The Easy-to-Find Information Center
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Household information links and commentary
Slightly Creaky does extensive research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access this information from any of our web pages using the top or side menus. Each division has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.
Thus, if you are looking for help with a dripping faucet, you could access it through the "Leaky Pipes" page where there is information on plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and other household repairs. We attempt to keep all information no more than two levels below the topic home page.
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- Entertaining. Whether you have one person visiting or five dozen, we provide links to sites to make entertaining easier and unique. There is also a suggestion about planning events outside your home, in your yard, a park, or a formal banquet hall.
- On the Table. Providing a listing of web sites that provide generalized or specific recipes and cooking suggestions. Each week we also feature a viewer's Favorite Recipe. Send yours (original only, not copied) to recipes@slightlycreaky. If you try any of the items on this page, please submit a review.
- Leaky Pipes. Covering many types of household (and outside the house) repairs.
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There are 20 web pages in this section, To access them, go to the Hobbies & Interests Main Page.
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Every link is checked out weekly by our volunteer research. Should you find a link that is misdirected or non-functioning, please report it to our Webmaster. Should you wish to suggest an addition to this site, submit it to suggestions@slightlycreaky.com.
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Links to Featured Items
Links to Featured Items
(or scroll down to see them)
- Featured Article for July
Add Value to Your Home Through Home Improvement!
- This Week's Recipe Green Chow Chow
Click here for previously submitted recipes
Featured Article
Add Value to Your Home Through Home Improvement!
For many, home improvement is considered to be a large building project such as global home improvement. However, there are many other reasons to consider your own home improvement project. Consider some reasons others have chosen to do home improvement and then start planning your home improvement projects today.
Home improvement leads to a higher resale value for your home if you are trying to sell. This doesn't mean you have to spend a lot on home improvement. Rather there are many discount home improvement options that focus on beautification and adding simple features in order to increase the value of your home. Just a few examples include wallpapering, painting, new flooring, new cabinets, accessories, windows, deck, patio, or gardens. However, the options for home improvement are really only limited by your imagination.
The best home improvement reason is to keep up the maintenance on your home. These projects can be more costly because they often involve larger home improvement projects, such as replacing the roof, repairing the foundation, and updating the plumbing or electrical systems. You can also choose to improve your home by adding features that allow you to save energy. This can involve changing insulation, installing new lighting, and updating appliances or electronics.
Another important aspect of home improvement is to improve the safety of your home. This means installing up to date fire or burglar systems, adding security features, and building a storm cellar or other protective areas in case of natural disasters.
Finally, home improvement can also be just to increase the comfort of your home and living environment. This includes upgrading the climate control system; soundproofing rooms, increasing the space in the attic or basement, and adding on to a home to provide additional room to grow. When it comes to home improvement, there are many decisions to make regarding the style and accessories, but the biggest decision to make it whether to hire a professional or do it yourself.
Hire Someone or Do It Yourself?
When it comes to home improvement projects, there are many options to choose from. You can hire a general contractor, choose a specialized contractor, or just do the improvements yourself. The type of home improvement project you are planning will largely determine which option you choose.
You would choose a general contractor for larger or multiple projects. This is because a general contractor will typically oversee multiple trades. This means they act as the project manager overseeing areas such as removal of debris, arranging work schedules, and doing some parts of the work. On the other hand, a specialized contractor will work only in one area such as a plumber or electrician. You would choose a specialized contractor if you were only going to do one home improvement project. Or if you are skilled the final option is to do the repairs or improvements yourself. If you choose to do it yourself then you need to follow a few tips in order to reduce your budget.
Saving Money on Home Improvement!
If you want a creative option you can visit second hand stores to look for items. Not only can you find some excellent items at a good price, but also you can take them home and restore them in your personal style to match any type of home improvement project you are working on.
If you like to paint or take photographs use them to provide your own art work. You can become very creative including using leaves to create a picture collage. This is a very easy way to improve your home décor while also saving a lot of money.
There are a number of discount stores where you can find accessories for a cheap price. Often discount stores will have small items that match with your style such as candle holders or other tiny knick knacks. You never know, you can really get worthy items for a small amount of money.
Just remember to be patient. You may not find what you are looking for right away, but if you keep looking you will soon find what you need. If not you may find something that matches your style even better.
Terry Metcalfe writes on behalf of SO Bathrooms specialists in steam rooms, bathroom furniture, bathroom radiators, toilets and luxury roll top baths.
(This article is not archived.)
Favorite Recipe (August 23)
These have been submitted by viewers. Slightly Creaky is not responsible for content; please use precautions.
Click here for previously submitted recipes
Green Chow Chow
4 quarts green tomatoes
1 large head cabbage
10 medium onions
5 medium green peppers
7 medium sweet red peppers
½ cup salt
15 cups vinegar
5 cups sugar
3 Tablespoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons powdered ginger
1Tablespoon turmeric
4 Tablespoons mustard seeds
3 Tablespoons celery seed
2 Tablespoons spice
Directions: 1. Chop all vegetables; combine in a large stainless steel kettle. Stir in salt; let stand at room temp overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain.
2. Combine vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, ginger, and turmeric in a large kettle. Put mustard seed, celery seed, and pickling spices in a 6-in square of cheesecloth or cheesecloth bag. Tie ends or gather and tie string; add to the kettle.
3. Bring the liquid to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Add vegetables and return to simmer for 30 minutes longer. Discard spice bag. Spoon chow-chow into hot sterilized jars and seal. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling water canner
Contributed by Judith McGinnis, the foods editor of the Times Record New
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