Eco-Friendly Kitchen Ideas

A great way for environmental conscious people to make a difference in their kitchen is using eco-friendly products. The following lines will provide information on eco-friendly kitchen ideas.Whenever you design or remodel your kitchen, you can use a number of environmental friendly materials that can enhance the look of your kitchen. These eco-friendly materials are not only cost effective but also gel with the ambiance of the kitchen. You can use different materials such as recycled glass, bamboo, etc.

Flooring Options

To enhance the look of your kitchen, the different uses of bamboo are startling. Instead of spending a huge amount on buying tiles used for flooring, you can opt for finished bamboo which acts as a great great flooring material. Moreover you can add new chairs made of bamboo in the dining area which are aesthetically beautiful and comfortable to use. To cut the various vegetables that you need for cooking, you can use a chopping block that is made of end-grain bamboo. Another great way to implement a sleek and cozy flooring is using cork. This flooring option comes in a variety of styles and designs, and is an efficient way of saving money It is also comfortable for the feet, especially while cooking a long and tiresome meal for guests. Cork being mildew resistant is not affected by changes in temperature and moisture content that is always prevalent in the kitchen area. Cork flooring provides a better grip while walking as compared to tiles which tend to get slippery. Both bamboo and cork flooring do not require much maintenance and can be cleaned with a wet and dry mop.

Use of Reclaimed Wood

Another great alternative for an eco-friendly kitchen is reclaimed wood. Just as most of us use recycled plastic and paper, we can use recycled wood which is salvaged in factories and warehouses. Refinished lumber often produces a firm grain which strengthens the wood. The use of reclaimed wood reduces the cutting of trees and also beautifies our kitchen. We can also refinish the pieces of wood lying in our garages to make cutlery holders instead of going in for new ones.

Using Recycled Glass

Recycled glass tiles are incredibly sturdy and are beautiful to look at. These tiles are made from colorful recycled glass mixed with a base of resin or cement concrete. The hard surface is less likely to chip off as compared to the wooden counterparts. These tiles can be used as counter tops for kitchen cabinets. Stains and grease can easily be removed removed using a mild detergent.

Apart from the above mentioned materials, you can also implement eco-friendly energy saving compact fluorescent lamps which reduce consumption of electricity. Using recycled paper baked into thick sheets with resin base can be used as counter tops. These are extremely durable and are heat and scratch resistant. For cabinet doors in kitchens you can either dress up used cabinet doors by using a range of eco-friendly paints or you can use veneers that will give your cabinets a fresh look. You can also use recycled metal sheets for counter tops and sink areas. These metal sheets which come in clear coat finishes are non-toxic and durable.

The awareness of an eco-friendly environment has bought about a radical change in the way materials in kitchen design can be used. Eco-friendly kitchens are slowly but surely becoming popular for their simplistic looks and usage of non-toxic materials

Kitchen Remodeling on a Shoestring Budget

Kitchen Remodeling on a Shoestring Budget
Ten simple ideas for creating a dream kitchen on a budget.So you're tired of your kitchen? According to an annual survey by the leading trade journal, Kitchen & Bath Business, so are 4.92 million other homeowners who plan to do a kitchen remodel in 2001 -- a record number. But with the typical kitchen remodeling job costing from $7,000 to $14,999, remodeling on a limited budget can be a challenging task.

The effort, however, can pay big dividends. Consider that even minor kitchen remodeling provides an 81 percent return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine's latest "Cost vs. Value Report." This means that you can enjoy your kitchen for years to come, plus reap a hefty return on your investment if you decide to sell your home down the road.

"Though adding a second story also offers a good return on investment, it's a much more invasive and costly remodel," says Nina Patel, Remodeling senior editor. "A minor kitchen remodel and bath update are simpler and more fun."

According to Patel, the popularity of home improvement stores, HGTV and the Web has educated and inspired many homeowners in their remodeling process. "In this age of large stores that carry all varieties of products, consumers want to see, touch and feel all the options so they can choose the right one for them," she explains. "Homeowners overall are more willing to spend money on items that reflect their style."

Here are simple remodeling ideas that can dramatically increase the appeal of your kitchen without breaking the bank.

1. Tile Backsplash

The days of automatically matching the backsplash to the counter are gone. Today's latest kitchen trend is adding some color and personalization with unique backsplashes that complement but don't necessarily match countertops. Try brightening the room with a backsplash featuring yellow or blue accents or even mix things up a little with a number of different colored tiles to make a checkerboard pattern. Manufactured tiles are affordable, starting at approximately $4 per square foot, and adding a few hand-painted tiles with such items as fruits, flowers or shapes can provide creative flair. Adding backsplash tiles is a simple project that even the beginning DIYer can take on without hesitation, and it can be completed in just one afternoon.

2. Pullout Faucets

Consider adding a new pullout faucet to your kitchen to provide the functionality needed for filling large pots, watering houseplants and doing assorted dishwashing and cleaning tasks. These faucets combine great looks as well as added convenience. Manufacturers such as Moen now provide pullouts with design options to make them stylish additions to the room. For example, its new Colonnade offers the charm of traditional, classic styling, while the Salora has a sleek and contemporary look complementing modern kitchen decor. Starting around $250 each, these faucets still install as regular fixtures, thanks to a simple, single-bolt tie-down installation method.

If the last time you purchased a faucet your finish options were "chrome" or "chrome," you will be pleased to see that faucets are now available in more stylish finishes, including copper or brushed stainless steel. Copper finishes are becoming increasingly popular and can provide the perfect complement to range hoods, teakettles, cookware and other items. Brushed stainless steel continues to be a popular choice, in part because it matches the look of many of the latest commercial-style appliances.

3. New Countertops

Your countertop is one of the most important and visible parts of your kitchen. A new countertop can give your kitchen a whole new look, and your choices are virtually limitless. The most popular choice is laminates. Available in hundreds of colors and textures, these countertops cost approximately $25 per linear foot. They are easy-to-clean and long lasting, but they do show cuts and nicks.

Following a close second to laminates are solid surface countertops. Although they can cost quite a bit more -- $90 to $200 per linear foot -- solid surface countertops will allow nicks, scratches and burns to be buffed out. Quartz and granite surfaces are also increasing in popularity -- but increasing in cost as well.

If you want some extras but don't want to spend a lot, consider using a laminate on your main countertop and tile on a small area of the kitchen, such as an island. Tiles cost about $4 per square foot and work beautifully on secondary work surfaces.

4. Refacing/Refinishing Cabinets

In a kitchen-remodeling project, new cabinets are usually the largest expense -- but they don't have to be. If the general structure of your cabinets is good, consider refinishing or refacing them. This can cost less than half the price of new cabinets. Refinishing means stripping, staining or painting the surface; while refacing requires replacing cabinet and drawer fronts and putting a matching veneer on the cabinet frames. Refacing creates a totally different look and allows you to change from dark wood to light, which will brighten an outdated kitchen. Both refinishing and refacing will not only save in material costs, but will also save labor costs compared to new cabinets.

If even refinishing or refacing cabinets is not in your budget, you can simply change the cabinet hardware. New knobs and handles are available in all shapes, sizes and finishes -- and some are even sculpted allowing you to create your own special kitchen look.

5. Stainless Steel Sinks

If your kitchen sink is stained, scratched or pitted, you will be happy to know that for about $300, you can get the latest in stainless steel sinks. A new trend is undermounting for fast, easy cleanup with no ridges to get in the way. In its Lancelot line, Moen offers new shapes, such as oval, round and trapezoid. If you need to fit a new sink to an existing countertop, the rectangular sink is still a popular option. Today's stainless steel sinks are durable and, thanks to sound-deadening designs, quiet. Double-bowl models, though slightly more expensive, provide more work area while extra-deep bowls provide additional capacity for large jobs.

6. New Lighting

Illuminate dark work areas with under-counter lighting that can be purchased as separate halogen lights or as a strand of rope lights. Halogen lights cost about $3 each and should be spaced 18-24 inches apart. Rope lighting is one continuous strand of lights and usually costs $3 per foot.

In addition to under-counter lighting, you may consider changing ceiling fixtures. Some of today's hottest styles are recessed lighting or pendant fixtures that hang down a few feet from the ceiling to provide better illumination for an island or eating area. Usually you can find fixtures at relatively moderate beginning prices at home centers or kitchen showrooms.

7. Stenciling, Painting and Wallpapering

Plain-colored walls are becoming a thing of the past as more homeowners opt for bold, colorful designs. Many new, faux finish designs use sponging techniques and stencils to personalize the look of the kitchen. Even the color palettes are changing from neutrals to dark blues, greens and maroons. Besides being inexpensive, painting is one of the easiest projects to complete in a fairly short amount of time and it makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of any room.

Borders and wallpaper are also as popular as ever in the kitchen. Since so many of them now come pre-pasted, the wallpapering process is pretty simple. If your kitchen is already painted, a decorative border can add just the right touch of style and color. Borders are popping up on all areas of the wall, not just near the ceiling. Try a waist-level, chair-rail border or even something at eye level to break up the room.

8. Appliances

One of the biggest expenses in a kitchen-remodeling project is replacing the appliances. To avoid buying new appliances all at once, selectively add appliances by choosing the one that is most out-of-date in either look or function, and then add others over time as your budget allows.

If your old appliances still fit the bill in terms of performance, but you'd like an updated look, you can actually repaint them or buy new panels to match the new decor or cabinetry in your kitchen. Visit your local home center to find out how this can be accomplished for your particular brand of appliances.

9. Workspace and Storage Options

The island is usually the hallmark of any kitchen remodel, but if you are on a budget, a new, built-in island may not be on the agenda. If you still want the convenience and storage space of an island, consider one on wheels. For approximately $300, you can have a kitchen island that has the extra advantage of allowing you to stow it away in the corner when not in use.

Another suggestion is to create elegant storage areas in the kitchen by taking the fronts off your cabinets and installing glass shelving. In this way, you can mimic the open look of today's modern kitchen cabinetry while still having a place to display cookbooks, dishes or glassware.

To maximize storage space in the kitchen, go to your local home retailer and look for little extras that can be added to your current cabinetry such as a spice organizer, a place for recyclables, plate racks or wine racks.

10 Window Treatments

Nothing catches the eye like windows, so making them look good is critical. If you sew, you can bring a new look to your windows for the price of materials and an investment of your time. If not, pre-made window treatments can beautify your kitchen, often for less than $100 per window. The latest styles include tab top valences, swags mounted on metal-finished rods and a variety of blinds. You can add shelves or interior window boxes to your kitchen windows for plants or flowers. This little trick is perfect for blocking out a less-than-desirable view of a neighbor's house or insulating the room from a busy street.

For more information about remodeling projects or Moen products, contact Moen Incorporated at 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-8022, call toll free 1 (800) BUY MOEN (1-800-289-6636) or visit its Web site at www.moen.com.

Remodeling magazine's "Cost vs. Value Report" can be found at www.remodelingmagazine.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITORS NOTE: Moen Incorporated is one of the world's largest producers of residential and commercial plumbing products. Moen is the #1 brand of faucets in North America. The company manufactures a complete line of single and two-handle faucets in a wide assortment of styles and finishes. It is also a leading producer of residential and commercial sinks and a variety of shower accessories, and manufactures a complete line of plumbing parts and accessories (sold under the trade names Moen, Chicago Specialty, Dearborn Brass, Hoov-R-Line and Wrightway Manufacturing).

How To Create A Designer Kitchen

How To Create A Designer Kitchen
Have you ever wondered how the pros create a designer kitchen? Here are some simple guidelines for creating your designer kitchen.
Enlarge ImageHow do you create an attention-grabbing, designer kitchen on a reasonable budget? How do builders and remodelers design kitchens that sizzle? They’ve figured out the secret to creating kitchens that sell. They hire a kitchen designer! So, if builders think kitchen design is a smart idea, do you think it might be worth the investment?

Today’s remodeled kitchen can easily cost $25,000 – $50,000 or more. If you are going make a sizeable investment upgrading your kitchen, you may want to allocate a portion of your budget to kitchen design. Why? Because a good designer comes up with great ideas. You pay for a trained eye to see what you can’t see. A good designer suggests design elements that won’t blow the budget. They know which details are relatively inexpensive, but add significant "punch" to your project.

Once you’ve budgeted money for design (generally 3-5%), now what do you do? Well, before looking for a kitchen designer, start thinking about what want in your kitchen. A kitchen designer will ask you what you have in mind so they can narrow the focus of your design. Is there a specific appliance that you want to make the focal point of your kitchen? Do you like exotic wood cabinets? Or do you just want a kitchen where everything coordinates and flows together?

Before you contact a kitchen designer, you may also want to visit a kitchen appliance dealer. A designer vent hood or an oversized range can serve as a great focal point for your new kitchen. Then you may want to start looking in design magazines, a great source for design ideas. Find the kitchen or the design elements you like in a magazine and simply replicate those ideas that appeal to you. Finally, after you’ve gathered some general ideas of what you want in your kitchen, start looking for a kitchen designer.

Where do you find a good kitchen designer? And once you’ve settled on a designer and come up with a design, how do you know what your design will cost to build? How do you avoid designing a kitchen you can’t afford? Wouldn’t it be helpful if you had some guidance throughout the design process to determine construction costs?

That’s where a "design-build" firm can help. Design-build remodelers offer both design and construction services. When working with a design-build contractor, the designer creates the beauty (the floor plan, the cabinet elevations, the finished material selections, etc.) and the contractor creates the estimate. There’s no more guesswork. When you hire a design-build contractor you know exactly what the design will cost.

Today, there are number of professional remodelers offering design services. Some design-build remodelers provide in-house design services. Other contractors outsource design to kitchen-designer, business partners. The best design-build contractors couple top design talent with professional construction services.

So how do you create a designer kitchen? Since they appreciate the value of good design, you may want to start by looking for a good design-build contractor. Check their work, check their trade associations, look at their project pictures and talk to their designers. A reputable design-build remodeler can be a valuable partner for creating your new designer kitchen!

Outdoor Kitchen Plans

Outdoor Kitchen Plans
In case you have made up your mind about having an outdoor kitchen or are contemplating the idea, this is the article that will help you make up your mind and finalize your outdoor kitchen plans...Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat in the basement. Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen, because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity as drawing, or woodcarving, or music. ~ Julia Child

If you are one of those who absolutely love to spend their time in the kitchen, as you experiment with different ingredients and herbs and invent new recipes, then you are obviously interested in making your work area more delightful and interesting. Ever thought about having an outdoor kitchen? Well if you have made up your mind about having an outdoor kitchen or are contemplating the idea, this is the article that will help you make up your mind and finalize your outdoor kitchen plans.

Outdoor Kitchen Plans

Before building an outdoor kitchen you will have to ensure that your outdoor kitchen plan fits the legal constraints. Make sure you check the zoning requirements in your country so that you can ensure that your outdoor kitchen is at a legal distance from the property lines. Although a permit for the kitchen construction wont be necessary, you will have to acquire permits for the plumbing and electrical fittings.

Remember that an outdoor kitchen is not merely an outdoor barbeque station; it is a complete kitchen with all the grills, cookware, storage cabinets, a dishwasher, oven, and also the refrigerator! While making your outdoor kitchen plans make sure to pick a spot that is not exposed to too much wind, snow or rain. Shelter the spot adequately to provide shelter from the weather but keep it open enough, so that you can roast your delicious barbeque and bake your mouth watering apple pie, even when you can enjoy the sight of drizzles. Usually a patio area is the perfect spot for an outdoor kitchen.

A washing sink is a must for any kitchen. Ensure you have an adequately large sink with undisturbed water supply. The height and the placement of the sink should be such that it is comfortable for the person who is cooking, to reach out to the sink for disposing used utensils. Plumbing work needs to be done for this and hence it would be a great idea to inform the plumber and hire his services with prior intimation.

Depending on the space available, incorporate other useful elements like a storage shelf to store your cookware, a rod with hooks to hang your pans comfortably. In case the space and electrical fittings allow you, incorporate other electrical appliances like a refrigerator, or a blender to assist you while you are cooking outdoors. In case you can't get enough electrical fittings, try and use the conventional grinding tools like a mortar and a pestle, it is said that a puree of herbs made in a blender can never match the crude and mesmerizing aroma of herbs ground using the mortar and a pestle.

While designing the kitchen, make sure that you get the perfect countertop. It is advisable to get a countertop with inlaid grills for cooking. If you are planning to use an electric grill, the electricity connections need to be in place. Make sure that the counter top is wide enough and comfortable high for you to work in the kitchen. A barbeque will be a must-have for an outdoor kitchen, since outdoor cooking is almost synonymous with barbeque parties.

In case gardening is also one of your hobbies then you can enhance your outdoor kitchen further. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to have home cooked meals with fresh vegetables and herbs from your very own garden? Yes, plant a vegetable and herb garden right next to your outdoor kitchen. Every time you decide to cook, all you need to do is pick up some fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs from your very own garden, put on your apron and get started!

How to Design a Gourmet Kitchen

How to Design a Gourmet Kitchen
The kitchen is very important in a luxury home and no expense should be spared when designing a gourmet kitchen.The kitchen is the one room that needs to function really well. After all, good food is one of the most basic needs of the family. The kitchen is the place where you rustle up those delicious meals and keep your family and friends entertained. Thus, the kitchen has to be clean, clutter free and convenient.

If you've ever spent some time in a kitchen you know it is essential to have plenty of space and all of the right amenities. A good meal takes time to prepare, not to mention more cooking utensils and space. There is also a good chance that at some point you will do some entertaining around the kitchen. With all of this time spent in the kitchen it is worth the effort to make the kitchen a good fit for your lifestyle. Make sure there is plenty of room, and most importantly it is a comfortable place to work in.

Given below is a list of must haves for the ultra gourmet kitchen:

• The Food Prep Zone: Gourmet kitchens need to have knife drawers with special tools to keep the knives straight and sharp, cutting boards that come out and disappear into the cabinets when required and counters with lower height. Marble countertops help to retard the growth of bacteria.

• Cooking Zone: Many homeowners now prefer separate ovens instead of freestanding ranges, a selection of tall cabinets, base cabinets and ones with special pull out systems.

• Baking Zone: Cooks who are serious about baking like counters with less height, making them easier to knead bread on. Nowadays, you can also get pull out box cabinets, special tiered cabinets, cake decorating kits and various other items.

• Specific Storage Zone: Instead of having a pantry that stores everything in one spot, gourmet kitchens have work-specific storage areas. For example, there can be a 'breakfast center' where you can store cereals, syrups, bagels, mixes, and so on. Similarly, you can have lunch and dinner centers where you can store equipment appropriately.

• Dining Zone: Gourmet kitchens often have built-in cabinets that double as buffets, used to separate the kitchen from the dining space. With proper lighting and aesthetics, you can make this area look very luxurious.

• Wet Bar Service Zone: This area can be used as a transition area between the food preparation and serving zones. Wine racks can be built in and combined with under-the-counter wine coolers and beverage centers.

• Meal Planning Zone: You can have built in bookshelves or cabinets that can be a perfect corner for planning your meals, searching for new recipes, mulling over cookbooks and similar activities. You should have all the modern appliances required for cooking – starting from microwaves to ovens to dishwashers and similar. Having all of your appliances in Stainless Steel, or built into the cabinets gives your kitchen a clean, streamlined look.

For the best in gourmet kitchens it is a good idea to hire a professional to help you design the most functional space possible. Some interior decorators specialize in kitchen design, or there are kitchen specialists to assist you with the kitchen setup. Another good resource are home shows and designer showrooms. There you will find all of the latest ideas for making the kitchen space as good as it can be. You can also take a look at what products the top companies are coming out with to enhance your gourmet kitchen.

Pam Ingram has resided in the Santa Clarita Valley real estate market for over 30 years. Her local knowledge, experience, and contacts are invaluable in finding your dream home or a buyer for your current property. Looking for a Santa Clarita realtor? Call Pam for the scoop on the local neighborhoods and other useful information.

Interactive Kitchen Design

Interactive Kitchen Design
Designing your kitchen has been simplified because of the numerous options that you can have at your disposal because of interactive kitchen designs. So go ahead and let your creative juices flow, after all you might just design a kitchen that gets featured in a Home and Lifestyle magazine!Rachel had always been proud of being a miss know-it-all. She always felt she knew everything there was to know about everything. One day she realized that she needed to update her information when her colleague mentioned interactive kitchen designs and the wonderful designs that could be created with just a few interactive designing tools. She left the office that day dejected and switched on her computer as soon as she reached the confines of her home. That done, she poured herself a glass of wine and took a packet of wafers all ready to spend the rest of the evening updating herself about this designing tool. After all she did so want to retain her title!

Interactive Kitchen Design – What is it?

Today with all the changes that have been wrought in web technology it is possible to see what your kitchen will look like in a lifelike three-dimensional sphere. This technology ensures that the three-dimensional sphere resembles your kitchen without actually going ahead and investing a large sum of money on it. To do this, you can use an interactive design tool in order to try out different ideas and combinations. This tool is very interactive, easy to use and can help you select kitchen finishes, faucets and fixtures.

The approach used by interactive kitchen design is one of multiple sketches that are used to exemplify several design possibilities. Apart from only giving wing to your creative urges, you can also interact with interior designers and contractors. This tool certainly helps you build your kitchen as well as identify the features that suit your lifestyle the most.

This interactive kitchen tool is very useful because it comes with an interactive kitchen guide that provides you with the best online information and the resources available. This guide certainly makes sure that you get the best deal when designing your kitchen.

Using this tool you can also save and print your kitchen design combinations along with the model numbers and estimated prices of things like faucets. It is advisable to load the design on to your hard drive too. This information might assist you when you decide to make another series of kitchen designs. The interactive kitchen tools can use be used for free on most websites, so you could just try your hand at it!

Kitchen Remodelling

You can use an interactive designing tool even when you are planning to remodel your kitchen in order to ensure that it meets its daily requirements. But, before you actually get down to designing it is advisable to get acquainted to online designing. While at this, it would also be a good idea to look around what is available in your kitchen, since there might be a few things you would like to keep!

Once you are done with that, you can use the interactive kitchen tools to design the kitchen you had in mind. Now you can go ahead and take the design to your contractor and explain visually, telling him in details what your requirements are.

A remodelling interactive kitchen design uses an approach that includes numerous sketches that are made up of several design possibilities. This and the interaction with contractors and interior designers ensure that you have a kitchen that fits your lifestyle. With a clearer picture about your requirements the interior designer and contractor will give you numerous design possibilities as well as tell you about the advantages associated with each potential layout. With their help and the interactive kitchen remodelling tools, you will have a kitchen space that develops around necessary design elements as well as the beauty you have so long desired.

Today's Kitchens Cook with Color

Today's Kitchens Cook with Color
Bright, bold hues make a statement in today's designer kitchens. Bright, bold colors are making their way into America's kitchens. Homeowners are painting over the whites and beiges that once were the kitchen trend and making a statement with cobalt blue, pink, turquoise, orange, red and even lime green. In many cases, white has been relegated to a small role as accent or trim.

"Neutral colors in the kitchen are not the goal anymore," says Sharon Hanby-Robie, interior designer and author of "My Name Isn't Martha, But I Can Decorate My Home." "Today, it's OK to be expressive, and it's OK to use bright, bold colors to complement or totally create the look you want. Why not use the colors that you want to live with, instead of the ones you think your home's next owner will settle for?" Hanby-Robie asks.

So what's behind this revolution of color in the kitchen? "It could have to do with basic societal changes," said Hanby-Robie. She believes that during the '80s and much of the '90s we were a transitional society. Many people lived in starter homes or homes in which they did not plan to stay very long. As a result, most people stuck with the neutral hues that represented a low-risk look they could easily leave if they decided to sell.

Today, Hanby-Robie says, more people are in homes in which they plan to stay for quite some time. In addition, individuality, rather than conformity, is again in vogue. The result, she says, is that people are less afraid of taking chances and more concerned with expressing themselves, and it shows in their homes, particularly in the kitchen.

Expression Through Colorful Hues

So what is the best use of color in the kitchen to create a mood? Let's take a look at some color palettes.

Warm Colors

Colors such as red, yellow and orange invite a person into a room with warmth and coziness. However, the cozy feeling these colors create in a large room can make a small room look even smaller. When using warm colors, be sure to intersperse whites and neutrals to balance some of their intensity. According to information from Better Homes and Gardens, amber, peach or coral in eating areas spark appetites and electrify the conversation, while red evokes emotions. Liberal use of any of these warm colors is sure to give the kitchen the color pampering it deserves as the hearth of the home.

For "warm" color finishes in cookware, faucets and accessories, copper is the latest trend. Copper is a perfect complement to kitchen materials such as granite and marble. It also blends beautifully with other warm colors in the kitchen including terra cotta, rust, peach and sage green.

Cool Colors

To make a room appear larger, look to cool colors like blue, green or purple. These colors calm and soothe and are said to "reenergize weary souls." Better Homes and Gardens also notes that proud, strong blues add responsibility and contentment into the mood while pale purple blues prompt reflection and dreaming.

For finishes that match this cooler palette, there are now many more options than just plain, shiny chrome. Brushed finishes in stainless and nickel add interest and texture to a kitchen. Plus, these finishes clean up well and hold their beauty in one of the busiest rooms in the house.

Spicing It Up

And where in the kitchen can these colors can be presented most effectively?

Paint is the obvious place to start when adding color to a kitchen or any other room. It's easy to apply and, if the homeowner decides he or she doesn't like it later, also easy to change. Kitchen remodelers shouldn't let the fear factor stop them from doing something bold or using a color they really like.

Some of the hottest paint colors right now are rich jewel tones which can change an otherwise ordinary room into an eye-popping gem. Once a color is chosen, be sure to make use of some of the latest techniques to apply the paint such as sponging, ragging and stenciling. Major manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams, Glidden and Dutch Boy all offer helpful brochures and color guides to get you started.

But paint is only the beginning. Today's kitchens use color in wallpaper and borders, too. Choose wall coverings which feature colorful flowers or a bold pattern to showcase the homeowner's personality or interests.

A word of caution when planning the look of a new kitchen: don't go overboard on a lot of different colors. Experts say that two to three colors, when blended in a room properly, can create a dramatic look, but adding too many colors can be overwhelming.

Functionality in Color

Why stop the color with the kitchen's walls? Color is now popping up in some of the areas once reserved for chromes and neutrals. When it comes to faucets, manufacturers like Moen are offering new finish options to brighten up the room. Finishes such as copper, which matches gourmet cookware, kitchen accents and appliances, are available on the latest faucet styles including the new Colonnade. This traditionally-styled faucet not only creates a "warm" look in the kitchen, but also provides the functionality of a pullout. For a more modern style, turn to a brushed stainless pullout faucet such as Moen's Salora. This faucet also provides the necessary reach for cooking and cleaning tasks, but in cool shades to match today's hottest commercial appliances. Although chrome used to be the standard for durability in the kitchen, these latest finishes are strengthened with LifeShine titanium to provide lasting beauty for the life of the faucet without tarnishing, discoloring or fading.

Appliances are also jumping on the color bandwagon. Many manufacturers are taking the popular "retro" look into microwaves, dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators and creating colorful blues, greens and yellows. Experts advise kitchen remodelers to make sure they absolutely love these colored appliances and will want them for years to come before making a costly investment. It may be a safer bet to start the dramatic kitchen color scheme with a different color paint or a backsplash -- something that can more easily be changed (after all, remember those avocado appliances from the '70s?).

Another more functional area of the kitchen now coming alive with color is the sink. No longer available in just white, composite sinks like MoenStone's designer sinks now come in bold, beautiful colors like Sapphire, a bright, vibrant blue and Yellow Stone, a warm, buttery yellow. While not only great looking, these sinks are made from high-strength composite materials that to withstand everyday cuts, scratches and scuffs.

If the goal is to achieve a more contemporary look, the tried-and-true look of stainless steel sinks is now available with an added twist -- new shapes. Oval, trapezoid and round undermount sinks will spice up the kitchen with modern elegance, and are available in kitchen showrooms and home center stores.

Colorful Surfaces that Really Work the Room

The rules of yesterday have been thrown out when it comes to contemporary kitchen decorating. Colorful tiles on the floor, countertop and backsplash are brightening up the kitchen and providing a great surface on which to work and play. Using dramatic colors on a center island and then a more neutral color on the rest of the countertops seems to be the trend, reports Hanby-Robie. And since the center island is also central to entertaining, cooking and other activities in the kitchen, it makes the perfect spot for a focal point of color. Another place where color, and even a pattern or design can be added, is the wall behind the range. Greens, blues, oranges and reds are showing up in greater numbers on this back surface. And when it comes to flooring, homeowners are taking it up a notch with brightly-colored tiles or laminates throughout the entire room. For the more conservative, flooring colors can be used more sparingly or as accents interspersed with neutral tones.

Where Neutrals Still Reign

One area of the kitchen that seems to be more inclined to stay "neutral" is the cabinetry. Because cabinets are usually the largest investment in a kitchen remodel, more homeowners are sticking to neutral colors for cabinets to offset the colors found on the walls or flooring. White cabinets against brightly painted or papered walls are a hot trend, as well as traditional, natural woods like oak, maple and cherry. To spice up existing cabinets, try colored or designer hardware handles that complement the surrounding colorful walls -- another generally inexpensive update that can easily be changed later if desired.

Those Colorful Little Extras

There are many other ways to add color to the kitchen that don't even require a remodel. Try colorful fabrics with bold patterns for tablecloths or window treatments. Fresh flowers, brightly-colored canisters, candles and other accessories can all create a fresh perspective on a kitchen that has become drab. Lighting can also add a new mood to the room. Homeowners can either invest in recessed lighting or add additional fixtures to brighten a room. Even small kitchen appliances such as mixers, blenders, toasters and other cooking essentials are being offered in unique shades.

"People are more secure these days -- with their families, their neighborhoods and their houses -- and that's giving them the confidence to express themselves by decorating with the colors they like and want to live with," Hanby-Robie said.

Whether it's warm, cool, bright or bold, colors are cooking in America's favorite room -- the kitchen.

For more information about remodeling projects or Moen products, contact Moen Incorporated at 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-8022, call toll free 1-800-BUY MOEN (1-800-289-6636) or visit its Web site at www.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

EDITORS NOTE: Contact Ginny Long, director of Public Affairs, Moen Incorporated, (800) 321-8809, Ext. 2019, or Chris R. Lynch, Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations, (216) 696-0229.

Moen Incorporated is one of the world's largest producers of residential and commercial plumbing products. Moen is the #1 brand of faucets in North America. The company manufactures a complete line of single and two-handle faucets in a wide assortment of styles and finishes. It is also a leading producer of residential and commercial sinks, a variety of shower accessories, bathroom accessories and a complete line of plumbing parts and accessories (sold under the trade names Moen, Chicago Specialty, Cleveland Faucet Group, CSI Bath Furnishings, Dearborn Brass, Hoov-R-Line and Wrightway Manufacturing).

Moen Incorporated is an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO, www.fortunebrands.com), the consumer products company, with headquarters in Lincolnshire, IL.

Designing your house kitchen

Designing your house kitchen
The kitchen is an essential part of our daily lives. We spend multiple hours a day in the kitchen, from preparing food to taking studies of children, discussing important matters and also relaxing with a hot cup of tea after finishing the household work. How about revamping it to elevate our moods!These days, the kitchen is more then simply a place to cook. It is a place of many overlapping activities of cooking, gathering, communicating, relaxing and dining. Therefore it is important to make your kitchen more functional, pleasing and a place to communicate.

Designing the Kitchen
Kitchen designing has always been an expensive and complicated home improvement project. Two major obstacles stand in the way of creating a beautiful kitchen for today and tomorrow. One is the cost factor and secondly a long, messy, and disruptive period of construction. By carefully selecting the style of the room and its furnishings the obstacles can be avoided. A good way to lower the cost of remodeling is to invest in components, which will work efficiently and last a long time. If space allows, most kitchens benefit from an additional piece of furniture to provide storage where you can store all the kitchen appliances giving your kitchen a tidy and spacious look.

A practical and low cost approach to furnishing a kitchen can include creative reuse of shelves, benches, tables, dressers, cabinets and various other used materials carefully and thoughtfully placed in a way that will look good as well as give you the additional space you require. An easy way to draw particular activities away from your main work area is to add a cupboard or sideboard. Both can add visual appeal and help kitchen counters remain clear. For instance a sideboard laid out with a coffeepot, cereals, cups and bowls will help concentrate the breakfast crowd near the table. Resulting in less clutter and clear counter space.

One of the techniques for achieving more clear space in your kitchen is to keep jumble and clutter to a minimum. You can do this by creating places for storing foods and kitchenware. Many kitchen manufacturers can help you maximize storage space. Good kitchen plans accommodate users' varying heights, age mobility limitations, dexterity, and, most important, the changes in those elements, which, inevitably, come with, time. Lower some wall cabinets. Who says wall cabinets should all be hung at the same height? Mix it up a bit and you'll get more storage within comfortable reach range. Cabinets can be placed right on the counter top, or can be stepped up and down to match changes in counter heights. Maximize storage with drawers and rollout shelves. In base cabinets, rollouts improve accessibility by bringing pots and supplies out to you. Drawers of varying shapes and sizes used in or between upper and lower cabinets increase storage and add design interest.

Thus the key to remodeling your kitchen for the future is to think about the large amount of time that you and your family spend there. Accessibility, safety and convenience are primary goals when remodeling a kitchen. Your kitchen should be comfortable, yet a functional room. A place where stories can be shared as dinner is being prepared. Bring your kitchen out of the past and into the present and future. The following list highlights how to remodel varies components of your kitchen. Good luck!

Cabinets
Good choices for selecting cabinets are natural, and dark cherry wood finishes since they can be easily coordinated with wall paint, tile, and flooring. For a more contemporary look, select less predictable cabinets with more unusual or customized finishes.

Flooring
Flooring selection is one of the most important decisions to make for the kitchen. The flooring should match the kitchen design and should give your kitchen the contemporary look. The latest trend is the wood flooring, which easily blends in with floors for adjoining rooms, and whereas the usual tile flooring provides easy maintenance and durability.

Kitchen Flooring Ideas

Kitchen Flooring Ideas
A kitchen with good flooring goes a long way in complementing its interiors. You should choose the type and style of flooring in your kitchen in relation to the decor. The following lines will provide information on kitchen flooring ideas.It is often seen that whenever people renovate or remodel a kitchen, they tend to ignore the very important aspect of flooring. Without proper flooring a remodeled kitchen looks incomplete. Hence it is of utmost importance that the type of flooring you choose goes well with the surroundings of your kitchen. it makes sense to include the flooring plan at the same time while setting up a new kitchen or even renovation an old one.

Wooden flooring is a great option if the you have got wooden cabinets in your kitchen, and it complements the lighting and dark colors on walls and the ceiling. Ceramic flooring which is commonly used in homes all over goes well with granite furnishings in the kitchen. Whatever type of kitchen flooring you choose, the surface must be durable and comfortable to walk on.

Wooden Flooring

Wooden flooring adds to the aesthetic feel of the kitchen. The surface of wooden floors which are made from hardwood provide a better grip and are less slippery than glazed tiles. In wooden flooring you have the option of installing pre-finished flooring or unfinished flooring that needs to be sanded once installed. The wood veneer differs in thickness and can be chosen in accordance with the required width for your kitchen. Although wooden flooring adds to the overall feel of a kitchen, it has to be kept in mind that changes in temperature in the kitchen area result in the wood expanding and contracting. This type of flooring requires proper care and maintenance. Damp mopping along with vacuuming and sweeping ensures that the floor is free from accumulated food ingredients and dirt from constant foot traffic.

Ceramic Flooring

These tiles are used commonly in all kitchens and come in a glazed and unglazed finish. The tiles used for ceramic flooring come in different sizes. The most commonly used sizes range from twelve inches to eighteen inches square. If the kitchen area is small, it is recommended that you use twelve inch tiles or less, as this helps to make the kitchen look more spacious. Although ceramic tile flooring requires very little maintenance, timely cleaning and mopping is required to maintain a clean and sparkling look.

Types of Tiles

There are different types of tiles you can choose for the flooring of your kitchen. Most people prefer mosaic tiles that are available easily in the market. Mosaic tiles come in a number of patterns and are available in a glazed and unglazed finish. These tiles are durable and also resist moisture which is common problem in kitchen areas. Although quarry tiles need to be maintained regularly, they are becoming increasingly popular in thematic kitchens and come in a common color tone of brown, red and gray. Because of their porous nature these tiles are susceptible to stains and dirt which cannot be removed easily. Porcelain tiles, which are being excessively used in designer kitchens are extremely durable and are easy to clean and maintain.

Most tiles come in an array of different shapes and colors and are easily available in the market. Although custom-designed or hand-painted tiles are very expensive, they give the kitchen a unique and nostalgic feel. If the laying patterns of tiles are intricate and contain special accents on borders, be assured that the cost of flooring will be higher than normal.

A beautiful floor enhances the look of a kitchen and goes a long way in determining the overall look and feel. So if you haven't paid attention to the flooring in your kitchen, it's time to sit up and take notice.

Kitchen Design: Small Kitchen Remodeling IdeasRemodeling your small kitchen:

Kitchen Design: Small Kitchen Remodeling IdeasRemodeling your small kitchen:
When remodeling your small kitchen, the primary emphasis must be on utilizing the available area well and creating or freeing up more space to allow convenient storage, easy installation of required kitchen appliances and to facilitate movement. You must be able to perform all your kitchen tasks without any hindrance.

Draw up a kitchen design plan:
To start out with, decide what kind of kitchen you want, modern or traditional, L-shaped or U-shaped, Galley or Two-way Galley. Once you have formed an idea of what you want, draw a blueprint of your kitchen design and plan out the space you require and the storage area. Think where you want the cabinets and how you are going to use them. Decide where you want the sink, the work counter and the refrigerator. Consider where you want to put the service points for water, gas and electricity. Cast an eye over your present kitchen when planning the new design and think how things can be arranged differently. You can also use a kitchen design software to help with your planning and drag and drop items until you get exactly what you want.

Creating more space in your kitchen:
If possible, you can take down a wall and create an open plan kitchen that extends into the living area. You can put in a kitchen island to separate the two parts. Instead of a fixed island, you can get one that can be rolled about as required. Islands come in different varieties and shapes, so, as fits your overall design, you can get a rectangular, square, rounded or oval island. If the island doubles as a storage space or a work counter, all the more better.

Install cabinets and drawers that go right up to the ceiling, so you can easily store away your cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, condiments, vegetables and other things. Put the less-often used items in the upper cabinets and frequently used items in the lower ones. If everything doesn't fit in, you could add hooks to the cabinet doors to hang pots and pans from. You might also want to review all the things you own and get rid of stuff that you don't really need. Either way, try to keep the clutter to a minimum.

Instead of a large dining table, go for a small corner table or a drop table. Or you can leave out tables from your scheme and put in a built-in wall counter, or build a table-height food preparation counter and double it as an eating area.

Get smaller and compact kitchen appliances. Install a larger sink, so it is easier to wash.

Giving an impression of spaciousness in your kitchen:
Apart from an optimum planning of space, you can create a spacious ambiance in your kitchen by judicious use of color and light.

Using a pale-colored wood for your cabinets or painting them in a pastel hue, for example, will create a more light appearance in the kitchen. You can help this effect further by installing glass-faced cabinet doors in place of solid ones.

When painting, papering or tiling the kitchen walls, again go for light, pastel shades with, maybe, splashes of brighter colors. The general rule is to use three main colors and their various shades and tints, but this isn't an iron-clad convention. Go for small and delicate patterns over bold ones. And use small-sized tiles rather than large or extra-large ones. Diagonally installed floor tiles can also help create the illusion of space.

If your kitchen has good ventilation and allows in plenty of natural light, that will be another plus. Consider installing a skylight, if this is possible and if you have rather small windows.

Before installing artificial lighting in your kitchen, go over your kitchen plan and identify the main areas that need sufficient lighting. You can have a central light for the whole kitchen and spot lighting for the cooking and washing areas. Install lights in cabinets and in under-counter storage areas, so you can search inside them easily. Make sure your kitchen lighting is both functional and aesthetic. A well-lit, well-planned kitchen will be a pleasure to live with.

Kitchen Layout

Kitchen Layout
Are you planning to design your kitchen? Read on to know about the kitchen layout that will suit the space.I have just moved into my house, and I can assure you that it wasn’t a cakewalk! Today, when I look at my home, I am amazed at the amount of work we actually had done within the given time frame. I especially love the kitchen, not because I love to cook, but because that it where I allowed myself the freedom to experiment keeping in mind my budget and the space available. Thankfully the time and money were well spent.

Looking for the perfect kitchen layout isn’t easy, so I thought I would share my findings with you. Hope this article helps you find the right kitchen layout!

Kitchen Layout

The Single Line Layout

This layout is a simple and a smart solution for rooms that are narrow and have one wall that is over 10 feet long sans doors and windows. The linear design of this layout is good as it allows for unimpeded traffic flow. If you are planning to include this layout in your kitchen, remember to place the sink in the middle of the platform with adequate space separating it from the range. Doing this would ensure that you don’t have to walk from one end of the room to the other so often.

The Corridor Layout

This layout offers the most efficient use of space as the two rows allow lots of room for preparation as well as moving between the activity areas. While implementing this plan, do ensure that there is enough room for opposite drawers to open at the same time. Also remember to keep the cleaning and cooking areas on the same side so that the risk of accidents while moving hot pans between the kitchen and the range are minimized.

The L-shape Layout

This layout is ideal for a family kitchen or for entertaining guests because it can easily accommodate chairs and tables in the same area. This kitchen design also benefits from the lack of through-traffic as the two adjacent walls are utilized in the design. In the L-shape layout, the sink, range and fridge should be separated by a preparation area.

The U-shape Layout

This layout makes use of the three full walls in a room. Using this layout offers the perfect working kitchen because most of the things required in the kitchen such as the range, fridge and the sink can be spaced out in such a way as to offer maximum efficiency and convenience. The U-shape of the layout also allows for large amounts of storage space and countertop.

The Island Layout

The island layout is perfect if you have more floor space available. Using this layout allows the cook to socialize while preparing the food. You could also make the island the focal point of the kitchen by including a cooktop with a canopy over the island!

Kitchen Design Tips
Place your sink(s) in an area where you have clear work surfaces to prepare food on both sides.
While planning your drawers and cupboards remember to do so around the appliances in your kitchen. Doing this will ensure that you have easy access to your everyday kitchenware and utensils.
Avoid placing appliances like dishwashers and ovens in a corner as this can create potential dead space and obstruct access to other drawers and cupboards when their doors are left open.
Include plenty of power points at various appliance locations.
When placing your fridge, do so in an area separate from the oven and hob in order to prevent potential damage caused by clashes in temperature.
When buying an oven, try and look for an eye-level one. Remember to place the oven next to other tall cabinets and a nearby heat-resistant bench surface.
Place the dishwasher near the sink as this will allow for easy loading, unloading as well as storage.

Cleaning Laminate Floor

Cleaning Laminate Floor
Laminate floors are one of the easiest flooring types to keep clean, with these ideas you can keep your floors looking their best.
Enlarge ImageCleaning Wood Laminate Floors

One of the biggest advantages to laminate floors is that they are made to look good for many years with very little upkeep: cleaning wood laminate floor and keeping them looking their best takes some upkeep, this is simple by using the following tips:

A mixture of 1/4 cup of vinegar into a 30 ounce spray bottle works well with a mop. Combine the water and vinegar, spraying a small area of your laminate floor and mopping it up right away. This works well for cleaning and allowing the floor to dry quickly with no streaks.

Store-bought Cleaners that are made specifically for Laminate floors are available at your local store. While these work well there seems to be no greater overall improvement than the home made mixture listed above.

Microfiber pads also work well without the need to use liquid.

If you do use a mop, use very hot water and make sure the mop is wrung out well - it will allow the floor to dry faster.

You can also clean your laminate floor by using the wand attachment on your vacuum. (avoid using anything else because it can scratch the laminate if sand or grit is in the vacuum).

Do NOT wax or polish your floor.

Here are some other ideas for keeping your laminate floor in top shape:

Try to blot up any spills on your laminate floors as soon as they happen. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor.

Do not wash or wet mop the floor - the less water you apply to the floor the better, this can prevent swelling, warping or delamination.

for spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper (like a credit card). Be careful not to scratch the laminate floors. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

keep your pets nails trimmed to avoid unnecessary scratching.

Place protective pads under tables and chairs. A mat under furniture with coasters is a good idea as well.

If your laminate is scratched, see if you can buy a touch up stick from your manufacturer.

If there is an area that cannot be cleaned to your satisfaction, a trained professional can also be called to replace the plank

Housekeeping Made Easy

Housekeeping Made Easy
Here are a few simple ways that will help you in keeping your house shining and sparkling clean...Spoiled food odour:

Place a bowl of white vinegar on the counter for a few hours. The odour will disappear for good.

Freshen a garbage disposal:

Sprinkle baking soda in it along with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Scrub with a brush (a new toilet brush works great), getting under the rubber gasket and all around the inside. Then, turn on water and let the disposal run to flush thoroughly. For a fresh citrus scent, throw in a few cut up lemons or limes and run them through, too, using lots of water.

Freshen laundry basket:

Place a fabric softener sheet in the bottom of your laundry basket (remember to change it weekly). You can also simply sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your basket and that will help absorb the odours as well.

Freshen linen closet:

In the linen closet place cotton balls that have been sprayed with your favourite scent. Once they are dry place them in corners and on the shelves.

Microwave filth:

Food splatters all over the inside of your microwave and cooks itself on after time. To easily remove this mess, place a sponge soaked in water in the microwave. Cook on high heat for 2 minutes, then allow it to sit without opening the microwave door, for 5 minutes. The filth is now ready to be wiped right off - no scrubbing - and your sponge is right there!

Microwave odours:

Keep a cup of baking soda in the microwave, between uses to keep potatoes from smelling like bacon or other unusual combinations!

Mothball substitute:

Take your leftover soap slivers and put them in a vented plastic bag. You place the bag with seasonal clothes before packing them away. Not only will the scent prevent them from moth harm, but also they'll smell great when you pull them out.

Permanent marker on carpet:

Dab a washcloth soaked in rubbing alcohol onto the marker stain. Do not rub it - just blot it - rotating the cloth to a clean spot every time.

Photos stuck together:

With a hair dryer on low, slowly melt them apart.

Cockroach problem:

Combine equal parts boric acid and sugar, mix well. Sprinkle in crevices and, if building or remodelling, between walls before putting up plaster board. Put the powder in jar lids; place lids behind the fridge and under sinks.

Laundry Tips

Laundry Tips
Tips to keep your clothes clean and wash your stains away!Aha! The sweet aroma that spreads around when a gust of wind blows through the clothes that are drying out in the sun! Lovely,fresh and clean... are three words that came to my mind when I visualized the scene.

Clothes are instrumental in changing a person's psyche. Not only do nice clothes makes one feel and look good, they have other positive effects on the over all personality of a person. For example, sometimes, a crisp and well coordinated outfit may be the only difference between two candidates with equal experience and skill. A clean and neat ensemble may also help in one's personal life, because a person's outfit is one of the first things people look at while interacting with them.

If you are yet depressed about not clicking it in your professional and personal life, go ahead, dunk your sorrows in a bucket and wash them away!

Here are some laundry tips to make washing clothes a lot easier and less of a back breaking chore.

Tips for Laundry
Use salt mixed with cold water while washing dark clothes for the first time, this helps set the color.
Clothes that have "dry clean only" tags can be washed at home using a mild soap and cold water.
To prevent fading, wash and dry clothes inside out
Use a mesh bag while washing small clothes like socks. This makes it easier to sort them out while drying.
Use hot water to wash clothes that are badly soiled.
Wash delicate clothes at home by placing them in a pillow case and tying up the mouth. The bag can then be placed in the machine and washed using the regular cycle and cold water.
Read instructions carefully before putting clothes in the machine.
Do not keep clothes soaked overnight,unless they are badly soiled.
Use laundry detergent specially manufactured for that material.
Laundry Cleaning Tips

If you have a child at home you would know what I mean by stains. On the other hand, even if you don't, I am sure there are times when you yourself come back with stains on your clothes. Read on for tips which will help you get rid of them!

Blood Stains:If the stain is fresh, wash the cloth with cold water. If the stain is dry, pour hydrogen peroxide over the stain as soon as possible.
Wine stains:Absorb as much of the liquid using salt, talcum powder, baby powder or cornstarch. After this is done, launder the clothes the usual way.
Fruit Stains:Fruit stains can be got rid of using club soda, moist salt or soaking in milk before laundering.
Chocolate Stains:If the stain is still visible after laundering, mix borax with cold water to form a paste and soak the stain in it for an hour. Then launder it again!
Grass Stains;To get rid of grass stains. Mix a few drops of household ammonia with 1 teaspoon peroxide. Rub the stain with this mixture and wash with water as soon as stain disappears.
Ink Stains:Apply hairspray on the stain and wash as usual.
Lipstick Stains:To remove lipstick stains, dampen the area with liquid detergent, rinse and then wash.

Famous Homes and Housekeepers

Famous Homes and Housekeepers
Cooking and housekeeping web sites spawned by TV shows and magazines make attaining domestic bliss easier than popping dinner in the microwave.The domestic industry has exploded over the past few years, creating a market for cooking, gardening, and home renovation media not seen since the 1950s. With so many chefs and lifestyle gurus attracting television viewers, it makes sense that most of them have their own web sites.

While many sites replicate the TV programs, detailed online directions facilitate whipping up your menu or decorating your home, thus saving you the bother of furiously scribbling notes as you watch the shows. If you missed an episode or forgot the instructions, you can access archives for recipes and repair tips to quickly find what you’re looking for. Now anyone can follow in the footsteps of Martha Stewart and Jacques Pepin by ordering cookbooks, equipment, and accessories online.

Not surprisingly, Reader’s Digest maintains one of the best lifestyle web sites. Here you can read articles covering everything from low-fat cooking to herbal remedies, and even receive instant recipes by compiling a list of foods you have on hand and submitting it. Voila! Who knew you could make something so scrumptious out of baking soda, pickles, and Tabasco sauce? Recipes are often grouped by category and have links to nutritional information and suggestions for alternating ingredients to create variations. You’ll also find horticultural and home remodeling advice galore, here and elsewhere on the Web. For the total interactive experience, post comments to a message board and ask the experts their opinions. You’re guaranteed to face your kitchen, garden, and living space with new gusto.

Kitchen Design basics

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Kitchen Sink Installation - How to Install a Stainless Steel Sink

Kitchen Sink Installation - How to Install a Stainless Steel Sink
Do you think it is possible to change the look of your kitchen by doing slight modifications? A stainless steel kitchen sink installation can give a fresh look to your kitchen. The only question is "How to install a stainless steel sink?". Well, read on the article and you will get to know...Kitchen sinks come in various materials, colors, designs, shapes and sizes. There are lot of kitchen sinks available in the market like steel, ceramic, porcelain, cast iron, copper. You can choose any of them according to your requirement, budget and interior of your kitchen. Kitchen sink installation helps to enhance the look of your kitchen. The steel sinks have further modified types such as stainless steel sinks, enamel coated steel sinks, polished steel sinks etc. Stainless steel sinks are the most popular sinks among the other sinks, because of their durability and low-maintenance. Stainless steel sink installation is also easy and can be done with DIY kitchen sink installation instructions.

Primary Instructions for Kitchen Sink Installation
Check, whether there are any restrictions on or rules that restrict plumbing working in your building or your area.
Always install the faucet or tap before installing the kitchen sink (only in case of a new installation).
Unpack the installation kits and other accessories and check for damages, in advance. Return to the manufacturer, if found defective.
If you are replacing an old sink, make sure that you have brought an appropriate sink, with the same shape, size and same hole outputs as the previous one.
How to Install a Stainless Steel Sink
Use the template, that comes with the sink, for drawing outlines and cutting the holes. You can use fretsaw for cutting the outlines.
Take 2x4 wood stud and cut them into parts of size 4 to 6 inches approximately. Screw them below the countertop, because of which it will not fall after removing supports.
Cut the sink from all the sides, and take off the support. Take aside the cutout section of the countertop.
Use bead of silicone for sealing the sink lip. Apply it to the sink edges, which will make them waterproof.
Adjust the sink and the countertop carefully.
Position the sink at the opening of the countertop, in such a way that the countertop will touch the solution used for sealing.
Use the mounting clips to pull down the sink. These clips come with the sink installation kit. They should be installed beneath the countertop, with the help of a screwdriver.
Remove the dust, excessive sealer from the sink and its ready to use.
After you finish the installation, check if it is working properly and make sure that there are no chances of a water leakage. You also need to install a plumbing kit along with the kitchen sink installation. So this is how a stainless steel kitchen sink is installed. Follow these general instructions for DIY stainless steel kitchen sink installation.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
It is very important to keep your kitchen sink clean and germ free. Even a clean-looking sink is contaminated with lot of germs and bacteria. It is capable of causing some serious health problems. Therefore, always make it a point to clean the kitchen sink with cleaning solutions, according to the type of your sink.

Stainless steel kitchen sinks are easy to clean, but they need a regular cleaning. In fact, any kitchen sink has to be cleaned regularly to maintain sanitation. You can use any mild cleaning solution and a nylon sponge to clean a stainless steel kitchen sink. You can use a vinegar soaked cotton cloth to clean the spots on the stainless steel sink. There are various stainless steel cleaning solutions available in the market, which do not cause any harm to the stainless steel surface of your kitchen sink. You can use any of them depending upon your kitchen sink. Avoid using abrasive cleaning sponge to clean the sink, which can create scratches on your sink surface.

If your kitchen looks dull, you do not have to go for kitchen remodeling to change the look of your kitchen. Installing a stainless steel kitchen sink accomplishes the purpose. Do clean the sink on a regular basis, which is very important. If you do it regularly, I bet you will never lose the fresh look of your kitchen!

Mental Health

Mental Health Tipsmenatalle things that give us positivity. Here are some essential tips to stay positive despite all adversities.

Share your Feelings
Sharing feelings is a very good idea, because when you speak about your feelings, you get a clear picture of your own thoughts. Also, the person listening to you, can give you some fresh insights or valuable suggestions. In case you don't have anybody with whom you can share your feelings, call up or write to a helpline. They can provide you with information on where to go for help.

Pen Down your Feelings on Paper
Write down all those thoughts that are bothering you a lot, on a piece of paper. It helps to offload the heaviness of your mind. As a result, with a light mind you can think of better solutions for your problems. This is good particularly for people who are introverted. Many people keep a record of their thoughts and feelings on a regular basis. It helps them to be aware of and deal with changes in their thoughts over time.

Keep your Goals Real
We should set goals for ourselves to move forward in life, but the goals should be real and achievable, or else, it may add up to your stress. Do not expect too much from yourself. Our long term goals often appear too distant and unachievable. So, it is better to break up the long terms goals into a series of short term goals. Chalk out a plan to complete each short term goal. Make changes in those plans, as and when required. Lastly, do not forget to compliment yourself generously, each time you succeed in achieving a goal!

Keep your Body Fit
Do some physical exercises regularly to keep your body fit. If you are not interested in hitting the gym everyday, then start playing your favorite sport or just go for a brisk walk on alternate days. When you are physically active, your body releases some useful chemicals that make you feel better.

Eat Healthy, Sleep Well
Take a good, healthy and balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that when you eat good food, it makes you feel better. Every night, try to get a deep sleep of eight hours. Lack of sleep may lead to problems like fatigue and irritation all through the following day.

Avoid too much Alcohol
When one is feeling low or has a restless mind, one tends to take alcohol to feel better. But that 'better' feeling is temporary. For the long term, alcohol is not good for mind or body. Consumption of alcohol can also lead to sleep disturbances .

Be Social
Your friends and relatives can make a lot of difference to your life. So, try to be in touch with them. A person in low mood, often finds it difficult to contact his or her loved ones. Get rid of that inhibition as fast as possible. Make some extra effort and give a call or send an email or a text message. The support that you receive from him/her will help to lift up your mood in no time.

Listen to Music
Music has healing powers. It helps us to unwind our mind. It works wonders to uplift our mood and energize us. When you feel down, you can listen to songs that deeply touch your emotions. Some songs remind us of special moments of our lives and brings forth our inner joy.

Take the Help of Professionals
In case of some adverse situations, we tend to feel depressed. However, if the depression continues for a long time, then we should opt for professional help without any hesitation. Remember, if you have identified your problem and are seeking for help, it shows your strength, not your weakness. It is one of the best ways to resolve your tensions.

Our wellness largely depends on the state of our mental health. Our abilities, disabilities and productivity are all dependent on our mental fitness. The best way to keep our mind free from all anxieties, is to nurture only positive thoughts.

The High Cost of Cancer Meds have some Cancer Patients Down

The High Cost of Cancer Meds have some Cancer Patients Down
Today, there are people trying to decide if they will buy groceries or their medications, and it’s not just the poor anymore. The cost of cancer medication has become astronomical. Being unable to afford access to good health coverage used to rest solely on the impoverished populations of our nation. Today, it’s hitting the middle class and affluent just as hard, if not harder. I know that sounds awry, but I believe I’m right.

Taxpayers absorb much of the bill because most cancer patients are covered by government insurance programs such as Medicare. And who normally foots those bills, but the middle-to-upper class in our society? So for them, it’s a double whammy.

But, because cancer is such a non-discriminatory illness, the slate of ease for the financially fit has been wiped clean. Today, there are people trying to decide if they will buy groceries or their medications, and it’s not just the poor anymore.

Isn’t someone scratching their heads wondering why? They should be! How come people who have to deal with the heartache of receiving a cancer diagnosis have the extra pain of figuring out how they will afford the very medications that will help extend their lives? Especially when the treatments of cancer, such as chemo, so tire a person out that they are unable to continue working and earning an income.

Something seems horrifically wrong with that picture, and up until now, I had wondered what the answer could be to such a mind-boggling problem. To illustrate the maniacal heights some of the prices of cancer meds can reach, take a look at this list:

Tarceva, a drug used to treat lung cancer, which happens to be the number one cancer in America that claims the most lives, is priced at $2,400 to $2,700 a month! That’s more than most people’s take home salary in a month’s time!

And what about Gleevec? It’s a cancer medication that is used for those suffering with Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). How much does it cost? It rolls in at a hefty $2,600 a month. Again, out of range for most Americans’ monthly budget.

How about Nexavar? Where does it rank in this stout list of cancer medications? Try $4,300 a month! That’s $51,600 a year! Take this drug for a couple of years, and you’re well over the $100,000 mark!

And who have I found is the grand puba of the group? Weighing in at about $10,000 a month is the cancer medication, heavy weight champion, Erbitux! If you take this medication for ten years, and you have a million dollar cap on your health insurance, you’ve maxed it out with the high cost of this med. Unbelievable, right?

Now, we know that will never happen because if you factor in the cost of care in addition to the cost of the cancer medication, you’d be over your insurance cap a lot faster, which is another fear of cancer patients: outliving their benefits.

It’s no wonder the high cost of cancer medications have some cancer patients down. And it gets even more frustrating when you think that not one of the drugs listed actually cures cancer. Not that it would make it right, but I think most could understand if someone charged that much for "the cure". If I had cancer, I’d certainly pay it.

But for those who do, and especially those who aren’t in a position to afford their medication costs, what can they do?

Thank God for patient assistance programs because they provide a way to get your expensive cancer medications for free! The very drugs that were listed for thousands of dollars a month can be free to you, if you know where to look. Don’t be discouraged; there are alternatives. The high cost of cancer meds don’t have to have you down any longer, and that’s good news.

Cancer and Meats

Cancer and Meats
A lot of research as well as heresy have gone into deciding whether a meat based diet encourages carcinogenic substances in the human system…but the debate still rages.Let us concede right in the beginning that some studies have shown some kind of relationship between a meat diet and frequency of occurrence of cancer in human body. However, there are many ifs and buts still to be unraveled. Of course, the definition of meats may also be a deciding factor for coming to any conclusion, because in English language, the word meat is so expansive!!

The story started in 1970, when Dr. Ernst Wynder, a scientist, claimed a direct connection between animal fat intake and the occurrence of cancer. But some time later it was proved that these were really vegetable fats he was talking about and hence the entire thing collapsed.

Most scientists agree that in linking the occurrence of cancer to meat consumption, a large number of factors should ideally be taken into account. The kind of meat we are talking about, the processing of that meat, the chemicals or preservatives added to it, and finally, the storage and preserving system…all go up to define the nature of the edible meat produced. In fact despite all these specifications being laid down, there still a number of other factors that may influence the occurrence of aberrant cell behavior (which is what cancer actually is).

In fact, a study of the Seventh Day Adventists that is often referred to in a bid to prove that a vegetarian diet is healthier than non-vegetarian diet is itself an example of these X factors. While most members of this Christian denomination are vegetarians, it is also equally true that they also do not smoke, drink tea, coffee or alcohol …and all or any of these can be the reason for the body playing host to carcinogenic cells. So we cannot be sure that it is no meat or actually no other things that help protect them from cancer. Besides, the do have cancer in some instances, maybe less colon cancer but definitely show instances of other cancers like cervical or prostrate or even skin. Another example is Mormons, who believe in moderation for everything in life, but also do not smoke or drink. But for every Mormon example, there are instances of Puertio Ricans who traditionally eat a lot of fatty meats, but remarkably suffer from a very low rate of colon and breast cancers.

On the contrary, societies that traditionally have a high fat meat diet, also do not show instances of early death or faster body degeneration. In fact, the aborigines of Australia have high life spans, so do the Inuit’s and the Russians of the Caucasian Mountains. In fact the Hunzas, a very robust people, eat large portions of goat milk and other raw milk products, which seem to have much higher content of animal fats than our good old cow milk. On the other hand, the strictly vegetarian Brahmins of South India seem to have the shortest life span among traditional societies, largely because of a distinct lack of animal fats and proteins in their diet. Something here doesn’t quite tie up.

The American Cancer Society, however, has other ideas. According to their statistics, more than half of people diagnosed with stomach cancer, die because their diagnosis is too late. Studies conducted by researchers at Tufts University in Boston looked at nearly 250 people, as compare with about 450 healthy people, have brought up a very interesting fact. The questionnaires identified two main dietary patterns – the healthy diet (with higher amounts of fruits, vegetables and grain products and lower amounts of red meat, processed meats and gravy), and the high-meat diet consisting of high in red meats and low in fruits, vegetables and cereal. A third diet strain was excessive salts, snacks, desserts and milk or white bread diets. Statistics showed that people with a high meat diet were 3.5 times more likely to have cancer of the esophagus, an almost 3 times more likely to have stomach cancer, as compared to the healthy diet people. People with high milk diet and white bread diet also did not fare too well, they had almost doubled their chances of contracting cancer by moving away from a healthy diet. Salty snacks diet also tripled the risk as did white bread. Of course, the study does not identify in what form red meat is harmful.

The researchers then identified foods that help prevent cancer - Dairy products, fish, all vegetables, citrus fruit and juices, and dark bread, poultry, dark-yellow vegetables, cereals, and tomatoes all significantly reduced the risk by more than half.

There are a large number of such studies doing the rounds, some come up with percentages, and others give only indicative information. Among them, credibility comes with the findings of the National Cancer Institute that claims 35% to 60% of cancer is caused by dietary factors.

Researches abound and so do claims. But the one fact that we have to know is that cancer is basically a lifestyle related disease. The rest of the conclusions are basically isolated reasons. For instance, at least one study has shown a relationship between the natural sugars in dairy products and ovarian cancer in women. Breast cancer rates are lower in plant based diets while colon based cancer is closely related to animal based diets. But then again, it could be due to the preservatives added to these or even pollution that could make them poisonous. So along with other things, cleaner air, cutting back on intoxicating chemicals (caffeine for one), alcohol, and toxicity in the environment – could all be contributing factors in reducing the risk of cancer. That may be why just being a vegetarian may not guarantee a cancer free life or even longevity.

Fighting Cancer At The Dinner Table

Fighting Cancer At The Dinner Table
More and more we hear about how what we eat directly affects our health and there is a large amount of research being done on food and how it can prevent and even treat cancer. Here are some super foods you can eat now to help protect yourself.Cancer is nation's second most deadly disease, so it's a good thing that scientists are now looking at ways that food can help to prevent as well as fight cancer. In the decades to come, we'll probably hear about major breakthroughs in medicine that will allow you to heal your body using nutritious foods instead of toxic drugs.

But what can you do today to help your body stay healthy and avoid cancer?

One way is to eat a lot more nutrient dense foods like fruits and vegetables and especially juices that you choose yourself from organic fruits and vegetables. Avoiding packaged foods in foods that have no nutritional value is key for your overall health and not just to help ward off cancer.

There are many great foods that you can eat that will boost your overall health and help arm your body to fight cancer and perhaps some of the best are foods rich in phytochemicals such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and cabbage. The dark green leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce and spinach are packed with lutine and fiber as well as carotenoids which all contain cancer fighting substances. You want to eat generous amounts of foods that contain the vitamins A, E and C which are antioxidants that help protect you from cancer by fighting free radicals in your body.

Tomatoes have been getting a lot of press lately as a cancer fighting superfood since they are good sources of vitamins A, E and C as well as containing the antioxidant phytochemical lycopene which also helps prevent heart disease. Eating them cooked will help you absorb more of the lycopene and you can enjoy them this way in pasta sauces and by adding slices of tomato your pizza. But that doesn't mean that you should avoid them raw because raw tomatoes contain important enzymes so you can add these to your sandwiches or use them to make fresh juice.

Watermelon taste great in the summer, but did you know that it's packed with antioxidants and has about 80% of the daily requirement that you need for vitamin C. It's also loaded with beta-carotene which your body uses to make vitamin A as well as lycopene. Watermelon taste great and slices, but in the summertime it's also fun to just throw some of the blender and make a great nutritious smoothie.

If you want to reduce your risk of rectal and colon cancer load up on the cabbage. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in fiber and also contains almost half of the daily requirement of vitamin C that is recommended.

I don't know if carrots will actually help your eyesight but they have a lot of fiber and are a great source of beta-carotene and contain about three times the daily requirement of vitamin A which can help boost your health and help you fight illness like cancer.

Speaking of fiber, did you know that a mere quarter cup of kidney beans has the same amount of fiber as well as protein is 2 ounces of red meat? And if you love pasta, switching to whole wheat will also give you a good source of fiber plus if you add in some broccoli you get even more fiber as well as a load of vitamin A and C. For dessert throw in some strawberries and blueberries and maybe even a helping of low-fat yogurt for even more cancer fighting goodness.

Mouth Cancer Symptoms

Mouth Cancer Symptoms
Scared about cancer, especially mouth cancer. Here are some mouth cancer symptoms to help you understand mouth cancer better…Cancer is the deadliest affliction that anyone can get…it starts as an abnormal growth of cells, that leads to a tumor and can quite often be deadly. Mouth cancer can be cancer of the lip, tongue, gums and floor of the mouth. Though not so common but it can occur on the inside of the cheeks and the palate. Mouth cancer more often than not results from the use of tobacco. And do not be misguided into think that just because you are now smoking pipes instead of cigarettes, using snuff or chewing tobacco, is going to reduce your chances of mouth cancer. Chewing tobacco and keeping it in one corner of the mouth for long periods of time results in a pre-cancerous condition called leukoplakia. Other causes of mouth cancer include consumption of spirits, badly fitted dentures; poor oral care, chewing on betel nut o betel leaf. Another major cause of mouth cancer is the combination of smoking and alcoholism.

Mouth Cancer Symptoms

There are certain symptoms by which mouth cancer can be identified. Basically there are two common symptoms of mouth cancer.
More than 80 percent of the people diagnosed with mouth cancer had an ulcer in the mouth that did not heal.
And a discomfort, burning or pain in the mouth that is persistent.
There are other symptoms as well. These are listed below:
Patches that are red or white in the mouth or the throat region that refuse to go.
A lump in the mouth or throat or a thickening in the lip.
Swallowing becomes difficult because of discomfort or pain.
Throat irritation or sensation of something being stuck.
Random bleeding and numbness in the mouth.
Teeth start falling for no particular reason.
Jaw becomes tight and difficult to move.
Problems in talking and speech.
Unusual node or lump in the neck.
Sudden weight loss.
Bad breath, which is a condition, called halitosis.
Mouth Cancer symptoms explained

Here are some of the mouth cancer symptoms explained:
Red or white patches: any patch that appears randomly and is red or white in color could be a mouth cancer symptom. The white patches in the mouth are called leukoplakia and the red patches are called erythroplakia, which are pre-cancerous conditions. Though these red or white patches are not always cancerous, it could be the result of a fungal infection called thrush. Thrush will lead to a red patch after the white patch disappears, but it can be cured with treatments.
Difficulty in swallowing: when there is pain, discomfort or burning while chewing and swallowing, you could have mouth cancer. It can also feel like there is something stuck in your throat that you cannot get down. But this does not always mean you have mouth cancer. It could also be the result of stricture, which is the narrowing of the food pipe or esophagus. It is always to get this checked out by a doctor to rule out cancer or diagnose it and get treatment started immediately.
Problem with talking or speech: if you have mouth cancer, one of its symptoms is going to be difficulty in talking. Your voice will sound different and huskier. There can also be some slurring and trouble pronouncing.
Persistent lump in the neck: if you find a lump in your neck which could be the result of enlarged lymph node, it needs to checked out immediately. But if the lump is red, painful and oozes then it indicates an infection rather than cancer.
Weight loss: sudden and drastic weight loss is a sign of any form of cancer. If you lose more than 10 pounds without any apparent reason such as exercising and dieting, it is best to get it checked out with a doctor.
Halitosis: everyone has bad breath at some point, this doesn’t mean cancer. But persistent bad breath or halitosis is a sign of mouth cancer.
Not all symptoms result in cancer; so before you get all worked up, get yourself checked by a doctor.