Photo: ThinkstockBy Valerie Ross
Mixing Bleach with Pretty Much Anything
If your mother told you not to mix bleach with ammonia, listen: The two combine to create a toxic gas called chloramine, which at low levels causes wheezing, coughing, nausea and watery eyes, and at higher concentrations can do irreversible damage to the lungs. But mixing bleach with any acidic cleaner (regular old vinegar as well as many drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, dishwasher rinses, rust removers and more) is just as dangerous. It also produces a toxic gas, chlorine, which can cause dizziness, coughing, and burning in the nose or eyes when you're exposed to a small amount and can be fatal at higher levels.
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Photo: ThinkstockFalling Off a (Tiny) Ladder
You know that mucking out the gutters comes with a serious risk: Ladder-related injuries send 164,000 people in the U.S. to emergency rooms each year. But did you know that over 35,000 people were hurt while using stepladders in 2010?
Photo: ThinkstockCasually
Will Taylor has an addiction -- an addiction to color. As the market editor for Sweet Paul and The Simple Things magazines and the voice behind his award-winning blog, Bright Bazaar, Will has been documenting his passion for pinks, purples, puce, and more since 2009 and looks forward to publishing his first interior design book in 2014. Now he's bringing his hooked-on-hue attitude here with his top 20 tips for adding color to your home this summer.
Customize Your Furniture
An otherwise ordinary piece of furniture can be given a new lease on life with a quick lick of paint. You don't have to go all out -- dipped legs and painted drawer fronts are all that's needed to make an impact with this entryway console.
Color-match Your Style
If you find it hard to know how to mix different colors together, then try sticking to a simple palette of two hues. Here a simple blue and yellow scheme creates a fresh and modern look that allows you to add or subtract pieces as you discover
Read More »from Technicolor Dreams: 7 Ways to Add Color to Your DecorWhat's not to love about those big white fluffies? Cloud patterns and motifs have been making their way onto the home decor scene for quite a while, and now the trend is in full swing. Any room can instantly feel like it's floating on air with a few choice cloud ornaments, all without taking the sunshine away. Reach for the sky when you adorn your family's home with these 7 adorable cloud products:
-By Allison Faulkner
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Read More »from The Sky is the Limit: 7 Cute Cloud Products to Decorate Your HomeThe majority of home break-ins happen during the summer months. Prepare your home so the unthinkable doesn't happen while you are enjoying family time on the beach. Put up a "Beware of Dog" sign, even if you don't have a dog. Cut back your hedges so there aren't easy places to hide. Keep reading to see 7 more simple ways to keep your thieves away, even if you don't have vacation plans. - By Jacinda Boneau
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Read More »from What's Your Sun Sign's Decorating Style?
What's Your Sun Sign's Decorating Style?
Whether you prefer a minimalist look or an abode full of mementos, decorating according to your Sun sign's natural style will help you truly feel at home. Astrology can help you discover the key ingredient to making your home reflect your true self!
Aries: Function.
Storage must be efficient and easy to access. You simply don't have the patience to fuss with time-consuming details. To match your endless energy, decorate with bold and bright colors.
Taurus: Comfort.
Go ahead and splurge on big-ticket items such as a sofa and bed. Quality counts, while natural fibers create a relaxing environment for you. Earthy tones and soft neutrals are ideal. Donate what you no longer use to keep things fresh.
Gemini: Communication.
Upgrade your in-home technology to be as streamlined and multi-functional as possible. Consider wall mounts for TV-computer screens, and invest in speedy Internet connectivity.
Cancer: Family.
Fill an entire wall or hallway with framed photos of your extended family,
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Though the antique couch looks charming in your living room, its wooden legs and busted springs do not make for the best night of TV-watching. Splurge on a new, over-stuffed sofa and regale the antique settee to the garage until you think of something better.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Karmic Love Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
While it seemed like a good idea to share resources, it has become clear that some ground rules should have been set. Your expensive shampoo and costly pomegranate juice, after all, may not be the best candidates for public consumption.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Numerology One-Year Forecast
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Wednesday June 19, 2013By Alyssa Goldman, Cheapism.com
With a free navigation app guiding your way, say sayonara to getting lost. Whether you're an Android or iPhone user, at least one of these apps should meet your directional needs. And in many situations, a navigation app beats out the GPS alternative.
Related: Buying guide for the best cheap GPS
Use a free navigation to take you there.1. Google Maps App. The Google Maps app is a multipurpose navigation platform that gives turn-by-turn voice prompts and clues you in about where to stop with reviews of restaurants, bars, retailers, etc. It provides routes for walking, driving, and public transit, as well as live traffic reports with an accurate view of where you are or where you're heading. With the iPhone version you should be able to sign into your Google account to sync searches, directions, and favorite places between computer and mobile phone.
Read More »from Find Your Way with the Top Free Navigation Apps
Review: PC Mag gives Google Maps App a score of 4 out of 5, a level the editors deem "excellent." They note that the car navigation could7 Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for Entertaining
By Sunset Magazine | At Home – Mon, Jun 17, 2013 7:42 PM EDTHaving people over this weekend? Spruce up your space fast with these easy ideas.
Upgrade your yard
Upgrade your yard for entertaining
Style expert Caitlin Atkinson says, "The garden is your canvas--paint a warm, inviting picture on it." Here are some easy ways to do just that, and get your outdoor space in shape for weekend entertaining.
Dress the floor
Dress the floor
A sunny polypropylene outdoor rug adds instant warmth and defines the party space. 6- by 9-ft. Dash & Albert Diamond rug in canary and white, $298; pottedstore.com.
Want to really make your outdoor space feel like a living room? Read our Ultimate Outdoor Livingroom Guide.
Mix the seating
Mix the seating
Folding chairs in fun colors provide flexible extra seating indoors or out. Fermob bistro metal chair, $99; floragrubb.com.
Looking for more ideas? Here are some Santa Fe-inspired patio designs.
Cover the fence
Cover the fenceBotanical and marine silhouettes--made with painted steel, strategically rusted and then sealed--add a pop of color to a
Read More »from 7 Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for Entertaining
When to Go
In general, the earlier you arrive, the greater the selection. The later you go, the better the bargain. For many markets, the day could start as early as 5 a.m. Merchants expect dedicated collectors early in the morning and are less inclined to negotiate. Furniture sells early, so go early if that's what you're seeking. The bargaining begins at about 9 a.m., and toward the end of the day, usually noon to 3 p.m., things slow down and vendors begin to pack up. This is the best time to get a good deal, since dealers won't want to bring everything home with them. Don't be too cautious though, it's best to buy what you like when you see it; it may not be there at the end of the day.
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Cash Rules
Some merchants accept credit cards, but most prefer cash. Bring plenty of small bills so making change is easy. If it's a yard sale, cash is the only way to pay. It's also smart to set a budget before you hit the market,
Read More »from Secrets to Flea Markets and Yard SalesAstrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Tuesday June 18, 2013
By Astrology.com Home and Garden Horoscopes | At Home – Mon, Jun 17, 2013 11:45 AM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Like a flash of lightning in the distance, you may have some indication that a storm is about to come. Whether the storm is as metaphorical as houseguests, or as literal as a leaky roof, prepare yourself for some extreme weather conditions.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Daily Grind Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Though you want to be easygoing and let others have a say in the house, it might be hard for you to let go of your aesthetic today. It does matter which wall the picture hangs on, and don't let others tell you otherwise.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Love Meter
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
With all of the things going wrong today, you may be feeling stretched to your limit. In the midst of taking care of sick housemates and preparing for dinner guests, don't forget your own needs and desires.
Today's Gemini Reading: Free Sample Chinese Luck Prosperity and Longevity Reading
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily Home & Garden Horoscopes -- Tuesday June 18, 2013
Cancer
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