Tuesday, November 29, 2011
ScentSicles
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to decorate the Christmas tree. You already know how to make it beautiful and now you can make it fragrant with the new ScentSicles scented ornaments.
Available in four inviting holiday scents including Fresh-Cut Fir, Fresh-Cut Pine, Fresh-Cut Spruce, and Cinnamon Stick, ScentSicles can also be hung from tree boughs or tucked into wreaths and garlands. ScentSicles.com, 6 sticks for $6.99.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Control indoor allergies
It may not be springtime, but allergies are just as present during the fall and winter months. Since it’s cooler out, chances are that you’ll be spending more time indoors, so make your home as allergy resistant as you can with these tips from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Reduce humidity as much as possible
Reducing humidity decreases dust mite and mold growth. Air conditioners help reduce the humidity as well as prevent the exposure of outdoor allergens. You can reduce the number of outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold from entering the home by keeping windows and doors closed and the air conditioner set on recirculate.
Improve indoor air quality
Control dust mites by keeping surfaces in the home clean and uncluttered. It’s best to have bare floors and walls, especially in the bedroom where you spend one-third of your time. If you must have carpet, opt for throw rugs that can be washed or low-pile carpets.
Care for pillows and mattresses
Put zippered allergen impermeable or plastic covers on all pillows, mattresses and box springs. Encasing mattresses works better than air cleaners to reduce allergy symptoms. Every week, wash bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in hot water (130 degree F.) to kill mites.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The alternative wedding
Whether you’re looking to save money or break away from the traditional wedding, Cara Davis, author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot has some tips on how to make your wedding day really yours.
Shorter Wedding Dresses
Knee-length wedding dresses are more practical and more personalized for today’s bride. But shorter doesn’t mean dowdy, dresses can be glammed up or have a vintage feel. Clothing stores such as J.Crew and White House Black Market are now carrying their own lines, giving brides an affordable option. Another place to try is Etsy, where brides can pick up a custom hand-made gown for as little as $40.
Cultural Cues
Food cart fare is showing up in the pre-wedding cocktail hour and the after-party. Culturally significant themes like retro Asian flavors and ethnic icons like sushi, ninjas, geisha girls and Chinese lanterns are being used in inventive ways. Vintage board games are showing up as Monopoly pieces in bouquets and Scrabble letter tiles as signs for the buffet.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Never do laundry again
If you have enough on your plate, and the last thing you want to do is your laundry, then check out LaundryLocal.com. The new service, which is currently available in New York City and Los Angeles, is easy and convenient to use and completely done online. Just go to their website, enter your location, and then schedule a pick-up and delivery time with one of the pre-screened launderers and dry cleaners. If you’re a bit nitpicky, you can even customize your order with special instructions. Afterward, go online to check on your order and pay for the service.
One thing to note is that prices vary by store and that launderers and dry cleaners charge by the piece with a $35 minimum. If you’re in a time crunch and need pieces back that same day, be sure to pick a location that offers same day service. And if you’re going out of town or on vacation and can’t pick up your laundry right away, they will hold it without a storage fee.
You can also call 1-888-702-WASH for customer service questions and more information.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Trim your shrubs the right way!
Spring is in full bloom and now is the time to get your shrubs in shape. Expert gardener Carol Chernega says, “Instead of giving your shrubs a bad haircut, it’s actually very simple to give them a day at the spa, instead.” Here are her tips for getting it right and making your neighbors envious.
Know What You’re Pruning
Carefully look at your garden and identify what you’re going to be pruning. Use the internet to identify them if you don’t already know. You want to learn how the shrub should look so you can prune it to maintain its natural shape.
Cut Back to the Branch
Always cut back to a bud or branching point. Never leave a long stub. A stub will look ugly and it also invites insects and diseases that may cause long term problems.
Cut the Dead Weight First
Cut out the dead or broken branches before you cut anything else. Sometimes removing a dead branch will leave a big gap, so by doing these first, you’ll be able to tailor the rest of your pruning to compensate for that gap.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Get your taxes organized
It’s time to do your taxes but you don’t even know where to start. First thing you’ll want to do is get organized. “Eliminating unnecessary paperwork and storing tax files in one organized, secure place is vital to a stress-free tax filing process,” says Rebecca Smith, Vice President, Marketing for Master Lock. “By creating and maintaining a master storage system, individuals can not only ease the tax filing process, but also enjoy a feeling of preparedness year-round.”
Purge the paperwork
Clear the clutter. Go through all paperwork and eliminate what you no longer need. Shred identifying documents to protect against identity theft. Get rid of expired warranties and year-old receipts and bank statements.
Safely store crucial records
Designate a specific storage space for important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, wills, and social security cards. These items, as well as any important memorabilia, should be stored in a locked, fire retardant box such as Master Lock’s 7142D storage box.