Singing the ABC's

We were taught "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away". As of today, singing the ABC's will keep the Swine Flu away ... doctors say when we wash our hands, we need to wash for 20 seconds to kill off germs but do we really stand there and count "one, one-thousand, two ...". Here is a fun tip: sing the ABC's! This is great to teach children as well. When the song is done, you are at 20 seconds and germ free.

The Scent of Spring

Continuing my last post about Earth Day, here is yet again something pretty from Mother Nature: flowers. The common language of flower universally is both beauty and a blissful promise of hope. Though it seems cliche but to my surprise not many people place fresh flowers in their homes, simply they are too busy with their lives to be bothered with. Whether you live in a big home with a garden and a backyard or an apartment building, never fail to bring flowers into your home. Purchase flowers that are all the same in one or two colors, cut them short and drop them in a low square or cylinder glass vase. Place them in unexpected places - bathroom counter tops, night stands or place a few in a row on the floor of your foyer.

Happy Earth Day!

Be part of the Green Generation, celebrate Earth Day by taking action towards GREEN! Here are some small things you can do towards creating a greener lifestyle. They are simple, take at least one thing and make it your own and make everyday, Earth Day:

- Reduce carbon footprint. Ride your bike to work if you can, walk to your nearby grocery shop, car pool with a friend, neighbor or co-worker to work or dropping your children to school ... carbon emission accounts for the numerous damage that has been done to our ozone layers. The effects of such damage? Global warming, increase of skin cancer ... the list goes on.

- Project Switch. Started by the Earth Day Network - save energy by switching inefficient incandescent light bulbs. Save money on electricity bills by using less energy. This is yet another step towards reducing carbon footprint.

- Plant a Tree. This weekend, plant a tree with your loved ones. It's amazing bonding time and it's your way of giving back to mother nature.

- Go Natural. Substitute water-based products whenever possible when buying paints and household cleaners, or switch from chemical-type cleaners to natural products like soap and water. Natural cleaners are healthier for children and families as you won't be ingesting in chemical residue left behind by cleaners. Buy products in bulk or with minimal packaging materials.

- Protect the Water. Clean up after pets, even if you don't live near a stream or river. Don't dump used oil, paint, coolants or other chemicals into the ground, stormdrains or garage drains. Find proper disposal instructions online.

Fun Centerpieces for Children Parties

Enough about beautiful centerpieces for adult parties ... children parties should be nicely put too. But what do you use as centerpieces? Clusters of hydrengras that children won't appreciate? Giant candles that blocks the view of their playmates that sit across from them? What about something that all kids love? Crayons! It's really that simple - purchase a short vase, fill it up with Crayola color sand and stick crayons in it! Line them throughout the center of the table and you've got centerpieces that children would love!

Earth Hour 2009

On Sunday, March 29th at 8:30pm, New York time, over a billion individuals and businesses turned their non-essential lights off for an hour in honor of Earth Hour. For once, my view of the New York City skyline was dark and gloomy (even the Empire State building had its lights off), but very much hopeful. Earth Hour is a joint effort in a call to action to fight for to protect our environment and alleviate climate changes. New York City got into action, did you?