Sharing is Caring, Especially When It Comes to Cleaning

Carpet vs Area Rug, Which do you prefer?

February 13 by

When decorating a home, a lot of different choices need to be made. Some people prefer the look of hard wood floors, while others want plush carpeting. Some prefer the simplicity of wall to wall carpeting, but others enjoy the beauty of an area rug. So how do you decide which way to go?

Wall to wall carpeting is the type of fabric that is attached to your floors. It is extremely comfortable in cold weather, and creates insulation that can reduce heating costs. Carpeting is often very affordable, durable, and softer, which is great for small children. Wall to wall carpeting is a long term commitment, which can be a problem. A spill, stain, or worn out high traffic area could be an eyesore for years. On the other hand, if you really like the carpeting you can’t take it with you. If you move out in a few years you’ll have to say goodbye to your investment.

Area rugs vary from inexpensive throw rugs to fine oriental rugs that stay in the family for generations. They are a great way to show off hardwood flooring, with the comfort and softness of a rug. Although area rugs are wonderful design pieces for a room, they can also be a tripping hazard.. Also, rugs only cover a small space, so if you are protecting your floor from small children, or keeping your feet warm in the winter, you are limited.

In the end it’s all a matter of personal preference, but knowing the advantages of each type of flooring will help you make the right choice for your home.

Remember, both area rugs and wall to wall carpeting are long term investments. Take your time, and make sure it’s the right choice for your family.

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Cleaning Facts 101: What is Dry Cleaning Anyways?

January 30 by

Have you ever wondered what makes dry cleaning different from hand washing or normal machine washing? I know I have.

So I set out on some investigative blogging to reveal what really happens when you send your garments off to the dry cleaners.

Dry cleaning is a cleaning process for clothes and other textiles without the use of water, although, in this laundering method, clothes actually get wet. Tricky little name.

As opposed to soaking the clothing and textiles in water, dry cleaning uses a special chemical solution, called perchlorethylene (abbreviates as perc), that washes away all dirt, stains and other messes.

During the dry cleaning process, the clothes go into a large capacity machine (normally with a maximum capacity of 50 pounds). The clothing and textiles tumble around in the main cleaning basket with the dry cleaning solution. The machine starts by removing the surface soil then rotates to penetrate deeply into the fabric fibers.

After completing the cleaning process, the clothes remain in the same machine and dry completely in the tumble dry setting. Once dry, the clothes and textiles receive a professional pressing to remove all creases and wrinkles.

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Water as a Health Food?

January 30 by

We hear it all the time, drink 8 glasses of water a day. But who has time for water when there’s an endless supply of juices, infusions and bottled drinks that at least have some flavor to them? When I was browsing the website of the World’s Healthiest Foods, I was shocked to find water listed alongside green tea and Tamari soy sauce.

The Worlds Healthiest Foods were compiled based on (among other things) the ratio of nutrients to calories, and since water from natural sources has a significant number of minerals with zero calories, that certainly puts it on the list.

Not only are our bodies at least 60% water, but water is also used to move nutrients around the body and remove toxins from the body. Drinking water leads to better heart health, proper blood pressure, improved mental performance, increased athletic performance, clearer skin and better digestion.

We all have the temptation to add flavor to our water to make it more exciting. But a lot can be said for getting used to the refreshing feeling of plain water.

If you are trying to cut out juices and sodas, but are having a hard time with water, try adding a lemon slice to the glass. For something a little more adventurous cut a small, peeled cucumber into half, and add into a water jug and refrigerate. Leave the cucumber floating in the water for a few hours and soon you’ll have your own refreshing cucumber water.

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Beat the Winter Blues

January 26 by

It’s that time of year again when it’s too cold, too dark and it feels like Spring is still just out of reach. A few small tips will help you perk up your emotional well being, and help keep you smiling till Spring.

Start off by staying well rested. It’s hard to be bright and cheery when all you want to do it crawl back into bed. By making sure that you get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, you can ward off feeling sluggish all day long.

Eating right isn’t just about staying thin, a healthy diet is a natural mood booster as well. Exercise is also an important element in staying cheerful. Exercise increases natural occurring mood boosting hormones, as well as relieves stress and tension. Getting at least 30 minutes of mild to moderate  exercise a few time a week will help you look better, feel better and even sleep better!

Plants aren’t the only things that need sunlight to live, humans need natural sun light too. By getting as little as 15 minutes of sun light each day, you’ll get a big boost of happiness.

And remember, Spring is just around the corner!

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How Anything Can Wreck Your Body

January 23 by

A recent NY Times article has all of New York buzzing about the new found dangers of yoga. As a long time yoga practitioner, all I can say to this article is, “Duh.” Running can wreck your body if you don’t stretch right, cycling destroys your hamstrings and aerobics classes leave my knees aching for days.

The fact is that any physically challenging sport carries with it the risk of injury, and that is no surprise. Yoga gained it’s safe and easy reputation years ago, before it entered into the mainstream. It’s true that yoga has a gentle side, but even the most relaxing yoga classes carry with it the risk of injury. When you add in a type A personality trying to fit in a workout during lunch, you are asking for it.

The most important thing to remember when practicing any activity, is to listen to your own body. Yoga philosophy stresses the importance of working within your own limits, and embracing your body’s abilities. Whether you are practicing yoga, basketball or long distance running, the only way to avoid injury is to be aware of the line between pushing yourself in a healthy way, and pushing yourself over the edge.

Namaste.

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