Laminates – Textures, colors, and choices for all your interior needs

Laminates let you create your own world of imagination. You choose from a sea of textures, colors, and choices. Laminates are affordable as well. So, if you are the one who is considering a home make-over, choosing laminates for this job is the best option you have. Plastic laminate products are durable as well as affordable. Whatever your aesthetic preference or budget, plastic laminate products can easily make your home come alive like never before. Give it a try and see yourself.



Plastic laminate products satisfy all your interior needs – kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, wardrobes and/or edgings.You in fact have all the time on this planet to choose from the entire range of designs, colors, textures, and finishes. Compact grade laminate are robust and ideal for applications that demand long life, minimum maintenance, damage resistance, and hygiene. These laminates give your interiors an all-round finish with a striking design feature. Your home will love it.



You can even check out laminates sitting at your favorite couch. All you need to do is surf several leading sites selling plastic laminate products. Check out the range of textures and colors, and choose what you find the best for your home-interiors. Now, isn't that easy?



However, one thing that you should keep in mind is to deal with a reliable seller/producer and not a newcomer in the industry. When you deal with a professional and experienced producer of plastic laminate products, you get the top-quality products at the most-competitive prices in the market. So, take you time. Think, compare, ask others, and choose the best for your sweet home. With laminate countertops, give your home a new look. And, your home will thank you for this.



As already mentioned above, laminates come with an impressive long life and minimal maintenance needs, using these laminates are a wise choice. Also, look for the instructions by the manufacturer and follow the same so that you don't have to face any problem half way. So, make-up your mind, do some research, and give that much needed make-over to your sweet home.



By: Smith, John

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7296.shtml

Common outdoor lighting mistakes and their solutions

Upgrading your home's exterior lighting is a surefire way to increase your home's curb appeal and resell value. And a well-lit front lawn can also deter would-be burglars. Most of the outdoor lighting of one's home adds a welcoming touch for family and guests. Here you can learn about outdoor lighting trends, common lighting problems and their solutions, and things to consider when selecting outdoor lighting fixtures.



First and foremost, it's important to give a considerable amount of thought to the placement of your outdoor lights. Just as you would not place several lighting fixtures like table lamps or wall sconces in a single area of your living room, you don't want to place exterior fixtures too close together either. This is a common problem when integrating pathlights into your outdoor lighting solution. Too many pathlights, too close together can make your walkway look more like the runway at an airport. Instead of placing the lights directly opposite one another on either end, try a staggered approach. The light will flow less harshly.



Another common mistake in selecting outdoor lights is in finding the proper lighting direction, or limiting "light pollution". Outdoor lights should not obstruct one's vision or interfere with one being able to see the entire landscape of a yard or area clearly. On a similar note, the lights should not shine directly into the road or a neighboring yard either. To avoid such issues, look for spotlights with glare guards.



Just as it would be boring to find the same exact lamp in every room of one's home, it's boring to see the same outdoor lighting fixture repeated throughout the yard. It can make the home appear institutional as opposed to personal. Use a wide variety of fixtures to light your yard; it will enhance the character and charm of your home.



Be sure to balance your home's exterior lighting. Another common mistake in outdoor lighting placement, is to inadvertently divide the yard by placing too many lights in one area and too little in another. You want to evenly distribute light throughout the canvas of your home. You don't want your yard looking like a parking lot.



Finally, like most things in home décor, less is more. Outdoor lighting should call attention to the beautiful and unique features of your home. It should not be intrusive. Proper outdoor lighting calls attention to various parts of your home's exterior, not the entire surface area. Over illumination is never attractive indoor or outdoor.



by: Melinda Cayetano

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7064.shtml

Family fun that is quick and delicious, easy and nutritious

Making your own version of your favorite take-out meals at home means you can control the amount of sodium and fat your family is consuming without compromising on flavor. If you stock your freezer with whole-wheat pita and your pantry with healthy pasta sauce, you will always have the base for a perfect Pitazza at a moment's notice.



Healthy cooking tip: To add protein to your Pitazza without the extra sodium, roast a whole chicken. Remove the meat and store in your fridge. Freeze the bones for when you have spare time to make your own, low-sodium chicken broth.



Prep time: 8 minutes



Bake time: 15 minutes



Serves: 2



Serving Size: ½ pita



Calories per serving: 202



Ingredients:



• ½ cup (125 mL) Healthy Choice Garlic and Fine Herb pasta sauce



• 1 90g whole wheat pita, split in half to make 2 circles



• ½ cup (125 mL) finely sliced peppers (red, orange and/or yellow)



• ½ cup (125 mL) sliced mushrooms



• ¼ cup (50 mL) minced red onion



• 2 tbsp. low-fat feta cheese crumbled or your favorite low-fat cheese



Directions:



• Preheat oven to 400F/205C.



• On large baking sheet arrange pita bread



• Spread ¼ cup (75 mL) Healthy Choice Garlic and Fine Herb tomato sauce evenly on each pita half



• Top with ¼ cup (50 mL) each: peppers, mushroom and 2 tbsp.(25 mL) red onion.



• Evenly sprinkle crumbled feta cheese; bake for 12 minutes or until the pita crust is golden.



• Slice Pitazza into two pieces, serve with garden salad.



Tip: Top with diced chicken for an extra protein punch



Tip: Make it Naanzza using low fat, low sodium naan bread



Courtesy of Newscanada

Savory fall dishes enhanced with grapes

Beautiful fall vegetables are in season now and make for wonderful dishes that will have your family members saying yum.



In addition to the traditional fall flavors of produce like squash and cauliflower, California grapes are also in season, having one of the longest, just-picked seasons among North American fruits, from May to January. Always the perfect snack, grapes possess a flavor balance of sweetness and acidity, making them a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory preparations.



When it comes to fall produce, cauliflower is often passed over in the produce aisles in favor of its much-touted cousin broccoli. But roasting cauliflower brings out a hint of surprising sweetness in this robust veggie. Add to that roasted grapes, with their juicy burst of tangy flavor, along with a good sprinkling of ground cumin, and you'll be reaching for cauliflower more often just to prepare this simple and delightful dish.



Butternut squash takes on a whole new dimension when baked with grapes and rosemary and seasoned with a gratin topping. The crunch of the topping adds another texture component to the pop of juice coming from the grapes and the browned edges of the comforting squash. Rosemary offers a hint of aromatics that fits perfectly into the mix.



Roasting grapes is a big trend in finer restaurants, but very easy to do. Roasted grapes can also be turned into a simple sauce, by adding a ladleful of wine, water or broth and reducing the mixture over heat to thicken to a syrupy consistency. Drizzle over pork tenderloins or sauteed chicken breasts, and you'll wonder why you've never done it before.



Both featured recipes have an added bonus: They combine fruit and vegetables, which are foods that health experts say we need to eat more of, more often.



Roasted Cauliflower and Grapes



Serves six



Ingredients:



1 large head cauliflower (3 pounds), cut into 1 1/2-inch florets



2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided



3/4 teaspoon kosher salt



3/4 teaspoon ground cumin



1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper



2 cups red, green or black seedless California grapes



Directions:



Preheat the oven to 450 F. Toss cauliflower, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, salt, cumin and pepper together in a large bowl and spread in one layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast 20 minutes and stir the cauliflower. Toss the grapes and remaining olive oil together and add to the baking sheet. Roast 5 to 10 minutes longer and serve.



Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 116; Protein 3.3 g; Carbohydrate 17 g; Fat 5.2 g; 37 percent Calories from Fat; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 287 mg; Fiber 3.6 g.







Butternut Squash, Rosemary and Grape Bake



Serves eight



Ingredients:



5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided



2 medium butternut squash (about 4 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks or 3 1/2 pounds pre-cut butternut squash chunks (11 cups)



Kosher salt



Freshly ground black pepper



1/2 large red onion, cut into thin slices



1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried



3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth



2 cups red or black seedless California grapes, stemmed and rinsed



2 cups fresh breadcrumbs



1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan



Directions:



Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the squash and season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer to the baking dish. Repeat browning of remaining squash with another tablespoon of olive oil and more salt and pepper. Transfer to baking dish.



Heat another tablespoon of the oil in the skillet and add the onion and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Bring to a simmer and pour into baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.



Raise the oven temperature to 450 F. Remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle the grapes over the top. In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the squash. Bake until top is browned and bubbling, or about 10 to 15 minutes longer.



Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 259; Protein 6.6 g; Carbohydrate 36 g; Fat 12 g; 38 percent Calories from Fat; Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 266 mg; Fiber 4.7 g.





Courtesy of BPT

Bathroom remodeling ideas: From small to total overhaul

Ready to give your bathroom a face-lift, but can't decide what changes to make? From tubs to toilets to tile, the sky is the limit when it comes to bathroom renovations, even if budget is not.



Whether you are planning some small do-it-yourself changes, or a major overhaul, here are some fresh ideas for bathroom remodeling that will help you build the smart, stylish, and functional bathroom of your dreams.



Start living large

Feeling crowded in a small bathroom? For a small-budget fix-up, replace your old space-wasting vanity with a smart open-design style that maximizes storage, while visually opening up the room.If your project is major and you are opening the walls, replace your floor-mounted toilet in favor of a wall-mounted toilet, such as Porcher Solutions Dual Flush toilet, which stows the water tank behind the wall. The Porcher Solutions toilet is water-wise, as well as space-savvy, and the EverClean surface inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface.



Focus on your faucet

If you have a small budget, making a simple change like updating a bathroom faucet and accessories can still have a dramatic impact on the style of the room. Faucets with the Speed Connect drain can be installed in minutes, and reflect any decor choice, from traditional to minimalist in popular finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome. Change light fixtures and drawer pulls to match your faucet, splurge on some updated colors for towels and rugs and you have a beautiful before-and-after makeover of your very own.



Think accessible

A bathroom remodel is a great time to invest in fixtures that will allow you and your loved ones to remain independent in your home through illness, aging or other unforeseen events. The best products also work great and feel terrific in the here and now. A taller, Right Height toilet is a luxurious comfort. If you rarely use your bathtub, it can be easily replaced with an acrylic seated-safety shower unit that simply slides into your existing tub recess. Optional acrylic surrounds are easy to install and easy to keep clean, while the integral seat provides a safe option for both bathing and shaving.



Go green to save green

The cost of water will be rising, so get ahead of the curve by choosing toilets, faucets and showerheads that carry the EPA's WaterSense certification label. The label assures that you won't be sacrificing performance. Visit www.responsiblebathroom.com for a wide range of WaterSense-certified products and a handy calculator so you can watch your water, and money, savings add up.



Courtesy of BPT

Bumps in the real estate buddy system

Just like any endeavor, sometimes the road is going to be bumpy in the Buddy System in real estate. Here are some examples:



1. There's this buyer who's been in the house for two years already. But then he just stopped paying.



2. There are sellers who won't sell the house the way you want them to. After six months, you just heard the news that the house was sold at a very low price. So, it kept you wondering, "Why didn't they consult you back?" or "Why did they sell it to someone for a lesser price?" Emotion is the reason. The sellers were so fed up with their emotions after 6, or maybe even 12 months, that they reached a point where they decided to finally accepted it: They need to move on and lower the price to have it sold quickly.



3. Another situation is when the seller just wants to move on with their lives. They reach a point where they just want to have a peace of mind because it's never about the money. At the end of the day, they want the house sold and they'll do anything to get rid of it so they can continue on with their lives.



4. If your buddy's house isn't selling, they might be calling to tell you:



"My wife and I have talked and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for everything you've done. I know you've been selling our house for $400,000 and we've had lots of people coming here. However, things haven't been working out but we're really thankful for your hard work. We also talked of how we eagerly want to move on with our lives because it's such a hassle on our part and we've come to a decision where we just want to move on. We're really grateful for your work and we do want to have the house sold at $400,000 but we were thinking of $320,000?"



So, these are just some of the bumps you and your buddy will be going through. But still, it's always good to consider a Buddy System.



You must both understand that you are not working for the seller and the seller is not working for you either. Instead, you are buddies. You are a team. You work together to get the house sold. You get the paperwork organized and come up with deals so that you can both benefit from this joint partnership. You get what your buddy wants and at the same time gain the profit.



But in the end, the Buddy System can help both buddies maintain a good relationship towards each other, and achieve a nice deal!



Courtesy of BPT