after verifying the Serial number with Callaway, I purchased these incredible clubs. Although my game is not the best and these clubs are really pro level and made for a more experienced golfer, I am enjoying them! Callaway products are by far the most quality engineered golf products in my opinion. I rank these irons 9.5/10 and once I master them, 10/10 is a sure bet!

I finally decided to do what I’ve put off for over five years; take golf lessons. Consequently, I also decided to upgrade my golf clubs. A little confidence goes a long way on the golf course. I equate it to being well dressed in a perfectly pressed suit with a symmetrical windsor-knot tie for a job interview. This is my post-mortem of my buying experience after successfully upgrading my entire golf bag (driver to putter) from “hand-me-down/Play-It-Again” to pro-line equipment in a over a month’s time… You can also read this as a “How to spend $800 on new golf clubs”.. (By the way, I’ll disclaim this entire entry by saying that this has probably been written before…).

DRIVER - Cobra HS9: I made a rookie mistake with this impulse purchase. I strolled into Golf Galaxy hoping to test a few drivers priced between $150 & $200. Though I was very successful in finding a club that I liked, it would have behooved me to have scoured eBay before making the purchase at $199. It wasn’t a bad price considering that the original retail price was $399 a year ago. eBay probably would have saved me $50… I will say that all drivers are not created equal and that you need to just go out there and find the one you’re most comfortable with (this is true of all golf clubs). My disappointment exists because I didn’t complete more due diligence after finding the right club.

HYBRID - Cobra DWS Baffler 3 (20 degree): I got this one on eBay (thanks to kmgreensman) who won it at a golf tournament. This was a case of getting a great deal and having a great first eBay buying experience (you’ll notice I just joined this month). I got the club for about 25% under the retail price but the communication with the seller made the purchase better than clicking “buy” on any retail site or walking into a store and dealing with a sales associate who’s just trying to make a sale. I’m actually looking for the 18 degree 2-iron Baffler now…

IRONS/WEDGES - Cobra FP Steel (4-GW): My two cents on buying irons as a beginner. I found a pro-line brand (King Cobra) that I’m comfortable with and after that, just tried to find a set below $350-400.. eBay was ideal. Ironically, I ended finding this set on EdwinWattsGolf.com for $350. So, anyway, that’s all I can really say about irons and give a heads up to anyone looking for a set of these not to bid over than $355 all-in. Edwin Watts has a $5 S&H policy. It might be worthwhile to pick up extra balls or gloves since the $5 is the standard S&H for your entire order. At this price point/value, I would recommend Nike CCi’s or Taylor Made r7 Draws. Again, personal preference…

PUTTER - Taylor Made Corzina: I found a putter I liked and bought it. I actually went to Golf Galaxy, Dick’s and Sports Authority to hunt for putters… then I did the bidding/buying on eBay. Got the putter for $50 below retail.

The managers I work for love bullet points, so I’ve succumbed to the same fate and summarize my experience in bullet point as well:

> Do your homework: I’ll recommend going to Golf Galaxy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Sports Authority to “test drive” clubs. You should be able to do this for free without any hassle or pressure to have to purchase. These retailers typically have a fitting fee, but you can go swing some, not get fitted for “custom” clubs.

> When you’re ready to buy: Find out what those three aforementioned retailers are selling the products for then check some online retailers. I probably hit TGW.com (The Golf Warehouse), Golfsmith.com, and GolfDiscount.com over 100 times. If your timing is better than mine, you might be able to find some online discount codes/coupons for these sites.. (i.e. holiday season, July 4th, Father’s Day, etc.)…

> Have fun. It wasn’t never stressful (outside of hoping to win clubs at lower prices) and it probably didn’t help that I was a completely new eBay buyer… But if you’re a more seasoned eBayer, I’m sure you already know how this all works. I’m a rookie, but it was enjoyable and I was lucky to run into great sellers.

I have been selling curved shower curtain rods to hotels for several years. Hotel managers are not known for wasting money. Each room has a certain revenue potential and the renovations must create enough value to justify the expenditure. When we make calls on these managers they cannot spend the money quick enough to outfit their entire facility with these revolutionary rods. A typical hotel will order 200 to 400 of our rods at a time. We once had a regional buyer purchase 1,600 rods for 5 hotels they had under management.

I realized, however, that very few homeowners were able to find these products in stores. I got the idea to sell these rods on Ebay in June of 2004 and the response has been incredible.

So I figured all these people couldn’t be wrong, the curved shower rod MUST be better, otherwise they would not be selling so well. But I did not know because I had never actually showered with one. Well that changed last month while on vacation with my family. We were staying at a Marriott and there it was, one of my very own curved shower rods! It was the moment of truth because if it was not a big deal I would feel like a charlatan.

Well it was incredible! The area where the curtain bowed out the most was at shoulder height, exactly where you need to move around in the shower. It was like a light went on and now I understood why so many travelers came home from business meetings and went right online to buy one for their home.

So yes, the curved bow shower curtain rod really does add a significant amount of space in the shower!

It’s very difficult to determine how to purchase a steam shower on eBay (or anywhere on the net, for that matter). Reviews are almost impossible to come by, descriptions are highly biased, and manufacturers’ names are never given. In this review I’m going to try to give you some information to help with your buying decision.

I purchased a steam shower on ebay in the fall of ‘06, and while the experience wasn’t awful, there was a lot of information I wished I’d had prior to making the purchase.

It won’t surprise you to learn that just about all of the steam shower offered on ebay are made in China. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that (almomst everything is made there these days), the problem here is that the manufacturers do not have a US presence. This means you are at the mercy of the seller for warranty coverage, or if something goes wrong during installation. Because of this you should not expect feedback for sellers of steam showers to be reliable. Similarly, don’t believe quotes of list prices in the high thousands.

The shower I purchased was a 53″ quarter round (installed in a corner) shower/steam/whirlpool unit with the manufacturer’s name listed as “Koral” in the auction. However, there is no mention of the manufacturer anywhere on the product or the meager manual that came with it. I suspect this is a name made up by the seller. The shower ships in several cartons (the largest holds the tub, but the heaviest is the door glass). When I received I was at first impressed by the build quality, but this lessened as I unpacked further.

The movement of the doors on the tracks is not as smooth as a high-end shower door, but it’s better than the base models that you get at Home Depot, and is more likely to stay on the track because it’s locked in place. The tub is fiberglass, but the material is relatively thin. Construction quality is not nearly on par with a smaller Koehler whirlpool tub I have. Interestingly, the tub has several legs that need to be leveled; this is different than a standard tub which just sits on the floor or on some sort of aggregate. This is probably an advantage since you can adjust for uneven floors. However, again, the frame is fairly cheaply made. The walls sit on the edges of the tub (be sure to caulk) and then the cover sits on top of the walls. I had a contractor do the installation (part of our whole-house renovation) so I wasn’t around for most of it, but here are a few notes (note that these will apply only to the tub I have, but hopefully you can extrapolate some useful info):

1) This tub required a 30 amp, 120V circuit. I am a dedicated DIYer so had no problem running a wire, but if you’re putting this on the second floor and your circuit breaker panel is in the basement, it could be an issue for you. I believe larger tubs require a 220V circuit, which is really no more difficult to install. I highly recommend a GFCI circuit breaker, since you’re mixing water and electricity here.

2) The drain connection is nonstandard, and probably isn’t to US code. With a standard tub you plumb a 2 inch drain directly to your plumbing underneath the tub, using a P-trap. This drain connection has a flexible hose (similar to the type that is used with aboveground pools, but thinner) which will not connect up to any standard US plumbing without some creativity. I discovered that the inner diameter of the hose was the same as the outer diameter of 1″ PVC pipe, so I connected a short piece of PVC to my drain system. However, due to the thinness of the hose, it does take a bit longer to drain than a standard tub. This the first bad design issue. It would not be possible to install a standard drain in this tub, at least not without a LOT of modifications.

3) All plumbing runs through the steam generator. Connection to your plumbing is via thin hoses with FIP connections. While it’s not really standard for shower hookups, you can find the correct valves at Home Depot. However, here is bad design issue number two: since the hoses are fairly thin, it does not provide enough pressure to run the steam generator and the shower at the same time, which means you get a burst of hot water through the showerhead every time the steam generator turns on (about once a minute). If you think you’re going to want to run the shower and steam generator simultaneously, I recommend running a separate cold water line (the steam generator uses the cold water supply) for the shower and capping off the output to the shower head from the steam generator.

Are you looking at buying Ralph Lauren bedding but wondering about the importance of thread count and cotton types? What is the difference between sateen, supima & regular cotton? Are high thread counts really important?

If you are wanting a good quality sheet that will wear well then any type of cotton or thread count from Ralph Lauren will do. When comparing Ralph Lauren to other brands, the quality can be seen as well as felt. Ralph Lauren pays attention to details and the bedding items are well sewn and made of the highest quality fabrics.

If you are wanting a soft sheet then you will want to look at supimas. Supima cotton is grown in the American Southwest and is the softest available. Usually, the higher the thread count the softer the cotton when it comes to supimas.

If you are wanting a sheet that feels like silk then you will want to check out sheets made from cotton sateen. With sateens you will want at least a 370 thread count for that super silky feel. Again the higher the thread count the silkier the sheet with sateens. Now, other brands of sateens do not feel as silky. I noticed that a popular brand of sateen 600 thread count sheet only feels as silky as a 280 sateen from Ralph Lauren.

On thread counts–when buying supima or sateen you will get a softer/silkier sheet with higher thread counts. But this is not necessarily so with regular cotton. With regular cotton you will want to look at the weave as well as thread count. A regular weave high thread count normal cotton sheet is going to be soft but if the weave is canvas-like it will feel like canvas even if it is a high thread count. A jacquard weave will have a textured feel although if it is sateen it will still feel silky if the thread count is high.

Now, you should have a basic idea of the difference between cotton types, thread counts and weaves. Happy bidding!!

Tags: 76

Perhaps you are overwhelmed with the plethora of rubber ducks available today? There is no need to pull out your hair, because there is a perfect ducky to represent your innermost feelings and carry the symbolism, meaning, and poetic justice that only rubber duckies may fulfill. Whether you are a collector or a gift giver, this useful guide will help you find the perfect rubber duck. Hopefully I can shed some light on the subject of rubber duckie selection accompanied by random thoughts about rubber duckies.

Brief History of Rubber Ducks Throughout history, civilization has yearned for friendship and nothing demonstrated friendship more than the production of the rubber ducky. In the 1800s the processes and equipment were finally invented that gave rise to the spectacular rubber ducky. No one is certain where the idea came from, but today the rubber ducky is a pillar of American pop culture. Rubber Duckies adorn the baby nursery, the dining room, and the bath areas. They have become extremely popular table and bath decor. From gifts to collectibles, rubber duckies have been designed to fit every occasion.

The rubber duckies of today come in all sorts of costumes, there are flag waving, military parading, and halloween dressed duckies. Each one brings a special sampling of adorability with it. Most of your purchases of rubber ducks should revolve around a theme. The following pictures and comments will assist you in finding the perfect duckie for your special occasion.

Toilet paper as a stamping supply? Believe it! Grab a roll and follow these easy instructions to make a paper casted version of your favorite rubber stamps.
To start, choose a stamp with bold lines. Once you’re more experienced, try a stamp with smaller lines, but it can be difficult to capture fine details.
Place 5 to 8 squares of any brand of toilet paper on top of one another.
Dampen the paper thoroughly under the faucet or use a water-filled spray bottle.
Place the stamp rubber side up.
Place the dampened paper on top of the stamp and press the wet toilet paper into the rubber. A stencil brush works well. Press firmly, with even pressure.
Note: If you’re using a more detailed stamp, try applying the toilet paper squares one at a time. Pounce gently with your brush between applications so that you better capture the detail of the stamp image.
Lift off carefully and allow the impression to air dry. To speed the process, place in direct sunlight or on top of the dryer.
For a soft edge, tear around the casting when it’s still slightly damp. You can also use decorative scissors once the piece is dry to add a more finished edge.
Color with chalks using a Q-tip. Or you can use a brush to apply watercolors. Radiant Pearls and Peral Ex pigment powders can also be used.
Mount the casting on a card with sticky tabls, double-sided tape, or liquid glue (applied lightly).

Shower Curtains: The Ultimate Buying Guide
So, you’re in the market for shower curtains and you are wondering how to find those perfect curtains to match your bathroom. You’ve come to the right place – by the time you’re done reading this guide, you’ll know more than you ever wanted to know about shower curtains, liners, shower curtain rings and curtain rods. Let’s get started!
Shower Curtains - Balancing Practicality with Style
Shower curtains serve a very practical purpose, but finding that perfect shower curtain is about more than just practicality! Let’s face it, the real purpose of shower curtains are to keep water off of the bathroom floor and to maintain privacy. But I digress. Let me start with the practical considerations before jumping to what too look for in stylish shower curtains.
Shower Curtains 101
The truth is that you use your shower curtains everyday (at least, let’s hope you do). Think of your shower curtains as a “system” comprised of many parts, each of which come together to form a barrier between you and the rest of world, while also reflecting your personal style and tastes. The basic components of your shower curtain system are comprised of the shower curtain (primarily decorative), the curtain liner (primarily functional), the shower curtain rod, and the shower curtain rings.

Through daily use each of these components will be exposed to soap and water, which could eventually lead to mildew buildup and mold. Here’s one basic tenet to keep in mind: Go for quality! High-quality shower curtains and accessories are easy to maintain, will last a long time, and provide both decorative and practical utility.

Finding the Right Shower Curtain Style and Material
There are a lot of quality and style factors to evaluate when shopping for shower curtains. Some of the quality basics include quality of the material, detail in the stitching and grommets, and overall maintainability. Good shower curtains typically cost anywhere from $20 - $100.

There are a wide variety of materials to choose from, including fabric, plastic and vinyl. If your bathroom is formal and is fully accessorized, you’ll want to choose a curtain made from fabric such as cotton, linen or even silk. If the bathroom is informal – and primarily used by kids or guests – you may want something that is more fun and perhaps more colorful. eBay offers a huge variety of styles and colors to suit all tastes!

High quality stitching and grommets are also important. Good stitching – especially double stitching – means that your curtains won’t fray at the edges. OK, so what’s a grommet? I thought you’d never ask. Grommets are used to reinforce the holes in your shower curtain, and are typically made from plastic or metal (think of them as the eyelets in your lace-up shoes). Grommets make it simple to hang your shower curtain with rings. Most importantly, grommets provide structural integrity and prevent your shower curtains from tearing. Regardless of whether your shower curtains are made from vinyl, plastic or fabric, make sure your curtains come with grommets.
Liners for Shower Curtains – It Can Get Complicated
You’ll definitely need a liner for your shower curtains. Liners ensure that curtains stay dry and that there is a protective barrier that can deflect moisture. And while liners will need to be replaced more often than curtains, you should still go for quality. Look for the same features such as good stitching and rust-proof grommets. Good liners typically sell for $10 - $25, and come in standard or heavy duty quality (10 gauge or higher) grades. Quality liners will also come with magnets that will help keep the liner in place.

Tags: 199

More accidents happen in the bathroom than in any other room of the house. This statistic is especially disturbing for people who are handicapped or have mobility issues. The good news is that there are many products available to help you avoid devastating injuries in your bathroom. From bathtub grab rails, to raised toilet seats, it’s not hard to find just the right bathroom safety products to give you or a loved one much-needed peace of mind.

Injuries, advanced age, and afflictions like arthitis, can make basic day-to-day activities, like bathing or using the toilet, painful or even dangerous. Thankfully, there is help available, but it can be confusing to decide exactly what you need to make your life easier. This guide will give you the information you need to make the right choices.

There are three main categories of bathroom safety equipment:
Bath chairs and benches
Toilet seats
Basic safety supplies
BATH CHAIRS AND BENCHES

There are several different styles of bath chairs and benches available, ranging from a simple bath stool to a shower transfer bench. To choose the one that’s right for you or your loved one, you will need to answer a few basic questions. Do you want something that will just allow you to stay seated while showering? Do you prefer baths, but need to sit at a higher level than your bathtub floor? If so, a bath stool or bath seat will suit your needs perfectly. This inexpensive option will allow you to take your bath or shower in comfort, without the strain of standing the entire time, or struggling to lower and raise yourself from the bathtub floor. If you want extra support, you can even get a bath seat with a back rest. This will provide even more comfort and stability.

If you have trouble stepping over the bathtub wall, you should consider a transfer bench. Transfer benches are designed so that one end of the bench extends beyond your bathtub, while the other end sits in the tub itself. You can sit on the bench and simply slide yourself over into the tub. Then, you can sit in comfort while bathing or showering, and not have to worry about falling. Most transfer benches can be used whether your shower head is on the right or the left, and most have back rests for added stability.

When chosing a bath seat or tranfer bench, make sure you select one with an adequate weight limit for your needs. Most standard seats and benches have a 250 pound weight capacity, but 400-pound and 550-pound seats and benches are readily available.

TOILET SEATS

If you have difficulty sitting down or standing up from the toilet, a raised toilet seat can make your life so much easier! Most raised toilet seats add at least 4″ to the height of your standard toilet, and that can make a world of difference to your comfort. This product is available in several different variations, and it’s important to chose the one that’s right for you.

The “Cadillac” of raised toilet seats has support arms and a locking clamp. These toilet seats provide all the safety and stability you could want. The support arms give you an excellant “extra hand”, and the locking clamp ensures that the seat will not shift when you sit down or stand up. You can also buy a raised toilet seat with a locking clamp, but no support arms. This is especially helpful for people who need to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet seat, because you will not have to worry about the arms getting in the way. If you just need the extra height, but you don’t have to worry about the extra support of the arm rests or the lock, you can also buy a very inexpensive seat elevator. This is perfect for people with arthritic knees or people recovering from knee surgery, as it adds the extra inches, and is very inexpensive.

BASIC SAFETY SUPPLIES

In addition to the items above, you may want to consider some basic safety supplies to help make your life easier. For example, a handheld shower is perfect to use with any bath seat or transfer bench. It will ensure that you can stay seated the entire time, and will be able to wash even hard to reach areas without standing up. Also, a bathtub rail makes getting into and out of the tub even safer. This rail attaches to the side of the tub, giving you something to hold on to. You’ll never have to worry about falling on a slippery surface again. When it comes to slippery surfaces, non-slip pads are always a good investment. They are available in many sizes, shapes and designs, so you should have no problems finding the one that’s right for you. Finally, grab bars for your bathroom walls will give you added safety in your bathroom. You can attach these bars to as many walls in your bathroom as needed, so you always have something to grab if you need some extra support.

Tags: Bathroom

By just going through my overstuffed closet and finding clothes bought on sale with the tags still on, items in my basement taking up space that do no fit with my new house, or that I am tired of, seeing the massive collection of CD’s accumulated by my husband and myself with our merging items by marriage. I found that e-bay was an easy way to let my “trash” be someone elses treasure and to make money. I then used the balance in my paypal account to shop the e-bay stores and buy the items I needed to redecorate my bathroom the way I wanted it. No, it doesn’t happen in a day. But a cumulative few months later, I have the materials to spruce up my blah bathroom. All but the paint has been purchased through E-bay stores and I hope to finish the room soon. This is a good way to clear out your “junque” and turn it into a treasure. As my husband and I work full time jobs and are very busy with other things on the weekends, this has worked for me and it can work for you too.

Tags: 71