U.S. Department of Labor and Associated General Contractors Renew Alliance to Promote Safety and Health in the Rio Grande Valley

April 23, 2019

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2ISV5iC

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Montana Highway Contractor After Hot Asphalt Burns Three Workers in Laurel

April 23, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Cites Montana Highway Contractor After Hot Asphalt Burns Three Workers in Laurel

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2KZgqtf

U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Southeast’s Industry Leaders, Landscaping Employers to Sponsor Safety Stand-Down, April 29-30, 2019

April 23, 2019

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2ICYKBw

U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Alvin H. Butz Inc. to Promote Workplace Safety at Manufacturing Facility Expansion in Pennsylvania

April 22, 2019

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2PpwAdO

U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Hospital Employees Exposed to Workplace Violence Hazards

April 22, 2019   U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Hospital Employees Exposed to Workplace Violence Hazards

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2vhMpuc

U.S. Department of Labor, Workplace Safety Organizations Announce 6th Annual National Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down

April 22, 2019 Contact: Office of Communications Phone: 202-693-1999

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2GqYQJ6

U.S. Department of Labor Cites New Hampshire Furniture Manufacturer One Willful and 36 Serious Violations after Employee Injury

April 19, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Cites New Hampshire Furniture Manufacturer One Willful and 36 Serious Violations after Employee Injury

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2DqQvof

U.S. Department of Labor to Hold Meeting to Solicit Public Input On OSH Act Whistleblower Protection Provision

April 19, 2019 Contact: Office of Communications Phone: 202-693-1999 U.S. Department of Labor to Hold Meeting to Solicit Public Input

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2Pk6UPK

4 Important Tips When Using Essential Oils in Your Bath

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

More and more people are falling in love with aromatherapy. It doesn’t just smell good, it also provides health benefits depending on which oil you choose to use. But be careful about putting it in your bath without proper research beforehand, or you might risk burning your skin. Take note of the following tips:

Avoid direct contact with essential oils
“When it comes to putting essential oils in the bath, remember — oil and water don’t mix, which is to say the essential oils are not water soluble,” warns Teachey. Translation: When you climb into the tub, the small drops of oil can adhere to your skin (and tender nether regions!) just as if you’d applied the undiluted oil directly your skin, which can irritate and burn. Ouch!

Use carrier oils
You don’t want essential oils just to sit on top of the water; you want them dispersed throughout. The best way to do that is combine essential oils in a carrier oil first, like coconut, olive, sunflower, or jojoba. “For a single bath, three to 12 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil is sufficient to create a very aromatic, therapeutic bath,” says Teachey, who suggests stirring the bath before climbing in to help circulate oils. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Choose skin-friendly essential oils
As much as we love essential oils, there are some that don’t belong in the tub. Avoid essential oils that can irritate the skin or mucus membranes. On this list: basil, lemongrass, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and bay. Source: HelloGlow

Don’t stay for too long
Soaking for just the right amount of time in your luxurious bath will ensure that you get the most benefits from your aromatherapy session.

• You’ll want to soak in your aromatherapy bath for about 15-20 minutes to get the most benefits. Staying in longer can dry out or damage your skin.
• Consider using bath props, such as a pillow or rose petals, to help you relax further.
• A warm washcloth over your eyes will also help you enjoy your bath. Just make sure to warm it in water under the faucet so that you don’t get any essential oil in your eyes. Source: WikiHow

If you’re looking for bathroom fixtures that are trendy and sophisticated, we have those in store for you. Call us!

 

Contact:

Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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U.S. Department of Labor Joins Partnership to Promote Workplace Safety During North Huntsville, Alabama, Construction Project

April 17, 2019   U.S. Department of Labor Joins Partnership to Promote Workplace Safety During North Huntsville, Alabama, Construction Project

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2vcJToY

Federal Jury Decides Pennsylvania Company Wrongfully Terminated Two Employees for Participating in U.S. Department of Labor Investigation

April 17, 2019

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2IM3WlQ

Federal Jury Awards Whistleblower $40,000 in Damages Following U.S. Department of Labor Investigation of Pennsylvania Foundry

April 17, 2019

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2GuGzvI

U.S. Department of Labor Fines Pennsylvania Framing Contractor For Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards

April 17, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Fines Pennsylvania Framing Contractor For Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2IHs6Oz

U.S. Department of Labor Partners with University of South Florida and Contractor to Promote Worker Safety During Florida Construction Project

April 17, 2019  

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2IHuWD8

Different Ways to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Chilling in the bath is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But, if your tub is dirty, you might feel stressed instead of relaxed. To ensure its cleanliness, here are some things you can do:

Regular Cleaning Routine
For gentle weekly cleaning, look for store-bought cleansers that are marked “safe for porcelain enamel”, or make your own by mixing a few tablespoons of dishwashing soap with about a gallon of hot water. Use a rag or soft sponge to scrub the porcelain, and then rinse well with water. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks

Removal of Rust
If you have a rust stain (or any other marks or filth that the above techniques can’t touch) you can try this method as a last resort:

1. Cover the stain with table salt
2. Take half of a lemon and squeeze the juice over the salt
3. Scrub the salt/lemon mixture with a clean cloth or a nylon sponge
4. If the stain still doesn’t come up, leave the paste-mixture on the stain for an hour or so, then squeeze more lemon juice on the stain and try scrubbing the stain again
5. Rinse and wipe clean Source: ApartmentTherapy

Keeping the Tub Shiny
Squeeze lemon oil onto a soft cloth and rub the sides of your bathtub. The lemon oil also forms a protective coating that helps stop water spots, soap scum and minor stains. Avoid rubbing the oil on the bottom of the tub because it can be quite slippery. Source: Hunker

Quick Clean
Need to do a quick tub cleanup before guests arrive? Grab the handiest item — your shampoo! It does a great job on soap scum because it rinses clean. You can use it to buff a shine into your chrome faucets as well. Source: RD

If you’re looking for the best-looking bathtubs, we have lots in store for you. Unlike others, we also offer maintenance and repairs. Contact us for more info.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Contractors to Promote Safety During Construction of Florida Development Project

April 17, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Contractors to Promote Safety During Construction of Florida Development Project

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2VRuMwO

U.S. Department of Labor Enters Partnership to Promote Safety During Bridge Construction Project in Ohio

April 12, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Enters Partnership to Promote Safety During Bridge Construction Project in Ohio

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2DiWOKd

U.S. Department of Labor and Illinois Funeral Directors Association Sign Alliance to Improve Workplace Safety

April 11, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor and Illinois Funeral Directors Association Sign Alliance to Improve Workplace Safety

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2Ddnoof

3 Design Tips for Your Master Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

To create the master bath of your dreams, include the following pieces of advice on your design process:

Choose a relaxing color palette
Color has the power to energize and to soothe, to wake you up and calm you down. Consider the mood you want to evoke before selecting your palette of materials. As you develop your bathroom color scheme, remember that color comes from more than wall paint and fabric. The hues in the cabinetry wood and in the stone or tile you choose for floors and walls play a major role in creating an overall color personality. Even the sink and tub contribute to the bathroom color scheme, whether they’re made of white porcelain, dyed concrete, or stone. Source: BHG

Have a universal layout
Another trend in master bathrooms is the use of universal design. This approach, designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities, includes wider doorways, showers with no raised lip around the bottom, larger shower doors and more room around fixtures. Once thought of as industrial-looking, universal elements such as grab bars now blend seamlessly into even the most luxurious master bathrooms. Source: HGTV

Create lots of storage
Since most people have many hygiene products, a bathroom remodel is the perfect time to increase your storage space to ensure better bathroom organization. Add bathroom cabinets, drawers, shelves or even carts to store all of these necessary items.

Cabinets that have molding and glass fronts increase the appeal of the bathroom by giving it more character. If you can’t replace your cabinets, consider adding decorative knobs and pulls to update the look. Source: HomeAdvisor

With the luxury bathroom you have in mind, you should only use bathroom fixtures of highest standards. Take a look at what we have in store for you, and call us if you need any assistance!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Elements of an Easy to Clean Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Do you know anyone who loves to clean the bathroom? No one likes it. We all just do it out of necessity. If you are looking for a way to lighten the burden of this chore, then switch to the following:

One piece toilet
If you’ve ever transformed into a contortionist while reaching to clean every last yucky crevice in your toilet, the one-piece model was made for you. Because traditional two-piece toilets have a separate bowl and tank, they have lots of tiny crevices that are hard to really get clean.

You may spend a bit more for a one-piece model, which is molded from a single piece of porcelain, but the amount of scrubbing time you save may make it worthwhile. Plus, you don’t have to get up close and personal with the nasty parts.

Today’s pressure-assisted toilets not only reduce cleaning time, but virtually eliminate backups, thanks to a forceful jet of water that scrubs the entire bowl and removes everything in its path. On this one, you’ll actually save water. Because of their eco-smart designs, these high-efficiency toilets can save a family of four up to 16,500 gallons of water annually. Source: HouseLogic

Wall-mounted faucets
Gravity is working for you, carrying water and soap residue away from the faucet instead of having it all collect at the base. Wall-mounted faucets also keep the counter clear, making it easier to wipe it down. Source: Houzz

Proper ventilation
A quiet fan or open windows will reduce the moisture in a bathroom, therefore decreasing the likelihood of mold. Preventive measures such as proper ventilation can reduce time spent cleaning in the long run. Source: DailyHerald

Less grout
Tile grout attracts dirt and grime, which has to be meticulously cleaned out by hand. Instead of small porcelain or stone pieces, choose large-format tiles or solid slabs for countertops, wet rooms, and wall coverings. If you hate cleaning seams, paint any walls that don’t need tile, or consider using an attractive vinyl or laminate covering. Source: NearSay

We have classy bathroom fixtures that are easy to clean. Contact us if would like to know more!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Construction Company After Employee Suffers Injuries from Fall at Florida Worksite

April 8, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Construction Company After Employee Suffers Injuries from Fall at Florida Worksite

from OSHA News Release http://bit.ly/2UGao4d

3 Types of Bathtub Materials

Shower Tips for People with Sensitive Skin

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

When you have dry, sensitive skin, you have to be careful whenever you’re taking a shower or else you might make your condition worse. Remember the following tips before you have your next shower:

Avoid hot showers, especially when it’s too long
A lot of people, particularly women, like to take their time in the shower, and this is understandable. We all want to stretch out those few moments where we are able to relax on our own in peace and quiet. However, the problem with long showers or baths is that they will strip your skin of its natural oils, making it very dry.

To avoid this you should try to keep your showers to about 10 minutes and avoid using water that is very hot or cold – think like Goldilocks and you’ll be fine. After you are done, dry yourself off by lightly patting your skin down with a soft towel. Source: LifeHack

Choose the right products
Watch out for harsh soaps or body washes that have fragrance, dyes, or are deodorizing. Avoid alcohol-based and antibacterial options. All these are more likely to irritate your skin and leave it itchy, tight, and dry. Instead, go for gentle cleansers or shower gels with added oils or fats. “Look for soaps and cleansers that say ‘moisturizing,’ ‘hypoallergenic,’ or ‘made for sensitive skin,’ ” Obagi says. Source: WebMD

Don’t rub water off too harshly
When it comes to toweling off sensitive skin, gentle motions are key. “Patting dry is recommended over air drying or rubbing,” Goh says. Too rough, and you’re at risk of irritating skin. But don’t ditch the towel altogether or water will leave your skin too quickly. “Air-drying skin allows the body to lose the water moisture to the environment,” Obagi says. Blot your skin carefully, and keep ointment or cream on hand to seal in moisture. Source: WebMD

Did you know that a steam shower is good for your sensitive skin? Get one for your home to experience its amazing health benefits. Call us today to find out which model is best suited for you!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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U.S. Department of Labor Cites Remington Arms for 27 Safety and Health Violations after Amputation at New York Manufacturing Plant

April 3, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Cites Remington Arms for 27 Safety and Health Violations after Amputation at New York Manufacturing Plant

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2K5KcMv

U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Florida Roofing Contractor Continues to Expose Employees to Fall Hazards

April 3, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Florida Roofing Contractor Continues to Expose Employees to Fall Hazards

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2UwPQew

3 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Sauna

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Enjoy your sauna for much longer when you start properly maintaining it. Don’t forget to give the following areas some much needed attention:

Floor
The warm, moist environment of many saunas can foster the growth of bacteria on the floor and other surfaces of the sauna. These bacteria include tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, states the Mayo Clinic. Public saunas can also spread the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause serious skin staph infections, including the deadly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus–MRSA–according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To prevent these infections from spreading, regularly sweep and mop the sauna floor using a household floor cleaner or a water and bleach solution. Let the floor dry and the sauna air out before continuing use. Source: OurEverydayLife

Benches
Don’t use harsh or abrasive chemicals on benches, as these can bleach and warp the wood, ruining the grain and turning it grey. Specialist sauna cleaners are commercially available too. These are designed to be gentle on the wood, and will also give your sauna a pleasing fragrance. Source: Build

Heater
Depending on what type of heater you possess in your sauna there are different ways of cleaning it.

If you heat with a wood burner, than you will have to remove the ash build up constantly.

If you have an electric heater, all you need to do is use a nonabrasive cleaner and sponge to wipe off any fingerprints, dust, grime, and debris that may be present.

If you have suana stones that produces your sauna heat, than you will want to make sure you are soaking your rocks in a mild detergent and water solution about once a month, and also replacing any cracked stones as soon as you notice that they are cracked. Source: DoItYourself

Infrared saunas are more convenient and efficient to use compared to traditional saunas. If you don’t have one yet, don’t miss out! Call us today and get yours.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Industry at Chicago Area Trench Safety Conferences to Raise Awareness of Hazards

April 2, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Industry at Chicago Area Trench Safety Conferences to Raise Awareness of Hazards

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2CQ4gMO

U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Safety Professionals and Industry To Raise Awareness of Hazards during Trench Safety Day Event in Ohio

April 2, 2019

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2VdvYdJ

U.S. Department of Labor Again Cites Wisconsin Pallet Manufacturer After Three Employees Exposed to Wood Dust

March 26, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Again Cites Wisconsin Pallet Manufacturer After Three Employees Exposed to Wood Dust

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2U2FPq4

3 Tips to Remember When Painting the Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

One way to completely change the look of your bathroom without actually spending very much is to repaint it. If you’re going to DIY this project, then make sure you keep in mind the following tips:

Photo by Sebastien LE DEROUT on Unsplash

Ensure appropriate ventilation
Make sure your bathroom has proper ventilation. If not, the high levels of humidity can damage your paint. An open window and a ceiling fan or exhaust fan can help clear a room full of steam, removing moisture and drying walls. Try to run your fan for an hour after every shower or bath. Source: Forbes

Pick the right paint
Bathroom windows take a beating: Blinds go up; windows open and close. Candles, blow dryers and other hot items often lie on top of the ledge. So use a durable semigloss or gloss trim paint that can handle the abuse. If the window will take direct rain and wind, chances are that it’ll get wet sooner rather than later, so you may want to use an exterior paint. Source: Houzz

Choose a color that works well with your space
Dark, weighty colors in small spaces often make the user feel claustrophobic. Should you surrender to that classic bathroom color, white? Not necessarily. Light, airy, bright bathroom paint colors such as light-blue or light-yellow always work well. Since darker paint colors make spaces feel small, any type of lighter color will be an improvement.

However, this is not an iron-clad edict. To make darker colors work in bathrooms, include other elements that leaven the ponderous feeling that dark colors bring on. Shiny, reflective chrome or brass sink fixtures or cabinet pulls add bright stars of light to dark spaces. Also, make sure that your bathroom lighting is adequate both for the space and for the color palette. Source: TheSpruce

While you’re on a mission to create a new look for your bathroom, check out the classy fixtures we have on our website.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Planning an Outdoor Shower

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

For people who love hiking, going to the beach, and other outdoor activities, having a shower before entering the house means less mess to clean. You get to avoid bringing sand, sludge, and dirt inside. Have an outdoor shower ready by summer when you start doing the project today! Here are some pointers to consider:

Photo by Abigail Lynn on Unsplash

Determine where to place it
“Outdoor showers are a nice feature for pool owners or beachfront homes,” says Jarret Acevedo, a master plumber and owner of Jarret Acevedo Plumbing and Heating. However, depending on how low your temperatures drop in the winter, you’ll need to take precautions with your shower. “Care is definitely needed to plumb it properly to protect from freezing if it’s an area with frigid temperatures,” Acevedo warns.

Placing your shower strategically kills two birds with one stone. “Depending on your layout, you can punch through the shower wall and build a shower that opens up to another rain shower outside,” says Jonathan Self. Source: Freshome

Have a good drainage system
Where water goes is just as important as where water comes from. Most homeowners drain their outdoor showers into a separate manhole, a storm ditch or a gutter system linking to the home’s graywater tank. Locating your shower in a place that receives a lot of sunlight is another way to eliminate water buildup.

“Be sure to check your local building codes about the disposal of gray water,” says Gloven.

Chris Marchese, CEO of Marquis Gardens, suggests using Permeable Pavers or artificial turf for drainage and flooring because they blend into the environment. He also notes that it’s critical to only use biodegradable soap and shampoo when your drainage line is being naturally discharged.

If you’re concerned with slipping or mildew, composite boards make great flooring for outdoor showers. “They dry quickly and feel fantastic underfoot,” says Thomas O’Rourke, owner of Decking Hero. “Plus, they last between 25-30 years, so it’s a good value for your money, about $70 per square foot.” Source: FoxNews

Add a privacy wall
Outdoor showers typically offer less privacy than their indoor counterparts, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. A well-placed wall creates a quaint little nook in which to shower while enjoying the sunshine. The secluded area allows for peaceful bathing in the buff—no matter how nosy the neighbors. Source: BHG

Your outdoor shower wouldn’t be complete without great looking bathroom fixtures to match. Check out our website for tons of options!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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U.S. Department of Labor Fines Georgia Contractor For Trenching Violations; Proposes $106,078 in Penalties

March 25, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Fines Georgia Contractor For Trenching Violations; Proposes $106,078 in Penalties

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2UbvRls

U.S. Department of Labor Seeks to Prevent Georgia Roadway Worksite Injuries through Safety Stand-Down Events

March 25, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Seeks to Prevent Georgia Roadway Worksite Injuries through Safety Stand-Down Events

from OSHA News Release https://ift.tt/2JC97He

U.S. Department of Labor Seeks to Prevent Georgia Roadway Worksite Injuries through Safety Stand-Down Events

March 25, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Seeks to Prevent Georgia Roadway Worksite Injuries through Safety Stand-Down Events

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A Garden Bed Grows Up: The Evolution of a Flower Border

It all started with some leftover manure.

Over three years ago, I needed to do something with the remaining composted manure from a gardening project before winter came.

Our house is built into a hill. The backyard is lower, making the back deck a half-story above ground level. The previous owners had stuffed some shrubs into a skinny little border along the back, which I had tidied up. But when my daughter created a potager on the south side of the house that extended beyond the deck, it created an awkwardly shaped space that was hard to mow and just didn’t look right. I wanted so badly to draw a line from the corner of the potager to the deck stair railing.

So I did.

I expanded the back deck bed by laying cardboard on top of the sod, and then covering it with well-rotted manure. I had tried this technique once before at the old house, and it hadn’t worked. Two key differences: 1) I didn’t plant until the following spring this time, and 2) I wasn’t attempting to smother bindweed. (A friend once remarked that the best way to rid your garden of bindweed was to move to a new garden. She wasn’t joking. That’s how I finally did it.)

The following spring, I had All. That. Space. to plant in. I needed some sort of criteria to help me decide what to grow there. At the old house, there was a spot where I had wanted to grow a white heirloom rose like Madame Hardy, with apricot foxgloves and lavender-blue peach-leaved bellflowers. That never happened there, but I realized I had the bellflowers and I had an apricot rose (‘Crown Princess Margareta‘) from the old house, and decided I would go with that color scheme–apricot, lavender-blue, and white. This soon included yellow-green foliage accents as well, such as golden feverfew, golden hops, and hostas, and sometimes the apricot segued into orange and the lavender-blue deepened to a dark plum.

By June there were still some gaps, but the garden in my mind’s eye was looking great.

Fast forward to 2018 . . .

The year starts off with orange and apricot daffodils. This is ‘Kedron’ with an unnamed plum-colored hellebore.

‘Phantom’ narcissus

In May, alliums and camassias bloom. Note the golden hops vine starting to climb the lattice.

Abelia monsanensis blooms in early June. It’s wonderfully fragrant and hardy to Zone 4.

It has pretty decent autumn color, too. This is late October.

This dreamy iris was growing in the Parking Pad bed when we moved in, but I moved it to the deck bed because it fit so well with the color scheme.

The ‘Coral Charm’ peony moves a bit out of the apricot color range but it does play well with the other flowers.

Looking down from the deck: 1. Summer Shandy Hop Vine, a trial plant from Proven Winners 2. ‘Blue Moon’ dragon head (Dracocephalum ruyschiana) 3. Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ 4. Kodiak® Black Diervilla 5. ‘Coral Charm’ peony

In late June and into July, the apricot roses have their first flush of bloom.

‘Crown Princess Margareta,’ the rose that inspired this bed, consorting with some yellow foxglove.

I also added a trial plant of Proven Winners’ ‘At Last’ rose, here with a hardy geranium that I originally found in the Slope Garden, probably ‘Rozanne’.

Three Flower Carpet® Amber roses, also trial plants, complete the apricot palette.

The yellow foxglove (Digitalis lutea) has been the big surprise of this bed.

I brought one plant from my former garden, and planted it to the left of the abelia, before I widened the bed. When I saw how many seedlings had grown up around the mother plant (far more than it had done at the old garden) I was inspired to plant them in a ribbon down the length of the new bed.

They have thrived beyond all expectation.

In early July, the ‘Lauren’s Grape’ poppies start blooming at about the same time as the peach-leaved bellflowers (in lavender and white), backed by the golden hops climbing the lattice.

They also look smashing with the ‘Blue Moon’ dragon head.

The dragon head also looks swell with the yellow flowers and dark foliage of the Kodiak black diervilla and the glowing Summer Shandy leaves.

In August, the apricot theme of this bed intensifies to orange. ‘Mighty Chestnut’ daylily, a trial plant from Walters Perennials, is one of the orange elements.

The tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium) echoes the ‘Mighty Chestnut’ on the opposite side of the bed.

In September the roses bloom again and the ‘David’ phlox joins them.

‘Arizona Apricot’ blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata) finally makes an appearance at the edge of the bed.

I say “finally” because blanket flower is considered a summer-blooming perennial, but it doesn’t start until September for me. Many heat-loving plants don’t accumulate enough heat-hours until summer is almost over. (At least so it seems to me.) Hardy hibiscus is another one I have to wait until September to see blooming.

Wrapping up the season, ‘Sheffield pink’ mums (which look peachy to me) start blooming in October. Yes, October!

And Colchicum autumnale ‘Alboplenum’ joins them.

This spring: Editing and Rearranging

Can you tell I’ve had fun playing with color in this bed? To me a garden border is like a symphony with many players contributing to the work as a whole. Some, like the golden hops and the golden feverfew, add a background melody to the whole piece. Others, like the ‘Coral Charm’ peony, have a brief but commanding performance. Many, like the roses and the geraniums, repeat in several movements, but never with the same accompaniments. It’s all rather complicated, and the gardener often has to watch the garden bed symphony play out a time or two to understand where it’s not yet working the way it should.

So I have a list of things I want to change this spring. First, the ‘Alba’ rugosa rose has to go. It’s gotten huge, and yet doesn’t produce more than a bloom or two, when it should be covered with flowers. I suspect it’s not getting enough sun, and I know where I’m going to move it. I will move irises and salvias that are already there but getting swamped into the rose’s former space. Those lovely yellow foxgloves are so tall they are hiding the daylilies (most of which I didn’t show you) behind them. So I need to do a big switcheroo and have the foxgloves move back and the daylilies forward. I plan to move the pink foxgloves out and replace them with apricot foxgloves that I’m starting from seed. The dragon head is a spreader but I love it, so I’ll be digging some up to use in another bed.

As usual, I will be checking for shoots of Summer Shandy golden hops that are growing into the bed instead of up the lattice.

I received one vine as a trial plant in 2012. It came in a quart pot. The first couple of years I coddled and coaxed it up the lattice. The third or fourth year I finally realized it was weaving itself through the bed and rooting as it went. I waded into the bed and started yanking. Rather belatedly I checked back at the Proven Winners website and saw that they advised cutting it down every fall. You can bet I do now! It’s a beautiful plant, but if you grow it in your garden be prepared to show it who’s boss.

I think I like the tinkering and tweaking the best of all garden chores, but the window of opportunity to rearrange plants without stepping on growing shoots or tying back neighboring plants is small, especially when the plants start growing before the ground is fully thawed. I’m looking forward to the challenge! How about you? What do you plan to change in your garden this spring?

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U.S. Department of Labor, Industry Leaders and Safety Professionals Join for Kickoff of 2019 National Safety Stand-Up for Grain Safety Week on March 25

March 22, 2019

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3 Ways to Stop Hair from Clogging the Bathroom Drain

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Do you often experience the struggle when you shower and then there’s a mini flood going on, because the drain gets clogged with your hair? It’s so annoying and disgusting. Stop it from happening again by doing the following tips:

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Prevent hair fall
Some hair is going to fall out in the shower while you are washing and conditioning, but there are some things you can do to keep hair out of your drains to start with. Brush your hair thoroughly before entering the shower. When loose hair collects on your fingers while shampooing and conditioning, set it on a shelf or the edge of the tub instead of dropping it into the water. If you prevent as much hair from entering the tub drain as possible, use a strainer to keep the rest out and then regularly use a cleaning or clog-preventing product on your drains, you should not have a clogging problem. Source: Hunker

Install a drain screen
This is a piece of metal mesh that can be purchased at a local hardware store and that will fit directly over your current drain opening. It will trap any extra soap scum, hair, or other debris, keeping it from going down the drain. Read the installation directions closely, as you may need to secure the screen on top of the drain with plumber’s putty.

Make sure to remove the screen and clean it on a periodic basis to keep the water from backing up into your shower. Source: WikiHow

Drench it with vinegar
Always keep a bottle of vinegar in the bathroom. Along with its many uses around the house, vinegar is a cheap way to keep your drains clear. Simply pour half a bottle of white vinegar down the drain every 3 months and it should do the trick. The secret is to let it sit for 10 minutes (the acid will remove any clogs that are forming) and then flush with hot water. Source: Home.BT

If you need fixtures to match your luxury bathroom, then check out our website for high-quality pieces. We also have the latest home sauna models that are perfect for you! Call us to find out more.

 

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U.S. Department of Labor Proposes $1,326,367 Penalty after Ohio Company Willfully Exposes Employees to Dangerous Hazards

March 21, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Proposes $1,326,367 Penalty after Ohio Company Willfully Exposes Employees to Dangerous Hazards

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Different Uses for Vinegar in the Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Cleaning the bathroom shouldn’t be expensive and difficult. You can easily do it with one of the cheapest household items you can find: vinegar! Here are some ideas you should try the next time you see filth building up.

Photo by Daniel Fazio on Unsplash

Toilet Stains
Deposits under the rim of your toilet bowl can be really hard to clean! To help dissolve the deposits and make them easier to scrub away, grab a few paper towels and your trusty bottle of white vinegar.

Soak a wad of paper towels with vinegar, then tuck the towels up under the rim of your toilet bowl. Let the vinegar work its magic for a few hours, then remove the paper towels and scrub clean. Source: OneGoodThingByJillee

Dirty Shower Head
Too much gunk blocking your shower head? Just remove the shower head and soak for a few hours in straight vinegar. After soaking, give it a quick scrub!

Tip: If gunk doesn’t remove easily, wrap a watertight plastic bag full of vinegar around the shower head, secure with an elastic band and leave to soak. Source: StayAtHomeMum

Blurred Mirror
Just like windows, mirrors can be cleaned with a 50/50 vinegar and water mix in a spray bottle and wiped with old rags from cut-up t-shirts or newspaper (paper towels leave a lot of residue with this method).

The easiest way, if you have them, is to use microfiber cloths (1 regular one wet, and one polishing one dry, or just one regular wet one and one regular dry) to clean without the need for chemicals at all. Source: WellnessMama

Shower Curtain Mildew
Put the shower curtain in the washing machine with light-colored towels; add 1 cup white vinegar to the detergent and wash. Source: DIYNetwork

Grimy Floor
Clean the floor around the drain with a vinegar solution: 1 cup of vinegar for every 3 liters of water. A handy time to do this is when you’re mopping the floors! Keep in mind that the use of vinegar on floors should be limited to no-wax floors. Source: Cleanipedia

If your bathroom fixtures are still dirty despite all the effort and cleaning items you’ve used, then maybe it’s high time for a replacement. Check out our website for the most affordable yet best-looking items in the market.

 

Contact:
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U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ammunition Manufacturer After Explosion Kills Two Employees at North Florida Worksite

March 19, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ammunition Manufacturer After Explosion Kills Two Employees at North Florida Worksite

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U.S. Department of Labor Signs Alliance with North Dakota Oil and Gas Industry Group to Promote Workplace Safety in Oil Fields

March 15, 2019 U.S. Department of Labor Signs Alliance with North Dakota Oil and Gas Industry Group to Promote Workplace Safety in Oil Fields

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The First Blooms of 2019

Desperate times call for desperate measures. And who is more desperate than the cold climate gardener who’s been inundated with social media images of spring flowers blooming in warmer climates?

Thank goodness my “desperate measures” are already in place. I’ve been planting early blooming bulbs where the snow melts first for several years. And every time the snow starts to melt, I check all those places for signs of emerging sprouts.

Yes, I check during every thaw, even the January and February ones, and sometimes I do see the green points of leaves-to-come. This week we had a real thaw, with temps rising into the 60s (~16C) on the last two days, and I was rewarded with blooms in many places. But it started with just one bloom several days earlier.

The very first flowering bulb of 2019.

I felt a little sheepish when I posted this on Facebook and got comments like “You give me hope” and “You beat me, Kath.”

People, I planted this over the septic tank!

It was the only place the snow had melted at the beginning of the thaw. It was one teeny flower surrounded on all sides by snow. And yes, it gave me hope, too, which is exactly why I planted a mix of Aladdin’s Carpet and Woodland Blend (both from Colorblends) over the septic tank last fall. It’s not a traditional flower bed, but the snow melts there first, and the grass grows sparsely there so mowing can be delayed until the foliage of these early bloomers goes dormant.

By the last day of the thaw, I had three winter aconites blooming there.

I also had them blooming up against the house. Look how many are yet to come!

And when I say “up against the house,” I do mean right up against it, under my cabin fever window.

I also had the early-blooming snowdrop, Galanthus ‘S.Arnott’, blooming in several locations. These are at the base of an Incrediball hydrangea.

Crocus korolkowii ‘Black-eyed Beauty’, my earliest blooming crocus, was also opening up.

The vernal witch hazel continued to unfurl.

Towards the end of the last warm day, a patch of snow melted, revealing several Cyclamen coum that must have started blooming under the snow.

Several crocuses in the lawn were sending up leaves, promising flowers soon.

And this ‘Double Fantasy’ hellebore is one of several in the Cabin Fever Bed showing big fat buds.

But of course, the thaw didn’t last. The temperature dropped back into the 30s (~1.5C) and we’ve had more snow–though it has melted off the road. Another thaw is predicted for this upcoming weekend. Soon the thaws will run into each other and the snow will become a distant memory. But not yet.

Meanwhile, inside the house . . .

This amaryllis has sent up five stalks, two of which are done. There is a sixth stalk emerging!

It’s the same one that I posed with here.

The buds of the flowering quince that I brought inside to force are not quite the size of peas yet. I hope they will bloom indoors before the shrub blooms outdoors.

I have never tried forcing flowering quince before. The forsythia I cut earlier this year bloomed within a week. The quince has been in the house for a good two weeks and looks like it will take another week (at least) to bloom.

Experimenting with forcing branches indoors helps keep things interesting in between mud season treasure hunts for the earliest bloom. If you need more early-blooming plants in your yard, make sure you take pictures of where the snow melts first, and order some “desperate measures” this fall.

Inspired by the words of Elizabeth Lawrence, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year,” Carol of May Dreams Gardens started Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month, garden bloggers from all over the world publish what is currently blooming in their gardens. Check it out at May Dreams Gardens.

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4 Ways to Detox Your Body

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

In a previous blog we discussed the many reasons why it’s important to do a regular detox. Today, we’ll talk about the different lifestyle changes you can make to achieve a healthier you.

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Lounge in the sauna
Our immune systems are up against an arsenal of toxins that our ancestors never dreamt of: pesticides, toxic metals, PCBs in plastics, environmental pollution, and even GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Combining this with a lifelong poor diet is a set-up for accumulated toxins and a potentially weakened immune system.

Luckily, infrared sauna treatments can give your body an extra push to eliminate these toxins. Specifically, this is achieved through sweating, which has been shown in several studies to increase detoxification and lower circulating levels of toxins in the body. Source: PaleoHacks

Get a good night’s sleep
“Giving yourself a good night’s rest is one of the best ways to detox your body and reset,” Asay says. “Sleep has been connected to weight loss, reduced cortisol levels and stress, and improved overall health.” The best part about sleep is that it takes absolutely no effort—just make sure the temperature of your room is cool, and give yourself a 10-hour block to snooze. Source: TheThirty.Birdie

Avoid using unhealthy oils
Toxic oils can include vegetable oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, cotton seed oil and canola oil. Substitute with good oils, such as extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, hemp oil and flaxseed oil. Hemp oil, for example, is a great source of omega-3s, -6s, and -9s. Source: MindBodyGreen

Eat organic
While you’re munching on yummy greens and gut-friendly pre- and probiotics, make the switch to organic/pastured meats and dairy instead of using conventional animal products. According to Consumer Reports, 80% of all antibiotics sold in the United States are used for livestock and other farm animals. If you are serious about your detoxing goals, you don’t want that in your body! Source: TheTruthAboutCancer

Do you have an infrared sauna at home yet? These are the types of saunas that work best for detoxifying the body. It’s a great fit for any house. We can help you find the model that will suit your needs best. Visit our website here!

 

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