Most of us consider the kitchen to be the ‘heart of the home’. The room where you’ll spend a lot of your time and where everyone usually ends up at parties! More importantly though, the kitchen is often one of the biggest selling points of a house if you ever decide to sell it.
Get the PDF
It has been reported that a burglary now happens every 15 seconds. As such, the chances of your own home actually being at risk from a break in are greatly increased, and it does not matter where you live.
Get the PDF
Laminate flooring installation is creating an unheard of do-it-yourself buzz in the home improvement industry. Thanks to the glueless, easy installation technology, home remodeling rookies turn into flooring aficionado’s overnight.
Get the PDF
When it comes to purchasing new light bulbs, nothing beats a little first hand knowledge. Most bulb buyers get information they learned from product packaging, in-store displays or from the manufactures website.
This type of bulb is basically an incandescent with a small amount of Halogen gas inside. Gas is derived from materials, such as iodine or bromine. Halogen bulbs offer a wide range of color qualities, from bright white to a warm light normally associated with standard incandescent bulbs.
Commonly known as CFLs, these types of bulbs can use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. Recent improvements have made CFLs available in softer tones and even colors.
LED stands for Light emitting diode, a relatively new type of light bulb, it is known for increased energy efficiency, up to 90 percent less than incandescent bulbs, and for its long life, up to 20 years. LED bulbs offer a very good color spectrum range and are incredibly reliable.
As a general rule, use this formula to calculate how much light you need in a room
Room length X Room width x 1.5 = Amount of wattage to light a room
For example, a 12′ x 12′ room (144) x 1.5 = 216 total watts., this can be divided by the number of fixtures. For instance, if you have two lamps, each with a 100 watt equivalent bulb, would be more than adequate for the room. You can also split the bulb sizes by using a 150 watt bulb in one lamp, and a 75 watt in the other, but this tends to make one end of the room brighter. Wall, ceiling and even floor colors can have an effect on the brightness of the room. Lamp shades will also have an effect on room lighting as they tend to direct light to certain areas of the room. You may need to experiment to get just the right amount of light.
Manufactures usually color code packaging by application: general purpose, decorative, indoor / outdoor, specialty or fluorescent. Decorative, fluorescent and general purpose bulbs are good for lamps, ceiling fixtures, under cabinet and closets. Specialty or fluorescent bulbs are great for garages and work shops due to their bright white light. Outdoor light bulbs need to withstand harsh conditions, never use ordinary bulbs in outdoor fixtures.
Lighting can truly make or break a space. Using light dimmers can soften an area that has to much light. Using the information we offer here, you can create an environment that is pleasing in your home.
If you’re hosting a summer get-together, and can’t decide what to include on your menu, look for recipes that boast a variety of crowd-pleasing ingredients.
Entertaining family and friends doesn’t have to mean making sacrifices in the name of convenience. Look for recipes that feature satisfying proteins smothered in bold, richly-flavored sauces and served with fresh, summery vegetables.
With all the details of planning a gathering, most hosts don’t have extra time to spend in the kitchen. Look for menu items you can make ahead, such as marinated dishes that go from fridge to flame, and can be cooked in a matter of minutes.
Inspired by the classic sauces and marinades of Asian cuisine, with a deliciously kosher twist, Soy Vay offers a variety of mouthwatering flavors, including Soy Vay Hoisin Garlic sauce featured in this recipe for Grilled Hoisin Garlic Drumsticks with Tomato-Corn Salad. Guests won’t be able to resist a second helping of grilled chicken drumsticks dressed in a garlic baste, served alongside fresh-cut corn and juicy diced tomatoes. Serve up this grill-friendly find at your next summertime bash, and you’ll have a new go-to dish everyone will ask for again and again.
For more deliciously easy meals your family will love, visit www.soyvay.com.
Grilled Hoisin Garlic Drumsticks with Tomato-Corn Salad
Servings: 4
8 chicken drumsticks, about 2 pounds total
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Soy Vay Hoisin Garlic sauce
3 ears corn
1 pound tomatoes, cut into small dice
1/4 cup olive oil
Thinly sliced basil leaves, for garnish
Season drumsticks with salt and pepper, and rub with about 1/3 cup hoisin garlic sauce, reserving rest for basting.
Marinate at least 30 minutes, up to four hours.
As chicken is marinating, prepare charcoal grill for both direct (medium-high heat) and
indirect cooking, placing coals on one half of grill. Discard used marinade.
Grill chicken, starting with skin side down, directly over coals about 8-10 minutes, keeping lid closed as much as possible and turning chicken once or twice.
Move to indirect heat where there are no coals, cover grill and continue to cook for another 25-35 minutes until juices run clear and an internal temperature of 165ºF has been reached, basting with extra sauce occasionally in last 10 minutes of cooking.
To make salad, boil corn if needed for about 2-3 minutes, then cut kernels off cob.
Toss with tomatoes and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir in basil.
Serve salad and drumsticks together.
Family Features #12697
Source: Soy Vay
Posted by: Rooms Delivered
Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our lawns. Although we enjoy the cool carpet of green grass to lie on and play on in summer, no one wants to spend hours every weekend mowing and trimming—not to mention battling weeds, insects, and fungus, and aerating, feeding, watering, and seeding.
Turf lawns take a lot of time and money to maintain. They require the use of precious water resources to keep them alive, and the pesticides and herbicides we apply to them can damage the environment. More and more, people are turning to low-maintenance, no-mow lawn alternatives like meadows, rock gardens, and ground covers.
These fresh options prove that you can have a beautiful yard without growing a single blade of grass. If that sounds right up your alley, check out these 10 no-mow alternatives to a grass lawn.
Source: Lawn Alternatives – 10 Ways to Keep Off the Grass – Bob Vila
“What better way to enjoy gorgeous beach views than from a comfortable porch or deck? Find your own outdoor inspiration from our favorite relaxing retreats.”
Source: 50+ Beachy Porches and Patios
Quote:
Experts say that high costs are deterring consumers from investing in environmentally friendly kitchen gear.
When LG introduced the Smart Manager Refrigerator at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas three years ago, proponents predicted a short wait until refrigerators that could scan their own shelves and order directly from the supermarket were part of the standard consumer kitchen.
But, as often happens, technology was a few steps ahead of people’s preferences. While critics hailed the device’s touch-screen interface and ability to update lists on smartphones, a price tag that was up to three times higher than that of an ordinary “dumb” fridge kept the Smart Manager from being the next must-have. LG has since stopped selling the consumer version of the fridge in the United States, though it promises to reintroduce them soon.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, graduation party or making the most of a summer holiday, the perfect preparations and attention to ambiance are key ingredients to a successful outdoor celebration.
Check out these tips for creating a party-perfect deck.
Set the stage for safety
Nothing spoils a deck party like a nasty splinter, a snag on a protruding nail or a trip over an uneven board. If your deck needs a “face lift,” replace old, rotting or warping wood boards with wood-alternative decking that combines superior durability and low-maintenance with long-lasting appearance. High-performance composite decking like Trex Transcend, available in a variety of sought-after tropical colors, can withstand years of heavy foot traffic and severe weather, as well as outdoor entertaining mishaps like food and drink spills, or dropped grilling tools. And, because it’s backed by a fade, stain and scratch warranty, you can be assured that it will stand up to roving pets, spilled drinks and the occasions when furniture is dragged out of the way to make room for dancing. Plus, it only requires an occasional soap and water cleaning to wipe away any signs of barbecue accidents or wine spills.
Create coverage
For maximum comfort, create a place where guests can get a reprieve from the sun’s heat and rays while still enjoying the great outdoors. A pergola can act as an extension of your house, creating the effect of an outdoor room. The overhead framing contributes to the architectural details of your space while providing shade and protection from the sun. Consider adding a waterproof, retractable canopy into the structure so your party can carry on – rain or shine. Grow vines around it to create added privacy and an extension of your landscape. Or string lights across your pergola to create charming night-time ambiance.
Get more from your decor
When selecting outdoor furniture for your living space, think durability and versatility. Pieces made from composite materials will withstand use and environmental elements while maintaining their good looks. For maximum flexibility, choose neutral colored pieces that can be accessorized seasonally or even to fit a specific occasion. To keep your outdoor space looking festive and fresh each year, pick up brightly colored pillows or throws to make the whole space pop. Add extra punch and personality with flowers, flags, eye-catching tableware and seasonal plants.
Design for fun and function
When prepping for a party, designate separate areas for relaxing, grilling, beverage service and socializing. Be sure to include a conversation center by facing sofas and seating together around a fireplace, large coffee table or other central point to keep conversation flowing. Accompany large chairs with upholstered ottomans to create an inviting atmosphere and increase available seating.
Food and drink stations, arguably the most crucial element of a party, should be prominent and accessible to guests. But, because people always follow the food, you also may want to set up food or serving carts at the edge of your social space. Maximize your guests’ mobility with a buffet of easily edible appetizers and finger foods so friends and family can move around and mingle. Kabobs offer a mobile-friendly “grab-and-go” appetizer that you can customize to suit your guests’ tastes.
Offer guests a variety of beverages in a way that allows them to serve themselves. Seek out alternatives to those bulky portable bars or tubs. The Trex Outdoor Storage collection, for instance, features an integrated ice cooler with two-inch-thick insulated walls to hold ice and keep drinks cold for days. Additionally, the new storage line offers other convenient options including trash storage cabinets, hampers, base cabinets and bench drawers.
Light the night
Keep the party moving long after the sun goes down with ambient candles, light strings in trees or hanging lanterns for the perfect mood and subtle lighting. For a more permanent solution, energy efficient Trex Outdoor Lighting provides sophisticated, understated silhouettes that add both beauty and safety to your outdoor space. The collection includes a wide array of lighting options that can be easily installed into your deck, railing or landscape.
For more outdoor living entertaining inspiration, visit www.Trex.com.
Inspired outdoor living
Are you in need of some entertaining inspiration? Here is some insight on creating the perfect space:
* Blend your furniture, decking and larger pieces with the natural elements of your home. For a home near water, Trex Transcend in Island Mist is perfect with its look of driftwood, the color has elements of the ocean tide and is very natural-looking.
* Keep your entertaining space as open and functional as possible for guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. Outdoor lighting is incredibly helpful and beautiful, whether coming in from the boat or the street, you’ll have a safely lit path and home.
* Spend time on sites such as Pinterest to gain inspiration for maximizing the function and style of your outdoor living area. You’ll see a lot of great spaces and are sure to pick up some wonderful ideas.
Source: Trex
Safety regulations allowing upholstery to be made without flame retardants have gone into effect resulting in some suppliers and retailers to shun product using the chemicals.
New safety regulations allow upholstered furniture to be made without flame retardants, but consumers may find it difficult to tell whether a retailer’s new couches and chairs are free of the toxic, ineffective chemicals.
Undergoing Maintenance - No Orders Please Dismiss