Archive for February, 2010

Counter Depth French Door Refrigerators – A Great Option For Small Kitchens

February 1st, 2010



Small kitchens require you to really work to maximize your use of space. One thing that you can do is make sure that you arrange your appliances so that you have a good work flow and don’t have to move around too much while in the kitchen. Another thing that really helps is if you get counter depth French door refrigerators. These keep you from having to worry about the refrigerator taking up so much space and the refrigerator doors blocking the way when they are open. There are a number of different options for those with various budgets available.

None of these options are really all that cheap, but there are some counter depth French door refrigerators that cost a little bit less than others. One option that is worth checking out for those on a budget is the LG – 20.7 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Bottom-Mount Freezer in Stainless-Steel for approximately $2,200. It is Energy Star qualified, and has five gallon door bins you can adjust, two crispers, four shelves, a pantry drawer, a bonus drawer, a two piece utility bin, two freezer bins, an automatic ice maker, and five digital temperatures sensors with an LED touchpad to control them.

For more extra features, you can spend about $2,800 and get the KitchenAid – Architect II 19.9 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator, which comes in white or black. These counter depth French door refrigerators are Energy Star qualified. They have ice and water dispensers with an LCD display, as well as three adjustable door bins, crispers, a wine rack, and a deli locker. There are three baskets in the freezer, and an automatic ice maker.

If you have a bit more to spend, your options include the LG – 20.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator w/ Thru-the-Door Dispenser in Stainless-Steel. These counter depth French door refrigerators cost about $3,200 and have ice and water dispensers in the door, as well as a child lock on the dispenser and controls and a door alarm so you don’t accidentally forget to close the door all the way. Storage inside the fridge includes a chef’s pantry drawer, two crispers, a two piece utility bin, a bonus draw, four glass split shelves, and a freezer basket.

By: Simon Harris

Housewarming Gift Ideas – What is Appropriate?

February 1st, 2010



A friend of yours has just made the transition from renter to homeowner. So what to give as a housewarming gift? Friends that you are close with are the easiest. You want it to be personal, memorable as purchasing the home was.You can wait for the housewarming party or you can take the initiative and start planning you gift right away.

A realtor friend of mine and I came up with a great unique gift idea that she gives to all her clients when they purchase a home from her realty company, a
“Guardian Angel for the Home” Angel painting. She includes a card that states “This Angel is created especially for Your Home … I ask that it protect you and bring you joy, health, and happiness”. I liked the idea so much since I am an Angel collector and Angel artist and Angels are for everyone, I have started giving these as a housewarming, hostess or thank you gift.

You can always do something different, but try and keep the person in mind. Are they a “do it yourselfer”? Home Depot or Lowe’s would be a great place to find a gift or even a gift certificate and is an excellent gift because such centers also sell gardening must haves, grills, small home appliances and tools that every homeowner needs.

Are they a movie buff? Gift certificates for movie rentals or the purchase of their favorite DVD. Music lovers you can do the same thing by adjusting it to music or if in the big city … tickets to a musical? With that new mortgage they may hesitate to purchase frivolous things for themselves.

Put on your thinking cap! Many unique gift ideas can be inexpensive. A photo album for the new pictures of their new home. A basket full of spring bulbs to plant and include the gloves and instructions on how to plant them. Luxury bath items for that long
soak in the new whirlpool bathtub in the master suite. Fireplace tools or a chord of wood are a good item if they have never had a fireplace before. Dinner at their favorite restaurant.

How about a subscription to their favorite magazine or newspaper delivered to their new address?

The point is, you want something that is going to be enjoyed. A gift that is taken out of the box and not a dust collector.

There is something special for every budget that you can give that adds to the delight, joy, and thrill of the new homeowner.

© Sharae Taylor

By: Sharae Taylor