How to Make Cleaning a Kitchen Easy
Kitchens are the centers of our lives. We cook, converse, and even eat in our kitchens. Perhaps that is why getting motivated to clean a kitchen is 99.9% of the battle...and elbow grease is the other 0.1%.
The reason for this is mostly because of all the rooms in a house, the kitchen alone has the position of having the most traffic, use, and just plain dirt!
To start yourself off, it can be extremely helpful to have a checklist handy of all the possible things you can do so that you can mark them off as you go. It also helps to have a distraction to make the time go by faster, such as your favorite music, book on tape, or TV show playing in the background.
When cleaning, always clean from the top of the room, and work your way down (which saves a lot of time), except in the case of washing walls, where you work from the bottom up to avoid streaking.
So lets start at the highest points. Each household is different in layout, so be sure to adjust these hints to specifically fit your particular dwelling. Begin with the tops of any cabinets, that top of the refrigerator thats been needing wiped down forever, and any "higher ups" that you see (except the walls...those are next to last)
Next lets get to the hardest parts. The mid-range, and mostly the places that are hardest to clean, such as the oven, dishes, sink, countertops, ect.
It is sometimes easiest to start in one corner and work your way around in a circle. For an example, we will start with the oven. It will make things go by easier and faster if you do the hardest things first, and save the easiest things for last. Using an all-purpose cleaner, clean off the top of the range, and if you have a gas stove, take the burner grates off, and soak them in a solution of water and oven cleaner, before rinsing and replacing. If you have a self-cleaning oven, now is the time to turn it on and clean itself while you skip to the next item. If you are not so lucky, then the best cleaner to use is either a commercial oven cleaner, or a paste of baking soda, borax, comet, and water. Rub this paste into the walls, and wipe clean with a damp rag. It may take a bit of elbow grease in places, but will be worth it in the end. Be sure to clean the window in the oven if you have one, and wipe down the outside with an all-purpose cleaner.
Next go to the refrigerator, and wipe down the sides and door first. Then take out everything inside..yes, EVERYTHING! Using an all-purpose cleaner, or a mixture of water and baking soda, wipe the sides, shelves, and clean out those veggie drawers! If you have a real mess in the drawers, or something caked on, the easiest way to clean them is to fill them with hot water, adding a capful of bleach, and set them aside for an hour or so while you clean, then empty out and wipe clean. Then replace everything in the fridge, and be sure to add a small dish with baking soda in it to capture all odors.
Now head over to the cabinets. A lot of people avoid cleaning out cabinets because they assume it to be difficult when in all reality, it isnt so hard. To keep your cabinets clean, it is very useful to purchase low-cost "non-slip" rolls of cabinet liners. They come in a lot of colors, and not only keep the shelves clean, but also extend the life of glasses, china, and fragile dishes. So to begin cleaning your cabinets, work on one at a time, and start by removing everything from the cabinet. Once you have everything out, wipe down the inside, and lay down your matting if you opted for that, or simply replace everything in an orderly manner.
If there are any dishes, tackle them next. Wash the smaller items first, then mid-sized and save the large and greasy items for last. If you have a double sink, fill one side with water and soap, and the other just fill with hot water as a "rinse" since, and just toss the washed dishes in there, then move them to the drainer. It saves a lot of time to do things this way instead of washing each dish separately. you may wish to look at my other articles for a more in-depth look at making cleaning dishes easier.
Clean the countertops, and everything on them separately. For kitchen countertops, an all-purpose cleaner with an added de-greaser is a plus. I personally recommend using diluted pine-sol in a spray bottle.
Clean a microwave as I have previously mentioned in an article by placing water in a microwave safe bowl, and bringing it to a boil in the microwave, and letting it sit for a 5-10 minutes, then taking it out and easily wiping the inside of the microwave clean.
After everything on mid-level is finished, then clean the walls by using a solution of 1/2 cup bleach (OR Mr. Clean) to 1 gallon of water. Using a sponge or rag, wipe the walls down by starting at the bottom, and wiping your way to the top. That way, if any water runs down, it wont leave those hard to remove streaks!
Lastly, clean the floors. If you have a wood floor, use your usual method. For vinyl flooring, I recommend using the Mop-and-Glo two step method. They sell two bottles for two steps. One cleans the floor, one waxes and shines it. If you wish to use a cheaper method, a great way to skip the first step is to mop the floor using a solution of 1 part ammonia to 2 parts water, and mopping with that to remove old wax and residue, then using a mop-n-glo type floor polisher.
See that wasnt too hard! As always, stay motivated, know that you can do it, and REWARD YOURSELF afterwards!!
Life! In Grandfathers Kitchen
Every morning when I sniff coffee grains, memories of my grandfather in the kitchen flood my mind. He was what I refer to as a coffee connoisseur. Every morning at 6:00 a.m. the percolator was on the front burner. He was loyal to his daily routine which, besides his coffee, included a hearty breakfast, a couple of chapters from his favorite western, and a few Bible verses. Morning was his most cherished time of the day, when the kitchen was his and his alone. Engraved in my memory is an effigy of him, like something out of a Norman Rockwel painting.
A warm glow emanates throughout the kitchen as its window greets the east. Wild birds cast fleeting shadows upon the floor and their chatter comes and goes. How utterly delighted they sound in adoration of the sun as though its given them sanction to live another day. Steam exhales from the percolator each time the liquid caffeine explodes into the glass knob. Comparable to a steam engine fighting up and incline, it mechanically works its aroma into the air.
Like a snake, bacon hisses from the frying pan as the grease gives an unanticipated snap now and then. In an even smaller pan on the back burner, two bulging yokes, lightly sprinkled with pepper stare up at the ceiling. In the midst of all this, the spry elderly gentleman projects his habitual little chants, "Yupp...coffees ready." and "Yupp...bacon and eggs too." As he manages about the room, friendly little creaks from the floor answer in response. With a jack-in-the-box greeting, the toast springs from its slots. "Oh...gotta get it while its hot." He scurries across the room to butter his toast.
On the antique oak table, a Louis Lamour novel sits propped up against the centerpiece with a clothespin on the page where he left off. Not far from there sits the New Testament with another clothespin biting a page of II Corinthians, chapter 13. His silverware and china sit like polished soldiers awaiting inspection, and an extra place setting sleeps late for still-dozing Grandmother.
The trill of a teaspoon dancing inside a coffee cup always fills my heart with warmth and security because, to me, it was the morning song of Grandfathers spiritual presence. As sure as his faith in God, he sat in the bright yellow kitchen every morning with a hearty breakfast, the best coffee in town, his Bible, and his long time companion, Louis Lamour. Thats the way I choose to remember him, sitting in the light if the sun (Son).
Recycle Kitchen Wastes Using a Home Worm Bin
Recycling your kitchen wastes using a home worm bin is an easy, ecologically sound way to dispose of kitchen wastes. Just think about how much water is used every day when you wash garbage down the garbage disposal in your sink!
Besides saving water, a worm bin produces an organic compost that can be used instead of chemical fertilizers in your garden and on your house plants. This is a fun and educational activity for youngsters. They will learn something about the biology of worms and also the importance of reusing and recycling to preserve resources.
Here are 10 easy steps to setting up your worm bin:
1.Select a container to house your worms. Both wooden boxes and plastic storage bins work well.
2.Determine what size you need based on the amount of waste you generate per week. An average household of 4 creates 6 lbs of food waste per week. They would need a 6 sq ft bin. (2 x 3). Keeping your container fairly shallow 12-18 helps keep the bedding from compacting and makes it easier to handle.
3.Your bin should also have a lid to keep predators out and protect your worms from exposure to light and sudden temperature changes.
4.Drill some holes about 1/8 diameter and about 4 apart in the sides and bottom to provide air circulation and good drainage.
5.If you keep your bin indoors, set it up on blocks and place a tray or thick layer of newspapers under it to catch any excess moisture that may drain out of the bottom..
6.Add damp bedding to the bin. Strips of old newspaper, shredded paper, leaves, or peat moss all work well. Use what you have. Make the bedding about 6 deep.
7.Add the food waste. You can add the food in piles or spread it out into a shallow layer. But cover it with about another 2 of damp bedding. Worms will eat anything that has once been alive including paper. Vegetable scraps, spoiled leftovers from the fridge, cereal, fruit rinds, coffee grounds (including the paper filters), and stale bread all make great worm food. Dont feed raw meat, dairy products, or pet feces.
8.Each time you add food, stir the bedding up to loosen it and keep it from becoming packed down. It is important to keep the air circulating to allow the rotting process plenty of oxygen. If your bin gets stinky the food is not getting enough air as it decomposes. Frequent stirring will prevent this. Always cover the food with additional damp bedding.
9.You may need to add moisture from time to time in addition to the food. Never let the bedding dry out. Sprinkle lightly with water. Fruit juice is even better. If the bin is too dry, the food will stop rotting and the worms will not be able to eat it.
10.Place your worms into the worm bin. Be sure to dump in all of the old vermicompost that came with your worms. This compost material contains lots of micro-organisms that your bin needs to help keep the wastes decomposing so the worms can eat it.
Decorate Your Kitchen?
Simple ways to decorate a kitchen
You know, until I became addicted to all those home-decorating shows on television, it never really occurred to me that people actually decorate their kitchens. I mean, Ive seen other peoples kitchens, like my mother in laws. Its beautiful; looks just like it came out of a magazine. But so does the rest of her house. Me? I have blue and white towels and potholders. Thats it. No, really! I thought that was all there was to it. So trying to figure out what to write for this weeks newsletter was a little challenging to say the least. Good thing I like a challenge!
As I was searching the net looking for clues, the one thing that every kitchen seemed to have in common is a theme of some kind. Sometimes this is based on a collection of things you may have (like Roxannas cows) or the colors you have carried throughout your house (like the plum color used by my mother-in-law), or simply colors you really like. (Okay! I got this part!) Once you have decided on a scheme, its time to think about paint the easiest was to change the look of a room. And its not just the walls that can use a coat of paint. Think about the cabinets, doorframes, and baseboards, etc. Paint one or all or even none! Not only is paint an inexpensive way to spruce up a room, but it is simple to change if you dont like it or just want an update. You need to make sure you take into account your appliances before you paint anything. You dont want one to overpower the other.
If you can afford it, changing or updating your appliances can give an instant lift and a whole new look to the kitchen. However, there are now custom made covers that can be attached to the front of many appliances. While they are not exactly cheap, they are infinitely less expensive than buying new ones. Plus, you can even get them to match your cabinets or even your floor.
Speaking of the floor, what can you do with it? Putting down new tile flooring is great, but not really in the budget for some. For those who are listening, I have two words for you floor rugs! Not only can they cover up an old or unattractive floor, they can be the whole inspiration for the room. Everyone has seen the little rugs that people throw in front of their sink or stove. But have you ever thought about using an actual area rug? Not an expensive one (since, if you cook like I do, its likely to get stained), but one with colors you love. Finding it can be a little tricky, but believe me, it will be worth it. Even small kitchens like mine could benefit from this idea. (A word of caution here area rugs are not made to put on top of kitchen floors. So make sure you put down a non-skid surface to lay the rug on. This will keep the rug from sliding around and you from getting hurt!) Find a rug that inspires you. It could match the colors you have chosen or even go with a particular theme. Be sure to Scotch guard it (against the inevitable spills that will occur) and toss it on the floor!
Now, if you collect things, you can use these to actually decorate. But if you dont, then pictures can easily come to your rescue. There are plenty of places to pick them up (even from other rooms around your home). This can be a great opportunity to bring some contrasting colors into the room. A frugal alternative to buying pictures is to make them. Find something you like in a book or magazine. Then take it and have color copies made, put it in a mat and/or frame and viola! Instant decorations! Using this idea will also allow you to frequently change the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank. something we all can relate to! An added bonus if that you will be able to afford to change your pictures as often as the seasons, if you want.
As you can see, there are actually many options available to you when it comes to decorating your kitchen. Even if you are domestically challenged as I am, this is one room thats going to be easy to Spice Up!
9 Traits of Organized Kitchens
1. The number one rule of an organized kitchen is to store items where you use them. Put your plates near the table, glasses near the fridge and cutting knives and board near island or counter where you cut up produce.
2. If you do any baking, set up a baking section. Store together all items you use when baking.
3. Clean and organize your fridge and freezer. Do a quick upkeep once a week on trash day. If you dont use it, get rid of it.
4. Move the excess clutter. For example, seasonally used items such as platters and holiday dishes are better stored in a basement or attic. Unless you have a very large kitchen, it is best to remove items that are not used on a regular basis.
5. How many glasses do you really use between dish washings? Store only as many as you regularly use (glasses, dishes, wine glasses, etc.), and place the extras in storage.
6. Go through your cookbooks and keep in the kitchen only the ones you use regularly. Seasonal cookbooks can be stored with your holiday dinnerware, others can be stored elsewhere or given away.
7. Heres a tough one. If you dont use it every day, remove it from your counters. So many of us complain about not having enough counter space yet we crowd the counters with items we dont even use.
8. Check out all the racks, drawer units and organizers on the market to more efficiently store your kitchen items. Youll find a variety of selections at home stores throughout the country.
9. Set up a small pantry somewhere in your home for extra cans of soup, coffee, etc. Youll save money by buying in bulk or during sales and you will save space in the kitchen for more important things. A small closet can easily be converted to a pantry. Once you have one, youll never want to be "pantry-less" again.
Barbara Myers is a professional organizer and author. Receive free tips to help you take control of your time by organizing your life. Visit http://www.ineedmoretime.com
Preparing for your wedding part 2Nily Glaser
It is your wedding. Your own very special day. Make it a one-of a-kind event.
Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day in your life. Your wedding day.
Many bridal couples become overwhelmed by all the must dos and instead of enjoying the journey get stressed out. Dont be one of them. Here are a few suggestions that will make the preparation fun.
Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding carefully. You do not want to start your joined life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a wedding to remember is do-able.
When you look at the tasks at hand in preparing for your wedding, the list may be overwhelming. . Dont try to do everything all at once. Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish.
Always remember that it is YOUR wedding. Be sure that it reflects YOU. No one can or should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. Though you may seek advice, the final decision is yours. On the other hand, dont be shy. Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement from those you believe will be an asset.
Your wedding is a deeply serious and intimate moment declaring your love and commitment to each other. Add your personal touches. If you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding. (Read the article Make your children a part of the wedding http://www.a-weddingday.com/archives.html
Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. The personal touch is what makes a wedding most meaningful and memorable to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.
Also, fill your day with cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the road leading to it because, sad to say, the wedding itself will be over before you know it. Yet the memories and keepsakes will stay with you forever. Treasure them! Good Luck!
Preparing for your wedding
Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming wedding. You are probably busy with preparation for the most important day of the rest of your life. You want it to be a one-of-a-kind, memorable occasion for you and your guests. The following are suggested items you should have on your to-do or done list. Obviously you should adjust and personalize it and add some touches of your own.
Before the wedding day
Engagement
Send out engagement announcements
Commemorate the occasion with engagement gifts to each other and maybe even with an engagement portrait. If you receive engagement gifts, send out thank you cards.
Invitations
Once you have set your wedding date, this is also the time to choose and order your invitations and enclosures, envelope seals, thank you notes and postage. Check the post office for the love / wedding or other pretty stamps.
Reservations
Dont forget to make reservations for your Rehearsal luncheons or dinners and the hotel accommodations for your out of town guest.
The Added Touch
Surprise your out of town guests with memorable welcome gifts awaiting them at the hotel.
Attend to the ceremony needs and attire
For unique, hand crafted, one-of-a-kind or personalized accessories visit the shops in this mall.
Purchase your sign-in book and pen and appoint a special person to direct your guests to sign your guest sign-in book upon arrival at your wedding site.
Prepare and print programs and assign a special person to hand them out.
Make sure that the brides wedding gown and accessories, the grooms attire and accessories and the attire and accessories for the mothers, fathers and wedding attendants accessories are ready.
Secure the wedding site, (Chapel) and officiant and discuss your needs and theirs.
Dont forget to obtain your Marriage license.
Order the flowers (fresh or silk) for the bride, the groom, the wedding party and the flower children.
Order your Unity and other candles for the ceremony and your centerpiece candles for the reception. If you want very special and unique one-of-a-kind candles, you may consider custom designed personalized candles.For very unique personalized candles, check out Candles by Nily.
Choose memento gifts for the bridal party (Personalized gifts such as candles become treasured keepsakes and they will never forget your anniversary.)
Have you chosen your Wedding rings?
Dont forget to purchase a ring bearer pillow and honor someone dear and special with being your rings bearer.
If you are Jewish, dont forget to order a Mazal-Tov Glass bag for the glass breaking ceremony.
Think about how to add your own personal touches you wish to add.
Secure the musicians, photographer, and videographer.
Treat yourself to a hand crafted bridal album if you can.
Transportation
Arrange for transportation to the wedding ceremony, from the ceremony to the reception and for after the reception
The Reception Needs
The reception site
Flowers, candles and centerpieces to decorate the reception hall and the tables Bar
Catering / food and drinks
Wedding cake
Music
Photographer, Videographer, and wedding album package.
Favors for incredible chocolates check out JKadmel Candy Co.
After the Reception Needs
Lingerie, cologne, additional personal honeymoon preferences
Hotel reservations
Honeymoon package
I hope that this information will assist you and make your planning easier. Dont get panicky. Enjoy the preparation for your wedding. And keep mementos. When you have treasured keepsakes, you will look back to this day and you will smile and enjoy the memories.
Have a one-of-a-kind wedding day to remember and a happy and rewarding life together.
Personalized candles for any reason for any season. Make todays special moments tomorrows treasured keepsakes. If you can think it, I can candle it and so can you. Ask me how.
THE FEMINIST DEBATE: MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
When ecologically-minded feminists debate their menstrual product options, they most often advocate using organic cotton tampons and pads, rather than those made from synthetic materials like rayon. The reason most of these women choose the organic cotton versions centers around the fact that the synthetics have been linked to potential health hazards, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome and dioxin exposure.
One option that is often left out of such discussions (as well as media programs and articles) is reusable menstrual products. The truth is, before tampons and throwaway menstrual pads came on the market in the 1930s, women used rags, which were kind to the environment because they were washable and hence, reusable. It wasnt until the 30s, and in the years since then, that more and more ecologically-minded women began to discover that they had cause for concern.
After all, it is extremely wasteful to use a product for just a few hours and then toss it. And according to most estimates, the average woman will use nearly 12,000 of these products during her lifetime. Thats quite a lot of garbage!
Whether you flush a tampon or pad down the toilet, or throw it in the garbage, it is going to be problematic for the environment. If flushed down the toilet, these products can clog the sewer line; or they can go on to play havoc with the water treatment plant. (I understand that in 9 out of 10 plumbing problems in apartment buildings, homes and offices, the culprits are reusable menstrual products!)
When you throw them in the garbage, these reusables end up in landfills, where they probably wont biodegrade for many years, because they lack light, water and circulating air. (Did you know that people have dug into landfills and found newspapers from 50 years earlier that are still readable?) And experts estimate that plastic tampon applicators may actually take 300 to 500 years to break down. But since tampons have only been around for seventy years, we cant yet be positive exactly how long the applicators will take to biodegrade.
So whats the answer for the ecologically-conscious menstruating woman? Reusable menstrual products, of course. Instead of a tampon, women can use the earth-friendly, reusable menstrual cup, called The Keeper, made from gentle rubber, similar to the rubber that is used to make baby bottle nipples. Besides being easy on the environment, The Keeper is easy on the pocketbook; one cup should last up to 10 years. And since it is made of rubber, rather than of an absorbent fibrous material, such as rayon, it can be worn up to 12 hours before being emptied. On heavy days, you may want to change it more often. The fact that The Keeper is not made of rayon, or any other synthetic material, also reduces the potential for Toxic Shock Syndrome and eliminates dioxin exposure. (Are you aware that the FDA does not require manufacturers of tampons or pads to list their products ingredients in or on the box?)
But some women want a reusable - but not an insertable - menstrual product. The answer: reusable menstrual pads like Glad Rags, made from organic cotton that, like The Keeper, can be used for years and will be friendly to the environment.
For these reasons, reusable menstrual products are probably THE MOST ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY OF ALL!
It can sometimes be difficult to visualize the importance and direct effect that simple conservation efforts can have when we are bombarded with negative information regularly. Lets take a look at what a few changes in the activities around the kitchen sink can do.
Rather than running the tap when cleaning vegetables, use a bowl of water. Later, reuse it to water outdoor plants. Reusing water from rinsing out the coffeepot for outdoor plants, the compost or lawn is something we do all the time. Rich in nitrogen as well as some trace minerals, coffeepots should be diluted with water before using. Choose a different group of plants every day and you may find you no longer have to water or fertilize them very often at all. Cooking water (pasta, steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes etc.) can be used in the same way just let it cool first. All of these water sources contain extra nutrients that will aid your gardens immensely. Very hot cooking water can be used to kill weeds simply pour it directly on the weed and around its roots.
After meals, scrape your dishes into the compost bucket before rinsing. While rinsing, place other soiled dishes, jars and utensils underneath while you work; it will begin the presoaking process reducing labor and water use. Anything caught in the sink basket can be contributed to the compost, too.
Save about 5 gallons of water per washing by doing dishes in a few inches of hot soapy water. It may seem funny to do this - but by turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes into the sink the level will slowly increase and will maintain a hot temperature. This way, another sink full of water solely for rinsing is no longer necessary. We sometimes use rinse water to pre-soak stuck on dishes as well.
In the winter, the water from washing or soaking dishes should be left to cool. This way it releases its valuable heat into the home, rather than the sewer. Dishwashers, that are not built-in, allow reuse of the water for pre-rinsing heavily soiled dishes because they drain into the sink. The water can be trapped in the sink, or a soiled pot, where the heat is slowly released into the home, saving energy costs in the winter. Of course, the opposite applies in the summer, when extra heat is not desirable.
Very hot water is not always necessary for all washing and rinsing needs. Usually, by the time we are finished washing our hands, the water is just beginning to warm up so really, all we have done is heat up our pipes. We can conserve water easily by turning off the tap while lathering hands. The running water is really only necessary for initial wetting, then rinsing so running water in between is really a waste.
Now, if you measured the amount of water saved each day by those simple methods we just described - there would be dozens of gallons of pure, drinkable water left untouched in the reservoir. By reducing hot water consumption, our energy bills are a little bit smaller. All this, just from the kitchen sink!
(577 words)
It can sometimes be difficult to visualize the importance and direct effect that simple conservation efforts can have when we are bombarded with negative information regularly. Lets take a look at what a few changes in the activities around the kitchen sink can do.
Rather than running the tap when cleaning vegetables, use a bowl of water. Later, reuse it to water outdoor plants. Reusing water from rinsing out the coffeepot for outdoor plants, the compost or lawn is something we do all the time. Rich in nitrogen as well as some trace minerals, coffeepots should be diluted with water before using. Choose a different group of plants every day and you may find you no longer have to water or fertilize them very often at all. Cooking water (pasta, steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes etc.) can be used in the same way just let it cool first. All of these water sources contain extra nutrients that will aid your gardens immensely. Very hot cooking water can be used to kill weeds simply pour it directly on the weed and around its roots.
After meals, scrape your dishes into the compost bucket before rinsing. While rinsing, place other soiled dishes, jars and utensils underneath while you work; it will begin the presoaking process reducing labor and water use. Anything caught in the sink basket can be contributed to the compost, too.
Save about 5 gallons of water per washing by doing dishes in a few inches of hot soapy water. It may seem funny to do this - but by turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes into the sink the level will slowly increase and will maintain a hot temperature. This way, another sink full of water solely for rinsing is no longer necessary. We sometimes use rinse water to pre-soak stuck on dishes as well.
In the winter, the water from washing or soaking dishes should be left to cool. This way it releases its valuable heat into the home, rather than the sewer. Dishwashers, that are not built-in, allow reuse of the water for pre-rinsing heavily soiled dishes because they drain into the sink. The water can be trapped in the sink, or a soiled pot, where the heat is slowly released into the home, saving energy costs in the winter. Of course, the opposite applies in the summer, when extra heat is not desirable.
Very hot water is not always necessary for all washing and rinsing needs. Usually, by the time we are finished washing our hands, the water is just beginning to warm up so really, all we have done is heat up our pipes. We can conserve water easily by turning off the tap while lathering hands. The running water is really only necessary for initial wetting, then rinsing so running water in between is really a waste.
Now, if you measured the amount of water saved each day by those simple methods we just described - there would be dozens of gallons of pure, drinkable water left untouched in the reservoir.
Alone In The Kitchen: Stirring Up Mindfulness
Put on your apron! Its time to stir up a batch of mindfulness.
Julia Child, the trilling television chef who taught millions of Americans how to prepare French food without being hoity-toity, died in her sleep at the age of 92 recently. In dozens of articles, she has been glowingly eulogized for her spirit, her humor, and her ability to share her passion for cooking and fine dining.
Ive never tried any of Julia Childs recipes, and I watched her show only on those days when I was skipping high school. I was fascinated by her confidence in the kitchen, and I absolutely loved the way she dealt matter-of-factly with her mistakes. The line she used to excuse a dropped chicken or imprecisely flipped potato pancake? "Youre alone in the kitchen, anyway." Just patch it up and serve with a smile.
We would do well to stir in a little of Julias wisdom when it comes to stewing in our own juices. For those of us likely to simmer in frustration or stick to the fear pan, her gentle and humorous approach to making mistakes is a refreshing reminder to be forgiving in order to be fabulous.
A mischievous teen and notorious good-time girl in college, Julia didnt set out to impress anyone but herself. Along the way, she inspired millions. Her wildly popular cookbook, "The Way To Cook", made gourmet food attainable to anyone willing to give it a go. Child herself served up some delicious morsels of advice for the way to live.
1) Start at any age.
If you think that only monks who start chanting at age 8 are likely to develop any respectable level of mindfulness, remember Julia Child. She grew up completely oblivious to her potential in the kitchen, relying on the family cook for meals and snacks. She didnt take a cooking class until she was 34 years old, and it wasnt until the age of 51 that she started cooking before the masses on television. She continued to write cookbooks throughout her eighties.
2) Move past your mistakes.
This is especially helpful in meditation. If you find yourself kneading a few thoughts, whipping up some emotions, or punching down your view of yourself as a "good" meditator, simply dump that flattened souffl in the trash and move on.
Youre alone in your head, anyway.
3) Do it for yourself.
Julia Child always ended her television shows by sitting at a beautiful table set for one and raising her glass of wine to the camera with a melodic, ascending "Bon Appetit!" She made it seem perfectly reasonable to spend time lovingly preparing a delicious meal--for yourself. She delighted in the idea of cooking--and dining--for the sheer joy of the experience.
By remembering that we are never too old to start, that we must expect to make mistakes as we keep moving forward, and that we need not impress anyone but ourselves, we can stir up mindfulness wherever we are.
I still think that staying home to watch Julia Child should have been an excused absence from school. She taught me the value of demystifying difficult concepts in order to embrace learning without fear.
Bon appetit!
Choosing Pots And Pans For Your Kitchen
Experts know the value of having quality tools to accomplish any task. Yet how many of us struggle by with cheap tools that waste time rather than save money. Choosing pots and pans for your kitchen is one area in which you shouldn?t scrimp.
Choosing pots and pans is an important job. Pots and pans come into contact with the food you and your family are eating, so it is vital that they be made of quality materials. Before choosing pots and pans for purchase, consider the different materials that are available:
Choosing pots and pans made of stainless steel is a popular choice. Stainless steel pots and pans require little maintenance and are fairly durable. They also do not react with most foods, so you can cook any kind of food without worrying about discoloration or other chemical problems.
Non-stick coatings are also widely-purchased by cooks choosing pots and pans. Electrochemically sealed aluminum (anodized aluminum) is a common non-stick option for those choosing pots and pans because it cooks more evenly and can sustain higher temperatures that other non-stick cooking vessels.
Choosing pots and pans made of copper should be a careful, fully informed decision. Copper, while a great conductor of heat, can be difficult for novice cooks to manage. Additionally, copper pots and pans require a good deal of regular maintenance to retain their gorgeous lustre and appearance. Occasionally, copper and stainless steel are combined to capture the best traits of each material in one piece.
Cast iron is super for cooking at high temperatures, but not the best option if you?re in a hurry. Choosing pots and pans made of cast iron means you will have to be patient and you will have to take care to dry and season (oil) your pots and pans often.
When choosing pots and pans, you should consider not only the material, but also the variety of vessels you will need to equip your kitchen. Full sets may be an attractive choice, but you way want to think about choosing pots and pans individually. By choosing pots and pans individually, you avoid buying pieces you won?t use, therefore saving money to invest in pieces you will use over and over again.
Choosing pots and pans no kitchen should be without:
Durability and versatility should be key elements to consider when choosing pots and pans. Purchase a couple of saucepans (2-qt and 3-qt sizes are a good start), a heavy stockpot for soups and stew, a heavy-gauge non-stick skillet, a flat-bottomed saut? pan for browning, a roasting pan and a braising dish (similar to a casserole dish).
That may sound like a lot, but by choosing pots and pans carefully, you can find pieces that transfer easily from stovetop to oven or that have interchangeable lids. Choosing pots and pans this way will provide versatility and save you money. Look for long, heat-proof or heat resistant handles, and for larger pieces look for helper handles that run across from the regular channels to help you lift your pots and pans with control.
Preventing Water Damage In The Kitchen
The kitchen is often neglected even though it is often cleaned and warning signs of excess moisture and impending water damage are overlooked. Inspecting the following moisture sources will help in preventing damage where it is likely to happen
Refrigerator
The area behind the refrigerator is hardly ever inspected because it is relatively hard to reach. Inspecting this area will reduce the chance for water problems. water behind the refrigerator is a sign. Do not ignore it, fix immediately or hire an appliance technician. If you detect mold growth, clean it immediately. Locate the moisture and fix it. If you have an icemaker, check the hose to make sure it is sealed and attached to the water supply.
Sink and Countertop
The sink and countertop are highly watered areas in the house. Check regularly under the sink and remove the trash can and other stored items to search for leaks. A drip in the trap under the sink means drain problems and must be repaired fast. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes indicate a blocked drain. A dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Pay attention to the countertop. If tiles are cracked or grout is missing, fix it to prevent water from pervading. Stained walls and floors around pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed to prevent additional damage.
Dishwasher
If the dishwasher doesn?t empty after use, the main filter may be blocked and must be released promptly. When the sink overflows, it is usually due to back-ups. This problem usually occurs when the drain line is clogged. Clean the drain line regularly. Look under the base of the dishwasher for leaks. If you find any leaks, there could be an unsealed joint or a damaged hose. Check the connection and fix as needed. Check the dishwasher hose under the sink for signs of leakage and fix if necessary. Consider installing steel-braided hoses on appliances such as the dishwasher.
Arming Your Kitchen With Basic Cooking Utensils
There?s no doubt that having the right tools for the job makes any task easier, and there?s no better place to illustrate this than in the kitchen, where having the right cooking utensils can be the difference between creating good meals and great meals.
Many cooks think about major appliances such as the stove and refrigerator when planning to equip their kitchens, but to be a success in the kitchen, you need to have a good selection of cooking utensils in addition to the bigger items. And don?t forget, cooking utensils means more than just spoons; there?s a host of small cooking utensils ranging from cutting devices, juicers, graters and more.
Think about what you do in a kitchen and about how different cooking utensils come into play for each task:
Washing and drying fresh produce ? always easy to accomplish with a strainer and salad spinner. A vegetable peeler is also an important addition to your cooking utensils closet.
Slicing, chopping and dicing all kinds of food and garnishes ? a food processor makes short work of vegetables, but mandolins, knives and graters are also helpful cooking utensils to have on hand.
Measuring cooking and baking can be a form of art and recipes should be followed as precisely as possible so measuring dishes, cups (both wet and dry measures) and measuring spoons are invaluable cooking utensils.
Weighing depending on what you like to cook, you may want to add a food scale to your shopping list of cooking utensils. Such a tool can be excellent for portioning meat and other products that have cooking times affected by weight.
Temperature as important as measures are temperatures, which can affect the success of your kitchen endeavors. An oven or meat thermometer is key to having properly cooked meat that is safe to eat, and should be included in your pantry of cooking utensils.
Mixing ? no kitchen would be complete without a cadre of mixing bowls in its cooking utensils cupboard. Having a selection of bowls in assorted sizes is essential to fast, efficient cooking.
Manipulating, poking, prodding, lifting and stirring ? perhaps what most often comes to mind when you think of cooking utensils are implements used to move food: spoons, forks, knives, spatulas, wire whisks, pastry blenders, tongs, salad lifters, slotted spoons, wooden spoons, serving spoons and more.
By imagining the tasks you do every day in the kitchen, you will get a better idea of the cooking utensils you should consider purchasing. Think about every stage of the food preparation process, from storage and cleaning, to cooking and presenting.
Other useful cooking utensils: pastry brush, kitchen shears, rolling pin, salt shaker, pepper mill, cutting board, ramekins, flour sifter, rotary beater, ladles, juicer and a can opener. Cooking utensils come in a range of prices, quality and materials such as wood, metal, rubber and silicone. Regardless of how much you pay, always make sure any cooking utensils that have multiple pieces, fit together securely.
Kitchens: A New Concept
Top notch planning, labor saving appliances, glamorous new materials and accessories combine to give todays kitchens an updated new life.
Kitchens have undergone a vast change in recent years. The final result today is a totally new concept in kitchen planning, and most important, decor. New materials for walls and floors, modern refrigerators, ovens and appliances and the use of vivid color schemes transform the average kitchen into a room of beauty.
Kitchen... Planning
A well planned kitchen makes good use of all available space. To be a success, every kitchen must be well planned, down to the last detail. Convenience is just as important as appearance in kitchens that are large, small, new or remodeled. Work out your plans on paper first. This not only saves time and headaches, but money and disappointments as well.
There is no point in learning too late that the ultra large refrigerator you want wont fit into the space between oven and work counters. If you are arranging cabinets and other appliances, work on graph paper to exact scale. Remember that you can utilize walls from floor to ceiling for storage units, that will save floor space. Do this preliminary planning before you go to your designer or builder, so that you know what you want.
Versatile Peninsulas and Islands
Peninsulas and Islands have manifold merits, they are, in fact, essential in the well planned kitchen. One of the secrets of good kitchen design is to avoid wasted space. The less walking you have to do between oven, sink, range and refrigerator, the better. Islands and peninsulas help to bring work areas closer together, and in doing so alleviate this traffic problem.
An island is any free standing base cabinet, with counter top, set out in the middle of the kitchen floor. In many ways it it the modern version of the kitchen table. Certainly it serves the same purpose but with a difference. The difference is that it combines a sink or cooking top, or both, in its work counter and cabinets or drawer storage in the base.
A peninsula is any counter extending from a wall, so that it is accessible from three sides. Peninsulas can also accoommodate range tops, sinks and base storage. Peninsulas and islands also solve other kitchen traffic problems, especially when more than one person is working in the kitchen. By isolating various areas of activity, two, even three, people can work happily at different chores, without crossing paths.
Kitchen... Floors
Kitchen floors are designed to flourish with any decorating scheme, and are more glamorous than ever. Careful thought should be given before buying flooring materials. These are: traffic expected, amount of exposure to sunlight, moisture, durability wanted and amount of quiteness desired.
Many types of vinyl flooring are available, and continue to be popular because they are versatile, practical and not too expensive. All wear well, look good and are grease resistant. Many of these vinyls simulate brick, tile, wood and marble and can create a luxury look in any kitchen. Ceramic tiles are hard wearing, easy to keep clean and come in various color. Linoleums are less expensive than vinyls and ceramic tiles, that wear fairly well. Vinyl carper and other fiber carpets that resist moisture, spots, and are easy to maintain can also be used successfully in kitchens.
Kitchen... Walls
Kitchen walls come alive with color and beauty today. The choices of wall coverings is wide. Washable wallpaper, plastic finished hardboard paneling, laminated, wood paneling, ceramic tile, metal and copper tiles or stainless steel sheets all give walls a new impact. When color and texture are matched to floors, they give the kitchen an integrated truly decorated look.
Remember also to plan your lighting and ventalation carefully. lights should be well placed, so that you work in shadowless comfort and avoid eye strain. Ventilation keeps kitchens clean and fresh. Ventilation fans and hoods remove food odors, grease, smoke, heat and moisture before they do any damage to walls and furniture.
10 Biggest Kitchen Design Mistakes
Dreaming of a new kitchen? In order to make your dreams a reality, consider ten common mistakes to avoid in designing and remodeling your kitchen to save you time, money and aggravation.
Over-customizing and inflexibility
Unless you have money to spare, remain flexible regarding materials and design for your new kitchen. For example, youre vacationing in southern Italy and the beautiful tiles you find in the craftsmans shop are perfect for your new dream kitchen. You cant live without them, even though he has to chip the marble off the mountain by hand and each one takes three weeks to make, because they have fossilized leaves imprinted in them.
If you need two hundred tiles, stop dreaming and do the arithmetic. Three weeks, each one, two hundred tiles. Forget it. Buy everything he has on the shelf and leave the store. Use the fifteen you bring home in your suitcase as accents imbedded in the floor here and there, or in the tiling around the sink and keep them a beautiful memory.
Likewise, the German track lighting with special light bulbs which cast a delicate hue of light. Those light bulbs are so special and unique that they are only available in Germany!
Avoid difficult and over specialized items so that repairs and replacements dont turn into logistical nightmares. All appliances, plumbing, electricity, and carpentry should repairable with no more then a few local phone calls.
Changing the Plans
Once work has begun, any change will cost you money even if materials are downgraded. This is because measurements have been calculated and materials ordered. Even a small change such as a two inch longer built in convection oven could mean that the hand cut granite counter which is already installed and ready, has to be pared down on one side which means you lose a customized finish.
Be warned by the plight of those who changed so much in quest of the perfect kitchen that they abandoned their budget in the middle and ended up without the funds to finish. Living for years with an unfinished kitchen is not a very appealing option.
Spending It All At Once - Over-Budgeting
Set a budget, then plan on spending 80% of your projected figure. Remember, no one ever pays less than the estimated amount; it always costs more. That 20% you held back from your budget will be used to cover the usual unforeseen circumstances which inevitably pop up such as minor changes, previously unperceived problems and other charges.
ImproveNet offers interactive estimators and project calculators to help you estimate how much your project will cost, how much material youll need, and what it could look like. http://www.improvenet.com/HomeOwner/ProjectTools/index.html
Using the Wrong General Contractor
The contractor you choose should be an expert in kitchens, not roofs. Talk to people that have used a contractor you are considering within the last three months. Ask to see the work they did. Ask the right questions: Was he within his estimate? Did he finish on time? Did they keep the job clean and did they tidy up nicely afterwards? Were his workers polite, neat, clean, and on time? Are there any complaints? A little time spent on researching your contractor can save you a lot of headaches later.
Inaccuracies in Measurement
This shouldnt be your problem at all, but frequently this common mistake is passed on to the customers wallet. Before you sign a contract, insist that the contractor take responsibility for any inaccuracies in measurement or factory flaws which often occur. Dont settle for almost fits or good enough. They have to promise and deliver a finished result according to the specifications that were agreed on.
Throwing Dollars Out the Window
Dont pay for a renovation in advance. Establish a payment plan with the majority of the balance paid after the work is completed. Evaluating the work as it progresses and testing the finished product is a great incentive for the contractor to please the customer.
Handing Over the Design of Your Kitchen to a Designer
Your new kitchen should reflect your taste, not the designers. Yes, the pink and yellow appliances are very stylish, and happy but maybe stainless steel or white is what you prefer. You are the best judge. Dont let anyone convince you that what they want is what you need. Work with your designer to achieve the practical tasteful space that fits your needs and lifestyle. Ask to see a virtual model of the plans and stay involved throughout the design process.
Going It Alone
Ask your friends and neighbors about their renovations - what they like, what they dont like. Solicit opinions from people you trust before and during the job. Ask the members of your family for ideas and suggestions about how to best utilize the workable space.
Investing Too Much
Yes it is your dream kitchen but practically speaking, even the most expensive kitchen renovations should not cost more than 20% of the current market value of your home. The average kitchen renovation adds only about 8% to market value. If you ever want to sell your home, an appealing kitchen is a big plus, but dont throw all your money into it expecting an investment return.
And on the other hand, most experts agree that kitchen renovation done well is worth at least 5% of the value of your home. Under-spending may reflect in market value.
Indulging The Latest Fads
Resist the temptation to choose trendy designs which will make you queasy after you get over the pizzazz. Remember your kitchen is the heart of your home. Make wise choices with an eye on livability. The best strategy is practical, classic, timeless. Weve all seen kitchens designed in the latest fashion. Nothing becomes as outmoded as yesterdays modern look. Avocado green cabinets anyone? Mosaic daisies tiled into the walls? Also try to resist flamboyant displays of self expression. In the end, you will live happily ever after!
