The Uses of Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

There are two reasons why we get frustrated with our kitchens.  The first is not having enough space to work in, and the second is lack of organization. What’s the solution?  Kitchen Cabinet Organizers will not only get organized, but you can also create a lot more space as well. You will  find that there are hundreds of different types of organizers that you can use in the kitchen. Most of them, you have probably already seen on television commercials.

The types of Kitchen Cabinet Organizers that you will find include magnetic storage tools, kitchen carts, grocery bag holders, storage food containers, kitchen drawer organizers, countertop organizers, and china and silver organizers. These different types of organizers could be the difference between a kitchen running smoothly and the lady of the house running around trying to find what she needs. There are also many different types of organizers that will set inside your cabinets, thus making a lot more cabinet space that you never thought was there. There is the cabinet door shelves that can be used for bottles and spices.

You will also find stacker trays. These stacker trays are very popular Kitchen Cabinet Organizers because you can stack many different items on them including can goods so that you can save room and at the same time, view the items that are in the back with no problem. You can also get the cabinet drawers that roll out of the cabinet. They sit on their own track, or they can be installed to the sides of the cabinets with side rails. There are also turntables that you place on a shelf inside your cabinet. You can put a multitude of items on these turntables and still be able to reach everything on them with just a quick spin.

If you are looking to find room for all those pots and pans, you will find several different types of Kitchen Cabinet Organizers that will hold your lids on the door of the cabinet while another organizer stacks the pots neatly within the shelving area. All of these organizers are a must-have to any kitchen that needs some attention when it comes to the lack of space as well as the lack of organization. Because sometimes when you don’t have that much space, it is very hard to be organized.

 

Tips and Tricks to Sell Your House Fast

In today’s real estate market it can be pretty hard to sell your house fast.  With the rising number of foreclosures, home buyers have more options than ever when it comes to selecting a new home.  Fortunately there are some relatively cheap and easy things you can do to your house that can improve the chances of a quick sell!

 

When competing with all of the overwhelming foreclosures, the one thing you have as a homeowner that banks do not, is the ability to make minor changes and improve the ‘move-in’ quality of a home.  There are definitely many re-habbers and house flippers out there that love the thrill of buying a dilapidated house and fixing it up, but most people are looking for a home that is ready to move into.  Look at your house with the eyes of these talented bargain hunters and make those improvements now! 

 

Beyond placing a sign in your front yard, what else is there about your house that would encourage a person to call their realtor?  Stand in the street and evaluate your home as a buyer would.  What draws your eye first?  Does the house look dingy?  Is the grass green?  Is the pathway attractive?  Does the house look like it’s in need of repair?  All of things will help you find ways to improve your chances of selling your house fast. 

 

Updating the Curb Appeal, Pathway and Door

 

If the house is dingy, rent a pressure washer, it’s much less expensive than repainting and will greatly improve your homes curb appeal!  Consider different things you can do to make the walkway look more attractive.  Always make sure to water your grass early in the morning and late in the evening, this conserves water and also ensures a nice green lawn.  Make sure the lawn is mowed and edge the walkway to give a clean appearance.  Take a look at your mailbox, what shape is it in?  There are many decorative ways to repaint a mailbox,  or if you are not the creative type, just buy a new one.  To spruce up the walkway consider purchasing some outdoor lights, this also helps bring attention to your home in the evenings when most people are out house hunting.

 

Once up the pathway, consider your front door.  Doors are quick and easy to paint, and adding such new door hardware such as new knobs or handles, can greatly improve the over-all feel of the house before a potential buyer even walks in!  This is also a good time to access your door bell or knocker.  Is the door bell broken or discolored?  Do you need a new door mat?  How about the house number display - do you even have one?  You definitely want to make sure they remember the address.  Take a hard look at all of these items and coordinate each update to encourage that put together feel.

 

Updating the Foyer or Entry Area

 

Now that you have a home buyer through the front door, what do they see?  Make sure all of the clutter is cleared away, pack up all of the family pictures and replace with neutral art, but leave a few thoughtfully placed nick-knacks around the house to draw attention to your homes major selling points.  Inspect all of the walls to make sure they appear clean, repair any nicks in the walls and replace any switch plates that are mismatched, broken or discolored. You want the buyer to envision the house as their own, but at the same time create that warm homey feel. 

Don’t forget the lighting!  Properly placed lamps can make all the difference in how a room appears.  Turn off the overhead lights and use strategically placed floor or table lamps to create a warm golden glow in the room.   Continue through your house, one room at a time, and analyze each one the way your mother-in-law would!  Are the baseboards clean?  Is there dust on the curtains, do they need to be replaced?  If not, consider just updating the curtain rods and drapery hardware.  Rummage through the closets, move everything off of the floor and pack up clothes to give the appearance of more closet space. 

 

Updating the Bathroom

 

Bathrooms are always a major selling point, so make sure they are clean and look fresh.  If needed, buy a new bathroom mat, a hand towel and shower curtain.  Accessorize the bathroom so that it looks uncluttered and organized, simple items such as a soap dish, shower baskets and towel bars can produce this effect quite easily.  There are also products at your local hardware store that allow you to quickly re-stain wood cabinets and by adding some new cabinet knobs you can change the entire look and feel of the entire room. 

 

Updating the Kitchen

 

Kitchens also need to look uncluttered and organized.  Clean all of the appliances off  the counters to give the appearance of more counter-space.  If the appliances look outdated, consider buying new appliance handles.  Freshen up the cabinets and make sure all of the appliances are clean and don’t forget to remove any magnets or personal notes that are on the refrigerator. 

Using a nice cinnamon or vanilla scent in the kitchen can also create a nostalgic feel to the room when a buyer is looking at your house, make sure it is nothing overbearing or too obvious.  For a nice natural scent, one easy idea is to sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on a foil-lined cookie sheet and place in the oven under low heat, or you could go all out and bake some chocolate chip cookies or fresh bread.  Make sure to take a close look at the cabinets in the kitchen also.  Tighten up or replace any lose cabinet hinges and consider replacing the kitchen cabinet knobs if necessary.  If your cabinets are in really bad shape, sanding down the rough area’s and repainting will completely brighten the entire kitchen!

 

Beyond Home Maintenance

 

All of the above tips and tricks are intended to help you sell your house fast, but beyond maintenance there are many other things you can do to make your house more sell-able.  Be in touch with your real estate agent often and make sure they are familiar with online real estate marketing.  Give them your high and low price on the house and allow them some bargaining room when working with potential home buyers.  Ask them what other marketing methods they use when selling a home and make sure to write down any newspapers or websites where they advertise your real estate listing.  Always make sure that your agent contacts you before coming to show the house so that you can tidy up and leave!  There is nothing more overbearing to a buyer than having a seller right behind them as they are looking through the closets.   When you return to your house, take another critical look from the curb to the bathrooms and continue to make improvements until the house sells – It may happen quicker than you think with the right kind of updates!

If you would like to use this free content on your own blog or website, visit EzineArticles.com! 

 

 

 

How to Install a Faucet

With the economy the way it is today, the last thing a man wants to do is call a plumber!  The good news is that you don’t have to shell out big bucks for minor home improvements and general maintenance.  Installing a new faucet is a relatively simple job.  Basically, you are talking about a very simple mechanism (the sink) that is connected to water (the pipe) and a valve that delivers the water!  Here are some simple tips and step-by-step instructions to help you install your own faucet and avoid the high-cost of hiring outside labor. 

 You CAN do it yourself
with these step-by-step instructions
on how to install a faucet!

1.  Let the little lady pick out the kitchen or bathroom faucet that she wants, all you need to tell her is whether the sink is top mount and bottom mount and let her go!  By doing this, there is no way to get in trouble for selecting the wrong one, and she can’t complain about the color or style, or say that she told you to buy one with a sprayer or whatever other mandatory accessory the job requires.  Send her to Knobs, Hinges, & More and let her pick out the perfect spout!  With the wide online selections she has to chose from, you will have hours to do what you really want without being interrupted.
2. Clear the family out of the house in case of faulty language, we all know it’s necessary sometimes when you drop a wrench on your head to say the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s not necessary to share these words with little sponge-like ears.  They will end up being repeated at the least convenient times.  Tell everyone not to return to the house for at least 4 hours.  This will give you time to install the new faucet and a little time for yourself to catch the ball game, I mean you’re doing the job for free right? 
3. Turn off the water valves underneath the sink.  For extra protection, it’s always a good idea to turn the water off to the whole house.  If you flood the kitchen – you lose brownie points with the wife unless you can clean it up quickly and impress her with your superior mopping abilities.  However, this will infringe on the time you have left to watch the ball game!  Just to make sure, turn the faucet valves on full blast and allow any remaining water in the pipes to drain.
4. Next, unscrew the water supply lines. Depending on how old your faucet is, this may require some faulty language in order to remove.  This is why plumbers get the big bucks!  It is possible that you may have to completely replace the water supply lines.  As hard as it may be, when the perfectly selected faucet arrives, read through the directions and go ahead and buy these in advance.  You may also want to pick up anything else the directions suggest.  Don’t assume you have plumbers putty or the correct sized wrench, make sure you have everything you need before you start.  Hardware stores are a major distraction, you know this!  Remember – the goal here is to finish quickly and watch the game in peace. 
5. Once the water lines are disengaged, unscrew the faucet from the sink and remove. This is the best time to clean up all the old gunk that has accumulated over time!  A quick and easy cleaning tip is to sprinkle the area with baking soda and then spray with vinegar.  Not only is it fun to watch the chemical reaction, the gunk comes off pretty easy with a quick scrub with a scouring pad (it’s probably right there by the sink anyway).  Wipe up the residue and then spray again with the vinegar to shine it up.  Shiny things always earn you more brownie points!

Now for the moment of truth 
Let’s stick in that new faucet!

For a Top-Mounted Faucet:

Apply plumber’s putty or caulk around the base. If your faucet has gaskets at the base, don’t do this!  Refer back to the directions – but basically you can skip this step depending on what kind of faucet you have.

Gently put the new faucet into place and then press down firmly to get a good seal.  Grab a flashlight and get under the sink to install the washers and mounting nuts, and then tighten everything up.  Don’t forget to clean up any excess putty, shine her up again!

For a Bottom-Mounted Faucet

Grab a flashlight and get under the the sink, hold the faucet in place and install the washers and mounting nuts.  This can be tricky with just two hands so its a perfect opportunity to invite over a buddy to watch the game and then say ‘hold this real quick’ while you tighten the nuts. Gently put the new faucet into place and then press down firmly to get a good seal.

Run a bead of plumber’s putty along the handle plate, screw them in place and install the faucet handles. Make sure that the one marked hot goes on the left!  If you get these wrong – you will never hear the end of it and you will receive zero brownie points for all of your hard work. Make sure and go back for a final clean-up and make her shine! 

Replace the water supply lines, turn the water back on and let everything run for a bit to clear out the pipes and check for leaks.  Grab you a cold one and kick back with your buddy and enjoy the game!

And for those of you that need a visual, here is a how-to video from Ask The Builder expert, Tim Carter demonstrating how to install a kitchen faucet!

 

Make Up Make-Over with Mirrors & Lights

Everyone has a right to look good, but if you’ve ever been in a department store you may have noticed that the lipstick that looked fabulous on you in the store, makes you look like a clown when you walk outside. The same thing could very well be happening in your own bathroom!

We depend on the mirrors and lights in our home for many things and each one should be selected according to the purpose for which it will be used.

Our focus today is for the ladies – but this issue is just as important for men, since mirrors can get you into big trouble if you’re not careful. You know the old question “does this dress make me look fat?” Of course, all men know that there is no ‘right’ answer – but if you say NO and the mirror and lighting says YES, you are in big trouble for sure. Make the lady in your life happy by letting her pick the perfect combination so that the mirror says the right thing every time and you can stay out of the dog house!

Selecting the Perfect Mirror for Make-Up

Magnifying Mirror

Applying make-up on your face could not be possible without make-up mirrors. So, basically, through this instrument, you can make your face look more youthful and rejuvenated. A good make-up mirror can prevent tragic mistakes when applying make-up. The good thing is that you can prevent and correct any make-up mishaps before your neighbor points it out and for those ladies that wear glasses, there are mirrors that are capable of helping you see in detail from 3X to 12X magnification. You can even find magnified mirrors now inside of compact make-up kits, free-standing or individually. Make sure to think about what size, shape and magnification is going to work best for you, and of course consider how it will change the appearance of your bathroom too!

Selecting the Perfect Lighting for Make-Up

Colombo Mirror Lamp

The proper lighting is also very important when applying make-up. There is a balance to all things, so if the lighting says you don’t have on enough blush but when you get in the car it looks like you have a sunburn – - you may seriously want to consider replacing the lighting in your bathroom! The proper lighting can help you apply the right tones and highlights so that when you walk out the door, you look as fabulous as you did in the bathroom. It is advised to apply make-up in natural lighting and there are many different types of lighting and light bulbs that can recreate this effect inside the house. In order for you to get a better idea of what enhances your looks, it is good if you perform experiments using all types of make-up in front of different mirrors and lighting. Don’t be afraid to break out the lipstick and see how it looks under each one, you’ll be amazed at how different the results can be.

 

Proper Lighting for Applying Make-up

When choosing the best lighting for makeup application, make sure it is a soft light that doesn’t cast shadows on the face. Apply makeup in a daytime-like light with this free video from a professional makeup artist via eHow.com

Expert: Kim Haertl
Contact: www.austinmakeupartist.com
Bio: Kimberly Haertl has worked and been trained as a makeup artist and skincare consultant by major cosmetic brands such as Chanel, Lancôme, Shisedio, La Parire and Dior.

 

How to Organize & Save Space in the Bathroom

Learn tips and techniques on how to keep your home and bathroom organized in this free video on home organization from expertvillage.

 

 

Expert:  Katrina Cameron
Contact: www.operationorganization.com

 

How to Organize Your Kids’ Bathrooms

Keeping a kids bathroom clean and organized can be challenging, but it can also be fun for both you and your kids. Getting them involved in the process rather than doing it all yourself, will make them feel like it is more their bathroom, and they will be more willing to keep it clean and organized.

Anne at Home Soap Dish

You want to make sure everything they need for bath-time is close to the bathtub, so they don’t have to keep getting in and out, risking injury. If you use bar soap, you can purchase a soap dish to keep it in and set it on the edge of the tub. Shampoo and other items can also be placed in a convenient carrier to hang over the shower head.

Towels can be set out before they get into the bath, to avoid slipping on a wet floor to get one. If they must get out of the tub for any reason, make sure there is a non slip rug or even a towel down that they can step on to dry their feet before stepping onto the bare floor.

Voga Shower Basket

If you have bath toys, having a shower basket in the tub will help keep them neatly organized. It will also make cleaning the toys easier. To clean them, simply fill the container with water and a small amount of bleach, let them sit, empty the water and allow them to dry. If you have a lot of toys, you may want to consider eliminating some. Kids don’t need a lot of bath toys, and you don’t want to spend too much time cleaning them. Remember, getting the kids involved in the organization and cleaning will make them feel it is more their bathroom, and they will be more willing to take care of the things in it.

 

How to Wire & Install a Doorbell

Installing a new wireless doorbell is a great way to improve your home, learn how to remove an old doorbell and install a new one with expert tips and advice on home improvement in this free video from expertvillage 

 

Expert: Chad Smith
Bio: Chad Smith is a Journeyman Wireman.

 

Knock Knock?

Who’s there??

… the Avon lady, but your doorbell’s broken!

 

This was a funny joke when I was 10, but it really isn’t funny at all when people know you’re home, but nobody answers the door.  If you have a good solid door, or even a glass one – sometimes people can knock until their knuckles bleed without getting your attention.  Simply unacceptable! 

Here are some quick and easy solutions!

The easiest solution, is to get a dog.  They make great alert systems, whether there is someone at your door that you want to see, or someone that you want to go away.  Of course, not all people like dogs – so you may need to look at some of the alternatives!

Atlas Homeware

Installing a wireless door bell is extremely simple, and requires much less maintenance than getting a dog.  Although, if your doggie had digits, he could probably do it himself!  A wireless door bell doesn’t actually require any complicated installation – you basically just stick it up with the self adhesive. The unit works as a small transmitter so when visitors push the button, a signal is sent to the receiver which can be any kind of chime you desire!

Steps to Install a Wireless Doorbell

1.  First remove the old doorbell with a flat screwdriver

2.  Tape up the wires and stick them in the old hole

3.  Put the new doorbell over the hole.

4.  Plug the chime unit in somewhere inside.

The entire process takes less than a few hours!  You should always turn off the electrical power to the existing doorbell before you cut any wires.  Although the voltage is probably low, there is always a chance of higher voltage – better safe than sorry!

Don’t forget to check out our other door solutions:

 Steps to Install a Door Knocker

Decorating Your Doors

Door Handles and Knobs

Knobs, Hinges, and More 
also offers a wide variety of outstanding home decorating
and maintenance products 

 

 

 

Michael Healy Sand Crafted Doorbell

Check out our current offers and specials! 

 

Get 10% Off all Michael Healy Door Knockers and Door Bells

Michael Healy Artistic Decorative Hardware

 

Each Michael Healy Door Knocker is created using the age-old art of sand casting. In this process, an original sculpted model is pressed into firmly packed sand to create a mold. Brass, Bronze and Nickel Silver alloys are then heated to over 2000 degrees and hand-poured into the impression. As the metal cools and the sand is broken away, your original Door Knocker emerges. Each mold can only be used once, making Michael Healy Door Knockers truly unique. After the raw casting undergoes several final phases of polishing and finishing, it is ready to carry the signature of the artist, Michael Healy, ensuring its authenticity and quality craftsmanship.

 

The Rosalie Sherman Collection

A Sight To Behold

The Rosalie Sherman Collection

Knobs, Hinges, & More is proud to carry The Rosalie Sherman Collection of robe & towel hooks, and cabinet knobs & pulls.

Robe/Towel Hook

After some 30 odd years making sculpture and about 20 of those years making public sculpture, Rosalie decided that smaller is better (for her, that is). Her middle-age body doesn’t want to shlep heavy things around any more. So, one day, while fooling around with clay, she made some little animal heads and said “Hey, these would make nice cabinet knobs! ” And, voila, a business was born. (This kind of sounds like that guy on TV who designs and sells expensive vacuum cleaners, doesn’t it?)

Charlotte

In the past, She has created pieces for various venues: sculptures and benches for schools and parks, dogs and cats for the front of a county animal shelter, play sculptures for a children’s hospital, a lobby sculpture for a community center, temporary seating for a Boston subway stop, and even a 12-1/2 ft. wood and aluminum siding “Doghouse” in the shape of a bull terrier.

Hardware (in the shapes of little animals and other critters) is her new frontier. Now her sculptural work is something that can be held between your fingertips and enjoyed everyday in all rooms of a home.

Don’t miss this opportunity to view the Rosalie Sherman collection.

 

Need a Buck Snort?

Buck Snort Lodge Products are manufacturers

of  UNIQUE cabinet hardware

Moose

Are you looking for that theme that you just can’t find in any hardware store?  Well look no further, because we’ve got your Buck Snort Lodge products right here!  View our theme-gallery of all the wildlife, childrens, fish, sports, nautical, trees, whimsical, anything you can think of.

Longhorn

This collection of magnificent kitchen and bath cabinet hardware offers the sportsperson, and / or outdoor lover in your home bath and kitchen pulls and knobs in designs that are breathtaking. Have a look at this collection of lion, moose, rhino, ram, cougar, owl, bear, birds, deer, rabbit, buffalo, dog, turtle, tiger, wolf, frog, dragonfly, bee, ladybug, gecko, elephant as well as canoe, paddle, logs and paws of pulls and knobs that will grace your kitchen and/or bath with your passion for nature.

Detailed Fish

Does the Fisher King or Queen in your home long for bath and/or kitchen pulls and knobs that reflect their passion for fishing and fish? A huge collection of accurately depicted fish to grace that special kitchen and/or bath in your home. All the knobs and pulls (excluding the cast resin) are made from a #2 zinc and then plated with Antique Brass, Antique Copper, Pewter, Nickel, or Black Nickel. They are then top coated with a baked-on clear lacquer finish.

So, get your Buck Snort right here!  It’ll cure what ails ya!