Saving Energy-Window Tips

Published on September 18, 2012 by in Articles

With Fall approaching, you need to prepare your home. These window tips will help you save money on your energy bill, as-well-as. help to keep your home more comfortable.

Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features. Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation, and heat from the sun in the winter. Unfortunately,

window tips Saving Energy Window Tips

Window Tips

they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill by letting heat out.

During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install ENERGY STAR®-qualified windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break.

If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows with high-performance glass—low-e or spectrally selective coatings. In colder climates, select gas-filled windows with low-e coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain.

If you decide not to replace your windows, consider following these tips to improve their performance.

Cold Weather Window Tips

  • Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames to reduce drafts.
  • Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
  • Close your curtains and shades at night to protect against cold drafts; open them during the day to let in warming sunlight.
  • Install exterior or interior storm windows, which can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. They should have weatherstripping at all movable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints.
  • Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.

Warm Weather Window Tips

  • Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
  • Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
  • Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
  • Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain.
Long-Term Savings Tip

Installing high-performance windows will improve your home’s energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort, improved aesthetics, and functionality can offset the cost.

Shopping Tips for Windows

  • Look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
  • Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other incentives are available for window replacement.
  • Choose high-performance windows that have at least two panes of glass and a low-e coating.
  • Choose a low U-factor for better insulation in colder climates; the U-factor is the rate at which a window, door, or skylight conducts non-solar heat flow.
  • Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)—this is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window, door, or skylight. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.
  • Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.
  • Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass (COG) U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.
  • Have your windows installed by trained professionals according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.

Consider windows with impact-resistant glass if you live along a coast or in areas with flying debris from storms.

Information Obtained From http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-windows

 

 

 

 
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The Gluten-Free Diet

Published on September 15, 2012 by in Articles

The Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet means not eating foods that contain wheat, rye, and barley. The foods and products made from these grains should also be avoided. In other words, a person with celiac disease should not eat most grain, pasta, cereal, and many processed foods.

Gluten The Gluten Free Diet

Gluten Free Diet

Despite these restrictions, people with celiac disease can eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods. They can use potato, rice, soy, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, or bean flour instead of wheat flour. They can buy gluten-free bread, pasta, and other products from stores that carry organic foods, or order products from special food companies. Gluten-free products are increasingly available from mainstream stores.

“Plain” meat, fish, rice, fruits, and vegetables do not contain gluten, so people with celiac disease can freely eat these foods. In the past, people with celiac disease were advised not to eat oats. New evidence suggests that most people can safely eat small amounts of oats, as long as the oats are not contaminated with wheat gluten during processing. People with celiac disease should work closely with their health care team when deciding whether to include oats in their diet.

The gluten-free diet requires a completely new approach to eating. Newly diagnosed people and their families may find support groups helpful as they learn to adjust to a new way of life. People with celiac disease must be cautious about what they buy for lunch at school or work, what they purchase at the grocery store, what they eat at restaurants or parties, and what they grab for a snack. Eating out can be a challenge. When in doubt about a menu item, a person with celiac disease should ask the waiter or chef about ingredients and preparation or if a gluten-free menu is available.

Gluten is also used in some medications. People with celiac disease should ask a pharmacist if prescribed medications contain wheat. Because gluten is sometimes used as an additive in unexpected products—such as lipstick and play dough—reading product labels is important. If the ingredients are not listed on the label, the manufacturer should provide a list upon request. With practice, screening for gluten becomes second nature.

New Food Labeling

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), which took effect on January 1, 2006, requires food labels to clearly identify wheat and other common food allergens in the list of ingredients. FALCPA also requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop and finalize rules for the use of the term “gluten free” on product labels.

This Information Courtesy Of

National Digestive Diseases
Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)

 
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What Is Celiac Disease

Published on September 15, 2012 by in Articles

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac diseaseSmall Intestine highlighted What Is Celiac Disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms.

When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging or destroying villi—the tiny, fingerlike protrusions lining the small intestine. Villi normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Without healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food one eats.

Celiac disease is both a disease of malabsorption—meaning nutrients are not absorbed properly—and an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Celiac disease is genetic, meaning it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered—or becomes active for the first time—after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Symptoms of celiac disease vary from person to person. Symptoms may occur in the digestive system or in other parts of the body. Digestive symptoms are more common in infants and young children and may include

  • abdominal bloating and pain
  • chronic diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
  • weight loss

Irritability is another common symptom in children. Malabsorption of nutrients during the years when nutrition is critical to a child’s normal growth and development can result in other problems such as failure to thrive in infants, delayed growth and short stature, delayed puberty, and dental enamel defects of the permanent teeth.

Adults are less likely to have digestive symptoms and may instead have one or more of the following:

  • unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
  • fatigue
  • bone or joint pain
  • arthritis
  • bone loss or osteoporosis
  • depression or anxiety
  • tingling numbness in the hands and feet
  • seizures
  • missed menstrual periods
  • infertility or recurrent miscarriage
  • canker sores inside the mouth
  • an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis

People with celiac disease may have no symptoms but can still develop complications of the disease over time. Long-term complications include malnutrition—which can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and miscarriage, among other problems—liver diseases, and cancers of the intestine.

Why are celiac disease symptoms so varied?

Researchers are studying the reasons celiac disease affects people differently. The length of time a person was breastfed, the age a person started eating gluten-containing foods, and the amount of gluten-containing foods one eats are three factors thought to play a role in when and how celiac disease appears. Some studies have shown, for example, that the longer a person was breastfed, the later the symptoms of celiac disease appear.

Symptoms also vary depending on a person’s age and the degree of damage to the small intestine. Many adults have the disease for a decade or more before they are diagnosed. The longer a person goes undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing long-term complications.

What other health problems do people with celiac disease have?

People with “celiac disease” tend to have other diseases in which the immune system attacks the body’s healthy cells and tissues. The connection between celiac disease and these diseases may be genetic. They include

  • type 1 diabetes
  • autoimmune thyroid disease
  • autoimmune liver disease
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • Addison’s disease, a condition in which the glands that produce critical hormones are damaged
  • Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed

This Information Courtesy Of National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)

 

 
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Aquaponics System For Your Home

Published on September 14, 2012 by in Articles

Aquaponics Systems for Your Home Improvement Project

“If you’ve been looking forward to make a useful part time project for your home, then making one of those aquaponics systems is a great idea. Such system involves the production of two most basic food products - fish and fruit. These are important factors of your diet and almost everyone wants to eat more fish these days. Besides, when you have a big aquarium in your home, it also looks very appealing and attractive.
BackyardAqauponics%40BAU Aquaponics System For Your Home

The concept of aquaponics systems is based on recycling, the entire process is very simple and also budget-friendly. All the water used by fish is considered to be really rich with all types of nutrients. The water is given to the plants that grow very properly with all of these nutrients. After utilizing all the nutrients in the water, the plants also recycle that water back to the fish tank and this process goes on and on.

You just need to a water tank for fish to swim and then a plant bed on top of the tank where you can grow plants. With the aid of a simple water pump, you’ll be able to recycle water between these two surfaces. There isn’t any downside associated with this system because the entire water is recycled and there’s not even a small amount of water that gets wasted. You can keep aquaponics systems wherever in your home too.

There’s basically 2 elements of aquaponics systems and these are:

1. Fish tank - This is just like simple aquarium system and the only condition that applies to this component is that it should be big enough that fish can move and swim around easily.
2. Grow bed -. Another component is the plants which are placed over the fish aquarium. The plant container should be made of a gravel bed that serves as a bio filter for the fish water.

Water comes into the system and will flow through when all of the nutrients are absorbed by plants. Most of the plants that grow with excess of water are grown in this system but you need to see to it that you’ve installed the entire system properly and there should be a good recycling system that will filter and recycle water very properly between the two components.

These are the advantages associated with aquaponics systems, hydroponics and hydroponics kits and you can get all these with proper implementation of the system.

Some people use aquaponics systems only for decoration purposes and to give a very attractive and unique look to the home interior. These days, people are making large aquaponics systems and they are getting lots of fish to eat as well as lots of sea plants which are very attractive as well. For more information, do a little researching online so that you can figure out which of the systems is appropriate for your needs”

http://www.artipot.com/articles/1375469/aquaponics-systems-for-your-home-improvement-project.htm

 
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Tips For Organic Gardeners

Published on September 12, 2012 by in Articles

Here are some great tips to help new gardeners, get off on the right foot, when organic gardening.

Tips On Organic Gardening For New Gardeners | Garden Design …

“Do you want to know how to kill weeds in a natural way? A good thick layer of newspaper can be laid down to control weeds. In order to grow, weeds need sunlight. The newspaper will block sunlight and weeds won’t be able to grow. The newspapers will break down over a period of time, and will become part of your compost. You can then add a mulch layer right on top so that it looks more attractive.

Tips For Organic Gardeners

Save the water you use to clean your vegetables and use it to water your garden. Nutrients are washed off the vegetables and can be used to nourish your plants more efficiently than tap water can. For the best results, avoid using any cleansers on your vegetables when you rinse them.

You should think about digging small trenches between rows of plants if you are planting an organic garden. This will mean that water will flow directly to the plants with no additional effort on your part. You will conserve water and save money at the same time. If your organic garden is infested with aphids, break out the soapy water to get rid of them for good. Make a solution of water and mild dish washing liquid, and spray the whole plant, covering the stems, leaves and buds. Wash the solution off with a light hosing of clear water.

While all kinds of gardening can help you feel more connected to the planet, gardening organically is especially good for this. Organic gardening is an excellent lesson in the plant life cycle and how to get the most from the planting process.

Create a mixture containing one cup of milk for every six cups of water to spray on your plants. Doing so will help keep dangerous powdery mildew at bay. You can keep this mixture for three weeks in your refrigerator. It is very safe to use every day until you have the mildew under control.

If you sell or use organically grown produce in a commercial setting, you should communicate your commitment to natural growing by becoming certified. This will increase sales and shows your customers they’ve been buying from the best. Add excess pieces of vegetable to your garden when you are making dinner at home. Your garden can get nutrients out of these discarded vegetables. You can also use some for composting, but using a portion of this waste now can be beneficial.…gardendesignblogs.com/…/tips-on-organic-gardening-for-new…”

http://gardendesignblogs.com/organic-gardening/tips-on-organic-gardening-for-new-gardeners-2.html

 

 
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Mediterranean House Geckos

Published on September 7, 2012 by in Articles

Mediterranean House Geckos

If you live in the U.S., you do not have to travel to areas of Europe, Asia, or Africa to catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean House Geckos. These interesting and charismatic lizards have traveled thousands of miles and now inhabit parts of the U.S. They thrive in the U.S. because they reproduce quickly and there are plenty of warm states to live in. Additionally, they are easy to care for and have become a favorite companion among young pet owners.
They are easy to feed with a diet consisting of spiders, roaches, and other insects. Additionally, their natural habitat of soil, grass, rocks, and tree bark is easy to reproduce in a terrarium.

Fun Facts About Mediterranean House Geckos

Mediterranean House Geckos Face Off

These petite geckos are abundant in the southern states because of the warm climate. However, they can thrive as pets in any household that knows how to care of them. Check out the list of interesting facts about this fascinating gecko.
• They are relatively small compared to other like species measuring only 4 to 5 inches.
• Males and females have bumps on their skin that are similar in appearance to warts.
• They can grow new tails. If a human tries to catch one by the tail, they will only have a tail to show for their efforts.
This defense mechanism against predators is only temporary. They will grow a new tail over time.
• Their feet have sticky toe pads. This allows them to walk up walls to catch their food.
• Do not get in a staring contest with these reptiles as they will always win. These geckos do not have eyelids.
• They make squeaking or barking noises when under duress.
• It is believed they made their way to the United States as stowaways on boats.
• They are nocturnal, so they will move around at night.
• These lizards are mostly found around building, which explains how they got their name.

Whether they are pets or in their natural environment, these facts about Mediterranean House Geckos make them an entertaining species to watch. Click here for more Pictures of Mediterranean House Geckos

You May Also Enjoy Mediterranean House Geckos Discovered In Evergreen Alabama

Mediterranean House Geckos

 
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Tips For Reducing Stress

Published on September 5, 2012 by in Articles

You need these tips for reducing stress because life offers an abundance of stress in our everyday lives. You can’t avoid stress, but here are some ways to reduce the stress that’s bound to catch up with even the best of us.

Frugal Living Tips Easy Stress Busters Life On The Frugal SideLife …

“Here are some great ways I’ve discovered to bust stress on the cheap:

  • Don’t hit the bottle up – alcohol, while it may feel as though it’s a stress-buster, adds to stress.
  • Don’t say “Yes,” when you mean, “No.”
  • Even if you have to schedule it (which sounds pretty silly), take time each day to relax and do something you enjoy.
  • Clean your house. A clean, decluttered home reduces levels of stress you may not even realize you’re carrying with you.
  • Eat a healthy diet – this can help your body recover from the stress as well as make you feel better physically.
  • Cut off the fat in your life – there are certain things that are very important for your life. Make a list of the most important things, itemize them, then look at the amount of time you’re spending on things that aren’t as important to you.
  • Remember: you can’t control it all. Control yourself, your actions and reactions, and remind yourself that you are responsible for you.
  • Practice better management of time – rather than scurry around from this thing to that, figure out which demands are self-imposed and unnecessary and which are actually going to do you some good.
  • Be realistic about the things you can and cannot do.
  • Keep a positive thought – if things are hard right now, that doesn’t mean they always will be.
  • Get a move on. One of the most important things you can do to bust stress is to get your butt in gear and get moving. Whether it’s a walk around the park or a strict exercise schedule, it’s really important that you get moving and stay moving. Not only does that decrease stress, it also increases levels of endorphins.“

http://deals.mommywantsvodka.com/easy-stress-busters/

Stress is a known killer, so use these tips for reducing stress and live a better, more relaxed life.

 

 

 

 
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Raised Bed Gardening In Ancient Times

Published on September 4, 2012 by in Articles

The ancients used raised bed gardening as a technique to provide food for their people. Myabe we can learn something from the ancient people.
Chacchoben 2 Raised Bed Gardening In Ancient Times

 

Wide Urban World: Modern use of an ancient farming system

“”Raised fields — an ancient form of agriculture, practiced by the Mayas, Aztecs, and the ancestors of the Incas — was one of the most productive preindustrial farming systems anywhere. These fields were abandoned in most areas centuries ago, and largely forgotten. In the 1980s archaeologists excavated ancient raised fields around Lake Titicaca in the Andes. Based on their findings, modern rural peoples started rebuilding raised fields. They turn out to be well adapted to the natural and social systems of the Titicaca area. …Wide Urban World”

http://wideurbanworld.blogspot.com/2012/09/modern-use-of-ancient-farming-system.html

 
 
 
 

 
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Tips For A Gluten Free Labor Day Weekend

Published on September 1, 2012 by in Articles

It’s Labor Day, go ahead and take the day off! If you have plans to enjoy this great holiday, here are some tips for a gluten free Labor Day weekend.

LABOR DAY

Gluten-Free Tips for Labor Day Weekend « Celiac Central: Bits and …

“If your plans involve an event or location where outside food is either not permitted or gluten-free food is not available, I always opt for a big breakfast ahead of time like hot quinoa with shaved coconut, sliced peaches and almond milk. Not a fan of warmer meals during the summer months? A smoothie with a banana, blueberries, kale, beets and some gluten-free protein powder has become a staple for me recently. Throw in some raw almonds or a gluten-free energy bar (KIND is my staple) on the side and you’re all set.
For those who will be relaxing on a lounge chair either poolside or in the sand, you can snack on green or red grapes. Try sticking them in the freezer too, it’s a nice plus. By the time you’ve arrived at your destination and are ready to eat them, they should still be chilled! You can also do the same with cherries. If you have access to a nearby freezer you can even snack on these naturally gluten-free bites: slice up a banana, spread some nut butter on top, then drizzle enough hot fudge or dark chocolate to cover the slice. Stick in the freezer for a few hours and you’re good to go! Just remember: keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat, otherwise you will have a chocolate mess on your hands (literally).
Headed to a BBQ? A variety of gluten-free beers have been popping up all over and I think we can all appreciate having a choice. If you have access to a food and beverage store that sells craft beer why not make a mixed pack to taste-test with your family and friends? For those of you in the Philadelphia region, The Foodery is always an excellent choice.”

http://celiaccentral.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/gluten-free-tips-for-labor-day-weekend/

 
 
 
 

 
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Gluten Free Beer

Published on August 29, 2012 by in Articles

 

Gluten free beer is a good alternative for those on a gluten free diet. Enjoy beer and be gluten free.

Putting Gluten-Free Beers to the taste test

“Sad to think about, but there are people who like beer, but can’t deal with some of the ingredients. I can kind of relate, since I need to watch my blood sugar and sometimes get sneezing fits near fresh hops, but I won’t pretend that’s anywhere near the same level as someone suffering from Gluten allergies.
Glutens are proteins found in cereal grains such as wheat, barley, or rye, maybe even oats. Glutens are found in most beer, and not only in food like bread or pasta, but many others that might be made with flour or starches, even communion wafers or Play-Doh. An intolerance to gluten can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine, which prevents it from absorbing other necessary nutrients, a condition known as Celiac Disease. This can lead to autoimmune diseases, cancers, thyroid diseas, and Type I diabetes….”

http://www.chicagonow.com/the-beeronaut/2012/08/gluten-free-beers-taste-test/

 

Gluten Free Beer Review

 
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