For many people who enjoy billiards, when they think about purchasing their own table, they consider a traditional pool table. However, owning a bumper pool table may have more advantages. Read the rest of this entry »
So you want to change the look of your kitchen, but you don’t really have the budget for a full remodel. But who says you need one anyway? Sure, some people spend up to $15,000 on their kitchens and still make a profit in terms of home value. But there are lots of other ways that work just as well while costing half as much. The best kitchen designs, in fact, cost a lot less to make than those ultramodern kitchens you see in magazines. It’s really just a matter of getting new ideas and putting them to work. If you’re not sure how to start, here are seven quick and easy alternatives you can try.
1. A new color scheme
Easily the most noticeable change in any space is the color. Just put on a fresh coat of paint, put up some wallpaper, or add a simple stripe in a shade that contrasts with your current scheme. Even for a large kitchen, these changes will cost you less than $500 but still have that eye-catching effect. Try to choose a color that matches the way you use your kitchen. If you cook and eat in the same room, for example, go for warm colors like yellow and red—experts have established links between colors and eating, and these shades tend to have strong stimulating effects.
2. Appliance upgrades
Most kitchen remodels involve at least one new appliance, and often, it’s that new addition that really makes the difference. While most of the other changes are visual or structural, new appliances provide a functional change of pace that makes you more productive. It also helps that companies now put at least as much effort in aesthetics as in function, so most of the models you’ll find are also nice to look at. Stainless steel and chrome exteriors are popular in modern kitchens, while white and black look great in traditional or country themes.
3. Tile backsplash
A backsplash is a tiled or otherwise covered vertical area just above the sink, designed to protect the wall against splashes and stains. These days, it also serves a decorative purpose, bringing the counter or flooring colors to the walls to create that unified look. Like other small kitchen details, they don’t cost a whole lot—ceramic tiles go for around $4 per square foot—but the effect is easily noticeable provided you pick the right piece. Look for tiles that match your current color scheme, or go for a contrasting color to create a bit of contrast.
4. New faucet styles
It seems like a minor detail, but you’d be surprised at the range of designs now available—and the way they completely change the feel of the kitchen. Over the years, sink and tap manufacturers have recognized the ergonomic demands of kitchen work, and part of their response is a range of new faucets designed for easier use. One of the most popular is the pullout faucet, which gives you more flexibility for watering plants, filling large pots, and various cleaning and washing jobs. You can also look for materials other than stainless steel, such as chrome or brass.
5. Colorful sinks and counters
Sinks and countertops have long been the main focal points of the kitchen. It’s especially true these days as countertop materials have become more varied, with colors and designs to match pretty much any kitchen theme. A wooden countertop adds a nice, warm glow to the kitchen, while granite and marble counters give it a classic elegance. Laminate countertops also make a stylish alternative for those on a budget. Try to match the sink with your countertop material—a popular trick nowadays is to use an apron-front sink where the front matches the counters for a smooth, seamless look.
6. Window treatments
Windows are among the most effective yet least recognized elements in a room. A window with a good view can easily become the room’s focal point—all you have to do is clear out the curtains and frame it well so that it draws the eye. If you have large windows, use it to maximize natural light by putting up some sheer curtains. If you have full-length windows, vertical blinds give it that formal yet welcoming look while giving you more control over lighting.
7. Refaced cabinets and storage
If your cabinets need some work but you can’t afford new ones, you can simply have your current ones refaced. Get new front panels for the doors, or if they’re still in good condition, just replace the knobs and handles with shiny new ones. You can also look into other kitchen storage solutions, such as open shelving (great for small kitchens), under-sink and under-counter cabinets, or tiered cupboards. If your floor space allows, you can also get a freestanding closet where you can display your china and silverware.
Tags: kitchen storage solutions | kitchen storage solutions | colors and eating | colors and eating | kitchen details | kitchen details | kitchen designs | kitchen designs | countertops
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The swimming pool can be a great addition to your landscaping. It can immediately enhance the aesthetic value of your garden and at the same time allow you to enjoy swimming at your own leisure. However, while having a swimming pool in your yard, make sure that you landscape properly so as to integrate the pool with your garden. While landscaping around the pool, keep in mind certain basic parameters—these include factors like safety, beauty and convenience. Privacy too is yet another key factor to be kept in mind while landscaping around a pool.
Select Proper Plants
If you want to enhance the privacy of the swimming area by planting trees then get plants that grow tall enough. Select the plants carefully. Opt for the plants that require low maintenance. Large deciduous plants should be avoided around the swimming pools. They shed a large number of leaves and you will have to spend the entire day clearing the leaves from the pool and area surrounding it. It is recommended to plant the broadleaf evergreen trees like Holly. Fruit trees should be avoided. They would make the place dirty and also attract bees. Flowering trees can also cause the same problem and so they should be avoided. Plants that have invasive root system if planted can affect the swimming pool adversely.
Ensure Safety
When you have a swimming pool, then you must be careful about its safety. Your landscaping ideas and pool should have proper type of fencing. If you have small children then you should give extra care for fencing of the pool to prevent any kind of accident. By selecting the right kind of fencing you can not only prevent accidents but also can enhance the privacy of pool area. Fence might reduce the beauty of the swimming pool. In that case, you can soften the look of the fence by growing vines over the fence.
You can use the swimming pool at any time of the day. To use the swimming pool in the evening, you should have proper lighting facility. Lights should be selected depending on the landscape of the swimming pools. Proper lighting can make the pool area appear beautiful at night. It can also check the acts of trespassing.
Privacy, safety, beauty and convenience have been the four factors that one should keep in mind while landscaping swimming pool. When you decorate the pool area with plants, then you should also take care of the patios. They can provide beauty and safety to the swimming area. If you opt for brick patio design then ensure the roughness of the bricks. Periodically remove moss from the patios.
Check the Convenience Factor
Whatever you add to the swimming pool area, you should check the convenience of people using the pool. Everyone using the pool should be convenient with the fencing, plantation, lighting, patios and other decorations of the swimming pool. This would help them use the swimming pool comfortably. If the swimming pool is wisely decorated then you can spend hours sitting by the side of the pool.
landscaping ideas – ideasgallery
The way of designing and planting trees around the pool would vary depending on type of pool that you have. Whatever be the type of the swimming pool, you should plan the landscaping ideas around the pool before you start the work. You can take the assistance of a landscape architect if required.
He can give you the best idea to decorate the pool as he is experienced in such jobs. Landscape architects can also help you have some idea of balancing between plants, pools as well as other elements. Take some time to select the things that you need to decorate the area around the pool. If you can plan everything accordingly, then you can easily enhance the beauty of the swimming area.
Tags: Landscaping around swimming pools | Landscaping around swimming pools | swimming pool landscaping | swimming pool landscaping | garden design ideas | garden design ideas | landscaping ideas | landscaping ideas
White light or sunlight has been known to be composed of seven prismatic colors, at least since the time of Newton who pointed out this fact in the year 1666. When a beam of white sunlight is passed through a prism, refraction breaks it up into a band which shows the seven colors of the rainbow, namely: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, commonly seen in laser cut gifts made of laser cut metal and cold rolled steel.
Some of these colors are not primary colors, however, for they can be produced by mixing other colors together. For many years red, yellow, and blue have been called the primary colors because it was thought that they could not be made by mixing pigment colors together. A statement of this fact can be found in the writings of Aristotle who lived about 2300 years ago.
The name “primary colors” still refers to red, yellow, and blue, although it is now claimed that these so-called primaries can be made by mixing colors adjacent to them on the color circle. Red can be made by mixing violet and orange, blue can be made by mixing green and violet, and yellow can be produced by a mixture of orange and green.
The three so-called primary colors which are produced by mixtures of adjacent colors on the color circle are apt to be what most people call tertiary colors. They are dull and low in brilliancy, and appear like bright colors that have been grayed. These colors are most often used in decorative items such as cold rolled steel wall art, laser cut metal wall art, and metal wall décor.
Practically it is best for the pigment or color mixer to have brilliant reds, blues, and yellows to start with. Next, make the other colors, considering the three hues just named as base, fundamental, or primary colors. Red, yellow, and blue pigments when mixed together in pairs produce new hues called secondary colors.
Red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue produce green, and red and blue give violet. The above refers to mixing of pigments or dyes, and not to combining colored lights in metal wall art, laser cut gifts, or laser cut metal. Blue and yellow lights blended together produce white and disks of the same colors when rotated produce gray. Pigments of a similar blue and yellow when mixed as stains or paints produce green.
Tags: cold rolled steel wall art | cold rolled steel wall art | laser cut metal wall art | laser cut metal wall art | cold rolled steel | cold rolled steel | metal wall decor | metal wall decor | laser cut gifts | laser cut gifts | laser cut metal | laser cut metal | metal wall art | metal wall art
Most of us have to eat lunch outside the home—at work, at school, or in between breaks. Often, that means spending a bit more on fast food or cafeteria meals. But it’s no secret that bringing your own lunch is a lot cheaper, not to mention healthier. The only thing that stops most people is that they don’t have time to prepare and pack their own lunches. But that doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re really strapped for time, one thing you can do is use your crock pot.
That’s right—crock pot recipes make excellent lunches, and they’re a lot cheaper and easier than they sound. Slow cooking involves cooking food for long hours over low heat, which means you get more flavor out of fewer ingredients. And if you prepare it in advance, it’ll be ready by the time you leave for work or school. Most recipes are easily converted for the crock pot, so you won’t be missing out on your favorites. Ready to get started? Read on for some quick lunch ideas for your crock pot.
Mac and cheese
Some people view it as comfort food, others as a quick dinner fix, and others as a perpetual children’s favorite. But there’s no reason you can’t use it for lunch as well. It may look unhealthy, but with the right ingredients and cooking method, it’s actually pretty good for you. Because slow cooking naturally draws out the flavor, a mac and cheese crock pot recipe gives you that rich, thick texture without piling on the fat.
Mac and cheese is one of those dishes that you can personalize in an instant. Whether you want to add sausages, chili, vegetables, or a variety of spices, it’s sure to turn out great every time. In the crock pot, your choices are even more varied because it works with pretty much any ingredient. Try adding some bacon rashes if you want a richer flavor, or some mixed vegetables to contrast with the creamy sauce.
Corned beef
Depending on where you are, corned beef may be a chunk of salted beef or a processed meat that comes ground or shredded. Both versions go very well in the crock pot, and both make excellent takeaway lunches. You can prepare it in the morning and come back to it in time for lunch. Or if you have enough meat, you can make some for dinner and add a little extra so you’ll have leftovers for the next day.
Crock pot corned beef usually takes the form of a whole piece, since smaller pieces can easily get overcooked. Simply choose your piece (ideally, one that already fits in the pot so you don’t have to trim it up), add the salt and spices, and leave it to cook. A basic recipe would include some vinegar, onions, peppercorns, bay leaves, and a bit of brown sugar. It usually takes 4 to 6 hours on high heat, or 8 to 10 hours on low.
Meatballs
If you have some extra ground meat, this is probably the first thing you think of making. Meatballs are always a hit with the kids, so they make great school lunches—you can put them in pasta sauce or serve them alone with some sauce. They also go well in soups, stews, and even in some salads. And when made in the crock pot, they’re very low in fat and often more flavorful. Again, you can prepare some for dinner and just make enough for leftovers. You can even keep them warm in the pot overnight.
Crock pot meatballs come in all sorts of flavors. You can make Swedish meatballs by adding some milk and fresh onions, or add some sweet and sour sauce for a distinct Asian taste. Throw in some chili and you’ve got a spicy meatball side dish. Ground beef is naturally the first choice, but you can also use pork or chicken if you want to be a bit different. Cook them in the crock pot with your choice of sauce, and you’ll find yourself wishing you’d brought enough for seconds!
Pulled pork sandwiches
Pulled pork is traditionally made by cooking pork until it’s tender enough for the strands to separate, or "pull" apart. Broth, spices, or sauces are often used to give it added flavor. Although usually served on its own with a side of vegetables, many people also use pulled pork for lunch sandwiches. Not only is it nice and filling, it’s also very easy to make—especially if you use the crock pot.
Slow cooking is one of the best ways to tenderize meat, as it doesn’t create a mushy mess as pressure cookers tend to do. Slow cooker pulled pork is nice and soft, but still has a good bite to it. It also allows you to use cheaper cuts because the low heat will soften even the toughest pieces. Add your choice of flavorings—some of the most popular are paprika, soy sauce, chili powder, and teriyaki sauce.
Tags: mac and cheese crock pot recipe | mac and cheese crock pot recipe | slow cooker pulled pork | slow cooker pulled pork | crock pot corned beef | crock pot corned beef | crock pot meatballs | crock pot meatballs | crock pot recipes | crock pot recipes
Spring is just around the corner, and we all have our ways of welcoming the season. Some people hold Easter parties, others leave for spring break, while others simply go out and enjoy the good weather. But one thing’s for sure: spring is best celebrated with good food and good company. And what’s a better way to cap off a good meal than a nice sweet treat? If you want to make the most of the season, try serving spring cupcakes at your next meal or party.
Warm spring cupcakes celebrate new life, fresh tastes, and the end of a long, cold winter. Cakes may have pretty much the same flavor, but there’s something intimate about cupcakes—perhaps it’s the smaller servings or the way they’re individually decorated. They’re also very versatile: you can make them plain and simple for everyday meals, or make a big fancy batch for a dinner party. And they’re also much easier to make, even for beginners. Here are some spring cupcake ideas you can start with.
Fresh flavors
The best spring cupcakes have a light, tangy flavor that embodies the freshness of the season. Fruit-based ones like strawberry, blueberry, and apple all work well for snacks or desserts. Because they’re light, you can pair them with a heavier main course like roast beef or turkey. Finish off with a fruit-flavored icing and they’ll be ready to serve. You can also serve them in between meals, pack them as snacks, or eat them on the road—whatever you feel like!
For starters, try a basic lemon cupcake recipe. The tart taste of lemons offers a nice contrast to the sweet, rich texture of the cake, and each bite is satisfying without filling you up. It keeps the flavors light so everyone has room for second or even third servings. Freshly picked lemons provide the best results, but you can get pretty much the same taste using store-bought lemons. Top with a cream cheese or whipped cream frosting for a nice finishing touch.
Tropical touches
Tropical flavors are more associated with summer, but they also represent the natural appeal of spring. Think about it: on a nice spring afternoon, there’s nothing better than sitting back with a tropical drink or a warm tropical dessert. Freshly baked cupcakes embody the exact same feeling. And when you’ve got cakes with a tropical twist, it’s almost like being on the beach! Popular tropical cupcake flavors include pineapple, coconut and banana.
One of the easiest projects is a coconut cupcake recipe. The desiccated coconut adds an interesting texture to the cake and makes it very filling. Some recipes also use hazelnut or almond meal to better set off the flavor of the coconut. Although they’re goon on their own, you can also throw in some raspberries to give it some variety. Some recipes are heavy enough that they don’t need frosting, although some people like to top it with jam or butter cream.
Rich combinations
Everyone knows it’s the frosting that really sets a cupcake apart. Frosting (or icing as others call it) adds color and taste to your cupcake and helps set off the flavors. You can get it ready-made from most cake decorating shops—either spread it straight onto the cake or add some food color to make it more interesting. If you have time, try making your own—most frosting recipes have less than five ingredients and can be done in about 10 minutes.
For a tropical cupcake, one that makes a good match is chocolate ganache icing. This treat is as rich as its name sounds: generous amounts of dark chocolate melted in a dollop of thick cream. Use it to contrast with light-flavored cupcakes like lemon or orange, or spread it over a chocolate cupcake if you want a serious chocolate fix. You can also use milk chocolate or reduce the cream if it’s a bit too heavy for your tastes.
Creative decorations
One look at your typical bakeshop tells you that cupcake decorating is the new trend. Besides the multicolored icings on each piece, you also have all sorts of toppings: candy sprinkles, nuts, jelly beans, and edible cupcake toppers. There’s really no limit to what you can do when it comes to decorating cupcakes. With a bit of creativity, you can decorate them for birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, and pretty much any other occasion.
Another way to jazz up your spring cupcakes is by using decorative cupcake papers. Those are the little paper cups you use to line the pan, so that the cupcakes don’t stick. Papers come in all sorts of styles and often have seasonal designs, so you’re sure to find something that suits the occasion. Some of the most popular designs for spring are flowers, grass, and Easter bunnies.
have a light, tangy flavor that embodies the freshness of the season. Fruit-based ones like strawberry, blueberry, and apple all work well for snacks or desserts. Because they’re light, you can pair them with a heavier main course like roast beef or turkey. Finish off with a fruit-flavored icing and they’ll be ready to serve. You can also serve them in between meals, pack them as snacks, or eat them on the road—whatever you feel like!
For starters, try a basic lemon cupcake recipe. The tart taste of lemons offers a nice contrast to the sweet, rich texture of the cake, and each bite is satisfying without filling you up. It keeps the flavors light so everyone has room for second or even third servings. Freshly picked lemons provide the best results, but you can get pretty much the same taste using store-bought lemons. Top with a cream cheese or whipped cream frosting for a nice finishing touch.
Tropical touches
Tropical flavors are more associated with summer, but they also represent the natural appeal of spring. Think about it: on a nice spring afternoon, there’s nothing better than sitting back with a tropical drink or a warm tropical dessert. Freshly baked cupcakes embody the exact same feeling. And when you’ve got cakes with a tropical twist, it’s almost like being on the beach! Popular tropical cupcake flavors include pineapple, coconut and banana.
One of the easiest projects is a coconut cupcake recipe. The desiccated coconut adds an interesting texture to the cake and makes it very filling. Some recipes also use hazelnut or almond meal to better set off the flavor of the coconut. Although they’re goon on their own, you can also throw in some raspberries to give it some variety. Some recipes are heavy enough that they don’t need frosting, although some people like to top it with jam or butter cream.
Rich combinations
Everyone knows it’s the frosting that really sets a cupcake apart. Frosting (or icing as others call it) adds color and taste to your cupcake and helps set off the flavors. You can get it ready-made from most cake decorating shops—either spread it straight onto the cake or add some food color to make it more interesting. If you have time, try making your own—most frosting recipes have less than five ingredients and can be done in about 10 minutes.
For a tropical cupcake, one that makes a good match is chocolate ganache icing. This treat is as rich as its name sounds: generous amounts of dark chocolate melted in a dollop of thick cream. Use it to contrast with light-flavored cupcakes like lemon or orange, or spread it over a chocolate cupcake if you want a serious chocolate fix. You can also use milk chocolate or reduce the cream if it’s a bit too heavy for your tastes.
Creative decorations
One look at your typical bakeshop tells you that cupcake decorating is the new trend. Besides the multicolored icings on each piece, you also have all sorts of toppings: candy sprinkles, nuts, jelly beans, and edible cupcake toppers. There’s really no limit to what you can do when it comes to decorating cupcakes. With a bit of creativity, you can decorate them for birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, and pretty much any other occasion.
Another way to jazz up your spring cupcakes is by using decorative cupcake papers. Those are the little paper cups you use to line the pan, so that the cupcakes don’t stick. Papers come in all sorts of styles and often have seasonal designs, so you’re sure to find something that suits the occasion. Some of the most popular designs for spring are flowers, grass, and Easter bunnies.
Tags: chocolate ganache icing | chocolate ganache icing | coconut cupcake recipe | coconut cupcake recipe | lemon cupcake recipe | lemon cupcake recipe | cupcake papers | cupcake papers
So you want to jump on the bandwagon and start making your own decorated cupcakes. Chances are you’re thinking of all the colors, designs, and toppers you want on your design. But how do you come up with unique, eye-catching decorations all the time? When you’re serving them on a regular basis, it’s easy to run out of ideas and end up with bland, run-of-the-mill cupcake designs. If you’re in a similar fix, one thing you can do is go back to basics and make nature-inspired cupcake decorations.
Everyone can relate to nature in some way—some people like animals, some grew up on a farm, while others have a thing for flowers. That’s why nature cupcakes appeal to people of all ages and interests, and can suit pretty much any occasion. And they’re a lot easier than they seem. Often, all you need is some colored frosting and a variety of toppers, and of course, a few creative ideas. You can even get kids to help out and turn it into a fun family activity. Get started with these easy nature cupcake ideas.
A floral flair
Flower cupcakes are probably one of the most common cupcake designs, but that’s because they never get old. There’s always a way to jazz it up and make something unique and eye-catching. If you’re in a real hurry, you can just grab some ready-made frosting (or even buy your cakes already frosted) and use floral toppers to finish off the design. Edible flower toppers are usually made of icing sugar and go well with most cupcake flavors.
If you have some time to spare, try making your own flower cupcakes. Simply use colored marshmallows for the petals, and maybe some chocolate drops for the center. Or if you have some plain frosting and food color, you can pipe out the designs on the cake yourself—you need a steady hand, but the results are well worth the effort. Arrange three or four flower cupcakes on a platter, draw some stems with chocolate syrup, and you’ve got an attractive centerpiece for a party.
Easter inspirations
Easter is just around the corner, and most of us have at least one Easter party on our schedules. This is the perfect time to get to work and impress your guests with Easter cupcakes. Most Easter cupcake decorations take their cue from nature itself, since it’s mostly a celebration of new life and the dawning of spring. Colorful Easter cupcakes lend a light, carefree mood to the table. Some of the most popular designs include Easter bunnies, eggs, and spring flowers.
One of the easiest Easter cupcake designs is the Easter egg nest. All you need are some chocolate flakes or shavings to make the nest itself (you can make them look like twigs), and some colored chocolate eggs to put in the middle. You can even put an Easter chick topper on the side to complete the picture. This works best with simple cupcake flavors like chocolate or vanilla, since the toppings add a lot of flavor on their own.
Colorful butterflies
Hosting a girl’s birthday party or baby shower? Surprise everyone with colorful butterfly cupcakes. The best thing about them is that you’re free to make your own designs, use your own colors, and choose your own toppings. You can even personalize them with each guest’s favorite colors—it’s an intimate gesture that certainly won’t go unappreciated. Or if you’re strapped for time, just get some colored frosting and top off with a butterfly topper.
To make a pretty butterfly centerpiece, take four cupcakes and decorate each one to look like a wing. Then arrange them into a square, putting chocolate drops down the middle to form the butterfly’s body. You can also draw antennae using chocolate syrup or frosting. If you’re using more than one color, make sure to clean out your bowl or piping bag before adding the next so that the colors don’t mix.
Farm themes
If you like the open air and laid-back feel of the country, you’ll definitely enjoy a farm-themed party. And there’s no better way to set the mood than with farm cupcakes, complete with an edible farm cake topper. You can get decorating theme sets from most cake shops, which typically include a bunch of toppers and some frosting mix. Toppers usually include barn houses, wagons, and farm animals.
You can also use the animals themselves as your theme. Pig, cow, and sheep cupcakes make a cute and appropriate match for the table, and kids are sure to appreciate them. Simply use marshmallows to create features like the ears and nose, and add details with chocolate syrup or frosting. Use white candy sprinkles or mini marshmallows to make the fluffy texture of the sheep, and chocolate melts to create spots for the cows.
make a cute and appropriate match for the table, and kids are sure to appreciate them. Simply use marshmallows to create features like the ears and nose, and add details with chocolate syrup or frosting. Use white candy sprinkles or mini marshmallows to make the fluffy texture of the sheep, and chocolate melts to create spots for the cows.
Tags: easter cupcake decorations | easter cupcake decorations | edible farm cake topper | edible farm cake topper | butterfly cupcakes | butterfly cupcakes | flower cupcakes
Slow cooking is reclaiming its place in many American households. With the economy down and families constantly looking for ways to save, many are turning to crock pot recipes. Studies have proven that slow cooking uses less energy than traditional methods, and allows you to use cheaper ingredients without compromising quality. And because it does most of the work, it’s the perfect choice for busy homeowners who can’t find the time to cook a homemade meal.
But many people continue to underestimate the benefits of crock pot cooking. For instance, it’s often associated with heavy meat dishes such as pork roast, beef stew, and chili. If you’re a vegetarian, you probably thing your choices are limited when it comes to crock pots. But that’s not really the case. In fact, most vegetables go very well in the crock pot, and many vegetarian meals are actually better slow-cooked. It only takes a few adjustments to adopt traditional recipes for the crock pot, and the results are more than worth it. Even a beginner can easily handle most crock pot vegetable recipes. If you’re still not convinced, try these simple ideas for your next meal.
Load up on carbohydrates
Vegetarian diets don’t always have to be low-carb. In fact, since meat contains significant carbohydrates, you should be paying more attention to your carb intake when you’re eating only vegetables. Besides the leafy greens, make sure to work starchy vegetables into your crock pot meals. Root crops like potatoes and rutabaga are fairly light, but give you a healthy dose of carbs to keep you going. And they go very well in the crock pot, either by themselves or as part of another dish.
Grains and cereals are also a great way to put carbs in your diet. Because they’re heavy, they fill you up fast without piling on the calories. If you’re tired of mashed potatoes or similar side dishes, try making some crock pot rice. Plain white rice goes with anything, but if you want something more interesting, you can replace the water with milk or coconut milk (or both) and add a few spices. It usually takes around 8 hours on the crock pot, so you’ll have more than enough time for the main dish.
Soups and stews
For most people, soup is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of crock pot meals. That’s not very surprising, as soup is probably the easiest thing to make in the crock pot. The slow cooking process brings out the natural juices of anything you throw in, so you can get really strong flavors with just a few key ingredients. And if you’re a vegetarian, that means you don’t have to add any meat to enhance the flavor. Just throw in your favorite vegetables, turn on the pot, and let it do the rest.
If you want it a little heavy, use rich-flavored vegetables such as pumpkin and peas. These will add a distinct taste to the soup and make it a lot more filling. You can also puree your vegetables for a rich, creamy base. Just make sure to check once in a while so your veggies don’t get overcooked. Follow the cooking times on your crock pot vegetable soup recipe, and adjust the temperature if they’re starting to lose color.
A twist on the classics
Eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite meat dishes. With a bit of creativity, you can make vegetarian versions of most traditional recipes, even if they’re largely meat-based. And if you use the crock pot, it’s easy to draw out the veggies’ natural flavors so you don’t miss the “bite” that meats usually add to the mix. Heavy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips easily absorb other flavors and make excellent alternatives to meat.
If you find vegetables too bland, one thing you can do is use stronger spices to add more flavor. Crock pots can enhance the taste of most spices, so you don’t have to use too much–an extra pinch or two should make a big difference. Try it on a curry crock pot vegetable recipe with peas, zucchini, green beans, and any other veggies you like. Make sure to add the spices near the end of the cooking time (it takes about 10-11 hours) so the liquid doesn’t dilute them.
Healthy desserts
Of course, no meal is complete without a good dessert, even if you’re eating healthy. After all, healthy eating doesn’t mean depriving yourself of all your favorites. With a crock pot, you can make scrumptious desserts without all the added fat. Slow cooking favors fruit-based desserts like cobbler, pudding, and custard—talk about guilt-free treats! It’s best to use a smaller 3-quart pot for dessert recipes, as you won’t be using as much liquid.
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In the average garden, nothing can equal the “mixed border” of trees, shrubs, and perennialsas a screen. When it is properly designed, it allows great latitude in the choice of material. Tall trees supply the shade and act as screens and a shrub border is for privacy.
The good views must be preserved and several of them “framed.” Trees can shade the house, the front lawn and the sidewalk. The shrub border can be composed of long, sweeping curves, which allow it to be wider in some places than in others, and give a chance to frame “surprises” in some of the bays into which one cannot see until directly opposite them.
You should be careful in planning a border of this sort and not make it so large that it cramps the rest of the garden or any patio statuary, large fountains, or garden waterfalls. On small lots it is better to have the outline of the bed a straight line, and depend on the variety of material used to give the best effects.
The house is made to harmonize with its surroundings by plantings near its base. These are usually grouped at the corners for the best effects, and may be placed so that they directly touch the house or there may be room left between for a path, or for the air to circulate. Do not plan too many small beds for the foundation planting, but rather let one or two larger ones do the work. This is one of the many cases where it is better to follow the saying “less is more.”
A Japan barberry hedge can be used to keep animals and people from walking on the front lawn. The flower garden can consist of a small informal border of perennials, enclosed on three sides by shrubs. It should be placed here so that it will get the sunshine during the greater part of the day; and as it is fairly near the house, you can enjoy its beauty from there or from the small raised terrace opposite.
This terrace, by the way, would be a good place to make a “surprise” of a bed of hardy ferns, as they could be banked in around the seat there, and should grow well in the shade. In locating the garden, it should not be placed where its bright colors will distract the eye from any charming bit of scenery beyond, but rather placed where it will attract the eye to itself instead of letting it wander to some unsightly object beyond the boundary and which you are powerless to hide.
Another method of carrying out the general idea would be to have the service portion and the front wall lawn area much the same, except that a low wall replaces the barberry hedge along the street front. The shade trees can be arranged a little differently and the large corner bed of the foundation planting can be placed away from the house to allow for a walk between and to bring it far enough out into the lawn to make it serve as a screen for the living area.
You can make a feature of the hemlock hedge and a grove of the same material. A stepping-stone walk between the hedge and a bed of flowering shrubs gives a chance for various surprises (fancy ferns, wild flowers, outdoor statues, patio statuary, possibly a seat, or a bird-bath), and leads one out to the terrace in the rear where there is a good seat. Here one may either admire the view in the rear, or the sunken garden straight ahead.
The garden could be enclosed on two sides by a wall, on the third by a hedge, and on the fourth by the retaining wall of the terrace. Variety is possible in your garden enclosure in this way. Looking from the house, the good view in the rear is enhanced by the groups of cedars, and by the two deciduous trees on the terrace.
The cardinal principles of garden design are:
· Keep the drive as short as possible, unless you want to make it a prominent part of the scenery.
· A straight drive works well for a small space and a curved drive is best for a long space. The curves should be gradual, rather than abrupt and there should be a reason for them.
· Keep the lawns open! Do not plant one shrub or make one flower bed in the middle of the lawn.
· A flower bed should be enclosed by a wall, a fence, a hedge, an outdoor fountain, wall water fountain, garden water feature, or a combination. If set in a bay it can be enclosed on three sides.
· Usually the vegetable garden would be placed in the service portion of the place, but there is no reason why it cannot open off the living area. It is a real delight to many gardeners to have a chance to look over a well- kept vegetable garden. Fruit trees, especially apple and pear, may be used in the living area, serving the dual purpose of supplying fruit and shade; but, if they be so used, take care that the fruit is kept picked up from the lawn.
· You should not plant a lot of flowers in a small space. This will make it look smaller than it is.
· Remember that the more “surprises” one can develop on an estate the larger it will seem.
· In designing the foundation planting, do not plan to hide the entire base of the house. Glimpses of the stone work are necessary to give the impression of strength and stability and do not rely on young forest trees that grow big.
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When cooking for an Easter party, you can always go with traditional fare—lamb, chicken, eggs, salad. But there are no "customs" you can turn to when it comes to dessert. Cupcakes are one of the easiest choices, but then you’ll have to decide what flavor to serve—and how to decorate them afterwards. If you’re considering Easter cupcakes this year, make it a little different by serving lemon cupcakes.
While chocolate and vanilla are always a hit with the kids, a lemon dessert brings a different flavor to the table. Recipes for lemon cupcakes can range from 30-minute prep times to fancy ones that require a fair bit of skill. It’s just a matter of finding one that you can do within your schedule. And of course, the best part is decorating your cupcakes—it’s what sets your party apart from the rest! Here are some lemon cupcake tips to help you get started.
Why lemon?
Easter is strongly associated with the arrival of spring, and lemon cupcakes perfectly represent the freshness of the season. And because they’re not as filling as the usual cupcake flavors, they make a great match with the usually heavy main courses. It’s a great way to put your guests in that cheerful, festive mood, and make your party unique at the same time.
If you’re not sure your guests will like the new flavor, try combining it with other Easter cupcake recipes. For kids, you can serve the usual favorites like chocolate, while grown-ups might appreciate carrot or fruitcake cupcakes. It’s always nice to have one or two extra flavors to give the meal some variety. You can even get them ready-made if you don’t have time to bake—with the right decorations, your guests won’t really know the difference.
Frosting ideas
No cupcake is complete without a good frosting, and lemon cupcakes go with just about any kind. You can complement the lemon flavor with a similarly flavored frosting, or contrast it with something rich like cream cheese or chocolate. It all depends on what you or your guests feel like. Most frosting recipes can be done in about 10 minutes, but you can also buy some plain buttercream at the grocery if you’re in a hurry.
To give them a distinct Easter look, use white or cream frosting for an Easter bunny cupcake recipe. It’s a lot easier than it looks, and you can even get your kids to help out. Just cover the tops with frosting, use chocolate candies for the eyes, and cut up some marshmallows to create the ears. You can also use whatever toppings you have, such as jelly beans, candy sprinkles, or Easter egg candies.
Cupcake decorating
You don’t have to stop at bunnies, of course. If you have time, you can decorate your lemon cupcakes any way you want, from plain, elegant designs to cheerful, colorful ones suited for a children’s party. Look for decoration ideas that suit your party theme. For Easter, some of the most popular designs are Easter eggs, nests, and sheep. Have your kids make their own designs—they just might come up with something good!
If you’re not feeling too creative, you can just get ready-to-use Easter cupcake decorations from your local bakeshop. Your options range from plain candies to edible cake toppers made specifically for the season. Another thing you can do is use scrapbook decorations as toppers. You can find decorating sets at most craft stores (usually by the photo albums), and you’ll find everything from little message cards to specially cut shapes and sprinkles.
Easter cake toppers
Cake toppers also go well with cupcakes and make excellent finishing touches. Most of them are about one inch long and come already colored, so all you have to do is stick them onto your cake with a dab of frosting. Cake decorating shops usually carry toppers by the season, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find pieces that suit your Easter party/
You can also choose from edible or plastic toppers. Edible ones are usually made from hard sugar or icing, so they’ll go particularly well with your lemon cupcakes. But if you plan on hosting more parties in the future, plastic toppers may be more practical—they’ll be cheaper in the long run since you can reuse the pieces.
Serving your lemon cupcakes
Once your lemon cupcakes are frosted and topped, it’s time to put them on the table. But why not go the extra mile and get creative with your presentation as well? Whether you made Easter chick cupcakes or colorful Easter eggs, they’ll make the perfect centerpiece for your table. You can arrange them on a large platter to bring out the different colors, or put them on a layered cake board for a more impressive setup. However you present them, your Easter lemon cupcakes are sure to be the star of the party!
perfectly represent the freshness of the season. And because they’re not as filling as the usual cupcake flavors, they make a great match with the usually heavy main courses. It’s a great way to put your guests in that cheerful, festive mood, and make your party unique at the same time.
If you’re not sure your guests will like the new flavor, try combining it with other Easter cupcake recipes. For kids, you can serve the usual favorites like chocolate, while grown-ups might appreciate carrot or fruitcake cupcakes. It’s always nice to have one or two extra flavors to give the meal some variety. You can even get them ready-made if you don’t have time to bake—with the right decorations, your guests won’t really know the difference.
Frosting ideas
No cupcake is complete without a good frosting, and lemon cupcakes go with just about any kind. You can complement the lemon flavor with a similarly flavored frosting, or contrast it with something rich like cream cheese or chocolate. It all depends on what you or your guests feel like. Most frosting recipes can be done in about 10 minutes, but you can also buy some plain buttercream at the grocery if you’re in a hurry.
To give them a distinct Easter look, use white or cream frosting for an Easter bunny cupcake recipe. It’s a lot easier than it looks, and you can even get your kids to help out. Just cover the tops with frosting, use chocolate candies for the eyes, and cut up some marshmallows to create the ears. You can also use whatever toppings you have, such as jelly beans, candy sprinkles, or Easter egg candies.
Cupcake decorating
You don’t have to stop at bunnies, of course. If you have time, you can decorate your lemon cupcakes any way you want, from plain, elegant designs to cheerful, colorful ones suited for a children’s party. Look for decoration ideas that suit your party theme. For Easter, some of the most popular designs are Easter eggs, nests, and sheep. Have your kids make their own designs—they just might come up with something good!
If you’re not feeling too creative, you can just get ready-to-use Easter cupcake decorations from your local bakeshop. Your options range from plain candies to edible cake toppers made specifically for the season. Another thing you can do is use scrapbook decorations as toppers. You can find decorating sets at most craft stores (usually by the photo albums), and you’ll find everything from little message cards to specially cut shapes and sprinkles.
Easter cake toppers
Cake toppers also go well with cupcakes and make excellent finishing touches. Most of them are about one inch long and come already colored, so all you have to do is stick them onto your cake with a dab of frosting. Cake decorating shops usually carry toppers by the season, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find pieces that suit your Easter party/
You can also choose from edible or plastic toppers. Edible ones are usually made from hard sugar or icing, so they’ll go particularly well with your lemon cupcakes. But if you plan on hosting more parties in the future, plastic toppers may be more practical—they’ll be cheaper in the long run since you can reuse the pieces.
Serving your lemon cupcakes
Once your lemon cupcakes are frosted and topped, it’s time to put them on the table. But why not go the extra mile and get creative with your presentation as well? Whether you made Easter chick cupcakes or colorful Easter eggs, they’ll make the perfect centerpiece for your table. You can arrange them on a large platter to bring out the different colors, or put them on a layered cake board for a more impressive setup. However you present them, your Easter lemon cupcakes are sure to be the star of the party!
Tags: easter bunny cupcake recipe | easter bunny cupcake recipe | easter cupcale decorations | easter cupcale decorations | easter cupcake recipes | easter cupcake recipes | easter chick cupcakes | easter chick cupcakes
From a meek flower seed, a perennial flower blossoms into a plant that exudes richness and beauty that can be a real source of joy. Perennials, which are defined as plants that live on after a season, are often a good choice for most gardens not only because of their exquisite appearance but also because they are low maintenance and have fewer pest problems.
Although perennial flower gardening is said to be easier than planting annual flower seeds, it does not mean that you do not have to devote time or serious work on this kind of gardening. In fact, for a perennial gardening to bloom into a sweet success, careful planning, correct plant selection and proper gardening methods and maintenance are necessary.
To ensure that your perennial garden flourishes with radiant and healthy flowers, here are 15 tips you will find very helpful:
1. Do your homework. Before you gather tools and start tilling the soil, it is important that you read up on perennial gardening as well as the kinds of perennial plants you intend to grow. This way you can be sure that you will know what to do and you will be able to meet the plants’ needs.
2. Start with a manageable size. Sure, it is great if you have an enormous plot of beautiful perennial flowers but keep in mind that a big size will entail too much hard work and that a smaller sized plot can be just as beautiful and productive especially if done with strategic positioning and exquisite garden design.
3. Choose a site in your yard that receives a good amount of sunlight. Remember, most perennial flowers thrive more efficiently under a full sun. Make sure that once you sow your perennial flower seeds deep into the soil, they will be getting adequate daily sunshine.
4. Design the garden with an artistic flair. First, you have to list all the plants that you like and group them according to color, texture, form and season. From this list, you will be able to know which plants will go together. Be creative when doing the design of your garden. You can arrange them according to complementary colors or go for stunning contrast by putting together plants of different textures and forms. To satisfy your spontaneous side, you can also throw in some wildflower seeds in one corner of your gardener to add interest. The way you design your garden will give it a unique and personalized look.
5. Make sure the soil has the right pH. Most perennials can thrive more healthily in soil that has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. To ensure that your soil has the right pH for your perennials, get some sample and have it tested in a pH soil testing kit. If it is too high or acidic, the best way to resolve this is to add lime on the soil.
6. Check the soil’s irrigation system. If it is too sandy, you can improve water retention by putting 2 to 3 inches of pine bark humus and composted leaf mold into the soil. On the other hand, if the soil has too much clay in it, enhance drainage by mixing in 2 inches of pine bark humus and small pea gravel or by raising the plot bed.
7. Shop for your seeds online. Not only does online shopping provide convenience, it will also save you a lot of time doing your shopping. Many online stores provide detailed descriptions as well as photos of perennial plants. Some stores even offers a complete list of A to Z flower seeds to make your shopping easier.
8. Select the right perennials to grow. Of course, it is necessary that you are able to choose not only beautiful plants but also those that will grow well in the kind of environment where you are living. For example, it is not smart to buy a drought-tolerant perennial if you live in an area where it has moist conditions.
9. Leave sufficient space for the plants’ growth. The general rule is to allow for 12 to 36 inches of space between tall perennials, 12 to 18 inches between medium perennials and 6 to 12 inches between dwarfs. Placing them too close to each other can result in a crowded and unsightly garden and unhealthy plants.
10. Give your perennials sufficient water. Most of these plants need at least 1 inch of water per week and even more during the hot weather. To make sure roots penetrate, water deeply. Wait for the soil to absorb the water before watering again.
11. Mulch the soil by putting above it a layer of compost, pine bark or pine straw. This will help conserve moisture and cut down on weed problems. Keep mulching to an amount of 2-3 inch of layer. Too heavy mulching can rot the crown while too less will not be able to do the job right.
12. Weed, weed and weed. This is probably the most boring tasks of all but it is just as important as any of the previous ones mentioned. Removing weeds will not only make the garden look more beautiful but will also help the perennials to thrive since weeds can compete with the plants for nutrients. You can either do the weeding by hand or use herbicides to avoid damaging the roots. Just be sure that you read and follow instructions carefully when using an herbicide.
13. Plant perennials during the fall or early spring. When you start planning in the fall, this will give plants sufficient time to be established before the hot weather comes. If you prefer to plant during the spring make sure you do it early rather than in late spring.
14. Pluck out old and dried flowers so that perennials can rebloom into more beautiful flowers. Fill your garden with luscious and colorful perennial flowers and watch it bloom into something that will truly please your eyes and your heart.
Tags: perennial flower seeds | perennial flower seeds | annual flower seeds | annual flower seeds | A to Z flower seeds | A to Z flower seeds | wildflower seed | wildflower seed | flower seed | flower seed
If you’ve spent a small fortune on your flooring, the last thing you need is a flooring problem that costs another fortune to fix. That’s why it pays to know a bit of flooring how to. Many homeowners pay steep prices for repairs or upgrades that they can probably do themselves, or even prevented with minor fixes. By going the DIY route, you can cut your spending by almost half, and get even better results.
Doing your own flooring does take a bit of work, but most tasks don’t need more than basic construction skills. All you need is a good planning, the right tools, and a bit of free time. If properly planned and carried out, it’s definitely well worth your effort. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be taking care of your own floors like a pro! To get you started, here are some of the most common flooring problems and how you can fix them.
Fixing squeaky floors
Wood is one of the most popular flooring materials, and anyone with a wood floor will eventually need some floor squeak repair. Squeaky floors occur when the sub-floor timber or joists loosen up, causing the floorboard they’re supporting to sag down. The fix depends on whether your wood floors are old or new—old floors have a simpler construction that are easier to access for repairs.
To fix an old squeaky floor, you usually just need to tighten the joists that have loosened. Newer floors, which often use the tongue and groove style, you may have to get underneath and directly fix the affected floorboard. Otherwise, you have a really tight space to work with. After fixing, make sure to check for signs of wear or infestation—these have to be handled by a professional to keep them from spreading.
Controlling moisture damage
If you live in a wet or humid area, wood floors are twice as likely to crack compared to other places. This is because wood acts like a sponge—it absorbs environmental moisture, expanding and contracting as humidity levels change. It’s the same principle that makes some doors tighter in the winter. Even when properly fitted, there will always be some movement over the years.
The best solution is to learn how to control humidity to prevent flooring damage. If your home is too humid, consider getting a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep the levels in check. This is especially important in moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure to install proper ventilation, clean any rugs and carpets, and let damp air out at the end of the day.
Repairing floorboards
Wooden floors in high-traffic areas are often the first to give way. Because they naturally get more abuse, they weaken faster over the years and eventually get squeaks, cracks, and general loss of quality. The problem is that spot repairs are seldom practical—you usually have to remove the entire floorboard and put in a new one. Besides the added cost, finding and fitting the right piece is often a challenge.
Planning is essential to any wood floor project, especially if you don’t know how to repair a damaged floor. Once you’ve found the right piece, make sure to remove any dust or debris from the area before fitting. Otherwise, they’ll create bumps on the join and create unsightly gaps. Fill any gaps with wood-colored filler to even them out—you can mix some sawdust into plain filler if you can’t find the right shade.
Making a wood deck
Got some extra room in your yard? Try expanding your home with a wooden deck or patio. A deck not only provides a nice personal space, it also increases your home’s value and curb appeal. And the best part is that you can do it yourself, get as creative as you want, and save a few thousand dollars in the process. Just make sure to check your city’s building codes—you may need government approval to build that extra structure.
You may also want to get advice from someone who knows how to build a wood deck. Use concrete for your support foundations and chalked string line to keep all your posts straight. The tricky part is joining the joists and posts—you’ll need strong bolts to keep the weight under control. Once it’s set up, make sure to reseal the wood once in a while to prevent heat and moisture damage.
Checking your warranty
Before buying a new floor, make sure to check for the warranty guidelines. Even if there’s none, all floor sales in the U.S. have an Implied Warranty—an unwritten agreement that ensures your purchase is fit for its purpose. Also ask about installation warranty if you’re having them professionally done. This warranty will replace or repair your flooring if anything goes wrong during the installation.
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When most people think of crock pot cooking, they think of cooking in bulk for large amounts of people and think that must mean a large amount of cash. And true, if you’re cooking for one person in a 10 quart slow cooker, you’ll probably notice the upfront costs before you notice the benefits. But if you’re using a 10 quart cooker to cook for the ideal amount of people, 9 to 10 people, then you just might realize the cost benefits of using a slow cooker from beginning to end. But why exactly is cooking with a crock pot so much easier on you financially? There are plenty of reasons and ways that cooking with slow cooker recipes can and does save you money but we’ll just cover some of the best reasons that crock pot cooking aficionados have realized over the years as they’ve gained more time with their families and more money in their pockets:
More time on your hands- Cooking with a slow cooker is notorious for doing one major thing and doing it very well: saving you time. But how exactly does saving you time save you money too? Well, there are a few ways of looking at it. First, consider this: if it takes 1.5 hours to make a complete healthy meal for your family and .5 hours to prepare that meal, you have spent 2 hours making a meal when you could have been doing something else. For people who work, you could have been squeezing in that one extra hour at work that would get you some overtime and some extra vacation and sick pay. If you’re a professional writer, you could have written a minimum of 2,000 words. And if you’re a stay at home parent, you could have taken your children to the park for free instead of paying for that video game to entertain them that you didn’t want them to play anyway.
Fresh supplies are actually cheaper than the "other" stuff- Sure you can head over to the fast food restaurant on the corner and get a double cheese burger for a buck. So if you’re feeding a family of 4, you could do it for four dollars if that’s all you buy. But chances are, you’re also going to buy 4 fries and 4 cokes. So you just spent twelve dollars. Of course not, you say, but seriously, what does this have to do with money and saving money? For one dollar, you can go to the grocery store and buy 1 pound of potatoes or 1 bag of baby carrots or 1 can of beef stew stock. And if you hand over four more dollars, you can buy 2-3 pounds of beef cubes. So, for only eight dollars you can make enough crock pot beef stew for your family of 4, and most likely have some left over to save you money on yet another meal. If you double the order, you can make more than two meals for your family of 4 and still have some left over for your own lunch at work at least one or two days. And you will still have spent only four dollars more than the meal you picked up at the drive through.
Repeated meals-When you’re cooking with a crock pot you have the opportunity to save yourself more time and money than you probably imagine. You can buy all of the ingredients you need to make a soup that will feed 4 people for three meals for less than taking 4 people out for fast food. You can freeze the leftovers and heat them up at later times. So you eat three meals for one low price that you only have to pay one time. Additionally, the amount of time you’ll save by being able to heat up your crock pot meals in the microwave at a later date will let you do more of things you like to do and the value of true happiness is priceless.
You can use what you have- You can usually do recipes for crock pots out of things you already have in your house. If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute turkey or pork. And if you don’t have any meat in the house that you’re willing to use you can easily make crock pot vegetarian meals. The food in the crock pot always has to heat to an internal temperature of 140 degrees in 4 hours, so it doesn’t matter what types and kinds of food you cook, as long as it heats properly. With conventional cooking recipes, you may be required to use certain foods and even certain brands just to make the meal come out right…and if you’re missing something, it’s another trip to the store, so you’re wasting gas and spending money on that "specific" brand or type of item.
You only need the one cooking appliance- Have you ever made lasagna from scratch? You have to cook the noodles in one pot. You have to cook the meat in a pan. You have to mix the ricotta and spices in a bowl. And that means you’ll also need three spoons to stir. But with the crock pot lasagna recipe, you won’t have to go through all the extra cooking supplies. You can layer everything in the crock pot and you’ll be ready to go. There’s no better way to realize the cost benefits of cooking with a crock pot than by having one lonely appliance in the cupboard.
Remember, it doesn’t take a lot of money to cook with a crock pot, no matter what you’re cooking. The food from your crock pot will always come out sumptuous without all of the additives that you usually need to make your favorite foods the old-fashioned way. And you’ll quickly find that you can save gas from the drive to the local restaurant circuit, money tipping the waiters and waitresses and money on a meal you could have made at home for less money and less calories.
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In today’s housing market curb appeal is of primary importance if you plan on selling your home. First impressions influence lasting decisions. Take advantage of your home’s best face by investing in quality wood shutters. What could be more beautiful than historically accurate period Wood Shutters crafted for an older or historic home or shutters crafted from gorgeous Western Red Cedar?
Why wood shutters?
Custom wood shutters are a beautiful adornment for any home. Typically they are stained or painted to complement the home’s color; with freshening usually performed every seven to ten years depending on the wood. Beautiful stained exterior shutters with custom accents send a message that you care about your home. Wood shutters are the eyes of our home, looking out toward the street, easily noticed by all who pass by. If they are faded, have broken louvers, or are dingy and dull, they affect the look of the entire home. They speak of neglect and disrepair. Potential buyers will assume that other aspects of the home have been let go as well.
Concerned about the cost?
While custom wood shutters can be pricey, they are a wise investment. Good craftsmanship and quality materials are worth the cost. Western Red cedar is highly recommended as the wood of choice. It typically resists fading or yellowing when lacquered or varnished. Western Red Cedar is naturally fire and smoke resistant. Wood shutters are durable, insect resistant, and act as a good insulator, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs. Production of wood shutters is easier on the environment than the alternatives of vinyl or plastic shutters. Good quality wood shutters will come with copper or aluminum capping to keep out moisture, pegged mortise and tenon joints, vertical grained wood, and thicker rails and stiles of at least 1 5/16″. Shutter professionals will help you select quality hardware to complement your shutters and your budget.
Where can I find custom wood shutters?
Shop online to compare pricing, styles, and quality. A quick Google search using the keywords “custom wood shutters” brings up a bevy of choices. Narrow your search by selecting ” Western Red Cedar”. Companies can provide wood shutters to fit any window style and specifications, unlike a vinyl or plastic shutter that comes only in standard sizes. Shutter professionals will be happy to show you the many available styles. Choose from board and batten, Bahama, louvered, or panels. Your shutters can be accented with custom cutouts such as flowers, hearts, trees, animals, or create your own unique design.
What about installation?
Shutter professionals will help you with your shutter selection and provide a quote. It is highly recommended that you consult a qualified contractor to perform necessary measuring for your custom wood shutters. However, if you prefer to do the measuring, shutter professionals will provide helpful tips and instructions. After measuring, a shutter professional will provide a written quote for your acceptance. Some companies will prime your shutters before shipping, then you paint your custom color after arrival. Others prime each component of the shutter during the manufacturing process and will paint your custom color for you. When your shipment of custom wood shutters arrives, immediately open the packaging and inspect your shutters, looking for damage or discrepancy in your order. Notify the manufacturer immediately of any concerns. Installation is the responsibility of the homeowner or contractor.
There’s no doubt about it, custom exterior shutters will bring a warmth and charm that makes your home stand out from the crowd. With custom wood shutters, your home’s curb appeal will top the charts, while all others recede into the shadows.
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