HAMPERS 'R' US

This post is long due. Should have posted two weeks back, events just kept taking over. Am glad i finally got the opportunity to today and it comes at the perfect time. 

I digress, back to blog topic of the day.

Hampers, gift packs, gift baskets, the term gets coined day in day out.

What are they? Where did they originate from?

 According to Wikipedia "A hamper is a primarily British term for a wicker basket, usually large, that is used for the transport of items, often food" while A gift basket, or fruit basket is typically a gift delivered to the recipient at their home or workplace. A variety of gift baskets exist: some contain fruit; while others might contain dry or canned foods such as tea, crackers and jam; or the basket might include a combination of fruit and dried good items. Gourmet gift baskets typically include exotic fruit, and often include quality cheese and wine, as well as other non-food items. (source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_basket) 

While growing up, i recall that my dad received loads of hampers from clients, friends, colleagues and the contents always got me excited. My sister was after chocolate bars , goodies. I was after keep sakes and unique items such as fancy diaries, pens and the likes. My mum? She was content with food items she usually used to recreate recipes.

The history of hampers

Hampers have a long and illustrious history, dating as far back as the time of William the Conqueror.

The concept of hampers originally started in France and the baskets full of treats were introduced to England back in the 11th century.

But it was not until the Victorian era that giving such gifts became a popular choice.

The massive development of the railways in the 1800s made it much easier to send perishable goods in hampers to friends and family around the country - and it became something of a tradition to send hampers at Christmas. Employers also used to present their staff with a basket of goodies at this time of year to ensure that they had a wonderful Christmas with plenty of festive food and drink to enjoy.

Nowadays, you don't just have to wait for December to send hampers - you can give them as gifts all year round.

And with a wider selection of items to include in your basket than ever before, you can find one that perfectly suits the recipient - or even choose the exact contents yourself. (Source: http://www.highlandfayre.co.uk/The-History-of-Hampers/)

You wondering what the fuss is about gift baskets?

Well, if you give someone a book, it's a gift. But imagine giving someone adding a compiled CD of the receiver's favourite songs, other books (maybe e-books or a kindle), beverages etc, you give a mood altering experience. The excitement on the person's face. OMG!!! It's priceless. That what sets a giving a gift apart from receiving a gift.

Back in the University, i had an obsession for getting the perfect gift for my then boyfriend. Ironic when i think about it now, how ladies hardly go the extra mile to get the special gift for that special person.

I would go window shopping for hours just to get a gift that was not only special but rare and unique in all aspects. I didn't mind spending my savings (after all it was probably  once or twice a year) either his birthday, valentine's day or our so called anniversary. lol. Things we do for love.

That routine soon developed into not only a habit but  passion and i gradually started scouting for presents for a couple of friends and my hamper business started on a  rather small scale.

That was ten years ago, though i continued to scout for gifts after graduation for people who knew i had that talent, i never considered it a business venture till a week to Valentine's day of 2011 when a friend asked i do something special for his girlfriend then (now his wife) and deliver it. 

My first gift basket 2011 (before)

After (not bad for a first try)

After that i got another call two days to Valentine that same week for another delivery this time with fresh flowers

Pardon the picture quality am still battling with photography and most times i take a quick picture with my phone before delivery.

After three more deliveries i felt it was best to learn more about the art of gift basket aka hamper making. I bought the book by Shirley Fraser " THE GIFT BASKET DESIGN BOOK" , need i say its like my gift basket bible and i decided to include gift baskets to services DRAB TO FAB provides.

Ramadan fruit basket

Before (ramadan fruit basket 2)

after 

A photographer friend of mine helped with this picture.
Spot the difference right. 

My sewing machine i inherited from my mum peeping from behind.

Gift don't always have to come in baskets or boxes. Like the picture above, it was an order for a duvet and cute throw pillows. I enjoyed sewing them. I simply topped it with an organza bow and a personalized note inside the duvet neatly rolled up.

I have had clients who don't open the baskets at the fear of ruining the beauty. I have others who have enjoyed every item in the basket. It turns out beautiful but its not always fun all the way.

I had a client once who wasn't happy with the contents of her basket, i almost gave up on hampers. Like they say you win some, you loose some. I must confess that event helped me get better at gift baskets.

An impromptu delivery. I enjoyed the rush.

Fast forward a few years and a cup full of fun and inspiration with loads of love of creating something creative and beautiful with your hands and what do you get? A gorgeous gift everyone will remember and treasure forever.

Baskets for all occasions Baby showers, Get-well soon, Birthdays, Valentine, Festive season, for him, for her to mention a few. Hampers are an excellent way to show your appreciation for someone's hard work, say thank you or celebrate any occasion.

One of the best things about hampers is that they are great for sharing, making them perfect for any celebration or gathering.

I am excited this year because i now have a blog and can reach a wider audience than ever before, with a lot of referrals too.

So are you looking to gift someone or an organization that unique gift?

Drab To Fab has just the hamper for you. With our range of hampers, there is something for everyone. We cater for individuals as well as Corporate organizations. What's more its pocket friendly. 

Our range of hampers include but are not limited to:

• 
  
• Needs and treat baskets 
• Fruit baskets 
• Gadget lovers basket 
• Gourmet baskets 
• Chocolate haven baskets 
• Personalized/Customized baskets

Which come in 4 categories

* Jadeite

* Alexandrite

* Peridot
* Diamond

10% discount on Bulk hampers. For bookings, further details or delivery details, please call 08037000709.

This was delivered today.

LIVING IT UP

Some days back @NaijaWife asked me 

So armed with guilt of neglecting my blog for so long, i felt it was high time i put up a post.

Today’s post is about one of my favourite spaces in the home.... The Living Room. I must admit i had a few challenges while trying to come up with this post. Thanks to twitter, i got encouragement from @Kitchnbutterfly ‏ . You should follow these two women on twitter and their blogs. Haaa-mazing i must say. 




















There is that common saying, first impression counts. I believe that applies to all aspects especially our homes. Since the living room is the first point of contact especially with guests, family and everyone else who visits our home. It essential we treat it right.

Palour, salon, front room, best room, lounge, and reception room.... the variety of names given to living rooms reflects the variety of approaches. The room could be divided into 2 distinct types namely a) formal b) informal.

There are many ways to achieve a stylish living area that can be used comfortably on a day-to day basis and also double as the settings for parties and gatherings.

The living room is actually a focus for leisure activities in the home, whether you like to spend time relaxing in the evenings, need a play space for your children. Careful planning is required to create a space that can adapt easily to a variety of functions.

Before making major decisions or purchases, consider these essential points.

 Activities:  What is the primary function of your living room? The living area is usually a focus for leisure activities in the home, whether you like to spend relaxing evenings in front of the television, need a play space for children or a room for entertaining. Whatever the activities comfortable seating must be a priority. Careful planning is required to create a space that can adapt easily to a variety of functions and ensure that different activities do not conflict.

Flow: Consider how you move around the room and plan the layout so that the main door, window, furniture, lights are easily accessible. A real living room, unlike photographs of interiors in glossy magazines and brochures is NEVER static, and changes as it responds to a family's changing needs. Flow patterns alter too as furniture, appliances are rearranged. Flexibility is key, know when a flow pattern isn’t working and change it.

Features: Every year designers hold fashion shows but with the ever changing trend, the stick to timeless outfits. Just like fashion, interior design is ever changing. Your living room too can benefit most if you spend time and money on fundamental pieces. Do you a large window, a mirror, an attractive wall TV unit or a collectible? Make it a focal point by arranging your furniture dramatically around it. Consider how well they can be seen from different parts of the room.

HOW CAN THE SPACE WORK FOR YOU?
Whatever the shape of your living room, ensure that its layout and design will adapt easily to your leisure activities. Ask yourself questions like:
·        Is the room spacious enough for different activities to take place at the same time?
·        Would modular sofas and chairs better suit changing needs by offering more flexible seating arrangements than a standard there piece suite?
·        Would one or two adjustable tables be adequate for your needs or do you require a range of different tables or units for books, trays, lamps and entertaining?
·        Do you prefer to sink into a soft capacious sofa or to sit well supported by firm upholstery?
·        Do you have pets? Will they be allowed to sit on the furniture? How do you intend to care for the seating cover?
·        Do you need to choose a floor covering that children can play on safely, that can also be cleaned easily and can be walked on barefoot in comfort?
·        Does your flooring have to cope with a lot of wear and tear?
·        Can you organize the living room to fully utilize natural daylight?
·        Do you prefer curtains or blinds?


ASSESS YOUR NEEDS
Certain features in a living room will make the space comfortable and attractive to those who use it. There are though no hard and fast rules, and a successful formular for one family might turn out to be a failure for the next because requirements and aspirations differ.
Still most living rooms share a common purpose and the following guidelines set out the basics for planning a room that functions well.

FURNITURE - The first essential is seating and like the room itself, the seating has to meet many needs – working, relaxing, and entertaining even dining. Living rooms once again are becoming places for living: for relaxing and even for more game nights (with EPL, La liga etc arrrrrgh) i must admit though, it’s a good way to experiment with recipes i find on-line for “him” and his friends. Lord knows i need that Blendertec badly.

The most important lesson for me however, is the masculine effect you can give your home. Rather than having modular seating which is not only heavy to move around, you can have two seater sofas, single arm chairs and a reclining chair just for him. As well as adding bold colors such as Navy blue through bean bags. Men like to be comfortable so think comfort.

Sectional seating. Image courtesy: Drab to Fab 

Remember a well designed sofa will be a pleasure to use but try to find out what is beneath the fabric to ensure the frame and filling meet your expectations. Run your hand over the sofa. At no point should you feel frame, springs or nails be detectable to avoid area of wear and tear.

Bean bags are great additions to living room seating.
They are comfortable and easy to toss around,
great for watching tv, playing games and cuddling.

 TABLES – should be on hand, possibly stacked away when not in use. Unless you have a small living area, try to include at least two types of occasional tables in the room to facilitate entertainment and relaxation. Choose tables of different heights to carry essential lighting and accessories. Examples coffee tables, chest, trolley, lamp tables, sofa tables, storage table, tray table, nest of tables.

Round storage coffee table ; courtesy google images.

I particularly like this storage table, because it doubles as a coffee table and reminds me of an ottoman.

Round lamp table; courtesy google images

Tray tables; great for holding glasses and cognac.
Image courtesy: google images

REMEMBER

·         Choose tables that can be maintained easily and can cope with expected amount of wear and tear. 

·         Avoid coffee tables with sharp corners to prevent accidents while walked into or against.

·         Glass tables are best made of tampered glass; they shatter into tiny pieces on impact

Nest tables are very convenient because they are stackable and an easy way to add a pop of colour to a space

 





















STORAGE: is inevitable, whether for books, DVDs or even glasses. I love ottomans with hidden space, they are quick solutions for storing toys, and magazines even pillows. Storage should be treated as a positive element not some afterthought. If you don’t want your TV permanently displayed or you are not allowed to nail or drill holes in your wall as the case may be for rented apartments invest (I hope to do a post on designing rented apartments in the nearest future) in an armoire. It also creates a focal point in absence of one.

It can take up space but its worth the initial investment

With an open shelve accessories can be arranged with care and consideration – rows of books provide flashes of colour and punctuations can be added in form of cut flowers in vases, clocks or collections of favourite objects.

An example of storage using an armoire.
Image courtesy: www.houzz.com

 


















A small room should consider dual-purpose furniture such as a sofa bed, foldable chairs.


Never hesitate to give away the old bulky piece of furniture, try converting that dinner table into a coffee table. Bottom line, clutter can make your living room look over crowded.


 For DIY fans having a small scale plan of your living room drawn out on a graph paper with all the doors, windows, shelves and permanent features marked on it is a great way to organize your room. To take the measurements, start from the door and work clockwise around the room. Take the overall measurements, adding on the skirting depths. Make sure that you keep the tape completely taut while you are measuring or have some one else hold the tape at the other end so that the dimensions are accurate. Work on one wall at a time, so you don't get overwhelmed. 

There are also tricks of the trade useful in sorting out some common living room problems. A large mirror placed at right angles to a window reflects light imitating the feeling of space and openness.If you are considering renovating your home soon, a single alteration that would make the most difference would be to lower the window sills. Don’t worry, it won’t affect anything structurally. (I see you heave a sigh of relief, lol).Another improvement which is quick and virtually cost free is to hang paintings, posters, at eye level. Rather than disperse your pictures around your wall, group them in a fanciful cluster. 

BUDGET
Lack of finance brings with it a discipline that is always helpful to good design. Trust me; I know that for a fact as long as priorities are right. Remember, good design isn’t necessarily expensive.

Hide a comfortable sofa in ugly fabric with a nice blanket or have it re-upholstered. Re-spray your old wood table to a bright colour to have it blend in with other colours in the room.Cant afford good paintings? Why not hang your family photos. If you cannot immediately afford to have the curtains of your choice why not try paper blinds until you can afford your desired curtains.

Watch out for seasonal sales, but watch out for “sale fever”. Try yard sales, i recently came across a yard sale the European union community holds in Abuja Nigeria just around January/February though its not constant.Small scale object – candles, flowers, lamps, cushions and curious of all sorts add life and personality to a room provided they don’t clutter. Live plants in terracotta pots add life in a real sense as many go on for years. 

Next post, hopefully i should blog about entertainment and collections as regards to Living rooms.

Stay fabulous and Live it Up!!!.

Social media

Hey fabbies.

Trust you have all stayed "fabulous" as always? Not getting any comments lately? Does that mean the blog is rather boring?

Would really love to read your thoughts and possibly get down to write a post on several comments made.

Today isn't about interior design but rather about social media with emphasis on twitter.

Pillow Talk

Hey fabbies!

How have you all been? I have been really busy with Ramadan and of course business as usual.

What have you been up to? Anyone tried the tips shared on this blog so far? Would love to read your feedback. Now back to today's topic.

Pillows are accessories one can never go wrong with while decorating one's space. For me, its like having plenty of chips with chicken. I will blog more in the future about pillows but for today, i decided to reblog this piece from http://designremixinc.com/blog/

RAMADAN HOUSE CLEANING

The Blessed month of Ramadan is here again. Are you ready? Is your home in shape for the holy month?

Here are a few tips  from what i usually do to help you get started. 

RAMADAN AND YOGHURT

Its less than five days to Ramadan and Muslim faithfuls around the world are preparing for the holy month and the blessings abound in it.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan during which the Muslim faithful observe their month-long fast. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

And we at Adila Yoghurt intend to make the month a rewarding one. We shall share yoghurt recipes, benefits of yoghurt, and some fun things to do during Ramadan.

Today, its about Probiotics.

WAYS TO EAT YOGHURT

Yoghurt is a nutritious source of calcium and protein as well as probiotics for digestive health, but its bland flavor isn't always a favorite. Fortunately, eating the yogurt straight from the carton isn't the only way to include the food in your diet. The mild taste of the yogurt pairs well with many other ingredients to help you create tasty and healthy meals and snacks. Yogurt is also a good substitute for some other foods that are less nutritious.

As A Snack

Cut an apple into slices and top them with plain yogurt and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Mix low-sodium tomato salsa into yogurt and use the mixture as a dip for low-fat, baked tortilla chips. Add chopped nuts and honey to a carton of plain yogurt for another nutritious snack. It could be taken after workout, mid-day snack, anytime.

As Part Of A Meal

Plain yogurt is a healthy base for a light breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Make a breakfast parfait with plain yogurt, your favorite fresh fruits and whole-wheat breakfast cereal or granola. Use plain yogurt in place of milk on your favorite whole-grain breakfast cereal. Make a nutritious lunch by seasoning a carton of plain yogurt with dried herbs and spices such as dill, cayenne pepper or turmeric. Use it as a dip for whole-wheat bread, whole grain tortillas or raw vegetables. In a blender, combine plain yogurt, fresh fruit and 100-percent fruit juice and puree until smooth. Enjoy the smoothie for any meal during the day.

As A Substitution

Use plain yogurt in place of less nutritious ingredients in a variety of your favorite recipes. Replace the mayonnaise with plain yogurt to make homemade salad dressing. Use plain yogurt instead of fatty mayonnaise when you make tuna or chicken salad. Top a baked potato or nachos with plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Plain yogurt may also be used to replace sour cream for tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Instead of heavy cream, stir plain yogurt into soup. Though yogurt is much lower in saturated fat and has more calcium and protein, it will create a similar consistency as heavy cream.

Here is bland picture of yoghurt i had some days back. I had mixed fruits, dessicated coconut and strawberry syrup added to mine. How do you like yours? Would love to see a picture.

 

What's tasty and has a lot of health benefits?

What's tasty and has a lot of health benefits?

The answer... Yoghurt. Yes yoghurt. You might be wondering how?

Yogurt is a thick, custard or pudding-like food, made by the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. Many people enjoy it plain or flavored with breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, and it's also an ingredient in a number of other dishes.

 

Your body needs to have a healthy amount of ''good'' bacteria in the digestive tract, and many yogurts are made using active, good bacteria. One of the words you’ll be hearing more of in relation to yogurt is ''probiotics.'' Probiotic, which literally means ''for life,'' refers to living organisms that can result in a health benefit when eaten in adequate amounts.

Yoghurt is rich in potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins, including B-12.

Research shows yoghurt strengthens and stabilizes the immune system.

The lactobacillus in yoghurt feeds the intestines, maximizes nutrients you can absorb into your body, insures the digestive system stays healthy, and stabilizes the immune system.
  

The lactic acid of yoghurt is a perfect medium to maximize calcium absorption.

 

In yoghurt the process of growth from milk into yoghurt involves the conversion of lactose into lactic acid. Lactic acid helps digest lactose. In other words, yoghurt provides the enzyme needed to digest milk products. Calcium, which is found in dairy products, needs to enter the body in an acid matrix or your body will not absorb it. So the lactic acid of yoghurt is a perfect medium to maximize calcium absorption. Eight ounces of yoghurt will equal 400 mg of calcium, 25% more calcium than you would get out of a glass of milk.

When someone is HIV positive and has a CD4 count under 200 their production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) slows down. HCL is normally produced by your stomach to help with the digestion of food. When you have less HCL and digestive enzymes digestion becomes incomplete, food moves too quickly along the digestive tract. Your body doesn't get enough calcium and other minerals. Difficulty sleeping and mal-absorption are common end results. Yoghurt is one of those foods that you can eat to enhance your HCL production thus improving your digestion, vitamin and mineral absorption, and your bodies general well being.  

 

Yoghurt can be used as an effective douche.

Research shows women who eat 4 cups of yoghurt/week have less vaginal and bladder infections. 

Have you experienced the irritating vaginal itch, usually accompanied by a discharge? As women we can get yeast overgrowth in our vaginas. Living with HIV makes women even more vulnerable to these kinds of infections. Taking antibiotics has the unwanted effect of wiping out normal flora in our bodies. Antibiotics or antifungals (just another type of antibiotic) tips the balance of good and bad yeast. Candida will grow in abundance when other bacteria and yeasts are depleted. Candida is trying to solve the problem of the imbalance. It is vital to keep a healthy diet of a wide variety of foods that contain natural bacteria and yeasts.* Yoghurt is just such a food. It can be used internally and externally, and it is a prime good yeast replacer for our vaginal and intestinal flora. If you've ever used the applicators to insert antifungals into your vagina save them -- they can be filled with yoghurt instead!

Yogurt is loaded with vitamins.

 

One serving is a significant source of potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Yogurt also contains B12, which maintains red blood cells and helps keep your nervous system functioning properly. "Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products, such as chicken and fish, so strict vegetarians can easily fall short. Eating more yogurt can help close the nutrient gap: An eight-ounce serving contains 1.4 micrograms of the vitamin, about 60 percent of what adult women need daily.

For fitness freaks: A cup of yogurt a day can help you recover faster after a workout.

 

With the right ratio of protein to carbohydrates, yogurt, particularly high-protein Greek yogurt, makes an excellent post-sweat-session snack. "The perfect time to grab a container is within 60 minutes of exercise," says Keri Gans, RD, a nutritionist in New York City. The protein provides the amino acids your muscles need to repair themselves, Gans explains, and the carbohydrates replace your muscles' energy stores, which are depleted after a hard workout. It's a bonus if you drink a bottle of water along with it: The protein in yogurt may also help increase the amount of water absorbed by the intestines, improving hydration.

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/health-benefits-of-yogurt/?page=2 

Yogurt may prevent high blood pressure.

 

Every day 70 percent of us consume more than twice the recommended amount of salt; over time that can lead to hypertension and kidney and heart disease. The potassium in yogurt, almost 600 milligrams per eight ounces, may help flush some of the excess sodium out of your body. 

Face saver

No need for pricey derm treatments to perfect your complexion. "Yogurt contains lactic acid, which is a component in some in-office chemical peels," says dermatologist Hema Sundaram, MD. "It gently exfoliates the top layers of the epidermis, which can clear up blemishes and discolorations, and may even reduce fine wrinkles."

Try this DIY mask: Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 to 3 drops of almond or olive oil and a tablespoon of honey; apply to face, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Result: more radiant skin

So say YES to yoghurt.

Invisible dangers

While we all love our homes in their elegant, clean and sometimes sophisticated and top class mode. There are some hidden dangers we ought to beware of.

I personally have had to deal with solving mold problems from a past client and it got me thinking.... Someone out there might be dealing with this issue too, but i never got round to blog about it till i read a post yesterday from Freshhome.com. The author simply took the words right out of my mouth but did a better job than i would have.

inShare6

We’d never think that our homes could potentially be hazardous – We do the best to ensure that our family and loved ones are safe and sound at all times,  but often the dangers are not visible and lurk where we cannot see them. Some of what you are about to read may be of  no surprise to you at all, but I’ll bet you will discover things in your own home that you had no idea were even remotely dangerous. As I walk you through potential dangers, I will also offer suggestions as to how they can be remedied.

Paint

While the paint on our walls can transform a blah space into one that is nothing short of spectacular, we must advise you that your spectacular space could potentially be harmful to your health, and more specifically to the health of your children. If you live in an older home (built or painted before the 1970s) there is likely to be lead-based paint lurking in your walls. Lead, a highly toxic substance when ingested, was banned from paint in 1978 when it became apparent that children were suffering from lead poisoning which gravely affects brain development. There are still, today, a high number of cases of toxic lead poisoning in young children. The preeminent cause is household paint.
Paint, over time, whether naturally or from general wear and tear, chips and peels from walls. These paint chips and particles infiltrate the air and land on surfaces where children walk, play and crawl. These particles or chips end up on little hands and fingers which always end up in children’s mouths. Lead poisoning is a serious matter. If you do live in an older home it is best to test your paint – even through layers, a professional or a home testing kit which is available at your local hardware store – will indicate whether lead paint is present. If it is, please do not take matters into your own hands. Hire a qualified professional to remove all the paint in your home. This is a laborious and time intensive project, but it is a critical one.
When repainting your home, whether or not your home does indeed contain lead based paint, do opt for a low or no VOC paint. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound) as described by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) “are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.” It is therefore imperative that we eliminate VOCs wherever we can. And this includes paint. All top paint manufacturers currently make a no or low VOC paint.

Mold

Mold can lurk anywhere especially in those rooms that tend to harbor moisture and humidity such as bathrooms and basements. Mold can cause serious health problems such as allergies and asthma, and when present in a building too long, can cause “sick building syndrome.” The best thing to do is to try to prevent mold from forming by eliminating the moisture in the air. In the bathroom always run a fan or turn on the overhead vent to keep the room as dry as possible.
If needed purchase a dehumidifier and keep one in the basement. Check for leaks in plumbing, air ducts and in the roof. Even the smallest amount of water can cause mold to form and grow in the most unexpected of places. You may want to hire a professional to check your roof and ducts regularly. Bleach kills and prevents the growth of mold spores, so should you see mold start to grow inside your home, in your bathroom or basement, you can easily treat it yourself.

Water

Despite the Clean Water Act, toxins still infiltrate our water systems with everything from discarded pharmaceuticals to radioactive toxins! Older homes may have lead based pipes. The solution to this is not all that difficult. A water filtration system can be added to your water tank or your faucet. You can purchase free-standing models or a pitcher for your refrigerator. Another way to rid the toxins from your water is to run your faucet for 1 minute prior to using the water.  The EPA suggests that you flush your pipes before drinking, and only use cold water for cooking and drinking. The longer your water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. They also suggest to flush your cold water pipes if your faucet has not been used for six hours or longer. While we want to rid our water of these chemicals and toxins, we still need to conserve our water.
Showering, running the dishwasher or the washing machine will also flush the pipes. After this type of heavy water use, make sure you also flush the tap that you will use for drinking or cooking by running the water to clear the rest of the home plumbing to that tap. Furthermore it is important to use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula as hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead. If you opt to use bottled water for drinking water, it is important that you also increase your fluoride intake. Tap water is high in fluoride while bottled water has none. Among children who drank mostly or predominantly bottled water, there was a significant increase in tooth decay compared to those children who drank filtered tap water.

Carpet

Not only can carpets be a tripping hazard, when not properly tacked down, but they are saturated with chemicals. I bet you never really paid attention to that. Carpets are also havens to dust mites, dander and dirt. It’s important to clean your carpet regularly with a high efficiency vacuum or have it professionally cleaned by an environmentally-friendly cleaning service to ensure that no additional chemicals and toxins are deposited onto your rug. If you plan on replacing your old carpeting, think about replacing it with one made from natural fibers and toxin-free glue. Hardwood floors are a better option but they are not ideal for families with the very young or the elderly.

Refrigerator

In the US alone there are over 76 million cases of food borne illnesses a year. These occur mostly because foods are not stored or handled properly. It is imperative that you clean your refrigerator regularly. Make sure all your items are well organized and well marked. Check for expiration dates, bruising and other signs of aged food often. A well organized fridge is a safe one. Keep all raw meats well sealed in plastic and away from produce and cooked meat. Make sure that all your fruits and vegetables are well washed before consumption, not only to eliminate pesticides but to remove any traces of e-coli or salmonella. Make sure your refrigerator is cold enough so that food doesn’t turn and know that a full fridge is actually a more energy efficient one.

Furniture

Flame retardant chemicals are added to material used on furniture and are highly toxic. These toxins will rub off onto skin and clothing and permeate the air in household dust. When these toxins find their way onto our hands they enter our bodies. The best solution is to buy green, but this is not always possible and the best thing you can do for your own health is to vacuum your furniture regularly to remove these toxins.

Shower curtains and wallpaper

Shower curtains, vinyl blinds and wallpaper contain something called phathalates, which are chemicals used to enhance plastic’s flexibility. These toxins are also found in detergents that have “fragrance” in them. This chemical affects the body’s hormone system and is linked to asthma and allergies. When possible use metal, glass, ceramic and wood products in lieu of the plastic. In the case of shower curtains, where there is no substitute, bring new shower curtains outdoors for a day or two before use.

Pots and Pans

Your non-stick cookware may be easier to cook on and wash but the chemicals found in these pots and pans contain PFCs (Perfluorinated chemicals) that have potential effects on both pre- and postnatal growth. It has been documented in the Journal of the American Medical Association that exposure to these chemicals can contribute to obesity and diabetes. Exposure to these chemicals is associated with impaired hormonal growth. Consider replacing your non-stick pans with stainless steel or cast iron. Do not place non-stick pans in ovens with temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. Use your exhaust fan whenever you cook.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a naturally occurring, odorless, toxic substance emitted when organic fossil fuel is being burned without proper ventilation. Space heaters, gas water heaters, natural gas furnaces, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, automobile exhaust (generators inclusive) and tobacco smoke all produce carbon monoxide. It’s imperative that you outfit your home with working carbon monoxide detectors. There should be one on every living level as well as in the basement. Your detectors should be tested once a year and batteries checked and replaced regularly. Plants naturally remove airborne toxins from our homes. Healthwise states that the following plants are most effective in removing toxins and improving air quality in your your home: Peace lily, dracaena, chrysanthemum, bamboo palm, golden pothos, English ivy, Chinese evergreen, Areca palm and the rubber plant.

Pests

Pests such as termites hide deep within your home’s walls and may be present for months or years before they even get noticed. There are signs to look out for that may indicate a problem. You may notice that your wood is buckling, swelling or rotting. You may notice piles of sand, dirt or dust piled up near a wall or on the floor. You may see an actual hole in the wall. If you suspect that your home has termites you will need to hire an inspector. Termites are never alone, and like bees and ants, live and work in colonies. They can be highly destructive. A qualified inspector will confirm and kill the termite colony and maintain your property to ensure that termites do not reappear.

Source: http://freshome.com/2013/06/18/10-hidden-dangers-lurking-in-your-home-and-how-to-fix-them/