Homemade Scrub

1.  DIY Delicious Scrub ~ Scrubs are a wonderful way to exfoliate and feel fresh and clean.  This scrub has both sugar and salt and combines the delicious scents of coconut, lavender and almond oil.

Homemade Facial Scrub

2.  Oatmeal and Chamomile Face Scrub ~ Relax and pamper yourself with this soothing and easy facial scrub.  You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

3.  DIY Sugar & Olive Oil Scrub ~ The best way to soothe and heal your skin during the harsh winter months is to exfoliate and moisturize.  This sugar and olive oil scrub does both.

Sugar Scrubs

4.  DIY Skin Polish Scrub ~ Make yourself a batch of this indulgent brown sugar scrub.  It’s perfect for in the shower on elbows, knees and heels  that seem to get drier in the winter. It is so easy to make and only uses two ingredients, brown sugar and body wash.

5.  Sweet Ginger Skin Polish ~ This sugar scrub is incredibly easy and fully customizable.  A terrific companion for the shower to exfoliate with.  It would also make the perfect gift for someone who has sensitive skin that dries out easily during this time of year.

Sugar Scrub Recipe

6.  DIY Hand Scrub {recipe how-to} ~ Make these yummy sugar scrub jars using ingredients from your kitchen.  They are scented with mulling spices.  Add some pretty labels and ribbon and you have a great gift.

7.  How to Make Your Own Brown Sugar Scrub {recipe how-to} ~ Exfoliate away your dry winter skin with this amazing brown sugar oatmeal scrub.  Put the scrub in cute jars and keep as back up gifts.  There’s a free label printable.

Homemade Salt Scrub

8.  Citrus Scrub How To {homemade tutorial} ~ Preserve summer in a bottle with this citrus scrub.  It smells like heaven in the shower and a little drop of citrus sunshine for your day.

9.  Salt Pouches for the Shower or Bath ~ These salt pouches are perfect for combining both bath salt and salt scrub into an exfoliating pouch to take into the shower.

Honey Almond Body Scrub

10.  Honey Almond Sleepy Sugar Scrub ~ This article actually has three recipes including Honey Almond Sleepy Sugar Scrub, Vanilla Almond Brown Sugar Scrub, and Peppermint Sugar Scrub.

Coffee Body Scrub

11.  DIY Mud Scrub ~ Mud scrub is basically sugar and coffee combined.  Caffeine and coffee in beauty products have tightening and antioxidant effects on the skin.  That’s a good thing!

Homemade Body Scrubs

12.  Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub ~ This festive holiday mix will let you enjoy the smells of fall just a little longer, but in the bathtub instead of the kitchen.

13.  Candy Cane Sugar Scrub ~ Even though it is not the holiday season anymore you can still savor it.  This sugar scrub recipe is incredibly easy.  Make several small containers of varying scents to keep on hand for quick gifts.

How To Make Scrubs

14.  Gardener’s Hand Scrub ~ Whip up a batch of this Gardener’s Hand Scrub.  Only 3 ingredients needed for the recipe.  It would be a great gift for friends, family or neighbors.

Homemade Body Wash

15.  How to Make Your Own Natural Body Wash ~ Make your own natural body wash using Castile Soap and water.  Very easy and much cheaper than purchasing body wash!  Grate the soap into shavings and liquify with water.

16.  Homemade Lavender Body Wash ~ This body wash doesn’t contain any of the harmful ingredients that you’d find in traditional store-bought body washes.  The addition of the almond oil helps moisturize and soothe the skin.

More Homemade Scrubs

• 14 Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes
• How to Soften Brown Sugar {cooking tips}
• 48 Homemade Gifts in a Jar

Thanks Ladies! I just adore these ideas! Feel free to grab my “I was featured on Tip Junkie” blog button. You earned it! {{knuckle bumps}} Also, don’t forget to check out the Tip Junkie Facebook page for even more activities for kids, creative ideas, and free tutorials.

Also, If you have an activity you’d like featured, feel free to submit it to the Tip Junkie site. It just takes a second. {wink}

Creating Memories that Endure,

Laurie

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• Click here to subscribe to the NEW Tip Junkie e-mail! It's a once a day e-mail that includes eye candy from ALL the Tip Junkie sites! {{squeal}}

Here are my favorites who linked up the week before. You’re going to LOVE them, they are really creative! I’ve also selected several to be featured on the Tip Junkie sister-sites. Thanks for playing along!

Handmade Projects

In order to play with us, you’ll need to add the this button to your post. Edit and then simply copy & paste the html code into the top or bottom of your post. If you’re wondering how to link up to Tip Me Tuesday, I created a pictured tutorial for you. {as usual, I’ve got your back!}


<a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0"/></a>

Let’s Really Support Each Other:
If you link up, please take a second and comment on the 2 posts above you!

This way we really get to *meet* each other, make new friends, AND everyone gets comments. We all love comments! {{squeal}}

P.S. If you’re reading this in an e-mail or reader, click HERE to see all of the amazing homemade projects by fellow crafty divas.

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Now that you all have your {cute} menu displays as discussed last week, let’s get down to the meat and potatoes of menu planning!

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Towels To Wear

1.   Beach Cover-Up Made from an Old Towel ~ I adore this beach cover-up!  I think it would be cute paired with a summer dress. Especially, for those cool summer evenings.

2.  Embellished Hooded Towel Tutorial ~ Make a statement with these absolutely adorable hooded towels.  Customize the towel with ribbons and ric rac or embroider an initial or name.  These would make fantastic gifts.

3.  Kids Swim Cover Up {Tutorial} ~ I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of the kids swim cover ups that look like big towels or robes.  But even I have to relent on this – it’s pretty dang cute.

4.  How To make a Beach Towel Dress ~ This fashionable beach towel dress is made from non-other than a beach towel.  It would be perfect as a bathing suit cover-up for the beach or pool.  There’s even a free sewing pattern.

5.  Reversible Kids Apron From Dishtowel {tutorial} ~ Follow along with Brenda’s simple steps for transforming a dishtowel into a reversible kids apron.  Since you can always find a wide range of dishtowels for different holidays, this is a great go-to gift no matter what time of year it is.

6.  Spa Towel Wrap ~ These fabulous ruffled spa towel wraps are perfect to wear after a shower.  Add straps to your childs mini-wrap and leave yours strapless.  They are a fraction of the cost of a store bought wrap!

7. Beach Sarong From An Old Towel ~ The added ribbons and buttons give this old towel an exemplary look.  Cover-up at the beach with this or wear after a shower.  There is a free pattern.

8.  How To Make a Beach Towel Cover Up ~ Wear this cute cover up as a cape or a wrap!  The added velcro makes it super easy for your child to wear.

Towel Animals

9.  How To: Fold a Towel Like an Elephant  ~ If you have ever had the pleasure of going on a cruise these animal shapes will look familiar.  Follow these simple 7 steps to make your own elephant.

10.  How to make a Monkey Towel Animal ~ Isn’t this monkey towel adorable?!  You can make your own using a bath sheet, hand towel and safety pins.

11.  How to Make  Dog Towel Animals ~ How much is that doggie in the window?  So adorable!  No sewing or cutting needed for this dog.

Towel Origami

12.  Tea Towel Cupcake Tutorial ~ I made these as little gifts for a housewarming gathering recently. They’re little Tea-Towel Cupcakes aka towelettes disguised as cupcakes! LOL! Have fun making them!

13.  Tea Towel Cake {Kitchen} ~ Turn your favorite kitchen gadgets and some cute tea towels into this cute tea towel cake.  You could also use hand towels and your favorite bath salts and scrubs to make a more relaxing version.

Fold Towel

14.  How To Make Dish Towel Belts ~ Keep your kitchen dish towels hanging with these adorable towel belts.  They are a great way to use up some of your scraps.  Embellish them with ruffles, rosettes or bows.  These would make terrific housewarming or bridal shower gifts.

15. Ribbon  Tea Towel Solution ~ Keep your tea towels safely secured to a stove handle with these added ribbons.  Little hands sometimes make them disappear.  Or, maybe you just want to add something pretty to your kitchen.

16.  Tea Towel Bridal Shower Cake ~ Instead of a box full of towels and kitchen utensils, give this fantastic cake at your next bridal shower.  The base is made out of recycled cereal boxes.

17.  Grain Sack Dish Towel Valance {window treatments} ~ Need a quick, easy, no-sew solution for a window treatment? Come see how Kim used cute dish towels to create a unique valance in her half bath.

Towel Homemade Gifts

18.  Ruffle Kitchen Towel Pattern {Housewarming Gifts} ~ Add hand-stitched ruffles to a kitchen towel to create a one-of-a-kind housewarming gift for friends and family. This adorable kitchen towel also makes a thoughtful thank you gift or Christmas gift.

19.  Ruffled Tea Towels {Sewing How-To} ~ Dressing up inexpensive tea towels with some ruffles and ric rac make a great house warming gift for a new neighbor or old friend.  Throw in a plate of homemade goodies and you have a simple gift that anyone would enjoy.

20.  How To Make a Towel Tote ~ This towel tote is not only a tote, but also a beach towel.  Perfect for a day at the beach or at the pool.  There are inside pockets to store other items like lotion, cell phone or car keys.

21.  Swim Bag and Matching Towel Tutorial ~ Are you tired of packing EVERYONE’S stuff to the pool or beach? Want to make someone special their very own sling swim bag to carry their essentials (matching swim towel, sunscreen, and goggles) to the pool or beach this summer? Now you can.

22.  Beach Towel Tote Bag ~ Turn your bath towel into an all-in-one tote bag and beach mat.

23.  How to Make a Beach Tote Blanket  ~ Do you have some old towels you would like to use or re-purpose?  You can make one of these beach blankets using four old towels.

24. All In One Apron/Dish Towel/Double Pot Holder {Free Pattern} ~ This basic sewing pattern is an ideal project for any level of sewing experience.  The resulting All In One Apron/Dish Towel/Double Pot Holder is the perfect gift for anyone that cooks, if they enjoy it or not.  It’s so useful it will win them over.

More Sewing Tutorials

• 15 Adorable Kids Hair Bows To Make
• 18 Easy Sewing Patterns Using a Pillowcase
• 15 Doll Dress Up Clothes {free tutorials}

Thanks Ladies! I just adore these ideas! Feel free to grab my “I was featured on Tip Junkie” blog button. You earned it! {{knuckle bumps}} Also, don’t forget to check out the Tip Junkie Facebook page for even more activities for kids, creative ideas, and free tutorials.

Also, If you have an activity you’d like featured, feel free to submit it to the Tip Junkie site. It just takes a second. {wink}

Creating Memories that Endure,

Laurie

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• Click here to subscribe to the NEW Tip Junkie e-mail! It's a once a day e-mail that includes eye candy from ALL the Tip Junkie sites! {{squeal}}

$135 Office Organizational Goodies

I just love the Neatnix motto, “Smart solutions to life’s little problems.”  I’ll take a lot of that, please! {raising hand}

About Neatnix:

• Neatnix organizing systems provide simple solutions to keep you organized.  They offer all kinds of goodies to get organized including craft & hobby, jewelry, closet, travel, drawer, bath & kitchen and more!
• Office items come in either black or chestnut for a contemporary finish.
• Winner gets the following items valued at $135 pictured above:  (1) Monitor Riser, (1) Pencil Holder, (1) Letter Tray, (1) Magazine Holder, and (1) Corner Shelf Organizer, all in brown.

Surprise!

See this Ready 2 Go case? {use it to organize your SD cards, memory sticks, batteries, and cords}.  Neatnix is going to give 1 away for every 10 entries to the contest.  If I’ve done my math correctly, that means everyone has at least a 1 in 10 chance of winning.  Those are fabulous odds and a whole lot of $12  Neatnix Ready 2 Go cases given to Tip Junkie readers!  {{high fives!!!}}

To enter to win, simply leave a comment below telling me that you would love these items to organize your office!
{Doesn’t get easier than that, does it?}

Get Three Bonus Entries: {each completely optional}

1. If you are on twitter, you can even earn an extra entry for sharing this tweet with your followers. Example Tweet: $135 worth of office organizing goodies from @Neatnixorg on @TipJunkie. Plus a SURPRISE!!! Comment to enter! http://bit.ly/xovsQg Pls RT  

Tweet

1. Like Tip Junkie on Facebook.
2. Like Neatnix on Facebook.

**Be sure to let me know what bonus entries you did in a separate comment for each one.

Contest ends this Tuesday, February 28th at midnight CST! {Only open to Continental US Residents this time.}

The goodness doesn’t end!  Neatnix is also offering Tip Junkie readers a discount code for a gift with purchase!   Get a FREE gift (Small Polka Dot Stuff Bucket!) with any purchase over $50.  Use code SPRINGTIP at checkout.  This offer is good from now until 2/29.

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• Click here to subscribe to the NEW Tip Junkie e-mail! It's a once a day e-mail that includes eye candy from ALL the Tip Junkie sites! {{squeal}}

These are just the 10 tutorials that I had time to highlight right now, you’ll see many more on this and the other Tip Junkie sister sites as well. So a huge thank you for those who took the time to link up their fabulous tutorials!

24.  Interchangeable Ribbon Necklace to Bracelet - This interchangeable ribbon necklace is beautiful!  With a change of ribbon you can have a whole different look and even a whole new piece of jewelry, a bracelet.  The jewelry is tied on with ribbon threaded through jump rings instead of a clasp.

52.  The Pony-Bun - This Pony-Bun updo is fun, chic, and beautiful!  Make your hair look like you spent a lot of time doing it.  Even though you only spent 5 minutes.

113.  Window Redo - This beautiful window was repurposed into a multifunctional board.  Each section of the window pane has a different functionality, chalkboard, dry erase board, cork board, magnetic board, and glass display boards.

189.  Thrifty Decorating Series {#1} - Look at how lovely this side table decor looks.  Amanda lists every single item, where she bought it and how much she paid.  Extremely, helpful!  This entire side table look only cost $56.  Wow.

265.  DIY Canvas Silhouettes - Attention dog lover’s!  You are going to love these canvas silhouettes of your pooch.  The canvas from an old print was removed from the frame and the silhouette was painted on the back side.  A great way to reuse old canvas art and cheap.  Of course, this tutorial will work with any type of silhouette.  It doesn’t have to be your dog.

376.  Freezer Cooking - Follow these 10 steps to save time preparing meals!  Terriyaki chicken, shredded chicken and bbq chicken are a few of the yummy recipes to prepare these “make ahead of time” freezer meals.  The best part is you control what goes into your meal.

448.  Book Page Daffodils - Spring is going to be here quicker than we know it.  These adorable book page daffodils would be a fun craft to welcome Spring.  Only minimal supplies are needed to make these pretties.

515.  Mixed Media Wreath - Look at this beautiful vintage wreath!  Aren’t the mixture of textures fantastic?!  The only items that had to be purchased were styrofoam balls and a styrofoam wreath form.  Fabric remnants, burlap and yarn were used to complete the wreath.

633.  Chevron Rag Quilt Tutorial - I simply adore this beautiful flannel rag quilt!  The chevron stripes in four coordinating fabrics are fabulous.  The size of this quilt is perfect for a small child.  You can alter the size and make it big enough for an adult.

791.  Stiletto Cupcakes - Aren’t these stiletto cupcakes fab-u-lous?!  They would be perfect for a teen party, bachelorette party, or just because I have to have them!  They aren’t as hard to make as they look.  They are made with elongated shamrock sugar cookies for the top of the shoes and pirouette cookies for the heels.

Wondering what was the most popular {or most clicked on} idea from the linky party? Well… it was Two Ingredient Cake.

Thanks Ladies. I just adore these ideas! Feel free to grab my “I was featured on Tip Junkie” blog button. You earned it! {{knuckle bumps}}

You can view all of the 806 ideas linked up HERE. If you have a blog, be sure to check in on Tuesday when you can link up your favorite or most recent handmade project like something you made, party you hosted, a recipe, or fun tip. Also, don’t forget to check out the Tip Junkie Facebook page for even more creative ideas and tutorials.

Creating Memories that Endure,

Laurie

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• Click here to subscribe to the NEW Tip Junkie e-mail! It's a once a day e-mail that includes eye candy from ALL the Tip Junkie sites! {{squeal}}

Simply print out the contents of this file and let me do the organizing for you!  {wink}

Print Free File Here:  Home Improvement Binder

There are many ways to use this home improvement binder to help plan and organize your home renovations or simple decorating tasks.

How to Organize your  TJ Home Improvement Binder:

1. Print out the worksheets from the Tip Junkie Home Improvement Binder included here.
2. Three hold punch them into a 1-2” binder.
3. Insert a zippered pouch to hold receipts
4. Insert 8-10 page protectors for manuals, magazine ideas, printed blog posts, etc.

Print Free File Here:  Home Improvement Binder

You’ll find the TJ Home Improvement Binder broken down into easy to access categories!

Six Main Categories:

1. Inspiration
2. Plans
3. Estimates
4. Receipts
5. Before and After
6. Manuals

1.  Inspiration

• Checklists by room of things you would like to do.
• A Inspiration file.
• Track online links for products and ideas!
• Store torn sheets from magazines.

2.  Plans

• Track your budget and money spent for each room or project.
• Keep track of fabric swatches and names of fabrics.
• Keep track of paint colors, the formula sticker, and type of finish of the paint.
• Sketch a map of furniture placement or keep a design worksheet.
• Store helpful tips/links on how to place furniture, cabinets, or whatever is going into the room.

3.  Estimates

This just might be one of the things you’ll hate the most, but is so important to get multiple estimates on every project.

• Keep estimates from contractors!
• File big lists of recommended contractors, landscapers, handy men, etc.

4.  Receipts

Keep every receipt for every item you purchase that applies to the home remodeling project in one place!   This will save you time if you have to return an item or if something is faulty.

• Keep receipts from when and where item was purchased.
• Keep contact information for the companies who made the items {if necessary}.

5.  Before and After

Definitely take a lot of photos during the process especially when you begin.

• You’ll love having before and after photos of your own home.
• It’s helpful to have before and after images of inspiration!

6.  Manuals

• Wondering where to store your manuals for products (like TV, dishwasher, etc)?

Now you just need to insert sheet protectors and you are good to go!  I hope that this Home Improvement Binder is as helpful to you as it’s been to me.  I’m all about designing ways to make life easier and more meaningful!

Be sure to subscribe to the daily Tip Junkie feed for constant inspiration of amazing craft and home improvement ideas!

Creating Memories that Endure,

Laurie

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• Click here to subscribe to the NEW Tip Junkie e-mail! It's a once a day e-mail that includes eye candy from ALL the Tip Junkie sites! {{squeal}}

When is the TV Show? 10:30pm on all time zones except 9:30pm Central on HGTV. It’s the re-discovering Vienna episode, all new tonight!

Where is the Live Chat? On Facebook!

How do I enter to win the iPad? Here is the super-secret link from HGTV on where to enter to win the iPad. A heads up, it will ask you for your name and email address {just like it would on any blog if you were to leave a comment}. You’re not signing up for spam ~ I promise. {wink}

I can’t wait to hear what you think of the show, answer your questions, and introduce you to a few of my new friends in Ohio.  So RSVP to join me for an hour of house-hunting fun!

Join the Party To Win an iPad:

LIVE House Hunters Viewing Party on Facebook!
Thursday, February 16th at 10:30pm / 9:30 CST on HGTV

Everyone is invited to enter to win an iPad loaded with the new HGTV to GO app just by watching live on 2/16 10:30 EST/9:30CST. Details for how to win the iPad will be given to you when you “show up” to party with me during the LIVE House Hunters viewing party. {knuckle bumps}

House Hunters Bingo Cards

Tonight is a brand new episode of House Hunters International on HGTV, so print out your House Hunters Bingo Card and play along with us throughout the show.  I’ll be playing along with you as well.

I am so honored to have the opportunity promote the new season of HGTV’s House Hunters International! {squeal} RSVP here if you want to Party with me!

Help Spread the Word:

• Tweet: I can’t wait for the LIVE viewing party of @HGTV #househunters w/ @TipJunkie TONIGHT at 9:30pm CST.  Come join us!  http://on.fb.me/w2j7FT Tweet
  
• Tip Junkie Event on Facebook.
• Like House Hunters on Facebook.

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Cool Things To Make

1.  How to Turn Old Door to Headboard ~ You can turn an old door into a headboard. Learn how to strip old paint, sand the door, add molding, and the necessary hardware to create a trash to treasure masterpiece!

2.  How to Turn an Old Door to a Countertop ~ If you have a builder grade bathroom counter, here is an inspiring post of how to update your look for less. Learn how to install an old door as a countertop!

3.  Old Door Subway Art Table ~ Using an old door, Ikea sawhorses, paint, and some subway art, Stacey created an adorable table. Click on the link for more details and pictures.

4.  How to Make a Table from a Cabinet Door ~ If you recently renovated your kitchen or came across a stash of old cabinet doors, here is a fun repurposing project for you! Turn that cabinet door into a side table!

5.  How to Repurpose an Old Door ~ This is a fun idea of how to reuse an old door.  Apply magnetic chalkboard paint, turn horizontally, and hang on your wall as a weekly organizer.

6.  Cupboard Door Art Desk ~ This kids art desk is so fabulous!  The tutorial shows you how to turn a simple cupboard door into this fabulous gift that is sure to be the hit of the party!

Make From An Old Door

7.  DIY Barn Door Headboard ~ This step by step tutorial shows you how to build a gorgeous headboard inspired by barn doors. Come learn how to create your own!

8.  How to Create “Barn Door” Closet Doors ~ Learn how to create gorgeous “barn door” closet doors! This post is the “reveal” post so be sure to click on the links within to be taken to the tutorials.

9.  Cabinet Door Coat Hanger Tutorial ~ Jillian did a great job turning a cabinet door into this awesome coat hanger.  Customize your gift with a name, room, or saying to give it that personal touch.  Great for laundry rooms, entry ways and mud rooms.

10. Secret Bookcase Door ~ Step by step tutorial on how to make a secret passage doorway. how to build a bookcase door.

11. Faux Cabinetry Pantry Door Makeover~ Pantry makeovers typically deal with the inside of the pantry, but if the door is this gorgeous than who is going to bother looking inside at the mess?  Well, except I would want to play with the dutch door.

Door Knobs

12.  How to Make a Decorative Door Stop ~ Those little gold door stops behind your doors do much to entertain babies but not much to add to your decor! Here is a simple decorative solution to create attractive doorstops.

13.  Fastest Way to Paint Doorknobs  ~ 5 quick steps which is this is the easiest and fastest way to paint dated gold doorknobs.  Use two 2×4 wood boards to hold each of the door knobs and locks.

More Decorating Tutorials

• How To Make A Headboard {16 Free Patterns}
• How To Paint Wood Furniture in 3 Basic Steps!
• 15 Great Throw Pillow Tutorials

Thanks Ladies! I just adore these ideas! Feel free to grab my “I was featured on Tip Junkie” blog button. You earned it! {{knuckle bumps}} Also, don’t forget to check out the Tip Junkie Facebook page for even more activities for kids, creative ideas, and free tutorials.

Also, If you have an activity you’d like featured, feel free to submit it to the Tip Junkie site. It just takes a second. {wink}

Creating Memories that Endure,

Laurie

Want Eye Candy From All The Tip Junkie Sites?

• Click here to subscribe to the NEW Tip Junkie e-mail! It's a once a day e-mail that includes eye candy from ALL the Tip Junkie sites! {{squeal}}

Simply hang it on the inside of your medicine cabinet for a quick resource at your fingertips!

  Print Free File: Winter Guide to Clean In-Door Air {printable}

How To Prevent Illness

This winter has been a doozie hasn’t it? Everyone I know has been sick and everyone I know is starting to get cabin fever. I’ve taken matters into my own hands and researched how air quality is linked to illnesses and uncomfortable physical symptoms in order to try to eliminate them!

Increase Your Indoor Air Quality!

Did you know that “Poor indoor air quality can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms?”  Those headaches, itchy eyes nose and throat and respiratory issues can be linked to poor air quality!

In order to improve the indoor air quality in my home, I came up with a printable checklist to help keep my air clean. Feel free to download the free printable and join me this winter as I clean and use filters to get the air in my home as clean as possible!

  Print Free File: Winter Guide to Clean In-Door Air {printable}

1.  Eliminate Germs & Bacteria on Surfaces

• Bleach rinse in washing machine ~ This is something that is so important, and easy. It just takes a little bleach and a reminder!
• Clean your computer ~ Do this on a regular basis. If your fingers are constantly on your key board then it makes sense that you want it as clean as possible!
• Deep dust your furniture and blinds ~ Germs and pathogens can live in dust so you want to try to eliminate as much of the dust from your home as you can.
• Don’t forget to vacuum inside your couch and dust ceiling fans.
• Cobwebs? Catch ‘em!
• Window seals? Wipe ‘em down!
• Deep clean floors.
  • Sweep and mop laminate or wood floors at least once a week.
  • Steam clean carpets every 6 months to a year.
• Wash mattress covers in a hot wash cycle. {you want a bacteria-killing temperature}
• Disinfect all door knobs in the house ~ If you have kids, this is a great job for them. Give them some antibacterial wipes and have them do this once a week!

2. Clean Indoor Air Pollution

Here’s a list of filters and annual inspections to help keep your indoor air clean:

• Change your furnace filters every 3 months.
• Change air filters in your air conditioner quarterly.
• Clean the air with air purifiers ~ Oreck sells room purifiers that eliminate pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and other odors.
• Make sure the HEPA filter in your vacuum is in good condition.
• Inspect exterior doors and windows for crevice cracks leaky seals.
• Inspect fireplace damper for proper closing and opening and screen the top of chimney to keep out pests.

According to the EPA, the air inside your home may be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. Ack! No wonder so many people get sick during the winter when everyone is cooped up inside. Filters go a long was in eliminating indoor pollution and bacteria.

Everyone has heard of HEPA filters, but do you know how they work or why they are important? {I didn’t}. HEPA filters {at least the ones in Oreck filters} capture 99.97% of dust, allergens, smoke, pet dander and pollen particles as small as .3 microns from the air that passes through its filter. That means that all those yucky pollutants get captured by the filter in the room instead of your lungs.

I hope that you find this printable helpful. This winter especially as it seems like everyone is getting sick, I wanted to do all that I can to keep my family healthy. If doing a little cleaning and filter maintenance is something easy that I can do to clean my air, I’m all for it. I thought that if this was on my mind, it might be on yours too! {wink}.

And, I’m totally hooking a Tip Junkie reader up with a free $500 Air Purifier by Oreck. It’s called the Oreck AirInstinct 200 and you can turn it on and walk away. It’s got the smart technology we all love!
Ends Tuesday, February 21st.

**Oreck Corporation provided the prize for the sweepstakes as well as a product for review, but is not the sponsor of the sweepstakes.

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