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!

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.

Diet Tip Of Day: 4 Foods to help Weight Loss

Simple diet additions can change your waist - and help you lose weight!

• Apples: Eating an apple–or two–a day can keep the doctor away and the extra pounds.  Studies have found that eating an apple a half hour to an hour before a meal cuts the calories of the meal. Another benefit from this fruit is you feel full, so you eat less.
• Protein: Dietary studies have repeatedly found that when people eat an egg every morning in addition to (or instead of) toast or cereal, they lose twice as much weight as those who eat a breakfast that’s dominated by carbs.
• Cinnamon: This spice can help your body metabolize sugar, according to USDA study involving diabetics. Eating as little as 1/4 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon a day was found to reduce blood sugar levels and cut cholesterol from 10 to 25 percent. You can add cinnamon to smoothies or flavor your coffee with it.

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!



Technology Tip of Day: Protect your Phone from Hackers

After following the news stories from London about hacking of phones, here are some simple tips that you can use to ensure that your phone has less of a possibility of being hacked by someone. There is different information for each phone company. The most important thing to know is that your cell phone privacy requires password creation and activation to prevent unauthorized access...Read MSN article

Wellness Tip of Day: Boost your Memory

The good news is that lifestyle can  keep your mind working sharply even into old age. The bad news is that changes in memory and thinking are inevitable as we age.Take charge of your mind with some steps:

• Take the stairs: Exercise benefits your whole body. Start by adding a few minutes to your daily routine of running errands or avoid elevators.
• Shake things up:  Change something in your routine daily to keep your mind thinking of new ideas, instead of being on autopilot. Take a different route home or simply change your  computer's wallpaper.
• Don't multi-task: When learning something new, try to focus all your energy on that task, otherwise, your mind may recall the music in the background, instead of the important step you need to remember.
• Manage your Diabetes:  Keep your sugar under control, maintain a healthy weight and balance your diet - as a diabetic episode can affect your memory.
• Do Math or a Crossword Puzzle: instead of using the calculator, solve a math problem using long-hand - and on Sunday, do a crossword before watching your sporting event.

 

 

 

Eco Tip of Day: Earn Cash from renting your Tools & other Stuff

Do you need extra cash while your power tools are gathering dust?

Or is a musical instrument sitting in the corner unused? What about your tennis racket while you are on crutches? Or is your wheelbarrow just hogging a corner of your garage? Think about the car sharing systems, but plug in the word "stuff" sharing...and its eco-friendly because you aren't buying anything new...

RENT your stuff and earn extra cash by registering on SnapGoods.com

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

Diet Tip of Day: Sleep Longer, Lose Weight

Did you know that sleeping at least eight hours a day is best for your waist...for women that only get four hours, they will typically consume more than 325 calories daily because our body craves fast and fat-oriented foods.

Eat breakfast with protein (not just carbs!), drink lots of water and limit snacks during the day. Final rule: don't eat a heavy meal after 7:00pm. More info about Dream Diet

 

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

Product Tip of Day: Seventh Generation recyclable packaging!

Did you know that the outer packaging of the new Seventh Generation laundry can be composted or recycled? The outer shell is made from a 70% recycled fiberboard, with an interior plastic pouch made of 30% recycled product.

When you are finished using the new Seventh Generation 4x Concentrate Laundry detergent, you simply break apart the shell and use in compost, and take the plastic cap and liner for recycling!

Seventh Generation detergent is powerful even in a smaller container. Learn more!

Design Tip of Day: Floral Creations as Artistry

Recently, I worked on an HGTV shoot with an amazing floral stylist, Vanessa Baran - who has had her work featured on the cover of Elegant Bride and at events...and in many movies...she is the top-secret (yet affordable) "icing on the cake" for events and weddings in New York City, Connecticut, Florida & LA.

She has now branched into "fascinators" - typically the province of the English and these head coverings make you swoon. Perfect for the Kentucky Derby, a polo match or other occassion. Meet Vanessa Baran, Stylist

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"

Wellness Tip Of Day: Top 5 List to Have a Proper Walk

Most people assume that the way you walk is okay but little do they know that your stride, pace, and posture reveals information on overall health. There are three issues, in addition to selecting the propershoes which can be important to your overall foot, back and muscle health.

Ask yourself if you do any of the following (and if you are not walking at all, its time to get up from that couch!):

1. Snail pace-  a slow pace may shorten your life expectancy - strolls are meant for certain times...pick up your pace to improve cardiovascular health!
2. Little to no arm swing-  This clues to lower back trouble.  An arm swing indicates that the spine is well supported and without a swing, you could create lower back trouble with back pain or vulnerability to follow - swing those arms and burn more calories!
3. Tip-toe walking- this distinctive walk can be a clue to an underlying condition such as  overactive muscle tone,  which is most likely caused by spinal cord or spinal column damage. If this is your walk, visit your doctor!
4. Lazy Posture- take the time to walk as though an invisible string is pulling your neck like a marionette, and you will find that your walk turns into a workout
5. Wrong Shoes- walking in sandles without support can turn your walk into a wreck. Many people begin to pronate or have other structural issues with their feet if they wear the wrong footwear...be good to your feet with the right shoes.

 

Health Tip of Day: Lower Diabetes Risk

Diabetes currently affects approximately 8 percent of the population, or 24 million Americans. Supplement such as magnesium  improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin and significantly reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

In a recent study, it was found that the people taking magnesium had better-balanced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity, as well as improved blood pressure.  The researchers concluded that each 100 milligrams of magnesium supplemented with a healthy diet may lower a person’s diabetes risk by 15%.

Foods that contain magnesium include pumpkin seeds, spinach, Swiss chard, soy beans, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, halibut, black beans, and navy beans.

Information from CARE



Diet Tip of Day: Diet Sodas actually add Pounds

Diet sodas are deceptive and a recent study by the University of Texas Health Science Center shows that people who drink diet sodas actually add to their waist size and they are in poorer health...and those who are diabetes-prone will do best to avoid aspartame...Read more