Everyday Life

Tools of the Trade – Fitting Your Kitchen Out Like a Pro

September 18, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

A bad worker always blames his or her tools, or so the saying goes. While this cliché might be a little tired, when it comes to how we work in the kitchen, it is still as relevant as the day the phrase was first coined. Whether you love cooking or dread the daily chore, there are plenty of ways that the equipment that you use can make a tangible difference to the quality of the food that you turn out. Let’s look at what you need in your kitchen to get the best out of it, whatever your culinary skill level.

Ware and Tear

The quality of your cookware sets drastically impact not only the food that you cook but also the experience of cooking it. Pots and pans that stick, stain easily or don’t cook evenly are every chef’s nightmare and can severely affect the experience for anyone, particularly those with less experience. You are far better served investing in something a little sturdier and upmarket than settling for a poor-quality set of cookware based on the lower price.

Cuts Like a Knife

I never cease to be amazed at how many people struggle through the food preparation process with substandard, blunt knives. This perennial frustration is easily fixed by ensuring that you have the right selection of quality knives on hand at all times and keeping them sharp. Most people can get by perfectly well with a decent chef’s knife, a paring knife and a Santoku knife. For extra credit, I always keep a couple of simple serrated knives to cut vegetables with tough membranes, such as tomatoes and bell peppers.

Like White on Rice

One appliance that I cannot live without is my rice cooker. My family are adventurous eaters, and we frequently sit down to Asian and Indian style meals serve with rice. Cooking rice on the stovetop is a skill requiring precision and attention. One slip and you can end up with a gluggy mess, or hard, undercooked blobs. With a good rice cooker, you can just flick the switch and forget about it, which is a dream come true for busy households preparing for meal times.

Microplane and Simple

A microplane is one of my best friends in the kitchen. These handy little implements are perfect for grating garlic, ginger, hard cheeses or nutmeg, as well as zesting citrus. Microplanes are far easier to use for smaller jobs than graters, and allow the flesh to retain juices and oils far better. Best of all, they are a cinch to clean and won’t end up shaving the ends of your fingers.

Can You Feel the Heat

Many home cooks struggle to get the balance right when it comes to cooking meat and poultry. Achieving a beautifully seared skin while ensuring that the meat is adequately cooked all the way through can be a bit of a guessing game. This is where an instant-read thermometer can come in exceptionally handy. Ensuring the right internal temperature is the secret to a perfect beef, lamb or turkey or steak, so utilize this handy tool to take the guesswork out of the process.

Going Slow

If there is one appliance that is essential to busy, modern lives, it is the slow cooker. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve hurriedly thrown in a random assortment of meat, vegetables, herbs and spices and come back a few hours later to find the most succulent flavors. These fabulous machines are incredibly versatile and will save you time while making cooking deliciously simple.

Understanding the Various Benefits of Regular Termite Inspections

August 22, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Pests are a nuisance. Controlling them is of extreme importance. They not only pose health concerns but also are a cause of property damage.

When it comes to termites, they can actually cause a massive damage to the foundation of the house which can create a lot of unwanted future expenses. Other than causing harm to the property, they also pose a risk to your health.

Many of us commit the mistake of trying to deal with the termites on our own. While some of us might turn lucky with the DIY approach, it is wise to leave the termite treatment to the professionals. A company which offers termite inspection in Ipswich told us that people often end up causing more damage while trying to deal with the pests on their own.

A professional service can help locate the source of infestation and hence eradicate it more easily. Going for regular termite inspections can help you a lot in the long run. Here are some benefits of availing professional help for regular termite inspections:

It saves your time

Bringing termite infestation under control is a time consuming process. In case you have bought the necessary products from the market and are ready to deal with all of it on your own, do know that it will cost you a good amount of time. On the other hand, a professional service has the expertise and experience to handle the job in less time and do it more efficiently.

It saves you from potential health hazards and safety risks

The products used in termite inspection need to be handled carefully or else they can cause harm to your health. In case you are following a DIY approach, you could land yourself in trouble by exposing yourself to the side effects of harsh pest control products. In case you have children at home, their health can get severely affected due to the effect of the harsh chemicals especially if you don’t take precautions. Take the help of termite control specialists who have the know-how about using these products properly. In fact, there are several termite inspection services which use eco-friendly products and thereby reduce the negative effects on the environment.

It saves money

As we said, termite growth can cause a lot of damage to the property which can be really heavy on your pocket. A termite inspection carried out in the right time can help you save a lot. When you avail a professional service, they focus on locating the source of infestation and targeting it thereby preventing any further termite growth as well. So if you choose to conduct regular termite inspections, it is a pocket friendly investment.

So, do you need a termite inspection?

Yes, if your house is made of wood, you definitely need a termite inspection. Even the stone or metal houses can have some parts made out of wood. Those areas will also require a termite inspection.

Conclusion

As you can see above, there are multiple advantages of getting your house inspected for termite growth. The earlier it is detected, the less damage will be caused. Also, make sure that you hire professionals for the job instead of doing it on your own since dealing with termites requires certain level of expertise.

4 Vital Tips for Hiring an Electrician

August 21, 2017 by Painter Mommy 4 Comments

Let’s face it – even the best maintained houses most certainly need electrical repairs from time to time. After all, you can’t possibly expect things on the electrical front to run smooth as butter till the very end. That’s just not going to happen.

However, it is vital to note that taking matters into one’s own hands in this regard is extremely foolhardy, to say the least. Not only because you don’t have any expertise in this area, but there is also the dangerous possibility of you electrocuting yourself, if you end up fiddling around too much with wires.

Hence, whether it is a electrician in Melbourne or anywhere else for that matter, make sure that you leave the work to the real experts who know that they’re doing. Sure, you might have read a bit about how to fix electrical problems, but that most certainly does not mean that you can translate that knowledge into practical application.

You’ll be much better off hiring a professional electrician. As simple as that. However, the catch is that these services are anything but reasonably priced, plus there are a couple of important aspects that one needs to keep in mind before zeroing in on a particular electrician. On that note, here are 5 vital tips to keep in mind while looking out for the best electrician for the job.

The hourly rates of an electrician are misleading: This is an aspect that too many people pay attention to. Just remember – a well-equipped, skilled electrician charging close to 70 dollars an hour is a much better bet than an amateur electrician working with inadequate parts charging 35 dollars an hour.
Compare the travel charges of different electricians: In some ways, these are easier to compare than hourly rates in general. For instance, on a longer job, a low hourly rate and a trip charge does make sense. However, for a shorter job, a electrician that charges a higher hourly rate is better.
Be prepared before the electrician arrives: This will ensure that you save both time and money. Let’s face it – the less time the electrician spends dealing with petty issues, the more money you end up saving.
For instance, you can make a list of things to inspect and service as soon as you call the electrician. Then when he comes over, all you need to do is show him the list.
Make sure you install money-saving electrical fixtures: This can be something as simple as switching from ordinary light fixtures to fluorescent ones, or even motion detector switches to help conserve on outdoor lighting. Not only that, but this will also provide an extremely cost-effective security to your home. Additionally, creative landscape lighting is also an aspect that will ease up the pressure on your huge electricity bill.

Ultimately, you need to do whatever it takes and make absolutely sure of the fact that you hire the best electrician for the job. That is absolutely vital. It is equally important for you to realise that there’s really no need for you to unnecessarily rush the process of looking for a electrician that suits your needs.

Just remember – A electrician who is not well-equipped or experienced enough to deal with your particular home surroundings can very well end up causing a lot more harm than actual good. People who are looking to get the job done as soon as possible and on a shoestring budget would do well to keep that fact in mind at all times.

From Curtains to Carpentry

July 20, 2017 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

6 Tips For Reinventing Your Home Without Renovation

We all want to live in a beautiful, cozy home.

Somewhere you love to relax after work, and entertain your friends on the weekends. But even if you are lucky enough to buy your dream home, or even rent it, there are often ways you would like to improve the space or style.

If home renovations aren’t really your skill set, don’t set those home style dreams on the shelf. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your home without having to knock down walls or spend a fortune on a contractor. Read on for my 6 top tips on how to reinvent your home without undertaking a renovation.

1) Window Treatments

Windows seem to be an overlooked when planning home decor. Often home-owners don’t know what to do with windows so they are left bare or maybe dressed with a simple blinds for privacy. If you are looking for a quick facelift to your living space, look no further than the windows. Choosing blinds for your home is sa great way add both function and style to your home.

2) Open Spaces

One of the things homeowners are looking for most right now is a house with open spaces. Where the living room and kitchen are open to each other, or rooms have ample space for hanging and entertaining. If your space is feeling a bit cramped, there are easy ways to give it more of an open space feel. Time to ditch big, bulky furniture for pieces that are more size appropriate for your space.

If new furniture isn’t in your budget, try rearranging what you already have, or even getting rid of something to create more space. If you have a large cabinet or another bulky piece of wood furniture try painting it a nice off-white colour so it blends in more.

3) Mirrors

Mirrors have way more function than just providing you a last glimpse of yourself before you walk out the door. Adding mirrors to smaller rooms will immediately give the appearance of more space. Placing mirrors opposite windows adds more natural light, and makes the room seem bigger and more open.

4) Lighting

Lighting is a really fun, affordable way to enhance any room, even a bathroom! A poorly lit room can small and cramped. The same room with good lighting will appear bright, airy and welcoming. Layering lighting is a great style technique. Adding tall floor lamps to otherwise dark corners, paired with smaller lamps on side tables will add depth and light to your home. If you are looking to take lighting to the next step, replace old light fixtures with more modern pieces and see your home come to life!

5) Cabinet Pulls

Another often overlooked style opportunity are the pulls on your cabinet.

So many houses have old, worn, dirty handles, pulls and knobs. This is a super easy fix to give your kitchen or bathroom an immediate facelift. A fun thing to do is contrast the cabinet pulls with the overall style. So if your kitchen is chabby chic, add modern pulls. If your kitchen is modern, add some artsy glass knobs.

6) Outdoor Spaces

Jealous that your friends seem to always be talking about the renovations to their homes? A new bathroom here. A fourth bedroom there. If this is out of your skill set and budget, it is time to look at what you do have and add some creativity.

Look outside! Even a small outdoor area can be jazzed up to be an additional living space.

A few things that can turn a patio or yard space into a desirable hang spot is a rug, a few cozy chairs, and maybe even a fire pit. Put some creativity and energy into your outdoor space and throw a party. Your friends will love it!

You don’t need in depth knowledge of a table saw or thousands of dollars to have a beautiful home. There are so many ways to spruce up the home without renovations with a little added time and creativity. I hope some of these tips inspired you to take a look around your house for ways to slowly but surely transform your house into your dream home.

From Trash To Treasure – The 6 Steps of Starting An Upcycling Business

July 19, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

If you’re thinking of turning your interest in upcycling into a business, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. The following 6 steps are aimed at getting you mentally and financially prepared for your exciting new venture.

Train Your Eye

One of the most important and hard to qualify traits you may need to hone in your quest to become an upstart upcycler is to train your eye. What this means is that you will find it easier if you allow yourself the time and space to develop an eye for potential.

A great place to start this process is the library.
There are many books and resources available which can help you to solidify (and ground with theory) any ideas related to aesthetic or design practice. Having an idea of historical context, aesthetic development, and of broad-based eras and movements will help you understand the potential in any objects you encounter, and whether they’re suitable for restoration or modification.

Uptown Girl

Knowing the potential value of an object is only one part of a much larger learning curve. Another part of your growing arsenal of skills will be in the ability to envision how to best revamp and revitalise an old item. Being able to evaluate, budget and decide how much time, effort and resources you’re willing to dedicate to the process will also be of huge importance.

Having quality touches and finishes will set you apart from competitors and cheap replica designs. Upholstery suppliers are a good place to start – choosing a fabric, texture or colour palette may be all you need initially to get your creative juices going.

Know Thy Market

You may find that it’s harder to set up your business than you’d imagined – or, that your potential customers and suppliers are located somewhere geographically-distanced from where you’re planning on conducting business.

The lesson to be learned from this is to plan ahead and to know thy market.
It’s a good idea to do some research into your target market, and to figure out some ways in which you can best bridge the gap between yourself and your potential customers – before committing time, money and energy into the process.

Point Of Difference

There’s no use starting a business that’s going to have to compete with thousands of other businesses locally by doing the exact same thing as other businesses.

In order for your upcycling business to flourish, it’s important to market your ‘point of difference’. Generally speaking, a point of difference is a marketable trait which is unique to your product. Think of design quirks, use of quality touches or of eco-credentials. Find a way to promote these differences and put your stamp on your product.

Price Point

Another key element to take into account is related to pricing – how much to charge, how to charge, and how competitively to price your items.

Part of creating a price structure will come through understanding your target market. If you’re upcycling furniture into modern, trendy magazine-worthy pieces, your pricing structure will be different to someone upcycling fringe or niche fashions.

Search out items of similar quality and appearance to your own and have a look at how they’re priced. Are they being purchased? Is there a market to price things at a similar cost? If so, it may be a great place to start.

Reach Out

Once you’ve figured out your marketable point of difference, it’s time to find a way to get your product to its intended audience. Finding a way to market and project your products is an art in itself.

Think about using social media apps as well as traditional media as an adjunct to your promotions. Social media users are often willing to share and promote your products for you if you present them with incentive. It also helps to build a community around your business.

Starting an upcycling business takes time.
There are skills you will need to acquire and hone, and some lessons to be learned through trial and error – but there’s also a whole lot of fun and freedom in running your own business. If you’re ready to take the next step, get reading, get writing, and get designing.