Top 5 Guidelines for Designing a Wine Cellar

Collecting wine is not only about purchasing the best wine anthology but the crucial aspect to consider is the storage of the collection.

Aside from being perishable, wine is a sensitive responsive sentient-like entity. It goes through stages of infancy, maturity and old age and is strongly affected by environmental factors.

Not all wines are created equal. Some wines reach maturity very quickly while others get better and mature to their best taste with age. So ideally, wines should be cared for properly in a cool, damp storage area that is perfect for the aging of expensive wines, maximizing on the life, flavor, aroma and palatability of the wine.

Wine cellars are the perfect way to store all types of wine, enabling you the benefit of having control on the three important factors necessary for optimal storage such as the aging, temperature and humidity, that, when properly done, will let your wine to evolve to its full potential.

Intended to protect the wine, a wine cellar cannot only let you enjoy wine at the perfect temperature, with the perfect taste, aroma and flavor but also it can benefit you by having a tidy and stylish storage facility as well.

In designing you wine cellar, make sure it suits your space and your lifestyle.

Here are some Ideas and Guidelines to achieve a better looking and functional cellar.

1.   Know first where the cellar will be located including its dimension

Determine exactly where in your house is the ideal location to put your wine cellar. If you have the luxury of starting from scratch, choose a space that is not exposed directly to the sun or near the center part of your home. Make sure also to choose a space or room that has a space next to it that can handle the exhaust from the cooling unit. This means that the adjacent space should be large enough to dissipate the warm air that is discharged, and preferably has a source of fresh air.

Then, determine the planned finished dimensions of your wine room. Include the ceiling height and location of your wine cooling system and wine cellar door. Also, make an estimate of the number of bottles that you would like your wine cellar to hold.

2.   Prepare the best racking elements and fridges

Decide on the racking elements and features you want in your wine cellar. Wine racks can be made of metal or wood. Choosing wine racks, and the wine storage is primarily a matter of personal taste. Metal racks tend to be more flamboyant and stylish while the wood racks are oftentimes considered more classic and traditional in style. Though both kinds of rack are attractive to look at, it may be preferable to select racks that match the rest of the chosen wine storage solution. These final choices will be influenced to a certain degree by whether or not you intend to show off your wine cellar to friends and colleagues. If it is, then you need your wine cellars and elements to appear more coordinated and stylish. Don’t forget that racks should store the bottles on their sides and wooden racks are better in that they don’t permit ‘cold spots’ on your bottles.

3.   Plan a design that will compliment your house

Make sure that your cellar design is coordinated and suitable to your house. Your design should be stylish and elegant, adding beauty to your house. You can stamp your own personal touch in designing by choosing the perfect colors, accents and styles to make the cellar your own and to complement your house.

4.   Invest on the best wall and floor insulation

The decor theme of your cellar will determine the interior wall and ceiling design. The best choice is rot and mildew resistant walls such as drywall, green board or Redwood. Though the most resistant to moisture and mold; green board is the more expensive than standard drywall. You can also use good quality paint, like latex as will not only hold up through the years and not require the owner to repaint the walls; it can also be applied to create an "aged" effect.

Similarly with wall coverings, choose also flooring that match the overall decor colors of your wine cellar. The most commonly used types of flooring are slate, tile, marble, and vinyl. You can also use travertine with a few decorative tiles in the center. Don’t place carpet, as mold and mildew will show up very quickly in the cool, damp climate conditions of a cellar.

5.   Plan on a budget

Building a wine cellar could be expensive, so make sure to determine how much you’re willing to cash out.

There is also one other alternative to a traditional wine cellar that exists for those who want to protect their wines, but don't want to invest in the more expensive cellars or simply don’t have the space, and this is a wine fridge.

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Review on Different Wine Fridges for Australians

If you have a wine collection that you don't want to ruin but you don’t have the space or the money to build your own wine cellar, it is worthwhile to invest in a wine fridge as an alternative.

Designed to create the best long-term environment for storing wines, wine fridge or also known as wine chiller is intended to store dozens of bottles at selected temperatures.

Wine fridges are most useful for those who don't have a wine cellar, as these larger refrigerator style units can replicate temperature and humidity conditions that are ideal in storing wines. Wines are perishable beverages and are easily influenced by environment stresses, such as temperature change, sunlight, dryness and vibrations. Thus, it will enable fine wines to mature at a steady rate and also prevent them from spoiling.

Most units will enable you to choose their ideal temperature of wine and there are even some units that have options that will enable you to control two separate areas for different wines. There are also some units that are controlled by a thermostat.

Wine Fridges vary in STYLE and FEATURES. Here are some of them:

Dual Zone Wine Fridge (270 L and 450 L)

This type of wine refrigerator features two temperature compartments, which could create the ideal storage environment for both red and white wines. Any dual zone unit is primarily intended to have a section designated for service temperature. Most times, a dual zone wine chiller is made for white wine service (41-50 degrees), but there are certain units that can have a section for red wine service (57-65 degrees).  There are also those which you can use half for storage of all wines and the other half for service of usually whites. These units may come from 115 bottle capacity (based on 750ml bottles) for 270L fridge to up to 160 Bottles for 450L fridge.

Single Zone Wine Fridge (270 L and 450 L)

This type of wine refrigerator have only one temp unit compartment. Similar with the dual zone, these units also come in bottle capacity of 115 (based on 750ml bottles) for 270L fridge to up to 160 Bottles for 450L fridge. This type of fridge is ideal for those who are laying wines down for the long haul and aren’t really looking to utilize a service option.

70 L Wine Fridge

This type of wine refrigerator has up to a 28-bottle capacity based on 750ml bottles. This unit has only one temperature compartment.

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How Do Massage Chairs Relieve Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common and most frequent complaints why people go to the doctor or miss work.

Back pain can affect people of any age, but it is significantly more common among adults aged between 35 and 55 years. There are several factors that increase your risk of developing back pain. These include obesity, older age, smoking, being female, pregnancy, anxiety, depression, a sedentary lifestyle, a mentally stressful job and physically strenuous work.

According to some studies, it suggests that as many as 85% of back pain cases have no physical cause or the mechanisms by which these conditions might cause pain are not known.

There are also some studies that indicate that psychosocial factors such as on-the-job stress and dysfunctional family relationships may more closely have an association with back pain than structural abnormalities examined in x-rays and other medical imaging scans.

On the bright side, back pain does not usually require immediate medical intervention. There are some measures or alternative home treatment available that you can take to prevent or ease symptoms of most back pain episodes. And one of these well-known alternatives is a massage.

In fact, it is well-known that a good massage can do wonders not only for relieving tension but also for back pain.

However, a therapeutic massage is not always convenient or available and if done daily could be costly in the long run. Thus, while getting a massage from a licensed massage therapist is still best, there is now a much better substitute available in terms of convenience, cost-effectiveness, portability and efficiency and privacy yet still providing the benefits of the human touch, the massage chairs.

Through the study of the human body and analysis of feedback, massage chairs are designed to provide different types of massage strokes.

Typically, three basic types of massage are available in these chairs. These include the shiatsu massage, which makes use of a tapping and kneading method along the body’s acupressure points; the Swedish massage, which uses a longer stroke instead of tapping, but includes squeezing and kneading, with an addition of heat; and the Hawaiian massage, which is the gentlest that uses light tapping, sway, and stroking.

The manipulating, rubbing, and stroking of muscles in a rhythm of a massage chair are known to be largely responsible for better circulation. With better blood flow, it will generate more oxygen and nutrients that have a key role in aiding muscles to remove waste products like lactic acid that may collect in muscles from spasms resulting in pain. Thus, these chairs cannot only aid to your muscle spasm but also eases pain and tension on your muscles.

Comprehensive research has demonstrated that using a massage chair like a massage chair in Sydney on a regular basis will improve venous and lymphatic flow thus improving blood circulation, decrease and ease body tensions, ease body aches and pains, relieve mental stress, reduce high blood pressure, improves flexibility, and provide you a full and relaxing body massage whenever you feel you it is necessary.

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Guide on Choosing Your Wine Cooler

Another alternative for wine cellar as a means for properly storing your wine collection is a wine cooler.

Also known as a wine chiller, wine coolers are refrigeration-based units that are installed on either under or over a counter top or by itself  as a stand-alone unit in a bar area or wine cellar of a home.

Wine Coolers are used to keep the wines served in the correct temperature, either chilled or cooled. These coolers come in two styles, namely: tabletop units and refrigerator style units.

Two Styles of Wine Coolers

1.   Table Top Units

These are coolers that are small in size, used to chill a single wine bottle rapidly. This type of unit is particularly good for those types of wines that must be served chilled, like white, sparkling, and rose.

2. Refrigerator Style Units

On the other hand, refrigerator style units are a type of cooler unit that has the capacity to store over a dozen wine bottles at selected temperatures. As it can replicate temperature and humidity levels, this type of cooler can also be used in place of a cellar.

So, if you’re interested in buying a wine chiller, here is how to choose one that is appropriate for your needs:

Know the Types of Wines you'll place in the Cooler

List down the types of wines that you plan to store in the wine cooler. This is done due to the fact that each different kind of wine has its own optimum temperature guidelines and recommendations. There are coolers that may only be suitable for one type and may have one temperature regulation while there are also others that may have a more sophisticated system where different compartments can house different beverage varieties.

Size and Capacity of the Wine Cooler

Wine coolers are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from a few wine bottles to 25 all the way up to hundreds of bottles. If at any given time, you think that only a few bottles of wine will be kept in the wine cooler, then perhaps it would be more appropriate to choose a cooler of smaller size. However, if you only have a limited amount of wine stored at room temperature but need a very large space to house wines that need to be refrigerated, it would be appropriate to choose a larger wine cooler.

Check for the Coolers' Temperature Controls

Make sure that the unit you choose will enable you to regulate the temperature. This is because too low or too high can damage the wine. Take note that serving wines must be kept in a temperature of 50°F for light-bodied white wines and 68°F for full-bodied red wines.

See the Temperature and Humidity Settings

There are some coolers that enable you to store wines by providing dual temperature zones. Make sure that temperature selection should vary from 38°F to about 65°F. With this wide temperature range, it will allow you to either store your wines or keep them in serving condition. On the other hand, make sure also that the cooler must be able to maintain the humidity level of 80%, while keeping the air circulating. This is to prevent the growth of mildew and mold. Check also the humidity, making sure that it can keep the cork moist.

Look for Special FEATURES like Glass Fronts, Stainless Steel Trim and Auto Defrost Facility

Make sure to also look for energy efficient models as well as specialized models that have tinting to prevent sunlight and UV rays from entering and destroying the wine inside.

Consider your Budget

You must always factored into your buying, your budget. Make sure to take a note of it when shopping. And as such check each model for the specific desires and requirements, along with your budget. 

To know more about wine storage products, visit our website at Relax at Home. You can also get in touch with us through our Official Facebook Page or Follow us on Twitter.

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A Buyer's Guide for Massage Chair

In today’s fast-paced world where people are placed in undue performance pressure that usually results to stress not only of the body but also of the mind, as well in time constraints, more and more people are turning to and buying a massage chair as a means for getting pain relief and relaxation as well as a replacement of human massage therapists.

Nowadays, there are now a large number of massaging chairs available, that vary enormously in price, style and intensity, from cheap "vibrate only" chairs to full intensity Shiatsu models for people who need as close to a real invigorating massage as possible.

With the massage chairs, like those massage chairs in Perth, portability, convenience, accessibility and privacy (as there is no need anymore to disrobe to receive a chair massage), are covered by chair massage now known to be often performed in settings such as corporate offices, Conferences and Trainings and other Corporate Wellness Events.

So, if you are planning to buy a massage chair, do consider these following factors:

• The Comfort of a Massage Chair. You can test this by sitting down on the chair and getting a feel of it. There are some chairs that may have a shape or contour that better fits a particular person's shape or need.

• Strength of Massage. Test the intensity of the massage and ensure it's appropriate. If you want a more vigorous massage, you should look for a chair that provides highly protruded components and strong movements. However, if you want a less intense, more point-specific massage, then you may prefer a massage chair with small rollers and nodes and softer movements.

• Number of Massage Chair Rollers. It is customary for better massage chairs to have four rollers, although there are some lower-end chairs that offer as few as two. There are also some chairs that offer more than four rollers.

• Adjustability of the Chair. Make sure to test or experiment with the preset programs. There are some massage chairs that may have a preset that is specific to a problem area in the back while there are other chairs that may offer greater variability. It may be more beneficial when purchasing a single chair for multiple users and to choose to buy a massage chair with a large range of adjustability.

• Accessories and Special Features. There are certain massage chairs that have special features such as a separate ottoman or a leg-rest that extends in and out of the chair. Take note that there are some positions that may be more comfortable for certain back conditions. For example, sitting in a reclining position with the legs elevated may be more comfortable for some people with spinal stenosis. There are also several chairs that even have a leg-rest that has its own massage or vibration capabilities.

• Controls. Massages chairs have a remote controller that may be wired or wireless. Take note that most wired and wireless remotes are usually at an extra cost. There are also some chairs that offer a LCD screen to visually let you know where and how the massage is working.

• Pricing. Massage chairs are quite expensive. Their prices vary from under $1000 to over $4000. Models that are about $1000 tend to have very limited massage functions and may have weaker frames, fabric and usually a very limited warranty. Take note that the more expensive the chairs are, the more advanced their features become.

• Warranty. Make sure to look at the warranty offered by your manufacturer. Make sure to review them. Take note that only makers of chairs with excellent warranties should be trusted with such an important purchase.

To know more about massage chairs, visit Relax At Home official website. You can also like us on our Official Facebook Page or Follow us on Twitter for more updates and know about RAH's other products.

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The Importance of Temperature in Wine Storage

Every wine lover and connoisseur or even wine novices should know that owning a wine cellar or its alternative, a wine cooler, is a worthwhile investment.

For centuries, aging wine is an art form that wine lovers and connoisseurs have enjoyed. And wine cellars are the ideal place for storing and protecting your wines, though you can also use the alternative much smaller wine refrigerators.

Wines are perishable, so when exposed to heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and humidity, all types of wine can quickly deteriorate and spoil. However, when they are properly stored, their quality can be preserved and in some cases their aroma, flavor, and complexity can also be improved as they age.

No better feeling can compare to turning a young, vibrant wine into a mature classic for you to enjoy. Keeping your wine healthy will ultimately determine the quality of your wines and your future satisfaction and enjoyment. So, the right conditions are necessary for storing your wine properly, and it's especially important when keeping fine wine.

Just as enjoying wine is a multi-sensory experience, storing wine also entails multiple aspects, enabling your wine to evolve to its full potential. 

Of all the storage factors that will adversely affect your wine, fluctuating temperature is the most damaging. Therefore, your number one priority should be avoiding this condition.

Wines exposed to too high a temperature (in excess of 77 °F (25 °C)) may become spoilt or "cooked" and develop off flavors that taste raisiny or stewed.

On the other hand, wines exposed to temperatures that are too cold can freeze and expand, causing the cork to be pushed out; thus, enabling the wine to be exposed to more oxygen. Any air that enters the bottle will react chemically with the wine and, in turn, prematurely ages wine.

Wines that ages prematurely or that are exposed to excessive heat, will frequently produce a brownish tinge and unintended, unpleasant off-flavors and will seldom reach its potential quality.

Generally, a wine has a greater potential to develop complexity and a more aromatic bouquet if it is allowed to age or mature slowly in a relatively cool environment over an appropriate period of time. This brings about flavors and nuances that can only evolve with proper maturation.

Scientists say this happens when wine is stored at its ideal temperature of between 55ºF (13ºC) and 58ºF (15ºC), with slightly lower temperatures for sparkling and white wines. This temperature is known to be the best to encourage a slow mellowing of the wine as at these ideal temperatures, the aging is complex and requires no additional attention as it will go about doing its own thing in a proper and desired manner.

Along with the ideal temperature, wines should be store in an appropriate amount of humidity as this critical to preventing the corks from drying out.

Dry corks causes wine to leak through and around the cork, and enabling air to enter the bottle. However, too much humidity will bring on the development of mold and will damage the labels, negatively affecting the market value of fine wine.

So, maintaining humidity levels in the range between 60% and 75% should keep the corks from drying out while preventing the formation of unwanted mold.

Maintaining this type of relative dampness will also aid in keeping the corks in shape. Storing the bottles horizontally will also help in keeping the corks well hydrated and expanded in perfect shape.

Wines should also be stored in dark places as direct sunlight or ultraviolet light will deteriorate the quality of the wine.

Get the latest about wine storage and home relaxation at Relax at Home, the trusted retailer of wine storage products and massage chairs in Australia. To get in touch with us, like our Official Facebook Page or you can Follow us on Twitter.

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