This post originally appeared on HubSpot's Sales Blog. To read more content like this, subscribe to Sales. Over a century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt delivered a now-famous address that immediately cemented its place in the Motivational Speech Hall of Fame. 
Towards the end of 2015, Weight Watchers ditched its popular PointsPlus system for a new approach - SmartPoints.
For thousands of Weight Watchers followers around the world, this meant a total recalibration of their diet, as they discovered that some of the foods they ate under the PointsPlus system might not be as permissible under SmartPoints.
So what's the difference between the two systems - and which one is more effective for weight loss and overall health? Let's take a look…
In order to gauge which system is the most effective, first we need to pinpoint the difference between the two. The key distinction between the two points systems is that Points Plus values were calculated based on how much fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein there was in each food.
SmartPoints is initially calculated based on the number of calories in a certain food, but three other factors come into play; the amount of protein in the food can lower the point value, while the amount of saturated fat and sugar can increase the value (meaning those on the Weight Watchers plan can eat less of them and remain on track).
McDonalds McCafe Shakes: A big no no with SmartPoints
Over 50% of the points involved in the system will change as Weight Watchers converts to Smart Points. Foods with lean proteins will lower the points value quickly - lean meats like turkey, prawns and most seafood will love the fact that these foods are now just 1 SmartPoint, while chicken drops to just 2 SmartPoints (previously a serving of chicken breast was worth 3 PointsPlus).
Dairy products have gone up - even if they say 'non-fat' or 'low-fat' on the label. Sugar is also a huge no-go area now - one tablespoon of granulated white sugar used to have a Points Plus value of 1, but now it's shot up to 3; that's a big difference for those who like sugar in their tea, or a piece of chocolate after lunch!
Fruits and vegetables will remain point-free, with one vital change - fruits included in other recipes will now be free too. Here are some more examples of foods which will change:
The alteration comes as part of the Weight Watchers Beyond the Scale Program, a brand new launch that aims to get members to really think about what they're eating, and make better choices, rather than simply counting calories and eating what they like.
The new program also aims to encourage dieters to eat less sugar and less saturated fat. Sugar, as we all know, is the big bad ingredient behind the diabetes epidemic, which is slowly worsening as western diets incorporate more and more refined sugars.
The number of people suffering from diabetes has risen from just 108 million in 1980 to a staggering 422 million in 2014 - an enormous increase in just 35 years. The global prevalence of diabetes among adults has also risen from 4.7% to 8.5% in that time frame.
Weight Watchers is seemingly aware of the fact that sugar is fast becoming the enemy of dieters - some experts have even labelled it 'more addictive than cocaine' and just as harmful to the body when consumed regularly over long periods of time.
SmartPoints aims to encourage dieters to eat less sugar and less saturated fat
As with any new system, there will be upsides and downsides. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of using the new Smart Points approach:
Pros
Cons
The new SmartPoints system has certainly got Weight Watchers members talking, and paying more attention to the nutritional values of what they're consuming. Only time will tell whether this method is a better approach.
Does Weight Watchers Use Smart Points Or Points Plus
Source: https://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/weight-loss/smart-points/
Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. More about us.
Who says redecorating a bathroom has to be a bore?
Amazon / Signature Hardware
The age-old question of where to buy your bathroom vanity still has us stumped from time to time. After all, we're not just looking for any old thing. We want a bathroom vanity that'll get the job done and look good doing it—one that's as attractive and chic as it is utilitarian.
Enter our list of the best places to buy a bathroom vanity in 2019. Whether you're in the market for a durable countertop, extra bathroom organization space, or something to match your bedroom décor, there's bound to be something here that'll suit your style and taste—not to mention your budget. Of course, when it comes to buying furniture online (or spending a hefty sum of money on everything, for that matter), you'll want to dig a little deeper to make sure you're getting the right cabinet for your bathroom. It's time to go beyond the basics! Would you rather that the vanity be mounted to the wall or freestanding, for instance? Would you prefer for its style to lean more modern, more toward a rustic bathroom design, or more toward a traditional, classic look? And what is your budget, anyway?
We're hoping our picks are able to give you a bit more clarity on these and other questions. Don't forget to check out our best bathroom decor ideas while you're at it!
1 of 15
For a Modern Farmhouse Look
Pottery Barn
You trust Pottery Barn for quality kitchenware, duvet covers, dressers, and more—why not look to them for a new vanity? The stylish retailer has just enough pizzazz to thrill any homeowner, but keeps things relatively safe and conservative too.
2 of 15
For Contemporary Pieces on a Budget
AllModern
This e-commerce company is surprisingly budget-friendly while still delivering stunning, contemporary finds. You'll find vanities of every shape and size at prices that, for the most part, won't break the bank.
3 of 15
Fastest Delivery
Amazon
Yup, we said it: Amazon! Amazon Prime's famous two-day delivery doesn't just apply to last-minute gifts. Members can also receive freaky-fast shipping on bathroom vanities, meaning no more waiting a week to conquer that bathroom remodel.
4 of 15
For Designer Looks and Budget Prices
Overstock
Overstock offers great-looking furnishings for less. Take this floating vanity, which boasts designer appeal without setting you back a paycheck.
5 of 15
For Unique or Custom
Etsy
Etsy carries an expansive collection of custom and unique vanities from different vendors, whether you want one made of reclaimed wood or you've fallen for the lacquered teal beauty pictured.
6 of 15
For Minimalists
IKEA
For a minimalist bathroom, turn to IKEA. The Scandinavian brand sells a variety of finishes, for both single and double sinks, though the style tends to lean more modern.
7 of 15
For Easy Trend Guides
Hayneedle
Curious about the latest trends? Not sure where to start? Head to Hayneedle. The blog breaks down just about everything you'd want to know when buying a bathroom vanity. And after your research, of course, you can click and buy whatever catches your eye.
8 of 15
Shop by Room
Joss & Main
Head to Joss & Main's shop-by-room section and get bathroom ideas and products for every style, from mid-century modern to industrial.
9 of 15
One-Stop Shop for DIY
Home Depot
Home Depot has all you need for your next remodel, from guides on things to consider before you buy to a full tutorial on how to install. Oh, and their wide selection of bathroom vanities is pretty swoon-worthy, too.
10 of 15
Best on a Budget
Walmart
Walmart's not just for everyday essentials! With seemingly endless sales and rollback prices, the department store is a wonderful option for updating your home on a budget. And with free shipping and free pick-up, what's not to love?
11 of 15
For In-Store Shopping
Lowe's
Did you know Lowe's will honor price-matching? Yes, even from online stores like Amazon. The home improvement retailer is one of the best options for browsing in real life before buying. Don't forget these tips on how to save even more at the store.
12 of 15
Easiest to Shop
Wayfair
We love Wayfair for its intuitive search feature, thousands of options, and wide price range. This particular vanity has us dreaming of an all-white bathroom.
13 of 15
Best for Rustic Picks
Signature Hardware
Find plenty of rustic designs built from reclaimed wood at this Kentucky-born brand. A vanity like this is just what you need to finish off your dream farmhouse bathroom.
14 of 15
Worth the Investment
Vanities Depot
Though a bit more of an investment, you'll also gain higher quality craftsmanship from this company. "Features such as North American kiln dry hardwoods, dovetail joinery, soft-closing doors/drawers, are a cornerstone of every vanity we offer," Vanities Depot boasts.
15 of 15
The Splurge
Restoration Hardware
You likely won't shop there for every item in your home, we know. But if you're hoping to really impress with your bathroom vanity, Restoration Hardware is the place to look. Gorgeous, high-quality finishes meet sleek, updated designs.
Kara Keigan Kara Keigan is a freelance editor, writer, and stylist who covers fashion, lifestyle, and weddings for various national women's magazines and websites.
Rebekah Lowin Senior Editor Rebekah Lowin is a Senior Editor at The Pioneer Woman, covering home décor, food, entertaining, crafting, gardening, and holiday.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
Quality Bathroom Vanity Cabinets
Source: https://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/g25449694/where-to-buy-bathroom-vanity/
By Simona Ganea | Published on
Like most old homes, this apartment from Hong Kong was originally divided into several small individual rooms, each with a specific function. While that used to be practical in a time when it was the norm, today such a layout feels claustrophobic. This is why the owner and her beloved cat sought the help of littleMORE Interior Design studio in order to turn this into a home fit for their modern lifestyle.
View in gallery 
View in gallery Given the reduced dimensions of this place (only 260 square feet/ 24 square meters), the designers had to come up some clever small apartment decor ideas to make it feel like home. The 35 year old apartment gradually transformed from a collection of tiny individual spaces into a much more open and airy space. This was achieved by knocking down some of the interior walls and connecting some of the rooms such as the living area and the bedroom.
View in gallery 
View in gallery Although they're now technically one and the same, the living room, bedroom and the home office still retain their own individual uniqueness. The separation is now done through key pieces of furniture and a floor level difference – the sleeping area is raised on a platform and delineated by a custom bookcase.
View in gallery 
View in gallery 
View in gallery 
View in gallery 
View in gallery The kitchen remained a separate space but has a glass panel sliding door that helps to give it a more open feel and to visually connect it to the rest of the apartment. The bathroom is small and cleverly hidden behind a secret door on the big wall unit that's now part of the living area. Another beautiful small apartment design idea was to create a cozy sitting nook along the two big windows on the back wall.
View in gallery Small Bathroom Apartment Bathroom Decor Ideas
Source: https://www.homedit.com/small-apartment-decor/
These earrings complement any outfit.
Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Similar to a white t-shirt or blue jeans, a good pair of hoops is a must-have everyday style staple for me. And as someone who has purchased roughly a dozen pairs of gold hoop earrings over the past five years, I've created a checklist of things to look for before investing in a new set.
I evaluate the size, weight, feel, durability and versatility of each pair. And whenever I find hoops that excels in most, if not all, of these categories, I know I've snagged a good one. Which brings me to my latest discovery: the Pavoi 14K Gold Open Hoop Earrings.
These bestsellers have over 15,800 5-star reviews on Amazon and they check almost every box on my list. They feel light in your hands and even lighter in your ears. I often forget that I have them on until I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. They are also nickel- and lead-free and hypoallergenic, making them great for sensitive ears, like mine.
Feel is where most earrings fall short for me. It's an automatic no if my ears start to feel itchy or hurt over the course of the day. After about two weeks of wearing these hoops almost every day for more than eight hours, I have had no itching or pain.
I was looking for a smaller hoop so I opted for the 20mm option in yellow gold. They aren't small enough to be huggie hoops, but aren't oversized either, and they fit with everything.
I've paired these earrings with a sweater and jeans to go grocery shopping and have also worn them with a jumpsuit and blazer to deliver a virtual speech. Regardless of where I'm going, these help me feel more put together without taking attention away from my outfit if I get dressed up.
The only category I haven't had a chance to fully test out yet is durability. I like to form my final opinions after about a month of wear and tear. So far, in the two weeks I have had them, they've held up really well. If my experience is anything like that of most reviewers, they will continue to stand the test of time.
Whether you're looking to update your own accessory collection or trying to find the perfect Mother's Day gift for someone in your life, these are a stylish and affordable option. They come in three different color and size combinations: rose gold, white gold and yellow gold and in 20mm, 30mm or 50mm, to match anyone's specific style.
For more stories like this, check out:
To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!
Kamari Stewart
Kamari Stewart is a Commerce Editorial Assistant for Shop TODAY.
Gold Mosaic Bathroom Accessories
Source: https://www.today.com/shop/amazon-bestselling-gold-hoops-t215524
Dan has been in the HVAC industry for 23 years with experience ranging from installation and service to sales and distribution.
Need to replace a leaky sink or shower faucet? Here's an easy repair guide to get the job done inexpensively and a quick tip to quiet the noise from a dripping faucet until you can make that repair.
You're laying in bed when you decide to kill the lights, turn off the TV and turn in for the night. It's not too long before you notice the "drip, drip, drip" noise coming from the bathroom. You try to ignore it..."drip, drip". You cover your head with the pillow but the sound just keeps getting louder and louder..."DRIP, DRIP". You can hardly hear yourself think and up you go to see what you can do to make it stop!
I know. It sounds a lot like "Tell-Tale Heart" but you have to admit, it can seem that way when the faucet starts to leak. Perhaps you're better at tuning things like this out than I am but for me, it was the shower fixture and trying to ignore it was nearly impossible.
Well, I have some good news. Fixing that pesky drip can be quite simple and even better, may only cost you a couple of dollars. Let me show you how.
Simple 2 handle bathroom faucet.
Daniel Robbins
The first thing you'll want to do is to find the proper replacement part for your leaking faucet. Knowing the model of faucet you have can often help to find a replacement before you start the repair but if you don't have that information, remove the problem part and take it with you to the store to match it up with a universal replacement part. In this example, the leaking bathroom sink problem will be a bad cartridge located in the faucet handle.
NOTE: Cartridges may be specific to the hot and cold sides of the faucet. Make sure you get the right one.
Let's move on to that shower. It's slightly different but just as simple with a couple minor, potential differences.
This is a quarter turn valve. When turned a quarter of a circle, the water is off/on. You may have a smaller chrome style of this under your sink that will work just as well.
Make sure you're using a quality Teflon tape for this job since the chances are you won't be wanting to disassemble your faucet anytime soon. I've been using this Everflow Teflon tape for years with very good results. It sticks and seals very well.
Replacing a faucet washer is just as easy as the cartridge and even less expensive. Here, we will be repairing a leaky shower faucet but the method would be the same if your sink has this sort of washer as opposed to a cartridge as we've seen above.
NOTE: You want to be sure you buy the right size washer replacement. When in doubt, remove the old one and take it to the store with you to match it up with a new one.
Okay so I'm aware this may not be something you're going to do right away but I do have a tip to offer to at least cure the noise that annoys you. Tie a string from the dripping faucet to the base where the water lands.
The water will now run quietly down the string to the basin and never will a "blip" be heard. This will also show you how rusty the water is since the string will begin to "brown" from the water. This may tell you that it's time to flush that water tank.
Aside from not having to listen to that "drip, drip, drip" all night long, there are other benefits from taking care of this problem.
This is definitely one of those repairs you don't want to have to pay large sums of money to have done. With a couple of simple household tools and a few dollars for a replacement part, you can fix this problem easily and in just a few minutes. The repairs shown to the shower and faucet in this hub took a total of 20 minutes to do both. For even the less mechanically inclined, this is a repair that takes just minutes.
Of course, as always, when in doubt don't guess. Guessing at a household repair can cause further damage and end up costing more money than is necessary. Never force something to fit or use parts that are not meant for the repair.
Happy plumbing and sleep easy with that annoying sound in the past.
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.
© 2012 Dan Reed
Becky H on August 23, 2020:
I'm having a heck of a time trying to get the stems out of my bathtub faucet, it's an American standard I'm pretty sure. Whoever put it in must have been very confident it would never have to be worked on bcoz they made the holes for the pipes to go through exactly big enough to fit the pipes through. I can't get any kind of a tool in to the hex nuts to remove the stems from either side. And I'm not sure what I can do to make room for a toil without wrecking the faucet. Do you have any advice? Thank you.
Pat Derks on April 29, 2019:
What if you didveverthing right and the faucet still drips?
David from Idaho on June 28, 2012:
We live out in the country and have a well, with plenty of hard water. Our faucets don't last too long out here but I'll save your info when I have to change out the parts on the tub.
Voted up and useful
Rhys Baker from Peterborough, UK on June 25, 2012:
I love the step-by-step photo procedures: it really makes this hub! Sound, practical and useful advice. Voted up!
Dan Reed (author) on June 24, 2012:
@ All my HubScribers - Thank you. I'm glad these hubs are helpful. That is 100% my aim when I write these. Help people understand their homes so they can either repair it themselves or have a good understanding so they know what is they are being told by their service providers. Thank you all for stopping by and your very kind comments.
summerberrie on June 23, 2012:
Cre8tor, your hubs are so useful. I am going to bookmark them all!!! What a talent for making something frustrating seem easy and doable. Your writing and illustrations almost make me want a dripping faucet so I can fix it.
Marcy Goodfleisch from Planet Earth on June 23, 2012:
I think your entire collection of hubs was designed to help me with my home maintenance! I have one of the double sinks in my master bath turned off due to a persistent drip, and I just replaced (courtesy of my son's skill at plumbing) the faucet in my kitchen. If we don't fix leaks right away, they cause considerable damage, and they also waste far more water than we realize. Voted up and up, and shared!
healthyjoe from Melbourne Australia on June 22, 2012:
Some articles are most informative, although I know how to change a cartridge (tap washer). Done many in my time, no i am not a plumber.
Dan Reed (author) on June 22, 2012:
My new invention...."The Drip Trip". It's a string in a bag. I'll be rich!
Robie Benve from Ohio on June 22, 2012:
Great information! I have a leaky faucet, but since it does not drip gallons a day and can not be heard from the bedroom, I've let it be. Calling a plumber for something that small may not be worth the cost... but let me share this with my hubby and see if he's in the mood for some DIY. :)
alliemacb from Scotland on June 22, 2012:
This is such a useful hub. My dad taught me how to fix a dripping tap before I left home but I hadn't heard the string idea before - very handy.
Yvonne Spence from UK on June 22, 2012:
We had a tap (UK for faucet) that dripped for months and 2 plumbers said it couldn't be fixed - I can't remember why but something to do with its position in the middle of the bath. However, somehow my husband (who is not a plumber) managed to fix it. I have a feeling this hub would have come in handy for getting it fixed a lot sooner.
Nettlemere from Burnley, Lancashire, UK on June 22, 2012:
That string tip is really neat and definitely the way to go. I declare that all baths and sinks should have a piece of string hanging ready for emergency purposes!
Leak In Ceiling Under Bathroom
Source: https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Fix-a-Leaky-Faucet-or-Dripping-Shower
