Faucet

I have got to find out where our apartment complex buys their fixtures. We have had, at least, 4 different shower handles installed in the 4 years that we've lived in our unit. For a couple of reasons, they have to be buying really, really cheap.

First, the average price of a quality bathroom faucet would almost prohibit them from affording so many frequent replacements. Second, if they were buying quality, they wouldn't be doing so many replacements. Mike is tough on shower handles, but come on!




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God Bless!

Jules

Mattress

As many of you already know, we are in the market for a mattress. The one we purchased in 2004, when Mark was sick, just doesn't work for him now. What I consider a comfy pillow-top, he (like the Princess and the Pea) finds bumpy and uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, if I had a 5 month old surgery scar on my side, I might not be happy with the bed, either.

There are a great number of sites and stores that sell foam mattresses. Has anyone tried one? If so, could you let me know what you think of it? They claim that the price is comparable to a regular mattress - is that true?

I would greatly appreciate any first-hand information that you could share with us.




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Jules

Hansgrohe Faucet

Okay, we have serious faucet issues. The one on the bathroom sink is at least 20 years old. Most of the plating is pitted, corroded, and/or falling off. It has got to go!

In the shower, we don't even have a handle. We use a pair of pliers to turn the water on, since Michael keeps destroying the fixture. And don't even ask about the shower head.

So, naturally, I went shopping. (Hey, it's what I do!) If you've never seen a Hansgrohe faucet, you don't know what you're missing. These fixtures are beautiful and the sleek lines fit any decor.





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Jules

Zero Gravity Recliner

I hadn't heard of a zero gravity recliner, until recently. Now, I want one - badly. Mark and I both have bad backs - the price of being tall, it seems. Arthritis and compressed discs makes sitting, standing, and lying down uncomfortable.

What this recliner does is place the body in a position that is similar to astronauts during take-off - legs higher than the heart, at a very specific angle - effectively removing all additional pressure on the spine. Can you imagine how amazing that would feel? Right now, I can only sit or stand in one position for a short time. Then, I have to shift to relieve the discomfort in my back.

To quote Will Smith's character in Independence Day: "I gotta get me one of these!"




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Jules

Mattress

Mark has been complaining about our mattress for a while now. It's a pillow-top, so it feels bumpy to him. I don't really notice it, but I don't have the level of pain that he experiences. Even the new mattress cover doesn't help. So, I'm looking for something better.

I didn't realize how many different mattress options existed. Especially, memory foam mattresses. Between in-home trials, free shipping, and 10-20 year warranties, you almost can't go wrong.






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Jules

Lamps

I am a woman on a mission. While the torchieres we bought years ago were not inexpensive, they were, apparently, cheap. When I went shopping before, I wasn't sure where we would be putting everything, so it was difficult to know precisely what lamps to buy. Now, I have the luxury of being able to shop by placement, as it were.

Today, I found a store that helps me find the perfect choices for each location. First, I want a desk lamp. Not a standing lamp, but something with a flexible neck that clamps onto the computer desk. It took me about 2 minutes to find it.

Then, I need to replace the torchiere that stands between the two recliners. It's an area that is subject to bumps and bangs, so it has to be tough. This was a little harder to find, because I changed my mind in mid-shop and decided to go with a floor/task lamp.

All in all, I found what I was looking for.







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God Bless!

Jules

Which Cabana Do You Want?

We have an area, right outside our front window, with barbecues, picnic tables, and - on occasion - cabanas. I was looking out the window today, remembering the different looks we've had since Mark and I moved into this apartment. It's been a little schizophrenic, to say the least.

Right now, we're back to green cabanas, which went really well with the previous paint colors. But, the buildings have been repainted in shades of brown, so the green doesn't really work for me. It is, however, better than the temporary blue covers that had some Arizona college logo on them.

I know it wasn't the Sun Devils; I like those colors.






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God Bless!

Jules

LED Christmas Lights

Now this is a great idea! LED Christmas lights! There are so many reasons why it pays to upgrade your decorations this year. To start with, they use less electricity, which is one of the best recommendations I know.

You probably already know that LED lights last 50,000 hours, as opposed to about 2,000 hours for incandescent lights. LED Xmas lights also generate very little heat, so the risk of overheating and fire is virtually non-existent. Whether you need LED mini lights or LED Christmas tree lights, they come encased in an epoxy bulb that is not going to be nearly as fragile as regular glass holiday lights.

If you've ever wanted to decorate your house and yard for the holidays, but didn't want to face the outrageous electric bill, now you don't have to worry. LED holiday lights are the answer to all of your decorating needs.




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God Bless!

Jules

True Shopping

I have this recurring dream that my kitchen and bathroom don't actually look like a 1950s nightmare. Then, I wake up and my heart sinks, pardon the pun. Broken shower fixtures, cheap chipping bathroom faucet, hideous shower doors. Excuse me, but I'm going back to my lovely dream!

Now this is a beautiful bathroom! I can imagine myself soaking in this tub until I run out of hot water. And the vanity? Just perfect for keeping everything handy, but out of the way.

If I need any other bathroom accessories, all I have to do is page through trueshopping.co.uk - they have everything I could want. They actually have over 40 bathroom mirrors on their site!

But, you know, this is a great look, as well. The whole suite - pentangle (5-sided) enclosure and thermostatic shower, basin and stand, toilet and tank - can be ordered together for only £479.00. And, if you order before 2pm, it will ship the same day. Isn't that just fantastic?!

Don't live in the UK? Not to worry; trueshopping.co.uk ships outside the UK. Although, because of export restrictions, be sure to check availability before you order.




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God Bless!

Jules

Design Diva Fabrics

Back in my youth, I used to do a lot of sewing. Saved me a fortune on clothes and kept me from getting really odd polyester outfits for my birthday. Well, rumor has it that Santa is bringing me a sewing machine for Christmas. That, naturally, means that I had to do some fabric shopping. Mark's chair desperately needs a cover; with Michael using it every night, it's getting really dirty.

I have to say that I fell in love with the discount Kravet fabric at Design Diva Fabrics. This gorgeous "Ricamo" silk and velvet, in gold, sage, and mushroom, wouldn't work for the recliner, it's not heavy enough. But don't you think it would make truly amazing throw pillows?


Especially gorgeous, if I were to make them reversible pillows, with this sage-on-sage "Silk Vines" pattern on the other side. At 54" wide, you could easily get six (6) good-sized pillows out of only a yard of each fabric. Now that's a great deal! And what tremendous Christmas presents they would make!


Of course, that leaves me without material for recovering the recliner. Hmmm? Guess I'll just have to keep shopping.




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God Bless!

Jules

Curtain Rods

I would just like to say - upfront, before we go any further - I prefer curtain rods with style! If you've ever rented an apartment, you know that the standard hardware for hanging window-coverings is not attractive. Usually plain white, flimsy metal rods that clip over a coordinating hook in the wall, generally so bent that you can barely get draperies on the rod, let alone hung securely on the wall.

Trust me! You have not lived until you've experienced curtains crashing to the floor, taking the plaster right off the wall, in the middle of dinner - in front of your mother-in-law! Have you ever noticed that when people say "Some day you'll laugh about this," they never mention that it will take years - and occasionally therapy - before these things are laughable!? Anyway ...

Personally, I've always loved the look of wrought iron - stair railings, beds, storage racks, bar stools, drawer and door pulls, candle holders - just everything. It adds so much to the style and feel of a room. In fact, I have wrought iron and wicker wall shelves in the bathroom and the matching 3-shelf stand works as a perfect occasional table between the two recliners in the living room.

You know? The more I think about it, the more I think that it's time to redecorate the living room window. Just look at this leaf pattern. It would be absolutely perfect in my little living room. It's not too big. It's not too bulky or heavy looking. And, (drumroll please) it is incredibly affordable! Even if I were doing more than one window, Wrought Iron Haven keeps everything within my budget, yet absolutely beautiful.

Did I mention that what we have is white, cheap, bent and eats bits of the curtains every time I take them down and put them up? Have I pointed out that the white, cheap, bent wall hooks are so bad that it takes two people to remove and rehang the white, cheap, bent rods? Ummm, did I happen to mention that I really, really, really hate white, cheap, bent curtain rods that eat my draperies?

If you have the same problem, don't wait! You never know when your mother-in-law might drop in. And, frankly, I think MILs have special powers to embarrass DILs. Seriously! It could happen!

Oh and by the way ~ I know a secret WROUGHT IRON GARDEN GATE backdoor that gives shoppers a great discount! Just go to the Wrought Iron Haven homepage. Halfway down the page, click on the comma in the line that reads "Our Store now has over 1,300 home & garden items for you to choose from!" Isn't that fantastic!?




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God Bless!

Jules

Guess What's New at JMark Afghans, etc.

Well, I've finally gotten pictures taken of some of my newest products - placemats, which can also be used as doilies on tables and nightstands. In fact, I made one out of the yarn remnants from my queen-sized afghan, so it matches perfectly and is just beautiful on my nightstand. But, there's no reason you can't put them anywhere you want, for any purpose under the sun.

Many of my afghan designs were created with variegated or single color yarns. Since those seem to be the most popular orders, we've changed the order forms so that each is only available in single colors or variegated yarns. There are several designs that still offer multiple colors.

Be sure to stop by our affiliate partners. Limoges Jewelry has a program for the month of October, supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. Shop their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection; 5% of all proceeds goes to BreastCancer.org. What better way to show your support?

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Glass Tile Store

A simple, often inexpensive way to update the look of a kitchen or bathroom is with new tile on floors, walls, or backsplashes. There are a lot of different materials from which to choose: ceramic, marble, terracotta, and even metal. One of the most amazing and versatile is glass tile.

I was impressed and inspired by the options from the Glass Tile Store. The tiles are translucent, with the color painted on the backside, so they won't scratch or chip, guaranteeing a long, beautiful life for your new look. They even offer pebble sheets that are made by glass artisans. The variety will keep your inner designer busy for days.

Many of the colors and patterns are something I've never seen before. I can easily imagine dozens of ways and places to decorate with these incredible tiles. The Amber Glass Tile has a great pattern that would add a sophisticated touch to any shower enclosure, but just look at the Zen Espresso! Made of polished and frosted glass tiles, combined with natural stone tiles, the irregular layout lends itself to a truly original pattern that would be, to my mind, just perfect on a bathroom wall.

No matter your decorating needs or desires, glass tiles offer a unique look that has to be seen to be appreciated.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lizard Lighting

If your home's outdoors consists of more than a concrete walkway, like we have, then you've probably thought about the best way to add lighting. While halogen and incandescent lighting have been around for years, there's something new in the marketplace - LED landscape lighting. You might be surprised at the benefits you'll experience over more traditional options.

Concerned about energy consumption and the environment? Then, LED lighting makes perfect sense, as these bulbs use about 90% less energy and last much longer, helping you reduce the impact on your wallet and the environment. LED lights last about 100,000 hours, which means that you can operate them 8 hours a day for about 30 years. Can you say the same of halogen and incandescent bulbs?

Starting in February, Lizard Lighting will be bringing new ideas and options to outdoor lighting. They've already compiled some important information and are adding more every day. The Energy Star program is intriguing, as is the article on Ernst & Young's amazing savings, due to a change to LED lighting.

From porch lights to walkway lamps, learn how you can improve your outdoors.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Upside-Down Christmas Tree

A few years ago, when we moved into this apartment, I bought a two-and-a-half foot fiberoptic tree. It has multiple tips on each branch that sparkle in ever changing colors. Really cute, but not exactly Mark's idea of the perfect tree. Quite by accident, I wandered onto Hammacher Schlemmer's Christmas tree pages and knew that I would be buying a new tree this year.


Just out of curiosity, I had to take a look at an upside down Christmas tree. These are the wildest trees I think I've ever seen. Little did I know that the design actually comes from a Central European tradition.

Not only does it allow for putting a tree in a smaller space or even a corner, you can pile a lot more presents (hint. hint.) underneath. One thing I didn't think about is how the ornaments would hang away from the branches, so they'd be more visible. Very interesting tree.


One of the first artificial trees I ever saw was an aluminum tree. One of my mother's friends had a gorgeous tree, complete with a lamp with a rotating disk that sat on the floor and shined different colors on the tree.

I couldn't tell you what she had on top of the tree, but all of the balls were the same bright color and they were big. Almost as big as my eyes when I got my first look at that Christmas tree. An incredible sight, I think I still prefer my trees to be more tree-like. You know, green?


That's why I fell in love with the Pre-lit Tree. It looks so real, you can almost smell the pine. And, critical to my little apartment, it comes in a 4-foot size that is perfect for our table. This is the look for us.

Happily, the light strands are integrated so that, if one bulb fails, the rest of the lights continue to work. Not to mention, they're strung so that the cords are virtually invisible and there is only one connection from the tree to the wall socket. Rather than a bare pole that you have to stick branch after branch into, this tree has sections that open like an umbrella and only takes about 30 minutes to put together. Just fantastic!

If you're looking for a new tree or are tired of the quality of your local options, you just have to visit Hammacher Schlemmer. They have real trees, flocked trees, wall trees, white trees, tabletop trees, frosted trees, and a collection of greenery that you can place anywhere in your home for the perfect holiday decorations.

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Leather Recliners

Back in 2004, while Mark was in the hospital, we decided to get rid of our broken down sofa and replace it with 2 recliners. They would fit better in our limited space and allow each of us to lie back and relax, rather than competing for the couch. As much as I hate going to stores, I bit the bullet and went shopping.

The chairs I bought had a lot of features and I was really happy. Mark would be the final test. Back then, suffering from end-stage liver disease, he was very, very thin; barely weighing more than I weigh now. The recliner was perfect for him. But, that was then and a lot has changed. With Mark being a healthier weight and the chair being three years old, they aren't such a great match anymore. So, I've been shopping again.

I have absolutely no qualms about buying furniture online; most of what we own now was purchased that way and we've been very happy with it. But I'm a stickler for getting what I pay for and don't believe that because something is expensive it's 'better'. So, in order to find the best deal I could, I decided to start with Wholesale Furniture Brokers. What could be better than paying wholesale prices?

After one look at their leather recliners, I knew that I didn't have to look any further. With over 40 recliners to choose from, all at the same price I paid three years ago for fabric upholstery, it was just a matter of finding something substantial for Mark. That didn't take long.

And, because it's critical that Mark be happy and comfortable with a new recliner, we can even visit the local store in our area. All in all, you just can't do better than Wholesale Furniture Brokers, no matter what you're looking for.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Select Blinds

I am extremely picky about my window coverings - no heavy draperies, no vertical blinds. Sheers are okay, but they require a nice valance or . . . something to complete the look. Whatever I use, it has to be low maintenance.

That's why I tend to lean toward horizontal blinds. They're easy to care for and come in a huge range of styles. I can let in as much or as little light as I want, without struggling to slide curtains along a rod or inviting the entire neighborhood to stare in my front window.

Watching HGTV and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" introduced me to Select Blinds, so I started shopping there. If they had read my mind, it couldn't have been more perfect. Just look at these mini-blinds. And they come in over 25 colors, with a free sample available so that you can be sure the color is perfect in your home.

I was thrilled with the look. But when I started reading about the standard features, I really fell in love. These blinds are custom-made in the United States; that's a big one for me. Designed to conform to CPSC* child-safety guidelines, they are heat-treated and spring tempered to resist bending, and come with a crash-proof cord lock, to prevent damage to your windowsill. Best of all, there is an anti-static additive in the paint that helps your blinds stay dust-free.

You have got to check out Select Blinds. And, if you've never ordered or installed blinds before, don't worry. There are step-by-step instructions for customizing, measuring, and installing each product. Still having problems? Get Live Help at the 24/7 Customer Care number. It couldn't be easier.

* Consumer Product Safety Commission

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We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Grandfather Clocks

I have always wanted a grandfather clock. Something about the timeless elegance just calls to me, even in the new grandfather clocks. Quality materials and movements make for a future family heirloom that can be proudly passed down from generation to generation.

Although I admired my in-laws' clock, I really didn't know anything about choosing and caring for such a delicate timepiece. To that end, I went looking and found 1-800-4clocks.com. Not only do they offer an amazing collection of quality clocks, they have a blog that addresses concerns and important things to know, such as Moving Grandfather Clocks.

After leisurely wandering the website, I settled down with the Howard Miller grandfather clocks. This collection is incredibly diverse in style. I saw everything from traditional (not quite my style) to extremely contemporary (definitely not my style). Somewhere in between, I found my perfect match.

Everything about "Emerille" appealed to me. The size is perfect for the space beside our desk, where it can be seen and enjoyed from anywhere in the room. I like the classic look of the Roman numerals on the clock face and the hand-painted filigrees are elegant without being fussy. With a choice of chimes, Westminster or Ave Maria, automatic nighttime chime shut-off, and levelers in all four corners of the base, this grandfather clock has everything I want. When you add in free shipping and free in-home set-up, there was nothing more that I could ask for.

If you're in the market for a grandfather clock, I can't think of a better place to start. For those of you who are lucky enough to already own one of these beautiful timepieces, why not wander over to the Grandfather Clocks Blog and read about what draws people to grandfather clocks.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules