Tip of the Week Close Drapes to Keep Heat Out

Closing your drapes or blinds during the hottest part of the day can lower the temperature in that room by as much as 10 degrees. The more insulating factor in the draperies, the better. But even single layered dark fabric that blocks out the rays of the sun, can make a big difference to keep that room comfortable. Closing blinds/drapes is also a good idea during the winter to keep heat in and cold out.

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Tip of the Week Soft Serve too Soft to Scoop

If you think your ice cream maker is not doing its job because the soft serve is almost too soft to scoop, this often is the case. Ice cream makers with freezer bowls do tend to deliver soft serve. You have to place the ice cream in the freezer to help it harden for half an hour or so before serving. It can help to adjust (lower) your freezer temperature to ensure that the ice cream maker bowl freezes properly before using. Also leave it in the freezer at least 24 hours before using.

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Fathers Day Give Him a Gift Hell Want to Use Right Away

It's not too late to buy a Father's Day gift and there are some great choices out there. When buying a kitchen item for him, you'll want to choose a gift with cook appeal. Take this rotisserie for instance, with it's polished look and viewing window, it just shouts 'gourmet chef'.

This Cuisinart rotisserie is large enough to roast an 8-pound chicken. But it's not only for poultry, he can roast meats or vegetables as well. It has a three-hour countdown with auto shut-off. Since he'll want to drive this kitchen tool right away, remember to have all the fixings on hand including poultry or meat, spices and sauces.

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Handy companion tools: Poultry lifters, baster and tongs - read more about Handy Poultry Tools.

Need more choice for inspiration? Find more Father's Day Gift ideas and tips

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Tip of the Week Best Place for the Air Purifier

If you only have one air cleaner/purifier, you might be tempted to locate it in the family room, where everyone can benefit and that would be a great idea. However, when one family member suffers more from allergies than the rest of the household, the best place for it is in their bedroom. Find out why.

Learn more about Air Cleaners/Purifiers:

• Before You Buy an Air Cleaner
• What are HEPA Filters?
• What About Nano Silver?

Tip of the Week Best Place for the Air Purifier

If you only have one air cleaner/purifier, you might be tempted to locate it in the family room, where everyone can benefit and that would be a great idea. However, when one family member suffers more from allergies than the rest of the household, the best place for it is in their bedroom. Find out why.

Learn more about Air Cleaners/Purifiers:

• Before You Buy an Air Cleaner
• What are HEPA Filters?
• What About Nano Silver?

True or False Washer Wash Cycles Are All Long

False. Even if your frontload washer has some very long preset wash cycles, there's usually at least one shorter cycle available. There's also timed cycles on most washing machines which offer shorter wash times. And that can be just right to wash lightly-soiled or dress clothing. Dress clothing may also be done on a delicate or gentle cycle with a shorter time and slower spin. Check your product manual if unsure. Traditional topload washers tend to have shorter wash cycles and you can often even shorten those.

• More About Laundry Appliances
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• Washer 101 - From Buying to Care

For Those Who Dont Like Touching That Yucky Can

If touching the kitchen trash bucket is something that makes you cringe, there's a can just for you - the iTouchless Trashcan. It operates with the use of sensors so you don't have to touch it and works on batteries or an optional AC power adapter.

A 13-gallon capacity, odor deodorizer, a wide opening and a nice stainless finish makes it a stylish (and functional) essential for the kitchen, family room, bathroom or anywhere else you need a trash can.

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