Tuesday, October 24, 2017

How to interior design in a retro style: Stylish 50's or Swinging 60's

 

To design in a retro style is to remix aspects of a previous style.  Many styles of the past have successfully been reinvented time and time again. A popular retro style is the style created in the 1950's rock ‘n' rock era. The 1960's became known as the swinging 60's. Interior décor and clothing fashions can be intermingle to create bold trendy statements.

If you would like to create a 1950's look hot pink was the colour of the decade. Italian couture began to rival French couture. Pucci and Simonetta were influenced by the colours of the Renaissance. Fath used Honan silks in hot pink. Turquoise became a sensation after 1951. The Germany Company Bayer developed the first colour fast turquoise dye Alcian. Full skirts in bold colours were a hallmark of the rock ‘n' roll era.

Interior design

The technological advances of the age let to advances in fabrics and finishes. Orange, pistachio and kingfisher blue furnishing fabrics very much in vogue. The colours were used juxtaposition (side by side) and can appear gaudy to some people.

Scandinavian designers combined natural and synthetic materials. The colours used reflected the Nordic landscape. Linoleum tops in primary colours were used on Birchwood tables and chairs for children. Eero Saarinen's pedestal chair was created for Knoll in 1955. Alvar Aalto a Finish architect designed his famous cantilevered chair. The designer Eames created the Sofa Compact in 1954 and the Eames lounge chair and ottoman in 1956. The Ant chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1953. George Nelson also created his famous Marshmallow chair and a storage system.

The fabrics of the decade included a fabric called Circles by Alexander Girard, ‘Double Triangles' a fabric designed by Alexander and Girard Willaim Pahlmann designed ‘Still Trees'. Frank Lloyd Wright also designed ‘Imperial Triangle' which was reproduced by F. Schumacher in 1956.

The 1950's saw the development of new plastics, stream proof paints, wallpapers, and flooring. Velcro was also developed. The 1950's was a glorious time for design. A new optimism was emerging after the depression of the 1930's and the devastation of the World War in the 1940's. If you visit the Creative Buzzing blog http://creativebuzzing.blogspot.com/2010/08/stylish-1950s-and-swinging-1960s-can-be.html you can find some examples of 1950's style

What was hot in the stylish 50's Interior Design?

Bright pinks        Orange                 Gold                      Reds      Turquoise            Beige

Coloured enamel kitchenware

Linoleum top tables in primary colours

Designer furniture

Subdued fabric patterns

The Fashion Colours of 1950's

Primary colours                 Hot pink               Very hot pink     Turquoise            Kingfisher blue

Green                                   Lilac                  Pale maize          Amethyst            Geranium

Clothing styles

Matching colours

Billowing wraps

Semi fitted coats

Strapless boned bodice evening dresses

Fabrics

Taffeta                                 Satin

The swinging 60's

A new range of cheap brightly coloured cotton fabrics and an increase in synthetic fabrics produced an explosion of mass produced fashion items in the 1960's. Drip dried non iron clothing became the rage. As did coats and boots in brightly coloured plastic. Mary Quant was one of the leaders of the swinging London style, the mini skirt which conquered the world. Trouser suits became popular from New York, to Paris and Rome.

The Italian collections of the time were highly coloured, stripes and knits. It was at this time blue jeans became popular and were worn by both sexes and people of all ages and went on to become a fashion classic. The panty hose replaced nylon stockings. They worked well with the mini skirt and came in many different colours and patterns. Visit the Sample Board Online blog http://blog.sampleboardonline.com and find examples of the 1960's style.

Khaki military style jackets were worn with jeans or white (bell bottomed) sailor style trousers. The hippy look dominated the fashions of the late sixties. The styles were a mingling of native peasant costumes with beadwork and chamois leather. Mondrian paintings, films and ethic dress influenced fashion. Zandra Rhodes colourful psychedelic patterns in fabrics and wallpapers were contrasted by the two tone Laura Ashley designs in brown, pale blue, green and cream for clothing, curtains and covers.

Spanish architect Paco Rabanne invaded the fashion scene with a futuristic style influenced by the space race. He designed mini dresses made of geometric shapes riveted and clasped together with metal, leather or plastics. Verner Panton a Swiss architect designed the first plastic chair with no joints in 1960. This led to the development of synthetic moulded furniture in geometric shapes. Solid moulded foam cubes in bright colours were also produced. The main feature of the 1960's interior style; playful and casual.

The Swinging 1960's

Colourful ethic fabrics

Oriental beads

Colourful jewellery

Muticoloured Afghan dresses

Indonesian batik prints

North African caftans

Nehru shirts

Arabic djellabas (a traditional long, loose-fitting outer robe)

Silver jewellery inset with amber and other semi precious stones

Kohl eye makeup

Red Henna hair colouring

New colour consciousness

Peasant skirts

Embroidered blouses

Boleros decorated with ribbons

High red boots

Patterned headscarves

Body painting

Mini skirt

Indian prints

Black and white geometric designs

1960's Interior Design

Floors, ceilings and walls painted in brilliant colours

Murals

Wall hangings

Multicoloured Indian prints

Sofa's, divans and floors covered with oriental carpets and rugs

Abundance of colours available

Plastic chairs

Moulded foam furniture

Cubed style furniture

You can create your retro style in a number of ways. Create a colourful 60's hippy pad using oriental carpets and rugs. Or a space age room with bold coloured moulded foam furniture. Psychedelic wall paper designs can be used to jazz up any room and add a touch of 1960's style. You can recreate a 1950's or 1960's room using a number of items and colours from the 50's or 60's. Or select one or two items from one of the eras and use the item as a starting point of the design for your retro room. The sky is the limit it is also an eco friendly way to decorate as many items from the 1950's and 1960's are available at second hand dealers, op shops and on ebay.
Secret of Diva
http://secretofdiva.com/interior-design-retro-style-stylish-50s-swinging-60s/

Prom Hair Styles

 

A large part of any girl's prom is the prom hairstyle she chooses. The most popular prom hairstyles are subject to change each year. This year feminine, wavy styles are popular, but edgy styles will also fit the bill.

Today's most popular prom hairstyles are luscious curls or waves. Multiple layers around the face, fresh curls, and shoulder length hair combine into an ideal of the feminine the mirrors the style of leading pop divas. Similar but less finished, soft twists combine those curls with styles that are half up / half down. Bangs are also in, especially large or sultry bangs swept to one side.


In spite of the emphasis on curls, straight hair still has its place among popular prom hairstyles. Straight hairstyles that are textured or have a sleek mirror-shine are especially popular.

More daring styles include shoulder length bobs reminiscent of the late '70s; The mullet is also in, combining cropped sections with longer tresses. Also popular is the extremely short cut worn by actress Alyssa Milano.

Always have a fallback style in case your hair refuses your chosen prom hairstyle. The popular French braid is an example of a style that can add class and control to any bad hair day.

The right accessory can make the difference between attractive and stunning. Bejeweled hair sticks or vintage hair combs are popular. Whatever you choose, be certain the hairstyle is consistent with the dress you have chosen, as well as with your jewelry.

 
Secret of Diva
http://secretofdiva.com/prom-hair-styles/

Best Ideas for Vintage Style Gifts

 

If you want to be able to give someone a gift that truly means something, not just something you picked up on the way home or on the way to the party, then what you should do is to find a vintage style item to give them or create something that will make them think of the past. Vintage style gifts are fast becoming popular these days due to their whimsical appeal and the memories that they bring to the people who receive them. Some of these old fashioned gifts may include replicas of old car decors, toys, kitchen ware, magnets, books and even clothes. Companies that specialize in the recreation of these gifts often have lists of them for you to look through and you may easily find that perfect retro inspired gift from such a list.

You will find categories like clothing or fashion, kitchen ware, décor, collectibles and candy machines from people who sell these novelty and old fashioned products. You can take your pick from these items and may even find yourself buying one of these for your own home. Gumball machines, old fashioned lunch boxes, old fashioned novelty clocks and even retro glasses and bags can all be easily seen as merchandise you can purchase and give away as retro inspired gifts.

If you want to give vintage style gifts that are classier and more functional, you can opt for those old fashioned ceramic and blown glass decorations that are patterned after items that were made in the 50s and the 60s. You can find pastel colored cookie jars or clear blown glass jars in retro colors of green and blue for your mom’s birthday or glass serving trays or cheese platters for your sister. There are also blown glass wall vases and colored glass candle trays and holders that are reminiscent of the 70s that you can buy from manufacturers that specialize in these items. Most of the old fashioned glass items that have that retro appeal are often those that come in colors like green, purple, blue, yellow or brown, colors that were popular in the 70s when it came to glassware and bottles.

If vintage fashion is what you want to give to someone, then you can hit a lot of the many thrift stores and vintage stores that are around for authentic vintage style gifts that people can wear. Old slogan shirts, old ties, retro jewelry, retro pants and even old fashioned psychedelic scarves can also make good gifts for people who love old fashioned items. Peace t-shirts, smiley shirts, funny slogan shirts and even shirts with pictures of old bands can also make good gifts. If you can find bags that are in good condition despite their being rather old, or if you can find new bags that have that classic retro look, these too can make good vintage style presents for people you care about. All it takes is to find the right old fashioned item that you can give as a retro inspired gift and you have a vintage inspired gift that any person will be happy to receive.
Secret of Diva
http://secretofdiva.com/best-ideas-for-vintage-style-gifts/

Top 5 Reasons to Chic Up in Fashionable Vintage Shoes

 

Do you think that the vintage shoes are outdated? If so, it is high time to rediscover the charisma of the fashionable shoes in 1950 and their voguish appeal when you pair them right with your apparels. This class of shoes has more variations in designs and types than people generally assume. The changing trends in modern styling have incorporated freshness to these shoes.

1. Experimenting with Different Colors

While the traditional vintage footwear items for women were generally in black and brown, the generation next designers have gone far to bring in rich shades, soft colors and of course the neutrals to widen the room for pairing them with different dressing patterns. Today you can find women vintage shoes in cream, beige, vibrant yellow, maroon, claret suede, bronze burgundy and much more. Even for the regular black and brown shoes, you can select from a wide range of shades, combinations unlike ancient times.

2. Great Protection for Your Feet

One of the greatest qualities of footwear with vintage designs is that they mostly keep your feet covered especially near the heels. Whether you are wearing very high and pointed heels, the covering protects your feet from hurts, dirt and tanning. During the winters, the breathable high quality vintage shoes guard your feet against dryness and freezing to keep you warm and comfortable.

3. Varying Boot Lengths to Compliment the Perfect Style Statement

The long gowns and coats were highly common during the 1950s retro style dressing. Today women prefer to go with varying lengths from micro short dresses to long ones, jeggings, denims etc. Depending on the climatic conditions, the occasion, and your dress pattern you can choose to go with vintage boots from knee high lengths, ankle length pairs and much more. You can go with different contrasts to your dress to make an appealing statement.

4. Casual to Formal the Vintage Footwear are for Every Occasion

The modern shoe designers go with fusion styling to bring in maximum variety of shoe lengths, patterns and much more. Today you can go with casual peep toe shoes to fully covered shoes single colored pairs for formal events. There are bold velvet shoes, T-strap shoes and laced boots so that you can pick your favorite vintage footwear model depending on the occasion.

5. Quality Assurance and Greater Durability

It is pretty easy to find women vintage shoes from online sellers. Simply choose your size at the product will reach your doorstep. These shoes are affordable and have the ultimate sheen in appearance. Apart from the visible appeal, these shoes last longer to give you the best value for the money. To get utmost peace of mind, choose an online brand with great repute in selling quality assured products.

Some Parting Words,

Choosing the right pair of shoes with the attire is not a tough job at all. It is always essential to pick up the pairs according to the dressing and occasion. The vintage collection from contemporary designer collections opens ample choices to go for flats, high heels, wedges, saddle shoes and much more. These high quality breathable shoes are for all women, all seasons and events. You can actually go for a wardrobe collection of vintage shoes pairing them with modish dresses.
Secret of Diva
http://secretofdiva.com/top-5-reasons-chic-fashionable-vintage-shoes/

Thinking of What to Wear At a 70s Party

Of all the themed parties you can have, 1970s fancy dress parties must be the most fun. The 1970s have had an amazing comeback, with the "retro" theme being more popular than ever. People just love wearing the outrageous outfits the 1970s produced and seeing what costumes from that era the other party goers are wearing. Everyone loves dancing to famous disco hits and dressing up as pop stars such as the members of Abba or Elton John (complete with outrageous glasses!), David Bowie (in his Ziggy Stardust phase) or the Jacksons. As well as a huge number of costumes to choose from, there are also many accessories too, such as BeeGee and "Afro" wigs, platform shoes, jewellery and Gogo boots.

When people first started holding 70s parties back in the 1980s, it was difficult to source authentic seventies fancy dress costumes, so it was necessary to either scour the second-hand shops or make them all from scratch. These days, fortunately, it's a lot easier as you can pick up some real bargains from eBay or buy top quality fancy dress costumes from online stores. Not only are there loads of outfits to choose from, such as hot pants complete with Gogo boots, but also many are available in different sizes and colours too. In addition, plus sizes are catered for, so it is possible for everyone to find a great costume to wear and join in the fun. It is also possible to hire a costume, such as a jump suit complete with colourful Gogo boots with platform heels, but in view of the price you're likely to pay, it makes more sense to buy your outfit and then either sell it on eBay or build up a good themed "retro" fancy dress wardrobe ready for the next party.

The revival of the seventies theme has spilled over into the mainstream and many seventies type clothing, platform shoes and Gogo boots are now available in the High Street. Gogo boots in particular are enjoying a comeback and many girls can be seen out and about in shorts worn over tights, with knee length boots - a true variation on the theme. Other Retro clothing includes a whole range of trousers, such as corduroy flares and flared denims, bell bottoms, hipsters and Oxford bags and these are all available for both men and women. Men can also wear Hawaiian shirts, frilly tuxedo shirts, tank tops and denim waistcoats. Girls can choose from a wide range of mini dresses, mini skirts, halter-neck tops, jump suits and hot pants. Dressing up in replicas of the outrageous costumes made famous in the 70s by pop stars such as Marc Bolan, Noddy Holder and Alvin Stardust is great fun for the guys. For girls, you could dress as the Abba singers Anni-Frid and Agnetha, or as members of the dance troupe Pan's People.

All colors and sizes of gogo boots for your big night out. 70s fancy dress

 
Secret of Diva
http://secretofdiva.com/thinking-wear-70s-party/

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Best Carpet Cleaners For Pets Reviews 2017

If you have a pet at home, then you are definitely familiar with all the mess and the clean up that you are regularly required to do. To be honest, this can actually be quite a daunting task. Everyone loves their pets, but the cleaning part? Not so much. While every household has a vacuum cleaner, these are only designed for general cleaning purposes and not specifically for the carpets. There are separate devices known as carpet cleaners that target spots and stains effectively, thus giving a thorough carpet cleaning. The cleaning techniques may differ depending on the design of the carpet cleaner. Secretofdiva.com mission is to review best carpet cleaners for pets.

Carpet cleaners are also much more cost-efficient than hiring professional carpet cleaners and produce almost the same result. These devices not only target cleaning but also odor removal. So if you have been having trouble with your pets spoiling your precious carpets, you should really consider getting yourself a carpet cleaner. Listed below are the three best carpet cleaners for pets based on the buying trend and the customer feedback.

1.Hoover FH50150 Carpet Basics Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner



Features


  • Although the pictures depict this carpet cleaner as being quite massive in size, it isn’t really so enormous in real life. It is only slightly bigger than a vacuum cleaner and weighs a total of 18.1 lbs. Although this weight may not be very convenient to be lifted around while cleaning, there will hardly be any need to do so as the carpet cleaner just needs to be dragged around. You will easily be able to tackle the job with a single hand. Price is reasonable for one of the best carpet cleaners for pets.

  • It measures 21.5“ x 14.5” x 23.5”, thus making it almost similar in size to a vacuum cleaner. This also makes it convenient to store the cleaner as it does not take up too much space in the storage rack.

  • This carpet cleaner comes with a 20 ft long power cord which gives you plenty of reach. This is a great advantage as you do not have to deal with the restrictive reach while cleaning the nooks and corners. It also has an onboard chord holder, where you can easily roll up the cords when no longer needed. Therefore, the rolling up is also not a hassle.

  • It has an 8ft hose and an upholstery tool for a super effortless cleaning. This makes sure that you can complete your task effortlessly, in a very short span of time

  • The extensive reach and easy design make this carpet cleaner ideal for cleaning carpets as well as for freshening up couches and lounges.

  • Has an 11.25” nozzle width which can efficiently pull in maximum debris in a minimum number of Passovers

  • It has a 1-gallon clean water tank which is quite good a capacity for carpet cleaners. This makes sure that you can go on doing your cleaning job without having to stop for refills along the way. This can come extremely handy, especially when you are cleaning a large surface area. It can drastically reduce your cleaning time.

  • The tank design makes refilling very convenient. There is a handle using which you can effortlessly lift the tank out of its compartment, empty and refill it. This ensures a clean job with little or no spill.

  • The carpet cleaner has a rinse or wash setting. The wash setting can be used with a soapy solution. After you have washed the carpets with this solution, you can then switch over to the rinse setting which again allows you to wash the soapy residue with clean water. These are some of the features that make this carpet cleaner way more effective than a vacuum cleaner.

  • This is easily one of the best carpet cleaners for pets as it has a compact design, thus making it very convenient to clean even the stairs and other hard to reach areas.

  • The recovery tank has a pour spout which further ensures that you can empty out and refill the tank without creating any mess.

  • Has removable cleaning brushes so that you can replace them frequently, depending on whether you are going for a general light cleaning or a deep cleaning

  • Unlike most other carpet cleaners that have a rolling brush, this one ha rotating brushes. This makes sure that these brushes are constantly in touch with the carpet. These are also capable of counter rotating. Hence, they are able to scrub the carpet fibers from every possible angle, providing a thorough deep cleaning effect.

  • The cleaner has a dual nozzle which increases the suction while cleaning up. This feature makes it possible to clean as much as possible in as little passovers as possible. The nozzles are also able to throw off the heated air to speed up the drying process. This particular feature may be great, especially because your carpets will be saved from dampness and therefore damage. So essentially, the cleaner allows you to wash as well as dry up the carpets in no time.

  • There are 4 different types of handles that come with the unit. You can choose any one out of these depending on the ease of use and accessibility. This also makes it easier to transport the cleaner when it is not being used.

  • Has a heated cleaning feature. This can be used especially when you are trying to lift stubborn stains that are normally difficult to clean. Blowing hot air over the hardened grease stains will soften and loosen its hold off the carpet, thus making it easier to clean.

  • The cleaner has an automatic detergent mixing system that allows you to mix just the right ratio of detergent and water. This makes sure that you achieve optimum cleaning results with minimum hassle.

  • It has a two tank system, one for clean water and the other for fresh water, for maximum cleaning effect. Both the tanks are easy to empty out and refill.

  • Additional accessories include an 8 foot hose, a mesh tool storage bag and sample bottles of cleaning solution

  • There are also special stair tools, upholstery and crevice tools for cleaning the tricky areas.

  • The spin scrub tool can be detached for cleaning higher reaches

  • Comes with a 2-year warranty

Pros


  • The set up is very easy

  • Very easy to operate

  • Detergent mixing guide for optimal cleaning

  • Great performance

  • Hot air blast for cleaning toughened grease and grime

  • Quick dry up

  • Wash and rinse for a thorough cleaning effect

  • Gives the carpet a refreshed new look and also elongate their lifetime

  • Great for cleaning upholstery as well

  • Allows for a convenient storage

  • Easy refilling

  • Long power cord with extensive reach

Cons


  • The turbine of the rotating brush cleaner stays in constant contact with the water and therefore starts rusting out very quickly

  • The base of the motor can get clogged with dirt and pet hair. To escalate the problem, it is not very easy to clean the machine thoroughly

  • Expensive

 2.HOOVER F5914901NC Steam Vac Plus Carpet Cleaner with Clean Surge



Features


  • It is excellent for deep cleaning. Efficiently picks up all the pet hair and mud spreads in just one go. The carpet cleaner has mostly received positive reviews from customers.

  • Provides professional grade cleaning at a much cheaper cost.

  • Can be used for cleaning everything from coffee stains to urine stains to pet stains to wine stains. It can even effectively remove old and stubborn stains that have stayed for years, thus giving the carpets a refreshed look. This secures a place for the HOOVER F5914901NC in the list of best carpet cleaners for pets

  • Comes at a quite affordable price and yet delivers the same results as that of highly priced carpet cleaners

  • Very easy to operate and maintain

  • Can be used for all types of carpets, be it the plush ones or Berber carpets. Does not affect the texture of the carpets even when used frequently

  • Throws of hot air blasts through the nozzle. This hot air can be directed over stubborn greasy stains to soften them so that the stains can be removed easily

  • The hot air blasts also ensure that the carpets dry up much faster after the cleaning. This will keep them from catching mildew and therefore elongate their lifespan

  • It also uses a suction mechanism to pull out as much water as possible before treating them with a hot air blast. This speeds up the drying process

  • The carpet cleaner not only cleans the carpet, but also sanitizes them, thus killing germs and keeping them safe for your pets

  • The cleaning and the drying are done almost simultaneously, so you do not have to wait all day for your carpets to dry. This itself makes Hoover F5914901NC the best carpet cleaners for pets.

  • It hardly takes 10 minutes to assemble the parts together before using them. It also gives a quick start, thus saving up a lot of hassle and time.

  • Comes with an easy to refer instruction manual so that you do not get stuck in case you encounter any technical difficulties. The company also offers a good customer support.

  • The machine has a powerful mechanism that can efficiently remove pet stains, urine and vomit stains. Along with the cleaning, it also deodorizes the carpets.

  • Has a very handy weight of 20 lbs. Therefore, lifting it around is not a chore. You can very conveniently carry it upstairs and downstairs and from one room to the other. It is, in fact, one of the lightest full powered best carpet cleaners for pets available in the market currently.

  • Glides very smoothly over the carpets so that not a single area is left out while cleaning

  • It can not only clean carpeted floors, but hard floors like tiles and linoleum as well, thus increasing the utility. For this, you will be required to attach the carpet cleaner to a hard floor attachment that comes along with the package

  • It has 360-degree counter-rotating brushes that clean your carpet from all the angles, thus giving a thorough, deep cleaning effect

  • Has dual tanks, one for clean water and one for used, dirty water

  • There are different speed settings that you can adjust accordingly for high cleaning, gentle cleaning or for low cleaning

  • Uses soap solutions for washing and rinsing effect. This, combined with the heated cleaning can be extra effective in cleaning oil spills

  • If you want to add more detergent to the solution, you can do so with a simple press of the button

Pros


  • Quick and easy assemble

  • Easy trigger mechanism for spraying the liquid. This gives you a good control on the amount of liquid you spray

  • Hardly leaves any spots after cleaning

  • Dries the carpets very quickly

Cons


  • You have to know the different settings that are suitable for different carpet types or you may end up damaging the fabric

  • May not rinse off the soap residues effectively

  • The water may not get as hot as you expect

3.BISSEL PowerLifter PowerBrush Upright Deep Cleaner, 1622



Features


  • Features 4 rows of rotating brushes

  • The brushes are capable of counter rotating so that the carpets get cleaned from every angle

  • Glides very smoothly over the carpets

  • Powerful suction for pulling off pet hair and loose dirt

  • 2 tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water

  • The tanks are easy to refill and also do not create any mess

  • A separate lint screen that can be used while cleaning pet hairs

  • The nozzle is removable

  • Comes with an eight oz cleaning formula as a trial pack

  • The brushes penetrate deep into the carpets, thus effectively loosening maximum dirt which will then be pulled by the powerful suction

  • Allows heat cleaning

  • The hot air blasts can be directed over hardened grime so as to soften them before getting cleaned up

  • Effectively cleans up pet urine and vomit stains

  • Deodorizes the carpet

  • The hot air blasts speeds up the drying process

  • You can use mild, pet safe disinfectants with the cleaning solution for sanitizing the carpets

  • Gives a refreshed looking to the carpets, removing even old stains

Pros


  • Comes with a built-in measuring cup that can be used while preparing cleaning solutions

  • Quick set up

  • Easy to use

  • Strong suction that pulls off all the dirt from soiled carpets

  • Good tank capacity, so no need to refill every now and then

  • Hardly leaves a spot after deep cleaning

Cons


  • Big size

  • Unlike most other carpet cleaners, does not have a detachable hand held cleaning wand

  • May not be very effective in sucking up water

  • The carpet fibers get trapped in the brush, which is then difficult to be removed

  • Does not spray much water at a time

Conclusion finding best carpet cleaners for pets


These three are supposedly the best carpet cleaners for pets trending in the market currently. All of them have wash and rinse cleaning, heat cleaning, drying and suction pull features. All of them have powerful suction for picking off lint and pet hair and also deodorizing the carpet. You can easily buy any one of these to make sure that you save both time and effort.
Secret of Diva
http://secretofdiva.com/best-carpet-cleaners-for-pets-reviews-2017/

Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker Reviews 2017

Although rice is taken as a staple food worldwide, not many have mastered the right way to cook it. Be it long grain rice or short grain, the cooking methods make a lot of difference to the taste. To bring out the best flavors, a number of things like the consistency, temperature and the duration of cooking have to be just right. All thanks to the modern rice cookers that you can now prepare fluffy, restaurant like rice right at home. These rice cookers are very easy to use and simplify your task by a great degree. Furthermore, these come with manuals having clear set instructions for cooking all different types of rice. Therefore, it should not be a chore even to the ones who have minimum culinary skills. We Secretofdiva.com will guide you to buy best stainless steel rice cooker.

If you are looking to get yourself the best stainless steel rice cooker, check out the three items that have been reviewed below. These are supposedly the best ones in the market right now, with a great value for their price.

1.Instant Pot DUO60 V3 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer




Features
  • This is all in one device is not simply a rice cooker. Instead, it is a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, warmer and saute, all in one. In addition to that, it even has a cake and egg program inbuilt into it. This naturally makes Instant Pot the best stainless steel rice cooker trending in the market currently. It may be your ultimate go-to device in the kitchen. All in all, this cooker is a great way to reduce clutter in the kitchen

  • Instapot has 10 smart built-in programs for different food items. So you do not necessarily have to customize the entire settings each time you want to cook something. The 10 programs include egg, saute, rice, cake, soup/broth, meat/stew, multigrain, porridge and slow cook. All you have to do is press a button. It is as simple as that.

  • The cooker uses a smart technology that monitors the type of food you cook and the way you cook. It also remembers the customizations you make while cooking each of these food items. This not only increases your convenience while cooking, but also helps you keep a track of your diet.

  • The cooker has a digital display and simple one touch buttons to control the settings.

  • Features the latest 3rd generation technology. It has microprocessors, with the help of which you can control everything from pressure, time and temperature to heat intensity and duration of cooking. This will help you cook tasty and healthy dishes, exactly the way you want.

  • It can offer up to 240 minutes of pressure cooking without you having to constantly keep an eye on it.

  • It offers a 24-hour delay start. So if you have busy schedules, this may be the best stainless steel rice cooker for you. That’s not all, the rice cooker can even be adjusted for 10 hours of keeping warm, so that you can cook your food leisurely and serve it hot even if there’s a delay. This comes functional mainly when you are preparing food for parties and get together, where everything has to be prepared well in advance.

  • There are three different temperatures in saute and slow cook. The three temperature settings can be used for searing, simmering and thickening respectively. This provides a greater flexibility while cooking and also ensures that you do not have to compromise quality for convenience.

  • The rice cooker offers consistent cooking for all food items cooked at varying temperatures.

  • The rice cooker offers high-pressure settings. This comes very handy for fast cooking as it reduces the cooking time by almost 70%. It also saves a lot of energy, thus helping you reduce your energy bills.

  • It has a stainless steel inner cooking pot with a food grade 304 marking.

  • Uses no chemical coating

  • Has a 3 ply bottom which ensures even heat distribution and therefore even cooking.

  • The inner cooking pot, the lid as well as the steam racks are dishwasher safe. This simplifies the cleaning process and allows for an easy maintenance.

  • The cooking pot has a fully sealed environment, hence trapping all the nutrients, flavor and aroma of the food. This increases the taste as well as the nutritional value of the food you are cooking.

  • It is UL and ULC certified. Furthermore, the design includes 10 safety mechanisms, all of which drastically increase the safety rating of the device. It is also designed to eliminate the common errors that usually occur while cooking.

  • The additional accessories include a stainless steel steam rack, soup spoon, a rice paddle, measuring cup, a recipe booklet and an instruction manual featuring clear set instructions on how to control the settings.

  • Very attractive modern design with a large display panel for easy reading and brushed stainless steel finish. The outer body is also fingerprint resistant.

Pros


  • Best reviews on Amazon

  • One of the most sold kitchen tool on Amazon

  • Perfect for slowing cooking meat dishes

  • Does not change the color of the cooked rice

  • Can be used with a number of combinations

  • Provides uniform and constant heat

  • Easy cleanup

  • Durable

Cons


  • Dries out the dishes if you are not familiar with the settings

  • Very expensive

  • If the top screw falls off, the cooker will not be able to provide enough pressure

  • Takes time to build pressure

2.Aroma Housewares ARC 914SBD rice cooker



Features


  • It has a large capacity. Can hold up to 8 cups of cooked and 4 cups of uncooked rice. The cup referred to here, is the cup that comes along with the rice cooker.

  • It has specialized functions for both white rice and brown rice

  • The rice cooker has very easy to use functions and a programmable digital display that allows adjustments for delay timer and automatic keep warm.

  • All the different parts are detachable, thus allowing for a fast and easy cleanup.

  • When the rice has been cooked, the cooking process automatically stops and the cooker adjusts itself to the keep warm setting. This ensures that you can enjoy warm rice, even hours after the cooking has been done. You will not even be required to monitor the pot.

  • Features a unique sensor logic technology, which includes an onboard microcomputer that can keep track of the cooking and automatically adjust the cooking conditions so as to acquire maximum flavor and texture

  • It has a steam tray that can be placed over the cooking rice. This steam rack can be used to steam vegetables, eggs, and other food items.

  • The rice cooker reduces cooking time by up to 50%.

  • Allows for a 15-hour delay start. This allows you to adjust the settings beforehand so that you do not have to rush in the end. You can even set it before going to bed so that you do not have to rush in the morning. This feature can be great, especially for those who run a busy schedule.

  • Additional accessories include a steam rack, a measuring cup, a serving spatula, soup ladles, recipe booklet and an instruction manual.

Pros


  • It is very user-friendly

  • Simple controls

  • It can be used to cook a number of food items excluding rice

  • Has a very stylish design

  • It has a very compact structure, hence does not create any mess while the cooking is done

  • A convenient 15-hour delay timer

  • It automatically shifts to the keep warm mode when the cooking is done

Cons


  • Some people may find the beep alarm a bit disturbing

  • The rice remains uncooked if you do not put in enough water

  • Not ideal for big families

3.Aroma Housewares 20 Digital rice cooker



Features


  • This rice cooker has been ranked as the best stainless steel rice cooker in the US.

  • It is large enough to hold up to 20 cups of uncooked rice

  • Comes with a removable steam rack. This rack can be used to steam meat and vegetables even as the rice gets cooked below it.

  • The cooker is very easy to use and maintain

  • It has programmable digital controls for monitoring the different stages of cooking

  • Has different settings for white rice, brown rice, flash rice, steaming and slow cook.

  • The cooker automatically shifts to the keep warm mode when the cooking has been completed

  • Offers up to 15 hours of time delay so that you can cook your meals leisurely. You can prepare the cooker in the morning and set the timer for after work or you can prepare it before going to bed and allow it to cook in the morning. This feature itself can make Aroma Housewares 20 the best stainless steel rice cooker for people who are constantly on the go.

  • Allows you to cook meals exactly according to your preference

  • Additional cooking accessories include a steaming rack, a measuring cup, and a serving spatula.

Pros


  • Can be replaced for crock pots and veggie steamers

  • Flexible cooking makes it possible to maintain a healthy nutritious diet

  • Perfect for large families

  • Lessens the burden of cooking

  • Worth the price

Cons


  • The lid is not completely removable. Instead, it is attached to the cooker by a hinge on one side

  • Short cord

  • Over time, the outer frame will start to melt all by itself


 

Conclusion finding best stainless steel rice cooker


If you are looking to get hold of the best stainless steel rice cooker, make it a point to consider all the factors such as energy consumption, safety rating, capacity, ease of operation and maintenance and also the different settings available for cooking. It is best if the cooker is a multi-purpose one as this would greatly reduce clutter in the kitchen and thus simplify the task of cooking.
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Best Convection Toaster Oven Reviews 2017

A convection toaster oven takes up lesser space on the kitchen counters as compared to the conventional ovens. They also cook food much faster and take very little time for heating up. Where a conventional oven takes almost 30 minutes to get preheated to 350 Fahrenheit, a toaster oven can do it in as less as 4 minutes. That’s not all. They even save up a lot of energy and are much more versatile when it comes to utility. That's why we SecretofDiva.com will guide you to find best convection toaster oven.

Toaster ovens are also very affordable and accommodate larger portions of food and can be used conveniently in all types of kitchen. The upgraded designs have preset cooking functions, are safer and more user-friendly. An average toaster oven comes with a warranty period of 5 years, which is quite good for a cooking device and continues to perform efficiently even after the warranty period is over.

You also get to choose from a number of colors and design options with varying utilities like precise temperature control, energy settings and cooking technology. For easy cleaning and maintenance, you can select a Teflon coated toaster with the interiors coated with the nonstick material.

1.BLACK+DECKER CTO6335S 6-Slice Digital Convection Countertop Toaster Oven



Features


  • It offers a versatile range of cooking. By making simple alterations in the setting, you can use it for cooking bagels, frozen snacks, pizzas, cookies, bruschettas, cookies and much more.

  • The toaster has a one touch setting. This means that you do not have to go around adjusting everything from the temperature to the timing while cooking a dish. These functions are already preset into the device. So you can just select a certain dish and the oven will cook the dish accordingly.

  • It has a clear digital display. Therefore, browsing through the menu and the different settings will not be a chore.

  • The display constantly updates you about the cooking information while the oven is in use.

  • The toaster oven has a compact design, but a large interior. Hence it can easily fit even on small counter tops.

  • It has an extra-deep curved interior that is designed to accommodate 12 inch pizzas and up to six slices of bread. It can even fit in whole casseroles, whole chickens, whole ducks and various other large sized items.

  • Takes up very less time for heating up.

  • The model features convection fans that circulate hot air throughout the oven for faster cooking and even heat distribution. This results in food being cooked evenly, therefore better results.

  • It comes with a double rack, thus allowing you to cook two different food items at the same time. This is a huge benefit as you can stir up dishes much faster and therefore, greatly reduces your time in the kitchen. This feature also comes in handy when you are preparing quick meals for guests.

  • You can adjust the rack positions so that both the large and small dishes fit in perfectly. Or you could also use one of the racks to place a bowl of water so that your dish does not get cracked or dry up while getting cooked.

  • The oven has a removable crumb tray which is placed at the bottom of the microwave. This collects all the crumbs that drop down from your bakes thus making it easier to clean the oven later. You will not have to deal with any stubborn burnt particles that refuse to come off.

  • The oven has a 120 minute inbuilt timer. You can set the timer for different durations in accordance to the dish that you are cooking. It can be alternated between short time periods for toasting and broiling and longer time periods for baking.

  • The toaster oven is very easy to be cleaned up. You just have to wait till it cools down sufficiently and wipe the interiors with a soft cloth, this will do the job.

  • Has a dimension of 10.87” by 19.45” by 13.54”

  • Has an overall weight of 15.8 lbs

Pros


  • Best convection toaster oven for easy use and maintenance

  • The convection fan works very efficiently

  • Gives a good lasting

  • Can be sued for all types of cooking

  • Safe design

  • Reasonable price

Cons


  • The labeling of the functions is difficult to use

  • Very short cord. So you cannot place it very far from the plug point.

  • The top surface gets heated up very rapidly

  • There is a lag in the settings for e.g. If you want a temperature of 300 F, you have to set it to 330 F

  • The door may drag against the counter top

2. Oster Large Capacity Countertop Convection Toaster Oven



Features


  • The toaster oven has an extra large interior capacity. It can easily fit in a 13 by 9 inch tray allowing you to cook large portions all at once. The oven can be used to cook extra large family sized pizzas, and chickens. It can even fit in casseroles. While preparing breakfast, you can easily fit up to 6 slices of bread in one batch.

  • It has an adjustable dual rack system. The height of the racks can be adjusted so that you can accordingly fit in different dishes of different sizes. You can also use the two racks for cooking two different items together. This will make your work faster and drastically cut down the time you spend in the kitchen. The adjustable height is also convenient when you want to place your food at a particular height for even cooking.

  • The toaster comes with a removable tray that can be placed at the bottom of the oven to collect the crumbs that fall off the bake. This keeps them from burning and sticking to the interior, thus making it easier to clean the oven after use

  • The oven has an interior light as well as a see-through door so that keep track of your food while you cook them.

  • It can be used to cook a number of things, including pizzas, bread, bagels, cakes and cookies.

  • The design is very modern. It has a super sleek finish with a stainless steel frame. It not only works great but also looks great on your kitchen counters.

  • It comes with a digital display for easy controls. The display panel is very easy to operate.

  • The menu includes different options for cooking. You can select cooking function like bake, convection bake, toast, warm, broil and defrost according to your requirement.

  • Apart from the preset functions, there are also options for setting the time and temperature for different types of cooking. You can simply put it on a particular setting and go about doing other chores. The oven will automatically shut down once the cooking time is over.

  • Uses convection technology for cooking. This ensures that the food gets cooked very fast and evenly, from all the sides as there is an even distribution of heat.

  • It has an adjustable broil, thus making it usable for everything from simple warming to delicate melting to cooking.

  • The toaster has an overall dimension of 19 and a ½ inch by 14 inch by 11 inch.

  • For this cheap price and fantastic reviews it's best convection toaster oven you can find.

Pros


  • Cooks very fast

  • User friendly

  • The toaster is double walled for extra heat protection

  • The best convection toaster oven for amateurs as it comes with special recipe instructions

Cons


  • Many users have complained of the glass getting shattered at high temperatures

  • The oven door heats up alarmingly

  • The metal rods on the inside get soft at high temperatures

  • The racks can get lopsided with continuous use


 

3. Hamilton Beach 31333 Convection Toaster Oven



Features


  • See through glass door so that you can keep a track of your food items while they cooked

  • Large interiors that can easily fit in a 12’ pizza and up to six slices of bread. It can also easily fit in medium size casseroles

  • Uses convection for cooking. This makes sure that there is an even distribution of heat, thus cooking the food evenly from all sides

  • Unlike most convection ovens, this one allows you to choose between convection and bake. This feature automatically puts this oven into the category of the best convection toaster oven when it comes to flexibility of cooking.

  • It can be used for all types of bakes and cooking.

  • Can be used for almost anything from warming to melting to defrosting to caramelizing to baking to cooking.

  • Has an inbuilt timer that sets off an alarm when the cooking is done

  • Has a curved door, allowing easy access to the interiors

  • Has a removable crumb tray to collect the crumbs that fall from cooking

Pros


  • The best convection toaster oven for saving energy. Saves up to 71% energy

  • Cooks 28% faster than conventional ovens

  • Very handy for warming and pre-heating

  • Four preset functions and adjustable temperature and timer

  • Attractive design, the outer body does not attract fingerprints

  • Easy to use and maintain

Cons


  • Noisy

  • No good customer support


 

Conclusion on Finding Best Convection Toaster Oven


The main advantage of a convection toaster oven is that they cook food very fast and evenly. Depending on the size of the oven, you can use it for almost all types of cooking that are done in a conventional oven. To get hold of the best convection toaster oven, keep an eye out for the features such as interior capacity, rack adjustments, temperature and timer controls and safety marking.
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