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I have to make a confession. I am addicted to buying things for the kitchen. From high tech kitchen gadgets to simple accessories, I have to have them all. In my defense, I do spend a lot of time in the kitchen and I do cook a lot so they do get used. Fortunately I have a large kitchen with a good work top area and lots of cupboards. If I was dropped on a deserted island without any kitchen gadgets, I must admit that I would probably struggle. It's not that I'm spoiled, I just love using them.

My kitchen is crammed with the things that I've treated myself to and I also receive kitchen gadgets as gifts. It drives my husband mad! There are basic fundamentals that I update every so often, such as the food processor and deep fryer. Now, I'm not saying that an ice cream maker is essential but it is fun, as is the yogurt maker. I love my bread maker. I can put the mixture in at bedtime and wake up to the wonderful smell of freshly baked bread. The only down side is that I put on weight because the bread is so tasty. The rice cooker is very useful too, no more sticky lumps of goo.

I like to cook dishes from around the world so my kitchen gadgets reflect that I have a pasta maker and parmesan cheese shaver. I also like Chinese food so I have a non stick wok with all the accessories and a bamboo steamer for fish and vegetables. Indian food is another of my favorites and I have a set of Balti cooking pans and bowls. Not all kitchen gadgets are the result of modern technology. One of my treasured possessions is my granite pestle and mortar. It's very efficient for crushing herbs and spices for my curries and I think it's just about unbreakable.

My Espresso coffee maker saves me in the mornings. That's one of the things I'd rescue from the house if there was a fire. I insist on the best, sharp kitchen knives and I have an electric knife sharpener. My knives sit in a knife block, including the large meat cleaver. I also have a knife with an extra thin blade for slicing salmon and ham. My other kitchen gadgets include a fruit and vegetable slicer, a juicer and a salad spinner.

Most of my friends grew out of the 1970s phase for fondue sets, but I still like them and I have a very nice cast iron one. I also like to make jam from the plums and blackberries that grow in my garden. I have the pan, thermometer and muslin strainer. You can't beat a good old fashioned egg timer for making perfect eggs. Probably the most useful of the kitchen gadgets I have is the bookshelf that holds all my recipe books!

Labels: Gadgets, Kitchen

Are you a homeowner who is looking to start a kitchen remodeling project? If so, are you doing that project by yourself? While a large number of homeowners make the decision to hire a professional contractor, others do not. Not only will you have control over your kitchen remodeling project, but doing your own remodeling may save you money. Although there are a number of benefits to remodeling your own kitchen, there are also a number of disadvantages. One of those disadvantages is the risk of injury.

One of the many reasons why kitchen remodeling can be termed dangerous is because of the tools that are used. Whether you are replacing your kitchen lights, your kitchen cabinets, or your kitchen flooring, you will likely need to use a collection of tools; tools that may be unsafe if used improperly. That is why it is important that you know all of the tools that you will be using, including their dangers. Although there is a good chance that you have used a box cutter or a saw before, there is also a chance that you haven’t. Before you start your kitchen remodeling project, it may be a good idea to practice with and familiarize yourself with the tools that you will be using. When it comes time to starting your remodeling, you should know how to safely use all of your tools; thus reducing your risk of injury.

It is also important that you know your own physical limits, when remodeling your kitchen. Whether you are replacing your kitchen floor tiles, installing new kitchen cabinets, or installing a new kitchen countertop, you need to know how much is too much to lift. Lifting too much weight may result in back injury; therefore, if you need assistance from someone, ask for it. It is also advised that you keep your overall ability to work in mind. Even if you are trying to get your kitchen remodeling project finished as soon as possible, it is advised that you do not push yourself. When you are tired and working, your safety is not only at risk, but the overall outcome of your project is also because more mistakes may be made. If you need a break, even for an hour, take one.

When remodeling your kitchen, it is also advised that you keep aware of your surroundings; this includes who else is in the kitchen. If you are remodeling with a friend or a relative, it is a good idea to know where they are at all times. This will help to prevent accidentally injuries. It is also important to keep an eye on who may enter the kitchen when you are remodeling. If you have children, it may be a good idea to block the entranceway to your kitchen. If you are unable to do so, you will always want to know if and when your children enter the remodeling area. If you have young children, it is advised that you never leave your remodeling tools laying around, especially large, sharp tools.

Perhaps, the best thing to keep in mind, when remodeling your kitchen, is to use your common sense. Listening to your head or what your body is telling you, like when it signals that you may need a break, is the best way to stay safe when remodeling your kitchen. It is also, as previously mentioned, the best way to ensure that you produce quality work.

Labels: Kitchen, Remodeling, Safety