All about that tile

MFD and I are considering getting our bathroom done in the current months and there's a big wide world of tile out there that I don't know much about. This is a sponsored post by Jesse Hughes on a topic of recent interest to me - tile.

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What is the difference between a wall tile and a floor tile?
You may be thinking that a tile is a tile, right? Actually that’s not quite true, there are tiles that are suitable for use on a bathroom floor, and tiles that are suitable for use on bathroom walls.

We’re going to take a look at what separates a wall tile from a floor tile; information that you need to consider when you’re researching bathroom tiling ideas.

The difference in the finish

Whereas bathroom wall tiles can often be slick and shiny, this isn’t the case with bathroom floor tiles. If floor tiles had a shiny surface they would be dangerous to walk on, especially when wet. In fact, many bathroom floor tiles are specifically designed with a non-slip surface. Wall tiles with a textured surface are often used to fit with an overall design theme, whereas textured tiles are not suitable for use on the floor, as they are uneven underfoot.

The difference in thickness

Tiles used on a bathroom wall can be relatively thin, since they don’t need to withstand much wear and tear. Floor tiles need to be thicker and tougher, since they see a lot of foot traffic. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are all given a PEI rating which is an indication of their hardness and durability.

Wall tiles generally have a PEI rating between 1 and 3, which means they have limited to moderate hardness and durability. Floor tiles have a PEI rating of between 3 and 5, which means they have moderate to extra hardness and durability.

The difference in size

Smaller and more delicate tiles can be used on a wall to create an intricate pattern. The tendency is to use larger tiles for bathroom floors, as they help to create a sturdier and more even surface.

It’s possible to manufacture a wall tile, with much softer clay than is used in a floor tile, since no one will be walking on it. If you are looking to purchase ceramic or porcelain tiles for your bathroom, you should pay attention to the PEI rating in order to ensure you get tiles that will last for the longest time possible.

If your bathroom gets a lot of use then it’s a good idea to opt for the highest PEI level in your floor tiles. You also need to think carefully about the PEI rating of your bathroom wall tiles. These tiles can be used on window ledges, and in storage areas, as well as on the walls.

Depending on how much wear and tear these areas are going to encounter you may need to think about investing in tiles with a higher PEI rating, in order to ensure that when your bathroom is re-tiled, the result is long lasting. 

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What about you - have you re-done your bathroom and been lost in the world of tile? Have you ever done tiling work yourself? Tell me your secrets. 

TWTW - the one where vacation started

Salutations from vacation, mon frers. Vacation started Friday when we left our house before 5 a.m., picked up DD and Stephen and Aubrey, and headed south. Stephen drove the whole way so nine hours seemed to fly for me. I forgot how freaking hot the south is in the summer. Like a freaking blanket of heat. Yes, we did take some roadside photos in tobacco fields.

We made great time, and met my parents at the house before official check-in. Stephen and I did an insane Supermarket Sweep type grocery and booze run then we ordered pizza, ate, and hit the beach.

We got some nice sun time before the storms - I love a great time on the beach but there's nothing like watching the ocean get angry and a storm come in. Lightening was branching across the sky. Nature is a bad ass bitch.

We all thought it was going to rain Saturday but we ended up with an awesome beach day. Sunday too.

Vacation scenes...

Sunday night magic hour was made even better by knowing that we don't leave until Saturday. I'm so happy we could check in a day early.

Is this where I talk about food? I think I usually talk about food during TWTW. Hotdogs/hamburgers/mac salad/corn on the cob & watermelon on Saturday, Italian and a strawberry trifle Sunday. We're all pitching in cooking breakfast, dinner, and dessert.

What else? Oh yes...how you know you're on vacation with MFD - he is a quirky labeler (that Sugar Ray contains no Mark McGrath but does contain actual sugar), leaves halved lemons he uses in his hair all over (there's one in one of the bathrooms on the soap dish, I forgot to photograph it), and he sets up an office because as long as he has internet access, he's working. Even when his office set up makes him look like Doctor Evil from behind. How you know you're on vacation with me: I'm a compulsive picker upper and organize like with like. Carol is calling the table in front of the TV Stephanie's Garage Sale. Everything is a dollar.

If you need me this week, I'll be here. You can't argue with being able to sit up in bed and see the ocean. I finished a book on the way down, read one Saturday and one Sunday, and started another on Sunday. My book nerd ass is on fire.

Speaking of reading, the next Show Us Your Books linkup is Tuesday, July 14. 

Toodleoo, mofos. Stay tuned on Instagram & Facebook for more vacation scenes.

p.s. Fuck yeah, SCOTUS. As you can imagine, my equality loving bleeding liberal heart is full of glee right now. To all the judgey judgers, may I advise you to leave that to God when the time comes? I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't want self righteous people crapping all over the choices of others in his name when he left the Earth. Just an educated guess giving his very loving and accepting personality. And can everyone now just call it marriage? Okay, thanks.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending

Project 52 - Q2

Back in the beginning of January, I talked about doing a Project 52 - one photo a week. You can see that post here and you can see Project 52 - First Quarter photos here.

Instead of choosing an overall theme for the year, I just picked photos taken on Thursday. Every Thursday for the 52 weeks of the year, I set aside a photo I've taken in a folder. Aside from the first one, no other photos have been shared anywhere. Here are my pictures from Thursdays throughout the first quarter.

A P R I L

April 2 - LOVE Park fountain before it was filled for the season / April 9 - Walking back to my car after getting off the train / April 16 - Cool white bark trees on my way to the library / April 23 - With my hairstylist and good friend who takes weird squatting photos with me without batting an eye / April 30 - Big old bust of Ben Franklin in Girard Fountain Park in Old City

M A Y  

May 7 - Pay phone near my office / May 14 - Exterior of the Academy of Natural Sciences / May 21 - The Book Corner / May 28 - I think this is the corner of 17th & Locust. I like the chandelier and the reflection in the window.

J U N E 

June 4 - Loved the hashtag / June 11 - Logan Square / June 18 - Windows at Alma de Cuba / June 25 - Geege letting me know it's time to eat

Peace out, cub scout. Enjoy your weekend. It is the last one in June, after all.

June Recommendations

Hello hello friends! You know the drill. Skimmers, recommendations are in bold (and typically clickable). Two of my favorite June babies, my mom and Michelle, are joining me for recommendations this month. 

Follow my mom on Twitter      

It's summertime!

1. Baby Powder. Any kind will do. Keep some in your car. Instant sand removal.  Great to combat sweating and make us comfortable. For those of us who do not have thigh gaps, it brings welcome relief.  

2. Natural Instincts hair color. What a money saver! Thank Goddess my hair loves it. It has natural stuff. It is extremely inexpensive via coupons and sales- under $5 a box or less. And easy: 15 minutes on the roots, 10 more minutes on the rest of my head, then rinse. And a conditioning rinse to be used 2-3 times in between.  Every 5-6 weeks I get my hair trimmed and colored.  When I go to a different salon to get an updo, the stylists and clients all remark how they love my hair color. Also, I am probably completely gray and I never have any roots. I will use this until I go to the other side.

3. Epsom salts, any kind. You can buy plain and add your own essential oils. I soak in a tub once a week for about 20 minutes.  Also use when I soak my tootsies along with white vinegar. I think it is a detox.  There are always differences of opinions, but it works for me, so that's what I care about. It's a mind and body detox. Deep breathing and soaking. 

4. Sparkly body sprays. This is from Ulta, but I have also used Bath and Body sparkly sprays.It is lightly scented, feels good when applied, and gives you hints of sparkle.  Looks lovely in the sun or in the evening under the stars. Sparkle and shine all the time. 

5.  Always pack a cooler. Even if it is just you. A nice, ice cold drink is always welcome and a protein bar, fruit, or some kind of snack.  With kids, its essential! And husbands, too, LOL! We have had 50 million road trips over the past 20 plus years and have always watched our spending. This is a big money saver and convenience and you know what you are getting. Drinks and food from home are a fraction of the cost and you do not have to stop.  Many times there was no place around to buy anything, or you needed something quick. I always have a cold drink in my car with plenty of ice, even if I am going to the grocery store.Stay hydrated!!

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1. Eucaplytus mint. Anything and everything. From hand soap to shampoo to candles. The scent will open your senses and calm you.

2. Embrace your inner vulgarity. Take that however you feel the need but no one likes a perfect person and newsflash, everyone sees thru your perfection. Everyone 💩 so it is ok to talk about it. Other vulgar fun topics, if you need a starting point: Sex (without sex and all the flavors of dirty deeds that people do, none of us would be here. Period.), riding the Crimson tide, that nasty creepy pimple, farts, SHARTS, cursing, peeing outside...I think you got the point. Just stop being so uptight!

3. Friends. Maybe a weird recommendation, but find some real ones. And yes it is ok to clean house once in awhile. But whether it is a few or many, find them and cherish them and hold them dear. And know a true friend accepts you, all of you: the good, the bad, and the vulgar.

4. Travel. See the world even if the world is only the town or city next to you. Open your eyes to how others live. It will make you appreciate your home more or give you a chance to find the home you were always looking for.

5. Work hard, play harder. Work hard and be the best you can be but don't forget to let loose. Indulge, pamper yourself, DO YOU, have some F-U-N...you have one life to live so live it!

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1. Nip + Fab body products. I got these at Target. I love the smells and they're relaxing and feel good. 

2. Pampered Chef Brownie Pan. I use this every week for my egg muffins. I've never sprayed it with non-stick spray and my eggs have not once stuck. I would pay $100 for this pan but alas they only charge $20. I purchase through Betsy from Musings of a Museum Fanatic. You can access her Pampered Chef website by clicking here. 

3. Maybelline Lash Sensational. Nine bucks for a full fanning lovely mascara that doesn't run? Sold. Thanks to Kerry for the recommendation!

4. Organizing your socks in a hanging organizer. I used this one. Freaking genius. Why did it take me so long to get on this?

Thanks to my mother & Michelle for throwing out some recommendations this month.Let us hear yours! What are you recommending this month?

 Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday

Pack it up pack it in, let me begin

I typically use excel spreadsheets for packing and try everything on before I put it in a bag which is very Type A tight assed of me, I know. I have spreadsheets for cruises, long weekend trips (air), long weekend trips (driving), lake trips, beach trips, week at the beach trips, week long vacation trips (air) etc. etc. What can I say? I love a list.

Since this upcoming trip is a laid back casual clothes situation with a washer and dryer available, I simply laid out soft stuff on the bed in the spare room, let the piles sit there for a week, picked some things out of the piles and added some new stuff, and boom, done. Note: The description of this trip should prepare you for the photos you will see on social media of me wearing the same clothes with no makeup and hair that resembles a planet due to salt air. 

We're driving so I wanted to pack in a bag that could be squished, hence the duffle. I have a Stella & Dot bag Lori gave me and an old Vera Bradley. I'm not a big Vera fan but you cannot beat the duffle for hauling a lot of crap. I packed everything in the expandable Stella & Dot first and then repacked it in the Vera. The Vera zipped even after I added a pair of sneakers and a big ass bag of sunblock.

Busting the seams of this duffle: two sweatshirts, a long sleeve T, pajamas - long pants/capris/shorts/2 tanks, four non pajama tanks, three t-shirts, two pairs of shorts, capris, a dress for a family photo, three bathing suits, a cover up, long sleeve for the beach, under garments, all of my health & beauty aids, a pair of sneakers, a pair of flip flops, and a big bag of sunblock. I'll end up not wearing half of it. Trust.

The only thing I have left to pack are books (I'll take at least eight), mags, and electronics. The small electronics go in these smaller bags and everything will packed in the larger Stella & Dot I didn't use for clothes.

Curious about my beach essentials? You can read about them here.

Gotta run. MFD (who packs a half hour before we leave for a trip) is reading articles like Avoiding Shark Attacks aloud. I need to take refuge upstairs with a book. Ahhh, vacation in the summer of the shark. TTFN.

TWTW - the one with the fathers

What better way to kick off the weekend than being ladies who lunch with my friend Tara and wearing my newest Alex & Ani? St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers.

I was out on Friday night - second week in a row. One more and my old lady status gets revoked, am I right? MFD and I had dinner at Talula's Garden. I've been dying to go and it did not disappoint. A little pricey, we had the tasting menu and it was worth it. I really loved sitting outside in the garden.

We jetted over to the Mann to see David Gray and Philly boy Amos Lee. Our friend from high school plays one zillion instruments in the Amos Lee band and it was great to see Andy up on stage. All performances were full of energy and enjoyable, especially from our sweet ass fourth row seats. The Mann is my favorite place to see a concert in the Philly area. It seems homey and small and has a great view of the skyline.

For those who enjoy video, click on these links:
David Gray doing a little Babylon and Amos Lee doing a little Boyz II Men

I got up early as usual Saturday morning, then managed to go back to sleep. Sweet sweet bliss that happens so rarely as I age. When I got up, I did some laundry, hausfrauing, etc. The only food prep I did was power breakfast muffins. It's the week before vacation so breakfast is muffins and yogurt, lunch is salad, and dinner is veggies and salmon or chicken from the freezer. This week is also called the week bitches don't feel like doing anything except going on vacation.

Saturday afternoon Debbie and I took a drive down to Ocean City, NJ, and met up with Sean, my Mom and Rich.

We strolled the boards, shopped, ate boardwalk food, and touched the ocean before heading to Sean's Red Bull game right off the beach on Sixth Street. It was a great family day! Debbie's Fitbit says we walked over five miles which clearly justifies the gelato AND custard I ate. Fatassery at its finest.

Happy Happy birthday mother & Happy Father's day to my stepdad!

Sunday we met my Dad & Carol for breakfast for Father's Day and took Brother's Pizza over to my father-in-law. Previous posts on my dad can be found here and here! We're lucky to have good dads in our lives. I can't wait to vacation with mine next week!

Sunday afternoon was picking up and packing up for vacation. Since it's summer, my obsession with photographing flags has returned.

Sunday night we watched the first three episodes of Orange is the New Black. Now Alex is whiny too? Cripes. Piper is whiny enough for everyone.

Four work days stand between me and vacation. Bring it. 

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending