Dirt, dust, and your carpet - An inside look at just what is living in your floors

If you had eyes that could see with the power of a microscope,you would be sickened and almost afraid of the unseen world around you, especially in your carpet, mattresses, and furniture.We let our children crawl on it, we lay face down on it, and we even sleep on it! However, take heart because there is something that you can do about their length of stay.Hiding in your carpet, mattress, pillows, curtains, upholstery are dust mites.
How many? The average life span of a mite is about 2 months and they
can double in numbers if the conditions are right, every twelve hours. If you
consider the math, that is well over a hundred or so thousand corpses of
mites per year in your home. Not only that, but each of those mites can
produce up to 20 fecal matter deposits per day which equates to millions of
deposits per year. To further put it in perspective, it¡¯s estimated that one
tenth of the weight of your mattress or pillow after three years of usage is
comprised of fecal matter from the common household dust mite. Why
your home? Mites eat dead skin cells and the average person sloughs off
millions every few days.
These skin cells are abundant in your mattress and pillows, in the places
that you live and therefore make it a good environment for them to exist in.
Mites thrive in the humidity that most households are kept at and like the air
slightly moist and humid. So our homes are perfect conditions for them to
live in. In addition to mites, pet dander is another invader. Pet dander is
impossible to avoid even if you yourself do not own a pet. Pet dander is
comprised of dead skin cells that are sloughed off of dogs mixed with
saliva, urine traces, and allergens from the environment such as pollen
and spores of various sorts. This all gets together in a sticky mess and we
call it pet dander. Dander gets tracked in off your shoes, into your carpet
and also from just being around other human beings that may have pets at
home. There are about 70% of American households that own pets so a
person at work that brushes up against you by accident, or your children
from other children at school, or someone hugging you potentially may
have dander on them from a cat or dog and will get it on your clothes, and
you may track it into your home.
These two are perhaps of the most potent allergens to most people. They
really affect health and actually can lead to asthma triggers if not taken
care of. Finally dirt is one of the most deadly things for your carpet to
endure. When you walk on your carpet, whatever is on your feet is ground
into the fibers of the carpet. IF there is dirt and soiling agents on your feet or
shoes, these get ground into the fibers too. Once they are in there, it will
cause them to unwind and fray. Straggling hairs will then combine in a mat
like fashion and create uneven little clumps in the carpeting thus
minimizing the longevity of your carpets and rugs.

What do you do about all these invaders and these microscopic vigilantes
that are wreaking havoc on your home and family?
Prevention is key. There was a study conducted at the Florida Solar Energy
Center by Subrato Chandra and David Beal that studied five homes across
the US but focusing on Florida. They found that prevention and good
cleaning habits are vital in controlling these allergens. Using control
groups and scientific collection principles, they found that homes that had
poor vacuuming tools (those older models that did not have HEPA filters
but rather just used bag filtration) or schedules that allotted for only one
cleaning per week were much more prone to have mites and dander and
levels of which were significantly more higher in comparison to those who
vacuumed twice per week with a vacuum that had a HEPA filter such as the
Dyson vacuums or a centralized unit that was housed outside of the home.
The vacuuming was performed on the floors, furniture and mattresses.
In addition they found that if a dehumidifier was used in each bedroom, that
the levels were also much lower. If you own an older home, it¡¯s
recommended that you have a Vacuum with greater suction ability. Dyson
Vacuums tend to work best for collecting mites, dander, and dirt because
over time, these get compacted into the deep layers of the nap in the carpet
and only something with significant suction power can remove the lower
nap dirt and allergens. It is also recommended that once or twice per year
that your carpet is professionally cleaned and bed linens are washed in hot
water each week.

Do not allow your home to be invaded any longer! Plan your attack on
mites, dander, and dirt. It may be a small world out there, and we may not
be able to segregate ourselves from it, but we do not have to go quietly into
the night.

Useful Tips for Decorating Home with Photographs

In most interiors art photographs are brought in as the finishing touch.
It's one of the elements that can instantly warm up a space and make it feel like home.
Photographs can expand a space both visually and emotionally, give us a window to the world, bring interest and color to the wall spaces, and generally liven up the place.
Here's concise hints how to arrange photographs in a room.
In general, photographs should be hung so that the center point of the photograph or grouping is at about eye level for the average person. While this won't be possible in every situation, it's a good guideline to keep in mind.

Size and Grouping 

 • Relate photograph to wall size. Choose smaller pictures for narrow walls and larger works for big wall spaces.
• Relate photograph to furniture size. When hanging a framed photograph over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture.
• Don't hang the photographs too close to each other or you will end up with a cluttered look. Don't hang them too far apart or you'll lose that unified look.
• Proper use of line can set the mood in a room:
- Strong horizontal lines in photograph, or in the way it is hung, tend to be calming and can give the illusion of width in a narrow room.
- Strong vertical lines in a photograph or in the arrangement on the wall add to the feeling of height in a room.
- Strong diagonal lines either within a photograph itself or in a line of photographs arranged on the wall add drama and excitement.
• Use symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of photographs to create either a formal or a casual feeling. Symmetry adds balance and formality to an arrangement and is generally pleasing and calming to the observer.

• A grouping of photographs should be thought of as one unit.
• One large photograph makes a statement and keeps things simple.
• A number of photographs framed in one mat and frame will have more impact.

Themes
• Support your room theme with photographs, repeating the colors, motifs, and style of the room's interior.
• Landscape photographs visually open up a smaller space. The view of a distant horizon acts as a sort of window.

Color
• Vibrant colors bring excitement to a room, neutral colors are more calming.
• Photographs will have greater impact if matted in a contrasting color to the wall. Choose a dark mat for a light wall and a light mat for a dark wall.

Framing
• Choose frame colors and styles that match the style of your home.
• To harmonize a set of photographs, mat and frame them alike.

Lighting
• Illuminate photographs well. It can be lost unless well lit.
• Depending on a given place, one can use a picture light, track lighting or recessed lighting.

Hanging
• Hang photographs securely. Rate picture hooks for the weight of the framed photograph. 
Care of Photographs
• Never hang photograph in direct sunlight: it can fade.
• Never hang photograph above a working fireplace.
• Never hang photograph on an exterior wall without adequate insulation: it can dampen.
• Maintain a constant room temperature and humidity.
• Mat boards and adhesives must be acid-free, otherwise yellowing will occur.

Your Living Room Starts With Your Sofa

Your living room is probably the most important room in your home. It's where you unwind, where you entertain your friends, and where you spend lazy days relaxing in front of your fireplace. The way you decorate your living room will really say a lot about you. Is it formal or relaxed. Do you have antique furniture or modern. When it comes time to redecorate your living room, the most important piece of furniture is your sofa. Once you pick out a couch that will compliment your style and how you want to use your living room, everything else is easy.

If your style is casual and you want to entertain friends in your living room, consider a sectional sofa. The sectional is perfect for when you or your friends want to kick back and relax while having a great conversation or watching some TV. It's great for family time too. There are a couple ways to use a sectional. You can put it in the corner of the room, so you maximize your living space. This is great if you want to use your sofa while watching TV. Or, you can place it so that the back of the sofa splits the room in half, so to speak. That way, you create a cozy little area for conversation. If you don't have a television or fireplace in your living room, add a recliner or loveseat facing the couch. That helps further create the sociable atmosphere.

If you're looking for a more formal feeling for your living room, the standard three person sofa is one way to go. These sofas typically have a more traditional look to them. However, you can still have the seating capacity of a sectional. Pair your sofa up with a loveseat or a second sofa. Depending on how formal you want your living room, you may not have a television. But if you have a fireplace, you want your main sofa facing it. Arrange your loveseat or second sofa off to its side moving towards the fireplace. If you don't have a fireplace, you have the opportunity to design the perfect area for friends and family to gather and catch up with each other. Placing your two sofas directly opposite each other crates a nice warm gathering spot. For some, however, this may seem a little stuffy and old fashioned. If so, you can place a second sofa running diagonally on one side and other chairs or loveseat on the other side running diagonally as well. Do this so you create a triangle instead of a square, with your sofa table in the middle. This way, you can get a formal look yet contemporary feel at the same time.

So it is possible to combine formal and contemporary, you just need to use your imagination. Once you have you're couch, you can finish decorating your living room by finding pieces that match. A table with family photos or a fresh cut flowers will go with either formal or informal décor. A hutch for treasured knick knacks will also go well. Art work or a mirror for your walls. But it all starts with your sofa. Once you pick out the one that's right for you, everything else will fall into place.

The Best Cities to Relocate to in America

Relocation is sometimes a sound solution for increasing unemployment rates and fewer secure jobs. Many people are considering relocation as an option to better their careers and quality of life. In October of 2010, Bert Sperling, of Sperling’s BestPlaces, researched which cities are economically and socially resilient. Unlike a megalopolis that can crash and boom, an older city can offer its inhabitants a steadier, more confident growth rate. The findings show that well-established cities are excellent options for people who are considering moving to a new place.
Notably, several of the cities are in the Midwest and a distance from coastal states. According to Bert Sperling, "During these tough times, we're sort of celebrating these areas that kept their head down and were steady through good times, and the not-so-good.”
Though cities such as Pittsburgh and Buffalo have reputations as industrialized hubs rather than cultural centers, they are increasingly focused on education and the arts. These ten cities can provide its inhabitants with some of the best opportunities for work and life.
View the slide show on CNBC – Best Cities to Relocate to in America
“By considering these criteria and more, it gives an excellent insight into the areas of the United States where locals care about the food eat, prepare, and share with their friends and family.”

Methodology

To find the best cities for relocation, Sperling’s Best Places chose several important factors: unemployment, cost of living, crime rates, population health, and cultural events. The ten best cities to move to all have lower than average house prices and unemployment rates below the national average (10.2%). Safety and health are essential for a happy community, as well as leisurely activities. Sports teams, arts, and other forms of culture are crucial to a city’s livability and well-being.
In addition to population and other metrics, stability was an important factor because it indicates a city’s hardiness. According to Bert, "We're a big believer in the concept of stability, where there is modest, controllable growth. Big booms lead to disruption, and ultimately big busts. Neither is good for livability."

The 10 Best Cities to Relocate to

1. Pittsburgh, PA
2. Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
3. Omaha, NE/Council Bluffs, IA
4. Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
5. Austin-Round Rock, TX
6. Des Monies-West Des Moines, IA
7. Madison, WI
8. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN
9. Denver-Aurora, CO
10. Indianapolis-Carmel, IN

1. Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is an affordable city that offers the amenities of a megalopolis with added stability. With an average home price of 116,400 (the national average is $171,700) and a cost of living that is 12.2% below the U.S. average, Pittsburgh is an attractive city for many looking to relocate. The unemployment rate is 7.8%, whereas the national average is currently at 10.2%. Moreover, the low risk of natural disasters and low crime rate make Pittsburgh a safe city for homeowners and families. For entertainment, Pittsburgh is home of the multiple Super Bowl winning team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sports are an important part of Pittsburgh, and they considerably improve the quality of life.

2. Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY

Now nicknamed “the city of trees,” Buffalo had a rough transition period into the twenty-first century. Its current economy is moving from industrial business to tourism, while the healthcare and education industries are growing quickly. Unemployment is at 8.3%, which is lower than in the rest of the states. With a prolific arts scene and an affordable cost of living that is 14.4% below the national average, the city is ideal for people looking to move to a place with plenty of cultural events. There are over 20 parks in Buffalo, along with Niagara Falls, it is quickly becoming a greener, more active city. For sports fans, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres will provide plenty of athletic entertainment.

3. Omaha, NE/Council Bluffs, IA

Omaha was one of the most stable cities according to research. One of the wealthiest men in the world resides in Omaha: Warren Buffett, whose presence attracts Fortune 500 companies to the city. Omaha’s slow, but persistent growth contributes to the city’s low unemployment rate—4.2%--less than half of the U.S.’s average.

4. Fort-Worth-Arlington, TX

The City of Cowboys and Culture features a budding arts scene and proximity to Dallas. However, Fort Worth can stand on its own with its botanical garden, amazing zoo, opera, and ballet. Its cost of living is almost 14% less than the national average, making it an affordable option for many. Arlington is home of the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and even a chapter of Mensa. The Fort Worth and Arlington area has something for everyone, and still has an unemployment rate, 8.2%, that is below average.

5. Austin-Round Rock, TX

With at least a dozen colleges, Austin is definitively one of the best college towns. The city is a “crazy quilt” combination of environmentalism, art, improv, and tech companies. Noted for its quirkiness, Austin is proud of its diverse population, as its unofficial slogan is “Keep Austin Weird.” It stays affordable, too: its cost of living is 2.4% lower than the national average.
Round Rock is Austin’s more conservative neighbor and where the headquarters of Dell Computers is located. The unemployment rate is a low and attractive figure at 6.5%.

6. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is increasing cultural and educational productivity with its recent projects. A new science center, IMAX theater, and events center are helping the community grow. Moreover, Des Moines’s low cost of living, at 12% lower than the US average, makes the city a great place to move to. Des Moines’s unemployment rate is 7.1%, which is below the national average, and it is home to nearly 60 companies’ headquarters. The median price of homes is also lower than the national average, at $150,600. West Des Moines, a wealthy suburb, however, is more costly. As an added attraction, Iowa is famous for its politics—the Iowa caucuses are the first major electoral events.

7. Madison, WI

The cold doesn’t stop Madison’s inhabitants from having fun. Plenty of winter activities and the city’s amenities make the winter enjoyable. As the residence of the comical publication, The Onion, Madison has a sense of humor. In addition to a low unemployment rate, 5.2%, Madison has sports complexes, performing arts centers, and even a free zoo.

8. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN

In Sperling’s words, “Minneapolis is probably one of the most progressive, greenest cities and the folks are really polite in that Midwestern way.” Familiar as the Twin Cities, the area has a low crime rate and a large number of artistic and cultural institutions. Though housing and cost of living are higher than the national average, the low unemployment rate, 7%, makes it a good city for people looking for job opportunities. The Minnesota Vikings, the Mall of America, and enormous theater market make the Twin Cities an area with diverse opportunities and events.

9. Denver-Aurora, CO

Public art, museums, and stability contribute to Denver-Aurora’s livability. Surrounded by mountains, the city is perfect for people with active lifestyles. Denver’s varied sports teams show some of the activities available to its population. Denver has teams from the four biggest sports in the U.S.: the Denver Broncos football team, Colorado Rockies baseball team, Colorado Avalanche hockey team, and the Denver Nuggets basketball team. Aurora, Denver’s suburb, provides its inhabitants with plenty of shopping and over a thousand acres of parks and a dozen golf courses. The unemployment rate, 7.2%, is lower than the national average. Denver is a superb choice for movers who value outdoors activities and cultural events.

10. Indianapolis-Carmel, IN

Indianapolis-Carmel is a sensible city for relocators. First, the unemployment rate is well below the national average rate at 8.8% (the national average is 10.2%). The city has high scores for stability and affordability: the average price of homes is $120,200 (the average price of homes in the US is $171,700) and the cost of living is 17.8% lower than the national average. In addition to its great cost of living, the city offers plenty of entertainment and activities. Ten sports teams reside in Indianapolis, including the Indianapolis Colts football team and the Indiana Pacers basketball team. Central Park, in Carmel, has an enormous water park, boardwalk, and miles of trails.

Oprah Winfrey’s House

You know, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Oprah Winfrey. She likes us to think she’s just plain folk like the rest of her, given her humble beginnings and all. But make no mistake, girlfriend likes to live large. The fountain in the back is a lovely touch, isn’t it? Looking at the grounds I’m thinking it’s not a particularly environmentally friendly home.

Larry King’s House

Who knew Larry King lived so close to the curb? It’s probably just as well because when his current wife kicks him out, he won’t have too far to walk. This is a modest little home in comparison to his talk show counterpart above.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s House

Good thing J.Lo and March Anthony have all this space what with their twins and all. Marc Anthony probably requested a house of this magnitude so he can hide from his wife’s diva demands.  
Popularity: 24%

Ryan Seacrest’s House

Well this is quaint, isn’t it? Not as ginormous as the others, but then Ryan is only one person. This 10,000 square foot crib once belonged to Kevin Costner. The house boasts five bedrooms, a media room, billiards room, tennis court, gym, pool, spa and staff quarters.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s House

See now this is a house for a married couple with kids. Everyone has their own space. No fighting over bathrooms or what to watch on TV because everyone has their own. There’s a lot going on there, isn’t there?

John Travolta’s House

What? Your house doesn’t come with a runway and places to park your jumbo jets? His pool looks tiny in comparison, doesn’t it?

Eddie Murphy’s House

Can anyone say “over the top?” Eddie Muprhy’s house looks like a beach side hotel resort. I didn’t find too many details for this house but suffice it to say it’s pretty darn big for one person. Guess he’s planning for when his 200 kids come to visit.

Avril Lavigne’s House

This is a big house for two people, isn’t it? This home in Bel-Air boasts 10 bathrooms, 8 beds and a 10 car garage. She’s so punk that one.

Bill Gates’ Home on Lake Washington

How would you like to pay over $1 million in property taxes? For us that seems like a lot, for Bill Gates it’s pocket change. The Gates family has a helluva log cabin there, don’t they?

Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Largo

Mar-A-Largo is Donald Trumps quiet little vacation getaway, though knowing The Donald it’s probably all gaudy inside. The home boasts 58 bedrooms and 33 bathrooms with over 62,000 square feet of living space. Oh and it also has 3 bomb shelter so his combover can live long after we’re all gone.
Wait a minute. 58 bedrooms? Who the hell would want all those house guests.