Are you racing against the clock every morning? Does disorganization prevent you from getting out the door when you're ten minutes late for work? Do you find it difficult to move swiftly and efficiently through your kitchen without knocking over a tower of precariously placed dishes? Time to put an end to this unnecessary stress! Follow these simple principles to maximize space in your kitchen.

De-Clutter

This is the MOST important step people. It is an absolute must to rid your cabinets and drawers of junk that's only getting in your way. Are you actually going to bust out that pasta maker you bought yourself for christmas four years ago? Do you seriously think you're going to order enough take-out to use up the endless supply of sauce packets in your cutlery drawer? don't kid yourself. No matter how big or small, if you haven't used it in the past six months it needs to go. Finish discarding from top to bottom before you start purchasing organizational items.

Proper Containers

it's almost impossible to keep pantry stock tidy when you're dealing with torn packaging and bulk bags. Stock up on glass jars and air tight containers for storing dried goods (stackable containers are a plus). This helps you keep track of inventory while also keeping food fresh.

Make Most Frequently Used Items Easily Accessible

If you're constantly reaching and rummaging for items you use on a daily basis you're doing something wrong. Keep your most valued players up front and center. This goes for dishes, food, and anything else you use frequently. If your cabinets don't offer enough space for optimum organization, a tall wire rack can be very useful.

Keep Surfaces Clear

When you live in a pocket sized apartment it's important to make use of every nook and cranny. To use your limited space wisely you need to think outside the box, horizontal-ly and vertically. Hang anything that has the potential to hang. Supply yourself with tools and appliances that give you the ability to use your ceilings and walls as storage; floating fruit basket, magnetic knife strip, wall mounting bars/racks, etc. Keeping sur-faces clear helps to create a stress-free environment for cooking and dining.

Add A Little Love

Okay, this one may not exactly be a space-saving technique, but once your kitchen is organized and free of clutter why not have fun with it? Add a few plants to your window sill, or perhaps some tea lights to bring a poetic edge to the room. Take pleasure in find-ing trendy, inexpensive do-it-yourself projects that complement your space and make it your own!
What are your tips for surviving a small kitchen?

Like people?s personalities, bathroom design can vary so much. We took the nine famous Enneagram personality types and matched each description to its ideal bathroom. Which one are you?

1.The Reformer

The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic

This individual is all about restraint, which is exactly the tone of this minimalist bathroom. it's the picture of perfection with nary a thing out of place. The beautiful cedar cabinets are designed with function in mind, tucking towels, toiletries, and cleaning products out of sight. This bathroom is a for a visionary soul who is serious about getting what'she/or she wants!

2. The Helper

The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

From the oversize rubber duckie to huge decorative rinse cup, this bathroom is for the humorous, fun-loving people person. The blue mosaic tiles draw you in, just like an enveloping hug from a gregarious friend. Plus, those extra towels under the sink are super thoughtful, just like The Helper personality is known to be.

3. The Achiever

The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

The stars say it all. The ceiling of this fantastical bathroom reveal the owner?s ambitious personality. The dual mirrors are uber practical so couples or kids can each have their own personal space. The black, white, and green theme is woven effortlessly throughout the space, suggesting the owner is very in tune to aesthetics. On the chair is a group of cactus plants, some of the most adaptive and versatile living things on this Earth. This personality can not only survive but thrive in any environment!

4. The Individualist

The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

This bathroom is unlike any other. The gold leaf bowl sink is a dramatic contrast to the stark room and shows off the owner?s unique sense of style. The bathroom is quite large and the Individualist person probably spends a lot of time in Herecrutinizing every flaw under the task light. The naked simplicity of the overhead Edison bulb light hints at the sometimes abrasive, temperamental tendencies of the the Individualist. Yet, there is much beauty in this soul.

5. The Investigator

The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

The custom-made neon sign indicates that the Investigator likes to be on the cutting edge of design and technology. This space is all about the details. The Investigator?s perceptive nature is illuminated in the deliberately curated delicate candle, flower arrangement, and bathroomspray. The small, all white space is a spa-like haven, ideal for this personality type?s secretive nature. Can?t you just see yourself taking a long, hot shower while musing over the day?s happenings here?

6. The Loyalist

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

You can always count on the Loyalist individual to be there for you in a pinch. In this bathroom, the space is grounded with wooden elements on the vanity and the mirror. The loads of extra towels and toiletries indicate that this individual is responsible and has everything ready at a moment?s notice. At the same time, the perfect symmetry of the vanity display conveys neuroticism and some anxiety. As long as everything goes exactly according to plan, the Loyalist feels safe and secure.

7. The Enthusiast

The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered

There is no shortage of excitement for this creative individual. At a moment?s notice, the Enthusiast could be skydiving, scuba diving, or photographing an African safari trip. In this bright bathroom, the accents and personal touches are what truly shine through. The owners have decorated with family portraits, mementos from their travels around the globe, and cheerful colors. There is almost too much going on in this space. Yet, the industrial look of the appliances hint at this individual?s versatile nature and ability to embrace the atmosphere of any environment.

8. The Challenger

The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

The Challenger personality is a force to be reckoned with. This striking, all marble bathroom embodies raw, confrontational, and aggressive beauty. There is no mistaking the owner of this bathroom for someone who doesn't get his/her way in life. End of story.

9. The Peacemaker

The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent

Ahhhh. Seeing this space makes me let out a huge sigh of relief. Similarly, the Peacemaker is around to lower everyone?s blood pressure. This individual is skilled at deflecting attention from conflict to calmer waters. This zen bathroom is probably filled with eucalyptus, a soothing and healing scent. The neutral, smooth stone countertop is compatible with practically anything. The Peacemaker is who you want to have by your side during a crisis.

Did your favorite bathroom match up to your personality type? Or rather, did your dream space match the personality you wish you had?

For those of use that love to spend time in the kitchen, weather it be preparing a meal or just hanging out, ambience is important. Listening to music, podcasts, or watching a cooking show in the kitchen can be frustrating when you're struggling to make out the sound on your lowly phone speakers. We've selected a range of different products for you to peruse. Weather you're looking for a small, simple speaker, or a more sophisticated sound system, check out these options below to bring your kitchen to life.

UE Boom 2 Wireless Speakers

The UE Boom 2 traveling Bluetooth speaker is an affordable option that offers fantastic, clear sound. Its youthful 360 design is fun and brightly colored. This wireless Bluetooth may be small, but it packs a big punch. This traveling speaker is waterproof and shockproof. Its intended use was for outdoor sports and activities, making it'safe and durable enough to brave any challenges the kitchen may throw its way.

Williams Sonoma Bluetooth

The Williams Sonoma Bluetooth speaker comes with many wonderful features. It has a non-slip silicone base so it won't move around on your counter. On top of its alluring design and vibrant sound, it also contains two charging ports and a speakerphone function so you can talk hands free. After the battery has charged the speaker is cordless allowing mobility. You can also purchase a stand that attaches directly on top of the speaker, which is compatible with tablets and other devices.

ILive Under Cabinet Radio with Bluetooth Speakers

If you're content with listening to the radio, the iLive under cabinet radio is an excellent fit for your kitchen. With built in speakers and the ability to mount to the underside of your kitchen cabinets, it's an out-of-the-way system to play your favorite stations while you work in the kitchen.

KB Sound

KB sound systems offer in wall/in ceiling speakers if you're looking to install a virtually invisible sound system. This system pairs with any Bluetooth and has an FM streaming feature. There are several different remote controlled Bluetooth speaker kits to choose from. KB is leading in quality and Sound.

Sonos home'sound System

This one extends beyond just the kitchen. The Sonos home'sound System is the complete package. It allows you to control everything right from your phone. Choose songs, make playlists, change volume, and even decide which room you want your music to be playing in with the intuitive Sonos app. Sonos offers a few different systems down the line varying in price, all with incredible new age features.

Which sound system would you choose for your kitchen?

A home bar might seem like a simple venture at first, you just slap some wood together and buy some stools right? Wrong. There are many things to consider before building a bar. We've got your back with a list of the most important things to know when starting on your bar.

Bar Top

There are many options when it comes to choosing a material for your bar top. Wood however, is probably the most common and versatile material used when creating a bar counter. Wood is durable, easy to clean, and provides a non-slick surface for guests to set drinks on.

Size

Average bar dimensions are usually around 42 inches tall by 24 inches wide. You don't need to follow those exactly, but keep in mind that most bar stools are around 30 inches high, so when you're picking out stools make sure they?re roughly 12 inches shorter than the height of your bar. Here a helpful diagram to give you an idea.

Ice

Wether you choose to buy a machine or keep trays stocked up in the freezer, you're going to need ice, and a lot of it. it's also important to make sure you're choosing the right kind of ice for making cocktails. When using small ice pellets the ice melts very quickly and becomes wet causing the cocktail to ?die? within the first few minutes. To make a proper cocktail you'll want to use larger, more substantial cubes to prevent the drink from becoming too diluted. ?Perfect? cube ice is fail proof. The term ?perfect? is self explanatory, it refers to the cube being an even square. You can find silicone ice cube trays at almost any kitchen supply store.

Refrigeration

Not only is refrigeration crucial for keeping beer and wine chilled, but you'll also need somewhere to store your citrus, syrups, and garnishes when not in use. A double door, energy efficient fridge is ideal for optimum storage.

Dishwasher

Having a dishwasher behind your home bar adds an extra level of convenience, making clean up much faster and more efficient. However, if it's not in the budget you can still get by without one.

Sink

Even if you decide against a dishwasher, a prep sink is a crucial element to any bar. Things get sticky fast when mixing cocktails. you'll want somewhere to rinse your hands, bar tools, and discard ice you?ve used to shake with. The sink doesn't have to be large, just big enough to perform those simple tasks. Check out our bar and prep sinks here.

Glassware

No cocktail is complete without the proper vessle. it's important to stock your bar with the correct variety of durable glassware. Pictured below is a perfect list of the necessary styles you're going to need for your home bar.

Tools

A cocktail is stirred when comprised solely of liquor, and shaken when anything else enters the picture, such as fruit juice. that's why it's important to have mixing pints and shaking tins, and the appropriate strainers for each. You don't need to get crazy fancy with this one (unless you want to), but it's important to have a basic bar kit containing the essentials when you plan on mixing cocktails.

TIP: Make sure you're buying ?TEMPERED? shaking tins/mixing pints and quality tools otherwise you'll find yourself replacing things more often than not!

Now you can move onto the booze! what's behind your home bar?

Child Proofing Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers

Your cabinets and drawers are a real danger zone for kids. You don't want them to have any access to sharp utensils, cleaning supplies or food that can make a mess. To properly child proof kitchen cabinets and drawers, be sure to install drawers with automatic closing mechanisms that keep the drawer shut. you'll also want to add locking devices to low-level cabinets ? especially cabinets that house your chemical-laden cleaning supplies ? to ensure that curious tots can?t open the doors.

• Install internal locking mechanisms on all ground-level cabinets
• Install drawers with automatic closing mechanisms
• Put all cleaning supplies, pesticides and toxic household solutions in a top-level cabinet
• Put all sharp objects, including aluminum foil containers with sharp cutting edges, in locking drawers or high cabinets
• With all your empty ground-level cabinets, store child-safe items like kitchen towels and aprons

Child Proofing Electrical Elements

The kitchen is home to a slew of hazardous electrical elements, including appliances, outlets and lighting. don't give little ones the opportunity to explore dangerous electrical components. You can easily enhance your kitchen?s kid-friendliness with a few affordable outlet covers and appliance locks. Before you even begin to child proof your kitchen, make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.

• Cover all outlets with plug-in socket blocks
• Get comfortable using the stovetop?s back burners to keep small hands out of reach of high heat
• Never leave the dishwasher open while not in use
• If possible, remove stove dials when not in use or install child proof stove knob covers
• Install locking mechanisms or latches on your appliances
• Add an anti-scalding device to your kitchen sink
• Remove all floor lamps and counter lamps

Additional Kitchen Child Proofing Tips

To easily add extra safety to your kitchen, consider installing edge and corner guards on kitchen counters and tables. This will keep your child safe from sharp surface edges. you'll also want to consider things like the windows, garbage bins and pantry when child proofing your kitchen. If you take all of this into consideration, tHere no reason why your little one shouldn?t be able to enjoy the best room in your home with you.

• Keep a lid on the trash can at all times
• Install a household fire extinguisher
• Install edge and corner guards
• Make sure your windows lock
• Throw out your high-chemical cleaning supplies and replace them with all-natural solutions
• Invest in safety gates and keep the kids out of the kitchen while you're cooking
• Install cabinet knob covers to keep tall tots out of the pantry or kitchen closet

For more child proofing tips, reference the Consumer Product Safety Commission?s childproofing guide.