If you haven't calibrated your HDTV... you need to! Go to avsforums.net and search for a thread on your tv model to find some recommended settings.. huge improvements await you.”
How To: How To Set Up Your New HDTV
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
How To Winteriz Your Home for Good Indoor Air Quality
As the weather begins to cool, we start preparing our homes for the winter season. Closing up the house and using your heater can really have an impact on indoor air quality. The best way to keep the air in your home clean throughout the cooler months is to get your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system cleaned.
"When people go to turn their heat on, the dust and debris that has been collecting in the coils either burns into fumes or gets distributed throughout the home," says John Schulte, executive director of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). "The warm environment can also be a haven for mold and mildew, all of which can cause air quality to plummet."
HVAC systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria and very small particles of dust. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The removal of such contaminants from your HVAC system is crucial to improve indoor air quality. Plus, a clean system can save you money on your energy bill.
Further research from the EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.
"About half of the energy used in a building is on heating and cooling," says Schulte. "Having your system cleaned can save up to 30 percent in energy costs. So not only are you improving indoor air quality, but you're saving money and helping the environment."
The top issues that effect a home's HVAC system, its efficiency and air quality are:
1) Filtration Issues
Low-efficiency filters, lack of a filter replacement program, and improperly sized filters can allow particles and debris to flow into a home or building.
2) Duct Work Contamination
It is estimated that more than 90 percent of HVAC systems installed longer than 10 years will have some level of insulation deterioration. Over time, the insulation fibers are distributed and blown into occupied spaces every time the blower turns on.
3) Dirty Evaporator Coil
Over time, evaporator coils become matted with dust and dirt. During cold months, the heated air can flow over the dirty coils and be distributed into your home's interior space.
The best way to determine if your HVAC system is clean is to perform a visual inspection. If any dust or debris can be seen, the system needs to be serviced. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
* Smokers in the household.
* Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
* Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
* Residents with allergies or asthma.
* Home renovations or remodeling.
"The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ Source Removal methods of cleaning," says Schutle. "This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum."
"When people go to turn their heat on, the dust and debris that has been collecting in the coils either burns into fumes or gets distributed throughout the home," says John Schulte, executive director of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). "The warm environment can also be a haven for mold and mildew, all of which can cause air quality to plummet."
HVAC systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria and very small particles of dust. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The removal of such contaminants from your HVAC system is crucial to improve indoor air quality. Plus, a clean system can save you money on your energy bill.
Further research from the EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.
"About half of the energy used in a building is on heating and cooling," says Schulte. "Having your system cleaned can save up to 30 percent in energy costs. So not only are you improving indoor air quality, but you're saving money and helping the environment."
The top issues that effect a home's HVAC system, its efficiency and air quality are:
1) Filtration Issues
Low-efficiency filters, lack of a filter replacement program, and improperly sized filters can allow particles and debris to flow into a home or building.
2) Duct Work Contamination
It is estimated that more than 90 percent of HVAC systems installed longer than 10 years will have some level of insulation deterioration. Over time, the insulation fibers are distributed and blown into occupied spaces every time the blower turns on.
3) Dirty Evaporator Coil
Over time, evaporator coils become matted with dust and dirt. During cold months, the heated air can flow over the dirty coils and be distributed into your home's interior space.
The best way to determine if your HVAC system is clean is to perform a visual inspection. If any dust or debris can be seen, the system needs to be serviced. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
* Smokers in the household.
* Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
* Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
* Residents with allergies or asthma.
* Home renovations or remodeling.
"The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ Source Removal methods of cleaning," says Schutle. "This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum."
How to Clean a Flat-screen TV
The next time you walk into the room where your new flat-screen TV is on display, take a good look around. Is it starting to look dirty? Between all the dust and lint that flies around the average room and the dirty fingers used to turn the TV on its mount, it doesn't take long before the set needs a good cleaning.
But don't be tempted to use the same methods you would to clean your tube TV. Flat-screen television sets require more specialized care. Here are a few "Dos" and "Don'ts" to keep in mind:
* Don't reach for strong chemical cleaners like alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners or window cleaners. They can damage the screen's special coating.
* Don't spray a liquid cleaner on the screen, as it can leak into the TV casing and damage the circuitry.
* Never use paper towels or newspapers to wipe off the screen either. These are wood products and will scratch the screen.
What you should do instead is look for a solution that is specially labeled "safe for laptop screens" or "LCD and plasma screens" and wipe it on with a soft cloth, preferably one made of chamois, microfiber or 100 percent cotton. These items are sold individually, or in kits available at most home entertainment stores or online. Kits, which typically include the cleaner, wipe cloths and brushes, are the most affordable way to go.
A line worth considering is Sanus Systems' new Elements Screen Care, a series of quality screen care accessories that gently clean high-end TVs and monitors, and easily remove dust without damaging the screen. Within the Elements line is the ELM101, a complete screen care system that includes a special alcohol and ammonia-free gel that gently cleans TVs and monitors without harming screens or discoloring bezels and a Micro-Mist bottle you can use to apply it in a targeted spray.
Also included is a unique microfiber wiping handle that allows for quick, even, window-style-cleaning; a microfiber cloth that cleans without leaving behind lint or residue; and an antistatic dusting brush attached to the wiping handle that lifts debris and static electricity from the screen between cleanings. Sanus also offers a simpler cleaning kit called the ELM102 that includes the detergent gel and a microfiber cloth that stores in the bottle cap.
"We know these cleaners are going to be extremely popular among flat-screen television set owners because they offer the solution they've been looking for," says Jason Schmidt, product manager for Sanus, "an easy and inexpensive way to keep their electronics clean."
Elements Screen Care products are now available at thousands of retail locations nationwide; a store locator is available at www.sanus.com.
Once you have your cleaner on hand, here are the quick-and-easy steps you should follow to clean your set:
Step 1
Disconnect the power to your TV before you clean it each time. This is much safer, and it will allow you to see the smudges and dirt better.
Step 2
Use either lukewarm water or a cleaning solution to clean your TV, and wipe it on to the screen with a damp, soft cloth. Just a gentle wiping of the screen is enough. Rubbing, scrubbing and hard pressure can damage the screen.
Between cleanings, a little preventative maintenance will go a long way. Remember, it's important to dust your TV and its screen on a regular basis. Excessive dust will damage any electronic device.
TigerDirect Overstock/Liquidation - Limited Time Only!
But don't be tempted to use the same methods you would to clean your tube TV. Flat-screen television sets require more specialized care. Here are a few "Dos" and "Don'ts" to keep in mind:
* Don't reach for strong chemical cleaners like alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners or window cleaners. They can damage the screen's special coating.
* Don't spray a liquid cleaner on the screen, as it can leak into the TV casing and damage the circuitry.
* Never use paper towels or newspapers to wipe off the screen either. These are wood products and will scratch the screen.
What you should do instead is look for a solution that is specially labeled "safe for laptop screens" or "LCD and plasma screens" and wipe it on with a soft cloth, preferably one made of chamois, microfiber or 100 percent cotton. These items are sold individually, or in kits available at most home entertainment stores or online. Kits, which typically include the cleaner, wipe cloths and brushes, are the most affordable way to go.
A line worth considering is Sanus Systems' new Elements Screen Care, a series of quality screen care accessories that gently clean high-end TVs and monitors, and easily remove dust without damaging the screen. Within the Elements line is the ELM101, a complete screen care system that includes a special alcohol and ammonia-free gel that gently cleans TVs and monitors without harming screens or discoloring bezels and a Micro-Mist bottle you can use to apply it in a targeted spray.
Also included is a unique microfiber wiping handle that allows for quick, even, window-style-cleaning; a microfiber cloth that cleans without leaving behind lint or residue; and an antistatic dusting brush attached to the wiping handle that lifts debris and static electricity from the screen between cleanings. Sanus also offers a simpler cleaning kit called the ELM102 that includes the detergent gel and a microfiber cloth that stores in the bottle cap.
"We know these cleaners are going to be extremely popular among flat-screen television set owners because they offer the solution they've been looking for," says Jason Schmidt, product manager for Sanus, "an easy and inexpensive way to keep their electronics clean."
Elements Screen Care products are now available at thousands of retail locations nationwide; a store locator is available at www.sanus.com.
Once you have your cleaner on hand, here are the quick-and-easy steps you should follow to clean your set:
Step 1
Disconnect the power to your TV before you clean it each time. This is much safer, and it will allow you to see the smudges and dirt better.
Step 2
Use either lukewarm water or a cleaning solution to clean your TV, and wipe it on to the screen with a damp, soft cloth. Just a gentle wiping of the screen is enough. Rubbing, scrubbing and hard pressure can damage the screen.
Between cleanings, a little preventative maintenance will go a long way. Remember, it's important to dust your TV and its screen on a regular basis. Excessive dust will damage any electronic device.
TigerDirect Overstock/Liquidation - Limited Time Only!
Friday, October 24, 2008
How Great Outdoor Lighting Brightens the Holiday Season
From twinkling candles glimpsed through a window to trees and shrubs decked in brightly colored strands, light can be the warmest welcome for your guests during the holidays. And if you've been thinking about enhancing the lighting above and around your front porch or door, the holidays are a great time to put that thought into action.
"People spend more time than ever before in the outdoor spaces of their homes," says Rick Seidman, president and chief executive officer of Quoizel Inc. of Goose Creek, S.C. "The front and back entry areas have become living spaces frequented by friends and family. This has led to consumers wanting to decorate and light these areas with the same importance as the inside of their home.
Attractive exterior lighting not only enhances your enjoyment of your home, it adds curb appeal and value, and can welcome guests with a feeling of warmth and security all year round. Good lighting is especially important during the holidays, when more guests will be coming to your door, the experts agree.
Homeowners thinking about upgrading their exterior lighting should keep some basics in mind, including scale, style, visibility and planning.
"Frequently, you see homes with outdoor lanterns that aren't large enough for the home or the area it's lighting," says Rick Wiedemer, Jr., certified lighting consultant and president of Hinkley Lighting in Cleveland. "When choosing a lantern to hang above your door, consider viewing your home's entry from the curb or coming up the driveway as a guest would."
A good rule of thumb for choosing a right-sized lantern is to pick one that is at least a third the size of the door, says Mark Rottner, president of Artistic Lighting and Designs in Norcross, Ga. "That means if your door is 7 feet high, your lantern should be 27 to 30 inches long," he says. "If you decide to go with a lantern on either side of the door, then each should be about 25 percent of the door's height."
Appropriately sized lanterns not only provide ample illumination for the area you're trying to light, they also impart elegance to a façade, says Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA) and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Interior Design. "They really are a show of confidence."
The style of the lighting is also important, the experts agree. The style of your outdoor lighting should match both the design of your home's exterior and the lighting design inside the house.
"Lighting should be selected to accentuate the architecture, not detract from the beauty of the structure," says Jeffrey R. Dross, senior product manager with Kichler Lighting in Cleveland. What's more, he adds, "it's important the entryway lighting has a relation with driveway lights, landscape lighting, deck lighting and the rest of the lighting on your home. You want to avoid the 'flea market' approach where all the pieces are different."
If your home is colonial, Victorian, traditional, craftsman or contemporary, be sure to look for lighting that pairs well with the architectural style. For example, if the exterior color palette is warm, then brown or bronze light fixtures may be more appropriate, Dross points out.
Don't be afraid to incorporate some trends into your exterior lighting design. Some hot exterior lighting trends include the addition of crystals to different style fixtures, and - for upscale homes - natural gas lanterns in copper or brass. Layering several types of lighting at an entry is also popular, Wiedemer says. For example, if your door has an overhang, you may place recessed lighting in the overhang, paired with decorative lanterns on either side of the door and path lighting leading up to the door, he says.
"There's more variety than ever in outdoor lighting," Rey-Barreau says. "Pluralism is the trend."
Homeowners looking to temporarily enhance their outdoor lighting for the holidays have a host of options as well. Rottner likes the idea of putting exterior lights on a dimmer to create a warm, comforting mood. Weidemer recommends adding low-voltage landscape lighting, which is easy to install and can be moved or added on to in the future.
Attractive outdoor lighting can be a great way to welcome your guests at the holidays, the experts agree. "A warm glow by your front door indicates your personality, and the personality of your home," Rottner says.
To learn more about exterior lighting trends, designs and options, or to find a local American Lighting Association showroom, log on to www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT IDEAS (800-274-4484). ALA is a trade association representing the lighting industry.
Friday, October 3, 2008
How To Avoid the 'Rakes and Pains' of Autumn Yard Work
As the leaves turn different colors and the weather becomes cooler,
many Americans begin to engage in outdoor cleanup. Consider the number
of Americans injured in yard work accidents every autumn and you may
begin to suspect that "fall" is actually short for "pitfall." Fall, it
seems, is becoming the season for back injuries, tumbles from ladders
and lawn mower accidents.
"Approximately 42 million people
seek emergency room treatment for injuries each year, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," says Brett Taylor, MD,
spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
"Many of these injuries can happen while performing seemingly routine
tasks, like autumn yard work."
The AAOS offers a few simple tips to avoid common autumn injuries while in the yard:
Rakes and Pains
Brightly
colored fallen leaves are one of the charms of autumn, but raking them
also sends thousands of people to emergency rooms each year. Raking is
vigorous exercise, and you should pay close attention to your arms and
back to avoid injury.
To prevent injury from raking, be sure to:
* Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise.
* Use a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength. Wear gloves or use rakes with padded handles to prevent blisters.
*
Keep your vision free of impediment, like hats or scarves and beware of
large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.
* Vary your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.
* Wet leaves can be slippery; wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.
*
Do not overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. To avoid
back injury, you should be able to carry bags comfortably.
* Never throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. The twisting motion required to do so places undue stress on your back.
Clean up that Lawn
It
will soon be time to store the mower until spring, but chances are you
will mow the grass a few more times before the snow falls. Or, you may
use it to collect leaves or and lawn clippings. You may love your
lawnmower, but keep in mind it is a powerful tool - one that can cause
significant injury. In 2007, more than 225,000 people were injured by
power, manual and riding lawn mowers, according to the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
To avoid lawnmower-related injuries be sure to:
* Make sure the engine is off and cool before you begin any maintenance work or refuel your lawnmower.
*
Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower.
Use a stick or broom handle instead. Likewise, never touch the blades
with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still
move and cause serious injury.
* Never remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches.
* Do not leave a lawnmower running unattended.
* Wear protective gear like goggles and gloves, boots and long pants when mowing. Never mow barefoot or in sandals.
* Do not consume alcoholic beverages and mow.
Ladder Safety
Autumn
is a great time to clear out gutters, check roof integrity and wash
windows. More than 532,000 people were injured in falls from ladders in
2007, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To stay safe on a ladder:
* Inspect the ladder for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off accumulated mud, dirt or liquids.
* Make sure all four legs rest on a firm, level surface. Avoid uneven ground or soft, muddy spots.
* Before you climb, be sure all ladder locks and safety braces are engaged.
* Never sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf. These areas were not designed to carry your weight.
*
Choose the right ladder for the job. A step stool or utility ladder is
good for working at low or medium heights, for jobs such as washing
windows. Extension ladders are appropriate for outdoors to reach high
places, for when you need to clean gutters or inspect the roof.
*
Be aware of your balance. Be careful when moving items off a shelf
while you're standing on a ladder. If you have to stretch or lean to
reach your work area, it would be safer to climb down and reposition
the ladder closer to your work.
For more lawnmower or ladder safety tips, visit the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon's Web site at www.orthoinfo.org
many Americans begin to engage in outdoor cleanup. Consider the number
of Americans injured in yard work accidents every autumn and you may
begin to suspect that "fall" is actually short for "pitfall." Fall, it
seems, is becoming the season for back injuries, tumbles from ladders
and lawn mower accidents.
"Approximately 42 million people
seek emergency room treatment for injuries each year, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," says Brett Taylor, MD,
spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
"Many of these injuries can happen while performing seemingly routine
tasks, like autumn yard work."
The AAOS offers a few simple tips to avoid common autumn injuries while in the yard:
Rakes and Pains
Brightly
colored fallen leaves are one of the charms of autumn, but raking them
also sends thousands of people to emergency rooms each year. Raking is
vigorous exercise, and you should pay close attention to your arms and
back to avoid injury.
To prevent injury from raking, be sure to:
* Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise.
* Use a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength. Wear gloves or use rakes with padded handles to prevent blisters.
*
Keep your vision free of impediment, like hats or scarves and beware of
large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.
* Vary your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.
* Wet leaves can be slippery; wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.
*
Do not overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. To avoid
back injury, you should be able to carry bags comfortably.
* Never throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. The twisting motion required to do so places undue stress on your back.
Clean up that Lawn
It
will soon be time to store the mower until spring, but chances are you
will mow the grass a few more times before the snow falls. Or, you may
use it to collect leaves or and lawn clippings. You may love your
lawnmower, but keep in mind it is a powerful tool - one that can cause
significant injury. In 2007, more than 225,000 people were injured by
power, manual and riding lawn mowers, according to the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
To avoid lawnmower-related injuries be sure to:
* Make sure the engine is off and cool before you begin any maintenance work or refuel your lawnmower.
*
Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower.
Use a stick or broom handle instead. Likewise, never touch the blades
with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still
move and cause serious injury.
* Never remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches.
* Do not leave a lawnmower running unattended.
* Wear protective gear like goggles and gloves, boots and long pants when mowing. Never mow barefoot or in sandals.
* Do not consume alcoholic beverages and mow.
Ladder Safety
Autumn
is a great time to clear out gutters, check roof integrity and wash
windows. More than 532,000 people were injured in falls from ladders in
2007, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To stay safe on a ladder:
* Inspect the ladder for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off accumulated mud, dirt or liquids.
* Make sure all four legs rest on a firm, level surface. Avoid uneven ground or soft, muddy spots.
* Before you climb, be sure all ladder locks and safety braces are engaged.
* Never sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf. These areas were not designed to carry your weight.
*
Choose the right ladder for the job. A step stool or utility ladder is
good for working at low or medium heights, for jobs such as washing
windows. Extension ladders are appropriate for outdoors to reach high
places, for when you need to clean gutters or inspect the roof.
*
Be aware of your balance. Be careful when moving items off a shelf
while you're standing on a ladder. If you have to stretch or lean to
reach your work area, it would be safer to climb down and reposition
the ladder closer to your work.
For more lawnmower or ladder safety tips, visit the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon's Web site at www.orthoinfo.org
Thursday, October 2, 2008
How To Go Green for Halloween
Halloween is the season of dress-up, make-believe and fun. Great preparation goes into buying costumes that transform young children, teens, college students and even adults into an array of characters including ghosts, goblins, witches, devils, superheroes and storybook characters. It's a time when it's okay to be something or someone other than yourself for a day.
This year some thrill seekers may want to consider Halloween alternatives to provide a new twist on an age-old event. During this season of green witches, slime and other spooky characters, going green for Halloween can extend the positive theme of protecting the environment even during this season of dress-up and make believe.
"Halloween is a perfect time to demonstrate commitment and concern for the environment," says Dr. Debra Huntley, program chair of the BA Psychology Program at the Argosy University Twin Cities Campus. "Protecting our environment is a year-round effort that is getting increasing attention from people from all age groups."
While the traditional ritual of trick or treat has its place, going green for Halloween is an opportunity to host a costume party and serve treats without food coloring or preservatives. Guests can enjoy healthier snacks like popcorn balls with salt and butter substitutes or caramel apples and fudge with sugar substitutes. The host can serve juice drinks, flavored water and apple cider instead of sugary soft drinks that are loaded with calories and caffeine. By preparing treats, money and the environment are also protected by not using extra packaging and wrappers. And with fall harvests, it's a great time to shop at a local farmer's market for nutritious, local snacks. Buying locally is not only a healthy choice, but patronizes vendors that are nearby as opposed to those that require resources to transport.
Going green for Halloween can also mean deciding not to drive that evening or identifying activities and events closer to home to reduce driving time and air pollutants from vehicles.
Dr. Huntley explains some youth or college-age groups may want to share the green Halloween spirit while lifting the spirits of senior living and nursing home residents. They can visit residents and share wholesome snacks, play music and lead a ghoulish and festive dance around the facility. In addition to enjoying the costumes, the residents can enjoy healthful snacks and the afternoon with friendly little ghosts and characters.
For those partaking in traditional trick or treat activities, Dr. Huntley encourages everyone to remember it is important to maintain safety and caution to ensure this is a fun and safe experience for young trick or treaters. Children should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible older sibling. Costumes should not be too tight or obscure vision. Children must be encouraged to cross streets carefully and always with a traffic light when present. Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods or at homes with whom you are acquainted. Many malls and shopping centers enjoy hosting trick or treaters as a fun community service initiative. Often schools help promote safety by encouraging teachers to let students trick or treat at various classrooms in the building. Some schools host a costume parade in the building or a fun assembly.
Whatever you decide, make this Halloween season a fun, safe, nutritious and tasty experience for all participants.
This year some thrill seekers may want to consider Halloween alternatives to provide a new twist on an age-old event. During this season of green witches, slime and other spooky characters, going green for Halloween can extend the positive theme of protecting the environment even during this season of dress-up and make believe.
"Halloween is a perfect time to demonstrate commitment and concern for the environment," says Dr. Debra Huntley, program chair of the BA Psychology Program at the Argosy University Twin Cities Campus. "Protecting our environment is a year-round effort that is getting increasing attention from people from all age groups."
While the traditional ritual of trick or treat has its place, going green for Halloween is an opportunity to host a costume party and serve treats without food coloring or preservatives. Guests can enjoy healthier snacks like popcorn balls with salt and butter substitutes or caramel apples and fudge with sugar substitutes. The host can serve juice drinks, flavored water and apple cider instead of sugary soft drinks that are loaded with calories and caffeine. By preparing treats, money and the environment are also protected by not using extra packaging and wrappers. And with fall harvests, it's a great time to shop at a local farmer's market for nutritious, local snacks. Buying locally is not only a healthy choice, but patronizes vendors that are nearby as opposed to those that require resources to transport.
Going green for Halloween can also mean deciding not to drive that evening or identifying activities and events closer to home to reduce driving time and air pollutants from vehicles.
Dr. Huntley explains some youth or college-age groups may want to share the green Halloween spirit while lifting the spirits of senior living and nursing home residents. They can visit residents and share wholesome snacks, play music and lead a ghoulish and festive dance around the facility. In addition to enjoying the costumes, the residents can enjoy healthful snacks and the afternoon with friendly little ghosts and characters.
For those partaking in traditional trick or treat activities, Dr. Huntley encourages everyone to remember it is important to maintain safety and caution to ensure this is a fun and safe experience for young trick or treaters. Children should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible older sibling. Costumes should not be too tight or obscure vision. Children must be encouraged to cross streets carefully and always with a traffic light when present. Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods or at homes with whom you are acquainted. Many malls and shopping centers enjoy hosting trick or treaters as a fun community service initiative. Often schools help promote safety by encouraging teachers to let students trick or treat at various classrooms in the building. Some schools host a costume parade in the building or a fun assembly.
Whatever you decide, make this Halloween season a fun, safe, nutritious and tasty experience for all participants.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
How To Compost Fall Leaves
Leaves turn brilliant colors, evenings cool and the kids go back to school. So long summer, hello fall garden cleanup.
You may already know that composting is a better way to deal with bags of leaves and backyard waste. But if you've avoided composting because it seems like too much work and mess -- or you just weren't sure how to start -- fall is a great time to try your hand at turning this year's yard debris into next year's natural fertilizer.
Composting delivers many benefits. Modern gardeners face strict waste removal ordinances in many communities. Plus, growing environmental consciousness inspires gardeners to minimize their eco footprint while cleaning up the back yard. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to convert your yard debris into "black gold" - a nutrient rich, all-natural, safe fertilizer for next spring's planting season.
Fall, by nature, is an exceptional time to begin composting. Dry leaves, grass clippings and woody materials represent a large percentage of total yard waste. Each offers either the carbon or nitrogen components necessary for the decomposition process that takes place during composting. Add air and water, and you're well on your way to rich, loamy compost.
The trick to successful composting is to maintain a working balance between carbon and nitrogen. A simple rule of thumb is to use one-third green and two-thirds brown materials. This allows oxygen to penetrate and nourish the organisms that reside within the material.
You don't have to live with an unsightly, foul-smelling compost heap to do your part for the environment. Compost bins and tumblers are a hassle-free way to create good-for-your-garden compost. Bins are basic, but tumblers add an element of motion, something that can enhance the quality of your compost.
The Tumbleweed Compost Tumbler by Clear Air Gardening is a good example of how tumblers work to produce great compost. The Tumbleweed holds 58 gallons worth of kitchen scraps and yard waste. When full and finished breaking down, each batch contains enough compost for a medium sized garden or flowerbed, or a 10 feet by 10 feet area of lawn.
Unlike typical tumblers, the Tumbleweed features a stainless steel rod running through the middle of the bin that helps break down materials even more quickly than tumblers without a rod. The twist-lock, animal resistant lids on each end make filling and emptying the compost tumbler simple. Built-in vents allow rainwater to drain easily, keeping your compost moist, aerated and odorless. The end result is organic, nutrient rich compost in as few as 21 days. All that's required is a daily spin of the tumbler.
Compost materials can be added to bins and tumblers year round. Although the process will naturally slow or cease in the winter when temperatures decline, the process will resume again in the spring and summer as temperatures slowly begin to rise.
First time composters may be surprised to find that finished compost smells earthy, fresh and natural. They may be even more surprised to learn that compost can suppress plant diseases and pests, reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and increase water retention in the soil -- all great benefits that ultimately save consumers money while safeguarding the environment.
Convenience and environmental stewardship aside, compost is essential to vibrant lawns and healthy gardens. The rich macro and micro nutrients in the well-aerated compost replenish the soil that grasses, shrubs, trees and flowers need to grow and fend off disease.
Compost started in fall can be used for planting fall bulbs, trees, transplants and as mulch to protect vegetation from winter's cold. Fall leftovers can be used to prepare the soil in spring for vegetable gardens, flowerbeds and around trees and shrubs. As mulch, compost will retain moisture in the summer.
You may already know that composting is a better way to deal with bags of leaves and backyard waste. But if you've avoided composting because it seems like too much work and mess -- or you just weren't sure how to start -- fall is a great time to try your hand at turning this year's yard debris into next year's natural fertilizer.
Composting delivers many benefits. Modern gardeners face strict waste removal ordinances in many communities. Plus, growing environmental consciousness inspires gardeners to minimize their eco footprint while cleaning up the back yard. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to convert your yard debris into "black gold" - a nutrient rich, all-natural, safe fertilizer for next spring's planting season.
Fall, by nature, is an exceptional time to begin composting. Dry leaves, grass clippings and woody materials represent a large percentage of total yard waste. Each offers either the carbon or nitrogen components necessary for the decomposition process that takes place during composting. Add air and water, and you're well on your way to rich, loamy compost.
The trick to successful composting is to maintain a working balance between carbon and nitrogen. A simple rule of thumb is to use one-third green and two-thirds brown materials. This allows oxygen to penetrate and nourish the organisms that reside within the material.
You don't have to live with an unsightly, foul-smelling compost heap to do your part for the environment. Compost bins and tumblers are a hassle-free way to create good-for-your-garden compost. Bins are basic, but tumblers add an element of motion, something that can enhance the quality of your compost.
The Tumbleweed Compost Tumbler by Clear Air Gardening is a good example of how tumblers work to produce great compost. The Tumbleweed holds 58 gallons worth of kitchen scraps and yard waste. When full and finished breaking down, each batch contains enough compost for a medium sized garden or flowerbed, or a 10 feet by 10 feet area of lawn.
Unlike typical tumblers, the Tumbleweed features a stainless steel rod running through the middle of the bin that helps break down materials even more quickly than tumblers without a rod. The twist-lock, animal resistant lids on each end make filling and emptying the compost tumbler simple. Built-in vents allow rainwater to drain easily, keeping your compost moist, aerated and odorless. The end result is organic, nutrient rich compost in as few as 21 days. All that's required is a daily spin of the tumbler.
Compost materials can be added to bins and tumblers year round. Although the process will naturally slow or cease in the winter when temperatures decline, the process will resume again in the spring and summer as temperatures slowly begin to rise.
First time composters may be surprised to find that finished compost smells earthy, fresh and natural. They may be even more surprised to learn that compost can suppress plant diseases and pests, reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and increase water retention in the soil -- all great benefits that ultimately save consumers money while safeguarding the environment.
Convenience and environmental stewardship aside, compost is essential to vibrant lawns and healthy gardens. The rich macro and micro nutrients in the well-aerated compost replenish the soil that grasses, shrubs, trees and flowers need to grow and fend off disease.
Compost started in fall can be used for planting fall bulbs, trees, transplants and as mulch to protect vegetation from winter's cold. Fall leftovers can be used to prepare the soil in spring for vegetable gardens, flowerbeds and around trees and shrubs. As mulch, compost will retain moisture in the summer.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
How To Slash Soaring Home Heating Bills
Record world oil prices will hit home heating this winter, with consumers likely paying high prices to heat their homes. Natural gas will rise an average of 24 percent and fuel oil a whopping 36 percent says the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. Now is the time to give your home a "check-up."
Here are seven tips from the Comfort Institute to make your home an energy sipper instead of a gas guzzler. They will help you save money, improve comfort and help the environment too.
1. Ask your heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor to test your duct system for air leaks. Many people assume that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's energy-wasting air leaks. But according to recent research by the U.S. Department of Energy, gaps, joints and disconnections in the typical home's duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace or heat pump. Authorities recommend sealing ducts with a brushed on fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealant. Duct tape, which is great for many things, usually dries out and fails.
2. Ask your contractor to perform an Infiltrometer "blower door" test. The blower door is a computerized instrument originally invented by the DOE. It pinpoints where your home's worst air leaks are, such as duct leaks, and also measures how leaky the overall house is. Most homes have the equivalent of an open window in combined air leaks. Many heating contractors offer an Infiltrometer test as part of a home and duct performance test that also checks insulation levels.
3. Have your heating system cleaned and tuned. A pre-season tuneup is a great investment. It reduces the chances of breakdowns on cold winter nights, improves safety and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation. For a free report: "How to Identify a Good Heating and Cooling Contractor," go to www.comfortinstitute.org.
4. Replace your furnace or heat pump air filter, or clean it if it is an electronic unit. Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation. Keep forgetting to do it? Ask your contractor for an extended surface area central air filter that only needs to be replaced once a year. It also does a far better job of keeping your equipment and the air in your home clean.
5. Close your fireplace damper. Did you remember to close it last time you used the fireplace? Shut it now or waste precious warm air all winter long.
6. Install a programmable set-back thermostat. Turning down the thermostat eight degrees for eight hours a day will save 8 percent on home heating costs. An easy way to take advantage of these savings is to lower the thermostat temperature while away from home or sleeping. Ask your heating contractor about new models which are much easier to program.
7. Consider replacing your old furnace or heat pump. Just like a car, heating and cooling equipment doesn't last forever. Is your system more than 12 years old? Planning to stay in your home more than a few years? Many authorities recommend replacing it before it fails permanently. New units can pay for themselves over time as they are up to twice as energy efficient. However, government and utility research has found that over 90 percent of newly installed high efficiency systems have energy wasting mistakes. Today's new equipment is drastically compromised if it is hooked up to bad ducts.
Do some homework before talking to contractors. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov and www.comfortinstitute.org. Print out the free Comfort Institute report "Tips and Secrets to Buying A New Heating and Cooling System."
Here are seven tips from the Comfort Institute to make your home an energy sipper instead of a gas guzzler. They will help you save money, improve comfort and help the environment too.
1. Ask your heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor to test your duct system for air leaks. Many people assume that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's energy-wasting air leaks. But according to recent research by the U.S. Department of Energy, gaps, joints and disconnections in the typical home's duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace or heat pump. Authorities recommend sealing ducts with a brushed on fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealant. Duct tape, which is great for many things, usually dries out and fails.
2. Ask your contractor to perform an Infiltrometer "blower door" test. The blower door is a computerized instrument originally invented by the DOE. It pinpoints where your home's worst air leaks are, such as duct leaks, and also measures how leaky the overall house is. Most homes have the equivalent of an open window in combined air leaks. Many heating contractors offer an Infiltrometer test as part of a home and duct performance test that also checks insulation levels.
3. Have your heating system cleaned and tuned. A pre-season tuneup is a great investment. It reduces the chances of breakdowns on cold winter nights, improves safety and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation. For a free report: "How to Identify a Good Heating and Cooling Contractor," go to www.comfortinstitute.org.
4. Replace your furnace or heat pump air filter, or clean it if it is an electronic unit. Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation. Keep forgetting to do it? Ask your contractor for an extended surface area central air filter that only needs to be replaced once a year. It also does a far better job of keeping your equipment and the air in your home clean.
5. Close your fireplace damper. Did you remember to close it last time you used the fireplace? Shut it now or waste precious warm air all winter long.
6. Install a programmable set-back thermostat. Turning down the thermostat eight degrees for eight hours a day will save 8 percent on home heating costs. An easy way to take advantage of these savings is to lower the thermostat temperature while away from home or sleeping. Ask your heating contractor about new models which are much easier to program.
7. Consider replacing your old furnace or heat pump. Just like a car, heating and cooling equipment doesn't last forever. Is your system more than 12 years old? Planning to stay in your home more than a few years? Many authorities recommend replacing it before it fails permanently. New units can pay for themselves over time as they are up to twice as energy efficient. However, government and utility research has found that over 90 percent of newly installed high efficiency systems have energy wasting mistakes. Today's new equipment is drastically compromised if it is hooked up to bad ducts.
Do some homework before talking to contractors. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov and www.comfortinstitute.org. Print out the free Comfort Institute report "Tips and Secrets to Buying A New Heating and Cooling System."
Sunday, September 28, 2008
How To Increase Search Engine Optimization For Your Website
Appropriate web design is not an easy task; it is just a matter of designing your website from a viewer’s point of view. Designing the video jacket, website, figuring out how to market the video and get advertising all while trying to lose weight hard enough to do when you're not stressed and food is you’re only vice. Here's an idea how you can add value to your service and charge more: Besides designing product cover, you can also design matching website header, footer, background image, and order button.
I am happy to say I have made a couple of friends through my articles, one Bipolar man overseas that might collaborate on designing a website with me, and another Bipolar girl in my own city who is going to become a café latte coffee friend and someone to chat to on the phone.
The website for top search engine placement and ranking*Submission of your website, including allowing for all the quirks of various search engines and directories, Com specializes in building, designing, implementing, managing and maintaining corporate website to boost sales of your company. In order to increase the search engine optimization for your website, some new website designing needs to be done.
Services include top 10 SE rankings, Pay per Click (PPC) targeted traffic campaign, Paid Listing Management, Keyword Advertising, website development and designing. When designing your website, you need to ensure that it is compatible with other internet browsers, or your website will appear with a messy layout. This article will help point out some key areas you should focus on when designing your own website. Irrelevant Content Is King when designing your website, and is equally important to both of the major groups who will determine the success of your web site.
One method of thinking about designing a new website is to use a mind mapping process, or to draw up a spider diagram. I wouldn’t name the website here, but I know well about them because I was trying to compete with them for most competitive keywords “web design company” and “web designing company” If you doubt that these keywords are so competitive, I would like you to have a look at this great tool which would tell you how competitive a keyword and a phrase is, it’s fun to play with. When designing your website or any promotional material, make sure you use language that all your customers understand. Design depends on individual taste and designing a website from a first draft that the client will like from the start, can be a real challenge.
When designing your website, it is essential that you switch from your own profit-oriented perspective to the prospective customers’ perspective. Keywords and Search Terms Your business keywords and search terms are also critical considerations when designing your website. Though there are certain things which you would love to see on your website, there are other things that you need to take into consideration when you go through website designing. There are some very important things you must do SEO-wise while designing your website.
See These other Resources as Well:
Google 101
Google Page Rank Explained
Search Engine Optimization
Google Web Masters Help
I am happy to say I have made a couple of friends through my articles, one Bipolar man overseas that might collaborate on designing a website with me, and another Bipolar girl in my own city who is going to become a café latte coffee friend and someone to chat to on the phone.
The website for top search engine placement and ranking*Submission of your website, including allowing for all the quirks of various search engines and directories, Com specializes in building, designing, implementing, managing and maintaining corporate website to boost sales of your company. In order to increase the search engine optimization for your website, some new website designing needs to be done.
Services include top 10 SE rankings, Pay per Click (PPC) targeted traffic campaign, Paid Listing Management, Keyword Advertising, website development and designing. When designing your website, you need to ensure that it is compatible with other internet browsers, or your website will appear with a messy layout. This article will help point out some key areas you should focus on when designing your own website. Irrelevant Content Is King when designing your website, and is equally important to both of the major groups who will determine the success of your web site.
One method of thinking about designing a new website is to use a mind mapping process, or to draw up a spider diagram. I wouldn’t name the website here, but I know well about them because I was trying to compete with them for most competitive keywords “web design company” and “web designing company” If you doubt that these keywords are so competitive, I would like you to have a look at this great tool which would tell you how competitive a keyword and a phrase is, it’s fun to play with. When designing your website or any promotional material, make sure you use language that all your customers understand. Design depends on individual taste and designing a website from a first draft that the client will like from the start, can be a real challenge.
When designing your website, it is essential that you switch from your own profit-oriented perspective to the prospective customers’ perspective. Keywords and Search Terms Your business keywords and search terms are also critical considerations when designing your website. Though there are certain things which you would love to see on your website, there are other things that you need to take into consideration when you go through website designing. There are some very important things you must do SEO-wise while designing your website.
See These other Resources as Well:
Google 101
Google Page Rank Explained
Search Engine Optimization
Google Web Masters Help
How To Stretch a Family's Budget
There's no doubt about it, times are tough for many Americans. With today's record-high gas prices and an uncertain economy, families are looking for advice on how to cut unnecessary costs from their daily spending.
Family/lifestyle expert, mother of three and author of "Simplify Your Household," Tara Aronson, has teamed up with Procter & Gamble's Cascade brand to share tips on how to make the most of your paycheck and help save money on household essentials:
Cheaper isn't always better
When you're trying to stretch your dollars, it can be tempting to purchase generic or sale priced products, but you may be doing yourself a disservice as these products may not be the most effective and can result in double the work. Find products that offer you great value like Cascade with the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn, which has the trusted power of Cascade with the grease-fighting power of Dawn. It delivers an excellent wash and cleans so well, there's no need to prewash your dishes. A product like this helps conserve water and can save you money in the long run.
According to a study done by Procter and Gamble, it takes between 6 and 10 gallons of water to run your dishwasher compared to the 9 to 24 gallons you would consume washing them by hand.
Bulk up: Buy your family's essentials -- paper towels, laundry detergent in bulk -- to use less packaging and help save money at the same time.
Purchase a water filter rather than bottled water: According to an AWWA Water and Wastewater Rates survey, the average price for 1,000 gallons of tap water is about $2.77. If families spend their money on a water filter they can potentially save up to $400 a year.
Clothes call: If the label reads "Dry Clean", not "Dry Clean Only", it may be hand-washable. If the garment is simply constructed without lining or delicate trim; has no sequins or beads glued to the fabric; and is not open-weave or loosely woven, give it a try. Hand-wash only please with gentle fabric wash and follow the label instructions.
By following these simple tips and making smart decisions consumers can save money on household essentials without breaking the bank.
For more information on how to help save money and resources when washing dishes, log on to www.cascadeclean.com.
Family/lifestyle expert, mother of three and author of "Simplify Your Household," Tara Aronson, has teamed up with Procter & Gamble's Cascade brand to share tips on how to make the most of your paycheck and help save money on household essentials:
Cheaper isn't always better
When you're trying to stretch your dollars, it can be tempting to purchase generic or sale priced products, but you may be doing yourself a disservice as these products may not be the most effective and can result in double the work. Find products that offer you great value like Cascade with the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn, which has the trusted power of Cascade with the grease-fighting power of Dawn. It delivers an excellent wash and cleans so well, there's no need to prewash your dishes. A product like this helps conserve water and can save you money in the long run.
According to a study done by Procter and Gamble, it takes between 6 and 10 gallons of water to run your dishwasher compared to the 9 to 24 gallons you would consume washing them by hand.
Bulk up: Buy your family's essentials -- paper towels, laundry detergent in bulk -- to use less packaging and help save money at the same time.
Purchase a water filter rather than bottled water: According to an AWWA Water and Wastewater Rates survey, the average price for 1,000 gallons of tap water is about $2.77. If families spend their money on a water filter they can potentially save up to $400 a year.
Clothes call: If the label reads "Dry Clean", not "Dry Clean Only", it may be hand-washable. If the garment is simply constructed without lining or delicate trim; has no sequins or beads glued to the fabric; and is not open-weave or loosely woven, give it a try. Hand-wash only please with gentle fabric wash and follow the label instructions.
By following these simple tips and making smart decisions consumers can save money on household essentials without breaking the bank.
For more information on how to help save money and resources when washing dishes, log on to www.cascadeclean.com.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How To Drive Traffic to a Brand New Website
Every single day, more and more people upload brand new websites to the Internet. I don't have any figures but there must be hundreds of thousands of new pages being added daily (if not considerably more!). The one thing that all of these new websites need in order to make their existence worthwhile is traffic, which leads me to one of the most common questions I am asked and the subject of this newsletter.
The one thing that all of these new websites need in order to make their existence worthwhile is traffic, which leads me to one of the most common questions I am asked and the
Subject of this newsletter:
'How can you generate traffic to a brand new website?'
Of course, there are a number of different answers to this question and what I would do myself is probably very different to what a completely new Internet entrepreneur would do. The reason I say this is that the first thing I do when launching a new site is make use of my existing website traffic by advertising the new site on my other established sites. In addition, I have the luxury of a large mailing list which I can use to drive traffic to the new site.
I appreciate that anyone starting out in online business won't have these options open to them (and in fairness, neither did I when I first started), so let's look at things from the beginning. Day one of your first website.....
It is a fact that the quickest and probably most effective way of bringing targeted traffic to your website is by paying for it. Now before you rush off and sink $50 into one of those '50,000 hits for $50' schemes, DON'T, this isn't what I mean. Those schemes are largely a complete waste of money. Even if you get the traffic that you are promised (as opposed to some software script visiting your site and pretending to be a visitor), it will not be targeted and therefore there is a very low chance that the traffic will generate sales. When I talk about buying traffic, I mean by using the pay- per-click services offered by most of the big search engines.
You probably already know the sort of thing I mean - for example, Google Adwords. Pretty much any search on Google will display a list of adverts down the right-hand side of the page and these are all paid adverts. Every time you click on one of them, the advertiser pays Google a fixed amount which could be anything from 5 cents upwards (depending upon how competitive the keyword is).
Pay-per-click allows you to be very selective about which keywords your advert is shown for and this allows you to target your advertising perfectly. Other big names in the pay-per-click market include Overture, Espotting and Findwhat.
Now, before you all start emailing me and saying that you already knew about PPC let me just say that I am well aware that people know about it. The problem (as I see it), is that people aren't using this type of service because of the fact that they don't want to spend any money on advertising. That's all well and good but the fact is that the Internet is getting more and more competitive each day and the chances of you building a successful website business from scratch without investing any money are tiny to say the least.
If you want to attract a decent level of traffic to a brand new website in a short period of time, it is almost a necessity that you use pay-per-click on one of the main search engines. If you don't, then the growth of your traffic levels will be painfully slow and inconsistent at best.
When I launched my very first websites I invested heavily in pay-per-click advertising. At one point, I was spending over $6000 a month on Google Adwords alone!!! Seriously I really was spending that much money. It was a constant battle to tweak the website sales copy and continue to test the advertisement text just to make sure that my sales were covering the advertising payments each month. At the time I was probably just about breaking even but buying traffic in this quantity meant that I was able to fine-tune my sales pages and start to build up a list of mailing list subscribers.
Once you have got to the stage where you know your sales pages are converting visitors into buyers, then you can start to gear up with other methods of getting traffic to your site - writing articles, linking strategies, viral methods (eBooks etc), using your eBay 'About Me' page, using your link as a signature when you post on forums etc. All of these methods will win you traffic (and in most cases it will be completely free) but it will take time for the traffic to build to a worthwhile level. If you rely solely on free traffic, you really will be building your business one hit at a time.
Of course, once the free methods of gaining traffic start to pay off, you can begin to wind down your paid methods, though you may not want to - after all, if you are earning more in sales than you are paying for your pay-per-click traffic, why stop it?
As your portfolio of websites grows, you will also be able to share the traffic around a bit by linking to your own sites and of course, if you are capturing your visitors email addresses, you will be building a mailing list of people interested in the products you are offering.
Like I say, I appreciate that the above may not be the ground-breaking secret that you were hoping for but as with so many things online, there really is no secret. Achieving success is simply about taking action and whilst you can succeed online by spending very little money, the chances are that you will succeed a lot quicker by making a bit of an investment. You don't have to be spending thousands of dollars a month as I was but any new business owner should be prepared to invest a few hundred dollars a month in order to get things off the ground....
How To Optimize Your Fall Wardrobe
Fall is approaching, and it will soon be time to switch over to your cooler weather wardrobe. Whether you are going through your closet to see what is wearable or need new fall clothes to update your look, it's important to focus on quality, instead of quantity, when shopping for a new fall wardrobe.
The key to fall shopping is to think about ways you can optimize your wardrobe, says fashion expert Clinton Kelly. "My top three style pillars are shop, tailor and preserve," he says. "Get the most out of your clothes by shopping for smart classics, tailoring pieces for a perfect fit, and taking good care of your clothing investments by protecting them from stains." According to Kelly, the best way to save a garment is to treat stains immediately with a powerful, color-safe stain remover like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover.
As host of a popular television makeover show, Clinton Kelly has seen his share of dirty, dingy wardrobes, so he knows how important it is to not only dress fashionably, but to also keep your wardrobe looking its best wash after wash. Taking the best care of your clothing basics, by pre-treating stains immediately and adding a color safe laundry booster to every wash load, will let you wear them more frequently and buy new items less often.
Clinton Kelly's Top Style Tips:
Dress for Your Body Type
The keys to a great wardrobe are classic pieces that fit and flatter. It's essential to try on clothes when shopping and really think about dressing for your body type. Also, never underestimate the power of a skillful tailor! Look for clothes that fit the largest parts of your body and then tailor them down for a perfect fit throughout.
Adopt a European Sensibility to Dressing
Americans tend to buy based on quantity, rather than quality. Instead of buying in bulk, adopt a more European sensibility to dressing: buy a few quality pieces and wear them more frequently. No one needs 15 track suits or 20 faded t-shirts in their wardrobe. Instead, invest in a few quality pieces that can be mixed and matched with other existing pieces in your wardrobe.
Take Care of Your Clothing Investments
Take care of your quality pieces and keep them looking their best so you can wear them again and again. It is always best to pre-treat stains before putting in the wash, and using an oxygen-based pre-treater will help break up stains before they set in. For really tough stains, it may be necessary to soak your garment. A mixture of water and OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover powder can save a favorite piece, and because it is chlorine-free, it's safe to use on colors and whites.
Give the Dry Cleaners a Break
Save money on your dry cleaning bill by taking care of your washables yourself. While you should pay attention to "dry clean only" labels, don't be afraid to hand-wash delicate items in the sink. You can also safely clean your favorite washables, like crisp cotton shirts and dark wash denim, in the washing machine with the help of a color-safe laundry booster.
For more information, please visit www.oxiclean.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent
The key to fall shopping is to think about ways you can optimize your wardrobe, says fashion expert Clinton Kelly. "My top three style pillars are shop, tailor and preserve," he says. "Get the most out of your clothes by shopping for smart classics, tailoring pieces for a perfect fit, and taking good care of your clothing investments by protecting them from stains." According to Kelly, the best way to save a garment is to treat stains immediately with a powerful, color-safe stain remover like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover.
As host of a popular television makeover show, Clinton Kelly has seen his share of dirty, dingy wardrobes, so he knows how important it is to not only dress fashionably, but to also keep your wardrobe looking its best wash after wash. Taking the best care of your clothing basics, by pre-treating stains immediately and adding a color safe laundry booster to every wash load, will let you wear them more frequently and buy new items less often.
Clinton Kelly's Top Style Tips:
Dress for Your Body Type
The keys to a great wardrobe are classic pieces that fit and flatter. It's essential to try on clothes when shopping and really think about dressing for your body type. Also, never underestimate the power of a skillful tailor! Look for clothes that fit the largest parts of your body and then tailor them down for a perfect fit throughout.
Adopt a European Sensibility to Dressing
Americans tend to buy based on quantity, rather than quality. Instead of buying in bulk, adopt a more European sensibility to dressing: buy a few quality pieces and wear them more frequently. No one needs 15 track suits or 20 faded t-shirts in their wardrobe. Instead, invest in a few quality pieces that can be mixed and matched with other existing pieces in your wardrobe.
Take Care of Your Clothing Investments
Take care of your quality pieces and keep them looking their best so you can wear them again and again. It is always best to pre-treat stains before putting in the wash, and using an oxygen-based pre-treater will help break up stains before they set in. For really tough stains, it may be necessary to soak your garment. A mixture of water and OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover powder can save a favorite piece, and because it is chlorine-free, it's safe to use on colors and whites.
Give the Dry Cleaners a Break
Save money on your dry cleaning bill by taking care of your washables yourself. While you should pay attention to "dry clean only" labels, don't be afraid to hand-wash delicate items in the sink. You can also safely clean your favorite washables, like crisp cotton shirts and dark wash denim, in the washing machine with the help of a color-safe laundry booster.
For more information, please visit www.oxiclean.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent
How to Make Your Basement the Ultimate 'Man Cave'
If a man's home is his castle, shouldn't there be one room in it where he can "hold court" with his noble peers and watch the game? Or where he can retire for solitude to take care of some paperwork or indulge in some woodworking?
Welcome to the concept of the "man cave," guys. You can create the sanctuary of your dreams and enhance your home value at the same time by renovating your basement into the ultimate guy retreat.
More than half of home buyers say they want a finished basement, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders. Real estate experts agree that adding square footage to your living space will deliver the dollars when it comes time to sell. How you decorate that extra space will be secondary.
Here are the top 10 things you'll need to turn your basement into the ultimate "man cave":
1. Finish it. - First, finish those cinderblock walls and concrete floor. If you're a real handyman, you can do the job yourself the old-fashioned way with framing and drywall. Or, you can go quick and easy - and only slightly costlier - with a professionally installed basement finishing system that will cut construction time to just a couple of weeks, rather than months.
2. Get wired. - You have to have a TV - big screen preferred. And tunes, man. Getting wired can be as easy as connecting cable to your portable TV and strategically placing a boom box, or as grand as a wall-mounted, high-def, flat screen TV with surround sound.
3. Go wireless. - A laptop or desktop is a man-cave must for work and play. But you don't want wires cluttering up your kingdom. If you haven't already done so, install wireless connectivity on the primary computer on the main floor of the house. That way, you can use the Internet in the basement without the expense and inconvenience of a lot of wires.
4. Get "guy" with the décor. - Nothing says "This space belongs to a guy" like sports décor. Frame and hang your old high school or college jersey. Mount that foul ball you caught in the bottom of the ninth. Put up a wallpaper mural of your favorite sport. From scenes that give you a pitcher's-eye view of home plate and the stadium, to images that make you feel like you're on the green at Pebble Beach, you'll find easy-to-hang wallpaper murals at www.muralsyourway.com. You can customize the mural size or even have one made from a picture of your own sporting glory days.
5. Drink up. - Watching the game? You're going to need liquid refreshment. A wet bar is every guy's dream, but you can also cool off effectively and economically with a small refrigerator or even a portable wine keeper.
6. Snack attack. - The guys are going to work up appetites playing friendly poker and it could get ugly if you don't have any snacks on hand. Be sure to include space for snack storage in your design, whether it's a pantry or some cabinets.
7. Sit on it. - You'll need the armchair of your dreams in order to be an armchair warrior. Make sure there's some comfy - and durable - seating for your buddies too.
8. Work it out. - Sometimes a guy just wants to work up a sweat. Portable treadmills and exercise bikes are better than ever and easy to store. Set aside a corner of your man room for the manliest activity of all - exercise.
9. Or work on it. - If you're a doer rather than an observer, you'll want a well-equipped workbench.
10. Sit on it, part II. - It wasn't just Al Bundy's dream. It's the ultimate man room upgrade - your own private bath.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Welcome to the concept of the "man cave," guys. You can create the sanctuary of your dreams and enhance your home value at the same time by renovating your basement into the ultimate guy retreat.
More than half of home buyers say they want a finished basement, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders. Real estate experts agree that adding square footage to your living space will deliver the dollars when it comes time to sell. How you decorate that extra space will be secondary.
Here are the top 10 things you'll need to turn your basement into the ultimate "man cave":
1. Finish it. - First, finish those cinderblock walls and concrete floor. If you're a real handyman, you can do the job yourself the old-fashioned way with framing and drywall. Or, you can go quick and easy - and only slightly costlier - with a professionally installed basement finishing system that will cut construction time to just a couple of weeks, rather than months.
2. Get wired. - You have to have a TV - big screen preferred. And tunes, man. Getting wired can be as easy as connecting cable to your portable TV and strategically placing a boom box, or as grand as a wall-mounted, high-def, flat screen TV with surround sound.
3. Go wireless. - A laptop or desktop is a man-cave must for work and play. But you don't want wires cluttering up your kingdom. If you haven't already done so, install wireless connectivity on the primary computer on the main floor of the house. That way, you can use the Internet in the basement without the expense and inconvenience of a lot of wires.
4. Get "guy" with the décor. - Nothing says "This space belongs to a guy" like sports décor. Frame and hang your old high school or college jersey. Mount that foul ball you caught in the bottom of the ninth. Put up a wallpaper mural of your favorite sport. From scenes that give you a pitcher's-eye view of home plate and the stadium, to images that make you feel like you're on the green at Pebble Beach, you'll find easy-to-hang wallpaper murals at www.muralsyourway.com. You can customize the mural size or even have one made from a picture of your own sporting glory days.
5. Drink up. - Watching the game? You're going to need liquid refreshment. A wet bar is every guy's dream, but you can also cool off effectively and economically with a small refrigerator or even a portable wine keeper.
6. Snack attack. - The guys are going to work up appetites playing friendly poker and it could get ugly if you don't have any snacks on hand. Be sure to include space for snack storage in your design, whether it's a pantry or some cabinets.
7. Sit on it. - You'll need the armchair of your dreams in order to be an armchair warrior. Make sure there's some comfy - and durable - seating for your buddies too.
8. Work it out. - Sometimes a guy just wants to work up a sweat. Portable treadmills and exercise bikes are better than ever and easy to store. Set aside a corner of your man room for the manliest activity of all - exercise.
9. Or work on it. - If you're a doer rather than an observer, you'll want a well-equipped workbench.
10. Sit on it, part II. - It wasn't just Al Bundy's dream. It's the ultimate man room upgrade - your own private bath.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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