Buying a spare tire

Many people are intimidated when something on their car needs to be repaired or replaced. Buying a spare tire is no exception. The spare tire provides a great service when it is called upon and it needs to be up for that service. If it has been a while since you checked yours, it might be time to give it a look and be sure that if needed it will be in good shape. If it isn't, you will need to buy a new spare tire.

The first thing you need to do when you want to purchase a new spare tire is to locate where it is stored in your vehicle. There are quite a number of different locations where it might be. Some are stored on the back of the vehicle; these are most often SUV's. Some are in the trunk but where in there is often a mystery. Others are under the car. If you are unsure, refer to your owner’s manual.

Some vehicles have a full-size tire as their spare; others have what is referred to as a donut. A donut is a small tire that has very limited use and is consequently much less expensive than a full-size tire. You need to determine which type you have and the size of your rims. If your car is old and you don’t plan to keep if for many years, there is no need for the larger expense unless you do a lot of driving and have a lot of flat tires. A donut works fine for most people.

There are many places where you can buy a spare tire. You can try the big retailers like Sam's Club or BJ's. To buy it there you must know exactly what you want. If you are not sure, then you may want to go to a retailer who specializes in tires like Goodyear, Sears Automotive or Town Fair Tires. They will be able to tell you exactly what you need and tell you what options are available.

Before you consider buying a spare tire that is full sized, be sure that you have the room to store it in your car. It may seem like a good idea but you need to have enough space A donut spare is good for about 70 miles, give or take and if you only use it to get you to a service station for repair or to replace your flat then you will get several uses from it. It is both easy to store and cost effective. Always carry a can of fix a flat with you just in case your tire and your spare fail you.

When we rented a Toyota recently, it had puncture proof tires with no spare. It does take a little getting used to, I prefer knowing I have a spare. 

Treating spring allergies naturally

Spring is in the air. Anyone who has spring allergies has known that for quite a while. It makes millions of us miserable. Allergies are your body's way of telling you that it doesn't like a foreign object that you have introduced it to. Suddenly your eyes are itchy or drippy or both, your nose stuffs up or runs. It isn't a pretty sight. When it comes to treating spring allergies, you need to know what type they are.

Basically, there are three types of allergens; contact, food and inhaled. Of these, the most common are those that you inhale and these include pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust. The most common food allergies include milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, chocolates, and strawberries. Contact allergies usually result in an itchy rash, the most common are nickel, fragrance, poison ivy, latex, and lanolin.

Before you think about natural cures you need to try to make your environments as much of an allergen free zone as possible. Dust mites are tiny but they leave behind, get ready to be grossed out, fecal matter and dead mites in the carpet, pillows, and furniture in your home. Pollen comes blowing in the doors and the windows and your favorite pets are dropping their dander everywhere. It's no wonder you are sneezing coughing and scratching.

Can you say HEPA? Now that you have said it, make sure that your vacuum has one. This is the first step in making your home an allergen-free zone. You also need to close those windows and use air conditioning. The final step is adding air filtration systems again with a HEPA filter if possible. If this doesn't solve the problem you may need to remove the carpeting in your home and cover your bedding in plastic. If mold is a problem then a dehumidifier is a must, you need to dry out the environment.

Unfortunately even if your house is an oasis eventually you have to go out. You will then have to treat the symptoms.

Honey

One of the easiest homeopathic remedies to counteract allergies is to eat at least a tablespoon of locally grown honey every day. It can have some very positive results. The trick is to make sure that the honey is being produced within 40 miles of where you live, this way the bees will have transferred the same pollen to which you have been exposed. It is a case of the hair of the dog; if you are exposed to the allergens, your body will gradually become tolerant of them. While there is no science to back this up, several of my friends have had good results so it can’t hurt to put some local honey in your tea or on your toast.

Quercetin

According to research at the University of Maryland Medical Center, “In test tubes, quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergic reactions. On that basis, researchers think that quercetin may help reduce symptoms of allergies, including a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of the face and lips. However, there is no evidence yet that it works in humans.”

Other experts agree. David C. Leopold MD, director of Integrative Medical Education at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in San Diego, says “some people are able to manage their allergies with natural allergy remedies alone, while others use them as a complement to drugs. 

I think quercetin is pretty effective and well tolerated,” says Leopold. “It seems to work well for prevention.” However, while lab tests of quercetin are intriguing, we don’t yet have good research for how well it works as a treatment in people.”

“Finding a good supplement for allergies can be a challenge,” says David Rakel, MD, founder, and director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program. “Honestly, the pharmaceuticals often work a little better. But there are some out there that can help.” 

Butterbur

“Butterbur is the Singulair of the herbal world,” says Rakel. “I think of all the allergy supplements, it has the best evidence behind it.” The herb appears to work as a leukotriene inhibitor, which blocks some chemicals that trigger swelling in the nasal passages.

According to WebMD, some research shows that an extract of butterbur root (Ze 339) are just as effective at relieving nasal symptoms as antihistamines like Zyrtec and Allegra. Butterbur has the advantage of not causing sleepiness, a common side effect of antihistamines, even some so-called “non-sedating antihistamines.” “For someone who is driving a car or flying a plane and really needs to avoid the sedative effects of an allergy medication, butterbur is a good alternative,” Rakel says.

Some of the issues with herbal remedies involve allergic reactions. Many of the plants which are used are related to ragweed and those with allergies to ragweed may find them more irritating than helpful. “I’ve seen people who come into our offices because their ragweed allergies are being aggravated by their allergy supplements,” says Rakel. “Usually, the first thing we do is get them off all the stuff they’re using. The human body doesn’t generally need a handful of supplements every day to stay well.”

Nasal irrigation

It might seem odd, but there’s good evidence that flushing out the nasal passages with salt water can help allergy symptoms. Some use simple neti pots and others more elaborate devices. “I think more Americans need to get used to nasal irrigation,” says Leopold. “It’s very effective and it makes clear sense. You’re flushing away the things that are irritating your nasal membranes.”

As you can see, there are some alternatives to pharmaceuticals when it comes to treating spring allergies. Most research seems to indicate that a combination of products both medical and herbal may give the best results for most people. It may be that the best way is to combine preventative and treatments and see what will give the best relief.

Scrapbooking terms everyone needs to know

Have you started scrapbooking all those great photos you have taken over the years? No, and why not? Are you intimidated by all those terms that mean nothing to you and everyone else seems to understand? It isn't as overwhelming as you might think; there are a few scrapbooking terms that you need to know so that you can get started with your basic supplies. Before you know it, you too will be walking the walk and talking the talk.

Album

A scrapbooking album is different from a photo album. It has clear plastic sleeves that hold your pages. It is held together with screws that are called extenders because you can indeed extend your album by adding longer extenders. Scrapbooking albums come in a variety of sizes and with many different cover choices. You can spend a little or spend a lot. If you have lots to do, opt for the little and do more of them. If you like the idea of doing large pages,  12 by 12 is the ideal size.

Patterned Paper

The base for your page of memories can be just the plain white paper that comes with your album but if you want to take your scrapbooking style up a notch, purchase some patterned paper. Patterned paper comes in a variety of colors and an endless array of patterns and designs. You can go with a theme or just go crazy.

Paper trimmer

This is the one tool that no scrap booker can live without. You will use the paper trimmer in so many ways. You can crop your photos, trim the pattern paper and cut some card stock. It uses a razor to give you a safe and crisp edge whenever one is needed.

Adhesive squares

These are great little squares that you use to stick all your items to your page. It is done in such a way that nothing shows. The squares come in two sorts, permanent and adjustable. If you think you may want to redesign your page then use the ones that allow you to remove everything.

Stickers

Alphabet stickers are especially useful when you want to scrapbook. You can use a journaling marker but you can also use letters to write your story or if you have trouble thinking of something that says it all, you can buy quotes that will fit any page.

Scissors

When it comes to scrapping you may need just one pair of nice sharp scissors. If you can afford it however, there are sets of shaping scissors that allow you to add interesting designs when you cut, like pinking shears.

Punch

No this isn't a drink; it is a hole punch which comes in a variety of shapes. It can be a heart, a shamrock, a half moon or a Christmas tree.

Stamps

Stamping is a craft of its own however when combined with scrapbooking it reaches new heights. You can use it to add that special something to your pages.

Embellishments

Many things that are considered embellishments in scrapbooking. It can be buttons, charms, ribbons or lace. The only limitations are your imagination.

Die cuts

Die cuts are paper stock that is cut in shapes. They come in themed shapes and some standard ones such as squares and circles. They can be used as backing for photos or to hold your journaling. They have many uses and enhance your pages.

Now that you have learned the basic scrapbooking terms you have no excuse for not getting started with those project that you have been putting off. 

Adding color to a room when you can't paint

If you live in an apartment or rental where you are not allowed to paint the walls are you doomed to having a sterile and cold look to your home? Not at all. There are many ways of adding color without paint.

Window treatments are a good way to add color. You can add a valance over the window in color, patterns or textures. There are great rods to showcase valances and you can choose ones that fall down the entire sides of the window frame. Other options are those that are attached with rings, slide directly on the rod or wrap around it. All valances will add a great pop of color.

Curtains, drapes,and shades are also great ways to add color to a room. Most rooms need to have shades or blinds for privacy. Two very popular styles are pleated or Roman shades. Both are available in a variety of colors.

In the bedroom, it is easy to add gorgeous color with bedding. Whether it is a duvet cover, bedspread, comforter or throw, you can choose the color palette that best suits your taste. Most major retailers have a wide choice of bedding in colors and materials that will offer all the color that you desire.

Throw pillows are a very good option for adding color to most rooms. Toss them on your bed, the sofa and even on the chairs in a dining room or kitchen. There is an almost endless selection of colors, sizes, and materials available.

When you can't add color to the walls, a throw rug on the floor is an inexpensive way to brighten up a room. Throw rugs come is a wide selection of sizes, textures, colors, and materials. Synthetics are usually cheaper than natural fibers but if you want the real thing, the prices are still quite affordable.

In the kitchen, you can add potholders and towels in your favorite color, appliances for the counter and decorations for the walls. Adding a few vibrant plates is another both practical and cost-effective way to introduce color.

In the bathroom, towels, bath mats, the shower curtain and other accessories can provide as much color as you want.

One of the least expensive ways to add color is with wall art. You can find posters and pictures at a pittance at art museums and discount stores. Frames can be found at almost any discount store and this opens up a world of possibilities.

It is great to be able to paint the walls but there are many other creative ways of adding color without paint.

How to flip a house successfully

Flipping a house has gained a great deal of popularity due to all the TV shows that make it seem like an easy way to make a lot of money. What they don't show and don't tell is that many more flippers lose money than make money. Have I ever personally flipped a house, no but having done a complete rebuild of my house has given me a unique perspective on how this can work. 

Making money on flipping a house is a little bit like going to the casino and betting on the roulette wheel, red or black. In order to give yourself the best chance of success on your bet, you have to know what you are getting into.

In order to have the odds be in your favor, you need to be very careful when you chose your house. You need to have a home inspection before your purchase any house. Not just a casual one either, you will want to pay to have an intensive, extensive inspection. If there is one thing that will undermine your potential for profit on your flip, it is finding out that you have major structural or foundation damage. 

You need to know the condition of the electrical, plumbing and roof. Major unexpected expenses can mean the difference between making a profit and losing money on your flip.

You don't want to have the best house in a bad neighborhood, you are much better off buying the worst house in a good neighborhood. One thing to keep in mind when looking for your home is that you can change the home but you can't change the neighborhood. Also if it is a family neighborhood, you need to have at least three bedrooms.

You should be pre-approved for a mortgage so that when you have found your house, determined the price that is fair and had your inspection you are ready to make the jump into flipping. If you watch the flipping shows you know that being realistic appears to be a major issue.

You have to determine what you are able to do yourself, what you need to contract out and most importantly how long it is going to take. Unless you have no other job, which I want to point out may make getting a mortgage pretty tough, you should hire a general contractor.

A general contractor can coordinate all the other contractors you will need. They should also be knowledgeable about local codes and permits that will be necessary. Another important thing to remember is that this is not going to be your home. Good taste is important but not your taste, be more generic. Everything should be neutral in color, not boring but something that appeals to most people.

Setting a budget and sticking to it is vital to your success. Many things can happen to sabotage your project but with a plan, you will always have your goal in sight. Never just go shopping without your budget and plan in mind. If lighting isn't going in until week seven, you don't need to have it hanging around in week one. If it needs to be ordered then, by all mean,s make sure it is available when you are ready for it.

There is money to be made in flipping houses even in the present weak housing market but you need to do your research and do everything possible to minimize the possibility of any unexpected and not budgeted for expenses. Set realistic goals and hire a general contractor who you know and trust. 

Green up your lawn for spring

Greening up your yard for spring is a great way to help the environment and to also have a great yard to enjoy. Especially if you have children, the use of organic products to help your yard to thrive is an excellent idea. You also want to be able to use products that are pet friendly.

One of the best ways to have a great yard is to aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn helps to loosen the soil. By loosening the soil you allow air, water and nutrients to get to the roots. 

Strong roots make strong grass. When the soil becomes loosened it is a friendly environment for earth worms to grow. Earth worms are very good for both grass and for soil. They eat the grass that gets cut and bring it deep into the soil. They east it and then of course as with any life form that eats they leave behind organic material that helps to nourish the soil.

Starting a compost heap is a very green thing to so in your yard. Not only does it give you a place to dispose of your fruit and vegetable peelings and other organic waste but also the grass and bush clippings. You will then have a great organic mulch and fertilizer to help to grow your plants and your lawn. Spring is a great time to put in some new plants. You can add annuals or perennials and even a few bulbs for late summer blooms. 

If you have a fence around your yard, it may be time to paint. When you are going green you will want to choose a paint that is environmentally friendly. By using sustainable wood for your fencing, decking and yard furniture you are helping to keep things green.

One of the greenest things you can do for the grass in your yard is to use corn gluten meal to both feed the grass to discourage the germination of weeds. Corn gluten is an organic product that results from the milling of corn. The University of Iowa has done extensive testing of the product and while it may not be the easiest to use, it is very effective if used correctly.

One of the most amazing things you can do in the spring is to make your yard a friendly haven for birds. There are many bushes that are especially attractive to birds. Birds such as humming birds need to have flowers to attract them and then they need a perch. They love colorful flowers. If you plant the bushes that they want and need, they will come.

Having a green yard, requires a few simple steps but the rewards will last for years. You will also have a place that your family and pets can enjoy safely and that is a welcome place for birds. Spring is the time of year when you do all the preparation that will give you a year of beauty and functionality. use these easy ways to green up your yard for spring.

Making family laundry more efficient

Family laundry is one of the  biggest chores that we all deal with. It has to be faced every week. While it may seem like a daily task at times, it is more efficient to choose a day and complete the entire task that day. Exceptions do exist and no doubt there will be times when you will need to stray off of the schedule but those times should be rare. Here are a few tips for making family laundry more efficient.

In order to make the task seem less overwhelming, it is advisable to get the cooperation of the entire family. This may require some tough love, such as letting your little athlete play sports in the dirty uniform they tucked under their bed and never brought down to be cleaned or sending a teary faced teen off to the dance without her favorite shirt. It will only be necessary a few times for the family to get on board. Stand firm, be strong and you will get their cooperation.

Supply each family member with their own hamper and their own laundry basket. This may seem excessive but it makes each person responsible for their own laundry. If Saturday is laundry day, make a rule that hampers must be in the laundry room at a designated hour. No hamper, no clothes washed. This will result in either children who will learn at an early age to operate the washing machine and dryer or children who are organized and learn to be helpful, the choice is up to you.

You as the person in charge will need to sort the laundry by colors, fabrics, and degree of soil. While you are sorting, you should be looking for any items that need to be pre-treated for excess soil or stains. You can begin with any degree of color, whites are a good choice if you have no other preference.

If you are planning to use bleach, be sure that all the clothing can safely take chlorine bleach. Hopefully, your washer has an automatic bleach dispenser, if not, be sure that you let the washer fill, add the bleach and detergent and then add the clothes. Fabric softener can be added if you want the additional softness.

Allow the stained items to sit for at least a half hour with their pre-treater on them. Some detergents like Tide, are very good at treating stains if placed right on the offending spot.

Make sure that your dryer filter is clean before you move the first load from the washer to the dryer and clean it after every load. A dirty filter is a fire hazard and why tempt fate? At this point be sure that you have everyone's empty laundry basket available to you. When the dryer buzzer goes off be there as quickly as possible.

It is best for avoiding wrinkles to remove the clothes from the dryer immediately. Fold the clothes and place in the correct basket. If there are items that need to be ironed they can be placed together in a pile or can be placed on hangers, awaiting the iron. It is easiest to do the ironing as soon as the clothes come out of the dryer.

When all the loads are done and the clothes have been placed in their baskets try to get the family to take them right to their bedrooms and put the clothes into the dresser drawers or the closet. This may involve some bribery and/or threats, do whatever it takes because if you don't, next week the baskets will be half full when it comes time to reload them and that is never a good idea.

Doing the laundry for a family is a big job, getting everyone involved can make it less overwhelming. Good luck and may your whites never turn pink and your socks disappear in the dryer.

Tips for keeping your home neat and clean

Keeping your house clean is a never ending battle, mostly against clutter. In order to win the not only the battle but the war there are a few tips that everyone can follow easily.

~ Organization

The biggest tip for keeping your house clean is to get and stay organized. Everything needs to have a place and you need to put the item there when you are finished with it. Storage containers of all sorts are a big help in this endeavor, attractive ones are even better. Buy some pretty boxes and hide the clutter that you can’t bear to get rid of.

~ Put it away

Make it a rule in your home, if you take it out, put it back. Don’t leave things hanging around. When you come into the house outerwear and shoes need to have a home near the door where they can be placed. Taking all shoes off at the door eliminates a great deal of the dirt that gets tracked in. This is especially true with children since they come in the door laden with backpacks, lunch boxes and all matter of junk not to mention mud.

~ Keep things where they belong

Don’t bring anything into the living areas of the house that doesn’t need to be there. Train the kids to bring their lunch boxes to the kitchen and homework to the designated area. Have a waste basket near the gathering area so that any pass-outs from school that is not relevant can be disposed of before they litter the counters. If it’s important then use magnets to hang it on the fridge or better yet have a bulletin board to hang current notices and a calendar. Once you have the clutter under control it is a lot easier to deal with the real dirt.

~ Don’t sweat the small stuff

Develop the philosophy don’t sweat the small stuff and that applies to housekeeping as well. If your kids wanted to throw their clothes on the floor, just closed their door. Mind you this should only allow this during the week. On Saturday they should be responsible for cleaning their room and getting their clothes into the laundry. You provide a hamper in each bedroom and if their clothes are in them, they get washed, if not oh well. It doesn’t take them very long to learn that sloppiness has consequences.

~ Stay on top of things

The best way to keep your kitchen clean and well organized is to never let it get dirty and disorganized. This means following the take it out put it back philosophy religiously especially when you are cooking. It is very easy to allow all the ingredients to clutter up the counter and once the mess starts, it seems to multiply. While your meal is in the oven or on top of the stove wipe down the counters and if it needs it, sweep or vacuum the floor. This is also the time for a quick wet mopping of the floor.

Deal with your mail as soon as it comes into the house. Keep the important items, trash the junk mail and place magazines and catalogs that you want to look at in a convenient location outside of the kitchen.

Bathrooms are the other big cleaning area. Don’t let the dirt and grime accumulate. Soap scum especially is much harder to get off if it has been sitting for a couple of days. After the last morning shower is done make a quick sweep through and place towels in the hamper or if you reuse then hang them so that they will be dry for the next day. Wipe down the sink quickly and spray the shower. This is where it is important to have your cleaning tools right where you need them. I keep a complete set in each bathroom and on each level of the house.

You don’t need to spend a lot of time every day on housekeeping. A few minutes here and there really adds up. Major cleaning only needs to take place weekly or monthly depending on your home situation. Keep a Swiffer duster always available. If you see dust I, make a quick sweep through that room.

~ Stop it before it comes in

If you don’t already have door mats outside your doors, add them. Get everyone to wipe their shoes or even better remove them before entering. Keep the dirt outside not in on your clean floors. This will cut down on the amount of time you spend sweeping and vacuuming.

~ Have a schedule

Daily: clean the dishes, wipe down counter, keep clutter under control, and tidy the bathroom.

Weekly: vacuum, dust, wipe down floors, do laundry, change beds and spot clean any major messes. Clean one shelf in the fridge.

Monthly: Tackle one room per month and do a top to bottom cleaning. This is the time to dust the window sills and door jams. Vacuum under the bed and while you are at it flip the mattress if you have the kind that needs it.

Every 6 months: do windows, steam clean the carpets, get the closets organized and get rid of any seasonal clothing that you don’t wear anymore.

There really isn’t any mystery to having a clean, neat and organized house; it just takes a lot of work and determination. The smarter you work the more time you will have to do the things you really want to do.

The many uses of vinegar in your home

Vinegar is one of the most multi-purpose condiments in the world. Not only is it a great addition to a salad, it is a natural cleaner and deodorizer around the house. It has been shown to be very good for your health and the environment. If you haven't embraced vinegar, it is time to give it a try. 

Vinegar comes in several different. The type that is most often used in household cleaning is distilled white vinegar. This is a corn product. It is the result of the fermentation of corn alcohol. In the process, vinegar is produced. The word vinegar has a French base and means “sour wine.” The main ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid. It has a pH of about 2.4, pure water has a pH of 7. Anything which has a pH lower than 7 is acidic, more than 7 alkaline.

It’s green

Vinegar is the result of a natural process; therefore it is green and has no artificial chemicals that can poison your children or your pets. It is, however, quite strong and it can be combined with other natural products to do a variety of cleaning jobs around the house. Everything from cleaning your toilet to your laundry can be done with white distilled vinegar.

It can get stinky pet stains out of your carpet, adding some vinegar to the floor washing solution will freshen the hard surface floors as well.

It’s inexpensive

You can buy a gallon on white distilled vinegar for just a few dollars. Add it to water in a spray bottle and it can take the place of many other cleaners.

Less bulky cleaners around

Imagine how nice it will be to have one cleaner that will do so many jobs. Imagine all the space you will save in your kitchen cabinets. It boggles the mind. You can mix it with water and use it in place of window cleaner and deodorizer.

It’s readily available

You can find white distilled vinegar at just about any grocery store. It is available at Whole Foods if you want to feel good about buying it but it is also available at Walmart or Target.

It has lots of additional uses

In addition to being a great cleaner, vinegar can be used to control pests in your home, pickle foods and a whole lot more. It is one of the most important things to have in your cupboards for many reasons. The advantages of vinegar are easy to see, it’s effective, green, inexpensive and easy to find.

Some additional reading material. 

Decorating tips for small spaces

Do you have a small space in your home that is causing you lost sleep over how to decorate it? Small spaces can be challenging. Here are a few decorating tips for small spaces help you maximize the appeal and usefulness of your small space.

Color

Begin by choosing light colors. The walls, floors, and ceilings all should be in colors that will not make the room seem closed in. That doesn't mean that your room needs to be boring, the use of a bright color accent wall will make a small square room seem to grow longer.

Light

If the room doesn't have much natural light and you own the property you may want to consider adding larger windows. Light is the best decorating tool that you have in any room but especially in that challenging small space. If adding more windows isn't an option then make sure the lighting in the room is good. Lamps are an easy and inexpensive way to brighten up the space.

Paint

If you are trying to create a designer look, painting the walls with horizontal stripes in varying shades of the same color will give a feeling of spaciousness. This is a trick that designers use to fool the eye.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to make any room appear larger. In a bedroom mirrored closet doors give the illusion of spaciousness. In other rooms, an arrangement of mirrors on the wall will reflect light and again light is the best friend a small room has.

Scale

Scale is a very important tool when decorating a small room. Furniture needs to be reflective of the room size. If you place a double bed in a small room it will appear much more spacious than if you try to use a king or queen bed. To make it even larger a futon or a day bed can free up lots of floor space. The ultimate space saver for a small bedroom is the ubiquitous Murphy bed which only takes up wall space when not in use.

Bedrooms aren't the only rooms that can be small, the home office is often quite small. Choose your desk accordingly and place as much storage as possible on the walls, off the floor.

Placement

Placement of furniture is vital. Arranging pieces of furniture in the center of a small room will make it seem even smaller. Place the furniture along the walls and leave the center open so that you aren't bumping into pieces as soon as you walk into a room.

You need to be creative with your seating and storage options. Choosing a coffee table that hides seats is a good option and was used on the design star show. You can also choose seating that doubles as either storage or is a pull out bed.

To summarize, use light colors except for accents, keep furniture in scale to the room, use wall placement wisely and add mirrors to reflect as much light as possible. With these tips, you can make even the smallest room one seem light, bright and functional.

What you need to know about non-Hodgkin lymphoma

I know, you are probably wondering what non-Hodgkin lymphoma has to do with the home, the answer is that is where disease fight begins so I am going to include a few medical articles from time to time and I hope you will learn something from them.

Some diseases and cancers everyone has heard of. Others are relatively unknown by the general public until someone famous comes down with the disease. Suddenly you hear about this condition on the news every night and there are news shows featuring everything you ever wanted to know about this disease

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one such disease. There have been several very famous victims of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Mickey Mantle and King Hussein of Jordan.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the white blood cells. It is more than one type of cancer. Among the white blood cells are lymphocytes. There are B cell and T cell lymphocytes. Both can be involved in non-Hodgkin lymphoma but usually, it is either one or the other. Doctors are able to determine whether a cancer is Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma by the presence or absence of the Reed Sternberg cell. If it is not present then it is non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

There are no definitive causes of  this form of cancer. It is not inherited - it has been studied and there are no indications that the mutations in DNA that can be evident in people who have non-Hodgkin lymphoma were there when they were born. It is thought that they occurred at some point during their life. They can be caused by exposure to radiation or chemicals, and there are some indications that infections can also result in the mutant DNA.

It is known that there are some risk factors for lymphoma in general. Though many people who have the risk factors don’t get lymphoma and many people who don’t have the risk factors do.

Lymphocytes are the cells from which the B cells and the T cells are made. They are part of the immune system. The fact that a person’s immune system has been compromised by things such as HIV, organ transplant or an inherited condition is a definite risk factor. Another risk factor is the presence of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Chronic infections also increase the risk of developing lymphoma, and infections such as Epstein Barr and H. pylori.  Exposure to certain chemicals especially pesticide and herbicides are felt to be a causal factor in the developing lymphoma. The older you get, the more your risk increases as far as developing this cancer, and if you are a man your risk is greater.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be very serious and it can cause death. It starts in the lymph nodes and can travel through the lymph system. In some case,s it is very slow acting and the doctor may take a watch and see attitude. If it is aggressive then the treatment will also have to be aggressive and can involve radiation and/or chemotherapy.

The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not necessarily a death sentence but you need to know what cells are involved and what stage your disease is in. With the correct treatment, your prognosis should be good.

Adding color to your historic home

When it comes to adding color to a historic home, it is appropriate to try to incorporate colors that match the structure's era. In some areas, it is also a requirement. If your home is in a designated historic district, the exterior may have to be painted from a predetermined palette of colors. The interior colors, however, are not included in these restrictions.

Before you choose paint colors for an older home it is important to know the home's exact age. The colors that are appropriate for a mid-century modern home are not the same as those that fit a Victorian structure. A colonial beauty will not look best with the color scheme that is ideal for an Arts and Crafts building.

Once you know the home's color scheme, the fun begins. There are quite a few paint companies that can help you with the correct choices.

California Paints is a New England Company that offers homeowners lots of options. Their paints are divided into historic categories. You can choose from colonial, federal, Greek revival, Victorian and 20th century. According to their website, these paints were designed in conjunction with Historic New England, the Historic Colors of America collection features 149 authentic shades used from the 1600s to 1895. Each color has been researched and verified for authenticity.

Once you find the color palette that works best with the age of the home, it is up to you how to incorporate them. You can, of course, use a historic color to paint your walls but it may be more than you want to do in all the rooms. If you are a person who prefers neutrals, the sometimes surprisingly bright colors that were used in the past may seem garish.

Accessories are a good way to incorporate a small amount of a historic color. This can mean using throw pillows in your bedroom or a family room. It can mean picking up the historic color in a throw rug or a throw for your sofa.

Little splashes of color in a vase on a table or in linens used in a kitchen or dining room will work. All these will bring in some of the historic colors without having the entire interior painted in these colors.

Adding historic colors to your home will be paying homage to the past while giving it an update today. There is nothing quite as attractive as a historic home that has a little of the past combined with a little of the present. Most of all: choose colors that you will enjoy.

Vintage paper items make great gifts

Vintage magazines, newspapers, and books make excellent gifts when you are looking for something different and unusual. For people who are hard to buy for, they offer an opportunity to give them something they have never received before.

Vintage Books

You can of course shoot for the moon and look for a first edition book from one of the great authors of the 19^th or early 20^th century. This may be a bit rich for the average person but it will no doubt impress. This is the sort of gift that you need to look for early if you want to find the best deal. Consignment shops, antique malls, and second-hand stores can be great places to look. Consider the things that the recipient might have read as a young person, Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew in early editions are great gifts for those who grew up in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

One of the best gifts I ever gave was to a friend who is an art lover. It was an art exhibit catalog that he had missed in the 1970s. It was very rare and hard to find but it was priceless to my friend and I will never forget the look on his face when he opened it.

Finding the perfect vintage book only requires that you know your recipient well enough to know what they would enjoy. This is perhaps not the gift for an acquaintance but rather a close friend. It is a custom gift that is not a one size fits all sort of thing but rather very personalized.

Vintage Magazines 

One gift that I have given a number of times is a copy of Life or Look Magazine for the week of a person’s birth. Have you ever wondered what was happening the week you were born? Giving the gift of a vintage magazine can answer that question for you. Many antique malls will have a vintage magazine dealer and it is not very hard to find a copy for the date you may be looking for.

You can also use this for an anniversary gift. Imagine the look on your grandmother’s face if you give her the magazine that was on the newsstands the week she was married 50 years ago. Older fashion magazines are also available for the person who enjoys vintage style. Just use your imagination.

Vintage Newspapers

Vintage newspapers are more fragile than magazines. They are also harder to find but not impossible. It might take a little more work but with sites like eBay you may get lucky and find the exact newspaper you want for the perfect gift. In the past, birth notices were almost always printed in newspapers and I am sure that you can image the surprise on your parent’s faces if you were able to find their birth notice or even your spouse or their original wedding notice.

Vintage Ephemera

Many other vintage papers are available for gift giving. Postcards are among the most popular along with Victorian Valentine and Christmas cards. Collectors will love these.

Another gift that I have personally given on several occasions is a vintage map. Consider giving an 1850s map of the town where the recipient is from. You can also find vintage maps of the county of origin in Europe or counties in England or Ireland. Some of the older maps even list the families who were living on the streets depending on how small the town was and how detailed the map.

I am also a big fan of hand painted fashion prints from magazines like Godey or Peterson and botanical prints. They are also available from French and English Magazines.

Giving a gift of vintage paper can be an unusual and affordable way to surprise and delight the members of your family and your friends. I shared some of my favorites but give your imagination free rein and start hitting the antique malls and thrift shops.