Our Neighborhood Magazine TIPs

Our Neighborhood Magazine Tip

We want to say thank you and a prayer of God’s favor to all. Now is the time to be thankful, and giving to family, friends and strangers. Bless someone today!

Hair Xperts Tip

Did you know…the cuticle layer of your hair shaft opens like a flower? This creates frizz. Did you know that you have 90,000-140,000 hair on your head? That’s a lot of frizz! When blow drying your hair, point your blow drier downward on the hair shaft. This will help close the cuticle. Also using a product to protect you hair from the heat.
(Try Redken Satinwear or Straight)

The Mac Dr Tip

Don't rush in to do Apple's Software update. If your Mac is running perfectly, meaning your printer, scanner and other devices (iPod, iPhone, speakers, Blackberry, etc) are connecting and your programs are not giving you too much trouble. Don't mess it up by doing an update. The Apple Update sometimes can cause more problems than it can solve. That also includes iTunes and Quicktime updates. Only install the Apple update if a new software or device specifically asks for it.

Maid Brigade Tip

Snake plants, broad sword ferns and rubber plants are among the top ten air purifiers recommended by experts. They’re easy to grow, are natural humidifiers and remove airborne chemicals. Other green heroes are chrysanthemums, Gerbera daisies and spider plants.

Waxhaw Computer Doctor Tip

In our tips section today, we have a question for you. What is the worst location for an individual to set up their computer around their desk? The worst location…..on the floor. The reason for this is that computers attract dust like a vacuum. The fans that run inside the computer pull surrounding air into the computer and push air out of the back of the computer. This flow of air helps to cool the parts inside the computer. Dust can shorten a computer’s lifespan. Dust can get in the fans and cause them to wear out prematurely and cause your system to overheat. The solution to this problem is fairly easy on most computers. Most computers will have a side of the case which is removable, maybe by holding down a toggle in the back of the computer or by removing a couple screws that hold the side panel on. On most computers, it is the left panel as you are facing the front of the computer. Remove this panel and take the computer outside where you can use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out of your system. Replace the side panel and try to find a location on your desk or at least off of the floor as much as possible.

Allstate Tip

• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors often. Keep extra batteries on hand and replace them every six months.
• Check your smoke detectors monthly. Replace any that are 10 years or older. Make sure everyone knows that the piercing sound means danger, and they should escape quickly.
• Position detectors smartly. Place one on every level of your home and near areas where you and your family sleep.
• Keep detectors away from heating and cooling ducts and at least six inches from where walls and ceilings meet.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy. Make sure there’s at least one on each floor – especially near the kitchen, garage, laundry room and workshop.
• Talk with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do in case a fire breaks out. Make sure you have two ways out of your house.
• Create a fire safety plan, with a designated meeting place.

Fitness Together Tip

Write down your fitness goals - Be sure you have a good plan of exactly what you want to accomplish. Make your fitness goals clear and attainable and focus on short term goals that add up to your one or two long term goals. Also it is beneficial to have support from your family and friends to help you stay on track to accomplish what you set out to do. Even better, get a workout buddy or hire a personal trainer to help keep you accountable and motivated.

S&S Building Specialties Tip

If you have just purchased a new glass shower enclosure, we recommend using a squeegee after every shower and “ Bio-Clean Water Stain Remover” once a week. This will maintain the showroom look. Once your shower door has become spotted, there is virtually no way to remove the stains. There also is an answer to cleaning your mirrors which many people are unaware of. Never use products that contain harsh chemicals as they not only leave streaks, but also tarnishes the mirror. We suggest you buy “Sprayway” to clean your mirrors and glass products.

Java’s Brewing Tip

Stale cookies? Just place them in a plastic ziplock with a slice of apple overnight to freshen them.

Carolina Family Healthcare

• Decrease unhealthy fats and increase healthy fat intake
• Unhealthy fats are found in foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, including butter, lard, meat fat, cheese whole milk, shortening, palm oils and hydrogenated oils (like the ones found in some margarines).
• Healthy Fats are unsaturated fats that are found in fish, nuts and vegetable oils
• Avoid all deep fried foods – Even when using vegetable oils for frying, the high heat causes an oxidative process to occur which accelerates oxidative damage to arteries.
• Eat more fiber – Soluble fiber slows down food absorption to help lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar. Examples of foods high in soluble fiber include oats, barley, flax seeds, dried beans and peas, quinoa, and some fruits and vegetables.
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants – LDL ("bad" cholesterol) is often oxidized which speeds up its penetration into the artery wall, causing plaque build up. Foods high in antioxidants help guard against that action. Some of the good sources are berries, dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, citrus fruits, olive oil, whole grains and green tea.
• Eat more fresh foods – Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and less processed foods will help avoid ingestion of chemicals, sodium and fat used to preserve processed foods.
• Exercise benefits everyone – Whether you need to drop a few pounds or are at the perfect weight, exercise enhances your heart health in many ways.
• Eat plenty of foods rich in omega-3 – Eat a minimum of 2 servings of cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, cod, albacore tuna or haddock. Other foods that are rich in omega 3 are avocados, flax seed, and olive oil. These foods help with arterial and cell health.

Fast Frame

Gives Your Walls a New Look This Season
When updating a room’s décor, consider the benefits of custom framing. Your artwork can be framed or re-framed to present the new look for a room. The frame choices range from ultra casual to high elegance, and offer a number of choices in colors and finishes. Custom matting also offers a wide variety of colors, but also come in textures such as suede, linen and silk. Whether you need a little help or a lot of advice, our expert designers are on hand to help you create the perfect framing presentation.

Allen Tate

• Getting tired of the same old look of your home? If you would like to update your home but are on a budget, there are still several low cost ways to redecorate.
• Change the paint color in a room or just paint one wall an accent color for a whole new look.
• Change window coverings. Have blinds? Add some new curtains over them with a decorative rod.
• Change cabinet knobs and drawer pulls in kitchens and bathrooms for a more modern look.
• Add a decorative mirror or inexpensive art to walls.
• Add a colorful throw rug over an existing carpet or wood floors.
• What is the best and most cost effective way to update your home? Rearrange your furniture!

Furniture Medic

• Clean wood furniture with a mild soap and water mix. Only dampen surface, do not soak.
• Furniture polish should not be frequently used, 3 to 4 times a year use only a high quality, silicon free product.
• Quality furniture can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Many pieces that people deem ruined are actually repairable with great success.
• Only use felt or cork pads between your furniture top and decorations and glass. Rubber bumpers can become embedded into the finish.