Thursday, August 7, 2008

Weddings Going Green

Weddings Going Green:

Choosing to have a Green Wedding is a way of giving back on a very special day. Here are a few tips:

Choose cloth napkins and table cloths
Wear your mother or sisters wedding dress
Use recycled paper invitations
Ask guests arriving from out of state to car pool with other guests
Choose bird seed when showering the bride and groom
Think about a natural pearl ring instead of a diamond
Buy locally. You'll save money and the environment

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Homeowners Shift Spending from Gas Tank to Home


Homeowners Shift Spending from Gas Tank to Home

- Declining home values coupled with high fuel costs are leading many to reconsider how they spend their money. In fact, homeowners who purchased their residence during the recent real estate boom bear the greatest risk of finding themselves “upside down” in their mortgage – a situation where they owe more than the current value of the house.  



While many of these frustrated homeowners may have stable jobs and continue to pay their monthly mortgages on time, they cannot afford to move even if they want. They are trapped, waiting until home values rebound.



What does a homeowner do until then?



“Today, we see families investing in their homes, making their backyards more comfortable because they understand that they are not in a position to sell anytime soon. Simple upgrades like luxury hot tubs remain desirable because they don’t require an expensive backyard redesign. Plus, they are portable – they can travel with the homeowner when they eventually move,” says William Smelley of Jacuzzi brand hot tubs.



Perhaps soaking in the hot tub reduces stress over homeowner real estate woes too.



Anthony Pasquarelli of Sundance Spas agrees, but sees the situation from a different angle. “In our experience, homeowners continue to shy away from expensive trips that only last a few days. Instead, they are spending family resources on vacation-inspired amenities for their home. Inviting patio retreats for year-round enjoyment rank high. Hot tubs, pergolas and outdoor furniture are an important part of how homeowners recreate the five-star resort hotel experience in their own home.”  



This is no surprise. Shrinking spending on travel is directly related to the rising costs of flying and the fees charged by airlines for everything from food to checked bags. Long lines, delayed flights and security hassles don’t help either. Weekend road trips appear less desirable given the astronomical price of fuel.



But before investing money into upgrades, homeowners need to be smart about their renovation choices. In a challenging real estate market, focusing on projects that add value takes priority.



Curb Appeal

Spruce up the front of a home with a fresh coat of paint on the trim, some colorful flowers and a new door knob. The result: families will feel better about coming home each night and these improvements will help down the road.  Make a positive first impression.



Repair Obvious Damage

Don’t ignore the hole in the wall or peeling wallpaper. While some may come to accept the imperfections of a home, damage looks like an eyesore to most.



Outdoor Living

Functional outdoor living areas add the perception of usable square footage to a home. A deck or patio with a self-contained hot tub and picnic table can be a real bonus. They can be enjoyed immediately and when it comes time to move, anything that’s not bolted down can probably go too.



Wondering what expensive renovations to avoid? Experts say that conversions of a bedroom to a permanent home office, the addition of backup power generators and sunrooms offer the smallest return on investment.



For more information, checklists and tips on backyard design, or to get information from experts, visit www.HotTubGuide.com.  



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sunday, June 1, 2008

How to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer


How to Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

– After spending the long, cold winter bundled up, a lot of people are itching to take a road trip. Whether that means you’ll be heading half way across the country or just to the next town, there’s just something about that feeling you get when you hop into the car, roll down the windows and drive.



But when your car feels like it’s 200 degrees inside on those warm sunny days, it’s hard to get in, much less going. So what can you do about it? The best solution would be to park in a garage or in the shade all the time, but a more realistic answer to this age-old problem is to add window vents to your car.



These decorative “eves” allow you to leave windows open a crack in the summertime so air can circulate. Warm air vents out and the cooler outside air finds its way in, and you don’t have to worry about a sudden rainstorm. “AVS Ventvisors are a simple and elegant solution to a problem made worse in recent years by vehicle design. Today, many vehicles have side windows that slant inward at the top, to reduce wind resistance.  As a result, when it rains, water runs off the roof and into the vehicle if a widow is open even slightly. Ventvisors will keep the rain out and let the fresh air in,” says Peter May, spokesman for AVS, a brand name known for its quality line of car customizing accessories.



His company offers two window vent styles that you can install yourself. The original Ventvisor attaches easily to the exterior of your car with strong 3M tape. The AVS In-Channel Ventvisor installs inside the window channel, giving your car a sleek, streamlined appearance. An added bonus is that no exterior tape touches the vehicle’s paint.



Made from heavy-duty acrylic, the window vents can be painted to match your car, or you can choose to use them as is, in a stylish smoke tint or chrome. Window vents are available for both the front and rear doors, and assisting with air exchange isn’t their only benefit. While you’re on the road, a window vent can also decrease wind noise for a more pleasant driving experience. For more information on AVS products, or to access a store locator, visit www.lundinternational.com.



In addition to taking steps to make your car feel cooler, it’s also important to make sure its systems will function well in warmer weather. Here’s a checklist to follow before setting out on a road trip:



* Change oil and oil filter

* Inspect radiator coolant, hoses and belts

* Have a fuel system inspection done to make sure the intake valve and combustion chamber are free from deposits

* Inspect the suspension system and replace the shocks if worn to ensure a smooth ride.

* Check brakes

* Check the tire pressure



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Tips for Teaching Kids to Go Green

Tips for Teaching Kids to Go Green



(ARA) – When you were a kid, did the word “green” conjure images of Kermit sitting on a log singing about the difficulties of fitting in? Or perhaps it brought to mind Dr. Seuss’s timeless classic about the questionably colored eggs and ham.



Chances are if you ask your child what he thinks of the “green” movement, he’ll surprise you with his knowledge of – and passion for – the topic. Like any other major media message, kids are being inundated with information on the need to protect the environment.



“It’s important for parents to help kids sift through all the information to find real ways they can make a difference, even at a very tender age,” says Karen Farmer, a children’s book author and environmentalist. “Kids can really feel empowered by participating in the green movement, and they’ll be establishing environmentally conscious habits that will sustain them their whole lives.”



With the approach of Earth Day 2008 on April 22, many parents are wondering how they can nurture the budding environmentalist in their children. Here are some practical tips:



* Bag it. From Beijing to Annapolis, Md., communities around the world are banning the use of plastic shopping bags, which take approximately 1,000 years to decompose. Each year 500 billion plastic bags are used around the world, and the costs of bags given away “free” by retailers can top $4 billion annually.



Teaching youngsters to choose reusable cloth bags for shopping not only makes environmental sense, it could be preparing them for a world in which plastic shopping bags are no more.



“Choosing reusable, environmentally friendly bags versus plastic shopping bags, is an easy step even the youngest shoppers can take,” says Farmer, who authored “My Bag and Me!” The book, for children 3 to 9 years old, tells the story of a little boy who always takes his own reusable bag to the grocery store when he shops with his mother. The sturdy, brightly colored board book illustrated by Gary Currant also includes a child-sized reusable bag that reads “I Love Earth.” The bag is made of Tyvek, the same durable, recyclable material often used to insulate the exterior walls of new houses.



The book and the bag encourage children to make this environmentally sensible step an integral part of their daily lives. Children get the message that learning about and being environmentally conscious can be fun.



Published by Penton Overseas, “My Bag and Me!” is available at Wal-Mart and Barnes and Noble, and online at www.pentonoverseas.com or call (800) 748-5804.



* Teach conservation. “If they’re old enough to wash their hands on their own, kids are old enough to learn how to conserve water,” says Farmer.



Parents should teach children to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth, and keep the water flow to a pencil-thin stream when washing their hands. As soon as they’re old enough to safely stand in a shower stall and lather up on their own, toddlers transition from baths to showers. If your family doesn’t have low-flow shower heads yet, engage older children in helping out with the very easy home improvement project of installing one.



* Reach for recycling perfection. “Recycling is one earth-friendly activity kids of all ages can get involved in,” Farmer says. Children can learn what items regularly used in their homes can be recycled, from soft drink cans and milk bottles to detergent jugs and spaghetti sauce jars. Toddlers and preschoolers can participate in separating and grouping recyclables. Elementary school children can help with washing items and removing labels. Older kids can even get involved with volunteer groups that clean litter throughout the community and recycle trash found on the roadside.



To learn more about Earth Day and how your family can make a difference in the green movement, visit www.epa.gov/earthday.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Burn Calories While Beautifying Your Lawn

Burn Calories While Beautifying Your Lawn


(ARA) - Did you know that it’s possible to burn up to 260 calories per hour mowing a lawn with a power mower and up to 480 calories per hour gardening with other power tools? Every day chores like these are opportunities to get in better shape, tone the body and mind as well as reduce stress.



Fifty percent of people who join a gym drop out within the first three months, but there is research supporting the Biophilia Effect: that the great outdoors acts as a motivator to be physically active.



Tina Vindum, a professional trainer who leads the only accredited outdoor fitness program in the country, has teamed with power equipment manufacturer Husqvarna to offer the following tips for a great backyard workout:



* Get a leg up on yard work.

Walk-behind mowers are great for shaping legs and burning calories. A mower with variable speed capability increases the effectiveness of the workout over time. Mowing a yard that is one-third of an acre is equivalent to walking about two miles.



* Skip the slump!

It’s a natural fact that posture affects mood as well as performance. Slumping causes the body to “check out” both mentally and physically, remember to keep the back straight, shoulders square and chin up.



* Inhale down, exhale up.

Remember to breathe correctly. For example, inhale as you squat down or lunge forward, and exhale as you stand up, lift or push.



* Need to revive? Get some green.

Nature holds a special captivation for all of us. Being outdoors in fresh air has a soothing, restorative and healing effect. It’s called Biophilia, and refers to the innate affinity human beings have to nature and the natural world.



* Team up with the right equipment.

Avoid repetitive stress injuries by selecting the right equipment. Invest in quality and ergonomically correct equipment -- from shoes and gloves to mowers and trimmers. Husqvarna offers a wide range of ergonomically designed tools, from the 125B Handheld Blower to the 125L Trimmer; all of their equipment is designed to work properly with your body. Test the equipment to make sure it feels good in your hands, on your wrists and body. Let fatigue be your guide -- when in doubt, stop.



When using any outdoor power equipment, remember to think safety first. Read and understand the operator’s manual and be sure to wear the appropriate protective apparel.



For more information on outdoor fitness, visit www.MasterYourGreatOutdoors.com.    



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Making and Taking Time To Make A Difference.

Making and Taking Time To Make A Difference.

Would you like to make the world a better place to live in? Are you trying to see what you can do to make the world a better place? As time passes, are you worried about the planet? Are you interested in recycling or green living? Or maybe you would rather spend your time volunteering for something that you enjoy doing?

If you are interested in recycling your products from your house, you would first need to find a place to take your recycling to. Your town might have curb side pick up, which is where there is a separate bin to place anything that can be recycled in. You fill this bin up and place it with the garbage on the curb and there is a separate truck that comes through and picks it up. Most of the time with curbside pick up, you do not have to separate your items into different categories.

If your city does not offer curbside pick up, you can ask them if there are drop of locations in the city or town for recycling. If there are, then you are responsible for keeping items separate in your home before taking them to the center. When you start taking your recycling to the center, you might ask them and see if there has been any interest expressed in local curbside pick up in your area. If they say no, let them know that you are interested. See if you can get others in your neighborhood interested.

Making environmentally sound decisions doesn't have to be difficult. If you swap out disposable items in your household to things that can be reused, you're well on your way. Swapping out paper towels for cloth napkins, swapping out tissues for handkerchiefs, and using cloth rags to clean with are all great changes to make. If you are thinking that you will spend the same amount now in water that you did before on the disposable products, think again! There is a slight increase in water, but only by a few cents. Just think of all the money that you will be saving from not having to buy these products every time that you go to the store.

If you would like to spend some of your time volunteering for other people, this is another great way to make the world a better place. Volunteering gives you something to do and allows you to give back to your community at the same time. Call your local city hall for a list of all the different places that you can volunteer. A few options might be a local soup kitchen, a local nursing home, a battered women’s shelter, a local library, or even a local hospital. Most all places love to have volunteers and some places are completely run by volunteer workers. Many places appreciate their volunteers because it gives them extra help that they otherwise might not be able to afford.

Improving the world you live in doesn't have to be difficult or costly. You can make the world a better place by volunteering, making environmentally sound choices, and recycling. Your children and grandchildren will appreciate the effort you put into the planet.

Marcia Chumbley is a work at home mom and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a Christian Work From Home Moms and Grandparents web site at http://www.faithfulgrannies.com. Bringing generations of Christian Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents, Boomers and Families together while providing resources, inspiration and affordable advertising while balancing the work at home experience.

Article source: http://www.faithfulgrannies.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Environmentally Friendly Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards use a lot of paper each year. Unfortunately, a great deal of that paper ends up being thrown away instead of reused or recycled, and the trees it comes from are often not replanted. This year, consider sending an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Christmas cards. They aren't much more expensive, and allow you to do your part to spread the word about environmental awareness.

Christmas Cards That Grow On You

According to Wikipedia.org some 1.9 billion Christmas cards were mailed out in 2005. That’s a lot of dead trees and waste for a one-time-use greeting. When sending out your Christmas cards this year take a minute to evaluate those on your card list. Not everyone necessarily needs a physical card to know you’re thinking of them during Christmas.

Personalized e-cards work great for co-workers and friends and waste no paper whatsoever. There are many sites available to send these types of cards, some for free and some for a small membership fee. Many will even allow you to add your own photo and custom text, making your card truly personal. No trees are killed in the sending of e-cards - give it a try!

For those instances where an e-card just won’t cut it, such as with family or close friends, try sending a Christmas card that will warm their hearts and beautify their flower beds come summer. Seed paper cards are greeting cards created from 100% recycled paper which are imbedded with perennial flower seeds. The recipient can save the card and come spring simply plant the biodegradable card in ground. The seeds will germinate and grow lovely flowers for years to come. You’ll be happy knowing you reused paper that was recycled and your Christmas card recipient will have reduced the number of cards in landfills by planting their Christmas greeting. All three “R’s” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) covered with one simple card!

Be Caring and Crafty with Homemade Christmas Cards

A huge trend in Christmas cards of late is the personalized touch of creating your own greeting cards. While the supplies to make your own holiday cards are abundant at any craft store the items offered don’t necessarily have the environment in mind. If crafting your own Christmas cards is a hobby you enjoy relax in knowing that you don’t have to give up this holiday pleasure—you just need to find eco-friendly materials to use.

Purchase blank cards and card stock made from recycled paper. Accessorize your cards with natural embellishments such as rustic strings, and dried flowers or fruits. Cut out holiday designs from decorative recycled paper and use these as decals on your handmade Christmas greetings.

Spread the Word

Taking the time to sent environmentally friendly greeting cards will not only help do your part to save the earth, it will teach your children or grandchildren that this is an important value to have, as well. Taking care of the environment is everyones responsibility, and greeting cards are an easy way to start. Sending an eco-friendly greeting card is just as easy as sending a traditional card, and will spred the message to your loved ones that you're making environmental stewardship a priority.