Monthly Archives: February 2012

Under The Carpet

Calcium Soup

February 28, 2012 – 1:08 pm

Doctors recommend at least 1,000 mg of calcium for adult women and about 600 mg for adult men each day. For most of us, getting enough calcium is a challenge. The most common sources of calcium are dairy products, leafy greens (such as broccoli, kale, bok choy etc) and calcium supplements. There is another source of calcium that often gets overlooked, home made soup!

Years ago almost all soups were made with beef or chicken stock made with real bones. With the invention of bullion cubes and powdered soup mixes, most people have stopped using traditional bone stocks, and we’ve lost an important source of calcium in our diets.

Making bone stocks is super easy! Any good recipe book or website has a wide variety of recipes. All you’ll need is a few bones (from the butcher, or from a leftover whole chicken), an onion, one bay leaf, whole peppercorns, and some vegetables if you want some added flavor. You’ll also need a large pot for allowing the stock to simmer for many hours. Once it’s cooked, the stock can be frozen for up to two months, or refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Bone broths are a tasty base for soups or vegetable dishes, and a wonderful way to add calcium to your diet.

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Cleaning Tips

Why is Flossing so Important

February 21, 2012 – 10:15 am

We get the reminder every year from our Dentist to start flossing. Most of us do it for a week or two before forgetting. Does flossing actually help us prevent cavities? Absolutely!

Flossing is important to remove plaque, which is the white build up between the teeth. Plaque contains over 400 different species of bacteria and billions of harmful germs. These germs not only lead to tooth decay, but since the mouth is a gateway to your entire body they can harm your overall health as well.

Not flossing leads to more immediate complications as well. Heart disease and tooth decay are scary, but the very bad breath known as halitosis effects your life right now. As the bacteria found in plaque metabolize and give off a terrible odor. Flossing and regular visits to a dental hygienist for a teeth cleaning will help make your breath minty sweet.

Place your floss right next to your toothbrush as a reminder to floss and take one more step on the path to good health.

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Cleaning News

End of Winter Clean Up

February 20, 2012 – 3:33 pm

In the first week of February, the beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, crawled out of his home to greet a crisp, new morning. After shaking the sleep from his furry eyes and with a little chuck, chirp and wink, Phil told his human handlers, that he saw his shadow, which means another six weeks of winter.

With another six weeks to go until the predicted start of Spring, the temperature and climatic activity keep us guessing and surprised. While you can’t predict the forecast outside, you can, however, predict and determine your health and cleanliness inside to enter Spring in a healthy space.

With temperature fluctuations and threatening messes entering your home, you need to stay vigilant to keep the germs at bay. Follow some of these end-of-winter cleaning tips to keep everyone in good shape for the upcoming Spring.

  • Upon entering your home, immediately remove your shoes or boots. Leave them outside, in a dry protected space.
  • Vacuum frequently. This removes all trapped messes and germs on a regular basis.
  • Clean all door handles once a week with a distilled white vinegar mixture. This kills germs without using harsh chemicals.
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Under The Carpet

How to Choose a Sofa

February 13, 2012 – 12:06 pm

Buying new furniture for your home is a big decision. The cost of a good sofa can be very intimidating, and we’re often tempted to pick a less expensive option that looks just as nice. The problem is that sometimes less expensive fabrics wear easily, and if the frame of the sofa is put together poorly, you might be purchasing a new sofa faster than you think. By checking out a few simple things, you can know the difference between a bad sofa and a good deal.

First, put some deep thought into your family’s needs. Do you have small children that are likely to put a lot of wear and tear on the sofa? Then your best bet is to start with something upholstered in a durable and easy to clean fabric. Will the sofa be going in a living room used only for entertaining, or will it be the place where the whole family gathers together each night? Don’t just buy a sofa because you think it’s pretty, make sure it’s the right sofa for your family.

Next, check the structural integrity of the sofa. Lift up the end of the sofa. Does the frame of the sofa twist a lot? Is the sofa very light? If so, it’s probably going to collapse after a few years of heavy use. Pay close attention to detail. If the seams of the sofa are not well sewn, or the legs seem flimsy or uneven, you can bet that the sofa is not well made.

If you’re unsure about a particular kind of sofa, check for online reviews. A sofa is a big purchase, so make sure it’s the right sofa for your family.

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