Home sweet home … it’s your refuge that expresses your personal style. Dreaming of turning your ordinary safe haven into your dream house? Now is the time to make it a reality.

GE GSL25XGWSS Energy Star 25.4 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser

Buy New: $1,347.00

Features:
• CleanSteel(TM) Exterior - Offers a premium stainless look that resists fingerprints, smudges, and sm
• Contoured Doors - Create a high-fashion look with gently rounded doors and edges
• External Controls with Actual Temperature Display and UltraFlow64 - Eliminates the guesswork in sett
• Freshness Center(TM) (2-pan stack) - Maximizes shelf space by utilizing two humidity-controlled draw
• AutoEnergy Saver - Senses freezer and fresh door openings and adjusts refrigeration operation cycles

“In today’s fast-paced world, homeowners want to add luxury amenities that are not only fashionable, but functional as well,” says Judy Riley, Moen Incorporated’s vice president of design. “It’s all about smart innovation.”

Inspired by the HGTV Dream Home, the following products can virtually turn anyone’s home into a ‘dream home.’ And, you don’t need millions of dollars to incorporate stylish trends that will make a lasting impression.

Morning Perks
Love your master bedroom, but hate the thought of trekking downstairs to the kitchen for your morning cup of joe and news headlines? Why not wake up to the aroma of coffee brewing at your morning bar? Morning bars can be as simple as adding a cart with a refrigerator, coffee pot and necessary utensils – or more elaborate with a built-in countertop and sink. Regardless, this new addition to your master suite will add storage, style and luxury, while making your mornings more enjoyable.

Kitchen Couture
Hate missing your favorite television shows while preparing dinner? No need to set your DVR. Instead, cook up some entertainment with a new HDTV refrigerator. The latest models, such as the LG HDTV Refrigerator, come with a top-of-the line entertainment center including TV, DVD hookup and radio options. Not only will it keep your food cool, but you can even access recipes, display your favorite family digital photos and watch the latest shows.

Gourmet chefs seldom do the heavy lifting when cooking up their eclectic cuisine, so why should you? New pot fillers, like the stylish model from ShowHouse by Moen, mount easily to the wall above your cooktop or range – allowing for fewer spills and more safety in the kitchen. Previously only available in commercial kitchens, this “must-have” gourmet kitchen accessory now comes in a warm Oil Rubbed Bronze finish and can extend up to two feet to deliver hot or cold water directly into your pots and pans. When it’s not in use, the pot filler folds neatly against the wall for an understated, yet upscale, look.

After enjoying your delicious meals, clean up should be a snap with the Medora pullout kitchen faucet from Moen. Available in stylish finishes such as Matte Black, it adds drama and sophistication to the sink with a sleek, high-arc silhouette. Medora’s pullout wand makes performing everyday tasks in and around the sink easy. With the touch of a button, you can switch between several water flow patterns including stream, rinse and veggie spray. Or, you can choose Moen’s patented pause feature, which instantly stops and starts the flow of water and makes performing everyday tasks in and around the sink easy. By combining form and function, doing the dishes has never been so stylish.

Front Row Seating
Tired of fighting the crowds and paying for expensive movie tickets? Why not have front row seating and enjoy more legroom in your own home theater? Adding a home theater projector, such as the Mitsubishi HC3000U, gives you preferred seating for new movies and the latest sporting events. And for under $3,000, you may have money left over to consider adding theater-style chairs, top-of-the-line surround sound and even a popcorn machine that will be sure to get you rave reviews.

Bathroom Oasis
Need to escape at the end of the day? Experience the relaxing, spa atmosphere in your own bath by installing a vertical spa – the ultimate showering experience. With your new vertical spa, you’ll be able to choose from single or multi-function showerheads and body sprays to customize your own spa-like retreat and personal sanctuary in your bathroom.

With a few simple updates, you’ll soon be calling your ordinary home your new home sweet dream home!

Northland 60SSSGP 60″ Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Stainless Steel Interior, Automatic Ice Maker and Automatic Defrost: Glass Door w/ Panel Ready Frame and Door

Buy New: $10,919.00

Your dream for your kitchen is as unique and individual as you are. From the style and color to the furnishings and appliances, you want a room that is beautiful and functional. Northland can help make your dream kitchen a reality. Their expansive line of integrated refrigeration is never mass produced and always made just for you. Whether you need to store a gallon of milk or a vintage bottle of Bordeaux, you can choose from their vast array of options and nearly endless combinations. Enjoy the extra large capacity and style provided by Northland’s 60 wide side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. Dual cooling systems for the refrigerator and freezer sections ensure optimal performance and food preservation. Models are available with either sparkling arctic white aluminum or gleaming stainless steel interior and easily accommodate deep items such as beverage refrigerator packs, deli trays and large serving platters.

PuriClean UKF7003AXX Compatible

Buy New: $28.49

Features:
• From the world’s #1 brand in household water filtration
• Fits all refrigerators that use Maytag PuriClean UKF7003AXX water filters
• Guaranteed by Brita to fit AND make your water taste better

From the world’s #1 brand in household water filtration. Fits all refrigerators that use Maytag PuriClean UKF7003AXX water filters. Guaranteed by Brita to fit AND make your water taste better.

At a time when the real estate market is stagnant, the experts will tell you it makes more sense to stay put and upgrade than to move. And if you’re like most people, the place you’ll want to start is in the kitchen, which typically offers the highest return on investment and is often the most popular room in the house.

You may be scared off by the fact that the average kitchen remodel costs $54,241 according to Remodeling Magazine. But you don’t have to invest in a complete kitchen remodel to improve your situation dramatically. The kitchen of tomorrow can be yours today if you make just a few changes.

A good place to start is by replacing your conventional cook top and oven with an automatic cooker that can do everything from making omelets and cooking pasta to grilling steaks and baking cookies at the touch of a button, thanks to its intelligent cooking feature.

Thermador Induction Cooktop

Buy New: $3,039.00

A Thermador kitchen is more luxurious, more efficient and more beautiful than any other kitchen. Because for seven decades, Thermador has been at the forefront of fusing the art and science of design and ingenuity. From introducing the first built-in oven almost 50 years ago to revolutionizing gas cooktops with the patented Star Burner; and from designing the first retractable downdraft ventilation system to advancing speed cooking technology; Thermador has helped transform the American kitchen. Thermador develops their own proprietary induction technology to ensure that they meet the strict standards for quality, precision, durability and performance. One of their unique features is the Stainless Steel Trim. It’s the cooktop of choice by professional chefs.

The RATIONAL SelfCooking Center is already used prominently in restaurants and other commercial operations, but smaller versions of it are now showing up in more and more residential kitchen remodels. For your next dinner party, wouldn’t it be great to be able to grill chicken and bake a cake at the same time? Or how about preparing hors d’oeuvres, grilling steak and cooking fries simultaneously; or cooking salmon and steaming vegetables at the same time without any flavor transfer and perfect results every time?

The SelfCooking Center’s LevelControl feature allows you to cook various foods at the same time. This feature is coveted by homeowners who love to cook but don’t have a lot of time to do it. And, if your family is like many American families, you know how hard it is to get everybody to eat the same thing or get to the dinner table at the same time. Just prep and plate your meal — or meals — ahead of time and finish them off when you’re ready to eat.

To make things even simpler, there is no shortage of accessories like the no-stick moulds that make it quick and easy to prepare muffins, vegetable mousses, poached eggs and more. After the cooking is finished, the SelfCooking Center even cleans itself with the CleanJet system and cleaning tablets.

For more information about RATIONAL’s SelfCooking Center, log on to www.rationalusa.com.

Tired of having to rinse dishes at the end of a meal before putting them in the dishwasher? Make that practice a thing of the past by upgrading to a newer model that is capable of sensing how dirty your dishes are. The sprayers will work extra hard in areas where they’re needed, and back off where they’re not. There are even machines available today that are able to determine exactly how much water is needed to wash the current load, so you don’t have to feel guilty about washing just a meal’s worth of dishes ever again.

Another futuristic appliance that industry insiders say is just around the corner is a refrigerator that keeps track of what’s inside. It’s so smart, it can also suggest menus that use some of those foods, and once you’ve selected the menu, will supply a grocery list for other items you need to pick up.

Feel like your kitchen is cluttered? Move the faucet off the countertop by upgrading to a wall-mounted faucet unit. Out of drawer space? You may want to opt for under-the-oven hood storage where you can hide up to 20 pounds worth of kitchen paraphernalia.

These are just some of the upgrades that will turn a run-of-the-mill kitchen into something extraordinary.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with tempting chocolates, cookies and heart shaped cakes can be challenging on New Year’s resolutions, but now you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a little less guilt.

Sunpentown 3.1 cu. ft. Freezer

Buy New: $248.97

Specifications: Compact, flush back design offers 3.0 cu.ft. of storage, perfect for counter-top placement. True F capability. Reversible doors offer versatility. Features 4 pull out drawers, adjustable thermostat, lock and key. Features Include: 3.0cu.ft. net capacity True F capability Manual defrost Lock & key Reversible door 4 Pull out drawers Ice cube tray Mechanical adjustable thermostat Flush back design for space saving Front leveling legs Recessed handle Flush back design UL approved Specifications Input voltage 115V / 60Hz Thermostat (lowest temp setting) -0.4F Type direct cooling Gross capacity 110 liters Net capacity 3.0 cu.ft. / 85 liters Energy Consumption 299kWh/year Noise level 39 dBA Refrigerant R134a Climate Class N Net dimension (W x D x H) 19.84 x 19.5 x 34.06 in Package dimension (W x D x H) 21.06 x 21.65 x 35.25 in Net weight 57.50 lbs Gross weight 61.75 lbs

For anyone who likes to indulge while controlling their sugar intake, the maker’s of Pillsbury baking products, one of the biggest names in baking, recently introduced reduced sugar cake mixes and frostings. Sweetened with Splenda instead of sugar, these delicious desserts have 50 percent less sugar than regular Pillsbury cake mixes and frostings, but still have the same great taste. So, this year, you and your sweetheart can have your cake and eat it too.

“We’re excited to introduce reduced sugar cake mix and frosting,” says Maribeth Badertscher, director of corporate communications for The J.M. Smucker Company. “We strive to offer consumers a full range of choices while maintaining our commitment to quality. Now, they can enjoy the same great taste with half the sugar.”

Pillsbury offers two cake varieties to mix and match with frosting flavors. Pillsbury Moist Supreme Reduced Sugar Cake Mix is available in Classic Yellow and Devil’s Food, and Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Reduced Sugar Frosting is available in Vanilla and Chocolate Fudge. Try them alone or as part of a delicious new recipe like this one for a reduced sugar indulgence any time of the day:

* Pillsbury Reduced-Sugar Zebra Biscotti

Ingredients:
Crisco No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 (18.25 oz.) Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Devils Food Cake
1/2 cup Crisco Butter Shortening
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Vanilla Frosting
1/3 cup Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Preparation Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray large cookie sheet with no-stick cooking spray. Place cake mix in large mixing bowl. Melt shortening in microwave-safe bowl in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Add melted shortening, eggs and water to cake mix. Stir with wooden spoon until evenly moistened. Batter will be stiff. Spray hands with no-stick cooking spray. Work dough with hands until cake mix is totally absorbed.

Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 9×3-inch loaf on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool on cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Cut each loaf into 3/4-inch slices. Stand upright on cookie sheet. Bake an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool 10 minutes.

Place each frosting in a separate quart-size resealable freezer bag. Close. Microwave on high for 8 seconds or just until soft. Knead gently in bag. Press frosting to one corner of bag. Cut very small opening off the corner. Drizzle each frosting over cooled biscotti to make stripes.

Pillsbury reduced sugar varieties are now available nationwide in the baking section of local retailers. For a product locator, more delicious recipes and cooking tips, log on to www.pillsburybaking.com.

(ARA) - Kitchen remodeling projects continue to provide hefty returns at the time of a home sale. The 2006 Cost vs. Value report, published by Remodeling magazine, shows that home owners recoup 80.4 percent of the average $54,200 they spend on major kitchen projects, and get back 85.2 percent of the average $17,928 spent on minor projects.

You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s all well and good, but I don’t have that kind of money to spend on a kitchen remodel right now.” If that’s the case, don’t count yourself out, just think on a smaller scale. You can make some dramatic changes in the kitchen just by focusing on one of the attention-getting trends highlighted at the annual Kitchen Industry Show and Convention in Las Vegas.

A good place to start is by taking a long, hard look at your lighting. If you have an older home that has not yet been updated, chances are you have a single ceiling mount fixture in the center of the room that doesn’t let off much light and if you’re lucky, another one over the sink. Why not upgrade with options that offer more direct light?

These days in home remodels, designers are replacing the old center fixtures with recessed cans and pendants that offer more direct task lighting in the kitchen. They are also installing undercabinet lights to highlight the countertops and toe lighting to accentuate the cabinets.

Undercabinet and toe lights are easy to add. All you have to do is tap into the wiring for the outlets that already exist along the wall. In homes with no attic access above the kitchen, however, the cost of installing recessed cans can be a turnoff, but as Norm Brown of Norburn Lighting & Bath Centre in Burnaby, B.C., points out, “You can get around this limitation by instead installing a rail system on the ceiling that allows you to add light fixtures anywhere in the room.” Brown is a certified lighting consultant (CLC) and the consulting director of education for the American Lighting Association (ALA).

Among the many options these systems offer, the ability to drop pendants over and island and spotlights onto the counters, art or china, all without cutting holes in the ceiling. They are available in a variety of materials and finishes so there’s something that will match just about any décor.

And when it comes to the fixtures, Paige Malouche of Progress Lighting in Greenville, S.C., says there is a lot of mixing and matching of designs. “These days, we’re seeing people with what you’d consider to be a traditional kitchen putting in modern lighting fixtures. A popular trend is to hang bronze or brightly colored pendants from track and illum-flex systems,” she says.

“There are so many fixtures available it has really turned into a fashion show,” adds Monty Gilbertson, CLC of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wis. “There’s clean contemporary, decorative ornamental, pretty much any look you can imagine, and if you want to take it a step further and address intensity and mood lighting, this can be done by adding dimmers to the fixtures you install.”

For more information on lighting, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT IDEAS for your nearest showroom.

(ARA) – Buying a refrigerator can be a chilling experience. When you think about it, it is a pretty big investment of time, money and effort. With so many brands and features to choose from, selecting the right appliance can be daunting. You can make it a more pleasant venture by getting educated about the variety of options before visiting your local appliance retailer.

Size does matter
Before heading out to purchase your kitchen refrigerator, be sure to measure the space you have available. Most standard refrigerators measure about 65 to 70 inches high, 29 to 36 inches wide, and 24 to 32 inches deep. You should also decide how much space you will need inside your refrigerator to accommodate your weekly grocery list. The basic rule of thumb is to take the number of people in your household, multiply that by five and voila, you have the number of cubic feet you should look for in a refrigerator.

Practical styles and finishes
Next, decide if you are looking for a top freezer, side-by-side or bottom-freezer refrigerator. Top freezers provide a traditional look and are usually a little easier on your pocketbook. Side-by-side refrigerators are a great choice if you have depth limitations in your kitchen because these refrigerators can be as low as 24 inches deep, while other models tend to be quite a bit more. Bottom-freezer and French-door bottom-freezer refrigerators are quickly becoming the most popular options because they are not only stylish, but also put food you use most at eye level.

“Our research shows the average consumer uses the refrigerator section seven times more often than the freezer, which helps explain why the bottom-freezer is growing in popularity,” said Richard Heckathorn, Amana senior category manager.

Amana was the first to introduce the bottom-freezer refrigerator 50 years ago. It also was first to market with the side-by-side refrigerators.

“We’re proud of our heritage for helping make consumers’ lives easier by offering a range of appliances with common sense features,” said Heckathorn.

Once you choose the style of refrigerator, you should then consider the finish. Most models come in white, bisque, black and stainless steel. Be sure to select a finish that complements your kitchen.

Features that just make sense
Do you entertain friends and family on a regular basis? Do you like your beverages really cold? Are you looking for ice and water in your door? What about a bottom-freezer option?

These are questions you should consider before making a refrigerator purchase. No matter how many bells and whistles a refrigerator may have, make sure the refrigerator meets all your needs, providing practical features that will support your lifestyle.

“Finding the right refrigerator is a highly personal decision,” said Heckathorn. “Amana’s Ice and Easy French door bottom-freezer refrigerator offers a wide variety of space and capacity options. A Beverage Chiller keeps milk and other beverages up to four degrees colder than the rest of the refrigerator and this is very important to some consumers.”

Tips for loading your refrigerator
Now that you’ve got your new refrigerator, get to know the different storage and space options before you start loading it. This not only maximizes the amount of food you can store, but it also may help your food stay fresher, longer. Here are some helpful tips for properly filling a refrigerator:

* Avoid overfilling. Put too much in the refrigerator and it can restrict the air flow, making your refrigerator work harder to keep the optimum temperature of 37 degrees F. Amana brand’s Temp Assure dual sensors automatically keep temperatures consistent in the refrigerator and freezer to keep food at its freshest.

* Stow it away. Leaving produce on an open shelf causes it to dry out and deteriorate. For that newly-picked sensation, use crispers to keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer. A general rule of thumb is to set crisper controls at “high” for vegetables and at “low” for fruit.

* Keep meat moist and flavorful. Fresh meat should be stored in a meat and cheese drawer, such as Amana’s Chef’s Pantry. This refrigerator width drawer helps your meat maintain its ultimate flavor and freshness levels. Once stored, remember to prepare meat within one to two days of purchase, otherwise freeze it for a longer shelf life.

*Stop the burn before it starts. As moisture evaporates from food it often changes into ice crystals, which can lead to freezer burn. To properly prepare food for frozen storage, use air-, moisture- or vapor-proof packaging such as zipper-style plastic freezer bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Amana refrigerators, models ABB1921DE and AFD2535DE, have been rated as best buys by a leading consumer magazine. For more information, visit www.amana.com. Amana appliances can be found at Fry’s Electronics, Brandsmart, ABC Appliance or at your local independent retailer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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