Each year, fires kill more Americans than any other natural disaster. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 80% of fire deaths occur in residences. While no home can ever be completely fireproof, I have some suggestions to help reduce your risk of fire:
Smoke Detectors - the number one way to provide home fire safety! Does your home have smoke detectors? How many? There should be at least one in every bedroom! When did you test them last? Test them now! Schedule it so you test them frequently! If your smoke detectors require batteries replace them on a regular basis. Time change is coming and that when most people change their batteries.
Appliances - use them wisely. If you smell unusual smells or the appliance over heats, or you see sparks these are warning signs to shut it off, unplug it and replace it! Another important reminder, unplug the appliances that are not in use - not only is this important for fire safety but also good for your energy bill.
Circuits & Extension Cords - Never overload circuits or extension cords. Don't place cords or wires under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
Portable Heaters - allow at least three feet of space from any combustible materials. Turn them off if you leave the room or are sleeping! Use with extreme caution!
Fireplaces - never leave a fire burning when you are not home. Use a fire screen, and be sure your chimney is cleaned annually.
Fire Extinguishers - you should have at least two fire extinguishers in your home, with one in a designated place in the kitchen. Cooking fires are the leading cause of both home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.
Candles - extinguish them before going to bed or when leaving a room.
Smokers - always use an ashtray and exercise caution. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S.
Heating System & Dryer Vents - properly inspect and maintain them on a regular schedule.
These are just a few ways that you can make your home a safer place from fire. More information can be found on the U.S. Fire Administration's website, www.usfa.fema.gov, or by contacting your local fire department.
A freshly painted room can give a new look and feel to your home. Fresh paint is a great selling point, too.
However, it is important to do the job correctly. Here are few tips to help you save time, money and get good results!
Before you start:
Turn off electrical power to the room and remove the cover plates on switches and outlets.
Remove window hardware - if necessary.
Cover wall lighting fixtures, or remove them.
Remove door knobs and strike plates at the latch.
If you don't remove all of the furniture be sure to cover and protect it; moving all furniture to the center of the room is helpful too.
Protect the floor with a heavy duty drop cloth - be sure to use more than a "thin" sheet - if you drop or spill be sure the drop cloth will hold the spill.
Patch any holes - use a putty knife and wall-patch compound. Allow it to dry overnight. Be sure to sand repaired area, then clean area so no dust remains.
Wash the walls from the bottom up using TSP (available in most hardware stores). Rinse walls with clean water and a sponge. Allow walls to dry before taping. Protect molding, windowsills with painters tape. Make sure tape is flush with molding for best results. Use tape where you desire a straight line and/or patterns or decorations for different colors of paint.
Finally - apply the paint! Experts recommend using a primer before adding your final color. For best results paint in the following order: ceiling; walls, baseboard trim, door, door trim, window trim.
In the interest of "being green" I found a few ideas of things you don't have to trash, you can re-use them! Remember if we each only do one thing it will make a big difference, just think how much better things will be if we each did 2 or 3 things!?!
Wine corks
Wrap them together with a wire and you have a nice new trivet! I bet it is a great converstation starter too!
Arrange them inside a "frame" some can stand on end, some can lay down - glue them in place and you have a bulletin board! Perfect for the kitchen!
Table Cloth - have a stained one? Cut around the stain and make napkins!
When your loofah is headed to the trash use it one last time to scrub the tub, shower and tile!
Scratched or old CD's or DVD's
Glue them to the back of your child's bike as a safety reflector.
Use as a "mirror" in an office to check your reflection or as a way to see behind you as you sit at your desk (if the door is behind you).
Reflectors to warn off woodpeckers.
String a couple together to make a sun catcher.
Create a clock but adding clock works to the center hole.
One last thougth for this "green" day - if you recycle your Sunday paper every week you will keep 4 trees alive per year and increase the earth's oxygen!
As we enter the dog days of the summer we often wonder "what should we do?" or "Gee! We haven't done anything yet this summer!" Well here are a few suggestions for you of things happening in Orange County between now and Labor Day! Hurry, time is flying by fast!
FARMERS MARKETorange.cfbf.com August 20, 2009 August 27, 2009 September 3, 2009 September 10, 2009 9:00 am - 1:00 pm A California-certified farmers' market where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold. Lot A.
Orange County Harley Davidson Night August 22, 2009 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Great Labor Day Car Cruise September 4 -6
Amateur Afternoon Racing and Speedway/Sidecars September 12, 2009
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August 22, 2009 - August 23, 2009 CROSSROADS OF THE WEST GUN SHOWS www.crossroadsgunshows.com Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday 9 am - 4 pm The West's largest and highest quality show in town!
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August 26, 2009 5 pm - 11 pm Charity Plant Auction & Chili Cook-Off This a charity event for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Enjoy chili tastings all night and participate in live and silent auctions which will raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and other charites associated with the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers Orange County chapter. Admission is $5.
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August 28, 2009 - August 30, 2009 GEM FAIRE gemfaire.com Friday, Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Gem Faire, established in 1989, has become a world renowned marketplace for the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, lapidary equipment, metaphysical items and much more at the lowest prices in today's market.
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August 29, 2009 - August 30, 2009 WAREHOUSE SALE thewarehousesale.com 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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August 30, 2009 BRIDEWORLD EXPO 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Southern California's largest gathering of wedding exhibits, planning ideas, fashion and fun. Admission is $10.
It is time to say Hello to August! And with it's arrival we can look forward to the "dog days of summer" and thoughts that put a smile on the face of parents and sense of dread in kids - Back To School!
Over the next several days I want to talk about Back to School Safety, Hints & Tips! Not only for the students in your life but for parents too!
Today we will focus on safety:
Go over important information with your child - do they know their address; phone number (all the numbers they need to reach you or other realatives); do they know who it is okay to accept a ride with; do you have a code word to "authorize" some one different to pick them up from school; is it okay for them to leave campus for lunch; safety issues about riding with their friends - many states have newer laws about who can be in a car with a newly licensed driver, be sure you know these laws.
Plan a safe route to school, choosing the most direct way with the fewest street crossings. Tell your child to stay on this route and review safe street crossing procedures. Teach your child all traffic safety rules and remind him or her to be especially careful during bad weather. If possible, your child should always walk or bike to school with a buddy. If your child is driving to school for the first time, be sure they know what to do in the event of an accident; bad weather; giving rides to friends; snow routes; how to approach high water areas. Everyone should be extra aware of school zones and areas that are well traveled routes between schools and neighborhoods!
College bound students: Check with your insurance carrier about "renters" insurance - every policy has different coverage for dorm room contents. If your student is going out of state do they need different/additional auto insurance? Medical insurance, what is your coverage where your student is going to college? Is there an on-campus facility they can use and what are the charges - where is the nearest Emergency Room and do they accept your insurance. Discuss with your child what constitutes a trip to ER and what constitutes a trip to the campus nurse (if there is one) and if and where they can go in for a "routine" office visit. Remember dental visits/needs too. Flu shots? Swine Flu Shots? Talk to your child about "sharing" prescription medication. Be sure they have emergency contact information with them, in their cell phones, in their purse or wallet. Do you know how to reach them on campus? Their friends cell phone numbers?
Okay, a quick giggle to end with:
Victoria returned to school in fine form, causing a ruckus from day one. Her teacher called her mother after only one week to tell her that her daughter was misbehaving.
"Just a minute there," said her mother. "I've had her for three whole months, and not once did I call you to complain when she acted up."
Every now and then I find I have a little time on my hands and want to try something new, so I look on the area websites and see what I can find that catches my eye, will allow me to step out of my comfort zone. Today is one of those days!
How about a Feng Shui class? This subject always intrigues me, and you know I find if I move one or two things it really does seem to make a difference.
Here is the class description: The arrangement and contents of an environment affect the flow of vital energies that then influence all aspects of life, from money matters to romance. Learn to direct that flow in this introductory workshop on Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of harmonizing within the home or workplace. Instructor: Elliot Tanzer.
There are 19 seats available for this class, yes I know it is tomorrow night, but it is worth a try!
Irvine Fine Arts Center Member: $36. If you are an Irvine Resident but not a member the fee is $39
Must be at least 18 years old to attend.
Be bold, try something different, broaden your horizons!
Stress is everywhere - it's how we deal with stress that has a direct link to how stressed we are.
If stress gets the best of us it can lead to many other problems so let's talk about some proactive ways we can keep our stress in-check!
Find Your Bliss
Find something that brings you joy, a hobby is a great way to keep things under control. Creative hobbies can help you give expression to your inner thoughts and emotions. Be active, get out and experience other people and fresh air. Remember to give yourself permission to experience the refreshing benefits of engaging in a rewarding hobby. Volunteering helps the mind, the body and the soul, try something new, something outside of your comfort zone and daily routine. There are even studies to show that volunteering helps improve your life-span!
Feed Your Spirit
Prayer or meditation are powerful stress reducers.
Talk the Talk
Don't keep your stress bottled up - find someone to confide in - talk things out. Often times the simple act of verbalizing your frustrations and fears will decrease and diminish the effects of stress.
Walk the Walk
One of the best ways to beat stress is regular exercise. Make time for 20 minutes of physically activity every day and you will begin to see improvements in several areas of your life. A walk around the parking lot is perfect when you are at work - even 10 minutes will help! The fresh air, the act of getting up and away from your desk will allow you to clear your mind, and you will come back refreshed and ready to continue. It can lower your blood pressure too!
Animal Attraction
Studies show that people who own pets live longer! A new pet will help you focus on something different in your life - or maybe volunteer to walk dogs as your way to get exercise, volunteer, and enjoy the benefits of animals!
Eat Mindfully
Stress can cause some to over-eat and some under-eat or eat very unhealthy. Start by looking at what foods are at your finger tips, if you are stressed what is the easiest thing to toss in your mouth? If it is junk food, get rid of it, put some healthy choices within easy reach!
Silence is Golden
TV, iPods, cell phones, radios all that noise can just add to stress! Turn things off and sit in the silence and listen to the birds and crickets! And remember to turn down the volume on all those electronic devices too!
Relax and take time to smell the roses and maybe even eat dessert first!
Dual Masters
2 Full Baths Plus Powder Bath on Main Floor
Spacious Kitchen
Fireplace
Prestigious Gated Community - Estancia
Community Pool & Spa
Close to All Roads & Shopping & Golf & Entertainment
Available August 1, 2009
Having a cluttered house can be a challenge to you on many levels! And keeping clutter under control can be a constant task, but the need to organize everything from seasonal clothing to kitchen spices is vital for the overall running of the home. While some households appear to tackle clutter better than others, every homeowner can benefit from clutter busters that help keep this and that in their proper place around the house. Here are some tips and hints I have found useful:
Buy Containers for Storage - If you think that buying a bigger home is the answer to your clutter, you are wrong, as the more room you have the more stuff you have to clutter it up! Instead, buy organizing features that will allow you to cope with your accumulation of stuff. Clear plastic totes in various sizes will allow you to see what's stored inside and they can easily be stacked, in the basement, in the garage or in closets. Some ideas of things to store: photos, shoes, seasonal decorations, seasonal clothing & bedding, magazines, hobby supplies, tools, toys, just about anything! Don't forget about using space bags, closet organizers, and matching basketry for storing various items and possibly giving your decorating a boast.
Buy Dual Purpose Furniture - When furniture shopping for more general needs like coffee tables and children's beds, buyers might consider purchasing pieces that provide additional function. For example, a large square coffee table might double as a storage receptacle for audiovisual materials, board games, or photo albums. Some beds come with drawers built into their bottoms for additional storage.
Keep Items Together - Another good tip to eliminate the appearance of clutter is to keep similar items together. By storing items such as books, baking ware, dishes, glassware, or toiletries in their own specific locations, the appearance is apt to look neater and more suited to function. And some items can be stored in plain sight and part of your décor!
Keep a Cleaning Schedule - This is the most challenging for me but the most effective! A consistent cleaning routine can help maintain good household organization and keep the home from looking cluttered. By performing this task often, there will be fewer messes of clutter to deal with.
Have Everyone Help Out - Finally, and some might say most importantly, enlist the help of other household members to maintain a clutter-free atmosphere. When family members take responsibility for their personal space, it is much easier to maintain an organized home. The art of good organization requires much practice, but even the youngest family members can benefit from its lessons. When items are stored in their proper place, a clutter-free home is guaranteed.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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