Powerful Powder Rooms

Since the powder room is going to be seen by guests, many homeowners choose to remodel this room to make a powerful design statement. This small room can make a big impression, but there can be more to updating your powder room than simply picking out new plumbing.

Powder rooms are no longer hidden under the stairs; many of today's homeowner's are having a powder room added in an accessible location near the front door so guests do not have to search for it or walk through a bedroom to get to it.

These rooms have traditionally been one of the smallest rooms in your house, usually four feet by five feet, but are now being enlarged to eight feet by six feet or more. This additional space can be used to install cabinetry and such features as a pedestal sink, attractive accessories and flattering lighting.

When updating your powder room, consider using bold colors for extra pizzazz. Add such personal touches as plants, photos or artwork, and candles. Also, keep your guests in mind by always having fresh soap, hand lotion and thick, luxurious towels available.

The New Wave in Pool Landscaping

With the development of many exciting features, the swimming pool industry has made it easy for homeowners to turn their backyards into a private oasis. Today's pools have evolved from the traditional set-up of the past to elaborate designs.

Although waterfalls are one of the most requested features for many pools, other requests include wet decks, vanishing edges, shooting fountains, bubbling fountains, colored fiber-optic lighting, and more.

If you are interested in having a pool built on your property, the following descriptions will help you decide what design features you want to include:

Wet deck - replicating the feeling of being at the beach, a wet deck offers a sloped entrance into the pool, giving swimmers the opportunity to ease into the pool or relax in only a few inches of water.

Vanishing edges - just as the name implies, vanishing edges create an illusion that makes the edge seem to disappear. Because the pool blends in with the surrounding environment, this feature is perfect for homeowners whose property overlooks a spectacular landscape.

Waterfalls - from elegant no-splash designs to ornate rock formations, pool fountains are available with a variety of options. Some falls are designed to pour off of a platform extended over the pool, creating a private area behind which swimmers can relax, while others simply run off of the edge of the pool into a separate trough.

Fountains - whether you want a fountain that causes water to bubble, one that shoots water into the air in a smooth arc, or one that ejects the water silently and smoothly, there is a fountain that is sure to suit your taste and enhance your pool's design.

Lighting - options in today's pool lighting not only illuminate the water, but can add color as well. Colored fiber-optic lights can be coupled with fountains to create a rainbow of flowing water. And color wheels are available so you can change the hue of the lights to match your mood with the flip of a switch.

With all of the personalized features that are available, designing a pool for your yard can be exciting. Once you select all of the features that will make your pool unique, don't forget the importance of adding foliage to complete your backyard oasis.

Carefully selected potted plants, trees and flowers will not only add beauty to the area, but they add privacy as well. Avoid vegetation that will extend over the edge of the pool and drop flowers, leaves or fruit. Look for plants and flowers that bloom during the months that your pool is likely to be used the most.

How to Select a Stockbroker

If you don't feel comfortable doing your own online investing or using a minimal-service brokerage company, you may want to enlist the help of a full-service stockbroker. How do you choose someone you can trust with your money? Here are some suggestions:

1. Get a recommendation from someone you trust.
2. Choose a reputable firm. Meet with a manager from a reputable firm who can match you with a stockbroker who fits your needs.
3. Check with the securities administrator to make sure the broker, as well as the firm, is licensed in your state.
4. Find out how long the broker has been with the company and how long they've been in the business.
5. Ask prospective stockbrokers about their investment philosophy. Gauge whether or not you're comfortable with their approach.
6. Make sure the brokerage firm is insured under the Securities Investor Protection Corp. (SIPC), which will offer you some protection.

Chocolate Crepes with Whipped Topping

In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, water, flour, sugar, melted butter and peach juice. Heat skillet or crepe pan to high heat. Place a small drop of batter into pan and swirl it around until it covers the bottom of the pan. When the crepe has browned slightly, flip it to quickly brown the other side. Remove to plate and set aside.

Repeat until all batter is gone; stacking cooked crepes on top of each other until cooled. As crepes are cooling, beat pudding mix, instant coffee and heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until mixture thickens.

Once crepes are completely cooled, spoon filling into center of crepes and fold in quarters around the filling. Serve with whipped cream and chopped walnuts, if desired.

A Five-Star Guestroom

Is your guestroom ready for guests? The best way to find out is to spend a night in the room. If you aren't particularly comfortable, take some time to spruce it up so you'll be guest-ready by the time your doorbell rings. Here are some tips that may help:

• Put out extra blankets and pillows, and make the bed with high thread count, quality sheets.
• Air out the room and set out fresh flowers before your guests arrive.
• Keep a hamper in the closet so your guests have a place to put their washcloths and towels.
• Stock the room with a variety of books and current magazines. Also have a small reading light and bookmarks nearby. Another nice touch is to have writing utensils and stationery available.
• Provide tissues, fresh soap and have other toiletries available that travelers may forget.
• Clear some drawer and closet space; provide hangers and an area to stow luggage.
• Leave a welcome note and a list of such household information as phone numbers, alarm codes and the schedules of family members.
• Have a dish of candy or mints in the room.