Home Practical Improvements

It goes without saying that peace starts at your home, and this can be achieved through constant communication, as well as respect and love among family members. But there are also other external factors that can enhance and help keep the peace and harmony in your home. Subtle things such as the positioning of mirrors in your bedroom or the direction a window is facing in your kitchen may affect your family relationships and even your spiritual and emotional wellness.

The ancient Chinese art and science of Feng Shui teaches us how to create harmony and balance in our environment to promote positive energy and peace. Rooted in the beliefs of Taoism, Feng Shui is used all over the world to achieve perfect balance and harmony between man and his environment (Even Bill Gates home himself uses Feng Shui in his home).

With this in mind, Mandara Waterfront Residences, the first oceanfront property in Manila, incorporates good Feng Shui in its peaceful, serene community. Located in Asia World City, Parañaque, the 1.4-hectare property auspiciously combines the four key Feng Shui elements of fire, air, earth and water to provide a perfect place to start your own home and to foster harmonious family relationships.

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Only if you eat them or inhale large amounts of the fumes. Ordinary use of mothballs, such as placing them in an attic or storage chest to protect against moths, poses no risk of toxic exposure.

Mothballs were first made from camphor, and later naphthalene. Today, most are composed of the chemical p-dichlorobenzene. All three substances are toxic to humans if eaten or inhaled in large quantities.

P-dichlorobenzene can irritate you skin, throat and eyes. Prolonged exposure may lead to dizziness, weight loss and liver injury.

Some scientist and consumer advocates raised a concern about cancer a few years ago when researchers found that chemicals in some plastics “migrate” into food. Transfer of particles cam occur when plastic wrap touches food for more than 10 minutes during full-power cooking.

Food and Drug Administration (FAD) scientist in the US don’t believe the migration poses a health risk. Also, not all plastic wraps contain “migrating” chemicals. Because there are no labeling regulations, however, it’s difficult to distinguish among wraps.

To be cautious, FDA suggests placing food in container large enough to allow at least three inches of space between plastic wrap and food. The extra space lets the wrap sag without touching the food. Or instead of plastic, use glass or ceramic lids to prevent splattering.

Also, don’t microwave in plastic margarine tubs or dessert topping containers. They’re fine for storing food, but they can easily melt. Use only cookware designed for use in the microwave.

Your room needs painting, but hiring a painter will affect your tight budget. Try this do-it-yourself idea.

Preparation

o Relocate stuff to another room. Move furniture to center of room and cover with drop cloth.

o Sandpaper blemishes and surfacing compounds.

o Fill cracks and gaps with caulk; hammer flat nailheads and cover them up with spackle (available in hardware stores).

o Cover moldings, casings, and switch plates with quick-release tape. Since you are an amateur painter your hands may not be as steady as the average painter.

o Cover floor and baseboard with old newspapers. A drop cloth may be tucked under the paper for extra layer of protection.

o Sweep floor to reduce dust in the air and prevent it from sticking into wet paint.

o Open windows and turn on electric fans for a well-ventilated work area. You may wear goggles or mask to prevent eye and lung irritation.

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There are lots of things that should be considered when we are buying things. For example, when we are about to buy our eyeglasses, we should take into consideration the span of time when these glasses can be out into use. Of course it will be impractical to buy eyeglasses that can be just worn in one occasion or two. If you want to have these eyeglasses that can serve a lot of purposes, you can avail designer sunglasses. This can be good for you because after using, you can use it as part of your home decorations. This is true because of the design that these glasses possess.

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Answer the following questions and see how you rate on money matters: (Check your answer by clicking here…)

1. Do you think money can answer all your needs?

(a) Yes(b) No (c) Sometimes

2. Do you spend and save the rest of your allowance, birthday or holiday money?

(a) Sometimes (b) No (c) Yes

3. Do you pay a tithe (10 percent) and give cheerful offering in the church?

(a) Yes (b) No (c) Sometimes

4. Do you carefully choose what you buy so you get good wear and long enjoyment?

(a) Sometimes (b) Yes (c) No

5. Do you save a certain amount toward a special item you want?

(a) Yes (b) Sometimes (c) No

6. Do you ask for things you know your parents can’t afford to buy?

(a) Yes (b) No (c) Sometimes

7. Do you like buying something even it it’s not necessary?

(a) Yes (b) Sometimes (c) No

8. Are you content with what you have?

(a) Yes (b) No (c) Sometimes

9. Do you think having unnecessary debts is unwise?

(a) Sometimes (b) Yes (c) No

10. Do you think money can buy everything?

(a) No (b) Yes (c) Sometimes

Rate your answers:

10 Correct – Excellent

7-9 Correct – Very Good

4-6 Correct – Average

1-3 Correct – Below Average

1. Plan carefully what you should buy.
2. List your priorities. Know your needs from your wants.
3. Make an estimate of the total amount in your list.
4. Stick to your list and your budget.
5. Adjust your estimate to the actual cost.
6. Buy very important items first. Put off less important ones, if needed.
7. Don’t overspend.