Bread storage is a general problem in the majority of households. It is essential to keep the bread as fresh as possible for as long as possible, along with keeping the kitchen no less than somewhat neat in appearance. This predicament was in reality solved long before with the creation of the bread bin, however as time wore on and more people started to acquire bread that was previously sliced and contained in plastic, many simply forgot about the genuine convenience this simple kitchen storage unit brought.
Times are changing, and plenty of people are once again embracing the bread bin. This is, in part, due to the bin’s rebirth. Designers like Brabantia have put a brand new spin on these kitchen accessories and now have made it more than a storage solution. Bread bins can be fashioned as center points in the kitchen. Beautiful colors and models assure that any kitchen will be able to contain a bread bin that blends seamlessly into its decorations.
Beyond its visible appeal, the bread bin offers its owners a good way to keep their bread tastier for much longer than it would if it had been left on the counter. As bread is really a major staple in many households, this is essential to achieve. Other traditional storage strategies cannot compete with the Brabantia bin. Left in the open air, bread will become dehydrated and eventually inedible. The open air as well exposes the loaf of bread to any germs, insects or mice that may possibly be around. Leaving food out is just asking for pest problems.
Sandwich bags also come up a bit short in terms of bread storage. The bag can trap in any moisture that is around. The bread then will become soggy and a first-rate breeding ground for mold. Bread must remain stored inside a container designed to keep liquid and air at the right ranges. Paper bags are not very helpful with this task either. The oxygen effortlessly moves through the bag, attacking the bread until it is completely dried out. This practice must be ceased for successful bread storage. For long-term storage, the freezer can work. Except this won’t provide a home with ready to eat fresh bread. It must be thawed out or toasted. Bread stored in the refrigerator will not fare much better. While it will keep liquid and atmosphere in check, it has a tendency to leave the bread with an altered taste. The bread absorbs what is around, therefore, it can wind up tasting like everything else stored with it inside the refrigerator.
One must keep in mind that the bin will not stop the bread from getting stale. Nothing, aside from freezing the bread, can prevent this process from occurring. Bread will sooner or later go bad, but a stylish Brabantia bread bin can help slow the process by maintaining the humidity and moisture. It can also be a nice way to keep the kitchen clean from the extra clutter the loaf of bread brings as well as work as a pleasant focal point in the area. Add a new flavor to your kitchen and keep the bread delicious with one simple expenditure.
Filed under Kitchen Remodeling by on Sep 29th, 2010. Comment. 
While not everyone can afford to do a complete kitchen remodel or buy a roomful of large appliances, quality kitchen accessories are something within almost anyone’s reach. Kitchen accessories can make the room that much more inviting and useful. These are just a few of the kitchen accessories that will improve your cooking experience:
- Knives are made in various sizes to accomplish many different tasks, from small paring knives to larger butcher knives. Without the correct knife, a simple kitchen task can become difficult and even dangerous. Do you chop meat, de-bone chicken, or cut up vegetables for salad? Consider the usual cutting and chopping that you do in your kitchen before choosing the knives that you need.
- Cutting boards are another kitchen essential. The main purpose of these boards is to protect your counter tops while you are cutting or chopping. Cutting boards come in several different materials, mainly plastic, wood, or marble. The plastic ones are good for cutting almost any item, as are the wood ones, although both will tend to absorb juices from whatever you are cutting, which can transfer not only flavors but also contaminants. Marble boards are more expensive but do not have the disadvantages that plastic and wood ones do. All of them can come with a trench around the edges to keep juices from getting onto your counters.
- The right food storage containers make your kitchen more organized and accessible. You also have an opportunity to express your personal style by choosing decorative containers. Food storage does not refer just to plastic containers for leftovers, but also spice jars and racks, bread boxes, canisters and your cabinets. Containers that you wish to use for leftovers should be properly sized for portions and maintain a tight seal for freshness. Spice containers should keep your spices fresh and make it quick and easy to find the one you want.
- Aprons have become a forgotten kitchen tool, but they should not be. Protecting your clothes and yourself is quick and easy with an apron. There are so many cute novelty aprons from which to choose, so it is not difficult to pick one that reflects your personality. My husband, an accomplished cook, rarely cooks without one. His apron saves me laundry time and him grease spatters.
- People get less excited about basic tools like measuring cups, thermometers and times, but, they are just as important in making your foods come out right. Measuring cups allow you to make sure that you have exactly the right amount of each ingredient so your recipes are a success. Thermometers tell you when your meat is cooked to a safe temperature. Times help you keep track of how long your food has cooked.
- Matching your kitchen decor or your personality is easy with tea towels. White is drab and boring, so use your imagination with tea towels. Patterns, colors and cartoons can be great fun. It may take some searching, but you can find just the right tea towels for you and your kitchen.
Filed under Kitchen Remodeling by on Aug 18th, 2010. Comment.
What kind of a person uses a drink coaster? It’s a simple question at first, and yet it speaks to the deep seated psychology of a person. It explores ideas of possession, investment, care, and detail, which can reveal some of the inner workings of the mind of the individual.
For starters, let’s examine the care aspect of the drink coaster. A coaster is a preventative tool. Its presence requires a certain amount of forethought. This shows forethought, the mind of a general seeing the big picture, and thinking strategically about how to prevent problems that might potentially occur.
Another aspect of drink coasters is that they show their owners care and respect for their possessions. A lot of people just dont care how their house looks. These are the people who purchase low quality home furnishings, broken, chipped, and cheap items that they then fill their houses with.
The person who buys and uses a drink coaster however, is protecting their possessions. They are treating the items in their home like an investment that they have to carefully manage and protect so that the beauty of the piece is preserved for years to come.
Finally, drink coasters speak to the detail oriented nature of the mind that employs them. Someone who uses coasters cares about the little things. These are the people that notice the tiny scars of reality, the subtle imperfections that make up the texture of life. They notice things, little things, things that other people never bother to see.
Not only do they notice these things, they also act on them. They seek out the tiny details, and then they do something to control them. They act, by purchasing coasters, and then making them available, and even offering them to guests, when a potential disaster arises.
The next time you see a set of coasters, think about the mind of the person that purchased them. What does their presence say about who they are, and how they view the world? This of course goes way beyond the coaster, and is a way of looking at the entire world, through the objects, and the clues they leave behind.
Filed under Remodeling by on Apr 26th, 2010. Comment.
Decorating is a form of art. You take a space, and you apply meaning to it through colors, shapes, textures, and accessories. You make a room feel warm, or spacious, or inviting, by shaping the atmosphere. Clocks are unique elements in this decorative mix, both because of its constant movement, and because it’s symbolic representation of time.
The clock at its core is a functional piece. It is designed to tell you what time it is, and to let you know how much time has passed during certain events. This makes it a fairly prominent and important piece. These pieces naturally draw the attention of the room towards themselves, even if only in fleating moments.
As such you generally do not want to select a piece which will fade into the background, receding from view. This is antithesis to the inherent nature of the clock. You should instead opt for a piece that is easy to see, even from a distance, so that its functional utility isnt lost on the room.
One way to do this is to have the clock stand out against the rest of the room, by choosing a piece which is a contrasted color, or which has prominent features. Larger timepieces will also garner more attention.
However you have to be aware of the ever present, constantly moving nature of a clock. The more prominent the piece is the more active the room will seem and larger clocks will definitely add motion and energy to a setting.
However the nature of the energy can manifest in a variety of forms. Some people get nervous when they are around clocks, almost as if they are constantly being reminded that they are late. Sometimes people are actually soothed by the ggentle constant ticking of a timepiece, as it keeps its steady beat throughout the day.
It is important to recognize your own reaction to clocks, and to accommodate that as much as possible. Understanding the symbolic and psychological importance of a timepiece is the key to using them as effective decorating elements in the home.
Filed under Remodeling by on Apr 23rd, 2010. Comment.
Shower curtains, first and foremost, offer valuable functions when showering. They not only keep water inside the showering area, but also offer privacy. Selecting the right curtain should start with this in mind.
To stop the curtain from collecting dust or dirt, or posing a tripping hazard, the hem of the curtain needs to be more than an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) above the floor. However, to keep the water from spraying onto the floor, the curtain must reach below the top of the tub. There is some leeway as to the exact height it should be. Hang it higher or lower depending on the how nice the bath tub looks.
With so many colors and styles to choose from, never settle for anything but the prefect curtain for the bathroom. As a shower curtain is the largest single item in any bathroom, it has a huge effect on its feel and look.
Spend time considering what will go with the existing colors in your bathroom, and who will be using it, prior to making any purchase. There is everything from soccer themes for sports enthusiasts, to Disney themes for children. For those who would like simpler designs or just plain colors, there are a wide range of those available too.
The type of material is something else to consider when deciding which shower curtain to buy. Most curtains are manufactured from vinyl, cloth and plastic. There are pros and cons to each type that need to be taken into account when making a purchase.
Vinyl and plastic are widely used because they are cheap and functional. Being naturally waterproof, they meet the main requirement. Then, they come in so many colors and styles, that they can fit any bathroom.
Some prefer cloth because it tends to look look nicer. However, it is more expensive and is more prone to mildew. Therefore, cloth curtains are often used with waterproof linings for greater functionality and a more elegant look on the outside.
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‘Buy Shower Curtains‘ is a comprehensive information source on buying shower curtains, shower curtain care, and everything else about shower curtains.
Filed under Bathroom Remodeling by on Mar 9th, 2010. Comment.
Have you ever had a candle that just doesn’t last? Before you can even get any great use out of it, you have spilt wax down the sides, a broken wick and a black stain across it. There seems to be nothing that can be done to get it lit again and it can be pretty frustrating since it only seems to occur when you purchase the really expensive candles.Â
Usually, when a candle begins to break down, it’s probably because you aren’t caring for it properly. I hear the groans from the back but what your mother has always said to you is true, “If you want something to last, then you really need to take care of it.â€
But really, how do you care for your candles? Don’t you just toss them into a drawer and pull them out for those special occasions. I would love to say sure, since it is the easiest way but unfortunately, easy isn’t always the best way. Sure you can throw them in a drawer but don’t expect a very nice candle to be pulled from the drawer for one of those special occasions.Â
To keep your candles looking great and to get the most out of them, there are a few tips that you should follow.
The Candle Snuffer: Don’t sniff at this little trinket. It is a candle lover’s best tool and you can buy one that is fairly inexpensive while still looking expensive. If you aren’t sure what a candle snuffer is, it is a bell shaped tool on a long handle. The hollow bell fits over the candle and extinguishes the flame. It’s simple and candle snuffers have been around for a long time.Â
But why are they so important in getting the most out of your candles? It’s simple; candle snuffers keep the wicks from being damaged. Blowing on a candle, or worse, extinguishing them with your wet fingers, can damage the wick. A damaged wick means more difficulty keeping the flame.
Cool Storage:Â If you are a person that only brings out candles for special occasions, there are a few ways that you should store them.Â
First, make sure you store them individually. Wrap each candle in a sheet of white tissue paper to avoid the colors to bleed into the candle. If you are storing scented candles, place them into their own plastic sealable bag. This will keep the scents fresh and will keep them from blending together.
Next, place them in a cool, dark area. Make sure the space is not damp since this can also damage them. Candles should always been stored flat to ensure that they do not bend. Also, if an area is too warm, the candles will begin to melt and will become misshapen.
Keep those Candles Tidy:  When you are trying to get the most out of your candles, it is best to keep them tidy. Remove excess wax that has dripped down the sides, or if you are using a jar candle, place the jar inside a sink of hot water to melt the wax on the side of the glass.Â
Keep the wick nice and tidy and always trim down your wicks to ¼ inch in length before each use. Make sure you cut the wicks when they are cool since a hot wick could stretch and tear.Â
Also, never burn your candles for longer than 4 hours. If you are having a full romantic evening, simply replenish the candles every 4 hours. This will keep your candles looking beautiful and will keep down the amount of soot that accumulates on the candle itself.Â
Lastly, try to keep the candles out of direct light. Prolonged time in light will make the colors fade and your beautiful candle will no longer look bright and new.
Just following these tips should ensure hours and even months of enjoyment with your candles.
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 7th, 2008. Comment.
Two months ago, after a long discourse at the breakfast table on the many wonderful aspects of soy candles, my 13-year-old son accused me of being a soy candle head, as in dead head. What had got me started was the soy milk e had been drinking for breakfast, and having recently discovered soy candles in a big way, my mind was understandably full of how this wonderful material was so much a part of our lives – food, drink, and now candles!
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Whatever my son might say, however, I can’t stop gushing about soy candles and their unique properties, and you, dear reader, are now in my line of fire. Not only are soy candles longer lasting, they also hold a fragrance better and do not produce unsightly deposits of soot. And when I say long lasting, I mean it, because the average 14 oz wax candle will last you about 70 hours, give or take five, while a soy candle will last all of 100, if not more. That’s almost 50 hours more, and not at significantly higher prices either.
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If you’ve been following these articles, you’ll know about my friend Charlene Dewitt, the one who is an aromatherapy expert. Well, inevitably, it was Charlene who introduced me to soy candles, and one of the first things I noticed was the absence of soot. All those who have spent time cleaning blackened and grimy candle jars, walls and even ceilings know what a menace soot can be. With soy candles, because they are natural, the jar remains pristine, and the walls and ceilings unsullied.
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Now I come to the most important reason for using soy candles. Various studies have revealed that traditional wax candles emit carcinogens into the air. Now, as we all know, carcinogens are cancer-causing toxins that also cause other health problems. Mostly, researchers are trying to prove that anything that emits carbon dioxide when burnt, such as wax candles and charcoal, will release carcinogens. Though it is too early to comment on this issue, soy candles certainly do not produce carcinogens, which means they are healthy, too!
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All in all, it is no surprise that soy candles are gaining in popularity, considering they were only launched in 1991, and their discovery is credited to a certain Michael Richards, who found out by trial and error that mixing soybean oil with palm and coconut oils produced a perfect wax. He added a small amount of beeswax to the mixture to improve it even further.
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Today, it has been conclusively proved that 100% natural soy wax does not contain petroleum or other environmentally unsafe ingredients. And it is much less expensive than other natural waxes like beeswax.
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So I end my rave. Go ahead, call me a soy candle head, but remember what I’ve told you the next time you buy your candle supplies!
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 5th, 2008. Comment.
There is something infinitely beautiful about a well shaped candle. People will pay top dollar for this works of art and I have often found that many people will avoid using them since they are so exquisite.Â
If you do use the sculpted candle, you are left with a melted mess, trying to figure out exactly what to do with it now. Sure you can melt it down to make more candles but why don’t you melt it down to create another sculpture.Â
I am not a big fan of abstract art but I have come to really enjoy these wax sculptures. They are easy to make and you can make them with older children, under supervision. Actually, the first time I made an abstract wax sculpture, I was only 13.Â
They are very easy to make and you only need a few items to create a beautiful work of art. You don’t even need candles!
What you need:
·        Wax – This is the most important item for making a wax sculpture but I have used everything from store bought wax to old crayons. Remember that some colors will mix together creating a muddy color but others won’t.
·        Double Boiler – Since you are melting wax, it is best to use a double boiler or a metal bowl in a few inches of water. Adding a pot of wax to a direct source of heat can cause fires or at the very least, may burn the wax and ruin the pot.
·        Colored Dye – This is optional and sometimes you can just play around with the colors that you have in the crayons or old candles.Â
·        Metal Pie Plates – The disposable pie plates work best for this type of project
·        Kitchen Sink – The deeper the better.
Directions:
1.     Before you begin melting the wax, it is important to prepare it. Remove any wrappers from crayons, and cut out any wicks from the old candles.
2.     Once everything is prepared, fill up the kitchen sink with cold water. The colder the better. Fill it as deep as you can but make sure it won’t spill over the sides when you submerse your arms.
3.     Melt the wax at medium low on the stove in a double boiler. If you want to make sure the colors do not blend, use a few double boilers, each with a different color.
4.     When the wax is melted, carefully pour between 2 or 3 inches of hot wax into a pie plate as it rests on the surface of the water. Play with different levels of melted wax.
5.     Quickly spin the pie plate slightly and then submerge the plate. The candle wax will billow up into long streaks and you will create a wax sculpture. Make sure to wear rubber cloves, the longer the better, since the wax is still hot as it is forming.
6.     Pull out of the water and carefully pour out the excess water.Â
7.     Remove from the pie plate and if you do not like it, simply remove and place back into the pot to melt.Â
Playing with the depth of the wax and how you submerge the pie plate will give you a large range of sculptures you make, from jagged ice sculptures to billowing trees to delicate fairy mushrooms. Most of the sculptures will have a flat space where a glass votive or tealight can be attached to be used as an intricate sculpture.
8.     Make them long lasting by spraying them with a sealer.
And that is it. These little sculptures will have guests talking and you will have lots of fun trying to outdo yourself every time.
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 3rd, 2008. Comment.
A Candle Made of Soybean Oil?
Yes you read that right! Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil which is called soybean wax. They are easy to make, and a lot of people find soy candle making a great hobby. They are made by using different dyes and fragrances to create the perfect candle, and a lot of people consider the soy candle to be the best choice when buying or making candles. They are easy to clean up if spilt and are virtually the fastest way to make a candle.
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Soy wax is possibly the safest candle wax of today, and is made from one of the most popular plants. Soybeans are used for everything from oils, to animal feed made from the remaining husks of the soybean plant. Soybeans are increasingly popular in China and other Asian countries, where they are used for food in all different kinds of recipes.Â
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The History of Soy Candles
The wax from the soy candle was founded by Michael Richards in 1991. Because of the growing demand for candles, Richards was looking for a cheaper way to make an environmentally safe natural candle that would burn slower than regular paraffin wax or bees wax. After many tests on different plants he found that soybean oil was the perfect candidate for the perfect candle.
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Nowadays, soy candles are manufactured all over the world and are a popular candle because of their strong scent and the fact  that they are environmentally friendly. Since soy wax candles will burn at approximately 100 degrees F the scent is spread quicker throughout the area. The average soy candle lasts about fifteen to seventeen hours giving them a much slower burning rate then other candles.
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100% Non-Toxic
Another great thing about soy candles is that they are completely non-toxic, compared with paraffin wax which has small amounts of toxicity which burns black. Although you should never burn many candles in a small enclosed room, soy wax is much less harmful than regular wax and is safer for the environment. Soy wax is also easily removed from clothing and other materials with soap and water, compared with paraffin wax which is not easily removed from carpet or any other material. A lot of natural candle makers claim to be “soot free†but in reality they are not. Not even soy candles are really and truly soot free, although they do produce at least 90% less soot. The fact that soy wax is non-toxic has made it increasingly popular among people who are more aware of keeping the planet earth clean and healthy.
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Candle Safety
You should always practice proper candle safety when using any type of candle whether it is soy candles, paraffin, bees wax, or any other candle. Always keep candles away from pets and children, after all anything containing fire or anything that will burn, should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Â Â Keep wicks trimmed and never leave a candle burning for more that five hours at any time. Be sure to place the candle in a properly ventilated room, and never use more that one in a small space. Even though soy wax is non-toxic you should practice these safety measures, to keep you and your family happy, healthy and safe.
Filed under Remodeling by on Oct 1st, 2008. Comment.