Have you ever stopped to think about how design impacts your health and well-being? Design is just not working if it doesn't make you feel good and that is what Mr. Steam is all about. One of my experiences on the Modenus Blog Tour Vegas was to attend Modenus Talks. This was a day long, interactive meeting of design minds and it is where I heard Martha Orellana, AKA Mrs. Steam, seduce us with the physical and mental benefits of steam.
Perhaps you already know too much about me. You know that my dream bath is going to include the TOTO Washlet but the other big must have is, of course, steam. I will find a way and, according to Mr. Steam, it's not so hard to do. But first, a word (ok a few) about what's in it for you. Steam is great for your skin but also for your whole respiratory system and is recommended for the relief of symptoms from colds, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, throat irritation, arthritis and more. Sore, tired muscles? Rigid joints? Steam eases the pain. It also acts as a natural detox (which we all need now and then). 
Steam therapy is nothing new. The Greeks and Roman indulged and so did the Japanese and even Native Americans. Check here for more about this interesting tradition. 
We got to bathe in the steam at the Aria Spa courtesy of Mr. Steam. A lovely experience made even better with Tala. Tala Bath & Body is a new discovery for me and is a line of essential oils, clays, scrubs and soaps. Mrs. Steam traveled to Morocco to research and develop these products. The Arabic word for "bath" is "hammam" and there is a beautiful ritual associated with it that you can follow with Tala.
So now you're probably curious about what it would take to get steamy. Basically you need an enclosed shower area around 8' high with a slightly sloped ceiling (because of condensation). You'll need a water line, drain line and electric for the generator. A seat is a good idea and then you're ready for ten minutes of bliss. That's all it takes. 
Steam showers do not require special ventilation. With the shower door closed, very little steam escapes. At the end of a steam shower session, simply turn on the shower to condense the remaining steam in the enclosure before opening the door. Voila'! Next Up: Taking personalization to the kitchen with Wood-Mode and TopKnobs!
Blog Tour Preview
As you know, I'll be heading off on Sunday to immerse myself in all the magic of KBIS2015, courtesy of super design site Modenus. This is a HUGE show for our industry and you can be sure I'll be partying taking careful notes and lots of pics to share with my blog peeps! 
I'll be posting recaps here upon my return but if you'd like to follow along in real time please LIKE my new Face Book page, Kitchens for Living or you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram. If you're planning a new kitchen, listen up! We're about to unleash upon you all the latest product and design info you need to plan for your home.
Don't forget to check Modenus to see what all the Blog Tour Bloggers are saying. These pics are a preview of the Blog Tour sponsor line up. That means that you'll be hearing more about this diverse group of industry favorites as I learn about them.
Now if you made it all the way to the end of this blog post, ladies (and certain gents), you shall be rewarded. 
Stay tuned for more about all these brands and more!
Feel Good with Mr. Steam
Comfortably seated, eyes closed, the music washes over you as you feel your every cell opening, releasing toxins and cleansing away all signs of stress and tension. The fragrant scent of lavender envelopes you and you are truly relaxed…Sound good? This is what Mr. Steam is all about. A little history...Steam bathing has been around for centuries, as far back as ancient Rome and Greece. The history of the Roman bath actually began during the height of the Roman Empire. Ancient Roman baths served many community and social functions. Everyone used Roman public baths, regardless of status. Eventually the home spa system was introduced transforming the experience from one of community into an intimate restorative experience customized to your needs.And then came Arthur...Arthur Sussman founded Automatic Steam Corporation in 1917. In the early days, steam technology was used for ironing garments and even for creating steam boilers used in US Navy frigates. This company evolved into Mr. Steam, maker of the world's most luxurious steam showers and steam baths for the home and for the spa. 
The Mr. Steam experience encompasses the therapeutic benefits of Chromasteam (colored lights), Aromasteam (aroma therapy) and Audiosteam (music). It’s all digitally controlled. If you’re in the kitchen and just starting to think about having a steam you can make that thought a reality with the touch of a button on the iGenie remote control!The guiding principle in all things Mr. Steam is “Feel Good” and you have to love a company with a sense of humor to boot! Check out this brilliant commercial! Not only does it feel good but I was amazed to learn how much “steaming” can benefit your health! We know that steam is great for muscles, sinuses, asthma and skin hydration but did you know that, on average you can burn up to 150 calories in a 15 minute session at 114 degrees Fahrenheit?We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Steam Vice President Martha Orellana on the Modenus Blog Tour and I think you can say she is a testament to the benefits of steaming. She steams everyday and just look at that complexion! Can you believe she’s 87? (just kidding, I don’t know how old she is but she looks great)
I know you’re thinking, “how can I have this magic in my bathroom?” You can integrate a steam generator in an existing shower stall. Smaller units that fit inside your bathroom vanity are available. You can pick and choose the sensory features you want as well as a wall mounted folding teak seat and a variety of towel warmers. Mr. Steam's products are American made and they continue to operate from their original factory in Queens New York. If you'd like to know more click here to find a distributor in your area.
Day 2 Blog Tour NOLA
Yesterday we really began to experience what New Orleans is all about. It's below the surface, you know. The one thing I learned is that to know the Crescent City is to leave the cliche of Bourbon Street. Locals pretty much disdain it, so you probably won't find them there.
A delicious, five star breakfast was hosted by KBIS at Luke's. This is where I devoured, with relish, my first beignet. Afterwards we took a quick ride on the trolley then embarked on a walking tour of the beautiful Garden District.
This tree lined collection of streets was a feast of New Orleans architecture at its best. The style is a hybrid of Southern plantation, Caribbean and French. At times Key West and even Lake Worth comes to mind. I was excited to see the home of "Gothic" author Anne Rice but the real treat was running into Mr. Okra larger than life, after having seen him on this beautiful short film! Check it out here if you missed it. It is so worth it, trust me. 
The Big Easy is also known for its antiques galore and so that was next on the agenda. We met up with Shaun Smith of Shaun Smith Home for a tour of some of the best antique shops. 
Shaun Smith, a New Orleans sweetheart. Both his smile and his jacket were a refreshing white. His style retains a New Orleans flavor but with a little New York chic which makes it something uniquely his own.
We also explored Petricia Thompson Antiques, Empire Antiques and an interesting eclectic store called Malachite. Last but certainly not least we met Gerrie Bremermann in her shop. Let me tell you about Gerrie. Remember those amazing homes I just mentioned in the Garden District? Well she's had a hand in making most of them fabulous. She is a much sought after designer in these parts but also, on a larger scale, she's sought out by national publications as a barometer of southern design. Currently in her mid eighties she continues to immerse herself in her trade. She loves it and she is a true inspiration.
When it comes to my own personal taste I loved Shaun Smith Home the best. In fact I believe antiques are at their best when they are a part of a more modern decor where there is enough space for them to be a focal point. Think about it, in a room crammed with antiquity no one gets to be the star!Shaun also carries a couple abstract impressionist artists' work which I admired. He was a gracious host who showed us what southern hospitality is all about.Next up was a visit to the Ogden Southern Art Museum for a book signing by the dynamic designer/author Miles Redd. You can listen to a fabulous interview of him over at The Skirted Roundtable. Mile's book "The Big Book of Chic" is BIG and the many takers are evidence that the world of paper books is still very much alive.
I loved how Miles is not afraid to work out of the box, in fact he works entirely out of the box taking much of his inspriation from great works of art. I am a maximalist, he claims!
The day was made complete by a breathtakingly delicous dinner at Bayona hosted by our sponsor Mr. Steam. I am really enjoying getting to know all the others on the tour. It's amazing how each has such a unique story with creativity and innovative thinking being the common thread. Three more days to go. Wow. Stay tuned, more to come.