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Gina Tufano

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GREEN Cleaning Secrets Revealed * I bet you don't know all of these!

09-17-09
Gina Tufano
Household Cleaning Secrets
How to open a sealed envelope:
  • Place the envelope in the freezer for a few hours away in a plastic bag (to keep it from getting wet). Then slide a knife under the flap. You can even reseal the flap if necessary!
How to remove crayon marks on walls:
  • Mix baking soda and water in a small container. Dampen rag and wipe area clean. Crayon marks come off with very little effort!
How to clean off permanent marker on counter tops and appliances:
  • Dampen a paper towel or rag with rubbing alcohol and wipe clean.
How to sharpen a pair of scissors:
  • Buy a box of S.O.S. Steel Wool Soap Pads. Cut pads in pieces until sharpened.
How to keep clothes smelling fresh out of the dryer:
  • Put one fabric soften sheet per drawer in your dresser and clothes will smell fresh for weeks to come! Keep linens and towels smelling fresh for guests by putting a fabric softener sheet in your linen closet.
How to clean artificial flowers:
  • In a large paper bag, pour in about 3 Tablespoons of salt. Put flowers in bag and step outside. Hold bag closed at top and shake vigorously. The salt will remove dust particles and leave the flower looking new!
How to remove blood stains on clothes:
  • Dampen part of a rag with hydrogen peroxide and wipe off clothes - works every time!
How to keep icy door steps from re-freezing:
  • In large bucket, mix warm water and Dawn dish washing liquid. Pour all over steps. The soap will keep the water from re-freezing!
How to remove wax from a glass candle holder:
  • Place glass candle holder in the freezer for a few hours then take the candle holder out and turn upside down. The wax will simply fall out!
How to remove burnt food on your skillet:
  • Add water enough water to cover burnt food area and a drop of dish soap to pan. Place pan on stove and bring water to a boil. The combination of hot water and soap will make the food easily lift off the skillet.
Tips for cleaning windows:
  • Use horizontal strokes when washing windows inside and horizontal strokes when cleaning windows outside to easily know which side has (if any) streaks. Dampen a rag with white vinegar (or put it in a spray bottle) and wipe windows down - they will shine like new!
Keep appliance cords organized:
  • Tidy up cords and slide them into an empty toilet paper roll. Use a permanent marker to label what the cords go to.
Give a room a fresh smell every time you walk in:
  • Lightly spray the inside of a lamp shade with your favorite scent. Every time you turn on the light, the lovely scent will fill the room. Avoid spraying light bulbs directly. Light bulbs get very hot after being on for long periods of time and some fragrances may be flammable.
Keep candles burning longer:
  • Put the candle in the freezer at least 3 hours before burning. This will make the candle burn at a slower rate!
Use Alka Seltzer for these:
  • Unclog a drain: Drop 3 tablets down the drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Wait 5 minutes and run warm water through drain.
  • Clean a toilet: Drop 2 tablets in the toilet and wait 20 minutes. Blush and flush - the toilet will be instantly clean again without emitting harmful chemicals into the environment!
  • Clean the inside of a vase: Fill vase with warm water and drop 2 tablets into the vase. Wait 10 minutes and rinse.
  • Polish jewelry: Fill a glass cup with warm water and drop 2 tablets in along with jewelry. After 2 minutes remove jewelry, rinse, and pat dry with cloth. Lay out jewelry on a small towel to fully dry.
Cooking & Food Secrets
Keep celery fresh for weeks:
  • Wrap celery in aluminum foil before putting it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for longer!
Bring out the natural sweetness in corn:
  • When boiling corn on the cob on the stove, add a pinch of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
What to do with all that left over wine from a party:
  • Don't throw it out! Freeze it in ice cube trays to use in casseroles and sauces for the next time you entertain guests.
Health Care Tips
Get rid of a headache with no pills:
  • Cut a lime in half and rub over your forehead to stop the throbbing.
Stop the itch from Mosquito bites:
  • Wash the area with soap and water. The soap will give instant itch relief.
How to safely remove a splinter:
  • Put those tweezers down. First grab the scotch tap and tap in line with the splinter. Then pull off opposite direction (similar to waxing), and the splinter should come right out!
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Home Prices RISE for the 1st time in two years!

09-17-09
Gina Tufano

For the 13th consecutive month, the number of homes sold has risen each month compared to the number of homes sold in the same month a year ago. In fact, two of the most hardly hit counties surrounding the Washington Metropolitan area, saw a rise the price of homes for the first time in over 2 years. In August 2009, prices rose 5.9% in Loudoun County from the same time last year and it currently holds the first home price increase in the county sense 2007. The second county, Prince William County, saw prices climb 2.5% since exactly a year ago, which is the first time the county has seen a price increase since the summer of 2006.

The statistics of these two counties and many other counties around the nation on average give optimism for stabilization in the housing market. Many economists predict that this past quarter will show the first signs of stabilization in the market nationwide reflecting in the GDP numbers for the United States. With average number of homes listed in Northern Virginia dropping 28.8% in August 2009 from August 2008, and the supply of homes listed for sale in the area has shrunk to amounts that have not been seen since January 2006; it is hopeful that buyers and sellers will be a large step closer to being on the same page when it comes to naming a price.

To read the full article from The Washington Post, click here.

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Fashionable, Unique, & Creative jewelry, stationary, and much, much more!

09-16-09
Gina Tufano

September 24-26

ring batch

First Chick's Picks of the Season ...

featuring RINGS 'n Pretty Things! Take a break from buying school supplies ... get a little somethin' for yourself at the great prices CP is known for!

.triple ss ring ss necklace ssring

Remember the kids while they are at school (wink) w/ Carolyn R's hand-stamped Jewelry

sept shadow Box!

Fall Shadow Boxes, Wreath Stands, Coat Hooks... Also, Back-to-School, Home Organizing and Halloween Decor!

organize home halloween

My new fav book of lists, just out & available at CP...


HNTAO
#3 Don't wear a Watch
#6 Don't leave a Message
#56 Learn to text with your Thumbs
#59 Don't fear the Thong
#87 Don't be insulted if your kid defriends you on FB
#133 Don't lust after the Lifeguard ____________________________________________

all this & so much more on:
Thursday, September 24, 8am-8pm
Friday, September 25, 9am-7pm
Saturday, September 26, 9am-noon
at
Hillary's Home Boutique ... Friends Welcome
20757 Parkside Circle, Sterling VA 20165

Add your Name to the Invitation List or Shop
Click Here: www.ChicksPicksbyHillary.com

girl's rings fall rings
Rings for all tastes & ages! peace OUT! Woodstock, Beatles and now car magnets, Dara's toggles & key chains!
Peace Out!

hillary Chicks Picks by Hillary specializes in creating, discovering and showcasing fashion & home accessories. On-line store and private boutique shows highlight original creations.


Shop or Join the guest list at
www.chickspicksbyhillary.com

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How Loudoun County Plans to Combat the Swine Flu

09-16-09
Gina Tufano

September 23rd

Swine Flu Information Meeting

On Wednesday, September 23rd from 7pm-9pm, the Loudoun County Health Department and representatives from INOVA Loudoun Hospital will host a free H1N1 (Swine) influenza meeting addressing the latest information for preparing for both the seasonal & swine flu and the steps the county is taking to protect its residents from the swine flu. The event will be hosted at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148.

For more information go to www.loudoun.gov/flu or call Health Department's Influenza line at (703) 771-5512.

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Hazardous Waste Drop Off Reminder! * Sept. 19th from 8:30am-2:30pm

09-15-09
Gina Tufano
September 19th
 Hazardous Waste Drop Off
Bring by your unwanted paints, stains, fuels, cleaners, and other hazardous wastes to Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling on Saturday, Sept. 19th from 8:30am-2:30pm during the Household Hazardous Waste collection event. The next collection will be held Oct. 24th in Hamilton. For more information go to www.loudoun.gov/hhw or call the Solid Waste Management Office at (703) 777-0187.
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