicken and makes this one very simple and delicious meal.

RAGÚ has graciously offered to create an extra custom box as a giveaway for one lucky reader. Enter to win a RAGÚ ® SIMPLY PASTA SAUCE Prize Pack.  Open to US residents only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

We can't all be morning people, and I'd be the first to admit that I'm a complete grouch most mornings, especially if I haven't had a good nights sleep. However, if you don't have a good start to your morning, productivity can go down the toilet, which is not what you want.

So how can you jumpstart your day? Here are 5 ways to get your day started on the right foot.


GET PLENTY OF SLEEP 
One of the best ways to kickstart your day is to have a good nights rest. Limiting your electronic use at night, which includes cellphone and computer, and social media can help. Also merely taking a relaxing bath before bedtime may help ensure you get the best night sleep you can achieve.

EXERCISE
Believe it or not, exercising in the morning can give you that boost of energy that you've been looking for. It also helps to get your metabolism going. That doesn't mean that you have to run a marathon, but instead, a simple walk around your neighborhood or even some situps or squats can help. Any exercise that gets your heart rate going is just what you need.

HAVE BREAKFAST
There's a reason that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, make it a balanced breakfast and not just coffee alone. Consider having some cereal, fruit, and protein to your diet. And if you're running low on time, consider some orange juice and whole grain toast.

PLAN OUT YOUR DAY
When you plan your day, your day will go by so much smoother since you will be on task. However, don't exhaust yourself, but do what needs to be done urgently. Keep a journal and make entries of your must-do tasks, including appointments that need to be taken care of throughout the day. Tackle your urgent tasks first before moving on to those that can wait for later.


KEEP HEALTHY SNACKS ON HAND
It's inevitable that you're going to snack at least once during the day. Whenever the urge hits you, it's always best to keep healthy snacks on hand. One of my go-to snacks is Harvest Snaps! They're crunchy veggie crisps, that are made from high-quality ingredients and available in nine flavors. While I just LOVE Black Pepper flavor because of its kick, there are two brand NEW flavors that I just need to try, Parmesan Roasted Garlic and White Cheddar.

Harvest Snacks are so deliciously good that you'll find them in the produce section of your favorite Safeway grocery store. The first ingredient is of course veggie, (green peas, black beans or red lentil) and there's no artificial flavors or colors. Many of the flavors are also gluten-free certified and some are even non-GMO.


If you're in the Denver, Colorado area on Saturday & Sunday, 29th and 30th at 11am, you'll have the chance to sample Harvest Snaps for yourself at Oktoberfest Denver, where Harvest Snaps brand ambassadors will be handing out samples near the entrance.

And here's an amazing deal for you. Save $1.00 on any two bags of Harvest Snaps (3.0-3.3 oz.) by clicking the digital coupon on Safeway just for those in the Denver area. Valid thru 10/6/18.


Starting your day off right will make you feel better about yourself and what you have achieved, and will help you get more done so that you can relax and have more time to do the fun stuff.

It's not very often we have a guest poster on our site, and today it's all about turning your boring living room into an Instagram worthy one. Today I have Katie Porter, a fellow Coloradan and an aspiring writer, movie lover, and part of the team at Seatup. In her free time, she enjoys exploring her home state Colorado and plays in women's amateur rugby league.

In our fast-paced, globalized world, it can seem a little redundant to set back and waste your time even on those much-awaited precious weekends, right? You feel restless, and simply don’t know where to expend this excess of energy. Well, today we’ve come up with a list of 5 simple weekend projects you can easily partake in to make your boring living rooms Instagram-worthy! Let’s take a look:


DECLUTTER & REARRANGE
The best way to drastically change the face of your living room is by extensively decluttering and rearranging all that is left. You’ll find that there are a lot of unnecessary things that have been taking up precious space in your homes, and if you do not know where to start, or how to go about the decluttering, then try your hand at the KonMari Method, where you discard and keep stuff according to its usefulness in your life. After you’re left with all the essentials, you can rearrange them into a beautiful, clutter-free space that is going to be absolutely Insta-worthy!

DESIGN YOURSELF A SHELF
New-fangled décor may come and go, but bookshelves are forever. A good bookcase is a timelessly classic design element, and you can add a personal touch to your living room by designing your own this weekend. It doesn’t have to be needlessly elaborate – just a simple design would be just as great. However, you would need to be a little tool savvy to make this project work. You’ll need to assemble, cut and arrange light wood slats (maybe MDF), and finish them with a coat of paint in the end. If you don’t know your way around a tool-box, then it’s better to skip this project.


DESIGN YOURSELF A STUDY NOOK
For all those who’re multitaskers at heart, closing yourself off in a home office may sound like the most dreadful idea. Well, you can use this weekend to set up an Instagram-worthy office nook in your living rooms. All you need to do is find yourself the perfect study desk, pinpoint a free location in your living room and set the whole thing up. You can break out an old desk, or shop for a new one, then find some relevant accessories to spice the whole thing up. It’s the perfectly pragmatic and aesthetically appealing project you can opt for.

CREATING REFLECTIONS
If you’ve got a living room that’s relatively small, then this idea is definitely going to sound appealing to you. You’ll need to get your hands on an accent mirror – one that can be hung on a wall. The frame of this mirror can be as simple, elaborate or vintage as your aesthetic allows. Once you’ve found the perfect piece, it’s time to examine your living room carefully. You basically need to find a place in your living room that reflects the most amount of light during the day. Once you’ve found this spot, you can hang the mirror over there. You’ll immediately feel the difference – the space is going to be brighter, bolder and Insta-worthy!


THE ART OF HANGING DIPTYCHS
Another fun go-to DIY project you can take on to fill the spare time on your weekends is hanging a set of triptych or diptych artwork on a feature wall. It may seem like something you can do in less than half an hour at first glance, but think again – hanging paired artwork is never as easy as it seems.

First of all, you’ll need to determine where you’re actually going to hang it. Paired artworks like these look best when they aren’t surrounded by any clutter. They look best hung over a simple buffet or sideboard. So, once you’ve found the perfect place, you’ll need to mark the height where you want the frames to be hung. Make sure that it’s centralized – neither too high, neither too low. Only after you’ve marked the final point should you take out the toolbox and start with the nailing. All of this thought and examination may take you the better part of a day or two.


So, these are some easy projects that you can take inspiration from. They’ll definitely help you expend some energy, get you thinking, and help you get an Instagram-worthy living room at the same time!

The bathroom should be a room reserved for peace and relaxation; however, some bathrooms we just can’t wait to leave. You surely do not want to evoke this feeling in yourself or your guests, so we came up with a few tips that could help you elevate the vibe of this room while also helping Mother Nature. Here are some of the elements that a cozy and green bathroom needs.


INTRODUCE A FOCAL POINT
There are plenty of options when it comes to this. Your focal point can be one of the walls. Creating a statement wall that stands out from the rest of the room can be easily done by painting it in a vibrant color. When doing this, opt for paints that do not contain VOCs. You can also cover your walls with a cute patterned wallpaper or recycled porcelain tiles.

Another option is to introduce some art or have a mirror with an amazing frame that will draw all the attention. Additionally, having an elegant vanity can add some glamour to the bathroom. Try to look for a vanity made from sustainably-harvested wood or renewable materials, such as wheat straw or bamboo. The same goes for your cabinets.

ILLUMINATION IS VITAL
People mostly have one small window in the bathroom due to the vicinity of neighbors and other buildings. If you do have the option to install a huge window or a skylight, do it. Natural light is always the best option.

On the other hand, you can’t completely ignore the lights. Lighting can achieve a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, from recessed ceiling lights to task lights on the vanity. Whatever you decide on, get LED bulbs as they are a green option that will last much longer than the typical fluorescent light bulbs.


PROVIDE A GOOD VENTILATION
In addition to natural light, having big windows also provides your bathroom with more fresh air. Just make sure the window is insulated correctly to reduce your electricity bills.

If your window is nonexistent or inoperable, you can install a vent fan. This helps remove odors, airborne irritants as well as moisture that often leads to mold. To remove all of the moisture, keep it on for at least 20 minutes after showering. Some versions even have a timer which can also save you money.

EFFICIENT AND ECO-FRIENDLY FIXTURES
When it comes to your fixtures, you can go both small and big. If you are happy with most of your elements, you can just replace the accents. Go for a style that matches the rest of your bathroom. You can go for black, chrome, rose gold, whatever you like. However, make sure that the showerheads you opt for are of the low-flow variety. This way, you can save more than 2000 gallons of water a year which will reflect on your bills. Additionally, you can go for faucets with a sensor which turns off the water while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, for example.

Moreover, you can invest in a low-flush or a dual-flush toilet which use significantly less water than the standard toilets. Another thing to consider is getting a bidet as that can decrease the use of toilet paper. Many shops like Bidets Online for example, even offer the option of getting just a bidet seat or an attachment, both of which provide you with all the benefits of a bidet for a smaller price.

Another green option to implement is tankless water heaters. While their initial cost is high, they pay off in the long run as they use 20 percent less energy compared to traditional water heaters.

WARM ACCESSORIES
Now, when cozying up the room, you have numerous ways to go. You can get soft, colorful towels that will make you feel super pampered. Have in mind that there are also towels that are made from organic cotton which can be much more pleasant for your skin.


Having a soft rug or a mat to step on once you’ve finished your shower is essential. Rugs made of natural materials will give your bathroom style, warmth, and comfort.

A shower curtain can also serve as a statement piece. You should get a color that pops against the walls and that draws the eye. However, you should avoid PVC curtains, and go for PEVA ones or those made of nylon, polyester, organic cotton, or bamboo, among others.

GO GREEN, LITERALLY
Consider adding plants to your bathroom as well. Not only do they look amazing but they also provide you with cleaner air. You can suspend them from the ceiling, put them on a shelf or down on the ground. Get colorful pots and planters that fit the aesthetic of the space. Look into which plants are recommended for a moist environment with little light.


There you have it. Just some of the elements that you can implement in your bathroom that both save the environment and make you feel peaceful.

Enjoy your oasis!