Sharing is Caring, Especially When It Comes to Cleaning

How You Can Help Others

With so many people in need from the aftermath of Sandy, it’s hard to know how to get started helping others. Many people want to help out by donating items, but don’t know what

people need, or how to get it to them. Anything you can do to help those in need is important and valuable, but here are some of the best items to donate to help get you started:

Canned foods and clean water are in the highest demand right now. Since many people still don’t have power to cook food, canned foods are easier to prepare than dry goods like rice or pastas. Make sure to donate non-perishable and non-damaged items only.

Many food banks, soup kitchens and other organizations can purchase large amounts of food at extremely low costs. Giving money can sometimes be uncomfortable as you can’t always be sure if you’re gift is really helping people. Locating reputable food banks and local religious organizations make it easier to give worry free financial donations.

It’s literally freezing outside, and many people are cold. Warm blankets and clothing are very much in need. Contact your local soup kitchen, shelters and religious organizations to find out where you can bring warm clothing for donation.

Donations are pouring into New York and New Jersey from all around America, but getting the needed items to the people that need them is still difficult. To give a truly amazing gift to others and to yourself, donate some of your time. Volunteering to drive supplies, organize, or help out at a soup kitchen is an amazing way to give back to your community.

By pulling together and helping our neighbors, we can make this storm a thing of the past.

Our Sympathies

Our deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone affected by Sandy. We hope that people will be able to return to their homes, with electricity, as soon as possible.

How Healthy is a Bacteria-Less Home?

Commercial cleaning companies continue to come out with new and improved products. These products claim to sterilize all surfaces and items in your house—we’ve all heard their claims, “kills 99% of all germs and bacteria.”

But, does a completely sterilized and germ-free home really keep you healthier in the long run?

Recent findings say no. According to new research, sterilizing an area removes natural and harmless bacteria from the environment. This creates stronger, drug-resistant forms of brand new germs. Exposure to these new germs causes all kinds of illnesses since your body does not recognize them.

Not to mention, that these new germs also attack and kill and the good bacteria in your body. Not cool.

So, in order to keep your home healthier and clean, take a break from the harsh chemical-laden, anti-bacterial products. Instead, use a simpler product or an all natural alternative for everyday use.

Try using a simple combination of water and distilled white to clean your home. Or mix together a few 100% all-natural essential oils. Certain essential oils feature mess and germ fighting qualities.

So trade out your chemicals for a natural substitute and reserve the serious products for a heavier mess.

Dorm Rooms 101: Essentials to Help your Freshman Feel at Home

carpet cleaning ny

Well, the summer came and went and now it’s time to check into the dorms.

While this time brings about a lot of emotions, it’s also the best time to stock your student up the some awesome essentials to make the dorms feel more at home.

Start with the basics: bedding and towels.

Let your student choose the color styles they like while finding a good enough brand to fit the bed and last longer than a couple of semesters.

Look for reversible and heavy blankets to top the bed and twin sheets that allow for a comfy bed cover to fit underneath.

As far as towels go, pick up a couple sets of each size. You want something that can take a lot of use (and abuse).

Bed, Bath & Beyond offers a low cost brand ($4-$6) in all colors called Lasting Color Towels.

Help you student set up a little nook in their room. Stack small plastic crates on top of each other with the open side sticking out.

Fill each cubby with water bottles, travel mugs, and heavy plastic (re-usable) dishes and utensils. Make sure to grab an electric tea kettle for cups of tea or noodles at all hours of the day and night.

Give you student a little help when it comes to studying with a new alarm clock and head phones. Choose an alarm with enough bell options to keep your student to getting accustomed to the sound.

Find comfortable and durable headphones so your student can tune out excess noise and tune into some serious study zones.

With a couple of cool dorm room enhancements, your freshman will feel right and home and ready to hit the books.

How to Weave a Rag Rug

Weaving is an ancient art form that is found in almost every culture around the world. Some groups of people weave so beautifully that their rugs and other woven pieces are considered fine artwork. Fine oriental and Navajo rugs are prized household items, however you can easily weave your own rug right at home.

Rag rugs are sturdy, home made rugs made from leftover t-shirts, bed sheets or other old fabric lying around the home. They make wonderful decorations for doorways, outdoors or even in the kitchen. In a society that’s used to tossing away old items, rag rugs are also the perfect way to reuse and recycle.

Here are links to two different websites with easy to understand tutorials about weaving your own rug:

http://www.wikihow.com/Weave-a-Rag-Rug
http://www.craftpassion.com/2010/03/recycle-tutorial-woven-rag-rug.html

It’s a fun and easy project that requires nothing more than old fabric, or a piece of cardboard. Making your own rug doesn’t take a long time, and leaves you with a sturdy woven rug for your home.