50 Hassle-Free Steps to a Healthier Home

Courtesy of This Old House

I'm always on the lookout for tips, ideas, advice, and guidelines to keep my home healthier and hazard-free. I don't have kids, but I do have pets (and that can be a whole other topic to cover in the future) and keeping the house clean, fresh, and healthy can sometimes be a challenge with three dogs and a cat. 

Most of my clients have children or grandchildren, sometimes multiple pets, and are environmentally conscious, too. So, I'm always looking for ways to help my clients have homes that are not only beautiful to look at and live in, but are also healthy, safe, and family and pet friendly, too. I recently came across an article on one of my favorite websites, This Old House, and wanted to share these tips with you.

50 Hassle-Free Steps to a Healthier Home 

Our homes should be our havens, but too often our homes are harboring hazards we're not even aware of. Here are a few tips and ideas to help keep your home healthier, safer, and more wholesome for yourself, your family, and your pets.

Entryways

1.      Keep pollen out. Shake or brush items outside; keep wet wipes handy to clean pets' fur and feet; don't hang laundry outside during prime pollen season.

2.      Add mats to both sides of the door. This will help to keep out dirt, as well as allergens, bacteria, lawn chemicals, etc. Use washable mats whenever possible and clean regularly.

3.      Air out dry cleaning. Try to take off plastic bags before you put the clothes away. Dry cleaning solvents are often potent chemicals. If your clothing has a strong chemical odor, air them out before putting them away. Better yet, try to find a dry cleaner that uses organic products.

4.      Establish a no shoes indoors policy. Keep a basket of slippers or "indoors only" shoes in a basket by the main entry.

5.      Install vent fans in crawl spaces. Keeping the humidity level low prevents condensation and the spread of  musty odors, mold, and helps to curtail allergies and asthma. Find a fan that is designed for crawl spaces.

6.      Create a pet checkpoint. Treat dogs and cats with a monthly flea and tick repellant and check them for ticks and fleas before they come back into the house (if possible). Try to avoid flea and tick collars which contain pesticides, can be irritating to your pet's skin, and can rub off on kids and furnishings.

Kitchen and Pantry

7.      Caulk holes and crevices so that disease-carrying mice, bugs, and other critters stay outside.

8.      Filter your drinking water. Carbon filters - whether a pitcher, tap mounted, or under sink model - can cut levels of lead, chlorine, and other chemicals in your drinking water.

9.      Change refrigerator filters before their expiration date. If your fridge comes with a water dispenser, change the filter every six months.

10.  Toss cracked cutting boards. Opt for a cutting board made from hard maple or hard plastic so germs and bacteria don't have a place to hide.

11.  Clean prep surfaces regularly. Scrub those cutting boards with hot, soapy water after each use.

12.  Use your range hood when you cook. It'll reduce cooking related air pollutants, including carbon monoxide. Clean range hoods and filters regularly.

13.  Seal stone countertops with a product low in VOC's

Living Room

14.  Ban smoking indoors.

15.  Open a window and let in some fresh air (unless you are battling pollen).

16.  Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. High efficiency particulate air filters are best for sucking up dust, dust mites, pet dander, and fleas. Use a crevice tool and upholstery brush on chairs and sofas, and brush attachments are great for getting rid of dust on lampshades and drapes.

17.  Add some live houseplants. Plants can help to neutralize formaldehyde (sometimes found in furnishings and paints). Good choices include spider plants, peace lilies, philodendrons, English ivy, Boston ferns, and bamboo palms.

18.  Clean hardwood floors often using a mild vinegar and water or lemon oil and water solution. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

19.  Sanitize hand held devices. Cordless phones, TV remotes, computer keyboards, etc. all harbor bacteria, germs, and viruses.

20.  Hire a chimney sweep. Regular maintenance on your fireplace and chimney helps lower airborne particulates and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide building up.

21.  Loosen grime with steam. Steam appliances rely on water alone for cleaning.

22.  Shop for furnishings and finishes that have low or no VOC's.

Bathroom

23.  Replace failing or cracked tiles to discourage mold and bacteria buildup.

24.  Dehumidify. Run the vent fan after every shower to prevent mold and mildew.

25.  Avoid using cleaners with ammonia and chlorine. And remember never to mix the two!

26.  Sanitize faucets where germs and viruses collect. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or use wipes that kill viruses.

27.  Swap out vinyl shower curtains for washable nylon or cotton.

28.  Avoid chemical grout cleaners.

Playrooms/Kids' Rooms

29.  Vacuum, dust, and damp mop regularly.

30.  Test suspect paint surfaces for lead.

31.  Sanitize doorknobs and toys which can harbor germs and viruses.

32.  Install linoleum, cork, tile, or stone instead of vinyl or carpeting. Unlike vinyl, natural materials contain no phthalates and will collect lest dust than carpeting.

33.  Look for chemical free furnishings.

34.  Avoid furnishings and clothing with stain-resistant coatings if possible.

Laundry/Pet Area

35.  Decant kibble into sealed containers to keep vermin at bay.

36.  Opt for paper or plant-based kitty litter.

37.  Nip fleas naturally and launder your pet's bedding regularly.

38.  Make sure that your clothes dryer vents outside and clean the vents regularly to reduce lint build up and a potential fire hazard.

39.  Wash sheets, duvet covers, and mattress pads weekly to keep dust mites under control.

40.  Upgrade to a steam washer.

Bedrooms

41.  Let your bed air out before you make it each day.

42.  Screen out pollen. If you have a window air conditioner, clean the filter often.

43.  Stop using moth balls which contain possible carcinogens. Instead, opt for cedar chips.

44.  Use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites out.

45.  Swap out wall-to-wall carpeting for hardwood and washable area rugs. This will help to reduce the build up of dust, dander, and other allergens.

Basement

46.  Check for radon. This odorless natural gas can go undetected for years. Use a radon test kit every few years and after any work is done in your basement.

47.  Schedule an HVAC checkup to make sure furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning units are in good working order, preventing carbon monoxide build up.

48.  Clean or replace your furnace or forced air system filters regularly.

Garage

49.  Take inventory and safely dispose of any half empty containers of paint, anti-freeze, motor oil, pesticides, etc. that are no longer usable.

50.  Set up to work outside and wear a mask as needed if working with any chemically treated lumber or products that contain formaldehyde or other chemicals.

You can have a well kept home and take care of your health, too. For more tips and information about keeping a healthier home, visit www.thisoldhouse.com

Ceil Petrucelli is an interior designer, decorator, and home organizing consultant based in Bennington, VT. She owns Ceil Petrucelli Interiors and The House Therapist and can be reached at ceilpetrucelli@comcast.net or her website www.CeilPetrucelliInteriors.com

Things Usually Look Worse Before They Look Better

Courtesy of My Home Ideas.com

I have a confession to make. When it comes to my own "major" home improvement projects - whether it be redecorating, reorganizing, or remodeling -- I have a tendency to put things off. 

I usually have a good reason -- lack of time or lack of extra money. But it sometimes comes down to lack of motivation, lack of energy or just being too complacent - for lack of a better word. After doing various types of home improvement projects for clients, the last thing I want to do when I get home at night is work on my own home improvement projects. I'd much rather spend time doing other things.

Then there is always the "mess" factor to deal with when starting a project. You know - moving stuff around, emptying the closets, going through drawers, ripping up carpet, prepping the walls and/or ceiling before actually painting. 

I'm not talking about the smaller projects which can get accomplished in a few hours -- I'm talking about the major projects --like repainting a room (or several rooms), replacing old carpeting with new flooring, completely reorganizing a walk-in closet, updating a room with new and/or different furniture and accessories, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. But even some of the smaller projects take some time, effort, and planning as well as some psychology. 

My major stumbling blocks (aside from the financial one) seem to be dealing with the "mess factor" while the project is underway and the "start-stop" nature of most of my DIY projects because who has hours or days of uninterrupted time to work on this stuff? (Oh, and the three dogs and a cat underfoot).

To be honest, some of these projects will eventually require the services of a pro - and thankfully, I've worked with many good tradespeople over the years. But in the meantime, I'm doing a lot of the prep work myself to save a few bucks.

 

I decided to take some of my own advice to deal with my own personal "home improvement" stumbling blocks. And you know what? It actually helped me to refocus, take things one step at a time, and not make myself feel bad because I didn't get everything done according to my original schedule. Life happens -- when all is said and done, if I take time to think things through, develop a plan, then work at it one step at a time, things will eventually get done. 

And if things look a bit messy in the meantime, I keep visualizing what it will look like after the new flooring goes in, the rooms are repainted, and I'm cooking a fabulous Italian meal in my new kitchen. It may take awhile, but it'll get done!

10 Small Changes That Can Yield Big Results

 Photo Courtesy of BHG.com

Spring is a great time of year to make a few changes around your home. Here are a few ideas that can yield some instant results and make a major impact, too. Are you pressed for time or on a budget? These are 10 quick, easy, and low cost ideas that can give your home a fresh new look with a minimum of effort.

1. First impressions count. Paint your front door a new and different color! Add a new doorknocker and add a seasonal wreath or other arrangement that says "Welcome!" Add a few pots of flowers or window boxes to your front entry. You can also replace that old doormat with a new one.

2. Inside your home - Clear clutter from surfaces. The easiest way to give a room a fresher look is to clear away anything that clutters up your space. It's time to let your rooms breathe!

3. Pare down on accessories and knickknacks. A few well chosen accessories nicely displayed will make more of an impact than a bunch of knickknacks scattered on every available surface.

4. Ditch those tired and dated dried floral arrangements, wreaths, centerpieces, etc. that are past their prime. If they are more than a couple years old, have lost their color and freshness - it's time to replace them with live healthy plants, fresh flowers, or a single orchid or bamboo plant. A simple and elegant silk arrangement in a beautiful container would also be lovely.

5. Replace a tired and dated bedspread with a fresh new comforter or quilt. Add some new sheets and pillows. (You can donate some of your old bedding to the local animal shelter!) On a budget? Local area discount and department stores often have special sales or have "bed-in-a-bag" ensembles for very reasonable prices. Favorite resources for moderately priced bedding include The Company Store, Linen Source, Pottery Barn, and Country Curtains.

6. Replace those frilly and ruffled curtains and pillows that were so popular a few years back with something more simple and tailored. Replace the ruffled curtains with simple panels or Roman shades for a more tailored and classic look. Favorite resources for ready-made curtains and drapes include Country Curtains, Smith + Noble, Pottery Barn, and JC Penney.

7. Paint is an easy and fairly low-cost way to transform a room or a piece of furniture. Don't have time to do a whole room? Paint one wall as an accent and see how that can become a focal point. My favorite paints? I usually spec out Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams, but there are other good brands available.

8. Have a favorite lamp or light fixture that looks dated? Replace the lampshade for an easy fix or paint the base a different color. There are lots of options to choose from. Local resources for me include The Lighting Place and Lake's Lampshades.

9. An old sofa or chair can be updated quickly with a new slipcover. There are many options available from inexpensive to custom-fitted. Sometimes a slipcover can be a temporary solution until you can afford to buy that new sofa or chair. Or just add some fresh new throw pillows!

10. Replace an old and leaky faucet in your kitchen or bathroom with a newer model. You can also replace your shower heads with newer models. Most will also help you save considerably on water consumption!

These are just a few tips to get you started. For more ideas, there are lots of on-line resources, magazines, and books available -- not to mention all the home improvement shows on TV!

Ceil Petrucelli is an interior designer, decorator, and home organizing consultant based in Bennington, VT and is the owner of Ceil Petrucelli Interiors and The House Therapist. She can be reached at ceilpetrucelli@comcast.net

30 Creative & Inexpensive Marketing Ideas for Small Business Owners

I was recently the guest speaker at the WBON - Women Business Owners Network Upper Valley Chapter monthly meeting which was held at the historic Norwich Inn, located in Norwich, VT. We had a delicious lunch and I had a great time with an amazing group of women.

When I was invited to speak several months ago, I knew I didn't want to talk about home organizing, interior design or decorating, but about something else entirely - creative and inexpensive marketing ideas for small business owners. Marketing and PR -- something that has really become an "avocation" of sorts for me in the past year or so as my various business ventures transition into different areas. I took a few classes over the past 3-4 years, started to read, learn, and developed lots of resources and started to become a "go-to" person for some local area small businesses, non-profits, and creative types who needed a little guidance here and there. 

I came up with about 30 ideas that are, for the most part, inexpensive, creative, or actually, very basic. Marketing isn't about "selling," it's really about developing relationships. And it's not just about "closing the sale," but about "opening up a relationship" with a customer or client.

Here's a link to the article -- Read and enjoy, and feel free to pass it on.

I'd also like to share some of my favorite books by Seth Godin, best selling author, blogger, speaker, and marketing guru. I follow Seth's blog and he offers some great ideas and really brilliant "aha!" moments every day. The man's a genius and inspires many of us.

     

If you are a small business owner or creative-type person in the Southern VT area and need a little help with your marketing, PR, or social networking, get in touch and perhaps we can work together! (I'm also available for workshops and speaking engagements)

Thanks!

More Favorites on Organizing and Living with Less "Stuff"

Here are a few more favorites on organizing, clearing clutter, and living with less "stuff."

From Julie Morgenstern

       

From Peter Walsh

   

From Others
       

For more books, information, and resources on organizing, decorating, and more, please visit my On-Line Store.

Lots of great books for sale on my On-Line Bookstore! Please visit!

If you live in Southwestern VT or the Berkshires, I'm available for in-home consultations. For more information, please visit my website or contact me via email to set up an appointment. I run seasonal specials and can be available for either short-term or longer term projects. Reasonable rates and great references! 

Did you know I have a weekly radio show on WBTN 1370AM, Bennington, VT's local radio station? You can listen to House Therapy and Design every Thursday at 11 AM (EST) on WBTN 1370 AM. Outside the Bennington, VT listening area, shows are available on-line.

You can also follow me on Twitter and The House Therapist has a page on Facebook, too! Hope you'll check us out there!

Some Favorite Books & Resources for Organizing and Clearing Clutter

A New Year and a great time to get organized and clear out some of the clutter. Here are a few of my favorite books and resources.

From Donna Smallin
 

Visit my On-Line Bookstore for more books on organizing, clearing clutter, decorating, and more!

Visit my On-Line Store for more home organizing and home decorating products and ideas.

'Tis the Season of Giving and Sharing

15 Ideas and Tips to Give More, Spend Less, and Share More Time with Friends and Family During the Holiday Season

The holiday season should be a time to enjoy, share good times with friends, family, co-workers, and other special people in our lives. But, too often, it becomes a very stressful time of year for many of us because we're trying to do too much, cramming in as much as possible during a generally very hectic time of year, and then often feel guilty if we sometimes fall short of our expectations or plans. This year especially, with the economy still not rebounding, many families are faced with smaller budgets, working longer hours to make ends meet, and many people are still unemployed or under employed. But we can still find ways to enjoy the holidays with our loved ones without spending a lot of money and going deeper into debt.

Here are a few ideas:

1. If you're buying gifts this year, buy gifts that support a favorite cause. A few websites to check out include www.thehungersite.com; www.thebreastcancersite.com; www.theliteracysite.com; and Bidding For Good www.cmarket.com Another one is Prosperity Candle which helps women in war-torn areas to rebuild their lives . You can buy a gift and know that a % of the sale is going to help others.
2. Don't exchange gifts at all! Instead make a donation to a favorite non-profit. This can be done in honor or in memory of a friend, family member, or a client. A few years ago, members of my family started to make donations to favorite causes in lieu of exchanging gifts. One year, we made donations to a local hospice; another year we "adopted" a child in Central America; another year the local animal shelter; and a few times, we made donations to Heifer International www.heifer.org and made a difference in the lives of several families in Africa.
3. Host a holiday pot luck gathering for friends, neighbors, or family. Ask that everyone bring a non-perishable food item to the party to be donated to a local food bank. Or ask everyone to bring a gift that can be donated to Toys for Tots or some other organization that is donating toys and clothing to less fortunate children and their families.
4. Host a party for your kids and their friends to make handmade holiday ornaments, gift tags, and gifts. Invite parents to come along to help supervise. Ask everyone to bring an assortment of paper, paints, glitter, etc. Provide light refreshments, healthy snacks, and drinks. You can find some great holiday ideas at www.bhg.com/holidays
5. Enjoy singing? Get a group together to go caroling around your neighborhood some evening. After you're done, invite participants to have hot mulled cider and homemade cookies. Another twist is to gather a group together to visit local area nursing homes. This is a great way to bring some cheer to folks who may often get lonely during the holidays if they don't have family nearby.
6. You don't have to spend a lot of money on gift wrapping! Especially now when we are all doing our best to recycle, reuse, repurpose, and conserve. Instead of buying new gift wrap, use whatever you have on hand and make it look festive by adding different embellishments. Tissue paper, kraft paper, a roll of newsprint paper, or white drawing paper are all good choices. Decorate with stamped designs, stencils, leftover trims and ribbon, beads, pine cones, appliqués, press on letters, etc. Go to Real Simple www.realsimple.com for some inexpensive and creative ideas.
7. Create beautiful, inexpensive, and memorable holiday decorations from natural materials such as fruits, nuts, berries, pine cones, evergreens, bark, twigs, leaves, etc. Go to www.bhg.com/holidays for tips, information, and instructions.
8. Instead of buying "new," shop at local antique stores, flea markets, and second hand and thrift shops to find items which can be repurposed or made into something "new." If you're handy, you can make a lamp from an old crock, jar, or container. Buy a new lampshade to fit, and voila! A new lamp! You can find some great ideas in a book by Judy Lake, aka "The Lampshade Lady" from Pawlet, VT -- The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life. Go to www.lakeslampshades.com for more information.
9.  Another idea - find a pretty teacup and saucer and include it in a gift box with assorted teas, and maybe a vintage teaspoon. Add a package of shortbread or little tea cakes. Better yet, include   some home baked cookies. Yum!
10. Vintage pins, bracelets, earrings, brooches, stick pins, and cuff links can often be found very inexpensively at flea markets, antique shops, and second hand shops. These all make great gifts!
11. Host a recycle, reuse, re-purpose (and Oh, No!) re-gift exchange with friends and neighbors. Attendees can bring anywhere from 1 to 5 or more items that they'd like to part with and exchange with others at the party. For example, you bring a book, a framed print, a set of martini glasses, a basket, and a set of mugs. These can be exchanged for other items brought to the party by others. 
12. Another twist on the same idea is to have attendees bid on various popular items and the highest bidder wins. The money is then donated to a local charity. Any gift items that are left over can be donated to the local Goodwill Store, Thrift Shop, or Salvation Army Store.
13. One of the easiest ways to get your home ready for the holidays and reduce some stress is to spend some time de-cluttering ahead of time. Before you start to decorate, make sure you get rid of anything you don't need, want, or absolutely love to have around. This may also be a way to find some gift items for that holiday "exchange" party or find some things that can be donated to a local homeless shelter or someone in need. 
14. We all like to have our homes looking their best during the holidays, especially if we're planning to entertain. But what if your furniture has seen better days and you can't afford to buy that new sofa or chair just yet? You can cover it with an inexpensive slipcover or throw, or use a quilt or coverlet to hide a multitude of sins. Add a few new throw pillows in festive holiday colors and your ugly duckling has been transformed into a swan.
15.  If you're still mailing out holiday cards, buy cards that support a cause such as UNICEF, or at the very least, buy cards that are made from recycled and repurposed materials. If you have some extra time and want to get creative, you can make holiday cards yourself. Or send holiday postcards which will save you a few cents each on postage. You can also send holiday E-Cards via email to friends, family members, and business associates as long as you know the recipients won't be offended. That will save you a lot of money on postage. Check out www.bluemountain.com for a wonderful selection of e-cards.

So, have fun this holiday season! Spend some quality time with friends and family doing and sharing activities that have meaning and will create some treasured memories for years to come.

You don't have to spend a lot of money on gift giving and entertaining, this holiday season. Get creative! Be inspired! Enjoy yourselves, share the joy and have fun with some of the simpler things. Be generous with your spirit and perform random acts of kindness to strangers. Sometimes, a smile and a cheery "hello!" will make a huge difference to someone who might not be having a great day.

Happy Holidays!