Ideas For Homes

A Reference Manual for Your Home

Hi visitors and fellow Squidooers;

Welcome to my Lens on "ideas for homes". We offer tips, ideas, suggestions and resources "home improvement" and your "home life".

There is a lot of information here, so place us in your favorites and come back and finish where you left off, or favorite us and we will email you with updates. We intend to update often. See you back again and good luck in creating a comfortable living space.

We had so much information to get to you we had to do a second related Lens. Please visit: "Ideas For Homes" Too

PS:

If you are a dog lover please visit our Lens; True Dog Stories

Thanks.

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Do You Know if Your Car Has Eer Been Recalled?

CHeck to see if your car is under recall

check out this site and enter your car's make, year and model to see if it is under recall: Auto Recalls

Sneakers Smell like New

Use this tip for freshening your child's sneakers

Children's sneakers can really start smelling foul with the warmer weather. Do this to keep the smell in check. Let newspaper absorb the odor. Wad up newspaper, and stuff it into each shoe. Leave it overnight. In the morning, the aroma should be greatly improved.

Nike Air Force 1 07 Low - Mens and Big Kids Sizes

Quickly Identify Old WIring

Here is how to safely identify old wiring

Sometimes it is difficult to identify old wiring in a fixture or receptacle because of dirt in the wall. Do this:

Turn off the power source.

Gently clean the wires with a cloth dampened with alcohol (or soapy water) until you can tell which is the white wire.

(In old wiring, the black wire is usually the hot wire and the white wire is the neutral wire.)

Ultimate Guide to Wiring: Complete Projects for the Home

Peroxide - Best Kept Secret

Remember to visit the 101 Home Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide page for your questions and answers about about peroxide.

101 Home Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide: These are the Home Cleaning Secrets The Home
Cleaning Industry doesn't want you to know! STOP Black Mold, Mildew, Algae and Bacteria!

We have used Peroxide in every room of our home for over 15 years and would not be without it. We buy several 32 once bottles a week at Sam's Club. It is really cheap, about $2.00 for two bottles.

I put it in a spray bottle or put the sprayer in the peroxide bottle and squirt in my dish water, pour in laundry instead of using the more toxic and environmentally unfriendly chlorine bleach , rinse my mouth after brushing... It's really safe and a tremendous deal for the price. Read the book and find out all kinds of uses. You won't be disappointed. Good homemaking :-)

PS: Just today, I used my spray peroxide to clean dirty, greasy kid hand prints on my walls going upstairs. I was surprised how the peroxide cut through the oily dirt. I did not have to soap or rinse. I just sprayed, let sit for about ten seconds and wiped off. The wall looked newly painted. Peroxide is the new oil.

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Green Cookware

Now you can go green in the kitchen

Energy-efficient, no-water, no-oil cookware. When it comes to healthy cookware, your best bets are glass, ceramic, cast iron, and stainless steel. Most all of those materials are also energy efficient, which allows you to reduce the temperature of your oven and let the heat in the cookware itself do some of the cooking.

A product I think is particularly good is Green Earth Cookware. Green Earth utilizes an ultra-safe ceramic coating derived from nature which is 100% PTFE and PFOA free. It also:

Delivers unprecedented non-stick performance without releasing harmful fumes or toxins at high temperatures.

Features a scratch-resistant 100 ceramic coating as found in nature (no heavy metals or chemicals) that is super easy to clean.

Is made out of durable heavy-gauge pure aluminum with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals.

Boasts a comfortable heat resistant Bakelight handle, and a magnetized induction stove safe base for rapid head transfer

of course you can get from Amazon.

The 10" Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with Smooth Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (100% PTFE and PFOA Free)

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With the economy looking rough for the next few months, you will want to maximize your savings on all your purchases. Here is a site I came across that will help you do just that. The site is: IPROMOCODES Note: This is not an affiliate site.

You can search through the directory for the product you are interested in buying. You will get a return page showing the discount. For instance you can get a Gateway M-6827 15.4 inch 160 GB notebook computer for $499 after rebate, and you get free shipping.

This is a great free resource with no strings attached.

HappyValentines Day!

If you have always wanted to incorporate, here is a no strings attached way to do so. National well respected Company - Intuit, producer of Quickbooks (tm).

Hot Amazon Kindle Reader

Kindle Reader now a a new lower price!

Amazon Kindle Reader is an e-book reader-an embedded system for reading electronic books (e-books). It uses an electronic paper display and downloads content over Amazon Whispernet.

The Kindle Reader can be used without a computer. Whispernet is accessible through Kindle Reader without any fee. Amazon does not sell the Kindle Reader outside the United States as Whispernet only works in the U.S.

The Kindle is the best selling product on Amazon.

This is a hot item for holiday gifts. Go here to read more and get your Kindle Reader before they are sold out: Kindle Reader

Now Amazon has a new low price for the Kindle. You can also get pre-owned Kindles here. Now Amazon is offering free two day shipping.

One thing I like about the Kindle is the desktop that comes on when the unit is at rest saving battery life. When at rest, a fine-line pencil drawing displays in greyscale of a famous writer or historical figure. It is beautiful and people always do a double take and ask what it is. This starts a conversation 100% of the time. I love my Kindle. Got it for my birthday from family. Get one for yourself or others. You won't be disappointed.

Cold Box

"Create a convenient place for all of your cold supplies".

When you family members catch a cold, it is helpful to be able to locate cold aids in one place. What you want to do is get a box or tin (shoe box is good too)that is large enough to hold your cold supplies. You should put the box in an area that is convenient for your family.

Here are some items you could add to the cold box:
* Tissue
* Vapor rub
* Nasal inhaler
* Menthol oil for your vaporizer
* Cough drops
* Medicinal teas
* Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus
* Cold medicines
* Vitamin C
* True Lemon #

You can add any preference items like chicken soup recipe or cold fizzy tablets.

Good luck and Gesundheit!

#True Lemon is a product you have to try. It is powdered natural lemon that you can carry with you anywhere and get you daily Vitamin C and other minerals, plus hundreds of around the house uses. Go to True Lemon.com for your free samples and more.

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These resources are helpful whether you are doing a genealogy search, tracking down an itinerant boyfriend, looking up the records on a potential business partner and many others.

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PayBox: This is Exciting. Paybox is developing a customer centric payment processor. They are trying to get all the ideas they can to incorporate into PayBox. Goal is to provide extremely great service to customers. They are offering $50.00 for sign up. and $5 for every person who signs up using your link. I have been a member three days and my account is at $95.43 after just filling out a couple of short surveys, applying for jobs at the company, signing into the site and signing up to their helpful Blog. The only catch is that you have to sign up quickly before they launch their service, at which time they will cease paying you this fabulous amount.
Candwich, The Sandwich In A Can - The Consumerist: The latest innovation in sandwich technology is the Candwich, the sandwich in a can. The foodstuff is sold inside a 3oz pop-top can and comes in three delicious flavors: PBJ Strawberry, PBJ Grape, and BBQ Chicken. Thankfully, only the first two have candy surprises inside. Its makers, Mark One Foods
Bob Vila : Quick Tip: How to Clean Your Gutters: Bob Vila
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Ready! Set! Paint!

Best paint jobs require preparation

When I do repairs around my house, I just like to jump in and start. Eventually though, I find that the job invariably takes more time than I anticipated. Why? Because I have to find a tool, go get some supplies from the hardware, redo a portion of the project, etc.

Through trial and error, I have learned that the most efficient way to proceed with a project is to engage in that dreaded activity called, "planning". Here are a few tips in preparation ("preparation" is a less scary word than "planning") that will help you breeze through that project before the ball game comes on:

Painting: Make sure before you start that you have the following things on-hand. Spackle, Deglosser, Putty Knife, Paint Scrapers, Painters Tape, Drop Cloth, Painters Rags, Painters Caps, Roller Frame, Paint Tray, Paint Tray Liner, Brushes, Paint Pads, Extension Pole, Bucket Grid, Trim Guide, Trimming Kit, Paint Bucket, Primer, Caulk, Caulk Gun, Mildewcide, Insecticide, Paint Strainer, Latex Gloves, Safety Goggles (if you plan to scrape), Lead Test Kit (older homes may have lead paint, so test before you scrape.)

You may not need all of these for any one project so just keep this list handy before you start and check off what you need. I "try" too keep all my paint supplies in one place - but I have grandchildren.

3M 2090 Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape for Multi-Surfaces 1-Inch x 60-Yard, 4-Roll

Renew Your Paint Brushes

"Use this quick tip to renew and soften your paint brushes".

To keep your bristles soft after using latex paint rinse the brushes in water then place in a bucket filled with water and a cheap with built-in conditioner shampoo. Take them out, rinse them, and let dry. Now you have soft clean and flexible paint brushes ready for the next big job. No excuses!

If you are using an oil-based paint, you should let the brush soak for a short period of time in a mineral spirits type thinner. Leaving brushes in solvent for a prolonged period can cause damage to the bristles themselves by stripping oils and swelling, to the ferrule, to the adhesive used to hold bristles in place, and to the wooden handle.

Tax Tips for Small and Home Businesses

Keep the IRS at bay if you are a schedule C filer with these action tips

*Make sure your home business has a business name, relevant licenses, stationary, business cards, invoices, a separate bank account, separate records and books and a separate location in your home dedicated to your business.

*Keep a daily written log of the time you spend on your business.

*Show that you are taking steps to improve your knowledge about your business by reading books and trade journals, and attending seminars and networking events around your business.

*Write and use a business plan that includes a cash flow projection for several years. Good free sources for plan templates are score.org and sba.gov.

*Seek the help of a financial adviser. Check with you local Chamber of Commerce.

*Run monthly profit and loss statements. (Google profit and loss statement templates".)

*If you have had some unusual circumstance that interfered with you being able to run your business like an illness, keep records such as hospital bills.

*If you have had similar businesses in the past and they have turned a profit, find and retain those records.

*If you have purchased assets for your business that you expect to appreciate, there is potential for future profit and IRS will likely look favorably on these assets to conclude your are running a business and not a hobby.

All of these things are good not only for IRS purposes but essential and helpful in running your business.

- Source: home business magazine

Due to Emancipation Day, April 15th, 2011 being a holiday in the District of Columbia and a Federal Holiday, the tax filing deadline will be moved to Monday, April 18, 2011.

H&R Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Federal + State + eFile [Formerly TaxCut]

"Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants"

"They work"

I have ants in my yard. Recently I discovered a large mound. Since I am sort of a naturalist (not fanatical though) and I want to do my little part to save the environment, I went looking around the 'net to find what others are recommending for getting rid of ants naturally. This might be important to you if you want to get rid of ants and you have small children, pets or you also want to do your environmental thing.

Below is just a few notable suggestions we were able to capture from bloggers. Use your own judgment.

*Pour hot boiling water on the ant mound. (It helps if you kill the Queen ant. Just keep pouring and you should be able to do.)

*Sprinkle cinnamon on ant mound and paths. (See my blog on cinnamon and diabetes at: Natural Treatments For Diabetes.)

*Grab a shovel and shovel one ant mound into another. They will start fighting and kill each other, (Yes - this was a real suggestion for getting rid of ants.)

*Pour an ample amount of grits or cornmeal on the site. The idea is the ant will eat the grits and when they drink water the grits will expand in them, causing them to explode. (I like grits. I poured some on my ant mound two days ago. Will let you know if it worked.) Post Script: I did use the grits on an ant mound in my front yard and in the crevice between my house and the backyard walk. It worked. Both areas are free of ants as far as I can tell. I just sprinkled dried grits out of the box on to the sandy mounds. Cost less than one dollar.

*Pour white vinegar on the ants home. (I did this to some colonies near my back door and the ants have "left the building". Thank you very much!)

*Three cap-fulls of mouthwash, and a good squirt of dish liquid in a gallon of water. Give the mound a good soak. (Can you imagine how you would feel having this poured on you?)

*Boric acid on the ant-mound. Protect it from the elements with a box or plastic cover.

*Inside the house, use Borax or borate which you can get from the hardware store, and sprinkle around baseboards and on kitchen counters. Borate is non-toxic in small amounts.

I think the key to ridding you abode of ants is to apply one or more of the natural formulas repeatedly until the ants decide to voluntarily break the lease and vacate your premises.

I will supplement with other ant ridding ideas I come across, including those that are simply hilarious.

If you have any natural critter-ridders, please leave yours in the comments section. Don't forget to rate us. Thanks for visiting

Outdoor/indoor ant killer

How to Kill Ants

killing ants 0 points

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More Ant Control

Over at the Grinning Planet site:(http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/04-27/ant-control-ant-killer-article.htm)
we found this advice on controlling ants:

1. Use a mixture of boric acid, water and sugar in the following proportions; 1 cup water, 2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons boric acid.

2.Put little drops or dribbled lines of the mixture on the counter or floor-wherever you've seen the ants. make sure you watch that pets and children do not touch mixture as it can be toxic to them.

3. Be patient it will take three or more days for the ants to eat the sugary mixture and take the gift back to the queen for her toxic treat.
________

How to Kill Gnats

Recently, I noticed a lot of little flying bugs in my house. I determined they were gnats. I wanted to kill the gnats, so I did a little research. I learned that the best natural way to get rid of the mini-pests was to set out some vinegar. Gnats are attracted to sour things and decaying foods.

I used a small glass jar and filled it about half-way with apple cider vinegar. Then I cut a round piece of office paper about one inch larger than the jar opening. I placed the paper over the top of the jar and secured it with a rubber band. I then took a ball-point pen and punched 6 - 10 small holes in the paper. I sat the jar on the counter on the kitchen.

When I checked the next morning the vinegar jar was full of dead gnats floating around in the vinegar. When they go into the holes they don't have the ability to fly back out.

For every one gnat you see there are probably 50 more you don't see.

I am now looking for other natural ways to kill any remaining gnats that don't take the vinegar bait.

A couple of other things to reduce the incidence of gnats in your home is to 1.) Place covers on your indoor garbage cans. Gnats will surely find something to feed off of in your waste cans, and 2.) Don't leave any used tissue, fruit or fruit rinds laying around or in the sink drain. The sourness of the decaying fruit will attract the gnats, and for some reason gnats love used tissue, especially if you used the tissue to soothe a cold. (My initial research shows that gnats like mucous because it is a source of protein for them.)

For more uses for vinegar see my Squidoo Lens Vinegar Uses

Beer Down a Slug

Slugs have been found to spread E. Coli because they ingest bacteria from the soil. E. Coli has been linked to diarrhea, renal failure and even death.

You don't want those slugs crawling all over you garden plantings. You can deter slugs in your garden with coarse sand, soapy water, diatomaceous earth and wood ashes or chips. You can also drown them by pouring a little beer in jar lids and setting them at , "slug level" in the garden. If you actually see a slug you can pour salt on it to dispatch it.

Dust Mites

"Follow these tips to manage dust mite population in your home"

Here is some information on dust mites that you might find useful.

There are 42,000 dust mites in every ounce of dust.

Dust mites feed on organic matter such as shed human skin. In nature, they are killed by micro-predators and by exposure to direct sun rays. Dust mites in bedding derive moisture from human breathing, perspiration, and saliva.

The dust mite's partially digested food, and fecal matter, is one of the most significant sources of allergens contributing to allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis.

Mite Management Tips:

*Steam cleaners may be effective at reducing enzyme allergens since the heat of the steam breaks down the compound. The application of frequent vacuuming as a dust control measure may aggravate allergic asthmatic conditions because conventional vacuum cleaners blow some dust through the cleaner's bag into the air. Vacuuming helps remove the residue, as does washing, however, vacuuming does not generally kill mites because they cling to the surface. Dust collection by conventional vacuums results in a significant increase in air borne concentrations. Cleaners that send dust into a "liquid medium" such as water (rather than a dust bag) best accomplish vacuuming.

* Enclose mattresses, box springs, and pillows in zippered allergen- and dust-proof covers.

* Wash bedding materials, including pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and mattress pads every other week in hot water (130 °F).

* Eliminate or reduce fabric wall hangings such as tapestries or pennants.

* Purchase stuffed toys that are machine washable.

* Avoid using curtains, drapes, or blinds on windows. Use plastic shades instead.

* Remove carpeting from the bedroom of the allergic person and replace it with tile or wooden floors.

* Replace upholstered furniture with wooden or plastic furniture.

* Vacuum often with a vacuum cleaner provided with a high efficiency purifying air (HEPA) filtration system. Throw away vacuum bags after use because dust mites can leave the bag.

Installing HEPA filters on air conditioner or heater vents is not practical or necessary, and may actually increase mite problems. Remember, dust mites cannot survive on the dust in the ducts, and the small holes of the filters will force air out of vents at a higher velocity, stirring up more dust than without filters.

Complete elimination of dust mites is unlikely. Reducing populations is the only likely way to reduce allergens in the air. Chemical control is not necessary, nor will it have a lasting effect on dust mite populations. Regular cleaning and vacuuming will have a greater impact.

Free Pest Removal Booklet

Easy around home fixes to get rid of the critters.

Want a FREE e-booklet on how to get rid of pests in your home and garden? Who wouldn't? Well the Environmental Protection Agency wants to give this 54 page Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety to you immediately. All you have to do is CLICK HERE

Control Moth Population

"Use this sImple natural substance to control moths in your home."

I have a moths-inthe-house problem. It started when my grandson killed all the spiders in the house. Since spiders trapped and killed the moths and I had less spiders, I now have more moths.

Here are a few tips for getting rid of moths:

Keep a large gauze bag of Lavender in each of your closets. Not only does lavender keep the moths away, it smells great. A lavender bag should last for months.

Remove or eliminate all food sources attractive to moths. That would include pet food, wild bird food, dried flower arrangements and any other open containers of food or snacks.

Set pheromone moth traps. This one really worked for me. I bought the traps from a local hardware store. Be sure to set traps for both Indian Meal moths, and Clothing moths. It also makes sense to set pheromone traps for tobacco beetles. The pheromone traps only attract the males of the species, and are an excellent detection tool to help locate where the moths are most active in a home. Since the males are caught in the trap, the breeding cycle can be disrupted.

Thoroughly clean kitchen cabinets and pantries. Place all dried packaged food, such as cereal, nuts, oatmeal, pasta, dried beans, bread, crackers, snacks, potato chips etc into sealed, airtight jars or other sturdy, airtight containers. If possible, store these products in your freezer, especially for long term storage.

Remove or eliminate all food sources attractive to moths. That would include pet food, wild bird food, dried flower arrangements and any other open containers of food or snacks.

You Can Deduct More Medical Costs From Your Tax Bill Than You Thought

These and more medical costs can lower your tax bill if you are aggressive

You can deduct un-reimbursed medical and dental payments if the total exceeds 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. You might think, "I probably don't have that many expenses that will exceed the threshold - but look again at the types of things you can deduct: Here is a quick sample:

1. Co-payments or other costs for prescription drugs.
2. Lab fees.
3. Prescription eyeglasses.
4. Prescription contact lenses.
5. laser eye surgery.
6. Hearing aids.
7. False teeth.
8. Bandages.
9. Crutches.
10. in vitro fertilization
11. Fertilization and other fertility procedures.
12. Vasectomies.
13. Guide dogs.
14. Smoking-cessation programs (but not nicotine gum or patches.
15. Weight-loss programs for obesity and other doctor-diagnosed diseases.
16. Visits to doctors, dentists, chiropractors, psychiatrist, psychologists, acupuncturists, therapists, and Christian Science practitioners.
17. Surgery to correct congenital abnormalities.
18. Premiums for health insurance.
19. Certain Long-term care premiums.
20. Accident insurance.

You can find more health related deductions at: www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html">. If you did not keep such records you can ask your medical providers (check your hospital and doctors billings for overcharges as these are quite common.) your insurance company, your pharmacist, etc. for receipts or proof-of-payments. Hint: Go to the website and list all the deductions you think you will be accruing this year and note in incurred expense as you incur them for this year.

Click Here!

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Tips for Home Protection

Simple Changes Can Offer Big Protection

130db_alarm_flashlight_120x600

Close and lock windows. If that's not possible, purchase inexpensive hardware that attaches to the window frame and allows the windows to open only 6 inches.

Eliminate hiding places by trimming trees and shrubs around windows.

Install motion sensor lights around doors.

Put some lights on timers to make it appear that there is activity even if you're not there.

Don't let newspapers and mail pile up on your front stoop when you're away.

A "Beware of Dog" sign in the front window may deter a burglar, too.

If you are away from home, turn your radio to a talk station. Unwanted visitors will think someone is home.

Find criminal, court, personal records at touch of button, Click Here!

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Finding Keys

Give your memory a boost

Keys
If you have trouble finding where you placed your keys do this: Make a habit of placing your glasses and keys in the same place every time. Because you have more important things on your mind this is a good way to remember where you left your keys.

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Car
If you have trouble remembering where you parked your car (It can be frightening to not know where your car is parked), as you walk away turn around and look at the location of your auto to lock a visual image of the environment into your mind.

Journeys Edge Parking Reminder Key Chain w / Built in LED Flashlight

It's a Gas

Want to increase your car's gas mileage up to 19 percent? Do these four things:
o Keep your engine tuned
o Check and replace air filters
o Properly inflate tires
o Use the proper grade of motor oil
Use the recommendations found in your owner's manual. Go to www.fueleconomy.gov (US Dept. of Energy) for more ideas.

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Find Low Gas Prices

The quickest way to locate low gas prices and locations of service stations is to go to Yahoo.com and enter "gas"+(your zip code). So the entry looks like this gas(55407)

The World's Most Complete Guide to Saving Gas (and Money)

Auto Insurance Savings

You can save several hundred dollars a year by purchasing auto insurance from a licensed, low-price insurer. Call your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different companies. Then call at least four of the lowest-priced, licensed auto insurers to learn what they would charge you for the same coverage.
Talk to your agent or insurer about raising your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage to at least $500 or, if you have an old car, dropping this coverage altogether. This can save you hundreds of dollars on insurance premiums.

Drastically Cut Your Car Insurance

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You can save gas while helping force gas prices down! Join our movement. It's free. No dues, fees, meetings. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Come Join Us and Share the Fun, Community and Cash!

Hi. Larry here. I'm a Squidoo lens master, and I'm inviting you to join me. Find and share recommendations online by building a lens. Click the link below to get started.

Start your Lens: People are talking!
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"Call a Business - Free"

If you want to find toll-free numbers of a business go to "Go Toll Free-The Internet 800 Directory", at:
www.Inter800.com.

You can also do a reverse look-up, and add your businesses' toll-free number to the database.

Did you know that your phone company charges $1.49 or more each time you call 411? Instead, try using 1-800-FREE-411 1800Free.com.

"Find Out What They Are Saying About You."

"Use Google Alerts to see your reputation online".

Here is a quick and easy way to find out your reputation online. Go to Google Alerts and do a quick sign up. No selling, no hassles. Just a very useful free tool. Then enter keyword you want to find out more information about. For instance, if your name is Jane Doe, enter an alert for "Jane Doe". Google will scan the net and email you information related to Jane Doe. Information can be sorted by the time period you request. You can read a quick synopsis and either delete the email or click on the enclosed link to read information on this subject.

You can do the same for anyone, like the kid that always hit you in school. Just enter his/her name into the alert and each time someone mentions that name on the net you will get an email concerning the discussion.

Why is this a good thing? Because you can then ENGAGE that website with additional information and so manage your reputation.

If someone mentions your name, You can then comment or send an email to the webmaster regarding the page in question. If the mention was a good one ("Jane Doe is a wonderful person"), then you could thank him or her, add more information and make a connection. If it was bad ("Jane Doe is a rotten person"), then You could ask why or try to change his or her opinion of you - or tell that person to go $@%@ themselves. (Oops! This is a G rated site. Sorry.) Either way, you are aware of what is being said about you, which is VERY important because employers, businesses you interact with and any other internet users have access to this information on you! Privacy died long ago. Now you just have to manage your reputation.

You can also do this by "Googling" your name each day to get the results, but it is more convenient to have the Google robots do it for you each day without you having to.

Material for this module comes from http://www.evolvor.com/

Copy Your Receipts

In the past when I have made purchases at stores , I pull the receipt out to return an item and I find that the price or item description is no longer readable on the receipt. This is because the receipt is made of thermal paper and the ink wipes off easily.

One way to get around this is to make a copy of the receipt as soon as possible. That way you will have a permanently readable receipt in the event you have to return an item.

If you fold the receipt that will cause the ink to wear off rendering the receipt useless. Warning! Don't toss your receipt outside of your home or put it in the garbage. Someone may be able to gather the last four digits of your credit card from these receipts. If they know the bank you bank at, its easy to fill in the other digits allowing them to use your credit card or sell your information. Best way - bring your receipts home and shred them if the copy is not needed.

"Talk To A Person - Not a Robot"

There are two sites where you can get numbers that allow you to talk to a person and bypass a company's robotized telephone tree. Those sites are:
www.GetHuman.com and
www.NoPhoneTrees.com

Just successfully used today. I needed the fax number of my mortgage company. I looked on the Internet and called them but could not get the number. I went to the No Phone Trees site, scrolled down to the Mortgage site, followed the prompts (pushed "o" until a live person answered),got the fax number. Operator also tried to sell me some financing products, but I told her I had an emergency meeting.

Here are some links to Del.icio.us bookmarks about home matters

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Unstop toilet

If your toilet is stopped and you don't have a plunger, just squirt some liquid dish detergent in the bowl and wait a few minutes. The toilet should flush freely. Yep! I tried this and it worked on my stopped toilet stool.
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Correcting Garbage Disposal Jams

Disposal jams seem to happen at the most inopportune times. To reduce jams, do the following:
* Use cold water, not hot, with your disposal.
* Start by turning on the water, then gradually feed food waste into the disposal.
* Running cold water down the drain for 30 seconds before and after using the disposal flushes any remnants so debris is less likely to settle in the pipes.
* Make sure there is nothing but food waste in the sink - clear it of all serving utensils. (Cut the power before you do.)

And Away Go Troubles...

Clear a clogged drain no plumber needed. Mix 1 cup baking soda and one cup salt, pour down drain, then add ½ cup white vinegar. Flush w/boiling water after 15 - 20 minutes.

Make Your Tub Sparkle

To clean soap film and grease from your bathtub, fill a quart spray bottle 7/8 with water, fill the rest of the bottle with Dawn liquid dish detergent. (If you want, you can add a few ounces of vinegar to help disinfect. Smell goes away after rinsing.. Spray the mixture in your tub and leave sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe with a wet cloth and rinse. Your tub will sparkle. This works especially well on fiberglass or acrylic tubs and showers.

Rubber Gloves - Many Uses

You can use your rubber gloves for more than washing dishes

I use rubber gloves to wash the dishes because the water tends to really dry my hands. Actually I like the Mr. Clean latex gloves better. They seem to last longer and get less holes in them.

Here are a few other around-the-home uses I have found for the gloves in addition to dishes. After they are fairly worn form washing dishes, I don't throw them out. I recycle them for:

*doing the laundry
*cleaning the basement
*hand washing fabrics
*cleaning fans
*cleaning the air conditioner filters
*planting and dinging around in the garden
*checking the oil in the cars
*cleaning out accumulated grass from the underside of the lawnmower. (Be careful and remove the spark plug wire before doing this.)
*refilling the gas and oil in the lawnmower
*doing my recycling

You can use the old gloves for doing many household chores as long as the gloves don't develop holes. When finish using my gloves, I sprinkle baby powder in them and hang them on my indoor clothes line by the wrist with a clothes pin. This will allow any hand moisture to evaporate, keep them fresh, and make them easy to get off and on.

Let us know what uses you have found for rubber gloves.

Don't forget to rate our site and leave your comments. Thanks!

Quick Tips!

Extra tips to help around the house.

* Buy fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs - they save four times more energy. I just substituted all my incandescent light bulbs with the Energy Star rated CFL bulbs. A pack of 8 cost me less than $10.00 at Amazon. (This is really cheap. Make your own comparisons)). These bulbs expend only 13 watts of energy for a 60 Watt bulb. The expected life is 8,000 hours. And they appear brighter than conventional bulbs. (You have to wait about 30 seconds for them to get to full luminosity.) You can get them on Amazon now for less than $10.00 for an 8 pack. GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement

* Read full text classics, get great quotes and poetry all for free at: www.gutenberg.net.

* Puppy Stuff on the carpet?
Test the color fastness of the carpet with vinegar in an inconspicuous place. Then sprinkle distilled vinegar over the fresh puppy accident. Wait a few minutes and sponge from the center outward. Blot up with a dry cloth. This procedure may need to be repeated for stubborn stains.

To find out more ways to use vinegar around the home go here: Vinegar Uses

*Don't throw away those tea bags when you are finished making tea. Mix them in with the soil of your potted plants. The tea is loaded with nutrients that plants love and thrive on.

*Studies show we blink a third less than usual when concentrating on a computer screen, so blink more when online to make sure your eyes don't get irritated.

How to Stop Magazine Clutter

Hint - Snip...Snip...Snip.

Find, Cut and Toss.
If you have magazines piling up and creating clutter but you want to save them for articles, do this. Go through each magazine table of contents and identify those articles you need. Cut or tear out each article - file in a manila folder or put in a notebook then toss the magazine into recycling. You should be able to free up 90% of your previous space

Organization Facts:

*Getting rid of clutter eliminates 40% of housework in the average home.
*Americans waste more than 9 million hours each day looking for lost and misplaced items.

Here are two excellent resources on clutter management:
Guide to Home Organization for Busy People
Clear Your Clutter, Clear Your Mind

Let's Do This!

Got a task of job you need to do but can't get the motivation to do it? Try these totally opposite but effective ways to get it done.

1. Simply take a deep breath and do the task as fast as you can without doing it sloppily.

2. Do the task slowly by taking a small piece of it and giving fie or ten minutes a day to it each day. You will be surprised how quickly the job will be done.

Mow Higher for Superior Grass

And put out your "No Walking" signs.

Start mowing your grass at a higher level (2.5 inches or above) as the weather warms to encourage deep rooting and to make the grass more resistant to stress.

Grass has dormant growing periods where it browns out and is low growth or even appears dead. Don't worry, it is just dormant during these hot summer months and will come back normal near the fall. To make sure it does revive, keep people from walking on your lawn during these dormant periods as the grass is more delicate and walking can damage the grass beyond repair.

self-propelled lawn mowers

Tailored for Your Garden

Lots of personalized.tools for your garden

There are many gardening sites online, but one site, www.gardening123.com is more personalized and interactive than most. Here are some of the resource features:

* It has a huge plant database.
* Plants are searchable by both scientific and common names.
* Gardening maintenance chores are adjusted for your USDA zone.
* You can create a personalized "Garden Journal" of plants you grow and receive monthly care reminders for those plants.
* The site has a unique "Garden Layout Tool" for planning or tweaking your garden plan.
* There is customized info on pruning, fertilizing, watering and lawn grass selection.
* Discussion forums organized by topic.
* Recipes for using what you produce.
* Links to sources for gardening related books, plants classes and gifts.
* And best of all Gardening123 is free.
Get a head start on gardening for next year and go there soon.

Don't forget your indoor plants. Click Here!

Good gardening to you.

Bring Your Potted Plants Back to Life

I planted some beans in a clay pot few weeks back and eagerly waited for them to pop-up. Problem is it was very hot and dry with no rain. The pot dries out enough that the soil pulled away from the sides of the pot. When I watered the bean plants kept withering. I learned that the water just went down the sides of the pot and out of the bottom.

I sat the pot in the wash tub with about an inch of medium warm water in the bottom of the tub. The pot soaked up the water it needed to revive the plants. Give it a try and see how it works for you.

No-Cost Weed Blocker

Great for moisture retention too

Instead of using plastic for mulch, which can cause the growth of mold, try newspaper instead.

Spread several layers on your garden or flower bed held down with mulch or stones. (I use cocoa bean mulch. It holds its beautiful color and smells like fine chocolate.) Simply cut slits when you are ready to plant. Unlike plastic, the paper won't block water and never has to be removed. I put my newspaper through a paper shredder and then cover with cocoa bean mulch. Ground has stayed moist even in 10 hour direct sunlight.
newspaper subscription

Is Your Topsoil Tops?

Topsoil is a generic name for the top layer of soil. Not all topsoil is created equal.

Real topsoil is the fertile portion of soil formed in forests as autumn's leaves are digested by soil life creating humus. This is a potent mix filled with nutrients. This topsoil takes centuries to develop and is probably not the soil you get from the garden store.

The "topsoil" you purchase is probably from the layer of soil under the original topsoil, or it can be any soil mixed with organic material such as compost or leaf mold. This composite is, however, a good substitute for the real thing.

When purchasing topsoil ask these questions:
*Was the topsoil mixed or mined?
*How much organic matter does it contain? (A rich natural topsoil has about 5% organic matter.)
* Is the soil clay, sand or loam. (Loam is what you want. Clay stays too wet and sand is too dry)

Finally, don't use top soil to mix in with other soils, instead spread a 3" layer on the surface.

Too your good gardening!

Source: Lee Roach, Associated Press

Build Your Own Automatic Sprinkler System

Our E-book will help you have the most attractive carefree lawn in your community. Plus e book comes with four very valuable bonuses.

How To Design, Install, and Build an Automatic Lawn Sprinkler System: How To Design, Install, and Build Your Own Automatic Lawn Sprinkler System.

Easy Drywall Repair

"Quickly repair that hole-in-the-wall that has been bugging you for so long."

Stuck at Your Computer?

Try the 20/20/20 method

If you are stuck at your computer getting out needed work, you need to rest your eyes for at least a minute every hour. Here is one method I use. It's called the "20/20/20" method. Every twenty minutes, turn your eyes away from your computer and focus on an object at least twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds. Looking out the window is helpful and lets your eyes focus on natural light. You will feel more refreshed and ready to tackle that job in no time.

Lenovo Ideapad G550 2958-9PU 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)

Erase Your Computer Surfing Tracks!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

OK, so the Ho! Ho! Ho! is cheesy, but if someone else has access to the computer you use, such as a friend, a boss, a co-worker or a spouse, they can see every single thing you've done on that computer and they don't even have to know much about technology to accomplish such a feat. By simply using one of many common software applications available online, almost anyone can retrace every computer move you've ever made.

Do you really want someone knowing every single thing you've ever done on your computer? If you don't take measures to protect yourself, that's exactly what can happen. However, our evidence eraser can provide you with the protection and privacy you deserve.

When you run our software, it will scan your entire computer and will show you all of the emails, chat logs, Internet histories, audio and video files, deleted files, search histories, clipboard data, cookies, password files, image files and other information you probably never even realized was on your hard drive.

Better yet, once you've seen all the privacy-invading footprints stored on your system, our software will enable you to erase them from your hard drive forever and then not only will your privacy be protected, but your computer will run better as well.

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Top Ten TV Shows

Top 10 TV Shows

The Rust Gremlin

Wrought ironwork - railings, gates, etc., are other areas requiring regular attention. Rust spots should be brushed down with a wire brush and treated with a rust inhibiting primer. Then add two coats of paint before the corrosion takes hold throughout.

Valspar 44-981 QT 1 Quart Prep-Step Exterior Based Primer Paint

Squeaky Wheel...

If you have an automatic garage door, it is important to lubricate the door hinges. You can use a light oil, WD-40, white grease or a special garage door lubricant you can purchase at the hardware store. This increases the life of your door, reduces the strain on your door motor and reduces the noise it makes when opening and closing. Use the same tip for manual garage doors. The easiest way to remember is to pick the same date each month to lubricate. Make sure you get all the hinges including the two winch types at the top sides of the door.

Small Business Resource - Pro Biz

Your hub for all things small and micro business.

PRO-BIZ USA - Small Business Resource And Information Center.

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