Robin Wilson

Robin's Favorite: Benjamin Moore AURA paint

Benjamin Moore paint - AURA (low VOC) and Natura (no VOC) - lines which meet the strictest state standards of California. This paint has a self-primer which can save labor costs, and also one hour after painting, there is no paint smell which is great for asthma & allergies.The paint is ranked in the top performance levels among 21 eco- or green-conventional paints by Consumer Reports. Learn more

Top 10 Home Hazards for Children

 According to SafeKids, a non-profit organization – more than 2,000 children under the age of 14 die as a result of injuries in the home. And here is the list of the most prevalent issues for families to be aware of:

 

#10      Small Toys and Foods that can create a choking hazard. NOTE: if the toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, then it is too small. And monitor a child while eating grapes, hotdogs and popcorn.

 

#9        Cleaning Supplies & Pesticides are toxic to adults…and your child can have a stronger rate of breathing and smaller body mass which means that the concentration in their bodies can be deadly.

 

#8        Bathtubs & Mop Pails are not safe if children are too young to support themselves; drowning can occur in 15 seconds.

 

#7        Firearm safety is becoming an issue as we hear more about children taking a weapon to school or accidentally “playing” with a sibling. Make sure you know if a child is visiting a family that has firearms. And if you have one, make sure that the weapon is stored with a safety and your child is educated that this is not a toy.

 

#6        Pills and Alcohol can be deadly as some people forget to child-proof medications and they forget that “fruity drinks” at a picnic can taste like a slurpee and alcohol poisoning can result. Never refer to pills as “candy” or the child may think it is okay to eat.

 

#5        Burns. Stoves can be the biggest issue, but most people forget about the microwave. Imagine the child trying to warm up a cup of cocoa or bowl of soup/oatmeal and then dropping it…a third degree burn in less than five seconds from a cup of hot coffee.

 

#4        Cribs & Crib Bedding can suffocate a child if they are tangled in the crib. While that “amazing bedding may look great, the only items that should be in a baby crib are mattress, sheet and blanket. And don’t buy the cheapest crib because the adhesives used to glue it together could have formaldehyde. If you want to check on products that have been recalled, visit www.cpsc.gov to research

 

#3        Bookcases, Stoves & Larger Furniture can topple when a child uses it to leverage when they are reaching for something; make sure it is anchored to the wall. If you store cookies and candy at the top, a child may not have impulse control and may try to “climb” the bookcase. And imagine if a child opens the oven door and stands on the door to reach something on the stove and you forget to install a ‘bracket’

 

#2        Window Screens & Flimsy Fences Around Pools. Imagine a child leaning on the window screen that is only meant to keep a bug out; or a flimsy fence around a pool when kids are playing tag.

 

#1        Cords from televisions, window treatments, lamp cords, or athletic equipment (note: Mike Tyson). And beware of any toy with a 7” or longer string as that is a bit smaller than the size of a child’s neck.

  

(Robin Wilson presented this list on Sept. 18, 2009 on Martha Stewart Radio, on "Living Today" hosted by Mario Bosquez - Sirius Satellite Radio)

Is Your Home Making You Sick?

Are You Sleeping in a Chemical Factory?

Sick building (and now "sick home") syndrome is not a new phenomenon, and it was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency in a 1994 report regarding indoor air pollution. In the report, one learns that air inside the home can be up to 3-5 times as polluted as outside air. The report cites a main culprit as volatile organic compounds - emitted as gases that can contain harmful chemicals. Reactions can include sinus irritation, nausea and headaches - and some people think it is just a cold.

Paint is only one source of VOCs which in a newly painted room can "off-gas" for up to a year. Pressed-wood furniture, permanent press fabric and mattress ticking also release VOCs, including formaldehyde. And using non-organic sheets, towels and clothing can also introduce you to pesticides.

It is virtually impossible to stay away from all these products, but you can definitely implement a few measures to improve your VOC and toxin exposure:

• Change your air-conditioner/heater filter on a monthly basis
• Utilize cotton towels and sheets and hypoallergenic pillows
• Speak to your plant horticulturist about plants that filter air
• Use energy efficient lighting such as LED lighting by JUNO or CREE
• Review the cleaning products used in your home
• Know what type of rugs and carpets are used in your home (nylon/vinyl backed is not good!)
• Once a week, open the windows for just 30 minutes

Eliminate Dust in Your Sleeping Area

With asthma, allergies and pollen season, you can reduce some of your triggers and give your body a rest by creating a "dust-free" bedroom. Dust contains mold, fiber, animal dander and critters called dust mites - who feed on particles in bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting/rugs. Warm weather is a great breeding time for dust mites, so you may see particles in sunlight which is the dead mites and thier waste products. Yuck!

So, if you read the guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, you will learn that you should get medical care as needed, but first, you want to try to eliminate triggers from your bedroom.

HOW TO PREP YOUR SPACE TO BE DUST FREE?

1. Remove everything from the room (incl. clothing, furniture) as though you were moving out.
2. Mop or steam clean the flooring.
3. Use a mixture of 1 parts bleach to 4 parts water in a spray bottle and spray lightly on a cloth. Wipe the walls and corners near floor.
4. Wash all clothing items before replacing in closet. (*A good time to give to charitable causes*)
5. Keep clothing that is not worn frequently in zippered bags and shoes in non-paper boxes off floor.
6. Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and sleep in a hardwood floor with rugs that can be cleaned.
7. Wipe hardwood floors, tile or linoleum floors with water, tung oil or other cleaning solutions.
8. Keep doors and windows closed at all times, except weekly when airing the room out for 2-3 hours.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A LIMITED DUST ENVIRONMENT?

1. Air the room at least once a week for 2-3 hours. During high pollen season, try not to open windows as this is another trigger for those with allergies and asthma.
2. Clean floors, furniture, door tops, window frames and sills regularly.
3. Vacuum (use a HEPA filter) and cleanse floors and carpets regularly.
4. Cleanse blinds, curtains or drapes as they gather significant amounts of dust.
5. Try to sleep in a wall-to-wall carpet free environment.
6. BEDDING: Make sure to encase mattresses and pillowcases in allergen-proof covers that are washable.
7. PETS: Keep animals with fur or feathers out of your bedroom.

Just a few tips, and hope you make it through the spring without any allergy-related sniffles!

Can Hypo-Allergenic Mean Beautiful, Too?

Those of us who have made major changes in our lives because of asthma or allergies know what it is like to give up things we love. Here at Robin Wilson Home, we’re changing all that with our new line of bedding.

We believe that every home should be a happy and beautiful home, especially when a family member has special health needs. That’s the way it was for Robin, growing up with asthma and parents who cared about her good health.

Her mother did everything she could to protect her health, while brightening her home with warmth and spirit. Her new line of bedding and home fashion is beautiful, comfortable and eco-healthy. No compromises, it is home fashion that looks good, feels good and is good for you.

You could say that Robin is on a mission. She wants every family to experience beauty, wellness and to be able to do that affordably. Her new bedding collection is soft, elegant with modern classic lines. She worked hard to make sure it was priced right, and to make it available in time for Spring, when many of us are most sensitive to allergens.

Right now, 1 in 4 people in the United States restrict their lives and make compromises because of their respiratory conditions. It’s not easy, and Robin wants to do something about it.

When you read the details, you’ll see that all of Robin Wilson Home’s pure, basic bedding has "hypoallergenic qualities due to its innovative weave technology, designed to prevent allergen triggers from penetrating the bedding."

But, can something so functional be beautiful, too? We certainly think so.

Let Robin know what you think about her line, and share your stories of bringing beauty to your life and home, while keeping it healthy and safe for you and your family.

And, sign up for our e-newsletter for ongoing updates and news. Like us on Facebook for more special offers from Robin Wilson Home, including the opportunity to win bedding and a free virtual room makeover from Robin herself.

Sick Homes: Hidden Home Hazards & Great Cleaning Products

Robin Wilson Home uncovers some hidden areas that could be making your home a "sick home" and causing all those uncomfortable allergy and frequent colds or other recurring illnesses that plague you or your children. And you might want to consider using hypo-allergenic and non-toxic cleaning products such as The Method (see left) available online and at retail stores.

Dishwashers: most people don't know that they should run their dishwashers at least once a week, or clean the trap to prevent mold growth. For example, some of the 'drawer' dishwasher models leave a small amount of water after a cycle in the tub. If you do not empty this out using an absorbent towel, and you leave for vacation, you will have a perfect environment for mold growth. Remember to check your manual to see if you should periodically clean the trap in your dishwasher.We suggest that you run an empty cycle and add 2 cups of vinegar (do not use bleach!) once a quarter. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Furnace/AC Filters: you should change your air or furnace filters to prevent dust from circulated in your home, especially for those with asthmatic and allergic conditions. This also will increase the efficiency of your furnace. We suggest that you change your air or furnace filters monthly.

Front Load Washers: run a cup of bleach through your washer and leave the door open between usage so that the moisture cannot create a mold-environment. We suggest that you do this bleach procedure once a quarter.

Mops: the bacterial environment on a mop is just like a sponge in your sink. We suggest that every six months, you should replace a fabric mop and every quarter, you should replace a sponge mop.

Sinks & Countertops: A lot of people don't realize how much bacteria they spread by using the same sponges without washing. Be careful not to spread germs from a sponge onto your countertops and onto the set of dishes you are trying to clean. We suggest that change sponges monthly and you have a different sponge for every room in your house - and every time you wash dishes, you might want to throw your sponge into the dishwasher.

Vacuums: If you vacuum regularly, you may not realize that you are picking up dust mites and other microscopic organisms. We suggest that you change your filter bags monthly.

Bed Linens: Make sure to change them weekly (at least!) as you may not realize how much dirt and pollens 'live in your bed'. And we also recommend that you get a new pillow annually. We recommend that you completely strip your bed, including duvet covers and mattress covers at least 2x a year and wash in hot water with bleach.

Product of Day: FLOR Modular Carpet Tiles

We recommend FLOR inspired modular floorcovering for our clients, which is a 'green' product. FLOR is a modular carpet tile that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to design your own easy area rug for the kitchen, nursery or living room. No glue is needed for installation, so your existing floors won't be ruined. Instead, dots with the sticky side up connect each 19.7" x 19.7" carpet tile together.

FLOR is a quick do-it-yourself project that can be installed over any level, dry surface — even vinyl. This is a great product for heavy-traffic rooms and spaces for family rooms. These carpet tiles can be laid parquet style with ribbing in different directions and can enhance the upscale feel of any space. Pricing is from $6.99 to $59.00 per tile.

Explore the options the FLOR website.

Allergy Tip of Day: Grass Pollen

Spring is done, but if you are wheezing and sneezing, you might want to check to see if you have a grass allergy, which continues to pollinate into the summer. If you are allergic to this common lawn covering, you might keep your windows closed in the morning and at sunset when allergen/pollen levels peak...and you can also check a pollen count in your area at the National Allergy Bureau

Wellness Tip of Day: Asthma & Vitamin D

For those who avoid the sunny days and then complain in the winter abut the gray...here is another reason to go outside this summer: Vitamin D. According to a recently published study in the Annals of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology,  vitamin D will ease or prevent lung inflammation.

Increase your wellness by spending 20 minutes out in the sun daily and also supplement your intake with fish, eggs, spinach and a 400 to 600 IU vitamin pill? (ask your doctor first!). Read this article about Asthma and "breathe easier"

Blast from Past: Black Enterprise features Robin Wilson

 Seemingly everywhere we look, we find more people discussing the climate, the economy and the healthy lifestyle options. Learn more about entrepreneur Robin Wilson, who by 2000 had already built her company, Robin Wilson Home, on the principle of having her clients make choices about wellness in their environment (...more)

Tip of Day: Allergies & Asthma

With the summer months approaching, and everything in bloom, are you wheezing & sneezing? Read this Black Enterprise magazine article to learn a few tips to improve your  indoor air quality and to improve your eco-healthy lifestyle  (...read more)

Diet Tip of Day: Allergy Free Restaurant Website

AllergyEats is a website that will save your family if you are allergy and gluten sensitive. So many families struggle to find a restaurant that will accomodate.

Visit this website to get a list of allergy-friendly restaurants based on your zip code and preferences. (...view)

Asthma Tip of Day: Sofa Upholstery

How many people clean their sofa cushions with a vacuum on a regular basis? Or take the sofa cushions to the cleaners to replace the polyfill or down cushion insert material? Most people have a sofa for years, and they simply spray it with freshener perfumes, and they neglect regular maintenance. Here are the simple tips to maintain your sofa, especially if you have pets:

1. Vacuum cushions, both visible and underneath on a weekly basis
2. Replace the polyfill or down cushion insert material every five years
3. Consider leather if you have pets so that pollen and animal dander is not deposited onto your sofa

Asthma Tip of Day: Walls & Ceilings

Did you know the largest surface area in the home is also the most ignored area in a home? The dust collection in these areas is 2x the amount of the flooring area...so please make sure that part of your cleaning routine does not ignore the:

• Walls & Ceilings: pay close attention to the bedroom areas behind your headboard, the entry foyer which may contain pollen spores, and the ceiling corners which may have cobwebs that collect dust.

Source: AAFA.org

 

 

Asthma Tip of Day: Floors

Make sure to reduce the accumulation of dust in your home, to ensure that you limit the triggers for asthma and allergic reactions. Do you know what the second-largest surface is within your home? It is the one that people are least likely to clean carefully, especially in the corners where dust gathers...

• Floors: vacuum the floor weekly with a certified HEPA vacuum, designed with a filter that does not allow dust to return to your space. And also use a rag with a non-toxic cleaning solution to pick up any dust accumulation in corners.

Source: AAFA.org

 

 

Allergy Tip of Day: Bedding

Spring cleaning - and its time to pay attention to those spots where dust, animal dander and pollen gather to cause 'wheezing and sneezing' indoors...a tip for your home in a hot spot for cleaning that many do not consider:

Bedding - use pillow and mattress covers that are a proven allergen barrier. Make sure to wash regularly in warm-to-hot water to remove any allergen accumulation. And make sure to wash your pillows every six months and replace after three years (by donating to the local animal shelter).

Source: AAFA.org

CBS: Allergies & Asthma Prevention

Robin Wilson discusses the options for a family whose 18-month child was diagnosed with asthma at a little over a year old.

Simple things that can be done from $10 to $1000 for an apartment or home. 

CLICK on link to see CBS segment 

Cleaning Tip of Day: Mold & Mildew

What is that black spot in the corner of your shower or bath - or at the base of your shower curtain? Typically mildew, but sometimes mold...and the allergic reactions many of us have to mold spores means you have to act now!

Simple solution involves a trip to the health food store for tea tree oil and to the dollar store for a spray bottle. Mix one drop of tea tree oil (do not let the concentrated oil touch your eyes or bare skin) to one cup of water in the spray bottle. Shake. Spray directly onto the mold or mildew area. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat if needed.

Shopping Tip of Day: Organic Mattresses

You can trek all over town, the internet or the world, but the BEST source to see it all is in one New York City (or Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine) showroom where the best of the mattress with  eco/healthy/organic/hypoallergenic qualities are showcased. For designers, doctors and  families who want the best, and prefer to lay down on a mattress to feel the difference, instead of just viewing on a website. Visit The Clean Bedroom

Wellness Tip of Day: Allergy & Pollen Counter for You

 As the saying goes, April showers, bring May flowers...and with that Wheezing and Sneezing - a sign of springtime! But there is a handy new tool to review the pollen count prior to leaving home for your daily routine or prior to travel. Review Pollen Counter

In the meantime, do some additional research with the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA.org) to learn more about allergies.