If there is one room where space is usually at a premium, its the bathroom. Storage solutions will let you make the most of every inch. Some great ideas include under-sink storage area constructed of simple plywood covered 2 x 4’s then painted to replace a vanity. Simply contructed, this can add more room. The sectioned-off shelves make organization easy, preventing the deep pile up that usually occurs in under sink storage.

You can accessorize the bathroom with chrome baskets that slide out easily for access to rolled up handtowels, washcloths, toilet tissue and bath products. Above-counter basins take up less under-sink space providing even more storage area. A niche cut into the wall for a narrow cabinet and shelves adds plenty of hiding space but does not intrude on the room.

Get in the habit of looking up, rather than around for more room. You can usually find vertical space for shelves and storage.

Living room storage is slightly different. The secret to finding space is simple as looking at something in a new way. Use a hallway console table or a dining room sideboard in the living room. Stash everyday items in the drawers and save the top for beautiful accessories. Tuck a large woven basket in an out o way spot to corral throw pillows and afghans. The key is double duty furniture.  New home and garden items, such as the home decor items mentioned in this post, are added daily to comfortchannel.com.

Female biting insects require blood to nourish their eggs, and we know that you do not want to be the source of that blood. Scientific research has proven that mosquitoes track down hosts by sensing the carbon dioxide, moisture, and heat from breath, body odors, and color contrasts. Propane mosquito catchers work by burning the gas into warm carbon dioxide and water vapor. The precision mixture is released out into the air stream. Additionally, mosquito killer machines use lures and traps that offer additional scents to increase the attraction power of the devices. USDA has approved these types of mosquito trappers as effective at attracting, trapping, and killing a wide variety of biting insects.
Extended coverage, Skeetervac mosquito exterminators are perfect for those living in areas heavily populated by mosquitoes. The SkeeterVac™ is the perfect mosquito killing solution. Protect your friends and family from mosquito transmitted disease, while creating a more comfortable atmosphere in your outdoor living space with the highly effective SkeeterVac™. The SkeeterVac SV-5100 offers over 1 + acres of coverage against mosquito and other biting insects. Compared to other comparable units, the SV-5100 has 60-140 % more CO2 output, twice as many trapping systems, 3 times longer bait life and a patented FineTune baiting system that is easy to adjust. This commercial grade unit attracts more species of mosquitos than any other unit!

There is a time and place for a small handheld vacuum when the pulling out the big vacuum cleaner is overkill. Is it worth spending more than a hundred dollars for an item that is not a full time cleaning appliance. For people that clean homes for a living, a hand vac is an essential tool for cleaning a home. Handvacs can be just what is needed for cleaning the stairs.

Key Features:

Battery Charging Time. Relative to cordless hand vacs, a key thing is the battery. Lithium ion batteries hold a charge longer and contain more energy than regular batteries.The other thing is not to overcharge. Overcharging can deplete the battery, shortening the battery life. It is better to fully charge it and then leave it unplugged. Generally, suction is strongest in the first minutes after recharging, than loses power.

Weight: The lighter the better for carrying around the home. Look for models that weigh four pounds or less.

Volts: power can be measured by volts. Cordless models can range from 7.2 volts to 21.6 volts. The vacuum power will be higher with higher voltage.

Other nice features in a handvac include transparent debris compartments, attachments, and most importantly a nice filter. Filter thickness can affect suction power. Experts recommend a pleated filter rather than a cloth one.

Hoover Wet/Dry Vac Hand Vacuum, Silver Wet-dry pick up – allows you to pick-up liquid spills or dry debris. Cordless and rechargeable – powerful suction with 7.2 volt rechargeable battery that lasts a long time on a single chargeCarpet and bare floor cleaning – all around the house versatility. Lifts liquid spills out of carpet and bare floorsBagless dirt cup – Easy-to-empty, see-through dirt cup with a washable, reusable filterWall mount – wall mounted recharging rack for convenient storage

The Hoover Platinum Linx is a highly rated Hand Vac. Priced at $130 on average at several online retailers, the Hoover Hand Vac features 18 volts, lithium ion battery, and dust brush/crevice tool attachments. Review experts have highlighted The Black & Decker PHV1800 as one of five hand vacuums to get a “Best Buy” rating on various review sites. A good place to buy small appliances is Buy.com.

$20 off $100 – New Buy.com Coupon! Limited Time. New Bill Me Later Customers Only. See site for details.

Microwave ovens are one of the top purchased kitchen appliances due to the convenience factor. However, since microwaves work so quickly, they consume two thirds the energy of standard ovens, as well as minimal heat release into the kitchen (however not such a bad thing for Montana during winters). Here are five key features to consider when you are looking to buy a microwave oven.

1. Power: A microwave oven’s power is measured in watts. Higher wattage microwaves cook food faster. However, if the main use of the microwave is reheating, then a 600 watt microwave oven will suffice.  If the microwave is planned for full family meals, then 900 to 1300 watts should be considered.
2. Convection mode: If you are considering a microwave oven as a second oven due to large dinner gatherings, entertaining, or even super fast cooking, a convection mode feature is important. The heating element and fan circulate air for cutting cooking time for roasting , baking, grilling, and browning almost in half compared to a standard oven.
3. Interior Volume: Turntables of 16 inch diameter will be large enough for most dishes or bakeware. A key feature is the auto rotation for even cooking.  The turntable should be removable for easy cleaning.
4. Sensors: Some microwaves have sensors which measure steam output from the food. If there is concern for over or undercooking the meals, a sensor will take out the guesswork.
5. Door Locks: This feature is for homes with small children who may reach in and touch hot food or serving plates that can burn to the touch. Look for locks that can be activated or deactivated from the keypad.

Price ranges can vary from $30-250 dollars for countertop versions that can be placed anywhere to over-the-range microwave ovens models priced between $100-700 dollars that have exhaust fans and lights for vent hood applications above the stovetop.

Drinking water is vital to your home and your health. You should rely on it not only for drinking, but for cooking as well. Having a drinking water system accessible in the kitchen will make it a healthy habit. When you think about all of the ways water touches our lives, you see why it’s so important that we make sure that water is as clean as it can be. Cleaner, clearer water will make your whole house sparkle. Experts will remind you it is easy to spot the signs of problem water. Many of the mineral and chemical impurities commonly found in water, like magnesium, calcium, and iron can result in discolored water that leaves a noticeable mark all over the house. Other clues are orange or yellow rust stains in sinks and tubs, Crusty lime buildup on faucets and shower heads, and cloudy ice cubes.

Generally, drinking water systems and water coolers can become your favorite appliance in the kitchen. With a mere touch of a button, you will enjoy an endless supply of clean, refreshing drinking water right at your kitchen sink. There are many types of water coolers on the market from Avanti, Haeir, Culligan, and Aquaverve. Aquaverve offers the highest quality water coolers and dispensers for the home and office. Please take a few minutes to browse our store. You will find a unique range of stylish water coolers including the S2, stainless steel water cooler, the Cima, made from the finest Canadian cherry wood, and numerous other dispensers in colors and styles designed to suit the finest homes and offices. The S2 has a stainless steel enclosure and matching stainless steel bottle cover.The Aquaverve S2 water cooler fits standard 3 and 5 gallon round plastic water bottles.