I Host a Casual Thanksgiving Dinner with KitchenAid

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This Thanksgiving I paired up with KitchenAid® to show off their gorgeous colors of the season and how you can use their fall-inspired bakeware and small appliances to pull together a great dinner. To start off my table setting I used the Persimmon (Orange) Nesting Ceramic 4 Piece Set for fried chicken that my kids love! While you may think that fried chicken isn’t for Thanksgiving, think again! Perfect for a laid back dinner amongst friends and family. For those who still want a baked fowl I cooked a chicken in their Casserole Dish in Ivy Green and served it alongside green beans and potatoes.

Here’s a few tips on setting a Casual Thanksgiving Dinner table:

Choose your favorite small gourds like pumpkins, squash and other miniature vegetables to disperse around the table. I prefer to not have one centerpiece as it creates a more formal environment that makes everyone feel uptight!  Instead, I used a bag of mixed shelled nuts like walnuts, pine nuts, pecans and more and put them casually around the table.

Casual Thanksgiving Dinner – Create the look:

• Burlap runner in your choice of colors. It makes a beautiful backdrop to any natural tablescape
• Napkin rings with fall inspired motifs. I like these leaf ones
• Fabric napkins in a deep rust color brings texture to your table and pairs nicely with the autumn colored bakeware
• Casual dinnerware that doesn’t have a lot of ornamentation will bring focus to the food and will keep the meal casual
• Simple stemware for your favorite wine.. or put apple juice for kids to feel grown up!

Adding unexpected touches to the Thanksgiving meal

What I love about a casual Thanksgiving is you don’t have to only serve traditional food. I opted for a Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup prepared in the KitchenAid® 5-Speed Diamond Blender in Tangerine. It whips up your favorite soups easily but also would be perfect for drinks to serve table-side!

This Thanksgiving create a casual way to gather friends and family without the stress of formal planning.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Choosing the Right Trash Compactor for Your Home

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Home trash compactors for well-stocked kitchens have been available and in use for a long time, but only recently have they become so popular as a must- have component in the technologically advanced kitchens found in today’s homes. The typical home kitchen trash compactor processes about six bags of unprocessed trash into a smaller, bag weight approximately 30 lbs. And, as everyone knows, that daily task of taking out the trash that can drag on, until some fed up soul just decides to take care of it once and for all. A trash compactor for the household takes that daily chore and happily transforms it into a weekly gig that is bound to make everyone in the family sit up and smile. Some new models feature access doors that swing out, for easier than ever access to the compacted trash.

How The Trash Compactor Works

With a convenient location in the kitchen, you basically treat a kitchen compactor just as you would a traditional trash receptacle, and only when the volume of trash in it reaches a specific level, do you then perform a compression. To compress trash, you simply touch a start button, which prompts a flat plate to power down. This plate is what serves to compress the trash. Once full resistance is met, the plate will automatically respond by lifting back up automatically. Some compactors are designed for the metal plate to remain in the down position, keeping everything compressed. This entire process takes around 45 seconds, and generally, once you depress the start button, you can walk away and let it do its thing; not having to lord over it while it’s hard at work. Not all trash compactors are equal, in terms of power. This can represent space savings and time savings, in households that choose a more powerful model.

A Few Notables Regarding Operation Details

It’s important to exercise care when you are in the process of reloading a new bag into the compactor. If you are not careful to fully seat and align the bag within the container, you could wind up with ripped sides of the bag, and a bit of an unpleasant mess. A fully compacted trash bag will at first require some getting used to, as it’s surprisingly a lot heavier than most people imagine it will be. Look for bags that include a handy carrying strap, which you position under the bag during the loading of it into the compactor container. This can make “taking out the trash” a whole lot easier on the appointed trash schleper. The volume of weight comes from the capability of a trash compactor to take around 10 regular sized kitchen trash bags, full of trash, but not yet compressed, and smashes it all down into one single compactor bag. Certainly makes sense, right? So much compressed trash should be so heavy! One thing to keep in mind is that the addition of wet garbage will definitely develop pretty foul odors as it decays. There are different ways to circumvent this issue; one being to simply leave out the wet trash contributions.

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Important Selection Considerations for your Trash Compactor

First, make sure you have enough space for a compactor, and then take precise measurements. Compactors, in general, come in widths of 12 to 15 inches, and heights of 34 to 35 inches. Next, look at differences in power you’ll have, and other less critical but convenient features. Learn what each model entails in the way of maintenance and supplies needed. Trash compactors start out at a price of around $550, and go up to around $1,500.

• Power Options: Power ranges in trash compactors are between 1.4 cu. ft., and offer a compacting force between 2,000 and 5,000 lbs. Typically, the price is commensurate with the volume of power, or force the unit exerts. The more powerful the force, the louder the performance of the compactor. Learn to read the ratings in the store. A compaction ratio of 6:1 means it can effectively compact or reduce six bags into the size of one. Keep in mind that the higher the ratio. the heavier the bag will be to lug out to the trash. Take care to know how many lbs. you can safely lift, before you buy.
• Looking at Modern Compactor Features: Performance, convenience and safety are the focus of all compactor designs. Everything else is less critical, but can make a difference to you. The toe kick is what you kick with your foot to open the compactor. Look for a model that includes this convenient feature. An improvement in newer designs is made with built-in air freshener compartments and charcoal filters that combat odors. Households with small children appreciate removable key-knob controls, and anti-jam sensors will sound should you overfill the compactor.
• Use and Maintenance: Your trash compactor should be maintenance-free. The compartments that extend out further are the easiest to clean. Some compactors require the use of proprietary bags, while others are designed to accept regular bags. Exceptions to “compactible” items are organic foods, for which you can use the garbage disposal, and items you recycle. Not only will a trash compactor alleviate the need to carry out the trash on a daily basis, but it will provide a nice way to conceal your kitchen trash and give the area more space. There’s no difficult procedure to install a trash compactor. Just plug it in. Once you press the “start” button, no one will be able to open the unit, which is a great safety feature.
• Environmentally Helpful: If every single household in the U.S. had a trash compactor, landfills everywhere could be reduced by 80 percent.

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Top-Selling Trash Compactors to Consider:

To help get you started, here are some trash compactors with the best ratings:

The Electrolux Icon EI15TC65HS, $969.99

The Broan Elite XE, $907.36

The GE Profile Series GCG1580RSS, $1065.30

The Gladiator Garage GACP15XXMG, $917.88

The Jenn-Air TC707S, $1149.99

The Maytag MTUC7500ADM, $819.00

The KitchenAid Architect KUCS03FTSS, $1034.10

The Whirlpool TU950QPXS, $849.60

If you’re ready to shop for appliances look to these helpful tips for choosing a trash compactor and let us know what tips were helpful!

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Wellness: Adopting A Green Kitchen Lifestyle

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Choosing Cookware

There is nothing healthier and safer than an iron skillet to cook your meals in. Stainless steel is another good option. The ones to avoid are teflon coated non-stick cookware as it is known to emit toxic substances on heating. Non-stick cookware that has scratches is another hazardous cookware to use. Anyways, if you come to think of it, a solid iron skillet will last much longer than your non-stick cookware. Not to forget that it will be lighter on your pocket, initially and eventually too.

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Energy Star Rated Appliances

Energy Star rated appliances save big time on energy. Energy Star appliances such as a dishwasher can reduce your water output drastically, even lesser than what you use by hand washing utensils. The same goes for refrigerators, stoves etc. Talking of fridges incidentally, try and not place the fruits in the fridge, as they will rot much faster because of the trapped gasses in there.

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Energy Saving While Cooking

Use pots and pans that fit your burner heads. Smaller pots on bigger burners waste a lot of energy. Also use lids while cooking food. It will help the food cook faster and save a lot of energy. Pressure cookers are another great way of saving energy and time. The best of all practices would be to eat fresh fruits and salads that require no cooking whatsoever

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Buy Local Produce

Buy food that is grown locally and help reduce the carbon footprint. Not only will it give your local industry a boost but also ensure that you have fresh produce. So go explore the local markets or better still purchase directly from the farmers. A home grown kitchen garden isn’t a bad choice either.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies

Buy cleaning supplies that are non-toxic, biodegradable and plant-based. Petrochemical based cleaning agents aren’t very eco-friendly. Better still, explore DIY options like vinegar, baking soda etc. and make your own cleaning agents at home.

Consider Revamping Your Kitchen

If you are wanted to restyle your kitchen, consider using recyclable materials like salvaged wood. From glass based countertops to bamboo and cork flooring there are numerous green options for homeowners to follow. Also try and make sure that the wood that you use comes from sustainable plantations.

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Besides these a few green kitchen habits like using cloth napkins instead of paper ones, covering the pots and pans while cooking, using glass containers, turning off the appliance mains after use etc can lead to healthier greener lifestyle changes. Try and shop in bulk to reduce your trips to the market, use home grown veggies and use grandmas tips and tricks at home to be free and safe from chemical exposure. It would be great to hear from you on what green kitchen habits you follow at your home. Do write to us.

Click here for more Green Living Ideas on Stagetecture!

Smeg Refrigerators: Retro Style & Summer Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe

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Refrigerator Features

Smeg Refrigerators are not only for style but for function as well. These energy efficient refrigerators provide ample space with 3 easy to clean glass shelves and storage compartments located in the doors. Other features include a chrome wine rack and a large fruit and vegetable containers making Smeg refrigerators a practical and beautiful addition.

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Color Showcase

Smeg has recently showcased some hot new colors to add to their current list of colors they offer for their retro line. Not only can you get their current line of colors that they have offered since 2007, but now you can get your vintage style fridge in Yellow, White, or Union Jack.

How to Incorporate Smeg into your Home

Smeg refrigerators offers function and style in one bringing the past and present in line for any kitchen or office. Since Smeg offers the refrigerators in two different sizes, you will have the option to use in a residential or an office kitchen. The mini fridges that are offered by Smeg are perfect for dorm rooms, residential bars or other entertainment areas. You can pair this vintage style refrigerator with traditional or modern cabinetry as well as showcasing it as a statement piece.

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As you consider your next appliance purchase, think about using these energy efficient and iconic refrigerators into your design for your new kitchen or office.

Did you know that Smeg also has a great array of recipes? Take a look at this summer side this season! Check out the rest at Smeg Recipes.

Cauliflower and Broccoli Au Gratin

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Ingredients

• 1 Cauliflower and 1 Broccoli
• ¼ cup of Butter
• ½ cup of All-purpose Flour
• 2 ½ cups of Milk
• 7 oz of Swiss Cheese
• Grated Nutmeg
• Salt and Pepper

Preparation

1) Clean and cut the cauliflower and the broccoli into large florets.

2) Boil salted water in a pot and cook the cauliflower for 10 minutes or until soft, but still firm. Add a piece of bread to reduce the smell.

3) Drain in a colander and let cool down. To speed up the cooling process you can rinse under cold running water first.

4) Repeat the same procedure for the broccoli.

5) Pre heat the oven at 375F.

6) Grease the oven pan with butter. Add the cauliflower and the broccoli.

7) Heat the butter in a saucepan. As soon as the butter is melted add the all purpose flour, 5 oz of the Swiss cheese and milk 1 cup at the time and stir until smooth. Keep cooking for 5 minutes or until the Besciamella sauce is ready.

8) Pour the Besciamella sauce on top of the cauliflower and the broccoli.

9) Top the dish with the remaining Swiss cheese and grated nutmeg.

10) Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve hot.

For more kitchen ideas and wonderful recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Because of global climate change, cities that used to be safe from flood are getting flooded. Since most people on those cities are not prepared for floods, they will often have water-damaged appliances after floods. What should you do when your appliances are damaged by water?

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Before you do anything . . .

It may be possible to repair water-damaged equipment or appliances. But it takes a trained technician to do it. If you don’t have a good working knowledge of electrical systems and that particular equipment, do not try fixing it yourself.

The first thing you should do is contact the manufacturer to get information on how to fix it or if the appliance can be fixed at all.

Trying to fix it yourself can put you and those around you in danger. Plus, it can worsen the damage on the equipment.

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Replace equipment if . . .

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, equipment must be replaced if the following parts are damaged by water:

• Molded case circuit breakers
• Low voltage fuses
• Switches
• Components containing semiconductors and transistors
• Electronically controlled and solid state contactors and starters
• Overload relays
• Electronic trip units or LV power circuit breakers
• All kinds of transformers except current transformers
• Fittings
• Outlet and junction boxes
• Wire or cable listed for dry locations
• Surge protective devices
• Wiring devices
• Arc fault circuit interrupters
• Ground fault circuit interrupters
• Lighting fixtures, ballasts, LED drivers
• Signaling, protection and communication systems

Image via: Katrina Mojzesz

May be reconditioned if . . .

Some damages may be reconditioned with the help of the manufacturer. If the following parts are damaged by water, contact manufacturer for guidance and how to get the device reconditioned.

• Panelboards
• Switchboards
• Manual and magnetic controllers
• Motor control centers
• High-voltage circuit breakers
• Low-voltage power circuit breakers
• Protective relays, meter and current transformers
• Low voltage switchgear
• Medium voltage switch gear
• Conduit and tubing
• Wire or cable suitable for we conditions
• Cable tray
• Fire pump controllers
• Motors

Why they’re Dangerous

Electrical distribution equipment and motor control equipment both have protective components. These components are essential to ensure safe operation of these machines. Flood water contains minerals and contaminants can result to corrosion. Aside from that, water can cause loss of lubrication and insulation.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Guide:

“Corrosion, loss of lubrication and insulation quality can also be expected in contactors and starters. Solid-state motor controllers, adjustable speed drives and those electromechanical contactors or starters with integral electronic circuitry will be more severely affected by water.”

Water can result in corrosion, insulation damage and also damage to the core winding. Water can also damage the fluids inside the transformer. When these things happen, the transformer won’t be able to do their intended jobs.

It may be tempting to try to recondition expensive equipment on your own but to keep yourself safe, always consult the manufacturer. When in doubt, the best course of action would be to refrain from using the equipment altogether until a qualified technician repairs it.

Duke Briggs is a DIY enthusiast and writer. He contributes to www.GosuReviews.com, a site that helps consumers make informed decisions on their purchases. 

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Kitchens can be one of the largest users and abusers of home energy; with all those electric appliances such as toasters, mixers, microwaves, stoves, fridges, and cabinet lighting – the kitchen can drastically increase your electricity bill. Here are some great, easy ways to use less energy in your kitchen:

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Unplug:

One of the easiest ways to use less electricity in your kitchen is to simply unplug all of your appliances when they are not being used. Most people do not realize that when appliances are plugged in, they are constantly sucking power – even if they are not currently being used! By unplugging all your small appliances, your energy savings will add up. While you are at it, go ahead and do this for your televisions, computers, and other home electronics. Appliances such as electric radiators and other heating sources should be unplugged when not in use. Power saver bars can also be quite handy; you can usually plug in up to 5 outlets into one bar, and some even have timers which will shut off the power source via a timer switch.

Gas appliances:

If your home has access to gas energy, then use it! Gas is less expensive than electricity and there are so many modern gas appliances on the market that will look fabulous in your kitchen. Plus there is nothing easier than a conventional gas oven that will cook all your baked goods to perfection at half the energy cost!

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Energy star appliances:

Are you hanging on to all those old appliances because you don’t want to shell out the money for brand new ones? Well, you may actually be costing yourself more in the long run with these old, inefficient appliances. Most modern kitchen stoves, fridges, and even toasters, now come with five star energy ratings – making them the most efficient appliances on the market. There are also government rebate programs where you can usually get approximately a $40 rebate back for each energy efficient appliance that you buy.

Overall, your kitchen does not have to be a power-draining room in your home. Shop around your local hardware stores and look at all the energy-efficient models that are currently on the market. Most of these appliances will have a showroom display that shows the amount of energy you could be saving – you will be surprised at the money you could save as well!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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Wires and Cables

Its one thing to keep your cords organized, but it’s harder to hide them entirely from view. Depending on your budget, you have a variety of options. Here are a few ideas:

• Use clips to secure your cords to the wall, then paint them (the cords and clips) the same color as your wall. It will become invisible.
• Tack or tape cables to furniture – along the backs of tables down the legs, along book shelves – to hide them from view.
• Get creative with hollow decorative molding and trim. Design and cut it to hide the wires, paint it the same color as your walls or an accent color, and then attach it with Velcro (so you can remove it quickly if you need access).
• Have an electrician install extra outlets directly behind your devices and appliances.
• Use drawers and cabinets to hide cables. Just drill a large hole in the back of the drawer and run the plugs through the back. You’ll never notice the wires, and can store your devices while they charge.

Appliances and Devices

We can’t live without washing machines and microwaves, but we don’t want to stare at them every day. Here are a few ways to hide them from view, as long as you use them safely:

• Use a piece of furniture in a different way. A large metal filing cabinet can house a paper shredder in one drawer, and a fax machine in another. Just drill holes in the back for cables and ventilation.
• Use nice floor to ceiling curtains to create a drama and hide what you don’t want people to see. Instead of getting a TV armoire, just mount the TV to the wall and hide it with curtains.
• Get a carpenter to build something useful to hide and utilize the space. Instead of buying a cabinet, build a counter top and doors to hide your appliances and equipment. You’ll have the functionality without losing the design elements.

Go Wireless

You used to be able to assume that wireless devices were more expensive, but that is no longer the case. Many products are being designed wirelessly in the first place.. LifeShield offers reliable wireless security systems with 24/7 police and fire monitoring, and you won’t have to worry about hiding any wires. Use wireless speakers for your TV and stereo, and if you are getting a new cell phone or tablet, consider getting a wireless Powermat to charge up the battery. You can get creative about not only hiding wires, but removing them too.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the areas at home that utilizes the bigger amount of energy and water consumption is our kitchen. It is where you prepare the food, wash dishes and other related activities. These household tasks require electrical appliances and water supply for completion.

The household chores in your kitchen are necessary in everyday routine. Since you cannot do away with energy and water consumption, the best thing you can do is to maximize the utilization of energy and water in order to save money for bills.

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Here are helpful tips to save energy and water in your kitchen:

Invest in energy efficient appliances/fixtures

There are many energy efficient appliances on the market for your kitchen and plumbing fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen. Before shopping do your homework to know what to look for. Low flow faucets and shower heads, refrigerators that use less energy, and dishwashers that use less water are all helpful ways to save you money and the Earth’s resources.

Appliances and plumbing checked

Make sure that all electrical circuitry and water valve connections are in good working condition.

If you do not have the tools and equipment to do this, hire experts to check your energy and water connection. This will provide an assessment in your electrical connections whether they are still functional or not. This will also ensure electrical safety at home. For water connections, unattended leaks will surely add a substantial amount of money deflected in your bill.

Post a reminder

Energy and water conservation will not be successful without the cooperation of all members at home. Post reminders near the faucet, electrical outlet and other sources of energy and water. You can stick on laminated reminders stating energy and water consumption. For instance, you may have “Unplug After Use” or “Use Glass When Brushing Your Teeth”.

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Get your family involved

Discuss energy and water conservation with all members in the family.

You may have this discussion during meal time or in family bonding. Feel free to inform them about the current energy and water consumption and its corresponding amount. Ensure that all members of the family express their thoughts about energy and water conservation.

Bear in mind that energy and water conservation is not only for saving money but for the sake of the environment.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

While “saving” and “less” are key concepts associated with going green, there is no need for individuals to deprive themselves. When it comes to making one’s kitchen appliances environmentally friendly, it is all about updating old, non-environmentally-friendly appliances by replacing them with energy-efficient and water-saving appliances. One of the best ways to conserve energy in the kitchen is to choose appliances with Energy Star ratings that indicate the number of kilowatt hours that an appliance consumes in a year. Options for creating a green-appliance themed kitchen are described.

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Refrigerator/Freezer

Choosing an Energy Star qualified refrigerator is the number one way to go. A distinctive quality, they consume 20% less energy than non-Energy Star qualified refrigerators, particularly from the 1970’s and 80’s. Some qualities of energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers are described as follows:

• Size – Energy Star refrigerators fall within the size range of 16-20 cubic feet.
• Temperature –The ideal temperature settings are between 37 and 40 for refrigerators and 5 degrees for freezers.
• Design: Models with top-mounted freezers save 10-25% more energy than side-by-side or bottom-mounted freezers.
• Materials: Refrigerators that are 2001 energy compliant are insulated with polyurethane foam.
• Feature replacement options – Refrigerators with built-in water dispensers and freezers with icemakers consume 14-20% more energy than those without them. As an eco-friendly alternative, individuals can invest in portable pitcher filters to purify water from the kitchen faucet and cool the pitcher-filtered water in the refrigerator. Also, pouring water into ice cube trays and freezing is an alternative to using automatic icemakers.

Dishwasher and Sink

It is important to note that Energy Star dishwashers consume 5,000 less gallons of water per year than washing dishes by hand. Also, Energy Star dishwashers use about four gallons of water per cycle, in contrast to non- Energy Star dishwashers that use about six gallons of water. Further, double-drawer dishwashers are more energy efficient than one-drawer dishwashers. Double-drawer dishwashers allow one to choose between one drawer for small loads or both drawers for large loads. In addition, an eco-friendly sink is designed with aerators that significantly reduce water flow.

Oven

Using ovens during the summer not only consumes a lot of energy in itself, but also requires increased use of air conditioning. If not using an eco-friendly convection oven, which operates with even circulation of air, one can reduce energy by cooking with the following oven alternatives:

• Electric egg cookers – save energy by allowing individual to poach eggs or boil seven eggs in about 13 minutes with the aid of a timing buzzer. Electric egg cookers save water by requiring no more than four ounces of water to cook seven eggs in a six-inch diameter aluminium plate.
• Multi-cookers/steamers – allow steaming, boiling, roasting, stewing, and deep frying foods such as vegetables, fish, roast, and pasta.
• Toaster ovens – heat dishes such as pizza.
• Grilling machines – allow the cooking of grease-free burgers.
• Electric skillets
• Microwaves

Having reviewed these eco-friendly kitchen appliances, one can substantially conserve energy and water. A green kitchen is further portrayed by appliances that are unplugged or connected to a turned-off surge strip when not in use.

Appliance City are specialists in kitchen appliances including a huge variety of stoves and range cookers including the popular American style fridge freezers. For more information visit Appliancecity.co.uk

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.