30 October 2012

Toxic Chemicals in Carpet Cleaning Products

Carpets get dirty fast, especially with kids and pets. But did you know that the air in your home may be more toxic than the air outside? One of the first steps to eliminating those toxins are to replace your cleaning products. You don't need harsh chemicals and fragrances to have a beautiful rug.

Here are some green rug cleaning tips:

  • Spot clean by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and spraying or pouring white vinegar on it. Let it bubble up and scrub it until it is gone. This doesn't leave a residue and is great for furniture too! Plus it is cheap.
  • Do you have an oil or greasy spot on the rug? Just coat with baking soda and vacuum it up.
  • Use vinegar and essential oil in a carpet cleaner instead of commercial chemicals.
  • For gum on the carpet, freeze with ice cubes and break off.
  • Use peroxide for smelly stains (ex. cat urine). Make sure to test in an inconspicuous area first to be sure it doesn't lighten the fibers.
Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net
Periodically, a carpet is going to need a nice deep clean. This will help increase the life of your carpet as well as minimize dust and allergens. You will want to find a company that does green rug cleaning like Green Choice Carpet. Usually they stick with biodegradable, plant based cleaners that are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Keep the air in your home fresh, NATURALLY! :)

Brought to you by: Green Choice (NYC)

What To Do if You Are Locked Out of Your Vehicle

It has happened to the best of us. Getting locked out of your car can be quite inconvenient. I have done it while my car was running. Thankfully, I was in a small town full of neighborly people and I was able to get a ride home. Now that I have children I want to be sure that I am prepared if this is to happen again, especially in the winter! It helps to keep a spare key on you and to have your cell phone in your pocket instead of a bag or purse, where it could get left in the car.
Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

What to do if you get locked out:
  • Whip out that trusty cell phone!
  • See if someone has a "jimmy." It is a device that you slide between the window and the door. It can save you a lot of money.
  • Call your insurance company. Our plan covers service calls and tows. Definitely a must!
  • Call your local police station. Many times they will have the tools to help out. It's worth a shot if you don't have coverage through your insurance.
  • Call a locksmith, like Quick LockWorks, Calgary locksmith. They will be able to unlock your vehicle quickly and professionally, for a fee.
  • No reception? You may need to break a window especially if you have kids in the car.

Be sure your registration and license are up to date. The last thing you need is a locked car and a ticket.


Brought to you by Quick LockWorks 104-3223 83 St. NW - Calgary - Alberta - T3B 5N1 - Canada - (403) 202-7656


27 October 2012

Tips For Growing a Bountiful Garden

Vegetable Garden
Growing a garden can be a time consuming and challenging project. With so many different gardening techniques and supposed tricks to growing a bountiful crop, it doesn't always work out quite like you want it to. By following the six tips below, you can better your chance of success and can count on a hearty garden before you know it!

Make compost and use it

Composting isn't a super popular approach, but can be extremely beneficial when trying to grow a garden. Composting creates an excellent soil amendment and allows you to help save the environment with less waste at the landfill. Composting might not be as difficult as you think. You can go big with kitchen, yard and garden debris or you could even do something as simple as piling shredded leaves in a corner of your garden.
Whichever compost you end up making, spread it around your plants to help ward off disease or add a small amount to a potting mix to add a slow-release of micronutrients. There are so many ways you can use compost to improve your crop growth and restore nutrients and life to soil. The best part about compost is that it's impossible to use too much of it, so you never have to worry about messing up.

22 October 2012

Why Use Solar Energy?


The sun is a massive ball of energy and it only makes sense to utilize it. There are many reasons to use solar energy especially if you are a homeowner.

  • Once you get past the initial cost of getting your system set up, it is nearly free! 
  • It is better for the environment than power plants. Solar power is clean. You can have a warm home in the winter and a cool one in the summer with almost no impact on the global climate.
  • It can reduce your utility bills. With the cost of electricity going up who wouldn’t want to save some money? Over 50% of your electricity is going towards heating and cooling.
  • It can increase the value of your home since solar power lowers your heating and cooling cost!
  • Some states provide tax credits. You may even get incentives from your utility company.
  • You will be self-sufficient. No more losing power during a bad storm. Remember the sun is one of the most dependable things in our lives. You can rely on it for years to come.

Have solar electric panels installed today. With Baker Electric’s monthly payment plan there won't be any initial cost. You can actually start saving money right away. I love these examples here. You can pay off the cost of the solar panels in replacement of your monthly bill. Then once you're done, your energy is almost free.



Brought to you by: Baker Electric Solar 1298 Pacific Oaks Place, Escondido, CA 92029
1-877-5-GET-SOLAR

It's Never Too Early To Write Your Will


Creating a will is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. The thought of death can give us the creeps but in reality we all know it will happen when it happens. If it should happen earlier than we hope, it is good to have a plan in place. This is especially important if you have children.

What if I die without a will? 

A study found that 20% of Americans think the courts automatically hand over what you have to your spouse/children when you die. If you were to die without a will, you will become what is called an intestate.  The state will decide who gets what. That means a judge, a complete stranger to your family, will make all the decisions. Things may not be divided the way you want them. Someone could contest and fight those decisions and there will be fees. The laws vary from state to state.

Is it expensive?

No, it is actually a very common misconception that a will is expensive. You can put together a will fairly easily as cheap as $50.

Ensure that your estate is distributed the way you see fit and avoid costly fees to your loved ones by writing a valid Texas last will and testament today.


Brought to you by: My Texas Wills 4634 Sterling Wood Way, Houston, Texas 77059
713.822.6382

01 October 2012

Natural Ways to Relieve General Anxiety and Stress

Sometimes life becomes too much and causes us to become anxious and stressed out. This can be really hard on the body, so it is important to take time for yourself to relax. There are many great alternatives to medication. Some of my favorite methods of relaxation are listening to calming music and doing yoga.

Time to get away from all electronic devices and daily stressors, so you can improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Eliminating Toxins From Your Home- Insulation

When I first started going green I read an article that stated "The Air In Your Home May Be More Toxic Than the Air Outside." It really got me thinking. I started replacing all of our cleaners and stopped using toxic air fresheners. Soon I discovered that those aren't the only offenders. Your home may contain urea formaldehyde, radon gas, asbestos, mold, and other harmful gases, bacteria and dust. The paint, rugs, flooring and insulation could be the cause of some of them.

With winter coming fast, a great way to green your home is to have it properly insulated. Take it one more step and choose an eco friendly, non toxic insulation!