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When you consider your choices for kitchen doors, there are a lot of options to choose from. Conventional thinking would dictate a plain wooden or Laminex doors painted in white, but bold kitchen designers can do a lot with darker colours. The exact colours that you choose will depend on a number of factors, such as natural light, existing decor, and your own personal tastes. So, it’s not possible to suggest a colour that would suit every need and we can only discuss the issue as a general concept. Let’s take a closer look at how darker colour schemes and laminated doors could work in a kitchen space.

The Kitchen Size and Natural Light Levels

If your home has plenty of natural light and your available kitchen space is on the expansive side, a darker colour scheme for your Laminex doors and cabinetry could work well. In fact, the darker surfaces could tone down excessive quantities of natural lights to more acceptable levels that are easier to live with. But, if the space is already dark or smaller adopting a darker colour scheme can quickly make the kitchen feel small and claustrophobic. However, if you like darker colours and you have a smaller kitchen, all is not lost. Instead of going for broad swathes of darker colours you could accent certain areas with an odd splash of a favourite dark colour instead.

Consider Kids and Pets in Your Kitchen

Many homes are filled with life in the form of smaller kids and pets, and they don’t mix well with pure white surfaces. Unless you want to spend a great deal of time wiping down white doors, drawers and cabinet frontages, it’s a great idea to avoid white surfaces in your kitchen. Darker surfaces work well here, if you’re the only person cleaning the kitchen on a regular basis, you can clean less often, and the space will still look great.

Reflecting Your Personality in Darker Colours

An expanse of white colour may look clean, but it’s probably not the best choice if you want to put some of your personality into the kitchen. Many homeowners like to use their kitchen as a place to entertain and socialise with their guests. A bare white gathering spot isn’t particularly inspiring, and it makes better sense to choose colours that reflect your personality. There is no need to go overboard; if you have a smaller kitchen choose some accents here and there to promote your colour scheme. You could go all out for a bolder statement or be more subtle if you want to show a more sophisticated and understated side of yourself.

Ignore the Latest Kitchen Design Trends

Let’s face it, trends come and go so quickly that it’s not a good idea to design your kitchen based on these fleeting fancies. It’s a better idea to choose colours that you can live with for at least the next few years when you may want a refresh. If you’re in the market for Laminex kitchen cabinet panels and frames, get in touch with The Kitchen Door Company today.

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Air conditioning units have become a much more common sight, even in the United Kingdom, as more businesses and residential properties make use of air conditioning. Air conditioning is undoubtedly great during the hot summer months, but you can make use of air conditioning at different times of the year as well, particularly if you want your indoor environment to be at a constant temperature all year round. There are now units which work as combination air conditioning and heating systems so you can make use of the same unit at different times and seasons. But air conditioning is an investment, and if you want your investment to last, it’s essential to maintain it. Here, then, are the top things you can do to maintain and prolong the lifespan of the air conditioner.

• Maintain the filters

The filters are the most essential components of any air conditioning unit, and it’s crucial for you to ensure that they are regularly cleaned or replaced. If the unit’s filters are blocked, airflow will be restricted, and your air conditioning system will be less efficient. Also, if the flow of air in the system is obstructed in any way, the air which goes through the filter might allow dirt to affect the evaporator coil, and this can impair the capacity of the unit’s coils to absorb heat. If you swap a clogged and dirty filter with a new, clean one, you can actually lower your unit’s consumption of energy by as much as 15%.

If you have a central air conditioning system, its filters are usually located along the length of the return duct. You can find filters along ceilings, walls, or furnaces, and sometimes they are in the unit itself. If you have a room air conditioner, you will often find the filter mounted right on the grille which faces the room.

Keep in mind, though, that some filters may be reusable. There are various types of filters, so find out which filters your unit or system has. If you can, try to clean the filters every two months when the air conditioner is working a lot. If your environment is dusty, you may need to clean (or replace) the filters more often.

• Maintain the coils

As the professionals in Surrey air conditioning from Sub-Cool FM will attest, your unit’s condenser and evaporator coils may also gather dirt over a period of time. The dirt can limit the air flow and it can also insulate the coil, inhibiting the coil’s ability to suck up the heat. To prevent this, you should check the coils each year and clean them when necessary. Here’s another thing: condenser coils located outdoors can also become quite dirty if the environment outdoors is dusty or has a lot of foliage. Check the coil to see if any dirt or foliage has collected in the fins. One thing you can do to minimise the debris and dirt on the outdoor part of the unit is to clean out or cut any foliage surrounding the unit.

• Maintain the drains

You can also do your part in maintaining the drains by passing a wire (make sure it is stiff and strong) through the drain channels of the unit. If the drain channels are clogged, this can affect the unit’s efficiency when it comes to decreasing humidity.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com

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Kids are usually vulnerable when they use mobile devices. They are not mature and responsible enough in using the device. It is why several parents disagree with the idea of allowing their kids to use a phone. If you understand the value of mobile devices and you do not want to block your children from using them, it is okay. Just make sure that you consider these safety tips.

Teach them the safety features

Some kids are experts in watching videos on YouTube or controlling buttons in playing video games. However, they might not understand simple features like key lock, vibrate, alarm and speed dials. Teach them the necessary information they need to follow to ensure safety. Let them know that you saved data in the contacts. They can only receive or call the numbers saved.

Limit their usage

You also need to tell your kids that they can use the mobile device provided that they do not use it all the time. They need to stay smart in using the device and stop when they reach their screen time limit. You also need to ban them from using it during specific times like dinner or bedtime.

Teach responsibility

Let your kids know the right thing to do with their phones especially when sending text messages, answering phone calls and using other communication features. When they understand social media and they are already using it, you need to teach them how to do it right. Inform them about the risks of posting personal details and private photos online. You can also talk about cyberbullying and how they can avoid being a victim.

Staying organised

Kids might be quite messy with their stuff. They keep losing their toys and school supplies. The same thing could happen with their mobile devices and accessories like a charger. You need to inform your kids about staying organised. Make sure that you tell them where to keep things to avoid forgetting them. Imagine if they are alone at school and they cannot use their phone since they forgot to bring their charger.

Texting while walking

You need to inform your kids about road safety signs that they need to follow. The most important thing to remember is that when they cross the street, they cannot continue texting or calling. They should also not wear their headphones; otherwise, they will get distracted and put themselves at risk. They need to focus on the road and check for vehicles first before crossing the street.

Use of radiation blockers

Your kids are still at their formative age when their bodies are still developing. Make sure that you inform them about the use of radiation blockers like the ones found at www.lifeenergysolutions.com. It is crucial that they know the risks that come with radiation penetrating the body. They can wear a protective device like a piece of jewellery, or they can keep it in their bag.

You want your kids to remain safe and healthy by following these tips. It is your responsibility as a parent to let them know the ways to stay safe.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/FPt10LXK0cg

 

Maintaining your pet’s hygiene can be a difficult task, especially for certain breeds of dogs. Whether you’re a new dog owner or have had your pup for years, you may have questions about grooming. In fact, most pet owners have the same question: How often should you groom your pet? Thankfully, this schedule lists all the most important grooming tasks, along with a schedule to help you stay on track.

The Ideal Pet Grooming Schedule

While each and every dog is different, here is a schedule to follow as a general rule of thumb for all your pet’s hygiene tasks.

Bathing: Most professionals recommend bathing your dog approximately once a month. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or gets smelly, you can bathe as often as once a week. If it is too difficult to bathe your pet this often, consider using a dry shampoo to keep your pet clean between regular baths. When giving your dog a full bath, remember to use pet or baby shampoo. Regular shampoo or harsh detergents can irritate a dog’s skin, causing a condition like dermatitis. If your dog develops dermatitis, allergy medicine like Apoquel can help.

Trimming nails: If your dog’s nails make a “click” sound as they walk, it’s time for a trim. This will vary from one dog to the next, but the average is every month or two. If your pet spends a lot of time walking on pavement or similar surfaces, you may find that you need to trim her nails less frequently. In some cases, the pavement can help keep the nails filed down. Conversely, if your pet spend a lot of time indoors or her nails grow quickly, she may need more frequent trims.

Tooth brushing: In general, you should brush your dog’s teeth as often as you brush your own to prevent plaque and tartar buildup – at least once or twice a day, if possible. If that’s not possible, a few times a week should be considered the minimum for good oral health. You can also invest in treats that promote dental health to help keep bad breath and gum disease away.

Fur brushing: While bathing is important for your pet’s hygiene, regular brushing is the best way to remove dirt and debris from your dog’s coat. Experts recommend brushing your dog every other day to keep him clean and healthy. You can use a regular pet brush or a specialized brush to reduce shedding.

Ear cleaning: Dogs are fairly prone to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your pet’s ears clean. You should remember to clean your dog’s ears at least once a week to keep ear infections away. A quick swipe with a cotton ball and ear cleaner should do the trick.

Shaving: If you decide to have your pet shaved or groomed, the schedule really depends on your personal choice. Most groomers recommend scheduling an appointment every six to eight weeks to maintain your pet’s style. If your pet’s hair grows quickly or you prefer very short hair, you may need more frequent appointments.

Pet hygiene tasks aren’t always fun, but they are necessary for your pet’s health. Of course, regular bathing and grooming are also the best way to keep the smells and excess hair at bay. If you have any additional questions about maintaining your pet’s hygiene, your veterinarian should be able to help.

AVI or audio video interleaved is one of the most common type of file formats that is used by people. This is a file format which is used to store both audio and video information digitally. It is mainly used for playback purposes. This type of file platform is known to have an in-built support in all the Windows Platform. Apart from the Windows platform, the file format is also supported by other major platforms as well. An AVI file format is known to come with an extension .avi. In case you didn’t know but you can also combine two AVI files into one.Having said that, now let’s look into some of the important things that you should know about AVI file format.

Things To Know

Since, AVI file format is a popular file format, it will be better for you to know a few important things about it. In case, you are looking forward convert your AVI file you can make use of a video editor or converter like Movavi.

1. AVI file format is based on the RIFF file format. RIFF stands for Resource Interchange File Format. This type of file format is known to allocate the information in a particular file into chunks or blocks. Each of these blocks can be tagged as AVI.
2. An AVI file is known to have a very simple structure. These type of files mainly consists of two parts, the header which is followed by blocks of information. Sometimes AVI files may also come with a third component which is an optional one. The third optional part consists of offsets and has an idx1 tag.
3. You can achieve the desired compression ratio of an AVI audio format by making use of various codecs that are currently available out there.
4. One of the biggest advantages of using AVI file format is that it comes with an excellent quality audio fidelity.
5. AVI file format is used in the making of playable disks and DVD. This allows the disk to store important audio and video information.
6. In case, you didn’t know but an AVI file format can also run without the aid of particular software or a hardware device.
7. AVI file format is a widely used video format for short movies, advertisements and promos. This is mainly because of it’s high compression capabilities. Not just that, but even people finds it quite comfortable to work with these type of files.
8. Since the quality of AVI files are exceptionally good, they are considered to be great for master files. With the help of these master files you can also create files in other types of formats as well.

If you wish to convert your AVI file you can make use of a video converter like Movavi.

After going through the mentioned points, hopefully now you have a basic idea about AVI files. AVI files are one of the most popular types of file format used out there.

Deciding to go forth with a rhinoplasty procedure is a big decision. The decision is made even more difficult once you see how many surgeons are available to perform the procedure. This is especially true in cities like Chicago where there are plenty of reputable Chicago rhinoplasty surgeons to choose from.

With any major surgery there are pros and cons to weigh before deciding if it is the right decision. A rhinoplasty can easily boost confidence, allow you to breath more comfortably, and even improve your overall quality of life. But you must also consider the risk factors involved and whether the cost is worth it. Here are a a few major things to consider before investing in your rhinoplasty.

The type of procedure

During every rhinoplasty there will always be anaesthesia administered and it is typically performed at an outpatient facility. If all goes well, patients are sent home to rest that same day. In most surgical centers there are two types of rhinoplasties to choose from: open and closed.

The less invasive technique is a closed procedure and only requires a few small incisions inside the nose. This is the best option for those needing small corrections to the nose. An open procedure requires greater access, and therefore is more invasive. Your surgeon will determine during a consultation which one is right for you.

Potential complications

A rhinoplasty procedure is considered to be perfectly safe, but there are risks involved with any surgery. There is a very small chance of excessive bleeding, scarring, and infection, especially in an open procedure. Typically all rhinoplasties results in swelling and bruising, but these symptoms fade rather quickly.

Benefits of a rhinoplasty

One of the greatest benefits of a rhinoplasty is a boost in confidence. Having a nose that you are uncomfortable with can cause you to be more reserved and self-conscious. Apart from a person’s eyes, the nose is the most prominent feature of the face. Although some people try to deny it, it is much easier to feel confident when you put your face forward.

Rhinoplasties are not just performed for cosmetic reasons, however. Someone suffering from sinus issues could greatly benefit from a nose restructuring. If you see a doctor about chronic sinusitis, chances are he or she will recommend a rhinoplasty as a cure.

Best surgeons in the area

Before undergoing a rhinoplasty you will always have a consultation with the surgeon. You should check into his or her credentials ahead of time and read testimonials from previous patients. If you don’t feel comfortable during the initial consultation, move on to another surgeon. There are typically several to choose from in any area, so you don’t need to settle.

Costs involved

A rhinoplasty procedure can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the quality and the area. Places like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles will fall on the upper end of the pricing scale, but the surgeons here are extremely qualified. Cost is a major factor, but if you feel that a rhinoplasty will improve your life then go for it.

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With the falling snow and cold weather of wintertime, it might seem like the summer months are a million years away. But rest assured, summer will be here before you know it. With the warm weather comes all the magical things in life, like outdoor barbecues, ice cream cones, beach days, and being able to wear a bathing suit whenever possible.

If you’re a guy looking to spice up your swimwear game, keep reading. You might never have given the men’s swim brief a second thought, but here’s why you should. So put away those average boardshorts and upgrade to a swim brief when the weather gets warm. Let the summer preparation begin!

They are more comfortable then you could ever imagine

When you see a large man in a speedo waltzing along the beach, you might wonder what in God’s name could he be thinking. Wearing such a small piece of fabric in public could not be comfortable, could it? Actually, yes! There’s a reason so many men are throwing out their boardies and opting for briefs at the pool or beach.

Swim briefs dry much faster than any other form of men’s swimwear, so you won’t be left sitting in wet swim trunks for hours on end. The added support of briefs enhance the comfort even more; although you might feel more exposed, everything is nicely held in place.

You’ll have full range of movement for your summertime activities

In a bulky pair of boardies, you won’t perform at your best when you run along the beach on vacation or play a game of sand volleyball. Frollicking around in a small pair or briefs might feel uncomfortable at first, but soon you’ll realize the benefits.

One of the biggest benefits is the full range of motion you’ll experience. No matter the summertime activity of your choosing, you’ll love doing it in your sleek swim briefs. Don’t worry about anything falling out and giving everyone an eye full; briefs actually offer much more support than your average boardshorts.

Swim briefs you to get a more even tan

Some men might not find this important, but the added benefit of an even tan is yet another reason to change your swimwear preferences. Since this swimwear option fully exposes your legs, you won’t ever have to worry about a farmer’s tan on your bottom half.

You might just have a greater sex appeal

Not every man is confident enough to pull off swim briefs or a Speedo. But if you are, everyone around you will see this confidence. And what could be sexier? Even if you don’t have a chiseled body or bulging six-pack, expressing your confidence can increase your sex appeal tenfold.

It is much easier to stay cool with briefs than with trunks

In the water, you might not notice how hot you’re swim trunks can actually make you. But as soon as you dry off and start baking in the sun, you’ll wish you opted for those briefs instead. With briefs you’ll be able to stay much cooler since you don’t have all that unnecessary fabric.