Hanging By a Thread

5 Things You Should Know {New Parent To-Do-ASAP List}

Parents new to the gig can be overwhelmed by the new schedules, new equipment, new roles, etc. Basically, it's like having your world flipped upside down and learning to live on the ceiling. Fortunately, all the newness quickly wears off and mercifully you can't remember what life was before when you merely tread on the floor, rather than the ceiling.

Well, I've got a few more items to add to your to-do lists, along with putting together the bouncy seat, adding baby to your insurance, getting a Social Security number and birth certificate and sending out the birth announcements.

Here are 5 things that new parents (or parents of any age kids if you haven't done these things) should do ASAP:

1. Stop talking/texting/using phone while driving. DO IT NOW! {You'll thank me when you have teen who doesn't text because of your good example...well, honestly, you'll thank me for many reasons, but that's a big one} #PhoneDownEyesUp
2. Make a Last Will & Testament {or update it if you already have one} and be sure all other estate planning documents are in order, considering you have a child(ren) now {Talk to an attorney};
3. Find a reliable babysitter; someone you pay; someone other than a family member {There are services to help you find one. I use www.sittercity.com};
4. Check {with a professional} to be sure that the car seat is installed properly and learn how to do it yourself.
5. Install CO detectors and smoke alarms, check for Radon, especially if in MN or other Radon hotspots, and be sure your hot water heater is set at a safe temperature {Mayo Clinic says safe is below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.}.

This is a manageable list, no? The biggest, most expensive, most time-consuming point on the list is the Will, but it really is something that should be tackled, but maybe after those crazy postpartum hormones settle down a bit. #1 can be done starting this very minute. PLEASE do not use your phone while you are behind the wheel, especially with your wee one on board. Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Leavin’ on a Jet Plane; Simple Airplane Etiquette}

I'm fresh off an airplane, and I've made some observations....not surprising, I know. The thing is people are interesting, and I'm always watching, listening and soaking it all in and of course, making recommendations....

1. Rear Loading: For the love of Pete, why oh why are planes not loaded back to front; Diamond Executive Platinum, Triple Gold Crown, Head Honchos and Hallowed Ones could walk on at their leisure right before the plane took off and not ever to have lay eyes on the rest of the herd at the rear of the plane; the common folk. And we, the common folk, could easily find our way to our seats row by row, from the last row to the front row. Makes sense, no?
2. Polite Hygiene Practices: Dear Sirs, if you can't aim for the toilet and make it within the ring, do us ALL a favor and sit down! And if you make a mess, PLEASE clean it up. This is not an inner city subway bathroom or a field or forest miles from all civilization; be courteous to those who must use the facilities after you;
3. Heavyweight Workout: For those who find it hard to leave home without everything, as I do, there ought to be luggage with a scale built into the bag. This would really simplify things and ease my nerves about my overstuffed bag as I check-in.

   Let me just add, I am very suspicious of people who can check one small suitcase and skip onto the plane with a teeny tote bag. Seriously, have you no business to conduct on your computer or tablet, no need for makeup to touch up with, no extra undies, in case your bag is lost (hey, it happens), no books to read or celeb mags to catch up on, no sweater in case of a chill? Do you pack only one outfit and one pair of shoes? How do you do it?

4. Stuff It and Slam It. If your rolling carry on stuffed to the gills won't fit in the overhead compartment, stuffing and pushing and huffing and puffing and slamming and ramming will not get yours to miraculously fit. And if you are one of the last to board, you will most certainly be out of luck; so plan for it and don't act exasperated and shocked when all space has already been claimed. And no, it's not OK to smash aforementioned fellow passenger's teeny tote just to make room for your super-sized "carry-on" that should have been checked to begin with.
5. Positive Reinforcement: On my ride back home to Minneapolis, as we boarded our jet, the passengers were met with soft, uplifting music wafting through the fuselage and photos of beautiful landscapes playing on the video screens throughout the plane. I have to say, I have never seen such courteous, kind, helpful passengers, smiling, joking, exchanging pleasantries, moving out of the way, hefting a heavy bag for a stranger, re-arranging their own bags to make room for others' bags.

   It was a full flight and there were no cross faces or frustrated exchanges or sarcastic comments observed by me, and be assured I was watching. I sat in the middle of the plane, on an exit row, smack in the middle. This is a seat I hate to have; I'm an aisle hog. But I felt happy and settled with that music playing and the images slowly going by one after the other. I don't know what their intention was, but it worked to curb anger and keep everyone feeling cordial towards each other.

I have a few more notes, such as, house slippers are not considered shoes, not even at an airport and do listen to the attendants when they tell you to power down your devices; they mean it and no one, not even the triple platinum gold crown head honchos, are above this list of airplane rules of etiquette. Over and out...

Anna

 

 

Random Tidbits: Completely Unrelated, Useful/Interesting/Semi-Important/You Fill-in-the-Blank Information

You know when you're driving along and your kid pipes up and says something like, "Mom, whatever happened to that stick that I picked up last summer when we were walking around that lake?" and then a few minutes later says, "For my next birthday {which is something like 8 months away, generally}, can I have a birthday cake that has Transformers, Mickey Mouse and Word Girl on it?" And the whole time you're thinking I have no idea and where are these random thoughts coming from.

Well, that's what this post is like.

I've had very few minutes to write lately, but I have a number of random tidbits knocking around in my head. It happens frequently that I have a random thought, save a clipping or jot down an idea that doesn't warrant an entire post, but is still worth mentioning. Sometimes I let them linger until I might have enough to weave the tidbits into something more, but often they simply unravel and these loose ends rot away tucked in a file or pasted on a "sticky note" on my computer desktop or randomly written in a notebook.

So, I decided I'd piece together a quick, unconnected run-down of these various bits of information; some tips, some interesting points, some important notes, some simple observations.

1. Tightening the Belt. For a while I had an internal struggle with trying to figure out whether the strap should be locked or left loose or did it even matter. Booster seats. There's just not the plethora of information about these "tween" seats; that is, "in between" 5 point harnesses and a seat belt without a special seat. I know some parents just leave it loose. I always tighten the seat belt strap.
   1. For one thing, Darling 2 is apt to fall asleep in a moving vehicle and slump forward or sideways. If the belt is loose, he could slip right out of the seat or be injured if the belt snapped tight in an accident or sudden stop.
   2. I dug around online and surprisingly didn't find any definitive answers. So, I asked a resident expert; whom I happened to run into at my Caribou Coffee. She said either way is fine. If you have a sleeper or wiggler then it's best to lock the belt. But if your child is older and is not prone to moving around and getting out of the belt, then loose is fine.
   3. So, there you have it. I still tighten out of habit and because Darling 2 still likes to fall asleep in the car, but Darling 1 likes to remind me that he doesn't have to be locked in now that we know the answer to this question.
2. Mythbusters – Distracted Driving. Do you know about Mythbusters? It's a fun program that we found on Netflix over Winter Break. They take various statements or "facts" and put them to the test. On one program they ran their own test to see whether talking on the phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, as some studies have reported.
   1. Now they weren't legally drunk, but they were as close to it as possible; with police officers overseeing the experiment.
   2. And they weren't recklessly driving around on the roads with other drivers. They were on a driving course with an instructor.
   3. But the tests and testers were serious and the drivers were blown away by how difficult it was to stay on task and not break laws by missing signs, weaving, etc. while talking on the phone and after a few drinks.
   4. Their conclusion was that it is not a myth. Texting/talking on the phone is just as dangerous as driving drunk (or almost drunk), and they did indeed feel out of control {and it's rare that they don't bust the myth}. There you have it. So, Phone Down; Eyes Up! {TAKE MY CHALLENGE!}
3. Teachers Packing Heat. Some teachers may have decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to "securing" their classrooms.
   1. In the weeks following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, according to MotherJones.com, about 600 teachers in some 15 states have signed up for a free firearms training program offered by Buckeye Firearms Association.
   2. MotherJones.com noted that there are only three states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons in schools: Utah, Kansas and Mississippi.
   3. Now, 600 is a very tiny percentage of the number of teachers in our country, but it's an interesting note.
   4. I'd be curious to know which 15 states those teachers come from; and how many of those 600 are male and how many are female.
   5. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my kids' teachers packing heat in class.
   6. And on a lighter note, I just pictured Darling 1's amazingly patient, kind and loving kindergarten teacher from last year, with a gun strapped to her hip; now that puts class rules in a very different light.
4. Boo Indeed! Sometimes you miss the ugly, prickly weed when looking for the "Green."
   1. I found a write up for a product called, Bambooee, in MN Parent under Hot Stuff/Go Green. It says this about the products on this page, "Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!"
   2. So, the Bambooee is apparently an earth-friendly, sustainable, reusable paper towel. The packaging in the photo says, "Reusable Washable Bleachable." BLEACHABLE? Earth-friendly? No Chemicals? Hmmmm.
   3. Sorry, but why would someone who is choosing to use this product; to be earth friendly, with sustainable, organic products want to or choose to use bleach on this natural, organic, sustainable product?
   4. Bleach is a toxic, harmful chemical, and if you introduce it to your natural, organic, sustainable, bamboo towel, then you're missing the point. I have a better product for you anyway...talk to me {cough, Norwex, cough}
5. Check Your Sources. OK, I am going to expand on this one in another post, but this issue warrants a quick mention here too.
   1. Please check the accuracy and the source of the information you post, Like and share on social media sites. I have noticed an increase in false information and misattributed, made up quotes zipping around on Facebook lately. It's a good rule of thumb to do a quick search to ensure that you are passing good and true information, before you click it out to your hundreds of friends and/or fans.
6. Loose Lips Sink Ships. And along those same lines, not every conversation or thought or situation should be retold or discussed or mentioned on social media sites.
   1. Some things should be left to the imagination; some things should remain confidential; and sometimes "it just wouldn't be prudent" to post every last detail.
   2. So, let your gut instinct be your gauge, but if your gut tells you everything is fair game; then, let's say,
      1. if it's about someone else, especially if you are in any way related or work together;
      2. if it's not nice or puts that person in a bad light;
      3. if there is a contract of any kind involved;
      4. if it sounds like it could be from a red neck reality show
   3. don't post it at all. Instead, call your mom, your spouse, your sibling or best friend and get it off your chest by sharing it with one person rather the 348 of your closest FB friends.

Over and out....

Anna

 

Related articles

God is with Us {Always and Everywhere}

5 Things You Should Know {Fresh Starts}

I don't usually take abrupt changes well, but I am the queen of fresh starts. When life starts getting stagnant I have to shake things up. It's too easy to get stuck in a rut. And once stuck, one is not easily unstuck.

So, I have devised ways of keeping things fresh and new and inspiring. Want to know my secret? Well, here are 5 Things You Should Know about Keeping it Fresh:

It all comes down to Change...

1. Change your address; move down the street, out of town, out of state or out of the country;
2. Change your surroundings; re-arrange, re-paint, re-do;
3. Change your perspective; read something, pray something, do something;
4. Change your habits; exercise more or less, eat more or less (and better), sleep more or less and laugh more, always more; and
5. Change your aim; be sure your passions and goals are aligned; be true to your heart; and set your mind to accomplishing those goals.

Pretty simple, really. But sometimes it's the simple things that are the hardest to see. If you need unsticking, give these things a shot. What have you got to lose?

Here's to Keeping it Fresh in 2013! Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Regifting; A Scrooge Move or the 4th "R" Reduce, Reuse and Recycle?}

This time of year, no matter what holidays you are celebrating, there are a lot of gifts being exchanged. Some may thrill you; others impress you; and some may confuse you or disappoint you. Sometimes you can return the latter type gifts; and sometimes you can't. So, what do you do with these gifts that miss their mark?

Regifting: OK, taboo or it all depends?

I have certainly done it, but not to be cheap or because I didn't care about the gift, the person who gave it to me or the person receiving it. I don't do it often, but if I have received a nice gift that doesn't fit my style or personality, I have given it to another person, as a gift from me if that person would appreciate the gift.

Of course, there are rules that should be followed if you are going to regift:

1. Do be sure to remember who gave the item to be regifted and when and who else was there or would know (take notes);
2. Do not regift in the same circles; this could end badly for all parties involved;
3. Do be sure that the items has not expired, lost all value or is no longer in vogue before regifting;
4. Do not regift in front of your children or with their knowledge; especially when it comes to duplicate toys; they will rat you out without doubt!; and
5. Do inspect the item to be regifted for tags, notes, etc. that might be left over from when you received the item that might give away your regifting secret.

Regifting a gag gift or the like is always acceptable, but the main issue at stake otherwise is hurting feelings. You risk hurting the feelings of the person who originally bought the gift and the person who is now receiving it. There is much that can be misunderstood about the situation.

Discretion is of utmost importance in these situations, but there's no reason a great gift should go used just because it wasn't the right "fit" for you.

The LA Times just published a piece with some good tips about regifting. So, check it for further information in this area.

Later this week I will be discussing the value of the gift and how to be sure the gift you give is not undervalued or eventually regifted.

What do you think about regifting? Over and out...

Anna

My Life...So Far {38 Lessons}

Life is a constant lesson. Just when you think you've got a hold on it and you've learned everything the world can teach you, a new saga begins. But without these adventures, trials, heartbreaks and triumphs life would be dull and lifeless; at least that's what I keep telling myself.

I have lived almost 38 years on this earth, and I've been thinking about the lessons I've learned over the years. And here they are; 39 of them:

1. Stepping out of your comfort zone is always worth it;
2. Quietly taking in your surroundings and evaluating the situation can be very helpful in future dealings;
3. Always take each opportunity that comes your way; it may not present itself ever again;
4. Surround yourself with pets; you will always feel loved and understood, even when the world doesn't get you;
5. Be true to yourself; this can be hard when your heart falls hard and leads the way {in the wrong direction};
6. Fall in love, even if it might mean getting hurt; it's worth it;
7. Stand up for what you believe is right;
8. Never compromise when it means giving up on a dream;
9. Even if dreams have to be shelved for a while, don't let them stay on the shelf so long that they become unrecognizable;
10. Never give up...not ever; not even on the darkest nights; the morning will come;
11. When one road is closed, start searching for alternate routes....there's always at least one;
12. Be your own cheerleader;
13. You can always come home...or call home; my parents are my rock, my life support, my ultimate fans;
14. My relationship with my brother is one of the most important ones in my life;
15. My sorority sisters are my sisters and true friends; I love them and when I'm with them we are still 20 and the years and miles between us are erased;
16. My husband does more for me, our family and our home than most husbands do, and I should show more appreciation than I do;
17. Brand new love is the most exciting, but old love is the most reassuring;
18. Love at first sight...or first dance...or first conversation happens;
19. Say what you mean and mean what you say;
20. Sometimes it's best to bite your tongue and leave a few things unsaid {a tough lesson for me};
21. Life can be disappointing, but whether it continues to be disappointing is up to you;
22. Loss hurts...acknowledge it....feel it...grieve and then get back to living life;
23. Take a chance...again....and again...and again;
24. Move...live in different cities... states...countries, if you can;
25. Being a mom has filled my life, but being a mom is not my whole life;
26. Be present; soak up the here and now because the days, months and years fly by;
27. Kids complicate things, bring out the best and worst, but the joy they add and lessons they teach are worth it;
28. Waiting to have kids was one of the best things we did for our marriage;
29. Never miss the chance to tell your child you love him;
30. Advocate for your children; you know them better than anyone else;
31. Always say you're sorry when you've made a mistake or said something that was hurtful;
32. Swallow your pride; you won't choke on it, but you'll end up playing the part of the pompous fool if you don't;
33. Dance anytime you have a chance....who cares what you look like {this took me a long time to realize};
34. Pray without ceasing;
35. Believe in miracles;
36. Speak from your heart; everyone has something important to say; don't be afraid to tell your story;
37. Sleep when you can;
38. Read only books you love; books that speak to you; otherwise, you're wasting your time; and one to grow on....
39. You don't have to live every minute of every day because that's exhausting, but do your best to live while you can.

I think I pretty much covered the big ones, but there are more, of course. And I the older I get the more transparent the life lessons become. What has life taught you? Over and out...

Anna

Curb Appeal: Sometimes Things in Life are Free

Free Stuff

"??Lamb Meat?? We have some lamb meat that we would like to give away, it has been in our deep freezer. There is nothing wrong with it, my family just don't eat it. We have Lamb roast, lamb stew meat, and a leg of lamb. Thanks for looking!"

    ~from a Craigslist posting under Free Stuff

Uh huh.....I don't know about you, but lamb meat from someone's freezer is NOT something I'd accept from a stranger, free or not.

But hold the phone; if you live in a city and you aren't checking this heading on your local Craigslist site before you head out the store, then you're selling yourself short.

At first, it was amusing to see what people were posting; the frozen lamb meat??, a sprinkler that kind of works, a couple of hens and some roosters, Depends adult diapers, but then I started really looking at the postings and for one whole weekend we monitored the "Free Stuff."

The Haul

Here's what we got....for free: a solid oak dining table, a slightly nicked and scratched Ethan Allen shelving unit, a three tiered wall shelf, a wicker chair {I'm a sucker for wicker}; art paper, crayons and chalk (for the kids), a 2 drawer file cabinet and a small shelving unit for closet organization, or office supplies, in my case, and big camping tent.

There were some cool things we weren't quick enough on the draw to get too. And there were things we just didn't need, but that would have been fabulous in someone's home.

Often all these items need are a good scrubbing and perhaps a coat of paint or varnish and sometimes, they are in perfect condition; like the dining table we got.

The Ethan Allen piece can be seen in the photo above. I cleaned it, filled in a few scratches with wood fill and then painted it yellow. I pulled together an ensemble of items from various rooms in our home to make this inviting area in our bedroom, without spending anything.

Before we got this round dining table, we had always had a rectangle table. This table is much smaller than our old one, but the change in shape seems to have changed our meal time atmosphere. For some reason, this smaller, round table is creating more unity and better conversations to our mealtime and work/homework time in the evenings.

I haven't found a place for my wicker chair or wall shelf yet, but I will. And I'll be watching the Free Stuff listings too. I may never buy another piece of wood furniture again.

Items to Skip Over

There are items I would avoid, besides the frozen lamb meat. I would never get a mattress/box springs, linens or luggage from Craigslist. I would be concerned about bed bugs, etc. Unless, you know how to re-upholster, I wouldn't choose the free couches and chairs, etc. either, but there could be some exceptions. I would steer clear of any food listings, formula listings or anything with an expiration date. And one should NEVER pick up for free (or buy) a used car seat or car seat base for safety reasons.

The Scoop

The thing about Craigslist is that you just never know what you're going to find. So, check it out, have fun, be creative and use your head when it comes to what you get and where you go to get it, but don't think about it for too long, because if it's fantastic and free, it won't be on the curb for long. Over and out...

Anna

Vote Smart: Get the 411 Before You Go to the Polls

Campaign Season

Vote No; Vote Yes; Vote this; Vote that. It can get confusing with all the yard signs, Facebook posts and ads online and on TV and radio. To me, the most important thing is that people do vote, regardless of how they vote.

At this time of year, everyone complains about some particular candidate or a whole party's views; and everyone becomes a political expert full of world-changing opinions, but they do vote and where are they getting their information?

Voter ID

There are those who complain and rant and say how they would do it, but aren't even registered to vote and don't intend to ever set foot in a voting booth. To those people, I say that every vote can make a difference, but if they refuse to vote, then hold your tongues because you don't get an opinion involving candidates, policies or parties.

To those who do vote and do it quietly without sounding great bugles announcing who and why and wherefore, I admire you; for politics is a personal business, in my opinion. Now, that isn't to say that these people can't firmly stand up for what they believe is right by volunteering to aid a candidate's campaign or taking a firm position if asked about a particular issue or candidate. These people do these things, but not with great fanfare.

Then, there are those who must tell every friend on Facebook, every neighbor, co-worker, family member and even strangers their strong political beliefs. These people often push their views on others and seem to want to offend others in order to start a debate; the more public the better for these people. Generally, it's these people that need a stage for every aspect of life though, not just during the politically charged months of the year. These people I don't understand, and I try to avoid them at all costs. But they do vote, and for that, I respect them.

Hitting Home with the Voter

Sometimes, politics hits home and can affect families. For instance, many voters across the country will consider measures that deal with the definition of marriage, school referendums, taxes, etc .

Yesterday, I got an email from a group that supports the Minnesota Zoo, encouraging its members to be sure to ask their candidates if they support the Zoo, considering that a very small, but vital part of their budget comes from the state's budget. I have never considered the Zoo when I vote, but I will this year thanks to the email.

Voter Education

So, if you are going to vote, and I sincerely hope you do vote, then you do need to be sure you understand the issues and what each of your candidates stand for in this race; one way or another the winner of these races will impact your life.

For unbiased, unabashed candidate info go to Project Vote Smart. This non-profit, non-partisan organization gives you the information you need about each candidate and ballot measure in your voting precinct.

If your head is spinning from all the speeches, debates and ads, and you just want the facts, please, then go to FactCheck.org. This non-profit group is busy fact-checking and debunking ads, speeches, quotes, articles, etc. so that you can sleep easy and be clear about the issues and the candidates spinning them before you vote.

And if you just need to know exactly how your candidates stand on the issues and will most likely vote while in office/support as a local/state/federal official, then check On the Issues. Here you will find very succinct listings of where your guy or gal sits on a long list of important issues.

The Scoop

During the next month or so, there will be no escaping politics. It has invaded yards, voicemails, radio, TV, billboards, magazines, newspapers and stores...even children's stores. This photo was taken in a Toys R Us. You can try to maneuver the claw to grab and win a Mitt Romney doll or Barack Obama pillow head. I bet all the kids try for those over the veggie heads, angry birds and teddy bears. Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Writing an Obituary}

I have always skimmed the obituaries in newspapers, and honestly most leave a lot to be desired, in my opinion. Rarely do I feel sorrow for the family or really any emotion at all when reading the mostly stale recitation of dates, locations and names.

I'm also an avid reader of The Week. Each week there are 2 to 3 obituaries of notable people in the back of the volume. While those people are prominent in some aspect and often of celebrity status, the write-up always includes little known facts or tales and a few well placed quotes. Regardless of what I thought of the person in life, I have found that these obituaries give me a new perspective and appreciation for the person.

Oddly enough, in the past, I've had a subscription to Alaska magazine {it's a long story.} And I did enjoy reading the articles for multiple reasons, but one of the best parts of this publication was the obituaries. These pieces were on life-long, or at least close to it, AK residents, but they were not necessarily widely known or particularly extraordinary individuals. And yet, the details and stories of these people made me wish I had known these men and women for the sense of adventure, bravery, pioneering ways, sense of human, etc. Now that's a sign of a great obituary.

Here are 5 Things You Should Know about Writing an Obituary:

An obituary:

1. Should tell a lively and interesting story of the person's life, complete with anecdotes, both touching and funny, trivial and significant;
2. Should Not just provide the statistics of born, schooled, worked, and is survived by;
3. Should make every person's life seem remarkable, because every person's life is remarkable to those who loved this person and presented well can be remarkable even to those who didn't know the person;
4. Should be written by someone who knew the individual well and deeply loved the person who is no longer on earth; and
5. Should make anyone who reads the writing mourn the loss of this person, regardless of whether the reader knew the deceased.

Who's going to write yours? Over and out...

Anna

 

5 Things You Should Know {Disposing of Hazardous Household Materials}

It's true. I have a special affinity for chemical-free cleaning now that I've found Norwex. And it's also true that I think that everyone would be better off switching to Norwex for a cleaner, safer household.

But all that aside, here's what you need to know about disposing of traditional household cleaners containing harmful chemicals whether you're done with them for good {because you're using Norwex} or simply need to dispose of some cleansers.

1. Never pour cleaners with harmful chemicals down your drains, in the yard, in the street or in the trash;
2. Always read the warning labels and instructions for use and disposal on all your household cleaners; you'll probably be surprised by how many containers you shouldn't be throwing in your garbage that you probably have been tossing in the trash bin for years;
3. Never store hazardous products in food containers. Instead keep them in their original containers and never remove labels
4. Find the nearest hazardous waste disposal location in your area. My county, Hennepin County in MN, has 2 facilities available for getting rid of household chemicals, appliances, electronics and other hazardous materials. However, I was sorry, but not surprised, to find that a number of locations I searched in Texas did not have any such facility available. In this case, I suggest calling City Hall to inquire about how you should dispose of hazardous household materials in your area.
5. EPA suggests {and I agree} that you should reduce the use of cleaners containing harmful chemicals.

Note: Many household cleaners have been linked to causes of migraines, asthma, allergies, depression, cancer, central nervous system disorders and more. Remember the real clean is the absence of all odor; not the smell of bleach or pine sol or lemon or fresh scent.

Need more tips on how to reduce and/or eliminate hazardous chemicals? Check the EPA site. Over and out...

Anna