Bold Colors Put Pizzazz In The Kitchen

By Phil Paterson

A kitchen is a kitchen, right? It's that place in the home where staid white appliances and functional flooring live together in boredom.

If you think that it looks good that way then you are wrong. Homes today have creative kitchen decor because the kitchen is used more for gathering with friends and family.

So what makes this room in the home so appealing (besides the food?). Many designers think that a kitchen's appeal depends on its colors. Vibrant colors with high energy can create a room where people love to get together. The trick is to recognize some of the kitchen basics, and build with them or around them.

Most appliances are either stainless steel, black or white. Kitchens don't have a large amount of wall space that is open so designers are suggesting that you use a bold color on the walls so it will bring out the colors of the appliances.

Darker wood or paint colors for cabinets have come into style for kitchens. This means that deeper hues of wall colors will hold up against them. Some designers like the warmth of shades traditional to Mexican arts and crafts -- copper, ginger, henna and gold. In addition, these bold colors are popping up in surprising places, such as a burnt-orange countertop around a stainless steel sink.

Traditional colors are important and in style as well. Red, yellow, and apricot are some of the more warm colors. These colors are now being used in different ways. If you want a country-style kitchen color choose green and pink but make them a rustic green with a strawberry shade of pink instead.

Color influences are coming from all around the world. For example when the 2008 Olympics were held in Beijing the Chinese tradition was that the color red was for good luck.

What makes these ethnic trends chic? Designers say it isn't just the colors, but the way they're combined in new ways that gives the combinations greater sophistication. Burnt orange could be paired with brilliant blue, or deep purple with a more subdued yellow. Neutrals such as dark brown and shades of gray from soft dove to deep charcoal are providing interesting accents to many bold color stylings in the kitchen.

Try to avoid colors that you see in your favorite restaurant. These colors can be over done and it would not look right in a kitchen in the house.

Instead, give your kitchen some pizzazz with bold new colors in your kitchen cabinets as well as your curtains and area rugs. Use bold colors in the curtains, area rugs, and cabinets. - 32406

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Where To Find The Best Kitchen

By Patricia Connor

If you like kitchens, then you probably know that these rooms are getting a lot more attention than they used to. Now there is a lot of emphasis on ensuring that this is a great place of the house so that during all the times when people use this room the most, they are going to be in the best environment. As a result you might find that there is a lot of pressure to ensure that you match up to your friends and family.

You don't have to spend a huge amount of money if you want to make the kitchen look a lot better. First you need to decide whether it is actually necessary to change the room very drastically with new fixtures and the like, or if it will suffice that you make a couple of well placed, less significant changes.

If it is necessary to make huge changes to the room then this is going to cost you more and you would need to try and manage your expenses. A good idea would be to try and do a lot of the work with your own expertise but you are going to have to make sure that you choose your tasks cleverly. There is no point in doing everything yourself if you are not sure what you need because this will only end up costing you more money in the end.

You would look to find a contractor that can do a number of tasks for you such as the tiling, plumbing, any electrical work and also the installation of the cabinets.

You are generally able to find people that do all of this. The moment you go for more than one supplier, it is going to be more expensive.

Try to work with the contractor as much as you can. There are two reasons for this recommendation. Firstly, this is a quick and easy way in which to ensure that the work is done to the level of quality that you would like. Secondly, it is also a good way for you to learn some of the tricks of the trade. So you could find that you would not need to hire a contractor for this type of work again.

Kitchen all over the world are changing and in various degrees. This means that you don't have to feel the need to rip everything out and start again. You can just brighten or lighten a little and add something that is unique to the space. This will give you a great new room at a fraction of the price. - 32406

About the Author:

For a range of fully assembled or fitted kitchens, check out the Wren Kitchens site. Range includes both modern as well as traditional designs. Please visit the kitchen store at Howden to check out the kitchen ranges. Also use the free online kitchen planner tool to design your dream kitchen.

Selecting An Elkay Kitchen Sink Is Easy If You Use These Top Tips

By Sonia Kekkonen

Do you want to find a kitchen sink that is as beautiful as it is practical? Do you want an artistic looking sink that is well made and will last a long time? Selecting an Elkay Kitchen Sink should be something that you will consider. These tips may help to make your selection process a bit easier.

When you first visit the product website, you will want to take a look at the sink families pages. These pages are really helpful because they give you photos of the styles available. Each family is organized by artistic design qualities, not by price. You can check out the prices for the sinks, too, but that may or may not be your primary concern at first.

You can find sink families ranging from very utilitarian to even exotic in shape and material. Choices range from stainless steel in different configurations to granite or even copper. Visiting the sink families on the Internet will give you an idea of what you might like to have. The stainless steel sinks have a very modern look and bold metal color, while the copper sinks tend to look warm and inviting. The granites come in different colors, so that you can coordinate them with your overall kitchen design plan.

Some of the sinks actually are historic or even iconic in design. And, you can find some that are based on regional American design influences. In this category you can find sinks that look like they are from a farm kitchen, because they are not divided, are very deep, and are made from stone materials. If you want to create a traditional American style kitchen with a very welcoming feel, then these sinks are an excellent choice.

The company offers gourmet sinks that include professional design components. You can choose from plain or hammered copper, but you can also have stainless steel or granite if you prefer. The sinks are made with single or multiple bowls in a wide variety of dimensions and depths. And interesting option is that you can choose special accessories to match the sink, such as special strainers, rinsing baskets, or cutting boards in different sizes.

The designer sinks are signature designs created by top American designers who have years of residential and commercial design experience. Look for these unique and distinctive designs in the Design Inspirations category. These designs are worth a peek if you truly want something very special in your kitchen.

Elkay Kitchen Sinks have many, many styles to choose. They offer multiple dimensions, materials and accessories in every sink family, so give yourself extra time the first time you visit the company website. You will get plenty of great ideas from just looking at first. Then, you will have more questions than you planned, and can find the answers to them right on the web pages. The prices are clearly posted, so you can shop for a sink that looks custom made, but making your choices as easily as if the sinks were standard brands. What is great to know, is that these sinks are well made, and designed to last for many, many years. So, plan to look the site over carefully, and choose just the right sink for your special kitchen. - 32406

About the Author:

Elkay Kitchen Sinks are among the most beautiful sinks available. Whether you are seeking amongst the many fabulous Elkay Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks, or looking for sink accessories, visit us today for the best buying tips.

Ideas For Using Kitchen Tiles

By Param Punya

Tiles are so important to kitchen decor that they can literally make or break a kitchen. One of the reasons for such immense power is that tiles are very versatile. They come in such myriad sizes, shapes, colors and texture that millions of beautiful patterns can be woven out of them. If tiles are given a prominent role in kitchen decor then no two kitchens would look alike.

Kitchen tile ideas

To give the kitchen a proper look, use tiles made from different materials like ceramic, stone or glass. It would be better if kitchen floor were of a color that contrasts with doors. That would make the kitchen look larger. Do not use coordinated colors between work surface, floor and walls. Rather, to create an impact, go for contrasting or accented colors. You should not forget the color of the grout while working on the tiles. A contrasting grout color can add to the appearance of the kitchen but reveal grouting faults. A coordinated grouting color will give a seamless look

The type of tiles used depend depends on where it is being used. Backsplash tiles should be easy to clean and maintain. On the other hand flooring tiles need to be strong and long lasting since they undergo the maximum wear and tear. Glass therefore cannot be a flooring tile and is used only as an accent tile on the floor. The color of floor tiles is also important. Dark floor contrasting with colors makes the kitchen look bigger.

The place to have beautiful tile patterns is the wall. They have ample space for a complete work of art, if you can afford it. The tiles on the counter top should be strong, heat resistant, durable, easy to clean and non porous. - 32406

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Just about any kitchen can be made to look gorgeous using kitchen tiles - if you have the right ideas. For more ideas for kitchen tiles check out Truly Lovely Home.

Butter Up A Wonderful Morning With The Krups Convection Toaster Oven

By Henry Jeon

Toasting your food has never been so much easier with the Krups convection toaster oven. If you have a large family you will love the ease of this six slice beauty of the FBC4 model that won't let you down or overheat. It is larger than a regular toaster oven but packs a punch and does a whole lot more.

The Krups FBC4 has a sleek black design with stainless steel. It is an added accessory that looks sharp in any kitchen and has a high functionality. The large oven holds many items and will be an asset to any kitchen. Its presets and easy to use buttons will be easily understandable and versatile with the five preset modes included in the device.

You convection aspect of the oven is wonderful for baking at any age. Cookies and brownies come out to perfection with the extra heating element. There are six preset buttons in all included in the features of the oven. From pizza to bagels your food will come out great every time. This model even will defrost your food items as well.

The oven works great because the cycle of heat from the elements radiate from the bottom of the oven to the top and repeats this process until cooking is finished. With one touch you can depend on this oven to get the job done while you perform other tasks. Use the auto buttons to make it even easier. There is even a defrost feature on the device.

You can count on the toasting element of the LBC4 model as much as any other Krups brand to toast evenly. In the average toasting time it takes about two minutes to toast. It can hold up to six slices of bread and cook all of them evenly. Your family won't be fighting over the toaster as it can do it all at once.

The timer function is adjustable to this is great. In one minute increments you can set the timer from one minute and an hours and thirty minutes. You can also adjust the time while the oven is already timing and you don't have to start over at all. The oven will also automatically shut off when it is done cooking.

LCD light display is standard on this model of the Krups line that shows the timer and oven temperature as well as displaying a clock for your use. The slide out racks is adjustable and reversible for ease of use and has a non-stick coating. There is also a baking and broiling tray included with the model. You can easily bake or broil while catching any grease that comes off with ease.

You won't miss a beat of your day by using the Krups convection oven model FBC4. You can be on your way and out the door in no time and get a great breakfast. You can spend more time during lunch and fix a quick dinner at the end of the day. - 32406

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All out of gift ideas for someone special? Make your special person happy with a Krups convection toaster oven! The Krups convection countertop oven makes a perfect gift for anyone on your shopping list happy all year round! Buy one now!

Interior Design Schools

By Michael James

Do you have a flair for interior design? Are you always redecorating your room, or telling your friends and family that that piece of pottery they bought yesterday would look great over there? Then, the best place you could be to develop your skills is one of the many interior design colleges or design schools that there are about nowadays.

With a little help and a little gentle encouragement you could find yourself well on the way to setting up your own interior designing business. Then you'd be in the place that everyone wants to be: doing a job that they love and enjoy. So, what are these interior design colleges and what can they do for you?

Well, to start with, the number of interior design colleges that you will encounter in your search will be large and, at times, even confusing. If you make a search on the Internet or just call up the colleges and ask for a course catalogue you can then make an informed decision about which of the interior design colleges you would like to go to.

If your life is too hectic these days, but you still want to fit in a course or two, you have the choice of going for any of the Internet interior design colleges that seem so numerous these days. Or perhaps you could even try a night course or correspondence course in your pursuit of interior design knowledge.

All of these interior design colleges teach basically the same things and will develop your own natural abilities. You'll learn everything from scratch and will be given an insight into why certain colours match well next to each other and why other colours don't.

You'll learn when to apply the rules that you're given and when you can break them. But above all, you'll learn how to use your natural design abilities with the knowledge that you've garnered at the college and blend it into a mix that is greatly pleasing to the eye.

Moreover, if interior design colleges are your thing then you can be assured of coming away with a lot more than only knowledge on how to place what colour next to what colour to get a stunning effect. By taking at least one or two courses, or even by doing the whole range of courses offered to you, you'll be multiplying your natural interior designing abilities at least a hundred times.

It is quite unique having a confidence boost to increase up your own natural skills and to be able to tell someone with absolute confidence that you are a real, bona fide interior designer. - 32406

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If you are searching for stylish interior design colleges , then you really must go along to our website for more free ideas on Stylish Home Decor and more.

Tips On Decorating Your Home

By Jean Parker

Often, consumers spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars filling their homes with decorative and functional pieces. From furniture to accessories, finding the right combination of colors, textures and fabrics to create a warm and inviting environment, can get very costly. There are a few things shoppers should keep in mind when it comes to those big ticket items.

Functionality

Buyers should consider functionality when deciding on whether or not a piece of furniture or artwork is worth their hard earned money. Those on a budget should be paying close attention to making sure the essentials are paid for before moving on to luxury items like vases, wall art, or decorative pillows. Couches and chairs should take priority over rugs and lamps. While rugs and lamps certainly add character and depth to the decor, seating options not only take up the most space, but get the most use. These are not items consumers should skimp on. When it comes to fine furnishings, shoppers will get what they pay for where comfort and durability are concerned. If pets or children are a consideration when picking out fabrics, a little extra money spent will go a long way in the life of a piece of furniture. This also goes for bedroom furniture. The mattress and box spring are items that get nightly use, so spending a good chunk of money will go a long way.

Style

While spending big cash on a new couch in a bold, graphic pattern might seem like a great idea today, it may not match the decor a few years down the road. Why spend money by either replacing the piece or buying an expensive slip cover when the money could be better spent on a neutral sofa that will stand the test of time. DIY decorators can display their personal taste and character with throw pillows, blankets or other accent pieces in vibrant colors and prints. Other fine furnishings such as dining room tables, dressers, and coffee tables should all be assessed in the same manner.

Accents

When you are ready to purchase the accents for your room, you need to think carefully before making a large prices purchase. If you are purchasing something that you will want with you for years to come, make sure it is a piece that will be easy to fit should you change colors and decor, down the road. This is not as important for items such as throw pillows and inexpensive lamps, however when it comes to framed artwork this is an item that you will have for years and when you are done with it you will want to pass it down as a family tradition of sorts.

Shopping without regret is the main focus when decorating your home. This is why you should always consider each purchase carefully before deciding you can't live without it. Have fun and let your creativity go wild. - 32406

About the Author:

When you are ready for a new home dcor one of the best websites to log onto is www.schots.com.au. Whether you are searching for a new bathroom vanity or a lovely fireplace, we have it all!

Kitchens Are The Most Important Rooms

By Patricia Connor

By now, you've either seen or heard how kitchens play a very big role in any home. The fact is, that's where we all get together and spend some quality time. There is much that is demanded of these rooms and therefore they need to be brought up to date. Improving kitchens will add value to the home, and also to your quality of life.

Doing it right is the most important thing of all. You should have a plan. You should always look to see if you can increase your storage space. Today, more than ever, we need as much storage space as we can get. In addition to that, you'll want to improve on the usage of the space to the maximum.

For instance, we have different needs today than we did a few years ago. One of those needs is to have available storage to handle the garbage sorting that is required of us for recycling purposes. In order to make life easier, you should plan a separate space just for this. You'll find it an excellent addition to your room which will save you lots of time.

If you're renovating your kitchen to add resale value to your home, do so with the buyer in mind. That means that you should be choosing the style and the materials that are most sought after by new buyers.

If you're doing it only to bring it up to date, and for your own purposes, choose what you like, as long as you stay within the architectural style of your home. An overly traditional kitchen in an ultra modern environment may not be the ideal situation.

One thing that many people fail to succeed at is staying within the budget. Calculate what you can afford. With regards to your renovations. It's important that you pay attention to small details that can be quite costly and often neglected in the initial calculations. It's unfortunate, but many homeowners run out of money very early on in their projects, and then have to find other sources to compensate and complete the renovations.. - 32406

About the Author:

Selecting a kitchen for your dream home has just got easier with Wren Kitchens. Visit the kitchens range available on the internet.

Typical Utensils And Gadgets For A Starter Kitchen

By Amy Stevens

When it comes to stocking up your new kitchen with all the tools that you might need, there are thousands of items that you could choose from on the market. One of the first rules to think about is to look to get tools that can fulfil a variety of functions and thus will allow you to save time, money and space on having others all over your kitchen.

You will need tools for prep work. Get a serrated chef's knife which can be used to chop a large variety of different sorts of food. These sorts are also preferable over getting a straight edged knife as the teeth are better for cutting.

Along with you knife or knives you will need to get a cutting board. This is so that you don't need to cut your food on the kitchen surfaces, which is both unhygienic and may well scratch up the tops of the surfaces. You will also need a basic can opener in order to be able to open cans. It may be a utensil that fulfils a single task, but its a very important one.

When you start your cooking, there are again several very basic but extremely important items that you need to get. For starters, you will always need a saucepan in order to be able to boil and steam and and do a variety of different cooking tasks. You will also need a colander so that you can drain your food and a spatula in order to stir it.

When using the oven you will obviously be needing a baking dish. This can be used for a variety of foods such as roasting meats and vegetables and baking cakes. Without this you oven is pretty much useless, so make sure that you are equipped with several of different sizes.

The final stage of the cooking process is actually serving the food up. For this you will need plates and cutlery. The staple of knives, forks and spoons come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit all sorts of foods and you should make sure that you have a good set of them.

You should also get a good mixing bowl in which to mix up ingredients when cooking and also to serve things like salads for a barbecue.

These are just the basic sort of utensils that you should be getting for your new kitchen. - 32406

About the Author:

Amy Stevens is an expert in home improvement. If you would like further information about varieties of kitchen or are searching for a reputable kitchen retailer please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com

Discover the Many Benefits of a Good Herbs Guide

By Peter Williams

There are so many varieties of herbs that it's sometimes difficult to identfiy which is which. If this has happened to you, wouldn't an herbs guide be handy to have. This practical tool will allow you to positively identify the herbs your are looking and your cooking will have that unique flavor.

A Selection of Herbs

What would you consider to be the tastiest herbs & healthiest herbs? There's no doubt that garlic would feature prominently in this category & would appear in every single herbs guide. Garlic provides a superb taste and also has health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart problems.

Hawthorne berry is another well researched herb you can find in an herbs guide. This herb can improve the heart condition, as it opens the coronary arteries and helps to slow a rapid heart rate. Ginkgo Biloba helps the eyes and is very helpful to patients suffering from macular degeneration.

It can be used in the treatment of senility & inner ear problems as well. For assistance with managing Alzheimers and arthritis, try Tumeric and for anti-flammatory, eat some Licorice.

Herbs... Delicious, Healthy & Smell Wonderful

There's much more to using a herbs guide than your health, many varieties are used exclusively for cooking. If you're wanting a 'minty' taste to you Italian cooking, use Basil, for a spicy, gutsy flavor, oregano is the one. Other varieties used in the kitchen include chives, cilantro, dill, hyssop & mint.

Whilst reading your herbs guide you may learn that the herbs used for cooking vary from other extracts like roots, fruit or even dried leaves and roots. Used mainly for improving taste without affecting substance, cooking herbs are added in small amounts. Lots of common cooking herbs are shrubs, as rosemary is, while others, bay laurel for example are tree extracts from botanic plants.

The Kitchen Cousins... Herbs & Spices

Spices & herbs are sometimes used to describe the same part of a plant, afterall they're both responsible for improving the flavor of food. As for the difference between them, the aromatic varieties such as pepper are generally referred to as a spice and the green, leafier plants such as rosemary are herbs. The former prefers a warmer climate and herbs a more temperate environment.

If you are interested in becoming a better chef, then you must open your heart to the great variety of herbs out there! Basil, oregano, mint, ginger-they all have health benefits and taste great. Find yourself an herbs guide and start learning about the different uses and benefits that come from each of these culinary gifts. - 32406

About the Author:

Herb loving maniac & all round good guy Peter Williams, lives for herbs alone... so for more great information about a guide for herbs check out What Are The Best Herbs?

More Simple A Short Article About A Kitchen Planner

By Amy Stevens

Designing and creating a kitchen, whether it is during the construction of the home or remodeling the existing area, can be a long drawn out process. The kitchen is the most visited place in the home and it is important to do the project as fast as possible. Sometimes the assistance of a kitchen planner can help speed up the process.

There are two totally different kinds of planners for the kitchen project. One of them is a software program that is run in a computer. This has many benefits but not as many as the other one. A personal planner can take care of the details involved in the kitchen project, from picking the appliances to the color of paint on the walls.

The software can be found at just about any store that sells software for the home computer. It is very affordable at around twenty dollars and can help with the finances and building of the kitchen. This type of software can be purchased for any type of room that needs to be remodeled or constructed from the ground up.

The program for the computer can give one advantage to the homeowner. They are able to see what the kitchen looks like when it is completed before the work has even started. This software is really helpful if the kitchen or any other area is odd shaped or is very small. To find a wide range of programs and software, do a little shopping on line or visit your local computer store.

The kitchen planner that is paid to help can offer assistance to those that do not have the time or expertise to design and build a kitchen. It can often be expensive to hire a professional to oversee the project, but for those that do not have the time and have the money to spend, it can help a great deal.

The planner that is hired to oversee the project will typically meet with the homeowner from time to time to get an insight of what is expected and to check and see if the owner likes the choices made. They often make sure the right supplies and materials are ordered and delivered as expected and on time. The planner will often take sole responsibility of the project, giving the homeowner time to concentrate on other tasks.

To find either the software or the professional to assist you in your remodeling needs, do a little research on line or talk to an associate at a home improvement store. The results will be a freshly designed kitchen and not a lot of headache. Using a planner will take the guess work out of any project. - 32406

About the Author:

Amy Stevens is an expert in kitchen design. If you want further information about varieties of kitchen planner or are looking for a reputable kitchen retailer please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com

Custom Cabinet Tips: How To Save Money On Your Next Custom Cabinet Job By Selecting The Equipped Shop.

By Keith Sorenson

If I were to ask you to associate custom cabinets with affordable what would you say? Well, for many of us that have been around for a bit we have this idea that the phrases custom cabinets are truly that ideal place of destination for our kitchen should we have an unlimited amount of money to spend. Ironically, despite the increase in supplies, the cost of custom cabinets is decreasing and a lot of this has to do with the change to the process.

This article is about small business going hi-tech in order to improve on price and maintain a custom service for their clients. I support small businesses abroad and I applause LyndenCraft for making such a step in their production process. I support entrepreneurs. More importantly those with such a unique skill set that when combined with technology can offer you some of the best products around. What used to be accomplished with manual labor, a table saw, keen eye and a steady hand is now accomplished on a 4 foot by 8 foot flat surface and robotic router. Imagine pieces being cut within 1/100th of an inch in accuracy. Accurate, safe for the employees and more importantly for you and I it costs less because less man hours are required.

Local shop owner, Steve Oates, shared this story, "I received a phone call from a local resident. She was anxious to receive a fast quote over the phone for some custom cabinets. In particular, she was wanting a custom island to match her kitchen cabinets. According to the caller, Home Depo_ quoted her about $6,700 for a kitchen island including a non-granite countertop. After speaking with her I shared that I felt pretty sure we could probably save her at least $1,400. But I went one step further. I even included granite with her cabinets and she could choose up to 20 styles." She was surprised as I was when he shared the story.

He went on to explain that larger manufacturers leave no room for custom cabinet revisions without up charging the client. But not him. Steve said, "Everything we do is customized. Recently I went to Charlotte home and noticed the upper cabinet above the stovetop hood wasn't allowing the hood to fit properly. Since they wanted to reuse the hood.. I simply added an extra " to the width (1/8" on each side for extra space)." I asked him if there was any additional charge and he laughed. He said, "Charges? No way. That's part of the custom service they get with their custom cabinets and my price is hard to beat in Charlotte."

In closing Steve shared more about the custom service that they work so hard to maintain. He shared, "I mention to all my clients wanting to invest in custom cabinets. The process of preparing, designing and installing custom cabinets is just as important as enjoying the end product. Many of my clients share disappointing stories about the contractor that sold well and delivered poorly." Steve continues, "We strive to shatter their conception of a contractor. From the moment we step foot into their home until we remove our last tool. It is our desire to develop a working relationship with our clients. We are committed to developing an enjoyable process and product that they show off and share with friends. Even more important. I trust they will use their new custom kitchen so that it becomes a focal point in their home as they create moments of community with neighbors, family and friends. That's the true beauty created from the use of a functional and spacious kitchen. - 32406

About the Author:

Outdated Kitchen? Before you buy any custom kitchen cabinets be sure to read this aricle about Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Cabinets.

The Evolution Of The Dining Table

By Alexander Stone

The tabula is a word that has been used for more than 2000 years. It is Latin for plank, board, or level top piece. In Spanish, tabula is known as mesa which is derived from another Latin word: mensa. In Old English, tabula is known as bord, which through years of evolution eventually became table. Tables come in all sizes and shapes depending on how they are used. Yet no matter what they look like, they are built for the purpose of supporting objects or placing them away from the ground. Before tables, humans may have just placed their objects on rocks or directly on the floor or ground.

The earliest evidence of table use comes from Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese literature. Egyptian Pharaohs used tables that looked like stools unlike the tables that we use today. Carved from stone or smelted metal, these furniture were mainly used in food holding. Chinese tables were barely off the ground. They were used not just for eating but also writing, painting, and sketching. Made from wood, these tables did not have room for chairs. Users had to sit on the floor to use them. Koreans and Japanese probably copied the Chinese practice of sitting on the floor facing their guests while eating.

In Europe, the Greeks and Romans also had their contribution in the development of the table. They also used their tables for eating, but the Greeks added an innovation to their tables. Their tables could be kept under their beds. Marble, metal, or wood were the primary materials that they were made with. Romans contributed to table design with their large tables that may on occasion have 6 legs. Shaped like semi-circles, they were called Mensa Lunata.

Who knows but it wouldn't be least bit surprising if the "modern" farm house table, originated from the Mensa Lunata, because what both have in common is size. The classic farm house tables were originally big, seating 12 to 14, and they were built out of oak or pine, because of their easy availability. They usually have a rustic finish so as to be able to endure the tough and rugged lifestyle of the farm.

It's a substance over style situation. Even though the most common shape is rectangular the smaller ones are made to be square in shape or even circular. When purchasing one it is important to keep in mind that they generally are heavier and larger than regular tables, so once you put one in your house you will not want to keep moving it around. Some of these tables even come with a weathered finished look which gives it a "used at the farm" look even though it may not have been anywhere near a farm or cowboys. - 32406

About the Author:

Learn more about the Farmhouse Dining Table. Stop by Alexander Stone's site where you can find out all about it and what it can do for you.

Cheap Kitchens And The Test Of Everyday Strains

By Andrew Johnson

Cheap kitchens that look like a million bucks despite the rigors that we put them through can be had when you use a little creativity and a bit of thought. We challenge our homes all the time to stand up to some of the more intense aspects of daily life, and we can see that wear and tear on our rooms within a short period of time. You can start by redoing your cabinets for very little money, especially if you're willing to think about color and coatings.

Our cabinets in the kitchen are put through their share of rigorous tests every day. Cigarette smoke, cooking grease, dogs, children, and our own mishaps tend to strain the look of our cabinets in a short period of time. If you want to improve the way the cabinets look you can give your kitchen a complete and new look in a heartbeat. Painting or changing the paint color for your cabinets can give this room a fresh new style with very little monetary investment.

Painted cabinets have a way of looking fresher for longer. They also have the added appeal of being able to be easily upgraded whenever you need to touch them up. A little sprucing up can come in the form of a can of paint. With great looks thanks to paint colors that are exceptional you have the ability to create updated looks that are fresh and clean any time. The floor is just as easy to keep fresh.

Be careful with your selection of flooring materials and you will be able to deliver on your need to create special looks for less. If you stray from carpeted floors and natural hardwood flooring (floating wood floors not included) you can upgrade and update as needed with very little effort or money.

Investing once in quality work that you can redo at will is a much better option than going for sloppy handy work and having to reinvest in additional materials later on. When you can do the work yourself, by all means you can save money. Doing a poor job is just more costly in the end.

Reduced energy appliances can be part of running a cheap kitchen. By replacing older appliances with more energy efficient versions you reduce the overall costs of running your kitchen. It helps to save money over time and helps keep your energy bills more reasonable all year long.

It doesn't take much to design cheap kitchens that are filled with class, style, and a sense of beauty. All you really need to do is develop a plan that allows you to create the look you want by making good selections and creating strong, simple craftsmanship within the room. - 32406

About the Author:

Andrew Johnson is an expert in kitchen design. If you want more information about types of cheap kitchens or are searching for a reputable kitchen retailer please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com

Obtaining The Right Espresso Maker For Your Needs And Budget

By John Ulonka

Being a coffee lover means having to expand out and build an appreciation for espresso. Many coffee drinkers will also get regular cups of espresso. So, if you want to make sure that you are experiencing everything you can in regards to coffee make sure that you incorporate some espresso into your drinking habits. Buying espresso at coffee shops can get quite expensive. Besides, you will not have the control that you would have if you were to make your own espresso. That is why it is a necessity to own your own espresso maker.

First of all, let us give a background on what type of coffee espressos are. To make an espresso, you use the same kind of coffee beans as any other coffee. The great difference lies in the coffee grind and in the brewing process. Generally, the bean grind on espressos are finer. The brewing is done not just by any means but with a strict standard in the forcing of hot water though the coffee grounds at extremely high pressure. Now, you might think that it is not so important to know the process and the requirements of making a good espresso cup as you can always buy one at the nearest coffee shop. Well, while this is true, there is a great difference between spending a lot for commercial coffee every single day and having your own espresso maker at home.

When it comes to the kinds of espresso maker, you can either have the pump driven, the piston driven or the steam type. The piston driven espresso maker requires an operator to pump a lever to pressurize hot water and let it pass through the fine coffee bean grind. The term pulling a shot is actually coined through this process as an operator would need to pull the lever in order to create a shot of espresso. This original espresso maker has made way for the newer kind, called a pump driven espresso maker. Instead of using manual pull force, a motor-driven pump pushes the pressurized water into the coffee bean grounds. This is the type used in most commercial coffee shops nowadays. The third kind is the steam-driven which is a machine that simply uses steam to force hot water to create strong shots of coffee.

Now that you know the force behind an espresso maker, then it can be easier for you to search for the right one for your own needs. Needless to say, it is your type of machine that can lead you to one within the right budget. The steam-driven espresso maker is generally the cheapest one. But this does not mean that an espresso cup made from a steam espresso maker would always make a cup of coffee that is below normal standards. You can get a high end coffee maker even with the steam driven ones and get yourself a satisfying brew anytime you want it. However, if you have more budget set aside then getting a piston or a pump espresso maker would give you stronger cups.

Make sure you make room on your kitchen counter. As a coffee drinker you will definitely will be filling the extra room on your counter with an espresso maker. Enjoy! - 32406

About the Author:

John Ulonka can often be found enjoying a hot cup of espresso at the local beanery. Besides enjoying the latest blends, John wrote a site with reviews of straight razor blade, as well as a review of Straight Blade Razor.

Leather Bar Stools Make A Classy Kitchen

By Matt Allan

In days gone by leather furniture and leather bar stools were in the sole domain of the rich and powerful. They often graced the offices of lawyers or were perhaps hidden away in private men's clubs. The types of clubs filled with the hushed tones of powerful business men and politicians. Even though those days are gone, nothing quite adds a touch of elegance like leather bar stools, and now these bar stools are affordable to all.

Today leather bar stools are becoming more and more common. They can be found in very average commercial ventures and middle class homes. In many ways leather furniture makes a lot of sense. Not only are these bar stools comfortable but accidental spills can very often be taken care of with a damp cloth. Leather is also very durable which adds years to the lifespan of your bar stool. There are definitely more inexpensive leather bar stool made with inferior or B grade leather but bar stools made with Grade A or first quality leather can look good for years.

On today's market he stools are available in either the standard 30" or the shorter 24" styles. It goes without saying that the height of the stool must match the height of the bar or perhaps table that is to be serviced by the stools. The smaller 24" stools are often the best choice if they are to be used by children however, the height will depend entirely on the height of the table of bar.

Leather bar stools are available in any color you can imagine. I have personally seen dark tan, light tan, black, green, white, brown and red stools. Specially commissioned made bar stools can be manufactured in any color your heart desires. The legs of the bar stool can be stained a natural wood colour or painted or covered in leather.

These stools also come in a natural colored leather sling version which has a bit of a tex-mex aura. You can find stools with backs and arms, stools with only backs and stools without backs at all. Stools with a cushioned seat are generally more comfortable than those without but you might find that they don't wear as well as the foam loses some of it's form. The stool you chose is all a matter of personal choice.

Did we mention that leather bar stools are easy to clean? With a moderate bit of care, these stools can serve your family for decades. If you see some wearing on the arms of the stool you might want to rub in some protective oil. Make sure you wipe off excess oil before anyone sits on the stool. To further protect your leather furniture you can spray on a leather protector when you first purchase the chairs and every six months thereafter. Leather furniture seems to look richer as it ages. Good quality leather bar stools are well worth the cost. - 32406

About the Author:

To find out more information, click here or visit the website Bar Stools.

Discover The History Of The Coffee Maker

By April Kerr

Coffee has been part of anyone's lifestyle. In cafeterias, offices, homes, or just about anywhere, it has evidently been present either as a plain beverage to awaken you, or as a more useful substance in the field of medicine. Since it's is one of the most commonly aromatic substance, doctors and nurses have used it in hospitals to test the olfaction of an individual.

Years back, people shed their sweat and blood before a cup of coffee can be produced. It involves a lot of processes, from roasting, to grounding and boiling. Then on the 19th and 20th century, people learned that it is pointless to roast the coffee beans because it produces the same delicious drink even if it's just plain ground coffee.

When coffee makers were invented, it was so much easier for people to make a cup of coffee. They need not boil water in another container because water is boiled inside the coffee maker itself. Coffee makers consist of two chambers that work through the automatic drip-brew process. One chamber contains the ground coffee and filter, and the other chamber contains the boiling water.

In the 19th century, vacuum brewers came into existence and became renowned. It has a lower and an upper chamber that works using the vacuum principle. In the lower chamber, water is heated first. The rising temperature causes increase in pressure, pushing the water out through a tube that leads to the upper chamber. Heat is then removed once the lower chamber runs out of contents. Meanwhile in the upper chamber, the coffee grounds are kept, and once water reaches them, their flavors are extracted. After heat is removed, vacuum pulls the brew back into the lower chamber, where the coffee is strained and then poured out.

Still in the mid-nineteenth century, percolators with detachable lid covers came out in United States. Water is first heated until it boils. Once boiling, water travels through a metal tube heading to the coffee grounds. Until the brew is saturated with coffee flavor, the process is done over and over again.

Thermosiphon is another principle by which coffee makers are grounded. This specifically works for electric drip coffee makers or dripolators. From the water reservoir, water goes to the aluminum heating chamber. Thermosiphon effects in this chamber now pushes the water to go to a spray head, and then to the coffee grounds. From here, coffee brew is strained and then finally let out.

Manufacturers have made so many coffee maker designs when the years passed, and all of these have made a truly remarkable coffee experience for people. - 32406

About the Author:

April Kerr owns website Meldiva Coffee which has info related to coffee such as used Keurig brewing system and low cost K-Cup coffee.

Bread Making Machines: Bread Machine Mixes

By Marion Jones

Are bread machine mixes useful? Yes, some of them are, but the problem with all bread machine mixes is that they place limitations on your choice and discourage your creative talents. That may sound a little harsh, but think about it for a while. If you rely on bread machine mixes you can only make the bread for which you can find a bread machine mix and you can only put the bread machine mix into the bowl and switch the bread making machine on. You are not encouraged to alter the bread machine mix for fear that it won't work.

What is the alternative? Well, the old-fashioned cookbook, of course! Not any old cookbook, but a specialized bread making machine recipe book. Bread making is a very simple, but rather tedious process. The ingredients are everyday, household items: water, flour, yeast, salt, sugar and oil. You already have those items in your cupboard with the possible exception of the yeast, which can be bought everywhere at low cost.

And you know what happens when you follow a recipe, don't you? You've read the recipe through and you know you have everything in the kitchen, but when the recipe calls for, say, currants, you open the cupboard door and see that you don't have any currants - they were sultanas! Oh, well you think, they'll do. You make do. You experiment. You are developing your skills and creativity. Bread making mixes cannot do that for you.

A good bread making machine cookbook will have something over 100 recipes originating from several countries and you will get really enthusiastic about experimenting with the various ones. Have you ever tried Welsh bread - Bara Brith? Or Amish bread? Cajun bread or onion bread? Cranberry bread is lovely too, but one of my favourites is Brazil Nut Bread - absolutely delicious.

The fact is that you may not find recipes for all these breads in one place, but if you have a safe starting point, like a bread recipe cookbook, you can start off by using already tried and tested gourmet bread recipes and gradually concoct your own - ofttimes you don't have everything.

I once made a really great loaf of bread by adding some of the leftover vegetables from my Sunday dinner. It was very delicious, however I could never quite make the same loaf again, try as I did many times, because I had not written down the weights of the added vegetables. I could only remember that I had added green beans, potatoes and sweet corn in it!

Bread machine mixes will never ever give you that, will they? Furthermore bread machine mixes are relatively expensive compared to the cost of ten pounds. I usually vary the ingredients too: honey instead of sugar, milk instead of water, olive oil or butter instead of just corn oil. Rock salt instead of sea salt or visa versa. You get the picture.

Bread machine mixes are limited and limiting. A bread making machine is a great way to use up leftovers. I have often added meat and fruit in my gourmet bread. My principle is: if it'll go in a sandwich it'll go in the dough - like an Indian stuffed paratha or stuffed naan bread.

Save your money by not buying bread machine mixes and be creative with a bread machine recipes cookbook. - 32406

About the Author:

If you have been using bread machine mixes visit http://bread-machine-mixes.the-real-way.com to see what you have been missing.

24" Bar Stools

By Matt Adams

If you think about bar stools for a minute, you typically get a certain image in your head of ba patrons bellied up to the bar, beer stein or cocktail in hand, chatting with the bartender and the local "Norm" at the end of the bar. Bar stools were always designed so you could sit comfortably with your elbows on the bar, which was also standard bar height, equally good for resting your elbows on when standing. Well, bar stools have evolved.

Most typically when we think of a bar stool, we picture the old oak round back swivel stool that can take years of abuse and still look great. The standard stool height of 30 inches was specially designed to match the standard bar height of 42". This bar height was ideal for leaning against and resting your elbows on while standing, so the most comfortable height for a bar stool puts your elbows at the same height when you are sitting in your bar stool as well. It also makes a great height for talking to others around or across from you at the bar.

In the swinging 60s, a few people were incorporating bars into their homes and accordingly bar stools began to make a small appear in residential settings. The old wooden stools from pubs were popular but at this point we were seeing the emergence of metal and chrome bar stools. The wooden bar stools were found in basement or recreation room bars while the chrome and padded bar stool were most often found in living rooms and poolside.

Even with this home decor revolution and the introduction of barstools to the home, you would still typically find the more common 30" bar stool. The higher bar stools outnumbered short diner counter height stools just by the sheer number of establishments with the taller barstools. As barstools were introduced to the residential settings, the shorter 24" version became an increasingly popular stool height option, especially with the design changes that came in the 1980s. 24" bar stools were now all the rage.

The short bar stool size is a good choice for family homes, where children will be using the bar for things like breakfast, snacks and doing projects or finishing their homework as mom makes lunch for the next day. It is also a very convenient height for adults who have trouble with the higher standard 30" models.

From the introduction of barstools to the home, to the newest trends and design styles that we are seeing today, there has been a big change in where we see bar stools, and an evolution in the sizes and styles available. From the days of only sitting in a barstool when you were out in a pub, to having your own pub party in your kitchen or entertainment room, it seems that bar stools are here to stay, whether they are the standard 30" or the short 24" bar stool size. - 32406

About the Author:

To find out more information, click here or visit the website Bar Stool Man.

Create A New Look In Your Kitchen

By Gary White

Kitchens are usually that room in the home that you don't consider making over when the time comes for the rest of the home to be done. It is sometimes the main room in a home that is used quite frequently for entertaining along with cooking. It may also be the most used room in the home that you spend your time in so why not make it more inviting? By doing little changes with paint, colors, and decor you'll create a refreshed area for you to enjoy with family and friends.

Often kitchens are left out of redecorating plans until they get to the point where the whole thing has to be ripped out and a new kitchen put in. But you don't have to go to all that trouble and expense just to get a new look kitchen. Just a few minor touches and you can completely transform the room.

Dirt is the main reason for kitchens looking old and out of date. Over time kitchens gather dirt as well as germs, which gives the room a grimy, dull look that you can't seem to get rid of no matter how much cleaning you do. Floors seem to stay looking dirty despite all your best scrubbing efforts. Germs collect in the dirt, and before you know it people are getting sick.

The floor, then, might have to be replaced. Because it has fewer crevices for dirt to gather in, linoleum is a great idea for kitchens. It looks good in most kitchens and comes in a large range of colors. It also is a relatively inexpensive option. However over time it can be hard on your back.

If you stand on a hard surface for long periods of time you can get resulting pain in the back and legs. People commonly stand for two or more hours every day in the kitchen, which means sixty hours or more a month. This places a great strain on your back if the floor is hard. Area rugs are a great way to deal with this problem. Placing one in front of the sink, stove and refrigerator provides a lot of protection for your legs and back. In addition, they protect the new flooring from getting dirty and scratched. This is also helpful in preventing germs from accumulating. Most of the dirt is caught on the rugs rather than the floor. Cleaning the rugs regularly can prevent frequent illness in the family. The tiny fibers in the rugs hold the dirt in until you vacuum, and the rugs are more easily cleaned than linoleum. Just a few seconds with the vacuum, rather than lengthy mopping which a hard floor requires.

Your kitchen gets a whole new look when you add area rugs. Choose a favorite color scheme and buy rugs to suit. Base your redecoration on this scheme. Maybe paint the cabinets in a shade which complements the scheme, or put up some art work. Use the rugs as the basis of your new design, and people with think you've done a complete renovation of the kitchen. - 32406

About the Author:

If you found this information about Kitchen Interior Decorating helpful, then you are bound to adore these braided indoor outdoor area rugs.

Serve Up A Great Meal With The Krups Convection Toaster Oven

By Henry Jeon

If you are on the go and you don't have a lot of time for cooking the Krups convection toaster oven can help make your life a lot simpler. The model FBC4 is great for large capacity cooking and toasting up to six slices of toast at once. It packs a lot of power in the kitchen to get going in the morning and finish up your day in a snap.

The Krups model has a sleek metal design with black exterior and looks great on your countertop. Because of its size it will take up a bit more counter space but is so worth it when you see all the functions it has to make your life easier. The fine tuned buttons and features are easy to use for any member of your family and the options of cooking make it simple to use. You will be out the door in no time with this appliance.

You can bake with ease with the convection aspect of the oven. Bake cookies and brownies and more and have a perfect process with the auto set features. There are six auto features in all with built in heating and timing as the device will turn off by itself. The heat radiates over three heating elements as opposed to two like other ovens.

By radiating heat from bottom to top and back again the oven is great for cooking food evenly. And the convection portion will bake evenly as well. The cycle will bring all food cooking to make it what you want and not be frustrating when it is complete. You can use the timer that is automatic for one touch cooking and walk away and do something else while the food is cooking.

You will not struggle with the toasting feature as you do in many large ovens. The FBC4 toasts evenly and will hold up to six slices of your favorite bagel or bread items at one time. You can get all the toasting done at once instead of shifts, which makes your morning a breeze.

Your life is made easier with the timing feature of the oven. You can set one minute at a time up to ninety minutes with ease. You can also adjust timing as you are cooking. This is great as opposed to other brands where you have to begin the timer from the start. The model also has an automatic shut off feature.

The oven has bonus LCD display that lights up you clock setting. It also shows cook time and temperature of the oven. It comes with a slide out crumb holder and a baking and broiling catch. The two racks are reversible and versatile.

The Krups convection oven will not let you down, especially the FBC4 model. There are many other models as well the Krups brand makes and there is one to suit every home. Whether you have a family of two or a family of ten there is a Krups convection oven that meets your needs. - 32406

About the Author:

All out of gift ideas for someone special? Make your special person happy with a Krups convection toaster oven! The Krups convection countertop oven will make the cook on your shopping list happy all year round! Learn more now!

Does Your Kitchen Need To Be Modernized?

By Sue Tandor

If you are considering remodeling an older kitchen, it's wise to do some advance planning to know where best to spend your money. In some extreme remodeling situations, people have gone as far as to knock down walls to expand their kitchen area to the desired size and contemporary look. But most of the time, you can give your kitchen the facelift it needs with just a few basic alterations. Here are some suggestions:

1) New homes today are built with granite, meaning it is the current trend for counter tops and windowsills. Granite is available in a variety of colors and has a beautiful shine, so it is easy to see why it is such a popular choice. Granite is also one of the best on the market in terms of cleanliness. The reason for this is because granite is sanded and buffed until it is impeccably smooth, so there are no crevices for bacteria to grow like they can with other surfaces.

2) There are some stunning kitchen sinks in the market today. Keep in mind that the kitchen sink is the most heavily used in a home, so you need to choose one that is both beautiful and durable. One of the tried and true varieties is stainless steel, and it is a current choice as many new homes boast stainless steel sinks. In a nutshell, no matter the kind you choose, be sure it fits with the rest of your kitchen's look.

3) Another very popular kitchen upgrade is the island. If your home has a big kitchen, look around at all the varieties of islands so that you can choose the most suitable design for your home. Some kitchen islands come complete with a sink and stove burners. Others are far more simple, and are most often used for extra counter space. Just make sure you have enough space in your kitchen before you start collecting information on islands.

4) The cost of flat screen televisions has reduced dramatically, making it a popular option for upgrades and remodels. There are even TVs on the market that are manufactured specifically for use in the kitchen, or you could just purchase a regular model. Generally, TVs meant for kitchens are small sets that are often made to install under your kitchen cabinetry. Kitchen televisions often fold up and down to hide and protect it when you are not watching TV. If you opt to purchase a regular model, a great way to install it is simply mount it on the wall. - 32406

About the Author:

Are you looking for some good kitchen cabinet refacing ideas? If you are, please visit my site Great Kitchen Designs.

How To Use Dairy Produce: Part 1 - Milk

By Owen Jones

The Basic Preparation Of Foodstuffs: Dairy Products

These fairly basic tips may seem quite unnecessary for most modern households with a refrigerator in the kitchen, but modern devices do make people sloppy and it is still well-worth while to know 'why' we must do some things. It is also worth remembering these tips when there is no refrigerator to hand or when it so small that it will not hold everything you need, such as when camping, boating or on holiday in some parts in the world.

MILK:

Milk is known as 'nature's perfect food', because no other food, consumed on its own, can support adult human life. It is of the utmost importance for the growth and development of adolescents, but it must be clean, because bacteria find it very nourishing too and quickly grow in it. If you did not buy your milk pasteurized, then you should scald it and cool it quickly before drinking it.

How To Scald Milk: Rinse out a clean pan with cold water, pour in the milk and heat until bubbles rise around the side of the pan. Maintain the milk at this temperature, ie, do not let it boil, for three minutes. Do not let it overheat, as milk burns very easily. Pour immediately into a clean receptacle and stand it in a basin of cold water and cover with a muslin cloth to discourage the ingress of flies and dust.

How To Keep Milk Fresh: If milk is not be preserved in the containers in which you bought it, pour it into a clean bottle, which has been rinsed with cold water. A warm container will cause milk to stick to the sides and go off much more quickly. You should always keep milk in the coolest place in the larder and always keep it covered. it is worth remembering that draughts are usually at ground-level and that hot air rises. Never keep milk in an airless cupboard and in hot weather stand the receptacle in a bowl of water with the cloth covering hanging in the water. The cloth will soak up water, which will evaporate, which dissipates the heat, ensuring that the container remain cool. Keep milk away from strong-smelling foods, as it absorbs smells easily. Never mix new and old milk together.

Sour Milk: Milk straight from the cow is slightly alkaline, but as it ages, lactic acid is formed and it becomes what we call 'sour'. Pasteurizing or scalding the milk slows down this process. Milk which is 'just on the turn' can be revived by boiling with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to restore the alkalinity. Once the milk has gone too far and has curdled, it can be strained through (cheese) cloth, thereby separating the curds from the whey. The curds can be used as a filling for cakes, tarts, scones etc and the whey can be used as the liquid for making scones, cakes and soups etc., as it still has much goodness.

Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk is ordinary milk, which has had some of its water content driven off by heat in some form or other before being canned. Once reconstituted by adding water, it will last only slightly longer than fresh milk does.

Condensed Milk: This form of milk is merely evaporated milk to which sugar has been added before being placed in its container. The sugar acts as a preservative and preserve the milk for about a week. Do not keep in the tin, but decant it into a jug or bottle.

Dried Milk: Dried milk comes is available in a variety of forms and particular attention should be paid to the instructions on the label. Niche market products can be bought especially for babies, invalids, convalescents and dieters, all of which contain varying amounts and types of added vitamins and minerals. Usually, they contain a great deal less fat than normal milk. - 32406

About the Author:

For the best gourmet Traditional Welsh Recipes, go along to our website at http://welsh-recipes.the-real-way.com/

Family Meals In A Crock Pot - Why You Will Save Both Time And Money

By Susanne Myers

Is there really any truth to the assumption that cooking with a crock pot, or slow cooker, saves you both money and time? How exactly can a crock pot do this?

Save Time With a Crock Pot - Saving time with a "slow cooker" is not quite the oxymoron that it appears to be. Yes, your meal will cook for a long time, but the time savings comes in the fact that you are not there to watch over it! You can go about your business and not even think about your meal for hours.

Gone are the days of someone being home all day to prepare the family meals. In this day and age of the busy, scattered family, we need to rely on more than one person to get dinner on the table. Because using a crock pot doesn't expose youngsters to hot burners and open flames, getting the little ones in the family, and the less experienced cooks, involved becomes much easier. Simply having someone there to help throw ingredients into the crock pot can be a big help. Now, it's a joint venture and meal preparation is shared, freeing up some much needed time for you to focus on other chores.

Standing over a stove, watching a pot boil, is certainly time wasted. We all know what it's like to monitor some soup or stew as it simmers on top of the stove, constantly checking its progress. Putting that same soup together in a crock pot, then walking away, frees up hours and hours of your time - time in which you can accomplish another task!

There is no such thing as a quick stop at the grocery store. But, when you're running late and there is no dinner planned, you think you can do just that - make a quick stop. After a half hour or more wandering around the aisles of the grocery store, you find yourself grabbing a few prepackaged meals and heading home. Now, you've not only put off dinner until later, but you've spent money on food you didn't really want to eat, or feed your family. With a crock pot meal planned and shopped for ahead of time, you can add that 30 minutes on to the end of your busy day and spend it with your family, instead of running around the grocery store.

Save Money With a Crock Pot - There are a couple schools of thought here. One is saving on your food, and the other is saving on energy. How exactly can cooking with a crock pot save on your food budget? And why would running a crock pot for six hours be cheaper than running your oven for three hours?

March right past those expensive cuts of meat in your grocery store's meat department and head over to the budget cuts. Yes, those less expensive cuts of meat such as rump roasts, pork shoulders, and briskets make the perfect choice for a crock pot meal. Why? Because more expensive cuts tend to cook apart in a crock pot, losing their texture very quickly. Budget cuts with more sinew and other connective tissue hold up better, while those fibers break down in the crock pots environment, ending up with a perfectly tender and succulent meat. The slow, low cooking method is perfect for less expensive cuts of meat, while the moisture trapped inside the crock pot keeps the meat juicy. You can provide a wonderful meal for your family without spending the extra money on expensive ingredients!

Considering the design of a crock pot, it just makes sense that you are using less energy when you cook with your crock pot for extended periods of time. Take, for instance, cooking a pot roast in your oven. That meal is committing your oven to roughly 2500 watts, whereas that same pot roast in a crock pot would be committing about 200 watts for the same meal. So, a 3 hour oven cooked pot roast would use 10 kWh, while a 6 hour crock pot cooked roast would use about 1.2 kWh. These are rough estimates, but you can see how using a miniature oven, your crock pot, to do extended cooking will save money on your energy bills.

When the evening rush is upon you, it's not the time to start panicking about dinner. If you've ever had to call the spouse to stop and pick up dinner somewhere, you know how much money that just cost you. Your family food budget cannot survive many of those last minute meal decisions. Instead, as you're driving the family around after work and school, stopping for piano lessons, shopping for some school event, or running any of those last minute errands, your crock pot can be working for you, cooking a great, hearty meal for the whole family to enjoy when you finally come in through the door. No call for take out, no more money wasted on instant meals!

Save Both Time and Money With a Crock Pot - With a larger crock pot, say a 6 quart size, you can put together a big meal, cook it once, and plan to turn the leftovers into several more meals that will last the rest of the week. If you normally buy a lunch out every day, you can also save money by bringing your own home-cooked meal to work. Along with that, you can skip running around for lunch, saving your time for something more important. By cooking more than one meal in the same eight hour period of time, you are also saving energy. Cooking once and eating, two, three, or more times is a big way to save on both time and money.

I think these reasons for cooking with a crock pot will convince most folks that it just makes sense. Using a crock pot does save time and money, yes, but above all it saves your sanity when you've got a busy family! That hectic "what's for dinner" cry when everyone finally comes through the door each night no longer has to overwhelm you - not when you've got dinner in the crock pot! - 32406

About the Author:

Try your hand at some new Slowcooker Recipes to save both time and money, but especially to get your family hooked on slowcooker cooking!

Setting Kitchen Tables

By David Artstone

Slate and Artstone - If you are going to make room in the hustle and bustle kitchen for a dining table, then you should take some time and care in choosing how to present that piece to the world. A table is almost like a platform, elevating whatever is on it to visual height, and putting it out there for the world to see. You should choose wisely when deciding which decorative pieces to give this particular honor to.

The first thing to think about with kitchen tables is the utility of the piece. In most kitchens, space is at a premium, and in a pinch the table is going to be used to make up for insufficient counter space. For this reason it is important that you not clutter up the surface of the table with a lot of useless decorative items. Instead you should choose to display only one or two tasteful objects, which will evoke the meaning you are trying to represent.

One of the classic ways to spruce up a kitchen is with a display of flowers, or some sort of small and modest plant. The kitchen is a place of activity and life, where sustenance is prepared and creativity is expressed. Having a decorative vase with a tasteful display of flowers is a great way to enhance these inherent effects.

Some people choose to use a tablecloth on these pieces. This can make the difference between an informal setting, which is used as much for sitting around and chatting as it is for eating; and a formal piece which is set up to be the dining room, or at least a dining room in the house.

A kitchen table is a prominent piece that stands out in the kitchen, taking up valuable space, and dominating the decorative nature of the room. You should be certain to take extra time and care when selecting which decorative pieces to display on it. - 32406

About the Author:

This article was written by style philosopher and artist Jim Slate. If you are looking for an attractive collection of natural stone dining tables made from a variety of mosaic stone pieces, then visit PebbleZ.com where you will find a collection of over 40 designs, with customizable designs available upon request.

Why a Vinyl Tablecloth May Aid Your Home

By Aaron Harden

I recently bought a vinyl tablecloth cover for my home, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I feel a bit foolish for never having bought one before, but you live and learn. I'd like to share a few of the benefits that I've found with you here.

You may have a traditional tablecloth made of cloth or other fabric, but this requires a lot of maintenance. A vinyl tablecloth is very easy to maintain and won't require the same washing or dry cleaning attention that other tablecloths do. Usually, some soap and water will do the trick.

You'll also provide very adequate protection to your tables. Spills will rarely penetrate your tablecloth and food won't go near the surface.

In the case of my table, a drink can spill on my table and it won't penetrate the surface. As a result, I can truly use my table without worrying about its integrity being compromised.

I don't even need to worry about using coasters for glasses of wine and other drinks.

You'll be happy to know that it's very easy to maintain vinyl tablecloths, as the food simply slides right off. Most are very resistant to any stains as well.

A fitted vinyl tablecloth is even more valuable in the presence of a home with kids. As you know, children may frequently tug on the surface of the table, worse yet spilling all of the food and drink that sits atop it. By getting a fitted one, this won't be any kind of a worry.

Lastly, you might be wondering what these cost. The good news is that you can easily find a great vinyl tablecloth for $15 or less. The low price of these makes them a no-brainer in my book. - 32406

About the Author:

Learn more about flannel backed vinyl tablecloths and related items, visit this author's free resource.

The Many Benefits of Juicing to Your Health

By Aaron Benjamin

In the last decade or two, an increasing number of people have come to realize the health benefits that one could get by juicing. At an inn or a nice restaurant, you could have enjoyed a delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice and absolutely loved it. However if you have never encountered something as exciting as a mango-papaya-carrot blend, the fact is you still don't know what a glorious juice truly tastes like. A great model to consider is the Breville 800CPXL Die-Cast Stainless-Steel Motorized Citrus Press.

While you are savoring some flavorful and intensely flavored juice, your body could also benefit from the correct kinds of vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables in the juice. Juicing is a great-tasting and healthy alternative to vitamins, for the reason that when you consume the contents of your juice, you also benefit from the fruit fiber and vegetable protein that will normally be lacking in vitamin pills.

Since there are dozens of different juicers on the market, everybody is able to enjoy the benefits of juicing at an affordable price while right in the security of your own house. Juicers can be purchased for as little as two hundred dollars, and they could become great gifts for your friends and family.

Nutrition is deemed by most medical professionals as an especially essential factor in disease prevention. They've found quite a few health conditions that are widely present in modernized societies, like Europe and America, yet have never been present in areas where people's menus were made mostly of vegetables and fruits. A nice model to look into is the Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press.

Experts working in Africa for in excess of 30 years have never found a single instance of prostate cancer, colon cancer or diverticulitis. Researchers assert that the sole likely cause for that situation is that African diets are typically composed of vegetables, whereas the sustenance in industrialized cities contains mostly pre-packed foods enhanced with flavorings and preservatives.

Juice Your Way to Health

One more advantage of juicing is the process that makes the natural fibers in the juice improve our digestive processes and allow our bodies to purge pollutants. Most often, packaging and canning foods may ruin the delicate micro-nutrients one finds in natural foods. So by multiplying your natural vegetable and fruit intake, and ingesting all the natural pulps and fibers thanks to juicing, you can enable your body to digest and process food more effectively. Living healthy makes you more productive and reduces the opportunities for getting various illnesses.

Your body should have approximately one pound of vegetables for each 50 pounds of body weight. One complication many folks discover while eating unprocessed fruits and vegetables is that the texture and taste aren't really enjoyable in bigger servings. Kids have never been particularly fond of dining on fruits and vegetables, consequently juicing is an uncomplicated means for your young children to get the needed dose of nutrition without the problematic taste and texture. A great unit is the Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press.

On top of these health benefits, juicing may be a great means of providing essential micro-nutrients and minerals required by a body to remain healthy. One of the easiest systems for starting a juicing regimen is to consume your favorite healthy beverage at the same time everyday. You ought to also take note to consume the smoothie right away. Storing these will simply be responsible for a degradation of nutritional value. Keep your fruits and vegetables effectively so they are nutritious and delicious when you juice them. Enjoy vegetable and fruit juices right away, or they could additionally be kept in a refrigerator an hour or less prior to drinking it. - 32406

About the Author:

Browse Aaron Benjamin's site to check out reviews and see good deals on the Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press, and enjoy a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your loved ones.

Chop Up the Food with a Better Knife Set

By Moses Harun

Any time you pay for a Sabatier knife set, make certain that the knife you are getting hails from the Thiers region of France. Despite the fact that the Sabatier brand is near the top of the list of ideal kitchen knives among professional and amateur chefs alike, it is duplicated by numerous knife makers, several of which can be questionable concerning authenticity, craftsmanship and originality.

To clear up your mystification on the subject of which Sabatier knives are authentic (sold by companies from the Thiers region and having a pedigree going back a minimum of the 19th century) and which might be inexpensive copycats (made in China and other countries), strive to inspect the knives for these manufacturer's names: ETS Sabatier An & Perrier, Thiers Issard Sabatier and the Sabatier Diamant, as some examples. To simplify matters, you could always check for the "Made in France" stamp.

Product Features

With quite a few types of Sabatier knife sets on the market, you should stick to the authentic kinds presuming you want to get acceptable value for your honest money. Let's take for instance the cultery of ETS Sabatier An & Perrier that markets the brand name Sabatier-K.

The producer makes six series that are as expected in French - Authentique, Au Carbone Vintage, Bellevue, Proxus, Auvergne and Elegance. Most of the blades are fully forged, a designation which tells us that the blade, bolster and tang are forged out of a single sheet of steel. Full forging provides a more robust and smoother knife with just the right weight and balance for easy cutting.

Advantages

Unless you are going for the cheaper imitations, you may purchase Sabatier knife sets made by hand from fully-forged high-carbon steel. The handles will be found in steel or wood, and the knives will come with a slotted wood display stand. Predictably, the copycats will also have the great looking handles and display block, however you will certainly pay for weaker and duller blades.

Additionally, the Sabatier-K brand knives can be personalized. Having your cutlery personalized is not a possibility that you may receive from any knife manufacturer, and so enables you to offer a great personalized gift for your favorite newlyweds. This company's blades are of such good craftsmanship that you may even give them to a Cordon Bleu graduate or beginning restaurant owner who can fully appreciate and display them.

Disadvantages

Well, there is really one obvious drawback with Sabatier knives. Because of numerous merchants slapping the name on practically every Sabatier knife made, your purchase should never be done lightly. Novice cooks who merely want to purchase knives for normal use must do some homework ahead of time to be sure their knives have the quality and ease of use they are hoping to invest in.

When you think about it, though, a knife is only as helpful as the chef who uses it. So, consequently, an authentic Sabatier knife will have all the qualities of the most expensive knives on the planet, but if they're used by a ham-fisted amateur, it could just as well be a sharpened brick.

So, the best step in the purchase of a Sabatier knife set is to establish that the goods you are purchasing are the real deal, price notwithstanding. Also, make sure you can properly use them! - 32406

About the Author:

Moses Harun is involved with a project that helps visitors make smart decision when shopping for knives. One of the highest rated knives reviewed on his site is the Sabatier Knife Set.

24" Barstool - New Invention

By Adam Pink

I believe that 24 inch bar stools are a fairly modern development in the area of bar stools. Historically, there were only 30 inch bar stools. The 30 inch bar stool dates back hundreds of years. The standard height was set based on sitting at old English style pubs. When I first got into the bar design business all of the stools were generally standardized. They were the same heights, and for the most part one of only a few styles and designs. You would walk into just about any pub and not be able to tell them apart if you only had the bar stools to go by. Now there are hundreds of different types of bar stools that are manufactured and commercially available.

For the most part there are now two standard bar stool height: there are 24 inch bar stools and 30 inch bar stools. The higher 30" bar stools are found in commercial venues such as pubs, night clubs and restaurants. Both the 24 inch and 30 inch bar stools models are commonly found in residential settings. With hundreds of different models to choose from you can make your bar area as unique as you want.

Historically, the use of bar stools in private homes was generally limited to basement family rooms or possibly the main floor at the edge of a large living room. Often if used on the main floor the bars were portable. Those stools used in the basement tended to be wooden and were stained a natural color. The whole concept was to recreate an old English pub in your basement and these bars needed pub style bar stools. Those stools found in the more formal areas of the residence tended to be made out of chrome or resin. All of these older style bar stools were designed for use by adults. The stools were invariably 30" high to suit a standard 42 inch bar.

Then about 15 years ago a revolution began in the kitchen. Kitchen renovations were becoming quite popular and very common. Kitchen renovation shows were popping up on TV. Lifestyle shows were being set in the kitchen. New glossy kitchen renovation chat rooms were being launched. It suddenly became self-evident: the kitchen was an integral and very important part, if not the most important room in the house. Today kitchens are still about function but they are also about lifestyle. The new kitchen reflects a redistribution of domestic labor. Husbands, wives, and children all contribute to meal preparation or clean up. Today's kitchen is about stainless appliances, cappuccino makers, and breakfast bars and breakfast bar stools. Breakfast bar stools are generally 24 inch bar stools.

New ways to use the kitchen as a family or a meeting area were created. At some point it became obvious that a breakfast bar was the perfect place to accommodate the modern eat and run lifestyle. This realization occurred at the same time that families were trying to maximize counter space. More counter space was needed if the kitchen work was to be shared. And so, the breakfast bar became the ideal place to read the paper or do homework while someone else prepared a meal or did kitchen chores.

There are a number of good reasons the 24" bar stool was created. Not the least of which was that the older taller chairs seemed too big for the kitchen. However, likely the most important reason was child safety. If children were to use these stools then the standard height stools were simply too high and posed a danger to children. The shorter 24" bar stool was perfect as it blended into the kitchen and was safe for use by children. - 32406

About the Author:

Learn more information on 24 inch bar stools at http://bar--stools.blogspot.com.

Specialty Small Refrigerators

By Leon Nye

While the most popular small refrigerators are pint sized versions of full sized refrigerators, the compact size limits the amount of functions the appliance can perform. However, there is actually a wide range of specialty small refrigerators to better serve the desired purpose of their prospective owner. Small built in refrigerators are designed to fit under counters while outdoor refrigerators are built a little tougher than the rest. Then there are the most common small refrigerator that is popular in small apartments and dorm rooms for their size and economical price.

A built in refrigerator is designed to be integrated into a kitchen counter or a bar. The doors are designed to jut out just a little more to make it accessible and the vents are positioned at the front of the unit because it is expected to be enclosed on all other surfaces. The vents are typically at the bottom underneath the door.

Then there are outdoor refrigerators which are meant to be installed outdoors or in environments much more physically demanding than standard installations. The exterior is usually made of stainless steel to withstand acid spills from food stuff and anything else the environment might throw at them. These make the perfect complement to backyard entertainment setups and are more durable than typical units.

Then we have the most common small refrigerators which are popular in college dorm rooms and small studio apartments without full kitchens. These come in a wide variety of selections and are usually very plain in design. They aren't built to last as long as some other designs but that is because of their very purpose. It serves college students and people who have not settled into a home. Small, light, and cheap makes it easy to use, transport, and afford.

Larger units are useful in places like apartments with small kitchens. Some small refrigerators are large enough to have a separated freezer compartment which pretty much works like a standard sized refrigerator. Other refrigerators also offer ice making and keeping functions among other things.

There are many types of small refrigerators and we are not restricted to the most common. Although they are popular for a reason because many people who do not own a full sized refrigerator, normally because of their living situations, can easily manage to have a small refrigerator to get by with. But regardless of the living situation there is always a purpose of an extra small refrigerator if for no other reason than to hold drinks. - 32406

About the Author:

Visit the Best Small Refrigerators website to find an energy star small refrigerator.