Get ready to change out your sponge tomorrow - the first day of each month.
Be prepared! Do you have a new color for April? Or, another new sponge waiting in line for its debut tomorrow?
If this is the first time you're hearing about trading out sponges once a month, here are a few tips (or reminders):
Use two sponges in your kitchen each month, one for dishes and one for the floor/cabinets. Be pro-ative and pick up crumbs/wipe up splashes right when they happen;
Use different colors to differentiate months and uses, Feb. = pink, March = green, April = yellow, May = blue, etc. OR, if you use the same color each month - No Scratch blue sponges - cut a corner off after one month's use, two after the 2nd month (when it gets moved into the house cleaning or garage bin);
Throw your sponges in each time you use your dishwasher, to sanitize them;
Wash and wring them out after each use. Don't let food, soap, or water sit in the sponges. Mold/bacteria will begin to build quickly. (This goes for wash cloths too!)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
What's Living in Your Pillows?
How long have you owned your pillows? When was the last time you washed your Pillows? If you have a pillow cover, or two, when was the last time you truly looked at your pillow? Experts say the life line of a pillow seems to be between two to ten years, depending on the care and fill of the pillow. Over time, dust and oil accumulate on your pillows, and it is very easy for bacteria to reproduce.
Along with everything else you do to spring clean, take time to evaluate ALL the pillows in your home. Even the ones tucked away in closets and on your guest bed. When was the last time you took them all outside and gave them a good old fashioned whack, like our grandmothers did, or hung them up to air out? Take time to wash your pillows every few months (see washing instructions on your pillows) and the pillow covers every time you wash your sheets. Even though you use a pillowcase, every pillow should have a pillow protector. This will act as a barrier against impurities and help prolong the life of your pillow.
"PILLOWS: Replace after Two years; Why: Pressure on the pillow as you sleep causes it to flatten, and develop uncomfortable bumps and lumps, says GHI's Huddy. To test if your pillow still has life in it, she says, fold it in half and rest your hand on top for 30 seconds. Then let go. "If the pillow pops back, it's fine," she says. If it remains folded, it's time to buy a new one." (Finance.yahoo.com) And, donate the old ones to the Humane Society.
Find out what Martha Stewart has to say: "Proper care will keep your down pillows comfy for a long time." http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20071105/ai_n21088673
If you're interested in knowing when to replace other household items, check out: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/102418/When_to_Replace_Common_Household_Items
Along with everything else you do to spring clean, take time to evaluate ALL the pillows in your home. Even the ones tucked away in closets and on your guest bed. When was the last time you took them all outside and gave them a good old fashioned whack, like our grandmothers did, or hung them up to air out? Take time to wash your pillows every few months (see washing instructions on your pillows) and the pillow covers every time you wash your sheets. Even though you use a pillowcase, every pillow should have a pillow protector. This will act as a barrier against impurities and help prolong the life of your pillow.
"PILLOWS: Replace after Two years; Why: Pressure on the pillow as you sleep causes it to flatten, and develop uncomfortable bumps and lumps, says GHI's Huddy. To test if your pillow still has life in it, she says, fold it in half and rest your hand on top for 30 seconds. Then let go. "If the pillow pops back, it's fine," she says. If it remains folded, it's time to buy a new one." (Finance.yahoo.com) And, donate the old ones to the Humane Society.
Find out what Martha Stewart has to say: "Proper care will keep your down pillows comfy for a long time." http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20071105/ai_n21088673
If you're interested in knowing when to replace other household items, check out: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/102418/When_to_Replace_Common_Household_Items
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Flip the Switch
Get ready to participate in the largest voluntary power-down this Saturday evening, March 28th, and "take part in Earth Hour and turn off your lights from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m." More than 50 million participants powered-down in 2008. (body+soul)
Do you and your family members/housemates know how to locate all of your candles and lighters?
Get ORGANIZED and PLAN with your friends and family how you are going to spend 60 minutes, this Saturday, with the lights out!
Check out earthhour.org, and be inspired, as I was, to sign up and be a part of EARTH HOUR! It's just a click away and so worth the few minutes of your time. And, watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRs-7lRlPo
Do you and your family members/housemates know how to locate all of your candles and lighters?
Get ORGANIZED and PLAN with your friends and family how you are going to spend 60 minutes, this Saturday, with the lights out!
Check out earthhour.org, and be inspired, as I was, to sign up and be a part of EARTH HOUR! It's just a click away and so worth the few minutes of your time. And, watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRs-7lRlPo
Monday, March 23, 2009
Organize Time for Yourself!
Make sure to take time for you too! Here are a few simple ways to better your life:
Go herbal, drink HIBISCUS TEA, known to significantly lower your blood pressure - if you drink a few cups daily.
See Red, Seeing the color red can boost heart rate and adrenaline, which can rev up your energy.
Walk Away Cravings, a brisk 15 min walk can help eliminate the need to eat foods you crave, like chocolate. Get out for a walk rather than grabbing for that next unneeded snack.
Eat vegetarian, go meat-free and help out your digestive track and the planet. Curious? Check out The Great American Meatout @ meatout.org, and try it for a day.
Hit the Mat, make the ancient practice of yoga a part of your regular workout routine. It's amazing how our bodies will slow down - no matter how fast pace our lives truly are - and we will truly be in a better place to support all the other individuals in our lives.
Write it Down, "Research shows that when we write down our goals, we are as much as 30 percent more successful at sticking to them." (body+soul)
Go herbal, drink HIBISCUS TEA, known to significantly lower your blood pressure - if you drink a few cups daily.
See Red, Seeing the color red can boost heart rate and adrenaline, which can rev up your energy.
Walk Away Cravings, a brisk 15 min walk can help eliminate the need to eat foods you crave, like chocolate. Get out for a walk rather than grabbing for that next unneeded snack.
Eat vegetarian, go meat-free and help out your digestive track and the planet. Curious? Check out The Great American Meatout @ meatout.org, and try it for a day.
Hit the Mat, make the ancient practice of yoga a part of your regular workout routine. It's amazing how our bodies will slow down - no matter how fast pace our lives truly are - and we will truly be in a better place to support all the other individuals in our lives.
Write it Down, "Research shows that when we write down our goals, we are as much as 30 percent more successful at sticking to them." (body+soul)
Share the Water
"For World Water Week (March 22-28), join the Tap Project and donate $1 or more at restaurants nationwide for the tap water you usually get free. Proceeds support UNICEF's global clean-water programs. Find a spot near you or make a direct donation at tapproject.org/local." (body+soul)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What's for Dinner?
Here's a great site that my mother-in-law sent me. It searches thousands of recipe blogs that are using a particular ingredient you are wanting to cook with. Saves time looking through cookbooks. I just put in 'fresh mint' and now have some ideas on how to use stuff in my fridge. http://foodblogsearch.com
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Holiday Cards
Have you taken down and thrown out/recycled your holiday cards? Did you put them in a pile and left them on the counter or tucked them in a drawer to "deal" with them later? Perhaps they're still sitting in the basket that you tossed them in a few months ago.
Holiday cards are now an opportunity to share family photos with loved ones. But, unless you're going to take time to place those photos in a photo album or scan them - leave no paper trace - then give the photos one last look and toss them in the trash (Because, we all know where those other pile of photos, waiting to be put in albums, are sitting.)
On the other hand, instead of tossing old paper holiday cards, "mail them to St. Jude's Ranch for Children (stjudesranch.org). The nonprofit uses donated greeting cards to create new card sets, and the proceeds help abused children." (body+soul, Feb)
If you're having a hard time disposing holiday photos of family and friends, purchase a nice frame or bulletin board from Michael's and make a collage with all the photos. Switch them out each year.
Holiday cards are now an opportunity to share family photos with loved ones. But, unless you're going to take time to place those photos in a photo album or scan them - leave no paper trace - then give the photos one last look and toss them in the trash (Because, we all know where those other pile of photos, waiting to be put in albums, are sitting.)
On the other hand, instead of tossing old paper holiday cards, "mail them to St. Jude's Ranch for Children (stjudesranch.org). The nonprofit uses donated greeting cards to create new card sets, and the proceeds help abused children." (body+soul, Feb)
If you're having a hard time disposing holiday photos of family and friends, purchase a nice frame or bulletin board from Michael's and make a collage with all the photos. Switch them out each year.
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