Enjoying a Green Summer

This year, why not green your summer vacation? There are lots of eco-tourism destinations and domestic green lodging.Or, try lowering your carbon footprint by camping and enjoying nature. Better yet, forgo a vacation all together and take a staycation instead.

Leave your car at home. With warmer temperatures, bike, walk, or push your kids in a stroller. Get to know your city's public transit without waiting for the bus in bad weather.

Dry your clothes outside. Let the sunshine do its thing and dry your clothes on a clothesline or rack. Save energy and money.

Fire up the grill. Invite friends and family over for an eco-friendly barbeque with reusable cups and plates, clearly labeled composting and recycling bins, and homemade, local or organic food.

Deal with bugs safely and naturally. Bugs already in your house? You can rid of ants with citrus, and fruit flies with beer. To keep mosquitoes away, plant basil.

Only use the air conditioner when necessary. If you have window units, only turn on the AC forthe room you are in. If you have central air, turn the thermostat up a few degrees.

Cool down in the kiddie pool. Reuse the water for your garden afterwards.

Choose your sunblock wisely. Use eco-friendly sunblocks and slather it on as needed.

At Home with The Maids- July Newsletter

The Month Of June

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.

~Gertrude Jekyll

At Home with The Maids- June Newsletter

How Pets and Allergies Can Go Hand In Paw

It is important to know that what causes pet allergies is the flakes from the animal's skin, called dander, not the fur. The animal's salvia on the fur from cleaning itself or on your skin from slobbery kisses can incite a reaction. Pet urine can also be a culprit. The Maids offers tips for coping with pets in the home are:

1.) Limit the areas of the home where the animal is allowed, promarily the bedroom and the bed. Don't forget how much time you spend breathing and touching things in that room.

2.) Buy a Hepa filter which can be portable or home-wide.

3.)Remove dander-trapping carpets. Install tile or wood that can be cleaned thoroughly. Use a vacuum with a hepa filter, too.

4.) Wash bedding frequently in hot water. Washing flushes away dander that has settled on the bedding.

4.) Do not allow the pet in the car or use washable seat covers.

5.) Wash your hands after playing with the animal.

6.) Clean and vacuum regularly.

Eight delicious fruits with amazing health benefits. Forget exotic, pricey produce; these supermarket stables can help lower your cholesterol, blast body fat and more.

1.) Apples: Chloesterol zappers

2.) Blueberries: Fat blasters

3.) Tangerines: Metabolic Masters

4.) Strawberries: Cancer fighters

5.) Dried Prunes: Bone boosters

6.) Grapefruit: Diabetes Buster

7.) Cranberries: Smile savers

8.) Grapes: Inflammation Squelchers

http://www.everydayhealth.com/photogallery/superfoods.aspx

To learn about the 12 most powerful superfoods, follow the link above.