The Final Step in Installing Your Outdoor Lights

Posted on January 16, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

So you’ve finally got all your lighting plans in order, installed your landscape lighting transformer, ran the wires, and installed all the light fixtures.  Now you’re left with one more, but incredibly important step.  How are you going to turn the lights on and off.  There’s a three different easy to use options.  You can use one, or a combination of them so that you can always have your lights on when you want them without having to fumble around for minutes.

The first, and simplest option for turning on and off your garden lights is to install a switch in a very easy to find location.  The best location for these is next to your doors and windows.  Install one in the area where you think you’ll be the most when you think about turning your lights on.  These are easy to install and don’t require much thought or skill to get done right.

A second option is to install motion detectors so that the lights will come on and off when someone walks infront of them.  This is the best option for security lights and path or driveway lights that people will use to come into the home.  But it can also be used for some lights out in the garden as well, if you want someone to get close to an area before it lights up.  This also makes sure that you lights are only on when you need them, reducing the light pollution your house gives off.  Sensors today are even technologically advanced enough that you can set a light level where they will only turn on at night and even set their sensitivity so that they will not turn on when random squirrels or rabbits hop by them.

Finally, the last option for turning your lights on and off is to use a timer.  Timers will makes sure that your lights turn on and off at certain times, but it also means that they’ll be on at times where you might not be home or looking at them, increasing your electric bills.

For more information on every step involved in landscape lighting, visit the Garden Lights Guru.

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Garden Hose Storage to Keep your Garden Organized

Posted on January 16, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

An organized garden is a great way to not only show off your décor but also keep the garden functional. Having garden hose storage keeps your garden tidy. If you think storage systems would only ruin your garden’s atmosphere that is where you are wrong. Some garden hose storage systems can be even used as a garden decoration. Hangers made out of steel, brass, and bronze are a way to make garden hose storage systems match the garden décor.

There are many decorative hose hangers being sold in online garden decor stores. Most of these hose hangers are weather resistant, rustproof and very durable so you do not have to worry about them breaking after exposure to the elements most especially water.

These types of decorative garden hose storage systems however are pricier than others but if you want to make everything in your garden look good, $100 to $300 is not money put to waste. You will not only have storage for your garden hose; you will also have an addition to your garden decor. If you love pots, you can get a decorative pot to keep your garden hose. They are usually sold at $100 to $130 online but you can also get them in your favorite department store.

If you want to store your garden hose in a more convenient way however, you can try getting a hose planter. A hose planter is a garden hose storage system that allows your garden hose to be attached to the faucet even while it is hidden from plain sight. Now that makes watering the plants an easier feat because you do not have to take the hose out of its storage and then attach it to the faucet. All you have to do is take it out of its pot, open the faucet and voila! You are ready to water the plants.

Hose planters look like they are made out of clay so no need to worry about having an odd looking pot in your garden. What is more amazing about this rather convenient hose storage system is that it only costs around $40. Now that would save you a lot of money while saving your garden from clutter.

For those who do not care much about decorative hose storage systems and just want functionality in a product, purchase a swivel reel or any type of hose reel -be it wall mount or in a cart. Most of the hose reels sold in online shops range from $130 to $150. Now this is sweet deal and there are a lot of designs to choose from as well.

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Choosing Bathroom Sink Vanities

Posted on January 16, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

A bathroom sink vanity has all the same uses as a standard sink, just more storage space underneath it. As one or more people can use a vanity, two design options are available: sink and double sink. Double sinks, of course, are longer and have two wash basins, but one with only one sink above the unit is another option if you want more space for yourself. In terms of space, many of your standard toiletries can be stored in these cabinets. Small cabinets are usually reserved for hygiene and hair implements, while larger units can hold cleaning products or even towels.

The basic design of bathroom vanities includes a sink basin and a cupboard. In general, the cupboard is made of wood, while the basin is a ceramic material. As the top needs to be protected against moisture from the sink, often a stone bench or worktop is added. This surface is either made of stone, like granite or marble, or a man made, weathered stone-like material. Other options include matching the sink basin and top. As a mirror is another common element in many bathrooms, a set of sink vanity mirrors may be included in any bathroom vanity set up you buy.

In addition to using the sink, another important quality for all vanities is storage space. The cupboard may be decorative, but should have enough space within it. In general, these units have doors and drawers of different sizes for storing tools, hair brushes, cosmetics, toiletries and towels. Vanity sinks are designed in classic – or wood – and contemporary styles. Both have space for storage, but with metal cabinets and in many separate vanities and contemporary glass vanities, where and how you store things vary with each style.

If you plan to add a bathroom vanity, bathroom furniture retailers carry various classic and contemporary bathroom vanity sink styles and designs. Consider the amount of space in your bathroom and the size of the vanity unit and find one that fits – in both size and style.

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Carpet Shampoo Machines For Your Home

Posted on January 16, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

If you want to keep your home as clean as possible and have carpet laid on the floor then you are going to have look into using carpet shampoo at some point to get it back to the condition it was in when you first bought it. Even if you ask visitors to remove their shoes before they enter your house it can be handy to do this once in a while just to freshen things up. And lets be honest, a lot of us get embarrassed asking people to take off their shoes so we just don’t bother asking.

Not to worry either way as carpet shampoo machines do a great job of getting your carpet back to new condition. The only problem is that the best machines are very expensive to purchase and since you are not going to be using them on a regular basis its better to borrow one from a friend or even hire one from a specialist shop. You should be able to hire them for around $25 for a day depending on which country you live in, but that will allow to get the job done without shelling out a fortune to buy one.

If you hire a machine for the first time you will still have to learn to use it so it may take you a little longer than expected although its not so difficult. Remember to buy a quality dry carpet shampoo ahead of time so that you are ready to go when you get the cleaner delivered.

If even that sounds like a little bit too much like hard work for you them you can always get a professional in to do the entire job for you, and you can be sure there will be plenty of companies or individuals locally who will be happy to do it for a price. The advantage of this is you can let them in to do it and buy the time you get back from work your home will be as good as new.

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Planning For Your Conservatory

Posted on January 16, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

A conservatory is a very expensive addition to your home. When fitted correctly then can be a source of relaxation and comfort that compliments your existing living space. If done wrong they can be a sense of frustration at what might have been. Planning for a conservatory is essential before you commit to investing your hard earned money. The ensuing tips should make this process more simplistic.

The position of your conservatory is very important. The sun will always rise and set in the same place, so you can take advantage of this. North facing structures will get more light all day long, and south will not. East will get sun in the morning, and west in the evening hours. This can be important because conservatories that do not get much sun light will feel colder and may need additional heat sources such as radiators. These heaters can be electric or fitted to your gas supply. Argos have a wide choice of these heaters at their retail store. Bear in mind that electric will be more expensive to run during the winter months.

Decide what size and shape you want. Round designs are good for all round viewing into the garden, and boxed shaped conservatories are not as good as the corner posts obstruct some of the view. An advantage of squared off designs is that they offer more room inside compared to rounder styles. If you have a smaller garden then a huge conservatory will probably be too much. You want things to be in proportion if possible, so look for a smaller size to fir better into your back yard. The argos catalogue has over 400 designs that come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a very good buying guide to help you choose the best option.

Unless you are a builder, you are going to need to hire someone to erect it. Try to get at least 5 quotes for the job, so you can compare the best deal. Remember to check the reputation of the builder, as the cheapest quote may not be the best solution.

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Main Types Of Outdoor Patio Heaters, And How To Choose

Posted on January 15, 2010 by Home and Garden Guy
Enjoying the outdoors in the cold weather is actually a possibility, with the use of an outdoor patio heater.  There are a few different types though, so in order to get the model that you are looking for, you are going to have to take a few things into consideration.  First, you must be able to differentiate between the different types of grills.  While there aren’t a wide range of models available, there are different types of heating elements, which require different sources of power.  As well, you can buy smaller models that are more efficient, for the type of get together, or group gathering that you are planning.
There are three major types of patio heaters.  The first, electrical, must have a power source to provide heat.  While these are the most cost efficient type of heaters, they do require you to have an external source of electricity.  Electric patio heaters provide  a constant source of heat, at a steady temperature, without the fluctuations that other types face.  When you are looking for an electric patio heater, you are going to want to make sure that the voltage matches the country that you are living in, either 110, or 220.
Gas patio heaters, on the other hand, provide much hotter temperatures, by supplying more fuel, but have an added cost to them.  Either using propane, kerosene, or one of the many other heat providing, natural fuels available, a gas patio heater can raise the temperature of the area up quite a bit.  The warmer you make your area though, the more fuel you use.  Fuel isn’t typically too expensive, but you must take this factor into account when you are purchasing a heater.  Knowing where you can purchase fuel for cheap will go a long way when using this type of heat source.
Infrared patio heaters use metal plates to provide heat, and are usually hung, out of reach of people.  These heaters get to excessive temperatures if not monitored, and can cause you to begin stripping layers before you realize it.  You can find this style in a table top patio heater, however, one of the other options may be better suited for this situation.  You will definitely want to compare your options, to make sure that whichever model you end up choosing, it is right for your situation.  Patio heaters aren’t the cheapest items, but their benefits are huge, especially if you have to surround around a table during the winter.

Enjoying the outdoors in the cold weather is actually a possibility, with the use of an outdoor patio heater.  There are a few different types though, so in order to get the model that you are looking for, you are going to have to take a few things into consideration.  First, you must be able to differentiate between the different types of grills.  While there aren’t a wide range of models available, there are different types of heating elements, which require different sources of power.  As well, you can buy smaller models that are more efficient, for the type of get together, or group gathering that you are planning.

There are three major types of patio heaters.  The first, electrical, must have a power source to provide heat.  While these are the most cost efficient type of heaters, they do require you to have an external source of electricity.  Electric patio heaters provide  a constant source of heat, at a steady temperature, without the fluctuations that other types face.  When you are looking for an electric patio heater, you are going to want to make sure that the voltage matches the country that you are living in, either 110, or 220.

Gas patio heaters, on the other hand, provide much hotter temperatures, by supplying more fuel, but have an added cost to them.  Either using propane, kerosene, or one of the many other heat providing, natural fuels available, a gas patio heater can raise the temperature of the area up quite a bit.  The warmer you make your area though, the more fuel you use.  Fuel isn’t typically too expensive, but you must take this factor into account when you are purchasing a heater.  Knowing where you can purchase fuel for cheap will go a long way when using this type of heat source.

Infrared patio heaters use metal plates to provide heat, and are usually hung, out of reach of people.  These heaters get to excessive temperatures if not monitored, and can cause you to begin stripping layers before you realize it.  You can find this style in a table top patio heater, however, one of the other options may be better suited for this situation.  You will definitely want to compare your options, to make sure that whichever model you end up choosing, it is right for your situation.  Patio heaters aren’t the cheapest items, but their benefits are huge, especially if you have to surround around a table during the winter.

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Cleaning Leaves With An Outdoor Blower Vacuum

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

As the fall season rolls around, the once lush trees will shed their leaves. While a beautiful scene to watch, it also sends a load of work your war as you try to clean up the endless barrage of leaf fall. Every crack and crevice can be overrun by leaves and can be difficult to remove. Brooms can do the job well in most cases, but you still have massive piles to pick up after you are done. Wouldn’t it be great to just vacuum up all those leaves and be done in just a few minutes? There’s a product called the vacuum blower that not only acts as a blower but can suck up outdoor material as well. After a simple conversion process, the blower will be ready to suck up leaves. After blowing the leaves into a pile, you can suck them all up at varying speed levels, depending on the toughness of the job. A bag is attached to the unit which conveniently catches all of the leaves for quick disposal.

Another thing that separates a blower vacuum from manual methods is that this machine mulches, or crushes up the leaves as they are consumed. This greatly reduces the volume of refuse you have to deal with later, and leaves more room in your trash can. The mulched material also works great as composting material to be placed into a compost bin. You not only clean your yard, but can obtain free, nutritious compost at the same time!

The leaf shredder reduced the volume of the leaves greatly. The Toro 51599 for example can take 16 bags worth and reduce it to one. Variable speed is an important feature when you’re working outside. Both the blowing and vacuuming aspects of the machine can be controlled at variable speeds. If you are removing debris from you flower bed, you will want to set the machine on low power as to not damage the flowers. However, in grassy areas, debris often gets ground in and is hard to remove. In this case you would set it to high power to pull it into the suction chamber. This is all controlled with a dial on the front.

You may be concerned with the unit sucking up rocks and damaging the impeller. The leaf blower vac has a special tube that is attached before vacuuming. It features a wide diameter opening that reduces the air flow volume enough so that heavy rocks cannot be picked up, but leaves can.

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Using Infrared Grills For Grilling

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Home and Garden Guy
Charcoal grills are quickly becoming a thing of the past, with more and more grill masters finding out the benefits of a technology that is now being used in grills, called infrared heating.  This type of heating was original only available for commercial establishments, but in previous years, the patent expired, and manufacturers began producing infrared grills for consumers to use.  This type of grill provides the excellent restaurant char grilled flavor that they are known for, that is so hard to get at your own home.  The way that infrared heats your steak is incredibly different, and improved over charcoal.
With traditional style grills, the heat is applied to the food through heating the air surrounding it.  This is called an indirect heat source, and while it is an excellent solution, your temperatures are limited to how hot you can get a charcoal grill.  Along with this, the heat is more evenly applied to the food, which means that you have more accurate cook times, and cooking temperatures.  There is no longer the guessing game of how long you need to leave your steaks on, or worrying about whether or not you are going to dry them out.
With an infrared grill on the other hand, heat is applied through a ceramic or stainless steel element, similar to what is used on conventional cooktop ovens.  The ceramic or stainless steel burner is then heated, with it going directly to your meat, vegetables, or other food.  This makes it easier to control the temperature of the food you are cooking, as well as accurately predict cooking times.  You are also able to get the infrared grill to incredibly high temperatures, which allows you to sear the top and bottom of the meat, sealing in the juices, and keeping it from drying out.
Infrared barbecue grills also allow for incredibly easy meal preparation, and cleanup once you are finished cooking.  Because the heating element is either ceramic, or stainless steel, you can simply wipe it down when you are finished using it, due to its natural non stick surface.  With regular charcoal barbecue grills, you will have to heat the grill, and use a wire brush to break down sauces, char, and other buildup that forms when you use it.  You don’t have to worry about heating your infrared barbecue grill, in the same manner as a charcoal, to clean it, but instead, simply run over the grill with a cloth, and ordinary household based cleaners, and it is ready for your next meal.

Charcoal grills are quickly becoming a thing of the past, with more and more grill masters finding out the benefits of a technology that is now being used in grills, called infrared heating.  This type of heating was original only available for commercial establishments, but in previous years, the patent expired, and manufacturers began producing infrared grills for consumers to use.  This type of grill provides the excellent restaurant char grilled flavor that they are known for, that is so hard to get at your own home.  The way that infrared heats your steak is incredibly different, and improved over charcoal.

With traditional style grills, the heat is applied to the food through heating the air surrounding it.  This is called an indirect heat source, and while it is an excellent solution, your temperatures are limited to how hot you can get a charcoal grill.  Along with this, the heat is more evenly applied to the food, which means that you have more accurate cook times, and cooking temperatures.  There is no longer the guessing game of how long you need to leave your steaks on, or worrying about whether or not you are going to dry them out.

With an infrared grill on the other hand, heat is applied through a ceramic or stainless steel element, similar to what is used on conventional cooktop ovens.  The ceramic or stainless steel burner is then heated, with it going directly to your meat, vegetables, or other food.  This makes it easier to control the temperature of the food you are cooking, as well as accurately predict cooking times.  You are also able to get the infrared grill to incredibly high temperatures, which allows you to sear the top and bottom of the meat, sealing in the juices, and keeping it from drying out.

Infrared barbecue grills also allow for incredibly easy meal preparation, and cleanup once you are finished cooking.  Because the heating element is either ceramic, or stainless steel, you can simply wipe it down when you are finished using it, due to its natural non stick surface.  With regular charcoal barbecue grills, you will have to heat the grill, and use a wire brush to break down sauces, char, and other buildup that forms when you use it.  You don’t have to worry about heating your infrared barbecue grill, in the same manner as a charcoal, to clean it, but instead, simply run over the grill with a cloth, and ordinary household based cleaners, and it is ready for your next meal.

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Charcoal Grills

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Of all the different kinds of grills in the marketplace today charcoal grills are still the leaders when it comes to producing quality food consistently. Other grills offer more easier, less complicated grilling but they’ll never measure up to charcoal grills.

Charcoal grills offer a lot of benefits to the prospective buyer. First of all you’ll be using coals to grill your meat. At first glance this may seem like a draw back because coals can get messy and cost extra money but the flexibility they give to controlling your cooking temperatures is well worth it. Charcoal grills allow you to get much higher temperatures that gas grills. Gas grills only allow you to turn the gas up to a certain high point but you can arrange your coals in different patterns to maximize the heat you get. You can also cook at multiple temperatures with a charcoal grill by shifting the appropriate number of coals to different parts of the grill.

In my opinion charcoal grills are the only way to go because the quality, flavor and flexibility they provide. Gas grills, indoor grills and electric grills, while convenient are more restricted in their cooking capacity. If you’re looking for ease and convenience while still retaining quality results then by all means go for a gas, indoor or electric grill but I feel you might as well learn how to really grill if you’re going to get a grill and you can only gain those skills by using a charcoal grill.

Aside from the basic benefits of using a charcoal grill over the other types there’s always the fact that you will certainly be a popular person in the family among your friends and in the neighbhorhood. Grilling is a great way to bring people together for some fun and games. Making good food will always attract people like flies so its a perfect way to get quality family time or build some long lasting friendships with your neighbhors.

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Home Insurance Guide to Beating Your Renewal Quote

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Home and Garden Guru

Read my home insurance guide to beating your renewal quote before you start searching around for a cheap home insurance quote. These simple but effective steps could lower you premium costs and save you some hard earned cash.

Please consider some of these steps below to make the most out of your quote. You’ll find that they are very informative and a great help in trying to save you some money.

Having a good no claims bonus on your current home can earn you a discount as it demonstrates that you are a low risk homeowner to the insurance company. Some companies offer a discount between thirty and fifty per cent, if you have been claim free for the last four years. This can go a long way and is quite a considerable discount off the premium and if you where to loose it, you may find your home insurance quote becoming quite expensive. So think twice about making a claim.

The majority of the home insurance companies will offer a cheaper quote if you decide to increase your policies voluntary excess. You can increase this to around five hundred pounds and it should give you a good saving, although when you make an insurance claim, this sum of money needs to be sent to the insurance company before they will start sorting your claim out. Just make sure you can afford to pay whatever amount you have stipulated on the online form because if you cannot pay this agreed amount of money your claim will not be settled. Why not compare cooperative home insurance features and discounts against the rest of the market.

Separating your current buildings and contents insurance policy may give you savings. Try searching for individual policies rather than a combined policy, you’ll find in some cases you can save some money.

Always evaluate your cover on a regular basis making sure you’re not paying for cover that you don’t need. There’s nothing worse than throwing your money away on cover that you don’t need.

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