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How To Turn A Bonus Room Into A Teen Hangout

Does your home have a bonus room that is currently unused? Whether your kids have outgrown their old playroom or you have a finished basement waiting to be repurposed, turning a bonus room into a teen hangout is a fabulous idea. You’ll love that they have a safe place to hang out at home, and they’ll relish in the privacy of their exclusive space. Here’s what to include on your renovation project plan when transforming a bonus room into a teen hangout.

Opt for a flooring material that is durable and easy to maintain.

You might as well hang a “NO CARPET” sign on the door of a teen hangout, because it won’t last a week. Whether it’s dirty shoes or spilled soda, floors are bound to get messy. (Sidenote: Apply the same principle to couches and make sure you’re choosing functional fabrics that are spill and stain resistant!)

There are a lot of flooring materials to choose from other than carpet. Tile and vinyl floors are both great options that come in a variety of different colors and styles. These materials are both super durable and easy to clean, so they will definitely hold strong against a pack of teenagers.

Build the ultimate entertainment center with all wood cabinetry.

Your renovation project plan is not complete without the installation of an awesome entertainment center. If you have teenage children, you know how they are when it comes to technology. Whether they are binge watching their favorite show or playing video games, life tends to be centered around screens. (Let’s not even get started with the phones!)

Ensure everyone is happy by building a custom entertainment center with all wood cabinetry that will showcase that big screen TV and also provide ample cabinet storage for their games and electronics. The more storage, the better. If there’s not a place to put it behind closed cabinet doors, you know where it will end up.

Include not-seated activities like table sports.

You don’t want any rough housing, but you also don’t want your kids sitting in front of the television every minute they’re at home. Table sports like pool, foosball, and ping pong are the perfect compromise. They encourage teens to get off the couch without things getting too rambunctious.

Table sports are a great addition to a teen hangout or TV room because they provide hours of entertainment for your family and their friends. They also double as pretty cool decor that helps give the room the right vibe.

Keep teens out of the kitchen with a mini fridge and snack station.

If your bonus room has the right layout for it, definitely consider installing some bar cabinets to house water, soda and snacks. We love our teens (and their dozens of friends) — but preparing dinner with kids running in and out of the kitchen can be a challenge.

A few simple bar cabinets with a mini fridge and snack station is the perfect solution. Include a mix of items of after school favorites like yogurt and trail mix plus some classic movie staples like popcorn and candy. Just don’t forget to install a pull out waste container in one of the base cabinets to collect all of the trash and recycling that will accumulate!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, home bar, laundry room, TV room or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood cabinetry, fully assembled and delivered for free, plus all the accessories needed to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

6 Healthy Herbs And Spices To Keep In Your Spice Rack

Herbs and spices are a natural way to add flavor to your cooking without adding extra calories and sodium. Some are even said to boost your immune system and ease your stomach when you’re battling a common cold or belly ache. Read on to learn more. Then, consult your doctor, and stock your drawer or door mounted spice rack with these healthy herbs and spices.

Turmeric: This bright yellow spice is trending for a reason. It’s good for you! If you don’t believe the hype, check out what WebMD has to say about turmeric. Turmeric powder is rich in minerals and antioxidants, and also curcumin, a substance that shows promise in preventing and treating cancer, as well as autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Add turmeric to rice, roasted veggies, soups and stews. Or raid the bar cabinet and try one of these healthy turmeric cocktails from com.

Cinnamon: According to Medical News Today, this popular spice may have a number of health benefits, from reducing blood sugar to improving cardiovascular health. It’s also delicious and a kitchen pantry cabinet Cinnamon powder is a must-have ingredient in breakfast favorites like French toast and cinnamon rolls, but what about dinner? Click here for 30 savory ways to cook with cinnamon from Taste of Home.

Cayenne Pepper: This spicy pepper adds heat to your favorite entrees and soups, and is considered a powerful antiseptic. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can help unclog stuffy sinuses, and has a healthy dose of vitamin A and antioxidants that are known for reducing inflammation. The next time you have a sore throat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to a glass of warm water with a twist of lemon lemon juice.

Ginger: This spicy root has been known to aid in digestion and ease nausea. It may also help decrease pain and inflammation and boost the immune system. Although commonly used in stir fry sauces and baked goods, powdered ginger can be sprinkled on sweet potatoes or in your favorite beverages. Or try this Carrot Ginger Soup recipe from The Spruce Eats.

Garlic Powder: Have you ever wondered what makes chicken soup so soothing when you are feeling under the weather? Maybe it’s the garlic. According to Healthline, garlic contains compounds that can help the immune system fight germs. While garlic powder isn’t as potent as fresh bulbs of garlic, it still packs a punch and adds flavor.

Oregano: This peppery dried herb is essential when making homemade tomato sauce or pizza. But according to WebMB, oregano is fit for both the kitchen pantry cabinet and the bathroom medicine cabinet. Use this herb when cooking to add flavor and health benefits, like managing GI issues and easing headaches. Dried oregano can lose flavor and potency over time. As with any dried herb or spice, check the expiration date to make sure it is fresh.

How To Host An Elegant Baby Or Bridal Shower At Home

There are so many advantages to hosting a baby or bridal shower at home. You are able to enjoy the intimate occasion with the utmost privacy and not be bothered by rental time restraints. To plan a special event that your guest of honor will remember forever, follow these tips for hosting an elegant baby or bridal shower at home.

Plan a menu that doesn’t require reheating.

When serving a large group from home, it’s important that the majority of menu items do not require reheating. Not even dream kitchens can compete with their commercial counterparts. A menu that is easy for a restaurant to prepare and serve can be a nightmare in a home kitchen.

Focus on foods that can be served cold or room temperature like quiches, sandwiches, different varieties of salads, and pastry items like muffins, scones and croissants. You can create a delicious and versatile brunch that doesn’t require you to shuffle dishes in and out of the oven.

Hire a bartender.

While you know your wine storage cabinet better than anyone, it’s best to surrender your home bar to a professional. Even if their job is simply managing the mimosa station, it will be a weight off your shoulders knowing someone will be there constantly uncorking the champagne.

When hosting a shower at home, it’s likely that your refrigerator and freezer will be at max capacity, so it’s smart to fill a large cooler with ice before the big day. Keep a few extra bottles of alcohol and juice chilled to make sure you never run out of drinks. Store your backup cooler out of sight but close by, preferably in a no-traffic area like your kitchen pantry, garage or laundry room.

Set up the perfect gifting spot.

Opening gifts is often the highlight of a shower. As the host, you want to designate the perfect spot for gathering gifts and viewing the unwrapping. If you have an open concept kitchen, the kitchen island can be an ideal area to organize gifts. Since it’s up a little higher, even your guests in the back of the room will be able to see clearly. Alternatively, set up your gifting spot at a buffet table that can be pushed against a wall with plenty of open space in front of it.

Make sure you also designate a gifting assistant, whether it be yourself or someone else at the party, to pass gifts to the mother or bride-to-be and take notes on each gift that is received. This is one detail that can be overlooked in the moment, so it’s best to plan in advance.

Keep decorations to a minimum.

You might feel like you need to overcompensate with decorations to make your home shower feel more festive, but this is not the case. There’s no need to cover your entire kitchen island with confetti or construct seven diaper cakes.

When planning your party, remember that the room will not look as it does right now. It will be filled with your friends and family and overflowing with gifts and delicious food. Use decorations as an accent instead of a focal point by incorporating subtle details. Elements like the cake or cookies, servingware, and even the cocktail napkins can be great opportunities to showcase your theme without making an overwhelming statement.

If you want to create the perfect photo op, convert one wall or area of the room into a photo station. Hang a sign, backdrop, or letter balloons against the wall, and set up a portable cart with accessories that guests can pose with. Since it will be off to the side, it won’t interfere with the party, and guests will be able to capture a fun memory of the shower.

4 Impressive Italian Dinners You Can Make In Your Own Kitchen

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of pasta? According to a recent survey conducted by YouGov, an international research data and analytics group, Italian food tops the list as the World’s most popular cuisine. And we’re not surprised. From simple favorites like Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Piccata to masterpieces like Penne alla Vodka and Fettuccine alla Carbonara, there’s a lot to love. Best of all, unlike other regional favorites, most Italian dishes are surprisingly not that difficult to make at home. Here are four impressive yet easy Italian dinner recipes you can whip up right in your own kitchen.

Penne alla Vodka

This recipe starts with penne pasta cooked al dente. As the name implies, you’ll also need to grab a bottle of Vodka from your bar cabinet for the sauce (plan on using a little less than ¼ cup per pound of pasta). While this spirit adds a flavorful kick, it’s also fine to omit the Vodka altogether. Additional ingredients include heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes from your spice drawer . Most recipes call for fresh Roma or crushed tomatoes, but we like this Penne Alla Vodka from Delish that uses tomato paste for a bright touch of sweetness.

Fettuccine alla Carbonara

Close your eyes and imagine fettuccine noodles smothered in a rich and creamy, Parmesan cheese-based sauce, with prosciutto and bacon. Have we piqued your interest? Carbonara is perfect for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, and it’s easy to make at home. This recipe for Fettuccine alla Carbonara from Better Homes & Gardens adds dry white wine from your bar cabinet, and rivals any Italian restaurant. For a full list of ingredients and an instructional video from BHG, click here.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Like spaghetti and meatballs and lasagne, Fettuccine Alfredo is one of the more popular Italian dishes on restaurant menus. Rich yet simple, this easy homemade Fettuccine Alfredo recipe from Bon Appétit has just five ingredients that are commonly found in the refrigerator and kitchen pantry cabinet. After gently simmering the sauce to ensure even melting, add cooked fettuccine pasta and toss to coat. Serve topped with fresh ground pepper and even more grated Parmesan.

Chicken Piccata

This Italian dish features tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts dredged in flour and sauteed in a buttery lemon-based sauce. The use of flour gives chicken a nice coating and helps to thicken the sauce. For an easy to follow recipe from Italian chef and Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis, click here. When cooking at home, top Chicken Piccata with brined capers and chopped fresh parsley and serve with a side of linguini. If you’re in the mood for seafood, swap out chicken for freshly peeled and deveined shrimp.

Regardless of the recipe, remember this rule of thumb for professional results when cooking pasta at home. Always salt your water (around 2 tablespoons should do for a pound of pasta), and use coarse sea salt, which is considered less bitter when boiling.

5 Champagne Cocktails To Ring In The New Year At Home

While lavish parties and fancy clothes are standard components of a New Year’s Eve celebration, there are other just as traditional ways to ring in the new year that are much more mellow. — like watching the ball drop in New York City, from the warm comfort of your TV room.

If you’re planning to cheer 2020 from your sofa, make sure you have plenty of champagne in your wine storage cabinet and the ingredients needed for one of these delicious champagne cocktails.

#5. Vodka Champagne

Let’s start super simple. Everyone has a bottle of vodka behind one of their bar cabinet doors, right? Great. That means you have everything you need to whip up this two-ingredient champagne cocktail.

If you want to be a little more creative, swap traditional vodka for a flavored variety (lemon or vanilla works nicely). You can also add a little simple syrup or drop in a sugar cube to sweeten the deal.

#4. French 75

This classic drink has been around since World War I. Can you believe it? This champagne cocktail has really stood the test of time. Like most classics, the ingredients here are pretty straightforward.

A French 75 requires gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, brut champagne, and a lemon for garnish. Shake the ingredients over ice and then strain into your glass.

Like most champagne cocktails, a French 75 is best served cold, so make sure to keep your champagne bottles in a refrigerated wine storage cabinet and serve in a chilled glass. Don’t forget the twisted lemon garnish! Use a paring knife to slice a thin, spiral peel.

#3. Classic Champagne Cocktail

This is another great champagne cocktail that only needs a few key ingredients: bitters, champagne, sugar cubes, and lemon (again for a garnish).

The secret to the classic champagne cocktail is a sugar cube soaked in bitters. This tiny touch packs serious flavor and brings out the different notes in the champagne. Like a French 75, you can also garnish this cocktail with a slice of lemon.

#2. Champagne Punch

You might be spoiled by all of these easy champagne recipes. Fair warning, this one’s a bit more complex. But if you’re staying in, why not do something a little special?

To prepare a champagne punch, you’ll need a bottle of champagne, club soda, and slices of fresh fruits like oranges, pineapples, and strawberries. In many ways, a champagne punch is much like a sangria. You are just swapping the red wine for champagne.

The liquors you will need are likely in your bar cabinet: brandy and cointreau. Add 1 ½ ounce of each. Serve this colorful mixture in a large punch bowl or pitcher and enjoy all night long.

#1. Death in the Afternoon

Ernest Hemingway was not just a great writer. He also knew how to make a strong drink. His champagne cocktail creation mixes the bubbly treat with absinthe.

But if you do start drinking this cocktail in the afternoon, there’s a good chance you’ll fall asleep far too early to say, “Happy New Year!”

Design Tips To Transition Your Home From Fall To Winter

November and December are notoriously busy months. That being said, taking a moment to get your home ready for winter is not as easy as it sounds. If you feel like you hardly have a minute to spare this time of year, you’ll appreciate these simple design tips that make transitioning your home from fall to winter sweeter than a cup of hot chocolate.

Build storage that can accommodate your holiday decor.

The word “storage” is often associated with cluttered, bulky boxes, stacked in a dusty corner. It’s no wonder getting out your holiday decor feels like a grueling chore. Someone cue the elves!

One of the best home design hacks for transitioning from season to season is built-in storage. By opting for all wood cabinetry rather than plastic containers and cardboard boxes, you can easily organize and label all of your holiday decor and keep it discreetly hidden behind closed doors.

The best place to add storage cabinets will depend on the layout of your home, but garages and laundry rooms are often ideal for storing seasonal items. If you need some help picking a place for your new storage cabinets, contact our team for free room design services.

Set up a home bar for holiday entertaining.

It’s not uncommon for your home to have an increase in foot traffic during the winter months. From festive family gatherings to New Year’s Eve celebrations, you’ll probably have at least one party this season.

While crowding in the kitchen is common, it makes entertaining much more difficult. It’s enough to have your hands full with food preparation — no need to add fighting for countertop space into the mix.

Direct some of the traffic flow elsewhere by investing in a home bar. The great thing about home bars is that they can be as small and cost effective or large and elaborate as you like. From a custom all wood cabinetry bar with a wine storage cabinet to a quaint, portable island or cart, there is an option for every size budget and home.

Invest in radiant floor heating for the ultimate winter luxury.

Turning on the heat is helpful, but if you have tile floors, you know that raising the temperature won’t warm up your flooring. Radiant floor heating or in-floor heating is installed under your flooring during a renovation.

This simple addition gives your home heat from the bottom up which offers a few key benefits. Firstly, you can forget about stepping on ice cold bathroom tile in the morning (not the wake up call we want at all). No matter what type of flooring you have, it will stay comfortably warm all year long.

But radiant floor heating warms more than just the floor. The heat radiates upward throughout the room itself, providing a consistent, equally distributed warmth. This is definitely a benefit, especially when compared to a traditional radiator that tends to leave many “cold spots” throughout the home that are just too far out of reach.

In-floor heating is also relatively affordable and an easy step to add when installing new flooring. Homeowners that have opted for this design feature also experience lower electricity bills, as radiant flooring is considered a more energy efficient heating option.

Impressive Christmas Main Course Ideas That Go Beyond Turkey

With Thanksgiving a near distant memory and a refrigerator full of leftovers, the last thing you want to think about is food — namely turkey. Don’t let Christmas dinner be a second “Turkey Day.” Make your holiday season a little bit brighter with these impressive main course ideas that go beyond turkey. So pour yourself a glass of wine from your home bar or wine storage cabinet, make yourself comfortable, and read on!

Beef Tenderloin

Roast beef is a winter staple, and melt-in-your-mouth whole tenderloin is the perfect choice for special occasions. This Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin from the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen would make a fine centerpiece to any holiday table. It features a rich and savory horseradish cream sauce, with dry vermouth from your home bar cabinets. Pink and green peppercorns and sprigs of rosemary add a festive touch to your holiday gathering. For the full recipe from Good Housekeeping, click here.

Ham

According to Bon Appétit, this Holiday Ham recipe will rival anything under the tree. Basted and baked with whole grain mustard and sweet Riesling from your wine storage cabinet, this seasonal favorite takes your ham game up a few notches. And while it looks and tastes impressive, it’s actually quite simple to make. For the recipe for Holiday Ham with Riesling and Mustard and a list of ingredients from Bon Appétit, click here.

Pork Loin

This cut of pork is lean and has a mild taste. By stuffing your pork loin with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs and garlic, you will not only add flavor from within, but also help to ensure a moist and tender roast (and an impressive main course) for your Christmas dinner. For a simple, east-to-follow recipe for Roasted Pork with Sage, Rosemary, and Garlic from Epicurious, click here.

Lamb

If you think Crown Roast of Lamb sounds fancy — it is! If you’re looking for a challenge and a truly gourmet Christmas dinner, this recipe from Food Network’s Alton Brown is sure to garner “oohs” and “ahhs” around the dining room table, thanks to its succulent blend of flavors and impressive presentation. Rich and savory, lamb is definitely not like turkey — not even close. For the recipe and instructional video from Food Network, click here.

Signature Winter Cocktails For A Spectacular Holiday Party

You’ve built the perfect bar for holiday entertaining, now it’s time to host your first party. Make it an evening to remember by offering a signature winter cocktail along with your standard pairings.

From spicy to sweet, here are a few of our favorite winter cocktails that are sure to make your holiday party spectacular.

Eggnog

Eggnog is synonymous with the holidays, so it seems only appropriate to serve up this classic cocktail. Made by mixing eggs, milk, and sugar with bourbon, this frothy and festive beverage will definitely bring holiday cheer to your home bar.

Eggnog can be a labor of love (you’ll need to pull out your stand mixer), so feel free to opt for a pre-made version if homemade isn’t feasible. Just remember to buy an extra bottle of bourbon for your home bar. Most store bought versions are alcohol free, and you’ll want to spike your eggnog before serving. Top off this festive favorite with a sprinkle of nutmeg and celebrate the season with your guests.

2. Sangria

Empty your wine storage cabinet and whip up a colorful pitcher of this Spanish punch. Holiday sangria has a hint of cinnamon, which makes it a great cocktail to serve during winter months. It’s deep red hue also gives it a festive flair.

To make a classic sangria, you’ll need a good spanish wine (like rioja or tempranillo), brandy, orange juice, sugar, club soda and fresh, seasonal fruit. To give it a holiday twist, add some cinnamon sticks and pomegranate seeds to your recipe. You can make your sangria the night before or morning of a party, so that the flavors can steep for a few hours before serving.

3. Brandy Alexander

Have you had this delicious brandy drink before? It calls for cognac, creme de cacao and cream. Your guests will love it because it’s creamy and slightly sweet. You’ll be a fan because it’s truly one of the easiest drinks to make.

Simply shake brandy, creme de cacao and cream with ice. Then strain into a glass and serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg. It’s a timeless winter cocktail that will give your holiday party a retro feel in the best way possible.

4. Peppermint Martini

There are a few different ways to make a peppermint martini, but all routes lead to a refreshing winter cocktail. This version on Allrecipes, recommends mixing vanilla flavored vodka with peppermint schnapps and creme de menthe. Smirnoff shares an easy recipe that combines their peppermint twist vodka with Baileys Original Irish Cream.

Whichever recipe you go with, always serve with a mini candy cane. It’s the perfect garnish for this cocktail and a fun treat for your guests.

5. Champagne Cocktail

There’s no better way to say cheers than with a glass of bubbly. But rather than just pouring your guests a glass of champagne, put together this easy champagne cocktail at your next holiday party.

This simple drink features champagne, bitters and a sugar cube. For something a little fancier, follow Martha Stewart’s instructions to replace the sugar cube with candied ginger.

And if you have a refrigerated wine storage cabinet in your home bar, keep a few extra bottles chilled. Champagne cocktails are always a crowd pleaser.