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	<title>Upgrade Your Kitchen Blog! | Upgrade-Your-Kitchen.com» Upgrade Your Kitchen Blog! | Upgrade-Your-Kitchen.com</title>
	
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	<description>A blog site about upgrading your kitchen, remodeling your kitchen, kitchen ideas, kitchen countertops, and kitchen cabinets.</description>
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		<title>Green Your Shower Curtain</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UpgradeYourKitchenBlog/~3/LoHSe1isp7A/</link>
		<comments>http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/837/green-your-shower-curtain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jerry J. Jansen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Green Your Shower Curtain
I have to admit, I certainly wasn&#8217;t thinking green when I bought my shower curtain a couple years ago.Visit here http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com
I was thinking blue, as in my blue bathroom color scheme. Fortunately, my chic blue-and-white embroidered curtain of choice was made of cotton. But the shower liner reeked of PVC.
Yes, reeked. My [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Green Your Shower Curtain</strong></p>
<p>I have to admit, I certainly wasn&#8217;t thinking green when I bought my shower curtain a couple years ago.<strong>Visit here</strong> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com">http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com</a></p>
<p>I was thinking blue, as in my blue bathroom color scheme. Fortunately, my chic blue-and-white embroidered curtain of choice was made of cotton. But the shower liner reeked of PVC.</p>
<p>Yes, reeked. My bathroom is teeny-tiny, so the liner&#8217;s icky, plastic-y odor infiltrated the space within minutes-and lingered. And that&#8217;s when I wised up to the dangers of PVC. Here&#8217;s why you should too:</p>
<p>The Problem Plastic Revealed <br />As I mentioned above, that unmistakable stench coming from your shower curtain is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a (sadly) popular plastic also known as vinyl. PVC is produced with toxic additives that can evaporate or leach out of the product. And it enters your body when you least expect it, whether through inhalation or direct skin or eye contact. This not-so-pleasant plastic has been linked to a slew of nasty health and environmental problems, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive and immune system problems.</p>
<p>Delightful, eh?</p>
<p>It gets even worse. A recent study by the Center for Health, Environment &amp; Justice, a grassroots environmental organization based in Falls Church, Virginia, revealed disturbing facts about PVC shower curtains-that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s called Volatile Vinyl. According to the report, PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) into the air you regularly breathe. What&#8217;s more, some of these chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was opened and hung. No wonder I got a headache while putting on makeup in the bathroom each morning. That&#8217;s a long time, folks!</p>
<p>End the Toxic Relationship-For Good <br />So, aside from that unmistakable stench, how can you tell if your shower curtain is made from PVC? Look for a &#8220;3&#8243; within the plastic recycling symbol or check to see if there&#8217;s a &#8220;V&#8221; stamped in the plastic.</p>
<p>If you recently purchased a PVC shower curtain, let it air out for a month before hanging it. Or, if you&#8217;re in the market for a new shower curtain but haven&#8217;t purchased one yet, shop for an eco-friendly cloth version-try organic cotton or linen (just make sure you have good ventilation to ward off mildew). Another option? Hemp is durable and naturally mildew-resistant. Or try recycled polyester plastic. When shopping for liners, opt for one made of nylon.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s becoming easier than ever to find non-PVC shower curtains and liners, because many major retailers and manufacturers are pulling the plug on the pesky plastic. IKEA, for example, phased out PVC shower curtains 11 years ago, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report.</p>
<p>Of course, once you set your sights on a newer, healthier shower curtain, another issue arises: getting rid of the old one. PVC shower curtains clog already-full landfills because they don&#8217;t break down. And they don&#8217;t play well with other plastics, making them a challenge to recycle. Green Daily offers some ideas for putting that old vinyl curtain to good use.<strong>Visit here</strong> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com/">http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com</a></p>
<p>    <span style="font-size:90%;font-style:italic"><br />
    Visit here <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com/">http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com</a><br />
   <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/green-your-shower-curtain-1971783.html" target="_blank">Article Source</a></span></p>
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		<title>Preparing A Wonderful Meal For The Entire Family</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UpgradeYourKitchenBlog/~3/Q4hL61wARYw/</link>
		<comments>http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/836/preparing-a-wonderful-meal-for-the-entire-family/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:11:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jerry J. Jansen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/836/preparing-a-wonderful-meal-for-the-entire-family/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the hectic lifestyles that the average individual leads, it&#8217;s no wonder we often find ourselves turning to the local takeout eatery for dinner. The problem is that the economy has gone down and eating restaurant food is expensive. This is why most families have found themselves eating at home. Not only is it cheaper, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the hectic lifestyles that the average individual leads, it&#8217;s no wonder we often find ourselves turning to the local takeout eatery for dinner. The problem is that the economy has gone down and eating restaurant food is expensive. This is why most families have found themselves eating at home. Not only is it cheaper, but it creates that special reconnecting time that the typical family has lost.</p>
<p> One of the most popular types of food that people tend to gravitate to is cuisine from Japan. Asian food is high in flavor and very nutritious. There are a wide array of spices and flavors that are included in the preparation including such items as ginger, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce. However, the best additive that should be kept in any good cook&#8217;s kitchen has to be the <a href="http://www.masterchefyong.com">mirin</a>. It is an awesome seasoning method that can easily be included in almost any dish.</p>
<p> Some foods that should be prepared with this incredible seasoning are sushi, or fish as it helps to eliminate their strong flavors. Another great use is to include it into marinades or as a substitute for soy sauce. The important thing is to be careful not to use too much since a little goes a long way.</p>
<p> Before ever planning a family dinner it is smart to make sure the kitchen is fully stocked with the right foods and spices, but none of this will matter without the proper cookware. The best thing that can be purchased for the well prepared cook is an <a href="http://www.cookwareset.biz">anodized cookware set</a>.</p>
<p> The pans can be purchased individually, but in order to have a completely stocked pantry then buy the entire set. There will be no messy clean up with their awesome nonstick surface, and when dinner is finished just throw them in the dishwasher. That will allow for more family time later that evening.</p>
<p> When dinner is finished retire to the family room where everyone can talk about their days or partake in some other type of activity. A great way for a family to connect is by making a <a href="http://www.myscrapbookideas.org/school-memories-personalized-school-memory-keepsake-scrapbook-album">scrapbook album</a>. Include photos, school awards, and other memorabilia that has been collected over the years. It will give the group a lot to talk about and bring back old memories in the process.</p>
<p> To make the book a success make sure all of the tools are right at hand. Most craft stores have tons of supplies to choose from and a wide array of different themes. Stickers, special pages, and shaping scissors will all ensure that the album is perfect.</p>
<p> Getting everyone together is difficult at times. People lead fast paced and hectic lives that do not allow for spending time with family. However, with a fantastic meal cooking in the kitchen and special plans for after dinner, the entire group will likely rush home to enjoy such a special evening.</p>
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		<title>Things To Be Considered While Selecting A Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UpgradeYourKitchenBlog/~3/tMCa6CpRneo/</link>
		<comments>http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/835/things-to-be-considered-while-selecting-a-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:21:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jerry J. Jansen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/835/things-to-be-considered-while-selecting-a-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are immeasurable varieties of kitchen sink models available in the market these days. Kitchen sinks are not only provided for you in different shapes but also in different materials like stainless steel, Ceramic, quartz and corian. The stainless steel sinks are the most popular among the different types of sink, as they are strong [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are immeasurable varieties of <strong>kitchen sink</strong> models available in the market these days. Kitchen sinks are not only provided for you in different shapes but also in different materials like stainless steel, Ceramic, quartz and corian. The stainless steel sinks are the most popular among the different types of sink, as they are strong and durable.</p>
<p>Some of the major factors that should be considered while selecting a perfect stainless steel sink are mentioned below.</p>
<p><strong>The Gauge Size</strong></p>
<p>The stainless steel kitchen sinks are provided for you in various gauge sizes. Gauge size refers to the width or the thickness of the kitchen sink. In fact, the quality of the sink mainly depends upon the gauge size. It is advisable to buy a <strong>kitchen sink</strong> with thicker gauge in order to use it for a longer period.  Thickness is necessary to withstand the beatings of the dishes and silverwares that are thrown into it. Thin kitchen sinks are more likely to get damages such as dents and dinks easily.</p>
<p><strong>The Steel</strong></p>
<p>The type of material used in the kitchen sink is another major thing that has to be considered while buying a perfect stainless steel kitchen sink. A good stainless steel kitchen sink will contain nickel and chrome, which will help to prevent the corrosion problems. The overall strength of the kitchen sink will also depend upon the amount of nickel and chrome used. These two are the major elements that will provide the sink a shining appearance. Therefore, it is recommended to look for the composition of metals used in the sink in order to get the best stainless steel kitchen sink.</p>
<p><strong>Styles and Designs</strong></p>
<p>Finally, you can check for the best designs and styles that will suit the ambience of your kitchen. Make sure that you buy the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.sinksusa.com"><strong>kitchen sinks</strong></a> from a reputed store. This will help you to get the best product at the best price.  Some of the reputed stores may also provide free installation facilities for its customers. Therefore, these major things have to be kept in mind while choosing a perfect <strong>kitchen sink</strong> that will suit your kitchen.</p>
<p>    <span style="font-size:90%;font-style:italic"><br />
    The author is a professional writer and also fond of diverse writings. Presently writing about <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.sinksusa.com">stainless sinks</a> and other home products related topics.<br />
   <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/things-to-be-considered-while-selecting-a-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink-1965376.html" target="_blank">Article Source</a></span></p>
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		<title>The Most Popular of Home Bar Furniture Sites</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UpgradeYourKitchenBlog/~3/mJfLUH01co0/</link>
		<comments>http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/834/the-most-popular-of-home-bar-furniture-sites/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:51:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jerry J. Jansen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forniture for Home Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Bar Furniture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Bar Furnitures]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/834/the-most-popular-of-home-bar-furniture-sites/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone is really lucky if they have a bar nook in their kitchen or dining area. Think about what you want the purpose of your bar nook to be before decorating and buying furniture. You should also make sure that your bar nook matches the rest of your kitchen. If you have steel appliances in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anyone is really lucky if they have a bar nook in their kitchen or dining area. Think about what you want the purpose of your bar nook to be before decorating and buying furniture. You should also make sure that your bar nook matches the <a href="http://shopping-by-online.com/inexpensive-kitchen-cabinets">rest of your kitchen</a>. If you have steel appliances in your kitchen, you should have steel appliances in your bar nook.</p>
<p> Make sure that comfort is key when you choose <a href="http://shopping-by-online.com/home-bar-furniture">your bar furniture</a>. You want to choose bar stools that have nice backs to them, with good cushions. If you have someone in your family or circle of friends that is in a wheelchair or needs special accommodations, take that into consideration when choosing your bar nook furniture to make them comfortable and special.</p>
<p> People who enjoy drinking, especially with company, may want to incorporate a home bar into their interior design plans. There are many ways of designing your home bar. Your purpose will be an important factor in selecting furniture and other fixtures for your home bar. In choosing bar stools, for instance, you can either get the basic wooden bar stool or one that has added features, like upholstery or a small back support. Bar stools may also come in different colors; choose one that matches your taste or the motif of the rest of the house.</p>
<p> A house bar requires a icebox or a minimum of a easily transportable cooler in order to stack the cold refreshments in, the ice and also additional condiments you will need for drink mixes. For some, lighting may not be a big factor, and regular room lighting will do. But lighting does <a href="http://shopping-by-online.com/">make a lot of difference in setting</a> the mood for a bar activity. Track lighting and recess lighting are among the most commonly used types in bars.</p>
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		<title>Did You Know ? Why Front Load Washers Need He Detergent</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UpgradeYourKitchenBlog/~3/qvLlc2MkVhI/</link>
		<comments>http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/833/did-you-know-why-front-load-washers-need-he-detergent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:56:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jerry J. Jansen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://upgrade-your-kitchen.com/833/did-you-know-why-front-load-washers-need-he-detergent/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Since the introduction of the front-loading washing machine into the North American market their sales have literally exploded. Like most people, you probably bought one because of the suggested savings.
The claims about their efficiency are true. When operated properly you can save energy, water, and money. Plus they do a fabulous job of washing your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Since the introduction of the front-loading washing machine into the North American market their sales have literally exploded. Like most people, you probably bought one because of the suggested savings.</p>
<p>The claims about their efficiency are true. When operated properly you can save energy, water, and money. Plus they do a fabulous job of washing your clothes.</p>
<p>But, using the wrong detergent can quickly destroy any hopes of savings. Along with the front loaders amazing popularity has come a tremendous amount of misunderstanding about the detergent they require.</p>
<p>A front-loading washing machine needs a special detergent. It&#8217;s called HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Without HE detergent your washer will not clean properly. Using regular detergent may even cause your front loader mechanical problems.</p>
<p>HE detergent is a type of non-sudsing detergent. In fact, while operating, the machine almost appears not to have any detergent inside.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we have become so used to seeing suds in our old washing machines that we mistakenly relate the presence of suds to proper operation. Nothing could be farther from the truth.</p>
<p>An old fashioned top loader washes your clothes by constantly tumbling them through a full tub of water. Your front loader works differently.</p>
<p>In a front loader your clothes are picked up by the vanes inside the drum, lifted to the top of the drum, and then dropped into water laying at the bottom of the drum. This collision of clothes and water will dislodge the dirt from the clothing fibers. Later the drum stops turning, the water flows out the bottom of the drum via the pump, taking both water and dirt out to the household drain. Finally the drum is spun at very high speed to remove the final amounts of water, dirt and detergent from the clothes. This front-loading method of cleaning your clothes is both simple and dependable.</p>
<p>But, this simple method stops working if there are too many suds being produced by your laundry detergent.</p>
<p>If you use regular detergent in your front loader excess suds will be produced by the interaction of the detergent and tumbling water. These unwanted suds will accumulate at the bottom of the wash drum where they will lie on top of the water. Within minutes these suds will take the form of a big fluffy cushion. This cushion hinders clothes from reaching the water. As your clothes fall from the top of the drum to the bottom they hit the suds cushion rather than the water. The result is a very poor wash.</p>
<p>Even owners of front loaders who are using the correct detergent can misunderstand how to use it properly. Not seeing any suds they think they require more detergent. They keep increasing the amount used per load until suds finally appear. This can be a costly mistake that again results in a poor wash.</p>
<p>Using too much detergent is as bad as using the wrong detergent. Extreme amount of detergent can produce symptoms such as leaking, vibration, noisy operation, and poor spinning.</p>
<p>If you have been using the wrong detergent (or the proper type incorrectly) in your front load washer try the following suggestions. Run the machine through a number of cycles using hot water. This should help expel the old detergent. It usually takes 3 or 4 cycles to wash away the old detergent accumulated inside the machine. Or add a product that will remove the build-up of old detergent. One such product is called GLISTEN. It is available through most appliance parts wholesalers. Some grocery store chains now include it in their laundry detergent section.</p>
<p>As a matter of fact it is a good idea to use a cleaner such as GLISTEN in your front loader every few months. It is an inexpensive form of regular maintenance. A small amount should also be added to the detergent dispenser drawer to remove any residue from this area.</p>
<p>So if you think your front loader is not working as well as anticipated, look to your laundry detergent. If it does not say HE on the label &#8212; switch immediately.</p>
<p>Then purchase a box of the proper HE type detergent and you may be pleasantly surprised.</p>
<p>    <span style="font-size:90%;font-style:italic"><br />
    Read more about <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.glistendishwashercleaner.net/">glisten dishwasher cleaner</a> on our website: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.glistendishwashercleaner.net/">glistendishwashercleaner.net</a>.<br />
   <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/did-you-know-why-front-load-washers-need-he-detergent-1963270.html" target="_blank">Article Source</a></span></p>
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