Whether it’s arthritis, joint or back pain, restless leg syndrome, muscle injuries or fibromyalgia, hot tubs are a proven form of chronic pain relief. The heat of the water increases blood flow and relaxes the body, while the massaging action of the jets and the water’s buoyancy loosen muscle tension and soothe sore joints. The New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) found that, after just 10 days, patients with Type 2 Diabetes who used hot tubs 30 minutes a day/6 days per week required reduced doses of insulin, lost weight, slept better and showed distinct decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Hot tubs can be a great fix for those suffering from insomnia, helping your body to wind down before bed and get the natural sleep you need. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic sleep problems, the Better Sleep Council recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in hot water to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle. According to the Council’s findings, warm water releases muscle tension and increases blood flow, both of which contribute to a relaxed and deeper, more comfortable sleep. Whether it’s a new exercise routine or an unusually active day on your feet, most of us know the “day after” feeling of sore, overworked muscles that make it hurt to move, period. The water pressure from hot tub jets relieves muscle tightness and soreness by removing lactic acid, opening up the blood vessels and promoting the flow of endorphins. LPGA Sports Medicine Director Caroline Nichols and former President of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Dr. James Andrews recommend hydrotherapeutic activity for athletes at every level. Nichols says that hot tubs especially help with recovery since jets focus on overused muscle and joint regions, while Andrews supports hydrotherapy as a good tool for improved circulation, sensory impulses and stiff joints. Whether you’re looking to alleviate stress, feel healthier or simply spend more time with your loved ones, you’d be amazed at how as little as 10 minutes in a hot tub can help you relax and put everything in perspective. There are hot tubs for every type of user, regardless of whether it’s just you or it’s the entire gang piling in, looking for some much-needed relief after a long day.

Playroom design: Katherine Vernot-Jonas, Katherine Vernot-Jonas Designs Photo: Angie Seckinger
Trendy kids' room photo in DC Metro

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time.

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

A recently completed country French estate in Dallas, Texas. This home features expansive gardens, stone walls, antique limestone paving, a raised pool, a putting green, fire pit and lush gardens with relaxing shade and blooming shrubs.

Inspiration for a southwestern hillside stone landscaping in Denver.

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

Nat Rea Photography
Example of a beach style staircase design in Providence

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

The soaring cathedral ceilings and warm exposed beams were the only features to speak of in this non-descript open landing. Off the hallway near the kids’ rooms, its small size and open layout made it something in between a hallway and a room. While most might consider a TV or office nook for this space, its adjacency to the children’s quarters inspired the designer toward something more imaginative. Inspired by the bright open space, this design achieves a sort of Balinese treehouse aesthetic – and all of it is designed specifically for fun. Playful hanging beds swing freely on sisal rope, creating a beckoning space that draws in children and adults alike. The mattresses were filled especially with non-toxic, non-petroleum natural fiber fill to make them healthy to sleep and lounge on – and encased in removable, washable organic cotton slipcovers. As the children are young, the floor space (finished in non-toxic lacquer) is kept clear and available for sprawling play. Large storage benches topped with walnut seats keep toys and books well organized, and ready for action at any time. Dave Bryce Photography

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Composting comes with all kinds of benefits. It's economical, environmentally friendly and it keeps the world healthy for future generations. Lots of smart science and product testing are behind this product, but you'll just love it's efficient, bug-free convenience, and how clean your kitchen stays. Our innovative food scrap collector was designed with your busy life and the planet in mind. The CompoKeeper’s quadruple-action odor control technology locks smells in and bugs out Proprietary bag-sealing clamps Pedal-powered lid Ventilated design Activated carbon filter

Composting comes with all kinds of benefits. It's economical, environmentally friendly and it keeps the world healthy for future generations. Lots of smart science and product testing are behind this product, but you'll just love it's efficient, bug-free convenience, and how clean your kitchen stays. Our innovative food scrap collector was designed with your busy life and the planet in mind. The CompoKeeper’s quadruple-action odor control technology locks smells in and bugs out Proprietary bag-sealing clamps Pedal-powered lid Ventilated design Activated carbon filter Purchase Includes: 12 Compostable Bags Two Activated Carbon Filters Easy-to-assemble Handle Accessories

When debris or unsanitized liquids from Mother Nature get into a spa, it throws off the chemical balance. Having a cover at the ready — to clamp down before any rainy, windy, or snowy action, is a great help in keeping clean, healthy water. www.longislandhottub.com

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) Uploaded to Houzz with written permission
This is an example of a landscaping in Other.