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5 Appliances You Need In Your Life

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5 Appliances You Need In Your Life

There is no denying that modern appliances in our home make life so much easier. From doing simple daily chores to cooking up a storm in the kitchen and hosting a dinner party for friends and family, the job cannot be complete without a little help from technology and our trusty appliances.

Here are five appliances that you must have in your life. Do you have them all?

Washing Machine

Can you imagine how long it would take to wash, scrub and dry each piece of clothing you and your family wears? A good washing machine is a must for every busy household, so invest in a quality appliance that can stand the test of time. Specialist brands such as ASKO have a wide range of washing machines to suit every living space, and you can be assured that every machine is made to the highest standards of durability, sustainability and functionality.

Dishwasher

While it might seem easy enough to save money on an expensive dishwasher and instead wash dishes by hand, you’ll no doubt regret the decision in weeks, if not days. A busy weekday schedule means you have little time for household chores and cleaning during the working week, so you’ll appreciate the time and energy saved by having a dishwasher. Simply rinse and load plates, cutlery, glasses and cooking equipment into the dishwasher after using them, and turn it on overnight – it’ll feel like the cleaning fairies really do exist.

Food Processor

A food processor is one kitchen appliance you don’t realise how often you use until you don’t have one. Whether you use it to make fresh juices and smoothies in the morning, or to make your own sauces, spreads and sweet treats, a food processor (or strong blender) is a handy appliance that you simply cannot live without.

Slow Cooker

Do you find yourself getting home late from work and dreading the thought of preparing a healthy, nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy? Then you need to start experimenting with a slow cooker. Chop up and load all of your ingredients and spices into the pot in the morning and switch it on as you run out the door. You’ll come home to a delicious home-cooked meal and you’ll likely have leftovers for lunch the next day. They aren’t just a godsend for savoury dishes, either – you can create a whole heap of tasty desserts in these versatile life-savers.

Coffee Machine

Instead of visiting a local café every morning for your caffeine hit, invest in a good quality coffee machine for your kitchen and learn how to make a perfect cup at home. Although the investment at the start is high, over time you will save a lot of money and find you can make the perfect café coffee from the comfort of your own home. Not to mention you can whip up a great cuppa at the drop of a hat whenever you have visitors! You can’t lose when you have your own machine.

What appliance could you not live without? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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How To Clean Your Bathroom In 5 Minutes A Day

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Clean Your Bathroom In Five Minutes A Day

It is time to clean your bathroom! Read this and discover how you can clean your bathroom in five minutes a day.

Don’t be discouraged by the amount of cleaning that is required. By doing small bits everyday, it shrinks the amount of effort that is actually necessary for your bathroom to shine! Here is how you can stay on top of the cleaning:

Minimal effort for a large reward

No one wants to scrub their bathrooms and showers but unfortunately it is one of those jobs that must be done. By taking five minutes out of your day you will notice that this chore will become an easy one.

Clear benches

  • Take a look at your benches, basins, niches in shower and put away everything that shouldn’t be out. This includes razors, hair straighteners, make up! If there are clothes on the floor, put them in the dirty clothes basket and hang your towels up.

Surface cleaning

  • Spray your shower with bathroom cleaners and while you are waiting for it to work its magic get started on the toilet. Pour toilet cleaner in the bowl, give it a quick scrub and wipe down the rest of the toilet.
    TIP: Don’t forget the front of the toilet, particularly if males live there!
  • The shower spray  should have had time to work now so give it a quick wipe down. (I use Healthy Clean Bathroom Rapid Foam because it works fast)
    TIP: If you use body wash, it creates less soap scum on the tiles than a bar of soap.

Wipe wipe wipe

  •  Give the walls and tiles surrounding the basins a wipe / spot clean.
    TIP: This is best done straight after having a shower as the steam makes it easier to wipe.
  • Wipe down benches and basins with disinfectant sprays, don’t forget the taps. A lot of germs harbour there! To combat germs the Dettol Healthy Clean Bathroom Trigger is a great choice as it kills 99.9% of germs.
  • Clean mirrors to remove any water splashes.
    TIP: Microfiber cloths work great for a streak free clean.

Top up

  • Top up hand wash and toilet paper.

Homes with young children may require a few extra minutes each day to keep your bathroom clean due to the additional mess they create. Mainly fingerprints, toothpaste drawings on the shower screen and dirty clothes next to the hamper.

The five minute a day clean doesn’t eliminate the need for a good once over; this should still be done periodically as needed. It will however mean you can have a clean and tidy bathroom with minimal effort each and every day!

By following these ideas you can clean your bathroom in five minutes a day – or there abouts.

Do you have any tips to add that can help reduce bathroom cleaning time?

Do you clean your bathroom in five minutes a day?

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How To Remove Common Kids Stains

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How To Remove Common Kids Stains

Don’t just accept clothes will be stained and dirty. You can remove common kids stains!

Every parent knows children get dirty and covered in the worst clothes stains by simply looking in the direction of dirt or food. Here is why you no longer do you have to fear permanent stains!

Stain removal tips

Whether you have been given the displeasure of grass, sweat, food or even blood stains; know there is always a stain removal technique to help.

How to remove grass stains

The parent of any sporting child knows the pain of grass stains all too well. What was once just presumed pointless trying to remove, now has tried and tested methods that will bring those horrible green marks out.

• Soak the stain in Vanish Gold Oxi Action. If the stain is still present after washing, dab with a 50-50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol, let the stain soak in the mixture. *Be careful with colours as this can sometimes cause the colour to run.

• If the above method doesn’t work – try soaking the grass stain in vodka and then dabbing gently with toothpaste. Wash as normal.

How to remove food stains

This includes food in general but more specifically tomato based products, spaghetti sauces and even pumpkin soup.

• Immediately rinse off excess food or sauce. Mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water on a sponge; dab until gone. *The most important thing is to act immediately! Wash as normal.

• If stain is left to set; spray with Vanish Napisan Oxi Action. Wash as normal.

How to remove orange juice stains

RUN – DO NOT WALK! It is crucial to act as quick as possible.

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts warm water and gently scrub with a toothbrush or dab stain with mixture soaked cloth. Wash in cold water.

How to remove dirt stains

Whether your child has white uniforms, light coloured clothing or is a pro at making even stain tolerant colours brown; you don’t have to cry anymore!

• Spray with the above mentioned Vanish Napisan or preferred treating product and then soak in Vanish Gold Crystal White. Leave to soak for a couple of hours and then wash in hot water.

Unfortunately not every stain can be removed but by implementing these stain removal tips, you will be better prepared to remove common kids stains.

How do you remove common kids stains from clothing?

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How Is Good Lighting Is Important For Your Home?

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How Good Lighting Is Important To The Appearance Of Your Home

Don’t settle with boring and out dated lighting. Make your home shine!

Thanks to renovation shows like House Rules, more and more people are taking DIY into their own hands. They now know that updating their lighting is not only affordable but also beneficial to the appearance of their home.

The benefits of good interior/exterior lighting

Lighting can completely alter the aesthetic appeal of a room. With a small change, you can transform your home from dark and dingy to bright and homey. Here is how:

Exterior lighting

Exterior lighting serves more than one purpose. Yes, it is great for adding street charm and focal points but it also offers a safety aspect.

• Use unique lighting options to create a talking point.

• Path lighting not only looks great but is the most common form of safety lighting on the exterior of the home.

TIP: Exterior lighting shouldn’t be too bright. Keep it dull so you don’t produce dark areas of yard that could result in safety hazards.

Interior lighting

Interior lighting can change the entire outcome of a room. By strategically placing lights in a certain way to maximise lighting, it completely alters the ambiance of a room.

• Bright rooms appear larger; this is why natural light is just as important as artificial lighting.

• Light tones – White is the brighter option but it often makes the room feel colder. Tinted and yellow tones are not as vibrant but give the room a warmer feel.

• Dimmers – These are a great option for living, dining and family rooms because you can alter the intensity of light emitted to suit the current activity. Dimmers are also great power savers!

• Consider making pictures or artworks a feature in the hallways, stairs and entries by positioning lights to showcase them.

• Light fixtures can transform your décor. Make sure you choose ones that compliment your personal tastes and your homes interior!

Look at places like Urban Lighting for a diverse range of interior and exterior styles to suit your individuality.

TIP: Make sure your lighting and fixtures are practical for your family and the style of your home!

How to improve lighting

Each room requires something different to get the most benefits from your lighting upgrade.

• Kitchen – Lights should be bright. This is so you can see what you are doing whilst cooking and give you a safe and comfortable space to prepare meals.

• Bathroom – By placing lights on either side of your mirror you will have ample lighting that is even with minimal shadows.

• Family room – If space permits, the use of a floor lamp or large pendant lighting instead of a table lamp will do wonders. This will create an interest point and add dimension to the room.

• Bedrooms – Add bedside lamps with individual switches. This provides a relaxing environment and allows comfortable and convenient reading.

You may be tempted to purchase a cheaper alternative but investing in high quality fixtures and lighting is worth the outlay! Just remember that for safety reasons and to reduce hazards, any wiring should be done by a qualified electrician.

By modifying your interior and exterior lighting, you are improving not only the appearance of your home but also the practicality and mood of each individual room.

How has modifying the lighting benefited your home?

This is an S1 POST.

Dyson V6 Absolute Review – Is It Worth The Money?

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Dyson V6 Absolute Review

Let’s face it, kids can turn your spotless house into something that resembles a cyclonic episode in a matter of minutes. I hope you enjoyed those sacred moments while they lasted!

I have always been a firm believer in children learning to pick up after themselves from a young age and as they grow, so do their responsibilities. It is not only beneficial for them but it also lightens the load on me. Is that lazy or smart? I’m going with genius, for now anyway!

Cleaning with kids

As the kids have grown they have each had an interest in vacuuming, I suppose it is because they see me doing it and want to be involved. Whatever the reason, I am not complaining. My only issue over the years has been that our vacuums have been too heavy for them to take control and do it solo. Until now…

Who says kids can’t clean?! #MakingTheMostOfSchoolHolidays #Kids #Dyson #CordlessPower

A video posted by Kell ☆All Mum Said ☆ (@allmumsaid) on

For the past few weeks I have been basking in the glory of the new Dyson V6 Absolute vacuum cleaner. I was offered one to review and I am so glad I said yes! I have been a Dyson fan girl and owner for the past 8 years and I doubt I will ever stray from the brand. They have always done an impeccable job and I cannot fault them.

My house is approx. 70% tiles and 30% carpet; so having a vacuum that is light, easy and doesn’t require additional effort to transfer between the two is ideal. The Dyson V6 Absolute does exactly that in a small compact handheld vacuum. Like most homes; the kitchen, dining and living rooms are the high traffic areas that require constant attention (especially when there are kids inhabiting there). This handy little handheld makes it so convenient for quick tidy ups, spot cleans, once overs and if your home is small enough, possibly even your general clean.

Cleaner heads

The Dyson V6 Absolute comes standard with two Dyson-engineered cleaner heads. Using a combination of the two, they combat both large debris and fine dust, carpet and hard floors. I was so impressed with the amount of dirt and dust that this vacuum can pull from the carpets.

The fluffy cleaning roller is ideal for hard floors, including wood and tiles. The suction and seal created by the woven fibres sends the dirt and dust directly into the dust bin instead of having to backtrack a few times to ensure you got it all.

The direct drive motor head has bristles that drive deeper into the carpet allowing for better suction where it is most needed. This ultimately removes more dirt than you can even see in your carpet.

Battery life

Like most of the Dyson handhelds, the V6 Absolute offers up to 20 minutes run time on standard. If you require more power for a particular job, push the MAX button on the back for an extreme amount of suction. This will reduce you battery life to 6 minutes.
While this is not a huge duration of time, it is ample to get those tidy ups and spot cleans done with ease.

Cleaning and maintenance

Like all vacuums, they require some degree of cleaning or maintenance.

  • For starters, the hygienic bin requires emptying. This can be done quickly and simply by pressing the button to release the dirt.
  • There is one filter that requires cleaning. That is as easy to clean as pulling out of the top, washing under the tap and letting it dry before placing it back into position.
  • Like all rotating cleaner heads; hair, string, etc. gets caught around it and should be removed before causing the performance to lag.

Performance

I could not be more impressed with how well this little machine works. I also love that it is light weight enough for the kids to use. This eliminates the need for me to have to constantly clean up after them, they can now pull out the Dyson V6 Absolute and tidy up their own messes. That’s a huge win in my book! Not to mention they think it is fun.

Extra tools

Like every Dyson, they come standard with a range of tools that are designed to make jobs around the home easier. From removing dust and dirt from hard-to-reach places around the home to cleaning tight spaces in the car, these tools have you covered.
The docking station allows you to store and charge your vacuum both conveniently and neatly. The dock also holds additional attachments.

I find I use this the most in our lounge rooms, living room, bathrooms, around the dining table and under the breakfast bar. Because of its versatility and ease of use, it is perfect for these regular clean ups. Click the link for more information on the Dyson V6 Absolute and its features. As you can see, I am a huge fan of this machine. If you can afford the $899 price tag, it is well worth the investment; particularly if someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. If this price is above your budget, there are Dyson V6’s for all floor types starting at $599.

Do you have a Dyson? Tell me about your experience below!

Disclosure: I received the Dyson V6 Absolute for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

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