A Million Lives

A million lifestyle hacks...unlimited possibilities

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Gary Friedman on Accessories and Furnishings for Luxurious Properties

Living a life of luxury means having a life in which nothing is lacking and money is no object. When someone has a luxury home, they live a wealthy life in which they have the finest collections of accessories and furnishings from all over the world. Gary Friedman is someone who can help people find those furnishings.

Gary Friedman on Luxury Home Decor

Someone who lives a luxurious lifestyle can have a truly unique collection of items to furnish and decorate their property. Indeed, some of these items could be classed as treasures considering the value they have on the regular market. Mostly however, these items allow people to create a unique style that expresses their own personality. They include:

  • Accessories and art. A lot of people would like to have original pieces of art but these are incredibly rare. That said, good art reproductions are of equally high-quality and interest, making a home look more graceful and eminent.
  • The floor is one of the most vital part of the home and must be beautiful and elegant. Luxury homes often have hardwood, stone tiles, and wall carpets. Solid hardwood is perhaps the ultimate in luxury living comma I haven’t been used as an essential element in home construction for hundreds of years. At the same time, high quality drugs can also be added.
  • Natural fibres, silk, linen, and wool are by far the fabric of choice in luxury homes. It feels royal and exclusive. While synthetic fibres are available that look almost the same, a true connoisseur will be able to tell the difference.
  • A luxury home must have a luxury bed and this bed must be fully reflective of the individual’s personality. The luxurious sense however, comes from the linens you use on your bed. Consider that you will spend about a third of your life in bed so do make sure it is comfortable as well. Think about silk,velvet, cashmere, and so on.
  • Luxury bathroom fixtures. The bathroom is the place to go to refresh and relax. Most people feel that our bathroom was an error that is reflective of their own personality. Naturally, it must be sparkling clean. What really provides the sense of luxury however, is the amount of space that you have available. Additionally, you can have special bathroom accessories, tiles, taps, and a top to make it look even more special.
  • It is difficult to choose furniture for a property because this speaks volumes about your lifestyle. You could opt for beautiful antiques or luxury furniture brands to show just how wealthy you are but it is important to remember that your furniture must also be functional.
  • Last but not least, including clever placement of lighting is incredibly important as this helps to draw the eye to the most beautiful part of your home, while at the same creating the atmosphere you would like. Proper lighting is absolutely essential to creating a stunning, luxurious home.

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Get the Knowledge on all HVAC and Troubleshoot the Issues at Home

Nearly everything can be learned and performed by a person on their own. All the gadgets available in the market are now automated and can be modified by the person him/herself. All you need are the how-to tutorials and some basic knowledge to get tasks done easily. There are very few who can truly be called the technical experts and know how exactly is the functioning of various settings, options, and working of the machines. While the others use search engines to get the solution to their problems. Any device that you have at your place can be troubleshoot and maintained without spending a lot of money on the professional, only if you know how to do it.

Mostly the tasks that you will be require to do will be as simple as adjusting the thermostat and as difficult as troubleshooting the heat pump on your own. Even though these are not very difficult tasks but by taking right steps you can easily overcome the problems without making an error. While most websites and blogs keep their focus on the latest and the most prominent gadgets and technologies. There are very few which look into the matters which are considered too ordinary to be covered on the website. However, no error is small and no problem is negligible. There are people who might be searching for ways to adjust their thermostat temperature and make it as per their own liking. Not only troubleshooting problems but you can also learn the new tricks and techniques to make your house stand out of all others while adopting the energy efficient techniques. Allthingshvac.Com is offering all the information that you might need to overcome some issue which you might be encountering with your devices.

If you have very little knowledge about these devices, you can get the essential knowledge from here to get information before making a purchase. It could be a cooling system that you are looking to purchase or a heating system, you can get all the information from the web and be confident enough when you go to get the device. Once you have bought the product, it is again of a lot of importance to maintain the bought product without the need of a professional.

If you lack the basic knowledge about something, it might get you through for a while, however, after sometime you will understand how important it is to learn to do the tasks yourself. Mostly people rely on their salesperson’s knowledge to get the information and knowledge about the item that they are aiming to get. However, if you learn the basics and working of the systems, you can make purchases as per your requirements without being dependent on the salesperson. Apart from that, you can also see the comparison of various devices which will also help to decide which device will suit your requirements best. There are also various techniques which will also help you to save money while buying the products. You can also take the professional course on the HVAC and serve as a professional troubleshooter or maintainer.

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Beginners Guide to Smart Products for the Home

If you’re ready to take your home to the next level with smart products, we’ve got the guide for you! Read on to learn everything a beginner needs to know to create the ultimate smart home.

Moving into a new home is a big step for anybody. There’s furniture, paint colors, and all the little things that you accumulate along the way, like scotch tape and thermometers.

But one of the things that people don’t really think about is all the smart products and new technology that can really enhance your living space.

Technology has made such crazy advancements that nowadays, the best smart home devices are just a few clicks away. But how do you know which ones to choose?

Let’s talk about that.

Smart Products and You

It can be hard to navigate all of the technological devices for your home, but getting the right ones for you can really make your home a convenient and modern place to be.

There are devices for almost every aspect of your life, from your phone to your thermostat, and even smart fridges. Thanks to in-home devices like Google home and Alexa, you can tell an AI device to play music or read off a recipe when your hands are messy.

The help technology can offer is limitless. It even extends to security and safety. Alarms and camera footage can go straight to your phone via an app. You can automatically feed your dog or cat with the push of a button from miles away.

Whatever your needs are, technology can be there for you. And the best smart home devices are only getting smarter. The question now is: what can add to your life, and what will just clutter it further?

Choosing Your Devices

The first step is to look at your lifestyle. Do you have hefty to-do lists and grocery lists? Maybe a fridge with a built-in smart screen will help you get your affairs in order.

Do you have lots of friends over and want to have music on demand? An in-home AI device can connect to your streaming music service and play a song with a verbal request.

Once you get an idea of which devices might serve you best, you can go online and look at reviews. Really get a feel for the product you are looking at and try to envision your life using it.

Does it already feel easier? Great! You are now ready to go shopping. Have a budget at the ready, and be sure to check the warranties on all your new gadgets. Be sure to read all the instruction manuals and use them well.

Enjoying Your Gadgets

Now that your home is smart product stocked, you can sit back and let it take over a good amount of the work for you. Be sure to keep them all updated, and if you need it, keep in touch with others who use them on forums for help and additional info.

We hope you enjoy your new and improved smart home. For more information, be sure to check us out here.

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How To Cool Off Your Home In The Summer With No Air Conditioning

Did you air conditioning break? Do you want to minimize your impact on the environment? Read here to learn how to cool off your home in the Summer with no air conditioning.

Summer temperatures are underway in much of the United States. For most of us, that means it’s time to break out the air conditioner. In fact, fully two-thirds of American households use an air conditioner.

That statistic makes one wonder about the other one-third, though. What do they do in the summer? What tricks or hacks do they use to keep both themselves and their houses cool?

Of course, our grandparents went without air conditioning, and chances are, with the right information, you can get by too. This is true if you have a broken AC during a heat wave or if you want to minimize its use for environmental reasons.

In this article, we’ll show you three things you can do to cool off your home in the summer with no air conditioning. Read on for the complete guide!

1. Cover Your Windows

Covering your windows keeps your home cool. This is one of the most important things you can do.

That’s because as sunlight passes through glass windows, it hits solid objects. These include things like you or me, as well as your dining room table.

When that happens, much of the sunlight changes into heat. That’s great in winter, but it makes your home a little greenhouse during the summer. Then you have a hot room on your hands.

Just about any window covering blocks out sunlight. Mini-blinds, shades, drapes, or curtains all work well. Consider also using blackout curtains for a greater cooling effect.

Remember, though, you don’t need to block out all the windows all the time. During the day, keep the southern- and western-facing windows shaded. Then watch and cover any windows where you see sunlight streaming in.

2. Open and Close Your Windows

Besides darkening your windows, close or open them depending on air temperature and time of day. Opening your windows at night captures cool air produced by falling temperatures.

Daytime is somewhat more complicated, but not difficult. As the sun rises, keep eastern-facing windows closed. Presumably, they are also covered to keep the light out.

Then open them again as the sun sets. Now you can close your western-facing windows until night falls. Of course, if the air outside is hotter than what you have in your cool apartment, leave the windows shut. You don’t want to ruin a good thing, after all!

If you have the option to do so, close the top of warmer-side windows. At the same time, close the bottom of cooler-side windows. This creates an airflow and lowers temperatures considerably.

3. Fans and Fan Hacks

There are lots of different options when it comes to fans. Of course, you can place them next to open windows. This helps to bring cool air inside more effectively.

You might want to place a bowl of ice water in front of the fan, too. Then frosty air will blow around the room, cooling off everything and everyone.

Before bed, take a cool bath. Then sleep in front of a fan or under a ceiling fan. You will sleep better, even during the hottest nights.

In fact, ceiling fans can be used even with an LG air conditioner. They let you raise your AC thermostat about four degrees without feeling any change in temperature. This is a great way to save money without feeling too hot.

Make sure also to run bathroom fans after showering or exhaust fans in the kitchen while cooking. They remove hot and wet air from your home.

Conclusion: What To Do With No Air Conditioning

The ideas listed above should help keep you cool with no air conditioning–even during the hottest parts of summer. Take the time to relax and enjoy some ice cold drinks. You may create some memories while saving money!

If you enjoyed reading this article, we have information on many other topics! Everything from home improvement to health and fitness to travel ideas. Why not check some of them out today?

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12 Moving Hacks That Save Time and Sanity

Moving means new opportunities, but the process is mostly stress. These genius moving hacks get you to your destination that much easier.

Did you know an average of 40 million people move each year?

Many of them won’t plan ahead, organize, label, or ask for help. They are making obvious mistakes and making their move harder.

But moving house doesn’t have to be stressful. You don’t have to be one of those people who make the process more difficult.

Instead, you’ll take these 12 moving hacks and use them to make your move much easier. Read on!

1. Start Early with Your Moving Hacks

Just like any other big project, starting early makes everything run smoother. As soon as you determine that you will be moving, use a calendar system and moving checklist to plan out your move.

Create due dates for tasks that need to be done six, three, two, and one month out. Then create the one-month countdown so when moving day comes you are ready and everything is done.

2. Clean out Clutter

Cleaning out the clutter before you move means you’re not taking a bunch of baggage and stuff with you. Now is the time to unburden yourself!

The more clutter you get rid of, the less stuff you have to move with you. Look for items that you no longer use, are broken, or should be replaced.

Create categories for items such as sell, give away to friends and family, and donate. This will help you determine the best way to get rid of the excess stuff.

3. Break Tasks Down

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by large tasks. By breaking them down into manageable parts you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more accomplished.

Take packing your home and break it down by room. From there, break down packing a room into areas of the room such as a closet, cabinets, and shelving.

4. Accept Help

If you are blessed enough to be offered help, don’t think and don’t hesitate. Just accept it.

Help doesn’t have to be in the form of packing and moving items. Help could be someone watching your kids for the day so you can have uninterrupted time to work.

Friends and family could also have you over for dinner so you don’t have to worry about cooking and cleaning.

5. Interview Multiple Local Moving Companies

Trust your gut and don’t go with the first moving company you contact. It’s best to interview at least three different moving companies.

This will let you get a better idea of local pricing. Your local moving companies may also give you some packing tips that you haven’t thought of yet.

6. Pack with Unpacking in Mind

Put items in boxes and onto the moving truck strategically so that unpacking is easier and your new house will feel like home sooner. Pack items that you will want first last on the truck.

Label and group boxes by what rooms they will be going into. By labeling the boxes based on the room they will be going into, you’ll save time moving boxes from room to room after your move.

You will also save time digging through boxes looking for things you’ll want right away, like cleaning supplies.

7. Pack Fragile Items Early

Many people wait until the very end to pack their dishware and glasses. Often this becomes a rush process, leading to poor packing and breakage.

To prevent fragile items from breaking, pack them early with plenty of padding. This will reduce moving costs by not having replacement costs.

8. Keep Clothes on Hangers

Don’t waste time taking all of your clothes off their hangers, only to be put back on hangers at your new home. Group your clothes into manageable groups.

Take a trash bag and slide it up over the individual groups. Tie the handles around the hangers to keep them together.

When you get to your new home all you need to do is put the clothes in the closet and cut off the bag. This will save time and prevent wrinkles in your hung clothes.

9. Cut Some Handles

Cut rectangle holes on two sides of your boxes to create carrying handles. Place them toward the top of the box to make carrying easier.

This will make carrying boxes less awkward. It will also make picking up and putting down the boxes much easier.

10. Change Your Address in Advance

By changing your address in advance, you reduce the risk of missing out on mail. Often it can take companies up to thirty days to process your address change.

In that time, your mail will continue to go to your old address. By changing it in advance, your mail will be waiting for you at your new home.

11. Keep Your Receipts

Make a record of your moving expenses and keep receipts from any money you spend that’s related to the move. Some of these expenses are tax deductible.

To qualify for moving deductions because of change of employment, you must meet certain time and distance requirements. You must either start your new employment before your move or work for 39 weeks within 12 months after the move.

Your new place of employment needs to be 50 miles further away from your old home than your old employment. Members of the military can always claim moving expenses regardless of distance.

You can claim reasonable expenses such as the cost of gas and mileage. You can also claim rental trucks, short-term storage, hotel, and boxes.

12. Organize Your Chords

This tip is two moving hacks combined into one. The first part of this hack is to take a picture of how your chords are hooked up.

The second part of this hack is to pack each individual chord in a toilet paper roll. This will save you time hooking every back up in your new home by keeping things organized and showing you how they go back together.

Put These Moving Hacks to Work

The most valuable of the moving hacks is to get organized early and stick to the plan. The earlier you start, the more time you have to get everything packed, rid yourself of clutter, find a mover, and plan for unpacking in your new home.

When the time comes, streamline your packing by keeping clothes on hangers and organizing your chords. Make moving the boxes easier by cutting handles.

Now that you’ve got your move under control, it’s time to prepare for decorating your new home.

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10 Ways to Save Energy All Homeowners Should Know

If you’re looking to cut down on your energy bill, then this article is for you. Click here to discover 10 ways to save energy that all homeowners should know.

If you’re someone who likes to live frugally, you probably won’t be too happy to find out that your energy usage could be costing you hundreds of dollars per year.

Ways to Save Energy In All Seasons

However, there are many ways to save energy in your home if you take the proper steps. Here are some energy conservation tips you should consider no matter what the season.

Open Your Windows In The Summer

Depending on where you live, the Summer season can get very hot. But in other, more temperate climates, you might be better off opening your windows and saving on air conditioning costs.

You’d be surprised how many money you can save at the end of the month.

Cover Your Windows In The Winter

But in the wintertime, your windows can actually be a huge reason why your energy bill is so high. Heat can leak out through your windows, and cold air can seep through the same openings.

Sealing your windows with plastic can keep your heating costs down during the cold months. So order some custom plastic sheets to fit on all your windows.

Take Advantage of The Sun

The sun is the best natural heater we have. The more sunlight a room has, the warmer it is likely to be, even in the winter.

If you live in a basement apartment, consider moving to an apartment that gets more natural light. You might be able to save money on heating this way.

Get Your Heating and Cooling Systems Serviced

Your energy costs may be high because your heating and cooling systems are not running efficiently. Consider getting them serviced or replacing them altogether.

The more your systems have to work to heat or cool your home, the more money you will bleed.

Purchase a New Thermostat

An outdated thermostat can also be a big reason why you are spending so much on heating and cooling. Most low-tech thermostats are not very exact.

New thermostats with displays give you greater control over the temperature of your home, sometimes down to the decimal.

Bundle Up

In the Fall and Spring, it may be cool outside, but it’s not always freezing. During these months, you may be better off bundling up with a blanket or a sweater to save on heating.

Only cranking the heat when you absolutely need it can go a long way to keeping energy costs down.

Turn On The Fan

Does your home ever feel stuffy? Do you feel like the air quality in your home affects your health? Install a ceiling fan that can circulate the air and help you breathe easier.

Stay Away From The Oven

In the summer, using the oven can cause your entire home to heat up astronomically. If you need to cook, consider investing in a grill that you can use in your backyard or patio.

Alternative Power Sources

Many homeowners are turning to alternative power sources, like solar panels, to help them save money while reaping the fruits of mother nature.

Although they can be an expensive investment to start, these panels can save you money down the road.

Call A Professional

If you still find your energy costs high, consider hiring a professional that can help you determine where you are losing money and how to fix the problems permanently.

For more ways to save energy or home improvement tips, visit the rest of our blog!

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15 Easy DIY Kitchen Updates

Adding some new life to your kitchen doesn’t have to be hard or terribly expensive when you check out this list of ideas for easy DIY kitchen updates!

Giving your kitchen a much-needed facelift is one of the ways that can help you fall in love with your home all over again. Unfortunately, the average kitchen remodel is going to set you back a cool $22,000; that is if you choose not to go with DIY kitchen updates.

You can save a lot of money if you forego the expensive renovations and just focus on easy kitchen upgrades that you can do little by little over time.

15 DIY Kitchen Updates You’ll Love

We’ve gathered 15 affordable DIY kitchen renovations that’ll give your kitchen a new breath of life – and it won’t break the bank, either!

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Paint!

Painting is a quick and easy way to take a boring kitchen and turn it into a creative environment that’ll make you (and other family members) want to be in the kitchen!

Green and yellow are great color choices for a kitchen, but if you have a lively personality, don’t be afraid to go bold!

2. Change Knobs and Handles on Cabinets

Did you know that your cabinet hardware can date your kitchen? They get dirty, they don’t hold a polish anymore, and maybe they just don’t look nice.

Before you pick out new hardware, you’ll want to decide what style of kitchen you have. If your kitchen has contemporary finishes like concrete Minerva Worktops, you should avoid antique finishes.

3. Paint Your Cabinets

Along with painting your walls, you can paint the cabinets. It will take a bit of time and effort to do this (especially if you have a lot of cabinets!), but the payoff is going to be well worth the effort!

4. Install a New Backsplash

Backsplashes come in a wide variety of colors, styles, designs, and even materials. You can find affordable but stylish options at your local home improvement store, or try searching online.

5. Install Task Lighting

Task lighting under the cabinets can be a practical DIY kitchen upgrade because it’ll give you a better workspace, but it can also create an evening mood-setting if you opt for dimmable LED lighting.

6. Mix and Match Countertops

If you have an island, you can get a wood countertop for a reasonable price. The wood is a lovely way to add warmth and richness to your kitchen area without having to do all of the countertops, which can get pretty pricey.

7. Re-do the Flooring

Your kitchen sees a lot of traffic, so chances are the flooring you currently have is looking a little worn-down. You can find affordable flooring options that are easy to install and look absolutely beautiful!

8. Add More Storage

In many homes, the kitchen is one of those rooms that could do with more storage options! Since you are already doing a variety of cheap kitchen updates, why not incorporate more storage solutions into the mix?

You can do this by adding more shelving to bare walls, or use hooks and racks to store all of your odds and ends. It’ll give your kitchen charm, but more importantly, it’ll give you more space!

9. Use Chalkboard Paint

If you’re interested in adding more storage space but you aren’t keen on having all of your measuring tools out in the open, why not use a bit of chalkboard paint and contact hooks to spruce up inside one of your cabinets?

To do this, just paint the inside of your cabinet door. Then when the paint dries, you can create a measuring chart for easy measuring, but you can also hang your measuring spoons and cups on individual hooks.

Check this step-by-step guide on how to do this project.

10. Change Out Switch Plates

Light switch and electrical outlet plates are one of those things that people don’t really think about when doing a renovation because they aren’t an in-your-face improvement.

However, when you do swap out a dingy switch plate with a fun one, you’ll be surprised by how much of a difference it makes!

You can find plates in a variety of styles and materials, so you may have a hard time choosing just one! Of course, you can always replace all the plates in your home if you can’t decide.

11. Upgrade Cabinets with 2 Things

All you need is a bit of molding and stain to change the look of your cabinets. You can even add some trim to the drawers and doors of your cabinets, too.

12. Upgrade Your Faucet

It may not seem like a lot, but by upgrading your faucet can change the look of your kitchen in a subtle way.

You can either do a complete upgrade and purchase a new unit, or you could just use a bit of elbow grease to prep the faucet’s surface so it’s ready for primer, and then spray paint the entire unit.

Note: You’ll need to use a rust-proof paint because it will come in contact with water.

13. Remove Cabinet Doors

Who said that you had to have cabinet doors?

If you have a cabinet that sits on a peninsula, you can remove the doors on either side of said cabinets to create an open shelving concept.

This will allow more light into the home while giving you an open and airy feeling without having to do any real demolition!

14. Get Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances aren’t an affordable DIY kitchen upgrade, but you can achieve the same look by using stainless steel contact paper.

You can put the contact paper on your dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator and the best part? A roll only costs $5!

15. Line the Inside of Your Cabinets with Contact Paper

If you have open cabinets, contact paper is available in many different patterns and design, and it’s one of the simplest ways to add some character to the kitchen.

Maybe you aren’t having any luck finding the perfect paper but you really like the idea of colorful cabinets.

You can always paint the inside of the cabinets some fun color if that would be a better option.

Final Thoughts on DIY Kitchen Updates

Updating your kitchen may seem like a big undertaking, but don’t let it discourage you! You can always do simple weekend projects that’ll make a big impact without making a big impact on your bank account!

Check out our blog for more DIY tips, tricks, and ideas!

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Should You Get Rid of Cable TV in 2018?

Ditching cable TV can save your household hundreds of dollars this year. Check out this article to discover if you should get rid of cable TV in 2018.

Last year, nearly 5 million Americans canceled their cable or satellite subscription. Researchers predict that over 80 million US adults won’t use traditional pay-TV services by 2021.

Believe it or not, high costs aren’t the main reason why most people choose to get rid of cable.

In fact, surveys show that the majority of cord-cutters want to do it because they prefer streaming services.

Do you feel tempted to get rid of your cable TV subscription soon? Read on to find out whether you should go through with it.

Why You Should Get Rid of Cable

Cost isn’t the primary concern for most people who ditch cable. However, it still bothers many cable TV customers.

It’s not difficult to understand why, when the average cable bill is over $100 per month. You end up wasting a large chunk of money on hundreds of channels you’ll never even tune in to watch.

Don’t forget about pesky TV commercials too. On average, there are about 16 minutes of commercials per hour of cable TV. If you have a DVR, you’re probably already used to fast-forwarding past them anyway, but you can save yourself more time by getting rid of cable for good.

Another reason to move on from traditional pay-TV services is that you have many alternatives.

These include Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, just to name a few. Even YouTube, a free platform, has endless hours of live and pre-recorded content you can enjoy.

The Negatives of Dropping Cable

While Cutting The Cord offers many perks, it’s not the right choice for everyone.

If you make the switch to streaming, you’ll have to become accustomed to delays. Streaming platforms don’t list episodes same day they air on cable TV. It will take some time for them to become available.

Getting rid of cable could present some problems for sports fans, especially those that follow teams in other markets. But a digital TV antenna might mitigate this issue if you’re a fan of a local team. Plus, some sports leagues offer individual streaming packages.

Also, you shouldn’t ditch cable just yet if your wifi is unreliable. The last thing you want to see is the video buffering when you’re trying to clear your mind and destress by watching your favorite show.

You’ll need about 5 Mbps to watch HD videos and at least 25 Mbps for 4k streaming. However, you’ll likely need even more if other devices in the house hog up your bandwidth.

Making Your Final Decision

All in all, if you own a smart TV, have decent wifi, and want to save some money each month, it’s a good idea to get rid of cable.

Keep in mind that many streaming platforms have exclusive shows and movies. That said, subscribing to several streaming services at once won’t cost you anywhere near as much as a decent cable TV package.

Dropping cable is a smart money decision in the long-run, but are you ready to learn how to make more? If so, be sure to head over to the money section of our blog!

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How getting a raclette grill can help you save time in the kitchen

The Raclette tradition has been around for hundreds of years. It hails from Switzerland, where workers and shepherds used to come back home with a lot of cold in their bones and used to sit around a fire where they melted cheese and poured it over their food. Nowadays, the process has changed drastically, and that’s all thanks to the many technological advances that have occurred over the years.

But raclette remains one of the most popular types of dishes in Switzerland and other countries, too. Let’s see what makes it so special.

Preparation time

The neatest thing about having your friends and family gathered around a table where there’s a raclette grill is that they get to cook their own food. What this means for you is that you will spend far less time in the kitchen than you would normally.

Of course, there are several ingredients that need to be pre-cooked such as potatoes, which can’t possibly be baked or fried properly on a raclette grill. However, aside from cutting all of the ingredients so that they are all neatly prepared, you don’t have to do all that much in the way of preparing food per se.

How does such a grill work?

Most raclette grills, including some products from here, are made of just a couple of components. Usually, there’s a top surface where you and your other guests are going to place the foods that need cooking. Typically, this top is made of granite, stone, or a non-stick material like Teflon.

Under the cooking surface, you’ll find a variable number of little pans where you can place a variety of cheeses to be melted by the heat of the appliance. These you’re going to pour over your food once everything is done and ready. So, you see, there’s not all that much to say about the actual design of the appliance — there isn’t anything all that complex about it.

Ease of use and cleaning

While back in the day, Swiss shepherds used the fire from a hearth to melt the cheese, now you don’t have to go through all that. Fortunately, raclette grills are electric, which means that they are far safer to use than open fires. Nevertheless, if there are little children joining the meal, too, you have to make sure that you explain to their parents that they should not touch the cooking surfaces or the pans with bare fingers.

As for ease of use, the machine is pretty straightforward. You literally don’t have to do all that much other than place the food you want to eat on the top and then maybe turn it on the other side once in a while.

Cleaning can be done very conveniently as many manufacturing brands go to extreme lengths to ensure that their appliances come with non-stick surfaces and are traditionally made of several dishwasher-safe components.

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Should I Repair or Replace my Tumble Dryer?

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Your tumble dryer probably saves you more time than you realise.

Without it, you may be subjected to a lot of waiting around for one load of washing to dry, before you can whack the next one in. This is especially true in wintery weather when you’ll want to unveil as much of your precious radiator space as possible.

If your tumble dryer starts displaying problems, your household will certainly run much less efficiently, and you’ll be looking to get it fixed as quickly as possible.

However, if you aren’t experienced with tumble dryers, when things go wrong it may leave you confused as to whether you should cash out for a new machine, or repair your old one:

Here is a guide to common tumble dryer problems, their causes, and what the best course of action is to get your appliance up and running again:

Tumble dryer not heating up

A tumble dryer with no heat is essentially a waste of space.

If your device will not heat, this fault is usually extremely easy to diagnose. It can be linked with a broken heating element. While this may seem like a difficult thing to fix, it is easily repaired by a qualified tumble dryer repair technician.

Another thing that can cause a tumble dryer to fail to heat is an exhaust vent that is clogged or blocked. This can easily be checked and cleaned out to prevent a tumble dryer fire.

Tumble dryer door won’t close

If the tumble dryer door won’t close, and you have checked that there is nothing stuck in it, then the seal or door clip could be faulty.

A tumble dryer door catch is usually made of plastic or metal, and while metal ones can be sturdy, plastic door latches are prone to snapping.

This can easily be repaired either by yourself, or if you are not confident then a technician can fix it.

Tumble dryer won’t start at all

While your machine not starting may seem like one of the more alarming tumble dryer problems, it can usually be fixed quite easily.

If you have checked the issue is not with the wall socket, then the problem, could again be with the door clip, or in some cases with the fuse. Changing the fuse or having the door clip repaired is usually a simple fix to this problem.

It could also be that the machine is not venting properly, cleaning the vents and checking that their path is clear can help to get your machine spinning again.

If none of these solutions solve the problem, then a technician may need to come out. This can sometimes signify a bigger problem, which could be expensive to fix, and in this case can warrant buying a new machine.

Tumble dryer is extremely noisy

If your dryer is extremely noisy, but not holding any hard objects such as trainers, then check that the machine is correctly placed on a flat floor.

Once this is done, run the machine again to see if it is fixed. If not, this can indicate a bigger problem which may be resolved by a qualified tumble dryer repair technician.

In some cases, this can be a massive safety hazard, and indicate that you are at risk of a tumble dryer fire. If this turns out to be the case, you will most likely have to invest in a new dryer.

As you can see, there are many situations where a tumble dryer fault may seem harder to fix than it really is.

Therefore, it is important to get the device checked out, before it is chucked out, as you could save yourself a few pennies by having a simple repair!

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