8/18/13

Since we spend one-third of our life in bed, creating a healthy bedroom is imperative to get a good night's sleep. Bed bugs, dust mites and other living allergens that end up in our beds can lead to an unhealthy mattress. If you suspect you might have some of these critters, don't toss the mattress to the curb just yet. Instead, fill a spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle with rubbing alcohol. Strip the bed of all sheets (and wash them in hot water), and spray the rubbing alcohol all over the mattress. Upon contact, the living allergens will die. Wait a few minutes, then use the handheld attachment for your vacuum to give the bed a good cleaning.

8/17/13

Frozen organic berries -- blueberries, blackberries and strawberries -- can be expensive during the fall and winter months. During the summer, when berries are at their peak and most affordable, stock up on the fresh supply and freeze them yourself. Simply remove stems and leaves and rinse the organic berries; let them air-dry on a towel, and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Freeze them and transfer the berries to airtight plastic containers. Come fall, when you're in the mood for a summer smoothie, you'll be stocked and ready to go.

8/16/13

When you hear a creaky door, it usually means grabbing a petroleum-based lubricant to spray on the hinges to stop the noise. But you don't have to use a nonrenewable chemical product to have hinges move with ease. Try food-grade mineral oil (from the pharmacy) or a few drops of tea tree oil instead. These oils are made from renewable resources and will have a lasting effect to keep joints, hinges and anything else in your home moving effortlessly. Just avoid vegetable and olive oils: While they do the trick, the oil will go rancid and create an unpleasant smell.