Dusting or mopping gives the perfect opportunity to learn something new – via iPod. Here is what I have loaded:

“Learn Spanish – Survival Guide”

Go to iTunes and look under “podcast” or log on to www.myspanishconnection.com. Podcasts are free.

Dave Spencer, teacher, has 12+ years of experience in public and private high schools.

www.ted.com “Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world.”

Elizabeth Gilbert (author of “Eat, Pray, Love”) muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. It’s a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.

Tony Robbins makes it his business to know why we do the things we do. The pioneering life coach has spoken to millions of people through his best-selling books and three-day seminars.In this video Tony discusses the “invisible forces” that motivate everyone’s actions.

Vilayanur Ramachandran tells us what brain damage can reveal about the connection between celebral tissue and the mind, using three startling delusions as examples.

John Wooden ~ With profound simplicity, Coach John Wooden redefines success and urges us all to pursue the best in ourselves. In this inspiring talk he shares the advice he gave his players at UCLA, quotes poetry and remembers his father’s wisdom.

Watch short video on You Tube. Click link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An0mFZ3enhM

Baking Soda ~ Natural Cleanser

Safe Cleaning Tips for Your Home | Environmental Working Group

Posted using ShareThis

Our homes aren’t safe and clean if the air inside is polluted with chemicals from household cleaners. Follow these simple tips to protect your family’s health while you clean your home.

1. Less is More
   Dilute your cleaning supplies according to instructions and use only what’s needed to get the job done.
2. Open the Window
   Clean with windows and doors open so you don’t trap air pollution inside your home.
3. Use Gloves and Other Precautions
   Cleaning chemicals may harm or penetrate skin and eyes – check warning labels.
4. Keep Kids Away
   Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals. If they like to help, let them clean with soap and water, not toxic cleaners.
5. Avoid “Antibacterial”
   If your family is generally healthy, there’s no need to use potentially toxic “antibacterial” products, according to the American Medical Association. Wash your hands with plain soap and water.
6. Never Mix Bleach with Ammonia, Vinegar, or Other Acids
   These combinations can produce deadly gases.

Read the rest of this article at: http://www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/safecleaningtips

www.apartmenttherapy.com is an online, home decorating magazine with wonderful ideas for both homes and apartments. They range from this NYC condo in a clock tower - sale price a mere $25 million –  to this tiny trailer home.

Customize the scent of your closets, drawers, and even your car. Quite the inventive alternative to those little green trees hanging from rear-view mirrors.

#1 Black lights can be used to find urine spots. Room must be as dark as possible or at night with all lights off. Some colors, such as brown, will not show the spots as well. Also, different brands of black lights may need to be tested.

#2  Ingredients: Vinegar, Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide, Water

#3 Mix an even amount of those ingredients into a bowl.

#4 Stir all of the ingredients and pour the solution onto the area or put the solution into a spray bottle. (Always test on an inconspicuous area of carpet or flooring)

Urine can soak into carpet pads. Some articles suggest injecting with a syringe to reach beneath carpeting. Carpet or flooring may need to be replaced if mold has begun to grow or you cannot eliminate odors.

Pet stores also sell pre-made neutralizers.

Articles about pet stains:

http://cats.about.com/od/cleaningmesses/tp/blacklight.htm

http://www.thecatsite.com/Care/48/Combat-Cat-Urine.html

Solution to Chaos

Everything is everywhere? Can’t find it (it’s here somewhere) so you buy a new one? This is more common than you’d think. Save time, money and frustration by being organized. Psychologically, it may be a daunting task to tackle a chaotic closet or room. Do as motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, suggests: make it fun or make it easy.

Basically, you will need boxes and labels. Avoid writing directly on a box as you may wish to use a particular box for different items in the future. Labels are best.

Put on some great music and start sorting. Be honest with yourself if you have actually used something in the last year or two. If not, give it away or sell it. Someone else has a use for it.

If you do not have enough time to complete the room or closet, shut the door, put a lid on each box and come back another time. You will have no piles ~ just boxes ~ so there is no chaos to get in your way until then.

Before? (Probably feels like this.)

Actual Before (Different garage than one above.)

After storage system is installed in left corner and right wall.

6 Months Later ~ The system is still working!

Broom/Shoe Corner Before

Broom/Shoe Corner After

Broom Corner Before

Broom Corner After

Das Suppenschwein/Pig In Soup by Michael Sowa ~ Germany

Treat a chocolate stain with a pre-wash spray. Rub with a heavy-duty liquid detergent and then wash as usual. If the stain is stubborn and remains, re-launder with bleach that is safe for the fabric you are treating. Do not place fabric in a dryer until the stain is removed as heat can permanently set it in.