Category: Post Notes

Do you want more out of life, more money, fun & adventure, a better social life, perhaps a new romantic partner, good health, career success? If you do you are going to have to make space; A BIG SPACE.

Have you ever wandered into a new show house or apartment and lusted after the Zen like peace and tranquillity that seems to ooze from the open spaces, clutter free surfaces, immaculate bathrooms and thought if you could just move in there, life would be perfect?

Chances are if your present home is in clutter, your life is too, simple as that. The problem with clutter is that it’s clogging up your life like plaque on your teeth. You might well be aware of the need to detoxify your body but what about your living space?

What exactly is clutter? It’s the physical and mental excess in your life you no longer need that is taking up space that could be put to a lot better use in your life.

What’s the connection? Clutter is past tense, old stuff, it might have been useful once, possibly even attractive then, but now it just sitting there getting dusty, going moldy, time to sort it or chuck it.

Step One - Clear the Clutter.
1. Start with the bedroom. The level of a person’s self-esteem shows by the state of what they put next to their skin. Get rid of anything that smacks of poverty, grubby bed linen, thread-bare towels, not to mention some of the old worn stuff in the wardrobe. Replacing these items with the best you can afford sends a serious message to the universe that you now value yourself much higher and are ready for more good stuff in your life.

2. Remove the junk from your hall. Fix up the doorbell, letterbox, phone & email connections and you’ll more than likely be in for a raise, promotion or increase in business.

3. Empty the fridge & clean up the kitchen. For the fastest way to attract wealth. It is your connection with nourishment.

Step Two - Clean
First you clear the clutter, then you CLEAN.
The good news is that now the house is almost empty you have a whole lot less to clean. If you are lazy, get in cleaners, but there is a huge benefit in doing it yourself as you get down and dirty and really excavate those gunged up crevices.

While your body is engaged physically, your mind will be doing overtime clearing the mental and emotional cobwebs.

When you are finished, your home will be like a magnet set to attract the best life has to offer you, so open the windows, buy some flowers, light a candle, relax and wait for the universe to deliver the goodies.

Feng Shui Consultant
byronsusan@eircom.net

The snow and ice have melted, but this winter’s wild storms have left yards across the country in need of a major spring-cleaning.

1. Remove the debris. If the winter’s seemingly incessant wind, rain, and snow have done a number on your trees, start your clean-up efforts by collecting the fallen branches and scattered sticks. Rent a wood-chipper from any garden or hardware store and turn your debris into mulch.

2. Rake dead leaves and twigs. Last year’s leaves will make great compost, but not if they keep the grass from absorbing sunlight. Thoroughly rake the yard and garden beds.

3. Prune and trim. Prune back weatherworn bushes and hedges as well as any perennials that look overgrown. Trim damaged tree limbs and branches that you can reach, and make arrangements for a professional tree-trimmer to take care of the rest.

4. Map out landscaping and garden plans. If you’re going to make landscaping changes, make a sketch of your lawn indicating what sort of trees, shrubs, or plants you'd like to add. Consult with a gardener or landscaper at the nursery before making any final decisions.

5. Start planting. Check the planting dates on your new purchases. Any plants, trees or shrubbery hearty enough to survive spring’s still-cool nights can be put in the ground now.

1. Shower Spa - Seek a serene, spa like shower environment with a curbless design for a spacious wonderful and perfect open shower experience.

2. Open It Up - Open plan kitchens are expanding even further with glass front cabinets and open shelving units to give the feeling of even more space.

3. Smart Sensors - Smart thermostats are the latest environmentally friendly gadget. Save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your daily routine.

4. Back to Nature - Add value and comfort by blending indoor and outdoor living space. All-weather furniture and outdoor fireplaces are top picks.

5. U-Sockets - The smallest upgrade can make the biggest difference! U-sockets are wall plugs with two built-in USB ports that can be used to power devices such as tablets and smartphones.

Hopefully these trends have inspired you whether you are looking to stage and sell your home or just want to add a little pizazz to your space.

Give your home a fresh new look - quickly, cheaply and easily - with these low and no cost tips.

1. Give upholstered pieces new life and unite mismatched furniture with slipcovers. Limitless choices are available at Pottery Barn.   2. Use paint to rescue wood furniture. It turns drab into delicious. Layer on even more personality with stenciling, decoupage or painted accent designs. 3. Tack on some trim. Add cording, fringe or other trim to the seams where two fabrics meet - along edges of drapery panels, around duvet covers and on toss pillows. 4. Juggle your accessories. Moving accent pieces you already own to new locations or other rooms can really jazz things up and at no cost.

For many, a deck is an extension of the home. It brings indoor life to the great outdoors. With a little care, a deck can last for many years. Neglected, it can become an eyesore or worse, unsafe! This spotlight on decks provides a few tips to help keep your deck safe and in good condition.

Deck Materials
Pressure Treated Wood: The most common deck building material is pressure treated wood. Properly maintained, a pressure treated wood deck can last 20 years. Pressure treated wood comes in construction grade and premium grade. Construction grade, pressure treated wood tends to warp and split as it dries and shrinks. This is fine for the deck structure but the decking calls for a higher quality material. Premium pressure treated deck boards are cut from better stock and are treated and dried to a higher standard.

Cedar: Cedar is a premium deck building material with a rich look and feel. It is more expensive than pressure treated wood but it has many desirable properties. It is naturally more dimensionally stable than pressure treated wood so it does not shrink and split. A well maintained cedar deck can last 20 years.

Synthetic: Synthetic decking is the most expensive decking material but it requires little to no maintenance beyond cleaning and should last many years. There are many different types and styles.

Wood Sealer
The secret to a deck that looks good over the years is wood sealer. Unsealed wood will absorb water and expand and then dry out and shrink. Over time the wood splits and deteriorates. If the water beads up and runs off, the deck is in good shape. Otherwise it needs sealer.

Guard Rails
Guard rails keep you safe on your deck. The point is to keep people from falling from the deck. Guards are generally required for decks higher than 24 inches and 30 inches from the ground.

• The guard rail should be 36 inches high (a deck over 6 feet high requires a 42 inch guard)(Requirements may vary by location).
• There should be no openings larger than 4 inches so nobody can fall through or trap children.
• It should be strong enough to hold a person that falls heavily into the rail or balusters.

Deck Collapse
Except for hurricanes and tornadoes, more injuries may be connected to deck failures than all other wood building components and loading cases combined. Many decks fail because they are old, worn and rotted. Others fail because they were not built properly in the first place. The most critical connection is the deck to house connection.

ORANGE: Studies show orange is the warmest color and makes you feel instantly less stressed and more open to the beauty of the moment. Wear it when you want to meet new people or be more persuasive, they will be more open to you in orange.

TIME CLOCK: Removing the constant reminder of time ticking away stops the “fast-forward thinking” that keeps you from focusing on the here-and-now.

REALLY LISTEN: We are all so busy, we become experts at half-listening while our minds are somewhere else. Really zeroing in on what your client, child or spouse is saying right now creates a bona fide connection.

The beauty of cut flowers from the garden or florist is apt to fade all too quickly. Here are a few ways to keep them adorning your home a little longer.

• Choose the freshest. Pick barely open blooms and gently squeeze them at the base. They must feel plump and firm.
• Make fresh cuts. Hold the stems under water while you trim off the dry ends. Place them into a jar of water while you make your arrangement.
• Clean up your act. Leaves that sit under water will decay and shorten the life of blooms, so remove them.
•  

Wood rot: If you see wood rot it could be worse than you think. Rotted connections such as the ledger board to house connection could lead to deck collapse. Good connections: Check points of connection of major components such as the deck to house, guard-rail to deck, beam to post, post to pier etc. You should see plenty of metal brackets and bolts, not nails. If in doubt, have an expert look at your deck. For example, it is very difficult to inspect the deck to house connection because it is not easily accessible. Of course, it helps if you know what you are looking for. There are over 40 million decks in North America with over 1 million being built or re-built each year. With care, a deck can last many years and provide a safe place to enjoy the great outdoors.

In the fall farmers and gardeners gather in the produce that they have been looking forward to for months. But the harvest begins long before fall and, in fact, is the result of observing specific principles that can also be applied to most aspects of life.

1. Prepare the soil - It is important that the soil has the proper acidity and composition to encourage growth. In your personal life you also need to have an environment of people and places that will help you to grow and reach your potential.

2. Sow the seeds - “Wishing doesn’t make it so”. You will not reap unless you have first sown. Many people state that they want to learn a skill or become a better person but do not begin the process. Then fall arrives and they have regrets.

3. Protect the crop - Insects, disease and predators can destroy the crop if you do not take precautions. That’s why farmers spray in June and July even when it might be more fun to go to the beach instead. In life, we need to protect our dreams and ideas so that they are not destroyed before they can mature.

4. Invest your energy - The whole process of growing a crop requires a good work ethic. Supplies must be purchased. Research takes effort. Add your labor so the seed will germinate, grow and ripen. Life also requires an investment of energy.

5. Be sensitive about timing - “There’s no point in trying to talk to a farmer when it’s seeding or harvest”. Farmers understand that time and opportunity must meet to allow success. You can do all the right things and still get terrible results if your timing is off.

6. Know that you will reap in kind - When you plant wheat you will harvest wheat - not corn or watermelon or fruit. When you plant lies or nasty words or gossip you will likely not get returns that are positive. Plant what you want in return.

7. Your seed will produce more than you sowed - I once planted a handful of pumpkin seeds that resulted in a crop of ninety-nine pumpkins! You usually get more than you started with so be careful.

If you are harvesting right now and feel disappointed about the results, do not curse the crop or look for something to blame. Instead, decide what needs to be changed and then look forward to a much better crop in the future.

Dr. Linda Hancock
Registered Psychologist & Social Worker

For decades, you’ve been told to install fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks in spring and fall. This simple reminder has no doubt saved countless lives, since fire investigators tell us that powered and properly maintained smoke alarms double your chances of escape. In addition, however, a home safety expert at the country’s leading alarm manufacturer says one more step is needed to ensure your home’s protection.

Smoke alarms scan for danger millions of times in their lifespan, so eventually they wear out. Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms every five to seven years depending on the manufacturer. Checking the age of your system is critical, so that you don’t put new batteries into outdated alarms. These replacement rules apply whether alarms are battery powered or hand-wired.

Here are three timely safety reminders.

1. Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and inside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed.

2. Never take down an alarm or remove its batteries to silence a nuisance alarm; instead install a photoelectric smoke alarm near the kitchen as they are less prone to cooking smoke.

3. If you have any fuel-fired devices or appliances (furnace, water heater, gas or wood fireplace, range or clothes dryer) or an attached garage or carport, you need to install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm.

1. Hire a true bathroom renovation expert. A bathroom renovation is one of the most complex renovations. You'll need a specialist not a jack-of-all-trades. Someone who will know all the issues that will need to be dealt with.

2. Make sure there is a showroom. Here you can see typical bathroom displays and the quality of the workmanship. You have somewhere to go and someone to speak with should issues arise.

3. Ask for three references. These should include a) a current project being worked on b) a project that is 3 to 6 months old, and c) a project that is about a year old. If you can see the work previously done, all the better.

4. Make sure you have a realistic budget. Include everything for the project that you want done (pay close attention to this). Never hire someone to do your project because of a low price or just because it fits your time frame.

5. Stay away from cash deals. They mean no paperwork, no warranty, and nowhere to turn if there are problems afterwards.

With these simple suggestions, you could make your carpet last forever.

1. Get rid of pet hair. Put on a rubber glove and run your hand over the carpet - pet hairs should magically cling to the glove.   2. Vacuum this way. To get rid of deep down dirt move the vacuum in several directions. 3. Remove dents. Place an ice cube in the dent and let it melt, then blot the wet spot. Use a spoon to re-fluff the fibers. 4. Protect it from the sun. For carpet in a sunny area, close the drapes to prevent fading. 5. Put on socks. The oils on your feet stick to the carpet and attract dirt and grime that harm the fibers. 6. Fight odors. Sprinkle baking soda over your carpet and let it sit for an hour. Then vacuum away for a smell-free room.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, a byproduct of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, is a colorless, odorless gas. Breathing CO reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. In severe cases, CO can cause death. Defective or malfunctioning fossil fuel appliances, or inappropriate use of appliances that burn fossil fuel close to or inside the home can pose a serious health hazard.

Here are a few examples of dangerous operations:

• Running an automobile or gas lawn mower inside the garage

• Operating a barbeque inside the home

• A gas or oil burning furnace with a blockage in the chimney

• Kerosene space heaters

• Operating a generator in the home during a power failure

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chest pain, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death. Low level poisoning may go unnoticed because it may be mistaken for the flu.

Carbon Monoxide Detector
You should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. In some geographic areas, a CO detector is required by law. The CO detector should be placed where you can hear it if, it goes off when you are asleep. A CO detector does not have to be placed on the ceiling, since unlike smoke, CO has approximately the same weight as air so it mixes uniformly throughout the room rather than floating up to the ceiling. To avoid false alarms, do not install the detector next to heating and cooking appliances, vents, flues, or chimneys. Make sure you read and follow the operating, placement, and testing instructions that come with the detector.

If the carbon monoxide detector alarms, take it seriously.

If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, it should be located where you can hear it when you are sleeping. For greater safety, multiple CO detectors can be installed throughout the home, follow the instructions packaged with the detector.

These are the habits most likely to get and keep your memory sharp, say researchers who surveyed 30,000 people:

1. Watching less than one hour of TV a day.

2. Reading novels or magazines.

3. Having fewer than two alcoholic drinks a day.

4. Eating fish three times a week.

5. Doing crossword puzzles often.

6. Drinking tea or coffee.

7. Keeping a journal.

8. An observant perfectionist.

Use these smart suggestions to repurpose those empty coffee canisters.

1. Gather grease. Pour hot grease from cooking into a coffee can, place in freezer until full, then toss. Save your drains from clogs.

2. Easy compost. Keep an empty coffee can on your counter to hold kitchen scraps in between trips to the compost pile - the lid will contain any odors.

3. Plant flowers. Punch a few holes in the bottom of a coffee can for drainage and fill with soil, then plant your favorite flowers. Bonus: You can use the plastic lid as a saucer.

• Have your heating systems serviced every year by a qualified technician.   • Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected every year. • Install at least one CO detector in your home and replace the batteries twice per year. • Open the garage door prior to starting your car; drive the car out promptly. Do not leave it idling in the garage. Do not use a remote car starter when the car is in the garage. • Do not use a charcoal or propane barbeque in the home.

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 five steps to help you capture your self-confidence.

1. Focus on what’s right, not what’s wrong. Know your shortcomings and weaknesses, but it’s ineffective to constantly focus on them and what could go wrong. That thinking can nullify your strengths and kill your self-confidence.

Complete and constantly say the following phrases to build confidence:
1. I have a good chance of succeeding because…
2. Everything will work out because…
3. Today is going to be an extraordinary day because…
4. I’m great for this position or opportunity because…

2. Visualize Your Victory. Your unconscious mind makes no distinction between imagination and reality. If you imagine having confidence then you will actually experience being confident.

Take time to visualize victory. Daily, imagine what you will see, hear, feel, taste, and smell during your victory. Envision yourself successfully achieving your desired outcome. The more detailed your visualization, the more powerful your confidence will be.

3. Thoroughly prepare and be authentic. 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 Turmoil. A Disaster Dan (someone that never has anything good to say) can mess with your mind. You talk about how things will be great and they tell you how everything is going to fall apart. 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. These kinds of people dwell in Taverns of Turmoil - negative environments - which should be avoided at all costs.

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 and set another small goal. Celebrate again. This technique is a tremendous confidence booster.

Self-confidence is a priceless asset that will frequently tip the odds in your favor. Keep your self-confidence from being like the unicorn – elusive and seldom, if ever seen. Harness the power of self-confidence because with it you’ve already won.

“Proceed with [con] faith [fidence] in yourself.”

Renovations are not just about updating the design and comfort of your home. They can also be a great way to incorporate better approaches and sustainable technologies, they cost little but lead to big savings in dollars and also helping the environment.

1. When filling un-insulated spaces make them more energy efficient by considering rock wool or cellulose insulation. They contain recycled content and may reduce monthly heating cost.

2. The refrigerator in an average gas-heated home is the biggest single energy user. Consider recycling your old fridge and buying Energy Star rated appliances. Choosing a smaller size will also reduce the monthly energy cost.

3. Reducing water use and hot water bills when renovating your bathroom is easy. Install a low flow or low flow dual-flush toilet to reduce your water use by up to 25 per cent.

4. Showers use about 40% of the hot water in your home. Install a right flow shower head, especially one that is 1.75 gallons per minute (GPM) or less and you can save up to 30% energy.

5. Replace or install new windows with new Energy Star rated argon filled replacements for zone C or D. Also consider installing casement windows, which tend to be less drafty as they age when compared to slider or double hung windows.

• Romantic - Light wall colors, sumptuous textures, gold tones, gauzy window treatments, towel warmers, bubble bath, fresh cut flowers and potpourri set the scene.
• Retro - Remember the small bathroom tiles popular in the 1950s, and the bold floral and geometric designs of the 1960s? They epitomize retro style.
• Cape Cod - A natural association with water. Blue and white are classic colors for a Cape Cod bath but rustic reds, beiges and dark browns work too.
• Modern - Reflective surfaces, glass block, tile, stainless steel, mirror, enamel coupled with a minimalist approach and open space create modern.
• Country - Think organic. Stone, woven grasses, wood, plants and earth tones give a pastoral feel. Add charm with a claw footed bathtub.
• Rustic - It is a weathered mountain utilitarian vibe with handmade pine, wrought iron and woven mats on textured stone or wide plank wood floors.
• French - Refined and opulent, it makes use of gold color, pattern, architecture and wallpaper for a casual elegance that’s Old World.

These fast fixes may turn your home into a stress-free retreat.

Drape a cozy throw over the sofa or across your bed; reach for it whenever you need warmth and reassurance. It will act as a serenity blanket, recreating comfort and safety that you enjoyed as a child. Display cherished objects. A treasured possession of a favorite work of art is a symbol of safety and protection, producing a calm effect during times of stress. Fill a corner with a comfy chair and use it exclusively for quiet contemplation. The chair will soon become a serenity signal, cueing your body and mind to relax. Paint your bathroom blue. It is the most restorative space in your home - and painting it blue (or adding blue accents) will boost its therapeutic properties. Pale watery colors like blues and blue-greens are naturally soothing.

Imagine a touch-screen pad next to your tub. Enter a desired temperature and the tub fills with water at exactly that temperature. Imagine never running out of hot water again. Welcome to hot water on demand energy saving water heaters.

How It Works
A hot water on demand system heats water as you need it using gas or electricity. When you turn on a hot water tap:
1. Cold water flows into the system triggering the flow sensor
2. Powerful burners ignite and heat the water as it flows through the heat exchanger
3. Water comes out at the required temperature.
There is no tank or reservoir of water to heat up. For this reason, a hot water on demand system is commonly called a “tankless water heater”.

Saving Energy
A hot water on demand system is energy efficient because there is no reservoir of water to keep hot. The operating efficiency is not a good measure when comparing a standard system and a tankless system because it does not account for the standby losses. A better point of comparison is the energy factor. The energy factor is an estimate of the total energy cost for hot water. For example, the energy factor for a typical tank style hot water heater is about 0.55. This means that on average, for every dollar you spend on gas you get about 55 cents worth of hot water. A modern gas fired tankless system has an energy factor of about 0.84.

Saving Money
You can save money with a hot water on demand system Most product literature is misleading. A 20% energy saving is a realistic comparison of a modern tank system and a modern tankless system. Depending on your energy cost and the amount of hot water you use in a year, the payback may be 4 to 9 years. This is not bad when you consider that these systems last about 20 years compared to about 10 years for a standard tank hot water heater.

Skilled Technician
Thinking of installing a hot water on demand system? A skilled and experience technician is a must! A hot water on demand system requires a powerful burner to heat the water as it flows past the flame. The burner has to be powerful enough to heat the water even if several hot water taps are running at the same time. A skilled technician will know how to size the unit to supply the needs of the home. A skilled installer will be able to anticipate problems such as an inadequate gas line. The burner in a tankless water heater is so powerful it needs a large gas flow rate. If the existing gas line is not large enough, a new line will have to be installed.

Journal writing is proven to reduce stress. Your pen may also help you write your way to a happier healthier you.

1. Lower your blood pressure by free-writing. Write about everything that comes into your head. Induce a stream of consciousness called “flow”. It’s proven to reduce tension, even in your arteries.

2. Erase aches and pains. Write about serene nature scenes, from rhythmic ocean waves to picturesque fall foliage. Channel soothing natural imagery to lower stress hormones that ignite inflammation.

3. Erase the blues. Simply writing “happy words” such as “joy” and “happy” can make your mood follow suit. Using hopeful language makes you almost twice as likely to follow up with positive changes.

Here are some clever and cost-saving tips.

• Sinks. For non-abrasive scrubbing, sprinkle on baking soda; wipe away dirt with a sponge.
• Countertops. Fill a spray bottle with one part distilled white vinegar and one part water; use it to clean surfaces, no rinsing necessary.
• Tub, tile and shower. Clean hard-to-reach nooks and crannies - and say goodbye to back strain - with a Clorox bath wand or similar extendable tool.

When your hot water heater gets old should you replace it with another standard system or should you install a hot water on demand system?   There are three key benefits of a hot water on demand system: All the hot water you want. More energy efficient because there are no standby heat losses. Standard systems use energy to maintain the water temperature. A hot water on demand system is a small box mounted on the wall. Find some extra floor space by removing your old hot water tank.