Preparing for a major renovation can cause stress and take a great deal of time. With proper and thoughtful planning, you can eliminate a lot of these woes by slowly thinking things through, discussing ideas with family members who most often use the space that is being updated, and employing knowledgeable professionals to help with the process if you are not an expert yourself. This article will help identify some steps to help you in preparing for a kitchen renovation.

1. Get supplies together that you will be using during the project and clean out all unnecessary items that you will not need to access. For example, it is a great idea to clear out your cupboards and pack up holiday dishes and decorative items. It is unlikely that you will need these items during your renovation. By keeping the area you will be working in clear of unnecessary clutter and random items, you will be less likely to break something and you can work more efficiently in the space.
2. Set aside things you do not use anymore. Consider donating these items, storing them in the basement or attic, or selling them on second-hand websites or in local consignment shops. By cleaning out items that you no longer want, you can make room for new items or organize the things you currently have.
3. If you are replacing items in your kitchen such as appliances or cabinetry. It is important to do your research. For example, if you are replacing your cabinets, be sure to check out the best kitchen cabinets in Vancouver for the latest in styles and trends that may enhance your space. If you are going to replace your cabinets, be sure to carefully pack up your items and label the boxes accordingly. Another helpful tip is to group all like items together. For example, if you are boxing up dishes, putting an entire set of plates together is a great idea as opposed to packing plates, cups, silverware, or other items in the box. Staying organized will help you find things later on.
4. Protect pets from the work area. Often times pets are used to going into the kitchen to access their food and water bowls. Before you begin your project, move the food and water bowls to another area in the house so that your pets can get used to this. By showing them a new routine before you begin to renovate, you can eliminate potential problems or worse, possible injuries from occurring.
5. Create a temporary kitchen space. It is common for people to congregate in the kitchen and socialize, eat, or work on other tasks. Because so much happens in a kitchen, it is a good idea to discuss ideas with your family about how to create a temporary space in which these types of activities can commence. It is probably unrealistic to expect your family to eat out every night, so consider where you will create a small kitchenette area where they can heat up something in the microwave or make a cup of coffee.

By planning ahead, you will make the renovation process run smoothly and you will decrease the amount of stress that the project could cause on your household.

Small Kitchen Appliances is usually defined as portable and can be used while sitting at the countertop. It is generally inexpensive and widely available. And because of its size and price, it is a preferred gift for occasions such as weddings, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. This coming Valentine’s Day, why not surprise your wife with a small kitchen appliances as a gift. In not particular order, here are some preferred small kitchen appliances of moms. This is a hint list dear husbands!

5 Small Kitchen Appliances For Your Wife This Valentine’s Day

#1 Small Oven. If your wife/partner loves to bake or usually mentions cupcakes, take the hint! This is the gift that you should give her because she will be baking your birthday cake soon! This a mini counterpart of bigger oven minus some feature. This is inexpensive and relatively small. It won’t hurt the budget and won’t eat much space on your kitchen countertop. And it produces cakes, cupcakes and even roasted chicken!

#2 Electric Pressure Cooker. If you are the kind of mister who loves asking for Beef Nilaga or Kare-Kare, buy this one and wrap it pronto! Why electric and not stovetop? It’s very convenient, set it and forget it. This is placed on #2 as a subtle hint. Eherm, husband, eherm.

#3 Coffee Maker. Nothing beats waking up with the smell of freshly made coffee. The coffee aroma is considered as one of the best perk me up smell in the world (I made that up but it may actually be true). Coffee maker actually makes the coffee taste better, even the instant ones, the taste and aroma is better when you use a coffee maker to make one.

#4 Microwave. This is a must in every kitchen. Still thinking if it is worth to buy microwave, stop thinking and give your money. Your partner will thank you for giving her a microwave as gift. Trust me, I used to say no to microwave but the husband insisted on buying one. When I finally said yes, I wish I said yes earlier. Life has been easier with microwave!

#5 Induction Cooker. When I created my own list a while ago, this one was not included. I was actually thinking of a juicer or a blender. The group of moms I asked pointed out that an induction cooker is a good alternative when you run out of gas. Good point right? Aside from that, it consumes less electricity as compared to cooking using gas (that’s according to my sister). And the pot that is designed for induction cooking are really cute. So hint! When you plan to buy induction cooker as a gift, include pans and pots.

I read once that small kitchen appliances should not be treated as a gift to your partner because it is a household use. Do not believe that. If it will make your partner happy, then go gift it.

Para sa akin, pinakanakakatakot talaga ang leaked LPG. I do not want to imagine what can happen pag may leak ang LPG kaya talaga naman, all the safety tips I can find, sinasabuhay namin. Good thing, our friends from Solane, sent as a few safety tips. I am posting it here on my blog para naman lahat tayong mga nanay eh safe 🙂

LPG Safety Tips From Solane

1. Place the LPG cylinder in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that the area is not susceptible to rises in temperature and is kept away from flammable materials, like curtains and solvents. Avoid storing LPG in the basement. LPG vapor is heavier than air and any leakage will sink to the ground, accumulate, and may be difficult to disperse.
2.  Secure the LPG cylinder in place. Position the cylinder upright and make sure that it is not at risk of being tipped over or damaged by children, and that the area is not prone to flooding and other natural disasters. If it is on its side, the liquid may escape.
3. Check the LPG cylinder for damaged or incorrect parts before using. Ensure that the cylinder has the correct valve, regulator and hose. Do not accept and operate the cylinder without the right and complete parts.
4. Observe safety when cooking or replacing cylinders. When cooking, keep your kitchen well-ventilated so that any leaked gas particles will not get trapped and accumulate around the kitchen. Never leave your cooking unattended because your pot or pan could overflow and extinguish the burners, causing gas to leak. When changing the cylinder, do not do it near sources of ignition because the naked flame, including cigarette butts, could ignite any released gas. Never forget to turn off the gas appliance and regulator when not in use.
5. Always keep the LPG cylinder in good condition. Check for any leak from time to time by rubbing soapy water on the cylinder for even a tiny leak can make a soap bubble. Clean the valve outlet using plastic plugs. Make sure that no dirt and insects get inside the valve outlet. Also, it is recommended to replace the hose every two years and the regulator every five years.
6. Never tamper with your LPG cylinder. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use and maintenance of your LPG cylinder. If you suspect or find anything wrong, call your gas provider immediately and ask for assistance.

LPG is a versatile yet highly flammable fuel. To keep it safe and useful, always take good care of it and observe proper handling and storage.

With the Hatid Bahay service, Solane LPG provides the exclusive and free 7-point Safety Check to all its home delivery customers nationwide. Performed by Hatid Bahay riders, it involves the inspection of the environment and proper installation of the Solane LPG cylinder after delivery to ensure the safety of customers. For more information or delivery request, visit www.solane.com.ph.or call the Hatid Bahay hotlines at +632 887-5555 or text 0918 887 5555.