How to Keep Your Oven Clean

Cooking can become really messy whether you are cooking for yourself or for your whole family. It is almost impossible to avoid the liquid splatters, spills, drops or drips inside your single oven. Due to this you need to purchase the single oven which is easiest to clean especially if you are going to use it on a daily basis. There are many manufacturers who make these kitchen appliances so they are easy to clean such as the self clean types and self clean racks.

It is important to remember that you should wipe your oven over every time you use it to avoid baked on grease which is hard to remove. Also remember that toxic chemicals are really not necessary for cleaning and that there are some great environmentally friendly alternatives.

If there is baked-on grease and foodstuff on the walls of the appliance then you can scrub that off using baking soda in a spray bottle. The way to do this is to use a funnel to add three teaspoons of baking soda into a spray bottle and then wash away the baking soda by pouring water in the funnel. Mix the baking soda and water really well by shaking the bottle a few times and spray the mixture on the walls of the appliance when it is cold in temperature. You do not want to clean or touch a hot oven so be careful about that.

You can even wipe the walls using a damp cloth and this way you will be removing the baking soda and the black grime easily. You can repeat the process as many times as you need to ensure your oven is spotless. Eventually your appliance will look good as new. If you have spots on the door of your oven then you can also use your baking soda spray for these.

When you are cleaning the oven then make sure you are wearing kitchen rubber gloves so you do not damage your hands. For drops and spills that are really hard to remove then try pouring some boiling water on them and letting it sit for a while. Then after some time wipe it off with a cloth and the spots and spills should come off. While you can purchase very strong cleaners for this process from many stores in your area, it is always better for your health and the environment if you can work without chemicals in your kitchen. That way you can be sure you are preparing healthy and clean food every time.

Visit single oven or sunbeam indoor grill for more information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Brookes

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Point of Entry Outdoor Water Filter Removes a Substance You Thought Was Good

A point of entry outdoor water filter (POE) typically has one major advantage over point of use filters. A POE water filter can filter the tap water that goes to every that goes to every tap and every shower throughout your entire home. Even the dishwasher and washing machine can be connected to a POE unit.

Point of use units can typically only filter one faucet at a time. So if you have a point of use drinking water system connected to the kitchen faucet, your shower or the tap in your bathroom won't get filtered water

The most common point of entry outdoor water filter is a whole house water filtration system. Many of these systems can remove chlorine and particulates from your home water supply. Why remove chlorine?

Even though chlorine is used to kill bacteria, it has been linked to respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis. When you take a hot shower, the chlorine in the water turns to steam. You then inhale it.

When this happens over a number of years - your risk of getting asthma could increase.

Chlorine can also mix with organic matter such as hair and nails to form by products. These by-products have been linked to cancer liver and kidney ailments. So taking the chlorine out of tap water just before it comes out of your tap is a good idea.

Whole house water filtering systems can also reduce water hardness as well and give your tap water a nice smooth taste. Hard water can damage household appliances, costing you money.

Hard water makes it harder for soap to lather so you end up having to use and buy more soap. And after washing your dishes with hard water, a sticky film is left on your plates.

So you see, acquiring a wholehouse water filter can be a great investment both in your family's health and financially.

But before you rush out and buy a whole house water filtration system or any other point of entry outdoor water filter, you need to know what contaminants the device can remove from your tap water. This is crucial because it isn't ideal to simply accept the word of a seller.

He might say that your wholehouse filter can remove bacteria for example, when in fact, the device is unable to do so. This could be done out of pure ignorance or simply dishonesty. Whatever the reason you need to protect yourself.

How do you protect yourself? There is one document that should be present on the website of every water filter retailer. That document should give you pretty good idea what contaminants a home water filtering system can actually remove.

Discover a outdoor water filter that is certified to remove harmful drinking water contaminants. Visit: http://www.best-water-filter-guide.com/water-filter-ratings.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Surgeon

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5 Tips For Buying New Appliances

If you are in the market for new appliances it can be a daunting experience trying to choose the perfect product that not only meets your needs, but also fits in your budget. Of course, discounts and sales are always a perfect place to start but they don't always deliver the features you are interested in. However, this doesn't mean that what you're after doesn't exist in a price bracket that works for you. By following some simple tips while you shop around, you can easily find the appliances you need.

Research

Before you even begin your shopping adventure, it is best to research the appliance you need. Be sure to look for features and styles that work best for your lifestyle and your aesthetic. Although cheap is always tempting, it is not always the best. So researching the available appliances before you start, will give you a better idea of what is out there.

Evaluate

Once you have narrowed down your choices, you will next need to evaluate what it is you want out of your new appliance. Look for features that are essential and discard the excess. Although a product may be perfect for you, if it is too big for your space, then it won't work. In addition, if you are a couple as opposed to a four-person family, you probably won't need an appliance that over accommodates. Instead, try evaluating your lifestyle and be realistic about your appliance purchase.

Compare & Contrast

Nothing is better than having options. Always shop around before settling for one appliance. More often than not, multiple retailers will carry the same product at different prices. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible price, comparison shop by looking at newspaper ads or using the internet. Going online also gives you the chance to check out the different user reviews to ascertain the appliance you are interested in actually delivers on its promises.

Energy Efficiency

One of the staple features you will want on any appliance is that it is energy efficient. This is because the appliance will generally pay for itself over a period of time. For example, an energy efficient refrigerator can save you upward of $50 per year while older refrigerators or products that are not energy efficient can consume almost twice as much electricity. Thus, going green is not only good for Mother Earth, but also for your wallet!

Refurbished

If you have already evaluated and comparison-shopped for the appliance you need, and still cannot afford the price, the best alternative is to buy refurbished. Even items that have been used for a year or even two, have a lot of life left in them. Be sure, however, that the items come with some type of warranty from the retailer and that it is in excellent working condition.

Buying a new appliance doesn't always mean breaking the bank. You can find the perfect product that suits your needs and your lifestyle - it just takes a little extra time and consideration!

Around the house repairs many different appliance types and brand names. From Atlanta refrigeration repair" to washer/dryers, garbage disposals, and ice makers. You name it they fix it. Get in touch with Around The House Appliance Repair for all of your current Atlanta appliance repair needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Medlin

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A Few Easy Tips to Get You Started

Saving money is easiest when you don't spend it in the first place. There are many things you can do around the house that will help you conserve energy and lower your utility bills that cost little to nothing to implement. The long term potential savings are HUGE! Here are some easy ideas that will save you money.

• If your water pipes are accessible in your basement, insulate them. Most home improvement stores sell foam sleeves that easily slide over the pipes for less than $3 per eight foot sleeve. At the very least, insulate the exposed pipes that are attached to your hot water tank. This will make your hot water tank use less energy, saving you money over time.
• Do you have a toilet that runs water occasionally when no one is using it? You can pick up a toilet repair kit for less than $20 and fix the leak easily, reducing your water bill. It's not difficult and if you can use a screwdriver and pliers you can do it yourself. We saved approximately $6 - $7 a month off our water bill by repairing a running toilet in our basement.
• To water your garden and yard collect rainfall in rainbarrels from the downspouts of your house. A good 15 minute downpour can fill two 50 gallon rainbarrels and you have free water to use outside the house. You can use the water by filling a watering can for plants, attaching a regular garden hose, or soaker hose (which has small holes in it and you lay it in the garden beds.)
• If you think your water bill is too high, ask your local water company to perform a status check of your home. They can't tell you where your leak is but they can tell you if you have one.
• Maintain your appliances so they operate at peak efficiency. Pull your refrigerator out once a year and clean the coils on the back and under the front of it to keep it operating as good as new. Be sure to clean the lint trap of your dryer with a lint brush to keep it working efficiently every six months. When your appliances are well maintained they use less energy and cost less to run, saving you money. If your appliances are ten years old or older you should upgrade, if possible. Even a well maintained older appliance will use two to three times as much energy as brand new high energy efficient appliance.

These ideas are all easy to do and do not cost a lot of money to implement. If you take the time to learn about more cost efficient ideas you will save money with minimal effort. If you'd like to learn more ideas to save money and conserving energy around the house go to http://www.greentipsforyou.com and learn more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Vadney

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Home Fast for Top Dollar

Having a hard time selling your home? Has it been on the market for months only to receive disappointing offers or worse yet-No offers! Why is it that some homes fly off the market in only days or short weeks and others do not? As a Professional Home Stager I get asked this question a lot. I'm here to provide you with tips to get your home in its best shape yet so you can make that sale!

Here are 10 tips to help you get prepared for a Sale:

1. Get an Objective Eye

Let's face it, you've been living in your house for a long time. You've grown to like it and become very familiar with it. This does not let you see your home objectively as a buyer would. You need to find a friend or Professional Home Stager to assist you with this. Bottom line is you need an honest, informed opinion on what needs repairs, what can be changed in the flow of the house and what will truly attract buyers and make them take ownership in your home. If you do this yourself I guarantee not much will change and you'll be back to the waiting game or will wind up there.

2. When in Doubt go Neutral

Know the types of ethnic groups in your area and what people want to buy. If you live in a high Latino area as I do, color is acceptable and seen as warm and welcoming. Thus you can take advantage of happy yellows and reds. In a more traditional area you'll want to stick to neutral colors. It may not be everyone's preference but it is easy to paint over for the buyer and it is clean and creates a larger looking room. Follow neutrals throughout the house for a uniform look. If The room looks really boring add an accent wall. This wall is intended for focal points like the fireplace wall or for a wall with a lot of windows.

3. Curb Appeal can Make or Break

Your home's exterior is what potential buyers see first. Ensure that you get an objective eye for this area. It is been proven that many people have already started to make up their mind about your home by its outward appearance within the first 30 seconds. Make sure all plants, shrubs, hedges and trees are clipped properly and groomed, the grass is freshly cut. If it is sparse in some areas plant some new sod or grass seed in some patchy areas. For a quick fix to some yellowing grass in small patches you can use green spray paint. Make sure all concrete steps, porch and driveway are free from cracks and are all level. Test outdoor lights so that all work, change bulbs if necessary. The color red is great for potted flowers outside. Make sure your mailbox is in good condition and not rusted. The address numbers for your house must not be falling off. If the exterior shutters and door are bland it is time for a fresh coat of paint. If there is any chipping, peeling or fading you must lightly sand and repaint too. Black or red done in a gloss, not flat paint, add a dramatic entrance. Add a gorgeous wreath and a welcome mat at the door.

4. Backyards Matter

Don't forget your backyard. If you have a pool ensure it is clean and the tile or concrete around it is not cracking and is in good condition. Add color, pinks and reds are great with a lot of greenery. This can be in the form or planted or potted flowers. Again trim hedges and cut grass so it is neat. Get out the rake and go between bushes and areas that collect leaves and start packing the in a garbage bag. Create a real family feel by having a table or umbrella table with 4-6 padded chairs done in teak, or use faux wicker. Buy from yard sales or discount stores if you don't intend on keeping it for the next house. You can add a BBQ also. Neat and manicured is the idea as most families will want to have children back there as well as guests so let them envision that.

5. Kitchens are Key

Kitchens are the heart of the home. Everyday you eat, prepare food, wash your hands, do dishes and gather in the kitchen of course. If you are going to do some upgrades I highly recommend updating this particular room. Depending on your budget, I'd recommend tile, a nice laminate or even granite countertops. Cabinets must match and be taken care of. If they look a little dry use some orange oil to refresh them. Keep counters clean and fresh by removing small appliances and leave a few simple things such as a candle, fruit basket, one small appliance such as a coffee maker or blender (we use ours daily) and a small assortment of glass containers that you could put pasta or beans into for color. One major turnoff is clutter so PLEASE remove all magnets and artwork, papers, coupons and the like from your fridge. If you must put one or two, do so on the side of the fridge. This will take away from your kitchen. Keep sinks free from dishes while showing your home and be sure to shine up the sink faucet with glass cleaner and put out a couple small potted green plants. Your kitchen table will be freshened up with a nice clear vase with bright flowers, if they are highly fragrant all the better. I recommend using a candle in this room too, something that smells like baking to grab their senses.

6. Make your Bathroom Luxurious

Give your bathrooms a pizzazz and sparkle buy keeping counters clean and free from clutter and knickknacks. Use white or a light color and ensure faucets are sparkling with glass cleaner. If they look old and really outdated do upgrade them, it makes a world of difference. Light fixtures need to stay updated too. Use a vanity light with 3-4 lights or a sconce on each side of a mirror in powder rooms. Give a spa feel by adding a great basket with rolled towels tied with ribbon and some soaps, lotions and other goodies. Do not have any more than 2 colors of towels for example periwinkle blue and chocolate brown, too many will look busy. Work with the bathroom colors you have as to not create a chaotic look. Again, candles lit with a light floral scent for this room and a clean looking shower curtain. What does the floor look like? If things are looking grungy, it is time to clean tile grout, replace tile or replace flooring with the clean and inexpensive look of a neutral linoleum tile.

7. Keep Entryways Clear

A buyer will be turned off if they can't even get through the front entry. Keep all shoes, coats and clutter and hook hangers out of this area if it is narrow. Stick with a front door rug and a long mirror or piece of artwork. If you have a large entryway then by all means create some ambience. An elegant mirror with a small table underneath with candles or a plant, 2 items max. If you have the room you could have a small bench that doubles as storage in the seat. Ensure the tile or linoleum is in good condition and that the walls have been wiped down as this is a high traffic area.

8. Create Flow

The flow of any house if very important. It is the way you can move from room to room with ease and do not feel obstructed or required to squeeze through a space. A lot of this is determined by furniture size and placement. If you have a narrow dining room it is not the place for grandmas large antique table. Likewise if you have a large room and don't fill it appropriately it will look odd. The best arrangements for living rooms are generally those around a focal point such as a fire place. You would have a large sofa or loveseat opposite it with a long narrow table at the back of the sofa, whereby you could have a lamp, some wicker baskets, candles, plants, you name it. Place a coffee table or oversized ottoman in the center. Now on either side of the coffee table diagonal to the loveseat you could have 2 oversized chairs. You can also place a rug in the center to anchor everything together if there is no real focal point. You can angle the rug out so it is more in a diamond shape than a square or rectangle for interest.

9. Create luxury in the Bedroom

If your current bedroom, or any of them have a plain bed with an ugly bedspread it is time for an update. The buyers will want to feel at rest here, like it is a retreat, not a place to run from! If you don't have a headboard in the master bedroom, either buy one or make one. If you are desiring a new bed anyway, now is the time for perhaps a sleigh bed. Now replace the ugly bedspread with a duvet and neutral color or let that be the punch of color your room needs if it looks bland. Lots of pillows that match are best, the pouf gives off the plush feeling. It is essential to have a dresser or some other pieces of furniture. Try to keep the TV out of the bedroom and ensure you have end tables on either side of the bed, each with a small lamp an a plant or small candle, or a clock. Add fresh flowers to this room and ensure that there is a drapery treatment. Ugly blinds won't cut it. Use a layer of sheers, then add a decorative rod/finial with a simple drapery treatment. Two single panels work well. If you have multiple windows, use the same exact set for each. Keep walk-in closets clean and organized. If they look really empty then get some paper bags from upscale shops locally and put tissue paper inside and place a couple in their for some glam.

10. Light it Up

If your house looks dark and uninviting it may be because of lighting placement, not enough lighting or inappropriate lighting. If you require significant light, don't skimp. Ensure it allows for a higher wattage. In areas such as family rooms have recessed pot lighting installed as well as soft lighting by using lamps. In kitchens you can have under-counter hidden lighting installed instead of harsh fluorescent tube lights. Use natural light as much as possible. Keep blinds, drapes open during showings unless the light is blinding. Light some candles in most rooms for ambience. In addition have some floor lamps, table lamps or sufficient overhead light. Make sure you have bright porch lighting, your buyers might be frightened off in an creepy, dark entrance. A word on ceiling fans, in really hot areas such as the South they are definitely a selling feature if they are modern looking. If you live in a cool climate most of the year or in the North I highly recommend replacing with an elegant lighting fixture. They can be an eyesore especially in relaxing rooms like the bedroom. As a Floridian they are essential in my home, but oh how I loathe the clunky look of ceiling fans!

**If your home has already been on the market and you are rushed to sell, I highly recommend having a Home Stager meet with you. The consultation is inexpensive and they will give you their expert advice. From there you can attempt to tackle it on your own or let them work their magic for a quick sale. DID YOU KNOW: The cost of home staging is almost always less than the cost of your first price reduction due to lack of offers?! It can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on whether it is your furniture or rented furniture that is used as well as the size of your home. **

Karla Davis is the President of Florida Home Staging & Redesign. She is a Home Stager, Professional Organizer, Interior Re-designer, as well as Public Speaker. She specializes in Staging and Organizing homes, office spaces and has over 10 years of experience and success within inside/outside Sales and Marketing. Karla is also the wife of Author, Paul Davis and is currently writing two books of her own. Karla's life mission is to positively transform the homes and lives of everyone she meets.

Please contact Karla for your Home Staging, Interior Redesign, or Professional Organizing needs at:

Karla Davis
Florida Home Staging & Redesign
Professional Home Stager
P.O. Box 684
Goldenrod, FL 32733
Tel: (407) 284-1705
Karla@FloridaHomeStager.com
http://www.FloridaHomeStager.com

Home Staging for the Serious Seller!

http://activerain.com/floridahomestager

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karla_Ruzycki-Davis

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5 Easiest Home Improvements That Pay You Back The Most

Now that you invested in a home, maxed out your 401K or IRA account for the year, and invested in solid stocks and stable bond funds. What else would rank as a good solid investment? That question is easy. But I'll give you a hint anyway. It's someplace you're familiar with, a stable investment, and most people's largest lifetime investment. Your home.

So, your question now is "what else is there to invest in where I could get a healthy return on my investment?" I already enjoy a healthy interest rate tax write-off, property tax deduction in addition to other perks.

What other ways can I earn more from my house? Answer; by investing in Home Improvements. Yes, home improvement is the fastest growing activity for smart homeowners today. It's no accident home improvement shows, channels, books, and stores are gaining in popularity.

Homeowners are discovering investing in your home with Home Improvements not only can make your home more comfortable, it can make it more valuable as well. In fact certain home improvements can pay you up to 100% and more of your investment. Try to find a stock, bank or bond that will pay you that.

Let's talk about the 5 top home improvements that pay you back the most. This could be one of the best investments you make after your home. Why? This is one of the few investments you'll make that allows you to enjoy it while it goes up in value. What a deal.

Here are the 5 Easiest Home Improvements That Pay You Back The Most:

1. Minor Kitchen Remodel - The kitchen is at the top of everyone's list of improvements. It's usually one the first places home buyers and appraisers go to judge the value of a home. Counter space, cabinet space and floor space is what everyone is looking for. Anything you can do to improve this area will pay you back not only in money but in enjoyment and ease of living.

2. Landscaping - Landscaping of your home is a must if you want to get top price for your home. It's surprising what well placed plants and other foliage will do for the price and saleability of your home. Most home improvement centers and nurseries offer professional landscape designers to help you and offer free advice. Nothing adds more to the curb appeal of your house than rich landscaping.

3. Paint - Dollar for dollar a good paint job will do more to raise the price and attractiveness of your home than any other single improvement. In fact, a good paint job is synonymous with home improvement. A good paint job gives a room that finished look like nothing else can. And the cost is minimal in relation to return on investment.

4. Ceiling Fans - Over the life of a home, no single appliance will save more money than a ceiling fan. Today's models are low cost to run, including both the fan and the lights. Ceiling fans can help heat your home in winter and cool your home in summer. And it can add instant style, glamor and imagination to any room.

5. Garage and/or Closet Organizers - The one requirement all homeowners need more and more is space. And the three areas of the home people require more space is the garage, cabinets and closets. These three places seem to attract the most items mysteriously out of nowhere. You know the items we want to keep just in case we need them someday. How many times have you said or thought that? It's a slogan of all clutter collectors.

As usual we keep collecting more and more items we hate to give away and we pile them up in the garage and closets, right? That's why an investment in garage, cabinet and closet organizers is an excellent low-cost investment.

Now you know the 5 low-cost improvements that pay you back the most. They'll instantly improve the value and comfort of your home. And you don't have to take out a second loan to do them. What a bargain!

Roy Primm Founder and Publisher of BlackHomeOwnerNews.com the largest source of information for black homeowners & African American Home Decor. Subscribe to free newsletter and receive the latest home value increasing tips, free government grants benefiting homeowners. Get free ebook 99 Ways To Live Better On Less Money at ...ShoppersCoach.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Primm

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Bunn ThermoFresh BTX-B Coffee Brewer - Stainless Steel

• Manufacturer Sku 072504077727
• Brand Bunn
• Model BT10-B

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Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200BCH 12-Cup Coffee Maker - Black/Chrome

• Manufacturer Sku DCC-1200BCH
• Brand Cuisinart
• Product Type Coffee Maker

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Keurig Special Edition B60 1 Cup Coffee Brewer

• Manufacturer Sku B60
• Brand Keurig
• Product Type Coffee Maker

http://www.bizrate.com/coffeemakers/keurig-special-edition-b60-1-cup-coffee-brewer--pid354224716/compareprices.html

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