Home and Living
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Are you using the right mop?
from About.com
Flat Mops:
Flat mops are a type of mop with a flat head that usually has
a disposable or reusable pad that attaches to it. Disposable
types include the Clorox Ready Mop and Swiffer Wet Jet, as
well as other brands that may include a spray mechanism to
wet the floor being mopped. Reusable flat mops usually have
a microfiber or other type of cleaning pad that is washable.
Flat mops are great for cleaning, especially as a daily mop.
They are easy to use and require little effort to set up and
use. Flat mops work well at cleaning corners, although they
may have trouble scrubbing stuck-on food particles without
pretreatment.
Sponge Mops:
Sponge mops consist of a spongy mop head that usually has
an attached wringer. Sponge mops may have removable
heads that allow them to be rinsed more easily and replaced
when necessary. Sponge mops are great for cleaning tile
and other uneven surfaces. Sponge mops need to be
properly maintained and cared for to avoid the spread of
bacteria. When the sponge on the mop begins to break
apart, or if the mop begins to smell or discolor, replace the
mop head.
Dust Mops:
Dust mops can be used to clean floors, walls, ceilings, and
light fixtures. Usually they have a long handle allowing you
to reach corner cobwebs and dusty fans. Dust mops can be
made from a variety of materials including, lambs wool,
microfiber, and synthetics. Dust mops are used with dry
cleaning and aren't usually meant to be a wet cleaning tool.
Wet Mops:
There are many kinds of wet mops. From sythetic strip mops
with built in wringers to traditional cotton mops, there's
something for every taste. Traditional cotton string mops are
great to use because of their absorbency and scrubbing
power. Traditional string mops make getting into corners a
cinch, but can often be more difficult to wring out. They are
also more difficult to maintain than many other mops.
Synthetic head wet mops are often in strips with a built in
wringer. These mops are not as absorbent and able to scrub
as a cotton mop, but they are more convenient and easy to
care for.
from About.com
Flat Mops:
Flat mops are a type of mop with a flat head that usually has
a disposable or reusable pad that attaches to it. Disposable
types include the Clorox Ready Mop and Swiffer Wet Jet, as
well as other brands that may include a spray mechanism to
wet the floor being mopped. Reusable flat mops usually have
a microfiber or other type of cleaning pad that is washable.
Flat mops are great for cleaning, especially as a daily mop.
They are easy to use and require little effort to set up and
use. Flat mops work well at cleaning corners, although they
may have trouble scrubbing stuck-on food particles without
pretreatment.
Sponge Mops:
Sponge mops consist of a spongy mop head that usually has
an attached wringer. Sponge mops may have removable
heads that allow them to be rinsed more easily and replaced
when necessary. Sponge mops are great for cleaning tile
and other uneven surfaces. Sponge mops need to be
properly maintained and cared for to avoid the spread of
bacteria. When the sponge on the mop begins to break
apart, or if the mop begins to smell or discolor, replace the
mop head.
Dust Mops:
Dust mops can be used to clean floors, walls, ceilings, and
light fixtures. Usually they have a long handle allowing you
to reach corner cobwebs and dusty fans. Dust mops can be
made from a variety of materials including, lambs wool,
microfiber, and synthetics. Dust mops are used with dry
cleaning and aren't usually meant to be a wet cleaning tool.
Wet Mops:
There are many kinds of wet mops. From sythetic strip mops
with built in wringers to traditional cotton mops, there's
something for every taste. Traditional cotton string mops are
great to use because of their absorbency and scrubbing
power. Traditional string mops make getting into corners a
cinch, but can often be more difficult to wring out. They are
also more difficult to maintain than many other mops.
Synthetic head wet mops are often in strips with a built in
wringer. These mops are not as absorbent and able to scrub
as a cotton mop, but they are more convenient and easy to
care for.
Clutter's Side
Effects:
How the State of
Your Home Affects
Your Life
by Stephanie Roberts
Each area of your home
has a symbolic meaning
with which you resonate
on a subconscious level.
Clutter and untidiness
within each of these
areas causes constriction
and inertia in the
corresponding aspects of
your life.
CLUTTER IN THE
KITCHEN
The kitchen has been
called the "heart of the
home," and with good
reason. Here we are
nourished and provided
for, even if we are dining
on a frozen entrée
zapped in the microwave
rather than a homemade
meal lovingly presented
by Mom. An untidy and
disorganized kitchen
makes it hard to nourish
yourself and others, on
both physical and
metaphysical levels. How
you care for your kitchen
is a clue about whether
you are giving proper
attention to your own
nourishment and sources
of abundance. Cleaning
up and de-cluttering your
kitchen opens up space
for you to receive the
support and comfort that
you need in life.
LIVING AND DINING
ROOM CLUTTER
These are spaces where
you mingle with and
honor your relationships
with family and friends.
Here you engage with
the world while being at
home through watching
television, reading the
paper, or arguing politics
with old friends over
dinner. Clutter can turn
these social spaces into
dens of isolation,
especially if the mess is
so bad that it has been
years since you've
invited people over. Look
around your living and
dining rooms to see what
they say about your
relationship with the rest
of the world. Are you
hiding your true self from
others, burying it in
clutter, or putting it on
display here?
CLUTTERED HALLWAYS
Hallways are the arteries
and highways of your
home. Think of clutter in
your hallways as a traffic
jam that prevents
important connections
between different areas
of your home and your
life. Look at your
hallways to see how you
feel about your life's
path: are they well lit
and easily navigable, or
do they trip you up? If
you feel a disconnect
between work and
family, self and others,
what you need and your
obligations, it may be
time to give your
hallways a good clearing
out.
BATHROOM CLUTTER
Bathing and anointing
the body is a preparatory
ritual for many religious
rites both ancient and
contemporary. On a daily
basis we use this space
to prepare ourselves to
meet the world. Clutter
in the bathroom can
indicate a devaluation of
self-worth, a lack of
attention to self that
goes beyond the
physical. A clean,
well-decorated bathroom
can become a tranquil
sanctuary for
rejuvenation and
self-care. Scented soaps,
attractive accessories,
and fragrant candles
have a place here.
Beautifying your
bathroom by eliminating
clutter and disorder and
transforming it into a
place of refuge will bring
a sense of the sacred
into your morning and
evening personal-care
rituals.
CLUTTER IN THE
BEDROOM
Adults' bedrooms are for
sleeping and intimacy,
and they should function
as places of renewal for
self and relationships.
Clutter in the bedroom is
enervating without being
restful. If you feel "wired
and tired," creating order
out of chaos in this most
personal space can help
you relax and let go of
the stress of the day.
Then you can get a good
night's sleep or enjoy
some special time with
your partner.
CLUTTERED CLOSETS
Closets represent things
that are hidden,
unknown, or
unrecognized. When we
fill our closets with
clutter, we stifle our
ability to be intuitive and
insightful. Cluttered
closets can indicate
problems that you may
not be consciously aware
of but which impede your
progress through life,
work, and relationships
nonetheless. Keeping
the closet door closed is
not an effective solution.
Stop thinking of
clutter-clearing as a
tremendous chore, and
start thinking of it as one
of the most effective
self-improvement tactics
available to you. Every
magazine and piece of
paper you recycle, every
book you give to the
library, every knick-knack
and item of clothing you
release to a new owner
creates space in your life
for new insight, energy,
joy, and experiences to
come in!
Effects:
How the State of
Your Home Affects
Your Life
by Stephanie Roberts
Each area of your home
has a symbolic meaning
with which you resonate
on a subconscious level.
Clutter and untidiness
within each of these
areas causes constriction
and inertia in the
corresponding aspects of
your life.
CLUTTER IN THE
KITCHEN
The kitchen has been
called the "heart of the
home," and with good
reason. Here we are
nourished and provided
for, even if we are dining
on a frozen entrée
zapped in the microwave
rather than a homemade
meal lovingly presented
by Mom. An untidy and
disorganized kitchen
makes it hard to nourish
yourself and others, on
both physical and
metaphysical levels. How
you care for your kitchen
is a clue about whether
you are giving proper
attention to your own
nourishment and sources
of abundance. Cleaning
up and de-cluttering your
kitchen opens up space
for you to receive the
support and comfort that
you need in life.
LIVING AND DINING
ROOM CLUTTER
These are spaces where
you mingle with and
honor your relationships
with family and friends.
Here you engage with
the world while being at
home through watching
television, reading the
paper, or arguing politics
with old friends over
dinner. Clutter can turn
these social spaces into
dens of isolation,
especially if the mess is
so bad that it has been
years since you've
invited people over. Look
around your living and
dining rooms to see what
they say about your
relationship with the rest
of the world. Are you
hiding your true self from
others, burying it in
clutter, or putting it on
display here?
CLUTTERED HALLWAYS
Hallways are the arteries
and highways of your
home. Think of clutter in
your hallways as a traffic
jam that prevents
important connections
between different areas
of your home and your
life. Look at your
hallways to see how you
feel about your life's
path: are they well lit
and easily navigable, or
do they trip you up? If
you feel a disconnect
between work and
family, self and others,
what you need and your
obligations, it may be
time to give your
hallways a good clearing
out.
BATHROOM CLUTTER
Bathing and anointing
the body is a preparatory
ritual for many religious
rites both ancient and
contemporary. On a daily
basis we use this space
to prepare ourselves to
meet the world. Clutter
in the bathroom can
indicate a devaluation of
self-worth, a lack of
attention to self that
goes beyond the
physical. A clean,
well-decorated bathroom
can become a tranquil
sanctuary for
rejuvenation and
self-care. Scented soaps,
attractive accessories,
and fragrant candles
have a place here.
Beautifying your
bathroom by eliminating
clutter and disorder and
transforming it into a
place of refuge will bring
a sense of the sacred
into your morning and
evening personal-care
rituals.
CLUTTER IN THE
BEDROOM
Adults' bedrooms are for
sleeping and intimacy,
and they should function
as places of renewal for
self and relationships.
Clutter in the bedroom is
enervating without being
restful. If you feel "wired
and tired," creating order
out of chaos in this most
personal space can help
you relax and let go of
the stress of the day.
Then you can get a good
night's sleep or enjoy
some special time with
your partner.
CLUTTERED CLOSETS
Closets represent things
that are hidden,
unknown, or
unrecognized. When we
fill our closets with
clutter, we stifle our
ability to be intuitive and
insightful. Cluttered
closets can indicate
problems that you may
not be consciously aware
of but which impede your
progress through life,
work, and relationships
nonetheless. Keeping
the closet door closed is
not an effective solution.
Stop thinking of
clutter-clearing as a
tremendous chore, and
start thinking of it as one
of the most effective
self-improvement tactics
available to you. Every
magazine and piece of
paper you recycle, every
book you give to the
library, every knick-knack
and item of clothing you
release to a new owner
creates space in your life
for new insight, energy,
joy, and experiences to
come in!
Ten Ideas for Updating Your Kitchen on a Budget
By Pamela Cole Harris, About.com
Updating your kitchen can bring a high return on your
decorating investment. Even though we spend less time
than ever in the kitchen, we still want it to look good -
usually from afar! Here are a few simple and inexpensive
ways to give your kitchen a fresh look:
If you have are lucky enough to have solid wood cabinets,
strip the paint or old finish. Then add a couple of drops of
yellow or green oil pigment (available at your local craft
store) to your favorite stain and apply to the cabinets. The
stain color will have more depth with this small addition.
cost the moon. All it takes is just a few inexpensive touches!
By Pamela Cole Harris, About.com
Updating your kitchen can bring a high return on your
decorating investment. Even though we spend less time
than ever in the kitchen, we still want it to look good -
usually from afar! Here are a few simple and inexpensive
ways to give your kitchen a fresh look:
If you have are lucky enough to have solid wood cabinets,
strip the paint or old finish. Then add a couple of drops of
yellow or green oil pigment (available at your local craft
store) to your favorite stain and apply to the cabinets. The
stain color will have more depth with this small addition.
- Apply molding from your local home improvement store
to your cabinet tops for a classic and updated look. - Adding beadboard as a backsplash can be an
inexpensive update. But be sure to use a quality paint
that can be easily washed! - Mount a wrought iron curtain rod to the wall about 6 -
8 inches under your cabinets. Use the rod to hand
towels, cooking utensils or pots. You can hang the
pots or utensils from large s-hooks which hook over
the rod. - Add color to white cabinets by painting small frames
red or your favorite accent color. Mount them to the
front of the cabinet. You can add pictures to the
frames if you wish or leave them as just a graphic
element - Have kids? How about using blackboard paint for the
backsplash area above the countertops? You can
write notes to the kids, grocery lists and art
masterpieces on the area. - If you don't want to tile your entire backsplash, mount
terracotta tile or pavers in a strip, rectangle or square
pattern. Check your local home improvement store for
broken lots or discontinued patterns that cost much
less than a current or unopened box of tile. - Remember decoupage? You can decoupage your
cabinet fronts in a variety of woven or canvas pattern
papers. You can even find papers that look like leather. - Scrapbooking papers are especially popular now and
come in wonderful patterns. - Glue inexpensive rectangles cut from woven grass
placemats from the dollar store to your cabinet doors.
Frame with thin strips of molding to simulate grass
inserts. - Cork squares can also be used as dramatic interest to
the front of cabinet doors. And the cork is useful for
leaving messages!
cost the moon. All it takes is just a few inexpensive touches!
Money Saving Party Ideas
Plan a Party that Fits in Your Budget
By Donna Pilato, About.com
We have all experienced those times when we want to have
a party but finances are tight. As you begin to create your
guest list, you become excited about the prospect of
entertaining. Thinking about the things you'll have to buy to
pull off this party, the excitement comes to an abrupt halt.
There are invitations, paper goods, decorations, food, drinks,
the list becomes a deal breaker. But it doesn't have to if you
reconsider your approach to this party. There are many
things you can do to keep your party budget under control.
Don't even begin to plan your party before you decide on
your budget. Decide how much money you can afford to
spend on your party - then stick to it. The total budget will
help you decide on the style of party you can host, and will
protect you from that after-party budget hangover.
Don't Mail Invitations
Send email invitations instead. Besides saving on the
expense of a purchased invitation card, with the cost of
postage seemingly increasing every other month, it makes
good sense to turn to electronic invitations for all but the
most formal events. The added benefit of using online
invitation sites is that they will help you to manage your
responses.
Good Riddance to Disposables
Even the least expensive paper plates, cups, and plastic
cutlery will quickly add up. You can save on that expense by
using your regular dinnerware, flatware, and glassware.
Don't be afraid to mix and match if you don't have enough
pieces in one set to serve all of your guests. Eclectic tables
can be very stylish as long as you put pieces together with a
little thought. Still don't have enough pieces? Ask your best
friend if you can borrow some dinnerware or flatware, and
you can return the favor someday. Not only will this save on
expenses, it's also good for the environment.
Choose a Little Less Convenience for the Produce
It's tempting to pick up those little packages of pre-washed,
pre-cut fruits and veggies, but they come at a price. Buy your
produce in bulk and prep it yourself to save on your party
grocery bill. It usually lasts longer, and stays fresher if you
wash and cut your produce closer to the party date. And
while we're on the subject of produce, always choose
produce that is in-season for your area. That's where you'll
find the best deals.
Pasta, Rice and Potatoes - The Sneaky Three Dollar
Stretchers
Traditionally these three starches have been the keys to
stretching a dollar. Salads, side dishes, and casseroles made
with these ingredients will be budget-friendly. And who
doesn't love a tray of baked ziti or scoop of potato salad?
Make It a Community Party
No one minds being asked to contribute a dish to your
casual party. It's not as though you've asked them to be the
host! With that basic concept in mind, you can organize a:
guests that soft drinks will be provided, but guests can feel
free to bring any liquor of their choosing. If you're not
comfortable doing that, you can save on alcohol expenses by
purchasing wine, champagne or beer by the case. Or
consider making a seasonal punch as your economical,
alcoholic beverage for the party.
Affordable Themes
By hosting a party with a theme, you can easily mask the
underlying economy of your food. Themes make it fun, and
you can add to the ambience with music (borrowed from a
collector friend if you don't have the appropriate selections).
Here are several affordable party themes:
Plan a Party that Fits in Your Budget
By Donna Pilato, About.com
We have all experienced those times when we want to have
a party but finances are tight. As you begin to create your
guest list, you become excited about the prospect of
entertaining. Thinking about the things you'll have to buy to
pull off this party, the excitement comes to an abrupt halt.
There are invitations, paper goods, decorations, food, drinks,
the list becomes a deal breaker. But it doesn't have to if you
reconsider your approach to this party. There are many
things you can do to keep your party budget under control.
Don't even begin to plan your party before you decide on
your budget. Decide how much money you can afford to
spend on your party - then stick to it. The total budget will
help you decide on the style of party you can host, and will
protect you from that after-party budget hangover.
Don't Mail Invitations
Send email invitations instead. Besides saving on the
expense of a purchased invitation card, with the cost of
postage seemingly increasing every other month, it makes
good sense to turn to electronic invitations for all but the
most formal events. The added benefit of using online
invitation sites is that they will help you to manage your
responses.
Good Riddance to Disposables
Even the least expensive paper plates, cups, and plastic
cutlery will quickly add up. You can save on that expense by
using your regular dinnerware, flatware, and glassware.
Don't be afraid to mix and match if you don't have enough
pieces in one set to serve all of your guests. Eclectic tables
can be very stylish as long as you put pieces together with a
little thought. Still don't have enough pieces? Ask your best
friend if you can borrow some dinnerware or flatware, and
you can return the favor someday. Not only will this save on
expenses, it's also good for the environment.
Choose a Little Less Convenience for the Produce
It's tempting to pick up those little packages of pre-washed,
pre-cut fruits and veggies, but they come at a price. Buy your
produce in bulk and prep it yourself to save on your party
grocery bill. It usually lasts longer, and stays fresher if you
wash and cut your produce closer to the party date. And
while we're on the subject of produce, always choose
produce that is in-season for your area. That's where you'll
find the best deals.
Pasta, Rice and Potatoes - The Sneaky Three Dollar
Stretchers
Traditionally these three starches have been the keys to
stretching a dollar. Salads, side dishes, and casseroles made
with these ingredients will be budget-friendly. And who
doesn't love a tray of baked ziti or scoop of potato salad?
Make It a Community Party
No one minds being asked to contribute a dish to your
casual party. It's not as though you've asked them to be the
host! With that basic concept in mind, you can organize a:
- Potluck Party
- Block Party
- Progressive Dinner
- BYOB or Other Beverage Cost Saving Tricks
guests that soft drinks will be provided, but guests can feel
free to bring any liquor of their choosing. If you're not
comfortable doing that, you can save on alcohol expenses by
purchasing wine, champagne or beer by the case. Or
consider making a seasonal punch as your economical,
alcoholic beverage for the party.
Affordable Themes
By hosting a party with a theme, you can easily mask the
underlying economy of your food. Themes make it fun, and
you can add to the ambience with music (borrowed from a
collector friend if you don't have the appropriate selections).
Here are several affordable party themes:
- Make Your Own Tacos
- Pizza Party
- Desserts Only
- Italian Pasta Night
- Ice Cream Sunday
A Party for your Little
Princess
Treat Her Like Royalty
on Her Birthday
By Donna Pilato, About.
com
Although I may not
Although I may not
indulge them in this
fantasy on a daily
basis, their birthday
parties provide the
perfect opportunity to
let them and their
friends fulfill their
dreams of royalty.
dreams of royalty.
If you have a little
princess reigning in
your home, this party
plan will make her
birthday magical. It is
suitable for any little
girl from pre-school
age through grade
school. Just tailor the
difficulty of the craft
materials according to
the age level.
Setting the Stage
Activities
When the guests
arrive, give each girl a
feather boa to wear
around her shoulders,
and fun, colorful
jewelry purchased at a
party shop.
If you have any
sewing talent, you can
create a skirt for each
princess out of a
length of pink tulle
that is gathered at the
waist with a ribbon.
Begin the party with a
craft activity. Using
purchased solid color,
cone party hats, have
the girls create a
princess hat. Provide
them with assorted
stick-on gems, confetti,
and feathers. Staple
ribbon streamers to
the point of each hat.
Princess
Treat Her Like Royalty
on Her Birthday
By Donna Pilato, About.
com
Although I may not
Although I may not
indulge them in this
fantasy on a daily
basis, their birthday
parties provide the
perfect opportunity to
let them and their
friends fulfill their
dreams of royalty.
dreams of royalty.
If you have a little
princess reigning in
your home, this party
plan will make her
birthday magical. It is
suitable for any little
girl from pre-school
age through grade
school. Just tailor the
difficulty of the craft
materials according to
the age level.
Setting the Stage
- Decorate your
castle with
pastel
streamers and
balloons. - Cover the party
room chairs with
a swatch of pink
fabric over the
seat and back.
Tie a large bow
across the back
with a length of
tulle. - Invite your
guests to come
dressed in their
prettiest outfits. - Set the table
with a pastel
yellow table
cloth and pink
napkins. Tie the
napkins with a
yellow ribbon
bow. - Use pastel
colored plates
and cups.
Activities
When the guests
arrive, give each girl a
feather boa to wear
around her shoulders,
and fun, colorful
jewelry purchased at a
party shop.
If you have any
sewing talent, you can
create a skirt for each
princess out of a
length of pink tulle
that is gathered at the
waist with a ribbon.
Begin the party with a
craft activity. Using
purchased solid color,
cone party hats, have
the girls create a
princess hat. Provide
them with assorted
stick-on gems, confetti,
and feathers. Staple
ribbon streamers to
the point of each hat.
- While the girls
are creating
their hats, apply
temporary
tattoos to their
cheeks or
hands. Use
butterfly, flower,
heart or other
feminine designs. - Using a rubber
frog, play "pass
the frog" as a
variation on hot
potato. - Create a life-
size silhouette
of your daughter
by outlining her
body in a dress
on a large piece
of paper. Then
create a
template for the
outline of her
shoe, and make
a copy for each
guest. Use
these copies to
play pin the
shoe on the
birthday
princess.