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Pillar To Post Newsletter January 2012

Posted on January 9, 2012 by - Post Notes

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Some people do spring cleaning in, well, spring. I prefer to do it before I start a new endeavor. In preparation for the New Year, you will need to make room for your new adventures and opportunities in your life.

Clean Up Your Schedule
Start with freeing up your time. Do you find yourself on the computer or in front of the television only to look up and see that 2 hours have passed?

Time is a unique gift in that it passes whether you are using it consciously or not, and you can’t get it back.

If you want to know if you have any extra hours in the day, record how you spend your time for the next 14 days. Do so diligently in 15 minute increments.

I realized that it takes me 30 minutes in the morning to begin doing anything. When I figured this out, I tried to squeeze my morning time in order to exercise and meditate before I head out to work. I set the alarm for a half hour earlier.

For the New Year you might want to develop new habits like exercising, but you may think, “I don’t have the time.” Find out where you are spending your time, and take steps to cut the fat from your schedule.

Clean Up Your Living Space
Make physical space in your life. Get rid of knick-knacks. File the pile of bills on your desk. You might have bought new clothes, but left the unworn clothes in the closet. Get organized, and create some physical space in your world.

It may seem irrelevant to do this in order to achieve your goals for the coming year. However, having space in your physical surroundings translates into calm, openness, and peace of mind. It will become a place where you sprout fresh ideas.

Prune Your Circle
Ask yourself the question: “Who supports my genius and purpose, and who must be left behind?”

Sometimes old friends fall away without deliberate action when they become out of step with you. On the other hand, sometimes we cling to relationships that drain our energy rather than infuse us with zeal. Rather than do anything drastic like never calling back or confronting a friend, try just shifting your social time and energy to people who are fueling you. When you do this your circle of friends will morph into one that supports your goals.

Make room for the New Year; it is here!

More minor accidents occur in the bathroom than in any other room. The good news is they are mostly preventable with these easy steps.

Make it a fall-free zone. Swap cloth bath mats for a rug with a non-slip backing or liner. Also make your tub slip-free with a non-skid mat or adhesive strips.

Prevent shock. Shock is typically caused when hair dryers and electric razors touch water. The solution would be to replace your wall outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter, which automatically cuts off power when appliances get wet.

Set your hot water heater. Eliminate the potential for scalding by setting your hot water temperature to 120 degrees F or 48 degrees C. Replace your tub spout with a Hot Stop spout that reduces water to a trickle if it reaches dangerous temperatures.

Splash some colour on the walls. A white tub and toilet along with white walls can lead to falls for children or for people that do not have good vision. Adding bright trim or decals will prevent mishaps since the edges can be identified easily.

BONUS TIP: The best way to dry tub toys is in a net or mesh basket. It allows for even drying so that germs can’t grow and spread. And wash toys that trap water, like rubber ducks, with a diluted bleach solution, then rinse.

Once a child moves away from home it might be time to consider updating their kid-friendly room to make it more guest appropriate. The main focus of any bedroom is the bed, so why not make it stand out with a unique and interesting headboard.

• A D-I-Y headboard is a great way to add class to any room without breaking the bank.

• Experiment with one of these fun projects

• Create a focal point by painting grid boxes in bright colors on the wall, aligned above the bed.

• Get an illusion of a headboard by painting the wall area over the bed a different color and lining it with wallpaper trim.

• Create rustic ambiance by repurposing vintage doors or window frames and hanging them above the bed.

• Design a custom fabric headboard with bed linens that have matching sheets, comforters and drapes. Once the headboard is complete, extend the project by adding a new coat of paint, a glamorous chandelier and a new area rug to create the ultimate retreat for your guest.

The extra living space that a finished basement can provide is a real bonus. Here are some key points to consider to provide the best situation for your family.

1. CREATE GOOD HEADROOM.
a minimum of 6 ft. 8 in., but 7 ft. 6 in. or more is ideal.

2. THE NEXT ISSUE IS WARMTH.
Insulate walls, upgrade windows and address the issue of cold concrete floors.

3. ADD LIGHTING.
with dimmer switches and arrange in small well lit areas.

4. PAINT COLORS.
should be warm but not dark. Trim should be painted white or off-white, semi-gloss.

5. STORAGE.
can be added at a relatively low cost. Combine areas that are hidden behind doors with some open shelving to make the space seem bigger.

The electrical outlet not only provides vital access to the electrical current that makes your house hum, but it also warrants deeper consideration for reasons of comfort and safety. Our Pillar To Post® inspectors have seen it all when it comes to incorrect outlet wiring, a safety hazard if left unattended. But before we discuss safety measures, let’s start with a quick tour of this component and its mate, the plug. Hidden behind the outlet is a series of wires that must be properly connected for the outlet’s safe functioning. On a modern electrical outlet that accommodates a three-pronged plug, each hole serves a specific purpose: the round hole is for the ground pin on the plug; the small slot takes the small blade on the plug and connects to the “hot” wire in the outlet (the wire that can cause a shock); the large slot takes the large blade and connects to the “neutral” wire in the outlet. Specific wires have to be connected to the proper terminals for an outlet’s safe function. Pillar To Post® inspectors spot-check outlets with a tester during every inspection.

Reverse Polarity
The large slot and small slot on an electrical outlet, and the different-sized blades on a plug, designate their respective polarizations, and ensure that the plug goes in the outlet only one way, a safety feature that reduces the chances of shock. A light-bulb socket has exposed electrical connections, the threads being the most exposed part. But polarized socket threads are attached to the neutral wire to prevent someone from getting a shock when changing a light bulb. If the electrical outlet itself is mis-wired with reverse polarity, the lamp socket threads described above will become “hot”. Touching the threads in the socket, or on the bulb as you screw it into the socket, may give you a shock.

Outlet Not Grounded
In older homes, sometimes the cable leading to the outlet does not have a ground wire, yet the outlet has nonetheless been upgraded to a modern grounded type. Some plug-in electrical devices need this ground connection for their built-in safety features. If the outlet appears to be grounded but is not, the device’s safety features will not work.

Old Outlets
In older homes outlets may have no ground slot at all. This does not represent a defect or safety concern, but you will not be able to plug in an electrical appliance that has a ground pin on the plug. Today, most plug-in appliances are not the grounded style and, therefore, do not use or have a ground pin on the plug because they are a double insulated design. the old ungrounded outlet will work fine. If you think it might be a good idea to simply cut off the ground pin to accommodate an outlet without a ground hole, think again. This procedure is doubly unsafe because it not only bypasses the grounding safety feature, but also it bypasses the polarizing feature since a de-pinned plug can be inserted into the outlet either way.

Experts say that key numbers reveal insights into what makes you tick.

1. Leadership. You are a go-getter. You have no problem taking action.

2. Harmony. You are diplomatic - kind, sensitive and fair, you sometimes seem indecisive.

3. Intuition. You are creative - transform different elements into something new.

4. Stability. You are grounded - dependable, down-to-earth and wonderfully supportive.

5. Expansion. You are adventurous - always looking for the next big adventure.

6. Compassion. You are nurturing - with an instinctive understanding of others and a big picture outlook.

7. Mystery. You are a searcher - deeply curious and a great inventor.

8. Success. You are dynamic - with virtually endless energy and determination.

9. Completion. You are enlightened - graduated from the school of hard knocks and experience.

Here are some great uses for the mouthwash that usually sits on your bathroom counter.

• KILL KITCHEN GERMS. Wipe down your sink handles and basin with a rag dipped in mouthwash. It will instantly kill germs and add shine to your sink.

• CLEAN THE TOILET. Pour in mouthwash and let it sit for half an hour, then swish it around with a toilet brush for a clean bowl.

• GOODBYE ODORS. To get rid of strong odors left on your hands after cooking with garlic and onions, dip a cotton ball in mouthwash and rub it over your hands.

• STOP MOLD GROWTH. Use an old toothbrush dipped in mouthwash to clean and sanitize the grout in your bathrooms.

While it should go without saying that the relevant circuit breaker should be shut off prior to working on any electrical device - let us state this here as a safety precaution.

Outlet is Warm or Gives Off Sparks
Not good. Unplug all cords. Get inside and make sure that wire ends are all firmly connected. If there is any doubt about the condition of the receptacle, simply replace it.

Circuit Breaker Tripping or Fuse Burning Out
The most common reason for circuit breaker tripping is an overloaded system. Turn off appliances that consume a lot of electricity, flip the breaker, and try again.

A Light or Appliance Doesn’t Turn On
If the circuit breaker trips or fuse burns out, then lights and appliances will not work. But this usually affects a series of lights or series of appliances.

Cord Falls Out of Outlet
Bend out prongs to make the wire stay in the outlet or easily replace wires for lamps. Be careful about appliance cords, though - given the high power draws. Finally, the outlet may simply need to be replaced if it is old enough.

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Pillar To Post Newsletter November 2011

Posted on November 9, 2011 by - Post Notes

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Many Psychologists call it “emotional contagion.”
But you can think of it as Scroogeology or Grinchonomics.

Better yet, think of it as the woeful friend, the crabby boss, the depressed party guest whose moods are so melancholy that, despite your good cheer, they suck the joy from the season.

A growing body of psychological research is bearing out the unconscious power one individual’s mood can have on others. Fortunately, just as Bob Cratchit and Cindy Lou who refused to let Scrooge or the Grinch dampen their spirits, modern and age-old strategies can combat the draw of your own Debbie Downer.

Recent evidence is consistent.
The Journal of Applied Psychology reported that a group leader’s moods will rule, and negative moods will rule most. If a leader is up, some team members’ moods will also rise. But if he or she was down, everyone was down.

The idea is, you go to a holiday party with family, friends, or associates and you’re happy until you meet someone who’s down. The next thing you know, your positive mood no longer exists. You go off wondering, “What happened?”

Explanations abound. Positive moods are the norm, making negative moods stand out like an emaciated Santa. In the animal world, those that don’t instinctively notice and react to such warning signs do so at their own risk.

This contagion of fear and alarm is demonstrated in a flock of birds. One bird suddenly takes off. There is no time to wait and see what’s going on. All the other birds take off, too. Otherwise, they’re lunch.

In other words, getting caught up in another’s negativity is hard-wired, unconscious and powerful.

So it goes with the holiday killjoy. You can’t help noticing him, because that somberness stands out in contrast to your generally pleasant life. Before you know it, you’re drawn in and the only thought is, “I wish I could get out of here!”

Strategies exist. The key is awareness. If you realize, ‘This person is depressed. I’m catching his mood.” you can control it. The controls vary by person and situation. All of them come under the heading mood lifters: jogging, music, time with positive friends, the gym, shopping, movies, family, chocolate, eggnog.

Then there is this hopeful note. Spirit-sapping Negative Nellies are powerful, yes. But research suggests that the moods of people who feel their emotions intensely — whatever they may be — are also highly contagious.

In other words, in the presence of merry spirits, the Scrooges of this world don’t stand a chance.

 

Experts have done the math and found that some new gadgets can slash the cost of things that you and your family do every day. Trying just a few could save you extra dollars.

1. DRY CLOTHES 25% FASTER Toss a pair of eco-friendly dryer balls into the dryer and cut drying time dramatically. Each ball has rubber spikes that help lift and separate fabric, allowing air to flow more efficiently. Bonus! The plumping action also makes towels, sheets and T-shirts come out fluffy without the need for fabric softener and dryer sheets.

2. LOWER THE ELECTRIC BILL Studies show that standby power - the amount of energy sucked up by plugged-in items not in use - accounts for 10% of the average energy bill. You are inadvertently wasting $10 out of every $100 that you are billed. Rather than unplugging everything in the house over and over, use an energy-saving power strip in each room. That way, you can shut down all those gadgets with one push of a button, and switch them on easily when you need them. Your best bet: A power strip that’s also a surge protector prevents damage to electronics during electrical storms.

3. USE FEWER GALLONS OF WATER If your faucets and shower heads are more than 19 years old, there is a good chance you are using up to 60% more water than necessary. Fixtures made before 1992 pumped out 5.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or more - double or even triple, the amount today’s energy saving ones use. Replace kitchen and bathroom faucets and shower heads with those that have a rating of 80 PSI and 2.5 gpm or lower. Not only will you cut your water bill by up to 60%, you will also save big by not having to heat thousands of extra gallons of water.

 

With the holiday season fast approaching and guests expected, the bathroom will be an active spot in your home. Here are a few ideas to keep it a pleasant room for everyone:

 

1. MIRROR MAGIC. Just pour a little rubbing alcohol onto a soft, clean cloth and gently rub over glass. It evaporates in seconds, leaving nothing but crystal clear shine and no streaks.

2. ALL NATURAL AIR FRESHENER. Pull off a few twigs from a pine tree and place them in a shallow dish next to the sink. Your guests will enjoy the seasonal scent where they least expected it.

3. NO-WORK CLEANING. Clean the toilet bowl without
scrubbing; Just drop a denture tablet into the bowl, let it
go to work dissolving stains for 15 minutes, then flush.

4. EASY SCUM STOPPER. Replace your bar soap with a liquid pump soap so you won’t have to clean a sloppy soap dish after the visitors are gone.

5. SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT. Expecting overnight guests? Plug in a night light and turn it on before bedtime. That way guests will not stub their toes in the middle of the night.

 

With the change in weather and leaves falling, the floors in your house see a lot more traffic. Here are a few natural source ideas to keep floors in good condition.

1. CLEAN UP CERAMIC TILE.
Just dip a mop in club soda and coat your tiles. The effervescent action cleans away grime and gets your floor sparkly clean.2. TREAT WITH TEA.
To keep wood floors shiny, brew a quart of water with 2 black tea bags; let cool. Dampen a clean cloth with the brew, then wash the floor, using care not to over wet the floor.

 

3. BUFF UP BAMBOO.
Bamboo should not be exposed to excess moisture, which can cause it to swell. Use a dry mop, like a Swiffer, to remove dirt and crumbs.

4. MOP UP STONE WITH SOAP.
Use a mixture of mild soap and warm water on a mop to clean floors. The key: After mopping, go over the stone with clean water to wash away excess soap.

 

There is nothing like the ambiance of a wood burning fireplace.

But like any heating system, wood burning fireplaces require maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. They should be inspected and cleaned every year. This process is not a do-it-yourself job.

A chimney fire occurs when the combustible deposits in the chimney (creosote) ignite. A chimney fire involves flames shooting out the chimney top, and air roaring up the chimney to feed the fire. It is as loud as it is dangerous! A chimney sweep can remove the creosote deposits that potentially cause fires. A flue liner in good condition will help protect your home if you do have a chimney fire.

An inspection of the chimney flue is not part of a home inspection.

Old Unlined Chimneys
Fireplaces in old homes may not have clay flue liners. It is particularly important to seek the advice of an expert for these old chimneys. Unlined brick chimneys come in two varieties: single thickness (four inches of brick), and double thickness (eight inches of brick).

Glass Doors
The glass doors reduce heat loss when the fireplace is not running. Most glass door systems added to an existing fireplace are not designed to be closed when the fire is lit. On the other hand, some high efficiency zero-clearance fireplaces are designed for operation with the doors closed.

Wood Stove
A wood stove is more efficient than a fireplace. Modern wood stoves burn wood cleanly and efficiently, but must be cleaned and inspected annually. An expert will check the flue, the hearth and the clearance to combustibles. The clearance to combustibles information is listed on the data tag on the wood stove.

Zero-Clearance
Today, a fireplace can be added to almost any home. A zero-clearance fireplace can be installed directly against an existing wall and supported by the existing floor (a foundation is not required). A good installer is a must for this job.

 Here are a few ideas to keep the bad moods and negativity at bay.

 

1. Stand in the rain for a sunnier mood.Take your umbrella outside and breathe deeply. Rain produces negatively charged ions that increase the flow of oxygen to your brain, which increases mood, alertness and mental energy.

2. Renew friendships with snail mail. An email note may be quick, but writing an old-fashioned letter to send through the mail is proven to be more relaxing and to invite a more thoughtful heartfelt response.

3. Invite optimism by counting to three. Stop and think about 3 things that went right today, then write them down on a scrap of paper. People who do this regularly feel better about their lives as a whole and are more optimistic about the future.

Lighten the chore of keeping pots and pans clean for the next use with a few tricks.

• Make any pan nonstick. Boiling white vinegar in your metal pan for 15 seconds will make it nonstick. It will last for 2 months, or so.

• Rid your pots of burnt food. Place a dryer sheet in the bottom of a pan with burnt food, fill with hot water and wait 30 minutes. Then just wipe away the food.

• Cook stains away. If your aluminum pot is stained, heat up tomato sauce or another acidic food in the pot. The acids act as natural stain removers on aluminum.

• Keep copper clean with fruit. Polish copper to a high sheen by rubbing tarnish away with a lemon dipped in a bit of salt.

 

• Do not burn trash.

 

• Do not burn pressure-treated or painted wood.

• Burn seasoned hardwood. Softwood will cause creosote
to build up more quickly.

• Load the logs near the back of the fireplace.

• Use the spark screen.

• Make sure smoke and CO detectors are functioning.

• Have the chimney and fireplace or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually.

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Pillar To Post Newsletter September 2011

Posted on September 9, 2011 by - Post Notes

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Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the need to achieve, the complexity of competition, and a fear of failure or rejection. As a result their self-confidence is like the mystical unicorn — elusive and seldom, if ever, seen. You will probably never catch a unicorn, but here are the five steps that will help you capture your self-confidence.

1. Focus on what’s right, not what’s wrong.
When people talk about work, school, life, and other people they are usually talking about what’s wrong or everything that could go wrong. That type of thinking can nullify your strengths and kill your self-confidence.

Unconsciously your mind negatively perceives disappointment as a threat. You automatically begin to focus on the perceived threat or what’s wrong or could go wrong. This is not an alligator, you can fight it.

Completing and constantly saying the following phrases to yourself will build confidence:

• I have a good chance of succeeding because…
• Everything will work out because…
• I’m great for this position, listing, or opportunity because…
• Today is going to be an extraordinary day because…
These declarations won’t magically make things perfect but they will help to bring back your self-confidence.
Once you begin to regularly use these and similar phrases you will create vivid images in your mind that will help you to...

2. Visualize Your Victory.
Your unconscious mind makes no distinction between imagination and reality. Think about that. If you imagine having confidence then you will actually experience being confident. Find a quiet place and for a few moments imagine what you will see, hear, feel, taste, and smell during your victory. Envision yourself successfully achieving your desired outcome.

3. Thoroughly prepare and be authentic.
You know if you’ve properly prepared for the task at hand. It’s difficult to be confident when you’re not prepared and pretending to be something that you’re not. Thoroughly prepare and keep it real. Be authentic. As you prepare, focus on what’s right, visualize your victory, and...

4. Avoid Disaster Dan and the Taverns of Turmoili.
Have you ever known or heard of someone that never has anything good to say? Do you know what you should tell people like that? Absolutely nothing. Don’t tell them about your dreams, aspirations, or goals. Don’t even tell them your name, email address, or where you live. And if they know where you live it’s time to move! These kinds of people dwell in Taverns of Turmoil — negative environments — which should be avoided at all costs. Instead use your time to....

5. Set bite-sized goals and celebrate success.
When a task, goal, or obstacle appears to be insurmountable your self-confidence can begin to wane. The good news, however, is that small, successful experiences can produce more confidence. As your confidence grows, celebrate by giving yourself a treat or doing something you enjoy. Then set another small goal and celebrate again. This technique is a tremendous confidence booster.

Self-confidence is a priceless asset that will frequently tip the odds in your favor. The five steps you just walked though will keep your self-confidence from being like the unicorn – elusive and seldom, if ever, seen.

Writer and coach,

 

Here are a few things that you can do inside your home to keep the water out of your home.

• Install backflow valves or plugs for drains, toilets and other sewer connections, the valve will automatically close if sewage backs up from the main sewer, preventing water from entering your homes.

• Inspect pipes and hot water tanks regularly for leaks – replace them at the first sign of rust or corrosion.

• Never leave taps running unattended – replace cracked or aging fixtures like sinks, tubs and toilets before they become a problem.

• Inspect hoses every 6 months and replace any with kinks (always leave 3 to 4 inches at the back of an appliance to prevent crimping). Replace plastic connection lines on appliances with steel braid hoses.

• Be aware of signs that indicate your pipes or plumbing may be leaking – look for condensation around pipes, watch for stains on walls or ceilings, or a musty smell.

• Arrange to have someone check your property daily if you are going to be away from home.

Here’s wishing you have a comfortable, safe and dry fall in your home.

 

Many people think of adding square footage to create more space. But here’s how to create the illusion of space without adding more square footage.

1. Think diagonal views. Stand in one corner and arrange a clear view to the other corner. Place floor tiles on the diagonal. It makes the space seem larger, pushing the walls out.

2. Lighting will open up space. To give your house an airy feel, use simple window dressings to bring in natural light and steal space from the outdoors.

3. Accessorize. The bigger a piece of artwork is, the bigger the feeling of space. A wall filled with many small pictures seems cluttered and space appears smaller.

4. Let there be height. Use at least one tall element in a room to draw the eye upward, towards the ceiling. Not only does this maximize the vertical space in the room, but it also draws the eye up to the less crowded ceiling space above.

5. Play with the furniture. Try to move furniture away from the walls if space allows. It will give a feeling of openness when a sofa isn’t butted against a wall. If buying new pieces, purchase items on legs versus feet. The higher a piece sits from the floor the more visual space is present.

 

Your house can have people thinking that they would love to live there even before they step through the front door.

Spruce up the Grounds.
For love at first sight, neatness counts. Trim bushes and shrubs. Clear the driveway. Place a pretty welcome mat by the front door.Coordinate the hardware.
Don’t mix and match metals. Brass locks, silver door handles and a black mailbox will clash. For a coordinated appearance, all outdoor metals should be the same color.

 

Change the color.
Go with a neutral, traditional gray or beige. Classics don’t go out of style. Color is key. The same house may look like a dream in sage green, but a nightmare in brown.

Make a great first impression.
The front door is the most telling detail of your house. Give your entryway an instant makeover by choosing a handsome wood such as mahogany, or cut-glass storm doors.

 

Clients often ask Pillar To Post inspectors about the value of upgrading windows. There are many good reasons to upgrade windows but it is often difficult to decide based solely on dollars and cents.

Save Energy
Replacing old drafty windows with modern windows will saves energy, but the cost will not likely justify the energy savings. Break even will only occur after 20 to 30 years. Beware of claims such as 40% savings on your energy bills. Realistically, you may save 10% to 20%. If saving money is your only goal, consider weather stripping and repairing the windows you have.

Comparing Windows
U-Factor The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has developed a standardized rating system call the “U-factor” which provides a single number with which to compare windows. The U-factor is a number between 0 to 1: the lower the number, the better. 0.35 is good. In cold climates, the U-factor is the most important factor for selecting a window.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) In climates where air conditioning is more important than heating, the SHGC is the most important factor for choosing a window. The SHGC represents how much heat from the sun penetrates the window. The SHGC is a number between 0 to 1. For air conditioning climates, a number less than 0.4 is good. For heating climates, a larger number, such as 0.6, is better.

Advanced Technology

Argon Filled
Some manufacturers put argon gas, a better insulator than air, between the panes, resulting in a more efficient window. Most experts agree that the argon does not last forever.

Glass Coatings
Coatings or films can dramatically improve the efficiency of a window. In a heating climate, low-E glass allows short wave solar radiation into the home for a heat gain, and prevents heat loss by reflecting the longer wave heat from inside your house back into the room. In hot climates, the window can be coated or tinted to reduce heat gain from the sun. Ask a home inspector, or another impartial professional, whether you need to upgrade your windows. A window salesperson will likely give you only one answer: yes.

Here are a few ways to reduce the stress of life and say goodbye to nagging worries that undermine your confidence.

 1. Ease anxiety with eggs. High levels of the stress hormone adrenaline can switch your brain into overdrive, filling your head with racing thoughts. Egg’s amino acid taurine can nix the rush.

 

2. Boost calm by daydreaming Let your mind wander and think of something pleasant for 15 minutes and rev the soothing beta brain waves.

3. Stop stress with fresh air.Has your home been sealed tight with air conditioning on high? It may have elevated levels of mild pollutants (for instance cleaning products) that can increase stress-inducing cortisol. The easy fix is to pop open a window for 10 minutes or so.

 

Here are some simple, smart economical ways to remove scuff marks on floors.

1. Get sneaky. Black-soled shoes may have made streaks on your tile floor, but rubber-soled sneakers can whisk them away. Simply tie on your sneakers and buff the marks with the point of your sole – no bending required.

2. Dryer sheet solution. Have hardwood floors? Lift scuff marks safely by using a dryer sheet (even a used one will do). Simply rub at the marks, making small, circular motions.

3. Dab with rubbing alcohol. Vinyl floor looking streaky? Dab a little rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth and wipe. The marks will disappear without damaging the floor’s finish.

 

1. Modern windows are more energy efficient,
Using less fuel preserves our environment.2. New windows eliminate drafts and cold spots.

 

3. New windows look better, potentially increasing the value of your house.

4. New windows function better and are often easier to clean.

5. Modern windows block street sounds better.

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Pillar To Post Newsletter July 2011

Posted on July 9, 2011 by - Post Notes

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Stress is like dark chocolate. A little of it won’t kill you. In fact, small blocks here and there can be good for you. But chronic and severe stress can damage your body and mind, blocking the fluid communication to and from most organs–especially in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and in the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center. You want these two systems running as smoothly as possible, with low levels of the delinquent stress hormones in your bloodstream.

This is why I always keep some stress busters handy. Here are nine of my favorites.

  1. Simplify. Cut your to-do list in half. Ask yourself this question after every item: Will I die tomorrow if this doesn’t get accomplished? Every morning I immediately jot down my to-do list. Once I experience the first heart palpitation, the list gets cut in half.
  2. Prioritize. Let’s say you’ve got five huge work projects due next week. Record all the tasks and give each one a number from 1 and 10: 10 being life threatening to 1 being that stupid thing I signed up for. Start with the 10s. If you never get beyond the 8s, that’s okay!
  3. Use Pencil, Not Pen. Start using pencil instead of pen to stay as flexible as you can. Things change! And change is not your enemy. You want to be able to erase a task or reminder at any time, because who knows what your day will be like.
  4. Give Away Your Cape. You are not a superhero and don’t possess supernatural qualities and capabilities. Join the race … the human race. Surrender to limitations and conditions–like the number of hours in a day (24) and the amount of time it takes to get from point A to point B - in your car - not in your Batmobile.
  5. Laugh. When people laugh, the autonomic nervous system mellows out and the heart is allowed to relax. Laughter can boost the immune system and the levels of stress hormones. Plus it’s just fun to laugh. And having fun is its own stress buster.
  6. Excercise. Exercise relieves stress in several ways. First, cardiovascular workouts stimulate brain chemicals that foster growth of nerve cells. Second, exercise increases the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine. Third, a raised heart rate releases endorphins and a hormone known as ANP, which reduces pain, induces euphoria, and helps control the brain’s response to stress and anxiety. A quick stroll in the morning or in the evening might be just enough to tell the stress hormones in your blood to scatter.
  7. Stop Juggling. I realize some multi-tasking is inevitable in our rushed culture. If you have trouble chewing gum and walking at the same time like I do, you might try your best to concentrate on one activity at a time.
  8. Build Boundaries. Designate a place and time for certain things so that your brain doesn’t have to wear so many hats at the same time. Make yourself abide by some rules: computer is off when I’m not working, and computer stays off in the evening and on weekends.
  9. Think Globally. This is a simple reminder that compared to other problems in our world today, the things that we stress about are pretty minor. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and most of it is small stuff.

These days, homes are at a greater risk of water damage than ever before. Heavier precipitation and less predictable weather patterns increase the chance of unwanted water entering our homes.

Water damage is serious business. It is a drain – financially, emotionally, even physically. Just one inch is all it takes to destroy sentimental or irreplaceable items, or to create structural damage that can depreciate the value of your home. The bacteria and mold it can leave in its wake can affect air quality in your home and create potential health risks.

The best way to deal with water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Here are some easy things you can do outside your home to help keep you safe and dry.

  • Disconnect downspouts from the municipal sewer system. Extend downspouts at least 6 feet away from your basement walls and drain away from your house towards the street or backyard.
  • Install a rain barrel to minimize the amount of surface water that could enter your home
  • Grade the earth or hard surfaces around your home to slope away from your foundation.
  • Before temperatures drop to freezing, turn off the water supply to outdoor taps and faucets, then open the taps to drain the water completely. Leave taps in the open position until spring.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris – clean them out at least once a year – late fall is a good time.

With a little know-how and some routine maintenance, you can stay ahead of the wave and keep unwanted water out.

 

While the purchase of smaller homes is becoming more popular, large-scale master bedrooms continue to remain the-trend, as they offer a retreat from the real world. With these tips, you will be dreaming in your bedroom both day and night.

Atmosphere- Leave the world and the items that remind you of it outside. The master bedroom should be clutter-free; offering a place to de-stress and find solace. Replace cell phones and computers, better suited to a home office, with candles and photos of loved ones.

Furniture- Keeping with the streamlined look, furnish the room with essentials only. An oversized bed with lots of pillows offers a comfortable escape and focal point. Additional furnishings such as “his and hers” bedside tables provide a place for personal items and an armoire can host a television, decorative books and photographs.

Window Treatments- The right window treatments can soften harsh light and provide privacy for a restful environment and maybe even a touch of romance. Silhouette window shades diffuse light through two fabric layers for a warm glow and calming effect.

Decorative Accents- Brighter, airy colors such as yellows and warm blues invoke a sense of warmth and happiness. Using a fresh coat of paint in these colors can dramatically alter the look of a room. Add an inspirational element using paintings from places around the world where you have traveled or hope to travel.

En-suite Bathroom- Luxury still resonates with the en-suite bath. “His and Hers” vanities remain popular as well as relaxing soaking tubs. Aromatherapy candles and oversized, fluffy towels add both a functional and decorative element.

Summer months spent outdoors invite mud and grass stains onto unwelcome places. Try these quick and easy ways to remove them.

Take it away with tape. Adding water to a mud stain actually makes it worse. Instead, wait until it’s dry and place some packing tape over the mark to lift it away.

Use meat tenderizer. Dampen the grass stain and sprinkle meat tenderizer on the spot before tossing it in to the wash. Stains will magically lift away.

Make marks disappear. Before washing a grass-stained cotton or denim garment, apply rubbing alcohol to the mark, then soak in hot water to safely dissolve stains.

Remove mud from carpet. If the kids tracked dirt into your carpet, wait for it to dry, and then use a small brush to loosen up the mud. Then just vacuum up the dirt particles.

Work it out. Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part vinegar to form a paste. Gently work it onto the backside of a grass stain. This will push the stain outward instead of further into the fabric. Launder as usual.

Stains on your skin. Soap and water not cutting it for removing the green hue? Wash the area with vinegar and warm water to dissolve the grass pigments on the skin.

 

Central air conditioning systems are a luxury in some areas of North America and a basic necessity in others. It is in your best interest to understand how to choose the right system for your home, and how to maintain it for optimal use.

The most common system is called a “split system” because part of it (the condenser) is located outside the house, and part (the evaporator) is located inside. The evaporator is mounted inside an air handler, a blower that circulates air throughout the house.

For forced-air heating, the furnace acts as the air handler. In these cases, the evaporator is simply mounted on top of the furnace.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It designates the efficiency rating of air conditioning systems. A 14 SEER air conditioner is more efficient than a 10 SEER unit. Since January 2006, manufacturers are no longer permitted to manufacture air conditioning systems with a SEER less than 13.

The 13 SEER system is much larger physically than older systems. If you are replacing a failed older system, the new evaporator may not fit into the old air handler, or even into the space it once occupied. The ducting can be modified to fit the new evaporator, but in some cases the entire air handler (or furnace) may have to be replaced.

CAPACITY sizing is very important. Installers traditionally err on the side of over sizing a system to avoid client complaints on the hottest day of the summer. A larger-than-necessary system will not function optimally. It will cool the house off quickly and then shut off. These short on-cycles are not good because:

Here is what you can learn from these statistics

  • Most air conditioning systems take about seven minutes of operation to reach peak efficiency.
  • An oversized system will operate at a fraction of its rated efficiency, costing more to operate than it should.
  • The central air conditioning system also dehumidifies the home. If the on-cycles are short, you get little dehumidification. The result is a cold and clammy home.

Choosing the appropriate capacity for the air conditioning system requires a skilled and experienced air conditioning contractor that can do a heat gain calculation for your home.

Like any system in your home, a central air conditioner will work at its peak efficiency and performance when it is properly fitted for capacity and regularly maintained.

 

The image that represents you on a website, Facebook or Instant Messenger is called an “avatar”. Your avatar almost always represents your true personality. What does your choice say about you?

 

  • Pet or favorite animal: You are a youthful optimist. Looking at an adorable animal boosts moods, so when your friends see this avatar, they think of you as happy too.
  • Family photo: You are a complicated empathy. A loved one’s image reveals how loyal and nurturing you are. It suggests you are empathetic and open-minded.
  • Photo of yourself:You are open and extroverted. A real photo says you have nothing to hide in either the virtual or real world. You are perceived as trusting and trustworthy.
  • Cartoon character: You are a creative wit. While your whimsical icon reveals you can scale heights of creative thinking, it shows also how modest (even shy) you can be.
  •  Celebrity: You are a romantic go-getter. You convey idealism and romanticism. You are willing to both network on the Web and pound the pavement in the real world to get where you want to go.

 

One of the easiest places for ugly odors to collect and lurk is the frequently used kitchen trash can.

Here are some ideas to bring a fresher scent into your kitchen.

Scent your trash bags. Soak a few cotton balls in your favorite essential oils and toss in your can for a refreshing smell. Replace when you throw out the trash.

Line it. Taking out the trash will be less of a chore when you line the can with three bags. Lift out the garbage bag to have the new one instantly handy.

Sanitize the can. When cleaning your trash can, mix ¼ cup baking soda and 2 Tbs. vinegar to make a paste that will scrub your can clean. It’ll not only remove tough stains, but also fight germs and odors.

Use a dryer sheet. Leave a dryer sheet beneath the garbage bag to release a fresh smell into your trash can.

 

Clean or replace the filter in the air handler regularly, not just for clean air, but also because the filter protects the heating and cooling equipment. Dust can clog the evaporator coil, reducing the heat transfer, efficiency, and life of the system.

Trim vegetation away from the condenser for free air flow. Do not enclose the condenser within the trellis or anything else that might block air flow.

Service the system regularly. Servicing is inexpensive and will increase the life and efficiency of the system. A technician typically cleans the condenser coils and checks the refrigerant pressures, adjusting the refrigerant charge as needed.

 

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