5 DIY ideas for Christmas - Black & Decker

Christmas is less than a month away, and this is the time when we are feverishly looking around for gifts to give our friends and family. Not just in the gifting aspect, but in many other ways, DIY can make our festive occasions more budget friendly as well as more personalized. Here are some great ideas for Christmas that you can do yourselves:

Christmas Tree: Pinterest has some lovely ideas for DIY trees for this Christmas. From smaller crochet ones to bigger ones made of cardboard, you can try them in whichever size you like. Even your kids will love contributing to this project, and you can plan Christmas tree based décor pieces throughout your home in this season. I also especially love this one made from books.

Make your own gifts and tree ornaments: Do you remember when you were looking for that special something for a friend or relative, and just couldn’t find what you want in any store? You can try out whatever you are comfortable with, like home baked goodies, or lovey handcrafted items such as monogrammed tableware. This is another DIY project the kids will love to take part in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovemaegan/6440154073/ 

Fresh produce: If you have a kitchen garden, plant in such a way that you can harvest a lot of stuff around the festive season. Can you imagine the reaction of a dear friend when he receives an organic homegrown pasta ingredients basket? You can get very creative with this, from choosing the right basket to planning the list of ingredients that are easy to grow.

Family cards: This is one idea that many of us might have already tried out, but just in case you haven’t thought of it yet, this is a great way for family especially grandparents to keep a record of how kids have grown up over the years. You can print them out yourself if you have a photo printer, or else use a nearby store just for that last step.

DIY kindnesses: If you have any elderly relatives who don’t have help around the house, the best gift you can give them would be to go over before the holidays and help them with their pending tasks like hanging up a favourite photo or just assist in the cleaning chores. Take along your gadgets and appliances for the task, and it can be a breeze!

Hope this list gives you some good ideas, and one or two of them ignite a spark in your minds. Happy DIYing!

Do check out our tools and appliances that can help make your work easier around the house in the festive season. Our website is:

http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com

5 Easy DIY Decor ideas - Black & Decker

There are a lot of things that we can do by ourselves around the house, that we usually do not attempt to, just because we are not used to it. It is time to stop being at the mercy of the carpenter or painter, and find out how interesting it is to attempt such projects. Here are 5 easy DIY ideas to help with the décor of your home:

Wall accent: A great way to bring a room alive is to paint one wall, ideally one that light falls on during the day, in a vibrant colour, or with some textures on it. The paint is easily available in any hardware store, and the techniques are not at all difficult to learn. If you feel hesitant, start with a simple painting technique and move to textures later. 

Photo wall: Introduce a conversation piece along with celebrating your memories – by taking up an entire wall or a part of it for photos of you with your family and friends. You can put individual photos onto a larger frame and hang it up as 1 or 2 large pieces, or you can hang the pieces individually. It is very easy to do all the carpentry work required by just using a home toolkit.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbisaacs/2815819786/

Use those glass bottles: Your old glass bottles can be a great way to add a pop of colour to your rooms. Fill them with different coloured beads or stones, or even swirl a bit of glass paint around to make them look completely different – there are many tutorials you can find online such as this one.

Be seasonal: Diwali and Christmas are just two of the many festivals we celebrate and just these two can give rise to so many décor ideas. From decorated diyas to DIY Christmas ornaments, there is a lot you can try, and you can always have a seasonal corner or nook in your living room to celebrate the festival.

Upcycle a piece of furniture: The newest term is to upcycle, not just recycle. This means you can take a drab looking but basically sound piece of furniture, and with a fresh coat of paint make it look completely different and worth being the focal point of the room.

These are just some ideas for home décor - try it yourself, it’s strangely addictive. Using a trustworthy toolkit like the ones from Black & Decker can be all you need to increase your confidence. Check out our products at:

http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com

Things around the house that you might have never tried to DIY - Black & Decker

DIY may sound very difficult to approach for those of us who have not tried it before. An article like this one gives some easy DIY ideas that even beginners can try out to increase our confidence. I am sure some of them such as clearing out the kitchen pantry are things we might have done at our homes, but anything like replacing a glass ourselves feels too forbidding. Here are some more ideas that might help:

 1.    If you have an old grater lying around, you can put it to good use as an earring stand. All it needs is a fresh coat of paint and it can look stunning! See this image for an example.

 2.    Before setting out to buy a new blackboard or writing board for your kids, look in your local paint shop for blackboard paint. This can turn any surface into a blackboard, so all you need to do is find a portion of the wall in your child’s room and make it a fun writing area. It can even be painted on a kitchen cupboard to turn it into your memo pad. See this link for a detailed “how to”.

 3.    One of the best ways to give a space a makeover is to use paint. It could be your front doors, or just a cabinet that’s looking worn out; a fresh coat of paint can liven up the space. This is a very easy thing to do yourself, just walk over to your local hardware store and select a shade and try it out in a small space first and you’ll see.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maguisso/523808623/

 4.    This one from Pinterest really got my attention – a very simple yet brilliant way to use those    large mouthed pots and vases that are always stored up because of the trouble of arranging anything in them.

 5.    The next time your dining chair or footstool upholstery gets worn out, try changing it yourself. All you’ll need is some fabric, scissors, small nails or pins and a hammer, and you are sure to be surprised at how simple it is.

Hope some the above helps you embark on your first DIY around the house, do let us know how it turned out. Whether looking for a great hammer, drill or even a paint edger, Black & Decker has one in store for you. Do check out our products at our webpage:

http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com

How to keep your floors clean when you have a crawling baby - Black & Decker

One of the big concerns for parents of young babies is when their child starts crawling around on the floor. Suddenly the floor or carpet that was never a worry begins to look as though it’s teeming with dust and bacteria! Here are some easy ways in which you can make sure your floor is clean enough for your baby:

Put things away immediately: When something falls on to the floor, try to clean it up or put it away at once. The longer something lies around, the higher the possibility of it being forgotten, and this could lead to sharp or inappropriate objects lying within reach of the baby.

Keep pets in a separate space: If you have pets in the house, especially a breed of dogs that shed a lot, try to keep your baby in a different area from them as much as possible. This helps to keep allergens away from your child especially at a young and susceptible age, but as they grow older they will grow more resistant.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arenamontanus/1776616410/

Leave shoes outside: Try to avoid shoes bringing outside dirt and germs coming into the space where babies are going to be crawling. This may not be possible in your main living space always, but keep a couple of rooms shoe-free so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the floor every time your baby starts moving around.

Vacuum and mop regularly: Most of the above steps will help in keeping your floors clean, but the best way to ensure this is by having a regular cleaning regimen. You would definitely not want to use any strong smelling or skin unfriendly chemicals when your baby’s going to be so close to the floor for a few months. Using the vacuum or a product like the steam mop are an efficient way to keep your floor free from dirt and germs in an eco-friendly way. Other products like lime and vinegar can also help even with stained floors.

Once you set some simple rules, you will be surprised by how simple it is to stop worrying about your baby crawling around and to instead enjoy this phase of her life.

Do check out our webpage for our eco-friendly cleaning products such as the steam mop to help keep your home clean and your floors baby friendly.

http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com

Why you would need a pressure cooker in your kitchen? - Black & Decker

A pressure cooker is the most versatile and handy cookware in the kitchen. So, if you have been putting off buying one because you don’t know the advantages of having one, you might consider revising your decision after going through the following.

Cooks in less time: Most traditional methods of cooking consume a lot of time and by the time the dish is cooked, a lot of energy and time are lost. A pressure cooker uses just about 1/3 rd of the normal cooking time, hence is an effective tool to minimize the use of cooking gas and our time. It is a great aid when cooking quick, one-pot family meals.

Using pressure cooker

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jetalone/507179089/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Healthier way of cooking: Since a pressure cooker uses less water and cooks in the steamed water, the vital nutrients are not lost which happens in the other methods of cooking. It retains the flavor and works well for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Safe to use: Pressure cooker these days come with high and multiple safety features which makes them very safe to use. There is no danger of the steam causing the lid to blow off due to safety valves and locks. You also have a lot of sleek and lovely designs to choose from.

Economical and green option: Using a pressure cooker saves up on the natural resources and money. The newer models are multi-faceted and can be used on all kinds of cooking stoves including induction ones. Since the direct effect is lesser consumption of energy, it is a way to go-green.

 Easy to use: A pressure cooker is totally a no-fuss-equipment that can be used with minimum instructions and is also easy very to clean.

We, at Black and Decker, offer a wide range of kitchen appliances to make cooking stylish and easy for you. Do check out our products at http://www.blackanddeckerappliances.com/

How to inculcate a sense of good hygiene in kids - Black & Decker

Teaching little ones about hygiene is a tricky yet important job. Proper and good sense of hygiene comes with practice and the best way is to start as early as possible. Children love routine; hence a consistent and clockwork routine of healthy practices should be made a part of their daily schedule.

What needs to be covered under hygiene?

Washing of feet and hands: Kids must be put into the habit of washing their hands and feet each time they come home from outside to get rid of the grime and dust.

Potty-hygiene: Once the kids are potty trained, they need to understand and follow the hygiene ritual of cleaning up and washing the hands with soap and water. Showing them repeatedly how to do it and then supervising them until they get habituated is vital.

Brushing of teeth: Doctors advise cleaning of the gums from infancy and the use of soft bristled toothbrush as soon as the child begins teething for good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day must be made compulsory and as the child gets older, the technique of correct brushing needs to be taught.

Child brushing his teeth

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeta_lind/2617230232/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Personal hygiene: Children should be discouraged to share their water bottles, napkins or towels with anyone else.  Covering mouth while sneezing and discouraging touching the mouth or nose are other good practices that need to be inculcated early on.

How to make the above activities fun and a no-struggle one?

Take the help of story books: story books that teach good habits as a moral of the story are a good way to get the child interested and used to the concept.

Sing a song: Have a favourite song for each activity and sing them together your child to make it a happy and fun moment rather than a drab chore to get over with.

Award points: Rewarding every good behavior would reinforce it further. So, make sure you make appreciate the child each time he or she does a job well or does it without a struggle. Awarding reward points like a star also helps.

And last and not the least,

Be a role model yourself:  Children learn faster with observation, so make sure you practice the above yourself.

Keeping the house clean is an important part of hygiene. We help you keep your home environment clean and healthy. Choose your cleaning gadget from our range of products here: http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com 

Tips for a Green Diwali - Black & Decker

The festival of lights has been celebrated in a traditional manner for years, and we are all aware of how this has increased smog and allergen levels in our cities. Along with the dip in temperatures, there is a lot of concern about how this might aggravate allergies, as mentioned in this article. One way of doing our little bit towards reducing the pollution is to make an effort to celebrate a green, eco-friendly Diwali. Here are some simple things you can do to make it happen:

More lights, less crackers: While most families find it difficult to move away from the traditional cracker bursting, many have also adopted this rule with gusto. Remember that there are eco-friendly crackers available as an option, though more expensive than the traditional ones. Use these as a step towards a cracker-less Diwali if you feel that a complete ban would be difficult. Where lights are concerned, avoid excessive electric lighting, and use traditional lamps.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalyan02/5154932268/ 

Greener gifts: From healthy gifting options to gifting a plant in a lovely small terracotta pot, you have a lot of ideas to choose from for a gift for diwali. Rather than gifting crackers or unhealthy fried snacks, do encourage your family and friends to try the eco-friendly route. Setting up your own kitchen garden and gifting seedlings from your own plants is also a great way to do this.

Spread the message of giving: New clothes are an expected part of Diwali, but it is also a good time to introduce a sense of generosity in children by setting an example ourselves. Not just giving away old clothing, but making a gift of new clothing and toys to the less fortunate is a good way to do this.

Clean in the complete sense: Cleaning our homes is something that has always been done over the years at the time of this festival. This can be extended to include other green tips such as waste segregation, composting, avoiding plastics and other environment friendly activities, which will be our legacy to future generations of our family.

Even with us doing our bit, it will take a lot longer for this message to spread, and therefore cleaning after Diwali is a sure aftermath of this festival too. At such a time, check out our effective cleaning options at Black & Decker, to help keep your home dust, cracker residue and allergen free. Please visit our website for more details:

http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com 

How to keep your upholstery sparkling clean - Black & Decker

Did you ever look at the state of your upholstered furniture, and think to yourself “Well I have kids (or pets) in the house!”. I know just how that feels, but there are some ways in which you can keep your upholstery in great condition even with a few spills along the way. Here are some tips:

Use headrest and armrest covers: This is a great way to keep furniture protected from staining, and these can be rewashed very easily. Keep an extra set of covers handy, so that you don’t need to wait for your wash cycle to finish for changing the covers. You can also keep a special decorative set for when you are entertaining.

Clean and vacuum regularly: Don’t leave the vacuuming for the time your furniture starts looking dirty; instead have a regular schedule for couch cleaning. If you have pets, you must definitely use a soft brush to remove hair once a day – even if your pet does not sit on the couch, pet hair has a way of getting on things. If your furniture has removable cushions, it is a good idea to remove and clean under them, and turn the cushions over, once a week or so. Use a smaller handheld vacuum for making this activity easier.

                 

Regulate messy activities: Have a special area for activities that you think might create a mess, such as a special plastic mat or a corner of your kid’s room. In this way, children easily get used to the rule of not doing such things on the couch or sofa.

Handle stains immediately: It is difficult to regulate everything, and sometimes even your tea or coffee might spill on the upholstery. In such a case, have a spot cleaning method ready and perform a blotting/cleaning immediately. Leaving it for later will make it close to impossible once the stain has soaked in and dried up.

Using the right implements for cleaning is as important as maintaining a regular schedule. Do check out our range of cleaning products (both powered and non-powered) on our website:

http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com