Of the 70 million US households owning dogs or cats as pets around 10% of the population are allergic to them. That is, approximately 7 million pet lovers who suffer from allergies at the paws of their canine companions and feline friends.
Pet allergies are an immune system reaction to animal proteins that trigger inflammation in the lining of the nasal passages. These allergies cause sneezing, runny nose and a stuffy head for some sufferers; however, others experience more serious symptoms including contraction of the airways resulting in hives, wheezing, shortness of breath and other breathing problems. Read the rest »
By Collin on 06/15/09 in Columns, Featured, Health, Pet Perspective
When it comes time to feeding your baby solid foods, your initial vision might be dipping a spoon into a little jar of pureed peas, carrots or bananas. Did you know that your baby will eat about 600 of these cute little jars of baby food? And that the cost of all these jars can add up $400-$600?
If you are interested in making a HUGE dent in this baby budget line item, we recommend you make your own baby food. Now don’t laugh, roll your eyes or start trembling at the thought of cooking – most people find it surprisingly simple and quick to make baby food. Read the rest »
By Cheryl Tallman on 06/14/09 in Columns, Food, Food Tips, Fresh Baby, Money, Recipes
There really is no right or wrong way to clean. Whatever works best for you is great. Be very careful that you do not get stuck in the details of these projects. Do what you can and then move on! Don’t spend this week cleaning and organizing your spice cabinet. We’ll spend some time down the road de-cluttering this room and you can focus on those areas at that time. Your main goal for this room is to spend the next seven days working towards a clean, functional, and easily maintainable kitchen.
I must admit that for me the kitchen is the area that requires the most work. If my kitchen looks clean I feel more relaxed and in control…and vice-versa. My family (myself included) can tend to use the kitchen as a dumping ground. Attempt to come up with clutter-busting solutions to fit your home. If you have an area that seems to accumulate clutter, try to come up with a system to get rid of it (or at least contain it). Read the rest »
By Betsy on 06/9/09 in An Organized Life, Clutter Busting, Columns
When a couple moves in together or gets married they are busy combining two households into one, picking out new dishes or arguing over what color to paint the living room. Chances are the last thing on their mind is outlining an ownership agreement of their dog; however, it can be very important to outline who’s dog the dog will be in the event of a split. Read the rest »
By Collin on 05/28/09 in Columns, Pet Perspective
When you look around your home are you often overwhelmed by all that you have to complete? So many projects, so little time; these once good intentioned tasks have become stressors in your world. It is time to get real.
List all the unfinished projects that you are working on; big and small. Which of these projects simply cannot be finished by you? Create a plan on how you can finish this; whether it is by hosting a workday at your home or by creating a weekly savings plan so you can afford to hire someone. Read the rest »
By Betsy on 05/26/09 in An Organized Life, Clutter Busting, Columns
May is Women’s Health Month. It is a good reminder for all of us to pamper the ones we love. The next few days we are going to focus on taking care of ourselves; because if we don’t love ourselves – who will?
The cost of clutter is such a problem these days. Loss of income, stretched budgets, overwhelmed schedules, late bills, broken relationships, depression, and lost dreams are just a few costs that some of my clients have experienced. During the next seven days I ask you to try a few simple things, none lasting more than 15 minutes, but each can create a big impact. Gaining control over your life does not have to be looked at as a monumental task; rather it can be dealt with in small bite-size steps. Read the rest »
By Betsy on 05/14/09 in An Organized Life, Clutter Busting, Columns
It seems everywhere you turn these days, someone or something is “Going Green.” Sure, some may say it’s just a huge trend or the latest fad, but I ask, how can becoming more conscious of the impact on the environment be anything but good? Consuming less and reusing more sounds like a win for everyone! Read the rest »
By Amy on 04/28/09 in Columns, Editor Picks, Featured, Operation Shower, Parents, Stem Parties
