Author: oi_admin

Shop Healthy by Avoiding Germs

Posted on December 14, 2012 by - Healthy Body

Planning on doing a little holiday shopping this weekend?

If so, protect yourself from cold and virus germs that may be lingering in those crowded stores:

Hand washing.  Proper hand washing is the key to protecting yourself from germs.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that hand washing is the most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Got cough?  Colds are easily spread after someone coughs or sneezes into their hands and then touches another surface.  This happens over and over in stores, especially at the countertops near the check out line.

Keep your germs to yourself by coughing into your elbow or shoulder and not your hands.

Stay hydrated.  Remember to drink water throughout the day while shopping so you stay hydrated and energized.  Drinking fluids throughout the day helps boost your immune system, which can fight off germs.

Eat right.  Instead of sugary snacks and greasy fast food, pack a granola bar and a piece of fruit ahead of time and snack on healthy snacks while shopping.  Healthier foods keep your energy level up which can help make your holiday shopping easier.

 

 

 

A Ban on BPA

Posted on December 6, 2012 by - News, Uncategorized

A recent vote by Suffolk County Legislature has made Suffolk County, New York the first in the nation to implement a ban on retail receipts coated with the chemical BPA, which is linked to breast and prostate cancers and other disorders.

Paper for sales receipts is coated with BPA so that it reacts to heat to create a printed image.  This paper is used at gas stations, retailers, and restaurants.

BPA is a synthetic estrogen which can alter the immune system, cause cancer risks, and cause hyperactivity and reproductive problems.

In 2009, Suffolk was the first in the nation to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles and children's sippy cups.  Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that BPA would no longer be allowed in baby bottles and cups.

Hopefully, other states will follow and ban BPA too.

 

sources:

New York Times

 

 

Removing Stubborn Wax

Posted on November 29, 2012 by - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things to do.  Because my daughter was born on Thanksgiving ten years ago, I have Thanksgiving dinner in my home.  This way we can celebrate my daughter's birthday and Thanksgiving at the same time with all the people we love.  About five days after the birthday/Thanksgiving celebration, we decorate for Christmas.

Because I use alot of candles as decorative pieces, I have a lot of wax buildup in my candle holders and votives.  It used to take me so long to try and get the wax out that sometimes I would just give up and place a new candle on top of the old wax, or I would go and buy new holders.  But not anymore!

This year, I tried two new ways to get candle wax out of my candleholders that I would like to share with you.  Now we can all have fresh, clean , beautiful looking candles and holders to decorate our homes with this holiday season:

The freezer method:

After the candle wax in the votive has cooled completely, place the votive holder in the freezer.  You can keep it in there for a few hours, or even overnight.  The freezing temperature will cause the wax to shrink, which will eventually release it from the glass votive holder.

After taking the votive holder out of the freezer, apply a little pressure to the wax.  The wax should pop right out.  If the wax does not come out, try using a spoon or a butterknife and pry around the edges until it comes loose.

To make the glass shine, clean it with vinegar.

The heat method:

Pour abour and inch of boiling water into a flat container that is big enough to hold all of the votives that need to be cleaned.  Place the holders into the container and leave them there for a few minutes.  Using a spoon or a butterknife, pry around the edges of the wax until it gets loose enough to pull out.

Clean and shine the glass with vinegar.

Giving Thanks

Posted on November 22, 2012 by - Healthy Soul, Uncategorized

I would like to share an article that I recently wrote for Maid Brigade's "Green Clean Certified" site.  I hope you enjoy it.  Happy Thanksgiving!

“What happened, where is the rest of it?”
“It’s gone, it’s all gone.”
She dropped to her knees and sobbed like I have never seen before.
     …This is a conversation I never thought I would have, but unfortunately will always remember.
      The aftermath of hurricane Sandy has left many people homeless. Those who once had the simplest things like food, shelter, clothing, heat and electricity, now have nothing.
     I have fifteen relatives that live on the south shore of Long Island, New York that have been affected by hurricane Sandy. Two homes were lost completely and the other thirteen had their main floors, garages, cars and boats destroyed. Most of them still do not have heat or power to this day. The neighborhood that I grew up in looked like a war zone. It was absolutely heartbreaking.
     As I watch my mother scrambling through the streets sifting through muck, oil and gasoline, trying to find even a trace of something that wasn’t destroyed, like her photo albums, her good china, or other valuable contents that were swept out of her home, I wonder how we are all going to get through this. The weather is turning cold and my mother just lost everything she owned.
     ….But we are getting through this…it is tough, but we are.
     I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to all of those people that have donated their time to help our community and those in need after the hurricane. The outpouring of kindness and generosity that I have experienced these last few weeks is something I will cherish forever.
     Because it’s Thanksgiving, I wanted to end this article with a two minute video that I found of a reporter who tells how his heart was touched by a man he met for only a short time. The message that the reporter is trying to give is exactly how I feel. Please watch it and pass it on.
     Happy Thanksgiving.

Giving-Thanks-After-Sandy*

Who Should Win?

Posted on November 19, 2012 by - News, Uncategorized

Our finalists for Maid Brigade's "Multi-Tasker Makeover" contest have been chosen!

Now it is all up to you to help us decide who should be the winner....

Log on to http://on.fb.me/Zma8ms to watch their videos and help us choose a winner!

A Healthier Way to Disinfect

Posted on November 19, 2012 by - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

When the holiday season comes around, I always try and clean my house really well.  I try and  "de-germ" my home the best I can so it looks fresh for the holidays and stays free from germs that cause the flu.

When I clean and disinfect, I always use natural, safe ingredients.  I stay away from any cleaners that contain hazardous chemicals that cause respiratory problems and skin irritations.  Using natural ingredients reduces my chemical exposure and is better for the indoor air in my home.

For a great disinfectant to clean your kitchen countertops, combine 2 cups water, 20 drops of tea tree oil, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap, and 2 tablespoons vinegar into a spray bottle. Shake well and start cleaning!

For a good bathroom disinfectant that actually cleans tubs, showers, and toilets, combine 2 tablespoons borax, 3 cups water, and 4 tablespoons white vinegar into a spray bottle.  Shake well and use.  To make the cleaner more effective, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap to the mix.

Happy disinfecting!

Planting During Fall Months

Posted on October 1, 2012 by - Healthy Home

Did you know that the fall months are the perfect time to plant?  I know it sounds crazy but it's true!

I remember learning about this last year from a local farmer.  He told me that the ideal time to plant is about six weeks before the first real frost.  For us New Yorkers, six weeks before the frost is September or October.

Why is September and October the best time to plant?  Because the warm soil in the fall encourages roots to grow right through winter until the ground freezes.  When spring arrives, the roots start growing at a faster rate, or in some cases, they start new growth.

So, if you think about it, a plant that is planted in the spring tends to grow slower because of the cooler soil.  Meanwhile, the fall plant has a well-established root system which will help the plant deal with the summertime heat and drought.

Do you know why I like to plant in the fall?  Most plants are on sale at the nurseries..and I love bargains!  Also the cooler air fights off pests, which means less disease problems for the plants.  Rainfall at this time also helps hydrate my plants.

I have been planting for a week now and I am almost done!  Try fall planting and let me know how you like it!  Have fun!

 

 

Clean, Healthy Indoor Air

Posted on September 25, 2012 by - Healthy Home

I love September weather in New York!  The air is crisp and cool in the morning, and dry and sunny during the day.  September is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming colder months.

One of things I like to do near the end of September is to make sure I keep my indoor air as clean as possible.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the air inside U.S. homes may be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and in some cases as much as 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.

One of the cheapest ways to I keep the indoor air in my home clean is that I try and keep my home as clean as possible.  Staying ahead of dust and dust mites can dramatically improve the air we breathe.  I make sure to dust around windows and door trim, not forgetting about all of my window treatments either!  I also use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner so when I clean I am not pushing the dust back into the air.  I also have a bag-less vacuum so I avoid that "smoke dust" that seems to happen everytime I used to change my vacuum bag.

If you don't have one already, you might want to consider buying an indoor air purifier.  One of the most important functions of an air purifier is its ability to remove pollutants such as cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander from the air.  It is also great at removing odors.  There are many units out there to choose from, and most manufacturers will offera trial run with the units for up to 30 days.  By that time you should be able to tell whether the unit is worth the investment. 

Cleaning with natural ingredients like vinegar, water and baking soda is the way I always clean my home.  I really think it makes such a big difference in the quality of air that I breathe in my home.  I am always blogging about different tips and recipes on how to clean your home with these ingredients too! 

If you have any information that you would like to share on our blog about how you keep your indoor air clean, write to us and let us know!

Who Would Like Free House Cleaning For A Year?

Posted on September 22, 2012 by - News, Uncategorized

Did you ever wish for more help with your household cleaning?  Well your wish just may come true!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services is giving away a “life makeover” to one deserving multi-tasker!

The grand prize is valued at $4,000 and includes a year of free cleaning from Maid Brigade PLUS consultations with a life coach, a fitness/nutrition expert and a home organization specialist!

The contest started September 14th, and ends at 11:59 pm on October 8th.

To enter the contest, go to Maid brigade's Facebook page and visit the app. The direct link to the app is http://www.facebook.com/maidbrigade/app_408888742500171.  Submit a photo and provide a short caption explaining why you deserve to win the life makeover.  It is that easy!

Those who enter the contest will automatically be entered in Maid Brigade's random drawings, which will take place once a week for four weeks.  The weekly random drawing prize is a $200 American Express gift card!  Winning a gift card does not exclude you from winning the grand prize nor does it increase your chances.

For more information, please log on to maidbrigade.com/.  Good Luck!

Clean Healthier

Posted on September 17, 2012 by - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Cleaning your home with toxic household cleaners can do more harm than good.  

Many household cleaners contribute to indoor air pollution because cleaners contain petrochemicals solvents that help dissolve dirt.  The petrochemical solvents fill the air with fumes.  And, believe it or not, there is still no law that requires manufacturers of cleaning products to list ingredients on labels OR to test their products for safety.

The list of toxic chemicals found in household cleaners is long.  Here are just a few:  

Formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen and respiratory irritant found in air deodorizers.

Chlorinated phenols, toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems and found in toilet bowl cleaners.

Petroleum solvents, damage mucous membranes and are found in floor cleaners.

Phenols, toxic to respiratory system and found in disinfectants.

Butyl cellosolve, can damage bone marrow, kidneys, and liver.  It is found in window and all-purpose cleaners.

When buying household cleaning products, look for ones that list their ingredients on the label.  stay away from products containing petroleum-based surfactants, chlorine, and/or phosphates.  Look for non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners that can clean your home without polluting your indoor air in the process.

If you prefer to make your own household cleaners and skip the toxic cleaners altogether, try these recipes that will keep your home sparkling clean and smelling healthy:

Furniture polish:  Combine 1 teaspoon lemon juice ans 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil.  Apply to a clean cloth and wipe wood parts of furniture.

Glass cleaner:  Mix together 1 1/2 cups white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 10 drops of citrus essential oil in a spray bottle.  Spray and wipe with a dry cloth.

Scouring powder: Combine 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup borax, 1/2 grated lemon peel, and 2 teaspoons cream of tarter.  Mix well.  Scrub with a damp sponge.

Deodorize your carpets by sprinkling baking soda on them.  Wait about 15  minutes, then vacuum.