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If you were trapped on a desert island and you could only bring five utensils, what would they be? OK, so perhaps gourmet cooking wouldn't be at the top of your list of priorities if you were stuck on an island ... but you get the point.With so many different forms of culinary cutlery available, it's easy for a new cooking enthusiast to become overwhelmed with options. Here are the five basics that no kitchen should be without.

1. Non-stick skillet with glass lid
This is one essential with many different uses. Own this skillet for a week and keep track of how many times you will rely on it - you'll be surprised. The non-stick aspect will take a lot of the frustration out of both the preparation and cleanup processes and the glass lid will allow you to follow many recipes while still seeing what's going on inside. A non-stick skillet is frequently used in culinary training programs because of its versatility. Breakfast foods are especially great in a skillet. You can make an assortment of items including pancakes, eggs and bacon.

Tips: Remember, there are many different types and brands. Take note of how many layers of protection each product offers. Single layer coatings will not hold up as long. To prolong the life of your skillet, never use any harsh or abrasive scrubbing products. These will eventually damage even multi-layered coatings. Also try not to stack your skillet in a crowded cupboard as this too may begin to scratch the non-stick coating.

2. Set of five assorted pots and pans
Maybe this one is cheating slightly, but often you will find a better deal buying pots and pans as a set, as opposed to a single pot, and you will find so many uses for the assorted sizes. This will be your no-fail cook set, and if you find a set of good quality, it will last you for years to come.

Tips: Try to find a set with a Dutch oven, stockpot, skillet and two assorted sized pots. Also, check what type of metal is on the bottom. Copper and aluminum conduct heat well but are best when coated with a layer of stainless steel. These also may come with a non-stick layer; just remember not to use metal utensils when cooking with these as they may damage the surface.

3. Spatula
This simple tool is a lifesaver in the kitchen. If you are using your non-stick cookware, make sure that you get a hard rubber spatula (usually silicone) so that it won't scratch the coating. Make sure your spatula will stand the test of time by checking the heat resistance - this way you won't end up with any messy melting disaster. Some packages may claim they withstand up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, while other more expensive brands may be closer to 800 degrees. You don't need the most expensive spatula, as used in some baking classes or bakeries, but having one that can withstand high temperatures is a good idea.

Tips: Spatula sets are also a great option to get the most for your money.

4. Set of knives
It would be very difficult to get anything done in the kitchen without a set of no-fail knives. Many come with sets of different sizes and edges. The best sets also come with a sharpener, which will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen items. Sharp knives are not only safer because they slide more easily, but they are also the most effective.

Tips: Knives also come in different hardness. Not sure what that means? Quality is measured on the Rockwell Scale of Hardness, or as it often appears in stores HRC. Without getting too complicated, just know that in culinary schools, standards for a good quality knife set will fall around 55 to 60, and this should be noted on the packaging.

5. Measuring cups and spoons set
Unless you have all your recipes perfectly measured out in your mind, it's essential to use measuring utensils when cooking or baking. Fortunately most measuring sets come with both cups for larger measurements and spoons for smaller ones.

Tips: While some sets come in various types of plastics, stainless steel is the best option to stand up to long term wear and tear during use and also in the dishwasher.

If this is your first time outfitting your kitchen, these five items will surely get you on your way. As you spend more time in your new kitchen you will find there are other items that you will want to add to your wish list

Information in this article was provided by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas. Contact Le Cordon Bleu today if you're interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with an industry-current degree program. (Le Cordon Bleu does not guarantee employment or salary.)

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(ARA) - When ranking household appliances that consume the most energy, no one is surprised to see heating and air conditioning units at the top of the list. On the other hand, many people are surprised to learn that their water heater ranks at No. 2.

"Monthly energy costs have become an important factor in the decision-making process for homeowners looking for a new water heater," says Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmentalist. "That's why manufacturers are introducing new technologies that increase the energy efficiency of their products." In order to find the right water heater for your lifestyle, Begley points out that you need to consider both the performance of the machine and the monthly energy costs associated with it.

Your first option is a conventional water heater. These models typically include a glass-lined tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 120 gallons of hot water at a time. A 40-gallon tank is generally ideal for two or three people, while a larger family may need a 50- to 80-gallon tank.

A tank-type water heater can run on electricity, natural gas or propane. A natural gas model is generally the least expensive in terms of monthly energy costs, with an electric model costing up to three times as much to heat the same amount of water. Most homeowners simply select the type of water heater that matches their current fuel source.

A conventional tank-type water heater can operate at anywhere from 75 to 80 percent efficiency, depending on the brand. In other words, 75 cents of your heating dollar goes into heating the water, and the other 25 cents is lost.

Within the past 10 years, manufacturers have begun promoting another option - the tankless water heater. These models typically deliver about 82 percent energy efficiency. Compared to a conventional water heater, your savings will typically range from $30 to $75 per year.

A tankless water heater uses a very large burner to heat the water as it passes through a copper pipe on its way to your sink, washing machine or shower. These models are measured in gallons per minute.

If you don't use a lot of hot water, it can run almost indefinitely without running out. However, if you exceed the capacity of the machine, you will notice a drop in either temperature or water pressure.

A drawback to a tankless model is the initial cost. The unit typically has a price tag between $800 to $2,000, plus another $1,000 to $2,500 for installation. Compare that to a conventional water heater, which usually runs about $300 to $500 for the unit and another $300 to $500 for installation. That all adds up to a $1,200 to $3,500 difference.

The third option is a hybrid unit. As the name implies, the hybrid combines the technologies of a conventional and tankless water heater. The result is a product that performs better than both technologies with energy efficiency at 90 percent or above.

A hybrid allows you to have back-to-back showers or simultaneous showers because of the stored hot water in the hybrid design. The installation of a hybrid water heater is the same as a conventional model, however, the unit itself can cost $1,200 to $1,800.

"For the absolute 'greenest' option available today, homeowners should consider a solar thermal water heating system," Begley says. "These units include a solar thermal collector that goes on the roof of the home in order to supply up to 70 percent of the total energy needed to run the unit." A solar thermal system is typically more expensive, but right now they are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the total installed cost in addition to other state and local utility rebates.

Homeowners looking for a conventional electric model have a new "hybrid" option to consider. "These water heaters include a heat pump that literally pulls heat out of the surrounding air, like an air conditioner in reverse," Begley says. "As a result, they are more than twice as energy efficient as a traditional electric model." This efficiency can translate to savings over $360 each year. These hybrid electric models qualify for the federal tax credit and there are also additional state and local utility rebate programs to encourage the adoption of these products.

If your current model is more than eight years old, you may even consider proactively replacing the older, less efficient model for one of the newer, more energy-efficient models and start saving right away.

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(ARA) - The warmer months are the biggest moving time for Americans, according to Moving.com. With low housing prices continuing and the recent first-time homebuyers credit that ended in June, plenty of Americans will be unpacking boxes in new homes this summer and fall.

Often, when a new family moves in, they update many of the appliances in the home - to make it more stylish and efficient for their use.

The warmer weather seasons are also a popular time for homeowners wanting to do a little home renovation. Improving on energy savings is another reason kitchens, bathrooms and home electronics are being replaced and upgraded.

According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, bathroom and kitchen remodels are two of the top four home improvement projects that show the greatest return on resale value. And even if you just moved into your new home, resale opportunities should always be a thought in the back of your mind, in case you ever need to relocate due to a job change.

One way to find top brand appliances, or tools and lawn and garden equipment in your local community is at Sears Hometown Stores, Sears Home Appliance Showroom or Sears Appliance and Hardware stores, found in over 1130 locations across the country. Over 1000 of these locations are independently owned and operated or franchise operated, so you know that any purchases you make invest directly back into your own community.

Shopping locally means purchasing products made in your community, or if that isn't possible, purchasing products sold by a local retailer.

A reason to purchase locally is that you're reinvesting in your community, and therefore benefiting yourself twice by purchasing quality goods and keeping your hard-earned dollars working for other services you may use in your community. You can find lawn and garden equipment, home appliances, tools, HDTV's, mattresses and fitness equipment at these stores.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The shorter days and cooler nights that fall brings mean entertaining that once took place on porches, patios and decks is slowly beginning to wane. Soon, family and friends will gather inside the home for holiday festivities, putting the spotlight back on some of the most-used rooms, one of which is the guest bath.

For most people, overnight house guests go hand-in-hand with the holidays. Rather than waiting until the last minute, when stress levels are already high, fall is the ideal time to begin preparing for company and refresh the guest bath. You can do a few simple things long before anyone arrives to ensure their stay is a comfortable one. In fact, updating a tired bathroom can be an easy goal to achieve on any budget. You don't need tens of thousands of dollars. Instead, a little paint, the proper tools, a few decorating elements and some creativity will do the trick.

Color: light and inviting
Changing the color of a room with interior paint is the easiest, most cost-effective and most dramatic transformation that can be made. Since a guest bathroom can be one of the smaller rooms in a home, use colors that are light and airy. This will open up the space, making it appear larger than it really is. And, even if the guest bath is used by other family members during the rest of the year, remember that it should feel welcoming, so avoid stark whites or overly bright and trendy colors.

Most importantly, don't skimp on the painting tools. Since the walls will be the largest visual area in the bathroom, you want to ensure a professional-looking finish that can only be achieved using high-quality painting tools. Purdy's new mini-roller system will provide a flawless finish, and its compact lightweight design helps to paint tight spaces - like behind a toilet or above and around a sink -in less time with less mess.

Fine-tune fixtures
If you're considering replacing an old scratched sink, many acrylic options can be purchased at home centers for less than $100. While you're at it, don't forget to update the faucet as well. Today, faucets come in a variety of finishes like brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze, allowing you to easily freshen up the appearance of your bathroom. Many fixtures are available with matching accessories like towel rings, bars and even robe hooks. Using a consistent fixture finish throughout the room will give the space a streamlined, uncluttered feeling and will help create a serene place for your guests to relax during their stay.

Hardware
Dated cabinet hardware can easily be brought back to life with a coat of primer and paint. If you're willing to use a little elbow grease and purchase an inexpensive can of spray paint, you can transform any dingy handle or knob. You don't have to stick to traditional paint color choices, either. There are a variety of metallic spray paints available such as chrome, copper, brass and satin nickel that mimic the look of these expensive finishes that you can coordinate with your other accessories and fixtures.

Details
With any room refresh, the difference is in the details, especially in a small space like the guest bath. Pick up some new linens before your visitors come to town - new bath and hand towels that are plush and soft, not faded or worn, can really make the room feel inviting. For an added touch, hang a new shower curtain and liner to coordinate with your new color scheme. Keep it a lighter color to allow natural or overhead light to filter through; you don't want your guests showering in the dark. Stock up on all of the essentials. From toiletries to a comfy robe, it's always a great idea to keep supplies on hand in case your guests need something.

By taking the necessary steps to prep your guest bath before the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you'll be able to relax and enjoy it right along with your visitors.

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(ARA) - Mixed up by modern? Confused by what's considered contemporary? With more emphasis on home design today, it can be difficult for homeowners to distinguish between the array of design styles.

Contemporary (or "modern") is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details. But that doesn't mean your home will look stark, cold and sterile. Long gone are the days of boxy furniture and eccentric decorating. Today's updated contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that create a sophisticated, fresh feel.

To create this look in your home, start by incorporating these five key elements: color, metal accents, texture, wood tone and lighting.

Color
Contemporary design is offset by neutral color palettes. When painting the walls, choose shades of brown, taupe, cream or pure white. However, neutral does not mean boring, so be sure to infuse the room with small splashes of a more vibrant, bold color. This may include painting one wall with an accent color, adding a bold red sofa, or adding vivid accessories, such as decorative pillows, towels, rugs or art. Just be sure not to over-accessorize - the key to contemporary design is simplicity.

Metal accents
Stainless steel, nickel and chrome metals are prevalent in contemporary design, providing a decorative framework of sleek finishes. Furniture, end tables, lamps and even bathroom fixtures featuring beautiful metal accents provide this look in all rooms of the home. In the bath, the Fina faucet from ShowHouse features soft modern style cues with a high-arc, marquise-shaped spout, lever handles and a contemporary-shaped base. The beautifully designed faucet also features a flow-optimized aerator for water savings.

Texture
To offset the clean, smooth lines of the metal accents, use fabrics such as silk, crushed velvet, linen or wool in your room to add texture and create a more natural, inviting feeling. In the bathroom, this may include fluffy rugs, towels or fabric shower curtains. In family rooms, this could include over-stuffed pillows, window treatments or the furniture upholstery. Texture can also be added to walls. New wallpapers made of linen can be an interesting way to add depth to the vertical surfaces of the room. But one word of caution - stay away from elaborate patterns or intricate details when choosing fabrics, as this will confuse the clean, contemporary look you are trying to achieve.

Wood
When it comes to wood surfaces, contemporary designs bring out the extremes, featuring very light or very dark tones. When incorporating woods into your design, look beyond the coffee table and utilize wood surfaces in accessories such as picture frames, large dramatic flower pots or shelves. Feel free to mix the design styles of the wood accessories, but be consistent with the wood tone and carry it throughout the room for a professional appearance.

Lighting
Lighting is extremely important in contemporary design, often seen as the key in illuminating the room's design. When choosing lighting for your home, there are many new choices available that provide interesting, clean lines. Track lighting or floor lamps are popular in contemporary design and often utilize metals or bold colors to reinforce the other metal accessories or splashes of color incorporated into the room.

By looking at these five different elements and incorporating them into your home decor, you'll be on the path to creating a sophisticated, yet contemporary home. Just make sure that you choose items that you love and elements that inspire you and you'll be on the right path to a beautiful and inviting room.

For more information about the Fina bathroom collection from ShowHouse, visit shfaucets.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent