Arriving at the decision to do a little reorganisation, redecoration or remodelling of your kitchen can sometimes seem like you are cooking up a storm of problems. If you’ve ever felt too overwhelmed to try an overhaul of the kitchen, this approach to the challenge might help.

Rather than contemplating the kitchen as one big project, break it down into small, manageable and practical mini-projects. Trying to do everything at once is a sure-fire way to get you hot under the collar without being anywhere near an oven.

To begin with, have a plan. Focus on what you want to achieve with certain aspects of the kitchen by answering a few basic questions.

What do you need to improve?

It’s not always the case that each part of your kitchen calls for improvement. You have thoughts of what you’d like done but occasionally financial constraints won’t allow it therefore be honest and realistic about what has to change. A quick reorganisation of the kitchen will usually enable you to understand what’s lacking or what needs adding to.

Do you have adequate storage?

Most people will answer ‘no’ to this question since we generally all want additional places to store things. Nevertheless, despite an entire redesign you might find space is tight (particularly in smaller galley kitchens) so consider what extra kind of storage you need – more space for kitchen appliances? Extra storage for food? Extra wine storage? Spice racks?

New units?

In a perfect world it would be nice to have totally new kitchen units however the time and cost involved may be prohibitive to some people. Fear not, a major overhaul of your cupboards isn’t always necessary and you are able to produce a dramatic transformation simply by painting existing units or by replacing doors or door furniture. Of course, if money and time is not the issue, new units can set the style and tone of the kitchen – just consider how the new look integrates with the rest of your home.

What do you do in your kitchen?

Not such an unusual question to ask but maybe it requires breaking down into parts:

Do you like to cook? In which event you need a good food preparation area and all your appliances within a practical distance. If cooking a large meal is currently a major hassle then maybe it’s time for a more substantial range cooker and some more work surface space. If space is tight take full advantage of what you have with extra worktop storage.

Is it the family hub? For many families, the kitchen is where everybody congregates so perhaps a central island can be built to give you additional countertop space, storage and somewhere for everybody to sit and stay out of the way!

Does the kitchen have a dual purpose? In some homes the kitchen is also a place to study or entertain. If that’s the case you’ll want a larger area for eating or even a separate desk for working at.

Have you thought about the walls?

One of the dramatic modifications you can make to any room in your home is a change of wall colour and the same applies to the kitchen. Kitchen wallpaper goes one step further than mere colour by adding textures if you wish. Wallpapering is a cost-effective way to create a new design but with the least effort. You’ll be amazed how much difference it makes when the walls are redone.

Hopefully these tips will go some way to making the process of redoing the kitchen slightly easier. Go to it with a positive attitude and a plan and you’ll have a new look faster than you think!

Aga has recognised their iconic range cooker is no longer just the oven of choice for countryside living. There is also a demand among city dwellers and those living in smaller properties but sometimes space or energy supply will not permit a larger heat storing Aga.

The gas and electric Aga

When you want a cooker that complements both traditional and contemporary styles of kitchen, and you want the versatility and efficiency of a conventional oven, then the duel fuel Aga should be considered as a serious contender.

As the name ‘duel fuel cooker’ suggests, it is a combination of gas fired burners and an electric Aga oven. This type of oven, known generally as a ‘conventional oven’, is the most popular in the homes of Britain and across the world. Duel fuel has become the common choice due to the versatility that multifunction electric cooking can offer, along with the controllability and quick reaction of gas fired burners. Recent research suggests that people with duel fuel cookers also see a decrease in their energy bills.

If you’re familiar with the look of the heat storage Aga range cookers then you’ll know the housing is cast iron, the surfaces are protected by enamel and the oven doors are side opening with slam-catches. The conventional Aga oven offers that same classic build and with a variety of options to suit your needs.

Conventional Aga cooker

For the smaller kitchen, the 4:2 Aga has three burners, a conventional oven, a fan oven and a high-performance ceramic grill all housed in a convenient 60cm wide casing that is designed to fit between standard kitchen units.

For the bigger family or anyone fuelled by hosting dinner parties there’s the 6:4 Aga with six gas burners and four electric ovens (one conventional oven, a fully programmable convection oven, a simmering oven and a separate, state of the art ceramic broiler). If you don’t have gas fitted at your property, this oven can be all electric with a ceramic hob instead of burners. As always, the unit is constructed using durable cast iron and enamel.

Aga durability

Due to the quality materials used to build Aga cookers they are among the most durable products available. Chances are you’ll never need to buy another conventional oven again and with regular servicing your Aga should last a lifetime. Given that on average people will buy three or four conventional ovens in their life, the cost benefits are pretty obvious. And of course, you get a great looking cooker in your kitchen to show off to friends and family!

Potential Aga owners will have any number of questions they want answered before splashing out on one of these iconic range cookers and the best way to get those answers is to visit an Aga showroom where you’ll find experts on-hand to give you all the details. In the meantime, here are just some of the most common questions and answers to help you decide.

Is it true that Aga cookers are always on?

The simple answer to that is ‘yes’ but before you think that will cost you a fortune in fuel let’s just consider how an Aga works. Agas are essentially heat storage devices due to their high levels of insulation within the cast-iron outer casing and hotplates. An Aga maintains a consistent temperature through its thermostat so it uses fuel economically. In fact, the latest environmental research is looking into ways of providing heat storage for homes so the Aga is already ahead of the game.

It used to be the case that an Aga would take hours to reach peak cooking temperature when turned off but the latest technology fitted into these range cookers means they can sit in ’slumber’ mode when not required and then come up to the correct temperature for times when you need to cook. Also remember that some models provide heat and hot water to your home so that removes the need for a separate boiler.

Is an Aga easy to clean?

In some respects an Aga will clean itself, particularly the oven and hot plates. This is due to the Aga being constantly on which means anything spilt on the plates or oven surfaces will carbonise and then you can simply brush it away (wait until your cooker is off and being serviced to do the inside of the oven and be careful when brushing the hotplates). You may want to employ a professional cleaning company to give your Aga a thorough deep clean.

The other surface of your Aga that will need occasional cleaning is the enamel surface on the front. A damp cloth will remove the worst of any spillages but if left to harden then a proper cleaning solution should be used. Ask your local Aga supplier for a suitable product.

What cookware can I use on an Aga?

An Aga is a long-term investment that should last you a lifetime if cared for properly so apply the same outlook to the cookware you’re going to use on it, and in it. To begin with you’ll probably find your existing pans and dishes are okay but the plates on an Aga can get extremely hot so you should consider buying cookware that has a thick base.

The base of any pan you buy should also be flat so the maximum amount of contact is made with the hotplate to improve heat transfer. Also remember that any pans you buy should be suitable to go into the oven so avoid wooden or plastic handles.

There is specifically designed and manufactured Aga cookware so consider factoring this into your budget when purchasing a range cooker.

Which Aga model should I buy?

This is one of the most common questions and the dilemma is a good one because there are now so many options you’ll be spoilt for choice. Given the right advice from a trained expert, you’ll come away with right range cooker for your home. Get in touch with an Aga specialist such as Edwards and Godding to get the full details and specifications about the Aga range of products.

One of the main questions asked by anyone looking to invest in one of these cookers is “what’s the difference between an AGA and a Rayburn?” In this article we’ll explain the basics.

AGA cookers explained

Since its original design, the AGA cooker has been manufactured in the same way, using cast iron for the oven casing and enamel for the frontage and oven doors. These materials give every single cooker a unique characteristic surface and a durability that will last for decades.

Underneath the classic looks is a heat storage cooker that steadily transfers heat from the core to the oven and hotplates so it’s always ready to cook. The high insulation levels of the outer casing combined with the hallmark insulated covers over the hotplates ensure that fuel is used economically. The AGA oven can be powered by a number of heat sources including gas (natural or propane), oil or electricity but whatever you choose, the cooking characteristics remain the same.

While remaining true to its traditions, technology hasn’t been forgotten and the Aga now has cutting edge components to ensure its working life continues to have longevity while also conforming to environmental standards. In 2006, AGA introduced the AGA Intelligent Management System (AIMS) to help ensure the correct amount of power is available when you need it. This results in fuel savings by having active periods in the day when you need the right temperatures for cooking and ‘holiday’ modes when you want the cooker to stay on low energy settings or even shut off while you’re away.

If you prefer the idea of a conventional oven, grill and hob but want the styling of an Aga then you needn’t miss out on this iconic cooker. AGA conventional cookers have all the features of a conventional oven but the timeless looks of a classic AGA.

Rayburn cookers explained

You may have heard people say that an Aga can provide hot water and central heating to your home. To all intents and purposes this is true but what they are actually referring to is a Rayburn cooker. The Rayburn is the versatile workhorse of the Aga family and certain models can indeed provide your home with heating and/or hot water.

Built using the same materials and exacting standards as the AGA, the Rayburn is supplied in either a cooking only option or as a range cooker that also provides you with heating and/or hot water. The Rayburn cookers can be powered by oil, natural gas, propane gas or wood and solid fuel with the option of either a conventional flue or power flue. Your next choice is between the cooking only Cookmaster range or the versatile Heatranger series.

The Cookmaster uses the same indirect heat technology as the Aga to provide cooking that will retain all the natural flavours and juices of food rather than allowing it to dry out. This gives you healthier and more delicious eating. The Rayburn Heatranger series gives you all the features of the Cookmaster but with the added benefits of hot water and/or central heating. This saves you space by having all your needs for a home environment but in one compact unit. The thermostatically controlled unit automatically maintains a constant temperature transforming your kitchen and home into a welcoming and warm place to live.

Type of fabric

The type of care that is required will depend greatly on the type of yarn. If you have an alpaca fibre you will need to care for it differently than cotton. Hand dyed yarns will need additional care in comparison to natural fibres. If you are the one who made the outfit, check the label on the skein of yarn for any special instructions. If you received it as a gift and it is possible, ask the person who made it what it is made of and how it should be cared for. If you are unsure, handle it as if it were regular knitting wools. Regular wool should be hand washed using cold water and lain flat to dry, making sure you shape it before it dries. Washable wool can be washed in the laundry as can cotton, linen and ramie, using the gentle cycle. Synthetic fibres can be laundered with the rest of your clothing.

Washing tips

Although there are some fabrics that can be added to the washing machine, it is recommended that most hand knitted items be hand washed. Knitting wools such as alpaca wool must be hand washed. Start off with cold water and use a mild detergent. You may choose to purchase special detergent designed specifically for wool knitting yarn. This type of detergent contains lanolin that will keep the wool water resistant. Gently agitate the water around the garment and rinse thoroughly. Do not wring the item, as this will cause it to become misshapen. If you cannot hand wash the clothing, wash it on the gentle cycle using cold water. Hand dyed wools should be washed separately.

Drying tips

After all the suds are completely out of the fibre and the water runs clear you can start the drying process. You can gently press the garment to remove excess water but do not wring it. Support the piece and transfer it to a towel and lay it down. Roll the towel and press down gently to remove as much water as possible. Then, place the garment on a large, thick towel and shape it. Gently press the edges into the appropriate shape. If there are any buttons or collars, make sure they are in the proper position. It will typically take an entire day of air drying before the garment is ready to wear or be stored. If after twenty four hours it is still damp, transfer it to a dry towel and repeat the process until it is dry. You can then store it by folding it gently. Do not hang it or the weight will cause it to stretch and become misshapen.

Ethical cooking and dining

Whether you’re cooking the family meal or you’re having a dinner party for friends, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure a successful and ethical dinner:

Ingredients

We’ve already mentioned the popularity of free range eggs and sales are now hitting the £2 billion per year mark. Battery egg sales are plummeting and by 2012, eggs laid by caged hens will be a thing of the past as a ban is due to be implemented. All the major supermarkets are joining in to support free range produce because the demand from the public is stronger than ever.

Take an interest in where your ingredients come from and how they were grown or raised. Free range and organic produce is not only more ethically sound, it is also more nutritious which can only be a good thing for health.

Try to buy produce that is in season. We’ve become so used to having any type of fruit and vegetable at any time of the year but the fact remains that buying produce that is in season is more cost-effective, fresher and better for the environment.

Environmental impact

Actively seek out information about your food. ‘Food miles’ is an often used phrase and relates to the distance travelled from source to point of purchase. Be aware however that fuel consumption is not always judged on distance. A container ship full of apples travelling from another country can use less fuel than trucks driving hundreds of miles up and down this country. Buying locally is best to maintain freshness of food but don’t be over-enthusiastic as many poor countries rely on income from fruit and vegetable exports.

If you’re buying fish, find out how it has been caught and whether the stocks are sustainable. Fish is a rapidly depleting food source across the planet and some of the methods involved in fishing are detrimental to animal welfare and the environment.

Meat farming is having a major impact on the environment. While you don’t necessarily have to abstain from eating it, having a few meat free days every week can make a big difference. Did you know that a steak dinner for a family of four is roughly equivalent (energy wise) to driving around in 4×4 family car while leaving all your house lights on.

Grow your own

It is possible to become self-sufficient by growing your own vegetables and fruit. If you’ve a garden, patio or even just a window box, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually grow yourself. Why not buy an organic garden gift voucher and grow your own tomatoes, peas, courgettes, runner beans and even strawberries.

Serving your food

You can even be ethical in the way you prepare and serve your food. Buy plates, utensils, chopping boards and bowls made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. Bamboo is a fast growing plant which is easily renewable therefore having very little impact on the environment. There are a number of stylish bamboo products for the kitchen and home.

Another area you can save money is by cutting back on the amount of maintenance you do around your property. Imagine simply enjoying your home and not planning the next painting job – and who actually likes taking doors off their hinges, painting them, and then the arguments as you try to re-hang them, lining up the screw holes and the attempts keeping the door exactly this many inches off the floor while you do it. UPVC (or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, as opposed to PVC, or polyvinyl chloride), is gaining popularity in the construction industry, particularly UPVC doors and windows, especially when double glazed windows are installed (or, in older buildings, when single glazed windows are replaced with double glazed). UPVC is also being used in the production of fascias and soffits, meaning less upkeep. And the big plus is that they won’t warp, rot or flake, so what you get is what you’ll have in many years’ time.

You can get quotes to have your older fascias and soffits replaced with newer UPVC, and they come in a range of colours and finishes. Ensure that when you call for a quote, though, the company sources their products locally and not from overseas (especially the states) as this will help keep costs down. And the time and place has to be convenient to you. It would be best, and it would make sense, if the sales person came to you, so they can measure up and give the best price – not something they make up on the phone. They will also be able to answer any questions you have on the spot, which only goes to demonstrate their expertise!

Whether it’s to theme a nursery, update a child’s room or enhance a living space, you can have any style or design, tailored to suit your specific taste and budget.

The Design

As an experienced muralist, all of my murals are drawn free hand with no stencilling or projections involved. This allows me to transfer your ideas directly onto the wall with no scale or design restriction. I can work to all scales and budgets, producing either simple colourful wall murals to enhance a style of room – or completely theme a room in intricate detail. No project is too large or too small, and every project is treated with the same personal care and attention. When producing an interior scheme I can either translate your specific ideas directly or if you would prefer I can produce imaginative design creations for you. You may already have a room decorated and decide you want to take details from a border, curtains or duvet cover and create a mural to finish the room off.

The Price

There are a number of factors to consider that will determine the price of any given mural. The size of the mural, the detail, the wall texture and whether or not there is a ceiling involved – all have an impact on the costs. Prices start from as little as £65.00, so please use my contact page or phone me directly to arrange for a free consultation or guide price over the phone.

I am a fully qualified designer specialising in hand painted murals for interiors. I have always been creative and started painting murals when I was 14 in my own bedroom and then I found all of my friends wanted one. I went on to University and qualified with a Ba Hons in Design – Surface Pattern.

I worked as a designer for commercial companies but when I had my first child I decided that the nursery just had to have a Winnie The Pooh themed mural. As friends started to see my son’s room – my mural business began and it is the most rewarding and satisfying of jobs I have ever done.

As well as painting murals in people homes I have also been commissioned to produce murals for the National Health Service and other commercial properties, which have been featured in the local press.

Following our initial contact by phone, I would arrange to come and meet with you to view the room you intend to have the mural painted in. We would talk through your ideas, and at this stage if you needed inspiration I would also bring along ideas, pictures, and books to look at. For children’s rooms, every child has a favourite cartoon character, theme, TV character or book so this would be our starting point. If your child is old enough I always like to ask what they would like to see in their room so we make sure the mural makes everyone happy.

Once you have decided on the size and design of the mural that’s when I can provide you with an exact cost. My price is always inclusive of all materials and time – so no matter how long it takes me to complete the mural – the price will remain exactly as quoted (prices start from as little as £65).

When I come to paint the mural – the whole design is sketched out on the wall, ceiling or cupboard etc. in pencil first, and it is at this stage that I always make sure the client is completely happy with how the design looks before any painting begins – as once the design is painted changes are hard to make!

Your custom hand painted mural can usually be finished within a few days depending on size and detail level. The paints I use are waterproof and non-toxic and are therefore ideal to be used around children and babies.

Above ground pools are probably the most popular form of swimming pool today. As the name tells you an above ground swimming pool is a pool that sits on top of the ground rather than being buried.

Above ground pools provide a number of advantages over their in ground equivalents. One of the key benefits is, of course, safety. It is far more difficult for a child or a pet to fall into an above ground pool as they will generally have to climb steps to gain access.

Another key advantage is installation simplicity. The simplicity of above ground swimming pools means that they require far less ground work and preparation before being installed. In fact many can be built by competent DIY enthusiasts and there are some excellent swimming pool kits that make owning your own pool very affordable.

You will find that there are some excellent above ground pool designs to choose from. These include wooden framed pools, metal wall pools and vinyl sided pools. Splasher pools are a great example of easy-to-install, fun backyard swimming pools. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for most back gardens. From compact circular pools with a depth of only 36 inches to much more substantial elliptical pools that will provide fun and exercise for the whole family.

If you want an above ground pool here are a few things to bear in mind:

How big is the space available for the pool? Always leave adequate clearance around the pool for ease of access.

Who will be using the pool? If the pool is to be used by young children and non-swimmers it is sensible to choose a shallower pool.

When is the pool to be used? Most outdoor swimming pool users in Europe will only use their pool during the peak summer months. You can extend the time during which your pool is usable with the addition of a suitable pool enclosure.

What additional accessories will you need for your pool? Often overlooked. There are an abundance of pool accessories that you may need including a good pool heating system, a good pool cover to keep out debris, cleaners, filters and water treatment chemicals.

Armed with this information I would suggest that you then contact at least two reputable swimming pool supply companies with the details of your above ground pool requirements. They will provide you with the benefit of their experience and suggest various above ground pools that meet your needs.

Many people are finding that there has never been a better time to invest in an above swimming ground pool for their back garden. There is a lot of competition between pool supply companies and many people are not currently spending on luxury items like swimming pools. There probably hasn’t been a better time to find yourself a bargain.

The motto today is "Content is King" and as the saying goes the networks want to deliver as much content as possible to the viewer so they can make more money on ads. Lots of new all-sports channels have popped up in the past few years. Included among these are Altitude Sports, which carries Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games, as well as the Big Ten Network and the Mtn, the network of the Mountain West conference.

Sure these networks are good for folks in certain regions of the country, but disputes between the providers of content and those who deliver the content have resulted in difficulties to the customer. For example, the Big Ten Network started airing in 2007, but they were in a carriage dispute with big cable provider Time Warner. Customers of Time Warner in Wisconsin were not able to watch some of the local teams play due to this dispute. While the dispute lasted a whole year, the companies involved came to terms before the fall football season, so subscribers could stay with Time Warner instead of having to switch to one of the satellite television providers like DISH Network or Direct TV. An important thing to do when considering providers is to consider all factors, comparing Time Warner cable vs Direct TV.

Specialized sports programming are another thing sports fans should consider. The Direct TV Sunday Ticket package is exclusive to the satellite TV provider so if you want this football fest, you have to switch. This has left a bad taste in the mouth of some consumers, who don’t understand why a high demand package like this isn’t available to every provider, especially a big company like Time Warner. Other sports packages though are more fan friendly, such as the NHL Center Ice and the NBA League Pass, which are available on almost every cable TV and satellite provider. Direct TV seems to have all of the sports programming like the NFL Sunday Ticket package.