How about getting rid of a big stink? Natural odor killers can fix that funk. Here are a few options in eco-friendly odor elimination:
Wondering what those green labels are selling you on the beauty products you purchase? Here’s a guide:
Certified Natural Cosmetics -Â meet European Union natural-ingredients rules and don’t have any of the 1,000 chemicals banned by the EU.
Ecocert - 95% of the farmed ingredients adhere to organic standards approved by the French government.
 FSC - Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, using at least 10% of the wood and paper from responsibly managed forests.
 Green-e - Icon that signals that renewable energy sources like wind and solar power were used in making the product.
Made with Certified Organic Ingredients - Similar to the USDA Organic label, Certified Organic, a USDA-accredited certifying agent, grants the seal to products that contain 70% organic ingredients.
Soil Association - A United Kingdom seal that certifies the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients.
 USDA Organic - The U.S. Department of Agriculture gives this seal to products that are 95% organic.
*The closer a product is manufactured to you, the more green it is. Shipping and packaging can make a big impact on the amount of pollution that a product really creates!
Did you know S.C. Johnson has an amazing newsletter? Yep, that’s right, S.C. Johnson as in the makers of Pledge, Ziploc, Shout, Saran, Glade, Windex, Off!, and Raid. The name of the monthly newsletter is the “Clean Home Journal” and is full of great tips including cleaning (of course), recipes, nutrition, interior decorating, and more. They also include printable coupons and links to free samples.
Check out this article on Spring Cleaning, Room by Room which includes 7 FREE printable checklists!
Cleveland is finally adopting Akron to combine marketing efforts to bring new business to the Northeast Ohio area. One of the marketing campaigns is called Cleveland+. For more information click here. I love NE Ohio for its business networking opportunities, great restaurants and regional shopping. Many women I know who have transferred from other cities have always found NE Ohio to have the “best of the best” in these categories. Plus we are known to be friendly people who accept newcomers with open arms.
Learn more about what you can do to recycle from these great sites:
It is a very good idea to hire a home inspector before purchasing a home. Typically it only costs a couple hundred dollars but can save you money by pointing out repairs that need made before you are stuck with them.
Here are some questions to ask before hiring the home inspector:
  1. How long have you been practicing?
  2. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
  3. How long does the typical inspection take you?
  4. How much do you charge?
  5. Can I be present during the inspection?
  6. Are you a member of any professional associations?
The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH)Â suggests asking at least the following questions during the inspection:
  1. Is the house well insulated?
  2. What is the condition of the foundation? Is it sinking?
  3. Are the roof and all of its components in good shape?
  4. Are the joists, beams, and other structural elements in good condition?
  5. Is there any termite damage?
  6. Are the pipes and plumbing systems in good condition?
  7. What is the condition of the wiring?
  8. Is the furnace efficient, clean and running properly?
  9. Is there a mold or a moisture problem in the house?
Once you have these questions answered, it will give you a better idea of if you really want the house. From there you can draw up a purchase agreement that states which repairs must be made and the amount of reductions in asking price to fix problems.
…and that’s a good thing!
Why? Because winter is an excellent time to showcase one of your home’s selling features… the fireplace! A staged home will highlight the fireplace by making it a focal point (it already should be one) and keeping it free of obstructions. During a showing have the fire going to heat up the sale’s potential.
For another hot winter selling tip, click here.
More household hints continued from yesterday’s Part 1:
Plastic Laminate Countertops - Use turtle wax to brighten plastic or buff with toothpaste.
Polishing Carved Furniture - To get into carved details use a soft toothbrush dipped in furniture polish.
Removing Paper from Wood - Dab vegetable oil onto sticker, rub off.
Removing Polish Build-up - Rub build up by rubbing with a wrung out cloth of a solution of equal parts vingar and water. Dry immediately.
Rust - Scrub rust spots with turpentine.
Scratches - Rub wood scratches with the grain with petroleum jelly or a wax stick or crayon that matches the wood.
Uneven Furniture Legs - Hot glue old buttons underneath the leg.
Upholstery - Shaving cream is a good way to remove everyday soil from upholstered furniture.
Vinyl Upholstery - Sprinkle baking soda or vinegar on a rough damp cloth. Then wash vinyl with mild dishwashing soap.
Water Rings - Polish white water rings on wood by dampening a soft cloth and adding a dab of toothpaste.
Wicker - To prevent wicker from drying out, splitting or cracking, apply lemon oil whenever it dries out.
The 23rd Annual Kitchen and Bath Business Market Forecaster revealed its expectations for the industry in this rough economy based on consumer expectations from the last quarter of 2007. Both kitchen and bath remodeling project spending are expected to drop 14% which amounts to over a $118 billion drop. Parallel to this decrease in spending is the decrease in jobs in the bath sector of the industry, which is predicted to decrease around 14%. The kitchen industry expects only a 1% gain in jobs. With the threat of recession, lowered housing starts, and the weak real estate market, it is no surprise that consumers are spending less on interior design and home remodeling. In home staging we often see how reluctant homeowners are to remodel bathrooms, but notice that they are more likely to remodel kitchens. Bathrooms are private spaces and get little attention when it comes to home improvement. Kitchens on the other hand have become showy social places and the key selling feature of homes.
Figures from K+BB January 2008 issue
Everyday there are more and more companies coming up with ways to be more green. Here are just a few resources that homeowners can utilize to build a greener nest:
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