Angela

About Angela

Posts by :

Salt and Pepper Granite Interior Design 2

August 4 2020

Why Is Salt And Pepper Granite So Popular These Days?

You can use granite for your kitchen because such granite countertops are sturdy, durable and easy to clean. There are various kinds of granite stones available of which salt and pepper granite is finding its way into most homes and buildings. As the name suggests, it is a combination of white and black colors.

Salt and Pepper Granite Come in Variations

White ornamental granite comes in off white shades with grey or brown patches, and it is mostly used for flooring or fireplace hearths.

Valle Nevado granite which combines white and black patches, is mostly used for kitchen backsplashes or countertops. It gives a more of a grey and subdued look.

Luna Pearl granite which combines white, grey and black, is also used for kitchen countertops, islands, backsplashes or vanity tops. This has a pearl-like sheen and elegance.

Bianco Catalina granite is also used in kitchen or bathroom cabinets. It is sleek and durable, and you can replace your wooden cabinets with such granite stones. Having said this, one needs to be careful of spillage of any kind of chemical or citrus juices as this could cause stains. As granite is a porous material, it can accumulate oil and stains. You need to use proper sealers for your granite and you must reseal your granite every year.

White alpha granite is mostly used in bathrooms to give a virgin or immaculate look. It is used for shower spaces, bathtubs, vanities, and also floors and walls. The white background with tiny spots of grey gives it an unsullied look.

Why Would you Choose Salt and Pepper Granite?

#1. Versatility: Salt and pepper granite is used by most interior designers these days due to its versatility. It suits most kind of decors and colors. It creates a warm tone as compared to other materials, and it is available at affordable prices. Thus, people like it more compared to marble or grey and black granite. Salt and pepper granite can also be used in gardens, poolside’s, driveways and so on.

#2. Maintenance: The salt and pepper granite are easy to care for due to its speckled nature. When you look at plain surfaces like dark or black stones, dust or marks can easily be seen. On the other hand, if you choose salt and pepper granite, such marks are rarely visible, and thus it is easy to maintain. It doesn’t have issues with staining or porosity.

This granite can endure any kind of weather. These days most countries are experiencing varied climates and weather conditions, and thus the salt and pepper granite is the best option for your outdoor locations. It can withstand extreme rain, wind, cold, or heat. It is a dense rock and can thus be used in high traffic areas as well as work areas. It can also be used for exterior walls or interior accents.

Characteristics of Salt and Pepper Granite That Make It Popular:

It doesn’t stain easily
It is tough and stable
It comes in various styles thus giving it an artistic look
It doesn’t blister or chip off easily
It can be used in kitchens or hot areas as it is quite resistant to heat
It is sold in forms of tiles, slabs or pavers and thus makes it easy for construction processes
It doesn’t depreciate easily
In construction projects, salt and pepper granite can actually add value to the property.

It is mostly the salt and pepper look which complements any kind of structure. It gives your spaces more texture and gives warmth. It is a great decorative element, and since it comes in various colours and textures, its usage can be different.

July 30 2020

Simple Ways To Choose Carpet For A Living Room

Angela Interior Design 0

If you do need to put carpeting in your living room, there are easy ways to choose the best kind. You may not be aware of how many different styles and colors there are.

It is important to match up the carpet with the decor in the room, the color of the walls, and also the amount of traffic that you receive every day.

Here is an overview of how you can quickly choose the best carpet for your living room and also obtain it for a reasonable cost.

Different Types Of Carpet

There are several different types of carpet that you can get at your local store. It will be made of many different materials. Nylon is perhaps the most popular because of its price and resiliency.

Polyester, acrylic, wool, and many other materials can also be used. You can also choose between the different styles that are available. There are loop pile, cut pile, and also plush.

Many different colors can also be found that you can choose from.

How To Select The Right Type For Your Home

The best type for your living room will likely be nylon. This is a room that receives a high amount of traffic. It should match the color of your walls or furniture to make sure it contrasts with these colors.

If you get thick or plush carpet, it will likely last a longer period of time. If the carpet fibers are extremely dense, it could last for 10 years or more. However, this tends to be more expensive. The installation cost may also be more expensive because of how heavy and difficult it is to work with.

These are all factors to consider before choosing a carpet for your living room that will improve its overall appearance.

Final Words

If you are ready to get carpet for your living room, consider all of these factors. You will eventually find one type that is the best. It’s all about what you would like to see in that room, and how much you have to spend, plus it needs to match perfectly with your room decor.

Once you have received quotes back from multiple companies, you can make your choice.

You will soon have a brand-new carpet that will improve your home decor. Just make sure that it comes from a reliable manufacturer, and that it is installed by professionals that will do the best job for less.

July 25 2020

The Best Steak Recipes You Can Make At Home

Angela Recipes 0

There’s nothing more scrumptious than biting into a juicy steak. This tender meat is enjoyed by many people, however, most people think they can’t replicate what they enjoy at restaurants in their own home.

However, that is completely untrue and you can make fantastic steak at home. We will look at some of the best steak recipes that you can try and enjoy.

The Perfect Restaurant Steak

The first recipe that we’ll get into is the perfect restaurant steak. When you make and master this recipe, you’ll have your friends and family begging you to make it. All you will need is a good cut of steak, a cast iron skillet, butter, oil, salt and spices.

Firstly, place some oil on the steak and season it with salt and spices such as black pepper.
Then, place your cast iron skillet on the stove and allow it to heat up until it is extremely hot and smoking.
Once it has reached the desired temperature, place the steak in the skillet and allow it to cook for 2 minutes. After the 2 minutes, flip the steak and allow it to cook for another two minutes. This causes the meat to caramelize and develop that truly delicious flavor that you love.
Then, place some butter on top of the steak and place it in the oven and cook until it is done to your liking. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the steak.
Once you remove the steak from the oven, allow it to rest and only cut it when you’re ready to serve and eat.

Jack Daniel’s Steak

The next recipe we’ll look at is a Jack Daniel steak. You’ll need flank steak, oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, butter, ground mustard and Jack Daniels whiskey.

First, you’ll need to take out your flank steak and cut a diamond pattern on top of it using a sharp knife.
Then, the marinade needs to be made by mixing the salt, black pepper, mustard, whiskey, oil and garlic.
Place this mixture into a bag with the steak and make sure the mixture fully covers the steak. This should be left to marinate for about a day.
Then, when its time to cook, place the steak on a hot grill and allow it to cook for 7 minutes on each side and be sure to add butter throughout the process.
Once finished, remove from the grill and allow it to cool, cut and serve.

To wrap things up, these are two of the best steak recipes that you’ll ever enjoy. The first one is simple but perfect and the second one is for those who enjoy a bit of whiskey flavor in their meat.

July 22 2020

What Young Parents Must Know Today

Angela Parenting 0

If you have recently had a child, and you are wondering how this will change your life, it will likely be very dramatic. Your ability to go where you want, whenever you want, is now forever changed. As a parent, you are responsible for this individual for the next 18 years, and it will likely be very difficult during the first few.

It is during this time that you will experience sleepless nights, eventually leading to that unique person that your child will become prior to going to school.

If you are a young parent, here are some things that you absolutely need to know if you want to do this the right way.

Recognize Your Responsibility

This is the first step toward becoming a parent. You must recognize that your child is now your primary responsibility. Everything that you do, and every thought that you have, will be revolving around caring for this new individual. Whether it is a boy or girl, you must be prepared for the very fast changes that will occur.

This will start with changing diapers, learning how to speak, and eventually becoming an adult person. It all begins with fully embracing the fact that you are now a parent. Once you have done that, you need to prepare for a few things.

Things That Young Parents Should Know

There are three things that are very important for a young parent to understand. First of all, this is going to cost you a lot of money. The cost of diapers, baby food, clothing, and trips to the doctor are just the tip of the iceberg in regard to expenses. You must be fully employed, or both of you may need to have jobs to support this new person.

The second thing you need to recognize is that the lifestyle you have been living, which may have been freewheeling, needs to gravitate toward this child. Purchasing the necessities, as well as educational gifts, will begin to preoccupy your mind and time. Finally, you need to learn empathy.

You need to try to see things from their point of view and structure your life around them to the best of your ability.

This is the foundation for becoming a good parent. It begins with understanding that you are responsible for them. You then need to realize that life as you know it is about to change forever. This will be the central focus of your life and all of your decisions and desires will be augmented by their needs as well.

Final Words

Raising a child is hard work, but if done properly, you will be responsible for raising a wonderful person that will always thank you for what you have done.

July 18 2020

Grandma’s Italian Meatball Sub – The Easiest, Simplest & Greatest

Angela Recipes 0

Today, I’m going to share with you – grandma’s Italian meatball sub recipe – the ultimate comfort food that you can enjoy with the family. It’s super easy to make and so delicious when you are craving for tasty comfort food, right?

My husband is a fan of the meatball sub as it reminds and felt like his grandmother’s cooking. My children are also a great fan of the meatball sub as a meatball sub is covered in rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and taste super delicious.

Well, if you are thinking that how can you make a good quality meatball sub – then the answer is quite simple. Quality ground beef or pork, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, great seasoning and an egg to bind it all together – are required for a great quality meatball sub, right?

Though, I love to and would recommend grinding your meat on your own with a meat grinder. It ensures freshness, meat quality, and good moisture as well. It will save time, effort, and money too.

By using extra-virgin olive oil to browning the meatballs add extra flavor to the recipe. Then adding the meatballs to the saucepan of marinara to cook through the meatballs – and this is the secret to keep the meatballs nice and juicy as well.

INGREDIENTS:

8 slices Provolone cheese

4 uncut Hoagie rolls

1 tbsp chopped Italian parsley

1/3 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese

1 ½ LB ground beef

2 tsp finely minced garlic

Salt & pepper to taste

Parmesan to grate over the tops

1 jar of pasta sauce or 18 oz of whatever sauce you prefer

½ cup of sweet onion – finely chopped

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium-size bowl – add the parsley, onion, ground beef, salt, and pepper and mix them all together. I use my bare hands to mix the meat gently without overworking the meat. Now use your hand to make the meatballs. You may make 12 meatballs using the mixture. For each hoagie roll – 3 good size meatballs are enough. Depending on your preference – you can adjust the size accordingly for more sandwiches.
Use a medium-size saucepan to heat the sauce you have prepared already.
Now cook the well-shaped meatballs in a large skillet on over medium heat. Add a small amount of water to the skillet and frequently turn the meatballs to avoid burning. It’s necessary to add water. Well, cook the meatballs until the center of the meatballs turns pink.
Now transfer the meatballs to the saucepan with sauce – once the meatballs are ready. In the meanwhile, prepare the hoagie rolls.
While making the hoagie rolls – leave a sort of pocket in there to cradle the ingredient and don’t slice the hoagie rolls completely. In the crease of the hoagie rolls – place 2 slices of Provolone in each hoagie rolls.
Now top with 3 meatballs along with some sauce. Over the top of the meatballs – sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese. You can also grate Parmesan cheese over the subs.
Server immediately to enjoy the best out of it.

Tips:

To save on prep time – you should prepare meatballs in bulk.
You can also make several batches for the future – just bake them, freeze and use when you need them. When you need to use the frozen meatballs – simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and here you are ready to use the meatballs.
If you have leftover spaghetti on the table – use some pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce to toss and make layers on the pizza with it before the meatballs and onion. These days, Spaghetti-and-meatball pizza is a great combined food idea by the way.

I hope you like the grandma’s Italian meatball sub and now you have the complete idea of how to make the Italian meatballs that your family would love, right?

Also, if you have made the meatball sub then please let me know how it was. You are always welcome to share your opinions, problems, or suggestions if you have. And I would love to hear from wonderful people like you guys!

July 18 2020

6 Of The Best Healthy Foods You Should Be Eating

Angela Health 0

What we eat has a big impact on our life, from our energy levels, to how often we get sick, to how we feel every day. It’s been said that the most powerful food you can put in your body is food.

Ask anyone who ate poorly all the time and was addicted to junk food yet was able to change their eating habits and replace that junk with healthy food. You really don’t know how bad you feel every day when you eat poorly because it seems normal. You’ll realize it after you replace the junk with some of the best healthy foods you can eat.

1. Avocados

Do not avoid avocados because of the high fat content. It’s healthy fat that you need in the form of essential fatty acids. Most people don’t get nearly enough of the essential fatty acids in their diet.

Avocados are also high in important vitamins such as vitamin K, the B vitamins and vitamin E.

They are also high in fiber. The modern diet supplies about nine grams of fiber daily. Yet, we need to get about 25 to 40 grams of fiber every single day.

2. Almonds

While nut in general are very healthy, almonds are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat. They are high in many nutrients including calcium, riboflavin, iron, vitamin E and magnesium.

Like avocados, almonds are also a high fiber source.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are definitely a super food. They provide high amounts of antioxidants, fiber and even phytonutrients. While not needed for survival, phytonutrients may help in the prevention of disease.

4. Kale

Kale is in the leafy green vegetable family. Kale contains many nutrients including being very high in vitamin C and vitamin K. If you are one of those people that can’t stand to eat their green vegetables, kale can easily be put into a fruit smoothie. You won’t taste it at all.

5. Whole Eggs

The yolk of the egg used to be vilified for its high cholesterol content. However new research has shown the yolk to be incredibly important to our health. It includes important B vitamins such as B-2 and B-12. Both of these vitamins are crucial for generating red blood cells as well as for energy production.

Eggs are also very high in an important amino acid known as leucine which is a vital part of muscle protein synthesis.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often overlooked as a health food. Yet surprisingly, sweet potatoes rank number one in numerous important vitamins and minerals. This includes both vitamin A and C. Not to mention minerals such as iron and calcium.

Sweet potatoes also have quality complex carbohydrates and even protein.

If you want to eat healthy, be sure and include these foods as part of your diet. Your body and your mind will thank you.

July 12 2020

Travelling Essentials That You Absolutely Need To Bring With You

Angela Travel 0

Are you going to be doing a lot of traveling soon? You could be going on a vacation, or perhaps you are leaving on a business trip. There are certain essential items that you always need to bring with you. You may not be able to get some of them when you are on the road.

There are certain items that we use every day and take for granted because we are close to our bathrooms and closets. Therefore, you need to think about all of the items that you absolutely need if you are going to be traveling abroad.

Five Essential Items You Absolutely Need To Bring With You

When you are planning your trip, you need to think about the possibility that you may not be able to get these items when you are traveling. It could be that there will be stores that may not have these items. You may also be traveling in remote areas where stores may not be open.

Therefore, you need to bring with you your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and your deodorant. These are five essentials that you absolutely cannot do without.

Additional Items To Bring With You On Your Trip

These items are ones that you may or may not need. It just depends on how long you will be traveling, where you will be staying, and what type of activities you are going to do. For example, you should bring packing cubes which can help with organizing all of the items that you will bring along.

It is important to have different types of clothing. If the weather changes, and you want to put on shorts or a tank top, you need to have them with you when you travel. Toiletries are also essential. A backup roll of toilet paper is a good thing to bring.

Additionally, extra shoes, sandals, and even a water bottle can be very helpful when traveling in remote areas.

Conclusion

There are a few other items that you might want to bring with you that are not absolutely essential. This will include a headlamp and flares if you are traveling in remote areas. If you are traveling where there will be hotels, you may want to bring a microfiber towel with you.

Additionally, bring a toiletry bag that will contain items like extra toothpaste, dental floss, and many other items. By being prepared, you will never have to worry about not being able to obtain the essential traveling items that you may need.

May 30 2020

Living Room Tips To Know Before Deciding On The Furniture.

Angela Interior Design 0

Depending on how essential the living room is to you, it may serve various purposes. It may be like an artist’s showroom where they display all their best pieces for people to see. For some people, the fire is never quenched in the living room! You will find so much artistry that undeniably speaks of the homeowner, and that is only the reception. Can you picture the other rooms?

Whether they are maximalists or minimalists, you will either be taken aback or not. For other homeowners, the living room is where the family gathers alone or with visitors. It is a room for bonding after a day’s work.

The challenge that is always there is when you purchase a new set of furniture for a new living room, and you do not know what will go where. The points that follow show the living room basics that you need to know if you have a new living room and you are indecisive about the furniture.

Living Room Basics

Do you want to create an intimate setting that will attract the eyes of many? Once they are delivered home, what follows? Arranging, right? You should ensure that you pull all your furniture away from the walls. This is a mistake that most if not all people make.

You should flaunt the design of the chairs as much as you can without hiding either side: front or back. Unless they are unfinished, why should you even push them to the wall?

Establish The Focal Point Of The Room

A focal point is vital since it dictates where the furniture will be placed or instead arranged. Hence you will have to build a focal point by either using the television or like in several homes a fireplace, even a chandelier. They do not have to be the only focal objects in your home. You can be as aesthetic as they come- look for individual pieces that you love deeply.

They can be used to design a central point in your home that will be your favourite spot. You can make the furniture and some of the pieces that will be put at the focal point to have a similar theme. If you are a person who loves to mix up prints, it is well and good. Also, it is good to keep in mind that determining the focal point will help you to plan for your space.

That way, you will not have a hard time knowing what will go where. If you are so much into creating conversations, you can consider using the fireplace as the point of focus. Pro tip if you have a large living room, you can also promote interactions by having more spots for people to relax and catch up.

Since not all living rooms have a hearth or a television, you can work with a chandelier. It will be the best option since it is always in a good position.

The points above show living room essential tips that will be of help to you as you decide on the type of furniture to choose for your new living room.

girl-sleeping-with-her-brown-plush-toy-101523

May 27 2020

How To Get Your Child To Sleep

Angela Parenting 0

Are you a newborn mom? Or are you just a mom struggling to get your baby to sleep? It is normal, especially the first few days, if you a new mom before you get used to it. If you are still not able to do so, then this is the article for you; read on. This situation can trigger your stress levels, and you do not want that to happen. You would want to be there for your baby: healthy and strong.

There is nothing more pleasing than watching your baby fall asleep. They are usually at so much peace, and they look so innocent. Even imagining that they will one day grow older is so surreal. At a point in their life, they will be entirely independent that also seeking your assistance will be a one-time thing.

Do you know how kids tend to be so vulnerable or how much they adore their mothers while at a ripe age? That is something most if not all mothers if asked, would tell you that they would love it if their kids remained kids for life and at heart.

That kind of vulnerability occurs once, and if the relationship grows, it never ends. The points that follow show how you can get your child to sleep.

Come Up With A Bedtime Routine

Do you want to have less stressful nights? It is best if you come up with a routine when your baby is at 6 to 8 weeks old. That way, as they grow up, they will have adjusted to it; hence can make changes if they want to. It can be a combination of normal bedtime activities, and they may include engaging yourselves in active games during the day and peaceful ones in the evening.

You do not want them to be too excited before bed because they will not be able to sleep. Hence these quiet games will ensure that they are tired: making sleeping an easy task. You will not even struggle! Consistency will ensure that their system will adjust to sleeping at night. Therefore make sure that the routine is followed to the latter.

As you approach the evening, make sure that any activity that you may have put there has a calming effect. This is similar to how you do stretches after working out- an activity that requires you to be very active.

Showering & Bathing

Do you sleep almost immediately after showering before bed? If so, you should try bathing your baby before bedtime. They will sleep like a log! As you gradually learn what intrigues your child and make them happy, you can include it in the routine.

This will always make them excited because they will have something to look forward too.

Night Time Rules

Also, as part of molding them into better individuals, you should set up some rules for the night. They may include switching off lights in case they wake up in the wee hours of the night. Stress on them, and soon everything will go with the flow.

The above points show what you can do if your child is not an easy sleeper. Also, remember to have relevant night time conditions- make it make sense! Ensure that the routine is kid-friendly.

blur-breakfast-close-up-dairy-product-376464

May 24 2020

The Best Pancake Recipe

Angela Recipes 0

If you’ve been searching far and wide for the perfect pancake recipe, then look no further because we’ve got you covered. Weekends with your family will never be the same again and they’ll fall in love with your fresh, steaming stack of delight.

So read on as we dive into some tips, tricks, and the best pancake recipe.

Cooking Tips

The perfect stack of fluffy pancakes begins with the batter. If your mixture is too thick, then your pancakes will be a total flop and they’ll be pretty undercooked inside. If it’s too runny, you’ll encounter problems with the mixture spreading too thin. You can test your mixture with a ladle or spoon as you gently lift some above the rim.

As you observe the mixture, look out for a thick batter with a steady stream as it runs off of your spoon. If you happen to notice a couple of lumps it’s more than okay. When it comes to cooking you’ll need to preheat your nonstick pan on medium. After about two minutes, you can lower the heat, lightly grease with some butter and pour about 1/4 cup of the mixture into your pan.

While pouring, don’t forget that you’ll need to start in the middle as you continue in a circular motion. This ensures that the batter spread perfectly. Another tip for cooking is allowing your pancakes to cook properly and don’t rush to turn them. Before you turn your pancake, you should see bubbles forming on the top and the underside should be a perfect shade of golden brown.

Ingredients

Two cups of all-purpose flour
Quarter of a cup of sweetener or granulated sugar
Four tsp of baking powder
Quarter of a tsp of baking soda
Half of a tsp of salt
One and three quarters cups of milk
Quarter of a cup of melted butter
Two tsp of vanilla extract
One large egg

Steps

Combine in the same bowl flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. After mixing, you’ll need to make a well in the center where you’ll add the milk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter.
Using a whisk, you’ll need to whisk the wet ingredients together and then fold them into the dry. After mixing, the batter should be creamy and thick. However, if it’s too thick, you can add a couple more tbs of milk.
It’s now time to heat your nonstick pan on medium or low heat with some light grease. When it’s time to pour the mixture, you’ll need to use 1/4 cup of mixture for each pancake.
At the point where you see bubbles on the top and the underside is golden brown, you can flip and cook the other side.

As we conclude, we have just looked at the best pancake recipe. We’ve also looked at some tips that will help with the entire process. Keep in mind that the perfect pancake begins with the batter. Your steaming stack of pancakes can be served with fruit, honey, maple syrup, frozen yogurt, ice cream, or even plain!