How to choose a shower faucet with matching style for the bathroom

Stylish by JESSICA0 comments

You may consider the shower faucet as a simple unit of plumbing hardware, but it is not that easy. It has many parts which are very important to make your bath experience more comfortable. Basically, there are several aspects you’ll need to ponder when choosing a tub shower faucet set. Therefore, this article will help you understand how to choose a shower faucet based on its design, function, material, price range, etc.

1. Select the ideal shower valves

First, shower valves play an essential role in making sure water flows smoothly from one fixture to another. In addition, they also control the temperature of hot or cold water. There are two types of valves: single handle and double handle. Single handles can be used by only one person at a time while double handles allow multiple people to use them simultaneously. The most common type of shower valve is called “single lever” because it consists of just one handle. However, some models have dual levers so that both hands can operate independently. Double-lever valves usually come with three positions.

2. Consider configuration and type

The next thing you should think about is whether you want a fixed spray head or adjustable ones. Fixed spray heads provide a consistent flow rate regardless of pressure. Adjustable sprays offer variable flow rates depending on the amount of force applied. Some showers even include built-in massage jets. If you’re looking for something extra special, check out rain-head fixtures. They feature unique designs like waterfall spouts and cascading streams. Rain-heads are great if you love nature’s beauty. You can enjoy watching the falling drops of water splashing down into the tub.

matching style for the bathroom

3. Check water pressure

If you live in areas where the water supply is low, then you might want to look for high-pressure shower systems. These units deliver up to 120 gallons per minute of water. This means that you won’t have to wait long before getting enough water to wash yourself thoroughly. On the other hand, if you don’t mind waiting longer than usual, then you could opt for lower-pressure options.

4. Consider Accessories

Shower accessories such as soap dispensers, towel warmers, and body washers add convenience to bathing. Soap dispensers work well with any kind of shower system. Towel warmers keep towels fresh during the winter months. Body washer helps remove dirt and grime after taking a shower. All these items are available separately or together. All necessary accessories can be;

– Diverters

These help shift the direction of water flow. For example, a diverter allows you to direct water towards either side of the wall.

– Handles

Handles are designed to hold onto the shower arm. Most modern handles are made of chrome-plated brass. But you can find different materials including plastic, stainless steel, nickel, copper, bronze, and aluminum.

– Hand showers

This is a combination between a handheld shower nozzle and a traditional showerhead. A handheld shower offers better flexibility since you can adjust the angle of the stream without having to move away from the sink.

– Anti-scald valves

Anti-scald valves prevent scalding when using heated water. It works by sensing the heat coming off your skin and automatically turning off the water until you get out of the way.

– Pressure-balancing valves

Pressure balancing valves regulate the water pressure inside the pipes. When there’s too much pressure, this device reduces it. Conversely, when there isn’t enough pressure, it increases it.

5. Consider your budget

You need not spend more money than what you can afford. While choosing a shower faucet, make sure that its price fits within your budget. Also, consider how many years do you plan to own the product. Do you prefer buying quality products? Or would you rather go cheap but buy durable goods?

6. Choose the right size

When selecting a shower faucet based on the space available, remember to measure the width and height of the room. The distance between the walls will determine which type of fixture you’ll use. Showers usually come in three sizes: standard, compact and mini. Standard models are perfect for small bathrooms while compact versions fit most spaces. Mini showers are ideal for tight quarters.

7. Look at the finish

When shopping for a new shower faucet, pay attention to the finishes used. There are two types of finishes – brushed and polished. Brushed finishes give an old-world feel while polished ones create a sleek appearance. You may also see ceramic, porcelain, cast iron, solid brass, chrome, and even gold-finished fixtures. Each material has its pros and cons. Some people like the durability of metal while others love the elegance of glass. Whatever your preference, just know that each material adds value to your home.

8. Match the color scheme

The colors you select should complement one another. If you have dark-colored tiles, then opt for a darker-colored faucet. On the other hand, if you have light-colored tile, pick something lighter. This will ensure that they blend seamlessly into the overall look of the bathroom.

Conclusion

Shower faucets play a vital role in making or breaking the entire design of any bathroom. They add beauty as well as functionality to the whole setup. So before you start looking around online, take some time to think about all these factors so that you end up picking the best possible option.…

Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe

Stealthy Recipes by JESSICA0 comments

Ah, Biff Night.

There are few things in life as therapeutic as an evening spent with your best friend, watching television shows that may actually decrease your IQ just by watching (sorry, Tyra, you know I love you girl) and making delicious food. If it weren’t for these mid-week gatherings, I just don’t know how I’d make it to Saturday.

This week we decided to try our hand at Jillian Michael’s “Shred” DVD. Here I was thinking I’d float right through it while poor Mary struggled and huffed and puffed. (See, Mary has been blessed with being a “petite” girl who never had to work out a day in her life, and could eat cheese steaks while I stared enviously over my salad with no cheese and light dressing. She’s a newbie to the world of excersise, but I’m happy to be her tourguide.) Now I’m no stranger to squats and hand wieghts, in fact, most days I’m so sore from whatever brutal class I attended that I walk around like I’ve been hit by a moving car. But I have to tell you, I officially got Shred-ed. Damn you, Jillian Michals. Damn you and your perfect abs and evil power sets. You win this round, but I’m coming back, and next time I will get through all of those reverse crunches, mark my words.

And what better way to reward yourself for being Shred-ed, than by cooking something that tastes like it was battered and fried. (But guess what? It totally wasn’t.)

Baked “Fried” Chicken

You’ll need:
1lb boneless skinless chicken tenders
1 cup reduced fat buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs or
1 cup French’s fried onions, crushed

Preheat oven to 400. Dip the chicken tenders in the buttermilk, and then in the breadcrumbs (or fried onions, whichever you prefer). Place the coated tenders on a wire baking rack, on top of a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

As you can see from the color variation, we did half of the tenders with the panko breadcrumbs and half with the fried onions. They were both really good, but the fried onions added some extra flavor. Obviously not the healthier option, but hey, sometimes you just gotta indulge.

Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe_1

We served the chicken with some whole grain rice and steamed broccoli in a little light cheese sauce. And to kick it up a notch, I added a little bit of liquid heaven or as it’s known to common folk, Frank’s RedHot sauce.
Do work, Frank’s.
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Why Is A Healthy Diet Significant And How To Eat Healthier Diet

Healthy by JESSICA0 comments

In order to function accurately, the body needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in food, namely protein, carbohydrates (sugar) and fat, to maintain a healthy weight and have the most prominent chance of having nourishing food balanced diet are the key.

What is a healthy diet?

A healthy diet is a nutrition that helps in maintaining or improving overall health. A healthy diet gives the body vital nutrients: fluids, macronutrients, micronutrients and sufficient food energy. A healthy diet can include fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains, and you can eat fewer or no processed foods or sweetened refreshments. A variety of plant and animal products can meet healthy nutritional needs, although a vegan diet requires non-plant sources of vitamin B12. Medical and government agencies educate people about what to eat as healthy. In some countries, nutrition labels get needed to choose between foods based on health-related ingredients.

What is the basis of nutrition?

World Health Organization (WHO) has made suggestions on 5 points that compile the basis of nutrition.

  • The calories you consume are roughly the same as the calories your body consumes. Healthy weight is equal to calories per starting calorie.
  • Eat plant-based foods such as vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruits, and nuts.
  • Limit fat intake and choose wholesomer unsaturated fats and trans fats.
  • Limit the intake of sugar, preferably less than 10 grams per day.
  • Limit salt/sodium intake from all sources.

healthy diet

A balanced diet is fun

Enjoyment and variety are significant in a balanced diet. Fatty and sugary foods are generally more delicious, and moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet. No more, no less, but do not pay attention every day; the remaining amount gets reached within a few days.

Importance of a healthy diet

It protects you from many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. For a healthy diet, it is crucial to eat different varieties of foods and eat less salt, sugar, saturated fat and industrial trans fat.

  • Primary foods such as cereals (wheat, barley, rye, corn or rice) or starchy tubers or tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro or cassava)
  • Legumes (lentils and legumes), fruits and vegetables.
  • Animal products (meat, fish, eggs and milk)

Breastfeeding babies and toddlers

  • Healthy nutrition starts early in life. Breastfeeding promotes healthy growth and has long-term health benefits, such as reducing the risk of overweight or obesity and non-communicable diseases in later life.
  • A six-month life is essential for a healthy diet. It is also crucial to introduce a mixture of safe and nutritious integral foods before six months until the baby is two years old or older.

Eat more vegetables and fruits

  • They are an essential source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, plant protein and antioxidants.
  • People who eat a diet loaded with vegetables and fruits have a significantly reduced chance of obesity, heart condition, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Eat less fat

Fat, oil and concentrated are sources of energy. Eating a lot, especially the wrong fats, such as artificially saturated fats and trans fats, can increase heart condition and stroke instead of animal fat or oil high in saturated oil (butter, ghee, lard, coconut oil, and palm oil) can help you eat healthier fats. To avoid unhealthy weight gain, total fat intake should not exceed 30% of normal.

Limit your sugar intake

For a healthy diet, sugar should account for less than 10% of total energy intake. Reducing to less than 5% has additional health advantages. Choosing fresh fruit instead of sugary snacks such as biscuits, cakes, and chocolate can help save sugar. Limiting the intake of soda, soda, and other high-sugar beverages (juices, spirits and syrups, flavoured milk and yoghurt drinks) can also help reduce sugar intake.

Reduce salt intake 

  • Limiting salt consumption to less than five hours a day can help prevent high blood pressure and diminish the chance of heart condition and stroke in adults.
  • Limiting salt and high-sodium spices (soy sauce and fish sauce) can help decrease salt intake.

How to improve and how to eat healthier diet?

If you aim to eat healthier foods, thinking that you need to change your consumption habits immediately can be overwhelming. You can follow the steps to improve your diet.

  • Make a plan foryour new healthy diet

The first move is to generate a concrete and precise action plan. For example, if it’s breakfast time tomorrow morning, try skipping the fast-food breakfast sandwich and eating whole-wheat peanut butter toast at home.

  • Savemoney for 

There are several advantages to bringing lunch to school or work. It is a great way to save bucks and spend everything in the house, and it may be more nutritious.

  • Keep junk food out ofyour sight 

Empty the junk food in your pantry and refrigerator, and consider bringing only high-quality food into your kitchen. It means you are more likely to eat right and eat less garbage. Make a purchasing list to collect all the vegetables, fruits, and other plant meals you require for the next three days.

  • Takesmall steps 

Set achievable small goals for yourself. For example, one week, aim to eat three more portions of vegetables. Maybe the same week, add an extra serving of vegetables to dinner in just three nights. One day of that week, make a bean dish like chilli for lunch.

  • Keepa diary to keep track of your food choices

Keeping a food diary is a healthier way of eating. It does not get used to recording calories or carbohydrates; instead, write down your eating habits to better understand why you eat. It is the fundamental step to change behaviour. 

By filling your meal with plant foods (such as vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains), you can preserve your body from chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Avoid short-lived and unpredictable fancy eating. There are healthy foods you can choose your favourite food without worrying about the latest superfoods. A balanced diet is suitable for everyone. At all stages of life and in all walks of life, we all need a balanced diet adjusted according to the same principles; for students and their families, eating things can be expensive and challenging. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are as inexpensive and nutritious as fresh.…

BBQ Chicken & Mushroom Tortilla Pizza

Stealthy Recipes by JESSICA0 comments

There are so so many things I love about this meal. And yes, it’s kind of a “duh recipe”, as in, it’s so easy I almost feel bad blogging about it. However, I would feel even worse not telling you about this tasty little treat. I’m really just a selfless person like that.

So the things I like…

Pizza
  • It’s pizza. (Again, duh.) I LOVE pizza. It’s the jam. The ‘ish. The stuff. Whatever, it’s my favorite and I’ll continue my love affair with it until the day I can’t get my dentures moving fast enough to chew it.
  • It took less than 15 minutes. What’s that you say? Less than 15? Yes, pretend voices, less than 15. Including chopping.
pizza
  • It serves one. If you make just one. You can make as many as you like, but if you find yourself in a situation where your husband already grilled and ate 3 hot sausages, and you just got back from yoga and are completely famished, well hey, this completely hypothetical situation might call for a single serving. But maybe make two so you don’t wish you had more later.
  • It was made up completely by things I always have laying around, including random veggies and leftover grilled chicken. Say word.
pizza

BBQ Chicken & Mushroom Tortilla Pizza
Total time: 15 minutes
Serves: 1
You’ll Need:
1 flour tortilla (medium-sized)
2 T bbq sauce of your choice (I used Sweet Baby Ray’s)
2 oz shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 oz chopped baby portobello mushrooms
1 oz chopped onion
1-2 oz diced grilled chicken breast
1 T chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp crushed red pepper

Directions: Preheat oven to 350, spray baking sheet with olive oil. Place tortilla on baking sheet and spread bbq sauce evenly. Add most of the cheese, then the chicken, mushrooms, and onion. Finish with the remaining cheese and fresh parsley, then sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Bake for 10 minutes, or until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted.

The other great thing about this is you can very easily make it vegetarian and just add additional vegetables you like. Normally I’m more of a veggie-pizza girl, but like I said, using up leftovers makes me feel like I earned a gold star for the day.

pizaa

Or at least a glass of wine.

I earn a lot of gold stars.…

GF Mexican Casserole

Stealthy Recipes by JESSICA0 comments

So y’all know I love me some Mexican food. And if you don’t know… now you know. (Thanks, Biggie.) I actually had it in one form or another three times last week, almost four, but me and my girlfriends cancelled dinner plans one night. Besides pizza, it’s my favorite thing to eat. I’m talking stretch-pants-mandatory-no-room-at-the-inn eat. Basically I like it.

GF Mexican Casserole

So when I tried to stop eating gluten, one of the hardest things for me to give up were flour tortillas. (No, I didn’t stop eating gluten just because I’m a trendy hipster, I read it helps with hypothyroidism and some other health issues, also I’m a little bit of a trendy hipster). Slowly and begrudgingly, I made the transition to corn tortillas, one burrito at a time, and it’s safe to say that I am now a full-blown corn tortilla convert. Sure you have to double-up on most them because they tear so easy, but they’re also drastically less calories, so I hardly feel guilty about that.

And also that just means I can add more cheese. #JessMath

GF Mexican Casserole

The rest of the ingredients in this dish came from a few of my kitchen staples and a need to use up the remainder of the most delicious corn on the planet that we brought home from our cabin a week prior. And as I hoped, it created a beautiful, cheesy, Mexican-inspired mess.

Gluten-Free Mexican Casserole
Serves: 4-6
Cook time: about 45 minutes

You’ll Need:
1lb lean ground turkey
1 sm. red onion, chopped
2 jalapenos (or other pepper of your choice), chopped
4 T taco seasoning, or 1 packet, + 3/4 cup water, (I use Penzeys bc I love them)
2 ears fresh corn, cut off the cobb
1 can diced chiles
2 cups sharp and/or mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa of your choice, plus more for serving
1 pack small corn tortillas

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large pan, sprayed lightly with oil, heat onions and chopped peppers for about 5 minutes over med-high, until softened. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about another 8 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and water, and simmer over medium heat until liquid is absorbed. Stir in corn and can of chiles until combined. In a baking dish, spoon about 1/4 cup of salsa onto the bottom and layer with corn tortillas (about 5-6) to cover the bottom. Add half the turkey mixture, half the cheese, and another layer of tortillas. (You can use less this time if you want, I used 6 again.) Then add another 1/4 cup of salsa, turkey mixture, and the final layer of tortillas (again, up to you how many you’d like to use here) and the rest of the cheese. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted. (If you make this ahead of time and refrigerate it, give it a little longer to heat through.) Garnish with avocado, lime, cilantro, , sriracha, sour cream or whatever other fixins’ you like!

Printer-Friendly Recipe

This was so insanely flavorful and such an easy dinner to make. You guys know I love meals you can make ahead of time, but it also made for killer leftovers. I’d like to say we ate this three days in a row, but we hogged out so hard that the leftovers only lasted the next day.

No judgement.…

Orange & Ginger Apple Cider Shandy #howsweetbabyshower

Stealthy Recipes by JESSICA0 comments

Today I am taking part of a virtual celebration of sorts for one of my dearest friends, as arranged by the hilarious Bev (that Instagram, tho.) and the lovely Ashley! As I’m sure most of you know, Jessica (of How Sweet It Is) is having a baby! A baby who I think might actually come out covered in sprinkles. But like in a cute way, not a weird “wtf is my baby covered in sprinkles?” way. She also just wrote a book. You should order it. Trust me.

apple cider shandy

Mine and Jess’ friendship was pretty much instantaneous. I think we first bonded over a girl crush on Miranda Lambert and obsession with Felicity, but through this magical world of blogging have since become a real-life friends and I’m so grateful for that. Few people appreciate/share my over-usage of exclamation points, “OMG”s and love of television quite like she does, and also she’s just a pretty great friend all around. When I first started dealing with my fertility issues, Jess was one of the only people I talked to about it, and she will forever have a place in my heart for that.

SO… In honor of the lovely Jessica…

How Sweet Final Graphic

 (Amazing job with the graphic, Ashley.)

I made something boozy. And perfect for fall!

apple cider shandy

Ok, so maybe you’re thinking I’m a crappy friend for choosing to make a cocktail for a baby shower. But that’s where you’re wrong. A- I’m an awesome friend so your theory is already bunk. And 2, I know that Jess loves her a seasonal cocktail and so I’m taking one for the team and drinking this in her honor. See? Best friend ever.

This cocktail is one that I have been thinking about since I first saw fresh apple cider make its way into my grocery store. I wanted to make something adult-beverage-y with it, but since I’m not a big liquor person, I went the beer route. The great thing about this drink is that it’s light enough you can have a few, it is only half a beer after all, and it’s not too sweet like some of the hard ciders out there. The ginger and orange add another level of spice that really hit this one home for me and basically made this taste like fall in a glass.

Oh and also, I bought these glasses for Brandon for Christmas, as in this upcoming Christmas which has not happened yet, which I then had to tell him… so now we just have new pilsner glasses and I have to buy him more things. #bestwifeever

 apple cider shandy

Orange Ginger Apple Cider Shandy
Makes 2
Prep time 5 min
You’ll Need:
1 12oz beer (I used Dogfish Head Namaste, but any lager or wheat beer would work great)
1 cup ginger beer
3/4 cup apple cider
1 orange for orange peel garnish

Directions: In a separate glass or pitcher, combine ginger beer and cider. Pour equal halves of the beer into each glass, add cider mixture and garnish with orange peel. Enjoy.

apple cider shandy

So cheers to you, my sweet friend, and to your little one who is (OMG!!) almost here! xoxo…

Back to Life

Stylish by JESSICA0 comments

Good news, friends. After lots of lounging around and a mini-coma this weekend (aka I slept almost 24 hours total) I am feeling back to my boisterous self again.

Actually that’s a horrible adjective to describe me, but a fun word, so it stays.

So as I mentioned, I had a fabulous little last-minute trip to Atlantic City, NJ Thursday night, and it was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. We stayed at Harrah’s (which is where we stayed in Vegas, coincidentally) and despite a few questionable stains we found upon arriving in our room (shudder), it was really nice. Much to our pleasant surprise, there was some sort of Miss America Senior pageant going on, which as you can imagine was pretty amazing. Those ladies were killing it in their tiaras and sashes.
And believe it or not, this was the closest I’ve gotten to going to a beach this year.

Harrahs sunset

The view from our room

We definitely have a lot of fun, but the true highlight of the night (for me) was the Journey tribute band, Separate Ways, who rocked. Hard. The lead singer looked and sounded just like Steve Perry (the original Journey front man), and they played all my faves. During Any Way You Want It, I may have been pulled up on stage, and I may have danced & sang along to Any Way You Want It. Thankfully any photographic/video evidence of that was promptly deleted at my request demand. But I can certainly promise you that I both looked and sounded way better in my head than in real life. Shocking, I know.

(Side note: I also highly suspect said lead singer was former child actor Danny Cooksey who played Budnick on Salute Your Shorts, but with dark hair.)

You decide:

VS

Journey

 

RIGHT??

So anyways, that was super fun. Then we hit up the Gypsy Bar at the Borgata and danced to some classic 90’s jams for a while. (Biz Markie and Vanilla Ice? Yes please.) My feet were none too pleased the next day, but that’s the price to pay when you party like champs.

AC

love these ladies

Waking up the next morning was less than pleasant, and some choice words were mumbled from my bunk-mate when she got up to close the blinds. I was definitely ready to head home, even just after one night.

Saturday I decided I couldn’t live on fast food forever, and that whole “hangover” excuse to eat like a college student can only last so long, so I decided to make something easy and delicious.

Enter Jessica’s Beer BBQ Pulled Chicken.

(note: I added garlic powder, some Worcestershire sauce, diced onions and a dash of Frank’s Red Hot.)

BBQ chix

Just. Yes.

I think I’ve finally fully recovered from my little AC getaway, and should probably get back to like… cooking nutritious meals and cleaning my house.
At least when I sing in my kitchen and two-step with my Swiffer, no one is watching.…

Lust List

Stylish by JESSICA0 comments

Perhaps a more appropriate name for this post would be:

“Things I really really want but no way in hell can afford.”
Just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Also I may have just checked, re-checked, then triple checked my bank account juuuust to make sure I didn’t accidentally misplace, oh say, $1000. Sigh. Still empty.

Despite probably having to sell plasma or play my guitar on the street corner to even afford one of these items, I present to you:

My Fall 2011 Lust List:

Let’s do this.

1. Lace-up ankle booties

From Piperlime.com

Not only am I 99% sure my American Girls Doll had these exact shoes (perhaps with a tad smaller heel), but just the sight of them makes me want to re-watch the entire Anne of Green Gables series and say pretentious things in an old school house building. These paired with a longer-length full a-line skirt and a pair of bright, patterned tights would be super chic. Loves.

2. And speaking of skirts…

Teal the Deal Skirt

Modcloth.com

Not only do I love the color of this skirt (teal is one of the on-trend colors this fall), but I adore the fullness of it. It feels really Mad Men and whimsical, and is long enough to wear to work, which at my ripe old age of 28 is a huge bonus when buying apparel these days. Also… it’s only $29.99. I could just eat Ramen for a week and totally budget for this one.

3. Red Skinny Cords

Vintage matchstick cord

From J. Crew

I love that brightly-colored corduroy and denim are so popular right now, and I’ve been praying every night that the Pants Fairy send me a cherry red pair. And world peace. However I suspect the Pants Fairy doesn’t have a lot to do with that one… She can put a word in for me with the Peace Fairy.

4. A Stand Out Swing Jacket

Ascot Swing Coat

Anthro

The color… the bow… the nod to mod… there isn’t one thing about this jacket that doesn’t make me a little bit giddy. I would probably put my hair up in a ginormous bun, throw on some ridiculous over-sized sunglasses, and march up and down the city streets like Audrey Hepburn. Why must you torture me with your out-of-reach prices, Anthro? WHY??

And last but not least…

5. Flowy 70’s Style Peasant Blouses

Flowy 70’s Style Peasant

Forever 21

I mean who doesn’t love a good flowy top when they’re having a “fat day”? Big salad? Not today, friends. Pass the pizza. It’s like wearing stretch pants to a buffet. Except with lace, and much more refined.
I love the femininity and effortlessness of 70’s BoHo style, but always make sure to ask myself one very important question before I leave the house: “Do I look like Mary Kate Olsen? No? K, I’m good.” (Thanks to Megan for that link).

Well there you have it. All the things I will inevitably drool over for the next few weeks until I break down and charge at least one or two of them, and then swear I’m going to chop my credit cards into little bitty pieces. Otherwise I do accept gifts in the form of any of the items listed above, preferably size M. Have I told you lately how gorgeous you are?

Tell me… what is the one item you’d buy to add to your wardrobe right now if you could?…