What’s
in a Sponge?
Plenty! A kitchen sponge is a handy and very versatile
helper. It can pick up light spills, wipe off counter
tops and even help scrub those dirty pots and pans.
But,
the sponge has another use that is not so appealing.
It is a breeding ground for millions of bacteria!
And this bacteria can spread very quickly to kitchen
counter tops, dishes, and ultimately to your hands
and food.
How can
we fight off this bacteria? Very simply. Microwave
your cellulose sponge on high for one minute every
day before or after use. (Wet your sponge and wring dry.) The waves from the microwaves
will kill most of the bacteria. In addition to this,
every time you run your dishwasher put your sponge
in the utensils section of the washer. The hot water
will kill the bacteria and your sponge will look like
new.
--Staff of Pearl Republic,
Lakeland, FL
Chocolate
Anyone? I am a choc-o-holic and have been
most of my life. I know there are many of you out
there, so that is why I want to share my tip with
you. Dark chocolate can actually be good for you.
It contains less sugar than milk chocolate, plus
it
contains antioxidants that are helpful in fighting
diseases and reducing blood pressure. I’m not suggesting
that dark chocolate is a cure-all and should be taken
as a medicine. I’m just saying that when you have
that chocolate craving, eat dark chocolate.
--Susan S, Ocala, FL
Sharp
Deal. For years I was washing my two paring
knives over and over. This ended a month ago during
a trip to Target in the Minneapolis area. In the Homewares
Dept. I discovered a Chefmate for $.99. It was serrated,
looked durable, but you never know. After 30 days
it was still working fine. Since they work as steak
knives, I recently added three more for a set of four. --Trish B, Mankato, MN
Give
yourself a break…..your health depends on it.
So often our high stress, high demanding jobs barely
allow us the time to take a coffee break, let alone
a lunch break. How often do we catch a quick sandwich
at our desk while we multi-task with our e-mails,
phone calls and other general office duties.
Well,
before you spend another day with a sandwich in one
hand and the computer mouse in the other, think about
this: There are thousands of germs and bacteria
lurking in and around you desk
Your telephone,
keypad, and computer mouse have thousands of more
germs per square inch than that of a typical office
toilet seat! A startling fact, isn’t it?
So, the
next time hunger strikes, take a break. Take your
lunch to the cafeteria or designated eating area and
relax. This will not only help your physical well-being,
but also your mental well-being, too. And, be sure
to wipe your desk, telephone, keyboard and computer
mouse with a strong disinfectant or disinfectant wipe.
Get in the habit of doing this on a daily basis to
minimize the germs and bacteria that continually grow
on desk tops and desk accessories. Your health and
body will thank you for it.
--Staff of Pearl Republic,
Lakeland, FL
My
Waterloo. Water in Central Florida is so
heavily chlorinated it is hard to swallow. Grandmother
to our rescue. Fill a wide-mouth jar or container
with tap water. Let it stand for at least an hour.
This will cause the chlorine to evaporate. Tightly
cap and refrigerate.
I think
it is just as good as bottled water. I even make my
ice cubes this way. I let the water-filled trays stand
out on my counter for an hour or so, and then place
the trays in my freezer.
--Judith A, Haines City,
FL
A
Quick Fix. I was in my office about to leave
for an important meeting with a client when I noticed
that the hem of my skirt was beginning to unravel.
I didn’t have time to stop and sew the hem, so I reached
for some Scotch tape and taped the hem securely in
place. This not only prevented the hem from falling,
but it also prevented it from further unraveling.
The Scotch tape came through for me in what could
have been a very embarrassing situation. --Penny D, Santa Rosa, CA
Put
a Lid on It …Here’s something to think about
the next time you use the toilet. Put down the lid
before flushing. Many germ causing bacteria are released
into the air when a toilet is flushed. These droplets
of bacteria can land as far as 20 feet from the toilet;
thus landing on items kept in your bathroom such as
your toothbrush! So, put a lid on it when you flush.
And, as an extra precaution, store your toothbrush
in the medicine cabinet.
--Staff of Pearl Republic,
Lakeland, FL
My
Mind Hundreds of Miles Away. My prom was
exciting and very enjoyable. But my thoughts were
with those fellow graduates hit by hurricanes, tornados
and the like. It must have seemed unreal putting yourself
together amidst the devastation. Congrats to those
prom sponsors and attendees. Maybe a good memory that
will last a lifetime.
--Julie K, Omaha, NE
In
Focus. I got a high-tech digital camera for
my birthday and Christmas. (Yes, Dec. 23 and Dec.
25. I suffer every year.) And after reading your great
article on jewelry cleaning, it reminded me of something
I forgot. Photos of your jewelry and photos
of your home inside. Each room from a different
perspective. A real estate friend of my son said insurance
will only pay for what you claim. If you forget something,
tough! The photos (stored safely) will serve as reminder. --Lillie L, Amarillo, TX
It
“Mite” Just Work … Did you know that dust
mites run rampant in our homes, particularly in our
beds and home furnishings? And if you live in an area
of the country that has a damp, humid climate, dust
mites are even more prevalent. These microscopic insects
feed off dead skin particles shed by humans and animals.
But, they also need water to survive, and they generally
get this water from the moisture that is left in our
beds after a night’s sleep.
While we’re sleeping our
bodies give off moisture and body oils. Once we make
our beds in the morning, this moisture is trapped
within the bed clothes making it an oasis for these
pesky allergy-causing mites.
What steps can we take
to eliminate these mites? Don’t make your bed every
day. Seriously. An unmade bed will dry up the water
source for the mites and lead to their demise. If
you’re an allergy sufferer (and even if you’re not)
try it for awhile and see if it helps. It “mite” just
work for you. --Staff of Pearl Republic,
Lakeland, FL
A
Test? This is a mind-teaser for your surfers.
There is no final exam. How many states in the United
States end with the letter “a?” How many can you name
without looking? A clue--there are 21. You have two
days. Scoring: 19-21 A, 17-20 B,
14-16 C. --Susan, Harvard University
Want
more tips? For a limited time every order qualifies
for the following free lifestyle special reports:
-- Winning the Battle Against Soap,
a $20 value and a MUST read
-- Ten Secrets of Personal Empowerment,
a $35 value. It is all here!
And coming soon -- Body Language,
with access availble to all customers--past, present
and future.
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Health
Alert !!!
The
U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends
washing your hands often to aid in
the prevention of contracting an infectious
disease. According to NIH, some germs can
survive up to 48 hours on door knobs and handles,
railings, computer keys and mouses, counters
and other public areas frequented by persons
and/or animals.
Also, when warm water and soap are not readily
available, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer
as often as possible. This inexpensive
item ($1 for 2 oz.) can be found in most stores
that sell hand soap. It air dries, so no towel
is needed. This effective hand sanitizer is
available in several brands and most contain
moisturizing vitamin E and/or aloe. Carry
in you purse or a pocket. You might want to
keep the pump bottle ($2) on your desk
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