Wednesday, February 10, 2016

How to choose a custom fitted kitchen



Traditionally, the role of a kitchen was restricted to cooking and dining. However, in the modern home set up, kitchens have evolved as a space for social gatherings as well. As the most important place for family conversations, the look and feel of kitchen has a significant impact on the members of the family. A well-organized kitchen enhances the pleasure of cooking and dining. To serve the new role of a social space, fitted kitchens provide the best solution. Sporting excellent designs, these structures come with a great sense of luxury and functionality.



Planning for a Fitted Kitchen: What to Look for?



Fitted kitchens are available in a range of designs. To select a kitchen suited to you and to your home, consider the following points:



• Analyze your existing kitchen and make a list of your requirements. Focus on the ways to simplify the process of cooking. For example, you can estimate the number of cabinets required for storage.



• Measure the kitchen area with great precision. Create a rough diagram of the kitchen with exact measurements. Mark the placement of doors and windows in the kitchen. It will help you select from different fitted kitchen designs available in the market.



• List the number of appliances, such as refrigerator, microwave, washing machine and so on. It is best if you can plan their placement according to your requirements, well in advance. The concept of the golden triangle (installing refrigerator, cooker and sink to form three points of a triangle) is considered an ideal placement.



• Consider the supply of services such as electricity, telephone line and water. Also, mark the expected drainage system in the layout.



It is confusing to consider these small, but essential, details once you set out for the actual shopping. Thus, planning always helps to make an informed decision.



How to Choose a Fitted Kitchen



Fitted kitchens are the order of the day in the building industry. There is a huge and bewildering range of different varieties of fitted kitchens, from the traditional to the ultra modern, available in a wide selection of colors, woods and finishes. This makes choosing one rather difficult. To make this process easier, one should stick to the basics, such as:



• Requirements: Based on the details mentioned in the layout plan, select fitted kitchen designs that match the space and appliance requirements. Look for what facilities are covered in a kitchen design.



• Cost: Pricing remains the determining factor for a majority of the families. Look for designs that fall within your budget. Remember, investment in a fitted kitchen is a smart decision. It makes your kitchen appear luxurious and adds to the market value of your house.



• Longevity: Examine the raw material used to manufacture different components of the kitchen. Are they durable enough to pay for their cost?



• Lifestyle: Mostly, people want to buy a kitchen that will reflect their standard of living. If budget is not a limitation, you can look for luxurious kitchen designs.



• Installation cost: Check the cost of kitchen fitting. This will vary between suppliers and manufacturers.



• Service: Opt for a company that offers high quality after-sales service. Read blogs, testimonials and forums to know which companies you can rely upon. You'll want to use an organization that takes away their unused waste materials and cleans/vacuums behind them, leaving just your tidy new kitchen.



A fitted kitchen is a big investment when it comes to home remodeling. It is essential to buy a good quality fitted kitchen that aligns with your requirements and has a long life. To this end, you should search the market for different products and companies. This will help you get the best deal at an affordable price. For example, oak kitchens are considered a good choice for their fine texture and longevity. However, you may prefer traditional pine or even a sleek modern kitchen.



Monday, February 8, 2016

14704 N 51st AVE W Mingo, IA 50168

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/AGAMZ4
When it comes to detail you will love this remodeled acreage located on edge of Bondurant. The 5 level walk out split has so much to offer including a wooded lot, brand new custom fire pit, extra parking, custom landscaping, space for an extra garage and the natural beauty of nature. The main level features a large open kitchen with a center granite island that overlooks the living room and dining area. Custom lighting throughout. The upper level has 3 large bedrooms, new bathrooms, new carpet, partial new windows and flooring. The first lower level features a large family room, custom mud room and laundry with 1/2 bath. Going to the 2nd lower level you will have a large game room/play area another bedroom and a bathroom ready to go. The 3rd lower level features the walk out and possible 5th bedroom. Possibilities here are amazing.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.00
Square feet: 1,945
Price: $265,000

For more information about this property, please contact Sue Sutton at 515-250-3126 or suesutton@remax.net. You can also text 3324941 to 67299.


See more listings at: suesutton.remax-central.com


MLS ID: 511202

Sunday, February 7, 2016

5007 NE Bellagio DR Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MM5H35
VanDerKamps popular River Falls Plan features over 3100 SF of finish, 3 car garage with a 30 ft deep 3rd stall and a large HIDDEN walk-in pantry with outlets & wood shelves that will delight you & your guests. The functional floor plan also features an open floor plan with 4 bedrooms (2 on the main level & 2 on the lower level), large master bath with tiled shower & double vanity, spacious master closet with easy access to master bath & laundry room, stone gas fireplace, custom barn door separating the entryway from the laundry/locker area for additional privacy & noise control. The covered deck off the dining area features a stamped concrete patio with a raised upper level (12 X 12) stepping down to a lower level patio (16 X 16). The lower level features a family room, 2 BRs, BA and egress windows. Builder installed a passive radon system during construction. Come see the attention to detail that is evident with a builder that oversees the construction of his homes every day!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.00
Square feet: 1,722
Price: $390,000

For more information about this property, please contact Stephanie VanDerKamp at 5159649400 or stephanievanderkamp@remax.net. You can also text 3324028 to 67299.


See more listings at: www.OpportunitesRealEstate.com


MLS ID: 511208

4713 NE Bellagio DR Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/H4HWG2
VanDerKamps Nicholas II Plan has over 3300 SF of finish and a 4 car garage. The home features an open floor plan with 5 bedrooms (3 on the main level and 2 on the lower level), large walk-in pantry with rain glass door, large master bath with tiled shower and double vanity, custom barn door separating the great room from the bedroom hallway for additional privacy and noise control, stone gas fireplace, beautiful lockers and laundry on the main level. The partially covered deck is accessible from the master bedroom and dining area off kitchen. The lower level features a wet bar, family room, 2 bedrooms, Jack-and-Jill bathroom and daylight windows. What is unique about this home? Stairs lead down to a door that will take you out to a concrete patio and green space. Another short set of stairs takes you down to the lower level! Come see the VDK attention to detail that is evident with a builder that is on the job overseeing the construction of his homes every day!
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.00
Square feet: 2,011
Price: $400,000

For more information about this property, please contact Stephanie VanDerKamp at 5159649400 or stephanievanderkamp@remax.net. You can also text 3324026 to 67299.


See more listings at: www.OpportunitesRealEstate.com


MLS ID: 511207

Saturday, February 6, 2016

405 SE 30th ST Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/97N6VF
Waiting for the perfect home to come on the market? The wait is over! This move-in ready home offers 4Beds/3Baths and over 1,600sqft of finish. Vaulted great room w/fireplace opens to kitchen and dining space. Slider leads out back to the HUGE two level deck overlooking fenced backyard! Head upstairs and youll find 3 bedrooms, 2 near full bath off hallway, and master suite w/private full bath and walk-in closet. Bonus - 2nd floor laundry! Finished LL features large family/rec/playroom, 4th Bedroom w/daylight windows, and 3/4 Bath. New carpet throughout, new A/C 2012, attached 2C garage, and all appliances stay. Fantastic location near dining/shopping and easy interstate access. What are you waiting for - See it today!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.00
Square feet: 1,262
Price: $189,900

For more information about this property, please contact Charlie Fazio at 515-556-5474 or charliefazio@remax.net. You can also text 3322400 to 67299.


See more listings at: www.charliefazio.com


MLS ID: 511126

1610 SE Delaware AVE Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/8AQ25N
Country Crossing Townhomes!! Rare find ranch with three garages!! Convienent attached one car and a two car detached. Enter into a vaulted great room with gas fireplace and loads of sunlight from the southern exposure!! Kitchen includes all the appliances, eat at bar and plenty of room for that dining room table. Leads out to the extra large deck from the slider in the dining room. Main floor bedroom with hollywood bath and place for stack washer and dryer. The lower level features daylight windows, a family room with 2nd fireplace, full bath, bedroom with huge walkin closet. Lots of space left in the storage area for all your extras.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 910
Price: $147,000

For more information about this property, please contact Lois Lundgren at or loislundgren@remax.net. You can also text 3322392 to 67299.


See more listings at: loislundgren.com


MLS ID: 510367

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Address your skin's needs through a holistic approach to facial skincare



(BPT) - Many women cite a number of external factors that can trigger sensitive skin flare-ups, including harsh ingredients, weather and makeup. What they may not know is that lifestyle choices can also influence the health and appearance of their skin.



Different lifestyle factors, including diet, fitness and stress management can affect skincare in addition to the facial skincare products used. -Simple, a line of facial skincare products that is perfect even for sensitive skin, recognizes this, and therefore, takes a holistic approach to skincare by focusing on the link between all of the factors that impact skin.



Simple is launching The Simple Advisory Board, a panel of leading industry experts who offer advice for a complete approach to skincare. Board members are sharing tips to help achieve natural, healthy-looking skin all year long through a balanced, holistic lifestyle approach.



* Dr. Debra Luftman is a Board Certified Dermatologist who believes that healthy skin can have a positive impact on overall health. She also firmly believes skincare does not need to be complicated to be effective.



Top tip: Sooth tired eyes with a cool home remedy



Sometimes when eyes are feeling tired or irritated, the wakeup call they need might be found in the refrigerator! Chill spoons in the refrigerator and place them over your eyes for an instant soothing sensation and an immediate, chilly jolt back to life. Dr. Luftman says, "your eyes will feel cool and look refreshed, the blood vessels around your eyes will shrink and eye circles will appear to vanish!"



* Trainer-to-the-stars, Kacy Duke - whose client list reads like a red carpet who's who - is one of the most sought-after personal trainers and fitness consultants in the world, in addition to being one of the founders of Equinox Fitness Clubs.



Top tip: Get moving and get skin fit



Exercise can be hard to fit into busy schedules and often takes a back seat to other priorities. On the days when you cannot make it to the gym, find alternate ways to squeeze in some movement so your daily routine can help you pick up the slack. Take the stairs over the escalator, get off the bus a few stops early or jump around the living room to your favorite song. By finding ways to move - even on non-gym days - you promote better blood flow and circulation, which show in the health and beauty of your skin.



* Gita Bass is no stranger to the stars. She's credited with creating amazing looks for many celebrities on and off camera and is the talent behind numerous editorial photo shoots and advertising campaigns.



Top tip: Take it all off (makeup that is) before hitting the sheets



One of my top tips for a great make-up look is to start with the proper base: prepping your skin. If your skin is smooth and even, then your makeup is halfway done, which makes getting ready for a night out much easier. Just because you look amazing for a special date or dinner with friends doesn't mean that you can forget about your skin once you get home (even if it's past your bedtime). The best way to ensure your skin achieves a natural, healthy glow is by getting into the routine of cleansing before bedtime. Overnight, skin needs oxygen to repair itself, and sleeping in make-up can clog pores, causing breakouts and puffy eyes. Gita's favorite way to cleanse gently and rid skin of impurities before sleep is with the new Simple Foaming Cleanser.



* Ellie Krieger is a "New York Times" bestselling author and host of the Food Network and Cooking Channel's hit show "Healthy Appetite." A registered dietitian, Krieger holds a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University. Her success can be attributed in part to her unique way of offering real life advice without any of the gimmicks and crash diets that permeate today's trends.



Top tip: Put tomatoes to the test



Fine lines are a natural part of aging, but you can help combat them with the right diet. Tomatoes, in particular, contain an antioxidant that is proven to reduce skin cell damage, which can often lead to fine lines. Try an easy spinach salad with chopped tomatoes. Go the extra mile and top your salad with almonds or sunflower seeds. The vitamin E found in these nuts and seeds can help further protect against cell damage.



* Dr. Josie Howard is a board-certified psychiatrist with a practice dedicated to general adult psychiatry. She specializes in psychodermatology, an area of medicine that focuses on the relationship between stress, emotional well-being and skin health.



Top tip: Say it with a smile



Any level of emotional stress we experience can readily be detected on our face, whether it is seen through breakouts, irritation, blushing and of course, frowning. When we smile, we look better, less tired and more refreshed. An added benefit of smiling is that our brains interpret this as a signal that we really are happy and content. Moreover, smiling can help others react to us in a more positive way, which can lead to better and less stressful interactions (or a better and less stressful experience). For more information about Simple and tips from the Simple Advisory Board visit www.simpleskincare.com. While there, check out the Simple Sense diagnostic tool to receive a personalized skincare routine that includes lifestyle tips.