Hi Kats! I like the changes you've made. I agree that you'd be happier with the master shower a bit larger, especially if it's doorless. We're living with a small doorless shower right now in a rental while we build, and the splashing out is considerable, even though it's sunken by 3". I also agree that if at all possible, find a way to put a door across the hallway. I remember you saying that you entertain a lot, and if your mom moves in, I'd think you want noise control. I got the impression you were planning Bedroom 4 to be her room, but if Bath 2 is the handicap accessible one, odds are that she'll be in one of the bedrooms near it or be very inconvenienced. I also agree that you should move the bar 6" toward the dining room. You definitely don't want your fridge doors impeding your walkway. Like Chicagoans mentioned, this will put your sink directly across from your cooktop. I personally prefer them to be slightly offset, but I remember several people on the kitchen forum suggesting that you line them up. Clearly, it must be a matter of personal preference. :-) I like Bevangel's idea of positioning the posts carefully. You COULD shrink your study a bit, but I like it large because it facilitates a sitting area if you want a peaceful spot (especially if your mom moves in), and like you said, you'd like a place for exercise equipment. I'd keep it the size it is, personally. It looks like you're moving along and really taking time to get it right. Good luck!

My husband is researching them. He needs more exercise and is thinking of getting one to ride to work. He has tried some out and he says you definately need to work at learning to ride them. I have a recumbant stationary bike. It is way better for me than the upright, but it still hurts my butt.

I use an exercise ball but just started to do it. My exercise ball came with instructions and examples. There are some exercises that I do on the ball that aren't with the instructions. I can photocopy the instructions for you if you would like or scan them and send them to you in an email. One of the things I do is sit on the ball and walk myself out so that my knees are at right angles on the floor and my back is on the ball. Then I put my hands behind my head and do mini sit ups. This helps the abdominals. One other is to sit on the ball and then balance and raise a leg one at a time and hold the leg up for a count of 10. These two exercises I didn't see on the instructions. Trying to raise my two legs at the same time is almost impossible for me at least. I'm still a klutz with the ball but each day gets a bit better.

Yay! I'm glad to hear things are looking a bit brighter for you. Make sure you post some pics of your finds!