Cozy Cooking – 5 Ingenious Ways to Save Space in a Small Kitchen

April 22, 2019 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Photo by Brooke Lark on Stocksnap

If you live in in a small home, a studio apartment, or a big city where space is at a premium, and you love to cook, you may feel frustrated some days by the minuscule size of your kitchen. There is hope! Instead of allowing the size to discourage you, you could flip your perspective and enjoy the creative challenge of a small kitchen. Below are five ingenious ways you can kill it in the kitchen when the space is tight.

Don’t be Afraid to Hang Things

Get out the hammer, nails, and ruler and prepare yourself to hang everything you can. Get your knives up off the counter onto magnetic strips, capture potholders on wall grids, and scoop up your measuring spoons into little containers that you can string off of racks with hooks. When shelf space is a struggle, don’t be afraid to hang your cookware from your ceiling above your stove. Another way to save space and make cooking more convenient is to attach your most commonly used utensils on the wall above your stove.

Get Vertical

What can’t fit in drawers could go up! Vertical shelving could be your ticket to additional storage on your counters, above your appliances or in any open space. If you remove the doors, you can add an artistic flair to your kitchen as you thoughtfully decorate with pieces like mixing bowls and mugs. If you do incorporate open shelving, consider investing in either matching or purposefully mismatching jars to store your various flours, grains, and spices—your kitchen will look attractive, clean and organized!

Roll Whatever You Can

Your small kitchen most likely does not include a kitchen island, so consider purchasing a rolling island to create some additional counter space anywhere in the kitchen. Another option on wheels is a tiered storage or bar cart that you can seasonally decorate and scoot from place to place easily if company arrives. Finally, if you are feeling crafty, you could consider making your very own rolling pantry.

Enlarge your Cutting Board

If you are struggling for space to chop your vegetables or roll out your pie dough, you may want to invest in a cutting board that fits over the top of an open drawer, your sink or the stove. You will immediately gain counter space instead of your cutting board monopolizing precious real estate.

Fold Up Your Kitchen Table

Don’t worry, this is not where you go back to your early twenties and eat off a folding card table—instead, it is where you might consider adding a table that can fold up into your wall, similar to the functionality of a murphy bed. Instead of a typical kitchen table chair, you could use a soft bench to create a seamless flow to the room when the table is folded up and make the absence of the table less obvious.

If you enjoy cooking you are going to spend a great deal of time in your kitchen, so why not create something that captures your style while strategically allowing you to save space? When shelving is tight, don’t be afraid to add more and go vertical. Maximize your counter space by hanging whatever you can, finding a cutting board that fits over your sink and adding a rolling island or bar cart. You can even throw tradition to the wind and put in a kitchen table that folds up into the wall. Allow your small kitchen to morph from your nemesis to your most significant accomplishment.

Looking Good – 5 Tips to Look and Feel Great in 2019

April 16, 2019 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Sometimes, you can get to a point in your life when you’re tired of the “same old” you. You don’t feel all that good about who you are, lack confidence, and you’re merely going through the motions of what feels like a drab and lackluster existence. Life is for living to the fullest, not for stagnating. If you want to start being at your best so you can feel better and have more confidence, then consider these five tips below.

Source: Mark_Mook_Fotografie/Pixabay

Look at Cosmetic Dentistry

Did you know that much of your confidence comes from your smile? If your teeth are yellowing or stained, then you are going to be more likely to remain tight-lipped. One way to feel far better about yourself is by taking care of that problem with teeth whitening. Within a few hours of sitting in a dentist’s chair, you can be grinning from ear to ear with confidence.

Get Fit

More than 35 percent of US citizens are obese, which means around that many are not getting enough exercise. If it has been a long time since you pounded the pavement, don’t you think it might be time to start? Choosing to get fit and healthy can be a monumental decision and one that helps you to feel better about yourself and look better too. What’s more, it’s something you can do with friends, expanding your social horizons. If motivation is a barrier, get yourself an exercise buddy, or hire a personal trainer to help keep you focused and accountable.

Passion for Nutrition

The average woman will work almost eight hours a day, with the average man around eight and a half. By the time you come home, do your chores, feed the pets, and help the kids with their homework, you’re slapping dinner together at the last minute – be it nutritional or not. Draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough.

If you want to feel and look good, you need to be more conscious of what you are putting in your mouth. Get that old cookware out of mothballs and start whipping up more fresh meals, rather than relying on processed food. A new diet coupled with exercise can transform both body and soul.

A New Wardrobe

When was the last time you went shopping and bought yourself a full new outfit? If you can’t remember, then it was too long ago. However, when you hit the mall, don’t stick with the same old garments you always buy. Become a new, confident version of you. Draw upon the experience of shop assistants so you can walk out with an outfit that enhances your figure and suits your personality.

New Year, New Hair

Whether you’re a man or a woman, there’s something cleansing and exciting about changing your hairstyle. However, men will only do it around four times in their peak adulthood, with women more likely to do it every 18 months. If you’re tired of looking in the mirror and seeing the same face and style, then take a trip to your local salon. Try something new, exciting, or even drastic that will see you looking and feeling great in the new year.

Not everyone is comfortable or confident with the skin they’re in. However, it can be hard to make a change. When you’re stuck in a rut, or you’re used to doing things a certain way, you can forget that another way exists. Make 2019 your year.

Look at cosmetic dentistry to grin with confidence, change up your hairstyle, invest in a new wardrobe, and get fit and healthy. You’ll then glide into 2020 looking every fit as fabulous as you feel.

Koh Samui Food Guide: What & Where to Eat in Koh Samui

November 27, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Located to the east coast of Thailand is one of the country’s largest islands – Koh Samui. Apart from being a fishing municipality, the area is a tourist destination known for its incredible cuisine. It’s also known as one of best beach brunches in Southeast Asia. Koh Samui is filled with restaurants that serve both local and international foods at affordable prices. There are also luxurious restaurants that serve those people interested in spending more. In addition, some eating establishments have in house entertainment for those people that cannot eat without some music.

Ideas about Where and What to Eat in Koh Samui

Breakfast

For breakfast, one should go to the Bophut beach area where there are several restaurants that serve both vegan and non-vegan diets. While there, one can also try the local breakfast which includes pad Thai, some green curries, and sticky rice. It can be quite a treat if one is not used to eating heavy meals for breakfast. Traditional English breakfast made up of eggs, sausage, tea, juice, and some bread is also available in some restaurants. For those that must have a fully vegan breakfast, they can go to the Chaweng or Lamai beach area where restaurants serve vegan breakfast buffets.

Brunch

Brunch in Koh Samui is a big deal, and many restaurants compete for customers. Sunday brunch at Sunday Sessions, Beach Republic is a popular place for this kind of meal. Beach republic offers a variety of brunch options for the diners; from waffles to indigenous Thailand fruits to lobsters and other types of fish. There is also a grill section for those that love barbecue. And to top it all off, there are a variety of drinks offered during and after meals.

Lunch

Being an island, it comes as no surprise that most of the restaurants in Koh Samui serve seafood. The restaurants serve some amazing lobsters, crabs, prawns, clams, and other types of fish. With most eateries located next to the beach, those who visit these restaurants have wonderful views of the ocean. Another place with amazing food and a magnificent view is Chaweng beach. This restaurants found in this area allow visitors to marvel at the captivating hill ranges overlooking the area as they have their meals. For those on a budget, they can try Koh Samui’s street food, which often includes fried chicken, corn on a cob, banana pancakes, and crunchy insects.

Dinner

For dinner, Chaweng beach is still the preferred destination because of the numerous restaurants that are lined up along the shores. The setting makes for a romantic candle lit dinner by the beach as one stares at the stars and the moon. Most eating joints also have live band performances to create the mood for the evening. Interestingly, despite being a fishing town, there are some restaurants that actually serve pasta and pizza. One can also eat burgers and fries if they are not for the local delicacies. However, even if one has their doubts about local food, they should try the famous Tom Yum or Pad Thai which have a unique taste due to the various indigenous spices and herbs used to make them. A quick word of advice, if someone wishes to try out the European cuisines, they have to book days in advance because the space in those restaurants is limited.

Nightlife

After a satisfying dinner, one can visit a number of beach clubs around Chaweng and Bophut beach area. The drinks are not expensive, and the music is good with most clubs playing popular western songs. Some entertainment spots hire international djs from Europe to make the party experience memorable for visitors. The bars also serve a number of cocktails for those eager to try out new drinks. The streets are well lit at night so that revelers can easily move from one club to another. Interestingly, most joints have an ‘open plan’ layout that makes the place seem bigger than it actually is.

Eating out in Koh Samui can be fun if one knows the right places. This article contains a list of worthy places to eat in Koh Samui. For the first time traveler, they will be amazed at how simple foods like coconut can be used to make a really tasty meal. For the return traveler, the food always tastes the same if not better.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Rid of Junk Cars for Cash

November 27, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

There comes a time in every car’s life when you’ll feel compelled to make a decision on what to do with it. Perhaps your vehicle is a fairly new one that’s suffered such damage in a collision that it’s a total write off. It could be an ancient relic that’s been gathering rust in a forgotten corner of your backyard. Either way it couldn’t be easier to get rid of junk car for cash. The guidelines below are showing you what to do and not to do when thinking about selling your broken car.

What to Do?

1. DO Research the Potential Value of your Junk Car

You can find out the prices of vehicles in a similar condition by looking through websites on the internet. Better still ask a properly qualified mechanic to make a detailed assessment.

2. DO Let Others Repair it

There are many enthusiasts who enjoy spending their leisure time restoring broken vehicles. It is a way of obtaining an expensive car at a bargain price. Some buyers are particularly interested in long forgotten vintage models that have been hidden away in farm buildings and garages. If you have any doubts about the value of an old car or truck it’s worth asking the opinion of an expert from a vintage automobile club.

3. DO Seek Good Services

A reliable auto wrecker who will be only too pleased to buy your junk old cars for cash. Potential buyers of spare parts rely on them for their extensive knowledge and can be confident that any components are of a good condition.

4. DO Research

Find out the condition of your old car before approaching a dealer. If you are aware of the damage to expensive parts such as the engine your bargaining power will be so much the greater. It’s also beneficial to obtain more than one quote.

5. DO Ask for Help with Advertising

A professional mechanic will provide you with detailed analysis of the car’s damage enabling you to be totally honest with potential buyers.

6. DO Look for Free Old Car Removal

You will be confident that the cash payment they offer is a true reflection of the car’s value as scrap metal.

7. DO Sell to a Trustworthy Car Wrecker

You will have the benefit of professional services that are fast and efficient.

What Not to Do?

1. DON’T Pay for Old Car Removal

It will reduce the price of the initial cash offer. Not all companies charge for this service.

2. DON’T Act in Haste

When you want to get rid of your old junk car don’t just give it away for nothing. Every broken car has a value even if it’s only as scrap metal. Remember it isn’t a case of if you get any money but how much.

3. DON’T Forget Repairs

Depending on the extent of the damage you might find it only needs a relatively small investment to make it road worthy again. Then you can use it yourself or make extra money selling it in a more marketable condition.

4. DON’T Dismantle

Selling individual components unless you have a thorough understanding of spare parts. You’ll find it difficult to give detailed descriptions and could miss out on earning extra cash if your buyer knows more than you.

5. DON’T Presume it Can’t be Traded-in

Dealers will always take a broken car as part of a trade-in on a vehicle you’ve chosen as a replacement. They will offset the reduction they offer by the sale of your old junk car as scrap or for recycling spare parts.

6. DON’T Tell Lies

Never overlook your broken car’s failings if you decide to sell it privately. Even if you incorrectly market it through inexperience or lack of knowledge you can still find yourself being prosecuted for false advertising. One thing you can be sure of is that any faults will become apparent sooner rather than later.

7. DON’T Sell To Just Anyone

Sell your broken car to a scrap dealer without checking on their reputation, the services they offer and how they dispose of your junk car.

Choosing a responsible car wrecker will ensure that your broken car is disposed of in a way that will be ecologically sound. Undamaged components will be recycled as spare parts and the scrap metal will be processed for the manufacture of other products. Hazardous substances such as battery acid and waste oil will be disposed of through eco-friendly methods. Check out these extra tips of where to sell your broken car and when you know it’s time to get rid of junk car for cash, by using a reputable car wrecking company you’ll not only earn yourself extra money but you’ll also be protecting the environment.

Sleep Soundly – How to Beat Insomnia

October 16, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that causes suffers to experience trouble when falling asleep, or staying asleep. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, one in three people suffer from this disorder in some degree. More commonly, insomnia is seen in elderly people, and is twice as likely to affect women than men. This may be due to increased rates of anxiety and depression in women, which can be associated with insomnia. Though the disorder affects sleep, the effects last throughout the day with suffers often unable to focus on tasks. It is important to recognise insomnia, and work towards overcoming it. Here are three things that may assist with your sleep, and lead you to having a better night’s rest.

Get Comfortable.

The first and perhaps most important aspect of sleep is the environment around you. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, the bedroom environment can have significant effects on sleep quality and quantity. Assess your sleeping situation, and consider if it can be improved. Light has a large impact on sleep, so ensure that the room is sufficiently dark during times of rest. Temperature is also a huge factor, with the optimum level unique to each person.

Finally, your mattress and pillows will ultimately determine the position in which you sleep. Ensure that your pillows are supportive, and your mattress free of any lumps. You may have to purchase some upgrades, perhaps splurging on a memory foam mattress or some expensive pillows; since we spend one third of our lives asleep, it is a worthwhile purchase!

Stay Active.

While this point may scare some people away, it is no secret that staying active can significantly improve your ability to fall asleep at night. This has been scientifically proven, with many contributing factors discovered, including lowering of stress levels and regulation of body temperature. Taking care to participate in regular exercise, therefore, is a way to assist with any sleeping issues you may have. This exercise does not have to be in a sweaty gym, or running 10km a day (although if this is your thing, enjoy!), and can simply consist of a morning or afternoon walk.

Dancing, swimming or even rollerskating are all other options to consider, so don’t be afraid to get creative with staying active. Participating in a sport is a great way to stay consistent in your exercise routine. The Department of Health and Human Services has some great information about this, so check out their website if you’re interested.

Have a Routine.

This may not be possible for everyone, especially those who do shift work, but having a sleeping schedule can help program your body to know when it’s time to sleep. For one week, try going to bed at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time every morning. See how you feel, and if it has made an improvement then incorporate a sleep schedule into your everyday life. If you do not see any changes, consider adopting one of the other tips mentioned, or see a healthcare professional.

There we have it, three ways to get a better nights sleep! Try them all, or pick one or two and assess your progress. Remember, if you have suffered from insomnia and these tips have not shown any improvement, consult your doctor. Your sleep is very important, and any struggles should be recognised and addressed. Good Luck.