Home Practical Improvements

HOME 911:  By Tanya T. Lara

Dear home 911,

My family bought a modest house two years ago in Marikina on a 10-year bank loan. During typhoon Ondoy, floodwaters reached up to the second floor of the house, damaging everything inside. The wooden floors and walls have warped and all appliances and furniture have been destroyed. Luckily, we all survived without physical harm. The problem is that with the extent of repairs to be done to make the house livable again, we just can’t afford to pay the mortgage. And nobody wants to buy a house that was damaged by Ondoy, even if you sell it way below the market value — and what value is the house and lot now anyway? It is more practical for us to rent an apartment. While we can still meet the basic necessities, we feel desperate about the mounting bills. It’s easier for us to just let the bank repossess the property. Can we just stop paying and abandon the house? What are the consequences?

Maya

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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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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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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

House Versus Home

You hear people say, “A house is not a home.” A certain Polly Adler – who has been credited for that line – did not say why it is so, but he’s right. While a house could accommodate a home, and a home could find lodging in a house, they could do without the other.

House and home, you see, are two different entities.

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