Robin Wilson

Robin's Favorites: Holiday Kitchens custom cabinetry

If it is time for a new kitchen or bath look, you need to visit a local Holiday Kitchen dealer to find out about the eco-friendly options for CUSTOM cabinetry! (make sure to ask about the RWH frameless line) Imagine having the comfort knowing that no formaldehyde based adhesives are used, low-to-no VOC paints and stains are used, a new tree is planted for every tree used in the manufacturing process, and there are over 96 door styles that you can select from...and since it is Made in the USA, you are saving jobs! And most importantly, there is a lifetime warranty because they believe in their product...and silent-close drawers are standard. Start with the Holiday Kitchen dealer locator 

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)

Simple Tips before you start a Kitchen Remodeling project !

There are so many people who recognize that the kitchen of their dreams is just around the corner -and they also consider a local independent kitchen dealer - they have the budget, they have the design, or they want to remodel before putting the house on the market. But, are these good ideas? Here is a bit of advice to get the best value from your kitchen remodel.

• Don't remodel your kitchen for a prospective buyer because you may not get back 100% of what you spend. Typical payback is 50%-80% with the less personal renovations (i.e. neutral tones) receiving the most payback.
• Don't walk into a kitchen design meeting without a list of 'absolutes' or you will get seduced into buying everything...do you really need a knife or baking drawer with custom cuts for your utensils?
• Don't walk in to a kitchen supplier without knowing your preferences for cabinet colors such as white, maple, ebony. Read magazines and tear out photos in advance or the sales rep may convince you that there is a certain "best seller" that is really just a higher priced model.
• Don't ignore how you use your kitchen - if you have a busy kitchen (preparing more than 3 meals a day), then you might want to avoid certain countertop products such as concrete, paper or bamboo and consider other eco-friendly options such as Silestone or Caesarstone.
• Don't buy a range that has an extreme BTU number as it does not guarantee better performance. It is better to find a range that has at lease one burner with a high BTU number and then use that if you need to cook an item quickly.
• Don't buy a "faux-pro" model or Professional Series unles you "want it". Most mainstream appliances (ranges/refrigerators) perform just as well.
• Don't ignore common sense and hire a contractor simply on price. Ask to see a recently installed kitchen, and ask to see a kitchen that was installed 3 years ago. If it is an older installation, you will be able to see if it was able to stand the test of time. And make sure you have a copy of the contractor license and insurance in file should an issue arise.
• Don't opt for extended appliance warranties.
• Don't expect completion time to be on the day you request - ask for a completion date, but expeect at least two extra weeks to ensure final details such as installation of knobs, pulls, late tile deliveries requiring another trip for backsplash installation.
• Don't buy a built in fridge ($3,000+) when you can buy a cabinet-depth refrigerator.
• Don't buy fluorescent undermount bulbs when you can do low-voltage alternatives such as halogen, LED or xenon.

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.

Safety Tip of Day: Pool Alarm System for Children & Pets

Summertime, Swimming and Sun...and water safety! The hidden danger is that many people assume that they can keep an eye on their pets, grill and guests - while still watching the children. We want to make sure that you are aware of a product that will give you "peace of mind"...

Consider a purchase of a Safety Turtle Alarm which will allow you to have an immediate alert if your child or pet enters the pool area, or if the fall into the water.

Originally introduced in 1998 as a “last layer of protection” for young children near water, the Safety Turtle personal immersion alarm has been adapted for pets, patients doing water physiotherapy, for workers near water hazards, to automatically alert lifeguard rescues, and as a “wireless lanyard” - and the pool safety gate alarm is 'wireless' and can remotely monitor pool and property gates.

A Safety Turtle Wireless Alert system consists of one or more Base Station receivers and an unlimited number of radio sensors. The sensors may be of different types, immersion, gate, panic, but must be the same color to work with the same Base Station.

Learn more at Safety Turtle. We recommend this product for all homeowners who have children or pets around a pool, pond or body of water. Enjoy the last few days of summer!



Tip of Day: Oil in Perfume, Hair Dye, Cosmetics and...Food!

"Oil Oozes through Your Life" (NYTimes, June 26, 2011)  makes consumers aware of the pervasiveness of oil in our day-to-day lives. In addition to the gas tank, petroleum has diverse uses including basic hygiene products to food additives. Its virtually impossible to imagine a non-usage of petroleum products...especially when you read this list of petroleum dependent products:

•  Perfume - not enough roses in world requires use of petroleum based floral scents
• Lotion-many facial products from Oil of OLay to Vaseline rely on petroleum
• Hair Dye - look for words "propylene glycol"
• Cosmetics - many products contain oil derivatives
• Deodorant - look for the words "polyethylene"
• Toothpaste - look for the words "propylene glycol" (this is antifreeze in another form)
• Detergent - oil lifts oil, so it is common in stain-lifter detergents
• Vitamins - pill capsule shells that dissolve in stomach are usually petroleum derived
• Ice cream - if it has "vanillin", it is oil-derived artificial flavoring

The pervasiveness of petroleum in everyday products should be of some concern, but more importantly, it is better to be aware of petroleum products usage in your food, home and life...

 

 

 

Giveaway Tip of Day: Maytag washer & dryer

Love that PARENTING magazine is doing 101 days of Giveaways - and the giveaway prizes are nothing to sneeze at...for example, the prize for today is a Maytag Maxima Washer & Dryer set (valued at over $3000) - and it is energy efficient too!

The countdown begins...register here

Savings Tip of Day: Design Your Home Office on a Dime!

So many people work from home today, and the exciting thing for most is the day that they "hang their shingle". However, a few weeks/months later the paperwork begins to overwhelm and then they realize that it is time to do an effficient setup that will allow papers and storage to be organized. Here is a re-design by Robin Wilson on a dime using products from The Container Store - and done in less than 2 hours. Watch CBS before & after video

Wellness Tip of Day: Fight Insomnia

Summertime fun and a longer daylight cycle makes it quite easy to lose much-needed sleep. There are options including blackout shades, consistent bedtimes and sleep inducing pills. However, we recommend that rather than turn to over-the-counter drugs, you might want to consider certain foods that have ingredients that make the "zzzz's" come a little easier:  

• Cherries:  Eat a cup of cherries as a snack before it’s time to sleep, or drink the juice. Watch your body relax. 
• Fish: Tryptophan is a sleep inducing chemical contained in certain sea dwellers including  shrimp, cod, tuna, and halibut.  
• Lemon Balm:  A  member of the mint family is known for many generations to induce sleep, improve digestions and decrease agitation. Make a potion of lemon balm tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Turkey dinner: Tryptophan is also found in turkey, although you would have to eat a lot to make it work...but maybe it is just a good comfort food to make you relax.
• Milk: it is a myth that warm milk can help you sleep...the real key is to combine carbs with a protein such as pairing a cup of whole grain cereal with milk before bedtime.

Information from CARE

Safety Tip Of Day: Kitchen Dangers

Your kitchen may be the central point in your home, but it is also the MOST accident prone room in your home after the bathroom! Think about the dangers that lurk from unsafe practices -and review this list to understand which dangers your family may overlook:

• Towels on Stovetop: Most home fires take place in the kitchen - typically caused when an item is left on the top of the stove, which is flammable - specifically dishcloths and potholders near burners are common fire-triggers. And what about the e dishtowel near the stove which covers another pan. The Home Safety Council recommends keeping anything flammable at least three feet from a stove.

• Grease fires are leading cause of kitchen fires: Did you know that grease fires occur not only when you are deep-fat-frying? Oil, butter, or shortening that has dripped on the stove or which has not been cleaned from the bottom of a pan (from an earlier cooking session) can catch fire the next time you cook.

• Extension cord jungle: countertop appliances - microwaves, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, mixers, and more - often totalling more plug-ins than any other room in the house. And they're often crowded onto a relatively small stretch of countertops - with many people not understanding that one plug should not have multiple power strips...be careful!

• Wet hands cause Shocks: a busy and multitasking cook will often fly around the kitchen doing several things at once. However, you must thoroughly dry your hands after washing them. For example, using an appliance or unplugging one with wet hands can cause an electric shock. 

Information from  CARE

 

 

Tip of Day: 5 ways to use Baking soda

• 

  Who knew that banking soda has so many uses - from cleaning to caring for your hair/skin - and it is often one of the least expensive items in the grocery store! Baking soda can be a great way to replace harsh cleaning chemicals as well as over-fragranced personal care products.
• Here are great ways to change your lifestyle by using baking soda in a healthy way for your everyday cleaning and non-toxic activities in your home:
• Stop the Itch-for insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply  to ease the itch.
• Freshen your Hair-sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly–baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind.
• Sandal-ready Feet-dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.
• Remove crayon marks-applybaking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
• Deodorize Trashcan-sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay

Information from Care2

Health Tip of Day: Lower your Cholesterol

To prevent high cholesterol, it is important to  eat a variety of whole foods to keep your body strong and healthy. Here are four foods to add to your diet:

• Vegetables: radish, horseradish, hot peppers, onions, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, chive, leafy greens, cabbage, spinach, carrot greens, kale, broccoli, parsley
• Fruits: citrus, tomato, banana, and persimmon
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, hazelnut, flax seed, chia seed, pumpkin seed, poppy seed, walnut, sunflower sprouts 
• Fish: sardine, salmon, mackerel, and deep/cold-water fish

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)

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