Dove Chocolate Weight Watchers Points

Dove Chocolate Weight Watchers Points

Hi Everyone! How are you all doing?  One of the questions I've been asked the most since starting the Weight Watchers Smart Points program is…what do you eat and how are you making the program work for you?  I thought it would be good to pop in to give you all a recap of my Weight Watchers Smart Points thoughts after working the program for one month.

First the exciting part ~ I've lost 6.2 lbs on the program and actually lost this during the holiday season.  That is something I can honestly say I am not sure has happened in quite some time.  I did not feel deprived in any way when travelling or attending parties but definitely had quite a bit of learning to do to decide "is this food worth it" and how can I balance things out after that amazing piece of coconut pound cake or cookies from my family.  Now that the holidays are officially over, I am looking forward to seeing what Smart Points can really do for me.

I have to say things are definitely getting easier now that I am figuring out what to eat on Smart Points and I feel "excited" about the plan again.  I loved points+ but was in kind of a rut as I was "too comfortable" with working the program. My go to program will always be Simply Filling, however, I feel like Smart Points gives you a "controlled" version of Simply Filling by naturally making you focus on Simply Filling foods ~ it's like the best of both worlds.

To help give everyone some ideas, here are some of the eats I've been enjoying along with their Smart Points Values.

BREAKFASTS:

Seriously, my favorite meal of the day and I always allocate about 6-10 points a day for it.  It definitely helps get me through to lunch if I have protein to start my day along with a fruit and/or veggie to round it out.

My favorite breakfast at the moment involve Trader Joe's Canadian Bacon 4 slices = 1 smartpoint.  Saute with bell pepper, onion, mushrooms then scramble with an egg + egg white.  Or simply toss with fresh tomatoes and basil for a tasty 3 smart point scramble.

Make your own English Muffins (make sure to make 18 versus 9) or buy the light versions for a delicious breakfast sandwich using sausage or canadian bacon with a "fried' egg and hot sauce!

I also totally dig Quiches ~ I've been taking my Mini Crustless Kale Quiches and adding my Homemade Simply Filling Sausage (after it's cooked) and making full size Sausage, Kale and Quiche Muffins for 4 smart points each.

Other breakfasts include:

• 2 pcs. Trader Joe's Peppered Turkey Bacon or sausage, a scrambled egg & 3/4 c Ore Idea Western Potatoes "fried" in 1 tsp. oil for 6 smart points
• Breakfast Burritos – made with Bacon or Sausage
• Healthy Egg Rollfor 5 smart points
• Banana 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter on a slice of 12 grain toast for 6 smart points.
• Hard Boiled Egg, Banana – 2 smart points
• And sometimes, just simply Slow Cooker Blueberry & Peach Oatmeal

LUNCHES:

Often my go to for lunch is a salad with protein ~ sometimes I plan my salads and other times I will make a salad out of the prior nights leftovers – like Nachos made into a Taco Salad.

Some of my favorite things for lunch other than salad:

Wraps!  I wrap up 2 oz of turkey, ham or trader joe's cooked peppered turkey bacon with veggies in La Tortilla Light Flour Wraps or these Ole Low Carb Wraps.

I am currently IN LOVE with Trader Joe's Albacore tuna – did you know the entire can is only 1 smart point?!  That definitely leaves enough to add mayo….here is how I make up my tuna and I scoop it up with crunchy crackers or put it on salad.

I am kinda loving that Sushi pretty much stayed the same point for point so I can grab this deliciousness just about anywhere for 1 smart point a piece.

On super busy weeks, I pick a recipe I want to try that The Husband will not eat, make it and divide it up into 5 containers for the week.  If it makes more, I freeze those containers so I have lunch any day I need it.  One recipe I am loving this winter is my Slow Cooker Two Pea Split Pea Soup.He is weird and doesn't eat peas 😀

SNACKS:

I love snacks ~ they make me happy and my life would not be complete without them.  I carry them with me everywhere I go as they have saved me so many times from devouring things when I get too hungry.

Most mornings include a tall, nonfat cappuccino with caramel drizzle just on the foam for 2 smart points.

I pair just about every snack I have with a fruit and/or vegetable (zero points):

• Sargento Light String Cheese – 1 smart point
• Hard Boiled Eggs – 2 smart points (2 egg whites = 0 smart points)
• 1-2 tbsp. nuts
• Celery & Carrots with 1 Tbsp peanut butter

Shrimp Cocktail 3 oz (about 12-14 large shrimp) for 1 point! Also one of my favorite things to bring to a party.

"Banana Chips" – 1 tbsp real deal peanut butter with banana slices – I LOVE these!  They definitely go further when sliced into rounds versus putting the pb on a whole banana.

DINNERS:

Every week, I sit down and pick out 4-5 meals that we can make for dinner.  I also try to include one leftover night and one night out.  I typically pick 1 new recipe a week to try to keep things interesting.

Here are some of the dinners we have had this past month that we both loved!

Burgers without a Bun (The Husband doesn't eat meatloaf but he eats these :D) – 7 smart points and served with a side of kale chips.

WW Best Ever Steak Sandwiches – 8 smart points – served with a nice salad on the side.

Pita Pizzas are so fun ~ build your own with your favorite toppings.  You get 14 turkey pepperoni for 1 point or have 4 slices of that Canadian Bacon for 1 point…I add pineapple, peppers, onions, mushrooms and jalapenos or hot cherry peppers.  You can use whole wheat pitas (Sara Lee Mr. Pita = 3 smart points for the entire thing) or use Flat Out Bread.

Weight Watchers Individual Chicken Pot Pies – 8 smart points a cup!

Nachos! Make your own "chips" to get 24 chips for 5 smart points, top with 3 oz turkey, 2 tbsp low-fat cheese and all your favorite nacho toppers for 10 points or less.  You can also make breakfast nachos too.

I've also been making a few recipes out of my new Weight Watchers Cookbook – love the Lentil & Kale soup.  My other goto's for a quick dinner (pick any lean protein that you grill – chicken (5 oz = 3 sp), pork, steak), serve with veggies and these awesome smashed potatoes.

DINING OUT:

I haven't quite built up my list of ideas for Smart Points for dining out as this new program change has also inspired me to get back in the kitchen.

My goto for breakfasts is always to get two eggs over medium, 2 pieces bacon, 1 slice whole wheat toast dry with the butter on the side in case I want it and tomato slices instead of potatoes.  Usually 11 smart points and always satisfying.

My dining out strategy for lunches is a salad with protein, dressing on the side like this awesome BBQ chicken salad that I am totally recreating.  The BBQ sauce gave it so much flavor, I didn't really need the dressing.

For dinners, I choose a lean protein (Lobster and Shrimp are my favorite!), double the veggies and pick only 1 carb (either bread or a potato but not both).  For those wondering, this is Mary's Pizza Shack Protein Plate – chicken breast with garlic mushrooms and it comes with their house salad or soup – so good!

Rotisserie chicken is 1 for 1 – 1 oz = 1 smart point.

I haven't braved Chipotle yet, but, I will go back and get my Chicken Salad Bowl – it should be around the same points as before.

Other things I am digging:

• Panda Express Bowl – Get the bowl filled with vegetables and topped with a scoop of Kung Pao for 7 smart points.
• Panera's Chicken Soba Noodle Bowl with an apple is OK and counts as 10 smart points for the entire dish.
• Lettuce Wrapped Burger – toss the bun and save quite a bit on points.  Habit Burgers is 7 points!
• Red Robin Chicken Ensenada Platter with 1 chicken breast is 6 smart points.
• Lobster & Filet with all veggies – my favorite steak dinner – varies depending on how you get it.

DESSERT:

I have made a bunch of Homemade Banana Ice Cream and Sundaes!  Just count points for the toppings you use.  This one was 4 smart points and worth every single one!  We also divided up a 13 point brownie into 4 pieces so each "chunk" was 3 points.  I broke that up over my sundae to have "brownie bits" in my ice cream – so good!

Strawberry Banana Ice Cream – 0 smart points – just count the cone!

Other than that, my desserts have been 2 smart points Dove Chocolates or fruit.

What is one of your go to meals or snacks?

I would love to hear your awesome points find, meal ideas and what is working for you so we all can build one awesome list of ideas.

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Dove Chocolate Weight Watchers Points

Source: https://www.danicasdaily.com/weight-watchers-smart-points-what-to-eat

Brushed Nickel Bathroom Countertop Accessories

Brushed Nickel Bathroom Countertop Accessories

One of the more defining elements of modern bathroom design is statement metals, most popularly seen in hardware such as faucets, and other accessories. Though golds and coppers have been trending in recent years, brushed nickel is another highly desirable finish that is both sleeker than the traditional stainless steel, and yet may age better than other options.

Why Is Brushed Nickel A Popular Color Choice?

Brushed nickel appears as a sort of warmer silver, with a more matte topcoat. Nickel itself is a silvery-white metal that gives a distinctly different appearance than other options.

Brushed nickel is a popular choice because while it isn't necessarily as trendy as a brushed gold or matte black finish (though both of those could age nicely as well) it also isn't as common as a regular gold or stainless steel or silver finish. This makes it seem a bit more high-end and aesthetically appealing, while not being such a statement that it becomes hard to integrate with the rest of your home's design.

What's The Difference Between Brushed Nickel And Brushed Chrome?

Though they may sound similar, brushed nickel and brushed chrome are two very different finishes.

First, the most significant difference is the way the metal is tinted. The chrome plating gives it a slight blue shine, whereas nickel has a more yellow appearance. You could accurately describe the difference as chrome being cooler, and nickel being warmer.

Though they may only vary slightly in appearance, when it comes to price, the contrast can be steep for both options. Brushed nickel tends to be more expensive than brushed chrome, though it is possible to get different items at different price points. Generally speaking though, both brushed chrome and brushed nickel start around $20-$32, and can scale out at $800-$1300 for the more expensive items.

As far as durability goes, both options should hold up for you pretty well, however, many people prefer brushed nickel over chrome for the sheer fact that it hides fingerprints and water spots more efficiently, whereas any fixture with a shiny finish will immediately show any imperfections.

What Types Of Bathroom Accessories Come In Brushed Nickel?

Though you can likely find most accessories in brushed nickel, here are some of the most popular, and how they are used in your bathroom.

Remember that what's most important is coordinating metals. Therefore, if you have a brushed nickel faucet, you will want a brushed nickel towel bar, or hook, as well.

Towel Bars

These are the bars found on the wall right outside your shower. They hold both wet and dry towels while you're showering, and for when you want to dry them out afterward. Towel bars are almost always metal, as that is a more durable option.

Grab Bars

Grab bars can be found anywhere in a bathroom or home, but are most commonly located on the sides of the wall next to the bathtub, so that you can grip onto something when getting up and down from the tub, particularly when the basin is wet and slippery.

Tissue Paper Holders

In your bathroom, one of the most fundamental accessories is also a disposable one: your toilet paper. If you don't want it to be sitting on the floor or on the countertop (which, of course, you don't) you'll need a tissue paper holder, which can suspend the toilet paper at arm's reach, making it easier to use and access.

Robe Hooks

Robes are stored in the bathroom in the same way that towels are: for use after a shower, and to dry them out. However, robes don't fit over towel racks as seamlessly as other linens do, which is why some people use robe hooks instead. These hooks can be found on the back of the door, or in any other location that's most convenient.

Our Favorite Brushed Nickel Bathroom Accessories

This toilet paper holder would pair perfectly in a traditional bathroom. With a beveled base, it is distinctly suited for that type of style, but is sized to accommodate a small to mid-sized bathroom.

Moen YB2203BN Brantford Double Robe Hook, Brushed Nickel

The Moen Brantford Double Robe Hook features architectural details that transcend time and complement both traditional and contemporary décor. This anchor-like double robe hook is an elegant solution for hanging towels and clothes in the bathroom. The brushed nickel finish adds a warm look of stainless steel to your bathroom.

Buy on Amazon

This double robe hook is perfect if you have more than one person frequently using your bathroom, but don't want to install more than one hook onto the wall. The innovative design has it so that two modern hooks actually span out from underneath one another, giving you space to hang more than one robe or towel at once.

This towel bar is as straightforward as it comes: with multiple finish options and a slight beveling on each of the fasteners, this would fare well in both a traditional or a contemporary bathroom.

This grab bar would be a great addition to any tub, particularly because it's minimal, sleek, and does not impede on the design of your bathroom space in the way that other, bolder options might.

This toilet paper holder with an assist bar is a great two-in-one accessory. If you or a loved one may have trouble getting up and down from the toilet, installing a toilet paper holder as well as a handlebar together on the wall or vanity ensures maximum ease of access and use.

The brushed nickel on this grab bar is a bit darker in finish, making it appear to be more like a brushed copper. This is perfect to coordinate with similarly colored accessories.

A bathroom towel rack and shelf combination allows you ultimate storage, both to stack items such as washcloths as well as hang towels and other accessories.

Brushed Nickel Bathroom Countertop Accessories

Source: https://thoughtcatalog.com/january-nelson/2020/05/brushed-nickel-bathroom-accessories/

Bathroom Counter Top

Bathroom Counter Top

Photo Courtesy: YinYang/Getty Images

Have you seen the term "counter credit" on one of your bank statements? If you're not familiar with what this means, it might set off some alarm bells. But feel free to relax — your bank hasn't opened up a line of credit in your name without your permission, and you don't owe anyone money that you didn't actually spend.

Counter credit is a relatively new way of recording in-person deposits. If you've recently come across this phrase while taking care of your regular banking activities, learn more about why banks have started using this term and what it means for the deposits you make.

Photo Courtesy: Image Source/Getty Images

There are several ways that money can enter a bank account. Counter credit, which is also known as a counter deposit, is one of them. As the name may suggest, counter credit refers to physically walking into your bank and handing money over the counter to the teller to have them deposit it into your account. These types of banking transactions show up as either a counter credit or a counter deposit on your bank statement.

Besides performing a counter credit, you can also deposit money into your bank account via an ATM. Many people have paychecks and other payments directly deposited into their bank accounts, too. Electronic funds transfers are another way money can enter a bank account, and millions of bankers even use mobile banking apps to deposit checks by taking pictures of them. Every bank has a way of noting each of these types of transactions on bank statements.

How Does Counter Credit Work?

 Photo Courtesy: Creative Studio Heinemann/Getty Images

Using counter credit is simple. Just about every physical bank has a table with pens and deposit slips. Find the deposit slip for the correct type of bank account — the account into which you want to deposit the money. (Many banks have separate deposit slips for checking and savings accounts, and some credit unions have other types of accounts like money markets.) Write the sum of all the cash you're depositing, and write the amounts of each check you're depositing on separate lines.

The deposit slip should also include space for an account number. If you don't know your account number, a teller can provide it to you as long as you show identification. Once the slip is complete, present the deposit slip and any cash or checks to the teller. The teller can then credit the money to your account and give you a receipt. On your bank statement, this specific type of transaction can show up as a counter credit.

Why Do We Still Use Counter Credit?

 Photo Courtesy: vm/Getty Images

Although most bank-owned ATMs have accommodations, apps and other methods of deposit people use, these can be difficult to use for people who have visual or hearing impairments. Many people also simply prefer to do this type of business in person, rather than using technology, because it's more familiar and comfortable for them.

Counter deposits aren't likely to go away anytime soon because banks are in the business of customer service. As long as people keep walking into banks to complete counter deposits, banks will continue to offer the service that their customers desire.

Advantages of Counter Credit

 Photo Courtesy: Alina555/Getty Images

Although some people would do anything to skip waiting in line at a bank, others find counter credit to be more convenient. There's less room for error because you count your money, fill out a deposit slip, the teller counts the money again and you receive a receipt documenting the transaction. Two people are given the chance to count accurately, and you can immediately speak up if something doesn't seem right.

Counter credit is often the safest choice for people, such as business owners, who have large amounts of cash to deposit. The average ATM only accepts money in $20 increments, and many ATMs have limits on how many bills you can deposit in one transaction. If your deposit isn't in $20 bills, it saves time and hassle to use counter credit. Even when you're using a check, your ability to deposit it via an app or ATM depends on how legible the writing on the check is. If you've been paid by someone with sloppy handwriting, making a counter deposit inside is safer than doing a mobile deposit only for the software to misread the amount.

Counter credit gives you the option of circumventing hiccups in technology. During power outages, internet outages and software maintenance periods, electronic methods of depositing money may be unavailable. However, any bank that's physically open has methods of accepting counter deposits, even if its computer systems are down.

Disadvantages of Counter Credit

 Photo Courtesy: Chuck Savage/Getty Images

Counter credit involves going inside a bank. During certain hours of the day, many banks are short-staffed because tellers often take lunch breaks in groups. During certain times of the week and month, banks are also busier because many businesses distribute paychecks on the same day. Counter credit can be an inconvenient method of banking when you're in a hurry.

Shutdowns during the coronavirus pandemic highlighted a good reason for familiarizing yourself with other methods of depositing money. Although most banks were considered essential, occupancy limitations required customers to handle transactions via drive-up windows. Banks are commonly closed following natural disasters, and people who are comfortable using other methods of banking are able to handle transactions during these periods and on weekends and banking holidays.

Counter Credit Bank Statement Examples

 Photo Courtesy: shapecharge/Getty Images

Here are some examples of what counter credit can look like. If Raul visits his local bank branch, fills out a deposit slip and deposits $100 in cash with the teller, the money will be immediately credited to his account. If he leaves the bank and checks his mobile banking app, he'll notice the term "counter credit" next to a $100 deposit when he checks his recent transaction details. The same transaction will appear on his bank statement at the end of the month. Similarly, if Cynthia deposits two checks for $100 each and a $50 bill with the teller at her local bank, she'll see a bank statement counter credit for $250.

Counter credit differentiates in-person banking transactions from those that happen online, via ATM or via direct deposit. This labeling makes it easier for both customers and the bank to understand the cash flow of an account. Having different notations for different types of transactions simplifies the process of determining the root of the issue should any statement discrepancies arise.

MORE FROM ASKMONEY.COM

Bathroom Counter Top

Source: https://www.askmoney.com/budgeting/counter-credit?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D1465803%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

Laying A Bathroom Floor

Laying A Bathroom Floor

Updated date:

Jun 14, 2021

How to Lay Tile Over an Existing Shower Floor

Bert spent 25 years working as a home-improvement and residential construction contractor in central Florida.

Can You Tile Over Tile in a Shower Floor?

As a tile shower floor ages, its imperfections quickly turn into an eyesore.

• Each settlement crack in the grout creates a pathway for water to seep into the concrete subfloor. A low spot lets water puddle. Both of these issues promote mold and mildew growth in the grout and subfloor, which darkens the grout in the problem area.
• Many shower floors have cut tile with sharp or rough-looking edges. The bad cuts can turn an otherwise good-looking tile floor into an amateurish-looking maintenance nightmare.

Laying a new layer of tile over the existing shower floor can solve these issues without removing the old tile and grout. Below, you'll find instructions for prepping the old floor tile, installing new tile over it, and finishing the job.

Preparing the Existing Shower Floor

Most good tile setters will tell you that a high-quality tile project always starts with subsurface preparation. A tile shower floor uses a mortar and sand mixture as a subfloor. The tile setter dry packs the mortar mixture in the shower pan. He then cuts in the floor's slope with a straightedge. Once dry, the mortar gives the tile a solid surface to rest on. An improperly created subsurface causes high and low spots in the finished floor. Sometimes it takes as long to prepare the subsurface as it does to lay the tile.

How to Prep the Floor

1. Remove the shower drain cover and set it aside.
2. Stuff a rag into the top of the drain hole. The rag prevents debris from falling down into the drain pipe.
3. Hold one end of a bubble level on the drain opening and slide the other end of the level across the existing tile's surface to check the floor's slope. When measured from the drain opening to the furthest wall, the level should show about 1/4-inch of slope per foot. Slide the level across the floor and mark all high and low areas with a wax pencil or permanent marker.
4. Put on all safety equipment, including safety glasses and leather work gloves.
5. Remove any raised tile using a hammer and chisel. Do not worry about damaging the neighboring floor tile. A single raised tile can hold enough water to create a puddle.
6. Remove all of the old caulking material from the perimeter of the shower floor, including the caulking covering the bottom six inches of each of the wall's corners.
7. Thoroughly clean the entire shower stall, using any household cleaner that removes soap scum and hard-water deposits.

Fixing the Slope

1. Mix a white-colored thinset in a bucket, using the thinset manufacturer's instructions. White-colored thinset will not bleed through the new shower tile's grout.
2. Dampen the floor with water.
3. Fill any dips or missing tile in the existing tile floor with the thinset, using a flat trowel to feather the thinset into the surrounding tile.
4. If the existing shower floor does not have the proper slope, build up the low area with thinset.
5. Run a straightedge across the floor's surface and shave off any high areas of thinset.
6. Let the thinset dry before continuing.
7. Double-check the floor for slope and dips with the level. Continue to add thinset to the problem areas, as needed. If the added thinset created a high spot, rub the high spot with a sanding stone or cinder block.
8. Clean up all of the debris.

Preparing the Drain

• Mount a shower drain extension ring, a 1/4-inch-thick plastic ring, on top of the existing shower drain. The extension ring's mounting screws secure the ring against the top of the existing shower drain opening. Use a ring of the same diameter as the existing shower floor drain opening. Most extension rings bolt directly to a four-inch diameter round drain opening.
• After the new tile floor dries, the ring will hold the drain cover flush with the new shower floor tile's finished surface.
• An adapter can convert a round drain cover into a square cover. The square cover makes cutting the tile around the opening easier. If using a square cover, mount the adapter to the extension ring now.

Installing the Shower Floor Tile

1. Make a bucket of white-colored thinset, using the manufacturer's wet-mix ratio, if applicable. Most shower floors require about one gallon of thinset.
2. Spread the thinset on the shower floor with a notched trowel, starting at the far corner and working toward the shower curb. Only cover as much of the floor as you can reach with a sheet of tile. When working on a larger shower floor, consider laying about half of the tile at a time, completing the far half first. If the thinset rolls with the trowel, add a little more water to the mixture.
3. Position the first full sheet of shower floor tile against the most visible corner. If you are working in a larger shower, start at a far corner and work back toward the door. Shower floor sheet tile have several rows of small tile that are held together with a mesh backing. The small pieces lets the tile follow the slope of the floor. The backing keeps the grout joints between each small piece even. Lay each full sheet of uncut tile on the shower floor.
4. Do not install the tile surrounding the drain opening or any cut pieces of tile near the shower walls yet. Adjust each full sheet of tile until the grout joints between the sheets match the joints between the individual pieces of tile. Lightly tamp the tile into the wet thinset with a grout float.
5. Measure the space between the full sheets of tile and the adjacent wall. Transfer the measurement to a sheet of tile. Layout the cuts surrounding the drain opening, using the drain cover as a template. Make the cuts with an electric tile cutter or a set of tile nippers. Set the cut tile in their respective spots on the shower floor. Lightly press the shower floor tile into the wet thinset with a clean grout float. Wipe any excess thinset from the grout joints with a wet sponge.
6. Check the floor for high and low spots with the bubble level. Tamp high spots down with the grout float. Add more thinset to any low tile. Wash the floor with a damp sponge. Wait about one hour before continuing.
7. Inspect each grout joint for thinset. Often while tamping the floor, excess thinset will fill the grout joints. This thinset will bleed through the grout covering it. Once the floor has dried, any excess white thinset will stand out against the grout; white grout makes white thinset look grey. Carefully run a handheld grout saw across any thinset. The saw's carbide blade will cut a groove in the thinset. Vacuum any debris from the grout joints.

Use the nipper's blades to shape the tile so it fits tightly against the floor drain.

Finish the New Shower Floor

1. Mix sanded tile grout, using the grout manufacturer's directions, in a bucket with water. Always follow the manufacturer's powder grout to water ratio.
2. Continue to stir the grout until all of the dry powder has mixed and the wet grout has a uniform color.
3. Dump the grout on the tile floor and press the grout into the joints with a rubber grout float. The grout must completely fill the cavity between each set of tiles.
4. Cut in the corners with the edge of a margin trowel. The margin trowel will give the corners a 90-degree cut.
5. Clean the floor with a damp sponge, using circular wiping motions. Wait 24 hours before continuing.
6. After the grout has dried, polish the tile's surface with a clean dry rag. Clean any leftover grout on the tile that the rag will not remove with white vinegar and a stiff-bristled nylon brush.
7. Let the floor dry completely.
8. Run a bead of tile caulking around the perimeter of the shower floor, covering the floor-to-wall grout joint.
9. Let the caulking dry completely before using the shower.

Read More From Dengarden

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: My shower tile floor doesn't have any cracks. However, I hate the style and color, and I want to install a pebble floor. Two tile setters have told me that it can be installed on top of the existing floor, but people at the tile store said it is was not a good idea. Now I am not sure what to do. What is your professional opinion?

Answer: As long as the existing floor is solid with no major settlement issues or loose tiles, then the tile setters are correct. It is possible the tile salesman wants you to rip up the old floor and subfloor so that he can sell you more than just the thinset and pebble-tile you need to give the shower a facelift.

Question: Would it be possible to tile over existing shower wall and ceiling tile? I have heard some mixed advice, and have seen very few related articles on the subject.

Answer: I wouldn't want all the extra weight on the ceiling. I would not trust the drywall above to hold two layers of tile, grout, and thinset. The wall tile is often possible. However, other issues need to be kept in mind, such as, the extra tile thickness means the shower valve often requires longer escutcheon screws, glass enclosure's size needs to be adjusted, and so on.

Question: I have been told by several tilers that you cannot put tile over tile because it will crack. Are you sure you can do this successfully?

Answer: The new tile will not crack when properly attached to a non-flexing solid subfloor. If your existing shower floor flexes, the new tile will crack in the same areas. Look for large grout or tile cracks that run across the entire floor. These cracks are evidence of a subfloor problem that needs to be addressed first.

Question: Is it possible to take the tile off of the shower curb and the walls to re-tile, but leave the existing shower floor tile in place and follow the steps outlined here?

Answer: Yes, this is a common project.

Question: My tiles are crack due to foundation settlement. Can I put new tiles over the cracked tiles?

Answer: The new tile will crack again if the foundation continues to settle. If you redo the shower floor, remove everything down to the subfloor. Make sure the subfloor is solid and then install a pan membrane, slope the floor, and install the tile. The membrane not only catches water seepage, but it creates a barrier that prevents minor subfloor settlement cracks from transferring to the tile.

© 2012 Bert Holopaw

Related Articles

Laying A Bathroom Floor

Source: https://dengarden.com/remodeling/How-to-Lay-Tile-Over-an-Existing-Shower-Floor

Bathroom Carpeting By The Yard

Bathroom Carpeting By The Yard

FTW Classic Bathroom Carpet only £13.99 per m2 (square metre)

Update your bathroom with our Classic Bathroom Carpet. This gloriously soft twist carpet will brighten up any bathroom, adding an element of both practicality and contemporary style. Available in a choice of 10 stunning colours.

Warmth is rated as one of the main advantages of having bathroom carpets. As our bathroom carpet is specifically made for the bathroom, it will prevent you from slipping on a slippery floor underfoot. Finally, bathroom carpet will remain odourless even if wet, unlike carpets that are not designed for the bathroom.

100% Con-X-Tarn Polypropylene. With a water resistant gel backing this carpet will resist moisture.  2 metre wide, Antistatic, antibacterial & water resistant

This plush bathroom carpet comes with full waterproof gel/waffle backing, allowing you to have the soft underfoot comfort of carpet in wet zones within the home. Designed to meet the demands of hectic bath times, this family-friendly carpet resists stains well and can withstand being cleaned by a bleach solution.

There are 15 stunning colours in the Classic Bathroom range as shown below...

How to order...
Simply choose your length from the drop down menu, this will show you the price for your roll.

Delivery Methods:
You can collect your carpet free of charge from our Washington showroom or If you require fitting then give us a call on 01914168222 and we will bring the carpet and underlay (if required) with us... Our delivery price is based on a large parcel service, this will show on the checkout page. Please rember Highlands, Islands and some Welsh postcodes may have restrictions so give us a call if you have any doubts.

Please Note:
We do try and represent the flooring as accurate as possible but pictures can vary so we cannot guarantee your flooring will be exactly the same as the image. Some of this flooring can have an embossed look, dark knots and varying shades of grain to them; The pattern can also be random and there can be colour variation from batch to batch. With this in mind we cannot guarantee that even the sample piece you receive will depict the overall look and colour of the flooring. If you would like to order a sample pack then please click here

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Bathroom Carpeting By The Yard

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The "Mean Girls" (and Boys) Behind the Miss America Organization

Photo Courtesy: @MissAmerica/Twitter

For an organization based on women's empowerment, the past half-decade has been marred with a disturbing number of controversies and scandals for the Miss America Organization (MAO). Amid rebranding and restructuring, the competition program has faced allegations of misogyny, leadership changes, revoked funding and accusations of bullying.

With a name like Miss America, you would envision an organizational structure based on upholding the democratic standards of America. Unfortunately, events in recent years have put a much more tyrannical face on the organization, tarnishing its reputation. Let's take a look at some of the mean girls (and guys) causing some of the problems.

Sam Haskell Takes the Pageant Back to Atlantic City

After just nine months, Mallory Hagan passed on the Miss America title in September 2013 because of schedule and location changes. In an email exchange between Sam Haskell, the pageant CEO, and his daughter, Mary Lane, the two expressed affection for Hagan.

Photo Courtesy: Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett/Wikimedia Commons

Lane wrote, "Here's hoping you get another good one!" in reference to the upcoming Miss America 2014 broadcast. Haskell replied, "It's going to be hard to replace Mallory, but I'm hopeful!" Meanwhile, Haskell was hoping the director of development at his production company, Brent Adams, would pursue a relationship with his daughter.

Haskell Turns on Hagan Because of Adams

While Mallory Hagan was the reigning Miss America, she spent time at Haskell's home, where she met Brent Adams, who supervised most aspects of Haskell's business and personal life. Fearing the impact a romantic relationship would have on their careers, they decided to date — but not until after she passed on the crown.

Photo Courtesy: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Haskell was vocal about his disappointment with this development and tried to convince Adams to forget about Hagan saying, "All of this can be yours. You don't need a piece of trash like Mallory. You need someone with class and money like my daughter."

Tammy Haddad Calls for Punishment of Dissenters

In May 2014, MAO board member Tammy Haddad wrote an email to Haskell encouraging him to avoid getting riled up by former Miss America. She referred to them as a "pile of malcontents and has-beens who blame the program for not getting them where they think they can go."

Photo Courtesy: @haddadmedia/Twitter

She further commented, "80% of the winners do not have the class, smarts and model for success ... You have to let them go. You don't need them. They need you. We also have to punish them when they don't appreciate what we do for them."

Kate Shindle Takes Shots at Sam Haskell

Meanwhile, in 2014, Kate Shindle wrote her memoir about her experiences as Miss America 1998. Titled Being Miss America, the book was set to be released in September, and she pointedly targeted Haskell. She expressed her objections to his $500,000 salary, despite MAO operating at a deficit.

Photo Courtesy: Donna Tine/Wikimedia Commons

Shindle also accused Haskell of blacklisting anyone who disagreed with his leadership decisions. She alleged that he would have the national organization call the state-level pageants with a list of people they were not allowed to associate with if they wanted to continue participating in Miss America.

Gretchen Carlson Stands Her Ground Against Haskell and Haddad

Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 1989, had a history of butting heads with Haskell and Haddad over her desire to modernize the organization and her refusal to attack contestants. In a 2014 email sent to former Miss Americas regarding Shindle's book, board member Lynn Weidner asked, "Is it possible for each of you to speak out in defense of Sam and the organization?"

Photo Courtesy: @GretchenCarlson/Twitter

Carlson's reply was, "It's one thing to talk about your own personal experience as Miss America … but totally different to attack people individually." In response, Haddad replied privately to Haskell, "Snake, but now u have no doubts as to her loyalty."

Things Get Ugly and Words Are Said

In 2014, Haskell wrote an email to Lewis Friedman, writer of the Miss America telecast, requesting a script change: "Sharon [MAO President] and I have decided that when referring to a woman who was once Miss America, we are no longer going to call her Forever Miss America … please change all script copy to reflect that they are Former Miss Americas!"

Photo Courtesy: Farragutful/Wikimedia Commons

Friedman replied, "I'd already changed "Forever" to [the C-word]. Does that work for you?" Haskell responded, "Perfect...bahahaha." Writing to Haskell, Friedman commented that Mallory was "preparing for her new career as a blimp in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade."

Haddad Plots Against Carlson

Former Miss America Susan Powell replied to Weidner's email with a supportive response. Haddad encouraged Haskell to use the email to annoy Carlson. "Why don't you read Susan Powell's email on the board call and say it's a shame that only one Miss America has come forward to offer help in any way."

Photo Courtesy: @haddadmedia/Twitter

Carlson wasn't featured on the Miss America broadcast, which was unusual considering her prominence. Shortly after that, she resigned from the MAO board, reportedly because Haskell and other board members were maligning her integrity and telling others she could not be trusted.

Lewis Friedman Has a Death Wish

In December 2014, former Miss America 1959, Mary Ann Mobley, passed away. Lewis Friedman sent an email of condolence to Sam Haskell writing, "So sorry to hear about Mary Ann Mobley." Sounds nice, right? Except the subject line read: "It should have been Kate Shindle."

Photo Courtesy: Slim Aarons/Getty Images

Haskell replied, "Thanks so much, Coach … even in my sadness, you can make me laugh … how was the Kennedy Center Honors? Love you and appreciate you! Sam." Friedman was a long-time screenwriter for the Kennedy Center Honors and had earned two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Writing for his work on them in 2010 and 2012.

Haskell & Company Grow More Petty

Sam Haskell and other board members for the Miss America Organization continued to obsess over Mallory Hagan's relationship with Brent Adams in 2015. On January 25, Lynn Weidner sent a photo of Hagan with three other "formers" to Haskell. His response was, "OMG, she is huge … and gross … why does he want that?????"

Photo Courtesy: @yashar/Twitter

He then forwarded the email to future board COO and President Josh Randle and other MAO board members along with the comment, "Look at MH in this photo … OMG … Why does he want that?" Tammy Haddad replied, "Mallory is barely recognizable."

Sam Haskell, Bully or Victim?

By the end of 2015, Haskell was feeling "viciously and cruelly" attacked by Hagan on a daily basis and wrote an email to Haddad, Weidner and others asking for help. Haddad replied, "I am so sorry. It is ridiculous, but she is not going to stop. She has no control. I think you should hire an investigator to get something on her."

Photo Courtesy: Donald Kravitz/Getty Images for Dick Clark Productions

Haskell responded, "Threatening her won't work, and we already have 'enough info on her' to shut down Ft. Knox ... I really think the best way is to shut down her social media and convince the Formers to ostracize her."

Weidner Incriminates Herself in a Sabotage Plot

While it is unclear how Mallory Hagan was allegedly attacking Sam Haskell, Tammy Haddad called them "inflammatory character attacks." Lynn Weidner referenced cyberbullying in her December email response to the group.

Photo Courtesy: @LynnWeidner/Twitter

"I wish I had an easy answer to this dilemma. If we can prove a direct connection between MH and specific instances of cyberbullying, we could at least threaten her with a lawsuit, right? I do believe that our anti-coaching initiatives are already impacting her business and that our policy of ignoring her is driving her crazy!"

Ending Hagan's Career

It appears that the national Miss America Organization established a policy against the use of coaches to directly target Hagan's business. After her reign, Hagan was working in New York as a pageant coach for the interview portion of the competition.

Photo Courtesy: US Department of Education/Flickr

The national organization informed contestants that they would need approval from their local and state pageant directors to use a coach. Those pageant directors were then given an informal list of banned coaches that included Mallory Hagan's name on it. Before long, her business dried up, and she had to return home to Alabama.

Whistleblowers or Coup Strategists

In August 2017, former Haskell employee, Brent Adams, and former MAO board member, Regina Hopper, decided to approach Dick Clark Productions with the previously cited emails. Dick Clark Production execs, Amy Thurlow and Mark Bracco, who also held seats on the Miss America board, met with the duo and thanked them for the emails and started their own investigation.

Photo Courtesy: @ProgramsUACS/Twitter

Thurlow and Bracco approached the board with the emails expecting decisive action, but they were met with ambivalence. Lewis Friedman remained the writer of the Miss America pageant telecast that September.

Failure to Act

Instead of taking action regarding the derogatory emails, the Miss America Organization had their law firm present Brent Adams with a cease-and-desist letter: "Your deliberate actions constitute a clear violation of the Non-Disclosure Agreement you knowingly and willfully entered into … the letter directed to the Chairman of the Board of Dick Clark Productions, dated September 13, 2017, noticed us of your illegal disclosure of information, which includes several internal email communications."

Photo Courtesy: @MissAmerica/Twitter

Refusing to be silenced, Adams and Hopper decided to contact the media with their evidence. This led to the story breaking on HuffPost in December.

Dick Clark Productions Deals a Crippling Blow

Meanwhile, Dick Clark Productions was disgusted by the MAO board's decision to support Haskell and Friedman and decided to end their agreement with the organization. In a statement issued to HuffPost, the company stated:

Photo Courtesy: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

"Several months ago, Dick Clark Productions was made aware of a portion of the emails. We were appalled by their unacceptable content and insisted, in the strongest possible terms, that the Miss America Organization board of directors conduct a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate action to address the situation. Shortly thereafter, we resigned our board positions and notified MAO that we were terminating our relationship with them."

The Blow Out and Backlash

In the aftermath of the leaked email scandal, Miss North Carolina 1991, Jennifer Vaden Barth, started a petition calling for the resignation of all board members involved in the appalling behavior. Mallory Hagan along with more than 40 former Miss Americas signed it.

Photo Courtesy: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Dick Clark Productions

Haskell was promptly placed on suspension pending an investigation, and within days, Haddad and Haskell resigned, effective immediately. Josh Randle and Lynn Weidner voluntarily resigned from their positions as President and Chairman, respectively, but agreed to remain for up to 90 days to assist with the leadership transition.

Haskell's Last Defense

Haskell defended himself: "Much of what was reported is dishonest, deceptive and despicable. The material is based on private emails that were stolen ... The story is so unkind and untrue and hurts me, my family and the stewardship of this non-profit. I was under stress from a full year of attacks by two Miss Americas..."

Photo Courtesy: Donald Kravitz/Getty Images for Dick Clark Productions

"This was not the CEO of an organization laughing at inappropriate jokes. This was a father whose family was being attacked, and a man whose character was being assassinated daily, and that impaired my judgment when responding to the inappropriate emails. For that, I deeply apologize."

Caressa Cameron Speaks Out

Former Miss Americas, such as Caressa Cameron who was crowned in 2010, noted that the organization's problems were a lack of respect and leadership and not language. Cameron revealed that just 30 days into her reign, she experienced problems with Haskell.

Photo Courtesy: dbking/Wikimedia Commons

When she wanted to invite her previous coach to her homecoming party, she recalled, "Sam Haskell said I was not to invite her. She could not come. He basically threw a temper tantrum, and then he didn't come." She was also prevented from participating in events related to her HIV/AIDS prevention platform.

Gretchen Carlson Seizes an Opportunity

Among the most vocal of the former Miss Americas, Gretchen Carlson and Kate Shindle both made themselves targets of Haskell and company's attacks. Both took to Twitter to call for a "thorough housecleaning of the board."

Photo Courtesy: Senate Democrats/Wikimedia Commons

A growing consensus wanted Carlson and Shindle to take the helm and run the MAO. Carlson was elected Chairwoman of the Board of Directors on January 1, 2018. Former titleholders filled the remaining board openings on an interim basis while Carlson was supposed to conduct a national search for the new CEO.

Regina Hopper Gets Her Way

On May 17, 2018, a new form of scandal hit when Gretchen Carlson installed Regina Hopper, one of the email whistleblowers, as President and CEO of the Miss America Organization. State organizations and former Miss Americas were upset that a national search had not been conducted, as Gretchen promised. In effect, a leadership coup had occurred within the organization.

Photo Courtesy: @ProgramsUACS/Twitter

As part of the restructuring, Carlson pushed for a Miss America 2.0 that would no longer be a pageant but a scholarship "competition," featuring "candidates" instead of contestants. She also removed the swimsuit competition from the program.

Pushing People Out

Nearly half of the nine-person MAO board was pushed to resign after fewer than six months in the position. Former winners Kate Shindle and Laura Kaeppeler Fleiss resigned in June, citing "toxic culture" as the reason behind their departure.

Photo Courtesy: David Becker/Getty Images

The previously signed resignation letters from their interim roles were used against Former Miss North Carolina, Jennifer Vaden Barth, and Former Miss Maine, Valerie Crooker Clemens, to force their resignations. They reported to The Wall Street Journal that Carlson issued a letter stating they were trying to gain control of the organization in order to force them out.

The Bikini Has to Go

While the swimsuit competition had long been a sticking point for pageant protestors, many felt that removing it in light of the #MeToo movement was a cop-out. Miss South Carolina 2011, who has recovered from an eating disorder she developed during her competition days, said:

Photo Courtesy: Alyssa Murray/Instagram

"I think the Miss America Organization could have done something a little bit different and embraced people of all shapes and sizes. To me, taking it away completely says, 'If you're not that size, you don't belong in a swimsuit.' We have to change people's mindsets and let them know women are beautiful at all shapes and sizes."

A Scholarship Competition Without Scholarship Funds

In the weeks leading up to Miss America 2019 (held in September 2018), Miss America 1991, Marjorie Vincent Tripp, resigned as head of the Miss America Foundation. In part, she made the decision because she claimed the scholarship money awarded to Miss America was the foundation's responsibility.

Photo Courtesy: @MissAmerica/Twitter

The problem with that is 15 state directors reported their winners were refusing to sign the competition contract because of the clause that says scholarship money is "contingent upon availability of funds in any given year." Miss America 1984, Suzette Charles, said, "It's a joke. You can go on any game show and win more than what Miss America is offering."

Cara Mund's Slip of the Tongue

In July, Miss America 2018, Cara Mund, made a comment at a New Jersey Dairy Queen appearance: "It's been a tough year. There have been a lot of things I can't control. It has felt like I wasn't always heard or utilized or appreciated."

Photo Courtesy: Cara Mund/Instagram

She claims she was notified within 72 hours of her punishment for speaking out. "I was told my final farewell as Miss America would be cut to a total of 30 seconds for the national telecast." She went on to write a letter revealing the torment and bullying she suffered at the hands of Carlson, Hopper and Adams.

Cara Peels Back the Curtain

In her letter to past contestants, Cara Mund asserted that "new leadership delivered an important message. There will be only one Miss America at a time, and she isn't me." Instead, Gretchen Carlson would be the focus of all Mund's public talking points, including the claim that the "#MeToo movement started with Carlson's lawsuit."

Photo Courtesy: LyndsySimon/Wikimedia Commons

The movement actually started with Tarana Burke in 2006 and was boosted to viral status in 2017 by Alyssa Milano. By the end of her reign, Mund was only allowed to post on her own personal social media sites. MAO posted for her on all Miss America accounts.

Blaming the Victim

The organization responded to Mund's claims by saying she had opportunities to give her opinion and manage her own social media accounts. However, they also issued the statement, "It is disappointing that she chose to air her grievances publicly, not privately."

Photo Courtesy: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter

In a Twitter response, Carlson denied the accusations of bullying and blamed Mund's letter for costing the organization a $75,000 scholarship. An independent external review attributed "miscommunications and mixed messages" as the heart of the issues between Mund and MAO: "Communications surrounding branding, clothing and appearance were less than clear and created confusion and frustration."

The States Raise Objections

Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, along with 19 other state pageant organizations, called for the resignations of Regina Hopper and Gretchen Carlson as well as the entire board in a vote of "no confidence" for "lack of transparency and adherence to best practices."

Photo Courtesy: @MissAmerica/Twitter

Among their allegations were claims that leadership lied when they said ABC would not telecast the competition unless the swimsuit program was eliminated. State directors also objected to the contract clause that gave Hopper the unilateral right to "cause any state titleholder to forfeit her state title" without due process or the right to appeal.

Ruling with an Iron Fist

With the revolt of state organizations and a GoFundMe page started by Jennifer Vaden Barth to raise funds to legally replace the board, the Miss America Organization took decisive action, retaliating in a shocking manner by swiftly terminating the licenses of seven states.

Photo Courtesy: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

The states cut off included Georgia, New Jersey, New York and Tennessee. The terminations required them to replace their current leadership and turn scholarship bank accounts over to the Miss America Organization. They also began threatening 15 other state organizations with probation and were quick to praise the states that were still supporting the current MAO leadership.

Doubling Down on Poor Word Choices

A September 2019 press release for a new scholarship doubled-down on the swimsuit controversy by stating, "In reaching out to the Miss America Organization, the donor made clear the important reason for the generous gift. As a young woman who wanted to compete in a local Miss America competition in the 1980s, she was discouraged by her parents because they believed 'Miss America does not look like us, and an educated woman does not parade around in a swimsuit.'"

Photo Courtesy: Cara Mund/Instagram

Cara Mund responded via Instagram, "Female empowerment doesn't mean insulting, alienating and discrediting the thousands of women who paved the way." Bite the hand that feeds you much, Cara?

Gretchen Carlson Resigns

After securing a new network partnership with NBC, Gretchen Carlson resigned from her position as board chairwoman in June 2019. She stated, "The time is ideal to give new leadership the opportunity to move forward with what has been accomplished."

Photo Courtesy: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter

Carlson was replaced by former South Dakota secretary of state Shantel Krebs with attorney Brenda Keith serving as vice-chair. After instituting new leadership in the terminated state organizations, all 50 states, plus D.C., were eligible to compete in the 2020 competition on December 19, 2019. The swimsuit and evening gown portions of the event are still not part of the competition.

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