skip to Main Content
Menu

In Support of the Tomgirl

We are born unique. We are born with innate knowledge of ourselves. We are born with limitless potential.

We are born into a world that has expectations of us. Those expectations vary from culture to culture. One facet of those expectations is being a boy or being a girl. Look like it. Act like it. Pick one. Be one.

Enforcing gender conformity in behavior does nothing to serve the children. What it does is make those around them who buy into the cultural construction of gendered behaviors more comfortable. The decision between making others (read: the adults) more comfortable or cultivating an authentic, fulfilled and happy child should be a no-brainer for all of us.

For many children, the process of being themselves is incidental to all of the other development. Choices are comfortable, easy, seamless and culturally sanctioned. No judgment. It just is. They are diverse and complex in many ways, but not in ways that create dissonance with the culture around gender.

For other children, the process of being themselves takes a more significant place in their development, because their uniqueness is manifesting just as it should although not according to cultural expectations. They are diverse and complex as well, including in ways that require them to challenge culture norms, not because they wish to be activists, simply because they wish to be themselves.

Enter one group of people born girls who love the rough and tumble, trucks, dirt, climbing trees and playing flag football on the playground. Their behaviors are unrelated to who they may ultimately choose as a partner or what body feels right for them, because those are deeper considerations then what they like to do for fun on the playground. These girls are the tomboys. They are encouraged to embrace their toughness wearing t-shirts that say “kick like a girl,” “throw like a girl” and “girl power.”

It is important to remember, it wasn’t always the case that these tomboys were supported. Only a generation or two ago, tomboys were chastised with “unladylike” behavior viewed as a barrier to finding a partner or achieving professional success.

Let’s consider what changed. It wasn’t the behaviors. It was the evolution of our culture into accepting and valuing those so-called boyish behaviors in girls. Although we still occasionally observe the discouragement of these behaviors in girls, the culture has evolved to a point that we admire women like Mia Hamm, Serena and Venus Williams and Lindsay Vonn. (Although, as a culture, we still demonstrate our confliction with strong girls and women by juxtaposing their accomplishments with an image sexualized not on their terms, often seeing media coverage of the “hottest female athletes.”)

Even though their behavior can occasionally make waves, we have grown as a culture to ascribe value to it and to entangle the boy-like behaviors with confidence and success because those behaviors reflect the dominant power structure. We hear sentiments like “that competitive fire will serve her well,” or “her confidence comes through loud and clear.” The evolution into accepting and embracing these behaviors in girls demonstrates that, regardless of the fact that they aren’t traditionally accepted, those behaviors will be useful to them. Therefore, those behaviors are allowed to become part of the evolving conception of what it means to be a girl.

Now enter one group of boys, some who have described themselves or been described as tomgirls. Boys whose innate uniqueness includes sensitivity, creativity, perhaps a soft spot for sequined clothing and playing house. These boys, as part of their innate knowledge of themselves, are engaging in behaviors that are fun for them, bring them happiness and allow them to exist in the world in just a way that feels right. The behaviors they enjoy are separate from whom they may want to date or how they relate to their own bodily boyness despite the mainstream view that these behaviors are indicators of sexuality.

That these behaviors are viewed in our culture as girlish behaviors is irrelevant to them. They are being themselves in the truest sense the best they know how. It is actually the cultural construct of appropriately gendered behaviors that is posing the challenge, not the boys’ behavior. Even though children tend to gravitate toward certain behaviors according to gender, it is important to recognize that that is not always the case.

It is especially significant to examine the fact that our culture has evolved to accept and embrace the tomboys, but heartily resists and discourages the tomgirls. Perhaps when our culture evolves to the point of valuing the traditionally-defined feminine attributes of sensitivity, emotional compassion and creativity, we will find ourselves accepting and embracing the tomgirls. Reveling in their relationships skills, emotional sensitivity and enjoyment of beauty can only come when we, as a culture, recognize these so-called feminine attributes as valuable and useful in the world.

We know that being exactly who we feel we are is an important component to life fulfillment which is why we also take time out of our busy schedule and visit Chicago life coaches. If you have ever struggled with the challenge of trying to be someone you are not to please others or to fit in, you’ve experienced the discomfort that comes with repressing an authentic and innate part of yourself. It is like trying to divert the waters of a river, it requires a vast amount of energy and inevitably results in negative consequences. Ultimately, we observe people spending a significant amount of energy as adults seeking that uniqueness that was chased away when they were children.

As responsible, caring and supportive adults, when considering those brave tomgirls, our focus must be on the wellbeing and happiness of the children, not on the comfort of the culture-reinforcing adults. We need to lead the way in accepting and embracing the authentic manifestations of the tomgirls. We also must challenge the hidden homophobia as misplaced as it is. Our job is to let the tomgirls know we value them and what they bring to this world. We need to actively support them and encourage the cultural evolution toward allowing people to be exactly who they are from the time they are born, instead of chasing their beautiful uniqueness away for the comfort of others. Just as the praise of the tomboy is integrated in our culture, the time is overdue for supporting the tomgirl and all he teaches us.

Choose Spa Hotels For Big City Indulgence

The various tourist attractions and entertainment options ensure that there is something to keep everyone entertained. And when you add spa hotel for your trip, an element of relaxation is guaranteed. Massage happy absorbs sumptuous and divine facials are all available right at your doorstep. So next time you drive to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, the book one of the many fabulous spa hotels available and ready for a long time.

Spas in hotels are different from other types of businesses because they include spa-like hotel accommodations, usually in a city environment. Unlike resort spas, which are part of the massive complex with many amenities, spa hotels usually do not include extras added on site. The spa rooms and guests are all that is offered in most cases. Some spas luxury hotel has a restaurant on site as well, but it is not necessary. Since hotels are most often located in urban environments, space is more a problem than counterparts in the resort.

Spas Destination spas are more different than the hotel resort spas. In destination spas, clients have goals they are trying to accomplish to lose weight, detoxify, or contact with nature. This is not usually the case in a spa hotel. Hotel guests can spend their day spas as they choose, they do not follow a schedule as a spa destination and there is usually no end goal in mind that no relaxation.

Out of all the available styles spa, hotel spas are more similar to day spas. Day spas are posh establishments that offer the latest treatments, but they are only open during working hours. Hotel spas are day spas as with rooms attached. There is a spa inside the fantasy that is open 9-5, but the rest part of the construction of the rooms is always accessible.

The great thing about hotels is that they offer spa luxury and proximity to the attractions of a city. At the spa inside the hotel, you can enter any number of spa treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps and hydrotherapy, to name a few. But when you’ve had your fill of the spa, you feel sorry for a city of entertainment right at your fingertips! Spa hotels are perfect for people who want to see and do everything in one trip. You can relax and then take the views in a single day.

Of course, not all hotel spas will offer the same treatments. Depending on the size of the hotel in question, there may be an extensive menu of services, or there may be only two or three treatments offered. In fact spa hotels, you should expect to find a basic education services, including at least one massage and a facial. However, there are no guidelines on what constitutes a “spa”, especially when it is included in another entity, such as a hotel. Many hotels call themselves hotels and spas, but the spa component could be nothing more than a Jacuzzi or sauna. If you know you would like to spend time at a spa hotel, it is worthwhile to call ahead and check on their treatment offerings.

Some of the best spas in the world can be found attached to hotels in big cities. In these establishments ultra-thin, floors, sometimes entire space will be dedicated to Spa. There may be several private rooms and therapists available to accommodate a large number of clients simultaneously. In the elite spa hotels, botanical products are made at home. While these types of spas are fabulous and will provide a treat to remember, they also come with a hefty price tag. A one-hour massage at an exclusive spa hotel can easily total more than $ 300. And accommodations would run you about $ 500 per night in some locations. So if you’re on a budget, staying at a hotel spa can not be the best way to go. Instead, you can choose to check into a motel and use a modest day spa in the area.

Hotel Spas are perfect for city-oriented couples looking to take a romantic vacation together. With all the pampering that goes into the hotel spa, romance follows naturally. But while the ideal couples that guests at these sites, not children. Hotel Spas are generally not suitable for young children under the age of 12. Some properties still have age restrictions. So if you’re traveling with kids in tow, make sure they are always welcome at hotels in potential. If not, look elsewhere for a vibration-oriented family.

If you are looking for luxury and indulgence at the scene of the city, hotel spas are the way to go. The can be expensive, but if you have money to spend on a room and a treatment, go for it. The service and relaxation that you receive will be worth the money, no doubt about it.

Source: Medical Spa in Barrington

Praiseworthy Pemmican: The Tastiest Trail Treat!

Are you looking for a tasty and nutritious trail snack that is easy to carry and won’t weigh you down? Look no further than praiseworthy pemmican! This traditional food of indigenous peoples has been a staple of outdoor enthusiasts for centuries, and for good reason. Pemmican is delicious, satisfying, and provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbs to keep you going on your adventures. Read on to learn more about why pemmican is the ultimate trail treat!

Introducing Praiseworthy Pemmican!

Pemmican is a traditional food made from dried meat, fat, and berries, pounded together into small, dense cakes. It was invented by indigenous peoples in North America as a way to preserve meat for long periods of time without refrigeration. Pemmican was an essential food for hunters, trappers, and travelers, who would carry it with them on long journeys. Today, pemmican is still popular among outdoor enthusiasts, who appreciate its convenience, nutrition, and delicious taste.

The Perfect Snack for Your Outdoor Adventures

One of the biggest challenges of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking is finding high-quality, portable snacks that won’t spoil or weigh you down. Pemmican is the perfect solution to this problem. It is lightweight, compact, and can be stored for months without refrigeration. Pemmican is also incredibly versatile – you can eat it as a snack or use it as a meal replacement. Whether you’re on a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, pemmican is the perfect snack to keep you fueled and satisfied.

A Delicious Mix of Proteins, Fats, and Carbs

Pemmican is not only convenient and portable, but it is also incredibly nutritious. It provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbs that your body needs to function at its best. The meat in pemmican is a great source of protein, which helps to build and repair muscles. The fat in pemmican provides long-lasting energy and helps you feel full and satisfied. And the berries in pemmican provide a source of carbohydrates, which your body needs for quick energy. When you eat pemmican, you’ll feel energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.

Get Ready to Savor the Ultimate Trail Treat!

If you’re looking for a tasty, convenient, and nutritious snack to take on your outdoor adventures, praiseworthy pemmican is the way to go. This traditional food has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. So the next time you hit the trails, be sure to pack some pemmican and get ready to savor the ultimate trail treat!

Euonymus in the Landscape

There are probably more than 60 different forms of Euonymus, but only a few of these have become popular as landscape plants. This single genus of plants represents vine, ground covers, shrubs and small trees. Although the tree types are not common for landscape use, one of them, the Wahoo, “Euonymus atropurpurea,” is often found as a small native tree in wooded areas. While the trees are not particularly noticeable in summer, in fall they have attractive color and clusters of deep pink to orange berries which become evident after the leaves have fallen.

A shrubby euonymus that is very popular for landscape use is the winged euonymus, or burning bush. The compact form is most useful and produces dense growth not only making it a good specimen, but also suitable for unclipped hedges or screens. This excellent plant has brilliant pink to red fall color, is cold hardy and is essentially pest free. The desire for evergreen plants in landscaping is what has made evergreen varieties and species of euonymus popular. Euonymus have been found to be one of our hardiest broad-leaved evergreens, although during severe winters in some climates the plants turn brown or may be partially killed back. When this happens, only the deadwood needs to be cut out, and the plants need to be pruned enough to reshape the plants. Because they leaf out fairly early in the spring, do not prune out any winter-killed wood until new growth appears so that live wood can easily be seen.

Among the evergreen euonymus is a creeping type often used as a ground cover, known as the purple-leaf winter creeper. There is also a climbing type commonly known as evergreen bittersweet. The most used, however, are the shrubby types. Some of the best adapted varieties included Manhattan, Pauli, Sarcoxie and Jewel, although many other varieties have been introduced and may be available in some localities. An objection to the evergreen euonymus is that its leaves may turn brown during the winter but not drop off. While this often happens, especially when plants are in exposed locations, the leaves are normally green until Christmas but drop and are covered by fresh green growth in late March.

The amount of browning is usually relative to the severity of the winter. In mild winters, this may not occur at all. The evergreen euonymus may be attacked by several plant problems. One is euonymus scale, and the other a disease called crown gall. Euonymus scale is an insect pest which may be found on the twigs and undersides of the leaves. The scales are small, grey to white and can be very destructive. The upper sides of the leaves often become yellowish as the sales on the undersides damage them.

Heavily infested branches should be cut out and burned. An approved insecticide spray should be applied in late spring and repeated several times during the summer. Be sure to cover the twigs and undersides of the leaves quite well. Crown gall causes swelling of the twigs, usually near the base of the plant. When these galls are seen, plants should be removed and destroyed. Euonymus should not be planted back into the same area.

The Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture therapy originated over 2,000 years ago in China. Ancient Chinese practitioners viewed acupuncture as a way to balance the flow of the human body. Slowly acupuncture began to show up in Japan and Korea, and then became common practice all over Asia. Over the past several decades it has become a popular practice in the United States. Larger cities in the United States now have an acupuncture practitioner.

Acupuncture Therapy Defined

The word acupuncture can be intimidating for someone who does not fully understand what it is. Acupuncture is simply the insertion of extremely thin needles into specific parts of the body in order to relieve certain medical aliments. Some scientists believe that the placement of the tiny needles into the body causes the body to produce more of its own natural pain killers.

Many people who suffer from chronic pain or other conditions that have not improved with modern medicine often turn to acupuncture therapy. Those who have experienced an acupuncture session claim that they feel energized immediately after, and they also report a decrease in their symptoms.

Ailments that Acupuncture Helps

There are many debates and controversy over what ailments acupuncture can help. Some scientists believe that acupuncture in no way helps alleviate symptoms, and balk at the idea of it. However, studies have shown that patients receiving acupuncture therapy have experienced relief. Acupuncture has been shown to help with these conditions:

  • migraines
  • menstrual cramps
  • low back pain
  • labor pain
  • dental pain
  • osteoarthritis
  • tennis elbow
  • fibromyalgia
  • anxiety
  • drug detoxification
  • muscle spasms
  • insomnia
  • allergies
  • constipation
  • urinary incontinence

Risk Involved with Acupuncture Therapy

As with any medical treatment, there are risks involved with acupuncture therapy. It is important to research a practitioner who is licenses and experienced. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has a database of licensed acupuncture practitioners. Having an experienced practitioner can reduce the risks of serious side effects. Side effects and risks can include the following:

  • soreness and bruising at injection site
  • possibility to contract an infectious disease
  • minor bleeding
  • feeling lightheaded
  • nausea
  • rashes

Acupuncture therapy has been a time-honored method of treatment in Asia for thousands of years. Now this profound method of treatment has increased in popularity in the United States. It is important to remember to consult with a licensed health care provider before beginning any type of acupuncture therapy. Selecting the right practitioner is very critical to ensuring a pleasant experience. Weigh all the risks and benefits to determine if acupuncture is the correct option.

The Pitfalls of Remodeling Your Own Bathroom

My wife Rachel and I live in a home built in the early 1900s. It has a character and warmth that no other “new home” can match. We have watched more than our share of the cable shows where the “Ordinary Joe” gets a house, and fixes it up all by himself. Oh, and they make it look like ANYONE can do it.

Our house only has one bathroom, and my wife had wanted to redo it since we moved in. To describe it fully, it had a grey carpet, from the floor to about 5 feet up was an undetermined tile that was painted green, and then from there to the 9 foot ceiling was flowered wallpaper that looked atrocious. The trim around the door and the shower was a color of blue that I guess could be found within the flowers on the wallpaper. Due to the age of the house, the plaster in a few places was bulging for unknown reasons, but was held in place thanks to the lovely wallpaper.

Rachel finally decided one day she had enough of our bathroom, and it was time to pull the trigger and get the job started. She investigated everything we wanted to do, and how we could do it all ourselves. The primary goals we hoped to achieve were as follows: get rid of that carpet that contained God-knows-how-many bodily fluids from God-knows-how-many people. The plaster was coming down and being replaced with drywall and then textured and painted. All the trim around the door and shower was getting tossed and replaced with fresh woodwork that did not have gobs of dripped and dried paint on it. The old bathroom vanity was history, as was the sink on top of it. The mirrored cabinet above the sink was also being upgraded. The big project was going to be the floor. Rachel decided it was going to be a good durable tile that could withstand the traffic and trauma a bathroom floor can take. The best part was she was going to do it herself-mortar, grout, and tile placement.

The only things we were not replacing was the tub/shower stall as it was implanted in the house, and fortunately was newer and fit into our design scheme, and the toilet. That was replaced a year or two prior due to this author’s inability to remove a rusty bolted toilet seat without cracking the porcelain. You can now fully imagine what sort of brilliance we are dealing with here.

Weeks of planning, measuring, and finally buying the products we think we will need to start and complete our bathroom remodel. Estimated timeframe turnaround: 5 days tops.

Day 1 we wake up and are ready to rock. First task: Plaster tear down. I was looking forward to putting a hammer into the wall repeatedly again and again. Needless to say, the demolition went well. We brought down all the plaster and tile on the walls clear down to the lathe. We then shoveled the remains into bags and I transported them outside for later landfill disposal. After cleaning up our mess, we felt like we’d made major progress. Additionally, Rachel changed out and slightly moved the light switches and outlets to where we wanted them. As it was our only bathroom, we had to put it “back together” in some formation so the toilet and shower were at least usable. Our son who was at daycare needed to be picked up soon, so we actually cleaned up the bathroom, vacuumed the carpet, and returned it to its usable state.

Day 2 arrived and we thought we’d put up some drywall just to say we did. We put up some pieces up close to the ceiling, and were feeling good about our progress. Then it was time to tear out the vanity and sink. I made sure the water lines were shut of and disconnected, and unfastened everything from the wall. What we saw when we pulled everything out left us speechless. There was an immense hole in the floor where the water lines and drain pipes went. We could see fully right down into our basement. What it looked like was at one time there may have been a tub in that spot, as there were spots on the wall over the hole similar to a water spout, and hot/cold water knobs. We decided then and there that minor patching would need to be done prior to putting in the new vanity.

Then we decided to hit the rest of the floor. First, we had to remove the toilet from the sewer line, and get it out of the way. Then we pulled up the carpet, and uncovered more surprises. The area in which the toilet sat on was a bunch of water damaged and rotting floor boards. The rest of the floor had a layer of old and yellowed linoleum tile, some form of tar paper, and then the hardwood oak floors we knew to be underneath it all. For some reason, the wood was painted an odd shade of blue. It became clear that previous owners of our home had all had different ideas on how to decorate that bathroom. Pulling up the rug also showed that many areas of the floor were shimmed, or propped up with boards to level the floor. The entire floor of the bathroom had a hump in it.

We decided that we needed to repair the wood floor under the toilet. We went to the lumber yard and obtained some good planking we could put in that would rest on the floor joists, and become a good solid sub-floor. The problem was making it fit neatly around the flange of the toilet main, and into and around corners of the bathroom without doing a sloppy job. This part took hours longer than we had intended.

My own Dad who can be somewhat handyman stopped by to see how we were doing. He entered the bathroom to find me sitting over a hole in the floor, and exposed toilet flange, and me sweating like a madman and trying to cut out the necessary pattern in the plank to make it fit. My Dad surmised that if he hung around much longer, he was going to get sucked in to help. He uttered the words “Well, looks like you have quite a project going on here. You’ll figure it out. See you later.” And he left.

Finally after hours of cutting, sweating, and swearing, we got the sub-floor back in place. However it was time to pick up our son from daycare again, so we needed to replace the toilet as it is our only one. We quickly did that and declared the floor good for the day. We decided we needed to hang as much dry wall as we could so we could get to work on the floor itself the next day and prepare it for tiling. When we ended that night, we were both exhausted and sick of looking at this disaster we had created.

Day 3, we decided we needed a day off.

Day 4, we attacked the floor and tried to determine what we needed to do to level the floor. We went to the local Menard’s, and saw various epoxy materials that could be used to poured onto the floor to help level it out. However we decided that would be too costly and time consuming. Rachel then had a genius idea. We bought boxes of the cheapest 1X1 foot vinyl tile we could find. We decided to use those to create a level floor by finding the areas that were sagging, and shoring them up with the vinyl tile. In many places, the stacks of tile were 10-15 high. We then measured the plywood we were using for the underlayment, cut it and placed into the bathroom. It was perfect. We cut a hole for the toilet main and were in business. I fastened the plywood down with about 50 3-inch screws and we were set. We brought in the backer-board that the tile would sit on, caulked it, and laid that down. By this time, it again was time to get our son and end our day. However we needed to let the backer-board dry properly so it stayed bonded to the floor. So we waited a few hours to yet again re-install the toilet.

Then things began to take more of a precedent than the bathroom project. We had taken vacation days from work to start the job, but now had to go back to our real day jobs. Some nights we worked on it, but a lot of nights we didn’t. We needed to mud the drywall, and sand it before we could do much more. Due to various activities in the family, the time to do this stuff became minimal. Or if we had the time, we just couldn’t face doing it. It was not like we didn’t have a constant daily reminder either. Our bathroom had no sink or mirror. So any hand washing had to take place in the kitchen. All of Rachel’s make-up and hair styling had to be done in front of a little mirror and desk light in our dining room. Sometimes one of us would get a wild hair, and tackle a minor part of the bigger project.

Finally, 5 or 6 months later we found ourselves with completed drywall, and it had been textured and painted in the color we wanted. The room was finally coming together. One weekend we decided the time was right to tile the floor. We had to be creative with it, because the tile had to stand for over 24 hours so the mortar and grout would set properly. This meant no toilet or shower for at least a whole day. Thankfully my parents lived not very far away, so any necessary bathroom needs were a short drive away. Rachel took to the floor, and did an amazing job. My only responsibility here was running the wet saw we purchased to cut the tile pieces where it was needed. I enjoyed that part.

A good day later, we entered the bathroom, and decided it was time to put the toilet back in. It was getting close to being done. As we were getting ready to set it down, we realized we had brought the level of the floor up about 1 ½ inches from what it previously was. The toilet was no longer going to be sitting on the main, and we had to figure out a way to bring the main up. A trip to Menard’s again, and we found a series of spacers we could put between everything. When all fastened together, and topped with the wax ring between the spacers and the toilet, we were in business.

We had a toilet, we had walls, and we had floors. The last major obstacle was putting the vanity, sink and mirror cabinet. Thankfully, there were no major issues with that. It was amazing. We had a sink in our bathroom again for the first time in about 6 months.

Eventually over the next 3 or 4 months, we installed the wood trim around the door and shower, and added a new shower faucet to match the one we installed in the sink. So after almost a whole year, we more or less finished our bathroom. The job we thought we could plow through in 5 days, turned into a nightmare that lasted an eternity.

We also learned a few things about ourselves in doing the project. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish almost anything. AND we learned that nothing in our house is ever an easy fix.

Make a Color Swatch: Remodeling or Decorating Tip

Remodeling or redecorating can be very stressful and you must spend much of your time making decisions about the redecorating and the colors you want to use. Before you start any redecorating project you need to decide what color or colors you want to use in your redecorating project. The color you use is very important and to make everything in your redecorating project match you need to have a color plan.

To make your life easier during the decorating process you can make a color swatch of the color or colors you plan to use and take the color swatch everywhere you go.

First decide what color or colors you want to use. Experiment with some crayons to see what color you like best. Then when you decide what colors you are going to use on your decorating project make a swatch of the color or colors. Your swatch can be very small so that it can fit in your wallet and you can have it with you where ever you go.

When you look for paint you will have your color swatch and picking out paint or wallpaper will be much easier. Take your color swatch to the furniture store and you will be able to pick out furniture with your color swatch. Pick out furniture that matches the colors you want by taking out your color swatch and comparing it to the colors that the furniture comes in.

It will be easier to pick out the flooring you want with a color swatch. You can pick out carpeting and vinyl flooring with a color swatch that matches the furniture you have already picked out.

Pick out curtains or draperies with your color swatch. A color swatch can make decorating much easier to get the colors in the room to match each other.

Make a couple color swatches of the same color in case you need to share the color with someone else or if you misplace your color swatch you will have another color swatch to work with.

A color swatch can make decorating easier and you won’t have as much guess work when you are decorating your rooms. The color swatch does not have to be big it can be tiny so that you can carry the color swatch in your wallet. You can have more then one color on the swatch and it will make picking colors for your decorating easier.

If you are looking for a tile contractor in Phoenix, AZ – Please call AZ granite & Remodeling Today at (602) 759-9000.

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors in Indianapolis

In these tough economic times, most people are reluctant to dive into the purchase of a new home, so many who want upgraded abodes are turning to remodeling their existing homes as a more affordable alternative. Bathroom renovation, in particular, is a popular choice because bathrooms tend to age quickly due to style changes and traffic volume. In addition to freshening up your living space, updating the powder room tends to return the most value if and when you do decide to sell your home. With all of the positives, though, remodeling a bathroom is not for the faint of heart, so hiring a qualified contractor can help a lot. Here are some of the best contractors in the Indianapolis area to help with your bathroom remodeling efforts.

Lindsey Remodeling and Home Improvements 
Lindsey remodeling is a full-service remodeling agency, but they are especially strong in bathroom renovations. They handle all aspects of bathroom remodeling, from drawing up the initial plans, to the nitty-gritty of plumbing and electrical work, to adding the finishing cosmetic touches. Lindsey’s web site offers remodeling tips and an online consultation form, and you can also contact them at 317-341-5876.

My Home In Indy Home Remodeling 
My Home In Indy Home Remodeling specializes in upscale makeovers of kitchens and bathrooms, and one look at the portfolio on their web site tells you that their work is elegant and that attention to detail is a priority. My Home In Indy handles all types of bathroom remodels from simple cosmetic changes to wholesale gut-and-build operations, and they also support green remodeling practices. They can be reached via their web site or at 317-339-6096.

Indy Renovation 
With over 40 years of experience, Indy Renovation provides the Indianapolis area with a dedicated, full-service contractor committed to helping you achieve your goals in a reasonable time frame without breaking the bank. They provide full-service bathroom remodeling support, and can even help you with your bathroom addition project. Indy Renovation also offers free estimates and design services to help you make your contractor decision, and they can be reached through their web site or at 317-412-9160.

Always compare multiple contractors when making your remodeling decision, taking into account things like prices, references, and portfolios of finished projects. Most of these professionals provide free estimates and can show you photos of other jobs that they’ve done. Happy hunting, and good luck with your bathroom project.

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS – Many people are savvy enough to understand that so-called “quartz” countertops are somehow different from other natural stone countertops. They may even vaguely understand that quartz countertops are actually a form of engineered stone, made from ground-up particles of stone.

Hollywood Towing Company – Los Angeles Towing

Hollywood towing
Anyone who’s anyone is interested in Hollywood, and a lot of people don’t necessarily realize that Hollywood is actually a large city that is within the city of Los Angeles.

It’s not necessarily this fictional element of the film industry because it actually is a real place where a lot of people live, and it’s one of the most happening areas of the city of Los Angeles and is always a lot of fun no matter how young or old you may be.

Of course Hollywood is known for a bunch of freak show people out on the streets, but it’s always a lot of fun, until the fun stops that is and you may need a towing service for your car.

It can always be a really big drag when you need a tow for your car, but if you’re in Hollywood then you don’t need to worry because you’re in a great area for the Los Angeles Towing Company to come to your location and help you out within a short period of waiting time.

Drivers from the Los Angeles Towing Company are always working in and around the Hollywood area so it’s not something to worry about in terms of the wait time for a driver to get to your location.

It’s stressful of course when you need a tow, but don’t fret with the Los Angeles Towing Company because they are the best in the business and run the Los Angeles towing scene to a tee like the PGA Championship of towing.

Next Post : Best Chicago Towing Companies

How to Find a Counseling Job

The field of counseling offers a wide rang of opportunities in the world of work. A counselor is one who assists, advocates, directs or makes suggests things to someone with some issue that they may be confronted. We have pit together a few tips that will help you find a counseling job. Understand the kinds of jobs that are available in the field of counseling. There is a wide range of positions that require a counselor such as an academic counselor, nutritional counselor, career counselor, basic skills counselor, spiritual counselor, human service counselor, nurse counselor, mental health counselor, administrative counselor, attorney counselor, social service counselor and many others. There are also positions available as counselor assistants in many areas.

• Decide the area of counseling that you would like to pursue. You can do this by doing a little research on the areas that you feel you would be interested in working, See your self in this position and if you like what you have visualized then ask yourself how you feel about working in this area. It is a position that requires that you spend a lot of time interacting with people. Counselors should reflect positive vibes to their clients so it is important that if you are going to work in this field you should really feel good about helping people.

• Check out credential required to hold the position. Most counseling positions would require that one would hold a Masters or Higher in Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Psychology, Social Service, or some other professional area. If you are interested in becoming an Attorney who is also known as a counselor than a Law Degree is required. There are some jobs for counseling that require a Bachelors Degree while others such as assistant counselor would require less. Some of these positions also require state certification. So all of this needs to be checked out so you will know the requirements and know what you need to do to qualify for the position.

• Analyze your credentials. You know the kinds of positions that a counselor can hold as well as the credentials that the institution is looking for in a person that would choose to hold the position.

• Get ready for the position. Now you have analyzed your credentials and now you can determine if you are ready to apply for a position in counseling. If you have your credentials in order then prepare to look and apply for positions. If you need additional training now is the time to enroll in a college or university program to get your degree. If you need only a couple of courses to complete your class work then you could enroll in the courses; as well as step out on faith and apply for a counseling position, on a promise that you will be finished in a semester.

• Begin your job search. You find a counseling position by looking in web sites of school systems, hospitals, state agencies and universities. You can try Google searches, ask people who you know that work in the area of your choice for a referral, look in News Papers and attend job fairs.

• Be patient. It takes time but with a little patience and perseverance you will get that counseling job and help many people have a better life. The world needs more people like you. So just follow our suggested tips and you will find your dream counseling job.

Acupuncture: Fact and Fiction

There are many myths surrounding the practice of acupuncture. It is not a conventional practice, so many people don’t know what to think.

Many people think that is painful and dangerous because of the use of needles. The needles used in acupuncture treatments are actually very fine. People receiving acupuncture barely feel anything at all when the needles are inserted, much less pain, it is not uncommon for people not to feel the needles at all. The needles used during acupuncture are disposable, so people don’t need to worry about the needles being unclean and unsanitary.

A lot of people are convinced that acupuncture does not actually work. They credit people feeling better to the placebo effect, this means that people simply think that they are feeling better because they believe in the power of the treatment. There have been studies conducted on this, and it has been found that actually does stop pain.

A great deal of people think that acupuncture can only treat pain. Acupuncture can actually help people with sprains/strains, allergies, insomnia, and asthma. It can also help with infertility and drug or alcohol addiction. Many people do not know that acupuncture can actually help with emotional problems as well. This treatment can help people who are dealing with anxiety and depression. It can also help with other things such as, fear, panic attacks, anger, and grief.

Another common misconception is that acupuncture cannot deliver long term benefits. Acupuncture is traditionally used to help strengthen a person’s immune system. Acupuncture treatments can help the immune system function better so that it prevents illnesses such as colds. It also is helpful in reducing a person’s stress, and most people know that too much stress negatively affects the immune system, making someone more susceptible to illness.

There seems to be a lot of people who think of acupuncture as just another medical “fad.” Although acupuncture has not been used in the United States for a very long time (early 1980’s), but it has been used in China for over 3,000 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized acupuncture as being able to help alleviate over 43 common illnesses.

It is also believed by some that acupuncturists are not real medical professionals. This belief probably comes from people knowing that when acupuncture began in the United States, it was not regulated, but this is not true today. People wishing to become acupuncturists must go through a graduate program lasting 3-4 years focusing on acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncturists obtain their license after passing a series of certification tests, and must keep that license in order to practice. This branch of medicine is regulated the same way others are, in fact, many hospitals have at least one acupuncturists as part of their staff. Some people’s insurance even covers acupuncture treatments.

Back To Top