Up to 30% for surgical procedures in the US are unnecessary. Each year, more than 1 million heart patients are treated with angioplasty and stents which restore normal circulation to the heart and reduce angina pain.
The problem is that angioplasty and stents are overused. A study of more that 2,300 patients by the American College of Cardiology found that patients with stable angina that were treated with medications like nitroglycerine had the same outcome of those treated with invasive procedure of stents.
Who is helped by stents: People with unstable agina, people with a significant blockage in the left main coronary artery, or with three coronary arteries blocked and weakened heart muscle. People with stable angina should be treated with medications to control pain , reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Best Houseplants For Healthier Indoor Air
The source of most indoor pollutants are volitile organic compounds (VOCs) that "gas out" from indoor paints, varnishes, adhesives, furniture, dry cleaned clothing, cleansers, detergents, disinfectants, spot removers and air freshners. Now, not all VOCs are bad. The frangrance of flowers and a fresh baked apple pie are VOCs. But many are bad for your health.
They can cause asthma, headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, skin rashes and more. Some like benzene, are known carcinigens. But the good news is that houseplants can remove VOCs from the air. The pollutants are absorbed through mircroscopic openings in the leaves. The best house plants for removing VOCs from the air are:
Purple Waffle ( Hemigraphis aternata ) English Ivy ( Hedera helix ) Wax plant ( Hoya carnosa) Asparagus fern ( Asparagus densiflorus ) Purple heart plant ( Tradescantia pallida ) Boston fern (Nphrolepus exaltata Bostoniensis ) Bamboo plant ( Chamaedorea seifrizzzii ) Rubber plant ( Ficus robusta ) Gerbera daisy ( Gerbera jamesonii ) and Golden pothos ( Epipremnum aureum ).
For maximum indoor air quality improvment, you should experimemnt with multiple species as needed. The exact number is difficult to determine depending on your indoor air quality. Also, keep in mind that plants grown without dirt, usually in pebbles or another open aggregate , are 30 to 50% more effective in removing VOCs than those grown in potting soil. This is due to the greater air flow through pebbles to the plant zone where microbes break down the VOCs.
They can cause asthma, headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, skin rashes and more. Some like benzene, are known carcinigens. But the good news is that houseplants can remove VOCs from the air. The pollutants are absorbed through mircroscopic openings in the leaves. The best house plants for removing VOCs from the air are:
Purple Waffle ( Hemigraphis aternata ) English Ivy ( Hedera helix ) Wax plant ( Hoya carnosa) Asparagus fern ( Asparagus densiflorus ) Purple heart plant ( Tradescantia pallida ) Boston fern (Nphrolepus exaltata Bostoniensis ) Bamboo plant ( Chamaedorea seifrizzzii ) Rubber plant ( Ficus robusta ) Gerbera daisy ( Gerbera jamesonii ) and Golden pothos ( Epipremnum aureum ).
For maximum indoor air quality improvment, you should experimemnt with multiple species as needed. The exact number is difficult to determine depending on your indoor air quality. Also, keep in mind that plants grown without dirt, usually in pebbles or another open aggregate , are 30 to 50% more effective in removing VOCs than those grown in potting soil. This is due to the greater air flow through pebbles to the plant zone where microbes break down the VOCs.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
12 Best Food Festivals In The Northeast
1. Great Chowder Cook Off Newport, RI June 4 http://www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/ 2. Vermont Cheesemakers Festival -Shelburne, Vt July 24 http://www.vtcheesefest.com/ 3. Atlantic City Food And Wine Festival - Atlantic City, NJ July 28-31 http://www.acfoodandwine.com/ 4. Ice Cream Festival, Toms River, NJ July 16 http://www.downtowntomsriver.com/icecream/festival.htm 5. Maine Lobster Festival -Rockland, ME August 3-7 http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com/ 6. Taste Of The Caribbean And Jerk Festival Hartford, CT Aug 6 http://www.tasteofthecaribbeanct.org/ 7. Pittson Tomato Festival Pittston, PA Aug 18-21 http://www.pittstontomatofestival.com/ 8. Hard Crab Derby Cristfield, MD Sept 2-4 www.crisfieldchamber.com/etints 9 . National BuffaloWing Festival Buffalo, NY Sept 3-4 http://www.buffalowing.com/ 10. Milford Pumkin Festival Milford, NH Oct 7-9 http://www.milfordpumpkinfestival.org/
11. Bridgeville Apple Scrapple Festival Bridgeville, DE Oct 14-15 http://www.applescrapple.com/ 12. Wellfleet Oyster Fest Wellfleet, MA Oct 15-16 http://www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/
11. Bridgeville Apple Scrapple Festival Bridgeville, DE Oct 14-15 http://www.applescrapple.com/ 12. Wellfleet Oyster Fest Wellfleet, MA Oct 15-16 http://www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Hang It Up For Less
If you want to fill your blank walls with inexpensive and good paintings, prints and photos you don't have to be an art mogul to buy a masterpiece. The following sites offer art at great prices: www.20x200.com,
www.Aceditions.com , www.ArtOfThePrint.Com , www.ArtStar.Com , www.CircuitGallery.Com , www.Exhibitiona.Com , www.EyeStorm.Com , www.Society6.Com, www.TinyShowCase.Com ,
www.theworkingproof.com , and www.Zatista.Com
www.Aceditions.com , www.ArtOfThePrint.Com , www.ArtStar.Com , www.CircuitGallery.Com , www.Exhibitiona.Com , www.EyeStorm.Com , www.Society6.Com, www.TinyShowCase.Com ,
www.theworkingproof.com , and www.Zatista.Com
Monday, May 16, 2011
Four Gourmet Popsicle Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind
1.Strawberry Basil-2 lbs fresh strawberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 10 large fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar,juice of 1/2 lime. Hull and wash strawberries and put in blender. Add the remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour into molds, add sticks , and freeze until solid , 4-6 hours.
2. Plain Yogurt, Dried Fruit And Nuts 20 ounces plain non-fat yogurt, 6 ounces of sugar, 1/2 cup of dried fruits and nuts. Blend yogurt until it liquefies, then add sugar until it disintegrates. Chop dried fruits and nuts into small pieces and add to yogurt in small quantities. Stir in slowly to prevent the fruits and nuts from sticking together. Scoop the mix into molds making sure to get an even amount of nuts and fruit into each mold. Insert sticks and freeze solid 4-6 hours.
3. Blueberry Lemonade 11/2 cups blueberries, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, 2/3 cups of sugar, 2 1/2 cups of water. Rinse the berries them combine all ingredients in a blender on high until thoroughly and evenly pulverized. Hold a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher and strain the mixture by slowly pouring. Let the mixture rest until any froth has dissolved or remove it by spooning it off. Pour the liquid into molds and add sticks. Freeze until solid 4-6 hours.
4. Pineapple Chile 1 very ripe medium pineapple, 1 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup sugar. Peel and core pineapple. Separate fruit into thirds, set 1/3 aside. Cut the other 2/3 into cubes. Using a saucepan cover with water and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool, Meanwhile finely chop the reserved pineapple and set aside. Once cooked pineapple is cool, transfer to a blender. Add sugar and cayenne to taste. Blend together and pour into mold leaving a little space to add the reserved chopped pineapple to each cavity. Add sticks and freeze solid, 4-6 hours.
2. Plain Yogurt, Dried Fruit And Nuts 20 ounces plain non-fat yogurt, 6 ounces of sugar, 1/2 cup of dried fruits and nuts. Blend yogurt until it liquefies, then add sugar until it disintegrates. Chop dried fruits and nuts into small pieces and add to yogurt in small quantities. Stir in slowly to prevent the fruits and nuts from sticking together. Scoop the mix into molds making sure to get an even amount of nuts and fruit into each mold. Insert sticks and freeze solid 4-6 hours.
3. Blueberry Lemonade 11/2 cups blueberries, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, 2/3 cups of sugar, 2 1/2 cups of water. Rinse the berries them combine all ingredients in a blender on high until thoroughly and evenly pulverized. Hold a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher and strain the mixture by slowly pouring. Let the mixture rest until any froth has dissolved or remove it by spooning it off. Pour the liquid into molds and add sticks. Freeze until solid 4-6 hours.
4. Pineapple Chile 1 very ripe medium pineapple, 1 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup sugar. Peel and core pineapple. Separate fruit into thirds, set 1/3 aside. Cut the other 2/3 into cubes. Using a saucepan cover with water and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool, Meanwhile finely chop the reserved pineapple and set aside. Once cooked pineapple is cool, transfer to a blender. Add sugar and cayenne to taste. Blend together and pour into mold leaving a little space to add the reserved chopped pineapple to each cavity. Add sticks and freeze solid, 4-6 hours.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Where The Jobs Are Now
One of the biggest jobs fields right now is health care. The top paying jobs are: Radiologic Technologist
They help doctors perform diagnostic exams like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. They work in hospitals, clinics doctor's offices. The median wage is $53,000. The job requires a two year associate degree from a community college or a 21-24 month certificate from a technical college. For more info visit www.arrt.org
Next is Physical Therapist Assistant They help patients implement programs developed by physical therapists. The median wage is $48,000. The job requires a two year associates degree from a accredited program and a licensing exam must be passed. For more info visit www.apta.org Also see www.CapteOnline.Org
Another career choice is Medical Assistant One and two year programs are offered by many vocational schools. The median wage is $29,000. For more info visit www.aama-ntl.org
Dental Hygienists earn about $67,000 a year. They provide dental cleanings and exams in dental offices. A two year associates degree in dental hygiene is required and a licensing exam must be passed. For more info see www.adha.org .
They help doctors perform diagnostic exams like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. They work in hospitals, clinics doctor's offices. The median wage is $53,000. The job requires a two year associate degree from a community college or a 21-24 month certificate from a technical college. For more info visit www.arrt.org
Next is Physical Therapist Assistant They help patients implement programs developed by physical therapists. The median wage is $48,000. The job requires a two year associates degree from a accredited program and a licensing exam must be passed. For more info visit www.apta.org Also see www.CapteOnline.Org
Another career choice is Medical Assistant One and two year programs are offered by many vocational schools. The median wage is $29,000. For more info visit www.aama-ntl.org
Dental Hygienists earn about $67,000 a year. They provide dental cleanings and exams in dental offices. A two year associates degree in dental hygiene is required and a licensing exam must be passed. For more info see www.adha.org .
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Little Known Credit Card Perks
Extend Your Warranty -Besides points and cash back, Gold and platinum MasterCards, Visa and American Express cards all extend the manufacturer's warranty by one year. Plus if you loose or break that new laptop or digital camera within 90 days of purchase, Citi's new Thank You Premier card will pay to repair or replace it or reimburse you up to $1,000.
The same is true for purchases made with your American Express card. Also, most gold and platinum cards plus American Express will pick up the collision insurance when you rent a car. You just need to refuse it when you pick up the car and and inform the rental company that your credit card will pick up the insurance.
Get The Lowest Price -If you see an item you purchased with a Citi premium card advertised for less within 60 days, Citi will make up the difference up to $250. Many gold and platinum MasterCards offer the same protection.
Get Covered On The Road - If your laptop is stolen from your hotel room, MasterCard will reimburse you if you used a gold or platinum card to pay for the room. Likewise, if your luggage doesn't arrive when you do, MasterCard will reimburse you for the cost of replacing essential items. Plus, MasterCard will cover the cost to replace or repair damaged luggage.
The same is true for purchases made with your American Express card. Also, most gold and platinum cards plus American Express will pick up the collision insurance when you rent a car. You just need to refuse it when you pick up the car and and inform the rental company that your credit card will pick up the insurance.
Get The Lowest Price -If you see an item you purchased with a Citi premium card advertised for less within 60 days, Citi will make up the difference up to $250. Many gold and platinum MasterCards offer the same protection.
Get Covered On The Road - If your laptop is stolen from your hotel room, MasterCard will reimburse you if you used a gold or platinum card to pay for the room. Likewise, if your luggage doesn't arrive when you do, MasterCard will reimburse you for the cost of replacing essential items. Plus, MasterCard will cover the cost to replace or repair damaged luggage.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
How To Avoid Online Dating Scams
Scammers use a phony picture of a good looking man or woman. Then they flatter and fawn. Once you're hooked, they hit you with some variation of several war torn stories. Sometimes they say they live abroad and desperately want to visit you but their banking system is broken. Or they're at the airport and their credit card has been declined. But all their stories all end up the same: "please wire cash and I'll pay you back." These scammers usually reside in West Africa or one of the former Soviet republics. So to protect yourself, use search engines like Facebook or Google. There you can search for any sob story to see if it is common. Next, stick to PAID online dating services. Paid sites have a paper trail of their members from credit card information. Then ask for info before you share your e-mail address or phone number. Make sure his or her info on Facebook matches up with what they are telling you. Then for added insurance, run a background check on sites like http://www.beenverified.com/
Sunday, April 24, 2011
London Insider Travel Tips
If you're hopping over for the royal wedding or plan to visit London this summer, then these tips will put you light years ahead of most tourists.
London Subway Never pay cash on the tube since cash fares are more than double what locals pay. Buy yourself an Oyster Card ( www.tfl.gov.uk ) . Any tube station sells these stored-valued swipe cards. Load them up with a deposit of 3 pounds ($4.95 US), and fares are automatically deducted every time you ride.
Best London Guides Time Out London is the unbeatable bible of what to do in London. You can view it online at www.timeout.com/london . On Saturdays, grab a copy of the Guardian newspaper and you'll find a terrific pocket-sized guide for free. Or check it out online at www.Guardian.Co.Uk . Hands down the savviest price minded guide to London is: Pauline Frommer's London: Spend Less, See More at $16.99.
Best Department Store Forget Harrods since it's for tourists only. Hip Londoners go to real department stores like www.SelfRidges.Com with its delicious Food Hall and great designer brands. Another best bet is www.JohnLewis.Com whose slogan is, "Never Knowingly Undersold". Another unmissable is
www.MarksAndSpencer.Com .
Museums Almost ALL museums in London are 100% free. So make sure you see all the sights.
Taxi Cabs - Taxi cabs are double NYC fares and drivers won't let you in the cab unless you reveal your destination. But since they have to pass a test on memorizing ever street in London, their less apt to turn down fares like NYC cabbys. Also, tipping in England is a gesture, NOT an obligation.
Best Cheap Eats There's a www.PizzaExpress.Com on almost every corner and www.Carluccios.Com is a great place for killer pasta, cheap wine and great coffee. In London, Indian food has displaced fish and chips as the national dish and the best place to sample it is on Brick Lane in the East End which is lined with cheap eats. Or try the central www.IndianYMCA.Org just north of Oxford Street. They serve fabulous dirt cheap dinners for less than 5 pounds or $8.25 US..
London Subway Never pay cash on the tube since cash fares are more than double what locals pay. Buy yourself an Oyster Card ( www.tfl.gov.uk ) . Any tube station sells these stored-valued swipe cards. Load them up with a deposit of 3 pounds ($4.95 US), and fares are automatically deducted every time you ride.
Best London Guides Time Out London is the unbeatable bible of what to do in London. You can view it online at www.timeout.com/london . On Saturdays, grab a copy of the Guardian newspaper and you'll find a terrific pocket-sized guide for free. Or check it out online at www.Guardian.Co.Uk . Hands down the savviest price minded guide to London is: Pauline Frommer's London: Spend Less, See More at $16.99.
Best Department Store Forget Harrods since it's for tourists only. Hip Londoners go to real department stores like www.SelfRidges.Com with its delicious Food Hall and great designer brands. Another best bet is www.JohnLewis.Com whose slogan is, "Never Knowingly Undersold". Another unmissable is
www.MarksAndSpencer.Com .
Museums Almost ALL museums in London are 100% free. So make sure you see all the sights.
Taxi Cabs - Taxi cabs are double NYC fares and drivers won't let you in the cab unless you reveal your destination. But since they have to pass a test on memorizing ever street in London, their less apt to turn down fares like NYC cabbys. Also, tipping in England is a gesture, NOT an obligation.
Best Cheap Eats There's a www.PizzaExpress.Com on almost every corner and www.Carluccios.Com is a great place for killer pasta, cheap wine and great coffee. In London, Indian food has displaced fish and chips as the national dish and the best place to sample it is on Brick Lane in the East End which is lined with cheap eats. Or try the central www.IndianYMCA.Org just north of Oxford Street. They serve fabulous dirt cheap dinners for less than 5 pounds or $8.25 US..
Sunday, April 17, 2011
9 Top Wilderness Survival Tips
1. Charging Lion, Tiger Or Bear These animals like to mock charge so its best to stand your ground or even fight back. The minute you run, it tells the animal you're prey. 2. When You're Lost don't stay put. People who walk 600 yards may see a cabin or a road. Those who stay put don't see that. 3. When Your Lost In The Woods look for a stream. All streams lead to rivers, and rivers lead to lakes and people.
4. The Best Way To Determine of its Direction is to put a three foot stick in the ground and mark the tip of its shadow. That's west, no matter where you are. Wait for the shadow to move , 10 to 15 minutes, and mark the tip of the shadow again. The line between those tips is east-west. 5. To Escape From Quicksand flop forward and splay your body out onto drier ground. If you stay perpendicular, you're going down. 6. The Best Defense Against A Shark is to punch it on the nose as hard as you can. All predators fear being injured because they need their faces to survive. 7. The Best Sustenance For Being Stranded In A Blizzard is to eat bark from a pine tree. 8. What To Drink When Adrift At Sea Urine will work for the short term, and sea water is too salty. So make a solar still but covering a cup of ocean water with a piece of plastic and it will collect salt free condensation a few droplets at a time. 9. How To Tell If A Plant Is Safe To Eat When Stranded In The Wild First rub the plant on your body the wait 45 minutes for a reaction. If none, touch the plant to your lips and wait 5 minutes. If all is OK then hold it on your tongue for 15 minutes. If there is no reaction, swallow and wait 8 hours. t.If you get no reaction, the plant is safe to eat.
4. The Best Way To Determine of its Direction is to put a three foot stick in the ground and mark the tip of its shadow. That's west, no matter where you are. Wait for the shadow to move , 10 to 15 minutes, and mark the tip of the shadow again. The line between those tips is east-west. 5. To Escape From Quicksand flop forward and splay your body out onto drier ground. If you stay perpendicular, you're going down. 6. The Best Defense Against A Shark is to punch it on the nose as hard as you can. All predators fear being injured because they need their faces to survive. 7. The Best Sustenance For Being Stranded In A Blizzard is to eat bark from a pine tree. 8. What To Drink When Adrift At Sea Urine will work for the short term, and sea water is too salty. So make a solar still but covering a cup of ocean water with a piece of plastic and it will collect salt free condensation a few droplets at a time. 9. How To Tell If A Plant Is Safe To Eat When Stranded In The Wild First rub the plant on your body the wait 45 minutes for a reaction. If none, touch the plant to your lips and wait 5 minutes. If all is OK then hold it on your tongue for 15 minutes. If there is no reaction, swallow and wait 8 hours. t.If you get no reaction, the plant is safe to eat.
Top Ten Barber Shops In America
Chicago: http://www.belmontbarbershop.com/ Dallas: http://www.razorsedgebarbers.biz/ Los Angeles http://www.baxterfinley.com/ Miami: http://www.churchillsbarbershop.com/ Portland: http://www.hairmgrooming.com/ New York: http://www.blindbarber.com/ New Orleans: http://www.aidangillformen.com/, Philadelphia: http://www.2bgroomedstudios.com/, San Francisco: http://www.barberlounge.com/ Seattle: http://www.rudysbarbershop.com/
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Thrifty Gourmet's Guide To Rome
Top Billing: http://www.ristoranteilpagliaccio.com/ Where Locals Go: Flavio Al Velavevodetto, 97-99 Via di Monte Testaccio, 011-39-06-574-4194 For Classic Glamour: http://www.anticocaffegreco.eu/
The Best Pastas: http://www.feliceastestaccio.com/ , L'Arcangelo, 59-61 Via G.G. Belli, 001-39-06-321-0992, http://www.anticofornoroscioli.com/ , For The Ultimate Sandwich: http://www.tricoloremonti.it/
For Fabulous Pizzas: Pizzarium, 43 Via della Meloria, 011-39-06-3974-5416, Gatta Mangiona, 30-32
Via Frederico Ozanam, 011-39-06-534-6702, Da Remo, 44 Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice, 011-39-06-6270, For Home Cooking: http://www.homefood.it/ , For People Watching: Settembrini, 27 Via Luigi Settembrini, 011-39-06-323-2617, For The Best Expresso: Sant'Eustachio, 81 Piazza Sant'Eustachio, 011-39-06-6880-2048, For Gourmet Groceries: http://www.volpetti.com/ and http://www.dioriginelaziale.it/
For Incredible Ice Cream: Gelateria Fatamorgana, 9 Via Lago di Lesina and 7 Via Giovanni Bettolo,
011-39-06-6456-1314, Fiora Di Luna, 96 Via della Lungaretta, 011-39-06-321-6668, Galateria Dei racchi, 272 Via dei Gracchi, 011-39-06-321-6668, Il Glato, 105 Via dell' Aeronautica, 011-39-06-512-8948, Cremeria Monteforte, 22 Via della Rotonda, 011-39-06-686-7720
The Best Pastas: http://www.feliceastestaccio.com/ , L'Arcangelo, 59-61 Via G.G. Belli, 001-39-06-321-0992, http://www.anticofornoroscioli.com/ , For The Ultimate Sandwich: http://www.tricoloremonti.it/
For Fabulous Pizzas: Pizzarium, 43 Via della Meloria, 011-39-06-3974-5416, Gatta Mangiona, 30-32
Via Frederico Ozanam, 011-39-06-534-6702, Da Remo, 44 Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice, 011-39-06-6270, For Home Cooking: http://www.homefood.it/ , For People Watching: Settembrini, 27 Via Luigi Settembrini, 011-39-06-323-2617, For The Best Expresso: Sant'Eustachio, 81 Piazza Sant'Eustachio, 011-39-06-6880-2048, For Gourmet Groceries: http://www.volpetti.com/ and http://www.dioriginelaziale.it/
For Incredible Ice Cream: Gelateria Fatamorgana, 9 Via Lago di Lesina and 7 Via Giovanni Bettolo,
011-39-06-6456-1314, Fiora Di Luna, 96 Via della Lungaretta, 011-39-06-321-6668, Galateria Dei racchi, 272 Via dei Gracchi, 011-39-06-321-6668, Il Glato, 105 Via dell' Aeronautica, 011-39-06-512-8948, Cremeria Monteforte, 22 Via della Rotonda, 011-39-06-686-7720
Sunday, April 10, 2011
5 Keys To A Succesful Garage Sale
1. Avoid The Big Mistakes Never plan your sales for a holiday weekend. Most shoppers will have other plans. Next, make sure your sale is in line with all local regulations about signs and sales. When making signs, use a thick black marker, white cardboard and clear, large print and arrows to steer drivers to your sale. You want to make sure that your address and sale hours are written large enough to be read from a moving car.Most shoppers will walk away rather than ask for a price on an item. So take the time to mark all your items with masking tape and price them. If you know something about an item like "works fine" or "only worn
once" or "circa 1950" then put that info on your masking tape price tag.Never sell broken junk and unusable garbage and price stuff low enough so bargain hunters cannot pass it up. Finally, always have enough change and go to the bank the day before the sale and get 50 singles and $20 in quarters.
2. Items That Sell include decorative items for the home in good condition, framed prints, cookbooks, kitchen appliances that work, needlework and embroidered crocheted items, tools, fishing gear, and house plants and rooted cuttings. Also, decorative , fashion and household items that are in good condition if they date back to 1960 or earlier. But never try to sell antiques or collectibles at a garage sale. Most people won't spend more than $10 to $20 on a single item. Also, clothing does not sell well at garage sales because most shoppers will not share your size or taste in clothing. The only exception is children's clothing if it is priced well. One good marketing ploy is to try to combine a bake sale from your church or charity with your garage sale. That's because most shoppers are hungry from a morning spent driving around. Plus it wouldn't be a bad idea if you sold hot coffee with cream and sugar for 50 cents a cup to go along with the bake sale. If its a warm or a hot summer day, sell cold bottled water or generic cold soda from a cooler for 50 cents each. Just try to buy water and regular and diet soda on sale for 25 cents each.
3. How To Advertise Place classified ad in local newspapers starting at least a few days prior to the sale. Your ad should include the hours and location of the sale with a few categories of merchandise that your sale will feature. Example: Garage & Bake Sale. Sat 8am-1pm 123 Main St, Anytown. Glassware, quilts, houseplants, kitchen appliances, knickknacks, tools. Then hang fliers advertising your sale on community bulletin boards like those found at entrance of supermarkets. On the morning of the sale, hang signs along busy roads near your home to attract drive by customers. If you live in or near a big city, you ca also advertise your sale for free on www.CraigsList.Org Also, make sure you post info about your sale on your Facebook and Twitter page. Plus to get a jump on your competition, have a sign in list so people can leave their e-mail address and area of interest so they can get advance notice of your next sale.
3. The Best Time to have a sale is on a weekend when there are several other sales advertised in your neighborhood. A concentration of sales encourages shoppers to come to your part of town and visit them all.
So invite your neighbors to join in and participate. The majority of sales are made with in the first 3 hours of the sale on a Saturday morning. That's because most shoppers think anything worth buying has been bought up. So make sure you schedule your sale on Saturday between 8am and Noon. Another good tactic is to consider starting your sale on Friday between 5pm and dusk and then continue on Saturday morning. You will have far less competition and you may snag shoppers on their way home from work. And finally, watch the weather reports at www.Weather.Com or call 1-800-555-TELL and interrupt the recording by saying
"weather" loudly for a 5 day report for your area. Cancel the sale and wait for a better weekend if it looks like rain.
4. Presentation Merchandise sells better if is placed on tables. Clothes sell better if they are hung on hangers and not folded or piled. Place large items like furniture and lawn mowers out front so they can be seem from the street by passing motorists. Have a 25 or 50 ft extension cord running into your house so you can plug in electrical appliances to prove that they work.
5. Common Sense Security Never let a shopper use your bathroom or telephone. You don't want things going missing from your home or you don't want someone to case your house for a future burglary. Politely direct them to the nearest gas station or convenience store.
2. Items That Sell include decorative items for the home in good condition, framed prints, cookbooks, kitchen appliances that work, needlework and embroidered crocheted items, tools, fishing gear, and house plants and rooted cuttings. Also, decorative , fashion and household items that are in good condition if they date back to 1960 or earlier. But never try to sell antiques or collectibles at a garage sale. Most people won't spend more than $10 to $20 on a single item. Also, clothing does not sell well at garage sales because most shoppers will not share your size or taste in clothing. The only exception is children's clothing if it is priced well. One good marketing ploy is to try to combine a bake sale from your church or charity with your garage sale. That's because most shoppers are hungry from a morning spent driving around. Plus it wouldn't be a bad idea if you sold hot coffee with cream and sugar for 50 cents a cup to go along with the bake sale. If its a warm or a hot summer day, sell cold bottled water or generic cold soda from a cooler for 50 cents each. Just try to buy water and regular and diet soda on sale for 25 cents each.
3. How To Advertise Place classified ad in local newspapers starting at least a few days prior to the sale. Your ad should include the hours and location of the sale with a few categories of merchandise that your sale will feature. Example: Garage & Bake Sale. Sat 8am-1pm 123 Main St, Anytown. Glassware, quilts, houseplants, kitchen appliances, knickknacks, tools. Then hang fliers advertising your sale on community bulletin boards like those found at entrance of supermarkets. On the morning of the sale, hang signs along busy roads near your home to attract drive by customers. If you live in or near a big city, you ca also advertise your sale for free on www.CraigsList.Org Also, make sure you post info about your sale on your Facebook and Twitter page. Plus to get a jump on your competition, have a sign in list so people can leave their e-mail address and area of interest so they can get advance notice of your next sale.
3. The Best Time to have a sale is on a weekend when there are several other sales advertised in your neighborhood. A concentration of sales encourages shoppers to come to your part of town and visit them all.
So invite your neighbors to join in and participate. The majority of sales are made with in the first 3 hours of the sale on a Saturday morning. That's because most shoppers think anything worth buying has been bought up. So make sure you schedule your sale on Saturday between 8am and Noon. Another good tactic is to consider starting your sale on Friday between 5pm and dusk and then continue on Saturday morning. You will have far less competition and you may snag shoppers on their way home from work. And finally, watch the weather reports at www.Weather.Com or call 1-800-555-TELL and interrupt the recording by saying
"weather" loudly for a 5 day report for your area. Cancel the sale and wait for a better weekend if it looks like rain.
4. Presentation Merchandise sells better if is placed on tables. Clothes sell better if they are hung on hangers and not folded or piled. Place large items like furniture and lawn mowers out front so they can be seem from the street by passing motorists. Have a 25 or 50 ft extension cord running into your house so you can plug in electrical appliances to prove that they work.
5. Common Sense Security Never let a shopper use your bathroom or telephone. You don't want things going missing from your home or you don't want someone to case your house for a future burglary. Politely direct them to the nearest gas station or convenience store.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Top 4 Family Vacation Spots In The USA
1. Penobscot, Maine at http://www.sailmainecoast.com/ 2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
at http://www.gtlc.com/ 3. Acme, Michigan at http://www.grandtraverseresort.com/ 4. Sante Fe, New Mexico
at http://www.bishopslodge.com/
at http://www.gtlc.com/ 3. Acme, Michigan at http://www.grandtraverseresort.com/ 4. Sante Fe, New Mexico
at http://www.bishopslodge.com/
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
DC'S Best Keep Secrets
Book Peak Season Rooms At Off Season Rates-One of the best places to stay in DC is the Tabard Inn.
www.TabardInn.Com 1739 N Street NW. Located just 5 blocks from the White House, this quaint, historic boutique 40 room hotel consists of three 19th century row houses. And the rooms go for just $120 to $165 even during Cherry Blossom season. Even if you don't stay here, make sure you stop by for brunch. The food here is absolutely outstanding.
Explore The Local Art Scene - On the first Friday of every month, DC residents flock to Dupont Circle. There, the local galleries turn into a bustling un-snooty fete. Here you can expect live music and free wine until 9pm. Check it out at starting at 9 Hillyer Ct NW and visit www.ArtsAndArtists.org
The Two Best Crab Cakes In Town Check out the Old Ebitt Grill at www.Ebbitt.Com where crab cakes are $17. Or make it over to the amazing alternative at CF Folks http://www.cffolksrestaurant.com/ where the scrab cake sandwich is just $14.
Go Behind Closed Doors when DC'S top 30 embassies open their doors on just two days: May 7 and and May 14. During prime time afternoon hours, hit the embassies on International Drive which tend to be larger and less hectic than the rest. For more info see "passport DC" at www.CulturalTourismDc.Org
Where The Locals Chow Down Without Dinner Reservations On Barracks Row, you'll find eateries that serve everything from soul food to authentic Indian cuisine. You'll find the majority of these low key dining spots on 8th Street between Pennsylvania Ave and M Street. Just stroll along until you find a menu that peaks your interest or see http://www.barracksrow.org/
Reserve Advance Half-Price Tickets To DC's Best Concerts , plays, operas and more at the
the downtown ticket outlet located at 407 7th St NW or see www.TicketPlace.Org
The Best Spot For Lunch In DC is the cafeteria at the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum's sunny Mitsitam Cafe is considered one of the best spots in town. It pays homage to Native American culinary traditions like buffalo burgers, glazed salmon and more. Its located at 4th Street and Independence Ave SW. Or see www.Nmai.Si.Edu
www.TabardInn.Com 1739 N Street NW. Located just 5 blocks from the White House, this quaint, historic boutique 40 room hotel consists of three 19th century row houses. And the rooms go for just $120 to $165 even during Cherry Blossom season. Even if you don't stay here, make sure you stop by for brunch. The food here is absolutely outstanding.
Explore The Local Art Scene - On the first Friday of every month, DC residents flock to Dupont Circle. There, the local galleries turn into a bustling un-snooty fete. Here you can expect live music and free wine until 9pm. Check it out at starting at 9 Hillyer Ct NW and visit www.ArtsAndArtists.org
The Two Best Crab Cakes In Town Check out the Old Ebitt Grill at www.Ebbitt.Com where crab cakes are $17. Or make it over to the amazing alternative at CF Folks http://www.cffolksrestaurant.com/ where the scrab cake sandwich is just $14.
Go Behind Closed Doors when DC'S top 30 embassies open their doors on just two days: May 7 and and May 14. During prime time afternoon hours, hit the embassies on International Drive which tend to be larger and less hectic than the rest. For more info see "passport DC" at www.CulturalTourismDc.Org
Where The Locals Chow Down Without Dinner Reservations On Barracks Row, you'll find eateries that serve everything from soul food to authentic Indian cuisine. You'll find the majority of these low key dining spots on 8th Street between Pennsylvania Ave and M Street. Just stroll along until you find a menu that peaks your interest or see http://www.barracksrow.org/
Reserve Advance Half-Price Tickets To DC's Best Concerts , plays, operas and more at the
the downtown ticket outlet located at 407 7th St NW or see www.TicketPlace.Org
The Best Spot For Lunch In DC is the cafeteria at the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum's sunny Mitsitam Cafe is considered one of the best spots in town. It pays homage to Native American culinary traditions like buffalo burgers, glazed salmon and more. Its located at 4th Street and Independence Ave SW. Or see www.Nmai.Si.Edu
Sunday, March 27, 2011
7 Tips On How To Get A Locksmith To Pick Your Lock Instead Of Your Pockets
1. Some locksmiths in the phone book and online are scam artists. They’ ll quote you a great price on the phone. But when they get to your or business, they’ll say that you have a special lock and they can’t pick it. So they’ll have to drill it open. Then they’ll replace it with a lock you can buy at a big box store for $25.
Also, make sure you look for company advertising and identification. Also, call a local qualified locksmiths that bring a reliable familiarity within your area matched with strong community reputation. When contacting a locksmith, if the legal business name isn’t stated, ask for it. If there’s hesitation, there’s cause for concern.
Hang up and move on. Written estimates should be supplied before work begins, along with an itemized invoice upon completion. All service vehicles, vans and trucks should be clearly marked with the company name and identifying details. The locksmith should have a valid state locksmith license/registration where applicable.
The qualified locksmith should always ask for your proof of ID and authorization to begin work upon arrival, as well as supply his or her own professional identification and credentials. If, for any reason, you’re uncomfortable, it is your right to refuse service.
2. To find a reputable locksmith, check to see if any are Better Business Bureau members in your area at http://www.bbb.org/
3. Keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” are duplicated all the time. Ask you locksmith about high security locks with keys that can’t be replicated at a hardware store.
4. Don’t believe car dealer who says only he can duplicate your key. In most cases a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can duplicate a key much cheaper than the dealer.
5. If you have a housekeeper who needs a key, then ask your locksmith to key your door so that your master key works on both the dead bolt and the door knob, but hers just works on the knob.
6. Before you call a locksmith, try the door. If the locksmith comes out and finds your door unlocked, he still will charge you for the service call.
7. If your key won’t turn, try WD-40 or silicone spray. Sometimes the lock pins get jammed. And 25 to 40% of the time, that solves the problem.
Also, make sure you look for company advertising and identification. Also, call a local qualified locksmiths that bring a reliable familiarity within your area matched with strong community reputation. When contacting a locksmith, if the legal business name isn’t stated, ask for it. If there’s hesitation, there’s cause for concern.
Hang up and move on. Written estimates should be supplied before work begins, along with an itemized invoice upon completion. All service vehicles, vans and trucks should be clearly marked with the company name and identifying details. The locksmith should have a valid state locksmith license/registration where applicable.
The qualified locksmith should always ask for your proof of ID and authorization to begin work upon arrival, as well as supply his or her own professional identification and credentials. If, for any reason, you’re uncomfortable, it is your right to refuse service.
2. To find a reputable locksmith, check to see if any are Better Business Bureau members in your area at http://www.bbb.org/
3. Keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” are duplicated all the time. Ask you locksmith about high security locks with keys that can’t be replicated at a hardware store.
4. Don’t believe car dealer who says only he can duplicate your key. In most cases a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can duplicate a key much cheaper than the dealer.
5. If you have a housekeeper who needs a key, then ask your locksmith to key your door so that your master key works on both the dead bolt and the door knob, but hers just works on the knob.
6. Before you call a locksmith, try the door. If the locksmith comes out and finds your door unlocked, he still will charge you for the service call.
7. If your key won’t turn, try WD-40 or silicone spray. Sometimes the lock pins get jammed. And 25 to 40% of the time, that solves the problem.
Friday, March 25, 2011
25 Dirty Secrets Human Resource People Don’t Want You To Know
1. If you’ve been unemployed for six months or more,
they assume that other people passed over you and
they may not want to hire you.
2. When it comes to getting a job, who you know
really matters. No matter how great your
qualifications may be, connections count. So make
you network as much as possible.
3. If want a job at specific company, its best to
bypass the HR department completely. Try to
go through someone you know or go directly
to the hiring manager.
4. You will not be taken serious if your e-mail
address does sound professional like BobJones
@ gmail.Com. BobbyLikes2Booze@ Yahoo.com
just won’t cut it.
5. Most companies practice discrimination.
If you’re in your 50's or 60's, don’t put the year
you graduated on your resume.
6. HR people get irritated about a job hunter
cramming an entire resume on one page in 2 point
type. Use two pages if necessary, but three pages
is pushing it.
7. Most HR people use applicant tracking systems
that scan resumes for key words. To get your resume
through the system make sure you put key words directly
from the job description on your resume.
8. Try to avoid using colored ink and paper when
you submit your resume. Also, dropping off your
resume in person is a no-no.
9.If you want to be considered for a job, make
sure you learn as much as you can about the
company before your interview.
10. A lot of HR people don’t want to hire applicants
with young children. Although its illegal to ask you,
they will pull all kinds of tricks to find out. Some
will put photos of kids on their desks even if they
don’t have children. Then they hope you’ll ask
about the kids and mention your own children.
Or, they may walk you out to your car to see if
you have car seats.
11. HR managers routinely discriminate against
people who are over weight or obese and if you
have a weak hand shake, it will count against you.
12. If you don’t want to blow the job interview,
make sure you turn your cell phone completely
off.
13. Make sure you’re pleasant and cordial to everyone
you encounter at the company. If not, the HR manager
will hear about it and it will count against you.
14. If you have a real personal emergency and you
can’t make your interview, and you have a legitimate
excuse, most HR people probably won’t believe you.
15. Never reveal or on a resume that you were fired.
If you do, it will be trashed. Nine times out of ten,
most state laws on reference immunity and your former
company’s policy will prevent most HR people from
ever finding out.
16. Make sure you know how to pronounce the name
of the person who will interview you. If you must,
call the company receptionist and find out. Also,
make sure your personal hygiene is impeccable.
You should well groomed, and make sure
you wear your best suit or dress for the interview.
17. When asked to talk about yourself, make it
short and to the point. Avoid being a blow hard.
18. Wait at least a week before you send a thank
you note for the interview. In that time, the HR
manager will have interviewed a lot of other
people and your thank you note will stand out.
19. HR managers find persistent people annoying.
Sometimes they’ll tell applicants that they hired
someone internally just to get rid of them. If you want
to check back on your status, limit it to one or two contacts.
20. If you did not get along with your former
supervisor, do not list his direct line as a reference.
Instead, just provide the HR phone number at
your former company. Most will only give out your dates
of employment and your title.
21. If you’re credit score is below 650, it will count
against you when you apply for a job. But since back
ground checks are expensive, HR managers sometimes
bluff and will not even run one.
22. Don’t quote Salary.Com when negotiating pay.
Reason? It’s usually 10 to 20 grand higher than actual
salaries. Plus it annoys HR people like crazy. And
when discussing salary, most HR people try to lock
you in early by saying, “the position pays 35K to 40K.
If they ask you if that’s acceptable, say “no”, “it depends”,
or “it may not be out of the question”. That way, they
can’t lock you into that salary area.
23. If you already have a job, and they start giving you
the worsts assignments possible, with impossible
deadlines, they are setting up to fail so they can terminate it.
So start looking for a new job immediately. Also, watch out
if you’re put on a performance improvement plan and they
say that they want it to work out. They may be looking to
sack you. And the third signal that want to give you
the boot is when you’re a high level employee, and they
start taking away your responsibilities to work on special
assignments. Start sending out resumes fast.
24. If you get laid off, you’ll probably get a separation
agreement where you agree not to sue. Before you sign
it , try to ask for more severance money, a glowing
recommendation in writing or more Cobra. The worst that
could happen is that they'll say no.
25. If you’re asked to travel to attend a conference, try
not to say no. It could end your career.
they assume that other people passed over you and
they may not want to hire you.
2. When it comes to getting a job, who you know
really matters. No matter how great your
qualifications may be, connections count. So make
you network as much as possible.
3. If want a job at specific company, its best to
bypass the HR department completely. Try to
go through someone you know or go directly
to the hiring manager.
4. You will not be taken serious if your e-mail
address does sound professional like BobJones
@ gmail.Com. BobbyLikes2Booze@ Yahoo.com
just won’t cut it.
5. Most companies practice discrimination.
If you’re in your 50's or 60's, don’t put the year
you graduated on your resume.
6. HR people get irritated about a job hunter
cramming an entire resume on one page in 2 point
type. Use two pages if necessary, but three pages
is pushing it.
7. Most HR people use applicant tracking systems
that scan resumes for key words. To get your resume
through the system make sure you put key words directly
from the job description on your resume.
8. Try to avoid using colored ink and paper when
you submit your resume. Also, dropping off your
resume in person is a no-no.
9.If you want to be considered for a job, make
sure you learn as much as you can about the
company before your interview.
10. A lot of HR people don’t want to hire applicants
with young children. Although its illegal to ask you,
they will pull all kinds of tricks to find out. Some
will put photos of kids on their desks even if they
don’t have children. Then they hope you’ll ask
about the kids and mention your own children.
Or, they may walk you out to your car to see if
you have car seats.
11. HR managers routinely discriminate against
people who are over weight or obese and if you
have a weak hand shake, it will count against you.
12. If you don’t want to blow the job interview,
make sure you turn your cell phone completely
off.
13. Make sure you’re pleasant and cordial to everyone
you encounter at the company. If not, the HR manager
will hear about it and it will count against you.
14. If you have a real personal emergency and you
can’t make your interview, and you have a legitimate
excuse, most HR people probably won’t believe you.
15. Never reveal or on a resume that you were fired.
If you do, it will be trashed. Nine times out of ten,
most state laws on reference immunity and your former
company’s policy will prevent most HR people from
ever finding out.
16. Make sure you know how to pronounce the name
of the person who will interview you. If you must,
call the company receptionist and find out. Also,
make sure your personal hygiene is impeccable.
You should well groomed, and make sure
you wear your best suit or dress for the interview.
17. When asked to talk about yourself, make it
short and to the point. Avoid being a blow hard.
18. Wait at least a week before you send a thank
you note for the interview. In that time, the HR
manager will have interviewed a lot of other
people and your thank you note will stand out.
19. HR managers find persistent people annoying.
Sometimes they’ll tell applicants that they hired
someone internally just to get rid of them. If you want
to check back on your status, limit it to one or two contacts.
20. If you did not get along with your former
supervisor, do not list his direct line as a reference.
Instead, just provide the HR phone number at
your former company. Most will only give out your dates
of employment and your title.
21. If you’re credit score is below 650, it will count
against you when you apply for a job. But since back
ground checks are expensive, HR managers sometimes
bluff and will not even run one.
22. Don’t quote Salary.Com when negotiating pay.
Reason? It’s usually 10 to 20 grand higher than actual
salaries. Plus it annoys HR people like crazy. And
when discussing salary, most HR people try to lock
you in early by saying, “the position pays 35K to 40K.
If they ask you if that’s acceptable, say “no”, “it depends”,
or “it may not be out of the question”. That way, they
can’t lock you into that salary area.
23. If you already have a job, and they start giving you
the worsts assignments possible, with impossible
deadlines, they are setting up to fail so they can terminate it.
So start looking for a new job immediately. Also, watch out
if you’re put on a performance improvement plan and they
say that they want it to work out. They may be looking to
sack you. And the third signal that want to give you
the boot is when you’re a high level employee, and they
start taking away your responsibilities to work on special
assignments. Start sending out resumes fast.
24. If you get laid off, you’ll probably get a separation
agreement where you agree not to sue. Before you sign
it , try to ask for more severance money, a glowing
recommendation in writing or more Cobra. The worst that
could happen is that they'll say no.
25. If you’re asked to travel to attend a conference, try
not to say no. It could end your career.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
New Jersey's Best Vintage, Retro And Couture Second Hand Shops
Asbury Park: http://www.alanandsuzi.net/ Beach Haven: http://www.coastalconsignment-salvage.com/
Bernardsville: http://www.encoreconsignments.com/ Forked River: http://www.stillgreatconsignment.cim/
Haddonfield: http://www.borntoshopthrift.com/ Hawthorne: http://www.secondglance.biz/ Livingston:
http://www.dueteveryday.com/ Princeton: http://www.janeconsignment.com/ Red Bank, Ridgewood, Short Hills And Englewood: http://www.edoubletake.com/ Toms River: http://www.silkpurseconsignment.com/
Westfield: http://www.thecoutureexchange.com/
Bernardsville: http://www.encoreconsignments.com/ Forked River: http://www.stillgreatconsignment.cim/
Haddonfield: http://www.borntoshopthrift.com/ Hawthorne: http://www.secondglance.biz/ Livingston:
http://www.dueteveryday.com/ Princeton: http://www.janeconsignment.com/ Red Bank, Ridgewood, Short Hills And Englewood: http://www.edoubletake.com/ Toms River: http://www.silkpurseconsignment.com/
Westfield: http://www.thecoutureexchange.com/
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Why The Internet Is Making Us Stupid
An experiment at UCLA showed that spending one hour per day on the web alters our neural pathways. Another Canadian study asked 70 people to read a short story on a computer screen. Some read traditional text, while others read a version containing hyperlinks. Only 10% of those who read the traditional text reported any difficulty following the story versus 75% who read the hyperlinked version. Those who read the traditional text did so faster.
Simply ignoring online distractions does not work. That's because our brains must make a split second decision not to be distracted which breaks our concentration. For instance, reading books is often considered a passive activity when compared to web surfing. But we think more deeply when we read a printed page compared to an Internet page. The quiet space afforded by the printed page lets us mull over what we read. That quiet space does not exist online, so we're less likely to formed reasoned conclusions about the validity of what we read.
If we want to increase our concentration and comprehension when we read e-books or text online, we should close our e-mail programs, our facebook page, and other competing info feeds on our screen.
Simply ignoring online distractions does not work. That's because our brains must make a split second decision not to be distracted which breaks our concentration. For instance, reading books is often considered a passive activity when compared to web surfing. But we think more deeply when we read a printed page compared to an Internet page. The quiet space afforded by the printed page lets us mull over what we read. That quiet space does not exist online, so we're less likely to formed reasoned conclusions about the validity of what we read.
If we want to increase our concentration and comprehension when we read e-books or text online, we should close our e-mail programs, our facebook page, and other competing info feeds on our screen.
How To Avoid The Hidden Dangers In Your Clothes And Bedding
Wrinkle free fabrics contain perfluorochemicals ( pfcs) for stain and wrinkle resistance. Clothing labeled no iron, permanent press and wrinkle free often contain pfcs. They last long because they are hard to break down.They accumulate in the body and been linked to reproductive toxicity and liver problems.The chemicals in clothing may be absorbed through the skin or inhaled when they out gas.
Numerous cyclesin the wash may release some but not all. Also, synthetic fibers, contain polyvinyl chlorides a known carcinogen.So to play it safe, try to wear clothes made from 100% natural fibers like cotton and wool.
Dry Cleaning Dangers In dry cleaning, a chemical called perchloroethylene (perc)is used to saturate clothing to remove dirt and stains. But a lot of the solution remains in the clothing fibers after cleaning is done. Exposure to perc had been linked to kidney and liver damage. Plus it causes cancer in lab rats. Even short term exposure results in dizziness, headaches and rapid heart rate. One study found that elevated levels of perc remained in clothing after dry cleaning for 48 hours. California and other states have mandated that dry cleaners stop using perc by 2023. In the meantime, you can air out your perc dry cleaned clothes by removing the plastic and hanging them outdoors or in a garage for one or two days. Also, make sure you wear a barrier like a T-shirt when you wear clothes dry cleaned in perc. You can also find a green dry cleaner that uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of perc.
Problems With Mattresses Most innerspring and foam mattresses and made from polyurethane It is so flammable its considered solid gasoline. To neutralize that, makers are required to add flame retardants to the mattresses. Before 2005, these included highly toxic polybrominated ethers and heavy metal antimonies that disrupt hormone activity and may interfere with normal brain functions. If you're sleeping on a mattress made prior to 2005, consider replacing it with an organic mattress made from natural latex and or wool. If you buy a synthetic mattress, take off the outer wrapping and let air out for a few days outdoors or in a garage. You can also purchase a natural latex mattress topper or one made from cotton or wool to act as a barrier between you and the flame retardant materials.
If It Smells Clean It Could It Could Be Bad For Your Health The National Academy of Science reports that up to 95% of substances used to make fragrances for detergents, plug-in air fresheners, fabric softener, are made from petroleum that can trigger asthma, and may cause problems with the nervous system. So when you can, try to use non-toxic natural fabric softeners and detergents around the house. Also, you can find reusable clothes dryer sheets online that are not coated with chemicals.
Numerous cyclesin the wash may release some but not all. Also, synthetic fibers, contain polyvinyl chlorides a known carcinogen.So to play it safe, try to wear clothes made from 100% natural fibers like cotton and wool.
Dry Cleaning Dangers In dry cleaning, a chemical called perchloroethylene (perc)is used to saturate clothing to remove dirt and stains. But a lot of the solution remains in the clothing fibers after cleaning is done. Exposure to perc had been linked to kidney and liver damage. Plus it causes cancer in lab rats. Even short term exposure results in dizziness, headaches and rapid heart rate. One study found that elevated levels of perc remained in clothing after dry cleaning for 48 hours. California and other states have mandated that dry cleaners stop using perc by 2023. In the meantime, you can air out your perc dry cleaned clothes by removing the plastic and hanging them outdoors or in a garage for one or two days. Also, make sure you wear a barrier like a T-shirt when you wear clothes dry cleaned in perc. You can also find a green dry cleaner that uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of perc.
Problems With Mattresses Most innerspring and foam mattresses and made from polyurethane It is so flammable its considered solid gasoline. To neutralize that, makers are required to add flame retardants to the mattresses. Before 2005, these included highly toxic polybrominated ethers and heavy metal antimonies that disrupt hormone activity and may interfere with normal brain functions. If you're sleeping on a mattress made prior to 2005, consider replacing it with an organic mattress made from natural latex and or wool. If you buy a synthetic mattress, take off the outer wrapping and let air out for a few days outdoors or in a garage. You can also purchase a natural latex mattress topper or one made from cotton or wool to act as a barrier between you and the flame retardant materials.
If It Smells Clean It Could It Could Be Bad For Your Health The National Academy of Science reports that up to 95% of substances used to make fragrances for detergents, plug-in air fresheners, fabric softener, are made from petroleum that can trigger asthma, and may cause problems with the nervous system. So when you can, try to use non-toxic natural fabric softeners and detergents around the house. Also, you can find reusable clothes dryer sheets online that are not coated with chemicals.
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