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Most Recent Articles
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- Water Your Lawn Like A Pro And Win A Golf Trip
Golfers aren't the only ones aiming for the green; every homeowner dreams of having a lawn that rivals the world's greatest golf courses. But for millions of homeowners, making their lawn look "golf course vibrant" seems as distant a dream as making the Pro Tour.
Growing a terrific lawn doesn't have to be as challenging as a round at Pebble Beach. In fact, most weekend yard warriors can be well on their way to a golf course like lawn by following a few basic watering tips that are easy on the pocketbook and environmentally friendly. - Sharpest Cooks In The Kitchen
Chefs know that the best knife is only as good as its sharpest edge. That's why chefs such as television cook Rachael Ray and Oprah's chef Art Smith insist on a state-of-the-art knife sharpener for their best knives.
Here are some tips on finding the best professional sharpener from the experts at Füritechnics: - Good, Clean Fun All Year Long
All year long, families enjoy heading outside to spend time together-barbecues, camping trips, football games and more.
Families look forward to this special time spent enjoying the great outdoors, but moms know that these festivities often bring with them a heap of grass-and-dirt-stained laundry to tackle. According to a study conducted by Unilever, moms claim that stains are their number one laundry problem, with 54 percent saying they find grass stains very difficult to remove.* - Supplies And Tools For Emergency Preparedness
Every household should prepare in advance for emergencies. Recent surveys show that fewer than 20 percent of Americans feel they are "very prepared" should a natural disaster or emergency strike. Yet 67 percent of Americans acknowledge the importance of being prepared.
An emergency can be as simple as the electricity going out, or something so catastrophic that you need to board up your home and evacuate until the emergency is over. The experts stress having a family emergency plan. Fortunately, sample plans are easy to find on the Internet. You also need to have the right supplies and tools on hand at all times. - A Pre-vacation Checklist: Get Your House In Order
Whether you are leaving on a long-awaited vacation, an extended business trip or a weekend getaway, preparing to head out of town can often be both time-consuming and stressful. The last thing you want to do is add to the to-do list. However, taking care of household responsibilities before you leave can make your return home much more relaxing and alleviate stress while on the road. This way, you won't feel a wave of panic-on the beach or in the boardroom-when you remember that you forgot to feed the dog or pay an important bill.
Here are four tasks you should take care of before leaving home and some time-saving ways to check them off your list. - Hurricane Season Safety Lessons
With meteorologists forecasting a very active hurricane season, you may want to learn how to best prepare for an oncoming storm.
Here are tips from Geico, the National Hurricane Center and the Insurance Information Institute: - Steering Clear Of Carpet Stains
From wine to chocolate to gravy, the possibilities for stains on your carpet are limitless-but you don't have to take it lying down.
A spill doesn't have to result in a permanent stain if you follow these general tips from the experts at Stainmaster® carpet. - Mold Myths And Facts
In a recent Ducker Worldwide Research survey, 86 percent of homeowners said that mold is a critical issue to them. Among 400 consumers surveyed, 74 percent said they have experienced indoor or outdoor moisture issues in their homes, while 44 percent said they have experienced mold problems. In a similar survey of builders and contractors, 43 percent ranked mold as the number one issue on their construction projects.
To help, the Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC) was formed through a grant by building materials leader USG Corporation. Its aim is to communicate science-based, accurate information on mold. RSMC is an industrywide coalition of building industry associations, companies, and government and academic organizations. - Mold And Mildew Solutions
It's not unusual to find mold and mildew in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms or kitchens. Unsightly and often difficult to control, mold and mildew grow best in warm, humid areas of your home.
Cleaning may remove it-but the trick to controlling mold and mildew is to prevent them before they start! Follow these easy mold and mildew solutions from Zinsser. - Survey: Students Not Educated About Fire Ants
Fire ants are a burning issue in 19 U.S. states. However, according to a recent survey, nearly 96 percent of nurses and athletic trainers from those states say their schools do not educate students about how to avoid fire ant hazards. And most of the remaining 4 percent say their schools educate students only after incidents occur.
Other findings of the survey, commissioned by Bayer Environmental Science, indicate that: - How To Accidentally Overcome Organizing Hysteria
People often think that in order to get organized they need to buy "stuff." However, storage bins, containers, hanging racks and other organizing tools can end up creating additional clutter and costing you money.
According to lifestyle expert Julie Edelman, a.k.a. The Accidental Housewife and author of The New York Times best-seller "The Accidental Housewife: How to Overcome Housekeeping Hysteria One Task at a Time," "You may not realize it, but there are many items hanging around your home that can be easily used or repurposed to help you organize in a creative and decorative manner without breaking a sweat, your bank account or a nail." - Maintain A Clean And Organized Home Once And For All
Today's busy lifestyles don't allow for much time to keep closets, cabinets and shelves clean and organized. By regularly staying on top of these areas, you'll help ensure a well-maintained home and a family that is healthier and happier. A few simple tips will help you tidy up even the most disorganized areas in your home:
• According to Netscape.com, there are 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses annually and most of those occur from pathogens in the home. Unless you have some sort of high-tech, state-of-the-art, self-cleaning cabinets, you'll have to clean out your shelves-yourself! After removing all contents, wipe surfaces down with a disinfecting cleaner or cleaning wipe. If you have machine-washable shelf liner, take the time to delicately wash it before reinstalling. Allow the shelves and liner to thoroughly dry before restocking. - Simple Tips To Combat Household Pests
Let's face it-termites, wasps, spiders, cockroaches, ants and rodents would all like to be permanent residents of our nice, cozy homes. Fortunately, while these pests have been around longer than mankind, controlling them in your home is achievable. That's just as well, since these creepy, crawly creatures can sometimes cause irreparable damage and pose serious health risks to you and your family. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends eliminating the elements that are required for pest survival-food, water and shelter.
The most obvious way to keep pests away is to stop providing them with free meals. - Mom's Tips To Keep Going For Gadget-crazed Households
If your family is like mine, your kids are accumulating and using more and more portable gadgets, making it harder to keep everything in order. With the gadgets come more batteries, causing household clutter-not to mention the extra dollars spent in keeping everything powered.
Research by the NPD Battery- Operated Device Inventory shows that in an average household of four, there is an average of 24.1 devices jointly operated and an average of 77.8 batteries purchased per year. My family, a slightly above-average group of 12, has grown accustomed to some helpful tips to keep our kids' gad-gets and high-tech life organized and charged. Here are a few ideas to keep your house going through the gadget craze: - Families Undergoing Major Changes Should Consider A Legal Checkup
"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage…"
While this childhood rhyme may still be sung on playgrounds today, in practice, the modern American family no longer fits this traditional model. Nontraditional families today are changing faster than the law can sometimes keep up. - Virtual Pets Designed For Real Family Fun
There's good news for children who want the fun of owning a pet but can't have a real dog or cat in their home.
Many are turning to what are known as virtual pets. These are electronic toy companions that kids can take care of, feed and play with, only without the mess-call it a modern-day "Pet Rock"! - Small, Simple Changes Can Bring Big Benefits
Whether it's a matter of health or wealth, any time of year can be the right time to make simple but meaningful changes in your life. The strategies listed below should take one hour or less to implement and can have a lasting, positive impact:
• Replace one high-calorie drink per day with a lower or no- calorie drink. Just 10 large sodas from your favorite fast food restaurant equal one pound of weight on your body. Try mixing your favorite soda with diet soda to cut that number in half without greatly changing the taste. Or replace it with an iced tea or water. This simple change can result in significant weight loss over time. - A New Floor In The Old Room
You'll shine and so will your hardwood floor when you use the right care to keep it looking like new. Here are some sensible do's and don'ts to follow:
First, do remember that if you've been cleaning your wood floors with vinegar and water, oil soap, furniture polish or window cleaner, you may be ruining your costly investment. While these cleaners may work well on some surfaces, hardwood floors are not one of them. - Check Your Home For Energy Leaks
If you're a homeowner, you're probably concerned with your energy bills. You may not be aware, however, of some simple changes you can make in your home to lower your bills without sacrificing comfort.
Many American homes waste fuel and electricity. It's not a question of setting the thermostat or leaving lights on-although you can keep your power costs down by leaving the thermostat at 68 degrees and turning off the lights in empty rooms-but a question of checking to make sure your home is energy efficient. - Clean Home, Healthy Home
As much as 90 percent of our time is spent inside, especially during colder weather. Yet the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the air inside homes is two to five times more polluted than the outside air.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends the following tips to help maintain a healthy indoor environment for you and your family: - Use It-don't Lose It
If the members of your family always seem to be losing things, you may have an easy time finding them a great personalized gift--one that can help them stay organized, hang on to some of their most prized possessions and leave their mark on just about anything.
Called Pin High ID labels, they were originally designed to be used by golfers, who have been losing clubs at a staggering pace since the game was first played. - A Helping Hand Is In The Bag
Those on crutches know that on top of being in pain, getting around is a major pain. Adding insult to injury, there's no easy way to carry your things with both hands gripping crutches.
Demonstrating that necessity can be the mother of invention, an injured skier developed a clever saddlebag-type tote that straps easily to any underarm crutch. This instant, hands-free carry bag has two roomy pockets to hold a range of items, from folding umbrellas to business reports. - Don't Ruin A Fun Night Out
The nighttime is party time. However, you don't want your fun ruined. That's why it's important to keep safety in mind when you go out, whether you're going to a show, dancing or just hanging with your friends.
Your cell phone can be a literal lifeline, so be sure to always have it with you, and make sure the battery is fully charged before you set out for an evening. It not only makes you safer, it makes you feel safer-and that makes you safer, too. - Making Volunteering A Family Tradition
Experts say volunteering as a family can provide quality time together, strengthen communication and offer opportunities for family members to make significant contributions to their communities.
In addition, family volunteering often creates lifelong volunteers and a legacy of volunteering for the next generation to carry into the future. - How To Make Moving Into A New Home Stress Free
Moving to a new home can be exciting but also stressful. Fortunately, a few tips from the experts can help reduce the moving stress.
These following tips were compiled after watching videotapes of actual moving experiences: - Planning Now For A Family In The Future
Most everyone shares a basic plan for their life--graduate from school, land a job, meet that special someone and start a family. More and more young women are choosing to hold off on having a baby until they've established themselves and their careers.
But experts say women should be doing more than just saving money to get ready for a family in the future. - The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Shoppers
Is shopping a pain or pleasure? According to shopping expert and blogger Eva Yusa, also known as Eva the Shopping Diva, with the right habits, shoppers of all opinions can enjoy the experience a bit more.
"Whether you like shopping or not, the ultimate goals should be to save time and money," says Yusa, who blogs for shopping comparison Web site ShopLocal.com. "If you follow my seven habits for highly effective shoppers, you can do both, and maybe have some fun along the way." - Hybrid Scrapbooking. Mixing Trends Of Past And Present
Similar to modern fashion, which blends together old and new designs, scrapbookers are embracing "hybrid" scrapbooking to capture memories like never before. Hybrid scrapbooking, the combination of long-established and modern scrapbooking techniques, has become the latest craze in the memory-making business.
Trusty materials such as paper, glue and scissors may have been the traditional scrapbooking enthusiast's best friend-but, like the old adage says, make new friends and keep the old! Similar to mixing vintage pearls with a black mini to create an ensemble that spans decades, your scrapbooking "outfit" will also benefit from such a fusion. - Don't Let A Greeting Card Do The Talking For You
With approximately 1 billion valentine cards sent each year, Valentine's Day is the traditional date when couples are prompted to express their affection for each other, usually through a romantic greeting card. Unfortunately, a recent national survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that, for most couples, the conversation stops there.
The Pill Lo Talk survey found that couples reported difficulty in discussing relationship expectations (52 percent) and feelings (51 percent), the very topics both men and women want to talk about more often with their partners. Instead, couples are finding a safe haven in work (86 percent) and finances (81 percent), the topics they reported discussing most frequently. Even more surprising is the fact that birth control and family planning fall last on a couple's conversation agenda. - Revving Up Your Romance
Keeping the romance alive day to day needn't be challenging, even for couples who have been together for a long time. It may just be time to rethink the flowers and chocolates routine and try something different to rev up your romance.
"There are a lot of creative ways to be romantic," says Dr. Pepper Schwartz, relationship expert and author of "Everything You Know About Love and Sex Is Wrong." "Even little things like sneaking love notes in unexpected places for your partner to find or calling during the day, just to say 'I love you,' can do wonders in helping you connect with each other." - Off-season Shopping Trends Save Time And Money
White before Memorial Day, a hammock in December and skis in June. Many would consider these shopping scenarios a disaster, but they actually present one of the smartest and trendiest ways to save time and money. According to shopping expert and blogger Eva Yusa, also known as Eva the Shopping Diva, there are simple steps to getting the best deals on items such as clothing, electronics and home goods. The trick is knowing when and where to find them.
"Generally, if items are seasonal, like outdoor grills or snow tires, you'll find the best deals when the season is over," says Eva, who recommends conducting product and price comparisons on Web sites such as ShopLocal.com before heading out to stores. "Patience and preparedness are crucial when shopping during any season but are especially important when searching for the perfect off-season bargain." - Don't Let Germs Crash The Party
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 76 million cases of food-borne diseases, commonly known as food poisoning, occur in the United States every year. Fortunately, you can help keep your family out of such statistics.
Food-borne illnesses are attributed to bacteria that can grow and spread throughout the home. The best way to protect yourself is to understand the science behind bacteria growth and spread. Noted microbiologist Joe Rubino recommends taking preventative, scientifically proven measures to help keep your family healthy, happy and safe. - Water, Ground Water And Wells: America's Lifeline
If you have a household water well, you depend on ground water. If you don't have a water well, you still depend on ground water in many ways.
Either way, here are some things you should know about ground water from the National Ground Water Association. - Tips To Make Moving Go More Smoothly
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that some 43 million Americans will move to a new home this year. If you're planning on being among them, there are a few steps you should take:
• Several Months Before Moving. Solicit estimates from several moving companies and select a reputable mover. The first and last days of the months are busiest. Determine what will and won't be moving with you. - Do-it-yourself Moving Tips
As many as 17 million household moves take place each year in the U.S. If you are among the do-it-yourselfers, here are a few tips to get you started:
• Truck Selection. Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance with larger moves or your truck selection, visit www.GoPenske.com. - How To Choose In An Open Energy Market
Choosing an energy provider is just like other household purchase decisions: You should look for reliability, direct and friendly service and the type of offering that matches your lifestyle.
In the same way that deregulation of the telecommunications industry led to a variety of value-added services, competition in the electricity and natural gas industry has prompted companies to think about new ways of providing you with value. Some of these offerings include: - Avoid Common Moving Mistakes
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 15 percent of the population moves every year. If you're ever among them, there are a few things you should know that can help make the process less confusing and complex.
First, be aware that less than 5 percent of consumers were totally satisfied with their move experience, according to a benchmark survey recently completed by a free Web site designed to guide users through each step of a real estate transaction and move. Often, that's the result of failing to properly plan and prepare for such a life-changing event. For instance, did you know you need to select a moving company at least four to six weeks in advance? More common mistakes that movers make include: - Well Water Wisdom
Having a well can seemingly offer greater control over a homeowner's water source. Yet all wells draw from migrating underground water sources, which are subject to pollution. Homeowners with private wells have to assume command of the supply and not just the in-house water distribution system. That means water samples have to periodically be sent to a qualified lab for purity testing. The lab can suggest remedial measures, if needed.
Homeowners should also inspect and maintain the system that controls the volume and pressure of the water supply, say the experts at HouseMaster, leaders in the home inspection industry. - Take Steps Early To Share Your Last Wishes
The death of loved ones brings more than just grief; it creates a long list of questions about that person that can no longer be answered. Drawing up a will is one of the important steps in making sure your final wishes are carried out and end-of-life planning helps to ease the burden of death for your family.
It's never too early to plan and share your last wishes: - Cleanup Tips
There are two words to remember when cleaning up your home: multitasking and multipurpose.
Because thorough cleaning is such a big job, multitasking will make you more efficient. Doing two-or more-chores simultaneously can cut the time a project takes in half.
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