My latest obsession with water

I just realized something other people may have already known - that I have an obsession with water.  Years ago I pursued a business where I would visit home owners, do an energy assessment of their home focusing primarily on water usage and show how much water they were using and purchasing.  Then I would show them HET (High efficiency toilets) and faucets that use less gpm (gallons per minute) and give a comparison on how much water (and money) they could save by changing out their fixtures as well as educating them on water saving habits.  I really wanted to change our community, one toilet at a time. 

Then I became obsessed with the use of colored light and music in a showering experience.  (Kohler DTV programs colored lights and showering experiences).  I designed a very unique shower complete with a stone garden wall overlooking a waterproof mural of the Spanish countryside on the walls, stone floor mimicking a terrace, preset with colored lights, body sprays, and music (Battlestar Gallactica) to make the ULTIMATE showering experience. 

In 2010 I started my Rain Water Waterfall / rain water harvesting to be used as toilet water project.  I purchased a couple underground water storage tanks and designed (with help) a system to collect rainwater by punching holes in my gutter creating a waterfall in front of my music room windows.  The rainwater would collect in a ‘pool’ that filtered the water and directed it into storage tanks which were to be piped to my home and pumped up to the plumbing wall of my home.  And I would have clean toilet water that had been recycled from my roof.

My concern with the lack of potable water in most of the world directed me into learning about sustainability and becoming a LEED AP.  My family history of manufacturing medical machines that use electricity on our body engrained in me the basic understanding that our body is made of water…. I have been talking and writing about water for a very long time.

So it should not have been a surprise that my newest venture is to design and build and operate a hydro Spa featuring a sauna room, a steam room, a warm ‘floating’ pool with a 12’ waterfall, complete with soft music & lights, in the building that also houses a Wellness Center and a hot Yoga school.  I am REALLY excited about this venture and look forward to the day that I invite all of you to my grand opening!

Keeping Green,   Christine

The Urban Spa

The private Urban Spa is the most recent of trends in our community.  Whether it is a reaction to the stress that we experience exponentially, or our desire to pamper ourselves, we are seeking relaxation opportunities for our lives.  Many of us are creating private 'spas' in our homes to fulfill those needs.  Remodeling a bathroom into your private urban spa is not necessarily more expensive than a normal bathroom remodel.  You just need a few key items to ensure your relaxation.   Here are some basics:

To create a peaceful, relaxing area you should a) select natural materials for the flooring, walls and counters b)  allow the textures from the natural materials create pattern and interest c)  select colors that are soothing (no fire engine reds) d) select fixtures that have simple lines (no ornateness)

Options for your home spa:  a)  heated towel warmer (this can double as the towel rack) b) steam shower (steam shower fixtures are available through Kohler) c) heated flooring d) music (sound system) e) tubs with heat, jets or bubbles f)  large open showers with body sprays, rain shower heads and hand showers g) bench to lay down on both in the steam shower and outside the shower  h) sauna  i) foot massager  j) foot baths (yes they exist! see MTI's foot bath) k) specialty shower enclosures l) aroma therapy & light therapy (available through most tub & shower manufacturers - see Kohler DTV electronic interface

As with any remodel, the key to success is planning. Call me and we can create your eternal relaxation spa!  Chiao!

Color & Light Therapy - Frequencies that Heal

As we go into the Fall and Winter months, many of us actually FEEL the change in our bodies and psyche as we exchange the sun for the 'dead mouse' grey skies and the increasingly dark days.  Do I sound depressed? (Where are my anti depressants!!)  For those affected by SAD (seasonal affective disorder), winter in the Northwest can be challenging.  There are 'natural' solutions that are not surprisingly related to the causes of our depression. (Darn, no drugs this time!)

The quick explanation is that different colors have different frequencies.  All color require light to be perceived.  Different colors of light have different frequencies (these are measured in Kelvins and called color frequencies.)  Our bodies are made up of frequencies (See The Body Electric by Robert Becker.)  As we leave the summer months, the color of light changes and the amount of light is reduced, leaving us with 'frequency withdrawals.' l Luckily, we can recreate these lost frequencies through  the use of color and light in our surroundings.  Many people are aware of the 'blue' light that can be purchased, put on on a timer and is meant to mimic daylight.  The trick is, you have to sit in the light (or carry it around with you)  for a period of time for it to really have an affect.  The other option is to add color into your environment.  The largest amount of surface that we are surrounded by are our walls.  Seeing/feeling color frequencies can help ward off the Northwest blues.  Select color(s) that not only stave off the depression, but ones that you will enjoy year round.  (Call me for color consultations.)  Use eggshell finish for the walls, semi gloss for the trim.  Make sure to purchase low to zero VOC paint to keep this venture healthy.  And for goodness sake, read that stack of books you have been staring at, and call me in the Spring.