Author: oi_admin

Preparing for Fall: Outdoor Cleaning

Posted on September 13, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Autumn is a great time to start "closing up shop outdoors" and preparing for the cooler weather. Cleaning the grill, the flower pots, and the outdoor furniture are all things I like to do before I store them away for the winter.

I clean my outdoor chairs and tables with a mix of 1 cup baking soda and some warm water. I wipe it on the furniture, then rinse thoroughly.

For my wicker furniture, I try and scrub it with a stiff brush that was soaked in salt water. I then leave the furniture out in the sun to dry.

At the end of the summer there are always grease stains here and there on my outdoor deck, usually from the grill, or from spilled sun tan lotion. I get rid of the stains by sprinkling baking soda on the stain, letting it sit for about an hour, then scrubbing it off with a wet scrub brush. This works very well if you clean the stains right after they happen.

I clean my grill and the racks with a baking soda and vinegar mix. First I apply it, then I rinse thoroughly. Don't worry...vinegar and baking soda are safe to use around food!

With a 1/4 cup of baking soda and a quart of warm water, I can clean all the pool toys! This mixture also helps remove the musty smell that accumulates on them throughout the season.

I clean my outdoor screens by dipping a damp wire brush into baking soda and scrubbing. I then rinse the screens with a sponge or a hose.

I scrub dirt spots off my aluminum siding by cleaning them with a soft-bristled brush dipped in a solution of baking soda and water, then rinsing them.

My birdbath is cleaned by scrubbing it with white vinegar and rinsing well.

I also soak all of my house planters in a solution of vinegar and water. This helps get rid of the crusty rim deposits that build up on the planters.

When I am done cleaning outdoors, I store it all in the shed where it stays nice and clean for next season!

My Love for Vinegar...

Posted on September 10, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Distilled white vinegar is one of my favorite things to use when cleaning my home. Vinegar is onexpensive to buy, and I use it to clean just about everything!

I recently used equal parts of baking soda and vinegar to scrub the stains off of my coffee pot. I also wipe down my plastic containers with vinegar. The vinegar gets rid of the stains and the smell of old food. To remove odors in lunchboxes, I just soak a slice of bread in vinegar and leave it in the lunchbox overnight. The lunchbox smells nice and clean the next morning!

To get rid of those annoying fruit flies, I set out a bowl of white vinegar. To keep ants out of my home, I spray vinegar outside all of my doorways and windows.

To remove those "hard to peel" stickers and price tags, I soak a cloth with vinegar and scrub the tags off. For tougher labels, cover the label with a cloth soaked in vinegar overnight. The label should come right off the next day.

I even use vinegar to clean my kitchen sponges! I add 1/4 cup vinegar to a bowl of water. I then place my sponges in the bowl and let them soak overnight. The next day they are clean and ready to use!

How do you use vinegar to clean? Share your comments with us!

Preparing For Fall

Posted on September 6, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home, Uncategorized

The summer season is officially over for the year, and as sad as I am to see it go, I am looking forward to a beautiful fall season.

In preparation for fall, keep these tips in mind:

Save money on utility bills. Instead of raising the thermostat during the cool weather, grab a sweater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says heating a house around 2,280 square feet adds up to about 34 percent of a homeowners' utility bill. For every degree turned down on the thermostat will save about 4 percent in monthly utility expenses. Don't forget to buy draft stoppers for all the doorways to stop the cool air from coming in.

To save even more money, if your furnace is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model.

Try composting. According to the EPA, 24 percent of waste comes from yard and food waste that could very well be composted. Leaves, grass clippings and yard waste that is raked up can be composted. Composting enriches soil and reduces the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides.

Water. Many water heaters can operate fine at 120-degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). Lowering the temperature can also help increase the lifespan of the heater. For every 10 degrees the water temperature is lowered can save you about 3 percent on the utility bill. Wrapping an insulating blanket around your water heater can also save about 4 percent in water heating costs.

Green clean. Get rid of toxic cleaners and start using natural, homemade cleaners to clean your home. Lessen your indoor air pollutants by cleaning with lemons, vinegar, and baking soda. I clean with them all year long and it keeps my house fresh, healthy, and clean! An all-purpose cleaner can be made just by mixing baking soda and water together...it is that easy!

Seal cracks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing leaks around the house may save about 5 to 30 percent in energy costs. Check to see if there are cracks or leaks around electrical outlets, window frames, baseboards, and around pipes. Caulk all leaks and cracks.

Maid Brigade Celebrates Women's Equality Day

Posted on August 26, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Women's Equality Day celebrates the 19th Ammendment to the American Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

It is a day to reflect on how far women have come in the last century and how far they still have to go. 91 years later we have indeed made many strides toward equality, including improved professional, political and social status, but at what cost?

Most women feel they work a "2nd shift", cooking, cleaning and managing the household after a full day in the work force. Do YOU? Are the notions of women's equality and work/life balance mutually exclusive?

Maid Brigade will soon be launching a "Work/Life Balance Survey," which will explore how women of today cope with life, health, and home. All busy women and working mothers are encouraged to participate. Stay tuned for more details!

Eliminating Household Odors

Posted on August 12, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Cleaning my home is one thing, but getting rid of odors can sometimes be a tough thing to do! Here are some ways to remove odors and keep your home smelling as fresh as it is clean:

Since baking soda neutralizes pH levels, which cuts through bad smells, sprinkle it in places like trash cans, shoes, clothing, litter boxes, carpets, and even hampers.

Believe it or not, white vinegar is also used to neutralize many of the same odors as baking soda. Instead of keeping an open box of baking soda in the fridge, place an open cup of vinegar in there instead. In fact, an open cup or bowl of vinegar can be left in any room where you want to eliminate odor.

Believe it or not, oats can eliminate odors too. Leave a bowl out and odors will soon fade away!

For the coffee lovers out there, coffee can reduce odors in things that belong to smokers, like cars and furniture.

Lemon juice is great for neutralizing food smells like garlic and fish. Rub some lemon juice over the cutting board when cleaning, or rub some lemon juice on your hands after chopping garlic! Adding a couple teaspoons of lemon juice with the water to your humidifier will keep it smelling fresh. Throw some lemon peels in your garbage disposal to keep odors at bay.

Bring a pot of water and cinnamon to a boil and let the sweet smelling steam remove odors throughout your kitchen.

Famous People Choosing Greener Lifestyles

Posted on August 6, 2012 by oi_admin - News

In honor of August's Women's Equality Day, I decided to write about three eco-friendly celebrity moms who are doing their part in caring about our environment by living a green lifestyle.

After Jessica Alba's second child was born, she created www.honest.com, a website filled with toxic-free products made from safe and natural chemicals, that are safe for your family.

Jessica's site also provides information on her Honest baby products and household items. She also works with her company and activists to drum up support for the Safe Chemicals Act, to help you find toxic-free products for your baby, no matter what brand you prefer.

Julia Roberts has created an unbelievably eco-friendly mansion. She upgraded her existing Malibu mansion with sustainably harvested materials, recycled tiles, solar panels, and energy-saving appliances. Celebrities are often the biggest culprits of our country’s pollution and waste, so Julia is making a big change, which will hopefully inspire fellow celebrities to do the same.

Michelle Obama is using her First Lady power to create a better earth and healthier lifestyles for all of us. In a way to teach children about locally grown fruit and vegetables, Michelle planted a vegetable garden on the South Lawn of the White House. She also wears environmentally friendly nail polish!

Celebrity moms aren’t the only ones who care about the environment. Activism is one of Brad Pitt’s favorite past times. He is known for his contributions to building eco-friendly homes in New Orleans after Katrina hit. Colin Firth, who is partnered with Eco Age, works as a Global Ambassador to help families build bamboo homes around the world. Cameron Diaz drives a Prius purchases carbon offsets when she travels.

There are plenty of celebritiesthat use their money for the good of our environment. Who is your favorite celebrity? Do they live an eco-friendly lifestyle? How do they contribute to our environment? Be inspired and get involved!

Balancing Your Life

Posted on August 1, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home, Uncategorized

Too many of us put our own needs aside to take care of others. We have a hard time saying "no" to requests we don't have time for. We give up what we enjoy to make others happy.

When a person places the needs of loved ones over their own, they are disrupting their own life balance. In order to live a balanced life, you must take the time and care to explore your passions and satisfy your own needs.

Making yourself a priority allows you to become a stronger support as a mom, wife, partner and friend. You will feel more connected, confident, inspired and joyful.

Set aside "you" time each week. This is your time to do as you wish. Explore a new hobby or simply catch up on some much rest and relaxation.

Find an activity that you enjoy. Doing something that you like increases confidence and improves overall health.

Because we "can't do it all," learn to ask for assistance when needed. This will help you ease stresses and free up more time in your schedule.

Keeoing a journal can help you connect with your inner voice and quiet your mind. It also provides helpful answers and assists in the process of self discovery.

Some of us spend a lifetime caring for others. It’s now time to focus on you and get inspired. Create a list of projects you might like to explore. Use your scheduled time to experiment and purse these new opportunities.

Going Organic

Posted on July 30, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

When it comes to shopping for food for my family, I try and buy organic as much as possible. Because we are on a budget, I "go organic" where it counts. Here are some fruits and vegetables that, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group, are worth buying this summer season. The fruits and veggies on this list have thick, inedible skins, which protect the fruit, and they contain the least amount of pesticides:

Asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, kiwi, mangoes, onions, papaya,

pineapples, sweet peas.

Try going eating organic when you can. It is safer and healthier for your family.

Unclog Your Clogged Drain

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

Clogged drains happen pretty often in my home, especially the bathroom drain. Because chemical drain cleaners are among the most dangerous of all household cleaners, I try to avoid using them as much as possible.

Some drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) that can burn eyes and skin. Some are very fatal if they are ingested. Avoiding toxic chemicals and learning how to clean my home using natural homemade solutions is the way to go.

I try to prevent drains from becoming blocked in the first place by catching hair and other particles with metal or plastic drain screens. These screens can be found at any hardware or home improvement store.

If a clogged drain does happen, I use a snake plumbing tool to remove the blockage. After that I pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. The smell of this solution is horrible but I do believe it works!

How do you unclog your drains? Write to us and let us know.

Fleas Be Gone!

Posted on July 17, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

I love my pets but I don't like the fleas and ticks that come along with them....

...How can I keep fleas and ticks out of my yard without using harsh chemicals?

Spray microscopic nematodes in moist, shady areas outside your home. Don't forget your flower and vegetable gardens. The worms will eat the flea larvae.

Fleas cannot stand the smell of eucalyptus leaves. Cut the leaves up and place them in open jars around your home. You can even fill up old socks with eucalyptus leaves and hang them around your yard.

Sprinkle food grade Diatomaceous Earth around the outside of the fence line to keep the fleas out.

Herbal repellents containing cedarwood, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass and thyme are safer to use than toxic repellents. Soak cotton balls in these oils and place them around your home and yard to prevent fleas from entering.

Avoid citrus, cinnamon, clove, geranium, tea tree, lavender, and pennyroyal. They are dangerous to pets.

Potted rosemary, sage and garlic can definitely keep fleas at bay and make your home smell nice.

It is best to begin preparing for fleas and ticks in March or April.

Share your flea and tick comments with us!

The Dog Days of Summer...

Posted on July 14, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home, Uncategorized

The dog days of summer are here! Hot sultry weather, delicious barbecues, and long beautiful summer nights. I just love it....and so does my dog!

For all those dog lovers out there, here are some ways to keep your pet staying happy, healthy and safe all summer long...

It is very important to keep your dog hydrated and the dogs water bowls filled. If your dog stays outside, make sure there is a bowl of water and some shady spots for him to sit and cool off.

Since dogs cannot take off layers of fur like we do clothes when we are hot, if you are planning any dog walks (or jogs) around the neighborhood, try and do them in the early morning or evening hours when the temperature is low. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke so don't overdo it on those hot days.

Protect your dogs paws by letting them walk on the cool cement or grass when walking them. The streets are just as hot on their feet as they are on our own.

Get out that sunblock because believe it or not, some short haired dogs and light-haired dogs can get sunburn! Lather on some all-natural, fragrance-free sunscreen on you and then apply some to the dogs nose, tips of ears, and around their mouth.

Make sure your dog has the proper ID tags if taking them to the park or on a walk. This way you will never lose your furry friend.

Always bring water for your pet, especially on those long walks or jogs...your dog NEEDS TO STAY HYDRATED! Pet stores and most department stores carry fold up water bowls that you can take with you wherever your pet goes.

Never leave your dog in a car if the weather is warm, and especially not if it’s hot! Cracking the windows makes no difference in the temperature gain. It doesn’t take high temperatures for it to be dangerous. A car parked in the shade can reach dangerous temperatures on a hot day. If the car is on the sun, the temperature can quickly rise up to 160°F. Even at a mild 72°F, the inside of a car can reach 116°F in an hour...plenty hot to kill a dog. Please, if you are out running errands, the safest place for your dog is at home.

Dogs can’t sweat—they control their body temperature by panting. If the air in the car is near or above the dog’s body temperature (about 100°F), the dog will be unable to cool itself, and its body temperature can quickly rise to fatal levels (over 107°F). Symptoms of heatstroke to look for in your dog are rapid heart beat, lethargy, vomiting, heavy panting, salivation, disorientation, agitation, seizures, coma and death.

Show your pet how much you love them by keeping them happy and healthy all summer long!

To Weed or Not to Weed...

Posted on July 12, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

To weed or not to weed. That is what I say to myself at least once a week! And after working, going to school and taking care of the kids, the last thing I feel like doing is weeding!

Well good news... I have found some easier ways to get rid of dandelions and weeds from your lawn that I would like to share with you:

Pouring hot water over any weed that you want to kill will work. The weeds essentially die. You can also try pouring lemon juice on them too. I never tried the lemon juice idea but I heard it works.

Sprinkle a handful of baking soda onto concrete and sweep it into the cracks of the paved patios and walkways. The sodium helps the weeds die. Borax can also be used, and Borax helps keep ants away. The downside of Borax though is that is can kill other plants so be careful where you use it.

Remove dandelion heads while they are still yellow flowers. If you prevent them from getting to the germination phase you can stop most of them from growing and spreading.

Lastly, pouring white vinegar over your weeds also helps because the acidic liquid should help kill them. Some people have tried house vinegar that is 5 to 10% acidic and have gotten good results. There is a vinegar called "Burnout" that is made just for gardeners that will kill weeeds the non-toxic way. Burnout is supposedly 15 to 25% acetic. If anyone has ever tried Burnout, I would love to hear about the results!