Tips for Preventing Household Pests

via

You know you have to share this planet, but sometimes it’s nice to have a space of your own. Even the smallest of housemates can be a nuisance, and insects have a way of getting into your home whether you want them to or not. Harsh repellants and pesticides can damage your air quality and can lead to respiratory irritants. Fortunately there are some common sense preventative measures you can use to reduce your risk of an infestation.

Household Cleaning

Vermin are attracted to sources of easy food. When you leave crumbs and spills out in the open for too long, you are inviting unwanted guests over for a feast. In addition to cleaning up messes in the kitchen, you should also avoid leaving open trash containers sitting for too long.
Vacuum regularly to clear up dust and contaminants. Clean up your furniture by lifting the cushions and removing debris and dust that has fallen in the cracks. Also try to keep food in areas that are specifically designated for eating. Restricting eating habits reduces your exposure to vermin throughout the rest of your home. Also, check your food cupboards regularly and discard any open containers that have sat for too long.

Home Maintenance and Repairs

You need to seal off all points of entry. Insects are small enough to wiggle their way through the tiniest of cracks, so it is important to restrict their access as much as possible. An annual exterior inspection of your foundation can help to identify areas where termites, cockroaches, and ants may invade from. Torn screens and improperly sealed window panes are points of entry for mosquitoes and flies.

Alternative Lighting

Some insects are confused by sources of light. As nocturnal creatures, their survival depends on their ability to remain hidden in the shadows. Certain varieties will respond to light by avoiding the area. If you have found a point of entry into your home that you have not successfully sealed up, try installing a small, low-voltage light near the area. Some aluminum foil also helps to reflect light and causes confusion.

Control Temperature and Moisture

Humid and warm environments help termites, roaches, bedbugs, and other parasites to do more than just remain active. They breed and multiply rapidly. It is essential that you keep your home as dry and cool as possible to discourage their activities.

Fix leaking water pipes that run under your house. Water damage is a serious enough cause for concern, but extra moisture is inviting to pests. As insects absorb the moisture through their bodies, they are able to travel farther and cause more trouble.

Wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Open your windows and doors regularly to allow trapped humidity to escape. You should also launder wet towels and avoid leaving laundry to sit for too long. In some dry climates, humidifiers may improve your personal comfort, but avoid using these devices for prolonged periods. Get in the habit of turning the thermostat down when you are away from home. Not only does this help you to save on your power bill, the varying temperatures discourage insects from coming indoors.

Always Check for Hitchhikers

Bedbugs, fleas, and other parasites often catch a free ride into your home. Pets may bring these vermin indoors where they can attack the rest of the family. Routinely bathe your pets with a shampoo that is specially formulated to remove insects. If you have stayed overnight at a hotel, you are at a higher risk for bedbugs. Make sure you check your suitcase and personal belongings for any signs of infestation before you get home and unpack.

You may not be able to eliminate every insect from your home, but you can reduce the risk of becoming the target of an infestation. If you have already adjusted your habits and are still struggling to control an outbreak, contact a professional exterminator for help.

Every chef deserves the right kitchen sink

When it comes to food and cooking habits, Australia’s early indigenous history l has a great influence on what people eat every day. An whilst hunter gatherer diets such as bush tucker are now a less common occurrence, being replaced over time by the influence of British colonization, the culture of outdoor barbecue cooking is still a very prominent aspect of Australia’s food culture. However, modernization and multiculturalism have brought Australia a diversity of new cooking habits which have brought people back to the art of indoors kitchen cooking, popularizing the use of pan and oven cooking.

A country rich in fresh produce

With its climate, land and sheer size, Australia is a land where fresh produce is readily available. The coastal areas are rich in fish and other seafood products, and the inland sees the seasonal growing of many vegetables, including cucumber, asparagus, cauliflower, tomato, peas, mushrooms and many more. This diversity has given birth to a culture of stir-frying and steaming lean meats and vegetables. Australia is also known for its fruit growing culture, especially known for being the birthplace of the famous iconic apple: the Granny Smith.

Australian drinking

Whilst beer is often seen as Australian’s drink of choice, the country has a huge wine making culture. This is because the land and the climate allow for the growth of well ripened grapes, producing rich, fruity and often slightly higher in alcohol wines. Red wine varieties such as Shiraz and white wines such as Chardonnays are among the many wines Australia’s land has to offer. And as well as the love for tea drinking, brought along by the British colonization, another very popular drink in Australia is coffee, brought along by the immigration of Italian and Greek population over the past 100 years.

The need for a good kitchen

Just like any other country, Australian homes deserve a good functioning kitchen. This is necessary for the cooking of all the diverse ingredients the country has to offer. There is always room in the garden for a good barbecue but when it comes to food preparation, indoors is where it is at. The Australian climate can be too hot to leave foods outside, so a cool temperature kitchen is essential for the preparation of all those lovely dishes.

Keeping it clean and hygienic

Because of the hot climate, insects and other animals can still make their way into people’s kitchens. This is why hygiene is very important in an Australian kitchen. The sink is the central hub of cleanliness in any kitchen, it is essential to washing our dishes, cleaning our foods, keeping our hands clean and maintaining the hygiene levels to a good standard. The sink is one of those aspects which is worth investing into as it will be a central part of our cooking for the rest of our lives. Looking online, kitchen laundry sinks from abl are some of the best ones to buy in the country, offering a variety of choices, from beautiful designs to practical sizes where all kitchen hygiene needs can be met. After all, a clean kitchen is a good kitchen.

Practical yet stylish bathroom design ideas

Image by Ines Hegedus Garcia, Used under a Creative Commons license.

Deciding to renovate or redecorate the bathroom is considered by many to be a difficult and demanding task. Some people believe it takes a lot of exertion and a large upheaval to make any real difference to the room’s look and feel.

However, there are quite a few practical yet stylish changes you can make, which have the potential to transform any bathroom. Best of all, they don’t require much time, effort or money either.

Put up some shelving

This might seem like a straightforward step, but it is surprising just how many people don’t put up shelves in their bathroom. In addition to improving organisation, shelving units can be incredibly decorative too. Floating shelves look clean and crisp, but ornate options will suit more traditional bathrooms.

Introduce more storage

Certain bathroom items can be rather unsightly and not very attractive, which would be better hidden away. This is a great opportunity to enhance the room’s aesthetic, so think about introducing storage containers such as glass jars for cotton swabs or wicker baskets for toilet rolls.

Change the cabinet

If you don’t have the budget to update your entire suite, consider changing the cabinet instead. This piece of bathroom furniture has the potential to revamp and rejuvenate any tired looking space but isn’t that difficult to fix-up. What’s more, it will increase practicality and improve overall tidiness.

Upgrade the small details

It is easy to overlook things like towel racks, toilet roll holders and sink taps, but if you upgrade these small details, you’ll end up with a much more decorative bathroom. Even if you don’t have these furnishings in the first place, it will undoubtedly increase overall functionality anyway.

Improve the sights and smells

There is nothing quite like taking a nice relaxing bath after a stressful day. But this can be improved even more by adding some scented candles, which smell great, create the right ambience and reduce your energy footprint too.

Put up more mirrors

This is a really good idea if you have a small bathroom, as mirrors can make a confined space look much larger. On top of that, adorning and alluring mirrors are bound to enhance your bathroom’s appeal while providing greater functionality at the same time.

All of these design ideas are sure to be within most budgets and don’t require much work or effort to complete. But most importantly, they’ll improve the style and practicality of your bathroom and day to day living.

A guide to a super cheap bathroom

Whether it’s making your home a more comfortable place to live, trying to make it more valuable with more energy or elegance, or just simply you want to make yourself feel happy, these projects of super clean bathroom remodeling are the key element and are the most economical way that you can make your bathroom clean with ten times the cash that you would have spent in some luxury bathroom shops buying new bathroom interior.

When it comes to the elegance and the cleanness of your bathroom, there are several ways of making the difference in it, and few of those are the lightning, painting, wall decoration and assents, the main bathroom mirror which is usually present in the bathrooms around the world, followed by the curtains over the bath tub and the linens.

The first thing in any cheap bathroom remodeling and making it look amazing is the paint. The paint must be done in neutral shade and colors, and the energy should come from the accessories that are placed there later on, not from the paint itself. Even if this is the case with the paint being the second background color of the bathroom, don’t underestimate the power of it because it gives the shininess of the other elements by being the contrast itself.

Next money spending step are the fixtures with new lightning that should be placed on the wall once the paint is dried. Wattage is needed because your light determines the happiness that you will place inside the bathroom. Aim to focus is where you plan to put the mirror for double light due to the reflection. The lights are not something that you can remodel and clean to look cutter. This is where you should spend some money and at the end of the long run they will definitely pay off.

Towel racks and light switch covers should come after the lightning is placed. Aim for white or chrome because it’s the color of the century, and it makes the bathroom look elegant. These accessories are not so expensive so go for the kill. They can be found in any shop for bathroom accessories.

Mirror and everything else is next as the last step of the wall decorating. This is the main bathroom element including the interior so we suggest you watch a tutorial video on how to reuse your old mirror and make it look amazingly new, as well as how to place the mirror in the bathroom so it can get the maximum out of the lightning that comes from the window, and the artificial lightning that you have previously set in the bathroom.

Shower curtains are a cheap element to replace and a fun one as well. Aim for live colors that contrast the walls, and with no doubt at all your bathroom will look fresher and cleaner, while you won’t have to spend much time and money on it. Natural material curtains are the best way to go because they are cheap and soft, and for this matter, look for cotton duck.

Linens should be the same color as your bathroom shower curtains and if your shower curtains are white, beige or cream, your mat and towels should also share the same color and intensity. The last accessories like toothbrush holders and tissue boxes should be white as well, if your curtains are white. Some may way that this is a classic and a color that has already been used many times before, but the thing is that white color is one of the cleanest colors and the best looking one for a bathroom. Not to mention that it is the cheapest color on the market.

We hope that this small cheap bathroom remodeling guide helped you and your idea of remodeling your bathroom while saving you cash.

Stop energy leaks cold

Did you know that half of all people in the US spend 20% of their income on energy costs? That's a huge amount of money and by insulating properly you can decrease the amount of money you spend and get yourself on the right side of those statistics.

 
Via: Spray Foam Insulation Kit Manufacturer

Gettng the right sized heater for your patio space

via

The outdoor living areas within your patio and garden provide you with the best moments of solitude and relaxation due to the natural openness and closeness to nature. However, at some points in the year, it gets too cold for you to enjoy the serenity of these places. During this time, you need a way to make your patio as cozy as possible so that you can still get out there and enjoy it. The solution in this case is a patio heater. While buying this device, you have to make certain considerations in terms of the space available as heaters come in a wide range of sizes with different specifications. If you’re looking for the right sized heater for your patio space, then look no further. We’ve put together some information on sizes of heaters for different fuel sources so you will find the decision much easier to make and you’ll be able to get the perfect heater for your outdoor space.

Gas patio heaters
Gas heaters use propane as fuel most of the times. They are popular because of their ability to heat up a place very quickly. Since these appliances use gas and need to have a gas tank, they tend to be very big, and come equipped with propane gas tanks that can hold as much as 20 gallons of gas. These types of patio heaters come in handy when you intend to heat a large area. However, they are unsuitable if you have space limitations. For them to work uniformly, you need to place them right in the middle of the area you intend to heat which can prove problematic in smaller spaces. Over time, space issues have led to manufactures designing smaller, tabletop patio heater versions that are a bit more practical in terms of size but still they usually don’t look quite as discreet as their electric counterparts. You can place them on the patio table or mount them on the walls of the room, or even the ceiling. However, many homeowners feel these options place the focus on the heater, rather than having it blend in with their patio.

Electric heaters
There are a wide variety of different electric heaters that come in a variety of different sizes. One standout feature is the fact that they do not need any fuel as such, as they are powered by electricity. This means that you do not have to worry about a huge gas tank clamouring for space with other items in your patio. In most cases, electric heaters are mounted on the wall and plugged to a power supply. You can always direct the heat where you want it most when using these appliances. In addition to this, you can control temperature levels depending on the amount of heat you require. Electric heaters include the classic type, convective panel heaters and under desk heaters. The Thermofilm range of heaters are innovatively designed to fit smartly with any patio or garden space, and you won’t find space an issue. Worth a look if you’re a little short of space.

An electric heater is far more space considerate than its gas counterpart. However, some gas heaters are more energy efficient. What you need to look for, particularly if you either have a small space or do not want your heating to be an eyesore is a company who specialise in offering bespoke heating solutions to a variety of different spaces. Getting the right heating will certainly help to ensure you can enjoy your patio or garden space without having to step over cables or look at ugly heating elements.

How much should you spend on redesigning your kitchen?

The past few years have seen the kitchen grow in importance, in comparison with the rest of the house. Today, people eat, gather, and even have parties in the kitchen. Larger kitchens have replaced the small, basic ones with conveniences such as larger sinks, islands, fancy lighting, beautiful refrigerators, cookers, and so on. Most homes have picked up on the cozy, social kitchen trend. But how much should you spend on redesigning your kitchen?

Creating A Budget

After conducting thorough research on the re-designing options for your kitchen, it is time to consider your budget. The following tips will help you estimate more accurately.
When planning, decide what exactly needs to be done. Your decision will place your project in one of two remodeling categories:

Minor Remodels

Minor remodels average at around $17,000 to $25,000. These are usually done when a  kitchen has a good layout, or its plumbing and electrical systems meet the current building standards. However, the finish may be outdated and needs revamping. The design, in this case, will remain identical to the original, and it will mean you change the cabinets, flooring, ceiling colour and worktops.

Major remodels

Major remodels are far more costly. Mid-range projects in this category average at around $50,900 to $59,700 while high-end projects average at around $103,500 to $115,500. Due to poor planning during construction, some kitchens require significant updates or repairs, and expansion in size, hence the sharp difference in cost between the minor and major remodels.

After determining what your kitchen needs, coming up with a budget that will cover your expenses becomes less daunting.

Break down the Costs

Come up with an easily comprehensible way of breaking your budget. On average, you can break down your budget – as a percentage of the total amount – as follows:

• Cabinets: 35 percent,
• Appliances: 20 percent,
• Labour: 20 percent,
• Windows: 10 percent,
• Fixtures: 5 percent,
• Fittings: 3 percent,

Prepare for the Unexpected

Something unexpected always happens during construction – especially in older residences. For example, on ripping out your walls, you may realize that the electrical wiring is outdated, or that your floor has rotted after pulling out your dishwasher. Leaving about 20% of your budget to cover the unexpected is practical.

List what You Consider most Important

List what you feel needs revamping the most. If you feel that new appliances will give your kitchen the most pleasing restoration, ensure that they are at the top of your list. This way, even if the cost supersedes your budget, you will have taken care of what is most important to you.

Acquaint Yourself with the Charges Design Professionals Demand

Design professionals can take your project from conceptualization to selecting the finish materials for your construction.

• Architects charge, on average, $150 per hour and above, or a flat fee of about $500 to $5,000,
• Interior designers charge an average of $100 to $150 per hour or a flat fee of $500 to $10,000, and
• Kitchen designers charge $50 per hour.

Of course you should shop around for this. Some kitchen builders in Melbourne offer free design consultations along with their services.

You should also acquaint yourself with the charges that your local buildings permit office requires for such a demolition. Some areas determine their fees basing on the planned work while others require you to pay a percentage of the total project.

Your kitchen reflects your lifestyle, and spending money on it gives you the chance to get a kitchen you’ll love to be in, whether to cook, socialize or relax. Since a cozy, social kitchen is the new trend, revamping your kitchen should be among your top priorities if you've the budget to spare.

Tips for making a kitchen renovation less stressful

via

Let’s face it – redoing the kitchen is not a fun job, and it can be so stressful in fact that many of us choose to put it off for years, and instead endure a kitchen we hate rather than putting up with the hassle.

However, if you take some steps you can make the task considerably easier and a lot more stress free. Here are some tips for doing just that.

Preparation is key

From things like setting a budget early on and having a time frame in mind, getting prepared will be really useful when it comes to keeping things organised (and keeping calm!). As well as thinking about these sorts of things, also get the actual room and the rest of your house prepared. This will include doing things like totally clearing out the existing kitchen of things you no longer want in there, and ensuring work people can have easy access to the space when it comes to things like bringing in your large, new appliances.

Consider your new appliances as wise investments

Renovating a kitchen is rarely a cheap venture, but it’s such a good idea to not skimp on your new appliances, as treating them more as an investment is a much better idea in terms of getting more for your money. If you go for cheaper options from the beginning, you may end up replacing them sooner than you’d wish which will end up costing you more anyway.

...and get rid of your old ones easily

Getting rid of your old, existing appliances to make room for your brand new ones can feel like a bit of a mammoth task. However, there are a number of options out there that will take away the hassle (literally). From companies taking away your old ones in return for discounted new ones, to companies offering to recycle them for you, there are lots of things to look into. You can check out this website - http://www.serviceforce.co.uk/services/recycling/recycle-electronics/ – for more info on the latter option.

Get your agreements in writing

Finding trusted trades people isn’t always easy, though when you do find someone, it’s recommended that you get all of your agreements in writing for the jobs that they’re going to do. That way, you’ve got written, physical proof of what you were expecting, should there be any issues that you need resolving along the way.

Install plenty of power points

This isn’t generally something that people forget, but it may be something that we rarely install enough of. Your kitchen will be one of the main rooms in your house when it comes to electrical usage, so it’s a really good idea to ensure you’ve got loads of plug sockets installed so that you have more than enough for when it comes to using your new kitchen.

Go green where possible

Being environmentally friendly is a goal that many of us want to achieve, and if you’re redoing your kitchen, you may want to look into ways in which your renovation can do this. Here are some tips for going green in the kitchen.

Is it safe to be in a property while it is being treated for pests?

via

Pesticides can be dangerous if you use them the wrong way, so it’s often necessary to call in the experts if you have a problem with pests in your home, or of you want to prevent a problem from occurring.

Pest control experts know what they are doing, and they know what extermination processes and methods to use for different situations. As long as you take the necessary actions before, during and after the treatment process, you and your family will be perfectly safe.

What should you do before your home is treated for pests?

The most important thing is to make sure that the professional you hire is licensed. This means that they will be able to complete a safe and effective job, and will be able to advise you correctly on precautions to take. States have their own individual licensing procedures, with the Environmental Protection Agency, providing training in the handling of certain pesticides. Once you have made an appointment it’s important to make sure that the area to be treated is ready for when the pest control experts arrive.

If you are having a routine treatment completed then, most of the time, this is concentrated on the exterior of your home to prevent pests from getting inside the premises. Interior pest control is usually used when pests have actually been encountered indoors. If the exterior of your home is being treated then you need to make sure that the area is cleared, that grass is cut if necessary and that children and pets are removed from the area.

Similarly, if the interior of your home is being treated, you need to clear any small items from the floor and put away any food items; you should also cover any fish tanks and either cover or switch off the pump. When the Long Island pest control experts arrive you will often need to vacate your home, depending on what pests are being dealt with.  Children should always be out of the premises while the work is being undertaken, and it’s a good idea to make sure pets are too.

What happens during the treatment?

When your home is being treated for pests low levels of pesticide are used which are lethal to pests while not threatening the health of you or your pets, once they are dry. There are different treatments available depending on the pest involved. For instance, aerosols and dusts can be used for applying to cracks. This means that the pests can be killed, but there is no harmful reside.

When a pesticide has to be applied to a surface that’s exposed the experts follow very specific procedures to ensure that the right quantities are used in the correct manner. Application of these pesticides also dictates that all animals and humans must stay away from the surfaces until they are dry.

What happens after the treatment?

Recommendations vary as to the length of time you should stay out of a home that has been treated, except to say that you should not touch any treated surfaces until they are dry. You should ask the experts undertaking the job whether it is necessary to stay out of your home, as this can depend on the type of treatment undertaken.

If you have any concerns about re-entering your home then a period of 2-3 hours is definitely sufficient for any treated areas to have dried out. After this time you can enter your home with complete ease of mind, and no pests to worry about.

The benefits of outdoor gas heaters

Do you want to throw an outdoor party during the winter season? Whether it’s for a birthday, or special event, you may be worried about your guests feeling cold and leaving the party early. This is a pretty good consideration to look at, particularly for the benefit of your guests, but you don’t have to move the party indoors. You could still use your back yard to enjoy an ambient, warm setting with your family and friends without restricting your outdoor fun to parties alone. Maybe you just love spending some time with them in the cool of the cold season, or even at night, when temperatures have dropped.

The Benefits of Outdoor Gas Heaters

Outdoor gas heaters use radiant heat to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere long after the outdoor fun is over. They come with a vast array of benefits that are able to offer you a warm welcoming place in your garden, or on your patio, that you can relax in. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes or even styles to suit your individual heating requirements.  Below, we look at the benefits that outdoor gas heaters can have for your home.

They’re convenient
Whether you choose natural gas or liquid propane for your outdoor heating, you'll find that these appliances give you some degree of convenience. For the natural gas option, you can hook it up to your home's natural gas supply, so refueling doesn't become an issue. Simply turn it on, and let it warm your outdoor space.

They’re safe
Natural gas, when used in these heaters, won't harm the environment or pollute the atmosphere as the gas is contained within canisters. As a safety feature, natural gas is blended with an identifying odour to ensure that it is easily detectable in the event of a leakage. Essentially, when this source of fuel is used with an outdoor gas heater, you’ll get nothing less than instant heat, ambiance and peace of mind.

They’re quick
Outdoor gas heaters are one of the quickest ways to heat up a space. You don’t have to worry about shivering away whilst the element heats up, and you’re likely to be able to enjoy instant heat, meaning the party can go on for longer!

They’re customizable
Your patio can accommodate outdoor gas heaters, which are specifically meant for that purpose. With a vast array of designs available, you should expect a diverse range of features on these appliances. The market is currently geared towards heaters that are slim, stylish and minimalistic in all dimensions. The average Australian consumer is no longer interested in bottled gas, since this technique is not cost-effective where gas consumption is concerned. They want something that looks good, or that you can’t really see at all. Something that warms the space without making a show of itself is one of the most requested types of outdoor heating at the moment. In addition to this, Australian consumers want quality products, which have been manufactured by local companies, since local manufacturers are able to guarantee quality as per the country's standards.

Providers in Australia, such as Heatstrip, specialize in dealing with a range of innovative outdoor heating solutions. If you’re looking for gas outdoor heaters, you want to go for some that are high performance, low on the use of space and cost, and easy to set up and use. Choosing appliances that are low-glow electric radiant heaters, contributes to low outdoor heating costs at the end of the day. Everyone is looking at reducing heating bulls, especially where a lot of heating is involved for prolonged periods of time.

Unlike traditional heaters, modern heaters sold in Australia are stylish, minimalistic, high performance and result-oriented. So whether you are throwing a party, or simply relaxing in your own back yard, outdoor gas heaters will suit your purpose well.

Apple Juice… Without a Juicer?

That’s right, if you’re getting a cold weather craving for some delicious apple juice but don’t yet have a dedicated juicer, you’re in luck. Making apple juice in your own kitchen is not nearly as intimidating as it may seem. With a few basic supplies and a bit of patience, it’s relatively easy to churn out fresh, homemade apple juice unrivaled by anything you get at the store.

Choosing Apples
The apples you pick for your juice have a tremendous effect on the finished product. In fact, if you choose your apples carefully, there will be little or no need for added sweeteners due to the high levels of natural sugar in the fruit. When making apple juice, a variety of red apples such as Red Delicious and Fuji should be used to create complex flavors. Bruised or otherwise imperfect fruits can also be used for juice making, as their full flavor is intact.

If possible, fresh apples should be obtained from a local farmers’ market instead of a supermarket or other store for maximum flavor and freshness. Each bushel of apples yields about sixteen quarts of apple juice, so keep this ratio in mind when determining the amount of apples you will need for your juice making project.

Be sure to get an appropriate number of glass mason jars to store your juice in.

Preparation
When you have decided on a suitable blend of apples for your juice, it’s time to start the process. Begin by thoroughly washing out the jars in hot, soapy water, then boil the jars for ten minutes to completely sanitize them. Keep the jars and lids submerged in the hot water until it’s time to use them to prevent them from breaking when you fill them with the heated apple juice.

Next, wash the apples in plain cold water and remove the cores with a corer or paring knife. Transfer the apples to a large, thick-bottomed pot filled with four inches of boiling water and put the lid on the pot to steam them. When the apples have softened, place them into a colander lined with layers of cheesecloth and allow the juice to drip into a large pot for an hour or until the apples are dry.

Juice Making
When the pot is full, add cinnamon to taste and bring the mixture to a low, simmering boil. Transfer the juice to quart-size canning jars, screw on the lid and tighten the ring around the jar. Place the jars in a water bath submerged in two inches of water for five minutes then remove them from the water with a pair of canning tongs, loosen the rings slightly, and leave them to cool slowly in a draft-free area overnight.

After the jars are cool, check them for a tight seal by pressing the center of the lid down. If it stays down, the jar is sealed and ready for storage. If the center makes a popping sound and pops back up, there is no seal and the jar should be placed in the refrigerator right away to prevent spoilage.

Homemade apple juice is both superior to store bought juice and simple to make in your own kitchen. This apple juice will stay fresh in the jar with no special attention for up to two years, so one batch will allow you to enjoy delicious apple juice all winter and beyond.

How much should you spend on a blender to use in your kitchen?

A blender is one of those kitchen utensils that can vary greatly in price, from the tens of dollars to the mid hundreds. There’s no easy answer as to how much you should pay for a blender, a good deal of the decision is going to depend on what you want to use it for. Of course your budget will also need to come into the equation.

If you’re a nutrition fanatic, and the blender is going to be put to work to make everything from soup to purées and from nut butter to baby food, then may want to invest in a powerful machine that’s going to withstand the workload. On the other hand if you’re just a smoothie a day person you probably don’t need to break the bank.

What’s the difference between the different priced blenders?

The blenders at the top end of the market are expensive, there’s no two ways about it, but they do have impressive blending strength. They have a real work horse of an engine and precision engineering that makes sure whatever you are blending is literally pummeled away. They are sturdy and strong and they will endure a large amount of wear and tear. Not to mention, they are the nutrition aids that are popular to be seen with. If you’re interested in keeping up with the neighbors, these are the blenders that you aspire to.

Now, if you have the budget, you may want to have one of these mean machines no matter what, but do you really need it? There are plenty of blenders on the market in a lower price range that will do a job for normal day to day blending.

The mid-price range blenders, at around $100, will happily withstand your normal soup and smoothie demands without surrendering under the pressure, and it has to be said that even those blenders in the lower price range are worth considering if you’re not a major foodie. Let’s face it, if your blender is only going to see the light of day a couple of times a week, and you’re happy with a relatively smooth smoothie, you may be quite happy with a lower end blender that does a basic job.

Are there any other options?

If you don’t want to invest in a standing blender then you may want to consider an immersion or “stick” blender. If you have an immersion blender then you literally just have the stick; the motor is situated in the handle. This may be a good option for you if you are limited to the amount of storage space you have, and you only blend small amounts. For larger jobs, such as blending a whole kale, you really need to use a standing blender.

If you love your smoothies and soups then a blender is a great addition to your kitchen. If that’s as far as your culinary blending exploits are likely to progress then you don’t need to spend a huge amount on a blender. If you want to blend away for hours, with a high rate of blending power, then it may be worth taking the plunge and making that big investment.

Bathroom storage options

The bathroom can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to interior design, but a beautiful bathroom can truly make a house a home. When designing or fitting your bathroom we all know that it can be difficult choosing furniture that’s not only functional but also adds to the design of your space.

To us a good bathroom is a well-organised space and when it comes to bathroom storage a high quality bathroom vanity is integral. The humble bathroom vanity is more often than not seen as a pretty functional piece of furniture. It is used to hide unsightly plumbing, house your sink and provide accommodation for your towels or toiletries. We have complied some innovative bathroom vanity options for you to consider if you’re looking to get the balance of storage and aesthetic just right.By making the right choices when it comes to bathroom furniture you can transform your basic bathroom into a stunning sanctuary for you and your whole family to enjoy.

Offset Drawers

Whilst many vanities provide under sink storage they can sometimes have a faux-panel directly under the sink to hide the basin and any plumbing. When this top drawer is inaccessible it often leads to the vanity having just one usable, low level drawer giving you just one large space to house all of your items. This can be annoying at times and some of your items may be difficult to reach for.

Offset vanities add space either on one or both sides of the basin. This allows for extra drawer space allowing you to organize your products much more efficiently. When adding smaller drawers to either side of the sink at waist level it also provides easier access to your products without the need to bend down.

Some designs add extra spacing to just one side of the sink, this allows for a whole column of drawers down one side for storage and extra counter space. This extra counter space can be great to place your everyday items on or even to decorate with something that adds to the look and feel of your bathroom space.

Sliding doors

Vanities that use sliding doors are a great choice for narrow or small spaces where opening a door or pulling out a drawer may be difficult.

Vanities with sliding doors usually leave the area underneath your basin exposed meaning you can utilize all the space around it, this is great news if your bathroom is a little on the small side.

Corner Vanities

Corner pieces are brilliant at making the most of small spaces and usually come in both traditional and contemporary designs. Depending on the size of your space some corner vanities come with an extra column of drawers or even built in shelves either side of your sink basin.

Older Styles of Vanity

Sleek, minimal and modern vanities not your first choice?Although the word ‘innovative’ usually lends itself to more modern designs traditional or vintage bathroom vanities can also be the answer to your storage problems. Although most traditional vanities will have a faux-drawer panel they usually make up for it by being generally larger in size.  Pieces such as this one from Abiletilecentreare are a great example of this. As well has being home to an array of drawers in different sizes pieces like this are bursting with character and can be the stand out piece in your bathroom.

Pieces like this are made to last a lifetime so although they seem a little pricey at the time do not be discouraged, instead see a piece like this as an investment.

For a wide range of bathroom vanity options visit Abiletilecentre.

Drips, leaks and squirts: simple fixes for your kitchen faucet

Via

When you turn your faucet off and it doesn't turn off panic usually sets it. After you’re done getting angry, you usually need to head to the hardware store to try to fix the problem. But, what should you purchase? A lot of DIY solutions just aren't right, and they can actually leave you worse off than when you started. Here are some solutions to swear by, not at.

Determine Where the Leak Is Coming From

This is probably the most important step. If you don’t know where the leak is coming from, you can’t fix it - period. So, try to determine if it’s leaking just from the faucet itself or if the water is also coming out of the handle. If it’s leaking from the faucet, you may need to replace a seal here, or you might need to replace the whole faucet, depending on what’s damaged and how badly.

If the leak is coming from the handle, it may be a simple O-ring.

Shut the Water Off

Shut the water off before you start working or you’ll have a gigantic mess on your hands. The shut-off valve for most kitchen sinks is usually underneath the sink. It’s a small handle that you can turn to shut the water off. Sometimes, it’s a lever. 

Verify that the water is off before proceeding.

Pry off Your Faucet Handle

If you have a single-handled cartridge faucet, pry the small plastic cap off the top of the handle. If you have a duel-handle faucet, you’ll need to take the decorative cap off both the hot and cold water handles. If you have a handle-style faucet, instead of a twist knob, you can usually unscrew the end of the handle and then unscrew the fixture.

The cartridge lies underneath the decorative cap or handle. There’s also a cartridge in here that mixes the hot and cold water if the cartridge is worn out or cracked, it’s entirely possible that water could be seeping through here to the spout.

Fortunately, this piece usually pops out so that you can replace it. If it doesn't you may need to replace the entire faucet unit.

Unscrew the bonnet with a pair of slip-joint pliers and then use needle-nosed pliers to grab the U-shaped retainer clip. Set this aside, but remember its orientation. Inspect the o-ring while you’re at it. Once the bonnet is removed, more of the faucet can be taken apart on most models.

If the rubber o-ring is damaged, replace it.

Replace the Parts and Put Everything Back Together

Most parts on your faucet can be purchased at a hardware store, but if you want decorative parts, now is the time to replace them. Stores and websites, like BedBathandBeyond.com, carry a lot of really attractive models that aren't very expensive but look amazing.

Reassembly of the faucet is the exact reverse of removal. Make sure that that the bonnet is reoriented in the correct way before securing the handle. Otherwise, you’ll have another leak on your hands.

Michael Perry has had his share of leaking faucets. A father of five busy children, he's always fixing something or writing about fixing something. Look for his informative articles on a variety of websites and blogs.

Up for quality bathroom tips? Then you're in luck

Via

Clothes piled on the floor, mould on the ceiling, lime scale-ridden taps and sinks that overflow at the merest hint of water – yeah, you need a bathroom makeover.

It’s the heart of the home, the bathroom. You’ll sit and contemplate life on the toilet, bellow show tunes in the shower and preen yourself to perfection in the mirror – are there any more important things in life?

But if your bathroom is more Poundland than upmarket fab, we've got a few ideal solutions for you.

Fantastic flooring

Nobody wants to feel like their feet are blocks of ice when they wander into their bathroom. But carpeting is an ill-advised solution, increasing the likelihood of mould and rot on your floorboards.
For the finest flooring, install marble in your bathroom and combine it with bath mats in key areas where you’ll be resting your feet.

The most luxurious marble tiles will leave your floor with a luxurious sheen, even if it will leave a hefty dent in your wallet.

Divide and rule

Dividers are great for any room, giving you the illusion of extra space without the need for any fancy DIY. But in the bathroom, they have an even more practical purpose.

Just imagine those times when you’re desperate to use the toilet but someone else is in the shower. With a judiciously placed divider, you could nip into the bogs without either of you feeling like your privacy has been invaded.

You could even add a divider on a relatively low budget, with a simple freestanding version available in supermarkets or design stores.

It’s only natural – or is it?

You've probably heard the concept that we’re more influenced by either the creative or rational sides of our brain – but you probably never thought it would affect your bathroom design.

Indeed, the more romantic amongst you will most likely favour a rich, mahogany or beech wood finish in their bathroom; the kind that casts the mind to the great outdoors.

Invest in some strong oak worktops and you’ll feel like you’re in a bristling woodland log cabin – even if you’re just in a flat in Croydon.

But then there are the more rational realists amongst you. You’ll most likely favour a clean pure-white sheen in your bathroom, with jet black worktops and a plain shower. The perfect example of function over romance.

However, the best bathrooms will incorporate both to suit their own tastes and their guests. Figure out the ideal middle ground and you’ll be able to sit on the toilet in absolute luxury.

Five gorgeous celebrity kitchens to make you green with envy

How do you feel about your kitchen at the moment?

The chances are that there is something about it that just doesn't quite hang together; maybe the paint work is fading, the curtains look dated or the flooring is stained and marked. Well prepare to feel a whole lot worse about it, as we take a look at five celebrity kitchens that are quite simply stunning.

The good news? Not all of them are necessarily unattainable either, as many of these fantastic aesthetics have been achieved in kitchens of a relatively average size, so you may even find a bit of design inspiration in the following list. German kitchen specialists BGO Kitchens give us the low-down...

Courtney Cox's Minimalist Utopia

Simon Upton

Created by award-winning interior designer Trip Haenisch, the former Friends star has opted for the sheer white minimalist touch here, with CaeserStone countertops and ovens, while the built-in refrigerator is by Gaggenau. We really love those vintage barstools though!

Breakfast with a Sea View

FrontDoor.com

From the minimalist to the downright ostentatious, this stunning Malibu beach front property with a sea view from the kitchen belongs to none other than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The countertops are stainless steel - great for keeping clean by the way - while all of the appliances are top of the range, not to mention a huge walk-in refrigerator and freezer!

Swank-y Design

Simon Upton

This celebrity kitchen belonging to Oscar-winner Hilary Swank may look small for one belonging to an acting megastar, but it is also undoubtedly perfectly formed.

Designed by Mark Zeff, this kitchen is complete with quartz countertops and Kohler sink fittings. That very cool floor lamp? That's from New York-based home wares firm West Elm. You can take the full tour around her Manhattan apartment on ElleDecor.com.

Homely Hollywood

Miguel Flores-Vianna

This kitchen belongs to Will and Grace actress Megan Mullally and it certainly doesn't look like a typical celebrity space. The Dacor cooker top was chosen by designer Ames Ingham, as well as the oak cabinets and same CaeserStone worktops as you see in Courtney Cox's kitchen.

Taylor Swift's Functional and Stunning Kitchen

FrontDoor.com

Pop superstar Taylor Swift may not live here anymore, but we think you'll agree the decor in the kitchen of her former Nashville home is a fantastic combination of style and functionality.

From the marble backsplashes and stainless steel appliances, through to the butcher-block countertop on the central island and the gorgeous copper range hood - a true focal point for this terrific space.

What elements of these Hollywood kitchens do you think you could incorporate in your own home? Let us know in the comments below.

This guest blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of BGO Kitchens - a family-run company with years of experience in supplying high quality German kitchens.

Antiques belong in the kitchen too!

via

Modern appliances, the latest recipe, seasonal spices… staying current is important when it comes to cuisine and your cooking space. And in 2014, your kitchen is often a place that contains just as much programming and electronics as your car or TV room.  But let’s not forget the comfort and class of tradition - the sturdy, burgeoning design of homewares past, or your love for your great grandmother’s recipes. Incorporating antiques into your kitchen is an easy and effective way to bring time-honored heart and design to your favorite room. The internet boasts opportunities for buying timeless antiques at great value, so here are a few ideas to help get your wheels spinning:

Use antique vases as storage
While vases are traditionally regarded as flower holders, they have countless other uses if you put your mind to it. You can give a new life to a beautiful antique vase by using it to store your favorite utensils and kitchen gadgets. It’s a convenient, unique way to show off your love for old treasures.

via

Accent with antique furniture
Accenting with antique and/or mismatching chairs and table sets can benefit the overall ambience of your kitchen. Incorporating different antique chairs or accenting a corner with an old desk or cabinet for a work space gives off a homey, well-rounded feel. This works especially well in rustic-themed kitchens, but can also be complementary to more bold, modern designs.

Install antique fixtures for a dramatic effect
Finding the perfect antique can do wonders for the lighting and overall mood in your kitchen. While there are many great options for antique lighting online as is, sometimes old pieces need a bit of love and refurbishment. Here are some tips for modifying lighting and fixtures on your own.

Dine with antique dishes and ceramics
Mismatched dish sets offer an eccentric, aesthetic way to dine, and antique ceramics are a great window into the cultural values and delicacies of the past. Search for charming antique dishware online, or refurbish some old family heirlooms for a unique and personalized dining collection.

Forget everything you think you know about drop ceilings

When I was doing a lot more retail design than I do these days I loved to work on older homes. There was always something about having to work within the confines of an existing structure that made me think more creatively. Blank slates are easy, but resolving a problem in an older home requires real effort. It's important to honor the structure you're working with and the challenge is always to add function without introducing any extraneous elements. Not breaking the bank is usually in order too.

My older home clients used to reach out to me initially because something had happened that they just couldn't live with.

In a plaster and lath home, it was usually the aging plaster itself or water added to aging plaster that prompted the decision to do something.

However, a water problem like in the office photo above can easily turn into a budget buster. Fixing the underlying problem is step one obviously, but repairing the original ceiling and walls is where the meter really starts running.

For all practical matters, nobody builds plaster and lath ceilings and walls anymore. and it's very difficult to partially rebuild a damaged old wall using drywall. Typically, all of the plaster comes out and gets replaced with drywall. By the time you're at that point, you're over budget and still have a room to finish.

Oh the joy of owning an old home.

There are options you know and they're not the drop ceilings you remember from school and work.

Honestly, if I were in the position where the damaged office shown above were mine, I'd be very inclined to replace all of that damage with something like this.

Yes, that's an Armstrong drop ceiling. It's the Easy Elegance Coffer and you can read about it here. 

Of course you'd repair the damage in the original room but when you're up against a wall (no pun intended) when it comes to a budget, a solution like a new drop ceiling from Armstrong may be the your best option. I know that's what I'd do.

In the meantime, take a look at Armstrong's inspiration gallery. You'll be amazed at the planks, the panels, the drops and the metals they have available. I know I was!

Looking for color advice? Then don't buy this book.

I've been a blogger for over seven years and despite my irregular posting schedule anymore, I get inundated by press releases daily. I look them over of course and a lot of them are interesting.

However, every once in a while one comes through my in bin that really sticks in my craw. Such was the case a couple of days ago when a release showed up that was hawking a new book on the "psychology" of color and how to use said psychology to pick colors for your home.

The press release even went so far as to lead with the tease, "Do you wish you knew the secrets to selecting the best paint for your house like the pros do?" Trust me, any pro who relies on the kind of goobledygook advanced by this book needs to lose his or her license.

Jeanette Chasworth, who calls herself  "the Color Whisperer," managed to cram so much snake oil into a single page release that it boggles my mind. Among her claims are these gems: "It tells you which colors create a mood and how to use that to your advantage to increase your health, lose weight, make your food taste better, and increase energy."

Honestly? The right color walls in my kitchen will help me lose weight? It'll increase my health? It'll make my food taste better?

Let's stop here for a minute and think about this. By what mechanism will I lose weight with the right wall color? Will it burn more calories than I take in? Will it exercise for me?

Will the right wall color season my food just so or thicken my sauces automatically?

And what on earth does a promise to "increase" my health even mean?

There is such a thing as color psychology, let me say that. And there's a place for actual psychology in interior design. However, none of that is absolute.

It's commonly held and never questioned that the color red improves your appetite. Well, what if you were traumatized by the movie "The Shining?" What if "red room" reminds you of "redrum" and you're immediately haunted by images of a deranged Jack Nicholson breaking down your door with an ax? Odds are, the color red is going to put you off the feed.

When I lived in Florida I had a yellow kitchen and I loved it. I loved it because my grandmother Stewart had a yellow kitchen and it reminded me of her every time I walked into the room. My neighbor Kevin hated it and decreed that he was mortified by the very idea of a yellow kitchen. Maybe Kevin was beaten senseless with a car aerial in a yellow room when he was a kid. Whatever the case, it was clear that he had a negative association between kitchen and yellow. On the other hand, I had a positive one.

That's color psychology in a nutshell. Blanket prescriptions of what colors make all people feel or respond in a specific way are nonsense.

The color selection process begins with "what colors do you like?" and it ends with "which of those colors will work in this space?" That, Madame Color Whisperer, is the "secret" to how pros select colors.

This books is hardly the first one to make such nonsensical claims of course. Apparently, making up advice like this is a good way to make a buck but it's a load of crap.

I would love to live in a world where people who proffer such magical advice are held accountable for it. What recourse do I have if I take her advice and fail to lose weight? What if my food tastes the same? What if my health doesn't increase, what ever the hell that means?

If you want to know for real how professionals select colors, just hire one. Honestly, just hire one.

Butcher block surfaces from ButcherBlockCo.com

When I was a kid, we used to buy our meat from a butcher. As in a real, live butcher who worked in an actual butcher shop. This was not by any means a charcuterie and concepts like grass fed and free range weren't even imagined yet. What it was an honest-to-goodness butcher shop and I remember it smelling like a combination of blood and the heavy paper everything came wrapped in.

I was fascinated by the place and what fascinated me most was the table-sized butcher block where just about everything was cut. It looked a lot like this one.

Buy this table here!

Those days are gone of course --killed off by a combination of changing consumer tastes and proliferation of grocery stores.

Though the traditional butcher shop may be well on its way to extinction,  those butcher block tables are still made by the John Boos Company and here's one they call the AB.

Here's the AA

I took those images from the ButcherBlockCo.com's website. ButcherBlockCo.com is a small firm in Phoenix that specializes in butcher block tables and counters from the John Boos Company. John Boos has been making wood tops and counters since 1887 and they are the gold standard of what a butcher block surface ought to be.

I've always known the reputation of John Boos but until recently, ButcherBlockCo.com was unknown to me. That changed with the arrival of this.

That is a scale replica of a John Boos AA and in my photo it's being used as intended. Namely, as a cheeseboard. My Mini Boos Butcher Block came with a rosewood handled cheese hatchet by Boska. Needless to say, I love this thing. It works as advertised, people can't look at it and not comment and it reminds me of that butcher shop a long time ago. That's what we call a win.

But ButcherBlockCo.com is more than just a purveyor of novelty cheese boards. They sell, direct to consumers, the full range of John Boos products and they do something else I've never seen offered on a website before. You can price and order your own John Boos butcher block counters. Seriously, there's a calculator built into the website. Not only that, they offer free shipping on any order over $75.

So if you're in the market for butcher block counters, tables, islands, cutting boards, kitchen carts, work tables or anything else the John Boos Company makes, look no further. ButcherBlockCo.com has you covered. Check out their website, find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter too.

Seven must-haves for a new home

Building a new home can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to choosing the house plans and envisaging your life in the abode once it has been built. Many people get swept away in the thrill of finalizing their plans, but perhaps don’t take as long considering the layout and inclusions as they should. In order to minimize any post-construction regrets, it’s important that you factor in as many relevant details as you can before the building work starts.

From weighing up the amount of storage space and natural lighting, to considering electrical outlets and the placement of rooms, there is much to sort out. To help bring you many years of blissful home life, read on for seven elements you’ll want your house design to factor in.

Low-Maintenance Fixtures, Fittings and Surfaces

When designing a house that you’re planning on living in for many years to come, it’s always a good idea to keep the choice of fixtures, fittings, and surfaces in mind. For example, low-maintenance materials such as granite, quartz and laminate can be ideal for kitchen and bathroom bench-tops. Similarly, polished concrete floors can be easy to look after over the years, while stainless steel fixtures and fittings are a breeze to polish up as time goes by.

Placement of Rooms or Flexible Floor Plans

It’s always a good idea to think carefully about the placement of rooms in your home’s layout. For example, do you need a small powder room near the garage or back door to allow for clean ups after working on cars or in the garden? Or perhaps you need to ensure that the kitchen is placed close to the garage so that there’s no issue of lugging groceries too far? It’s also wise to choose flexible floor plans and make sure your house plans fit your needs. Having rooms or spaces in the home that can adapt easily to the changing needs of the family over time is very helpful.

Storage Space

In this day and age pretty much every family has accumulated a lot of stuff. Whether it’s a large collection of clothes, sporting equipment, books, DVDs or gadgets, most people never quite factor in enough storage space for all their belongings when designing a house. In the planning stages, make sure you include ample storage that will suit your needs both today and in the future if your family is likely to expand.

Look for areas of wasted space where you can create a small utility closet or storage nook (such as under flights of stairs, between bedrooms, or even in vaulted ceilings). Look to add in as much accessible storage space as possible, such as cabinets and shelving at heights that can be reached without ladders.

Provisions for Pets or Elderly Family Members

If you’re customizing your home to suit your family, make sure you think about the elderly members, as well as the four-legged ones.

If you currently have, or will in the future, less mobile family members living with you, have a very good think about sticking to a single-level home that doesn’t have any stairs.

Similarly, more and more people are factoring their pets in when designing a home these days. Homeowners can look at installing a dog-bathing facility in the laundry, or specially-designed cabinets for pet food in the kitchen or garage.

Heating and Cooling

Installing the right kind of heating and cooling systems during the build of a home is always going to be much cheaper than adding them in after, so don’t forget to consider your family’s needs in this area.

For starters, make sure your new home has properly-insulated walls to help keep the abode cool in summer and warm in winter, without a lot of extra need for power-draining appliances. As well, carefully consider whether you’re likely to want or need underfloor heating in the future, as it is one of the most expensive items to retrofit later on.

Electrical Outlets

Another thing that many people forget to include enough of in their home design is electrical outlets. As early as you can, think about each room inside your house, as well as the outside spaces, and consider exactly how many power outlets you might need, as well as where best to locate them.

Consider adding plugs on the kitchen island for phone chargers, under windows for Christmas tree lights, and in the bathroom and laundry for appliances such as hairdryers, shavers and dust busters.

Number of Windows and Skylights

Again, many people forget to factor in enough windows or skylights when designing their home. Natural light is one of the most sought-after elements in a house, so carefully consider the aspect and layout of each room in your plans to make sure you don’t end up with a residence that feels dank and dark, no matter the time of year.