Modern*Simplicity

10 Baby Steps for Green Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:25:00 +0000

In honor of my youngest son's upcoming 2nd birthday, let's talk about some easy things you can do with your children to teach them about living more eco-friendly.

1. Make recycling fun. We make recycling a game at our house. Whenever there's something to discard, while sorting mail, making dinner or just cleaning up, we'll hold each piece up and ask if it's recycle or trash. Kid who answers correctly gets to toss it. Even the toddler knows to grab the papers and run for the recycle bin. (For obvious reasons, this game works best for little kids.)

2. BYOB. Invest in a cool reusable bottle for each kid, something fun that they actually like to carry. Then encourage them to use it frequently. Headed outside to play? Here's your bottle with some water. Early morning church? Here's your bottle with some juice or milk. Let them know that planning ahead will save them from creating more trash later.

3. Go on a vampire hunt. Make a game of finding all the appliances and charging cables that are plugged in but not in use. Bonus points for using a Watt Meter to find the biggest energy hogs. Talk about ways to *kill* the vampires by unplugging unused items, using smart power strips or finding non-power-using alternatives.

4. Take a walk. Get some fresh air, talk about the trees, plants, sky and animals. Take a small trash bag, a trash pick or gloves, and pick up litter while you walk. You'll get some exercise and teach a little something about taking care of your neighborhood.

5. Make water savings a game. Who can take the fastest shower? Who can catch Daddy forgetting to turn off the water while he brushes his teeth? Who can collect more rain water to water the plants with? You'll be amazed at where this game goes -- kids can find water in the oddest ways.

6. Grow something green. Whether it's a few plants on the windowsill or a veggie garden out back, commit to growing something green, preferably edible, and give your kids the chance to help. My preschooler loves to garden and water the houseplants, and he just planted his own little bean garden, which happens to be doing better right now than my own veggie seedlings.

7. Make something clean. Try making some of your own household cleaners, and let your kids help. Since homemade cleaners are much safer than traditional toxin-laden ones, your kids can take a hands-on roll with mixing new cleaning concoctions and putting them to the test around the home. Littler ones especially love helping out around the house. You still have to supervise, but isn't it nice seeing the kids scrub the kitchen table and wipe down the mirrors? Help them start a journal detailing their cleanser "recipes."

8. Get creative about Reduce and Reuse. Before throwing something away, like a can or baby wipe container or paper towel roll, ask your kids if they can think of some other way to reuse it. Their creative imaginations can see treasure in what we think of as trash. Likewise, before buying something new, take the kids on a scavenger hunt around the house looking for something you can reuse in a new way. Maybe you won't need to go to the store after all.

9. Feed some worms. Kids love creepy crawly things, and a worm bin is an excellent way to indulge their love of all things ooky while teaching some valuable lessons about composting and reducing garbage. My preschooler always sets aside his apple cores and banana peels "so the worms can have their dinner." Once you have some finished compost, let the kids help spread it around their garden or plants, and talk about how the worms have made something wonderfully nurturing as their gift back to us.

10. Play green. Get the kids away from the TV and video games, and play outside, exploring nature and getting their hands dirty. Ride bikes, make mud pies, feed the birds, and play tic-tac-toe in the dirt with sticks. Getting kids involved in the outside world gives them a new appreciation for what's "real." Do craft projects with found items and reclaimed items that were headed for the trash. Explore the library.

Quick Tip: Shower Time

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:27:00 +0000

What do you do with all those shower gels, bubble baths and shampoos you don't like? Don't waste them -- toss them in the shower or tub along with a washcloth or sponge, and use them to clean the shower while you're in there. It takes just a minute to scrub down and rinse the walls and floor, and since there are no harsh fumes like traditional cleaners, you can get your bath clean easily and safely. If you do this once or twice a week, your shower will always look sparkling clean. It's also really easy to do this as your young children are winding up their bath -- they like to help, so hand them a washcloth and let them go for it! Don't forget to recycle the bottles when they're empty!

Increase the Moisture

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:21:00 +0000

You may have noticed that during the cold winter months, the air is much drier inside, thanks to forced air heating. Not only can this be uncomfortable, it can lead to bloody noses and itchy skin and lips. The dryness also sucks the moisture out of your furniture and woodwork, and it leads to pesky static electricity. With proper humidity levels in your home, you feel more comfortable at a lower temperature, so you can turn down your thermostat and save some energy. Here are a few ideas to add a little moisture back to the air.

Invest in a humidifier. Cool mist is safer than warm mist, and don't forget to clean the humidifier and the filter often to avoid mold and mildew growth. Humidifiers are great to have in the bedroom while you're sleeping.

Decorate with water. Place a few pretty bowls of water around your home, and the water will evaporate into the dry air. If you have a radiant steam heater, place a water bowl on top of radiators to speed up evaporation. Refill the bowls regularly.

Cook on the stovetop. If you're cooking something that can be done either on the stovetop or in the oven, opt for the stovetop when the air is dry. The oven dries the air out even more, but the stovetop adds much-needed moisture. It's also a cozy practice during cold winter weather.

Hang it to dry. Hang damp laundry and hand-washed clothes inside on laundry racks. It'll save you energy from the clothes dryer, and the moisture from the clothes will evaporate into the air.

Leave the doors open. Leave the bathroom door open after a warm shower. Leave the dishwasher open after its cycle is complete, and air dry dishes instead of using the heat dry feature.

Water houseplants well. Not only will your thirsty houseplants thank you, the moisture in the soil can help add humidity to the room as well. Plants constantly release water vapor through their leaves, and the soil and tray under the potted plant can also be a source of evaporated humidity.

My Nemesis: the Office

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:57:00 +0000

We've been hitting some heavy stuff lately, so let's go with something a bit lighter now. My February challenge was working on my home office, a challenge that will be consuming March as well. Our home office -- the Office of Doom -- is a large media room over our garage, very spacious, with lots of light, tucked away in the back of the house. Due to its size and isolation, it's become the family dumping ground for everything that doesn't have a home. Where can I stash this mail? In the office. What about all these charity donations? Eh, in the office. Party supplies? Extra artwork and frames? Toys? Random bits of furniture? Yep, in the office.

This home office has been my nemesis since we moved in 3 years ago. This isn't just my office either; my husband also has a full set-up, and we have made space for the kids to play or color while we work at our own desks. The cats' litter box is up here, because we can't find any other place to put it. Most of the floor is covered in piles -- primarily mine or household stuff I haven't gotten around to dealing with, though my husband has his fair share of books, files and old tech equipment. There are no window treatments save for the wooden blinds, and the art on the wall is a mishmash of pieces we like that don't seem to fit the decor of the rest of the house. The room doesn't have a door -- it's at the end of a long hallway, and we've hung heavy drapes that can be closed for some semblance of privacy, or more often, to regulate the heating/cooling of the space.

I had hoped to finish the room in February, but I should have known I couldn't defeat my nemesis during the shortest month of the year. I did accomplish a lot though. My husband's office furniture is all coordinated, a dark brown-black finish from IKEA, all pieces chosen by him for this room specifically. My furniture, on the other hand, was a conglomeration of pieces from other rooms situated around a corner desk from our old house, which left me facing a wall with my back to the large room. I detested it, and I rarely worked up there, preferring to take my laptop to our bedroom or down to the kitchen.

For my birthday, my husband switched out my old corner desk for an IKEA desk in the same brown-black as his furniture, in a style that suits me and the way I work. I was able to rearrange the rest of my furniture to coordinate around the new desk, so it's not as haphazard as it was before, and I was able to disguise some of the mismatched stuff with fabric. I also redid my power systems for my computer, etc., with the new smart surge protectors that automatically turn on or off under settings you control.

Most importantly, I've been on a decluttering spree. Books have been sorted to donate to the library, random bags and baskets of clutter have been sorted, paper and random boxes have been recycled. We've freecycled and sold a few things; another large pile is on its way to charity this weekend. We still have a long way to go, but the difference is already obvious, which gives me more energy to keep working on it.

The Game Plan for March

Continue decluttering, and get the items OUT (charity/sell/recycle).
File the piles of papers, recycling anything that can be tossed.
Remove items that don't belong in the office -- if it doesn't have a home in a more appropriate room, perhaps it's not needed after all?
Sew and hang curtain valances -- I bought some fabulous fabric for them...now I just need the office work table cleared off so I can make them.
Rearrange furniture as needed for form and function. If possible, create a seating area for reading or watching TV/playing the kids' TV-based computer games.
Re-evaluate artwork choices, patch holes in walls and touch up paint.
Consider some new and fresh design ideas to make the room a place I actually want to work in.

Lofty goals, for sure, but it's OK if the work slides into April as well. It didn't get messed up overnight, so it's fine if it takes a while to make it the cozy, comfortable, organized office that I really want. In the meantime, here's a few of my inspiration photos that keep me motivated.

My new desk is similar to this. I love the way they styled it. photo from houzz

I love the graphic window treatments here...a similar style will give our windows some punch. photo from houzz

I love these baskets for storage. They would look great with our darker wood tones. photo from houzz

I like these fabric-covered magnetic boards from Ballard Designs. The top photo of the "Create" office is also from Ballard Designs.

Well, now that you've seen what my current hobby is, tell me what you're up to these days. What kinds of styles do you like for a nice home office? Links and suggestions are always appreciated!

Year of the Tiger

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Check out these stunning photos of endangered tigers from The Daily Green. I adore tigers, and it breaks my heart to think that they might not be around for my grandchildren to see. One of my greatest memories is when my husband took me to a tiger preserve for our 10th wedding anniversary, and I got to play with a baby tiger. There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, and they are being threatened by deforestation, poachers, illegal trafficking and other factors. WWF, a leader in animal conservation, plans to use the celebration of Year of the Tiger to draw attention to these amazing endangered animals. In September, a Global Tiger Summit will be held in Vladivostok, Russia, with the goal of having all tiger-range countries lay out an agenda to recover the population of these big cats. The goal is to double the species numbers by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger. If nothing is done, tigers will disappear from the wild within the next decade. The good news is that we can save the tiger. Please check out WWF's What You Can Do, and help us save this beautiful big cat.

{Slightly} Greener Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:16:00 +0000

Last weekend, I spent some quality time weeding out my mani/pedi box. I've known for a long time that the beautiful little bottles of vivid colors are hazardous to my health, but I like my pedis, so I turned a blind eye. As I get deeper into my studies of all things environmental though, it's become time to face the truth.

Why is conventional nail polish so dangerous? Most conventional nail polishes are chock full of chemical solvents such as toluene, acetates and alcohol. These solvents evaporate into the air as you polish your nails, generating toxic chemical fumes. If you have ever painted your nails or been in a nail salon, you know that smell.

Many nail polishes also contain dibutyl phthalates (DBP), formaldehyde, camphor and toluene. Phthalates are chemicals used in PVC plastics, solvents and synthetic fragrances to preserve and "plasticize" the products. DBP in polish helps prevent the polish from chipping. DBP has been linked to reproduction system problems and underdeveloped genitals in newborn boys. Shanna Swan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, conducted experiments in 2005 to show that phthalates could affect the reproductive health of baby boys.

Solvents such as toluene and xylene are petroleum-based products that have been linked to cancer. According to Skindeep, the Environmental Working Group researchers, there are 17 separate health concerns about toluene. These include risks to human reproduction and development, being carcinogenic and damaging to the immune system. Toluene causes rapid, shallow breathing; chemical pneumonia; blurred vision; dry, cracked skin; and can affect the kidneys and the nervous system. It may also cause an exaggerated feeling of well-being, headache, staggering tremors and convulsions.

Formaldehyde (also called formalin) is a strong allergen and irritant and is unsafe for use by asthmatic people, since it can increase airway resistance when inhaled. It is a known carcinogen. It is still used in some nail products, though it is being replaced in many brands because of health concerns.

The European Union has banned phthalates and formaldehyde from use in cosmetics, including nail polish.

Other solvents used include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate. Ethyl acetate is an irritant. Similarly, butyl acetate is considered toxic and an irritant and may cause respiratory and other problems. These chemicals are included because they evaporate, helping the plastic nail polish to dry and harden. When they evaporate, they're absorbed into the air, which is then being breathed in.

Mica is a common ingredient that gives a lustrous sheen to nail polish. Mica is from the mineral silica, which does occur naturally. Even so, mica as found in nail polish ingredients, is classified as toxic and also as bioaccumulators (they tend to accumulate in the body.)

There is no absolutely natural nail polish -- they all contain chemicals. But you can have a healthier manicure by using nail polish that is free of VOC’s and the most harmful chemicals. Some brands to consider include No Miss, Sante, Priti and Zoya.

As always, read the labels carefully, and choose brands from health and environment-conscious producers. Dispose of used products carefully. Screw lids on tightly before disposal to prevent unnecessary leaks.

The healthiest solution is, of course, to skip polish all together. Keeping nails filed, clean and buffed is a pretty solution -- I buff my fingers and rarely wear nail polish on my hands. My weakness is my toes -- I love bright, cheery toes. My toxic polishes and remover have now made their exit, and I've carefully chosen a couple of healthier polishes and remover for my pedis.

Photo is Zoya "Envy"

Greener Laundry Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Here are a few tips to put an earth-friendly edge on Laundry Day, and they'll also help save you money! Usual disclaimers apply: spot test where relevant.

Cold water
Given the efficiencies of modern washing machines and detergents, hot water is really not required in most cases. We've been washing in cold water for years and have rarely found the need to re-wash anything. By using cold water, you'll save on energy costs involved with heating and help extend the life of your water heater.

Load size and water levels
Wash full loads, and only wash clothes when they really need it. If you do need to wash a small number of items, consider hand-washing, as it only takes a few minutes to do, or adjust the water levels in your machine appropriately.

Detergents
Laundry detergents tend to contain complex chemical cocktails made up surfactants, builders, bleaches, colorants, optical brighteners, fragrances and solvent ingredients. Many components are synthesized from crude oil and, while the brand may claim biodegradability, breakdown can take some time, creating a build-up in waterways. Just about every supermarket these days offers "earth friendly" detergents, and they're just as effective as conventional cleaners.

One ingredient to watch for in detergent is phosphates. While a naturally occurring substance, if too much phosphate is present in a body of water, it can spark the growth of algal blooms that can have a suffocating effect on other aquatic life forms. Phosphate in laundry detergent really isn't necessary, so avoid it altogether if possible.

Opt for concentrated products in recyclable packaging whenever possible.

Wash cycles
Often we wash our clothes for too long - extra energy is used, there's more wear and tear on the equipment (and clothes) and perhaps even extra water is wasted. Experiment with your wash settings, gradually cutting back on the cycle to find the sweet spot.

Dryers
Electric clothes dryers are incredibly electricity intensive, capable of drawing thousands of watts an hour. Clean the lint filter regularly. Reacquaint yourself with your clothes line, whether indoors or out. Even if you just air dry a few items from each load, every little bit of energy saved counts.

If you have some washing tips to share, please add them below!

M*S Now Has E-Mail Subscriptions!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:15:00 +0000

Due to popular demand, you can now receive Modern*Simplicity right in your in-box. Just enter your e-mail address in the subscription box on the right, and new M*S posts will be delivered directly to you. If you scroll down, there's also the option to add the M*S Feed directly to your favorite Feed reader. Hope you enjoy!

What's That Number Mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:42:00 +0000

Question from a reader: Can you explain what the different numbers molded onto the bottom of plastic containers stand for?

Sure thing. The symbol code on the bottom of most plastics -- a single digit ranging from 1 to 7 enclosed by a triangle of arrows -- was designed by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to make it easy to identify types of plastics and provide a standard coding system for manufacturers. The symbols also help recyclers do their jobs more effectively. Here's what they mean.

No. 1 PETE or PET
The easiest and most common plastics to recycle are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and are assigned the number 1. They're used for most transparent bottles (soda, water, medicine bottles, etc.) PETE is generally safe to use, though you shouldn't reuse No. 1 containers. Once it has been processed by a recycling facility, PETE can become fiberfill for winter coats, sleeping bags and life jackets. It can also be used to make bean bags, rope, car bumpers, tennis ball felt, combs, cassette tapes, sails for boats, furniture and, of course, other plastic bottles.

No. 2 HDPE
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics are No. 2. HDPE is sturdier and more rigid than PETE, and is used for heavier containers that hold laundry detergents and bleaches as well as milk, shampoo and motor oil. HDPE is generally safe to use, and it is often recycled into toys, piping, plastic lumber and rope.

No. 3 PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used in plastic pipes, shrink wrap, some food bottles, shower curtains, medical tubing, vinyl, and some plastic toys. Additives in PVC can increase the risk of birth defects and hormone-related cancers.

No. 4 LDPE
No. 4 is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It's used for flexible plastic such as grocery, produce and sandwich bags, dry cleaning bags, and baby bottle liners.

No. 5 PPE
Polypropylene (PPE or PP) is a pliable plastic often found in squeeze bottles, reusable food containers, yogurt cups and margarine tubs. Sometimes it's used for drinking straws and bottle caps.

No. 6 PS
No. 6 goes on polystyrene (PS). Products include coffee cups, rigid take-out food containers, disposable cutlery, meat trays, Styrofoam, packing peanuts and insulation. PS can leach styrene when heated and is a possible endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen. For safety, do not reheat food in a No. 6 container.

No. 7 The Infamous Other
Lastly, items labeled No. 7 are crafted from various combinations of plastics No. 1-No. 6 or from unique plastic formulations not commonly used. No. 7 plastics are usually not recyclable at all.

Hope that helps!

Have a question? Leave me a comment or e-mail me at sandy@ modern-simplicity.com!

Sources: SPI, IPTF, MEEF

Minimalism vs. Simplicity

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:26:00 +0000

What's the difference between "simple" and "minimalist"?

Simple and minimal aren't exactly the same. When you simplify, you’re cutting back on the complexity of what you do and what you own. Minimalism goes a few steps further: not only do you take things from complex to simple, but you try to get rid of everything that's not essential.

Minimalism says that what’s unnecessary is a waste. By eliminating the unnecessary, we make room for the essentials. But essential is subjective, and it varies from person to person.

Here are some tips for going minimal:

Eat less. Less food consumed means less resources used and less pollution created. Plan your meals before you shop and learn more about shopping effectively. Eat less meat because worldwide, beef production contributes more to climate change than the entire transportation sector. Pork and chicken are also big contributors to pollution and carbon emissions, compared to plants. Eat locally because transporting food from where it's grown or raised to where it's processed and packaged and then to your supermarket has a high environmental cost. Eating locally not only greatly reduces transportation cost but it supports local farmers and gives you fresher food.
Drive less. Work from home or telecommute as much as possible. Learn about improving gas mileage and hypermiling. Combine errands to make fewer trips. Walk or bike more, or use public transit.
Travel less. Airplane flights are a huge contributor to climate change. Travel less by doing teleconferences and taking vacations close to home.
Buy less. See if you can borrow an item, check out a book from a library, make what you have last longer, find innovative ways to repurpose what you already have or make an item yourself, or just do without.
Buy used. This avoids buying a new item and all the resources that go into creating and transporting it. It extends the life of something already bought and saves it from the landfill. Look in thrift shops, consignment shops, used bookstores, eBay, Craigslist, garage sales and Freecycle.
Declutter your home and learn to be content with what you already have, then get rid of more. Clear your floors and other flat surfaces -- the visibility will be freeing if you're used to seeing stuff everywhere.
Live in a smaller home. A smaller home takes fewer resources to create, and requires less power, water and heat to run.
Use less power. Reduce energy consumption. Cool and heat your home less. Turn off lights, unplug appliances, hang dry clothes more often. Reduce vampire power.
Use less water. Shorten your showers. Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes. Use gray water or captured rainwater for watering plants.
Go paperless. File things digitally rather than in folders. Get bills and other documents sent electronically or online rather than via mail. Stop catalogs from being mailed to you. Read newspapers and magazines online rather than buying them.
List 4 essential things in your life. Do the essentials first each day, and clear away distractions to really focus on what you're doing.

I {Heart} the Library

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:49:00 +0000

I love the library. Part of me wishes I'd become a librarian instead of a graphic designer. I've always liked the library, but my love grew when I worked as a graphics editor for a big city public library a few years ago. My office was located in the main branch of the library, and it was so much fun to spend breaks wandering the stacks. I had a long commute, so I got hooked on books on CD to pass the miles. I could easily grab any and every book I wanted.

I no longer work in a library, but I'm hooked. A weekly or biweekly trip to the library is a must. If you haven't been to a library recently, check out these reasons why you should:

It's FREE. Yes, that's the best part. You can browse and borrow books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, even ebooks for free. Just get a library card, and don't forget to return the items on time. It's like going to Barnes and Noble without the cost. You can even request a new book to be purchased by the library so YOU can read it. How cool is that?
It's online. No more tedious card catalogs -- library materials are typically cataloged online now. That means you can check to see if a particular book is actually on the shelf before making the trip over, and you can even request materials to be held for you, making the trip even quicker and easier. If someone already has your desired book checked out, you can put a request in, and the library will notify you once it's been returned so you can pick it up next.
It's earth-friendly and reduces consumption. You not only save money by not buying as many new books, you also reduce your consumption of consumer goods. Why buy it when you can borrow it, especially if you probably will never refer to it again once it's been read? Reduced consumption decreases the number of books thrown away, recycled or sitting dusty in a corner as clutter. Borrowing also saves trees by not necessitating as many printings of a given book -- not so happy for publishers, but very happy for the trees.
There's more to it than books. I've already mentioned that libraries now typically carry not only books, but music CDs, DVD movies, audio books, etc. But they also have so much more than that. Children's story times, adult book clubs, kids and teens' reading clubs, and author speaker events, to name a few. Most also have computers with Internet access available for customer use, and extensive selections of magazines to read on site.
It's a great place to donate your old reads. Got some books you don't use but have a hard time parting with? Donate them to the library! You can visit the books whenever you like, but they won't be hogging space in your home! Donating to the library is also a great tax deduction, so get a receipt for your donation.

So, what do YOU do at the library?

Freshen Your Indoor Air Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:30:00 +0000

We tend to think of air pollution as something outside -- smog, ozone, or haze hanging in the air, especially in summer. But the truth is, the air inside homes, offices, and other buildings can be more polluted than the air outside.

The air inside your home may contain lead, formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants are tracked into the home, but some arrive via a new mattress or furniture, carpet cleaners, or a fresh coat of paint on the walls. You'll also find microscopic dust mites -- a major allergen -- plus mold and heaps of pet dander.

Indoor allergens and irritants have become much more important in recent decades because we're spending more time indoors, and because modern homes are airtight, these irritants can't easily escape. Here are some tips to refresh your indoor air:

1. Keep your floors fresh.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce concentrations of lead in your home. You can also get rid of other toxins, like brominated fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs), as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. In high traffic areas, vacuum the same spot several times. Don't forget walls, carpet edges, and upholstered furniture, where dust accumulates. For best results, vacuum two or more times each week and wash out your filter regularly.

Mopping picks up the dust that vacuuming leaves behind. You can skip the soaps and cleaners and just use plain water to capture any lingering dust or allergens. Microfiber mops and dust cloths capture more dust and dirt than traditional fibers and don’t require any cleaning solutions whatsoever.

Put a large floor mat at every door. People track in all sorts of chemicals via the dirt on their shoes. A door mat reduces the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home. If the mat is big enough, even those who don't wipe their shoes will leave most pollutants on the mat -- not the floors in your home. Likewise, it's best to have people remove their shoes at the door to avoid tracking chemicals and dirt inside. Keep house shoes, socks and slippers near the door.

2. Keep a healthy level of humidity.
Dust mites and mold love moisture. Keeping humidity around 30%-50% helps keep them and other allergens under control. A dehumidifier (and air conditioner during summer months) helps reduce moisture in indoor air and effectively controls allergens. An air conditioner also reduces indoor pollen count -- another plus for allergy-sufferers. Don't forget to check and clean or replace filters regularly.

Use an exhaust fan or crack open a window when cooking, running the dishwasher, or bathing. Vent the clothes dryer to the outside. Fix leaky plumbing to prevent moisture-loving mold. Empty drip pans in your window air conditioner and dehumidifier.

3. Make your home a no-smoking zone.
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Research shows that secondhand smoke increases a child's risk of developing ear and respiratory infections, asthma, cancer, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For the smoker, this addiction causes cancer, breathing problems, heart attacks, and stroke.

4. Test for radon.
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground and into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Whether you have a new or old home, you could have a radon problem. This colorless, odorless gas significantly raises the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

5. Smell good naturally.
You may associate that lemony or piney scent with a clean kitchen or clean clothes. But synthetic fragrances in laundry products and air fresheners emit dozens of different chemicals into the air. You won’t find their names on the product labels. Conventional laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and air fresheners in solid, spray, and oil form may all emit such chemicals.

In one study, a plug-in air freshener was found to emit 20 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including seven regulated as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal laws. But these chemicals were not included on the label -- only the word "fragrance" is required to be listed. The actual composition of the fragrance is considered a "trade secret."

Most fragrances are derived from petroleum products, and generally haven’t been tested to see if they have any significant adverse health effects in humans when they are inhaled. Phthalates are a group of chemicals often used in fragrances and also used to soften plastics. Studies show that phthalates disrupt hormones in animals.

Look for fragrance-free or naturally-scented laundry products. Switch to mild cleaners that don't include artificial fragrances. Stop using aerosol sprays -- deodorants, hair sprays, carpet cleaners, furniture polish, and air fresheners. Use sliced lemons and baking soda to get a clean scent in the kitchen.

6. Let in fresh air.
Open windows so toxic chemicals don't build up in your home. Try to let fresh air flow through your home daily, as weather allows.

7. Bring nature indoors.
Any room is prettier with a fern, spider plant, or aloe vera. It’s also healthier. NASA research shows that indoor plants like these act as living air purifiers -- the foliage and roots work in tandem to absorb chemical pollutants released by synthetic materials. If you have kids or pets, make sure the plants aren’t poisonous if ingested.

Sources: WebMD.com; EPA; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; NASA

You Don't Wear Them Anyway

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:05:00 +0000

Saw this tip in the February 2010 issue of Real Simple Magazine and had to pass it on. What a great idea!

Slip a pair of old tube socks (or knee highs) over your windshield wiper blades the evening before ice or snow so you won't have to de-ice the blades in the morning.

37 Reasons Why You Should Have a Shoes-Off Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:00 +0000

I stumbled upon this list from the British blog Shoes Off at the Door Please. I prefer to remove my shoes at home, and have been trying to teach my family to do likewise, mainly because shoes track in a variety of nasties, from dirt and insects to chemicals and pesticides. As a mother of two, that's not what I want my kids playing in. Also, taking shoes off at the door really does keep the house cleaner. So take a look at this list of reasons to have a Shoes-Off Policy -- some are tongue-in-cheek, but most are solid reasons to consider such a policy in your own home.

37 Reasons Why You Should Have a Shoes-Off Policy
1. Carpets are not easy to clean.
2. Carpets absorb dust and become breeding grounds for dust mites, causing the development of asthma and allergies.
3. If you do not have a carpet, the dust will not be absorbed and you are likely to breathe it in.
4. Shoes can leave marks on wood, PVC and marble floors.
5. Shoes can scratch wood flooring, especially if they have high heels.
6. Boots and high-heeled shoes can cause wear and tear to carpets.
7. That goes for rugs as well.
8. Shoes pick up small particles of grit that cause wear and tear to carpets.
9. Shoes pick up traces of petrol fumes and industrial pollution.
10. Shoes can pick up pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals.
11. Shoes pick up traces of animal excrement.
12. Ever noticed how much chewing gum there is stuck to the streets?
13. In a square mile, there are more insects than people on the planet. How many do you think you have squashed on your shoes?
14. If you have a crawling baby, do you want him or her to be exposed to the dirt from people's shoes?
15. In rain or snow, you are less likely to get the floor wet.
16. If you live near a beach, you will bring less sand into the house.
17. If you have a crawling baby, you will do less damage if you accidently step on him or her.
18. If you get mad and kick the cat or dog, you will do less damage (apologies to animal lovers).
19. If your children play rough, they will do less damage.
20. It creates a less formal atmosphere.
21. It creates a greater sense of relaxation.
22. Your guests will become more like you by removing their shoes and will feel part of the family.
23. An Asian, Scandinavian or East European visitor will feel more at home.
24. It teaches children the importance of respecting and looking after things.
25. Psychologically, removing your shoes helps you to enter a frame of mind where you keep your everyday troubles outside your home.
26. It is more comfortable.
27. It is healthier for you feet to take your shoes off during the day.
28. Small children with growing feet should wear shoes only to the minimum.
29. If you wear high-heeled shoes, your feet badly need a break.
30. You can put your feet up on the sofa without taking your shoes off first. (Don't tell me you put your feet on the sofa with shoes on?)
31. You can put your feet up on the coffee table without taking your shoes off first.
32. If you ever visit Japan, it will seem less weird.
33. If you are ever arrested and they confiscate your shoes, along with your belt and jewellery, it will seem less weird.
34. Your feet smell less if you do not wear shoes all day.
35. When you lovingly chastise your children, you will have a slipper to hand.
36. It was a Biblical custom (come on, did they wash their feet with shoes on?)
37. Do you really think the Saints in Glory are going to trample the sparkling, clean New Jerusalem with shoes on?

Source: Shoes Off at the Door Please

Is it Really Worth it to Unplug your Electronics?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:20:00 +0000

These days, everyone has heard about energy vampires: electronics and appliances continue to use power when even when they're off but still plugged in. But how much power are they using, and are there better ways to reduce electrical consumption?

One popular solution is to plug all your cords into a power strip and switch it off whenever you want to cut off all power to appliances. I do this in several places in my house -- my nightstand lamp, baby monitor and phone charger are all plugged into a power strip, and I'm in the habit of turning it on at night when I head for bed, and I turn it off as soon as I'm up in the morning. I also recently got a new "smart" power strip for my home office -- it automatically powers down computer peripherals when my laptop goes to energy saver mode, but it also has a couple of "always on" spaces for items I don't want turned off. Very handy.

While it's true that an "informed and aggressive approach can reduce standby use by about 30 percent," according to scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, "There are more productive ways to save energy with an investment of an hour."

If it's easy for you to unplug chargers and other electronics when you aren't using them, then go for it. You don't have to unplug everything -- you can choose the biggest energy hogs or items that are easily unplugged. It's easy for me to unplug my countertop kitchen appliances, because they're within easy reach, but it's not so convenient to unplug my TV. I've also found that I don't need to leave my Sonicare toothbrush plugged in all the time -- I can recharge it once a week for just a few hours, then leave the charger in the cabinet until the battery gets low again.

Here are some more easy steps you can take to save energy with little effort. Choose the ones that work for you. Try all of them for an estimated annuals savings of $250-$275.

Use the energy saver function on your computer to shave up to $90 a year off your utility bills. Exactly how much you save depends on whether you use a laptop or a CPU and a monitor, as well as how long you currently leave your computer on for. The energy saver mode also helps equipment run cooler so it lasts longer.
Reduce the brightness setting of your TV. Select the "home" mode because the "retail" or "vivid" mode (the default setting for most TVs) uses up to 25 percent more power, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. While you're at it, activate the energy- and power-saving modes on your TV and other appliances and save around $40 a year.
Video game consoles use almost the same amount of power when they are turned on and left idle as they do when you are actively playing a game or watching a movie. Save more than $100 a year by remembering to turn off your gaming system whenever you're not using it.
Switch off unneeded lights and save $20 a year. Does it make sense to turn off the light when you leave a room for a few minutes? Yes, for incandescent bulbs. Fifteen minutes is a good rule of thumb for compact fluorescent light bulbs. Speaking of CFLs, Consumer Reports' tests found that each CFL will save you around $5 a year in electricity costs over a regular bulb. They also run cooler, which can help with cooling costs during the summer months.
Wash your clothes in cold water. You'll reduce your bill by around $20 a year and it's better for your clothes. Even switching your temperature from hot to warm water can cut a load's energy use by half, according to the Department of Energy.

Frugal February

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:54:00 +0000

January is winding down -- seems like it went by fast this time. Monday is the first day of February, and marks the beginning of the now yearly challenge my friends and I participate in: Frugal February. The excesses of the holidays are over, and the dismay of the bills is setting in. What better time than the shortest month of the year to practice some much-needed restraint?

Frugal February goes like this: don't buy what you don't absolutely need. Revolutionary, right? I know, but it's a habit a lot of people tend to forget, and ITE (ding!) it's a skill we need to work on much more vigorously. Here's a few tips for joining in on Frugal Feb:

Before heading to the grocery store, shop your fridge, freezer and pantry. Meal plan, and buy only the items you really need. Make it a game to see how many meals you can come up with using only what you have on hand. I've been playing this game a lot recently on my other blog, Delicious in Season, so check it out if you need some inspiration.
Put away your debit card. Set a budget, grab some cash and buy the necessities. Seeing the cash in your wallet drain is much more emotional than the obliviousness of swiping plastic.
Take the time to work at home, decluttering. You knew that would be in here somewhere, right? See if you can find any discards that are salable, and make a little cash. Spend some time simplifying your home while simplifying your budget -- your wallet and your home will both breathe easier.
If you DO see something you want (and you will), write it down, or take a photo with your cell phone. Give yourself some time to cool off of the shopping high before deciding whether you really want to purchase it.
If you haven't already, spend a few minutes getting together your paperwork for filing taxes (and hope for a refund!), file all 2009 receipts and bills, and start new files for 2010 receipts and bills. You can learn how I organize bills here and receipts here.
Finally, make the Valentine's spirit last all month long. Spend quality time with your family, make some homemade cards and a cool mixed tape/CD, and tell your sweetheart you love them enough to save some cash.

Planning for the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:48:00 +0000

A little future planning here and there can make your brain rest a little easier. Here are a few random plans I'm working on in my free time now to avoid panic later.

Next year's Christmas list. I'd really like to give more handmade gifts this year as opposed to store bought. Not only are they more personal, but hopefully they'll save a lot of money. But to do that, I need to plan way ahead, to make sure I budget enough time to finish them all and so I can bargain-hunt my supplies effectively. Preplanning today involved making new notes in my new favorite productivity tool Evernote, with different homemade gift ideas that fit with my skills and photo reminders from the Net.
This year's decluttering and decorating goals. I know, everyone wants to get "organized" right after New Year. But it's never going to happen if you don't plan it out. Each year, I like to take a few minutes to break down the projects I want to do over the course of 12 months, rather than just saying I'm going to "declutter my house" and be overwhelmed and discouraged before February. This month, I'm working on my living room/dining area. February will be my office.
A meal plan. I'm not good at following a set meal schedule of Monday = chicken and Tuesday = beef. However, I am pretty good at looking at a list of meals and choosing 4-5 to make this week, based on what we have in the pantry and what's on sale at the grocery. So I'm making notes now of all my family's favorite meals, so each week I can take 5 minutes to choose a few. Saves time and $$ too.
Some travel reminders. I'm going on a girls' retreat in March with some of my BFFs. We're already talking about it all the time, so I want to make sure I don't forget anything (like the craft supplies for a project or a book I promised someone). I've got a list started so I can jot down anything I need to remember to take that's out of the norm of my usual travel packing list.

Got anything you want to download from your brain? No time like the present to start plotting!

A Green Oven Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:55:00 +0000

A green way to clean the oven: Scrub with a mixture of baking soda and water on a Brillo pad or other scrubby thing. Then scrub with Dawn and hot water. Then spray the hell out of it with white vinegar and wipe clean (there will be a bit of baking soda volcano action). Spray again and wipe with white vinegar as a final rinse. Sit back and wish you'd used the self-cleaning feature instead.

Uppercase Living Decorative Prints

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Check out Uppercase Living's new Decorative Prints! Decorative Prints are the hottest thing in vinyl décor. Featuring beautifully printed, removable and repositionable vinyl, this distinctive product comes in easy-to-use theme packs that can be applied and reapplied to your favorite spaces. With both whimsical and classical designs to choose from, our collection enhances any room in your home and is the perfect way to showcase your individual style.

Uppercase Living offers 14 Decorative Print theme packs to fit any style and any space. To see all the options, check out pages 6–9 of the 2010 Spring/Summer Idea Catalog. Each design comes on vinyl that is easy to apply, remove, and reposition. Whether you want to capture the elegance of your living room or bring out your child’s creative side, you’ll love what Decorative Prints can help you create!

As always, you can check my web site to see more products or to order from Uppercase Living. Contact me if you have any questions! http://sandykreps.uppercaseliving.net

Delicious (with Potatoes, in a Crockpot!)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:10:00 +0000

If you liked the last potato soup recipe I posted, check out the new crockpot version, perfect for workdays! Go to my food blog Delicious in Season today for the Pantry Potato Soup v2 (Crockpot Style) I made yesterday. This one's ingredients are a bit different than the stove-top version, but the end result is a creamy potato soup just as tasty and filling. Enjoy!

Delicious (with Potatoes)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Mosey on over to my food blog Delicious in Season today for a super yummy Pantry Potato Soup recipe I concocted last night using stuff I already had in the freezer, fridge and pantry. I was honestly a little surprised at how incredibly good it turned out -- proof that experimenting in the kitchen with what you already have CAN turn into an epic win! Enjoy!

January Seems to Demand Change

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:51:00 +0000

It was rather difficult to come up with a topic to write about this week. It's a new year, a new decade, and the Internet is overflowing with advice on making resolutions, how to get yourself organized, how to be healthier. It's almost a requirement these days to declare something you want to change over the coming year. Given that my entire blog is pretty much about getting organized, simplifying, and living green, it felt cheesy to post about resolving to do those things. Instead, I'd like to talk about simplifying those resolutions you're making.

It's widely known that most New Year Resolutions are abandoned soon after the champagne is gone. They sound good at the time, but then when your head clears, they sound more like work. So, instead of "resolving" to change everything (I will eat healthy and go to the gym 5 times a week!), how about just planning to do "better" (We'll have some veggies with dinner every day and I'll play soccer with my kids in the backyard a couple times a week.)

You don't need a laundry list of things to tackle right away -- that will just overwhelm you and make it that much easier to give up. Instead, think about just one or two habits you want to work on for now. Baby steps. Once you're on track with those, consider adding another one. You have all year long -- who says all the changes *have* to be made in January?

Best wishes for 2010, whatever you resolve to do.

Uppercase Living SALE! 40% off select expressions!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:56:00 +0000

40% Off select expressions, plus FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more! Through January 4, we’re offering a 40% discount on exclusive Uppercase Living expressions. Here are just a few of the over 200 designs available. For more information and to see all the discounted expressions, check out http://sandykreps.uppercaseliving.net/ and click the red box in the bottom right corner. Download the sale catalog and open as a pdf in Acrobat!

Old Navy WINNERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Here are the winners of the Old Navy Weekly Giveaway. Thanks to everyone for playing, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Random numbers were generated courtesy of my 4-year-old.

razberiswrl
April
Amy
Dawn
Anna Mae
Julie
Sasha
Becky
Claudine
love my babies!!

Be watching your in-boxes for your coupon from Old Navy Weekly!

Old Navy GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Awesome giveaway from OldNavyWeekly.com, Old Navy’s new weekly coupon hunting site! They've given me the opportunity to give away 10 coupons worth $50 off a $100 purchase. The coupons are good from December 25-31, 2009.

Live the fantasy of fab jeans and great prices when you step into Old Navy’s One Day Wonder sale (12/26/09 only)! Be enchanted with amazing denim deals – adult jeans just $15 (Reg. $29.50-$34.50) and kids and baby jeans are just $10 (Reg. $16.50-$19.50), select styles only.

Don’t miss out on the One Day Wonder sale (in-store only)!

10 readers will get: $50 off $100.

TO ENTER: Check out OldNavyWeekly.com and find out what the SuperModelquins are wearing this week. Come back here and and LEAVE ME A COMMENT telling me what your favorite look is. Don't forget to leave an email address so we can send the coupon to you if you win!!! Contest closes at 6 p.m. ET 12/23/09! Winners will be selected randomly.

Old Navy Weekly giveaway rules:
Coupons are valid for a limited time only. Old Navy and M80 cannot replace a coupon that was not redeemed in the correct timeframe. If winner fails to respond within the timeframe the coupon is to be redeemed, an alternate winner will be selected. Once redeemed code is no longer valid and cannot be used again, These are only one-time use coupons. The individual code should not be shared with nor used by multiple users. If a Sales Associate advises that code is not working, customer should ask them to key in the alpha-numeric code under the barcode (if the code is valid, and it’s just a question of the barcode reader having issue with the print quality of the code, then keying in should work – unless it’s already been redeemed then it will come up as invalid).