Care Tips for Your Electronics

These days many people are attached to their electronics, and find it difficult to part from iPads, tablets, iPods, and cell phones. Unfortunately TV and computer screens are magnets for dust and dirt. Because of the constant use its important to keep electronics clean and protected. Check out the information below including tips from protecting your electronic device to how to keep it clean.

Laptop

There are a few different ways to clean your laptop, and each way is equally effective. Use either a can of compressed air, lint free cloth, a makeup brush or soft bristled brush, and a dust buster vacuum cleaner. To start, lightly brush the keyboard with a soft bristled brush and vacuum any lose dirt surrounding the area. Then, use a small cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean the keyboard before wiping it dry. Do not use paper towels on your screens, they can unfortunately scratch the surface. Finally, to protect your laptop carry it separately in a hard cover case or use a laptop case for storage.

Phone

To clean your cell phone, use a lint free cloth to wipe around the entire perimeter. Another method is to use a cloth slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean around the speaker and buttons. Because debris and dirt can build up and clog keys and buttons, it is a good idea to carry cell phones in a separate case.

TV

Like computers and cell phones, TV screens tend to collect dust as well. Before cleaning your television device, turn off the unit first. Also, it’s important to note that paper towels may be too rough and can damage the TV screens optic film, so it’s best to use a LCD or plasma cleaner. Using a cloth, wipe down the entire screen first and then wipe the surrounding area. With your dust free vacuum, clean air vents to prevent dust build up in fans. Lastly, it’s important for TV’s to have ample air circulation, even its mounted on the wall.

iPad/Tablet

Cleaning your iPad or tablet is almost like cleaning your cell phone because tablets are basically over sized phones. Tablets can attract dirt, get sticky, and are notorious for finger print stains because of their touch screen feature. No need to use any chemicals or moisture when cleaning your tablet. Instead, the best method is to use a micro fiber cloth. Turn off the device before starting and start by cleaning the surface in one continuous motion. Microfiber cloths are great because lint will not be left behind and once completed these special cloths will leave your screen looking very shiny.

PC/Desktop

Cleaning your PC or computer desktop is much like cleaning other electronic devices. Be sure to turn off the device before beginning the cleaning process. Dust, and wipe down screen with a micro fiber cloth and also make sure to dust off power cords as those tend to collect a lot of dust as well.

Lastly, to really protect your device, buy a protection plan from the company or manufacturer.

What To Do If An Electrical Appliance Catches Fire

An electrical fire can be scary and extremely dangerous, but there are ways to be prepared in case of an emergency. If one of your appliances goes up in flames, it’s important not to panic. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your home safe from electrical fires.

Preventing Electrical Fires

You can stop electrical fires before they start by following a few basic rules of appliance safety. Be sure not to plug in too many devices into one outlet—the wiring can get overloaded and spark a fire, especially if there’s clutter like paper or clothes nearby the outlet. It can be easy to forget about the dangers of larger appliances since they stay plugged in all the time, but they can present as much of a fire hazard as small devices like toasters and heaters. Large appliances like washing machines and dishwashers shouldn’t be left running overnight or while you’re away from home, and avoid placing refrigerators or freezers in direct sunlight, to prevent overworking their cooling systems. Check all outlets regularly for excessive heat, burn marks, and buzzing or crackling sounds that might point to electrical arcing. Make sure you have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home, and test them regularly to keep them in good working order.

What Not to Do

If a fire breaks out, it can be tempting to douse the flames with water, but water should never be used to put out an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity, and dumping water on or near a power source can give you a severe electrical shock. It might even make the fire worse. Water can conduct the electricity to other parts of the room, running the risk of igniting other flammable objects nearby.

How to Extinguish an Electrical Fire

The first thing you want to do is unplug the device from the power source and call the fire department. Even if you think you can take care of the fire yourself, it’s important to have backup if the flames do get out of control.

For small fires, you may be able to use baking soda to smother the flames. Covering the smoldering or burning area with a layer of baking soda can block oxygen flow to the flames with minimal risk of electrocution. Baking soda also contains sodium bicarbonate, which is the same substance used in standard fire extinguishers. You might be able to smother a small fire using a heavy blanket as well, but only if the flames are small enough not to catch the blanket on fire too.

For larger fires, use a Type C fire extinguisher. You should always make sure you have at least one Type C or multi-use extinguisher in your home. Extinguishers should also be checked regularly to make sure they haven’t expired. If you have a working extinguisher on hand, just pull the pin at the top, aim the nozzle at the source of the fire, and squeeze the handle. If the flames get too big to fight alone or you think the fire might block an exit, leave the building immediately, close the door behind you, and wait for help from the fire department.

Keeping white clothes bright can be a challenge. Bleach can be a great refresher to your garments and keep them looking their best. However, you can't use bleach on every type of fabric.

Bleaching Your White Clothes

• - Make sure to check the care label.
• - If it says "no bleach," don't use bleach.
• - Test the garment in a hidden spot the first time you use bleach.
• - If the item is safe, run it through your wash cycle as normal.
• - Add the bleach as instructed by the manufacturer. Many machines have a bleach dispenser or use the detergent dispenser - avoid pouring bleach directly on the clothes.
• - Dry as usual.

You may want to avoid bleaching your clothes each time you wash, even if they are bleach-safe. Instead, use a bleach alternative in your washing cycle or try a bluing-agent.

Preventing Your Whites From Fading

For clothes that cannot be bleached, take some care when washing. Separate your clothes into whites and colors. If you do have to run a load with both whites and colors, use a dye-grabbing cloth that will keep color from setting on your whites.

Attack stains as quick as possible. Don't forget to work on things you can't see, such as sweat marks on the collar or underarms. You can also rub a full-strength detergent on the area before washing - just give it 15 minutes or so before tossing it in the wash.

Always follow the instructions on the detergent bottle. Using too much or too little detergent prevents clothes from getting cleaned. Buy a high-quality detergent. Don't overload the washer. It needs to circulate the clothes to get them really clean. When drying clothes, follow the label for the right temperature. Over-drying will fade your clothes, too.

Take extra care with your laundry and your clothes will last longer and look better.

One of the biggest trends in 2018: Smart homes. The advancement of technology has improved how homes are managed. Out of the many designs for managing home systems, one of the most popular ones is keypads. Many homeowners prefer using keypads as their home systems visual points. The keypads come in many designs ranging from simple designs to more complex ones.

Touchscreen Keypads

Since the invention of touch screens, people prefer navigating through touch rather than using buttons. The touch screen smart home keypads have options for changing settings through gestures, taps, swipes and even flicks. These options make changing smart home settings a simple task.

Wireless Keypads

Wireless keypads are gaining popularity because they do not require additional installation to work after purchase. This makes their installation process easy and efficient especially for homeowners who are remodeling. Keypads that are not wireless have to be tethered in one specific place. The wireless keypad solely requires electrical wiring for power and internet connection for the device to be functional.

Simple and Efficient Designs

Nowadays keypads are designed with a sleek and polished exterior. The smart home keypads come with high quality apps and themes that can be used to customize the home settings. In addition, some keypads can be connected to a mobile device for easier access. The keypads come in many designs such as buttons for a traditional feel. The newer smart home keypads are made with touchscreen technology.

Smart home technology is being embraced more and more every single day. Check out the new designs and trends of smart home keypads and see how they have masterfully evolved to meet consumer desires.

Voice control is a popular feature in many homes. No matter which platform you use, smart technology can really change your reality. Here are four ways that voice control can help reduce your stress and save you time:

Operate Appliances

With voice control, you can plug in appliances to control them from your smart device. Turn on the electric kettle while you're getting dressed and the water will be hot when you get to the kitchen. Install smart lighting technology to have voice control lights instead of touching switches when your hands are full or dirty. Adjust thermostats without having to look up how to do it.

Help Your Family Operate Audio and Video Equipment

Kids can learn to activate voice control to turn on your expensive technology preventing wear and tear on the units. Older adults can also use voice control to learn to use smart technology such as remotes, thermostats and keypads. The learning curve is much shorter over having to look up information each time.

Ease Your Mind

Verify that your doors are locked, or appliances are turned off by using real-time surveillance cameras. Even check on pets or teenagers when you're away. Put a video camera at the front door to be able to answer the door with a smart device, even when you're miles away from home.

Seamlessly Relax

Hook up your voice control to motorized window shades, lawn sprinklers and other technology to be able to kick back and relax without dealing with mundane details. While you're enjoying a nap in the recliner, you can send the vacuum cleaner on its way, turn on some music and turn down the lights.

Many households have grown accustomed to the convenience of having a microwave oven in their household, but only a few have taken advantage of the benefits offered by a convection microwave oven. The difference between a regular microwave oven and a convection microwave oven is its ability to brown food and make it crisp, similar to that of a conventional oven. If you're in the market for a convection microwave oven, below are some things to look for.

Food that Can be Cooked Quickly

Although a convection oven is known for its ability to brown and make food crisp, it should still cook food quickly like other microwave ovens.

Even Hot Air Circulation

A high velocity of forced hot air that evenly circulates throughout the microwave oven.

High Visibility

The interior should have a bright light, which is easy to view through a sizeable window, so that you can check on your food regularly while its cooking.

Large Capacity

The interior should also be large enough to accommodate larger dishes. The clearance should also be large enough on the outside of the dish for proper ventilation. It is recommended that there is at least 5cm on the sides, 10cm at the rear, and 15–40cm above a large dish.

Automatic Features

Automatic features that prompt users to add the type of food being cooked, along with the weight, and can automatically calculate how long the dish needs to cook.

Multiple Levels of Cooking

Multi-stage cooking allows users to program a sequence of different functions at one time during the process.

A convection microwave oven should enhance your cooking experience, so be sure that it comes with these basic features that you should look for when seeking a convection microwave oven.

Maybe you’re sitting in your kitchen – contemplating life and maybe also the difference between electric and gas ranges. Is there a difference between gas and electrics ranges? Which type of range is better?

When an appliance, stove, or range has reached the end of its life, you’re usually confined to purchasing and replacing the appliance with one that runs on the same fuel source. Through the popularity of social media and cooking shows, many amateur cooks seem to prefer to cook with gas – but not everyone has a gas line.

The fact is that only approximately half of American homes have gas service. The rest of us have to rely on electric. But even though gas is touted as practically a kitchen miracle worker, does gas really deliver on the hype? Does cooking with gas really outperform cooking with electric? Let’s take a closer look.

Gas vs Electric Ranges in Cooking Tests

Instead of determining how well a stove or range could cook from its fuel source, appliance experts say consumers can find excellent choices in both gas and electric range models, that “without natural gas service, your culinary ambitions won’t be limited by the type of range you own,” Consumer Reports says.

For instance, one misconception says that gas ranges bring to a boil faster than electric ranges. This isn’t entirely true. Some things to consider include what type of electric range you’re cooking with and what exactly is being boiled. In one study, more electric smoothtop or radiant ranges fared better than gas ranges in both the High Heat and Simmering tests. In fact, approximately 65 percent of electric smoothtop ranges scored better over gas ranges for fast high heat boiling. However, in the Baking Test, almost two-thirds of tested gas range models scored much better than electric ranges. One of the largest discrepancies in range performance happen at the level of broiling—and the results might not be what you think!

In broil tests, less than 20% of gas ranges scored well. By contrast, 61% of electric ovens scored in Excellent or Very Good.

Which Type of Kitchen Range is Better for You?

After looking over the results from cooking tests between gas and electrics stoves and ranges, electric ranges seem to outperform where gas models rarely met the tests with any gusto. But, as they say, there are exceptions to every rule. That is the case here. What we’ve found is that there are many models of both gas and electric ranges that perform extremely well regardless of fuel source.

If you were feeling down because you were limited to an electric kitchen range, we feel optimistic these results should give consumers hope. Also, depending on your cooking style and methods of cooking, you might want to do a bit more research on which type of kitchen range would work best for you.

Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/ranges/gas-or-electric-range-which-is-better

Even though 3D televisions are all but gone from stores, there are still ways you can watch 3D TV shows and movies with your home theater system. You might still be able to find 3D TVs from third-party dealers if you know where to look, and most video projectors still offer a 3D viewing option.

And yet, watching 3D movies at home might require you to do more than buying the right television and Blu-Ray player. If you really want the full 3D viewing experience from your home theater system, here are some things that you can do to make that happen.

Buy a 3D Enabled TV or Projector

As we said before, most stores don't carry 3D TVs anymore, but you can still find projectors, OLED TVs, and even some plasma TVs that have a 3D setting. All of these products are capable of showing movies and TV shows in 2D, so you won't have to worry about buying a second TV for your home entertainment center to watch 2D movies and shows. You will also make sure that any TV or projector you buy is compatible with your Blu-Ray player of choice and that you know how to set it up for the best possible viewing experience.

Find a 3D Enabled Blu-Ray Player or DVD Player

There are over 500 Blu-Ray titles available in the United States that are capable of showing movies in 3D, and you will need the right Blu-Ray player to play them. These players and titles are getting harder to come by, but you can still find them on online marketplaces and through other third-party sellers.

3D Cable and Streaming Services

You can watch TV shows and movies in 3D on cable or through certain streaming services if you have the right cable or satellite box. As long as it is compatible with the TV or projector you purchase, you should be okay. And yes, there are still some 3D movies available on some streaming services.

Wearing 3D Glasses

Although there are ways of watching 3D movies without the proper glasses, but you will need the right kind of 4K television or OLED TV to do so. It needs to be in the proper position in your home theater room, and it should have a compatible Blu-Ray player or cable box. Since this is all very difficult to purchase and set up, most people will opt for using 3D glasses. The glasses that are available are much more sophisticated than the cardboard red and blue shades that used in the past. Passive polarized glasses look like normal sunglasses and can be worn by just about anybody. They can even be worn over regular glasses most of the time.

Meanwhile, active shutter glasses are more sophisticated and sync rapidly moving shutters for each eye with what is happening on your TV screen. They are more expensive than passive polarized glasses, but they do provide a much more realistic and satisfying 3D viewing experience. Check them out from the same sellers of most 3D viewing equipment if you want the best that 3D TVs have to offer.

The refrigerator is a wonderful invention, but it's not a miracle preserver for every type of food. The following food items just don't fit in the fridge and should be kept either on the counter or in the freezer. Some may surprise you, while others you may already know of!

Honey

Honey is naturally anti-microbial and never goes bad. It does slowly crystallize, cloud up and lose its flavor over time, however. Lower temperatures (i.e. the refrigerator) actually speed up this process.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes lose their flavor, get bitter and get mushy when refrigerated. It's OK to preserve the remnants of a sliced tomato in the fridge, but try to use it within a day or two.

Bread

The refrigerator actually dehydrates bread rapidly and makes it stale. It's fine to freeze bread, however, as the moisture stays trapped inside.

Onions

As with tomatoes, onions will get soggy quickly when stored in a fridge. They also have the added bonus of stinking up the fridge and making every other unsealed item taste like onion. A sliced onion can be preserved in the fridge for a few days, but only inside of a sealed freezer bag.

Apples

Apples will get mushy in the fridge, but they're an even bigger problem for certain other types of fruits and veggies in the crisper. That's because they emit ethylene gas that will cause some other foods near them to decompose quickly.

Nutella


The world's favorite sugary spread should never be refrigerated. It will get too hard for a knife to penetrate. Nutella can keep for months at room temperature thanks to the sugar content and coconut oil.

Coffee

Whether in bean form or ground, coffee will dehydrate quickly when stored in the fridge. Ground coffee will also soak up all sorts of flavors and odors that will make it taste funny when brewed.

When most people think about a smart home, what normally comes to mind is installing a smart TV or appliances such as refrigerators in the home. That's all well and good, but now that the weather is getting warmer, people will want to start spending more time outside. Fortunately, a smart home can extend to a backyard if you have the right appliances and electronics.

Irrigation Systems

While most smart sprinkler systems used to rely on plant sensors to know when a garden or lawn needed to be watered, today's connected irrigation systems make it easier to monitor a wider area and make sure that you use the right amount of water for any specific crop. These systems are a must have for anybody who wants to grow a large garden or maintain the perfect lawn.

Security Cameras

Much like automatic sprinkler systems, outdoor security cameras are nothing new. Also like sprinkler systems, modern smart home technology has made security camera systems more convenient and easier to use than ever before. Not only are modern security cameras small and discrete enough to be installed on an outdoor light fixture, but they can work over a cellular network or wi-fi connection.

Extended Wi-Fi

If you're going to extend your smart home to your backyard, you will need an extended wi-fi signal to do so. Whether you have a state-of-the-art security camera system or a set of wireless speakers for entertaining guests, you will need a good outdoor wi-fi extender. This wi-fi extender is arguably the most important element for anyone who wants to use their smart homes to entertain guests outdoors this summer, so make sure you invest in a good extender if you want to entertain guests with wireless speakers or even a good streaming media player.

One of the easiest ways to dabble in smart home technology is to invest in smart light bulbs. They run the gamut from affordable to expensive and come loaded with a variety of different features. More than anything, they can add convenience to your life and can be activated in a few different ways. However, many people question whether or not these bulbs or worth using and if the features are truly beneficial. The best way to explore the answer to this question is by becoming familiar with the common benefits that smart light bulbs provide.

The Control Factor

Perhaps one of the biggest features that smart light bulbs afford the user is the ability to control lighting without being in the home or in the same room, all through the use of an app. Smart light bulbs are useful when it comes to making sure certain lights are on at certain times during the night or day. In fact, a feature like this can deter burglars when you go on vacation or are away for long periods of time. This feature gives the appearance of someone being home at all times.

The Ability to Adjust and Customize Lighting

Smart light bulbs make it easy to adjust the lighting to fit your mood or the time of day. There's even an app feature that allows you to change the color of the bulb. This type of customization adds both practicality and convenience because you have the option to dim lights, adjust the lighting on a time schedule, and even change the color of the lights, all without having to touch a light switch or turn on a lamp.

Additional Features of Smart Lights

There are a few additional features that make smart light bulbs both useful and helpful. Many smart bulbs have a sleep setting that adjusts the lights to a softer glow to promote sleep. Another fun feature makes it easy to enjoy music without having to worry about turning on your stereo. Many smart light bulbs have built-in speakers that allow you to listen to music through speakers that are built into the bulb.

Smart light bulbs can add both helpful function and convenience to your life. Plus, they range from affordable to expensive, making it easy to buy them at a price that fits your budget. If you vacation and want to control the lighting remotely, it’s a cinch. They also tend to be multifunctional, allowing you to change the color, dim them, and also use the bulbs as speakers. In essence, they help simplify many functions and increase comfort without breaking the bank. This makes them beneficial additions to any home or office.

More people take their appliances and electronics for granted than anything else in their home. We use these items on a daily basis, and many people are completely unaware of how to maintain them. This can result in costly breakdowns, or a serious decrease in the overall life of your appliances.

Prolonging the Life of Appliances

Some of the most used appliances in the home include things like your washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and even your oven. Each of these are used for very different purposes, but they undergo a lot of wear and tear.

Read your manuals carefully, and make sure that you're not over or under using your appliances. It's also very important to keep them extremely clean, and to pay special attention to the mechanical components. Appliances will last much longer if you call in a professional on occasion to perform a checkup.

Caring for Your Refrigerator

The refrigerator is an absolute necessity. It keeps your food cool and stops the growth of bacteria. If the refrigerator is not working appropriately, you'll see spoiled food and run the risk of contamination.

It's important to make sure that the door on your refrigerator is shutting all the way each time you close it. You also need to set the temperature of your refrigerator to a setting that doesn't cause it to work harder than it has to.

Treating Your Washer and Dryer Gently

Laundry is another chore that needs to be done on a daily basis. For larger families, it's important to remember to do smaller loads and to pay special attention to the amount of water you're using.

Always research appliances before purchasing. It's also good idea to consistently clean out your washer and dryer, and to make sure it's free of lint and mildew.

When to Buy New Appliances

Most appliances can be fixed by a licensed technician. Take steps to purchase a new appliance if you've had it looked at and there's absolutely no chance of fixing it, or if the appliance is no longer able to perform the task that you need it to do.

When you listen to music or watch a movie on your 4K TV, the thought of sound quality might not even cross your mind. Sound travels in waves, and those waves travel through windows, across floors and walls to distort your audio that plays through your home theater or sounder speaker system. But don’t lose hope! There are ways to counteract these effects by considering the following.

Windows

Windows are hard surfaces that let natural light into the home, but they are also surfaces that allow sound to reflect off of. When these waves reflect back into your room, they often have a sort of "veiling effect" upon the sound's overall quality. This can greatly reduce your speaker resolution, reducing the nuances you would normally hear in your music or audio track. To reduce this “veiled effect,” you can install blinds or cloth curtains.

Hardwood or Tile Floors

Many houses have hardwood or tile floors, and they certainly give your home a pleasant aesthetic. However, hardwood and tile floors aren’t immune to sound wave reflection. Like windows, if floors are untreated, you will notice an impact in the quality of sound. A way to diffuse or absorb this impact would be to place throw rugs in your living room or throughout your home. By using throw rugs between where you sit and the speakers where your sound is coming out of, you can help reduce the sound reflections from your hardwood, as well as tile, flooring.

Walls

Similar to both windows and floors, your walls can block the nuances coming from your home theater sound system. This is easily remedied by hanging some sound absorption panels to your walls. Another solution would be to add a bookcase to your home theater or living room, helping better distribute the sound reflections - hopefully, not impacting the sound quality as much.

With these tips, we hope that the next time you sit down to watch a movie or listen to your favorite music album, you’ll be able to listen with a much higher quality sound experience.

The 3-slot dryer outlet is currently being replaced by the 4-slot as is the requirement by the law. Most people have also had to deal with the dilemma of trying to convert the 3-slot dryer into the 4 slot one and vice versa. For residences built in the mid-1990s, it was a requirement by the National Electric Code to install 3-slot outlet, but for homes being built or converting gas to electrical appliances, it is mandatory that 4-slot dryers be installed. All this was due to safety.

The Difference Between the 3-Slot & 4-Slot Dryer


The main difference between these two is that in the former, is fitted with two live slots and one ground slot designed to fit dryers with 3-slot plugs. The latter has two live slots, a neutral, and grounding slot. Though the 3-slot dryers are effective in power provision on dryers, the neutral and ground wires are connected, opening up the possibility of the metal frame becoming energized, which can cause electrocution. On the other hand, the 4-slot dryers have two hot wires, the ground, and the neutral wire. Due to the return path for the power not consumed is separate, the possibility of shock is eliminated.


Though the 3-slot system has been phased out, the authorities realize the futility of trying to upgrade every residence's system or buy a new dryer altogether. Thus, you may continue using your 3-slot dryer but replace the dryer code. The connections on the appliance are easy to maneuver, and you do not need a professional to do the replacement. The screw terminals, in most cases, have directions on which wire is supposed to be connected. This is very inexpensive as it does not require a re-wiring of your laundry room.

The speaker grille is often an important element of the speaker. This hard or soft cover usually protects the driver, so it interacts with the sound quality. Many people wonder if they need a speaker grille or not. There's not really a right or wrong answer, it's more about preference. Let's take a look at what the grilles do and whether you should leave them alone or take them off.

Grille-d for Protection

The grilles are designed to be a dust cover. Taking them off means that you will have to regularly clean the drivers. If you have children or pets, it's probably best to leave the grilles on. Children and cats are notorious for sticking their fingers or paws anywhere they can. Dust and pet hair can build up quite quickly.

Style Reasons

Speakers with a grille generally have a cleaner look than ones that leave the drivers exposed. If you're going for a special look in the room, you should probably leave the grilles on.

Sound quality

Manufacturers generally spend hug amounts on R&D to ensure that the grilles do not affect sound quality all that much, (at least on higher end speakers). That said, some manufacturers also recommend taking the grilles off to achieve the best sound. Other manufacturers take the grilles into account when designing for sound quality.

Sound affects some people much differently than others. Speakers are also different. Take the speaker grille off the speakers and see how it sounds to you. If you notice a big difference, you may want to leave the grilles off. Decide what you like when you're listening to music or watching a movie.

Different fabrics require different care. Cotton and linen are both natural fibers, but using the same techniques on both will result in the material losing quality over time.

Caring for Linen

Use a delicate detergent and low spin speed. Make sure to take out of the washer ASAP, because it can mildew. It's best to dry linen on the clothesline.

Washing Cotton

Pay attention to the care label of the clothes, but as a matter of course, cotton withstands most washing and drying cycles extremely well.

How to Wash Denim

Although denim originated in France, it's truly an American workhorse. Typically, denim is a cotton fiber. Wash your denims separately though, especially the first time you're washing them. Don't wash at high temperatures and use a slower spin speed, if possible. Normal drying with a gentle option is recommended.

How to Care for Wool

Check the label for precise information about the wool blend that you need to clean. Some products should be dry cleaned, while others can go for into a gentle, quick wash. It's best to lay sweaters flat while drying. Soil and dirt can usually be removed from the wool by brushing with a garment brush or damp cloth. It's best to let wool fabrics get a 24-hour rest between uses.

Washing Silk

Wash silk fabrics separately from any other kind, because they are quite delicate. Use the gentle option on your washing machine or hand wash with a gentle detergent. Dry at a low temperature and if you must iron, do it while the fabric is slightly damp with a low iron. Silk does not like high temperatures.

Washing and Caring for Blended Fibers

Many materials are blends of two types of fibers, perhaps cotton and Lycra, a synthetic fiber, or cashmere and cotton. When washing and drying, use the directions for the most sensitive fiber in the blend. Typically, you should use a delicate cycle and dry on a lower temperature. The care label will give you information about the fibers in the material.

Completely transform the look of your home's spaces with area rugs. You can create illusions that remedy any inherent issues, such as lack of space or poor lighting with the right rug. Find the most appropriate rugs that match your style to give your home a fresh face.

Some transformation tips include:

Protect High-Traffic Areas

Create a path through the home in your high-traffic areas; this will preserve the floor while also creating good chi. Go with high-end rugs from wool and natural fibers, which are most-durable and easy to maintain.

When in Doubt, Go Big

When in doubt about what size rug you need go bigger, not smaller. Too small will make your room seem oddly-shaped and bring too much attention to the rug; going bigger will create cohesion, as long as you leave the same amount of space on each side.

Lay Rugs Right

Your furniture belongs on top of your rug.

Make sure that you buy rugs that are big enough to accommodate chairs being pulled out or getting around end-tables. This creates an appealing aesthetic in your space.

Keep It Clean

Keep your space keep it clean and looking fresh; depending on the type of rug and placement, this equates to weekly vacuuming and monthly cleanings. It is possible to clean rugs too often, as it can wear-down fibers and damage them over time.

Try Something New

Create a new color-scheme without changing your existing furnishings or accents; buy an area rug that is a bit bolder than you normally might try. This pop of color can be transformative and really highlight colors and objects that you hadn't even noticed before. Use smaller runners or scatter-rugs to bring pops of color to your smaller spaces.

Use these tips to transform and recreate a room in your home. Use area rugs to make spaces seem larger and more-airy; choose high-quality rugs from natural fibers for durability and longevity.

The goal of any stereo electronic engineer is to create a sound system that is completely neutral, meaning that any audio signal the system receives is completely unchanged from any original recording. Unfortunately, a completely neutral audio system is notoriously hard to come by. There are ways to come close to perfection with a stereo system, however. You just need to follow these five guidelines to know what it is you should be looking for.

A Good Internal Design

The first thing to look for in a stereo system is an internal design that maintains good channel separation between individual audio signals as well as a good signal-to-noise ratio. If you don't know exactly what this means, look at a stereo system's dB ratings. Try to find something that has close to a 120dB channel separation and a 117dB signal-to-noise ratio for the best results.

A Good Power Supply

Remember that any sound that comes from a speaker is just an information signal, which means it can be muddied by a sub-par power supply. Make sure that any stereo system that you buy has a good power supply.

A Sturdy Build Quality

When your subwoofer and speakers are playing at a decent volume, they create vibrations that will travel back to the audio components. A poorly-build sound system won't be able to handle all of these vibrations and will have poor sound quality as a result. Find a system that is sturdily built and won't vibrate too much when you use them.

Quality Electrical Components

Your sound system is a complex electronic device, which means it should have high-quality electrical components. Unless you're an electrical engineer and you know your way around a circuit board, only buy components from a reputable dealer if you want to be sure you're getting a system of a decent quality.

A System That Sounds Good

In the end, the best way to know if your stereo system is to just listen to it. You can pour over the specs of a stereo system all you want, but it won't mean anything if you don't like the way it sounds. Give a stereo system a test run, and only buy it if you like what you hear.

Even though your washing machine is best suited for your dirty laundry, there are lots of other - often surprising - things that can be cleaned in the washer. Here are just a few to keep in mind.

Sports Gear

You probably already wash your workout clothes after you've used them, but you might not know that you can also wash pads, compression sleeves, and other kinds of workout gear that don't always make it into your clothes hamper. Keep all velcro straps closed, place plastic pieces into a mesh laundry bag, and wash your dirty sports gear on the gentle cycle. Air dry them when you're done for the best results.

Yoga Mats

Just like your workout gear, yoga mats can be safely cleaned in your washing machine. It's best to use a machine without a central agitator if you can since they work best on delicate fabrics, but if you have a machine with a central agitator, simply unroll your yoga mat and arrange it around the agitator as evenly as possible.

Canvas Shoes

Unless the directions from the manufacturer say otherwise, canvas shoes can be washed in a washing machine. Remove the laces and any insoles, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and wash with warm water and detergent. There are even some leather shoes that can be washed this way, but never assume that all shoes are safe for your washing machine. Always read the care and cleaning directions from the manufacturer before you do anything.

Toys

Stuffed toys and even some plastic toys can be cleaned in your washing machine. Plastic toys can be placed in a mesh laundry bag and thrown into a load of laundry with some warm water. If you have a sick child and you want to disinfect their toys, add some disinfectant to the wash.

Stuffed animals can be put in the wash as well, providing they don't have any mechanical components or they're too old and delicate for it. Place a stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag and put it in with the rest of your laundry.

There is something inherently gratifying about a well-stocked pantry, and keeping it organized is key. Whether you have an allocated pantry in your home, or if you are trying to carve-out a pantry-space in a small or crowded kitchen, there are ways to organize your stored goods. Try these tips to designate a pantry in your dwelling, while also keeping the items you use most at-hand.

Some pantry storage ideas include:

Pull Out Your Pantry

If you lack space, consider creating a pull-out pantry in your kitchen area. These have built-in organizers to keep spices, utensils, and culinary goods in their dedicated spot, and you will be able to see what you have at-a-glance.

Use Under-the-Cabinet Space

Along the same lines as pull-outs are under-the-cabinet style organizers with a built-in lazy-Susan, which revolves and prevents supplies from getting trapped in the back of a deep cupboard or space. These optimize your existing cabinet space, making it more practical to be used as a pantry.

Claim a Closet

Take over a closet in or near the kitchen to use as your pantry. Depending on the configuration, you will have space for floor-to-ceiling storage, plus the room to hang herbs, store crockery, or prepare food!

Think Vertically

When you need to make the most of your pantry space, use vertical storage with racks, shelves, or even baskets that you suspend from above. Line the walls with slatted shelving or peg-boards to hang each and every utensil, tool, or item that you want to tuck away. Place items that you don't use as often on the highest shelves, and keep things you use daily closer at-hand.

Use these tips to create a pantry storage space – even in the smallest of kitchens. You will enjoy knowing that you are well-stocked and that the items you use regularly are within reach, while also creating an organizational system that works well for you.

As much as we may love our cats, there is no denying how destructive they can be once they start scratching at our belongings. This is especially troublesome if you're an audiophile who just picked up some brand new speakers. You don't want the casing or the grilles to be shredded by your cat, so here are a few things that might help protect your new purchase.

Buy More Scratching Posts

The best way to keep a cat from scratching things they shouldn't be scratching is to buy things they can scratch. Add some new scratching posts to your home and encourage your cat to use them by placing them in areas where your cat likes to go.

Remove The Grilles From Your Speakers

If you're particularly worried about your cat scratching up your speaker grilles, simply take them off. Most speakers work just fine without grilles, and many people actually prefer their speakers grille-free anyway. Of course, it is possible that your cat will still scratch at the woofers themselves, so be careful if you decide to take this route.

Place Something On Top of Your Speakers

If your cat loves to jump on top of your speakers, place something on top that makes that impossible. This can be a potted plant, some kind of decorative statue, or even an elevation speaker if you want to improve your sound system while you make it cat-proof.

Startle Your Cat

If your cat won't leave your speakers alone, you can always make a loud or strange noise when your cat approaches the speakers to scare it away. Cats are known to scare easily, which is why this technique is very useful. Keep an eye out for your cat and keep the noise you make consistent, so your cat will stay away from your speaker consistently as well. Eventually, your cat will learn that your speakers are off limits.

Building your own immersive home theater can be daunting. But being able to set up top shelf audio and video equipment to upgrade your listening and viewing experience can be fun and truly rewarding. A home theater can be comprised of a sound bar and an LED or LCD television. There are many options when it comes to satisfying your wants and needs in a home theater setup. We can always give you advice and direct you on a path to get you to your ideal home theater, depending on your preferences and budget. The best way to plan your home theater setup is to consider the following factors.

Size of the Room

The room in which your home theater will be used in is a key factor when choosing one. The size of the room determines the type and size of the video display, such as a projector or television. Other aspects to consider is the lighting, the carpeting (or lack thereof), the wall types which might affect the sound, and whether or not you want in-wall or ceiling speakers.

The Video Display Device

The main concept of having or acquiring a home theater is to ensure that you may be able to have a movie theater experience and ambiance within the confines of your home. The video display device is the element in the home theatre that will determine how much you will enjoy the visual content. Visual displays in the current market are LCD, LED, OLED televisions as well as video projectors and screen combos. The displays also vary from 720p, 1080p and 4k Ultra HD image resolutions. A video projector can be used to achieve a big screen experience similar to movie theaters.

Home Theater Receiver

Sound is the next most essential part of a home theater next to the visual display. When building a home theater, you are considering the sound the amplifier/preamplifier or the home theater receiver combination are the best places to start. The AV surround sound or home theater receiver are responsible for all the outputs and inputs connecting everything throughout the home theater. These connections provide a valid way of making the home theater system centralized.

Loud Speakers

In the same way, the size of the room determines the best visual display device to use for your home theater the size of the room will also determine the speakers which you will require for your home theater.

Subwoofer

A subwoofer is a special kind of speaker needed to ensure the home theater sound experience is of good quality. There are various types of sub-woofers, which can be used but the size of the room in which your subwoofer will be in shall determine which subwoofer to use. You also need good cabling and furniture to ensure that your home theater gives you a movie theater experience while you are in the comfort of your home.

Taking all of these factors into account will help you build a well-thought-out home theater experience. Drop by our store to check out all the fun electronics goodies we have on hand, and we’ll be there to help out in any way we can!

When you shop for laundry detergent, you might wonder if there's a big difference between different detergent types. Actually, depending on how you do laundry and what kind of stains and dirt you have, there is somewhat of a difference. If you're using a high-efficiency washer, make sure you're using a HE detergent. Beyond that, let's look at your options:

Single pack, liquid or powder?

Liquid detergents tend to be more effective on greasy or oily stains. However, it's easy to use too much per load in your washing machine. Powdered detergents are typically the least expensive and very effective on mud stains or ground-in dirt. If you use cold water to wash clothes, powder may not dissolve completely. The single-dose packs are convenient, but more expensive.

What about your own needs?

If you have sensitive skin, or are sensitive to certain scents, you may need to choose your laundry detergent accordingly. Fragrances are common allergens. Choose a detergent that is free of those products. You may even need to rinse twice, to make all residue from the detergent is rinsed out of the clothing before placing them in the dryer.

Which detergents are most effective?

Check out a reputable website, such as Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping, to get comparisons on how different detergents work. Or independently test different detergents to see which one cleans your clothes the best. Price isn't a factor in detergent quality. Look at the ingredient list for:

• Alkalies - borax, washing soda or baking soda
• Surfactants - alkyl sulphates, ethers of fatty alcohol, alkyl ethoxylate sulphates
• Water conditioners
• Suds control
• Optical brighteners or a bleach alternative

Laundry success doesn't only rely on the right detergent, but also the right water temperatures, pre-treating stains and loading washers correctly. When you bring all those elements together, your clothes will last longer, look their best and keep their shape and feel.

A kitchen remodel can range from simply making space for new appliances to a full renovation that calls for new cabinets and countertops. While you should take some time to make sure that your newly renovated kitchen is visually appealing, it's far more important to design the space to be more productive and efficient. If you're not quite sure how to go about that, here are some tips that will help.

Remember the Basic Triangle

The basic triangle is the most efficient design for a kitchen that you can have. What this means is that your sink, stove, and refrigerator should all be arranged in a triangle and be accessible from each other. They are your three most important elements, so there should be a clear path between them. When you add the "legs" of the triangle together, they should add up to 10 to 25 feet. Any less than that is too small for more than one person to move comfortably through your kitchen, while anything more than that is too big to actually be efficient. Once you have the triangle in place, you can start adding other appliances such as a microwave, a dishwasher, an upright freezer, or anything else that you can work into your kitchen without taking up too much space.

Buy Efficient Appliances

When you buy new appliances, make sure that they comply with Energy Star standards. Your cooktop, refrigerator, dishwasher, and upright freezer can all be energy efficient yet still serve all of your needs.

Keep Everything Safely Within Reach

Rearranging your kitchen appliances is important, but so is keeping your dishes and cooking utensils safely within reach. Heavier objects such as iron skillets and casserole trays should be kept in cupboards that are lower to the ground so they won't fall when someone reaches for them, while cups, dishes, bowls, and silverware should be in drawers and cupboards at the height of your waist or chest. Higher shelves can be reserved for dishes that you don't use very often. Put everything back where you decide it belongs so that you can get to it as soon as you need it. Few things can ruin a cooking experience faster than not knowing where the right dish or serving spoon is when you need it.

If you've ever touched your smart TV, Blu-ray player, or home audio equipment, you know that they put out a lot of heat. While this is normal, too much heat is bad for any electronic device. Most of the components of your home theater system will work just fine while generating a nominal amount of heat, but you might have to take certain steps to make sure that they can be kept relatively cool. Here are some tips that will help.

Get Rid of Your Sealed Cabinet

Almost all good entertainment system cabinets have plenty of open space and vents to allow cool air to reach the electronics within. If you're storing your DVD player or stereo in a closed cabinet, get rid of it and get something that lets in some fresh air.

Don't Stack Electronics

If you don't have a good cabinet for your Blu-ray player, plasma TV, and your streaming media player, at least make an attempt to keep them away from each other. While you obviously cannot keep them too far apart, you shouldn't stack them on top of each other whenever you can help it. They will generate way too much heat when kept together, and that will shorten their lifespan.

Dust Them Off

Even if you regularly watch movies on your home theater system, the individual components will collect a large amount of dust. This can clog the vents that allow the heat to escape, eventually causing them to overheat and break down. Dust off all of your electronics near the vents, and take some canned air to the inside to clear out any dust that may have collected there. It only takes a few seconds of your time, but your home theater system will last a lot longer as a result.

There are different types of refrigerators, the most common and preferable being refrigerators with water dispensing systems. If you own a fridge of this type, it is important that you know about the mechanism of the water dispenser and the available systems to ensure the water's purification. 


Why Change the Water Filter?


A water filter, installed in the fridge's system, ensures that all the water gets to the dispenser without any impurities. However, after some time of continuous water, the impurities, including Chlorine and any other unforeseen elements, clog the water filter, in turn reducing its efficiency.


When this happens, impurities pass the water filter to the dispenser, which might cause some change in taste of the water. This is the main reason why you should change the water filter after some time. Some products have technology that notifies you on the appropriate time to change the water filter. 


How Often You Should Change the Water Filter



There are certain variances in the time after which you should change the water filter for another one. For instance, if the filter filters out a certain type of impurity, such as chlorine only, you can use it for up to six months, after which you should change it for a new one.


In other cases, the water has unexpected impurities, which means that the water filter does more work than it is meant to. This means that you should change it after a period of around three to four months for best results.

Home technology has increased substantially over the past few years and the smart home of the future is something that you really can have. There are a lot of different automated home accessories to choose from but if you are looking for something that will not only make your life easier but will also increase the value of your home, then these are the ones you are looking for.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can replace your current thermostat in your home. The benefit of these is that you can set your preferences based on the outside and inside temperature so that it will automatically adjust for you. You can also set it to specific temperatures for the hours or days that you are home. In no time at all, you will start saving a lot of money on your electricity.

Smart Locks

If you have ever left your home and could not remember whether or not you locked your door, with smart locks you can lock or unlock your doors from your smart device. You can also unlock your door for someone else in your family who may have forgotten their keys or locked themselves out.

Smart Lights

A lot of people like to have their lights on in specific rooms when they are not home or at night. You may even have some exterior lights that you want to be on at night. With smart lights, you can set them to turn on and off automatically based on your preferences.

These are just a few of the popular items that you can purchase and connect in your home. Since these are ones that you can install in your home, they will also add value.

HDR and 4K continue to gain popularity as picture and sound quality becomes clearer and more advanced. Although some gadgets, such as TVs are upgrading to the new formats, it is not enough to have a TV with HDR and 4K capabilities. There are specific tune ups that you need to take care of in order for you to have the full 4K and HDR experience with your home theater. Let us look at the important upgrades.


Encryption Software


Encryption is a standard for most high bandwidth content. In most situations, the source of the picture content, which is the player, encrypts the information, which the TV with 4K capabilities decrypts for display. However, when you connect the home theater between the source and display, there are chances of receiving content without 4K quality on your display. You should therefore ensure that all the sound devices connected to the system have the ability to pass on this encrypted signal to the display.

Matching Content


The content is the most important upgrade you need. There are gadgets that have the capability to tune up the normal quality to HDR and 4K formats. However, even though you have this ability, the quality cannot match that of original 4K or HDR. You should therefore ensure you find original HDR or 4K quality format content, whether music or videos. This will improve the experience greatly.
 Make sure that your home theater has the ability to handle 4K decryption. When you connect your 4K-able TV to your home theater, you might not enjoy the experience if your TV does not have the ability to handle 4K content.

Whatever your specific requirements for your own personal home theater system, swing by our store to see how we can help you upgrade your current system into something more powerful and enjoyable for years to come!

Since you're unlikely to find a washer and dryer combo unit in most American homes, you're probably going to have to mix and match when shopping for a washing machine and a clothes dryer. Here are a few tips that should help you find a pair of appliances that works for you.

Match Styles from the Same Manufacturer

The easiest way to ensure that your washer and dryer work well together is to purchase a matching pair made by the same manufacturer. Not only will your washer and dryer be likely to have functions that complement each other and make them easier to use, but they will likely have a similar appearance and fit your laundry room's decor.

Get A Stackable Washer and Dryer

If space is limited in your home, consider buying a stackable washer and dryer. These are generally smaller appliances that go great in small apartments and laundry rooms, and they are usually designed to work as a single unit even if they are technically separate appliances.

Consider The Controls

Much like other appliances and electronics, laundry appliances have come a long way other the years. Many of the more advanced dryers and washers for sale can even be controlled and monitored remotely with a wi-fi connection. Whether or not this should be a consideration will depend on how high-tech you like your appliances to be, but you should have a washer and dryer that has all the bells and whistles you want yet that is easy to use.

Make Sure Your Washer and Dryer are Big Enough

Perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for a washer and dryer is making sure that what you buy is big enough for your family. If you live by yourself or with a spouse, you can get away with buying smaller laundry appliances. If you have a larger family, you'll need to spring for something larger. As long as it isn't too expensive or too big for your laundry room, you should be able to do all of your family's laundry without much fuss.

Energy Star certifications can be found on almost all modern appliances and electronics, including televisions. Today's modern smart TVs and 4K Ultra HD TVs are certified to run for about $100 a year, which is impressive for such modern electronic appliances. Unfortunately, this energy-saving measure sometimes comes at a price if you like your TV's picture to be bright and vibrant.

When you buy a new LCD TV or smart television from an electronics store, its default power setting may very well be the Energy Star setting. While this definitely comes in handy if you're trying to lower your electricity bill, it does have the effect of dimming your TV's picture. This setting can be turned off, but not everyone who buys a new TV will know this. They will see their TV's display model at an electronics store and be wowed by the picture only to find out that what they bring home doesn't look nearly as good.

With all that being said, what can you do if you aren't happy with the Energy Star-compliant setting on your new TV? The easiest answer is to turn the setting off and enjoy watching a brighter screen. It might cost you more on your electricity bill, but it will be up to you to decide if it is worth it. Another thing you can do is check out different models of 4K televisions or smart TVs to find out if the Energy Star setting is tolerable enough for you. Even though modern TVs are more complex than previous models, manufacturers are making a concerted effort to improve their energy efficiency and make their TV's Energy Star ratings worthwhile. On the other hand, it's always best to do your homework when shopping for a new TV, especially if it's going to be turned on more often than not in your home.

Washing and drying laundry is an ever-present task that never goes away. For this reason, it makes sense to streamline the process as much as possible through the use of updated technology and efficient routines. Here are some tips to help you.

Update Your Machines

The first step in laundry efficiency is to have a washer and dryer set that has the ability to handle the workload. You may consider the retention of your older machines sound economic strategy, but in fact older appliances are significantly less efficient in the amount of energy and water that they use. Upgrading to new high efficiency laundry equipment gives you a noticeable performance boost and also saves you money by lightening your utility bills.

Arrange Your Work Area

Consider the layout and size of your laundry room when deciding on your washer and dryer upgrade. If your space is limited, selecting a front-loading stackable pair saves you half the floor area. However, if your main concern is having a place to stow your auxiliary products such as detergents, softeners, and bleach, perhaps side by side machines with storage drawers built into the pedestal bases may be the answer.

Select Laundry Products Wisely

Many people default to habit when they purchase laundry products, because over time they have become used to certain types they find most pleasant and useful. However, traditional heavy-suds cleaning products do not work well in newer high-efficiency machines, which are built to clean effectively with less suds. You are better off switching to laundry products specifically designed for HE appliances. Additionally, remember that some HE equipment offers the option of cleaning lightly soiled laundry with steam only, without the need of detergent.

Pre-Sort Clothes

The accumulation of time saved by having multi-compartment hampers in each closet can be significant in the long run. If adults and children alike sort their clothes according to color as soon as they set them aside to wash, this not only reinforces good habits, but also makes the overall laundry process more efficient.

Even though a refrigerator can keep food safe to eat for at least a few days, it's easy to forget what kind of food you have. After a few weeks, you might open the refrigerator door only to be assaulted by a horrible smell. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of a bad smell in your fridge if you put in a little bit of work and follow these helpful tips.

Remove the Source of the Odor

First of all, you need to find and remove the source of the odor in your refrigerator. It is likely food that has been kept long past its expiration date, which should hopefully be easy to find. If you don't sniff out what is causing the bad smell in your fridge, all of your cleaning efforts will be in vain.

Wipe Everything Down

Once you've removed the source of the odor, your next step will be to clean and sanitize the refrigerator. Remove everything from your fridge, and clean all the shelves and other surfaces thoroughly, and wipe everything down with a solution of chlorine bleach and water. For best results, add a tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water. Most refrigerator shelves and drawers can be removed for easy cleaning, so take full advantage of that.

Dealing with Stubborn Odors

If you still cannot get rid of the odor even though you've cleaned your refrigerator thoroughly, you might need to take additional steps. You can air out a smelly refrigerator if you take everything out of it and leave it unplugged with the door open for 24 hours. To avoid encountering bad smells in the future, keep boxes of baking soda or open containers of coffee grounds, activated charcoal, or even kitty litter in your fridge to absorb odors.

As always, if all else fails and your refrigerator is still fairly new, you can go to a refrigerator store near you to find out about getting a replacement. Many refrigerators come with a warranty that cover things such as foul smells. Ask a salesperson at the appliance store where you purchased the refrigerator for more information.

Today's refrigerator appliances have evolved as integral to convenient, healthy living. Researching must-have refrigerator features and other considerations in smart refrigeration is as important as visiting appliance stores in person. Prior to purchasing at a home appliance store, consumers should compare refrigerator features, brands, and styles within their individual budgets.

Top Refrigerator Features

Appliances have improved in the 21st century, and many refrigerators come with new, interesting features. Best features topping any consumer's must-have refrigerator features list rank higher in importance than novel ones, though.

• Buy a refrigerator with adjustable, tempered glass shelves. Tempered glass is safe, strong, and durable. Adjustable tempered glass shelves in refrigerators maximize space options and improve ease of refrigerator cleaning.
• Check for Energy Star compliance. Energy-efficient refrigerators save roughly 10 percent on energy bills yearly. More important is that owning Energy Star refrigerators is a great way to passively reduce environmental footprint daily.
• Shop for counter depth refrigerators. Counter depth refrigerators have been commonplace for decades, but a surprising many forget to look for this feature. A counter-depth refrigerator makes the appliance more convenient and looks more custom and built-in.
• Shop for 4-door refrigerators and 5-door models. These models have more options for adjustable storage and temperature control for optimal food safety.
• Watch TV while you cook. This is both a relatively new feature in the history of modern refrigeration, and one that should be included in buyers' must-have refrigerator features lists. Though built-in televisions are relatively new, today's refrigerator TVs are sleeker, clearer, and have more of their own features than ever.

Must-have refrigerator features should be features that best suit lifestyles and budgets, several of which are also interesting and new. Choosing the top must-have options for a refrigerator is easy to narrow down after considering what is wanted out of a refrigerator and what is most important.

You can alter the mood and appearance of your spaces simply by changing up or switching out your fixtures. Adequate lighting in the home is far more than cosmetic; the right light provides safety and security that brings you peace of mind.

Some smart basics of lighting design to use in your home are:

Make an Entrance

Make guests and visitors feel welcome by creating a warm and well-lit entrance to your home. This also reduces the risk of a fall or injury by illuminating any steps, objects, or soft-spots.

Create Layers of Light

All of the big interior design experts recommend that you layer light in the home. This is achieved by planning where you will do certain activities, such as reading in the living room, and melding illuminating ambient fixtures with smaller, more-focused task lights.

Pay Attention to Temperature

Try using different color temperature of the bulbs that you buy; install cool white bulbs in the kitchen to energize, and warm white bulbs in the bedroom to soothe.

Do Something Different

Try out some special effects and lighting features to draw attention where you want it. For example, use a cool pendant lamp fixture suspended over your gorgeous dining room table. This will draw the eye of anyone entering the space.

Keep Things Cohesive

Make an effort to keep styles and fixtures coordinated as you move through the home. This will create a sense of cohesion as one room transitions to the next.

Use these tips to improve and augment the lighting in your home. Invest money in fixtures and use energy-efficient bulbs to illuminate and bring a welcoming touch to your interiors. Dabble in different colors, wattage, and styles to find the best options for your lighting needs.

The price of produce has risen extensively in the last several years. This situation makes proper preservation of your produce paramount, and this can be accomplished with a proper humidity drawer. What is a humidity drawer? What does it do to protect the produce in your refrigerator? Here you will learn about this money-saving feature. A humidity drawer is one of the most worthwhile, cost-effective features that you can look for in your research on refrigerators.

What is a Humidity Drawer?

A humidity drawer is a compartment in your fridge that regulates the amount of humidity your produce receives. There are different humidity needs for different types of produce. You may have heard the humidity drawer referred to as a crisper drawer. Humidity drawers keep the produce in your fridges fresh for a longer period of time, which saves you money and effort to replace produce which has gone bad.

Different Moisture Needs for Different Types of Produce

Deciding how to use the humidity drawer in your refrigerator to store your produce is the most important lesson to learn. In general, fruits need drier conditions, so they must be separated, preferably removed from the humidity drawer because not only do they begin to ripen, then break down. During this process, the fruit emits ethylene gas which causes vegetable produce in your fridge to spoil.

One solution to this problem is to find a refrigerator model that has separate produce drawers which can be controlled independently, depending on the humidity needs of the produce stored in each drawer. In some situations, removal of certain fruit from the refrigerator altogether is the best course of action. Multiple crisper drawers give the owner the power to separate foods that cause each other to spoil.

Tips From the Pros on How To Preserve Your Produce

Michigan State University Extension has put together this list of how best to employ the use of your crispers and humidity drawer, as well as how to preserve many types of produce in general.

• Vegetables tend to appreciate high-humidity conditions with leafy greens faring best in high-humidity conditions. Fruits do better in less-humid circumstances.
• Fruits and vegetables with thinner skins need conditions which are a bit less humid than other produce.
• Of all of the fruits, Citrus prefers the least humid conditions of all. These should be stored in the refrigerator, but outside of the crisper drawer.
• Crisper drawers allow the owner to sequester foods that cause each other to spoil. This saves money on produce, as you experience less spoilage. The culprit in this scenario, wreaking havoc on your produce is called ethylene gas, which is released when some fruits begin to decompose and which affects some vegetables and other fruits, causing them to "go bad."
• Some of the worst perpetrators, in regards to releasing ethylene gas, are apricots, pears, plums, peaches, and nectarines.
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and dry garlic prefer cool, dry conditions, so keep them out of humid crispers. They actually don't need to be refrigerated at all.

Choosing the proper features, regarding humidity drawers doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little research, you'll be well on your way to becoming a "Produce Preservation Pro".

An audio video receiver is made up of both the amplifier and the electronic package. The electronic package includes the tuner, the volume control, source selector, digital decoding among others. Imagine this: You sit down and get ready to enjoy a good movie at home only to realize the sound and video quality don't really match up to your expensive television. It is therefore important to consider the following factors when purchasing your own Audio Video Receiver.

Power

Most of the time people mistake power for how much volume you get from you your AV receiver. Power is measured in watts. It is important to note that the higher the wattage of your receiver, the better the sound quality regardless of whether the volume of whatever you are watching or listening to is medium or low. Amount of power needed varies from the stereo system to the home theatre system. This is because the stereo system is simpler and does not require too much sound while the home theater system is better known for its loud, immersive sound.

Input and Output

The higher the number of inputs and outputs your receiver has in turn simply means, you are able to connect to a lot more devices such as laptops, iPods, phones etc. it is important to get a receiver that accommodates all your devices and get an extra one just in case a new invention comes up. It is going to be more worthwhile getting the receiver with 4k compatibility now that 4k streaming has come up.

Wi-Fi, airplay and Bluetooth

It is important to consider the fact that you might need wireless connection sometimes. Of course, it's much more comfortable when you don't need to use wires for connections and the ease of sharing files from your gadgets is a big plus. When you have Wi-Fi and airplay you can also easily stream music from apps such as Pandora and also from Apple products.

Research and Customer Reviews

It is very important to do research on customer reviews on any product before you buy them. You could look at credible websites such as ours among many others for reviews on the receiver you want to buy. You are sure to find a product that's reliable as well as budget friendly.

When you choose a good Audio Video Receiver, you are guaranteed a good sound experience for a long time to come. Watching movies and listening to music will be more pleasurable than ever.

Household appliances use a lot of energy. This is no secret. This is why it's a good idea to utilize as many energy saving tips as possible to reduce the amount of energy that these necessary appliances use. Refrigerators, washers and dryers, and dishwashers all require a lot of energy and although you can't totally eliminate their energy consumption, you can reduce it.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers burn through a very precious resource: water. This is why it's a good idea to maximize each wash cycle by making sure the dishwasher is full and not using scalding hot water. The dishes still get clean without using extremely hot water. Try to run the dishwasher when you're not running the washing machine as well. This is also a water and energy saving tip. In fact, it's probably a good idea to run the dishwasher after the last meal to get as full of a load as possible.

The Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is a major appliance and plays a heavy role in your household by keeping foods cold and preventing them from spoiling, as well as consuming a large amount of energy. Fortunately, there are simple ways that you can reduce the amount of energy your fridge uses. Make sure the temperature is neither too cold nor too warm. If your refrigerator is kept colder than it needs to be, it consumes unnecessary energy. If it's kept too warm your food spoils. It's also a good idea to keep your fridge stocked. An empty fridge burns unnecessary energy, just as a dirty refrigerator can increase energy consumption as well. Keep the interior of your refrigerator clean as well as the exterior and the underside. You might even consider downsizing to a mini fridge or a small refrigerator if you live alone. A smaller appliance will consume less energy and save you money.

The Washing Machine

Washing machines are a necessity in most households and are heavily used. Although it may be difficult to limit the use of this major appliance, there are still things you can do to reduce energy consumption. Wash your clothes on water saving mode and in cold water. It takes more energy to wash your clothing in warm or hot water and it wastes water to use more than you need. It's also a good idea to consider washing and drying your clothes using shorter cycles. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to dryers because they expend a lot of energy. Consider allowing large items to partially dry naturally and then dry them in the machine. In addition, keep your lint trap clean. Your dryer will work much harder and burn more energy with a clogged lint trap.

Be proactive when it comes to controlling the amount of energy your household appliances use. It will help keep your energy bills under control and conserve precious resources like energy and water. Becoming more energy conscious also helps to reduce our carbon footprint in the world.

Why We All Hate Laundry

If you're like most moms these days, laundry is a never-ending, smoking, freight train. Piles of both folded and unfolded, clean laundry lie in extra rooms and bedroom corners, and dirty laundry bags seem like bottomless pits, as each time you return, the bag is vomiting dirty clothes over its opening, half of them lying inside out on the floor around the room's "dirty laundry area".

Why Laundry Never Ends

You wish you could hire some help around the house, but you can't afford it. Your kids throw their neatly ironed clothes you just hung up back on the floor, exacerbating the already maddening laundry issue. Your husband's dirty socks are all over the place, forget the kids' clothes – finding his is hard enough on its own!

Why Should Kids Help with Laundry?

Many articles have been written on the benefits of getting kids to help with housework, but kids should help with laundry for the one simple fact that you need them to. Without everyone pitching in, other obligations begin to suffer. The best thing about teaching your kids to do laundry, though, is that it lessens the chance of them bringing it home to you when they finally grow up and leave the nest.

What Can Kids Do, and How Do I Teach Them?

If your child can walk and talk, they can help with laundry. Tell all your children to at least notify you if their laundry bag begins to overflow, and tell them firmly that all days-old clothes belong in the laundry basket, immediately. Hang a big, neon poster board sign in their rooms if you must, with the words, "If Your PJs are On, Put the Clothes You Just Took Off in Here! →".

Consider discipline for not adhering to "Laundry Rules". A time-out or a day without a cell phone is harmless and can be very motivating. Change the wi-fi password if you must, and then let them know the new one when they get their part done.

Children of all ages can also at least slide clothes out of the dryer into a basket lying in front of it, then drag that basket to a certain room for ironing and folding. Step stools are great for help with laundry if you have a top loading washer or a top loading dryer, and most warehouse stores sell folding ones made specifically for laundry rooms.

Older, school-aged children are more than capable of understanding how to fold a shirt, even if you must teach them the "quick-n-easy" way of just folding shirts in half one way, and then the other (horizontally, then vertically). If anyone in this age group throws their clothes on the floor after you have ironed them, tell them they will have to re-wash and re-iron those clothes themselves before they can wear them.

So, if you need help with laundry, teach your kids to help. You'll no longer see mounds of dirty laundry everywhere!

Imagine pulling your fresh and fluffy laundry from your clothes dryer only to find that it is riddled with stains from a stray lip balm. Chap sticks, lip balms, and lip sticks can wreak havoc with your laundry, when these get left behind in a pocket that makes its way into the wash.

Keep your laundry safe from challenging chapsticks:

Look Before You Launder

Before you put your apparel and linens in the laundry, take a look inside your washer and dryer for the culprit or for residue on the drums from previous washings. If you spot the telltale wax inside your washer or dryer, soften first by turning the appliance on and then wipe any residue away with white vinegar and a soft cloth.

Scrape the Waxy Balm

Lay your stained item flat, and use a credit card or other sharp-edged implement to gently scrape the waxy balm from the fabric. This won't solve the problem, but it will prevent further wax from seeping into the fibers of the material.

Use a Pre-Treater

Liberally treat your stains with an enzyme-based detergent or stain remover. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. You can use an old toothbrush or nailbrush to help along this process when dealing with stubborn stains - like lip balm!

Wash Again and Dry

Now it is time to rewash your items or garments. Make sure to use an oxygen-based bleach to prevent staining, which will also help to remove any remaining chap stick from inside your laundry appliances.

Did a chapstick make its way into your wash? No problem! Use these tips to remove stubborn, waxy stains from lip balms and products from your laundry. Also, prevent stains in the first place by taking a good look inside your washer and dryer before tossing in your family's laundry!

There has been a growing demand to accommodate people who turn to smart technology to enhance the usability and safety of their homes. In fact, many of the customized solutions that are already available can also provide both security and surveillance features to smart devices that are already in the marketplace. If you have a smart home, here's why you should also incorporate security and surveillance features into your smart home as well.

Smart Technology Adds Additional Layers of Protection

Adding smart technology to your home provides an additional layer of protection by allowing you to control various areas of your home. Such as lighting, surveillance footage and security in general, some of which is explained in more detail below:

• Centralized Control

You can have centralized control when using your smart technology by accessing and keeping track of basically everything that's taking place in your home as it relates to technology. This is possible through the use of mobile apps or a dedicated touchpad. It allows you to control smart items such as the lights in your home, door and window locks, shading, landscaping lighting and more.

• Easy Access

One of the great things about using smart technology is that it allows you to access everything from one location. For example, you can be in one room and control all of the technology in your home without leaving the room. This is great for families with small children.

• Integrating Security Solutions

With the use of your current smart features, you can now integrate security and surveillance features into those current devices that you're already using. They work well with lighting control system as well as modernize window shades.

Finding Peace of Mind With Smart Technology When You're Away From Home

Because so many smart devices can be used remotely, you can even use smart technology when you're away from home. Whether you're away for just a few hours or away on vacation, by incorporating surveillance and security solutions into your home's existing technology, you can see live surveillance footage of your home at any time of the day or night.

Surveillance and security solutions are a smart choice – it gives you peace of mind and makes a great addition to your current line of smart technology.

An audio video receiver is made up of both the amplifier and the electronic package. The electronic package includes the tuner, the volume control, source selector, digital decoding among others. Many times you may sit down and get ready to enjoy a good movie at home only to realize the sound and video quality don't really match up to your expensive television. It is therefore important to have in mind the following important factors to consider when purchasing your own Audio Video Receiver.

Power

Most of the time people mistake power for how much volume you get from you your AV receiver. Power is measured in watts. It is important to note that the higher the wattage of your receiver, the better the sound quality regardless of whether the volume of whatever you are watching or listening to is medium or low. Amount of power needed varies from the music-oriented stereo system to the home theater system. This is because the stereo system is simpler and does not have the same requirements as the home theater, since the home theater system is better known for its loud, immersive sound.

Input and Output

The higher the number of inputs and outputs your receiver has, in turn, simply means you are able to connect to a lot more devices such as laptops, iPods, phones etc. It is important to get an AV receiver that accommodates all your devices and get an extra one just in case a new innovation comes up. It is going to be more worthwhile getting the receiver with 4k compatibility now that 4k streaming has come up.

Wi-Fi, Airplay, and Bluetooth

It is important to consider the fact that you might need wireless connection sometimes. Of course, it's much more comfortable when you don't need to use wires for connections and the ease of sharing files from your gadgets is a big plus. When you have Wi-Fi and airplay you can also easily stream music from apps that allow wireless and remoteless airplay.

Research and Customer Reviews

It is very important to do research on customer reviews on any product before you buy them. Be sure to look through credible websites or come on into our store to ask us about the receiver you want to buy. You are sure to find a product that's reliable as well as budget friendly.

When you choose a good Audio Video Receiver, you are guaranteed a good sound experience for a long time to come. Watching movies and listening to music will be more pleasurable than ever.

Why Should You Clean Your Household Appliances?

The cleanliness of your home and kitchen is important to your overall well being. With the amount of time we spend in our homes, there exists an obvious need to keep our appliances clean and to maintain that level of cleanliness on a consistent basis. These household appliances include refrigerators, microwaves, blenders, dishwashers, washing machines among others.

Importance of Cleaning Household Appliances

• Efficiency - A clean appliance is an efficient appliance. By keeping nozzles, hoses and other functional items in your appliance clean, you are making sure the basic systems of your appliance are in tip-top shape and work the way they're supposed to — making sure your dishwasher cleans thoroughly, your fridge keeps this at an optimal chill, and your range cooks food evenly.
• Healthy Family - Home appliances are prone to germs, fungi, and bugs which are likely to be carriers of fungal diseases, which could affect the health of you and your family. For example, using a clean microwave could assure you of eating healthy food, which is not contaminated with germs. Microbes thrive well in warm areas, and they multiply very quickly. This decreases your chance of getting sick tremendously. Cleaning your appliances could also prevent mold from growing within cooking and food handling areas, such as the fridge and sink. Mold is hazardous as it contaminates food quickly. It can also lead to unwanted smells in in your home, making it even more desirable to keep things clean.
• Durability of the Appliance - Keeping a regular appliance cleaning maintenance schedule will increase the longevity of the appliance itself. Help reduce oil buildup, rust and other appliance-killing bad guys.
• Freshness - Who doesn't love that fresh house smell? Cleaning your appliances regularly may make it even more desirable for the front cover of Better Homes & Gardens - but don't quote us on that! But, a clean house will definitely create a good and comfortable atmosphere for your family and friends.
• Lower Utility Bills - Clean appliances that are more efficient will consume less energy!

It's a no-brainer to keep your household and kitchen appliances clean. It's good for you, your family and your wallet! Cultivate cleanliness and clean those appliances!

Ink stains in the dryer can spell trouble for each and every load of wash that you do. Get rid of these problematic spots with a few tricks and tips that will remove the ink and eliminate the chance of finding dark spots on future loads of your family's laundry.

Get ink stains out of your dryer with these tips:

Heat it Up

Start by warming up the dryer's drum by running the dryer on a hot setting for at least 20 minutes. This should soften the ink and allow you to wipe the drum clean with a damp cloth easily.

Use Acetone

Nail polish remover contains acetone, which is an effective way of removing ink stains from your dryer's drum. Soak a few cotton balls or a soft cloth with nail polish remover and vigorously rub the stained areas.

Get Heavy Duty Products

Industrial strength cleaning agents can be used, but it may be prudent to run a load of damp towels after to remove any residual chemical or solution before laundering your family's apparel or wash.

Bleach is Best

Saturate a couple of towels with bleach and water, and place in the dryer. Run the dryer on a hot setting to remove the stains. This is a good method of disinfecting your dryer, and preventing contamination or spread of bacteria.

Don't Forget the Paddles

Rubbing alcohol is often an effective way to remove ink from both the dryer's drum and the paddles, which are the mechanisms that move your laundry around. Gently wipe the affected areas of the dryer with a sponge that has been saturated with rubbing alcohol.

Check your dryer's drum periodically for any stains that could transfer to your laundry when the dryer becomes hot during use. Try these tips for a pristine dryer drum and paddles, and to ensure your clothes are safe from incidental stains during washing.

Among the plethora of innovative new products flooding modern markets, smart light bulbs stand out as among the most fun, practical, and easy to use. These innovative energy savers shine at various levels of intensity, alternate colors, operate with timers, and can be controlled by your smartphone. Here are some of the many practical and enjoyable ways to improve the quality of your home with smart light bulbs.

Enhance Home Security and Safety

The security of your home is imperative, and smart light bulbs can make it safer. Synchronizing smart locks on your doors with smart light bulbs near crucial entrances allows you to program the lights to emit specific colors to confirm that the doors are unlocked or securely locked. You can also turn smart security lights inside or outside of your home on and off with a timer or with your smartphone. Enhance the efficiency of smoke detectors by causing smart light bulbs to emit red warning colors when they go off. Combine smart light bulbs with motion detectors to give you the option to turn on lights when you have to get up at night.

Save Money

Although the initial cost of smart light bulbs is higher, in the long run, they are more cost efficient because they last much longer than traditional light bulbs. Additionally, smart light bulbs can turn on and off automatically when you open and close pantry and closet doors, giving you light when you need it — but saving electricity when you don't. When you leave and forget to turn off lights in the house, you can save power by turning smart light bulbs off from your smartphone.

Predict the Weather

For those more technologically advanced, here's an awesome method of using a smart light bulb to help you know the weather before you head out the door. Synchronize the bulb with a motion sensor that triggers when you're near the door and to an applet like IFTTT linked to weather trends. Have the light glow blue for cool weather and orange or red for warmer weather.

Many people don't give much thought to installing a home theater system when they purchase it. They're so excited to get their soundbar speaker systems and their 4k ultra HD televisions into their homes that they don't consider how challenging setting up the ultimate home theater system can be. Fortunately, there are AV professionals out there who can help you with your setup. Here are a few reasons to call one in.

Audio-Video Professionals Know Wiring

Even if you know how to successfully set up a home theater system, you might not know what to do with all of the wiring involved with it. An AV professional will know not only how to install everything, but they will be able to find the ideal setup that keeps your wires and cables mostly out of sight. They'll help you come up with a good pre-wiring plan that will use as little voltage as possible and keep any special rewiring projects to a minimum.

AV Professionals Know Where to Place Your Electronic Equipment

The placement of your home theater system is important. Your surround sound system will sound a lot more impressive if the soundbar and speakers are placed correctly, and your 4K television will look better if everyone in your living room can see it properly. If you have limited space to work with or you just don't know how to properly place your equipment, contact an AV professional for assistance.

An AV Professional Will Work with Your Decor

Finally, you should call an AV professional if you're afraid that your new home theater system will clash with your home's decor. Remember that all of your equipment will be on display to anybody who walks into your living room, even when your home theater isn't in use. Instead of turning it into an eyesore that clashes with your furniture, contact an AV professional to learn ways to integrate it with the rest of your home. Your home theater system may be the focus of a living room, but it's still only part of your space. Try to keep things looking neat.

Everyone dreams of having a fully-stocked kitchen that can handle any type of meal. But if you can't afford that, you can make do if you only have the following four cooking pans. These are almost as important as any kitchen appliance, so include them on your shopping list when you're buying things for your home.

A Stockpot for Soups and Pastas

A stockpot is a must for anybody who likes to make soup or pasta, and it's also great for boiling or steaming vegetables. They work well with a gas range or an electric range. Although, a gas range will make boiling much easier. Look for a pot that can hold at least eight quarts, and make sure that it has two handles and a decent heft to it. Some stockpots have colander inserts for easy draining. But as handy as this is, you can go without it if you're on a budget.

An All-Purpose Saucepan

A saucepan is a good all-purpose cooking pan that is great for making soup, rice, pasta, and even some baked goods that can be cooked on a stove or range. Any saucepan you buy should have a handle that attaches firmly to the pan, as well as a lid that fits snuggly. Saucepans come in different sizes, but getting a two-quart pan is a good place to start.

A Skillet for Searing

A skillet is ideal for frying and searing vegetables and meat on your stove, and it is a must if you like to make stir-fry and one-dish meals. A 10-inch skillet will be able to handle most dishes, and you should have a tight-fitting lid for those times you need to cover your food as it cooks.

A Rimmed Baking Sheet

Every home should have at least one rimmed baking sheet for making cookies, brownies, and any freezer-friendly meat that can be baked in your oven. Heavier baking sheets will last longer and cook your food more evenly. Also, while you only technically need one cooking sheet, it's a good idea to have at least two full-size sheets and one half-sized sheet if you want to get the most out of your oven.

When you think about a tailgate party, the right combination of drinks and food will uplift the party into a memorable and enjoyable one. Nevertheless, there is more to it than just food and beverages. Electronics make all the difference. Here are some electronic devices that will make your tailgate party even more awesome.

LED Screen

One of the primary purposes of a tailgate party is catching up on the game. A portable LED TV has changed the dynamics of tailgate parties whereas in the past folks were forced to show up in an RV motorhome, carry a projector or carry a bulky TV with a noisy generator. LED TVs, on the other hand, are lightweight, slim and power efficient. This makes them portable and ideal for tailgate parties. Additionally, LED screens are not affected by light unlike the projector.

Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker

Music is the heart and soul of partying. Therefore you need great loudspeakers. Modern technology has brought forth powerful wireless speakers. These earth-shaking speakers are surprisingly light and portable. Bluetooth wireless technology enables you to connect with a smartphone and play your favorite music.

Portable Electronic Cooler

A cold beer in a tailgate party is on everyone’s wish list. Refrigerators come in all manner of shapes and sizes. However, particular portable coolers are suitable for keeping your beverages cold on the go, powered solely by your car.

WiFi Hotspot

These days, it’s easier to turn your vehicle into an internet hotspot. In the age of the internet and social media, partying would go a notch higher with a Wifi hotspot. Smartphones will let folks connect with one another, follow up on game updates, chat and share photos. Moreover, it is a great way to pass the time while waiting for the traffic and parking lots to clear.

Wool dryer balls are fast-becoming a popular item online and in some shops and retailers. These laundry essentials are found at a wide price-point, but are simple to make on your own. Consider making these easy balls for gifts to share with others during the holiday season!

Some of the practical perks of wool dryer balls are:

• Keeps laundry static-free.
• Cuts-down on drying time, which conserves energy.
• Catches lint from your laundry.
• Reduces the toxins and chemicals contained in many fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
• Saves money, overall.

Try making your own felted wool dryer balls; visit a crafting store for the basic supplies to keep your laundry room stocked with these amazing balls:

Buy Wool Yarn

You will need yarn that is 100% wool, so pick up a skein at a retailer or site for this project. Wool roving works very well for felting dryer balls, as does recycling and unraveling a wool scarf or sweater that you no longer wear.

Wrap Your Dryer Balls

Wrap the wool yarn around your fingers a few times, and then change position to wrap around the center of the bundle. Those that are familiar with knitting will recognize this process as it is how many crafters prepare their crochet or knitting skeins.

Secure the End

Once your ball of yarn is about the size of a baseball, snip the end of the yarn. Use a crochet hook or knitting needle to secure the yarn-end inside your ball as snugly as possible.

Recycle an Old Pair of Pantyhose

Cut the foot from an old pair of panty hose- runs and snags are fine- and gently put the dryer ball inside the nylon. When you have a few balls prepared and in the hosiery, tie off the end.

Launder the Dryer Balls

Finally, wash the balls in the hose using the hot setting on your machine. Rinse with cold water, and then dry at the hottest setting possible. Check the balls to ensure the yarn has melded together and become felted. You may have to launder again to complete felting.

Now that your balls are done, go ahead and use them! Throw a couple in each load that you place in the dryer, and start saving money on fabric softening products today with these easy felted dryer balls.

The earliest known dishwasher was developed 160 years ago. It created a revolution, which brought forth the new sleek digital dishwashers. Todays' dishwasher has impressive functionality, it's streamlined and has sleek lines. The history of this appliance is impressive, to say the least.

The Dishwasher Invention

At first, the patent for this appliance dates back to 1850, invented by Joel Houghton. His design was made of wood, thus when activated, water passed through the wood plumbing and sprayed over the dishes. However, it was not until 1887, when Josephine Cochrane, advanced Houghton's invention and presented it in the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.

Features of Josephine's Dishwashing Invention

When Cochrane built the first automated dishwasher, it had a copper boiler, which contained a wooden wheel. The motor could be powered or driven by hand via a pulley. Accordingly, dishes were fitted in framed wired compartments, spun, and sprayed with soapy water.

A New Dishwashing Invention

Modern-day dishwashers, are more efficient, and technologically advanced. They do not look like earlier inventions; in fact, they closely resemble a dishwasher invented in 1924. It had a rotating sprayer and rack system, just like modern dishwasher machines. However, the 1924 invention lacked of proper design features like indoor plumbing and meant that only wealthy people could afford it.

How has the Invention Changed the World?

Dishwashers remained a luxury item until 1950s. American families began using the dishwasher as a necessary item in the 1970s. A majority of Americans (75%) now own a dishwasher. Moreover, the modern dishwasher is easier to use. They come with pre-soak cycles, removable trays, racks and better rotating sprayers. The new dishwashers are remarkable inventions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's US Department of Energy, newer dishwashers save water and energy, which saves our natural resources. Finally, they have truly changed the way we design kitchens and the design of modern homes.

The earliest known dishwasher was developed 160 years ago. It created a revolution, which brought forth the new sleek digital dishwashers. Todays' dishwasher has impressive functionality, it's streamlined and has sleek lines. The history of this appliance is impressive, to say the least.

The Dishwasher Invention

At first, the patent for this appliance dates back to 1850, invented by Joel Houghton. His design was made of wood, thus when activated, water passed through the wood plumbing and sprayed over the dishes. However, it was not until 1887, when Josephine Cochrane, advanced Houghton's invention and presented it in the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.

Features of Josephine's Dishwashing Invention

When Cochrane built the first automated dishwasher, it had a copper boiler, which contained a wooden wheel. The motor could be powered or driven by hand via a pulley. Accordingly, dishes were fitted in framed wired compartments, spun, and sprayed with soapy water.

A New Dishwashing Invention

Modern-day dishwashers, are more efficient, and technologically advanced. They do not look like earlier inventions; in fact, they closely resemble a dishwasher invented in 1924. It had a rotating sprayer and rack system, just like modern dishwasher machines. However, the 1924 invention lacked of proper design features like indoor plumbing and meant that only wealthy people could afford it.

How has the Invention Changed the World?

Dishwashers remained a luxury item until 1950s. American families began using the dishwasher as a necessary item in the 1970s. A majority of Americans (75%) now own a dishwasher. Moreover, the modern dishwasher is easier to use. They come with pre-soak cycles, removable trays, racks and better rotating sprayers. The new dishwashers are remarkable inventions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's US Department of Energy, newer dishwashers save water and energy, which saves our natural resources. Finally, they have truly changed the way we design kitchens and the design of modern homes.

What does Dolby Atmos do?

Confused about what Atmos by Dolby does? Dolby Atmos adds overhead sound to the mix. Atmos is an innovative sound format that uses Dolby-enabled upward-firing speakers or in-ceiling speakers to project sound from above your seats. Audio video receivers with Dolby Atmos capabilities can create an immersive listening experience by placing sounds in more precise locations in the room than previous setups.

What can I watch with Dolby Atmos?

When Dolby Atmos first launched, as with any new format, there simply wasn’t a lot of content around. Since the first film with an Atmos soundtrack was released, Dolby Atmos has supercharged its quality and its content is much more available. So, if you like to rent or buy Blu-ray discs, chances are it will contain an Atmos soundtrack.

If you have a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player connected to a 4K TV, then all 4K Blu-ray discs will have an Atmos soundtrack. But if you don’t yet have a 4K player, you’ll be happy to know that the Xbox One S was recently updated to support Dolby Atmos. Watching Blu-ray just got easier!

What do you need to upgrade your home theater system for Dolby Atmos?

Here’s the good news: If you love your current speakers, you may not need to replace them. Dolby Atmos builds on the foundation of a traditional 5.1, 7.1 or 9.1 system and adds speakers to offer overhead sound.

To achieve that overhead sound, you can use any of these three speaker types:

• Speakers that are mounted in or on the ceiling (overhead speakers)
• Speakers that integrate upward-firing Dolby Atmos technology with traditional speaker technology
• Add-on speaker modules that you place on or near an existing speaker

Once you have your speakers set up, you’ll just have to calibrate your home theater system for Dolby Atmos. It’s recommended to use the guide that came with your audio video receiver or preprocessor. This will garner the best results in helping you fine-tune your audio. Happy movie watching!

When your hands are at war with plates of crusty, baked-on lasagna, it's hard to realize just how much water is running down the drain. Between rinses, scrubs, and distractions, washing dishes by hand can use 27 gallons of water per load. That's water usage that the environment, and your credit card, will feel. So, how do dishwashers compare? New, environment-friendly dishwashers will use as little as 3 gallons of water in a single load.

The Appliance

There are a lot of dishwashers on the market and sifting through the product details can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the government has labeling systems that help identify the energy and water efficiency of each dishwasher model. The Energy Rating Sticker on your dishwasher rates the amount of energy used in a year, with a star. The more stars, the better energy efficiency.

Similarly, the government has the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme. It also works with a star rating, awarding more stars to those appliances that use comparatively less gallons of water to others on the market. As you shop with water efficiency in mind, look for appliances with high star ratings, and you'll never have to worry about getting your hands soggy again.

The Mindfulness

Dishwashers automatically regulate the amount of water used for each cycle. No matter how many dishes are loaded, the dishwasher will use the same amount. Making sure your dishwasher is full with each load, then, will help you cut down on water usage. Most dishwashers also allow you to choose the type of cycle you need. Not every load requires a heavy rinse or a steam dry. Prepare your dishwashing loads mindfully, and you'll be saving gallons of water.

The Choice

While you can't quite throw away the sponge and pack away the dish soap for good, you can be careful in your purchase of a dishwashing appliance. Find a dishwasher that will support your love for the environment, simplify your life, satisfy your conscience, and save a whole lot of water. Drop by our store, and we'll gladly help you find the perfect dishwasher for you and your home!

Home theater receivers are a required part of your home theater setup, if you want the ultimate immersive experience when listening to music and watching movies. But if you’re looking to buy a new AV receiver, you’ll have to understand a little bit more about the difference in technology between them to make a truly informed decision.

Which is Better: 5.1, 7.1 or 9.1 surround sound?

Both 5.1 and 7.1 channel home theater receivers have advantages and disadvantages. However, it depends on the setup you already have or want to implement—the source components you’re using, for instance, or how many speakers you want to use.

The standard for the last twenty years has been 5.1 channel AV receivers. In small or average-sized room, 5.1 is completely fine. The Center channel serves as the anchor for more treble distinctions like dialog and vocals in music. The Left and Right Front channels are for the main sound info or stereo music replication. Left and Right surround channels serve to make motion effects from movie soundtracks and ambient sounds sound better. Finally, the subwoofer opens up for extremely low frequency effects for the full surround sound effect.

In comparison, 7.1 channel home theater receiver has more channels, but splits surround and rear channel information into four channels. This means, ambient and side sound effects are directed to the left and right surround channels. The 7.1 setup adds more depth and precision to the surround sound experience. Adding upon the 7.1 channel home theater receiver setup, 9.1 uses even more speakers.

However, all types of setups are excellent investments. A few things to consider with 9.1 or even a 11.1 channel receiver is, unless your receiver is Dolby Atmos or DTS:X-enabled and your speaker setup with both horizontal and vertically mapped channels and playing Dolby Atmos/DTS:X encoded content, the receiver is actually post-processing the original 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channel encoded soundtracks, but places them in a 9 or 11 channel/speaker environment. Suffice it to say, the sound experience will be impressive to any ear.

The reality with this audio technology lies within the content that is currently produced. The majority of any surround sound audio, including DVD and Blu-ray discs, is mixed for 5.1 channel playback. So, a 5.1 or 7.1 channel home theater setup will provide an easy solution.

If you’re obsessed with quality and clarity, you might want to consider going 4K with your home entertainment setup, if you haven’t already. But perhaps you are confused about all the new terms these days: Ultra HD, 4K, 4K Ultra.

What Exactly is 4K?

4K is a high resolution format also known as Ultra HD. This TV technology has enough pixels to fill four Full HD 1080p screens. With four times the amount of pixels it has the ability to display four times the level of detail. TVs that are 50 inches and above can showcase this clear picture beautifully.

But Wait- What’s the Difference Between Ultra HD and 4K?

Ultra High Definition is derived of the 4K digital cinema standard. However, while your local multiplex shows images in native 4096 x 2160 4K resolution, the new Ultra HD consumer format has a slightly lower resolution of 3840 X 2160. This is one reason why some brands prefer not to use the 4K label at all, sticking with Ultra HD or UHD instead.

Why Do More Pixels Matter?

More pixels simply means more information, which in turn means sharper pictures. You will see nuances that you never knew existed. More depth, more range. Your entertainment experience will be much more engaging. Watching your favorite movies and TV shows on 4K or Ultra HD will be nothing short of phenomenal. You’re probably used to watching shows and movies on regular HD TV – but you’re only seeing a fraction of the quality that is displayed on a 4K TV.

So, if you’re looking for a new or extra TV, we suggest you look at 4K. 4K is capable of showing more detail than standard HD. Pictures are unbelievably crisp and clear. Who wouldn’t want that? If you have any questions whatsoever, visit our store and we’ll be more than happy to help you with your TV and home theater questions!

Bottom mount refrigerators have recently become very popular, as opposed to the more traditional top-mounted units featuring a freezer on top and cool space below, or French door side-by-side freezer and cool space areas. When you visit an appliance store these days, you'll probably see all three of these types of refrigerators. So, why choose a bottom mount refrigerator? What are the advantages of this purchase versus the other styles and designs of fridges?

Ease of Reach

Units which have freezers on top require that everything else be stored in the lower compartments, and in the case of fruits and vegetables, that usually means in 'crisper' drawers situated at the very bottom of the fridge. This can be a problem or at least an inconvenience for many people, since it forces you to bend down to reach these items, and not everyone is young and flexible. Frozen foods are also the ones accessed less frequently, so it makes sense for the most commonly used food items to be stored within easy reach.

Space for Large Food Items

The configuration featuring side-by-side freezer and cooler areas is somewhat limiting in terms of the size of items being cooled and frozen, since each side only has a portion of the overall width. With the freezer on the bottom, larger items can be accommodated in both the freezer and the cooling area, because both have the full width of the refrigerator itself to store foods.

Greater Energy Efficiency

The older-style refrigerators which had cooling areas below the freezer are slightly less efficient than newer bottom-mounted types. Since warm air does rise, the warmer refrigerator air would rise into the freezer area, and make it work slightly harder to maintain freezing temperature. In a bottom-mounted setup, that can't happen because the freezer is on the bottom and the warmer air of the refrigerator above simply rises up to the ceiling above.

Want to walk away and still listen to your favorite music via your wireless speakers? Yes, you can do this with the power of Bluetooth 5.0. Some people really want to know more about the newest version of the technology, but aren't really sure what it is or does.

Improved Range


Bluetooth 5.0 is an amazing technology that gives you outstanding range compared to its 4.2 counterparts. Bluetooth 5.0 can quadruple the range of its predecessor, meaning that you can get around 800 feet away from your compatible speakers, headphones or fitness tracker while keeping the connectivity intact. You will also enjoy twice the speed of data transfer compared to the previous version of this technology.


Outstanding Support

*Bluetooth 5.0 can also support two sets of wireless gadgets at the same time. Remember also that Bluetooth 5.0 is the fastest Bluetooth standard to date. The new smartphones will adopt this standard as soon as possible. Let's talk a little bit more about bandwidth speed. You will get around 2.1Mbps with Bluetooth 5.0 technology today. Remember also that Bluetooth 5.0 puts the IoT at the front of its priorities.

Bluetooth 5.0 has a lot of amazing features that will help pivot our technology into the next phase. With strong support for the IoT and wider range, Bluetooth 5.0 is a true a winner of the technology world.

Now that it's time to harvest the vegetables from your garden, you need to know how to properly store your produce for the winter. Here are five tips that will help you with that.

1. Store Blemish-Free Produce in a Cool, Dark Place

Produce, such as winter squash, can be stored for two to six months as long as it is free of any kind of blemishes. Try to grow or buy a lot of these vegetables and store them in a container someplace cool and dark. They should keep for most of the winter and be ready to prepare when you're ready to eat it.

2. Store Apples for Three to Five Months

The fall season is the perfect time to harvest apples, especially if you can keep them fresh for most of the winter. Simply wrap each apple in tissue paper and store it in a cool place away from freezing temperatures. Keep like varieties together for best results (McIntosh apples are perfect for this storage method).

3. Store Sweet Potatoes for Four to Six Months

The best way to keep a crop of sweet potatoes fresh is to take a large flower pot from your garden, fill it with dirt and your potatoes, and store it at room temperature.

4. Store Your Potatoes for Up to Nine Months

To keep your potatoes ready to eat for up to nine months, line a laundry basket with paper and place a layer of potatoes on them. You can stack a few layers of potatoes as long as you separate each layer with another sheet of paper and leave enough room for air circulation. They will keep in an unheated basement or garage for the winter.

5. Store Carrots for Two Months

Carrots will remain edible for two months if you cut the leafy tops off and place them in a ziplock bag with just a drop or two of water. Make sure you label the bag so you know how long you have to eat the carrots, and keep them in the back of your refrigerator.

Are you storing your foods properly? There are many foods that seem to end up in the pantry or on your counter that really should be kept in the refrigerator. Failure to keep these items chilled can result in spoilage, shorter-shelf life, and less-flavorful foods over time.

Some foods that should always be kept in your fridge are:

Condiments
Make sure to keep condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, horseradish, and soy sauce, in your refrigerator. These items often lose their strong flavors and freshness when stored at room temperature.

Syrups
Another item to keep in your fridge are syrups. Maple syrup can spoil if left out, and chocolate syrup will last a lot longer if refrigerated, typically up to six months.

Produce
Oddly enough, many consumers keep produce on their counter or in a bowl on the kitchen table which can lead to premature spoilage. Refrigeration prevents bananas and avocadoes from becoming too-ripe; lemons, oranges, and grapes will last four-times longer when kept in the fridge.

Oils
Always keeps cooking oils in the fridge as they can become rancid when exposed to light and the heat of a kitchen. Also, make sure to keep them covered tightly instead of in open-mouth cruets.

Nuts
Nuts of all kind and nut butter should also be refrigerated when stored. Nuts can last up to a year in the fridge, and nut butter can become rancid when it is left out.

Additionally, always refrigerate anything organic or without preservatives to extend its shelf-life and ensure freshness. Use these tips to properly store and enjoy foods, while ensuring your family is eating fresh and flavorful food each time they open the fridge.

With smart devices gradually becoming the norm in the modern home, many people see voice control as the most convenient way to control your home appliances. However, new advances in smart tech could allow gesture control to overtake voice activation in the modern smart home.

As its name implies, gesture control allows a user to control their computers and smart appliances with a wave of their hand. This kind of technology has been around for decades, but it has always relied on cumbersome depth sensors that need to be controlled by powerful computers. That's not something that would work in one's home, but new technology allows a regular CMOS camera to accurately track a hand's 3D position. All it takes is a quick calibration process, and a user could use hand gestures to control their electronics and appliances with a program that uses just nine percent of a modern CPU's power.

While we are probably still a few years away from homes that can be controlled entirely with hand gestures, there are products currently on the market that allow homeowners to turn on or dim lights without ever touching a switch. Other products will let people do things such as adjust a thermostat, turn on a TV, or operate their favorite smartphone apps simply by waving their hands in front of accurate sensors. A system that allows you to use gesture control for your lights can be purchased for under $80, and similar products should be made available at these affordable prices.

Wine sales are currently sky rocketing, and where and how we choose to consume wine is changing. Many people prefer to drink their wine at home rather than at the bar/restaurant. Moreover, the consumption of wine has turned into a daily routine best enjoyed at home with dinner. 
It may sound awkward for your non-wine consuming friends, but if drinking wine at home is your style, then you need to get serious and buy a wine refrigerator. Besides, keeping your favorite wine in a hidden cupboard somewhere doesn't cut it -- you need to enjoy your wine in style.

Storage

Do you want to store your wine fridge in the kitchen or the living room? It is advisable to purchase a small refrigerator that uses thermoelectric cooling rather than the standard compressor. Thermoelectric wine coolers (EPA) are very quiet, energy efficient, dependable, and it does not vibrate, thus enabling you to enjoy your house comfort without additional noise. Also, make sure you place your refrigerator in a location where it can access fresh air to maintain the temperature and humidity fluctuations to a minimum.

Cost of Wine Refrigerators

The cost of wine coolers rose, as new conditions set by EPA in 2016 required wine coolers to test the wine refrigerators for energy efficiency.

Humidity and Racks

Ordinary refrigerators are meant to keep out moisture while wine refrigerators are supposed to keep it. Humidity helps to keep wine bottles corks wet thus slowing the aging process. Also, wine coolers have specific wine bottle racks, unlike normal household refrigerators.

Design Features

Make sure the wine fridge looks great as well as its functionality. The wine refrigerator should match your house styling like color, and size.

Door Design

It is important to consider the door designs. Some wine fridges have a solid door that protects your wine against harmful UV rays. The solid refrigerator doors are either steel, wood finish, or tempered glass doors. Tempered glass doors allow you to show off your wine collection as well as adding beauty to your home. If you're interested in a wine refrigerator, visit our store today!

The use of TV wall mounts has been a popular option for homeowners. However, not all homes are suited for a TV wall mount. Space constraints, creative style, and uniquely shaped living rooms may make using a wall mount the incorrect option for your home.

There are several creative ideas you can implement instead of forcing the typical wall mount design into your home.

A Movable TV Stand

Condos and similar residences often have an open loft-like living room that tends to be spacious and uniquely shaped. Fixing the TV on a wall mount may reduce visibility and seclude the TV to only one area of the room.

Using a movable TV stand is a great way to obtain flexibility for your TV viewing. The stand can be moved to different sections of the open room, depending on the amount of light coming in, people present in the room, and the furniture setup.

On a Cabinet

Open rooms with floor to ceiling windows can have the TV placed in the middle of the room. You can set up the TV on a cabinet that is opposite the sitting space, and conceal the back of the TV (as well as the cables) by using the cabinet components.

In this set up, the TV can also act as a boundary between the dining room and the living room space.

On Top of a Fireplace

Homes with a fireplace can position the TV above the fireplace area. This creates an elegant look to the living room, where you can enjoy the view of the fireplace and the TV simultaneously.

A motorized cabinet

In today's homes, flexibility and convenience are the top concern for residents. A motorized cabinet allows for the TV to be raised above the surface while in use, and it can be lowered beneath to provide space for the cabinet to be utilized for other functions within the home.

It is a convenient and creative design, and the cabinet housing the TV can be shifted to different sections of the room.

If you drink coffee, you likely are accustomed to tossing out your used grounds: don't. Start reserving these for a multitude of uses around your home, from cleaning concoctions to lush plants. Furthermore, consider how you are reducing your overall trash and waste, which is an eco-friendly thing to do!

Five unconventional ways to recycle your coffee grounds:

Clean Countertops

Use the grounds in your kitchen when cleaning countertops or appliances. Sprinkle grounds on a damp rag and scrub to remove stubborn stains and spills effectively.

Fresh Smell

Line shallow-dish with plastic wrap and fill with discarded grounds; place in the back of the fridge to get rid of foul odors. Toss after a couple weeks and replace to keep your fridge and foods smelling fresh!

Clean Sweep

If you have ever tried to clean-up the ash around your fireplace and hearth, you know how challenging it can be. Make ash easy to sweep by sprinkling some coffee grounds on the area and easily sweep up the mess without the clouds of ash in the air that often occur.

Rich Fertilizer

Mix leaves and plant matter with coffee grounds and sprinkle at the base of plants in your garden for a rich, no-cost fertilizer. This is especially good for hydrangeas and roses, providing your plants with nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium.

Pest Repellent

Did you know that coffee grounds are an effective pest repellent? Sprinkle a pinch of grounds at the base of your plants to keep snails, ants, slugs away from your garden.

After you have your morning coffee, save the grounds. Consider these five ways to recycle and reuse these, while reducing your carbon footprint on the earth.

From cooking websites, cooking shows and kitchen stores all raving about must-have kitchen items that will make your cooking experience easier, it has become difficult to separate essential tools from the not so useful items. Some items are however definite must-haves in your kitchen:

Chef's Knife

It is the most important kitchen tool that slices chops and dices vegetables, meat, cheese and even fruit. You should use the 8-inch chef knife that is easier to handle. It is better to buy a high quality knife that may be a bit expensive but will serve you for years.

Chopping Board

A good chopping board is important for a kitchen as you use it every time you cook to chop vegetables or meat. Chopping board comes in plastic, bamboo or wood. If you use a wooden chopping board, proper maintenance is required by washing it immediately after use.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring cups are accurate allowing you to use the ingredients you need for cooking using both liquid and solid ingredients. Plastic cups are cheaper but metal cups last longer. It is important you use measuring cups with clear measurements engraved into the cups instead of stick-on.

Measuring spoons measure small amounts of ingredients that can't be measured by cups.

Mixing Bowls

A set of mixing bowls is a must-have kitchen item. They are used for mixing sauces, salads and even beating eggs. Glass bowls are more recommended as they don't retain odor and easier to clean.

Colander

Boiled pasta needs to be drained and that's where a colander comes in. a steel colander comes in handy as it is durable and has good handles that won't slip.

Thermometer

A thermometer is a necessity in the kitchen enabling you to cook foods at the right temperature especially turkey. Ovens that have precise temperature control make this easier but not most homes have ovens with precise temperature regulation.

The kitchen is where you live your life. It is where you prepare healthy meals for your family, and where your family gathers to talk about the cares of the day. Unfortunately, the kitchen is also the site of many household accidents, from cooking fires to slip and fall injuries. If you want to keep your loved ones safe, you need to take some proactive steps to improve kitchen safety. The 10 tips listed below are perfect for seniors living alone, but they can apply to anyone, no matter what their age.

Illuminate cabinets and appliances with under-counter lights. You can use battery-powered stick-on lights or LED light bars that plug into an electrical outlet.

Clear away clutter. Make sure the kitchen floor is clean and free of clutter and tripping hazards.

Use brightly colored stickers to indicate "On" and "Off” on stovetops and ovens. The markings on these appliances can be hard to read, especially for seniors with failing eyesight.

Make sure all work spaces are brightly illuminated. Replace low wattage light bulbs with higher wattage bulbs and LED light bars.

Mark the hot and cold water faucets with brightly colored stickers.

Have a fire extinguisher nearby. Not only should you keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen, but you should make sure it's not expired. Learn how to use the fire extinguisher as well. You never know when you might need it.

Check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Replace the batteries if needed and make sure to test them to ensure that they are in proper working order. Smoke alarms will alert you if a fire has broken out in time for you to get everyone to safety and to possibly put the fire out if it's small. Your carbon monoxide detectors will ensure that none of your appliances are producing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can be deadly.

With improved technology, TVs have become thinner and so has their sound. Flat screens produce high quality picture but their sound has become weaker as speakers are positioned at the back of the TV. Sound bars came into existence with the introduction of flat screens as they make the sound quality better and some even have surround sound increasing the movie experience.

You should do your research on the kind of sound bar that you want and what features you expect it to have before buying one. Some of the great features of sound bars include:

Makes Dialogue Audible

Flat screens are not able to produce sound properly due to positioning of the speakers therefore dialogue cannot be heard properly. Sound bars point their speaker towards you therefore producing dialogue clearly and providing sonic experience that matches with the TVs video. However, with some sound bars, you might need a subwoofer or a separate receiver increasing the cost. If you can't meet this additional cost, it is important you look for sound bars with inbuilt amplifiers.

Even Volume

Most sound bars have volume leveling technology to help regulate the volume when watching different kind of shows from commercials, sports and even movies. Change from watching a TV show to a commercial may bring about unnecessary sound interference.

Wireless Streaming

Most sound bars available in the market have a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi feature that will enable you to stream sound from your phone, laptop or tablet wirelessly and online streaming. Having a sound bar with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming option is a plus for avid music listeners. Most sound bars have USB input drive enabling you to use a flash drive to play tunes from your sound bar.

Surround Sound

Surround sound increases enjoyment of your movie experience. If you don't have multiple speakers in your living room, you can get surround sound from a sound bar - but it is important you use a multi-channel sound bar, which has different sound channels with discrete sounds for each channel to create the surround effect.

Consumers used to worry about their washers using too much water. Now they seem more concerned about their washing machines not using enough. While each brand will vary, most modern washers are built to maximize the wash using as little water as possible. Not only do they do a great job of getting out all your heavy duty messes, they are programmed to provide optimum cleaning power using the least amount of water needed to get your clothes clean.

As EPA regulations become stricter, manufacturers are smart engineering their products, and washing machines are no exceptions. Today's washers are expected to comply with energy star ratings. The least compliant washer is able to use around 26 gallons of water to clean an average load of laundry. Some machines average between 12 to 17 gallons of water. The highest rated HE machine is capable of getting clothes clean with only 7 gallons. There are several things you can do to ensure your clothes get clean including using a more powerful detergent, pre-treating stains, or using a different setting.

For those of us accustomed to doing wash using the older models with a center agitator, accepting the idea that a top load machine without one can be difficult, leading to worrying about if the machine has enough water. Some may be tempted to add water to ensure their clothes get clean, but this is a bad idea. It's easy to understand how going from around 40 gallons a load, to as little as 7 gallons, could make one worry about their clothes being effectively cleaned, but adding more water not only damages your clothes by causing them to rub against each other - it's also hard on the washer too. However, if your clothes are consistently coming out dirty, it could be a software issue in your washer and you should call the manufacturer to report the problem as one brand did malfunction, using only 2 gallons of water.

The Pros and Cons of Wireless Sound

If there's one technology that has rapidly improved over the last 30 years, it's audio systems. Gone are the days of walking around the house with your cassette player clipped to your pocket. Now, with the rising popularity of streaming music sites, you have access to millions of songs, 24-7. When you're in the comfort of your own home, though, what's the best way to take advantage of this access? A lot of people are turning to wireless sound systems. Here are the pros and cons to making that choice.

Pros

Wireless sound systems are non-invasive to the construction of your house. Wires can be an eyesore, and hiding the signs of a wired system can be costly. If your house isn't already built with one, the process of setting up your home will require a technician and minor construction. Wireless systems, on the other hand, can plug into any existing outlets.

Because wireless systems are so visible, audio companies are becoming more and more fashion conscientious. You can find wireless systems that match the decor of your home.

Most importantly, wireless systems are connected to your smartphone. Phones can connect to the speaker using Bluetooth, or for even better sound quality, using WiFi. Change the song on your streaming music app with the click of a button from any room in the house.

Cons

The biggest complaint with wireless systems is sound quality. Because music has to travel between devices, the audio gets compressed, which decreases the quality of the recording. Sound quality is also compromised when wireless systems cram all of their parts into tiny packages that effect the room available for sound output. Wired sound systems can produce a clearer, crisper sound for these reasons.

The last con is that wireless systems can have a limited Bluetooth range. If your smartphone gets too far away from the speaker, music will start to decrease in quality and cut out.

The Verdict

With technology improving almost daily, the flaws of wireless sound are being tackled. With the background provided here, and a bit of your own research, you can find the right wired or wireless product just for you.

The sound in a home theater is important for a cinematic experience. Some people prefer having better and clear sound than a bigger screen but this is a matter of preference. Speakers vary from one to another in terms of price and sound quality. Quality speakers are however not cheap and before choosing a speaker you need to look for certain qualities that will enhance your listening experience.

Bass Extension

Bass quality is more important than bass quantity. Speakers with good bass are more preferred and are very good for listening to music. Listeners who prefer classical music, pop and jazz should use bass speakers that don't produce more than 50Hz and that bass comes from smaller speakers. Mini monitors can produce more bass than tower speakers.

Bass reproduction is however expensive. The need to lower the frequency at which bass is produced makes the reproduction process more expensive. The bigger the room, the deeper the bass extension needed. Adding subwoofers will greatly improve the bass quality.

Set Up

Position speakers correctly around your living room will serve to increase sound quality. You should have front speakers to go on the side of your television as the sound will pan from the left to the right speaker matching the video on the screen. The front screens are good for listening to music and handle the sound effects. Tower speakers are the best front speakers and give off the best sound coupled with bass. Center speakers are mainly for delivering sound and dialogue on the screen. They should be placed above or below the screen. Rear speakers are placed behind your seats and produce surround sound.

Dynamic Linearity

This is the loudness or softness of sound. Sound changes from second to second whether it's music you're listening to or a movie you're watching. These changes are either noticeable for the keen or subtle. Dynamic linearity means these changes will not be exaggerated as the sound is passed from the speakers. Dynamic linearity is getting the sound right.

Here are a number of ways to hide your TV and avoid it from standing out in your home decor:

Sliding Panels

Sliding panels are a great way of concealing your TV. The panels slide to reveal the TV. To install sliding panels, the TV is first mounted on a wall then a shallow cabinet is built around it. Sliding panels change the entire view of the room allowing it to change from sophisticated to casual. Sliding floor-ceiling panels can also be used. The color of the sliding panels should, however, blend with the wall to conceal your TV properly.

Sliding Work of Arts

Covering a mounted television with a sliding work of art is also another way to conceal the TV. These artworks can be controlled with a remote control or with the push of a button.

Gallery Wall

A television can be surrounded with framed photos of your family. This can be useful when there is a large empty space around the TV. It is advisable to use frames with the same colors as the TV's frame to ensure they blend together.

Mounting a TV Over a Fireplace

Putting a TV over the fireplace may seem counterintuitive, maybe brining more attention to it than may seem necessary. But this is actually an ingenious idea. With some cable management, a television over the fireplace can be an elegant way to disguise it.

Building Cabinets for TVs

Custom made beds come with these types of the cabinet that hold the TV. These cabinets move up and down depending on whether the TV is in use. These cabinets are custom made to match your style.

If you want your washer to do its job, make sure that you are loading it properly. Clothes will get cleaner and you will save energy if you use your machine according to manufacturer's recommendations, which will keep the agitator moving and drum balanced.

Some tips for loading your washing machine the right way include:

Watch the agitator. If you use a top-load washer, make sure to never wrap anything around the agitator. If you have a particularly large item, place it on one side of the agitator and resist piling laundry on top of it for best results.

Keep heavier on the bottom. Top-load machine manufacturers often suggests that you load heavier articles on the bottom. This prevents smaller, delicate items from getting swallowed-up in the bulky items, and allows them to move-about the drum and get clean.

Stay loose. Whether you have a top-loader or an energy-efficient, front-load washing machine, make the effort to load the items loosely. Give your garments room to move around, which will result in cleaner clothes afterward.

Don't push or squeeze to make more room. Never push or squeeze laundry in the drum to make more space. You will end-up with a tangled ball of wet laundry that isn't as clean as it could be.

Start with your worst. When you are using a front-loading washer, try to load heavier-soiled items first. These will get the most action, water, and detergent if they are in the bottom of the wash-drum.

Go to the source. Perhaps the most important thing that you can do before loading your washing machine is to check the owner's manual. This will tell you exactly what the manufacturer suggests for optimal laundry results.

See what kind of job your washer does when you pay close-attention to how it is loaded. You may find that your machine works better and even lives longer, with consistency over time.

As great as it may be to leave for a summer vacation, you still need to take care of your home. Fortunately, modern technology has made it easier than ever before to keep your home secure while you're away. Here are just some of the ways that home automation can ensure that your home will be just as you left it when you come back from your vacation.

Live Stream Video

While security cameras are nothing new, the footage from them can now be streamed live onto any device connected to the Internet. This is a common feature with many smart homes, and it can prove to be very useful if someone breaks into your home. You will know as soon as you have an intruder, and you can contact the police in your neighborhood to handle the situation.

24/7 Security Monitoring

If you don't feel like monitoring your home on your tablet or smartphone while you're on vacation, you can always have a professional security company do it for you. Modern security systems can be monitored 24 hours a day very easily, which means that your home will always be protected while you're away. If there are any problems in your home, your security company can contact the police or fire department to address the situation.

Remote Controlled Lighting

A house that is dark for a long period of time can easily become a target for burglars. Motion sensors that turn on your lights can help scare them away, but the modern alternative is often far more effective. If you have a smart home or any degree of home automation, you will be able to control your lights with a tablet or smartphone connected to the Internet. It has a similar effect to a motion sensor, but it will feel that much more natural since a person is the one technically turning the lights on and off.

These are just a few modern home automation technologies that can keep your home safe and secure even when you're away for weeks at a time. They are surprisingly easy to set up and maintain, so contact us to find out if any of these are options for your own home.

Boiling water is pretty much the easiest kitchen task out there. But it isn't necessarily super simple all the time, especially when you're trying to boil the right amount of water for pasta on your stove top and you find out that your pan might be too small.

This can easily happen if someone doesn't have a big selection in cookware but they may have a big appetite for spaghetti, or a lot of hungry mouths to feed.

If you have more noodles than water in a small pan on your gas cooktop or electric cooktop, you run the risk of them all clumping together at the bottom of the pan or even burning. You also run the risk of your pasta taking slightly longer to cook than you're used to: less water can mean a lower temperature and more time required for the noodles to become softer.

There are several ways to remedy these problems. One solution is to break your noodles in half before putting them in the pan. Or filling two smaller pans and cooking them both on the range. This way, both batches will cook at the same time but the pan won't be overloaded.

Of course, you could also use one pan to boil one batch and then the other, and mix the pasta in a bowl when complete.

Another solution is to stand in front of your gas stove or electric stove with a spoon and stir your pasta more frequently than you normally would. This extra attention does keep it from clumping but does require extra responsibilities in front of the stove.

Ultimately, you might want to consider investing in a larger pot, especially if boiling water and boiling pasta are going to become some of your kitchen staples. Some say the best combo of cookware to water is to start with 5-6 quarts of water and then add salt to the mixture. Enjoy your newly minted chef skills!

One of the smartest pieces of technology in the home will soon be the light bulb. For too long, users have only had the choice of turning them on or off. But newer, smarter, bulbs have more features, including speakers to play music, offer different intensities of light, be adjusted or activated by smartphones and have the ability to turn themselves on and off if they detect motion.

True, motion detecting technology isn’t all that new for outdoor security systems. But these are more due to the system’s hardware and less about the bulb itself.

But it is particularly innovative as part of more and more elements of smart homes, a term for various devices and appliances that can be controlled by a central source, such as a console, a tablet or a smartphone.

For instance, home automation allows owners to adjust things like the heat or air conditioning or open or close the blinds when somewhere else, or see who is at the door from another part of the house.

One new feature of smart homes lets you program your lights to sense your occupancy patterns and turn themselves on and off at those times. This is handy during a normal day when you’re home, but especially handy when you’re not home, since, from the outside, it still looks like you’re home.

When people go on vacation or are away from home for prolonged periods, there aren’t always a lot of good lighting solutions, other than having someone come and housesit, leaving a light on the whole time or leaving the lights off and alerting people that you might be away.

The home automation option is able to adjust lights on and off throughout the day, like normal behavior. A related service lets you know if someone comes into your home. The “occupancy alert” bulb system and monitoring service can be an inexpensive alternative to a more extensive security system. Embedded sensors in the bulbs will alert smartphone users when someone enters the room with the special bulbs, and also tell them the last time the room was occupied.

If you're interested in any of these smart home automation features, give us a call to see how we can help!

While older CRT TVs and monitors had glass screens that were fairly easy to clean, today's flat screen plasma TVs, OLED TVs and LED TVs are a little more complicated. They're more sensitive and prone to scratching, yet they gather just as much dust and fingerprints as their predecessors. To clean these screens thoroughly and safely, follow these tips.

Turn Off Your TV

Turning off your screen will make it much easier to see dust and fingerprints. It will also prevent you from accidentally hitting buttons if you're cleaning a touch screen.

Be Gentle

Gently wipe away dust and fingerprints with a dry soft cloth. You may not remove everything this way, but you will probably take care of a good amount of dust. Never press harder on the screen than you have to since you can damage the pixels very easily. This isn't normally a problem with touch screens since they're made of sturdier glass and are designed to be touched, but you need to be careful regardless.

If you don't get rid of all the dirty spots on your screen with a dry cloth, try wetting it with distilled water or a solution of water and white vinegar. You might even be able to find a small spray bottle specifically designed for LCD TV or plasma TV screens if you check out an electronics store near you. This solution should get rid of fingerprints and other dirty spots.

A Few Other Tips

When cleaning a flat screen on a smart TV or any modern television set, remember to always use a soft, lint-free cloth. Never use paper towels, tissue paper, or any other non-ultrasoft material. These can scratch your screen and permanently damage it. Avoid any cleaning products that contain ammonia, and never spray liquid directly onto your screen. Apply a water and vinegar mixture to your cloth instead. Finally, apply these tips to any modern TV. These rules apply to plasma TVs, LED TVs, and smart TVs as well as flat screen monitors. The basic principles of cleaning the physical screen will always be the same, no matter how advanced your TV might be.

One of the biggest problems that you will have with your laundry appliances is filtering out laundry lint. Even though your washer and dryer have ways of filtering lint, you still need to keep a close eye on your laundry appliances to make sure that these fibers aren't building up in your septic system's drain field and preventing liquid from being absorbed into the soil.

If your dryer already has a lint trap, you won't have as much to worry about. Find where the lint trap is located on your dryer, and clean it out every time you dry a load of laundry. If you don't have a reliable lint trap, it's easy to install one. The best option for most washers and dryers is an enclosed mesh filter that will catch over 90 percent of your laundry lint. It can be expensive to purchase one, but it will add years to the life of your drain field.

To install the filter, you first need to locate your washer and dryer's discharge pipe. Slip the filter where it needs to go according to its instructions, and lock the discharge hoses to the filter container. Empty the reusable filter bag when it is half-full to make sure that it is always working properly. Replacing the filter itself can get expensive, so invest in a high-quality filter to ensure that it won't need to be replaced for some time.

As with most appliance accessories, some filters may work better with your washing and drying machines than others. If you're unsure what filters will work best for your laundry appliances, check with the manufacturer to decide the best course of action.

Getting the most out of your home audio system isn't just about buying the best subwoofer and preamplifiers; it's about how your speakers are placed in your home. There is a lot to consider when you're setting up your home theater, especially since every room will be different, but there are a few tips that can be used by everyone no matter what kind of space or home audio equipment they may have.

As a rule, each of your speakers should be the same distance from your seat as they are from each other. If you're going with a standard two-speaker setup, think of your chair and each speaker as three corners of a triangle with three equal sides. Pull your speakers away from your wall to reduce sound reflection, and angle them towards your preferred seat for the best possible sound. Whle you're at it, your seat should be at least a foot away from your wall as well. There will be a "sweet spot" where you will experience the best possible sound, so feel free to move your speakers around and experiment until you find it.

Every room has surfaces that reflect or absorb sound, so you will want to do everything you can to reduce those surfaces in your space. Hard surfaces such as windows or hardwood floors can reflect sound and cause it to echo, so try add some soft surfaces to absorb some of the sound. Keep in mind that too many soft surfaces such as carpeting or soft furniture can cause the opposite problem and deaden the sound. Since every space is different, you will have to experiment to find the best balance between reflection and absorption.

A home theater system can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You can have two sturdy speakers pointed at the middle of your couch, or you can have soundbars, subwoofers, and stands that raise the height of your speakers. A powered subwoofer can increase the bass of your home audio system when it is placed near a wall, and speaker stands can stabilize your speakers so they don't vibrate as much. You want as little vibration as possible to preserve the integrity of the sound, so consider a set of stands if you have floor-standing speakers. If you don't want stands, install the floor spikes or pads that come with most speakers to keep them sturdy.

A home audio system can be a lot of fun if you're the type who likes to experiment with your space and rearrange things. Try different arrangements and settings for your surround sound system to see what works best, and don't be afraid to change things up. A setup that works best for one movie or music genre might not be ideal for others, so spend some time experimenting until you have your ideal home theater system in place.

Do your towels need a refresh? Enjoy fresh, soft towels with these tips.

There are few things better than drying yourself off with a fresh, fluffy towel after a hot shower. The problem is that towels rarely stay fluffy for long. After a handful of washes, you might notice that your towels feel rough and worn. They might even have a funky smell even though you've just washed them. No, there is nothing wrong with your washing machine or your tumble dryer; this is a common problem with towels, but there are things you can do to refresh your towels and help them feel and smell like new.

Towels and Detergent

The reason why your towels might feel rough and smell bad right out of the dryer is that laundry detergent and fabric softener have built up too much in the fabric. Soap residue builds up over time, which prevents your towels from drying effectively. This decreases their softness and turns them into breeding grounds for bacteria, hence the funky smell.

Keeping Your Towels Fresh and Fluffy

The best way to keep your towels feeling soft and smelling fresh is to limit the amount of laundry detergent you use. Only use as much detergent as you need based on the manufacturer's package. If you have a more efficient washing machine, use even less. If your wet clothes and towels come out of your washing machine feeling stiff, you've used too much detergent and should cut back. A clothes dryer will be able to dry your towels, but hanging your towels to dry is better. If you do use a clothes dryer, whether it is a tumble dryer, gas dryer or an electric dryer, don't use a fabric softener. It builds up in the fabric of your towels just like your detergent.

Refreshing Rough and Smelly Towels

To refresh your old towels, first wash them in hot water with a cup of vinegar and no detergent. Next, wash them again in hot water with a cup of baking soda. Again, don't add any detergent. Finally, dry your towels without using any fabric softener or dryer sheets. You can use a good clothes washer, but hanging your towels to dry is always better. Remember to wash your towels using as little detergent as needed after three uses.

If you want to have a modern kitchen that meets all of your needs, you will need a variety of cutting edge appliances. Some of the appliance features in today's kitchens may far exceed your expectations. Once you become accustomed to them, however, you might wonder how you ever managed without them. Consider the following must-have appliance features for your kitchen.

Commercial Range

You don't need to purchase from a restaurant supply store to get one of these. Many ranges are now made in a commercial style for optimal usage. This could be due to the popularity of cooking shows. Commercial-style ranges are much more powerful, and they look great in any kitchen.

Adjustable Refrigerator Shelves

Instead of trying to adjust to the limitations of your refrigerator, make this appliance work for you. Get a model with shelves that can be removed and adjusted to fit changing circumstances.

Blender With Immersion Attachments

Don't waste time or space with a bulky blender. Buy an immersion blender, and you could soon find yourself giving your old blender to a thrift store. A hand-held blender is easier to use, and cleanup is much faster than with a traditional blender appliance. Just be sure to unplug this item before you attempt to dismantle and clean it.

All-in-One Coffee Maker

Coffee makers do far more than they once did. Find one that performs several functions, and you will save time in the kitchen. Ideally, your coffee maker should filter water and control it manually. You can even buy one that grinds your coffee beans.

The kitchen of today should fulfill as many needs as possible. By carefully choosing your appliances, you can ultimately save time and money. You will find a vast array of appealing features to make your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient.

Visit our store and we can show you where to start!

Smart home appliance devices are in, but can they keep hackers out? The Internet of Things (IoT) is a dynamic market, with over 12 billion smart devices in use, a number expected to nearly triple in the next three years. These devices exist to make our lives easier, from smart bulbs that can be turned on or off using a remote app to televisions and DVRs connected to the Internet.

A recent Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack was attributed to hackers targeting vulnerabilities in security cameras and DVRs. This attack effectively shut down large parts of the Internet. By targeting an internet infrastructure company though these vulnerable IoT devices, the attack brought down large portal sites such as Twitter, Amazon, Netflix, and Reddit.

Recent reports also have demonstrated how smart devices can pose a risk inside the home. From smart TVs that can eavesdrop on conversations in the room when the TV appears to be turned off to security system footage that can be intercepted and watched in real time, our smart devices can be a risk to our personal privacy as well as potentially being a dark conduit to the Internet.

The challenge of keeping these devices secure is immense, and manufacturing is distributed through so many companies throughout the world that finding a standard solution for security is a moving target.

Security experts recommend some basic steps which will avert some of the risk posed by smart devices, allowing them to become more welcome and beneficial guests in our homes again.

Many smart devices ship with a default password. If this default password isn't changed, a smart device can be vulnerable because default passwords are much easier to crack, with many even published on circulated lists. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to change the default password. Passwords with mixed capitalization, numbers, and punctuation are much more difficult to crack than simple dictionary words or names.

An additional router dedicated specifically to your smart devices can create a firewall between your smart devices and your computers, tablets, and smartphones. This step can help keep your personal data separate from your smart devices.

Keeping your smart device firmware updated regularly ensures that any security patches supplied by the manufacturer are applied promptly. If your device supports automatic updating, you may wish to enable this feature.

Smart devices will continue to be a growing part of our lives. Matching their utility with equal amounts of security will be an ongoing challenge because the software or firmware driving smart devices varies so greatly. There is no single solution. There are, however, ways to make smart devices safer to have in our home, powering our lives.

Speak with us in person, and we can help you on your journey to living a more secure, productive and smart life.

The kitchen is sometimes described as the heart of a home, and sometimes you just need something that'll make it beat a little faster.

An Efficient Kitchen

For someone who loves to create delicious culinary concoctions, you want to have the most efficient kitchen appliances out there. Maybe you want to enhance the design and style of your kitchen with unique flooring, an island, or extra space to stash utensils and cookware when not in use.

But what really makes the core of a kitchen the most appealing is the appliances. Everything from a refrigerator to a dishwasher to a range can look great and function even better.

Appliances for Changing Tastes

The good thing about a lot of modern kitchens is that it isn't hard to change kitchen appliances every now and then, if you decide to try a different style or décor. There are also plenty of appliance stores to offer you just the right item, whether you're searching for a discount appliance or premium appliances.

Today's appliances really offer something for many interests or abilities, even things for families who like food but don't always like to prepare it themselves. For instance, an over the range microwave can warm up food but not take up useful counter space.

If you do like to cook, consider a French door oven that allows you to open doors from the side, rather than folding out in front like traditional ovens. These are easy to access and great for people with limited space or people who have difficulty bending over.

Cooking Features

Today's chefs may enjoy cooking over an induction range, which uses an electromagnetic field to heat your food instead of radiant heat. The induction cooktop supplies a more even heat and also is known to cook food faster. No more wasting time needlessly!

There's also plenty of interesting and useful features to be found in the modern refrigerator and freezer units, whether they're together or separate. A counter depth refrigerator means you don't have to dig too deep. Many newer refrigerators also have a variety of shelving and drawers for different types of food. This keeps items separate and makes it easy to find what you're searching for.

Buying a TV for your home theater is a considerable investment for most buyers. There are a lot of different brands with tons of varying specifications, further complicating the decision. One of the most important yet overlooked factor when choosing a TV, -curved or not- is the reflection. Screen reflection refers to the degree to which the screen of a TV will reflect light from other sources in the room.

Glossy screens produce richer images by offering more contrast and color. When there are other sources of light in the room however, reflections on a glossy screen are better defined and more noticeable. Glossy screens smudge faster and the smudges are easy to see.

Matte screens have their glass covered with a polarized coat. This enables them to deal with bright ambient light and glare better than glossy screens. The polarized coating however reduces contrast, the viewing angle and causes some little blurring.

Selecting a Glossy or Matte TV Screen

Selecting which TV screen to go with depends on several factors that will ultimately determine viewing quality. In a controlled environment and dark rooms, glossy screens are usually the best choice. This is because they offer a richer viewing experience and ambient light is not a big issue in such a case.

For rooms with bright ambient light, matte TV screens are a better choice. This makes them well-suited to office spaces where bright lights like fluorescent lighting are common. Matte screens are also perfect for rooms where ambient light varies significantly at different times. An example of this is a room that is sun-lit during the day. The anti-reflective property of matte TV screens in such a room makes up for any differences in picture quality.

4K Resolution TVs

The resolution on television screens continues to increase to provide the best clarity of picture for viewers. High definition TV or HD TV has meant 1920 x 1080 pixels for several years. Ultra-High Definition, also called 4K or UHD, is the latest improvement on this concept, yielding 3840 x 2160, which makes for a much sharper TV viewing experience.

The home-theater experience ranges from comfortable binge-watching of your favorite shows to lounging with your family and indulging in a movie together. Every person has different needs when it comes to where and how their television is situated, but one thing is certain: sound is a vastly important aspect in watching anything on a television. When it comes to the sound situation, a soundbar is quickly becoming a necessity in every home and not without reason. To better understand why soundbar speakers should be installed in your home, take a look at this comprehensive guide.

The Basics

Sounder speakers, also known as speaker bars, are essentially long, rectangular "bars" with several speakers. These soundbars sit underneath your television and connect to either the cable box or the TV itself. Soundbar speakers vary in price based on brand and quality, ranging anywhere from $200 to $2000.

Why Soundbar Speakers are Ideal

Soundbar speakers are gaining traction in the modern world because due to the streamlining and thinning of most televisions, there is no longer room for quality internal speakers. Because they hook up directly to the television, soundbar speakers, greatly improve the sound of your entertainment system, and thus, the watching experience. While many televisions have adequate speakers, very few actually compare to the quality of a soundbar speaker system.

The Bottom Line

Soundbar speakers exist only to heighten your movie watching experience through sound quality. As televisions become more sleek and their speakers diminish both in size and quality, soundbar speakers will become more and more desirable. Consider your soundbar speaker and audio options today, and experience your favorite shows and movies in a completely new way.

If you want to improve your home theater sound, come by our store or give us a call to see how we can help you!

Over time, cooktops can build up quite a bit of gunk and grime. But cleaning them doesn't have to be a daunting task. Read on to learn some tips that make cleaning both gas and electric cooktops easier.

Use the Right Tools

Paper towels and liquid surface cleaners are a good starting point for cleaning a gas or electric range, but for particularly dirty cooktops, other tools may be necessary. Cooktop cleaning brushes are relatively cheap and can be used for pushing crumbs and debris off as well as breaking up tougher grime. A razor scraper can help remove burned-on stains.

Consider Natural Cleaners

At any given grocery store, you can probably find a dozen kitchen-cleaning sprays made up of different mixtures. But two of the most simple and effective cleaners aren't fancy products at all: Lemons and vinegar are both cheap and powerful. Lemons are particularly useful in conjunction with baking soda; just sprinkle a light amount of baking soda on the dirty surface, then rub it with a lemon before removing everything with a damp towel. As for vinegar, a solution of two parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle is good for everyday cleaning.

Disassemble and Soak

Many cooking stations--especially gas stove tops--have burner components and other parts that can easily be taken off. If your cook top has stubborn debris baked onto it, consider taking off what parts you can and soaking them in your sink. Much of the gunk will slide off on its own, and the rest will be easier to scrub off following a soak. Dry thoroughly before replacing.

Do It Frequently and Safely

All of the tips in this article will be more effective if you clean your cooktop regularly. Consider adopting a weekly cleaning schedule, and if you make a particularly big mess after a given meal, take the time to tidy up so that stains and grime don't set in. Also be sure that you wait for the cooking surfaces to cool before you clean, and ensure everything is re-assembled properly.

Finding a great spot for that new plasma TV or smart television can be tricky. Whether you live in cramped quarters or have plenty of space, you probably want to be sure that your TV complements its surroundings. Additionally, you might want to showcase your new purchase in the best way possible. Consider the following unconventional ideas for displaying your TV.

1. Obscured by Other Room Features

If you feel that a television is more functional than aesthetic, you can always conceal it when it isn't in use. How do you do that? Try hiding it behind retractable artwork or mirrors. The primary feature can slide open when you want to watch your favorite shows. When you're done, the mirrors or art piece can be repositioned accordingly. You might perform this function via remote control.

2. A Kitchen Addition

Does your family eat most meals in the kitchen? Do you like to apply what you learn as you watch cooking shows? Then, you could benefit from positioning your LCD TV in the kitchen. If you have some space over the refrigerator or a cupboard, you could place it there. You might want to build some shelf space that you can dedicate to the television.

3. Added to a Series of Photos

Another unique and decorative way to hang your TV is amid a series of photographs. If you have some wall space hung with many photos, place the TV directly in the center of them. You can either mount it to the wall, or position it on a dresser or entertainment center just below the pictures. Whether it is turned on or off, the television will blend in with the photos beautifully.

No matter where you decide to keep your new television, make sure it's in a place that meets the needs of your household. Whether you choose a simple model or the latest 4K Ultra HD TV, it should be placed in a location that is ideal for you. Have some fun by finding a unique spot to display your TV – a television can easily be integrated with your design theme.

Dishwashers are amazing time savers. There's nothing quite like clearing a huge pile of dishes after friends come to visit and having a machine do the cleaning for you while you go back to watching TV. It's also nice to know it's more energy efficient than washing by hand if you fully load it first. However, there are a few amazing things you can put in your dishwasher that you've probably never considered.

Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads get pretty dirty over their lifetime. Even if you do change them at the recommended intervals of three months, that's still a lot of time for bacteria to build up—bacteria which you're putting back into your mouth twice a day. You can easily put these in the dishwasher, however, and they'll come out sparkling clean.

Revitalize Cleaning Cloths, Towels and Nappies

If you hoard cleaning cloths and tea towels, or have a mass of grubby, pale fabric items, a soak in a dissolved detergent capsule brings them back to life.

You can even pop them in your washing machine on a hot wash alongside one capsule, in place of laundry detergent. The cloths will emerge far whiter than they would using laundry care products, and you needn't use laundry detergent. Again, run one clear wash after using a dishwasher detergent capsule before putting dark colors in your machine.

Tools and Toys

Use the hottest cycle to clean tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and wrenches when they get sticky and greasy. Plastic broom heads, dust pans, vacuum attachments and floor brushes fit in too. Dishwashing your kids' toys will not only clean them, but it will sanitize them too.

Dishwashers are well known as excellent time savers which make cleaning up after dinner far easier than washing by hand. However, it will come in handy in the above situations.

Is your office, entertainment center, or charging station hiding a tangled mess of wires, cables, and cords? With nearly everything you own needing to be charged or plugged in to a power source, it is next to impossible to keep them all out of sight. Fortunately, you don't have to live with a pile of wires deeper than your ankle by every outlet. Here are some hacks for hiding those unsightly wires:

Under the desk is usually the first place in any office or home office that gets invaded by the wire pile. You could use cord clips to keep your wires in a more orderly row, but consider a cheaper option: binder clips. Simply clip a group of wires together, and then hang the binder clip by the wire handles on a nail or pin. Also, consider disguising wires altogether with painted cord covers or behind painted FlatWire that has been mounted to the wall. Consider a desk or side table that has built-in outlets to keep desktop cords from having to reach the wall.

What about all those routers, game consoles, and other bits that make your entertainment center look so messy? It's easy to cover an Internet router with a decorative box, and if you have lamps or other appliances near the wall, try hiding the cords behind a faux baseboard. If you are handy, you can feed cords for wall-mounted appliances through the wall, or hang a shower curtain rod cover and hid the wires inside that.

Finally, don't forget about the tried and true method of using a power strip that can be hidden inside a drawer or on a low shelf to keep all the wires out of sight. Then you only have one wire snaking out to attach to the wall, and that is much easier to hide!

Your laundry room may be the most functional room in your house, but that doesn't mean it has to look boring. You can have a color, pattern, and design scheme here just like any other room in your home. To start, consider adding cabinets in a uniform color. Not only does this give you a place to store detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry room necessities, it brings a sense of calm and order to the room. If you already have cabinets and they look outdated, a fresh paint job can do wonders.

Update the Walls and Countertops

Most people don't consider painting the walls of their laundry room or adding wallpaper, but why not? This provides an attractive backdrop to the cabinets and helps the room feel less chaotic. If your laundry room doesn't have countertops already, consider adding some. White quartz is a modern look that adds a sense of beauty and cleanliness to any room.

Add Style and Improve Functionality

Who says you can't place artwork on the wall of your laundry room? It certainly gives you something pleasant to look at while you complete this tedious chore. If you're teaching kids how to wash and dry clothes, consider putting a small bench in the laundry room. This is both stylish and functional. It also gives you a place to sit and read a book or play on your iPhone while you wait for the laundry to finish.

It Could Be Time for an Upgrade

New washers and dryers are more sleek and attractive than previous generations of these machines. If your laundry room looks dumpy no matter what you do, it could be time to trade in your appliances for something new. In addition to maximizing space, your new machines should provide you with greater energy efficiency than your current ones do.

In the age of technological domination, choosing the best television for your home can be difficult and somewhat overwhelming. There are a seemingly infinite variety of televisions to choose from, especially considering sound, display, and size, so finding the perfect TV for your home can be tricky. Fortunately, there are several aspects to consider to help in the choosing process, so when you are in the market for a new television, contemplate these 4 points.

Size Based on Home Features

Size is one of the most important features to consider when prospecting for a television, as a too small set can make the television not worth even looking at, and a set that is too big can dwarf an entire room. Keep in mind the features of the room the TV will be set up in, and how televisions of all sizes would work with both the dimensions and other furniture.

Type of Displays

There are several different types of television displays currently on the market, including:

• LED (Light Emitting Diode): LED televisions are the most commonly bought and widely available television currently, due to the variety of styles and sizes available. These televisions are great for any occasion, and while more expensive than both LCD and Plasma televisions, are not as pricy as OLED TVs.
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes): OLED televisions are expensive, but for good reason. They are high contrast, work best in light rooms, and pair the best features of Plasma and LED televisions.
• Plasma: These televisions are idea for darker rooms, like a home theater, due to their high contrast. However, because of their intended use, tend to have glares in rooms with more light, like an average living room.
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): LCD TVs are very common, especially for bedrooms, as they are inexpensive and offer a straight-viewing angle. These televisions are great for any situation that does not require a large group of viewers.

Sound Systems and Setups

Each television will offer separate and individual sound systems, which vary depending on the size and quality of the TV. With televisions being produced more and more thin to lie flush with the wall, speakers are becoming worse and less clear. If you are buying a TV that is relatively thin, consider looking into a sound bar or surround sound system to pair with the television to make the experience more complete.

Definition

Resolution is an important aspect of a television and one to carefully consider. While high resolution can be ideal for those that often engage in gaming systems used with the TV, a high definition television is ideal. However, high definition has the tendency to make images appear almost too real, erasing some of the smooth transitions in action movies. Be sure to assess the primary use of the television before deciding on a specific resolution and display.

Though buying a television can be stressful and tedious, this guide should prove to be a helpful resource to turn to during the deciding process. There is no one aspect to consider above all else; each feature should be considered independently and applied as accurately as possible. Find your perfect television today, and enjoy the experience.

Most people have had the experience of removing their laundry from the washer or dryer to see red clothes that were formerly white or a sweater that looks two sizes smaller. This happens when you don't sort the laundry and just throw everything in together. For the best results, you need to separate your clothes according to color, fabric type, washing instructions, and weight. It may sound complicated, but it's quite simple after you do it a time or two. It helps to have separate laundry baskets or hampers for sorting purposes.

Criteria for Sorting Laundry

Ignoring the labels on your clothes could result in ruining them beyond repair. Start the sorting process by placing anything labeled hand wash, dry clean only, or wash separately into their own pile. Next, separate any clothes that don't fall into these categories by color. One pile should contain light colors such as white, white prints, pastels, and light grays. The other should have darker colors, including black, brown, navy, dark navy, red, and gray.

Now it's time to separate your laundry piles by type, such as towels, beddings, undergarments, or clothes. For dark colors, be sure to separate jeans and t-shirts from more lightweight items like dress shirts and blouses. You should keep dark blankets and towels apart from clothes since they produce a lot of lint that can show up on the things you wear.

Heavily Soiled Clothes

Ground-in oil, dirt, blood, or grease can be challenging to remove. You don't want to put clothes with these stains in with other clothes since they could stain them as well. Washing a few heavily soiled items together ensures a better outcome, including preventing the transfer of smells to other clothes.

The process of choosing a set of speakers for surround sound can be confusing, and if you're not careful, you can spend too much money, or end up with a system you're not happy with. So where to begin? A good place to start is by sitting down and deciding what you want out of a new speaker system.

Do you just want to supplement the speakers in your flat-screen TV? Or are you planning a dedicated home theater with a dozen or more speakers placed in strategic spots around the room? Before you spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on speakers, decide what it is you're trying to achieve.

If you're looking for home theater sound in your living room or another room you use for multiple purposes, you'll probably want to go with a 5.1 or a 7.1 surround stereo system. On the other hand, if you're putting together a room as a dedicated home theater, you'll want a larger sound system consisting of a dozen speakers or more.

With a typical 5.1 or 7.1 home theater setup, speakers are placed at the front and rear of the room (with 7.1 systems having speakers on both sides a well). Both types typically come with a sub-woofer for that deep base output.

On the other hand, if you're converting one of your rooms into a dedicated home theater - and you have the budget - you should consider a larger system with 12 speakers or more. These systems often have speakers mounted in the ceiling to offer an additional level of surround sound.

As you might imagine, pricing for these systems can vary widely depending on the brand and the number of speakers. For a typical 5.1 or 7.1 system, you can expect to pay $200 to $300 for an "out of the box" setup. But if you're going the dedicated home theater route, prices can climb into the thousands, especially when combined with custom installation.

For more about the right speakers for your sound system, come in store today!

Have you ever opened your refrigerator so stuffed with food and containers that you’re afraid everything will avalanche out? Sometimes, it’s just easier to leave the mess alone than to go through all of your expired food. But it doesn't have to be that way - you can take control of your food storage space in the fridge very quickly if you really put your mind to it.

Here's how:

Clear out leftovers

Many refrigerators are choked with containers of leftovers, which may or may not ever be eaten. Once you clear out all of these, you'll be left with just the fresh food that you really want to store.

Use your refrigerator's built-in flexibility

All refrigerators have built-in features which allow you to customize its layout according to the kinds of items you'll be storing. This includes various movable racks, crisper drawers, and temperature-controlled compartments that you can make good use of. One of the best ways to make optimum use of space is by placing all tall items together, so as to avoid wasting vertical storage area.

Organize for best visibility

One of the worst problems with a disorganized refrigerator is that you can't see beyond the front row of stored foods. By placing the tallest items toward the rear, you'll be able to easily see all the other foods before them. You can further refine this by sorting together all similar foods such as condiments, meats, liquids, and fruits/vegetables.

Manage expiration dates

For those food items having expiration dates, you can easily create a magnet board on the fridge, or even on your mobile device, which tracks those dates, so you won't have milk, salad, or cottage cheese expiring without you even realizing you had some stored. If you have a really modern fridge with a touch-screen application, you can manage all this and a lot more, to keep your refrigerator up to snuff.

If you develop a plan to keep your refrigerator organized, then you won’t need to deal with a giant mess every few months.

We have come a long way from the big tube TVs that we had in the 1950s. TVs took up a lot of space with dial tuning and clunky rears. Since then, our TVs have become dramatically flatter, smarter, and more attractive. A myriad of technological advances now allow us to connect to the internet and watch TV with gorgeous, life-like images. But the same question remains: where do you put it? You may think about this after you've already bought your TV, but if you're planning on getting a new TV, here are a couple of questions to ask yourself so that you can have the best TV watching experience possible.

How Big Is Your Living Room?

This may seem like an obvious question but make sure to measure it. Also make sure that you're OK with moving furniture around to accommodate the TV, if necessary. Do make sure that you're not sold on just one TV size, too. You may be surprised that you may need to go smaller, or bigger.

How Far Away Will You Be Sitting?

Most people will mount their TV sets, but even if you don't, you should measure how far away the TV will be from where you will sit. Then depending on your TV's resolution, you can calculate how big your TV should be. For a 1080p TV, use a 2:1 ratio. For example, for a 50 inch screen TV, you should sit 100 inches, or around 8 feet away. If you get a TV with UHD/4K resolution, then you should sit closer, approximately 1-1.5 times the TV screen's size, so that puts you at 4 to 6 feet away.

Typically, people sit about 9 feet away from the TV, but you'll need to find your sweet spot. It'll take a little experimentation to find the perfect TV and its perfect place, but it's always better to have a TV that's bigger than smaller. With some measuring and guesswork, you can optimize your TV watching experience with the right TV size and viewing distance.

The best way to save on your laundry costs is to avoid doing it completely, right?

Many a busy parent has had this thought when considering how to tackle that big mound of dirty clothes. But as much fun as this idea is to think about, it's not realistic–family members will need clean clothes eventually, and re-wearing the same outfit for weeks will start to smell real funky.

However, there are some other ways to seek energy efficiencies in your laundry process which will work out to less money out of your pocket. Both are good things.

Try these strategies:

• Consider an upgrade. If your washer and dryer are more than a decade old, it might be time to invest in new ones. You'll likely be impressed with all the new options and features, with the added bonus of using less electricity, water or gas. The Energy Star certification speculates that the average U.S. homeowner can save $45 per year and 23 gallons of water by switching to a newer machine.
• Use a clothesline. Yes, this is old school, but past generations knew that hanging the wash out to dry is easy and clean. You can skip the hot dryer cycle altogether. However, it isn't for everyone: some neighborhood covenants may prohibit it, and some people may live in particularly rainy or dusty climates.
• Pick the right size for your family – and schedule. If you're doing laundry throughout the week and only have a few people, then a smaller machine that uses less electricity and water will be fine. But if you do a lot of laundry at once and have a huge family, a higher-capacity washer might be the way to go.
• Vary the temperature. It's easy to plug your clothes in, turn the washer on and walk away. But not everyone knows that it's OK to change the water temperature depending on the items being washed. Warm or cold water combined with soap can do basic cleaning just fine, and you can save hot water for loads that may need extra attention.

Are you in search of a new kitchen range? With the variety of options nowadays, you'll want to know what's right for you. Check out these four steps to choosing the perfect kitchen range.

Step 1. Choose a range based on your source of energy.

Most people choose gas or electric depending on what the built in source of energy is in their home. These days you can also find a gas powered range with an electric oven. You may not have much choice as far as your source of energy, but you have many choices when it comes to choosing the perfect range in your category.

Step 2. Choose the style of your kitchen range.

Do you want a free-standing range, drop in, slide in or wall oven with a separate cook-top? While freestanding ranges cost the least and are the most popular, each range style has it's advantages from price to amenities. Slide in ranges overlap your counters on each side for a built in look. Wall ovens typically have less cubic feet inside as compared to conventional ranges. Some ranges come with a double oven, either of the same size or of different sizes for various applications. Consider also the location of the controls.

Step 3. Choose the burner style.

Electric ranges come with coil burners, a flat gas-top cooking surface, or induction burners. Some gas ranges come with easier to clean burners for a bit more money. The power and precision of the burners will increase depending on the amount of money you want to spend. Some ranges also have an extra burner for keeping things warm, or burners with a dual setting for high power or lower power.

Step 4. Choose your options.

Keeping your budget in mind here are some other options available:

• Type of finish
• Self-cleaning oven
• Convection oven
• Bigger viewing window
• Brighter lighting
• Temperature probes
• Porcelain coated racks
• Full extension and smooth glide racks
• Electronic controls and special settings

Clearly there are many options to consider when choosing the perfect kitchen range. Keeping these steps in mind will have you well on your way to happiness in the kitchen.

Buying a TV these days can be overwhelming. You're facing different types, prices, sizes, and features. There are so many acronyms to pore over and understand: HD, UHD, HDR, 3D, 4K, Smart TV, LED, OLED, and many more. It can be easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest and greatest gimmicks, but there are a few things you should focus on when you buy a new TV.

• Go ahead and get the 4K resolution. Also known as UHD or ultra HD TVs, this technology is the future and will eventually be commonplace. Even though UHD TVs have double the resolution of HD TVs, it really won't make a difference in the quality of your viewing. Even still, you can get ahead of the curve and invest in this technology now.
• Go big and then go home. Generally speaking, you should get the biggest TV with the best picture quality. It's your decision as to what size works for which room, but typically speaking smaller TVs are best for the bedroom and larger TVs are best for the living room.
• HDR is a good idea. HDR (high dynamic range) is a technology that allows your TV to automatically adjust the brightness to improve color accuracy.
• Forget these gimmicks: curved display and 3D. Curved displays don't add to picture quality. In fact, it can be a distraction. Unless you find this aesthetic pleasing, you can skip curved TVs. Regarding 3D TVs—ask yourself when it was the last time you heard about 3D TV technology. Those TVs may still be available, but major TV manufacturers have stopped making them.
• Get a soundbar. As TV screens became thinner, so did sound quality. A soundbar can bring the richness of sound that can match the quality of your screen.

Purchasing a new TV can be a bit of a headache. But if you cut through the noise of manufacturer specifications and expired gimmickry, you can find the best TV for your needs and enjoy the new view. Come by our store to see what we can do for you!

CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) feature found on many TVs and peripherals. Basically, CEC makes your devices work better together. However, it is often turned off in your TV's default settings.

HDMI-CEC by Another Name

Unfortunately, you often won't see the acronym HDMI-CEC when looking at your TV's or peripheral's specifications list. Instead, be aware that manufacturers like to "disguise" their HDMI-CEC option under a branded trade name.

The Usefulness of HDMI-CEC on Your TV

HDMI-CEC enables your TV-connected devices to have control over your TV and vice versa. For example, you can control your disc player through your TV remote, or enable your TV to automatically switch to your game console's input when you press the game console's controller to turn it on.

HDMI-CEC is a very useful option and well worth the small amount of trouble it may take for you to find and enable it. However, once you have it set up, it will save you the time and hassle of switching between inputs.

Enhance and improve the sound of your home audio system with a few simple strategies. You can make a big difference simply by moving your speakers or unplugging your headphones.

Some tips to improve the sound of your home audio system include:

Adjust all the settings. Take time to adjust all your settings, in your computer, on receivers, and even through the streaming service that you use.

Invest in New Headphones
Not happy with your audio? It could be your headphones; invest in new headphones to optimize your sound.

Reconfigure Your Speakers
The fix could be as simple as something like your speaker position. Try to redirect your speakers to determine if the acoustics improve.

Set up a Sound Space
Designate a sound space that is conducive to optimal sound quality. Some things that can impact your audio are:

• Ceiling and wireless speakers can help in small spaces with poor acoustics.
• Insulate walls to absorb and reflect sound in your dedicated sound space.
• Configure the room so that you can face your speakers for optimal sound quality.

Try these tips when you want to improve and optimize the audio from your home's system. Talk with home audio experts like us for other tactics and components that may enhance your listening experience.

Make sure that you plan and position your washer and dryer placement with some thought. Positioning the set in the wrong spot could interfere with your daily routine, cause inconvenience, and become a headache fast.

Some things to keep in mind when placing your washer and dryer are:

Ventilation
Washer and dryer sets need to be vented, so exterior walls may be most practical for homeowners installing new washers and dryers. Dryer vent installation is key in preventing the risk of fire in the home.

Noise
Even high-quality washer and dryer sets make some noise; make sure that it is in a spot that won't disturb you when working, watching TV, or sleeping. Place your set preferably in a location with a door that can be closed when you are doing laundry.

Flooring
Before placing your set, look at the floor. You may want to sort laundry on the floor, which could make a garage an impractical location, especially if your garage has a dirt-floor.

Convenience
Keep in mind the lifting, carrying, and sorting that you will need to do when placing your laundry appliances. While it could be practical to install your washer and dryer near the kitchen, think about the stairs you may have to climb to do laundry.

Keep these things in mind before picking the perfect spot for your washer and dryer set. Remember that positioning the set in the wrong spot could make doing laundry a hassle, and interfere with everyday living.

You probably know the importance of clearing the lint trap in your dryer, but do you maintain the lint trap in your washer? The lint that comes from your laundry during washing can clog up your septic lines over time. This can equate to costly repairs, plumbing problems, and even water contamination.

Some things to keep in mind about your washer's lint trap include:

Where to Find the Lint Trap
Depending on the make and model of your washer, the trap can be tricky to find. A good rule of thumb is to find the owner's manual which will detail where it is; you may be able to download the manual from the manufacturer's website. Typically, the washer's trap is at one of these three spots:

• At the end of the washer's drainage hose.
• In the center of the washer's agitator.
• Along the drum's rim of your washer.

How to Clean the Trap
When you have located the trap, simply pull it out and clear the screen of any lint, dust, or debris. Make sure to never flush this lint down the toilet.

What To Do If There is No Trap
Some washers don't use a trap, but rely on a pump to remove excess lint. High-efficiency and front-loading machines often use these pumps. Run an empty load once a month to keep lint from clogging and causing problems.

Take care of the trap in your washer and prevent a number of plumbing problems and catastrophes. Talk with appliance service technicians if you are experiencing issues or are unable to find a lint trap on your machine.

To keep colors true and get whites truly bright, you need to sort your laundry correctly. It's an extra step, but one that saves your clothes. It's worth the effort.

What's the Point?

Sorting your clothes by color, fabric and heavy dirt means you can correctly use all those cycles on your washing machine. You can choose the best water temperature, which helps clothes last longer. It also makes it easier to choose the right drying cycle. The proper water temperature and drying time saves you money on your utility bills.

Here is a look at the 4 critical steps to sort laundry for efficient washing, without spending too much time on the task.

#1. Read the Label

The information you need is right on the label, whether you are washing a t-shirt, jeans or sweater. It is so easy to overlook cleaning instructions from the manufacturer, just assuming you know what to do. But you can ensure that your outfits last and look their best if you take the time to read the label when you first get the clothing.

Here are some common terms you will encounter:

• Use gentle soap and soak in the sink. In some cases, you can use the gentle cycle on your washer.
• Wash separately. Run this through the washer, usually using the gentle cycle, by itself or with other items marked the same.
• Professional dry clean. Take it to the dry cleaner. In some cases, you can use a D-I-Y dry cleaner kit or hand wash it.

#2. Sort the Clothes

You've remove those marked hand wash, wash separately and professionally dry clean. Now it's time to go through the rest of the clothes. You sort these by color into two piles:

• White, grey, pastel colors and prints with a white background all go in one pile.
• Deep colors like navy, brown, black, dark gray, red and green go into another pile.

#3. Sort Again

There's a lot of sorting when you want to be efficient with your washing! This second round of sorting is based on the type of fabric. Keep your two piles. Just go through them one-by-one and separate each into further piles by fabric. Here are three typical types of sorting:

• Towels and sheets go in one pile, clothes in another.
• Lightweight items like dress shirts and blouses go in to one pile, t-shirts and jeans go into another.
• Towels, blankets and anything that produces lint goes into one pile, other types into another.

#4. Wash Seriously Dirty Items by Themselves

If you have a pair of jeans with oil stains, a t-shirt with cooking oil stains or a children's outfit with mud and ground-in dirt, put them into their own pile. Wash these together, separately from your other clothes. It's easy for dirt and oil to simply move from one piece of clothing to another in the washer.

Follow these four steps and your clothes will look crisp, bright and clean. It is worth the effort to sort your laundry for efficient cleaning.

Your bedroom is a place to retreat from the world and even from your family when you need some time to yourself. It only makes sense that you would want to devote time to decorating this multi-functional room to make it as comfortable and attractive as possible. Since your bed takes up the most space—that is a great place to start. A bedroom with a vaulted or high ceiling is ideal for a four-poster bed, while a compact bed with built-in storage space is great for smaller bedrooms.

The frame you choose for your bed is just as important as the bed itself. It should be stylish, comfortable, and match the décor of the rest of your bedroom. Comfort matters too, so select a mattress and box spring that supports your body and provides you with a good night's sleep.

Other Types of Furniture to Include in Your Bedroom

Consider adding at least one other place to sit in your bedroom besides your bed. A small desk and chair, an ottoman, or a separate chair—all work just as well. Placing a nightstand on either side of your bed makes it easy to reach what you need in the morning, such as your glasses and alarm clock. They also serve as extra storage units. Shallow baskets under your bed help you keep the bedroom clutter-free so you can relax better.

Accessorize and Choose a Color Scheme

Adding one or two accessories, such as a plant or framed photograph, helps to personalize your bedroom. However, too many can make it look cluttered. If you're going for a comforting or serene look, consider blue, green, or lavender for the wall color, your comforter, or a rug. To set a cozy and comfortable mood, select a deep purple or a toasty brown. You can experiment with the hues until the overall color scheme looks just right.

Where and how you install your projection screen impacts your overall viewing experience. If positioned wrong, the image will display less clarity and viewers may find it uncomfortable to watch. Optimize your screen resolution and image with some simple placement tips that can make a significant difference.

Three tips for installing your projection screen the right way are:

Place it at the Right Height

Plan on placement that puts the center of the screen at an average height of around 48" from the floor to prevent neck and eye strain. This will vary depending on the size of your screen and the room's measurements.

Center the Screen Correctly

Consider the horizontal centering of your screen to avoid a stiff neck. Center the screen around your seating so that your eyes rest around the bottom third of the projection screen for the best viewing experience. This is a good rule-of-thumb regardless of the size of your screen.

Find the Sweet-Spot

Finding the perfect “sweet-spot” for your screen requires some trial and error. You want it close enough to the projector for optimal brightness, but not so close that the sound from the projector's fan causes disturbance during viewing. This is typically why many home theaters place the projector behind the main seating area.

Use these tips when designing your home theater or when positioning your projection screen. These will vary slightly based on the size of your screen, footage of the room, and height of your primary seating, so adjust accordingly and test before permanently mounting your screen. And we’re always here to help in any we can—so please, drop by our store or give us a call!

As its name implies, a top load washer is one where you load clothes from the top rather than the front. Before you bring a new washer home, it's important to check to make sure you have the right washer and dryer hook-ups. You then need to consider how much space you have available for your new appliance. Be sure to measure the space and then check the dimensions of the new top load wash machine to ensure it will fit into the space properly.

Save Money with a Highly Efficient Top Load Washer

A high spin speed and an Energy Star label are two things that make a top load washer especially efficient. The reason is that the washer extracts more water from your clothes before you transfer them to the clothes dryer. It's also helpful to use high-efficiency laundry soap that produces fewer suds.

Pay Attention to Cycle and Water Temperature Options

Washing your clothes in cold water also saves money, so be certain your new machine has this option. You will also want to have a setting for delicate items. You may or may not need other setting options, depending on your pattern of washing clothes.

How Big is Your Typical Load of Laundry?

If you have a large family and prefer to wash as many clothes as you can at one time, you will want to choose a top load washer with a larger capacity. The same is true if you regularly wash blankets, comforters, and other bulky bedding items. You can probably get by with a smaller capacity washer if you live alone or with one other person and wash large items infrequently.

Do Your Homework and Compare Brands

Many websites exist that allow consumers to review major purchases such as a new appliance. You may also want to check safety ratings with the Consumer Product Safety Division—and you can always ask us to help you out with brand comparison!

The average home has 8-10 devices running off the Wi-Fi connection at any given time, which means when the internet is slow or faulty, it can be a big problem—affecting the speed of your electronics including streaming media on your TV. Optimize your Wi-Fi with some tips that can improve and enhance your connection:

Placing Your Router in an Ideal Spot

Router placement is key when looking for the best internet connectivity.

Some tips when positioning your router include:

• Try to place the router as close to the center of the home as possible.
• Install the router on the second floor of the home whenever feasible.
• Mount the router on a wall or high up on a shelf.

Move Some Furniture

Try to position large pieces of furniture along exterior wall in the room. This will prevent your furnishings from obstructing the internet connection.

Keep Router Away from Interference

Make sure the router is away from microwaves, cords, cordless phones, and any other devices or wiring that could cause interference.

Remove Mirrors from the Room

Try to minimize mirrors near or around your router. These can also impact your connectivity.

Invest in an Extender

WAP Wireless access points or Wi-Fi extenders are effective at providing better internet connection throughout the home, particularly in a large dwelling. Consider adding several wireless access points (WAPs) in larger homes or businesses to handle multiple devices.

Consult with the Experts

Contact an expert to design your Wi-Fi. Consulting with an expert for more information regarding Wi-Fi design for tricky areas or in deemed “hot spots,” which can negatively impact your access and speed.

Use these tips to enhance and extend your home's Wi-Fi connection. If all else fails or you are adding internet to a large space, work with a technology expert to design an installation that works best for your home.

Small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and juicers are great labor-saving devices. Unfortunately, they can collect dirt and grime quickly due to their small size, curves, and moving parts. By cleaning up splatter and other messes on your small appliances right away, you can keep them cleaner overall and possibly make them last longer. Just make sure that you unplug the device before you start cleaning and always follow the manufacturer's advice that came with it. With care and reasonable common sense, these cleaning techniques can also be applied to your larger kitchen appliances.

Here are some best practices for cleaning the most popular small appliances:

• Toaster: Crumb trays come in handy, but they don't catch everything. To get your toaster clean, place a piece of newspaper underneath the tray after ensuring the toaster is cool. Next, shake all loose crumbs onto the newspaper. You can now use a nylon scrubber or soapy sponge to remove caked-on particles and then dry the toaster with a soft cloth.

• Food processors and blenders: Many of these models are safe for the dishwasher, but their awkward shape makes it difficult to load them. They will likely come much cleaner if you wash them by hand. Start by removing the blade and then washing each part of the food processor or blender with warm soapy water. For stuck-on food debris, try using a bottle brush or toothbrush.

• Microwave oven: You can clean the outside of your microwave oven with a soft cloth and mild cleanser. Be sure to wipe up spills on the inside of the unit as soon as they happen. Wiping the walls and floor with a damp, hot cloth should do the trick. If you notice unpleasant odors, place one-quarter of a cup of lemon juice and a bowl of water in the microwave and run it for one minute at a high setting.

• Drip coffee maker: Be sure to rinse out the carafe and drip basket after each use with dish soap and water. Don't forget to wipe coffee that has spilled onto the hot plate once it cools. This may require you to scrub with baking soda and a wet sponge.

Installing a home audio system may seem like a simple matter, but it takes time to get the most out of it. If you're disappointed with your sound, here are some things you can do to help your home audio system sound better.

Check Your Cables

Many people think that they need brand new cables when they buy a new home audio system. While that might help if you don't have any cables or the ones you have are old and damaged, it's rare for audio cables to degrade in time. If you're not getting a good signal between your system's various components, your problem might actually be the jacks you're using to extend the length of your cables. This can weaken the signal and cause your audio quality to degrade.

Instead of rushing out to buy new cables, work with the ones you have. Reconfigure your system to shorten the distance between your components so that you can connect them directly to where they need to go with only your shorter cables.

Of course, if the cables you have are worn and frayed, by all means go out and buy new ones. At that point, your cables are a safety hazard and should be replaced.

Adjust Your Equalizer

An equalizer allows you to alter the sound that comes out of your speakers. For example, if a song has so much bass that it sounds muddy or is overpowering the rest of the song, simply lower the intensity of the bass with your equalizer and turn up another frequency to get a better balance. If you listen to different kinds of music, you will need to adjust your equalizer regularly if you want the best possible listening experience. If that seems like too much work, you can always invest in a second equalizer. Fortunately, these are pretty inexpensive. You can even find an app for your smartphone that you can use with your home audio system via a Bluetooth connection. Just search for the appropriate apps for your phone, whether that is an iPhone or an Android.

Re-align Your Speakers

Each speaker broadcasts sound in one direction, so align your speakers so that you are getting sound from all directions. This will take some experimenting on your part, but it's amazing how much this can affect the sound of your home audio system. For an even greater effect, hook your speakers to a crossover box. This will separate the sounds that come out of the speakers so that some will broadcast deeper sounds while others will broadcast higher sounds. Once again, experiment with your setup to get the most out of it.

For more information about how to properly set up your home audio system and to get the most out of it, contact us and we’ll help you out!

Small details can make a big difference in the viewing experience in your home or theater. Consider some elements that can make or break your projector when you use it to view movies, videos, or other images at home.

Some things that make a big impact on home projection include:

The Room's Ambient Lighting
In home theaters or projection areas, subtle lighting is best and merits a dimming-feature. It is suggested that wall sconces, track-lighting, and recessed fixtures are best for a projection space, with ambient light that can be dimmed as needed.

The Color of the Walls
Also, keep in mind the color of the room. Paint your home theater a dark color, that is no-glare and flat for the best image during projection.

The Screen
When using a projector, the color of the screen is important. It may seem wise to use a white screen for your projection, but gray is better and will provide the detailed resolution that you want.

Natural Light Sources
Natural light from windows, doors, or outside will impact the image projected on your screen. Cover up windows with dark panels or blinds, and block out even the cracks of light that cause glare and reflections for optimal viewing.

Use these tips to enhance the projection experience at home, and to get the best image possible when you sit down to watch. Consider the space that you plan to use your projector in, and make some augmentations to ensure a clear, detailed resolution for you and your guests.

Before you go out and buy a new front-loading washer, make sure that you buy the one that will suit your home, and life, the best.

Some things to look for in your new washer are:

The Measurements
Don't guess when it comes to measuring your new washer. Make sure that there is ample room for the door to open and close, and that you take height into consideration for your space.

The Style
Stay away from the flash of bold-colored machines or new appliance trends. Stick to a neutral tone, nothing too trendy, to ensure the greatest satisfaction over time.

The Capacity
Be realistic when looking for your washer in terms of capacity. How much laundry do you do? Smaller-load models will be cheaper, but may not fit pragmatically with your lifestyle.

The Drum
A key element of any washer is the drum. Invest a little more to ensure the drum is rust-resistant, preferably made from durable stainless-steel. Also, check the measurements for your washer's drum; an average front-loading machine has a drum that is around four-to-five cubic feet, which typically washes an eight-pound load of laundry.

Features and Options
Before you spend good-money for added options and features that you may not need, ask around to determine if they are worth it. Things like a delicate cycle or steam option may sound good, but will you use these enough to make the added cost practical?

Ratings
It is important to consider the energy costs of your new washer. Check the energy star rating of the product before buying. Also, go ahead and check the model's safety rating through the Consumer Product Safety Commission to determine the safety and any known hazards of the washer.

Use these tips when shopping for a new front-load washer. You will find that a little bit of effort, such as taking precise measurements and checking product ratings, can ensure that you are happier with your new appliance for years to come.

Tempted to shove just a few more clothes into the dryer? Don't! You'll waste energy and your clothes will take much longer to dry. And that's just the beginning.

Here is a look at why overloading your dryer is a very bad idea.

More Wrinkles
When you stuff too many clothes into your dryer, they can't tumble freely. The result is a longer drying time and more wrinkles in your shirts, pants, sheets, and other types of laundry.

More Lint
More clothes in the dryer means more lint, which builds up in the lint trap. This prevents the free flow of air, meaning your clothes take longer to dry.

And if you don't clean out the lint trap before every load, the build-up can cause a fire. It is always important to keep the filter and the outdoor vent clean and free of lint.

But when you double up on your dryer loads, the lint collects much faster. That means you need to inspect the filter and vent more often, something that many homeowners don't consider.

Longer Drying Time
When too many clothes are crammed into the dryer, there is no room for air to circulate. And that's what gets your clothes dry. When your dryer is overloaded, it can't work efficiently. Your load of laundry will take much longer to dry.

Harming the Dryer
When you pack in too many clothes, towels and sheets, your dryer has to work harder to get them dry. Trying to do its job, the motor of your expensive dryer can overheat and eventually burn out.

It's also hard on the belt, pulley assembly and spindle bearings. Though unseen, these are critical components. When they have to work too hard, load after load, it causes friction and breakdowns.

Getting a repairperson out to fix it costs money for labor and parts. If the dryer is too far gone, it might need replacement, which is very expensive.

Higher Energy Bills
It's simple math: the longer your dryer takes to get clothes dry, the more energy it uses. You pay for all that energy in your monthly utility bills.

The bottom line: lighter loads dry more efficiently, less expensively, more quickly, with less wear and tear on your machine. To save time, money and energy, don't overload your dryer.

When you are upgrading or remodeling your home, remember that automation equates to convenience, and this includes voice-controlled lighting features. Consider the benefits of being able to control the lighting fixtures in your home with your voice, and how this could improve everyday living and ease.

Why do you need voice-controlled lighting?

Impress Visitors and Guests
There is little as impressive as controlling elements of your home with a verbal command, and this is a sure-way to amaze guests and visitors.

Safety
Coming home to a dark house is not just inconvenient, it could be dangerous. Avoid trips, falls, and injuries by arriving home to a well-lit home simply with the sound of your voice!

Convenience
Make it possible to adjust your lighting when you have your hands-full or are in the middle of something. Imagine the convenience and efficiency of being able to control your home's lights without skipping a beat.

Childproof
Don't risk a snafu when you have kids that mess with your controls and remotes in the home. Keep things simple, streamlined, and functioning by converting to automated lighting.

Special Situations
Stay in bed and keep your germs contained when you are feeling under the weather. Forget hollering to family members to ask for lights to be turned-on or off and simply automate to voice-controlled lighting for the utmost in comfort- and get better fast!

Voice-controlled lighting is a pragmatic element of home automation, and it is becoming more popular in homes widely. Talk with our specialists about the perks of voice-controlled fixtures and the best approach to automating your home.

Washing machines just might be the biggest labor-saving device of the last century. The fact that you need one goes without saying, but which type should you purchase? You can choose a model where you load your clothes through a door in the top of the machine or one with a door in the front. Both types have their pros and cons, so it's just a better of deciding which works best for you.

Top Loaders
Wash machines that load on the top were the first introduced on the market and still make up the majority market share today. The oldest models have a central agitator that churns your clothes and water from the machine simultaneously to eliminate dirt and stains. Although it does a good job of this, the process can be hard on your clothes. It also uses a lot of water because it repeats this process two times before moving on to the rinse and spin cycles.

High-efficiency top loaders resolve many of the issues with their earlier counterparts. Instead of an agitator, newer top loaders use central wash plates to move clothes through the wash cycles while consuming less water in the process. That is because water levels automatically adjust to match the size of the load of laundry. One major benefit of both new and old school top loaders is that it requires minimal lifting and bending to load clothes in the wash machine.

Front Loaders
Wash machines that you load in the front are easier on the environment because your clothes don't have to be fully submerged to come clean. The horizontal tub of the front loader moves clothes through the water instead. This type is slightly harder on the body due to the bending required to add and remove clothes, but many people feel that the improved efficiency is worth this minor trade-off. Front loaders are generally more efficient because their high spin speeds mean clothes don't have to spend as much time in the dryer to get fully dry.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in every home. Whether you plan to live in the home for a while or resell it in a few years, the kitchen flooring is going to be an important decision. A well remodeled kitchen adds tremendous value to a home. It is helpful to pick your flooring when you choose your cabinets, backsplash and paint colors to ensure a cohesive look.

It can be overwhelming when shopping for new components and technology for your home theater; it may seem like any new elements will break the bank. There are basically a few basic components that you need for a quality home-viewing experience, and that will give you all that you need to entertain, watch, and screen in your own home.

The basic elements for your home theater include:

A Great TV
The right television is integral and the foundation of your theater. If you want the latest and greatest of televisions for your home theater, go with one of the newer Smart TVs. These will keep you online and promise a wider range of viewing options.

Your Favorite Gaming Console
Choose your favorite gaming console, and go with it! Check out retro gaming systems that will bring out the kid in anyone, as well as some of the latest options found from your favorite manufacturer.

A Super Sound Bar
A sleek sound-bar can alter and improve the acoustics and sound of your TV and theater significantly. Even the most state-of-the-art televisions benefit from the sound quality and volume of an inexpensive sound-bar speaker system.

A High-End Blu-Ray
You will want a Blu-ray player in your theater to view movies, films, and TV shows that you may have in your Blu-ray collection. Skip the DVD players; go with Blu-ray for more resolution and better image on the screen.

A Clever Cable Box
Invest in a clever cable box to conceal and organize your components' wires and cords. But better yet? Go wireless! Reduce the risk of someone tripping over a cord and dismantling your equipment by getting rid of the cables and wires altogether.

Talk to our technology and electronic experts to find the best pieces and components for your theater and to upgrade your current home theater equipment. Use these tips to keep your theater up-to-date, while also keeping it within budget.

Home automation is rapidly changing the way people enjoy their household surroundings, and also how efficiencies can be gained through the use of modern technology to promote a lifestyle which incorporates a little bit of luxury and a lot of convenience. Here is a brief primer on how some of these incredible devices are creating a whole new lifestyle for people.

Home Theater and Hidden Television
Television lifts can now cause your TV to pop up from the floor or out of a cabinet, so it takes up no space when not in use. Home theater systems have become so sophisticated that they are now comparable to an actual movie theater experience, without all the annoying patrons flashing cellphones and talking between scenes.

Programmable Thermostats
You can now program your thermostat to save big-time on energy bills. For instance, you can lower the heat or air conditioning at night, when it is less needed by occupants. In the same way, when your family goes on vacation, you can relieve much of the stress on your heating or cooling system by running it less until you come back. Best of all, you can even do all this remotely if need be.

Security Systems
A great many smart security products and systems have been made available now, so that you can control access to your home remotely, and you can even see who is requesting access on your smartphone, while you are miles away from your residence. Your security system can be enabled or disabled at your discretion, from wherever you happen to be.

Multi-Room Music
From a central receiver, you can control the music which gets heard in every room in the house which has been wired, or which can receive a wireless signal. This allows every household occupant to be listening to something different, and everyone can still be enjoying exactly what they want.

Home Lighting
All of your home lighting can be managed through your smartphone or tablet, by connecting it all up as a portable light switch. With this arrangement, you can turn lights on and off, dim and brighten them, and even change colors to suit your different moods.

Cleaning burnt food off a pan is one of the least enjoyable parts of cooking. Maybe you got distracted while frying meat and its charbroiled remains are stuck to the pan. Another possibility is that you forgot to grease the pan before putting anything in it. Whatever the reason for the burnt food residue, you have a mess on your hands and don't look forward to scrubbing the pan clean. Fortunately, there's an alternative to this hard, time-consuming work.

Tips for Cleaning a Burned Pan without Scrubbing

If you notice that you have scorched a pan, remove it from the heat right away and run it under warm water from the kitchen sink. You should do this even before you sit down to eat. Next, place the pan on a holder on the counter or a cool, empty spot on the stove. Locate a dryer sheet and place it in the pan filled with soapy water. The dryer sheet should be fully submerged in the pan. Allow the pan to sit for a minimum of one hour and then check on it. Badly charred pans may need to sit overnight.

You're now ready to pour the solution out of the pan into the drain of your sink. Much of the grime that was stuck to the pan should pour out with the solution. While this method may not remove all grime, it will have loosened anything left remaining. This allows you to simply wipe it off rather than expending valuable elbow grease scrubbing it. Before putting the pan away, wash it by hand or run it through the dishwasher.

The lint filter in your dryer is easy to overlook. And that's too bad because cleaning it regularly can save you money and time.

The Benefits of a Clean Lint Filter
A clean filter helps you four ways. Here is a closer look.

Blocking Airflow
The fluffy residue from your clothes, called lint, collects in the filter. When it gets full, it blocks heated air. Since it can't flow freely, your clothes take longer to dry.

Using More Power
That's not all. Your dryer also has to use more power to dry your clothes. The harder it works, the more energy it uses up.

Both of these situations result in a higher energy bill.

Strain on the Motor
The extra power it takes and longer drying periods makes the appliance motor work harder. Your dryer motor is at risk of more repairs and a shorter lifespan. Eventually, that costs you money.

Fire Hazard
Lint collects in the filter, as well as around it and under it. All of this can become a fire hazard if your dryer overheats or malfunctions. That can really cost you money.

Keep It Clean!
Make sure you clean your filter before you do each load. It is a simple task. For most dryers, all you need to do is put your fingers in the filter and roll off the lint. Be sure to take it from under and around the filter too. If you use fabric-softener sheets, wipe one over the filter to collect the lint.

Lint filters are located in various spots, depending on the model. Usually they are easy to spot. Manufacturers put them in prominent locations to encourage you to keep them clean. Check your owner's manual for the precise location and any manufacturer's recommendations for lint cleaning.

It's disappointing when your home audio system doesn't deliver the quality of sound that you expect. The good news is that making it sound better can be a relatively easy fix. For example, checking the cables and making necessary adjustments can help you quickly recover sound quality. While audio cables don't normally degrade, they can lose the digital signal going from the speaker to the player. This is especially common when people splice in jacks to extend cable length. Try refiguring your speaker cables by shortening them and eliminating splices instead of adding to them.

Some other easy fixes you can try include:

• Align your speakers: You will experience the highest sound quality when you set up speakers so you hear the sound from every direction. Be sure to set up the speakers with your normal seating arrangement in mind for high-quality sound with minimal distortion or loss.
• Update your equalizer or add a new one: The equalizer's job is to fine-tune all sound that comes out of the speakers. Adjusting your equalizer settings can help you get precise sound from bass and other instruments. However, it can get annoying if you have to adjust your equalizers every time you listen to music. Instead, consider upgrading or adding an equalizer with smartphone and Bluetooth app capability. This allows you to adjust equalizer settings without even having to get up.
• Separate channels with a crossover: Channel is another name for individual speakers. That means if your audio system has two speakers and one subwoofer, it's a 2.1 system. You use more channels when you have more speakers. By adding a crossover box, you can choose which channels send out high, mid-tone, and low sounds. You can achieve the best sound by using both a crossover and an equalizer.

The way you prefer to hear sound is as individual as you are. You deserve to have your music feel just right - so we encourage you to stop by our store and ask a specialist for more information!

When you're ready to start shopping for a new refrigerator, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of models now available, and you might have trouble getting started with your search. Here are a few key points to remember, which will help narrow down your choices and ensure that you end up with exactly what you need.

Refrigerator Styles
The most popular refrigerator style is the 'top-mount' style, which has the freezer on top and the refrigerator space below it. These are generally the most affordable units, and they emphasize cooling space over freezing space, so if you have need of more freezing capacity, you may need to consider another style. The 'bottom-mount' style is just the opposite of course, and has the small-ish freezer situated on the bottom of the unit, often being sized as a shelf that can be pulled out, for the placement and retrieval of frozen foods.

The 'side-by-side' style is constructed such that the freezer area and the refrigerator area are both vertical sections, although generally the refrigerated space takes up more room than the freezer area. Still, this configuration provides much greater capacity for frozen foods, so if your family typically maintains a large volume of freez-ables, this might be the most advantageous for you.

Yet another refrigerator style is that of the 'counter-depth' model. These refrigerators are reduced in size, but can be sufficient for single persons or small families, and they have the additional benefit of sitting more or less flush with other cabinetry and countertops in the kitchen. Where kitchen space is at a premium, they can be the ideal style for a home, and from an appearance standpoint, they blend in well with existing kitchen decor and styling.

Other Points
Apart from the purely stylistic considerations, you should also take into account how much space you have in your kitchen for a new unit, whether your family prefers more fresh foods or frozen, and the physical capabilities of household occupants who would be accessing the new refrigerator.

Enhance and improve the lighting around your home, especially if you are looking for the best viewing experience for your home theater or television. Even if you believe your rooms are adequately lit, consider the following tips to ensure your home is safe, convenient, and illuminated:

• Keep your home dimly lit to reduce glare and improve illumination when watching television or enjoying your home theater in the family room. Make sure that components are not in direct sunlight, which can impact the resolution.
• Light up unique focal points and displays at night with small task lamps. This will also serve to reduce the glare of monitors or screens that you are viewing.
• Make sure that the lighting in your foyer is bright enough to counter the light streaming in through doors or windows. This will prevent the harshness when walking in and out of the home, as well as make others feel welcomed when visiting on movie-night!
• Use warm white bulbs to evoke a feeling of welcoming and comfort in your theater; use cool white bulbs to invigorate and stimulate the senses.
• Invest in dimmers for your lighting fixtures to control and darken rooms during entertaining or family gatherings; this creates a calm and serene ambiance while enjoying your home theater.
• Make sure that your bedroom is dim to encourage sleep and natural Melatonin. This will also create the best image for nighttime viewing.
• Buy a task lamp near your bedside for reading, crafting, or whatever projects you enjoy at bedtime. This will make such activities much easier on your eyes while keeping a harsh glare off your computer screen or television.

Use these tips to re-evaluate the lighting in your home theater or viewing areas! Visit retailers and sites to find the perfect light fixtures to enhance and improve daily living through proper lighting.

Finding rotten food at the back of your refrigerator is unpleasant. Coming home from the grocery store with food you already have because your refrigerator is an unorganized mess is frustrating and a waste of money. With some simple organizational tips, you can avoid these issues and increase the efficiency of your refrigerator at the same time. Here are five to get you started:

• Schedule an inventory of your refrigerator contents at regular intervals. This is the ideal time to throw out expired food or combine two half-empty jars of the same thing. If you notice mold or a foul odor when you pick up a food item, err or the side of caution and throw it away.
• Don't place items in the refrigerator so close together that it impedes the free flow of air throughout each compartment. Placing your food efficiently allows the refrigerator motor to run less often, which means that the temperature remains more consistent.
• Consider using a “first in, first out” rotation system. That means placing the newest food items at the back of the refrigerator and the oldest ones in front. You also need to use the oldest food first for this system to work efficiently.
• Place leftover and opened food in tightly sealed containers to prevent the transfer of odor and flavor to other food in your refrigerator. If you don't have enough containers, bags with a zipper lock should do the trick.
• Wipe up food spills immediately with a damp cloth. Baking soda works well for tougher or caked-on stains. Be sure to use a mild or homemade detergent to prevent damaging the interior of your refrigerator.

If you have always taken a haphazard approach to organizing your refrigerator, the new year is the perfect time to implement these tips.

Make life simpler around the home with some clever appliance hacks that your whole family can use. These tricks will not only make clean-up easier, but will also make your basic appliances versatile so that they can serve double-duty in your kitchen.

Dishwashing Diagrams
Take time to teach your family the proper way to load the dishwasher with a diagram. Laminate it to protect it, and hang it on the front of the appliance for a convenient reference.

Cleaner Blenders
Clean your blender by running it with a little water and a drop of soap. This will effortlessly clean the blades, nooks, and crannies.

Combat Boil-Overs
Prevent boil-overs during cooking on your clean range or cooktop by placing a wooden spoon across the top of your pot- it really works!

Refrigerator Rescue
Make more storage space in your fridge by adding a lazy-Susan or turntable that allows you to see what's in the fridge, and access it easily.

Double-Duty Appliances
Make your appliances serve double-duty in the kitchen. For instance, use your air popcorn-popper for toasting seeds and nuts, use your pepper grinder for crushing other toppings such as nuts or cookie crumbles for desserts, or your coffee grinder for freshly-ground spices. Try using your waffle iron for a unique spin on potatoes, stuffing, or other side-dishes!

Storage Spaces
Make the most of your double ovens by using them for storage when you are not baking.

Kid-Friendly Cooking
Designate a single burner for kids to use when cooking or preparing food. This will get them familiar with the settings, dials, and keep them safer in the kitchen.

Use these convenient hacks to inspire more ways to use your kitchen appliances, while keeping clean-up a breeze! Implement some of these suggestions to make life easier, more convenient, and safer for all members of your family.

When you are shopping this holiday season, you will encounter many exciting high dynamic range (HDR) televisions. It will be tempting to buy one but there are a few things that you should be aware of before taking the HDR plunge:

The HDR Experience
HDR televisions and components emerged this past year and made a big-splash on the home theater market. HDR technology brings richer color, greater contrast, more depth, and a visually more realistic image to the viewing experience.

Compatibility Counts
Compatibility counts and not all HDR TVs are created equal. There are essentially two different types of HDR: HDR10 and Dolby Vsion. It is worth mentioning that Dolby Vision tends to take priority and will be the HDR default to when a component is compatible with both. Talk with technology retailers to determine the most practical route when shopping for TVs, based on your lifestyle and viewing habits.

Changing Technology
It merits mention that technology continues to change every day, and just because you upgraded your television within the past five years does not make it pragmatic by today's viewing standards. It makes the most sense and is most cost-efficient to replace older TVs with contemporary HDR models rather than attempt upgrades to obsolete systems.

Can you upgrade to HDR? The answer is a resounding 'yes', but this doesn't spare you from replacing obsolete sets, components, or systems in order to maintain optimal viewing at home. Visit technology and electronic retailers and sites to compare HDR TVs and to find the best component for your home theater system.

Bacteria can lurk around your home and compromise the health and well-being of your family. These nasty germs are often found in some ignored household items, which could be well past their prime and ready for replacement. Take a look around your home and get rid of these simple things that could be fostering bacteria, germs, and illness.

Are these household items ebbing into their expiration?

Your toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush regularly; don't wait until you drop it in the toilet or it loses bristles to buy a new one! Better yet, watch for sales on oral hygiene products and stock up on toothbrushes for the whole family.

Kitchen sponges. Think about all of the things that you wipe, clean, and swipe with your kitchen sponges. It is no wonder that these are breeding grounds for bacteria that can contaminate cooking surfaces and the food that you prepare. Toss kitchen sponges out after a few uses.

Over-the-counter medications. Old and outdated medications, pain relievers, and vitamins are not only ineffective, but they could be dangerous if ingested. Always check the dates on your household meds and toss out when they expire.

Cosmetics. Do you ever check the expiration dates on your hygiene products and makeup? If these items become old, they can be breeding grounds for bacteria that are then transferred to your face, skin, and hair.

Water filters. Your water filtration system, pitcher, or bottle can't do its job if the filter is old or dirty. Make sure to make a note of when you change the filter, and replace regularly according to the manufacturer's directions. If you consume a lot of filtered water, you may want to replace more often.

Sometimes the simple things can get overlooked amid busy schedules, work, and family. Take time to assess these often-overlooked items and replace them if necessary. This is a positive step toward reducing bacteria and preventing illness this season!

In years past, only engineers and artists might have been able to really appreciate the best sound quality from a recording, but nowadays technology advances have made it possible for practically anyone to progress far beyond the level of casual listener. One of the best ways to take this next up is to purchase uncompressed digital audio in studio quality, and then investing in a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, and a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) for playback on demand.

Digital-to-Analog-Converters

If you really want to enjoy high-resolution listening of your music and other recordings, you should really buy a DAC. The DAC operates by converting digital signals to analog format for playback on your home audio system. Ideally, you should purchase a high-end DAC, capable of converting 192 kHz audio in 24-bit format to analog, so there is absolutely no degradation of sound quality, and what you hear is exactly what was originally engineered in the studio.

Network Attached Storage devices

Once you've upgraded the sound quality of your recordings, you'll also need a high-tech storage device, capable of faithfully saving every nuance of the original recording. Network Attached Storage devices can be fairly expensive, often costing in the neighborhood of $500-$1,000, and they attach to your home network. NAS devices are far less susceptible to damage, corruption, or network viruses, and are very easily maintained via menu selections. Once you've stored your music, it can be accessed from any PC or mobile device on your home network, and it can be played back in streaming mode via any high quality audio device you may have.

Two must-have components

You can also use these two high-tech components for storage and playback of videos, photos, and movies, but whichever medium you happen to be using will certainly be improved by using them. You can also count on a simplified setup and greater ease of maintenance for all your high-quality audio and video recordings.

Have you ever wished you could lock or unlock your front door without using a traditional key? Sometimes using a key can be difficult. They can be awkward to manipulate, you may not always carry a purse or have pocket for storing them, or you may not want to give visitors your key. Fortunately, there are now several locking systems that you can use that don't require a key.

Combination Deadbolts

Homeowners and renters have relied on low-tech combination deadbolt locks for many years. In order to use them, all you need to do is punch a few numbers onto a keypad and the door will unlock. In addition, you can create temporary key codes for your visitors and change the code whenever needed.

Touchscreen Locks

Touchscreen locks are similar to combination deadbolts, but they are much more sophisticated locking devices. Depending on the design, you can program them to use voice-commands and can add or remove codes for visitors. In addition, although they contain computerized components, they can usually withstand inclement weather.

Smart Locks

According to Popular Mechanics, smart locks are easy to use and extremely secure. They allow you to lock or unlock your door, either on-site or remotely, by using a smartphone or key fob. You do not need to use a traditional key or remember a code of any sort. You can allow visitors to utilize their own smartphone to gain entry to your home by sending them an invitation and create special entry codes just for them. You will be notified when your invitee enters and exits the premises, and you can rescind the invitation at any time. In addition, this type of locking system will recognize your presence whenever your phone is in your possession and will automatically unlock your front door.

All of the above locking systems include a traditional key, in case you occasionally want to use it. Although each of these alternatives may be easier than using a conventional key, the right solution for you will most likely hinge on your unique needs.

Homeowners that have invested in smart technology around their home have an edge when it comes to the real estate market. Potential buyers are seeking high-end features, particularly technology, when it comes to looking at luxury homes for sale. Technology can make everyday life easier, safer, and more convenient- which are qualities buyers look for in a home.

Some ways that smart technology is changing the way that people live are:

Climate control. Consider the convenience of being able to set a switch and have temperature control, air, and circulation set on a timer- or utilized from your phone or mobile device!

Mood lighting. Come home to a relaxing, soothing scene when you utilize smart technology to set the lighting for you. Use your phone or tablet to control the lighting before you even walk in your door.

Electronic cohesion. Don't fumble around with remotes and cables; use smart technology to control all of your electronic components with the touch of a keypad.

Security systems. Worry when you are out about the security of your home? Smart technology will provide you with a glimpse at your property, cameras, and loved ones when you are out of the house via your phone or laptop.

Consider the new and exciting ways that smart technology can change the way that you live, as well as improve the overall value of your property. Talk with technology retailers and experts to find ways to implement these features throughout your home, and to make everyday living more convenient, comfortable, and safe.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a marvelous cleaner that's fairly inexpensive and provides a natural alternative to commercial cleaners for use in the home. ACV is non-toxic, biodegradable, and it is ideal for removing bacteria, mineral deposits and dirt.

Laundry Room

• Kill germs and remove odors from laundry by adding one cup of ACV to each laundry load.
• Keep your washing machine sparkling clean by adding two cups of ACV and running an empty washer through a laundry cycle.

Living Room

• Mix a solution containing 50 percent water to 50 percent ACV. Use it for streak free windows and cleaning walls.
• Scrape off the bulk of wax spilled on a coffee table, and remove the last of the wax residue with diluted ACV.
• Use full strength ACV to remove water stains from coffee tables.
• Add vinegar to carpet steamers to improve cleaning. Mix the vinegar with 2 T of salt to treat individual carpet stains.

Gardening

• Mixing equal parts of ACV with water creates an excellent fertilizer for vegetable and flower gardens.
• Using ACV, full strength, in garden areas that are prone to weeds helps to kill top growth and may reduce weed growth all together.

Bathroom

• Fixing clogged drains is easy. Simply add ½ c baking soda into the drain, then, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain. Next, add one cup of very hot water into the drain. The mixture will immediately begin to bubble, fizz and foam. Let the solution work its magic for 15 minutes and flush with hot water.
• Vinegar can be used full strength or diluted with water to kill mildew on walls, tiles and sinks.

Kitchen

• Adding ¼ c of ACV to the wash cycle of your dishwasher is a good way to remove tough stains from wine glasses and coffee cups.
• Mixing equal amounts of water and vinegar together makes a mild cleaning solution that won't damage kitchen surfaces. It is ideal for scouring stovetops, walls, microwaves, refrigerators and countertops.
• Adding about a ½ c of vinegar to the wash cycle of a dishwasher deodorizes and removes stains from inside the dishwasher.

Keep a couple of common household items on hand to clean any scorched or burnt pans in the kitchen. It is shown that white vinegar and baking soda can be effective to remove the darkening and stains that might compel you to toss-out your pots, and pans- but don't! For metal bakeware, use the following tips to remove the stains and restore the gleam of your favorite implements.

1. Put the pan on the stove with a couple inches of water. Add one-cup of white vinegar to the water in the pan and heat until boiling.

2. Remove the pan from the heat. Now add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. Prepare for it to fizz! Give it a light stir.

3. Empty the pan and wash. Empty the mixture from the pan and wash as usual with dishwashing detergent and hot water. Dry thoroughly to avoid rusting before putting the pans away.

4. Scour the pan using steel-wool or cleaning pads. For stubborn stains or spots, use a paste made from baking soda and a little bit of warm water. Allow the paste to sit for a bit before cleaning the pan as usual.

Don't let a scorch-mark or stain ruin your favorite pots and pans. Instead, give them some love with this simple cleaning technique, using white vinegar and baking soda. This method is effective on any metal bakeware, dishes, or crockery- any kitchen implements that could be damaged by becoming burnt or scorched during use.

Back in the late 90s, home automation started slowly, and was only seen in upscale houses and engineer's den. The most obvious example of how technology has advanced is its presence in nearly every modern household – the average Joe can now tell his lights to power on or off using his Smartphone before he's even pulled up in his driveway!

In the following run-down, we list a handful of reasons why a smart home is a better home:

• Smart is Convenient. Simply put, having a smart home is tantamount to having many of the controls at your fingertips – you can close your curtains, operate the lights in separate rooms; control your security set-up and more. And you can do this even if you're not actually inside your home.
• Smart Equals Increased Comfort. Additionally, automating your home allows you to exercise less energy in performing certain tasks. After a long day at work, you don't have to get up several times to alter your home comfort system, for example, or to start the washer/dryer.
• Smart is More Efficient. For similar reasons as the above, having remote access to all of your devices has the potential to decrease your energy bill. With the click of a button or swipe of your Smartphone, you can shut down the thermostat or turn off the lights before bed.
• Ease Your Worries. Did you forget to turn the stove off when you got into bed? How about check for water leaks? A smart home makes these things easily viewable from your portable device; there are sensors that detect these kinds of things and you can digitally tap into them.
• Customize. And, of course, there's the prospect of precise customization. Just about every part of your home can be upgraded to smart-level; whether you opt for an electronics customization expert, or simply peruse the wide range of available options. The high-tech solutions are virtually endless.

What Is a Washing Machine Drain Pan

Most of us don't think too much about washing machine drain pans, but one of these could be the difference between avoiding a small flood in your home and having gallons and gallons of water leak out into your wash area. A drain pan is a device which easily slides under your wash machine to provide some measure of protection against a leak which might develop, or against accidental spills.

Typically the drain pan catches water overflow from your machine or possibly leakage from a faulty water hose, and it even provides a measure of protection for your floor against condensation. Drain pans can be especially critical if your wash area is located on the second or third floor of your home, because any water leakage above the first floor can have even more serious consequences when water leaks through.

How It Works

A drain pan is usually shaped as a rectangle which is sized slightly larger than your wash machine, and it can be purchased at most hardware and plumbing stores. You may need help lifting up your washer to get the drain pan placed underneath, and it then has to be connected to a drain pipe, so as to funnel away excess water.

Most drain pans come with a pre-cut hole which you can fit a PVC pipe into, while placing the other end of the pipe in the drain itself. In this setup, even with a major leakage, water will never rise above the level of the drain pan itself, because it will always be channeled away into the drainage system.

Drain Pan Maintenance

In light of the fact that any cracks or breaks to your drain pan could result in a flooding disaster to your home, it's definitely worth your while to check on the drain pan periodically. This means doing an eyeball inspection of the drain pan itself, and checking for wet spots anywhere around the drain pan to ensure that its integrity has not been compromised.

Even if no cracks or breaks have occurred, it's possible that the connection with the drain pipe has been clogged by washing materials, and it's essential that it be kept free of such debris. If you keep an eye on your drain pan regularly, you should never have the kind of washroom disaster that could result without one.

There are some tell-tale signs that it is time to upgrade your electronics, including your TV. If you plan on integrating your electronics into one convenient, efficient system, it could be the perfect time to invest in an updated television, often the hub of any entertainment system. With so many options and competitive pricing, it could be the perfect time to augment your home electronics.

Some things that may indicate it is time for to upgrade your TV are:

You can't see your screen. If you find that you can't see the image on your TV very well, regardless of how you configure your room, it could be time to upgrade. This could be a sign of your TV's deterioration, which will only get worse.

Your guests can't get a good view. If the TV isn't visible and clear from different angles in your room, it could be time to update and invest in a higher-resolution model.

You are missing out on visual details. Some older screens seem washed-out and less sharp over time. Invest in an HD-TV that promises clear, realistic images with amazing detail.

You are sick of the wires and cords. Nobody wants a mess of tangled cords and wires coming in and out of their TV. Go with something simpler- perhaps wireless- and make the system more streamlined and accessible.

Your old TV is ready to retire. Electronics are ever-evolving, so the top-of-the-line TV that you bought five or six years ago is already becoming obsolete. Stay current to have the best TV resolution with the most exciting options available!

Take advantage of the newest technology and decreased price-points when buying your new TV. If any of the above criteria applies to you, it could be time for an upgrade. Shop around to find the best deals on the latest technology, and look for buyer warranties to protect your investment.

If the thought of spending a day cleaning your home is disheartening, consider some ways that you can keep up on these chores without the overwhelming labor and dread that intensive cleaning can bring.

Some sneaky tips to get the cleaning done include:

Clear the clutter first. Make cleaning a little easier on yourself by clearing out the clutter and purging your home first. Get rid of dust-catchers and open up your spaces a little bit. This will make it faster to access and clean the areas of your home.

Make a daily time allotment. Plan on spending a set-amount of time daily to maintaining your home. For instance, plan on doing what you can in a half-hour every day; try to plan on getting this done in the morning for a sense of accomplishments before the day begins.

Reward yourself between tasks. When you want to watch a favorite TV show or movie, plan on using commercial breaks to clean your house. You may find that you work quicker to get back to your program, too.

Make it your workout. Crank up some music and use cleaning time to get a workout in! Sweep, dust, and scrub to your favorite tunes and work up a sweat while you get your home clean.

Create a cleaning schedule. Rotate chores and designate one day a week for a specific task, so that at the end of the week, the house is clean from top-to-bottom! This will begin the rotation again; for instance, sweep on Mondays, wash windows on Tuesdays, and dust on Fridays.

Be spontaneous. As you move about your home and live your life, take time to clean what you use. For example, if you use the bathroom, take an extra five minutes to clean the toilet. When preparing food for a meal, make an effort to wash up the dishes immediately.

Try these tactics to make cleaning the home a breeze, and so your home always looks presentable and tidy!

Motorized window shades are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners because of the integration they offer with other home automation systems. These may include heating and cooling equipment, lighting systems, and musical systems. Automated window treatments also offer the following benefits:

• They conserve energy by reducing solar glare in the summer and pulling in natural light all year long. This means your air conditioner and lighting systems don't have to work as hard.
• You can program the shades to move throughout the day when you're away at work. This gives your home a lived-in appearance and deters thieves.
• The lack of pull strings makes for a clean, modern look by eliminating clutter.
• You can select from a wide range of fabrics and styles to customize your new window shades.
• Motorized shades can be made for any size and style of window.
• These shades operate quietly in spite of having a motor. You can even select multiple stopping points on the remote control and the shade will stop there automatically.
• Your motorized shades can receive power through your air conditioning system or a set of batteries.
• This product isn't strictly for windows. You can place it over a television screen, a computer, or anything else that you want to keep covered while not in use.
• Children and pets are safer when windows in the home don't have cords. They can easily get tangled up in them and seriously injure themselves. The same could happen to you.
• You can combine several different window treatments and use one piece of motorized hardware to control the entire unit.

These are just some of the many benefits of motorized window shades. Once you install them, you will wonder how you lived with manual window coverings for so long.

Smart lighting systems bring a new level of convenience to the home. Usually operated with a universal-style remote, you are able to dim, alter, illuminate, and change the lights throughout your home with a handheld remote or your technological devices.

Some choices that you will need to make in terms of your smart lighting features are:

• Wired or wireless? Do you want the freedom of wireless smart lighting? These are easily installed by homeowners, though the reliability of wired systems requires professional installation.
• Level of lighting control? If you prefer not to have a lot of system options, go with something simple. Don't invest in features that you won't use.
• Colored light option? Colored lighting options are found with many smart lighting features and these can bring a celebratory element to your parties and holiday affairs.
• Mood and scene settings? Some lighting systems may offer different scene settings which allow you to create a mood in your space. For instance, some may utilize warm light diffusion to create a welcoming environment while a different setting may use a cooler light to energize.
• LED or incandescent bulbs? Most newer systems make use of energy-efficient LED bulbs. If you are still a fan of the old-school incandescent, make sure your lighting system choice reflects this preference.
• Compatible with your other devices? Make the right decision regarding the compatibility of your smart lighting fixtures; consider the convenience of integrating the system with motion sensors on your property or your smartphone security apps.

The lighting that you use in your home is integral to so many things that you do. Whether you use lighting features for security or tasks, ambient lighting or ornamental illumination, make the right choice for your lifestyle and needs when investing in a smart system.

Clear out the clutter and prepare your kitchen by taking an inventory of what you currently have in your cupboards and storage spaces. Toss out any inferior, damaged, or shoddy bakeware and crockery, and make a list of what you need to look for when shopping for new kitchen implements this fall.

Some must-haves for your kitchen this fall include these finds:

A slow-cooker. A sure sign of the season is when slow-cookers are pulled out and used! These are a great way to cook comforting meals with little effort during chilly weather.

A Dutch oven. A nice deep Dutch oven is the benchmark of so many wintry dishes, from stews and soups to cornbread and cakes!

Cast-iron frying pan. A good cast-iron frying pan will last a lifetime. These are the perfect housewarming or wedding gift for a new couple, too.

A pepper-grinder. A good cook needs a good grinder for peppercorns or coarse salt. Go with a hand-held, manual grinder that is easy to operate.

Ceramic loaf pans. Ceramic or glazed loaf pans won't stick and might brown more evenly than metal pans do.

A charcuterie board. Another great fall menu might include a charcuterie platter, which is commonly served on a charcuterie board. This resembles a cutting-board, and often has divots for the shaved meats and sliced cheeses that it displays.

Cookbook holder. If you plan on doing more cooking this fall, you likely will use a cookbook at some point. Invest in a cookbook holder to avoid aggravation of trying to see the recipe as well as avoid the damage that being in the kitchen can cause to your cookbooks.

On the fence about the best technology? If you are deciding between a new wide-screen TV and a video projector, there are a few factors that could pinpoint the best choice for your home and preferences.

Some things to consider when making your choice between TVs and video projection are:

Your buying budget. If you are enhancing or adding to your home theater, both wide-screen TVs and video projection systems are prudent investments. You may find that a video projector is cheaper than upgrading your television, though you will also need to purchase or create a screen for viewing.

Ease of installation. It will be easier for you to install a new wide-screen TV than it will be to set up a video projection system and screen. Unless you possess some tech savvy, you may even want to have your system professionally installed for best results and optimal viewing.

The viewing experience. When it comes to the best viewing experience between wide-screen televisions and video projection systems, you may be surprised to learn that both are comparable. Technology has come a long way and you can expect an excellent resolution and clear screen images, as long as you pay attention to the lighting in the space. For dark rooms, video projection is unsurpassed; in rooms where light or light-colors are prevalent, you will get a better view with a TV.

Consider an investment for your home theater system and buy a new wide-screen TV or video projector. Depending on your living situation, technology, and preferences, you may find one surpasses the other in terms of augmenting your existing system and enhancing your overall viewing experience.

Some people think about remodeling their kitchen for years and never move forward with it because they don't know how to start. However, it's easier than you think when you break it down into manageable tasks. The first thing to do is study magazines, books, websites, and kitchens you admire in other homes to find the perfect design and style for you. Once you have made your selection, you can move on to setting up a project budget.

Coming up with a design and layout for your kitchen is easier when you work with a professional designer. When you have completed this step, you're ready to research kitchen remodeling contractors and ask for bids. After hiring the right person for the job, decide what you want to do about the following:

Appliances: You will need a new dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and stove for your kitchen. Be sure to shop wisely and select the appliance that fits into your budget and matches your kitchen décor.

Cabinets: You have the option here of selecting a finish and style for new cabinets or refinishing the cabinets you already have.

Countertops: Granite, plastic laminate, and solid surface are all popular choices for your countertop. You will need to decide on the color and the material that best suits you.

Faucet and Sink: Many people choose stainless steel or porcelain enamel for their faucet and chrome and crushed nickel for their sink, but the final decision is yours alone. You also need to consider the style of faucet and sink you would like.

Flooring: Tile and wood kitchen floors are both attractive in addition to being practical and easy to clean.

Lighting: One last thing to consider is the type of lights you want your kitchen to have. A combination of pendant, recessed, and under cabinet mounted task lights often works well.

Speakers provide you with an incredible surround-sound experience, but looking at and tripping over their wires is the trade-off you make. However, knowing how to strategically hide the wires ensures that you receive all of the benefit of your speakers and none of the hassle.

Here are five simple ways to do just that:

Adhesive Backed Tape Wire: The adhesive backing of this product enables you to stick your speaker wires to the wall or baseboards. The process is similar to painting and spackling. For termination, connect the wires to the speakers by bending the copper conductors. You can also crimp the speaker pins to use screw-on connectors.

Cable Speaker Wire with Gold Pin Connectors: With this type of product, you connect the wires into a small cable box and then have the option of painting over it. Because the wires and jacket are flat, you can easily tuck them into your flooring or baseboards.

Cord Organizer: A cord organizer allows you to hide the cords in a subtle way. That is because most products come with several paint color choices so you can paint over the organizer and have it blend in with the rest of your wall.

Corner Duct Raceways: This option is ideal for a home theater because you can put it in the baseboard where it stays out of sight. Corner duct raceways come with all of the accessories you need, including adhesive backings, inside and outside corners, fittings, and tee reducers.

Foam Crown Molding: Unless you're a professional installer, you may find it difficult to put up regular crown molding to hide your cords. Foam crown molding kits make the job much simpler. You glue pieces of 6 x 6 lengths to the wall and adhere it with caulking paint.

At one time, spilling coffee on your favorite blouse guaranteed it would be stained forever and end up in the rag bin. However, that's just not the case anymore with so many clever tips and tricks for removing stains. The key to removing stains is learning what to use and how to treat garments before stains set in.

Dealing with Cosmetic Stains

Foundation, eye-shadow and lipstick can easily be removed by pre-treating with liquid detergent. Pour a small amount on the makeup, rub the stain and rinse in water and wash as usual.

Ink Removal

Water-based or ballpoint ink stains can be removed by blotting the excess ink from the fabric and soaking the garment in hot water with liquid laundry detergent for five minutes. Wash on the hottest available setting.

Removing Coffee and Wine Stains

Because coffee and wine spills contain tannins, which stain, garments should be treated immediately. Blot excess liquid off the garment. Soak for about four hours with equal parts of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Wash on the hottest setting. Not meant for use on dark fabrics.

The Key to Wax Stains

Put the clothing or tablecloth in your freezer to harden. Chip off the hardened wax. Place a paper bag under and over the stain and iron. Wash as usual.

Blood Stain Removal

Rinse fresh blood out of fabric immediately using cold water and toss it in the washer. For dried blood, purchase an enzyme stain remover to pre-treat the fabric and launder. If stains persist after laundering, you can treat with hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent.

Tips for Cooking Oil Spills

Soak up the oil using paper towels and apply baking soda to both sides of the fabric. Allow it to sit for a few hours and rinse with water. Launder as normal.

Removing Deodorant Stripes

Deodorant stains can easily be removed by rubbing a little liquid soap into the stains. Leave the soap on for five minutes and put it in the dryer.

No More Grass Stains

Apply an enzyme laundry detergent, rub the cloth together and rinse. Launder on hot setting.

If you are investing in a new TV, make sure that you position and install it carefully to ensure the best viewing experience. Many buyers make the mistake of aiming for aesthetic appeal when placing their TVs, rather than the best spot for viewing the screen.

Some tips when determining the best height for your television are:

Keep it at eye-level. A basic rule of thumb for positioning your television on a wall is to keep the center of the screen at eye-level. A lot of factors come into play, such as the height of the regular watchers and the size of your TV. Also, you will need to consider that you will likely be seated when watching which impacts how high eye-level actually is.

Too big for the room? If you are concerned that your TV is too big for the actual room, do the math to find out if you have ample distance for optimal viewing. Measure your TV's diagonal length, and multiply this by 1.5; this is the distance that you should be from the screen for the best viewing experience.

Fireplaces are not always the hot-spot. Even though it looks cool, installing your TV over the fireplace is not always the best idea. Given that optimal viewing is eye-level with the center of the screen, the elevated location above your fireplace could make it hard to watch, and possibly give every member of your family a stiff neck! The exception to this rule is in a space where viewers are typically standing, such as in your home lounge or entertainment area.

Make sure that you are getting the most from your new TV by positioning it so you have the best possible view. Use these tips to improve the viewing experience and enjoy your television, without straining or struggling to see it clearly.

The vent over the stove in your kitchen helps to remove heat and moisture each time you cook. It also traps heat and improves your indoor air quality. In spite of these benefits, some people wonder if range hoods are really necessary due to the noise they make. They definitely are but you can evaluate several factors to ensure that you select the right one for your needs. These include:

Air Flow: The vent fan you purchase must send air outdoors while also removing excess pollutants, moisture, and heat. To determine its effectiveness, check the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of any product you are considering buying. It should at least match your stove. For example, a 30-inch stove should have a CFM of 300 or greater.

Controls: A multispeed or variable speed fan helps the range hood operate correctly. Some products even come with remote control operation.

Ease of Cleaning: Keeping the vent fan clean is easier when the filter comes loose without a struggle and it has smooth surfaces.

Lighting: You want a vent hood that is energy efficient and provides even lighting. The Energy Star label is a good indication that the product you're considering offers both.

Noise Level: The amount of noise your unit makes depends on its sones rating. If having a quiet fan is important to you, look for a lower number.

Style: The range hood you select should blend in nicely with the décor of the rest of your kitchen.

Venting: When you install the range hood, make sure it vents properly to the outdoors. You may need to place a flap on the outside portion to prevent moisture and animals from getting into your house.

As long as you do your research and make a good buying decision, this product will be one that is easy to take for granted.

While it may not qualify as a raging debate, there is at least an ongoing discussion about whether it's better to go wireless or hard-wire your whole-house music system. This article will briefly examine the merits and drawbacks of each. to help you make a more informed decision.

Hard-wired System

Advantages - Music systems have slightly better sound and greater reliability when hard-wired throughout the home, and it is compatible with all brands of hardware, including the all-important loudspeakers used in your system. It's also very easy to integrate your hard-wired music system with any other household systems you might have, so they can all be centrally controlled. A hard-wired system provides the capability to stream music from a tablet or smartphone, and to use either of those devices as controllers for the system.

Disadvantages - Wiring sometimes calls for drilling holes through walls, and cable is often exposed to viewers' sight, or pets' entertainment. It is a bit more costly than a wireless solution, because of the need to run cable to different rooms.

Wireless System

Advantages - Only wireless provides the kind of flexibility that many people demand today from their music systems, which means they want to be able to listen from any room in the house. In addition, speakers can literally be placed anywhere in the home, including some awkward spots that hard-wiring may not be able to reach. The overall cost of a wireless music system will almost always be less than a hard-wired system, and it will be easier for a do-it-yourselfer to install.

Disadvantages - Wireless systems are not quite as rich in sound as hard-wired systems, because most rely on signal compression, and are at the mercy of the home Wi-Fi network. They can also be affected adversely by various RF factors, which can degrade performance. It may be necessary to enhance or strengthen the network in a given house to achieve the kind of performance necessary for multiple audio streams.

Cleaning the stove and oven is one of those jobs that no one really enjoys, yet it must be done. Some modern appliances come with built-in features that save you both time and effort. Even if you own an older stove or oven, there are still ways you can reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning them.

Here are some tips for each area:

• Burners and Knobs: These get touched the most in addition to absorbing most of the dropped or splattered food residue. To get the knobs and burner grates as clean as possible, remove them and soak in hot water with dish soap added. If you notice a build-up of food residue on the stove top and burners, add a dab of vinegar and liquid cleanser to a non-abrasive sponge and scrub them away.
• Doors and Glass: The glass doors of your stove or oven can collect a lot of food residue over time. To remove it, spray a full-strength ammonia on the glass inside of the oven door and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean. Don't forget to spray the glass on the outside of the oven and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
• Oven Racks: Make it a point to remove your oven racks regularly and run them through the dishwasher. If they're too large to fit, add detergent or laundry soap to your bathtub and allow them to soak there. Be sure to dry the racks before putting them back in the oven.
• Oven Walls: If you have a self-cleaning oven, employing its steam-cleaning feature will save you a lot of time. When the cycle is complete, just wipe down the inside of your oven with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. If you don't have this feature, make sure the oven is off and completely cooled down before scrubbing it with a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap by hand.

Placing a flat-screen television in your bedroom can provide a comfortable and entertaining escape from reality — as soon as you figure out where to put it. If you worry you may not have the necessary furniture or wall space for a flat-screen television, think again. All you really need to do is find a flat-screen mounting solution that meets your needs.

Here are a few flat-screen mounting ideas to ensure that your television can be easily seen, complements your decor and is protected from accidents.

Flat Wall Mounts

You will not need to purchase any new furniture with standard wall mounts currently on the market, since they are designed to single-handedly hold flat-screen televisions up against the wall. Plus, since most wall mounts elevate televisions above bedroom furniture, they are kept out of harm's way and viewers can more easily see the screen.

Although wall mount types can vary, your choices largely depend on a television's weight and dimensions. You can also find wall mounts equipped with extra features, such as hardware for extension, panning, swiveling, turning and tilting.

Corner Friendly Mounts

If you are short on flat wall space, you may want to consider a corner mount, since the space they use is typically empty. Corner mount equipment is made to fit your flat-screen television snugly into angles, with televisions secured near the corners using standard wall mount extensions.

Ceiling Placement for Comfort

If every inch of your wall space is taken, another alternative is to mount the television flat against your bedroom ceiling and equip it with hardware that allows it to lift, lower and turn as needed. Ceiling or arm extension mounts allow you to view your television as you stretch out on your bed.

Complementary Disguises

If you want to make your flat-screen television become part of your bedroom's decor, you can also find ways to blend it into your design theme. For example, you can use wall mounts or hinge mounts to place flat-screen televisions behind stylish frames or inside unoccupied fireplaces or wall recesses.

There are usually several possible options for attractively mounting or hiding a flat-screen television in a bedroom. However, before you take the plunge and screw hardware into your walls, try experimenting to find the best position. And, if you need even more flat screen mounting ideas for your bedroom, search the internet for other examples or find flat-screen experts and ask for advice.

How long has it been since you cleaned your washing machine? Soap and hard-water deposits can build up on the basin of your machine, which will prevent your laundry from getting as clean as it can be. If you tend to wash larger loads, the rinse cycle may not be able to properly remove the residues from the sides of the basin during the wash.

Give your washer a little attention by cleaning it regularly:

• Start your wash-cycle. Start a large hot-water cycle in your front-loading washing machine. Add one quart of household bleach to the water and allow the machine to do all the work!
• Stop the cycle. Give the hot water and bleach a chance to work by stopping the washer after a minute or two into the wash cycle. Allow the water and bleach to sit for an hour or so before resuming the wash cycle.
• Repeat with white vinegar. After the cycle is complete and the basin is empty, repeat this process all over again using a quart of white vinegar to the cycle instead of bleach this time. Do not mix the bleach and vinegar together to save time; this can create toxic fumes.
• If you own a top-loading or high-efficiency machine, follow manufacturer's recommendations for the best approach to cleaning your basin. The results will not only make your washing machine basin sparkling clean, but will give the entire home a freshly-cleaned scent and prevent hard-water deposits that can discolor your clothes in the wash!

There are many things to consider that impact your home theater system, as well as your family's enjoyment of the big screen on movie night. Lighting is particularly significant and should be assessed before installing your system. This includes:

• Overhead ambient light fixtures.
• Ceiling lighting that could cause shadows.
• Window treatments and the amount of natural light in your space.

When shopping for new light fixtures, consider some of these contemporary options that can augment and enhance your home theater experience:

Remote control lighting. Remote controlled light fixtures make sense when used in tandem with a home theater system as these typically have more lighting options than conventional lamps or ambient lights. Invest in LED bulbs to make the light fixture more efficient, and to maintain the true colors of the images on your screen.

Dimmable light fixtures. The beauty of dimmable lighting fixtures is that you have optimal control of the illumination in the room, which can affect the resolution of your viewing screen. This also allows you to pick and choose which areas of the room have more or less light, making it the most versatile and convenient option for your home theater.

Wall sconces and task lighting. Hanging sconces on your wall will cast light upward, which can reduce the frustrating glare when trying to watch television. Use table lamps for task lighting when you don't want to illuminate the entire room and compromise the image on your TV.

Pay attention to the amount of natural light filling your space, and that could be interfering with the images on the screen. Consider solutions such as black-out curtains, tinted windows, and even painting the room a dark color to enhance what you see when sitting down to enjoy your home theater!

Step into the 21st century with some contemporary automation for the home. These options are ideal to keeping your home updated while providing a convenient way to bring comfort to your property. From improving the overall appearance of the home to curbing costs with timed lighting options, automation is the enhancement that will make your property value soar.

Five ways that automation can revolutionize your everyday life are:

1. Aesthetics. Got a collection or piece of art that you want to highlight? Use touch-pad technology to provide lighting, mood lighting, and even music to your displays throughout your property. Program the aesthetics from your laptop, smartphone, or remote control for simplicity and ease.
2. Clutter. Clear up the clutter on the walls of your home with automation. Get rid of outlets, cables, and cords that can make the interior walls look flawed and less-appealing. A simple remote or keypad can be used to control the features in a sleek, streamlined fashion.
3. Curb-appeal. Optimize the looks of your landscaping with automation to highlight, showcase, and enhance features outside and around your home. These offer far more than a mere timer; create sequences, celebratory colors, and light shows for your landscaping to improve your current curb appeal.
4. Window treatments. Drawing the drapes and raising the shades can impact the internal temperature of your home. Use an automated system to open and close your window treatments to augment the heating and cooling system of your home. This will also have a positive impact on your monthly utility costs, too.
5. Atmosphere. The right lighting can alter and change the inherent colors of your décor, which affects the atmosphere in the space. Skip harsh bulbs that can negatively impact how your interiors look, and swap your dimmers and lighting systems to those that utilize bulbs with a higher color rendering, or CRI.

If you live in a rental, or you simply have tired, old appliances, spruce them up with this simple suggestion. Invest in a roll of adhesive wallpaper from a home improvement retailer and use it to create a cool, contemporary façade on your fridge, as well as other kitchen appliances.

Give your fridge a fresh look with removable wallpaper:

Wipe it down well. The first step in this process is to clean the appliance well. Give all sides of your fridge a thorough wipe-down, and allow to fully dry before proceeding.

Measure and cut. Measure the front and sides of your appliance carefully, then double-check the measurements to avoid wasting your wallpaper. Some paper may have a measured grid on the adhesive backing to ensure straight lines and precise measurements. Cut in squares to fit the fridge.

Adhere carefully. Work in fairly small areas and gingerly remove the adhesive backing to apply to your clean fridge. Smooth the paper as you work to avoid wrinkles.

Trim to fit. Use a sharp utility blade to trim corners and to cut around the door handle. You can remove the handle, if you wish, to cover with paper and trim around the hardware for an easier application. Cut the corners at a diagonal so that you can fold them down neatly and achieve the best results!

Freshen up your kitchen with a cool, new look for old or tired refrigerators. This is easy and inexpensive to do, and it will give your home a funky look. Make sure that the paper you buy is removable, so that you don't get in trouble when moving out of leased or rented living situations.

Light-emitting diode bulbs, or LED lights, are beneficial for use in any area of the home. While it may seem appropriate to use halogen or incandescent bulbs, these bulbs and fixtures are actually detrimental in terms of aesthetics and efficiency, driving up replacement costs and creating harsh lighting in the spaces of your home.

Some tips for using LED lights around your home and property include:

Living Spaces

• Use LED track lighting for versatility and precision when it comes to illuminating reading spots or entertaining spaces.

• Take advantage of LED light fixtures to bring out the true colors of your home's furnishings.

• Each LED bulb offers approximately 50k hours of lighting, compared to around 1,200 hours for the same wattage incandescent bulb. LED bulbs are cooler, which makes them safer for use around furniture and upholstery.

Bedroom

• Opt for dimmable bulbs when possible for flexibility and convenience. Look for bulbs that are around 50-watts for nighttime reading illumination.

• Add LED strip lights behind your headboard for a warm ambience and relaxing mood. Opt for color-changing LED bulbs to change the room's atmosphere.

• Try LED strip lighting under your bed for a clever and safe night-light.

Kitchen

• LED track lights in the kitchen offer ample illumination overhead for culinary tasks while emitting less heat.

• Use LED bulbs in the pantry and position them to cast light down and in front of your stored goods.

• Use LED tape lighting under cabinets and in drawers to gain illumination where you need it most.

• Try LED bulbs in your ceiling fans to make your entire room cooler.

Outdoors

• Use LED tape lighting around your garage door for illumination when returning home.

• Create a focal point in the yard by lighting up landscaping with stake lights equipped with efficient LED bulbs.

• Visit home improvement retailers to view a large array of LED lighting fixtures, features, and bulbs.

Faded jeans are trendy, but in most cases, faded clothes are a bust. A faded black, slinky camisole looks gray and sadly down-market. A bright red shirt that loses its color is simply a sallow pink.

But you can preserve the looks of your favorite shirts, shorts, dresses and other garments. Here are 10 easy-to-follow tips to help you keep your clothes looking new and vibrant.

1. Read the tag. The manufacturer gives you critical information about washing and drying on the tag. For example, it might say wash in cold, dry on low, etc.
2. Wash in cold water. If you usually throw all your clothes into one load, cold water is the setting to choose. Rule of thumb: the warmer the water, the quicker the fading.
3. Wash lights, darks and whites separately. The best approach is to wash dark clothes with other darks, lights with light, whites by themselves.
4. Learn your washer settings. If your clothes are just lightly soiled, don't choose the Heavy setting. This just adds more wear and tear and encourages fading. Instead, select a less vigorous setting for your load.
5. Hang dry if possible. It's convenient to use the dryer for everything. But it roughs up the surface fibers on your clothes. This can make them look faded, even if they are still full color.
6. Air out, don't wash. If you've barely worn a shirt and it isn't spotted, don't put it in the washer. Simply hang it up to air out. Hanging lets wrinkles drop away and odors disappear.
7. Wash clothes inside out. The fibers on your clothes fade from the action of the washer. When you turn them inside out, the part no one sees takes the brunt of the wear and tear.
8. Use fabric conditioner. This lubricates fibers, reducing friction, so they wear more slowly. It delays fading.
9. Use vinegar. One-half cup vinegar in each wash reduces fading and also acts like a fabric softener. The smell goes away in the rinse cycle.
10. Salt your new clothes. The first time you wash a garment, add half a cup of salt. This helps lock in the color, stopping the bleeding that gives it a faded appearance.

If you believe your oven doesn't cook evenly, this could cause problems with your recipes, dishes, and baked goods. Resolving this issue doesn't always mean buying a new oven, and the fix could be a simple one. Before you throw in the towel on your current oven, try to determine if your oven does bake evenly or if you are experiencing some cooking hot-spots.

There are some ways to tell if your oven is cooking evenly, including:

The bread test. There is an easy and inexpensive way to determine if your oven is baking properly and to detect any hot-spots: the bread test. This involves spreading out a layer of bread on the middle-rack of your oven, and turning it on. Bake for a few minutes, and then remove the bread to see where it is browned and to narrow-in on where the heating discrepancy may be.

Bake something. The simplest way to determine how your oven is baking is to bake a cake. If you are finding that your cake browns but doesn't cook through, you could have a temperature sensor issue. If the browning is uneven, you may have hot-spots.

Check the calibration. Another common issue that causes uneven cooking is temperature calibration. So, you have set your oven to 350-degrees, but how hot is it actually? You can check and calibrate the temperature of your oven quite easily, which may resolve your issue.

Take charge to change the way your oven bakes, and to get more even-cooking:

• Adjust the racks so that the oven seems to bake more evenly.
• Change your cookware. Maybe it is time to invest in some high-quality pots, pans, and bakeware; this can make a big difference in your culinary results!
• Talk to an appliance repair technician about faulty temperature sensors or heating elements. These can be a fairly simple fix, so ask for an estimate before buying a new oven!

As most of us all know by now, routers really are not all that attractive. Usually about the size of a good book, most of the time they are plain, black and awkward looking. Perhaps that is why many interior design websites are advising computer users to hide them in cabinets and drawers, wrap them in decorative paper, or shove them far under a desk.

However, before you decide to jump on that designer's bandwagon, consider this: If you follow their advice, your router may not work as it should, or worse, it may not work at all. Here are a few things you may want to know before you take any drastic measures to hide your router.

Designed for Function

Router boxes contain a network of intricate wiring inside them, and when they are working, they generate a bit of heat. To keep them cool, they have ventilation holes or slits on the side surfaces, which permit cool air to circulate inside the box. If the vents cannot draw air because of wrappings or because they are stuck inside a drawer or cabinet, they can overheat, causing them to malfunction or stop working altogether. Plus, hiding them in out-of-the-way places, like under desks or inside drawers, can weaken signals all throughout the rooms in your home or office.

Blending Function and Beauty

It matters where you place your router. To keep it cool and encourage a strong signal, allow 4 inches of space around each side, place it on a high shelf or mount it on a wall, and centrally locate it if possible.

To make your router look more appealing, you may want to try positioning it in back of a photo frame. Or, you may want to try placing it on a bookshelf surrounded by an assortment of modern collectibles or a vase filled with fresh flowers.

Although making a router look good and work as it should can be somewhat challenging, if you follow these guidelines and use your imagination, it's entirely possible.

TV viewing has begun to spill over into backyards when there is a shortage of space indoors. It seems like the perfect solution when you have several guests that want to watch the big game. So, does it make more sense to purchase a new weatherproof TV or check out a TV enclosure?

The Pros and Cons

Weather Considerations

A TV enclosure acts like a shield to protect a TV from weather conditions outdoors. This durable shield is designed with a type of polyethylene, which is the same type of plastic building material used in playground equipment. A number of companies make weatherproof TVs, which are typically constructed of powder-coated steel and anodized aluminum. They also contain built-in control systems for monitoring operating temperatures.

Installation

Typically, an outdoor enclosure may weigh just 60 pounds. These probably won't require heavy duty equipment to mount to walls. On the other hand, outdoor weatherproof TVs are heavy because they must contain extra cooling equipment and additional ventilation. An average TV of this type may weigh in the neighborhood of 70 pounds and require special heavy duty mounting equipment for attaching it to walls.

Performance

TV enclosures can be purchased with anti-glare options. However, radiation and heat from the sun inside the enclosure seem to affect the quality of the picture. Lifting the shield may improve the quality somewhat but may result in more glare on the screen. When comparing the two TV options, the weatherproof TV with UV-coated glass and anti-reflective layers seems to be the winner by providing a high quality, clear picture on sunny days.

Cost

TVs designed for outdoor use can be expensive. And not just the television itself, but you will have to factor in additional options such as cooling equipment and mounting. For instance, a 42-inch TV may be cheaper than that 84-inch you have your eyes on. The best option may come down to affordability.

Yikes! How did your chest freezer get so iced-up? De-icing a freezer can be an arduous, messy chore, but there are easier strategies to get rid of the ice and make the most of your freezer space.

Try these ways to de-ice your chest freezer with less mess and no stress:

Remove all of the food first. You must remove all of the food from the freezer before defrosting. This may involve making-nice with a neighbor to borrow some cold-storage for a little while. This also presents the perfect opportunity to clean out what is currently in your chest freezer, which will make room for some summer treats!

Leave it plugged-in. There is no need to un-plug your freezer for this method, unless you plan on defrosting and thoroughly cleaning the appliance. If you simply want to get rid of the ice and make some space, then leave it plugged in and cold.

Invest in a putty-knife. Visit a hardware store and invest in a putty-knife. No, a regular knife, butter-knife, or ice pick will not work; it must be a putty-knife so that you do not run the risk of puncturing the lining of your chest-freezer during defrosting.

Be careful and remove the ice in chunks. Carefully hold the putty-knife at a 45-degree angle to catch the ice just under any lip or edge that you find. Give it a slight push and the ice should come out in chunks, maybe even large sheets. If it doesn't come out that easily, use the putty-knife to scrape the ice down to where you can drop it into a bucket that you keep nearby.

If you are fortunate enough to own a self-defrosting freezer, then you won't have to worry. However, if your freezer is older (ten + years), it is recommended to defrost these regularly to curb energy costs and to preserve the performance of the motor. Use this technique to de-frost your freezer and to make room for your frozen goods, once again!

Today's technology is amazing, but how best to clean your computer monitor screen? High-tech devices often have protective coatings on the screens and glass that can be easily damaged by conventional cleaning methods. Don't run the risk of harming your sensitive technology; clean carefully and only using products endorsed for your computer or devices.

Some tips for cleaning your monitors and screens include:

Watch out for lint. Look for soft cleaning cloths that won't create a lot of lint on your screens and monitors. Don't apply a lot of pressure, as this can damage sensitive touch-technology. Turn off the device so you are able to see the fingerprints and dust more clearly, and gently wipe away. Do this daily to prevent the screen from becoming dirty and not working properly.

Don't apply anything directly to the screen. Buy products endorsed by the computer manufacturer or that are suggested by the retailer when you buy your device. Be sure to only apply the solution to the cleaning cloth and never put it directly on the screen or glass. Even products that are lauded by computer companies can damage screens when applied directly to the monitor.

Paper products can be scratchy. Paper products like paper towels, tissues, and toilet-paper may feel soft to the touch, but they can cause scratches on your electronic screens.

Skip the home remedies and solutions. Maybe you have heard about using a homemade solution to clean your screen, such as vinegar and water for getting rid of fingerprints. Don't do it! Only use cleaning products that are endorsed by the manufacturer, which likely does not recommend using vinegar on delicate touch-screen devices.

Don't risk ruining your computer screen when trying to simply remove fingerprints. Use these tips to ensure your touch-screens and protective glass is safe and to preserve your technology when cleaning.

Front load washers offer big advantages over their top-loading counterparts. These advanced appliances allow fine control over temperature settings, smartphone-enabled control, and the ability to handle large loads. Like any machine, though, front loaders require maintenance to stay healthy and last a long life. The following are four quick tips to ensure a happy front load washer.

Control Dampness

When the load is complete, remove the contents and leave the door ajar to promote air circulation. A closed up machine will grow mildew and mold, which will stink up future loads. Leaving damp clothes in a closed machine will result in musty clothes, an odor that is difficult to eliminate.

Detergents

Front load washers require special, high-efficiency detergents. A regular detergent makes more suds, which can leave a residue film on the hoses and drum, promoting mold. This film may also electronically or mechanically damage your machine, potentially voiding your warranty. A front load washer uses less water, and thus requires less detergent. Be sure to purchase only detergents labeled "HE", for high-efficiency. Use only the recommended amount of soap. Too much soap is not better in this case.

Loading

Because front loaders maintain a higher rotational speed than standard top loaders, the machines may vibrate. Consequently, it is critical to carefully load your machine, especially when washing large or heavy contents. Therefore, be sure to set up your washer on a flat surface, and adjust the leveling feet that came with your model.

Favorite Settings

Sorting clothes manually can be laborious, but you can save time and eliminate the frustration of programming customized cycles for each type of load by customizing your programming. For example, if you wash your whites on a setting that is higher than the default temperature, you can "favorite" this setting to reuse it weekly.

Before you go and toss your orange peels into your compost pile, consider some ways to squeeze a bit more life out of these citrus remnants. There is a natural oil in orange peels that has many uses around the house, and that can give some new life to your appliances.

Consider these five ways that orange peels can help your kitchen appliances:

1. Make your disposal smell better. Garbage disposals can smell funky, especially in warmer weather. Give yours a fresh, citrus scent by processing a handful of orange or fresh citrus peels. Add a couple ice cubes to the mix to also help prevent clogs or grease blockages, too.
2. Give your appliances a gleam. The oil in orange peels is a magnificent cleaning agent, and it brings a chrome-like finish to your stainless steel appliances. Use the peel to gently rub away fingerprints from the surface of your fridge, stove, and microwave.
3. Bring some freshness to your fridge. Start accumulating peels and keep in the fridge to stay fresh. When you are ready to use, dry the peelings in a low oven until dried. Process in a blender until you have a powder; combine with equal parts of baking soda and keep in the fridge for a heavenly fresh scent!
4. Quell odors in your microwave. Orange peels can help your microwave get rid of ghastly odors, too. Before you clean your microwave oven, fill a bowl with orange peels and a little water and heat for 60-seconds on high. When you open the door, the sour smell will be gone and the microwave should simply wipe-clean.
5. Mix your own appliance-friendly cleaner. For an effective and thrifty cleaning solution, fill a bowl with your orange peels and add white vinegar to cover. Allow to infuse for a week or two, and then strain the vinegar into a spray bottle for a super-easy and environmentally-safe cleaning solution!

Save money on pricey products and use orange peels in your kitchen instead! Start saving peels in a bag, keep it in your fridge or crisper, and pull out to make your kitchen fresh.

Commercial dishwasher detergent can sometimes create more problems than it solves. Cheaply made products with lower quality ingredients not only leave the dishes dirty, they can also cause the inside of the dishwater to erode faster. One way to combat this problem is to create homemade dishwasher detergent in four different formats.

Gel:

Gather one cup of washing soda, three cups of warm water, and three cups of Castile soap and place them in a re-sealable container. Make sure the cover is on tight and then shake the container. This gives consistency to the gel, which is now ready to use.

Liquid:

This is a good solution for washing dishes by hand. It requires four ounces of soap flakes or a bar of soap, eight cups of water, and half a teaspoon of essential oil. If using a bar of soap, shave off four ounces with a cheese grater. The next step is to heat the water to a boil and remove it when it starts to steam. Add the essential oil and soap flakes to the hot water and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for eight hours before using.

Powdered Detergent:

This requires one cup each of Borax and washing soda and a half cup each of citric acid and kosher. Collect one-half cup of kosher, one-half cup of citric acid, washing soda and Borax and mix together in a bowl. The detergent is now ready to use, and dishes will come clean with a half cup of the mixture. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle if desired.

Tablets:

Making homemade tabs requires one cup each of washing soda, baking soda, water, and Kosher salt. It also requires three cups of unsweetened lemonade drink mixture. Combine all ingredients except water in a bowl and stir. Add the water at this point to start a fizzing reaction. About two minutes later, scoop clumps of the mix into an ice tray with a spoon. The last step is to apply pressure to the tabs to force them to harden.

Many homeowners automatically replace cords when they break or become frayed due to overuse, animals chewing on them, or some type of accident. However, this isn't always necessary. Knowing some quick fixes for cords can save both time and money as long as they are low-voltage. Examples include those attached to headphones, gaming consoles, and phone charging stations.

Some simple tips to repair these types of cords include:

• Place vinyl tubing over the cords and cut a slit down one side of the tubing. This keeps curious pets from munching on them.
• Remove the small wire from a ballpoint pen and wrap it around the end of a cord. This prevents fraying and increases the longevity of the cord.
• Purchase spiral wrap and place it around one cord or a group of cords.
• Weld cords that have come apart back together with a plastic type of welding material found in any hardware store. This requires cleaning the cord, applying the material, and using the LED light that came with the kit to force the welding material to harden.
• Apply two coats of liquid paint to a frayed or cracked cord and allow it to dry. It should be as good as new.
• Protect cords by keeping them out of walking paths. This also prevents people from accidentally tripping on them.
• Encase all loose cords with heat shrink tubing. To do so, cut two pieces of one and one-quarter inch shrink-wrap tubing. Next, place silicon adhesive over the point where the connectors and cords meet. Once the silicon dries, it's time to place tubing on the cord that covers both ends where it meets the connectors.

Low-voltage cords can last for several years by following these easy repair and maintenance tips.

Having an unsecured television set in a home with small children present is often a disaster waiting to happen. They are curious enough and sometimes strong enough to pull a set down on top of themselves. Adults can become seriously injured as well. The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that more than 43,000 Americans are injured in accidents related to TV sets and furniture each year. For those who own a plasma TV, securing it can be challenging but not impossible.Options to Keep a TV in Place

• Purchasing a strap that wraps around the back of the set and attaches to the wall or a secure stand is a simple and inexpensive option. Possible choices include nylon straps and those that require the owner to use screws and mounting holes to keep it in place. Some manufacturers include a strap with the original packaging of the TV.

• For families whose children aren't yet mobile, placing the television on a higher stand is a good short-term solution. However, it needs to be kept entirely out of the child's reach if there is even a slight possibility he or she could try to pull up on it.

• Mounting the TV on the wall is the safest alternative in addition to creating more space on the floor below. This project typically requires at least one stud to hold the weight of the television. The manufacturer of the TV should be able to provide information on how to secure it with studs. There is also the possibility of mounting the set to furniture that accompanies the TV or behind the furniture.

• Keeping cords tied up and out of reach is also essential for child safety. Stapling them to the wall and covering the cord with decorations is one way to go about this.

Not long ago, while making muffins with my four-year-old daughter, I found myself embroiled. "Don't put your hands in that!" I heard myself saying. "You're getting flour all over the counter and the floor! I just cleaned that!" You never realize how OCD you are until you cook with a child.

After a glass of wine, some solace from a few sympathetic moms, and a helping or two of raspberry muffins (which turned out just fine, messes notwithstanding), I came to the conclusion that cooking with kids requires a healthy dose of patience and the ability to let go of some control. If we ultimately want our kids to independently prepare meals with confidence someday, it is our role to promote that self-reliance. This means that more than a few messes are going to be made. How can we inspire our kids to find their inner chef?

Here are two ways:

Let Go of Perfection

Your time in the kitchen is a valuable teaching experience, and your focus should be on the process rather than the product. Steer clear of flawlessness, and focus instead on technique. What tools are involved, and what are their individual roles? What is the role of the yeast or baking soda? Why do we mix the dry ingredients separate from the wet ones?

If there's a process or ingredient you yourself don't understand, look it up together! If the child embraces the science behind cooking (or "molecular gastronomy, as the French physical chemist Hervé This describes in his book, "Molecular Gastronomy: Exploring the Science of Flavor") the more likely he or she will be to experiment on their own as they grow up.

Safety

It goes without saying, but the kitchen can be a dangerous place. Heat sources, sharp edges, and raw eggs can all pose hazards. Age appropriately; however, children must be introduced to these hazards. Measuring and stirring might be appropriate for a three year old, but an older child will never learn how to cut properly if their role is restricted to only mixing and measuring. Start by teaching them how to slice a banana with a butter knife, and go from there.

There is more to baking and cooking than just the mixing. There is shopping, prep work, and, of course, the clean-up. Involve your child with choosing and comparing ingredients, mopping spills, and loading the dishwasher. This will encourage good habits and help them appreciate the entire process involved in food preparation.

You've connected all of your devices to your television but are you optimizing your entertainment center to its fullest potential? There is more to enhancing your experience than simply adjusting the display's brightness and contrast. These tricks may help you tweak your settings to achieve the best quality possible.

Reset Settings

If you're not sure what changes you've made over the years to your television, restoring them to default settings is a good place to start. Most televisions offer an options in its on-screen menu to reset factory settings.

Optimize Picture Mode

For most situations, the 'dynamic' or 'automatic' option is best when selecting a picture mode. If available, switch this mode off at first, then determine how noticeable the quality differences are when toggling between picture modes.

Enhance Lighting

You should adjust your settings based on the average amount of light surrounding your television. For bright environments, you should increase the brightness and backlight. Do the opposite for dark environments and consider adjusting the black color settings if available.

Select Frame Rate

By default, your TV may be set to 60Hz requiring you to manually enable higher refresh rates via the settings menu. If you own a HD television and a Blu-ray player or other HDMI device, then you should select a 120Hz refresh (frame) rate. New 4K televisions support 240Hz.

Direct Audio to Stereo

It's not just about image quality when it comes to optimizing your television settings. If you use external speakers, such as a stereo or sound bar, then you may have an overlapping echo of sound. Use the settings menu to disable the audio from outputting to your TV's native speakers. Alternatively, lower the volume on your TV so that it is no longer audible.

Save Power

Many TVs support a power-saving feature that not only extend its life but also saves you on the electric bill. These eco-friendly settings can be set to switch off your television automatically after a certain amount of time. On older TVs, screensavers can be activated to help protect pixels from burning out as a result of static images.

Grilling steaks and burgers to perfection is an art that takes a bit of practice, but it all begins with the grill. If you're in the market for a new grill, you should consider size, fuel sources, construction qualities and features to make the most of your grilling experience.

Fuel Sources

Fuel sources are often determined by what is available in your neighborhood, fuel costs and personal preferences. If your home is already equipped with natural gas for example, that may be a good option. Today, many chefs enjoy the control that propane offers. Yet, there are still a few chefs that insist charcoal grills are the only way to go.

Grill Sources

Once you determine the features, size and fuel source, you shouldn't have a problem finding a source for grills. You can buy grills with competitive prices from several online sources, hardware stores, home improvement centers and department stores.

Grill Size

You can decide on the grill size by considering how frequently you plan to grill and how many people you'll be cooking for. In addition, if you enjoy cooking side dishes on the grill as well as meats and fish, you'll probably need a larger cooking surface.

Prices/Construction

Fortunately, grills come in a wide range of prices depending upon the features, construction and sizes. Prices can be as low as $20.00 for a basic charcoal grill, $100.00 for propane grills or $2,000 or more for high end grills with lots of features.

The building materials used to construct a grill often determine the price and how long it will last. Common construction materials include cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel. High quality grills are usually made of steel and have strong welds and sturdy bolts.

Features

If you enjoy outdoor cooking and entertaining, you may require a larger sized grill, which also provides space for extra features. Warming racks, side burners and rotisseries come in handy for serving large crowds.

Before purchasing your new grill, make sure you have an outdoor area with a level surface and enough space between the grill and the home to prevent accidents or fires.

Home Automation is Accessible in Your Home.

Combining your existing technology with smart appliances gives you powerful control over your environment. Most U.S. households own at least one computer and one smartphone. If you have Internet access in your home, then you're already connected to the backbone of home automation -- The Internet of Things.

Home Automation Brings Your Household to Life.

You can experience home automation in every corner of your home: illuminating lights when a resident enters the home; play your favorite music playlist weekdays at 9am; display a video camera feed when someone is at your door; automatically switch off the coffee maker when you leave the house.

Home Automation Offers Remote Control of Your Household Appliances.

With the proper automation gadgets or appliances, you can manage your home from anywhere in the world. Mobile apps and web interfaces deliver intuitive controls over your most important appliances, including thermostats, curling irons, lights, blinds, pet food dispensers and many more.

Home Automation can Connect Non-Smart Devices.

Just because you bought your television twenty years ago, doesn't mean you can't automate it. Infrared blasters are great additions to your home automation setup delivering extra control over your entertainment center and other devices with IR remote sensors. WiFi-connected power outlets enable your lights and appliances to automatically switch on or off.

Home Automation Revolutionizes Interior Design.

The design of your home is no longer limited to traditional static décor. Projectors, high-definition displays and other smart-screens can transform your home into a living piece of art. Animated artwork, life-like fish tanks, and dynamic color-changing lights are just a few ways interior design is evolving with home automation.

Home Automation Lets You Focus on What's Important.

Rather than worrying about if you switched off the curling iron and locked the front door, set your mind at ease with home automation. Enlisting professional installation of home automation appliances makes it easy to get connected and stay that way. If you're constantly looking for ways to be more efficient with your time, then home automation is a valuable solution for your life.

Many homeowners assume that the technology now available in many appliances would naturally increase their lifespan. Unfortunately, the opposite is actually true. While appliances in earlier generations could last up to 30 years, today's refrigerators, washer machines, dryers, heating and cooling units, and dishwashers average 15 years before requiring replacement.

Technical advances such as electronic displays and sensors can put more stress on the appliance and cause it to fail sooner. Additionally, thinner plastic parts have replaced porcelain in many appliances. This makes them less expensive to make but prone to wearing out faster.

Tips to Increase the Longevity of Modern Appliances

Before any homeowner buys a new appliance, he or she should make sure that it comes with a detailed instruction manual. Although it's not the most stimulating reading material in the world, going through it gives the homeowner valuable tips on how to maintain and repair the unit. It's also important to try to fix the problem before giving in and purchasing a new appliance. In most cases, early issues are minor and fixable.

Benefits of Technologically Advanced Home Appliances

The technology available on many home appliances makes it possible for the homeowner to save considerable money on operating it. High efficiency air conditioners, for example, can significantly reduce the monthly cooling bill. When it comes time to buy any type of new unit, it's important to estimate the lifespan, other costs savings, and return on investment. Seeing this information in black and white can make the purchasing decision that much easier. It's also a good idea to invest a small amount of money in a product warranty. This covers problems related to manufacturer defects as well as normal wear and tear.

If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive way to improve the beauty and energy efficiency of the lighting system in your home, you may want to consider installing dimmer switches. These days, dimmer switches can be used just about anywhere.

Formerly used in areas like entryways, they are now successfully used to control light levels in kitchens, closets, bathrooms, living rooms and porches. According to This Old House, they can even be used to help you get a better night's sleep in your bedroom.

Design Choices

Dimmer switches are offered in a variety of types and styles. The type of dimmer switch you select will largely depend on your goals. For example, if want to reduce energy consumption, you should always select designs that use CFL and LED bulbs. In addition, you need to look for dimmer switches that can handle your wattage requirements and single pole and three-way needs.

When it comes to appearance, you can choose design options that include circular handles that rotate, toggle switches, and rocker switches. In addition, there are slide dimmer switches that use a bar to change light levels or tap switches that work with LED light bulbs. You can also choose scene selectors which offer several ways to modify light intensities.

Dimmer Switch Installation

Before you install a dimmer switch, always study the installation guidelines and heed any cautions found in your dimmer switch packaging. Although dimmer switches can differ, there are a few steps that are oftentimes advised. For example, shut down power to the area where your dimmer switch is located. Then, use a power detector to ensure the outlet is not receiving electricity and turn the dimmer switch to the "off" position. Next, use the directions provided to attach existing wires to the dimmer switch. To finish, put the cover on the outlet and turn the power back on. If the dimmer switch doesn't operate as it should, contact a contractor in your area for assistance.

To save money and energy, all you need to do is keep them at a low setting. What's more, you can you easily install them yourself and find design options that fit your personal sense of style.

You can do several things to improve your home security even if you already have an advanced system in place. Best of all, these simple steps won't break your budget.

Start by pre-recording a message on your audio speakers that warns intruders to leave your property when your security sensor detects motion. Here are six additional easy home security tips:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

When you integrate your HVAC with your home security system, the unit can automatically shut down to prevent the spread of smoke through your home.

Intercom

An intercom allows you to see who is at the door before opening it. With a remote intercom you don't have to be home to see visitors and potential intruders on your doorstep.

Lighting

Linking your lights to a home security system enables them to flash when detecting an intruder as well as light a path for emergency responders.

Motorized Shading

Window blinds that go up and down as programmed make it appear as though someone is home at all times. You can also opt for remote commands.

Surveillance Camera

This is one of the most valuable additions you can make to your home security system. A surveillance camera enables you to have live shots of the inside and outside of your home sent to your smartphone or any other device that you choose.

Video

A video camera can receive images from a surveillance camera and transmit them to your television screen. You can blow up the images as well as pan and freeze them for the best view.

Besides cost considerations, the biggest benefit of the above suggestions is that you don't have to add more sensors, sirens, or alarms to an existing home security system.

Microwaves are a necessity with today's busy lifestyles but there is no denying that they take up a lot of counter space. You can get some of that valuable space back by integrating your microwave into another area of the kitchen. 


Before you do that, consider the type of microwave you want.

You can tuck a countertop model into a shelf or keep it on the counter itself. Look for a unit with a wall mount to maximize space. The benefits of a drawer-style microwave are that you can place it at any height and it's ideal for very small spaces. Finally, an over-the-range microwave can be placed directly above the oven and share ventilation and light with the range below it.

Integration Ideas

• Installing a microwave as a drawer offers both a sleek and discrete look. It can go in the center island of the kitchen or below a countertop. This allows for easy access and frees up the counters for cooking preparation. If you don't want others to see the microwave, you can place it in a cabinet behind a sliding door in the same style and color as the rest of the cabinetry.
• If you have wall space available from a garage or closet, you may be able to recess the microwave into the wall. This gives you the convenience of having a fast cooking solution without it protruding out and looking unsightly. Placing it near your range or other appliances is a logical choice as well. You can help it blend in better by choosing a paint trim that matches the other appliances.
• Building a cut-out in your cabinetry for the microwave makes it look like it naturally belongs there. This is especially true when the unit fits tightly into the cabinetry around it. A trim kit from your oven manufacturer is another way to fill unsightly gaps for a more seamless appearance.

Placing a flat screen television above the fireplace makes the whole room look attractive and welcoming. However, you need to evaluate some important factors before deciding to place your new TV in that location. This starts with testing the heat to see if it would damage the TV set or its wiring. You can start the experiment by taping a thermostat to the wall directly above your fireplace. If the temperature reaches 90 degrees, you will need to choose another location to mount the new TV.

What Does the City Say?

Before you get your heart set on placing the flat screen above the fireplace, look into local building code to ensure that your municipality allows the placement of cables near a fireplace flue. If you get the go-ahead and have a stone or brick chimney, you will need to acquire customized anchors for the unit's mounting bracket. Tapping a raceway or conduit into the groove or grinding a channel into the grout will help to hold the wires in place.

Dealing with Unique Situations

You may run into an installation challenge if your fireplace is set into a broad wall that doesn't have a mantle. A good option in this case is to place the TV set in an off-center position and place pieces of art that have similar proportions near it for balance. If you have a fireplace but never use it, consider placing the flat screen television inside of it. This provides you with a good viewing angle and room for ventilation and wires.

Angling Your TV Just Right

It is ideal to have a limited range of viewing angles, but this isn't always possible if you don't have a mantle for your fireplace and it's set lower than normal. Installing a mounting bracket with a downward angle helps you overcome this challenge and provides you with the best possible angle for viewing.

While it's always exciting to get a new appliance, figuring out what to do with the old one can be a challenge. However, it's important to dispose of it properly or face the risk of a large fine from your city administrator. With a little creative thinking you can rid yourself of an unwanted appliance while reducing your environmental impact at the same time, since old appliances usually end up in landfills where they can leak mercury and gas into the ground.

Donate to Charity

If your old stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, or other appliance is clean and still in good working order, consider donating it to charity. You won't receive cash for it but you will be able to take a write-off on your tax return next year. A simple internet search should yield you the names of several major charity organizations that would be glad to take the appliance off your hands.

Buy New and Recycle the Old

Many new appliance dealers will deliver your new piece of equipment and haul away the old one for a small fee. You can also contact the manufacturer of the old unit to inquire if it has a local recycling program. Another option is to see if your city's recycling service will pick up the appliance at your curb for a fee.

Sell It

Many young people just starting out would love to get a used appliance for a bargain price. To find them, place an ad in free online classifieds or your community newspaper. You can also mention to your social media connections that you're looking to sell for a reasonable price. If you can't sell, donate, or recycle the appliance, you may be able to earn a little cash by selling parts of it for scrap metal.

If you've been saving up to buy components for your new home theater, the odds are you're looking forward to the best sound and video possible. Granted, the quality of electronics that you purchase is an important factor but how you set up your home theater can be just as important for an excellent experience.

High-Definition TV

Don't spare expense when it comes to purchasing your new high-definition TV. Buying a quality product is essential when it comes to getting the very best resolution. Start by shopping for Smart TVs with the latest technology or consider Ultra HD with resolution that's four times better than other TVs.

Surround Sound

Now that you've purchased a new HD TV, you'll want to duplicate the sound systems found in movie theaters. To achieve a surround sound experience, you'll need five speakers and a subwoofer to bring out low-end effects and bass.

Place two speakers near the back of your room and three towards the front. Adjust speaker locations ever so slightly until you get the very best audio performance. Be sure to consider wireless speaker systems to reduce the number of wires in your home theater system.

Media Player

Rather than purchasing older DVD technology, you might as well go for the latest Blu-ray players. They come with built-in Wi-Fi and can still play your old CDs and DVDs.

Cables

If you've gone to great expense to purchase high end electronics, make sure you use high quality cables like HDMI to transmit the best audio and digital video in one cable.

Controlling Accessories

Years ago, we used a few remote controls and have since progressed to universal remote controls. However, if you can afford it, you might consider equipping your home theater with the latest smart wireless keyboard.

Wireless keyboards allow you to activate just about everything you might install in your home theater like you HD TV, gaming console, Blue-ray player, or an A/V receiver.

For great results, make sure the theater has a rug or draperies to eliminate acoustic reflections. Add lighting for improved TV viewing, and make sure you complete your home theater with really comfortable chairs.

Remodeling your kitchen not only makes it more functional and attractive, it also provides up to a 70 percent return on investment if you ever decide to sell your house. Even so, getting started with a kitchen remodel project can be challenging.

You need to plan an overview of the project, the specific details, and set a budget before you even get started. New appliances, cabinetry, finishes, and surfaces are just some of the details you must attend to.

Consider the Everyday Activities in Your Kitchen

One useful planning tool is to take stock of the way your family uses the kitchen each day. How many people eat meals at home and who does most of the cooking? It's important to consider the height of the primary cook in addition to whether he or she is right-handed or left-handed. Does your family normally prepare gourmet meals, easy microwave meals, or something else? You should also take the kitchen traffic pattern and whether you normally entertain into account.

What Goals Do You Have for Your New Kitchen?

Think about what your current kitchen lacks that you would like to incorporate into the remodel. For example, does the layout make it feel crowded when more than two people are in the kitchen? Perhaps you don't have enough counter or storage space. Style considerations are also essential. Spend some time pondering whether your new kitchen should have a modern flair, a renaissance look, or something else that the entire family will enjoy.

Don't Overlook the Budget

You will need to make and stick to a budget so the kitchen remodel doesn't prevent you from meeting your other financial obligations. A recent study in the remodeling industry indicated that the top four expenses when remodeling a kitchen are cabinetry and hardware, installation, appliances and ventilation, and countertops. Be sure to get a realistic estimate for each area so you don't have to deal with unpleasant surprises later.

It's only when you have done all of these things that you're ready to start looking at new kitchen designs.

Dishwashers are a great labor-saving device, but washing dishes by hand may seem like a better solution when the unit fails to get your dishes clean. Fortunately, you can improve the efficiency of your dishwasher by following several simple steps. This starts with upgrading to an Energy Star unit if you don't already have one. Even though they use less water, Energy Star dishwashers perform significantly better than others do.

Load the Dishwasher Right

Scraping large food pieces off dishes before placing them in the dishwasher allows the unit to do a better job of cleaning. It's also most efficient to load the dishwasher completely full without overcrowding it. Placing dishes on top of each other prevents the unit from cleaning as thoroughly as it should. You also want to make sure to angle bowls, plates, and cups so that the dirtiest side of each is exposed to the water spray. Large items like trays and pans should go in the back. Be certain not to overload the silverware holder either.

Water Temperature and Cycle Settings

Since hot water cleans dishes better than cold water does, set the temperature between 120 and 125 degrees before starting a new load. You can test the water temperature by running water from the sink for approximately 10 seconds. Running your dishwasher at night after the lights and heat or air conditioning turns off allows it to consume less energy.

Be sure to choose the correct cycle based on what you are washing and how stained it is. Normal or heavy cycles work for most loads, although you may occasionally need to use delicate for fragile items. When the dishwasher has completed the wash cycle, select the air-dry option over the heat-dry option to save electricity.

Maintenance

Make it a habit to check the dishwasher's filter after each load and to change it if necessary. Lastly, make sure no food or detergent build-up is stuck in the spray holes and periodically clean the door where you pour detergent.

Having an actual movie projection screen in your home theater replicates the look and feel of going to a theater without the need to share your space with hundreds of others. Projection screens display images from a projector that is either in front of or behind it. When it comes time to select just the right one, consider the composition, shape, and size since all of these factors affect the clarity and crispness of the image.

It's also important to consider the environment of the room where you intend to place the projection screen. Some screens perform well in a brightly lit room while others do better with the lights turned low. Manufacturers recognize that people want the best ambient lighting experience for their home theater and have designed projection screens to meet a wide range of needs.

Projection Screen Technology to Look for in Your Next Purchase

The composition of the materials used to make the screen allow it to produce a sharp picture when exposed to sunlight, high wattage lightbulbs, complete darkness, and other unique situations. Some of the specific technology that manufacturers have included in current projection screens for home theaters include:

• Shading materials on the main screen that viewers can access when the lighting conditions warrant it
• Uniformity characteristics, which means that the screen can spread an image across the entire width whether it is placed horizontally or vertically
• Extremely high resolution without distorting the image on the screen
• The appearance of a flat panel television set with the ability to mount anywhere on a wall
• The ability to play live streamed content or video games
• Multi-pane viewing capacity to watch several programs at once

Homeowners are often pleasantly surprised to learn that installing a projection screen in their home theater isn't much more expensive than purchasing a typical flat panel television set.

Home refrigerators allow you to keep food fresh and cold, but it's important to avoid placing food and non-food items in the refrigerator that don't belong there. Consult the lists below to learn which items are better stored somewhere else.

Non-Food Items

For a variety of reasons, you should avoid putting these items in the refrigerator:

• Batteries: Contrary to popular belief, refrigerating batteries does not increase their performance. It actually causes them to corrode faster due to the condensation.
• Nail Polish: The reduced temperature of the refrigerator causes the polish to thicken and makes it difficult to apply later.
• Perfume: The moisture, reduced temperature, and light of your refrigerator cause the synthetic fragrances and essential oils of perfume to break down.

The best place to store all of these items is in a drawer at room temperature.

Food Items

Although you might assume most foods go in the refrigerator, placing these items in a cooled environment can make them inedible:

• Bread: Refrigerating bread can cause it to go stale faster because its starches re-crystalize in a cold environment. Bread will last up to seven days at room temperature or longer if you freeze it in an air-tight container.
• Coffee: The condensation from the refrigerator may affect the flavor of your coffee when you brew it. A better place to store it is a dry, air-tight container.
• Honey: Like bread, honey crystalizes in the cold environment of a refrigerator. It is then too thick for you to pour. It will keep much better when stored in the pantry.
• Jam: Jams contain an adequate amount of preservatives to remain fresh when stored in a cupboard, counter, or on the kitchen table.
• Ketchup and Mustard: These condiments will not come out of the bottle properly when they have been refrigerated. You can also keep these food items in the pantry.
• Potatoes: The moisture present in a refrigerator can affect the taste of potatoes, so you're better off placing them in a paper bag and storing them in the pantry. Avoid plastic bags because they trap moisture and cause premature decay.

One of the benefits of owning a flat panel television set is the ability to mount it on the wall for a better viewing experience. When you install the right wall mount, you never have to look at it or think about it again. However, you do need to consider the viewing experience you would like to have when selecting a mount for your flat panel TV.

Where Will You Put the TV?

If you plan to watch television at eye level, a basic fixed mount will work fine. It gets a little more challenging when you plan to place the TV above eye level. You will need a tilted mount that allows you to angle the set towards you and the other viewers. This ensures a good picture quality because it reduces the brightness that comes when you place the TV at an angle. A tilted mount can also help to reduce neck strain from looking up at the picture on the screen.

A full articulating mount is a good choice if you occasionally pull your TV away from the wall and move it side to side or up and down. This type of mount is appropriate if you have more than one viewing location. You need to be able to angle the television set correctly whether you are sitting down or standing up.

How to Choose a Quality Wall Mount

The wall mount you purchase should include all necessary hardware and it needs to be sturdy enough to hold the TV in place indefinitely. Make sure the kit has a variety of studs for different types of wall material. Since you might adjust your wall mount after it's in place, look for one that is flexible enough to allow this. A leveling feature is critical since you don't want to end up having to remove the wall mount and start over if it's crooked. Lastly, look for a wall mount than enables you to attach a small lock to prevent theft.

After purchasing the TV screen, and suave entertainment seating for your new home theater, you're ready to add the finishing touches with lighting. It is important that you choose a variety of lighting affects to reduce eye strain, improve TV viewing, set ambiance and make the room as comfortable as possible for home entertainment.

Ambient Lighting

All home theaters should have one or more sources of ambient light. Ambient lighting provides soft light that does not produce a glare but provide enough light in the room to find remote controls and popcorn.

Wall sconces are an excellent source of ambient light, and they also fall into the decorative category. Sconces are typically mounted flat against walls and come in attractive sizes, shapes and styles.

Additional ambient lighting can be obtained with recessed lighting, chandeliers, and track lighting and ceiling fans with lights.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting consists of smaller fixtures or pendant lights that provide directional lighting specifically aimed at various locations in the room. It's ideal for adding style and drama to some areas or décor in the home theater.

Task Lighting

Task lighting usually consists of floor lamps and table lamps that provide the necessary lighting for working on a task. It's essential that you have one or more forms of ambient lighting in the room with task lighting to create a balance to minimize shadows or glare.

Controlled Lighting

Once you've chosen your ambient, accent and task lighting, you'll want to invest in dimmable light controls with a remote. This makes it quick and easy to control lighting and set the mood for TV or movie viewing.

Sunlight/Glare

• Blackout curtains or painting the walls a dark color near the TV can help to eliminate glare on the screen.
• Window tinting helps to alleviate strong sunlight and reduce glare.
• Blinds and shades add a decorative touch while allowing you to filter sunlight.

For ideal home theater lighting, you'll want to achieve a nice balance of lighting that works together to create a comfortable and enjoyable room to watch home entertainment.

Folding the laundry is a time-consuming task, but doing an inefficient job only increases your workload. Consider the tips below to reduce the time you spend completing this chore.

Don't Let Clothes Sit in the Dryer

You can avoid the ironing by removing your clothes promptly at the end of the dry cycle. Simply smooth out any of your cotton or permanent press clothing with your hands and you're good to go. If you tend to forget that you have clothes in the dryer, set a timer on your smartphone to remind you.

Shirts and Socks

To fold a shirt, place it flat on a table and use your right hand to pinch the shirt two inches from its edge. This is approximately half the length from the shoulder. Using your left hand, pinch the shirt at the edge while taking care to align it with the first pinch you made. Next, bring your left hand over your right hand and pinch the bottom of the shirt without releasing either hand. Lastly, lift both hands from the shirt and pull them out from underneath the fold.

Keeping socks together by folding over the ankle parts of each is convenient, but it can destroy elastic quickly and take up a lot of space. An effective alternative is to place one sock on top of the other in a heel to toe fashion. Then fold the socks in thirds and tuck them in at the ankle.

Towels and Sheets

Towels take up a lot of space because they're naturally bulky. To reduce this, lay the towel flat and smooth the wrinkles with your hands. Next, take its long end and fold it one-quarter length while bringing the other quarter close enough to meet. Fold the towel in quarters again to make it shorter. For fitted sheets, lift the sheet up by grabbing each narrow end. Now place it in front of you and fold the right end two-thirds of the way and bring the remaining third over it. Lay it down one last time and fold it in thirds going in the opposite direction of the first fold.

The beauty of a home theater is that you have more freedom to design and decorate as you choose than you might for other areas of your house. Since many people choose the basement family room or an extra bedroom to set up a home theater, it isn't necessary to have the same furniture or décor. A home theater is the perfect opportunity to show your personal interests and sense of style without having to compromise nearly as much.

Consider Seating First

The seating you choose for your home theater sets the tone for the entire room. A row of oversized beanbag chairs suggests a casual atmosphere where people are free to get up or talk as desired. On the other hand, a straight row of hard plastic seats reminds people of a movie theater where they should remain silent throughout the show. There is no right or wrong choice here, only what you feel the most comfortable doing.

Time to Decorate

If you have a particular theme you want to highlight, be sure to shop with that in mind. For example, do you want the room to look like a local drive-in? Perhaps you're more interested in displaying movie posters from all of your favorite films or memorabilia you have collected over the years. A hodge-podge approach is fine too.

Your creativity doesn't have to stop when it comes to the floor, ceiling, and walls of the room that houses your home theater. If you have an artist friend, ask him or her to paint a movie-related mural on each of the walls. Likewise, the floors and ceilings can be multiple colors or designed with specialty tiles or carpeting. When you're big on ideas but short on time, consider working with a home theater interior decorator or a company that offers made-to-order themes and decorations specifically for home theater.

Your washer and dryer are two of the hardest working appliances in the household, so they need to be kept at peak operating condition. Some regular maintenance can avoid much costlier repairs, and both machines will enjoy longer life with regular care.

Make sure dryer vents are clear

if you begin to notice that clothes come out of your dryer still damp after a full cycle, check the interior vent for lint buildup and any kind of debris blockage. You should also check the exhaust pipe at the back of the dryer and the outdoor vent connection for lint and debris.

Check hoses regularly

Like anything made of rubber, your washer's hoses can become brittle or cracked over time. To avoid burst hoses and flooding in your washing area, check on rubber hoses periodically and replace them as needed. It's also a good idea to make sure your wash machine is at least 4 inches away from the wall, so the hoses do not develop kinks.

Keep your washer level

If you've noticed excessive vibration, shaking, or rolling during the spin cycle, your washer is probably not leveled correctly. This can cause a great deal of harm to the washer over a period of time, and it's a very simple thing to avoid. Adjust each foot on the washer to an appropriate height which stabilizes the machine, and causes little or no vibration during operation. It may take a couple test runs to observe the spin cycle each time, but maintaining a level washer is important and worth the effort.

Conserve detergent

Many people use too much detergent in a load of wash, and it can leave a residue on the washer. Make sure you only use as much detergent as recommended on the label.

Don't overload

If your dryer is overloaded, it won't dry clothes properly, and if you washer is overloaded, it may cause your machine to shake and move around on the floor.

If you want to improve the outcome of your recipes or baked goods, it may come down to rearranging the racks inside your oven. Most electric ovens generate heat from a heating coil located in the bottom of your oven's cavity, but this doesn't necessarily mean that you should place your racks too close to this energy source.

Some things to keep in mind about positioning the racks and shelves in your oven include:

Test your oven for hotspots.

You may notice a difference in your baked goods when you know where the hotspots are in your oven. Test the heat by placing slices of bread on a cookie sheet and bake until the bread begins to brown. Examine the browning pattern to determine where the hotspots are in your oven.

Heat tends to rise.

Since heat tends to rise, the top rack positions in your oven are likely the hottest. Since the lower racks are closer to the heating coil and energy source, baked goods may tend to burn when placed in these rack positions.

The best spot for your oven racks.

When you are simply baking a single pan or dish, it makes the most sense to position the racks directly in the middle of your oven. As a rule, position your racks in the top third and bottom third inside the oven, which will provide the best option when you need two racks or are baking multiple pans.

Potentially improve the quality of your baked goods by repositioning the racks inside your oven, for a more even browning and to avoid hotspots that could scorch your pan. Talk with any of our appliance specialists about the best features, such as convection cooking and exhaust-hoods, that may make meal preparation a bit easier, too.

If you have shopped for a new 4K TV lately, you have probably heard the term high dynamic range (HDR). The concept of HDR is fairly straightforward. A television set that has this capability is able to show a significantly greater range between black and white contrasts in the picture than those without it. HDR is similar to the concept of high-contrast ratio.

A Superior Viewing Experience

You may already have HDR on your iPhone, but it works in a completely different manner on a 4K TV. While pictures with HDR on your phone tend to look over-saturated, those on your TV screen look more in-depth and realistic. Additionally, a TV set with HDR capabilities can display the high dynamic range of images captured with a video camera. If you intend to watch these images on your television set, you need a HDR-capable movie camera in addition to higher bandwidth to accommodate it.

The benefit of HDR goes far beyond the greater contrast you see between black and white tones. It also does a better job of accentuating colors than regular TV sets do. It creates a visual of dimension and depth that just wasn't possible until this technology came along.

Availability of HDR

Because HDR is a new technology, it isn't readily available in 4K TV sets at the retail level just yet. To enjoy this audio experience at home, you need to subscribe to a live streaming service that offers it. A few major electronics companies are starting to release 4K TVs with HDR and others expected to follow suit in the coming year. Besides live streaming, the easiest way to get HDR is to purchase a compatible Blu-ray player since the technology will soon be available in all new units.

Whole-house audio systems were expensive and difficult to install only a few short years ago. That has changed due to technological advances, a reduction in manufacturing costs, and an increase in options available to consumers. However, finding the right audio system for your home is just the beginning of the process. The real challenge comes in determining how to install the system so you get the best listening experience possible.

Selecting the Components

Regardless of the format in which you listen to your music, you must convert it from a digital to an analog signal. Most whole-house audio systems come with a digital-to-analog converter to help you do this. The next step is to choose your amplifier. Since analog amplifiers come in a variety of amps, it comes down to a matter of evaluating efficiency and performance. You may also want to consider Class D amplifiers as they are less likely to produce signal distortion and are more efficient in general.

The last step here is to choose speakers. If you choose in-ceiling speakers, be sure to keep them a minimum of two feet away from nearby walls. For the best sound production, in-wall speakers should be higher than ear-level. It's also important to place the speakers a good distance apart to create an even disbursement of audio sounds.

Calibrating the Sound

To improve the sound even further, consider doing a calibration test using a sound pressure level with test tones. You can find this online or by purchasing a CD. Next, move to the ideal listening spot in the room and play a test sound. You may need to make adjustments in the frequency response using the equalizer settings on your home audio system.

Popular online music stores have perfected the compression of audio files to the point where most people can't discern the compression. If you're looking for the ultimate experience in home audio, you may want to consider music that has been compressed using a more sophisticated algorithm. Several new streaming services are available that provide this.

It's a sure bet that your teenagers are always hungry and in a hurry. Teaching them how to make nutritious meals in a microwave is a great way to teach cooking skills and provide a quick meal for their busy schedules.

Tacos

Just about every kid loves tacos, and microwave tacos provide a tasty dinner for the hungriest of kids. To get started, place enough hamburger for two tacos into a microwavable bowl, cover, and cook using high for 5 minutes.

Remove the fat, and sprinkle on cumin, garlic and chili powder according to taste. Add a small amount of water to cover the meat. Microwave 4 minutes using high. Fill your taco shells with the mixture and top with grated cheese, salsa and lettuce.

Pizza

Microwaved pizza is ideal for dinner or a quick lunch. Simply, toast your English muffin and dice assorted toppings of olives, pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers.

Place a tbsp. of spaghetti or pizza sauce on each muffin half. Top the muffin with grated cheese and add toppings. Put the muffins on a microwavable dish, and heat with full power for about 40 seconds or until cheese is melted.

Gourmet Eggs

Kids can easily whip together a yummy egg breakfast to start their day off right. Using a microwavable mug or large cup, add a dash of salt and a few pre-made croutons. In a bowl, combine diced pre-cooked bacon, grated cheese and two eggs.

Stir the mixture thoroughly and add it to the mug. Cover with croutons and plastic wrap. Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Serve with salsa if desired.

S'mores

Teens can easily make s'mores by placing a half of graham cracker on a plate or paper towel, adding ¼ of a chocolate bar and topping with a large marshmallow. Microwave on high for about 10 seconds until the chocolate and marshmallow just begin to melt and puff up. Cover with the second half of your graham cracker, let cool slightly and enjoy!

Once teenagers learn how easy it is to whip up yummy meals and snacks in a microwave, they'll catch on in no time.

Has the home theater receiver outlived its usefulness? Many experts in the audio electronics industry seem to think so. That is because some people now use a soundbar speaker hooked to their wireless network to power their home theaters. The use of this product means that speaker wires are becoming a thing of the past in many home theaters, despite the fact that most people still rely on Ethernet jacks to make the entire system work.

Soundbar Benefits

Despite not having a traditional AV receiver, soundbars put out by various companies can perform a variety of tasks. Some of these include:

• Play music from several different live streaming services
• Connect to a home TV set and play audio from the programs
• Play files from a computer or smartphone
• Play Blu-Ray discs and video games
• Function as an integral part of a 5.1 surround sound system

These benefits become even more attractive when compared to the complexity of operating a standard AV receiver. People who are gravitating towards using a soundbar complain that AV receivers are poorly designed, difficult to use, and are not energy efficient. AV receivers also have the reputation of being expensive to purchase and maintain.

Managing a Soundbar and Other Electronics

Despite their many benefits, soundbars can't always handle the overload from Wi-Fi connections, Internet radio, streaming movie services, and the many other types of electronic entertainment taking place in the average home today. However, a home control system is a simple solution to this dilemma. Some home electronics companies claim to have both technologies built into their products, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

AV Receivers Must Evolve to Remain Relevant

The title of this article questions whether the home theater receiver is dead. The answer is not so straightforward. It may not be as popular as it once was in its current form, but it should remain relevant as long as manufacturers evolve with the times and meet the demands of home theater enthusiasts.

It may be difficult to determine the right size washing machine to buy for your household, and it could be tempting to go with something that has alluring features that you don't really need. Consider a few basic things when shopping for washers, and be realistic about your normal use and utility in order to find the right washer for your lifestyle.

Tips for determining what size washing machine your household really needs are:

Be realistic.

A regular family-sized washing machine has a capacity of around 12-15 pounds of laundry. If you regularly need to do larger loads, know that stuffing and over-filling a smaller machine- even a new model- will reduce its efficiency, impact its performance, and even shorten the machine's life.

Consider your laundry habits.

If you typically run smaller loads of wash more frequently, than why go with something larger that requires you to change your laundry habits? A compact-sized, top-loading machine are usually priced cheaper and have around half the capacity of a full-sized, fixed-installation type machine.

Educate yourself about energy efficiency models.

If you want to save money on utility bills, you may want to upgrade to an energy efficient washing machine. These typically require far less water per load and are estimated to use 80% less electricity than an older, inefficient machine.

Go big.

When you are on-the-fence about the size of the washer to buy, go with the larger model. Appliance shoppers never go home wishing that they went with a smaller-size, but some may regret that they didn't opt for a machine built for slightly larger loads.

Talk to our appliance specialists about the best washers based on your distinct lifestyle habits, and do a little homework before you go to ensure you know the difference that energy efficient models can make. Be realistic about the frequency that you use your machine, as well as about what features you really do need.

Listening to music is not the same experience that it once was. At one time, only self-described audiophiles could appreciate the subtle sound distinctions present in every piece of music. With today's technology, anyone who desires to can listen to music at a deeper level while recognizing even slight differences in tones and word pronunciation that can change the entire meaning of a song.

The keys to an exceptional listening experience are having access to uncompressed digital audio and a place to store it. The Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converter and the Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices make it possible to play back the sounds without losing any of the quality.

What a DAC and NAS Do

A DAC has one role and that is to convert digital content to an analog format so people can hear music the way the composers intended. Lower quality DAC units have existed for a while, but they are incapable of reproducing music as it sounded during the original recording. To enjoy that experience, you need a DAC, a DAC and amplifier combination, or an AV receiver with a built-in DAC. Regardless of the specific device you choose, it needs to be able to handle a 24-bit, 92 kHz audio file.

Figuring out a safe place to store your music is just as important as increasing its quality. An NAS is a hard drive with two to four terabytes of storage available that attaches to the wireless network in your home.

Compared to the storage available on a smartphone or personal computer, a NAS device has much less of a risk of being infected by a virus or being subject to corruption. The content that you store on it is also much simpler to maintain compared to other storage options that are currently available. Like a computer, you can also use your NAS device to store photos and files in addition to your music collection.

We love the Meridian Explorer DAC for computer/head phone setups.  Learn more here.

Meridian Explorer DAC

If you have ever left something in the microwave too long, you may be familiar with the foul smell and discoloration that scorching can cause. Before you throw in the towel and head out to buy a new microwave oven, try cleaning and deodorizing your oven yourself!

Tips for cleaning your microwave after you have scorched food include:

Clean it thoroughly.

The best way to soften up stuck-on food is to put a cup of water in the microwave and heat until it boils. Leave the door closed and then carefully remove the cup, the turntable, and the support ring from the oven. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any spatters, spots, or crumbs before proceeding.

Bring out the baking soda.

Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the surfaces of the microwave and wipe all of the inside walls with a soft, damp cloth. The baking soda acts as an abrasive cleaner that is gentle enough to use on your microwave.

Rub out the discoloration.

Use an acetone-based nail polish remover on a damp cloth to wipe away the discolored spots left behind when you scorch something in your oven. Be sure to next clean the spots that were discolored with a clean, wet cloth to remove any residual acetone that is left behind.

Take care of the smell.

Get rid of the burnt smell that lingers after scorching food in the microwave by adding a capful of vanilla or almond extract to a bowl of water, and heat until boiling. For a spicy smell, try adding a bit of cinnamon to the water, too.

Try these tips to clean your microwave or to revive it after your accidentally scorch something inside. These simple strategies may save you the time, effort, and money that you would have spent on replacing the unit, and will keep your microwave sparkling-clean and fresh-smelling!

Heat things up once in a while.

Be sure to use the hot-water cycle in your washer every once in a while; this will help to kill any potential bacteria. It is especially important to use hot-water when washing undergarments, underwear, cloth diapers, and bedding, which most often contain bacteria.

Don't let things linger when you launder.

Don't leave wet laundry sit in the washer after the cycle is done. This is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew, especially when damp laundry sits for more than a half-hour. Any longer, and you should run the load through the wash again.

Give it a little something.

In the case of a washer, give it a capful of pine-oil disinfectant or ½ cup of chlorine beach. Run a hot water cycle, empty of course, and kill bacteria without any muscle.

If you got it, use it.

Some washers are equipped with a sterilize-cycle which allows you to wash in a cooler temperature, but that will remove bacteria from the laundry for you. Other washer designs incorporate a special lining in the tub that prevents and rids bacteria from the load.

Your clothes may actually be dirtier after you launder them, if you have bacteria in your washer. Prevent the risk of mildew or illness with these simple tips.

The best placement for your type of speakers determines the sound quality that you receive. If you place your speakers wrongly then you are likely to receive poor quality sound. Proper speaker placement might be confusing at first. However, once you learn the best positions for your speakers, you will be able to enjoy the highest quality sound. There are three common types of speakers including direct, bipolar and dipolar speakers. Moreover, the different types of speakers require different placement techniques.

Direct Radiating Speakers

Direct radiating or monopole speakers are the conventional sound systems consisting of one lobe firing radiation forwards. The best placement for monopole speakers depends on the sound system that you have. For a 5.1 surround system, the front and center speakers should be directly in front of you while the rear surround speakers should be 110 degrees from the screen. If you are facing the screen directly, the angle to your immediate left or right is 90 degrees. To achieve 110 degrees, you will have to move the speakers slightly behind you.

Bipole Speakers

As the term suggests, bipole speakers consist of two lobes pointed in diverse directions radiating forwards and backwards in equal measure and phase. The lobes pull in air and push out air at the same time. When it comes to placement of bipole speakers, they work the same way as direct speakers. You can place bipolar speakers as front channel speakers or rear speakers.

Dipole Speakers

Dipole speakers are similar to bipole speakers but in this case, they do not radiate simultaneously like bipole speakers. The best placement for Dipole speakers is 90 degrees from the screen directly to your left and right. The speakers face each other creating a null zone whereby sound emanating from the speakers cancels each other thus producing a diffuse ambient sound.

While Bluetooth and Airplay have the lion's share of the wireless speaker market covered between them, there are some important differences between the two technologies. When you are considering installation of a home audio system, it might be worth your while to know about these differences, so as to make the most informed product choices.

Airplay characteristics

Airplay is a proprietary technology, which means it is owned by someone, in this case Apple. Airplay works on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, and can send high quality audio over Wi-Fi, up to 48 KHz and 16 bits without the need for compression of the signal.

The limitation with Airplay is not anything intrinsic, but lies within the limitations of your home Wi-Fi network - which means if your Wi-Fi network is a little intermittent, so will be your speaker sound. Airplay does not yet support streaming from Android devices, but you can stream music to multiple speakers simultaneously, if your source device is setup to run iTunes for Windows.

Bluetooth characteristics

Bluetooth is an open technology, and is packaged with almost all new electronic devices currently being manufactured. Despite its popularity, Bluetooth has some drawbacks though, including the fact that it is a lossy technology, meaning that it uses data compression and discards some data considered unnecessary. That strategy can result in the loss of some components of a music signal, and can noticeably impact CD-quality listening.

A Bluetooth music signal may only be connected to a single output speaker at a time, although this can be overcome by installing a sound bar or something similar, which incorporates a single box having the two channels. It is also possible to use a pair of stereo Bluetooth speakers with a cable connection, although this somewhat defeats the purpose of going wireless.

If you are listening to music over your phone, you must also be within 30 ft of your speakers for Bluetooth, or the sound will begin to degrade and possibly drop out entirely. As long as you stay in the same room as your speakers though, the sound should remain clear and crisp.

Wall ovens bring an entirely different feeling to a kitchen, while also adding utility and convenience to daily life. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a wall oven to add to your kitchen, and bring a hearth to your home.

Some things to know before you buy include:

The size.

If you are replacing an existing wall oven, it is important to go with the same size for ease of installation. Even standard sized ovens can vary in width by an inch or two, which can make replacing them tricky.

Your configuration.

Since a wall oven is considerably smaller than a traditional stove, you may need to reconfigure the space surrounding your old oven to install the new. You also need to determine which fuel type is best for you: electric or gas. Electric is significantly more popular, so there is a wider range of choices, while gas styles may run a bit cheaper.

Some options.

Depending on what you are looking to spend, you will have some choices to make in terms of options. For instance, do you want self-cleaning or the manual type? Perhaps it makes sense to upgrade to a convection cooking style oven. The price will climb when you look at features such as larger viewing window, temperature probes, porcelain racks, and better interior lighting.

If you want to bring an element to your home's kitchen that makes it a warm, inviting spot to cook, you can't go wrong with a wall oven. Be sure that you measure and plan carefully, to ensure that the oven will fit in your current configuration. The options and upgrades available on the current market will ensure an appliance that is convenient and cohesive with your kitchen, lifestyle, and budget.

One of the best ways to increase your enjoyment of music and other audio recordings is to install a whole-house audio system, specially adapted for your living area. With the cost of whole-house systems steadily decreasing, they are now within reach for all budgets and all types of homes. Here are some installation tips to get you started.

Choosing the right components

The first step in setting up your system is to acquire the right components, and this primarily involves four major items: your music source, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an amplifier, and the speakers. Source refers to where the music originates from, e.g. a CD, Pandora, iTunes, etc., and the signal from this source will need to be converted for listening from digital format to analog by the DAC.

Your amplifier choices will center on either a digital or analog version, and while there are strong advocates for both types, most music lovers prefer a good digital amplifier. Speakers are best selected by listening to them in the store before purchase, but if that is not possible, look for speakers having a good sensitivity rating, because that is a good indicator of their ability to convert energy into sound.

Installing the speakers

The main objective with installing the speakers is to position them so that sound is evenly dispersed throughout the listening area, and this means placing them far enough apart that total coverage is achieved. They should also be placed at ear level or higher, so that sound projection easily reaches the listener. If speakers are mounted on the ceiling, they should be installed at least two feet away from adjacent walls.

Fine tuning the system

There are two calibration steps which can be taken to make your multi-room audio system sound its absolute best. The first involves the use of a Sound Pressure Level meter, as compared to various calibration test tones, and the exercise is conducted to maximize speaker positioning relative to the ideal listening point in a given room. The second calibration makes use of the equalizer settings to adjust the frequency response of the system, primarily for the bass and treble bands.

The next time you come home from the grocery store, pay attention to how you store your meat in the refrigerator. There are some simple tips and tactics that will extend the life of the meat that you buy, plus these hints will help prevent bacteria from potentially compromising your meat or causing possible illness among those who eat it.

Some things to keep in mind when storing meats include:

Leave the wrap alone.

Leave the meat in the package that you bought it in. Removing one packaging to wrap again invites bacteria and could shorten the shelf-life of your meat. If you like, go ahead and wrap an additional layer of butcher paper or plastic around the entire package, and make it a habit of labeling the package with the date that you put it in the refrigerator.

Toss it in the freezer.

If you aren't going to use the meat for a couple days, go ahead and toss it in the freezer. If your freezer is equipped with an extra-cold drawer compartment for meat, use it. Keeping meat and poultry in the freezer instead of the fridge will extend its life from a mere few days to a few months.

Always keep it cold.

Don't thaw your meat on the kitchen counter; thaw it in the fridge. It will take a little longer but it will ensure that your meat doesn't pick up nasty bacteria before you get the chance to cook it. Also, always marinate in the fridge, rather than at room-temperature, too.

You spend good money on the meat that you buy to feed your family; take a little care to prevent premature spoilage and potential bacteria. Use these tips when storing meat to extend their shelf-life, and ensure the food's safety.

The microwave is the workhorse of the modern kitchen, whether at home or in the office lunchroom. All day long, it dependably handles quick grab-and-go chores, as well as more complex food prep chores. But don't take it for granted. To keep it working, here is a look at five things you should never put in your microwave.

Paper Bags

Did you know a standard paper bag from the grocery store can catch fire in the microwave? That's because it doesn't have susceptors, a specialized material that can handle the radio waves produced by the microwave. Popcorn bags have them, but everyday bags don't. As a result, fumes and toxins from the paper get released during the heating process, potentially causing a fire.

Aluminum Foil

The metal interior of your microwave is made to reflect back radio waves, which are usually called microwaves. These waves are responsible for the electromagnetic energy that warms up food. Aluminum foil reflects back the waves. The results are sparks and potentially a fire.

Plastic and Steel Travel Mugs

These handy cups are perfect for sipping coffee on the go. But don't try to reheat your tea or coffee in them. Steel mugs can cause friction from the buildup of energy in the appliance. Many plastic mugs can't take the heating process. Some plastic on-the-go coffee mugs do say "microwave safe" on the outside. In that case, it's ok to use them.

Eggs too Hard Cook

An eggshell traps steam that forms when the microwave does its job of heating. When that reaches critical mass, it can explode. The result is a very messy, hard-to-clean microwave.

Styrofoam Anything

Takeout is often packaged in polystyrene foam, better known as styrofoam. But don't try to reheat your General Tso's Chicken or your breakfast burrito in the container. The material can melt, releasing unappetizing and unhealthy toxins into your food.

Newer technology, fresh ideas and consumer demands have brought about several new home theater trends. Consumers have a number of ways they can customize their own home theaters to suit their preferences and needs. The best new trends include bigger screens, hidden equipment, multitasking rooms and multiple displays.

Bigger Screens

There is no doubt about it; consumers want the big screens, the bigger the better! The days of watching your favorite movie or game on tiny little TV's are gone. Consequently, home theaters rooms have become even larger to accommodate more equipment with bigger screens.

Hidden Equipment

The newest trend for home theaters is to hide or disguise equipment as opposed to the look of the eighties where we scattered every piece of technology equipment throughout the room. Drop down projection screens and in-wall speakers are all the rage these days to omit clutter and customize your theater.

Multitasking Rooms

Spending quality family time together has become a number one priority for most families these days. Consequently, many rooms in the home that were once separate like family centers, game rooms and media rooms are now being combined within theater rooms. This brings the family closer together, and it also helps to reduce the amount of components spread throughout the home.

Many home theaters are now equipped with home networks to provide the necessary Internet connections for streaming video, Blu-ray players, dedicated streaming devices, smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Multiple Displays

Since prices have come down considerably, more homeowners are choosing to enjoy a variety of screen options to suit several needs. Some folks may prefer one gigantic screen; while others want access to multiple screens like one or more flat-panel TV's and a huge hidden projection screen that drops down for watching special events and movies.

HDTV's have become extremely popular for split-screen features that enable users to watch one show on a large screen while viewing the Web or another program on another smaller screen.

There is no doubt that todays' homeowners want increased performance, more features and plenty of space in their home theaters for entertainment and relaxing with family.

Buying a refrigerator is not as straightforward as it might seem. You must consider several factors when selecting a new unit for your home, starting with the dimensions of your kitchen and the refrigerator itself. To avoid bring home a refrigerator that won't fit properly, be sure to measure the area before you start shopping. You can even do your preliminary appliance shopping online so you don't select something at the store that isn't going to work for you.

How Much Will the Refrigerator Hold?

Determining the capacity of the unit you want to buy in advance will save headaches later. Manufacturers offer several ways to figure out the capacity of a refrigerator, including per person and how much individual room you need for frozen and refrigerated foods. If you're someone who likes to prepare several days' worth of meals at once, you will need an appliance with room to store them all until you are ready to eat them. Be sure to check into the number of drawers and shelves as well as how much each one holds before committing to a purchase.

Appearance and Features of Your New Refrigerator

Some people prefer units with the freezer directly on top of the refrigerator while others prefer the two components to be side by side. You also need to consider the color of your new appliance as well as the handle style you prefer. Lastly, do you want features such as an automated ice dispenser or remote temperature control? If so, you can expect to pay more than you would for a basic unit.

Even though the percentage of people who own a high definition television (HDTV) set increases every year, most do not know how to get the full benefit from it. The key is knowing what your unit is compatible with it and using that to your advantage. For example, connecting your HDTV to your home network can instantly turn it into a Smart TV. That means you can surf the Internet, watch live streaming of videos from various sites, connect to weather apps, and even communicate face-to-face with people halfway across the country.

If your HDTV is not Smart TV compatible, you can always purchase a game console, Blu-ray player, or another component that has the features you want. This gives you the experience of having a Smart TV without the additional financial investment.

Use Your Smartphone or Tablet as a Remote

Many people are not aware that they're not limited to controlling their HDTV with only the remote control that came with it. You can also look for an app on your smartphone or tablet that gives you a full keyboard for typing on your television screen as well as reviewing the movie you have just started watching. You just need to make certain that your HDTV is on the same network as your other electronics. If not, you can always purchase a third-party remote control app that doesn't require you to be on the same internal network as your HDTV.

Getting the Most of Your Input and Settings

In order to get the highest quality resolution available, you need to subscribe to a satellite or HD cable package. DVD players give the lowest quality resolution while Blu-ray players give some of the highest. Game consoles also provide extremely high picture resolution. Additionally, make sure that you calibrate your picture settings so they match the lighting and other unique features of your home.

Even if you are not a five-star chef, you still can benefit from some re organizational strategies in the kitchen. These are some simple suggestions that can make your kitchen more chef-friendly, while also accommodating a busy family lifestyle.

Upgrade the technology.

There is no doubt that kitchen technology has come a long way, and it is not uncommon to find impressive devices and electronics in the home's kitchen. A true chef may want to catch up on their favorite cooking shows via an HDTV in the kitchen, or they may want to consider cameras to record attempts at a special dish. Remember to keep your tablet or laptop close at hand to keep track of recipes and grocery lists for further convenience.

Evaluate your layout.

Is your kitchen configured properly? The traditional configuration for a kitchen looks like a triangle, with the sink, range, and fridge at each of the three points. Be sure to allow for a clear flow for traffic between these three areas, removing furniture, obstacles, or clutter that could get in the way. This layout optimizes efficiency and is typically the most convenient during food prep and cooking.

Assess the kitchen storage.

Where and how you store your kitchen supplies and basics should be based on your specific needs and lifestyle. For instance, if you love to bake, it makes most sense to leave items such as mixers, blenders, or hand-tools where they can be easily accessed. This may be on the counter or you may want to implement a baker's island in your kitchen.

Modernize your fixtures.

If it is time to upgrade your appliances, consider buying multi function appliances, such as ranges with convection ovens or a fridge with an ice-maker in the door. Look for energy-efficient models and LED lighting fixtures that will reduce the heat that is created in your kitchen. Look at performance reviews and chef recommendations when determining the best appliances for your buying budget.

All of these tips will help increase the efficiency of the kitchen, while accommodating the many tasks that you use your kitchen for.

When it comes time to clean you LED television set, don't be tempted to treat it as you do the other furniture in your living room. It requires a different cleaning approach than your tables, chairs, and sofas.

Note: it is important to turn the set off and unplug it to give the unit a chance to cool down before you clean it.

Use Special Cloths and Cleaning Solutions on Your LED TV

Because the front panel of your TV set contains a plastic panel instead of a glass-fronted tube, it's important to avoid paper towels and scratchy sponges that could cause permanent damage. Instead, opt for a soft cleaning cloth made especially for this purpose. Most LED units come with a specialized cloth for cleaning, but you can always buy a microfiber cloth if you have misplaced it. This type of cloth traps dirt better than other types that simply move it around.

You should avoid putting ammonia, furniture polish, alcohol, or any other type of cleaning solution on your microfiber cloth as these could damage your LED TV. All you really need is to dampen the microfiber cloth with a small amount of water. To avoid leaving streaks behind, wipe the water off with the dry part of the cloth. Also, make sure you don't get water in the interior of the set and avoid spraying anything directly onto the screen.

Place the TV Set in an Ideal Location to Avoid Dirt and Fingerprints

You can cut down on the frequency of cleaning by not letting your LED TV get dirty in the first place. One way to accomplish this is by choosing a location where people and pets are least likely to touch it. You may also want to discourage smoking in the same room as your TV since the smoke tends to stick to the screen.

Cooking in convection ovens can produce some marvelous results that you just can't get from a standard oven. Standard ovens provide heat, which tends to dry foods and convection ovens retain more moisture. As you might imagine the two do work a little differently so consider these tips when using your new convection oven.

How Standard and Convection Ovens Work

Different ovens may vary slightly in design, but most electric ovens have a heating element located at the top or bottom of the oven. These designs rely on radiant heating from the elements and sides of your oven to cook food. Frequently, this design creates cold and hot spots within the oven.

Electric convection ovens have an internal fan, which circulates heated air. The hot air is evenly distributed within the oven by the fan, which causes food to heat and brown evenly and more quickly.

Convection Oven Tips

Cooking Time

• Convection ovens cook foods in less time than standard ovens. Consequently, depending upon the oven model, size, desired doneness, quantity of food and your cooking temperature, you must make adjustments. Simply drop the temperature by 25 degrees. Alternatively, you can reduce cooking time by 15-30 percent. 

• Monitor foods cooked in smaller ovens carefully. Foods cooked in small sized oven naturally cook faster. 

• Avoid using cushion-air pans designed for conventional ovens. Foods may cook far too quickly and burn.

• Reduce temperatures by about 30 degrees when using glass baking dishes or dark pans to prevent over browning. 

• Place cooking pans a minimum of one inch apart and allow the same space between oven racks. 

Air Circulation

• It's very important to allow consistent airflow throughout the oven when cooking. 

• Make sure baking dishes and trays do not block the fan. 

• Use dishes with low sides, so air flows freely. 

• Don't cover oven shelves with foil that blocks air from circulating. 

• You can achieve better cooking results when using several oven racks by using the same size and type of baking pan. 

Once you learn to adjust cooking temperatures and times, you'll enjoy the benefits of crispier crusts, improved flavors, moister meats and saving on energy bills.

Most people these days spend a significant amount of time on the Internet each day, for a variety of different reasons. Staying in contact with friends via social media, playing online video games, obtaining daily news, and many other attractions keep users connected to the Internet during much of their free time. Now you can even connect your television to the web, and have all those attractions appear on your wide screen TV. Here's how to go about it.

Check inputs and outputs

Most newer TV's have HDMI input ports that allow for high definition video, so you'll need one open HDMI port to accommodate your incoming web signal. You will also have to find an HDMI output port on your computer so you can get the web signal from it to your television's input port. There are also other video types such as Component and S-Video, but today the most common type is HDMI.

Get an appropriate connecting cable

Purchase a connecting cable of the type which matches your computer's output port type and your television's input type, which in most cases will mean you need an HDMI cable connector. If you have mismatched port types on the two devices, you'll need to get some kind of adapter cable to accommodate the difference.

Connect the audio cable

If you used an HDMI cable between your TV and computer, you won't need to do this step, because the audio signal is carried along with the video signal. For any other type of connection, you'll need to purchase an audio cable. The kind of audio cable you buy will depend on the kind of jack available on your computer's sound card. Most newer sound cards have a digital optical jack, but you may also have a standard RCA jack. Once you have your cable, connect it from the sound card to your TV's input audio port.

Test your connection

Turn your TV on and use the remote to select the input source you just set up, whether Component, HDMI, or something else.

Many unique kitchen remodeling ideas are emerging, and many are embracing a high-tech style. If you want to create a unique and functional kitchen space, upgrade the technology and consider some of the following remodeling ideas:

Eclectic Sense of Style.

Design your kitchen to suit your own distinct sense of style. Don't feel confined by sticking to one design style, such as traditional or modern, but instead, mix and match to accommodate your own tastes, preferences, and needs. Want to bring in a thick butcher-block counter, but afraid it won't meld with your lacquer and chrome cabinetry? Don't let your kitchen's style be dictated by traditional norms or a need to stick to one specific style. Mix things up!

Awesome Appliances.

Create a unique kitchen with some of the awesome appliances found on the market. This includes refrigerators with smart-technology, multifunctional ranges with convection ovens built-in, and practically silent stainless-steel dishwashers. These clever fixtures are not just convenient, but they can bring a distinctive focal point to your home's kitchen, too.

Wondrous Wall Treatments.

Don't ignore your kitchen's walls during an upgrade or remodel. Try something new and unique, such as chalkboard paint in the room, or create cool tile mosaics on an empty wall. Accentuate your kitchen carefully, and opt for features that also offer function, such as secured window-box planters that contain fresh herbs for you to snip as needed.

A New Layout.

The old benchmark for a kitchen layout was a triangle offering convenient reach from the stove, to the sink, to the refrigerator. Though this may not be the best configuration for your lifestyle, it can be a difficult chore to completely overhaul the layout in many homes. Another way to enhance the space is to streamline the flow from one area to the next, and to remove any obstacles that might stand in the way. Shorten or lengthen the distance to add a fresh look to your kitchen, while improving access to storage spaces, appliances, or other features of your room.

Kitchens are going high-tech with the emergence of smart appliances and unique electronic applications. Other ways to create a memorable, one-of-a-kind kitchen could involve your current style, wall treatments, and configuration. Consider your own lifestyle and needs before remodeling and create a unique kitchen that becomes the hub of your home.

When it comes to stains, knowing how to treat them properly can make the difference between salvaging a piece of clothing and throwing it in the garbage. However, all clothes should be soaked in either warm or cold water depending on the type of food or bodily fluid spilled on them. Beverages like wine, fruit juice, and coffee create tannin stains that respond best to warm water mixed with just a few drops of laundry detergent. Eggs, milk, blood, and other types of stains with a protein base should soak in cold water with nothing added to it.

Stain Removal Options

Many commercial products and home remedies exist that are effective at pre-treating stains. Spray bottles and roll-on sticks are easy to find at any drug or discount store. Shoppers should read the instructions carefully to see how far in advance they need to pre-treat their clothing prior to washing day. Other possible options include:

• Using a small hotel-sized bar of soap to scrub the stain for up to 10 minutes before placing the item in the wash cycle.

• A bleach gel pen comes in a small tube. It contains bleaching gel and several removable nozzles depending on the amount of liquid required and the pressure exerted on the item of clothing.

• White vinegar makes an ideal pre-treating agent for permanent press clothing or those made from 100 percent cotton or polyester. It should not be diluted before applying to the stain.

• Placing white undergarments in a gallon of water mixed with one-quarter cup of baking soda can remove stains and odors. However, this solution is not appropriate for other white clothing as it can cause fading.

Pre-treating stains doesn't have to be expensive, especially when using items found around the home already.

Running a garbage disposal to dispose of food scraps comes in handy when cooking. However, homeowners that fail to use their garbage disposals properly frequently run into problems. Using these simple procedures will help to maintain your garbage disposal properly and reduce your chances of problems.

Operate Your Disposal Using Cold Water

• Always run a disposal using cold water, which keeps food scraps harder and stiffer for grinding properly.

• Let the disposal and water run for another minute or so after the waste is done grinding. This will help to assure that the blades are free of food scrapes and there are no scraps sticking to the water pipes.

Regular Use Prevents Long-term Problems

Running an empty garbage disposal ever couple of days helps to prevent corrosion and rust on the blades.

Foods to Avoid in Garbage Disposals

Although, garbage disposals work great for getting rid of several types of food scraps, some things shouldn't be put down a disposal.

• Foods containing high amounts of starch like rice or pasta can stick to the disposal causing clogs.

• Peach pits, seeds and large bones can become stuck in drainpipes, jam your disposal or dull disposal blades.

• Potato peels are another food that sticks to the inside of a disposal, which can clog the drains and water pipes.

• Oil and grease solidifies inside disposals causing drainpipe clogs.

• Paper, metal objects, plastic and glass can dull or damage disposal blades.

Size Makes a Difference

Always grind small amounts of food in little pieces to prevent clogs and jams when running a garbage disposal.

Eliminating Unpleasant Odors

• Occasionally, you should run a little mild dish detergent with cold water down the disposal to eliminate grease from the bottom and sides of the disposal, which can cause food to stick and cause clogs.

• Running the disposal weekly with small slices of citrus such as lemons, oranges or limes helps to remove wastes in the disposal and eliminates unpleasant odors that may buildup in the system.

Garbage disposal maintenance is easy when you grind the proper food scraps, run it periodically and use a strong flow of cold water.

There will come a time when the owner's manual for your oven will come in handy. Messing around with an appliance without some sort of instruction or recommendations could result in issues with settings, cook-times, and even caring for your oven.

Some valuable things that your oven owner's manual will help you with include:

Adjusting the settings.

Most new appliances are pre-programmed with factory settings. These may not suit your personal tastes or cooking habits, so the manual can come in very handy when it comes to adjusting or changing these settings. Even something as simple as programming the oven's clock is made much easier with the manual.

Manufacturer recommendations.

Appliance and oven manufacturers often offer recommendations in the manual for the best cooking times for popular dishes, what types of cookware are most compatible, and even the best level for you to place your oven's racks during cook times. These recommendations can be quite helpful and may even result in better performance and results during cooking or baking.

Cleaning suggestions.

Some ovens have very specific cleaning suggestions, and you could inadvertently do damage to your cook-top or range if you use the wrong method. Refer to your oven's manual for the best ways to clean your oven or range easily and efficiently.

Trouble-shooting advice.

What are you going to do if something goes awry with your oven? Your first reaction should be to consult with the owner's manual for trouble-shooting suggestions. Your issue could be the result of user error, and may be something that is very easily solved with a bit of help from the information in the manual.

Don't toss away your oven's owner manual; start a file folder and maintain all of your manuals, warranty information, and receipts for your home's appliances. If you have managed to misplace your manual, visit the manufacturer's website to possibly download additional copies for your distinct brand and model of oven.

After a long day, sometimes a TV dinner simply must do. Tossing these foil-wrapped meals in the microwave oven for a quick bite may result in a disappointing entrée that lacks flavor, seasoning, and appeal.

It is simple to jazz-up a simple TV dinner; try some of the following culinary suggestions:

Add Flavor

The problem with a lot of TV dinners is that they lack seasoning and may taste a bit bland. Use some seasonings, herbs, spices, and sauces to boost the flavor of your pre-fab meals and to make them something special!

Add Flair

Another great idea is to take a couple different frozen meals and merging them to create one distinctive, delicious creation. For instance, combine the meat loaf from one meal and a spaghetti entrée to create a beefy pasta dish that is sure to satisfy. This also helps to stretch these dinners to serve a couple of people.

Add Freshness

TV and other prepared foods can be elevated by simply adding a bit of freshness to the plate. Consider adding a handful of fresh arugula to a chicken patty; drizzle with dressing for a tasty, crunchy salad. Add fresh chopped tomatoes to a frozen pasta or parmesan entrée for some added texture and depth of flavor.

Add Finesse

Sometimes, presentation is everything. Take care to re-plate your TV dinner on the good china, perhaps with a glass of your favorite wine. Even though you are in a hurry doesn't mean you can't sit at the table and take the time to savor and enjoy mealtime.

Treat yourself by taking the time to give your TV dinner a personal touch. Add flavor, flair, freshness, and a bit of finesse, while still getting a hot meal in a hurry.

Many people feel hesitant about washing a new sweater for the first time. That is understandable when you consider that the wash machine can turn a beautiful sweater that fits you perfectly into something small enough to fit your dog. However, you can wash your sweaters with confidence when you pay attention to labels and understand exactly how to launder each different type. Just don't put anything in your wash machine that specifically states dry clean only.

Washing Instructions Depend on the Primary Materials


 Below are some of the most common materials used to make sweaters and how you should wash them.

• Acrylic: When exposed to heat, this material can stretch and lose its shape. Wash it in warm water and then lay it flat to dry or place in the dryer on a low setting. The label should indicate which of these to choose.

• Cashmere: Made from a combination of synthetic and goat hairs, these sweaters should be washed with cold water on the delicate cycle. Squeeze out the water when removing from the wash machine and place on a flat surface to dry away from any source of direct heat.

• Cotton: You can wash cotton sweaters in warm water. Since they are very prone to shrinking, never place them in the dryer afterwards.

• Silk: Silk sweaters should be washed on the delicate cycle in warm water and then air dried. You will likely need to iron a silk sweater after drying.

• Wool: Because this material has many variations, it's extra important to pay attention to the care label. If it can go in the wash machine, use cold water and a gentle cycle. Avoid using the clothes dryer afterwards.

Before placing any sweater in the wash machine, turn it inside out and place inside of a mesh bag. This helps it get as clean as possible without weighing it down with water so you can dry it easier.

Whether you have just purchased a new refrigerator or you need to move your current one, it's not an easy task. Refrigerators are heavy and bulky, making them difficult to maneuver for even the strongest person. To make it as easy on yourself as possible, remove all food, beverages, and other items from the refrigerator before you attempt to move it. Be sure to pack the items in boxes and place them out of the way so you don't stumble on them when relocating the refrigerator. Additionally, take out movable drawers and shelves to lighten the load even more.

Make Sure Your Path is Clear

Due to the way your home is laid out, you may not be able to carry the refrigerator in a straight line. That's why you need to make sure that the entire area surrounding your proposed path is free and clear of any tripping hazards. You should also measure the opening of your door frame against the dimensions of the refrigerator to ensure that it will fit through with ease. If the refrigerator is too large, you may need to disassemble it to get it into the house.

Extra Precautions

To prevent the door from flying open while you're moving the unit, tape it shut with strong packing tape. You may also want to consider placing padding all the way around the refrigerator to ensure it doesn't get scratched or dented while in transit. Lastly, you can save the strain on your legs and back by buying or renting a dolly for the day. As long as you can get the refrigerator onto it, you just need to push it into place and then remove it from the dolly.

Just as DVDs replaced VHS tapes, many people now prefer the Blu-ray DVD to the original one. This media format comes with additional benefits such as the ability to store high-definition movies and games and a menu that makes them easy to use. The Blu-ray DVD is just as thin and compact as the original, making them simple to store as well. As more people choose high definition televisions (HDTV) over a traditional set, they naturally want the better user experience that Blu-ray DVDs provide.

The Sound and Picture Quality Can't Be Beat

The level of detail provided by a Blu-ray DVD is something that a standard DVD can't come close to reaching. You can see the main people and props in a scene so clearly that you feel like you're right there with them. Even the background actors, actresses, and scenery comes into sharp focus. With the ability to hook up surround sound if you desire, watching a Blu-ray DVD gives you a sound quality that you've probably never heard outside of a movie theater.

Top Features of Blu-Ray DVD Players

Blu-ray DVD discs require a special player for you to enjoy all of its features. Some of these include:

• Internet Connectivity: If you receive live stream concerts and download movies on your computer, connecting it to your Blu-ray DVD player gives you a superior listening and viewing experience.

• Easy Connection to Your HDTV: Blu-ray players come equipped with HDMI outputs that make hooking them up to your high definition television set a snap.

• Get Information without a Disc: Some Blu-ray players allow you to download weather applications, news station reports, and the local radio station without having to invest in a separate disc.

If you enjoy high-quality movies and games while also appreciating convenience, consider a Blu-ray DVD player with an HDTV the next time you upgrade your audio visual equipment.

The dishwasher is a great time-saving device, but it has limits like everything else. While it does a wonderful job of cleaning plates, dishes, cups, and silverware, there are some items you should never put in a dishwasher. Whether it's due to the size of the item or the materials it's made of, it's better to wash certain things you use in the kitchen by hand rather than risk ruining them in the dishwasher.

These include:

• Dishes, utensils, and pots and pans made of brass, gold, or silver: Although bowls and cups with gold trim are pretty to look at, they can be difficult to clean. To avoid having the dishwasher peel off the trim with its high water pressure and sometimes abrasive detergents, don't put these types of dishes inside of it. Items made from sterling silver may actually turn yellow when ran through a dishwasher cycle.

• Cutting knives and items made of wood: It's fine to put butter knives and small steak knives with the blade pointed down into the dishwasher. However, it's no place for larger knives that you use to chop food. The environment inside of the dishwasher can nick the blades of the knives and make them dull. The long and sharp blades can also damage your dishwasher. Wood items, such as cutting boards and bowls, also don't belong in the dishwasher. The intense heat can cause swelling, which in turn causes cracks that render the item useless.

• Pots and pans: Not only are these items too bulky for the dishwasher, they can easily get scratched and develop rust. If your pots and pans have food stuck to the sides and bottom, it's better to allow them to soak in warm soapy water for a while and then wash them by hand.Clean-up time goes much smoother when you know what you can safely put in the dishwasher and what you need to clean another way.

The ability to have surround sound audio and visual equipment at home is an exciting possibility in every way except for one. A job of this magnitude requires using many wires, which can a tripping hazard as well as unattractive. Knowing what to do with the wires can be tough, especially when you live in a rental unit or have limited time and resources.

Here are some tips than can help:

• Use adhesive back taped wire when installing the speakers. These wires give you the ability to peel off the adhesive backing, stick them to the wall, spackle over them, and then paint them the same color as the rest of the room. No one will know the wires are there since they blend in seamlessly.

• Use a monster cable or flat wire. These speaker wires are extremely thin, which makes it easy to conceal them between base or floor boards. You also have the option of painting over the jacket to disguise the wires even better.

• A cable organizer allows you to bundle all of your speaker wires together and place them inside of the unit. It is angled to fit unobtrusively in a corner. You may still see it occasionally but at least the wires are out of the way.

• A cord organizer runs up the wall and also gives you the option of painting over it. If you have many wires, you could place one in all four corners of the room.

• Crown molding is the most aesthetically pleasing of these options but also the most expensive. Most people choose to hire a professional to measure, cut, and place several pieces of foam molding in the same décor as the rest of the room.

You don't have to settle for looking at ugly wires or tripping over them every day when you use one of these options to disguise them. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of your home theater system.

Freezing foods can be an excellent way to save time and money when feeding a family or trying to curb costs. There are, however, some things to know before you toss your grocery items in your freezer; these hints can help produce a better texture and taste in your frozen foods. In addition to a decent freezer, invest some money in the right packaging materials to keep your foods safe and air-tight; this includes plastic freezer wrap, a food sealer, or heavy-duty plastic bags.

Before freezing, consider the following suggestions for preserving these favorite food items:

Produce

There are a few things to know about freezing produce; for example, greens and herbs don't freeze particularly well and can become dark and limp when you thaw them to use. Bananas freeze well, and if you peel them when they become too ripe for eating, they can be frozen in an air-tight container for baking or smoothies later. Berries can become mashed-together when frozen so it is best if you can spread the berries out on a sheet pan and freeze until firm before placing together in a freezer bag or container. Pay attention to the water content of your favorite fruits and vegetables when freezing as items with a lot of water, such as cucumbers or melon, loses its texture when thawed.

Dairy

Eggs are something that do not freeze well in the shells; if you want to freeze eggs, scramble them first and pour them into an ice-cube tray for convenience when needed. Remember that liquid expands when frozen so before freezing milk, leave a little space in the container for this expansion. Milk freezes well, though it may absorb odors in your freezer which could affect the taste.

Baked goods

Bread and rolls freeze fine in tightly-closed plastic bags. This is also a great way to fill in your freezer space and make it run more efficiently. A full freezer is typically more efficient than an empty one, and it is always convenient to have a couple extra loaves of bread on hand! Cookie, cracker, or bread crumbs don't freeze well and will lose their crisp texture when thawed. They may be restored by toasting them in the oven on a cookie sheet before after thawing.

The way that you freeze your foods can make a big difference in the taste and texture later on. Use these tips to preserve a fresh flavor and palatable texture in your family's favorites. Also, consider buying foods in bulk to save some money, freezing items to be used later on.

There is a compelling argument for both liquid and powder detergents, depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Before you dismiss one or the other, consider some of the unique features of each to determine the best choice for your needs and priorities.

Consider the comparisons between liquid and powder detergents in some key areas:

Performance

There are some distinct differences between liquid and powder detergent when it comes to performance. Liquids dissolve easier in all temperatures, while energy-efficient machines and cooler temperatures may not dissolve powder detergents as effectively. Liquids produce more suds than powders, typically, which may provide an argument for their superior performance.

Cost

Rather than the actual cost of the detergent, consider the amount of detergent needed to wash a load. Consumers have a tendency to use more than is needed when adding detergent to their laundry, especially when using liquids. Powder detergent may actually cost a bit less, as a result of this.

Convenience

Powder detergents have a longer shelf life than liquid variations, so it may be more convenient to stock up on powders when they go on sale to use in the future. Powders are less messy when trying to measure or use detergent during laundry chores.

The Environment

Since liquid detergents produce more suds, these products may cause issues in the ecosystem. The water that is discarded into your septic system after washing laundry can add the detergent, chemicals, and even toxins into the water supplies around your region. Whether using powder or liquid, the type of detergent used doesn't impact the amount of energy needed for the load unless you are using a high-efficiency machine; in these instances, you should only use detergent recommended for high-efficiency washers.

When considering the environmental impact, powder may be the more viable option for you. If you are strictly looking for a detergent that performs the best, you may lean toward liquid. Read labels to ensure you are using the right type of detergent recommended for your machine, particularly when using a water-saving or energy-efficient washing machine.

We've all experienced it at one time or another. We open the refrigerator door to find food with incredible black film and tinges of green mold starring back at us. As hard as you may try, it can be difficult to determine the food shelf life of items stored in the fridge. This guide provides some basic food storage standards to save you from spoiled milk, moldy cheese and other undesirables.

Assorted Goodies

Tuna: 2-4 days.

Opened condiments: 1-6 months.

Preserves, jellies, jams: 6 months.

Dairy

Most dairy products develop an incredibly bad smell when they have gone bad. If milk, cottage cheese or sour cream smells bad, it may be time to pitch it in the garbage.

Eggs: 3 weeks.

Milk: 7 days.

Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: sealed in the package 3-6 months.

Soft cheeses: opened 1 week.

Butter: opened 2-3 weeks, unopened 1-3 months.

Cottage cheese: opened 1 week, unopened 45-60 days.

Margarine: opened 1 month, unopened 4-5 months.

Cream cheese: 2 weeks.

Sour cream: 7-21 days.

Yogurt: 7-14 days.

Fruits

Fruits that are exceptionally soft, mushy or taste odd are usually no good.

Canned fruits: opened 2-3 days.

Apples: 3 weeks.

Avocados: 5-10 days.

Berries: 2-3 days.

Bananas: 2 days.

Grapes: 1-2 weeks.

Melons: 1 week.

Oranges: 5-6 weeks.

Watermelon: 6-8 days.

Leftovers

Keep a sharp eye on leftovers that have a tendency to get pushed to the back of the refrigerator.

Poultry or meat leftovers: 3-4 days.

Pizza: 3-4 days.

Meat broth or gravy: 1-2 days.

Meats/Fish

Besides the smell, one of the telltale signs of bad meat is the color change.

Steak: 3-5 days.

Fresh hamburger: 1-2 days.

Chicken: 1-2 days.

Pork chops: 3-5 days.

Roasts: 3-5 days.

Fresh fish: 1-2 days.

Cooked fish: 3-4 days.

Processed Meats

Bacon: 7 days.

Hot dogs: opened 1 week, unopened 2 weeks.

Lunchmeats: opened 3-5 days, unopened 2 weeks.

Fresh sausage: 1-2 days.

Breakfast sausage patties or links: 7 days.

Hard sausages: 2-3 weeks.

Fully cooked ham: 3-4 days.

Vegetables

Fresh lettuce: 3-5 days.

Onions: 2 months.

Tomatoes: 1 week.

Cucumbers: 1 week.

Making a mental note of the date of your last shopping trip is a great way to monitor perishable goods and avoid spoilage. Whenever possible, check food labels for storage recommendations, and stay on top of foods that spoil quickly like vegetables, fruits and meats.

You can spend hours researching home theater or stereo equipment and thousands of dollars getting exactly what you want, yet still not achieve the sound quality you desire. As frustrating as that is, it doesn't happen due to purchasing an inferior product. The solution is actually much simpler. Where you place the speakers in a room has a much bigger effect on sound quality than you may realize.

Considerations for Different Rooms in Your Home

Before you choose a room to set up your home theater or stereo system, keep these considerations in mind:

• Sounds waves in small rooms bounce and reflect. Unwanted echoing may be a problem if the room contains parallel surfaces. Since your listening experience may depend on where you are sitting in the room, it's important to listen to sounds coming from the speakers at several different angles before placing the speakers permanently.

• If you desire to place the speakers in the ceiling, you should seriously consider hiring a professional to do it. Mistakes in set-up compromise sound quality in addition to being costly to fix.

• Avoid placing the subwoofers of your speakers too close to a wall as this can cause distortion of low sounds.

Many music enthusiasts swear by the rule of the Golden Triangle. This means that the listener and each speaker should be approximately the same distance apart. You can try this for yourself by measuring the distance between the speakers and then use that same numerical measurement for choosing your own seat. You may also want to consider placing the speakers so they create a stereo image rather than pointing them straight ahead.

There is a very good chance that your kitchen is not as energy-efficient as it could be. Take a look around to find ways to curb your utility costs, and to put more money back in your own pocket.

Consider the following tips when looking for energy saving solutions in your kitchen:

Stove strategies.

Try firing up your microwave or toaster oven as an energy-saving alternative to heating up your oven or range when fixing meals. If you do decide to use your stove-top, be sure that you keep the burners clean; this will help it to reflect heat better and make it more efficient. Try turning the burner off just before cooking time is over to utilize the residual heat of the burners to finish cooking your food.

Functional freezing.

Every time the freezer gets opened, warm air is let in that increases your kitchen energy usage. The best way to prevent that is to maintain a fairly full freezer at all times. Consider picking up a couple extra loaves of inexpensive bread at the grocery store to help fill in the gaps in your freezer, and to insulate it against warmth each time the door is opened.

Chilly conservation.

Make sure your refrigerator door is closing tightly, in order to conserve energy in the kitchen. Test your magnetic strip along the door by placing a single sheet of paper in between the door of the fridge. If it slides down, it is time to replace the magnet with something more secure.

Try these simple strategies to conserve energy in your kitchen, and to potentially lower your utility costs every month. Begin looking for ways to curb energy when preparing, cooking, or simply spending time in your kitchen; you may be surprised by how much money you can save!

From personal computers to smartphones, electronics are a part of our everyday lives. Unfortunately, the average lifespan for a lot of equipment is only a few years. When your electronics give out, what do you do with them? Some people simply throw them in the trash, even though most states have a specific ban against this. Because most electronics contain toxins that are harmful for the environment, recycling them is the safe, responsible thing to do. Here are some things to keep in mind before recycling your old equipment:

• Check to see if a non-profit organization in your area could use what you no longer need. For example, shelters for abused women often request old cell phone donations. The phones are refurbished after donation and provided to women trying to flee an abusive relationship. Shelter clients don't pay a fee for the recycled cell phones.

• Contact the manufacturer of the product to see if it offers a take-back program. If so, get the details about how to ship your product back, arrange for pick-up, or drop it off yourself.

• Many of the larger electronics store chains offer recycling programs, even if you didn't purchase the product there originally. Be sure to call or ask in person before hauling in your old computer or other type of personal electronics equipment.

To avoid giving other people access to your private data, be sure to clear the hard drive before recycling your computer. If you're not certain how to do this yourself, any computer repair shop could complete the task for you.

A ventilation hood in your kitchen helps to prevent airborne pollutants from being released in the rest of the house. Most homeowners are unaware that odors and pollutants created in the kitchen are the leading cause of indoor air quality problems. With a ventilation hood in place, the heat, humidity, odors, and smoke created from cooking are contained before they can travel and cause possible health issues for you and your family.

Evaluating Types of Ventilation Hoods

The first decision you face when purchasing a ventilation hood is which type you prefer. The under-cabinet model is typically the least expensive. This unit traps the grease and odor in a replaceable filter while circulating the air back into the kitchen. You also have the option of selecting an under-cabinet model that vents outdoors.

You can mount a chimney-style ventilated hood directly to the wall of your kitchen. This model is at least a few times the cost of the under-cabinet model and gets its name from the fact that it's shaped like a chimney. A variation on this is the ceiling-mounted chimney ventilation hood. It has a significantly higher price tag, but is more fashionable since it hangs over a kitchen's center cooking island.

The final option is a custom built-in ventilation hood for your kitchen. The design can be anything you like and its modules are ducted and mounted in a manner that makes the unit blend in seamlessly.

Other Considerations

An equally important factor is whether the ventilation hood you choose comes with a duct or not. Ducted hoods allow all of the pollutants created from cooking to vent outside of the home. This is ideal if you are concerned about air pollution. The under-cabinet model is an example of a non-ducted hood that collects the air particles in a filter that you must change regularly.

You should also think about the features that are most important to you. Some of these include quiet operation, whether you operate the unit mechanically or electronically, and quality of lighting that it provides.

It used to be that only high-end movie theaters had curved screens. However, as personal tastes have evolved, consumers are now expressing the desire for curved screens in their homes. The same benefits once on enjoyed at the movie theater can now easily be experienced in your own living room.

The Purpose of Curved Screens at the Movie Theater

Movie theater projectionists and managers favor curved screens for a very practical reason. Prior to the invention of curved screens, picture distortion was a common problem due to the sheer size of the movie theater screen. Viewers often had to contend with blurred edges along the sides of the screen because light travels further to reach the side than it does to reach the center of the screen. Pushing the screen closer to the center by curving the sides eliminated this problem. While the image is curved, the viewing audience sees it as flat. This technology is also popular in IMAX theaters that are known for extra-large screens.

Should You Do the Same Thing with Your Home Television?

Smaller screens, such as those of a personal television set, don't have as much of an issue with distortion. However, enough exists for some people to opt for a curved TV. Having the middle of the screen at direct eye height enables you to take in the entire picture on the screen. Those who are seated to the left or right of this spot may experience slight distortion with a regular TV set. The slight curve of the screen makes it appear that the entire picture is flat, thereby allowing all viewers to have the same quality visual experience.

Another benefit of the curved TV is that it cuts down on light reflections. This means you and other viewers aren't distracted from the glow of the computer or lights that are turned on nearby. Colors show up in much sharper contrast because of this.

Those white shirts and pants in your closet looked so pristine on the store shelf, but standing up to the demands of everyday life is a different story. Your clothes get wrinkled, torn, and most of all, stained. Fortunately, keeping your clothes white isn't as hard as you might imagine. The tips below will keep your clothes looking almost as good as the day you bought them.

Whites Deserve Their Own Load

Not only does washing white clothes with colored clothes cause unnecessary staining, it makes them look dingy long before their time. That's why it's important to wash your white clothes separately. If you get in the habit of separating solid white items from other clothes in the laundry basket or hamper, you will remember to wash them that way. For even better results, be sure not to overload the wash machine and keep dirty white socks away from other types of white clothing.

The Washer Needs Washing Too

It's a shame to go through the trouble of washing your white clothes separately and have them still look dirty when you take them out of the wash. This can happen when the wash machine itself gets too dirty. To avoid such a problem, be sure to use vinegar, soap, and water to clean your machine thoroughly at least once every three months.

Pre-Treat Any Stains

When you toss in a piece of white clothing with a stain, it's likely to set in during the washing process. Be sure to look at each item of clothing closely and pre-treat stains before including that item of clothing in your wash cycle.

Soften Hard Water

If your home has hard water, you may want to purchase a water softening system or add a few drops of water softener to each new load. The minerals in hard water are tough on clothes, especially white ones. If you don't treat the water, it could cause your clothes to wear out prematurely.

It is disappointing to invest money in a high-quality television set only to find that the view is less than great when it is set up in your living room. There are some practical tips for better viewing angle, and the best spot for your set really does depend on the size that you buy. Before you spend more money on fancy wall-mounts or customized installation services, consider the following regarding the best place to position your TV:

Placement height.

Don't hang or mount TVs above your line of vision if you were standing in the space; this will make you feel like you are constantly looking up to see the screen. It is better to lower the position so that it falls in a comfortable field of vision when seated in the living room, or other area of the home that you watch TV.

Viewing distance.

Some online calculators will predetermine the best distance to sit from your TV based on size, typically, you don't want to be more than ten-feet away from the screen regardless of the size.

Inherent obstacles.

One of the biggest obstacles that you may find when positioning your TV set is your fireplace. Don't make the mistake of hanging the TV above your fireplace, as this is too high for long-term viewing comfort (prepare for a stiff neck) and the heat from the fireplace can damage your set over time. While there are some pricey gadgets that will allow you to pull the set down as desired for viewing, it is better to choose another wall in the room for your set.

Best seat.

You should be aware the the best spot for watching an LCD television of any size is directly in the center of the screen. If you have arranged the furniture around the TV, the best seat in the house is going to be the one that lines up straight with your set.

Bigger isn't always better, and if you are poorly positioning your set in your living space, it won't matter what the screen size is. If you are unhappy with the image or viewing experience of your TV, check the settings and be sure to calibrate the factory settings to suit the placement of your set when you install it or if you happen to move it at some point. This could make a big difference in the image, color, sound, and overall quality of the viewing experience.

Even though there are many benefits to having a chest freezer, it's not for everyone. Before you make an investment, it's important to evaluate your lifestyle and grocery shopping habits. If you're someone who buys single-serving meals more than any other type of food, there isn't much point in having another freezer in the garage or basement. However, if you have a large family or like to stock up on your groceries, having an extra freezer makes good sense.

Possible Benefits of a Garage Chest Freezer

If you're inclined to eat out a lot, you already know that doing so can be hard on your wallet and your health. It's one thing to decide to eat at home more often and another to actually have the means to do so. Having extra freezer space in your home or garage means you can stock up on healthier meals and have something available when dinnertime rolls around each night. Some of the other benefits you may realize from making this investment include:

• Saving on fuel by making fewer trips to the store
• Ability to buy in bulk before prices on certain items increase
• Having more fresh fruit on hand
• Making a week's worth of meals in advance

Cost Considerations

Depending on the size and features included, a deep freezer could cost between $150 and over $1,000. If possible, you should save for the purchase to avoid having to pay interest when you finance it. Additionally, you need to factor in the monthly and annual cost of operation. Again, this depends on the size of the unit. When compared to the benefits, the utility costs are small at an average of less than $100 a year. As long as your lifestyle indicates that you would get enough use out of it, a chest freezer is a smart investment.

When assembling your home theater system, your choice of speakers can make the difference between an ordinary experience and an extraordinary one. Unfortunately, people often feel confused when they hear different terms to explain the same type of speaker or there is no consensus among electronics retailers about the distinctions. This is especially true for those who are purchasing home theater speakers for the first time. They hear the terms active, passive, and powered speakers thrown around and aren't sure what these terms mean.

What Are Active Speakers?

With this type of speaker, the word active describes the crossover components and system. The crossover component of a speaker is the part that divides the frequency signal's audio bands into smaller and more manageable parts. These low, mid-range, and high sounds then travel to the specific speaker equipped to handles its particular frequency. The terms active speaker and powered speaker are sometimes used interchangeably because the crossover electrical components of active speakers are literally powered. For the majority of audio systems, the subwoofer is the only real active speaker.

Understanding Passive Speakers

Most audio visual speakers are passive, which means they include the following characteristics:

• Each audio signal is driven by an individual and separate amp.
• The speakers require a separate power amplifier to receive their full audio signal.
• Passive, rather than active, crossover components that divide the incoming audio signal and send each part to the loudspeaker drivers directly.
• The components are made up of capacitors, inductors, and resistors that split the incoming signal and deliver it to other drivers.

Before you make your final purchase, you may want to ask other home theater users for their opinion on whether active or passive speakers make a better listening experience. They are likely to give you more valuable feedback than sales personnel are.

Choosing the right streaming stick for your entertainment center is a big decision for such a small device. Fortunately, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast and Roku Streaming Stick are three of the most powerful streaming sticks currently available. Since each of these devices are top-of-the-line, your decision may depend on your budget or familiarity with each developer.

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon's streaming stick may be the obvious winner if you're already an Amazon Prime subscriber or Kindle owner because you can instantly stream Amazon Prime videos directly to your television (a feature that is also available on Roku but not Chromecast). The stick connects you to a variety of services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO NOW, Watch ESPN, Showtime Anytime, Pandora, PBS Kids and NBC News. You can also play games, mirror your phone or tablet and search by voice using the mobile app or optional voice remote. The device currently costs $34 for Prime subscribers and $39 for non-subscribers.

Google Chromecast

Priced at $35, Google Chromecast boasts an impressive growing selection of apps, with everything from Netflix to YouTube and Polaris Office to TuneIn Radio. The streaming stick supports screen casting so you can view your Android device on the big screen. Rather than including a remote, you control your Chromecast from your Windows, Mac, iOS or Android device -- or by voice via select "Cast" apps. Not having a physical remote may be a deal breaker if you find yourself wanting to watch something when your smartphone is in another room.

Roku Streaming Stick

Roku's included remote has four different quick-launch buttons so you can access some apps on the fly, such as Netflix or Amazon. Roku has been in the streaming media game since 2008 and offers just about every service possible in its streaming stick. There are also a ton of apps available from unofficial channels if you find your selection is missing something. The stick is currently available for $10 off its original price of $49.99. Even with this discount, Roku is more expensive than the Google Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV.

These days, not many homes are without microwave ovens, as these remarkable appliances synchronize very well with the busy lifestyle of working parents. When there is very little time for food preparation after work, a microwave can be an invaluable way of quickly preparing a delicious and nutritional family dinner, or for warming up leftovers from earlier in the week. So the big question about a microwave is not whether to have one, it's where the microwave should be located in your kitchen to make best use of it. Here are some possibilities.

Kitchen cart

A kitchen cart can provide you with an ideal way to save counter space, and at the same time keep your microwave portable, moving it wherever it's needed for a given application. If you use your kitchen cart as a permanent appliance platform, you can lock the casters in place so there's no unexpected movement of the cart.

Countertop

If you do have the available space on a counter top to accommodate a microwave, make sure it's a place that's near an electrical outlet and close to where you prepare much of your food. Be sure not to place the exhaust vent of the microwave directly opposite a wall that might obstruct its natural airflow.

Built-in

If you have a built-in nook where you can install your microwave, this probably is the most appealing location for it. This makes your microwave look as though it's part of an integrated kitchen design, with all appliances strategically situated for functionality and appearance. The drawback to this option is that building such a nook does require some advanced carpentry skills.

Over the range

This kind of installation for a microwave also calls for some advanced skills, because you will need to vent the microwave either through the top or back of the area above your range, and you may also need a connection to the outdoors through your wall.

No home theater is truly complete without an AV receiver. This piece of equipment controls your entire home theater experience by performing the following functions:

• Acts as a user interface for your home theater by managing the remote control receiver, display on the television, and display on the AV receiver's face.
• Switches and connects all audio and video sources in your home theater. When installed correctly, you should easily be able to switch the audio or video sources that you desire to listen to such as TiVo or a DVD.
• AV receivers amplify the sound in all of your speakers by up to five times.
• The device is necessary to decode various surround-sound formats like analog and digital.
• You have the ability to tune in radio programming if you wish.

Specific Benefits of Having an AV Receiver in Your Home Theater

An AV receiver offers exceptional benefits, such as the ability to play video games with intense and realistic sound effects. Another major benefit is that an AV receiver easily adapts to its surroundings. For example, if you live in a house with high ceilings or tiled flooring that normally affects sound quality, having an AV receiver allows you to overcome these obstacles to an excellent home theater experience.

Besides the improved user experience offered by an AV receiver, you should notice a decrease in your electricity costs as well. That is because the unit allows you to keep electronics you aren't currently using turned off to conserve energy. With no real downsides to having an AV receiver, it's a smart choice for anyone who wants to feel like they're at the theater without ever having to leave home.

You tried on five different sweaters before choosing the one that was just perfect. After wearing it once, you wash and dry it to keep it in great condition. The only problem is you missed the instructions that said you weren't supposed to put your new sweater in the dryer and now it's two sizes smaller and no longer fits you. That's disheartening, but there are steps you can take to prevent something similar from happening in the future.

Should You Use the Clothes Dryer or the Clothesline?

If you washed your clothes using the regular or permanent press settings on your wash machine, it's usually okay to put them in the clothes dryer afterwards. However, there are certain types of clothing that should never go in the dryer. These include:

• Wool
• Lined items
• Sweaters
• Delicate fabrics

These items are likely to shrink, lose buttons or other decorative pieces, or become frayed due to the high heat of the drying cycle. You should also exercise caution and consider using the dryer on a case-by-case basis for these items:

• Synthetic fabrics
• Clothing with elastic
• Undergarments with wires
• Fabrics containing sheer or mesh

How to Get the Best Results

If your clothes are safe to put in the dryer, be sure to look them over one last time before making the transfer. It's possible that the wash machine didn't do a thorough job of removing stains that could then set in during the drying cycle. Be sure to clean the lint trap before or after each use, select the proper settings, and not overload the dryer.

Hanging your clothes out to dry also has several benefits. Some of these include:

• Eliminates static cling
• Gives your clothes that fresh breeze smell
• Conserves energy
• Prolongs the life of your clothes dryer

Just remember to evaluate each type of clothing individually and your clothes should retain their color and cleanness for months or years to come.

Laundering in the right temperatures can make a dramatic difference in the condition and longevity of the things that you wash. Clothing that is not washed in the right temperature may become dull or stained, as detergents won't live up to their potential if you always use the cold cycle. While it may be tempting to curb costs by washing in cold, you could be causing yourself more expense and effort in the long run. Clothing will last longer, look better, and be cleaner when you use the recommended temperature when laundering.

The right temperatures for certain loads of laundry include the following recommendations:

Hot water.

Use hot water when washing linens and clothing items that can hold up to the heat without fading or bleeding. This includes white clothing, towels, and bedding. Hot water will kill germs that could be lurking around on sheets or towels.

Warm washing.

Warm water washing is a bit gentler, less likely to cause fading, shrinking, or bleeding in your laundered items. Warm washing also helps to keep wrinkles to a minimum.

Cold cycles.

There are some things that cold water washing is preferred; for instance, delicate items, lingerie, and items that could have the potential to bleed or run are best washed in cold temperatures. Detergents don't typically wash as well in cold water, so be sure to pre-treat any spots or stains to ensure they don't set in. Cold water may also be the best option for washable wool items, when you want to prevent shrinking.

Sure, every once in a while something may require a quick wash in cold water. Don't make this a habit with heavily-soiled, stained, delicate, or light-colored items. Over time, stains will be set in, colors will fade, and whites will become dingy. Read the labels and take the time to adjust the washing temperature to suit your load.

Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better when it comes to high-definition television sets. Buying a set that is congruent with the size of your space and the distance that you typically sit from the screen is a more practical approach when shopping for a new TV for your home.

Some aspects to consider when shopping for your set include:

Room configurations.

The room where the TV will be placed makes a significant impact on the best set for the space. If distance, angles For crowded rooms, consider how many feet you would typically sit from the screen, and multiply that number times ten. For instance, if you sit around four feet from the screen, a 40-inch TV will be as big as you will want to go to maintain clarity and comfort.

TV set specifics.

Pay attention to more than merely brands or screen size, do some comparison shopping for resolution. When you buy a large-screen television, resolution is more important than ever. When the resolution is poor and the screen is wide, you will see a loss of clarity, and often times the image is muddied.

A functional formula.

Another formula that is popular when trying to figure out just how big of a TV to buy, convert the typical distance from the screen by twelve, to get a value in inches. Divide this number by three to get the recommended size television for conventional, rooms that are not too crowded or cramped.

Nothing is as disappointing as investing hard-earned money in a fabulous TV only to find that it doesn't come in as clear or life-like as you thought it would be. Pay attention to the size of your room, the distance that you typically sit from the screen, and the resolution of the model when you shop for televisions, and you won't go wrong!

Many people pay a great deal of attention to the video quality of their home theater setup, but to really enjoy an immersive and satisfying theater experience, the audio part of the presentation should get just as much attention. Here's how you can take advantage of today's high resolution audio formats to make it your system sound better.

Positioning of speakers

The rule of thumb for positioning is that speakers should be placed on the left and right, equidistant from the listener, and if possible, equidistant from the rear and side walls to achieve the best stereo effect. The center speaker should be slightly behind the left and right speakers, in the front of the room.

Room furnishings

It may not be obvious, but room furnishings can have a major impact on the quality of what you hear. For instance, if one speaker is placed close to a bare wall and the other is next to drapes that will absorb sound waves, there will be an asymmetrical and unbalanced audio presentation to the room.

Try to make the room symmetrical, in terms of objects on the left and right side, so that a balanced audio display reaches the listener(s) at the center of the room. If this isn't practical, try moving the speakers slightly to achieve the right effect, and if that doesn't work, try moving your chair while you're listening. A few feet can make a huge difference.

Surround speakers and subwoofers

The most common speaker setup has three speakers at the front of the room - left, right, and center - accompanied by two surround speakers at the sides of the room, and a subwoofer. For best listening, the surround speakers should be positioned at ear-level to create atmospheric sound that immerses the listener in the total experience. The subwoofer provides bass tones for your home theater, but their exact placement can be tricky. Probably the most sure-fire way to place a subwoofer correctly is to experiment with various ear-level locations to see which sounds the best. When you have all this arranged properly, you are in for some great listening!

• Sprinkle your clothes in the washer with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda. Start the washer and wash as usual. The baking soda prevents electrical charges, so clothes won't stick together.

• Make a little ball out of tinfoil, put it into your washer, and run your machine on a normal washing cycle. The foil discharges electric charges produced in the wash that cause static electricity in your clothes.

• Add ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle in your washer. The vinegar works like a fabric softener to stop clothes from getting stiff, which builds up friction and causes them to stick together.

• Use the recommended amount of fabric softener in your washer dispenser or place a fabric softener sheet in your electric dryer.


• Add a damp cloth to your dryer. Run your dryer setting as normal. 10 minutes before the cycle is complete, reduce the setting to low and toss in a damp cloth. This saves on the cost of dryer sheets and it prevents clothes from becoming overly dry, which makes cling together.

• Rub your skin with moisturizing lotion to prevent dryness so clothes won't cling.

• Dry clothes the old-fashioned way. Hang the damp clothes on a clothesline in the sunshine to dry naturally. They won't become excessively dry or full of static.

• Use a humidifier to add humidity back into the air. A small humidifier placed near your clothes hung on hangers in the laundry room or closet adds just enough moisture back into the clothes to get rid of nasty static cling in garments.

Any one of these tips will surely work well for you, so don't let static cling win!

Sources: http://www.mrappliance.com/blog/2015/june/getting-rid-of-static-cling/
http://www.whatisstaticcling.com/reduce_static_cling.html

Unfortunately, even the largest-screen, high-definition TVs can have disappointing audio when you position them in the home, on a wall, or in a cabinet. Consider adding depth and decibels with a simple, relatively inexpensive sound bar.

Common queries surrounding sound bars include these:

What is a sound bar?

Sound bars are a clever and cool way to improve and enhance the audio on your television set. These devices are often slim, and fit conveniently under your TV on the wall, or in front of the set on a cabinet or entertainment center. These devices do a great job of amplifying the sound and most offer additional features such as simulated or true surround sound, bluetooth capabilities, subwoofers, and USB compatibility.

Is this the same as surround sound?

A lot of shoppers may confuse a sound bar with surround sound, but they are not one and the same. Many sound bars that offer "simulated surround sound", and while these still enhance the audio, the quality is very different from true surround sound which you could expect to pay several hundred dollars for.

Which sound bar is best?

Obviously, the answer to this question lies in the buyer's personal preferences, type of TV owned, and the shopping budget. It is possible to find sound bars with wireless subwoofers, for more sound depth and definition, for around $300. The best sound bar is going to be one that is compatible with your TV and that offers the features and sound clarity that you are looking for.

When shopping for a sound bar, it makes sense to explore products that are offered by the manufacturer of your television, but don't feel restricted to only those options. Take a couple pictures of your TV set, and the screen and bezel measurements, and use these when you shop for your sound bar to find a size and style that is aesthetically pleasing and congruent with your set. Talk with electronic retailers about product features, compatibility, and price to find the best sound bar to augment your television set.

You have a few different options when trying to remove odors from your refrigerator. The key is finding the source of the foul odor, whenever possible. Try the following approaches when faced with an off-putting odor coming from your fridge:

Get rid of it.

The first thing that you want to do is try to find the source of the smell. If something got pushed in the back, or got stuck behind one of your drawers, remove it.

Clean it up.

Give the fridge a good, all-over scrubbing. Clean with toxic-free cleaners, such as white vinegar and baking soda. Be sure to rinse well to avoid a film on the appliance surface.

Absorb it.

You can try to get the smell out by using something to absorb the odor. Some things that you may use include a box of baking soda, a stack of newspaper, or a shallow dish of cat litter.

Air it out.

If the odor is stubborn, you may need to empty out your refrigerator, unplug it, and air it out for a few days. This will involve propping open the door and is an excellent opportunity to defrost your freezer, if applicable.

Cover it up.

You may try to camouflage the odors with something pleasantly scented, such as essential oils or extracts. You can dip a couple cotton balls in almond extract and place on a paper plate or napkin in the fridge. The strong smell may help to neutralize the odor.

Move it out.

You may need to face the fact that you can't get rid of the odor. Perhaps there is something wrong with the refrigerator itself that is causing the smell, which you might not be able to resolve. In these situations, you may need to simply cut your losses and go refrigerator shopping.

Try these tactics to get rid of a foul smell in your fridge, and talk with appliance retailers about upgrading to a new refrigerator when all else fails. The modern conveniences and innovations make many new models virtually odor-free, which also makes it easy to maintain.

There are three different approaches to washing laundry, ranging from the very meticulous, attentive approach to the just-throw-it-in-the-machine approach, and all the minor variations in between these too. All of them are wrong. Or at least, it is very likely that your personal adopted washing method has included some major flaws which have acted to reduce its effectiveness significantly. That may sound outlandish, but it's true, and here's why.

Using too much detergent

An article appearing in the Wall Street Journal detailed how Americans are typically using way too much detergent in their washing machines, actually leaving clothes dirty and causing problems with their machines. Filling the cap up with detergent is too much by at least half the cap, and the problem has been exacerbated by the fact that in modern times detergent is much more concentrated, and high-efficiency washers use less water to dissolve all that soap.

Using too much fabric softener

Fabric softeners leave a coating on laundry as they do their softening magic, and while that may smell wonderful, it causes problems with laundry. Towels especially are impacted, because that coating inhibits their ability to absorb moisture. Excess fabric softener also builds up in your wash machine over time, and may eventually begin leaving stains on clothing which can ruin them.

Setting the wrong water temperature

Some laundry detergents simply do not dissolve very well in cold water, and this is especially true of powdered detergents. If you're using a cold water setting on your wash machine, it is best to use a detergent specifically made for cold water usage, otherwise you risk having clumps of undissolved powder clotted in your laundry.

Washing machine is being improperly loaded

Most people pay little attention to which laundry items get loaded into the washer first, assuming it makes no difference. Those people who do have a strategy will generally put the dirtiest clothing in first, where it sits at the bottom of the washer. By far the best practice is to load the grimiest laundry last so it sits on top, where detergent can be the most effective.

If a particular television show is a guilty pleasure, why not plan a marathon and binge-watch your program with family and friends? A TV marathon is a great way to get people together with a common interest, for a night of interaction and socialization. Invite others with a mutual interest in the show that you plan to watch, but this is not the time to invite those that are unfamiliar with the program and that could become bored.

Some other tips for your viewing binge include these tips:

Choose your show.

Whatever show is trendy and popular is a fine choice, but a better one might be a series or season of something less expected. For instance, plan a "Welcome Back Kotter" marathon, or a night of watching old "Love Boat" episodes.

Prep your venue.

Be sure that your space will accommodate the crowd you have invited over. Reconfigure seating arrangements so that everyone can be comfortable and conveniently located to one-another, the snacks, and the rest room.

Build your theme.

A gathering based around viewing a favorite show is the perfect opportunity to create an intriguing theme based on the program. For instance, if you and your friends are binge-watching "Sex & the City" episodes, set up a little manicure and pedicure station for your guests. If the scheduled show is "The Walking Dead", decorate the room and create snacks that play off of a zombie theme.

Why not enjoy your favorite television shows with family and friends? Make it a party by creating atmosphere and tailoring snacks or drinks around your program. You may find that this becomes a regular event with friends and family!

Wash clothes, towels, or blankets that already have an odor in hot water to help eliminate it. Scented laundry soap can also help to mask the odor.

Strength of the mount is very important. Mounts that are made from plastics may not be as sturdy or strong than those made from higher quality metal materials. Consider the weight of your TV when buying a mount. Many wall mounts packages list the TV brands that they are designed to support, which is helpful.

Other than price and strength, you'll need to focus on wall mount designs. Different designs can provide more or less flexibility.

Wall Mount Designs

Flat Mount

The most basic of all wall mounts available on the market is the flat mount. Essentially, the hardware holds the TV in place about one inch from the wall. This doesn't have any angle viewing options, and it is a recommended option for plasma units that have wide horizontal and vertical viewing lines.

Swivel Mount

This type of mount allows adjustments from side-to-side, which is ideal for televisions that need to be viewed at a slight angle to get the best viewing conditions. It's ideal when angles need to be changed to see well from another position in the room.

Tilt Mount

The tilt mount allows the TV to be positioned at a higher location on a wall and tilted to counteract reflections from room lights or glare from a window.

It's a good idea to check your flat screen TV manual after purchasing to see if it lists wall-mounting recommendations for optimal strength and mounting options. It is also highly recommended that you mount the bolts into wall studs to provide a secure and stable mounting.

Sources:

If the appliances were there when you moved in, determine the manufacturer and then find the company's website. It should contain a downloadable owner's manual for each of the products it sells.

The Importance of Cleaning and Changing Filters

Like everything else you own, your appliances operate best when clean. For example, food stuck to the surface of a stove can make it take longer to cook your food. Additionally, it's important that you use your appliances only for their intended purpose. That means putting only bowls, plates, cups, and silverware in a regular dishwasher and not oversized pots and pans. If you have children, teach them to respect your household belongings so they last as long as possible.

Many appliances have a filter that must be changed regularly in order for it to function efficiently. Your clothes dryer, heating system, and air conditioner are just some examples of this. Whether you buy an appliance new or you inherit it, make sure you understand the type of filter to buy and how to change it.

Lastly, make it a point to check the condition of your appliances a few times a year. This helps you spot potential problems and get them fixed before they cause major damage.

Now that virtually everyone in the country has a big screen HD television, or maybe even several of them, it's time for the next big thing in television - screens with 4K resolution, or ultra high definition (UHD). These are screens with four times as many pixels as HD resolution can display, making graphics crystal clear and providing even greater viewing pleasure than the best HD televisions.

Gaming with a 4K television

As yet, there are few products available for a 4K television screen, because technology for once is well ahead of the companies which might produce compatible products. None of the gaming systems like Playstation 4 or Xbox currently offer 4K gaming products, so the best setup available for 4K gaming is with a PC connected to your television. All that extra resolution does require more power from a PC or laptop, so some additional expense might be necessary for best results from your machine.

The newer UHD televisions all make use of HDMI 2.0 technology rather than the old 1.4, so when this is coupled with a PC video card which also has HDMI 2.0, you will be able to see the maximum 60 frames-per-second (fps) that most games are created with.

Future enhancements

There is little doubt that in the future, this will all come together in spectacular fashion. The 4K textures displayed on the UHD televisions will display the tiniest features of any gaming scene, even in the corners of the screen, to provide the most satisfying and thrilling gaming experience that anyone could hope for. Gamers will be able to sit closer and still see a highly detailed image, with the broadest possible field of view.

At present, there are tantalizing glimpses of what this future will be like, and hooking your PC into your 4K television will open a window into that future. The really exciting part of that is that from this time forward, more games will be specially made for 4K, and all the support pieces will begin to be developed and made available, and 4K gaming will become an amazingly rich, immersive experience.

Serve simple snacks and soft drinks.

Ask or encourage guests to bring their favorite refreshments, and provide simple, satisfying snacks. Since the movie is best seen after dark, most will have already had dinner. Pop corn, candy, and soda are what is served at the theater, so use that as the inspiration here, too.

Work out the kinks early.

Give your projector, computer, and equipment a dry-run before guests arrive. Be sure to have the screen hung, if applicable, or have in mind the wall that will be used to show the movie.

The more, the merrier the movie will be.

Don't exclude anyone from outdoor movie night. This could become a tradition in the neighborhood and someone different may host each week. Invite everyone, and tell them to bring a friend!

There doesn't have to be a special occasion to plan and host an outdoor movie night. This is the perfect way to welcome the warmer nights of summer with neighbors and friends, and can be a great way to celebrate an impromptu birthday or other milestone. Gather friends and family together for a warm night of food, fraternizing, and film for a night that will be remembered by all who attend.

An outdoor kitchen creates an opportunity to extend your living space for cooking, eating, and entertaining. When appropriately laid out, an outdoor kitchen provides an escape from your four walls and a visually satisfying extended living area. To make the most of your investment, however, an outdoor kitchen requires some analysis and planning. The following are several ideas for beginning the process of designing your outdoor kitchen.

Research your appliances

At minimum, you will likely want a charcoal or gas grill, a sink, and a refrigerator. It is critical to choose appliances that can withstand the elements that predominate in your geographic area. If you live in a region that receives copious rain or sun, consider purchasing stainless steel appliances to resist wear and tear. A roof structure will maintain the life of your appliances and furniture, not to mention it will keep the elements off of you! Remember to call in the pros to connect your sink to a water source, or your grill to a gas line. This may also require a permit. http://porch.com/advice/7-tips-best-outdoor-kitchen/

Plan your space and materials

As you design your space, think functionality. An outdoor kitchen is more likely to be used if it has space for storage and food preparation. Likewise, you are more likely to use a product if it is easy to clean and maintain. Just as you want durable appliances, you also want cabinets and countertops that are waterproof and resistant to temperature extremes. Look for contemporary countertops and cabinets that coordinate with your flooring, such as stone or concrete countertops and steel cabinets. http://www.houzz.com/outdoor-kitchen.
http://porch.com/advice/7-tips-best-outdoor-kitchen/

Set the mood

Consider the feeling you want your outdoor kitchen to invoke. The colors, shapes, textures, and lighting you choose will determine what atmosphere your space projects. If you want to create an organic feel, you might choose a wood-fired grill, bamboo stools, and built-in planters. Alternately, you might want to play off of the existing landscape, incorporating similar colors and textures into your patio, furniture, or countertops. http://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/kitchens/g9/outdoor-kitchen-design-ideas-0511/?slide=2

Whichever design you choose, your well-planned outdoor kitchen is sure to provide versatility and enjoyment to your home.

There are some distinct approaches that consumers can take when planning and designing their bedrooms. These are very personal spaces that should reflect the user's personality, tastes, and lifestyle. It should also be a place that is relaxing and comforting, providing the optimal environment for rest and relaxation.

When looking at options to enhance or style the bedroom, consider taking a closer look at some of the things that may already be around the home. Try to up-cycle these goods to save money on the refurbishment budget, and to change things up a bit throughout the home. Also, try to designate one focal point for the space, whether it be a handcrafted headboard that was made for the bed or a fireplace in the corner of the room. Work details and accents around these focal points, but remember that less is more. Visual clutter can be tiring, and distracting to look at when trying to unwind.

Some distinct styles for bedroom configurations include these classic approaches:

Contemporary

Contemporary style is the same as modern style, and these spaces usually have bold, contrasting colors, and glossy, enamel surfaces. Simple styles and minimal accents are benchmarks of contemporary design.

Traditional

Traditional style is a popular choice for bedroom suites, with rich wood tones and oversized furnishings. Antique light fixtures, wood flooring, and heavy draperies are all items that might be found in a traditional bedroom.

Industrial

A fun twist on a bedroom space might be to give it an industrial style makeover. Metallic surfaces, exposed brick, and smooth, concrete flooring could be found in an industrial styled room. Cool, scrolled metal might serve as a headboard in these bedrooms.

Country

Mix and match all of the most favorite elements, furnishings, and possessions for a country style bedroom. Lots of color and varied textures are features of a country bedroom. The overall goal in these spaces is to create a warm and inviting space that will provide a restful sleep.

Try to choose a style and furnishings that reflect the person using the space. Create a calm, soothing environment with careful choices in paint colors, linens, and even window treatments. Talk with retailers about the best options for specific style choices, at the best price.

Kitchen appliances are something that should be purchased with thought and care, as these are home staples that will typically be used regularly. When shopping for kitchen appliances, consumers should pay heed to the needs of the household and their lifestyle and recognize that these purchases are actually home investments. Even when shopping on a very restrictive budget or when looking to score a bargain, there are some approaches to appliance shopping that will yield quality appliances at a reduced cost.

Some ways to save money when replacing appliances in the home include these strategies:

Bundling appliances.

It can make a significant difference in cost to bundle appliances, and buy more than one item from the retailer at the same time. Figure out the appliance needs, and try to predict imminent future needs, and replace dated or worn appliances before it becomes a crisis situation.

Manufacturer rebates.

Ask retailers about which manufacturers are offering appliance rebates. This can provide a hefty check in the mail or instant cost-cut when buying specific models within an allotted time frame.

Tax-time sales.

Tax-time sales begin in January and typically run until early spring of each year, coordinating with the time that many shoppers get back their tax returns. This coincidentally may also be the time when manufacturers begin releasing new models, making the prices drop on the hold-over units.

Gently used options.

There is always the option of buying a second-hand appliance. This may be the most practical approach when something unexpected occurs with a major home appliance and money is tight. Many appliance retailers have some used models for sale, and this may be the safest way to go in terms of warranty and potential for returns.

Don't buy appliances with only cost in mind. Since these are something that will be used each and every day, and that the household relies on to function, it is important to consider the capacity, features, and efficiency of the appliances, too. Use these strategies to get good deals on quality appliances that will be used for years to come.

Your TV is changing once again. From analog to digital television was a major transition. The newest is just as important, but still obscure for most viewers.

It's called HDR and it means high dynamic range. It's all about how bright and how dark your screen gets. The range between whites and blacks on a set with HDR is much higher. HDR is the television equivalent to the high-contrast ratio on your computer screen.

True-to-Life Viewing

If your TV is 4K, then you're in for a treat. You will see much more realistic images than ever before, cleaner and with greater depth.

If you have an LED or LED LCD TV, you may think there is little room for improvement. And that is true with brights, but not with the dark end of the spectrum. The problem occurs because light is able to leak around each dark area.

But an HRD device offers richer, more realistic colors. The high-contrast that is available with this technology generates naturalistic depth and a sense of dimension on the screen.

It's Not Your iPhone HDR

If you have an iPhone with an HDR app, you might think they are comparable, but not so. It's a different animal completely from HDR TV.

The iPhone apps tend to produce images with contrasts out of kilter. The darks are too dark, the brights are hard on the eye and the entire image is usually too saturated with color.

Shows Made for HDR

You can currently find videos make for 4K HDR on sites like Netflix and Amazon. New releases at several of the major Hollywood movie studios will be in HDR. In the future Blu-ray will have the capability.

Is it possible to get HDR in other ways beside streaming? Currently there isn't a single over-the-air broadcasting available that is compatible with HDR. It is in the experimental stages, as shown with a demonstration by Technicolor and Sinclair Broadcast Group.

It's a good change that is coming to a TV screen near you. You will be able to enjoy much richer images with HDR on 4K televisions.

How Much Prominence Should the TV Have?

Before you make a final buying decision, try to visualize how the TV will look in the room where you want to place it. Is it so large that furniture and other things in the room are barely noticeable? If so, you don't automatically have to downgrade to a smaller television. It's all a matter of taste, and something that you should agree on with others who live with you. Another important factor in choosing screen size is knowing how far away you plan to sit from it. You don't want to be so close that images are distorted, but being too far away somewhat defeats the purpose of buying a large-screen TV in the first place.

Sitting Angle

For a cinematic viewing experience, try to sit at a 40-degree angle from your TV set. To arrive at an optimal angle, measure the distance between your television and where you plan to sit by 0.84. That gives you an estimate on how large of a screen you should buy. Here are some examples of how this works in practice:

• 32 inch screen, viewing distance of 4.0 to 6.7 feet
• 50 inch screen, viewing distance of 6.3 to 10.0 feet
• 70 inch screen, viewing distance of 8.75 to 14.6 feet
• 84 inch screen, viewing distance of 10.5 to 17.5 feet

Keep in mind that these figures are a general guideline and you are free to change the placement of your TV and furniture at any time.

Got a smelly washing machine? That's because even washing machines get dirty and musty, even though we associate them with fresh smelling clothing. There's technically nothing wrong with your washing machine (particularly front-loading models); it just needs a good cleaning. Don't put up with that mildew smell. Do your part to get it clean again with these tips.

Why the Smell Happens

Front loaders use less water than their traditional counterparts, with a horizontal spin cycle that douses the clothing in the water/detergent mix. While this is certainly energy efficient and more convenient for you, it can lead to a buildup of mildew, bacteria and even mold. That's because the smaller amount of water doesn't fully rinse your clothing of all the dirt. Add to that the heat and dampness of your washing machine and you've got a breeding ground for nasty smells.

Cleaning Tips

You don't have to get fancy with expensive cleaners. Just head to your pantry and get a box of baking soda. Mix 1/4 cup with the same amount of water and add it to the detergent slot of your washing machine. Then, in the drum of the machine, add two cups of white vinegar, suggests Reviewed.com Laundry. Run a normal load and allow the baking soda and vinegar to work their magic. This combo will remove any residues that are sticking to your machine, killing the offensive odors as a result. Do this once a month to keep your laundry room odor free.

Keep it Fresh

To keep your washing machine from giving off odors in the future, change up your old detergent and get a new one. Make sure the drum is completely dry before closing the lid, removing damp clothes promptly after washing and leaving the door open for a while. Clean out the gasket every so often and wipe it down with a mixture of vinegar and warm water.

You'll never have to smell those odors again!

4. Make Fun Creations. Most kids frown on new fruits and veggies when they're told they must eat them. If you make a fun food creation such as funny face veggie pizza or fruit kabobs on a stick, you make it more likely that they will eat it -- and love it! In the same vein, use cookie cutters to make creative shapes out of sandwiches.

5. Teach Kids the Importance of Cleaning. While cooking can be fun, cleanup is a necessary part of the whole process. To make this task less arduous, make up a silly song about cleaning.

Cooking with kids doesn't have to be stressful -- in fact, it should be fun! So follow these tips for a successful time in the kitchen with your little ones.

Check out the new outdoor televisions

If you are looking for something impressive to truly set the tone for your space, check out some of the new outdoor TVs, which are perfect for any size space. In addition to being durable and resistant to moisture, frequently these sets offer special facades and glass fronts that will cut down on the glare.

Projection screens can be a budget-friendly option.

If you are sticking to a fairly stringent budget, try a projection screen first, and plan on using an HDMI cord to project the movie from your laptop and projector to the side of an exterior wall, door, or inexpensive screen.

Contain your space with overhead protection.

If possible, position your outdoor theater space in a protected area, porch, patio, or underneath an overhead structure. This simply provides a bit of protection for your electronics, and guests, during inclement weather. Talk with contractors about simple overheads that may secure to an exterior wall of the home.

Whether you live in 500 square-feet or 5000, there are some advantages to transforming your yard into an entertainment area. Enjoy the best weather of the season, and don't let small quarters inhibit your enjoyment this summer. Talk with electronic retailers for the best components to complete your media center, and for those items that will work well outside.

Weed it all out.

After you make an inventory of your devices, controls, and cords, start configuring those items that you will need to use. Set up the basic system, whether it be your television, cable connection, router, or other basic electronics, and add your additional devices from there. Be sure to check that you get a good reception and establish internet connectivity before moving on and adding any new devices.

Get rid of the old.

When you have figured out what it is that you want and need, donate or trade your unused or unwanted items. Getting these items out of the home will cut down on the confusion and free-up storage space. Obsolete devices can be donated to an organization that will recycle or sell these goods for a worthy group. Some electronics merchants will give credit for traded-in items, so check with the retailers in your region as well.

Re-purpose and recycle.

Speaking of recycling, there are some very clever ways to recycle unwanted electronics, parts, and gadgets, and simple, online tutorials make it easy to create these distinctive home accents on your own. Before you contribute to local land-fills by discarding electronic items, consider ways that you may turn them into something new.

An organized electronic hub in the home makes it easy and convenient to handle your media, devices, and gadgets. Get rid of the incompatible pieces and shorten up cords to keep things succinct and stream-lined. Take time to try these action steps toward reorganizing your electronics, and cut down on time, confusion, and chaos that disorganized media systems can cause.

Put on a Film

If there's a movie or show that you've been dying to watch but just haven't had time for, laundry day is the perfect time for it. Pop yourself some popcorn to snack on as you fold, grab a pillow on the floor or couch, and get cozy as you roll socks.

Jam Out

If you really need a pick me up, make your laundry day a jam sesh. Put on your favorite tunes and crank it up - don't be afraid to dance and sing along!

Allow Yourself a Break

Once you've loaded up the washer or dryer, take a break - you can't fold while things are washing and drying, anyway. Spend the downtime to make yourself a yummy snack, get in a catnap, or go for walk.

Laundry day doesn't have to be a bore!

Display

When buying a TV, it is important to consider the type of display that the model offers. Perhaps the sharpest image with the best clarity are the LED models. These typically cost a little bit more than the alternatives, but use less energy monthly in most cases. LCD isn't quite as sharp and may not be ideal for those that enjoy gaming or those televisions that have a larger screen. Plasma screens are often found in the huge, wall-sized models but these may be less clear and more difficult to see in some homes.

Contrast

Bigger is better when it comes to evaluating a TV's contrast ratio; the higher the number, the greater the contrast between the colors on the screen. Look for models that offer a true contrast ratio, which allows buyers to compare sets to find the best contrast and most satisfying image.

Resolution

The television's resolution is measured by pixels, and the higher the number of pixels, the more detailed the image on the screen should be. Pixels often are provided for the vertical number of pixels on your screen. Ask sales staff for the horizontal pixel number, which you can then multiply with the vertical pixels to obtain the total pixels for the set you are looking at.

Inputs

The inputs on your new TV are important, depending on the other electronics and devices that you will be using it with. Most televisions have HDMI inputs, which allow you to hook a computer, laptop, or gaming system up to the set. Blu-ray disc players typically require a HDCP input. If you are living in the stone age with a retro VCR or old style disc player, you may want to find a set that contains the analog inputs to be compatible with your system.

Keep in mind that technology changes frequently, so avoid trendy models that could be obsolete in no time. Look for quality devices from reputable manufacturers, and opt for extended warranties whenever possible. This will ensure that you won't be disappointed in the performance or utility of your TV, and that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.

Buyers may be looking for models that can hold a bigger load, which may make household chores a bit more efficient. The fact is that bigger capacities equate to longer cycle times, so if time is of the essence, you may want to consider smaller capacity models for your home. These conventional sets may cost less, too.

Efficiency

Another thing to be concerned with is the amount of water used during a wash cycle. This may be particularly relevant for those consumers that pay for their water usage, such as those hooked-up to city or municipal water sources. The appliance might be energy-efficient, but be sure that it isn't a water-waster, which may subsequently drive up your utility costs.

Cycle Time

Since larger loads equals longer cycles, look for models that offer variable cycle times. This will help to conserve utilities and energy when you want to wash an item or two, or when running small loads through your machine. There are some amazing sets that offer lightning fast cycles, but the prices may be a bit higher for these high-tech appliances.

Hazards

Depending on your lifestyle, you may have the need to wash specific, unconventional items in your washer and dryer. Be sure that these materials won't threaten to damage your machines, or that they won't cause your machine to become imbalanced. This may include waterproof apparel, camping items, and even water-resistant fabrics such as vinyl tablecloths and plastic coated shower curtains. Some of these items are specifically outlined in the consumer cautions for the appliance you are looking at.

Cost

Be sure to take into account the cost to run the machine, beyond the mere sticker price of the appliance in the store. Read the information provided regarding the monthly energy costs, as well as the water consumption, to determine if a great deal on a washer and dryer is actually a bargain at all.

It also pays to read online reviews from customers and consumer protection groups that could identify the pros and cons of the model that you are looking at. Don't get discouraged by one or two sour reviews, but look at your specific needs and overall satisfaction before making buying decisions. When it comes to buying a new washer and dryer, it can pay to do your homework and compare pricing before you shop.

Cleaning the Oven

Take out the oven racks first and foremost. Blend together two spoonfuls of baking soda into a bowl with water, creating a paste you can spread over the oven surfaces, advises Tip Hero. When spreading the paste, note that the baking soda will turn a brownish color. That's OK. Let the mixture sit overnight, for a total of at least 12 hours. Take a wet rag or cloth to the oven and wipe all surfaces. There will be some baking soda remaining. To get rid of it, add vinegar to a spray bottle and spritz the inside of the oven, wiping it down again with the cloth. Return the racks to their original position. Turn on the oven to low for about 20 minutes to speed up the drying process.

The result is a shiny oven interior that looks like new!

Evaluate current services.

Smooth and effective video streaming relies on a solid and dependable internet connection. Before severing ties with current cable companies, be certain that the internet provision is updated, fast, and reliable. Be aware that common occurrences can impact internet connections, and that this is very noticeable to those that are attempting to watch a movie or a show uninterrupted.

Take inventory of current equipment.

Consider updating equipment, computers, or streaming devices for the smoothest and easiest streaming possible. This may include one of the many devices found from electronics retailer, and also involves certain pay-by-the-month streaming services. Be aware that there are many programs available for download that will stream current shows, movies, and programming for free, too.

Practice patience.

Streaming videos often requires a certain degree of patience. Many things can impact the buffering speed of movies and videos, and occasionally, a show will pause and stall during viewing as the stream buffers. Practice a bit of patience, and think of the money that you are saving from switching from costly cable!

There are numerous advantages to video streaming and it can dramatically impact the amount of money spent monthly on basic television programming. With most homes well-equipped with computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, streaming makes the most sense and provides the most expansive access to a wide range of movies, television, and applications. Consider the perks of streaming and the long-term impacts of quitting cable for good!