My kitchen renovation-June 2008

This is the "before" picture.Only 2 rows of tiles and I got really tired of washing down the walls coz they got full of grease and dirt.And no,that did not help to catch flies so I decided to put tiles from top to bottom.

And hey presto,the tiles are in.I chose a wood grain design coz my cupboards are painted white and wanted to balance out with the laminated wood flooring which I was having installed in the rest of the house.And yes, I have moved the dishwasher and regrigerator back into the kitchen so it does look better than this even.

I custom designed my kitchen cupboards which were installed a year before this and made sure it included a tall cupboard for my ironing board and a top shelf for cleaning chemicals to be out of reach for kids.I also have 2 double volume pull out shelves for my pots and pans and even got a space for my trays which all stand neatly next to each other in one spot.And a pull out drawer for my dustbin and unfortunately that drawer is now broken.(6 mths later).Not the actual drawer which still pulls out fine but the door that covered the dustbin.My advice is to make sure when they install that it is strong enough to withstand all the pulling which you do so you can throw stuff away into the enclosed dustbin.That broken door is on my list of things to fix up.I have a really long list of things to do.A homeowners job is never done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scrapbooking Free Download

Hey

Do you also have a thousand pictures all thrown into one box?Every time you decide to clean up you find more pictures in corners you did not even know you had corners?And if you decide to de clutter the only thing that happens is the pictures get thrown into a bigger box?The following free download is going to help you de clutter and organise all your pictures so that your friends and visitors to your home can really settle down and enjoy looking at all your family pictures over the years.Plus a few years down the line you will be able to go down memory lane as well and enjoy the experience thoroughly.Organising and de cluttering your home by scrapbooking is also a great way to relax.Settle down and start with 10 pictures and see how it goes.

I bought this scrapbooking guide online with loads of info on sites which give away freebies online and I have no idea how to insert it here so you can have access to it.If you are interested please post a comment or better still show me how I can insert it so everyone can have access.

Update 7 Feb 2009-I have received no advice on how to insert this link so if you are interested please e mail me here and I will send it to you as an attachment.Your e mail is completely safe and I will never spam you.I am really trying to be very ethical with my online experience and I hate spammers as much as you do.

Online Catalogue Shopping

I found this great site where you can shop online for any home appliances like cookers,dishwashers,fridges and freezers,heaters and coolers,irons,kettles,microwave small kitchen appliances like blenders and mixers, Breadmakers, Coffee machines, Electrical kitchen gadgets,etc... and basically anything you would want for your home.They offer products from good brand names like Apple, Duracell, Goodmans, Hitachi, JVC, Kenwood, Maxell, Panasonic, Phillips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Technics, Thomson, Venturer, Warfedale and many more at the lowest prices guaranteed.By the way this site is for buying anything online but I was interested primarily in the home gadgets.

The great thing about this is because they buy in bulk they get great discounts which they pass on to us so we get really good prices.

Online catalogue shopping is a great way to view all the products,different brands and compare prices all at the touch of a button.You can avoid standing in a queue and waiting for ages for a salesman to help you work out the best product and best price.I know that a major problem with online shopping is having to wait at home for when they deliver (which by the way also happens when you buy directly from a store) but if it is a small item you can have it delivered to your work and besides when I bought my oven which obviously had to be delivered to my house I arranged with a neighbour of mine(who works from home) to accept the goods for me.I gave my neighbours contact number with the delivery instructions and she signed for me and when I got home my oven was waiting for me.And I tested out my oven by baking a cake for her as a thank you.

Another great thing about this online shopping site is a set delivery fee no matter how many items you order.And the long list of items they have for clearance at even lower prices.

I have gone on long enough but I was really impressed with this and wanted to share.

Cleaning a Wooden Kitchen Table

Clean the surface of your wooden table with a dry rug and make sure you clean all the dirt and food residues off the surface.

Use a hard nutshell and use the part of it which you eat, to scrub into the channels of the scratches.

Keep rubbing it until the particular spots is warmed. When it becomes warm, the chances for surface to absorb more oil will increase, which is going to be beneficial for you.

When done, compare the rest of the surface with the spot where you worked upon. If there is a color difference, color it with a crayon. And rub to blend it in.

After that, scrub the area with a clean dry cloth and repeat the process if required.

My House Blog

This is my house blog.I love my small little home so much I even enjoy cleaning it.I always get a sense of pride when I use my key to open my front door because it is my very own space in this big world.My own space where I am safe and comfortable.My own haven away from the rest of the big bad world out there.

Of course there are practical things to consider to keep your home a haven.There are security issues,making your home comfortable,making sure everyone in the family has their own space,cleaning your home and so much more.This house blog lists almost every home tip which I have found useful.Home renovation ideas and software which I personally used when I decided to remodel.But it is a learning process and new ideas are coming up all the time.

I have a garage project which has been on my mind for a while now.I have to start it soon.I am going to take before pictures and when I am done I intend my garage to be so organised.I want to have a spreadsheet that when I enter a certain item I will be directed to the exact box where it is stored.For example I want to type in 6mm screws and be sent to box 301b.Oh how I wish!!!

I am really tired of the mess in my garage and I am tired of the money I spend replacing items that I already have in my garage but cannot find because of the mess.

So bookmark this blog (or better still subscribe so that if this garage project is not posted by end of February 2009 I would appreciate derogatory comments from you about my procrastination).I will be writing all about my experience with the garage project and I am going to do blog posts with pictures and everything.

Another day gone for me.

Cleaning Your Shower

Removing everything from the shower. Removing everything includes shampoo, conditioner, soap, or anything else located inside the shower.

Rinse the shower. Rinse the walls, floor, door, etc. with hot water.

Remove the mildew. You can buy mildew remover at any convenience store. Spray all the walls and floor of your shower with it and then leave for a while, then wipe and rinse it. Make sure you follow the steps on the spray bottle very carefully.

Remove hard water spots by izing equal parts of hot water and vinegar together in a bucket. Scrub the hard-water spots well.

Clean shower door or curtain. In order to clean this you should use vinegar to clean the shower doors because this works best. To clean shower curtains you can use soap and water and it will remove all the dirt and scum on it.

Next, rinse hot water so it will start steaming in the shower.By doing this, it will loosen up the dirt inside any tile. You can then mix ammonia, vinegar, and baking soda and use a toothbrush to scrub any tile or any hard to reach places with dirt.
Rinse the shower head. You are able to use glass cleaner or any other product to wash your shower head.

Finally clean the drain. Grab a garbage bag and pull the drain out from the floor. Use something that is long to get rid of any hair or anything clogging up the drain.

You are now finished and your shower is as shiny as new!

Bathtub DIY Repair

If you are thinking of revamping your bathroom consider these cheap DIY tips for your bathtub before going out and replacing it. It is all about re-evaluating a little and choosing the cheaper option to save some money for a rainy day.

For the repair of impact damage and flaking on bathtubs with enamel, ceramic (porcelain) and acrylic surfaces.For this job you would need:
-a repair paste suitable for porcelain, enamel and acrylic.a non-yellowing
-a repair spray(make sure about the non yellowing factor with the salesperson at your hardware store)
-some special sandpaper with minimal rub off on ceramic and enamelled surfaces
-a wet/dry sandpaper for acrylic and fiberglass surfaces.

The area to be repaired must be clean, dry and free from oil or grease. Mix the filler and hardener well, then smooth the filler into the damaged area with a spatula. After 30 minutes, use the sandpaper to give an even smooth finish and wipe the area clean.

With minor defects use a touch up stick. Minor defects can be corrected quickly and economically. Make sure that the touch up stick is designed for ceramic, enamel, acrylic, powder coated and lacquered surfaces. A touch-up stick is a filling compound and final coat all in one. Therefore it is ideal for repairing impact damages, scratches and lacquer flaws on sanitary fixtures, tiles, fittings, heaters, kitchen sinks, ovens, washing machines, refrigerators and furniture.

Use a bath rubber to eliminate problems such as paint marks, adhesive residue, metal abrasions and tough stains on bathtub.This will enable you to thoroughly remove deposits without scratching enamel or ceramic surfaces.

Bear in mind that it is better to keep the repairs at a minimum so you can avoid paying for professional help and spending more money.This will buy you some time before you can make the final decision about whether you need to do a complete revamp of your bathroom by buying complete new hardware.

Cleaning your blinds

I have horizontal wooden blinds and these can get really dusty.Initially I was just worried to clean in case they broke so they just stayed dusty which defeated the issue because now they did not look as beautiful as they were meant to be.UNTIL I found these tips on cleaning blinds.Check them out.They are really great tips.

Wood Blinds (horizontal)
In order to keep your wood blinds looking their best, periodically wipe them with a soft cloth, a feather duster, or the brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner. You can clean the blind hanging in place. Do not worry about taking it out of the window. By tilting the slats down, you will be able to clean most of the top surface of each slat. Do not use water, solvents or abrasive solutions to clean the blind. This will cause wear.

Wood Blinds (horizontal)
Faux wood blinds can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth if there is a stain; otherwise a periodic wiping with a soft cloth is recommended.

Shades (Roman, Natural, Woven Wood, Or Custom)
Roman, Natural, Woven Wood or Custom Shades can be occasionally cleaned by vacuuming with a brush/fabric attachment to ensure lasting beauty. Avoid cleaning them with water, solvents or abrasive solutions. If the material becomes soiled, you can spot clean with a lightly moist rag and a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner. Dreft detergent is a great one to use. Another quick and easy tip is to use a lint roller, commonly used for pet hair, for a quick once-over.

Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)
Cellular shades can be cleaned with a brush-type vacuum attachment or new feather duster -- just stroke it lightly over the shade. Do not use an old feather duster because the pre-existing dust will rub off on the cellular material. However, if something such as a dead bug, or a large amount of dust gets between the cones, you can use a can of compressed air or a hairdryer to blow out the object.

If you're going to use water to clean, dampen a sponge with lukewarm water and gently pat the surface. Avoid contact with window cleaning products, as they can cause damage or scuffing.

Aluminum Blinds
Keep your aluminum blinds looking their finest by wiping them with a soft dust cloth, a dusting mitt, or a round brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner. Run the cloth or attachment over the blinds in a slightly tilted position; this will remove mite dust and particles. If there is a huge amount of dust or grime, take down the blind from the window to clean. You can place it in a shower stall and rinse it with non-abrasive soap or lay them on a flat surface and rinse them with a garden hose. Allow drying before putting it back into the window. Please note that certain solutions and equipment are too harsh and can cause shrinkage and/or color damage to your blind.

Hope these above tips help to keep your blinds looking great and your home beautiful

Using citrus to clean your home

Here are some tips on using citrus to clean your home.Citrus is really amazing for that and you end up with a fresh,clean and natural scent all around your home.
The natural ingredients of a citrus fruit can clean just as effectively as harsh, conventional cleaners without the harmful side effects. They are completely biodegradable and safe for use in your home. You never need to worry about your child's exposure to lemons on a floor you just cleaned.

• Clean your garbage disposal and keep it smelling fresh with citrus. Drop a handful of citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) into your garbage disposal and run it with the cold water turned on. The citric acid will help deodorize your disposal and leave it smelling fresh.

• Use citrus as a degreaser wherever you have greasy build-up such as the stove, the outdoor grill, and the garage. Some major cruise ship lines are even using citrus a degreaser for their engine rooms!

• Make a citrus and vinegar all purpose cleaner. Just fill a jar with citrus peels and cover in white vinegar. Let is brew for four weeks, giving it an occasional shake. After four weeks, strain out the peels, dilute, and use to clean stovetops, bathroom surfaces, mirrors, and floors. You can even throw some in the laundry to give your whites a boost.

• Toss some orange or lemon peels in your wood burning fireplace to give the room a nice, fresh smell.

• Remove stains from enamel pots by filling ¾ full of water, adding a handful of citrus peels and boiling for 15 minutes.

• Put a used lemon half in your dishwasher to cut grease on your dishes.

• Use half a lemon to rub stainless steel draining boards and taps. Leave on for a few minutes and then rinse and shine.

• Mix some olive oil and lemon juice together and put in a spray bottle. Use the mixture to clean hard wood furniture, rubbing and then drying with a cloth rag.

• Use lemon juice to clean and shine brass and copper.

• Squeeze a little lemon juice on stained clothing or cloth diapers and set out in the sun to bleach away the stain.

• Mix lemon or lime juice with baking soda and vinegar to create a paste that will cut through soap scum and dissolve grime in bathtubs and sinks.

How to get rid of dog pee

Okay now you have just fitted your new carpets and your dog(usually the male dog) needs to mark his territory all over again.Poor mite!!!Follow these good tips below on how to get rid of dog pee.

The first step in cleaning the dog pee is this: If the area is still wet you need to try to absorb most of it with a paper towel and your foot. Stamp on the paper towel to absorb as much of the pee as you can in the towel.
This step is very important as it helps stop the pee from going clear down to the bottom of your carpet, where it would be almost impossible to get up.

If you leave the pee to dry it will only encourage bacterial growth. But in most situations the dog pee has already dried because you did not notice it when it happened.
What you will need to start with is baking soda, white vinegar, dishwashing detergent, and 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. The mixture should be made up of 50% white vinegar, and 50% water.

You need to use a decent amount of this mixture to make sure you get deep down in the carpet. Scrub the solution with a scrubbing brush to ensure that it penetrates the carpet. Again you will absorb some of the mixture with a clean paper towel. Absorbing the mixture with a clean paper towel helps the vinegar and water to dry faster. So you can move onto the next step. The vinegar will neutralize the smell of the ammonia. Leave the area to dry for 12 hours. You can help speed up the process by using a fan or a blow dryer.

After the area has dried up you must sprinkle a good portion of baking powder on the soiled area.
Now, you should mix ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dish detergent. Poor this mixture over the baking powder. Scrub the dissolving baking powder into the carpet. It is important to first work it in with your fingers and then you can go ahead and scrub it with the scrub brush. Make sure you get every single spot around the area that is soiled. You don't want to miss a spot or the dog will go and pee on the spot again.

Finally after finishing this task you must let the area dry up again. Once the area is completely dry you may vacuum the spot to pick up any leftover baking soda powder. If the area is seriously soiled with dog pee you may need to repeat the process again. You don't want to take the chance of the dog using that spot to go to the bathroom again.

Remember it is very important that you never use ammonia or ammonia based products when cleaning up dog or puppy pee. One of the ingredients of pee is ammonia. It is most likely if you clean the pee with ammonia based products the puppy or the dog may be tempted to pee in that spot again.It is really easy to get rid of the soiled spots.

Only One New Year Resolution

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!
I made a long list of New Year's resolutions for this year.And yes,every year I make my list and most of them do not see me though January.I thought maybe I could search the web for advice on keeping and sticking to resolutions and I came across this great article.Good News!! I only need to have 1 New Year's resolution.This one resolution will cancel out all the others.You want to know more?
click here

and Good Luck to everyone on keeping their resolution going right through the year and forever more.

How to eliminate nits and lice

By Mandy Moalem

My eldest is 8. He started going to a kindergarten about 6 years ago and the first present he brought home for me was a head full of lice. Of course, as soon as he had them, I had them!
My first stop was the pharmacy who sold me a bottle of the most disgusting smelling shampoo I have every experienced. Of course, my son screamed and cried but the problem was temporarily solved, the more permanent solution was to cut off all his hair and this worked.
However, I now have two other children and they are both girls - cutting off all their hair was just not an option. I needed something better. Over the following years I must have bought every possible treatment for lice or nits every produced. Each one would work for a short period of time, but as soon as my child mixed again with other children the problem returned.
Eventually I heard about a spray that contained rosemary oil. It was claimed that nits or lice hated the smell of rosemary and this oil, if sprayed behind the ears of children would prevent nits or lice staying around. It sounded good, but when I found it in the shops the price was so high it was just an impossibility for three children.
So, I searched the internet to see if there was any way I could manufacture rosemary oil at home. I found numerous pages on the subject, but it seems you need to be a trained chemist.
This got me thinking. If rosemary oil was so effective, surely fresh rosemary would have the same effect. I mean, if nits or lice hate the smell of rosemary, surely fresh rosemary would be equally effective?
Luckily, where I live, rosemary grows fresh on almost every street corner. I picked a few sticks and took them home. My first problem was what to do with them. How do I get them on my children's head?
Here's the solution - take a couple of sticks, place them inside the pillowcase of every bed - including your own. If you put the rosemary underneath the pillow you do not know it is there and you cannot feel it. If your children do not sleep with a pillow, place it underneath the sheet somewhere close to where they lay their head - but don't worry, it only has to be close, it is not essential they sleep on it. Within one week there was not a single nit or lice or egg in anybody's head and there hasn't been ever since - for about the last year. If your wondering how often you need to change the rosemary - the answer is simple - as rarely as you wish. I have used the same sticks of rosemary for months or until there is no longer any leaves to count.