Author: oi_admin

3 Easy Steps to Save Your Home from Cleaning Overwhelm

Posted on February 18, 2015 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Healthy Soul

Life is busy. Between work, family, and personal obligations, the chaos of everyday life can leave your home feeling like it’s one step away from becoming a disaster zone. And let’s face it — trying to tackle the cleaning on top of life’s other responsibilities can feel downright overwhelming. But don’t worry! In just a few simple steps, you can save yourself from cleaning stress and reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind. Here's how:

Recognize When You Need Help

The first step to tackling cleaning overwhelm is admitting you don’t have to do it all. Let’s be honest: scrubbing the shower at 9 p.m. or folding laundry while catching up on emails isn’t anyone’s idea of a balanced lifestyle. Acknowledging that professional help could make things easier isn’t giving up; it’s leveling up. Hiring a professional cleaning service doesn’t just save time—it frees you from the mental load of constantly juggling chores.

Imagine walking into a spotless home at the end of a long day. No clutter, no dust, no stress. It’s like pressing the reset button on your living space (and your mind).

Choose the Right Cleaning Service

Not all cleaning services are created equal, so take the time to choose a provider that fits your needs. Look for companies that offer reliable, high-quality service and use eco-friendly cleaning solutions. A professional team can handle the detailed, time-intensive cleaning tasks (think baseboards, grout lines, and those forgotten corners behind the furniture), so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Pro tip: A company like Maid Brigade can make your home sparkle while using non-toxic, environmentally friendly products that are safe for your family and pets. Why just clean your home when you can create a safer, healthier environment too?

Maintain Between Cleanings

Even with a professional cleaning service, small daily habits can help maintain your home between visits. Set aside a few minutes each day to tackle simple tasks like wiping down counters, putting away clutter, or vacuuming high-traffic areas. Better yet, involve the entire household. Assigning small tasks to everyone makes cleaning feel less like a chore and more like teamwork.

Consistency is key. By keeping up with minor cleaning tasks, you’ll enjoy the lasting benefits of a fresh, welcoming home without the stress of things slowly piling up over time.

Reclaim Your Time and Peace of Mind

Cleaning doesn’t have to play a star role in your life. YOU should play a star role in your life — calling the shots, hiring a cleaning service, and enjoying the pursuit of your goals and passions in a safe, squeaky-clean environment. After all, when you schedule a professional house cleaning service like Maid Brigade, you’re investing in more than just a clean home. You’re investing in yourself. Imagine a cleaner home, a healthier home, and a better future. Imagine spending less time scrubbing and more time creating memories with the people you care about. A professional service takes care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on what truly matters.

Ready to ditch the overwhelm and embrace a clean, stress-free home? Contact your local Maid Brigade today and let us handle the cleaning while you focus on living your best life.

8 Surefire Ways to Banish Lipstick Stains

Posted on February 12, 2015 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Stains. No matter how hard we try to avoid them, they seem to show up in our lives one way or another! Take lipstick for example. I love wearing lipstick. Lipstick comes in a variety of colors and brightens up my face instantly. But sometimes my favorite lipsticks leave the worst stains on my clothes. How can I remove these annoying lipstick stains? Naturally, of course!

The majority of lipsticks are made from oil, wax, and pigment, which means there are three different stains that need to be removed before the spot of lipstick is completely gone from the fabric. Removing nude or lightly-pigmented lipstick takes just a few steps, but darker colors, like red, brown, and hot pink, may need a more intense process.

If you are lucky enough to tackle the problem right away, soap and water dabbed on can usually do the trick of removing the stains. Older stains might require a little more work. Dabbing the stain with small circular motions is better than scrubbing because scrubbing sets the stain even deeper. If soap doesn’t do the trick right away, further measures are needed.

First, try and remove as much wax and oil as you can by blotting with a clean, damp paper towel or cloth.

Next, try one of these wonderful tips:

Dab the stained area with a cotton ball saturated with rubbing alcohol. Dab the fabric repeatedly until the stains come out. Remember not to rub the stain so it doesn’t spread.
Dab the area with some petroleum jelly. After, apply a couple drops of white vinegar and rinse with cool water.

Rubbing alcohol and petroleum jelly work the same way by binding to the lipstick’s pigmentation and oils which loosens them from the fabric and make them easier to wash away.

Aerosol hairspray is another option that lifts stains out of cotton and synthetic fabrics. Spray the hairspray at a close range, then blot with cold water. For silk fabrics, spray hairspray on stain, place a piece of tape over the stain then rip the tape off quickly. The lipstick separates itself from the fabric and sticks to the tape. If there is still some stain left, sprinkle some talcum powder on the stain and tap the stain with your finger. Shake off excess powder and repeat if necessary.

Remove stains off your white fabrics by soaking them in vinegar. The vinegar breaks down the stain components and loosens them. Just soak the item in vinegar for a few minutes and launder normally. Hang dry.
Lemon juice or lemon wedges rubbed onto the stain can also break down and remove lipstick stains. Dab repeatedly and launder as usual. Hang dry.
Because shaving cream is aerated soap, apply a quarter-sized amount of white shaving cream to stain. Wait about 15 minutes and dab stain with a damp cloth. Next, rinse with water or club soda.
If baking soda is your thing, scoop a spoonful of baking soda onto the stain and gently scrub the baking soda into the stain using an old toothbrush. Add a little more baking soda and a few drops of vinegar onto the spot and watch it foam. Lightly scrub spot with a toothbrush until the stain disappears. Launder as usual.
Massage some white toothpaste into the lipstick stain. Rinse with cool water. Repeat if necessary.

Be sure to wash the fabric within a few hours after pre-treating the stain. Follow the garment’s regular laundering instructions.

The 5 Best Ways to Exercise While Cleaning Your Home

Posted on January 23, 2015 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

I hate to admit it but the only exercise I have done lately is when I am running late! Let’s face it, our lives are busy. They are consumed with a variety of places we need to be and errands we need to do. By the time we have a spare moment to ourselves, we are faced with the decision of whether to clean our messy homes or start that new exercise routine we swore we were going to accomplish sometime soon. And no matter which we decide to devote our time to, we feel guilty about not doing the other.

I say, put an end to our inner guilt and combine exercising with housecleaning! After all, short bouts of exercise can improve our fitness. All we need to do is work at a brisk pace when cleaning our homes so we can burn lots of calories.

Just crank up your favorite music, tie those tennis shoes, get out those cleaning supplies and follow these great tips:

Combine lunges with vacuuming. Lunge forward to work your hips, thighs, and buttocks. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees at 90 degrees. Don’t let your knees go out farther than your toes. Alternate your legs. Switch hands every five strokes.
Laundry squats and lifts. When carrying the laundry basket, tone your arms by keeping them raised at a 90° angle as you carry the laundry basket. Work your legs with squats and lunges as you fold. When you are sorting the laundry basket out, hold a squat as you do it.
Squats and lifts can also be done when dusting the sides of the door frames. When ironing, keep the laundry basket on the floor rather than on a raised surface. This way you have to bend and stretch to reach the clothes.
Work shoulders and arms when washing windows, showers, scrubbing floors and mopping floors. Dust furniture in a circular motion. Use a little more force when scrubbing or wiping to increase calorie burning. For a more intense workout, scrub your floors instead of mopping them. This is great for your core muscles! As you wash the floor on your knees, hold the cloth with both hands and push your arms out in front of you. Contract your abdomen muscles each time you lean forward. As you move straight forward, lean side to side. Lunges can also be done when mopping, just be careful not to slip.
Worktop press ups/knee ups. While you are waiting for the kettle to boil, do standing press ups by leaning on the edge of your countertop. Before you begin, make sure the counter is dry so you do not slip. If you have time left then also try some knee ups by using the corner of the worktop.

Other things to consider:

Don’t let things pile up at the bottom of the stairs. Take each item upstairs as soon as you need to. Use ankle and wrist weights while cleaning to challenge your muscles more.
Sometimes fast music can increase intensity.
Set a limit to do chores (an average time is 30 minutes).
Pick things up by squatting.
Stretch!
Peeling, chopping, stirring, whisking and beating all burn more calories than heating up leftovers in a microwave oven.
In the outdoors, gardening, weeding, digging, mowing the lawn, trimming hedges and sweeping are also great muscle toners and calorie burners.
Squat while snacking. “Your buns will burn and binging will be swept aside,”
Do squats while washing your hands. The more you do this, the more it’s likely to turn into a habit.

Polishing, dusting, mopping and sweeping are great for keeping arms shapely. Bending and stretching, while making the bed, washing windows or doing laundry, are good for toning thighs and improving flexibility. Also running up and down the stairs constantly as you tidy is a good aerobic workout.

Housework is a great way to burn calories. But as is the case with any workout, the more effort you put in, the greater the benefit. Always check with your doctor first before performing any physical activities.

7 Ways to Work Harder Not Smarter

Posted on January 20, 2015 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Nineteen years ago, on January 14, the “Bionic Woman” aired on television. I remember watching the show and being amazed at Jaime Sommer’s extraordinary abilities and all of the personal sacrifices she had to make in her new life as the bionic woman. Throughout her journey, Jaime’s inner strength and self-discovery helped Jaime embrace her new life as the first bionic woman.

Who knew that after all these years, I would have something in common with the bionic woman?

Not that I have amazing extraordinary abilities, but as a working woman, wife, and mother of three teenagers, I know all about re-discovering myself and sacrificing my personal time for my family, all while searching for inner strength to get me through the day.

Some days I feel like pulling out my own red superhero cape and wearing it while I juggle the full-time demands of work, motherhood, volunteering, and running daily errands. It seems there is just not enough hours in the day to complete my long list of things “to do.” It’s too bad human beings need sleep!

But accomplishing your daily activities can be rewarding and make you feel like a superhero. Here are seven tips to keep in mind while you go about your day:

After all these years of managing a family and a full-time career, I learned the art of self-discipline. Without it, I cannot accomplish my goals or stay on task. The skill of self-discipline helps balance my requirements of working full-time with the demands of my three children and their SIX extracurricular activities. Self-discipline is very important because it builds self-esteem which promotes positive thinking, better work ethics and ultimately success. It is one habit worth learning!
Learn how to work efficiently in five minutes. Take Super heroes, for example. Most Super heroes do their best, most efficient work by “saving the day” in five minutes or less. Impress yourself by taking those spare moments you have and make the most of them. Deep breathe, do small exercises, meditate, walk the dog, make a phone call, send an email, read an article, fold a basket of laundry, wipe off a few countertops, or spend a few minutes with your children.
Stick to your boundaries. This is so difficult for me to do at times, especially on the days I am working from home. My family space now becomes my work space. If I don’t set clear boundaries, I would be working all day and all night. Design a schedule for yourself and stick with it. Include work time, family time, and fun time. Try not to answer emails or phone messages on family time. Surround yourself with people who will support you and honor your boundaries.
Once your boundaries are set, work on limiting your distractions. Turn off the television, stay off the social media sites, stop texting, and accomplish what you set out to do in the first place.
Set Small Goals each day. Setting goals will help you stay motivated and focused. Make sure they are attainable and clear.
Lessen your stress and increase your productivity by staying organized. Clean up after you leave the room. Complete only the tasks for the day on the list. Prepare materials you will need the night before to save time. Be sensible, persistent, and organized. Work in sequence by concentrating on one task at a time. Working in sequence keeps you focused.
Most importantly, love yourself. Allow yourself the time you need to unwind and find balance. It is perfectly fine to put your needs first to regain the energy you need to be the Superhero we all know and love!

The Latest Trends for a Green Lifestyle

Posted on January 16, 2015 by oi_admin - Healthy Home, Uncategorized

About ten years ago I decided to change my lifestyle into a greener, more eco-friendly way of life. I thought it was going to be one of the toughest things to do but it wasn’t. Of course, after the first few days, when “change” is at its toughest, it was difficult at times, but after a few weeks, the transition of going green was one of the healthiest things I did for myself, my family and our environment.

Becoming green isn’t just a New Year’s Resolution that comes and goes, it is a permanent lifestyle change. You can start out small by sorting and recycling your cardboard, aluminum, glass and plastic into separate bins. Once your recycling becomes a daily habit, add another change, for example, water conservation into your routine. There are so many things to choose from, all depending on how environmentally conscious you want to be. Where should you start this wonderful change? How about on your phone!

The newest wave in 2015 for the environmentally conscious person are apps on your phone that will help consumers make environmentally-friendly decisions. For example, www.thinkdirtyapp.com compares ingredients in beauty and cosmetic products. While shopping, just scan the barcode to see if any of the product’s ingredients are known carcinogens, neurotoxins, or hormone disruptors.

How about finding info on where to buy the most sustainably grown vegetables? www.shft.com/foodtripping can do just that! Food Tripping is a GPS based app that points you towards the local farmer’s markets, cafes and juice bars.

Then there’s www.irecycle.com, an app that shows places where you can properly dispose household items like cell phones, grills, and paints.

In 2015, why not make your home a smart home? This year’s latest trends makes being green a lot easier at home. Smart thermostats will automatically adjust the climate in the home to save energy and can be controlled remotely from your phone. Remote controlled windows will soon be able to shut out heat on demand. Electric meters and appliances like refrigerators will be connected to the internet to help track how much energy is being used in the home every day. Having a smart home is useful in developing more efficient habits while reducing energy bills.

When it comes to food, growing your own is very beneficial. Attend a seed swapping event to see what it’s all about. Get used to brazing, curing, fermenting, and brewing your foods. Learn to compost all leftovers.

We all know that using solar panels is a better way to heat our homes, and driving hybrid vehicles are better for the environment. To help decrease the amount of waste created each day, here are some things to consider:

Conserve water when washing dishes, brushing teeth or shaving. Pre-soak dishes to reduce the amount of water spent on scrubbing the tough spots clean. Check for toilet leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color ends up in the bowl, replace the flip valve on the inside of the toilet. Turn off lights when not in use.

Always use reusable bags.

Buy a household plant to improve air quality and remove toxic indoor chemicals like trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde.

Stop buying bottled water.

Buy local and eat organic.

Plant a tree.

Ride your bike more.

Collect Rainwater.

Make your own natural household cleaners.

Go Paperless.

Become an advocate.

Be a voice. Many famous celebrities lend their time and effort to causes that make this world a better place. Businesses pay attention to these causes and most of the time respond with safer, more eco-friendly products. Those businesses that don’t respond positively can be encouraged to do the right thing by not buying their products. A good consumer boycott is the best and swiftest way to get companies to change. We all can make a difference in what happens to the planet.

To Stuff or Not To Stuff

Posted on December 19, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Every year when preparing the turkey for that scrumptious holiday feast, many Americans ask themselves the same question: “Should I stuff the turkey or cook the stuffing on the side?”

Throughout my years of cooking turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, I cook the stuffing outside the turkey the majority of the time. I haven’t had any complaints yet, but because most of my guests like the stuffing cooked inside the bird, I wanted to surprise them this year and give them what they have been yearning for.

As a “so-so” cook, this will be a challenge for me because in my opinion, cooking a stuffed bird is harder than cooking an unstuffed one. As a nurse, I have to make sure I cook this lovely feast properly so my guests don’t get sick.

Believe it or not, cooking a stuffed turkey has been linked to food-borne illness, mainly due to the cross-contamination of stuffing and turkey juices. Basically, if the stuffing does not reach the same internal temperature of the turkey, the bacteria from the turkey can survive during the cooking process.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million Americans, or 1 in 6 people, get sick from preventable food-borne illnesses each year, resulting in 3,000 deaths. Many of these illnesses come from time-saving methods, like stuffing the turkey the night before and thawing the bird on the counter.

Anyone can experience foodborne illness, but for pregnant women, babies and the elderly who may have fragile immune systems, it is more serious.

Don’t fret! There is hope of cooking a healthy stuffed bird as long as these simple measures to protect ourselves and our families are followed. It all starts with proper food handling and preparation.

Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator at 45 degrees and not on the counter. Thawing at room temperature promotes bacteria growth. Allow 24 hours of defrosting for each five pounds of turkey.

Wash your hands! Proper hand washing is critical. Wash hands before and after handling the turkey and other food items. When preparing your meal, thoroughly wash countertops, hands, cutting boards and utensils before and after contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from foods that will not be cooked.

When stuffing the turkey, stuff it loosely to ensure safe, even cooking. Since cooking a home-stuffed turkey is riskier than cooking a non-stuffed one, make sure the stuffing in the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Even if the turkey itself has reached the safe minimum internal temperature (measured in the innermost part of the thigh, the wing and the thickest part of the breast), the stuffing may not have reached a temperature high enough to destroy bacteria that may be present. Keep in mind bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165 °F, which could result in foodborne illness!

Do not interrupt the cooking process, as the interruption can promote bacteria growth.

Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, even if the turkey has a "pop up" temperature indicator. The “pop up” thermometer does not tell you the temperature of the stuffing.

Note the time that the food is kept out for guests to eat. Food kept out beyond two hours has a higher the risk of food poisoning. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

Store leftovers carefully. Remove stuffing from bird and slice the turkey before refrigerating. Store the turkey and stuffing in separate, covered containers and refrigerate at 45 degrees or below within two hours of cooking. Use leftover turkey and stuffing within four days, and gravy within two days.

Prevent food-borne illnesses from ruining your holiday feast by practicing safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices. This way your holiday is filled with health and happiness instead of trips to the bathroom!

For more helpful tips and information, log on to www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/poultry-preparation/lets-talk-turkey/CT_Index.

Top Things to do to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

Posted on December 18, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Home, Uncategorized

Every year the holiday season brings so many wonderful things into our lives – the beautiful decorations, the festive music, and the hopes of getting the presents you have always wished for. But during this merry time in our lives, nothing makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up more than hearing those two little words, “they’re here” and not being prepared for those wonderful house guests standing at the front door.

School is out, friends are over, relatives are visiting from out of town, and extended family members get together more often this time than any other time of year. In order to enjoy all these precious moments, my home must be fully cleaned and prepared at all times, no matter who walks through the front door.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your home is “guest-ready” this holiday season:

Perform a thorough cleaning throughout your home. Vacuum area rugs and carpets. Sweep and mop floors. Use a homemade all-purpose cleaner to clean all countertops and bathrooms. Change the air filter in the hallway. Add fresh-scented pinecones to bowls and centerpieces to help make the rooms smell festive.

To accommodate house guests who are staying over, make sure there are enough inflatable mattresses on hand. If not, go out and purchase a few inexpensive ones. Be sure to check the mattresses ahead of time for leaks and air pressure. Cover the air mattresses with bed linens and pillows.

The room where your visitors will be staying should be a cozy enough so guests feel at home. Make the bed with clean, fresh bed linens, and vacuum the floor. Supply your guests with basic items such as an alarm clock, magazines, books and proper lighting. Wipe the mirror down with a damp microfiber cloth. Supply some closet space and some hangers so guests can unpack with ease. Provide pillows, blankets, robes and slippers so your guests won't have to pack them. A luggage rack or small table is a thoughtful touch. If you have a dresser in your guest room, empty it and wipe down the drawers with a damp microfiber cloth. Lay out fresh clean towels, shampoos, soaps, water and a hairdryer. Fill a vase with fresh flowers and a dish with your guests' favorite candies. Go above and beyond to make sure the guest room is one of the coziest rooms in the house!

When food shopping, keep those house guests in mind! Stock your kitchen with their favorite snacks. Find out ahead of time what types of beverages they like to drink and have them on hand when they arrive. Ask your guests if they have allergies to things like food, pets, or dust. This way you can keep those items away from the guests for the duration of their stay.

When the guests arrive, give them a tour of your home. Show them where their rooms are. Be respectful by keeping the noise level to a minimum. So guests have enough time to unpack and relax a bit. Offer refreshments.

For those guests who like to “stay a little longer,” offer them the use of the house spare key. If there are codes to enter or exit the home, make sure they have them, if needed.

To help your guests get around, get some maps ready. Map out the surrounding area, flagging points of interest. Make sure they know the address of your home.

Create a guest account on your computer so that guests can check his/her email and use the Internet without having access to your personal files and information.

If you have elderly guests, make sure their walking paths are free and clear to avoid accidents.

In the foyer, make sure guests have a place to hang their hat and coat and remove their shoes.

Make sure the entryway of your home is swept and neat. Add some ice melts to walkways and door entrances if the weather calls for snow or ice.

Light a fire in the fireplace to keep your guests cozy and warm.

Give your guests a “heads up” on tomorrows early morning schedule. Let them know when breakfast is usually served and when showers are usually taken.

Most importantly, focus on your guests. Switch gears, going from guest preparation mode to wonderful hostess mode. Make your guests feel comfortable, but most of all, remember to have fun!

Fear Not for Behold, a Solution for a Brilliantly Smooth Holiday Season

Posted on December 8, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

The holidays are such a mixed blessing…there’s the family time, good food, honoring old traditions and making new ones. And then there are the preparations and all the stress they bring. If you’re like us, by the middle of the month you’re ready to pull your hair out and the idea of eggnog seems more tempting than ever. Fear not for behold, we have a solution! Spend an hour with us on December 18^th at 1:00 pm ET to attend our last-minute holiday help webinar:

“Brilliantly Smooth Holidays – Keeping your Home AND Your Head!”

Susan Wenner-Jackson, founder of the popular blog Working Moms Against Guilt, will host a moderated panel discussion exploring ways to help you pull off the holidays brilliantly, while maintaining your sanity! Get great advice and last-minute tips from renowned cooking, decorating, entertaining and home-making experts to help make this holiday season smoother, less stressful and more enjoyable. So grab a fresh cup of coffee or tea, close the door to your office, put on your phone head set, and get some great advice to help you hold it together while holding forth through the holidays!

Here’s an idea of what you’ll learn during this lunch-hour webinar:

Cleaning & House Prep Tips for Entertaining: Marie Stegner, Consumer Health Advocate for Maid Brigade, shares healthy and affordable cleaning, organizing and decorating.

Festive Food: Kerry Dunnington, Culinary Consultant, Caterer, Food Author gives us tips and exciting ideas for holiday dining.

Balancing It All: Liz O’donnell, Work/Life Balance expert, Author, Blogger and Huffington Post Writer helps us enjoy merriment not meltdowns.

Organizing Holiday Gear: Sarah Buckwalter, Certified Professional Organizer and Founder of Organizing Boston and Organizing University, tells us how to tame our string lights, curly ribbon, wrapping tissue and more.

So don’t let your guest lists, grocery lists, and general To Do lists get the better of you this holiday season. Mark your calendar and relax knowing help is on the way!

Click here for more information and to register.

Green Holiday Decoration Ideas

Posted on December 4, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

I love the holidays. I love everything about them. As a native New Yorker, going to New York City during the holidays is the best! From the Thanksgiving parade to ice skating under an 85 foot Christmas tree in the middle of New York City, I have experienced it all!

One of the things that make the holidays special are the decorations. Houses and buildings, parks and trees, cars and boats, are all decorated for this festive time of year! Beautiful shining lights, red poinsettias and decorated strands of garland can make anything look spectacular!

Every year I decorate the inside and outside of my home a little different from the previous year, but the underlying theme of “green” never changes. Since I am a traditional style girl at heart, my home is always filled with holiday decorations that make you feel like you are “walking in a winter wonderland.”

Here are some of my favorite green decoration ideas for the holidays:

Small indoor plants and a few medium-sized Christmas trees combined with silver, gold, white and beige candles look elegant. The natural aroma of the trees and the beautiful shades and textures of the plants keeps your home smelling fresh. Each room is decorated with its own unique design by bringing the outdoors in by using berries, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, tree branches, ribbons and small homemade ornaments. Add a few small figurines here and there and voila, you transformed your home into a timeless display of elegance!
Add a touch of nature to your front porch and your windows by decorating them with evergreens, pine, red bows and ribbons. Fill your planters with branches of different evergreens and sticks spray- painted silver and white. Add some faux snow or berry branches for a pop of color.
Indoors, mix and match small indoor plants and larger evergreens in groups. Display plants in white, antique white, black or gray containers to create a more peaceful look. Use indoor plants like ivy and poinsettia, which have lush foliage. Use branches with holly berries or ones from rowan trees.
Drape some fresh pine roping over your fireplace mantel. Add some pine cones, branches of evergreens and red berries to the roping. Use beautiful red ribbon and hang bird ornaments, stockings, or any other traditional decorations made of glass, wood or metal along the roping. Add a touch of sisal twine or burlap to complete the look. Fill old, larger lanterns with round ornaments and smaller ones with candles and display on fireplace mantels. Place small topiary trees green moss balls in planters on the mantel. Wrap moss and green leaves around candles of all sizes and use a centerpiece for the mantel or a table. Hang a gorgeous evergreen wreath on the wall over the mantel for a stunning look.
Decorate your home using small indoor plants with lush foliage, like ivy and poinsettia. Add touches of outdoor elegance by decorating with branches of holly berries, and evergreens. Add red ribbons to larger topiary trees and place in the corners of your rooms. Display white, gold, and silver candles along your tables for a final touch.
Create table decorations by using bouquets of Christmas balls and evergreen twigs. Use an old cleaned out vegetable can for the vase. Place cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, or berries in small glass jars and place them on bathroom countertops. For the kitchen, add some evergreen twigs to a basket of apples and use as a centerpiece.

How do you decorate your home for the holidays? Share your ideas with us below!

Small Things to be Thankful for in A Big Way

Posted on November 25, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

“It’s the small things in life that count.” People have said this to me my entire life, and you know what? It’s true.

In two days, people all over the country will be celebrating Thanksgiving with their loved ones. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on our lives, to be grateful for the things we usually take advantage of, and for our families and loved ones that fill our hearts with joy and laughter throughout the year. For some of us, it is a time to “let go” and re-group, and for others, it is a time to think positive and move forward. Whatever path you decide to follow, be thankful for the little things that got you there in the first place.

Two years ago my mother and fourteen of my relatives had their houses destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. To this day, most of the homes are almost repaired except for my mothers. My mother lost her home, and is still waiting to rebuild her house. She has been in and out of three different rental homes since. Throughout the aftermath of Sandy, such an emotionally tragic and unexpected time, where the bad completely out-weighed the good, there was always a ray of hope and kindness from strangers, volunteers and organizations like the Red Cross to keep us going. I will be forever grateful for the little things, like a bottle of water, food, a napkin, toilet paper, clean socks, dry gloves, a cup of coffee, a hug, a fork, a spoon, and a blanket, that were so desperately needed and given to us without any questions asked. In such a devastating time, I realized how caring people can actually be.

Besides my husband and children, here are some other things I am grateful for….

Life and the air that fill my lungs each day.
Our beautiful planet Earth, where life begins.
Good health, for myself and my family.
My mind, so I can think, store memories, and create new ideas.
Animals and pets, which bring endless joy to my family every day.
The sun, for shedding light and beauty on us.
Technology, computers, cell phones, etc. that are so integral to our lives.
Transportation, so we can explore our planet and rekindle friendships.
Comedy/Happiness, to keep the laughter and joy in our world.
My job, where I can add value to our world.
Love, which helps me feel alive.
A higher power to lean on, learn from and pray to for strength, support, faith, and hope.
Me…for being me and touching the world with my presence.

Sometimes we take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude the most. Learning to appreciate the small things in life plays a bigger role in creating a peaceful and happy world. This holiday season, take a few minutes to reflect on the good things in our lives and realize how blessed we all are.

How often do you pause to appreciate what you have in life?

Planning for the Holidays: Quick Tips

Posted on November 18, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

The holidays are approaching and family and friends are on the move. With three kids and a family who often gathers at my house during the holidays, I know all too well how stressful this time can be for busy moms.

Advance organization, cleaning, and planning can go a long way. When work and daily family commitments don’t leave a lot of extra time, a little preparation will help ensure you enjoy what matters most during this time of the year.

To help, below are seven quick housecleaning tips to kick-start your holiday visitor prep.

Organize and Offer Comfort

De-Clutter

Is your hall closet overflowing with coats from every season? Leave the ones you use every day and move the rest to bedroom closets or other free spaces. Provide extra hangers so guest coats have a place to live. Remove photo frames and knick-knacks that could be easily broken or will be in the way of holiday decorations. As for that pile of magazines, if you haven’t read them in the last month to the recycling bin they go.

Provide Space and Essentials

Make sure there is room in spare room closets or drawers for guests to put their clothes. Does your home office double as your guest room? Pick up a few file boxes to store important papers so they are out of the way. Put together a basket of essentials like a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap so guests are comfortable and have everything they need.

Clean Highly Visible, But Often Overlooked, Areas

Tabletop Moisture Rings

Someone forget to use a coaster? Rings from a wet glass can be removed using white vinegar, olive oil, and a microfiber cloth. Mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Apply with a microfiber cloth moving with the wood grain. Use a second, clean microfiber cloth to shine it up after.

Furniture Shine

This all natural furniture polish works like a charm! Mix 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into a thin paste. With a microfiber cloth, dab into the paste and rub it into the furniture applying a thin layer. Flip the microfiber cloth over, and polish.

Bathroom Caulk

Clean soap scum build up on bathroom caulk by sprinkling or wiping baking soda on the caulk. Then, fill a clean plastic spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Spray the vinegar over the baking soda. This will create a fizzy reaction that will help remove dirt. Scrub the vinegar and baking soda into the caulking. Rinse the mixture clean with hot water.

Meal Preparation and Kitchen Basics

Food Plan

Having a plan and schedule for meals prevents a whole lot of chaos. Any food restrictions, allergies, or special diet requests to consider for holiday meals and daily snacks? Create a shopping list well in advance to make sure everyone is taken care of. And let’s not forget that it saves you multiple trips to the store!

Cutting Boards and Countertops

While cooking, disinfect cutting boards using all-natural kitchen cleaners like lemon juice. Use only non-porous chopping blocks and cutting boards for food preparation as wood grain can harbor bacteria. Apply disinfectants to countertops and other kitchen surfaces throughout the cooking process. Remember to allow the solution to sit for several minutes before wiping for maximum kill benefit.

The Attitude of Gratitude (and How it Can Help You Live a Better Life)

Posted on November 12, 2014 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

“…And in all things, give thanks”

~ the Apostle Paul

All my life I have always been told to be “nice, to give back, to pay it forward and to treat others the way I want to be treated.” When I was young, this didn’t mean that much to me, but as a nurse and a mother, it means the world to me.

Being able to say just two simple words, “thank you,” from the heart can bring happiness, not just to others, but also to ourselves.

In the workforce, it is an expression of appreciation which can boost morale and performance and facilitate better working relationships. In the medical field, hearing a quick “thank you” from a patient you are taking care of makes you want to give back more. As a mother of three beautiful children, instilling good manners and teaching them to be thankful at an early age can pave the road for a lifetime of health, happiness and greater optimism.

As an added bonus, saying “thank you” can also help our body’s immune system by reducing stress. Research has shown that grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more positive health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular routine physical examinations.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of all the things we are grateful for, like the air in our lungs, the food on our table and the roof over our heads. But being grateful should be practiced on a daily basis, not just once a year during Thanksgiving.

How do you practice gratitude? By being grateful. Focus on three things you are grateful for each day. Being alive, having enough money to buy lunch, having quality “me” time while stuck in traffic, etc. Over time, you will feel better about your life and be more optimistic about your future. Keep a weekly gratitude journal or make a daily calendar out of sticky notes to remind yourself of all the positive things in your life.

Learn to express gratitude and thanks to others. Being able to give and to receive works wonders on your heart, which leads to a happier, healthier, more peaceful life.

Gratitude helps us manage stress. Being able to feel “thankful” can help us cope with our daily problems and reduce stress. Stress is linked to cancer and heart disease and it is one of the top reasons why people go to their primary care physician.

Being grateful leads to being optimistic which leads to a stronger immune system. Research has shown that thinking positive has an effect on the immune system.

If you are facing a tough situation in your life, try and focus on how this situation can be beneficial in the long run.

When dealing with difficult people, improve your understanding and patience by re-analyzing a situation with a better, more positive attitude.

Now that you know how gratitude can make your life better, what are ways in which you'll express it? Share your thoughts with me below!