Loose It Back » home tips

natural beauty and haven for relaxation

looseitback — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:24:48 +0000

Having a beautiful backyard fish pond adds to the landscape and enhances the serenity of any homes. It can include streams and waterfalls, which are very pleasing to the senses. Other than that, it also adds value of the house. It provides natural beauty and a haven for relaxation.

However, having ponds doesn’t stop in putting decorations and accessories. It is also important to install a fish pond filter. It is the most important tools to keep the ponds free of dirt, leaves, and other debris. It will ensure that the pond water is clean and the pond life healthy.

There are different types of pond filter available in the market including basket filter, UV filter and bacterial filter. Each placement has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s better to know them all before purchasing. It is also recommended to talk to experts who can give advice which type suits the need of the pond or research the web to know more about this tool. Whatever the type you choose, you are recommended to clean it regularly so it can work for years.

protecting kids from sharp household object

looseitback — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:47:33 +0000

It’s normal for kids to get scrapes and cuts on the playground, but they must be protected from sharp and dangerous items around and outside the home. Here are some important ways to protect kids from injuries from sharp household objects:

Keep knives, forks, scissors, and other sharp utensils in a drawer with a safety latch.
Keep glass objects, such as drinking glasses and bowls, in a high cabinet far from reach.
Make sure that mirrors are snugly attached to the wall.
Keep paper shredders out of the reach of small children.
Store appliances with sharp blades (like blenders or food processors) far from reach or in a locked cabinet.
Keep babies and toddlers a safe distance away when you load and unload the dishwasher to prevent them from grabbing sharp utensils or glassware that could break. (You might want to use a dishwasher lock at other times.)
If possible, keep the kitchen garbage can behind a cabinet door with a safety latch.
If you use a razor to shave, keep it in a locked cabinet in the bathroom. Be sure extra blades are stored in a safe place, along with nail scissors and other sharp personal or grooming instruments.
Store all tools, including those used for gardening, automotive, and lawn care, in locked containers.
If you recycle glass and metal in your home, keep the recycling containers far from reach to prevent cuts and possible poisoning from substances still left in containers.
Make sure swing-set and outdoor play equipment is free of rust, splinters, and sharp edges.

sofa’s 101 buying guide

looseitback — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:18:38 +0000

Sofa or divan is a major investment. And, you expect it to keep your family comfortable for years. Here is some tips before purchasing it.

Frame – a sturdy frame means a long lasting sofa. Soft wood, such as pine is low cost, but may warp or wobble after five years. Pricier hardwood (like kiln-dried oak, ash or beech) is more durable. Avoid frames made of particleboard, plastic or metal; they may warp and crack. Legs should be part of the frame or held on with screws or dowels (pegs) not with glue alone.

To test the frame strength, lift one front corner or leg of the sofa off the floor. By the time you’ve raised it six inches; the other front leg should have risen too. If it’s still touching the floor, the frame is too weak.

A frame with joints connected by any of the following means it is solidly constructed; wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks (or corner blocks glued and screwed) or metal screws and brackets. Staples or nails may be used for extra reinforcement, but never buy sofa that’s held together solely by staples, nails, or glue.

Comfort level and support – most sofas has sinuous, also called serpentine, springs, and preassembled units of snaking wire. They’re supportive, but press on the frame or sag over time if the metal isn’t heavy. High end sofas often come with eight-way hand-tied springs. They are comfy, but expensive. Feel the springs through the upholstery – they should be close together and firm. Sofas with no springs, just webbing or mesh are uncomfortable and flimsy. Sit down firmly on a corner or outside edge of a sofa you’re considering. Squeaks and creaks suggest that springs are incorrectly placed or hitting the frame.

For fillings, polyurethane foam is low-cost and easy to maintain. But the more durable, high density type can feel hard and softer, low-density foam deteriorates more rapidly with constant use. High resilient (HR) foam is slightly more expensive, but more comfortable and long-lasting. Polyester fiber is also inexpensive but flattens more quickly. Goose and duck feather filling are comfy, but they can clump. Top of the line: goose down (the bird’s soft undercoat) mixed with feathers. The combo is yummily plump, expensive (double the price of foam) and high maintenance; cushion need frequent fluffing. A down-polyfiber blend is cheaper, but flattens fast.

Two good options that are comfortable and reasonably priced: HR foam in a layer f down and conventional foam wrapped in polyester batting.

Fabric – sofas for everyday use need durable fabric. Cotton and linens are excellent. Synthetic microfiber can mimic most fabrics and is stain resistant. Cotton and linen can be treated for stain resistance, but even then they aren’t easy to clean, or as durable. Wool and leather are handsome and strong, but expensive. Silk is sleek but fragile. Fabric with patterns woven in tend to wear better than those with printed patterns.

Perfect Ideas for a Cheap Barbecue

looseitback — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:21:59 +0000

It doesn’t have to cost you a lot of cash to make your BBQ memorable. Remember – most people expect burgers and potato salad. So any different food is good. And if you follow these barbecue party ideas you can impress your guests for very little money. Here are cheap and easy food ideas you can try immediately to make you next barbeque party memorable and fun:

One word – Condiments! Everyone has ketchup and mustard. Occasionally you see a lonely bottle of Tabasco. But for very little money or effort you can add a rainbow of variety to your table and impress your guests. Visit a specialty store or good supermarket and pick up some bottles of unusual barbeque sauces or hot sauces for the table. Do not just paint the meat on the grill – give your guests a choice on the table.
Salsa, not just for corn chips anymore! Several years ago salsa took over the number one selling condiment spot from ketchup but most people still think of it as just a dip for chips or a covering for Mexican foods. Don’t just stick with the basic tomato/pepper salsa, be brave and try a fruit or a veggie based salsa. Choose your salsa based on the meat and vegetables you will be serving and invite your guests to cover these foods for a new taste experience.
Sides – go beyond the salad! So you’ve brought your beautiful (though cheap) salad. But now think beyond to other side dishes. What springs to mind? If you are like most people – corn on the cob comes to mind. There is nothing wrong this. But to really impress your guests think of adding one or two other unusual sides that will complement the main course. And remember that sides don’t have to be just veggies. Think of the possibilities of fruits, shellfish and even meats.
Desserts – Why not use the fire? Okay, you got to have desserts. You’ll probably want something cool and some sweets to keep the kids happy. But since the fire is still warm why not consider really wowing your friends by making an additional dessert or two on the grill. Make homemade ice cream, grilled dessert to go with it and you will be considered a party god for many years.

Improving light in specific bathroom areas

looseitback — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 07:22:11 +0000

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a larger bath may have a number of areas and functions that could be enhanced by appropriate lighting. Recessed or general purpose lighting can be adequate for short in and out trips to the bathroom and provide light for taking medications, brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

Adding some option of subdued lighting can add a touch of glamor and relaxation during a luxurious soak in the tub. This may be something to consider if you want to create a spa like atmosphere in your bathroom. In a bath with a large soaker tub or a whirlpool tub, subdued lighting can add much to the experience.

In the tub area precautions need to be taken. Check your local codes to see what is allowed, and what safety precautions you should take. Some areas of the country, fluorescent lighting is required in a bathroom. If codes in your area have this requirement, consult a lighting expert about fluorescent bulbs and colors. There are various colors shades of lighting that emanate from these bulbs and some are more pleasing than others.

Bathroom lighting fixtures are available today in a wide variety of attractive styles and finishes. You’ll find fixtures in whatever style or finish you prefer whether it is vintage, traditional or contemporary. Select bathroom lighting that provides both adequate light for your needs as well as adding to your decor. The fixtures you choose can add just the right touch to complete the look and style you prefer in your new bathroom.

Some Tips for Cleaning the Kitchen

looseitback — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:33:16 +0000

Oven Cleaning – to remove grease from inside ovens and broilers, put small pan of ammonia in oven at night and close the oven door. In the morning, remove the pan of ammonia. The grease inside the oven will wipe off easily!

Ammonia Clean Up – for quick and easy cleanups, get a spray bottle and fill 1/2 with water and 1/2 with ammonia. Why pay a fortune for other cleaners, when this works just as well (and kills germs) I use this for cleaning counters, and wiping down appliances. Spray on, wipe off! Also good for cleaning wastebaskets and garbage cans.

Cleaning Copper Bottom Cookware – do you use RevereWare Cookware? Or cookware with copper bottoms? I do, and try this easy copper cleaner solution. Rub the copper with Worcestershire Sauce, let set for a minute and rinse off! You can also try rubbing with catsup, but I like the sauce method better.

Cleaning Pots and Pans – do you have pans and pots with stubborn burnt on food? Sprinkle baking soda and add a little water. Let sit for about 1/2 hours. Now, wash with dishwashing liquid. Makes it much easier to clean!

House Germiest Places

looseitback — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:09:41 +0000

As we all know, germs are everywhere and there’s nothing we can do about it. However, that’s not to say that we’re to let them just take over our life, especially since knowing where to look – and scrub more fervently – can also mean a smaller risk of infection. While many of us might be tempted to believe the bathroom is the one place in our house where the most germs are, this is not necessarily so. For instance, studies indicate that light switches are also very dangerous from this perspective, for which reason we should make sure we clean them properly at least a few times a week.

Give more attention to cleaning the light switches around the house should be paid if someone is ill. Still, that’s not to say the bathroom is free of germs, no matter how much we scrub and sanitize and like to believe that it is so. If you thought the light switch was bad, hold onto your hats. A typical shower area has 100 times more bacteria than a trash can. Clean the bathtub a few times a week to get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells. As we also noted a while back, while on the topic of germs in the bathroom, a good idea would also be to put the lid on when flushing the toilet to avoid the bacteria there from getting on your toothbrush.

Remote control is also extremely germy and perhaps more dangerous than the two other places listed above. Because we’re all in the habit of snacking in front of the TV, we often flip through the channels, and then use the same hand to eat, for which reason we should clean the remote properly. Nonetheless, the TV remote pales completely in comparison to the kitchen sink, which is apparently dirtier than most bathrooms.

Tips in Decorating Small Apartment

looseitback — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:14:41 +0000

Considering you have a small apartment and you are now wondering how you make your small space look comfortable and inviting without looking cluttered. Well, possibly this is the answer!

Start looking around, notice the placement of windows and which way the light reflects in the rooms during different times of day. You do not want to blind someone, who could possibly be visiting, by that stunning sunset.
Consider also your current furniture and the colors that it is or is not. Some colors can make a room look small, clinical and cold. Good warm toned colors also make it more comfortable for you to live there. Browns, Reds, Yellows, and Oranges are great colors to open up space and make the room warm and inviting. When choosing a color scheme please note that you should choose something that is easy to clean i.e., browns and greys. White is not a good choice, unless you plan on never really living in your place.
Try to look at the big picture, small living rooms means that you shouldn’t get a sectional sofa. Instead try a small love seat or futon couch. Not only does the futon couch help with space but it can be converted to a bed for those single room apartments. If you are on a budget and don’t want to get rid of your current bed and you are in a studio apartment try a bed that looks like a bunk bed without the lower bunk. That way you can store your dress and other articles under the bunk and enclose it with a curtain and no one can see your unmade bed up top. This is very useful for bachelors.
Try creating rooms with the use of decorative screens. It can make a single room look like two or more rooms are there. Also remember your curtains, they should be allowing the light in, the more light you allow in the bigger the space looks.
Use a small bistro table as a dining table. It is intimate and makes for a great coffee talk spot. If you are lucky enough to have someone in your apartment remember to always hide your laundry. Laundries laying around makes the apartment appear cluttered and small.
Plants are a great way to make your room appear bigger. Try hanging them from the ceiling or by using hooks on the wall. Don’t forget the importance of mirrors. The use of mirrors can make your small apartment look large. Use a focal point and angle your mirror towards it, it gives the illusion of depth. Most importantly make sure you always have a clean space, it is always bigger when it is clean.

Dental Home Remedies

looseitback — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:27:56 +0000

Dental Pain – If the pain is in the upper jaw, press thumb into the area near where the jaw hinges, under the cheekbone. Explore with your thumb for the place that brings the most immediate relief. Place the thumb of one hand where the thumb bone of the other hand meets the index finger bone. Rub in small circles for one minute; do as many times as needed on both hands.

Incoming Wisdom Tooth Pain – Chew gum or bite down on a hard pretzel. This will help the tooth break through sooner than it normally would. If the pain is sharp and pulsing, then try applying cold packs to the face. Anytime it’s a dull aching pain, try applying hot packs to the area.

Gum Pain Relief – Put a teaspoon of sea salt (found at health food stores) in a cup of hot water and swish some around in your mouth and spit out. Repeat every hour. If pain persists, see your dentist.

Technique while in Dentist Chair to Reduce Anxiety – Use before and during dental work. Locate the most tender spot in the web of the right or left hand thumb, and squeeze firmly with the thumb on top and the forefinger on bottom for 3 min’s. Hold the ring and little finger of either hand for three minutes or longer whenever you want to feel calmer.

making your showers green

looseitback — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:07:01 +0000

Do you want to make your showers green? Well, you must first, figure out how long they are. See how much time you spend between getting in and toweling off, and try shaving off 30 seconds – just for kicks. Here are some tricks to keep track of how long you spend in the shower:

Time yourself with a kitchen-egg timer, stopwatch, or the shower coach – an electricity free timer that suctions onto your bathroom tiles.
Put on a favorite album and figure out how long you’re in the shower based on the number and length of songs that play by the time you get out.
Put the stopper in the tub and see how much water collects as you shower.

Doing these things would give you the awareness that can cause you to change your habits (often subliminally). Another is you can get a prime water savings. For every 30 seconds you shorten your shower, you’ll save up to 4 gallons of water. And freeing up local funds from east to west wastewater plants and drinking water systems spend about $4 billion each year to treat water.