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    Determining Wall Shelves Spacing and Spans

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    Wall shelves require a bit of planning before loading up your favorite dishes or plants. A shelf span is the distance between supports for the shelf. This span distance will vary based on the strength of the material of the shelf. In theory, the stronger the shelf the greater the distance you can put between wall supports. Shelf spacing will depend on preference and what you will store on the shelves. It’s important to fasten the shelf supports to wall studs whenever possible for maximum support. Span Limits The span limit will change depending on the material of the shelf as well as the load it will carry. For the following recommendations it’s assumed the shelf will support a full load of standard-sized hardback books. Plywood. Shelves should be ¾ inch thick or thicker. The longest recommended span is 36 inches between wall supports. Lumber. The longest recommended span between walls supports for 1×10 lumber is 24 inches. If the lumber is 1×12 then it is 28 inches. Particleboard. Single layer shelving made of particleboard should have a thickness of ⅝ inch. The recommended span for this would be 24 inches. If you have a thicker particleboard of ¾ inch then you can span wall supports by 28 inches. Spacing Recommendations The vertical spacing between shelves will ultimately be determined by the objects it will hold. Here’s a general clear shelf height depending on specific items. Paperback books: 8 inches Hardback books: 11 inches Large hardback catalogs: 14 inches Magazines: 14 inches DVDs: 8 inches Source: the Spruce

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    Fragrant Plants That Will Make Your Home Smell Incredible

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    Plants are the key to giving your home fresh scents and aromas. There are plenty of flowering plants and herbs that thrive indoors and can give your home a divine smell year-round. Here are a few plants you should add to your collection. Chocolate Mint Mint is easy to grow outside but the herb can also thrive indoors with the right conditions. Put your mint plant in a pot on a sunny windowsill and water when the soil is dry to the touch. This fragrant plant is great for salads, but you can also put them on a dish near your shower ledge to create a soothing aromatherapy steam. Credit: Skyprayer2005 Credit: Liuntova Katsiaryna Gardenia Since gardenias come from the tropics, they need six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight. But these plants are one of the best sources of fresh scents. Keep your gardenias in rooms with a bit of humidity and a temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees F. You’ll want to use a soil that drains quickly to prevent any root rotting. Paperwhite Narcissus Another plant with a powerful scent is this delicate flower. These plants prefer cooler temperatures around 60 degrees F and indirect sunlight. If you want the scent to stick around, pot the bulbs at two-week intervals for a continuous bloom. If the conditions are right you’ll get sweet-smelling blooms each spring. Credit: Roy_TeamV Source: Apartment Therapy

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    A New Way to Get Rid of Those Shipping Labels

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    During these times online shopping has skyrocketed for many of us. Whether it’s due to working from home or avoiding stores all together, we have a larger influx of shipping packages. These packages often have information we want to dispose of before recycling it, such as our name or address. Try out this method to get rid of that label before you toss it or if you want to preserve the box for use later on. The key ingredient here is nail polish remover. Simply take a cotton ball or a cotton pad and soak it in the nail polish remover. Then, wipe over the label. It may take a few passes to fully dissolve the ink but once it dries you’ll be left with a completely blank box. Doing this can help protect yourself from anyone who may want to rummage through your trash later on. Better yet, it can serve as a great base to work from if you’d like to reuse the box for another shipment later. While you may just be using a sharpie or ripping the label, try out this method for a simple and clean way to dissolve personal information from your shipping labels next time. Sources: Apartment Therapy

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    What You Shouldn’t Clean with Baking Soda

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    Baking soda is a staple for cleaning when it comes to your kitchen. While it may be tempting to use it everywhere, there’s some places you should absolutely steer clear from. Baking soda is abrasive which means it can damage lightly sealed surfaces or discolor some metals. Here’s a list of some places you should avoid using it. Aluminum cookware. Baking soda can usually be used on many metal surfaces but take caution with aluminum. You may be able to get away with using it if you quickly apply it and rinse it off. Leaving it on can cause it to oxidize which would change the aluminum’s surface color. Gold-plated service pieces. While 24k plated gold may be uncommon in a kitchen, some decorative wedding china may have some true gold accents. Baking soda can easily scratch gold since it’s a soft metal. Marble surfaces. Stone manufacturers advise against cleaning marble with baking soda. The repeat abrasive cleaning from baking soda can deteriorate the sealant. It’s best to use proper marble cleaners to avoid damage. Antique silver. While baking soda can be used to remove tarnish from silverware, be careful with antique silver. It may be too abrasive and ruin the finish, especially if you are unsure of the provenance and may not actually be sterling silver. Avoid pieces that contain decorative insets all together. It’s best to take these pieces to a professional who knows how to properly clean them. Did you learn something new? Follow our Facebook and Instagram for more from Cosmo. Source: Kitchn

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    How to Pick the Best Kitchen Sink and Faucet

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    Sinks and faucets are essential to any kitchen. Recent trends may influence your decision for your next upgrade, but it’s important to choose a sink that will work well for your needs and withstand years of use. Material Options. Sinks come in many different materials such as stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, and solid surfaces. If you tend to throw dishes into your sink, then stainless steel may be better for you, due to its tougher construction. Stainless steel is also an attractive choice when paired with solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone because of its undermount capability. Solid surface sinks are easier to clean due to their smoother area but can be chipped or damaged with hot pots and pans. Number of Sinks. Double-bowl sinks are the most common kitchen feature, but may not be necessary if you don’t wash as many dishes. Dishes may not always be hand washed when dishwashers are available, so the extra space isn’t always needed. Larger pots and pans may fit better in one large oversized sink bowl. The need for space differs from household to household, so recognize your needs when deciding on a sink construction. Faucets. There are many faucets to choose from on the market. Most use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. These valves prevent water from leaking and control the water pressure.  A ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials will be the most durable. A faucet with a spray arm is useful for filling pots with water or cleaning the sink afterwards. Other features to consider are garbage disposals or hot water dispensers. It’s best to avoid brass finishes as these faucets aren’t as suitable for high use areas like a kitchen. Instead opt for materials like chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel or pewter. Sources: HGTV

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    Tea or Coffee in the Morning?

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    Coffee and tea are the most common drinks in the world. The debate of the health benefits between the two is ever evolving. It’s hard to distinguish which drink may be best to start your day with all the cluttered information. Here’s the key differences that can help you decide which one to sip on the next time you need a boost of energy. Caffeine Coffee and tea both contain the same stimulant: caffeine. But they differ in the way that they’re metabolized in our body. On average, a cup of coffee contains 80 to 100mg of caffeine. Tea on the other hand has 30 to 50mg per cup. This can vary across types of teas and brewing methods. Caffeine affects everyone differently and personal tolerance also plays a role. An excess of caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, anxiety or elevated heart rate. It’s recommended to not consume more than four or five cups of coffee a day. Energy Tea differs from coffee in that it contains the chemical, L-theanine. This chemical metabolizes caffeine over a longer period of time which can lead to sustained energy. Coffee can provide a quicker buzz, but tea enhances cognitive performance and attention. Antioxidants Antioxidants are chemical compounds that may reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Both coffee and tea contain antioxidants, but coffee has more. Some common antioxidants found in coffee are chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic and n-coumaric acids. The major antioxidant in tea is catechin which has anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease or stroke. It’s important to note that although coffee contains more antioxidants, exceeding recommended daily caffeine amounts can lead to health risks like insomnia and nausea. Sources: Insider 

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    Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

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    Kitchen design can be daunting. It’s best to learn the biggest mistakes people often make before designing your own. Check out these tips below! Inconsistent Layout The placement of appliances and cabinets is crucial. Good organization goes a long way. First decide, what kind of kitchen works for you? Are you somebody who entertains in the kitchen? Maybe you’ll need an island with extra seats. You could need extra counter space if you love to bake and cook for all your ingredients. Putting all your appliances in one counter may not be the most aesthetically pleasing idea. These questions will help map out your space more effectively. Cabinets and the Color Choices You Make Cabinets can be one of the most expensive items in your kitchen. When deciding on your cabinets it’s important to keep two things in mind–versatility and durability. You won’t be replacing your cabinets all the time and these decisions can carry a hefty cost. Look for solid wood construction cabinets that are at least ½ inch thick with well finished surfaces. Pay attention to any imperfection such as wood knots or bad sanding. Countertops Marble counters may look beautiful at first, but these surfaces easily stain from certain drinks and dyes. Other acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemons can actually erode marble quickly, making it less practical in a kitchen. Affordable and durable counters such as quartz or granite are safer choices for kitchen counters. Empty Spaces Above Cabinets Having a large empty space between cabinets and the ceiling leads to kitchens feeling empty and dust buildup. These spaces are hard to reach and clean. Consider placing a soffit here. A soffit is a decorative architectural feature that can fill up these areas in an appealing way. Thinking over how you can improve your kitchen with these tips? Show us over on our Facebook and Instagram and be sure to tag us! Source: Insider

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    Tips on Lighting Your Kitchen

    Posted on Posted in Home, How-To, KitchenNo Comments on Tips on Lighting Your Kitchen

    Let there be light! Kitchen lighting often comes as an afterthought or disregarded completely. Well balanced kitchen lighting brings both functionality and aesthetic to a home. While there may be a plethora of different lights you can buy such as pendants, strip lights or recessed lighting, it’s important to understand the function of light and the role it plays in any room. It’s easier to think of light in layers. Light, like anything else in the kitchen, should have a purpose. Ambient – Ambient lighting will be the main source of lighting. It should be applied in an even layer to the entire room. An example would be natural sunlight. This can be accomplished with various kinds of lights as long as it’s filling the space. Task – The lighting that illuminates cooktops or surfaces you will need to use when preparing meals, as the name implies. It can be the lights you need to look through a pantry or read labels. Accent – Accent lighting emphasizes various places in the kitchen such as cabinets or counters. It should be the cherry on top that adds depth and dimension. Did you know color plays an important role too? According to Jeff Dross, director of education and industry trends at Kichler Lighting, you should look out for three qualities when picking lights for energy efficiency. Color Temperature. Look for lights that are in between 2700 to 3000 Kelvin. This will closely resemble incandescent lamping which would perfectly fit in any residential environment. CRI Rating. This stands for Color Rendering Index, and determines the way the light is interpreted. Low CRI can result in lights looking gray. Jeff recommends your lights have at least 80 CRI to see better color renders. Energy Star. Lights should have this certification to ensure the bulb has gone through longevity testing and has a minimum 80 CRI. What kind of lights do you have in your kitchen and is there any way you can add more? We’d love to see your design and style! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, tag us and join our Cosmo community. Sources: YLighting , HGTV

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    Father’s Day Gifts for the Man Who Loves to Cook

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    Hey Family, Father’s Day is coming up. Yey! Sure, typical Father’s Day gifts generally get the job done – think golf clubs, tool set and even a stylish tie – but what about the dad who enjoys spending time making magic in the kitchen. Don’t forget him. Give him the tools he needs to succeed, whether he’s baking for the big game, preparing a meal for the family, trying out a new recipe or seeking to master the perfect steak. Reaching one’s fullest potential in the kitchen requires the right equipment, so put the best gear in his hands (or on his counter) and up his culinary experience with these ideas from Cosmo Appliances. From a Portable Induction Cooktop Burner to an Airfryer turn his Kitchen countertop into a versatile powerhouse, give your food-savvy dad what he needs to up his culinary game. For more Father’s Day gift inspiration visit cosmoappliances.com. A Super Range for a Super Dad Dad deserves tools as bold and innovative as his culinary creations. Featuring Gas or Dual Fuel Ranges that combine modern styling with high-performance cooking technology. Dad will appreciate the authentic professional appearance with a robust profile. With high performance sealed burners that deliver exhilarating precision while the convection oven provides consistent heat for perfect roasting, baking, and broiling. These one-of-a-kind Ranges are sure to take his culinary prowess to a whole new level. Previous Next BUY THIS RANGE Chef on the Go For those warm summer weekends, camping is a fantastic activity that provides hours of enjoyment and a welcome opportunity to connect with loved ones and nature. After a day full of outdoor activities, Dad will want to prepare something easy, simple and very fast. Upgrade your camping cuisine with a portable Induction cooktop. Thanks to induction technology, electromagnetic currents generate heat from within the metal in the cookware for extremely fast and even heating. Boasting impressive safety features unlike burners with flammable and combustible vapors, our system remains cool to touch until cookware is placed on it. It’s sleek, compact design allows him to enjoy cooking anywhere he goes. BUY THIS COOKTOP Guilt-Free Crispy Fried Food  Made popular by claims air frying is a healthy alternative for frying food; because it replicates the wonders of deep-frying in a healthier way so Dad can still indulge in his fave fried foods like French fries. The Air Fryer, uses rapid air technology to fry, bake, roast or grill your food with only a tablespoon or less of oil. Think of it as a hi-tech counter-top convection oven. For recipe ideas click here BUY THIS AIR FRYER Bonus Gift for Dad who Loves Wine For those wine enthusiasts that insist on professional grade wine refrigeration, for at home use Cosmo has combined advanced technology and our signature sleek appearance for you to enjoy quick access to cold drinks and your favorite wine. Our 24 inch wine cooler delivers exactly the right temperature, with a single zone temperature that can be set at an ideal temperature to allow your wine to mature properly. BUY THIS WINE COOLER

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