. We have often heard of the proverb ‘home is where the heart is’ and of course the words ‘home sweet home’. Home makers and most mothers love to pamper the family and make the above words a virtual reality. Amongst their many day to day activities kitchen plays a key role and often the family members gather round the kitchen looking for eats, small drinks or a proper full course meal. Running the household and maintaining a good kitchen is very often left wholly to the discretion of the householder or to the women in the house. Running a modern day kitchen with all the modern amenities is not a small task. Most people would recommend a sleek, modular and elegant looking finish for the kitchen. Below are some helpful good tips for maintaining a neat, hygienic and well cared for kitchen.

1. Place colourful looking ceramic jars or glass jars with small eats or candies in a visible and handy place. This adds colour and gives the kitchen a homely touch.

2. Every now and then take some pulses and sprout them. Using them in salads etc gives the family the much needed diet fibres and proteins and all these at no extra cost.

3. Pot some basil, lettuce or spinach on the kitchen window. They come in handy and at the same time give the kitchen a well maintained fresh look.

4. Store nuts, raisins in the refrigerator to give it a longer life span.

5. Keep some drinking water in a jar handy so that one can drink whenever thirsty.

6. Cleaning the kitchen surface with detergent and anti-bacterial spray keeps it neat, tidy and ready-to use.

7. Cooking oil, dispenser can be kept on a tray lined with aluminium foil or butter paper to prevent spilling and soiling the area around.

8. Planning a few minutes before you really start cooking is advisable. You can assemble what you need and make the whole process seem simple, neat and well coordinated.

9. Use fresh vegetables and do not overcook them as they may lose much of the vitamins and minerals.

10. With summer round the corner keep your kitchen well stocked with lots of fresh fruits and try to make natural fruit juice or smoothies. These simple tips help you maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle too.