Got an email from a visitor to this site the other day:

I'm hoping you could give us some insight here. Our son used a permanent purple hair dye, and very badly stained our vinyl tub surround [it's BRAND new] that is only 6 months old. We no longer have the manufacturers info on the tub, so ANY help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for having the site. -- M.W.

Since I seem to be on a mission to document every possible way that Magic Erasers can be used to solve unique problems around the house (see below), I thought I'd share.

Perhaps others can use this info, should you happen to get a bad stain in a bathroom tub surround.

I've written about some of the clever ways to fold things like shirts, napkins, and sheets.

I've also shown you some fun ways to fold towels into creative shapes and animals.

Now, it's time for the most practical folding technique that everyone can use on a daily basis: how to fold towels & keep them looking great!

My recent purchase of 3 new toilet seats for our 3 old toilets has led me to now seek out "the perfect" toilet cleaning products. I'd like to keep these sparkling white toilet seating looking fresh & new for longer than 5-1/2 years this time!

I've found a few interesting things (and one really cool thing!)... but others' opinions on this topic would also be welcomed.

With the recent release of the study that found "car steering wheels carry more than twice as many germs as a toilet seat," I feel compelled to share my thoughts.

Helloooo!...

When in the world is everyone going to figure it out?... Toilet seats just aren't that dirty!

Yeah, there's the stink-factor. And the splish-splash that sometimes goes along with it. But when was the last time your butt was actually "dirty"?

I'm talking the outside part... the big cheeky part... the part that actually touches the toilet seat. When you think about it, that's probably one of the cleanest parts ON our bodies!

Mostly because that area rarely sees the light of day. And, therefore, it has very few occasions on which to pick up dirt and grime and bacteria.

So why do you suppose we are so inclined to continue thinking that a toilet seat is obviously "dirty"?

"Surprisingly, toilet seats consistently had the lowest bacteria levels of the 12 surfaces tested." Source

Still don't believe me?...

I've always dreamed of having an open & airy bathroom with a lot of natural light, scented candles, colorful flowers & lots of green plants.

You know... a bathroom that's warm, welcoming, and comfortable.

One thing that really helps to soften the "hard-edges" in a bathroom and remove that boring, sterile feeling is to add something organic.

...We're talking about plants.

According to The Family Handyman (February 2006), the top upgrades and remodeling projects for bathrooms are:

1. Whirlpool tubs.
"Water-jet" tubs ($800 to $8,000) provide a more powerful water stream. "Air-jet" tubs ($1,200 to $20,000) massage by blasting air through tiny holes. When it comes to whirlpool tubs, some people prefer the tingle of air massage; others find it too gentle. Air-jet tubs are often louder and incoming air cools the water faster.

Did you know?...
When you look at prices for whirlpool tubs, remember to add at least $200 for the faucet, plumbing and electrical supplies. You may also want to replace your water heater, since you'll need one with a heater capacity at about 75% of the tub's capacity.

2. Soap & shampoo dispensers.
Push-button dispensers mean less clutter, more convenience, and quicker cleaning. Many even dispense three or foure different liquids (soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion) from one mechanism. You can either screw it to the wall or fasten it with double-sided adhesive tape.

Did you know?...
Many shower soap dispensers have indicators on the side to let you know when it's time to refill -- before getting into the shower and finding out that they're empty.

All this talk about public restrooms, germs, and weird OCD-like behaviors got me thinking...
Is it best to have the toilet paper roll dispense from the top, or from the bottom? Over or under?

According to Northern Bath Tissue, the majority (72%) prefer their toilet paper come from the top.

Me? Over. Unless, of course you've got pets. Then, it must be under.

I heard a piece on the Bob & Tom Show yesterday that reminded me of just how germaphobic we are, as a society, these days. Self included, though not nearly to the extreme as others.

Particularly lately, it seems that there have been a number of reports in the news about the phenomenon of germs invading our lives and becoming most prevalent in some of the least likely places: ice cubes at fast-food chains, computer desktops and keyboards, the TV remote control, hot tubs, shopping cart handles, and of course... the whole multitude of places inside public restrooms including toilet seats, electric hand dryers, towel rollers, door handles & more!

My germy quirks, as I call them, could probably be classified more as precautionary steps rather than as a personal paranoia about germs. Regardless, they're still germ-related, so I'm posting them here for your enjoyment.

Okay, here goes...

Would you believe that 40% of all people who come to a party in your home will actually snoop inside your medicine cabinet?!

It's true. (...but only 4% are ever caught.)

Just for laughs, check out these other interesting facts about bathroom behavior!

Snooping inside medicine cabinets is such a common phenomenon that Oprah actually did a piece about snooping in medicine cabinets on her show one time. You'd be surprised how many not only snoop, but also use things found in others' bathrooms like brushes, combs, makeup, and even toothbushes!

Want to know why I love Microtel, Holiday Inn Express, and Hyatt Hotels?

...because these three hotel chains think "outside the box".

With the addition of some FUN new perks, each of these hotels seems like an ideal choice for travelers looking for more than just a place to sleep.