Smart Homes October 2015

DEFINING YOUR SPACE

SHOP NOW AND PAY

ABSOLUTELY

NOTHING UNTIL

2016

From The Editor

ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Bob kiss

Credits PUBLISHER: Vivian-Anne Gittens EDITOR: Tyson Henry ADVERTISING MANAGER: Paulette Jones DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER: Lyle Jones WRITERS: PHOTOGRAPHY: Bob Kiss DESIGN/LAYOUT: Imageworx SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: Kelly Johnally – Tel.: (246) 430-5515 Email: kellyjohnally@nationnews.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Danielle Beckford – Tel.: (246) 430-5495 Email: daniellebeckford@nationnews.com

othing can compare to a living space that reflects your personal style evolving over time, put together with love. If you’re like most house-proud Barbadians, your home already has an authentic magic that no interior designer can recreate, unique and packed with solutions to your everyday challenges. With this in mind, we decided to use this issue of Smart Homes to help you give your home the continued care it needs, without busting the budget.

Whether you’re looking to renovate, do some pre-holiday cleaning, or figure out how to create a dual-purpose space, there is something in this magazine for every facet of the home. Do yourself a favour and avoid the usual last-minute dash to get everything ready for the upcoming festive season.

Celebrate the new year with friends and family in the home you love, and remember, if the days are rushing past and the budget’s looking stretched, don’t worry. All you have to do is channel your inner stylist (with our help of course) and make a few tweaks to create a look that’s perfect for you.

We’ve only got a couple months left in the year, so let’s make the most and enjoy every moment. Instead of straining yourself to reinvent your home with the latest trends, use this issue to discover smart, simple, and inexpensive ways to refresh your abode.

N

Asha Jones –Tel.: (246) 430-5519 Email: ashajones@nationnews.com EDITOR Donna Francis – Tel.: (246) 430-2868 Email: donnafrancis@nationnews.com

PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Ltd – Tel.: (246) 434-6719

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: smarthomes@nationnews.com.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2014 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

Contents Building An Energy Efficient Home 8 Household Mould 12 Uses For Vinegar 14 7 Tips To Design A Dual-Purpose Room 18 Creating A Green Wall 20 Transform Your Outdoor Space 24 Prepare For Pets 26 Green Walls For Better Living 30 Outdoor Eating 34 Welcoming Landscapes Make A Statement 36 Life Hacks 38 Grannex 40 A Home Office 44 Laundry Tips 46 Choosing A Shopping Card 48 Technological Evolution 52 Imaginative & Costcutting Gifts 56 Household Chemicals Checklist 58

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SMART HOMES NOVEMBER 2014

OCTOBER 2015

Building An

ENERGYEFFICIENT

Home

TO ACHIEVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, HOMEOWNERS SHOULD AIM TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE SUNLIGHT. TOO MUCH SUN RESULTS IN HEAT INTRUSION, WHICH IN TURN REQUIRES ARTIFICIAL COOLING METHODS TO REGULATE THE ROOM TEMPERATURE.

hen thinking about building or renovating a home, the highest costs are usually attributed to construction materials, labour, interior decor, and landscaping. One common mistake is omitting the long-term energy costs associated with general appliance usage and failing to consider design applications to make a home greener and more energy efficient.

Modern design applications go way beyond replacing incandescent bulbs with their fluorescent counterparts or remembering to turn the faucet off at intervals during a bath or other personal grooming activities.

The new wave of green appliances is more self-sufficient, adaptable, and is becoming more commonplace as the efforts towards energy and resource conservation gain momentum. Here are some design applications to consider for any upcoming construction projects:

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1. CROSS VENTILATION DESIGN One of the most basic, yet important, things to consider when looking to construct a building is ventilation. Barbados’ climate is considered tropical, and therefore the island benefits from a usually plentiful supply of breeze supplied by the northeast trade winds. This wind supply should definitely be considered when designing to allow an adequate supply of airflow to enter the building, which would reduce the necessity for fans and other forms of artificial (and potentially fossil fuel reliant) wind circulation.

2. REDUCE EXPOSURE TO SUN Another design orientation factor to consider when drawing up plans is sun exposure.

To achieve energy efficiency, homeowners should aim to reduce excessive sunlight. Too much sun results in heat intrusion, which in turn requires artificial cooling methods to regulate the room temperature.

Photo by Bob Kiss Architects: Architects Cubed Inc.

If your home is beyond the phase of making design changes, options to reduce heat intrusion include the installation of exterior shade structures such as lightcoloured awnings that will reduce the amount of heat entry.

Another option worth considering is a relatively new technology in building called smart windows. These windows can change their appearance from frosted to translucent and can also darken themselves with the flip of a switch.

Energy-efficient window treatments are also a low-cost option to reduce the amount of heat entering a home. Pleated drapery and plastic-backed blinds stay cooler than some other window treatments because their pleats and folds lose heat through convection while adding a new aesthetic to your living space.

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

9

3. EXTERIOR COLOUR SCHEMES AND MODIFICATIONS A light exterior will help your home stay cooler, while a darker colour will better maintain heat. The location of the home should be a major factor in the exterior design. In a climate such as Barbados’, lighter colours are the obvious choice for most homes. Another consideration where exterior coatings are concerned is infrared pigmented solar reflective paints. These paints block and reflect heat and radiation from the sun and environment therefore reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the building’s outer walls.A light-coloured roof will also lend itself to a cooler interior by absorbing less environmental heat.

Another option slowly gaining popularity involves placing a garden system on the roof of the building under consideration.

The benefits of this are twofold since the vegetation absorbs most of the sun’s heat which may otherwise permeate the building’s roof. Also, it provides an opportunity for reducing expenditure on food in the case of a garden dedicated to fruits and vegetables.

4. CHOOSE ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES AND FITTINGS Most modern fixtures and fittings are accompanied by an ENERGY STAR or equivalent rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the appliance or fixture is deemed to be and, by extension, the greater the savings. For example, a shower head with a three-star rating (mid range) uses approximately six to seven litres of water per minute, while older shower heads can use up to 25 litres per minute.

Other appliances to consider trading in for energy-efficient upgrades include refrigerators, washing machines, chest freezers, air conditioning units, and plumbing fixtures and accessories such as faucets, shower heads, toilets, and toilet tank bags.

5. MODERN SOLAR TECHNOLOGY This upgrade goes beyond the usual harnessing of solar energy to heat water or reduce electricity costs. Solar technology has improved by light years and many of these advances can save you considerable long-term energy costs.

If you’re considering making solar power a part of your home or have already installed panels to reduce your dependency on fossil fuels, here are solar-related ideas/upgrades to consider implementing: Consider installing or upgrading to spherical solar panels instead of the more commonly used rectangular designs.

Spherical panels are not hindered by sun direction and therefore can absorb light from any direction, including light reflected from other surfaces.

Another option is solar shingles, which are miniature panels containing photovoltaic cells. The shingles lie flat like regular shingles and provide the same weather protection while generating energy.

Also, try a solar-powered charging unit. These units range in size from a couple centimetres to backpack size and are capable of charging mobile devices such as laptops and tablets.

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SMART HOMES NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2014

Mould H O U S E H O L D

By Krystal Penny Bowen

t is an invader with powerful toxins which can destroy your home as well as negatively affect your health. It is called mould. It is so severe that most insurance companies have coverage for it. Mould is an adaptable fungus which can “survive with little or no moisture at times”. In the United States, some common indoor moulds are “cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus”. As to its identification, it all depends on the type of mould, the colour can range from a rusty brown, army green, deep blue to jet-black colours, and from irregular circles with a mushroom appearance. Mould flourishes in areas where there is water, for example kitchens, sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, basements, crawl spaces, attics, and underneath stairways.

I

INSIDIOUS MOULD IN THE HOME The problem with mould is that more than likely it is not discovered until it is too late. This usually means an expensive clean up or possibly relocating to an alternative apartment or house. Mould in the home will impact indoor air quality and eventually cause several health problems. It has been linked to “flaring up allergies causing wheezing, watery eyes, headaches, difficulty breathing, memory loss, muscle pain, fatigue and rash”. Structurally, mould is usually an indicator of water leaks in the home as well as water damage to the walls, wooden beams and furnishings. Mould can also be a problem after bad weather where flooding cannot only damage your furniture and appliances but also create the perfect habitat for mould when the water recedes.

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HOW TO ELIMINATE IT EARLY Using simple cleaning techniques (using bleach) and preventing humidity in the home can eliminate the problem of mould. In addition, when painting, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using “mould inhibitors” to keep these spores at bay. Despite the strong chemicals in paint, dried paint on a wood or wall surface can create the perfect environment for mould especially if there is water saturating the surface. Also, “carpeting which is known to encourage allergies should be changed regularly and not placed in spaces like the basement and bathroom”. Your home should be well ventilated and it may be best to invest in dehumidifier. Some homeowners tend to retain used ornaments or furniture in their garage or basement. Again, these can harbour mould in your home, too.

We must remember, though, that there would be no mould if there was no moisture. The most important step to preventing mould is to fix the leaks whether from your plumbing, your roof, or water from an artificial or natural water basin.

Mould can stay hidden deep within your home for years.

In the event that the contamination is excessive, particularly building materials (rotten wood, cracked and damaged plaster in walls or sagging roofs), it may be best to start afresh and discard what is damaged. If the mould is widespread, “occupants may need to leave and care needs to be taken when removing items (which may have spores) from the home”.

TYPES OF MOULD

CLADOSPORIUM CAN BE FOUND IN WALLS, CARPETS, AND “FINDS ITS WAY INTO YOUR HOME VIA OUTDOOR PLANTS, WINDOWS AND DOORS”.

Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mould, can be identified not only but its olive green to black appearance but also its pungent smell.

Alternaria is dark in colour with a fuzzy appearance, is usually found around sinks and bathrooms, and is known for causing hay fever symptoms.

Cladosporium can be found in walls, carpets, and “finds its way into your home via outdoor plants, windows and doors”.

Penicillium is the mould you are likely to see on “stale bread, cookies and rotting food”. It sticks to fabrics spreading rapidly to other materials. This mould is used to make the drug penicillin. It is green or blue in colour.

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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HOUSEHOLD USES FOR

Vinegar

By Mandy Cummins

orget the bleach, the soft scrubs, the acids, chemicals, and even the disinfectant. There is only one product you need to do the job of all these things, and it’s a common, inexpensive product: distilled white vinegar.

Vinegar is one of the most versatile substances in the world. Yes, it can be used to make a mean glazing sauce for your chicken or for flavouring your French fries. But it can be used in many other ways, too.

Descaling your kettles, pots, sinks: In your kettle or pot, boil one part vinegar to one part water. It will descale even the elements of the grimiest electric kettles, which are notoriously hard to wash. When the water and vinegar mixture is boiled and the kettle is shiny and clean inside, simply pour the mixture down your sink to remove grime built up inside the drain. To descale a sink, boil water first and then fill the sink with the same 1:1 ratio of boiling water and vinegar. To clean your coffee maker, simply fill the well with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle.

F

Unclogging a drain: Sift ¾ cup of baking soda into the drain first, then slowly pour 1½ to 2 cups of vinegar into the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to foam and bubble. Let it stand for about 20 to 30 minutes before pouring a full kettle of boiling water fairly quickly down the drain, and prepare for a few bits of gunk to be released. The vinegar and baking soda mix eats through any built up scum, and even releases hair clogs trapped in the drain. Repeat these step as many times as necessary for a free-flowing drain. You can simply add these steps to your cleaning regimen once a month to keep your drains nice and clear and to eliminate odours.

Cleaning grout stains: First mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Smear the paste into your grout and let it stand for a few minutes. Then, using a spray bottle (available cheaply at supermarkets, hardware stores and even beauty stores), spritz the baking soda paste with a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and boiling water. Wait for the foaming to subside and scrub.

Your grout will be sparkling clean within minutes. Warning: Vinegar can harm natural stone surfaces like marble or granite.

Test a small hidden area first to see how it reacts to the vinegar before using it to clean.

Remove mineral deposits or hard water build-up from shower heads/faucets: Warm one cup of vinegar in the microwave or on the stovetop. Pour the warm vinegar into a plastic bag (don’t boil the vinegar, you risk burning yourself), then put the plastic bag over the faucet, making sure the head is

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

submerged in the vinegar, and secure it with string or clips. Let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes and remove. Your shower head/ faucet should flow freely.

As a disinfectant: Simply make a mixture of two parts warm water to one part vinegar, and use this mixture to mop your floors and wipe your surfaces. No bleach or chemical disinfectant necessary. The vinegar also acts to deodorise, getting rid of common household odours.

Remove glue or stickiness from surfaces: Simply dab vinegar straight onto the sticky substance. For more stubborn stickiness, soak a cotton ball in vinegar and leave it on the sticky stuff for a few minutes, then wipe away. To scrape dried glue, even wallpaper glue, off of surfaces, spritz well with warm vinegar and let it stand for a few minutes. The dried glue will scrape or flake away easily.

Prevent paint from peeling: Simply wipe the surface that needs to be painted with vinegar first and let it dry before painting.

Remove rust: Simply soak old rusty tools and implements or other objects in vinegar. Make sure the tub or basin is covered, leave the item to soak for a few days, then rinse them with water.

As a stain remover and fabric softener: Simply add one to two cups of vinegar to your wash to break down soap residue, dirt, and stains. Your clothes and linens will be fluffy and soft.

For dingy, stubborn whites, add a cup of baking soda and two

cups of vinegar, and wash on a hot cycle.

Remove oily build-up in pots, on stovetops, and inside ovens: Saturate a microfibre or terry cloth with vinegar, dip it into baking soda and scrub. This method also works to remove hard water stains and soap scum from showers, sinks, and glassware.

With vinegar the possibilities are endless.

Experiment with it. It’s non-toxic, safe for use around even the youngest babies and pets. It won’t rot fabric like bleach, doesn’t leave noxious odours, and can clean almost anything.

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

Eastern LAnd

Crane Equiptment

7

guest room is an essential to have in every home for visiting family and friends. However, when it’s not being used to welcome guests, it’s often used by the homeowners as an office, storage or another dual-purpose space.

That involves ensuring it’s set up for both the comfort of your guest as well as functional for its regular use by the homeowners. Check out these tips to make the most of a small space:

TIPS A

TO DESIGN A DUAL-PURPOSE ROOM

Article compliments Ashley Furniture Home Store

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

ADDING COLOUR AND ARTWORK TO THE WALLS WILL MAKE THE SPACE FEEL MORE COMFORTING TO YOUR GUESTS AND GIVE IT THE FEEL OF A MORE FINISHED SPACE. 1.

STORAGE BED: Create extra storage space underneath a bed for guests. This is perfect for small spaces that don’t have the room for a large dresser or closet.

2.

SLEEPER SOFA: A sleeper sofa is ideal for a small room as the bed can be tucked away when not being used by guests for a functional workspace that’s open and airy.

When guests visit, it can simply be pulled out for ultimate comfort.

3.

DESK/VANITY: Make sure you have a piece of furniture that is ideal for putting your laptop on when you need to do your work, but is also comfortable enough for guests to get ready in the morning. A console or desk is perfect for this use. Use a colourful accent chair for a homier feel while ensuring comfort for a workspace.

4.

STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE: There can never be enough storage for a multipurpose space. To keep this room functional and for ease of transformation depending on how you are using it at the time, add shelves with decorative storage boxes to organise your work papers and keep drawers for your guests. Decorative baskets can be used to keep fresh towels.

5.

DECOR: Adding colour and artwork to the walls will make the space feel more comforting to your guests and give it the feel of a more finished space. Add decorative bedding and throw pillows for a look that’s sure to impress your guests and make your workspace inspiring.

6.

LIGHTING: It is important to ensure there is enough lighting for when it’s an office to comfortably read and organise papers. Also ideal for guests to add warmth to the space.

7.

BREAKFAST NOOK: Create a space on top of a dresser for a breakfast nook with a small coffee machine and snacks. This gives your guests freedom to have their coffee in private without interrupting the house. This is also convenient for that little pick-me-up during work hours.

Make sure your space is stimulating by day and restful for night for the perfect combination space that fits your needs as well as your guests.

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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Creating

A LIVING WALL

By Krystal Penny Bowen

ost of us have seen buildings with climbing plants growing on the walls. It can be spectacular, especially if the architect or homeowner has utilised different types of plants and flowers to provide colour and texture to the structure. Living walls, or vertical gardens, have always been seen as a unique way of growing plants, flowers, and herbs outdoors. However, there are more benefits to living walls than creative landscaping and gardening. A living wall is a “vertical arrangement of plants and other organisms that naturally remove toxins and unhealthy contaminants from the air we breathe”. With the increase in pollutants and toxins in our environment, global warming and soaring energy costs, it is becoming more evident that eco-friendly solutions are needed to make our lives and environment better.

These living walls are not new, through a combination of nature and science, the great wonder the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is recognised as an eco-friendly architectural achievement. This style has been incorporated in many public spaces and places of interest across Europe and Asia, most notably in the 21st century are the “MFO Park in Switzerland

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and in 2005 Japan’s temporary natural display called Bio Lung exhibit which had 200 000 plant pots”. In the world of architecture, green walls can be beneficial in several ways.

According to the Building Design and Construction website, green walls can “reduce solar reflectance of a structure, thus reducing the urban heat island effect”. Green walls can also increase oxygen levels and cool buildings. So what benefits come when the green wall is brought indoors?

Benefits of having a living wall indoors range from increasing and improving the air quality of the home as well as utilising less floor space or counterspace. In a situation where your wall is used to grow herbs and small vegetables, this can save you money when going shopping at the supermarket and it is eco-friendly since it removes the use of packaging materials like styrofoam and plastic. Aside from the natural art, living walls can reduce your energy bill and improve your health. There are a few plants which are known for purification of a toxic environment – bamboo, peace lily, chrysanthemums, English ivy to name a few. Installation of a green or living wall is not difficult outdoors and the same applies indoors.

HOW TO BUILD A LIVING WALL INDOORS To start your green wall project, you will to identify the space, or wall, where you are going to install the plants. It would be ideal to ďŹ nd a spot where there is sunlight coming through. The space may be a small area no bigger than a picture frame or it may be the entire wall surface. Luckily, that is the hardest part.

There is really no need to worry about set up as there are green wall kits and small pocket planters which make installation easy

(if you are creative and technical, you can make your own). The kits may be available at nurseries, hardware stores or can be ordered online. These systems are often made of non-permeable materials which means there is no leakage, wet oors or walls to clean. From plants, herbs, vegetables and fruits, indoor green walls can bring the natural and organic experience without the hassles or mess.

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

23

Play Up Your Patio: TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

n outdoor space is a must-have for entertaining in the Caribbean. Whether you’re hosting a fun daytime barbecue or a chic dinner on your deck, it’s the ideal space to gather with friends and enjoy the outdoors. Creating an ambience in an outdoor space is easier than you think, with the perfect backdrop of lush gardens and a clear sky, only a few simple decor touches are needed to make your outdoor space

A uniquely you.

CONSIDER COMFORT: Your outdoor space should be given just as much time and attention as any room in your house. Spending a lot of time outdoors means comfort is an important thing. Start with a comfortable set of outdoor furniture that’s full of style, creating a feel of a real outdoor room.

Many lines of furniture offer comfort that’s right on par with indoor furniture. Ensure that there is shade for the day with umbrellas or by simply adding an awning or building a pergola.

CREATE COLOUR WITH OUTDOOR DECOR: There’s lots of decor that’s made specifically for outdoor use. Look for Sunbrella or resin fabrics and decor. Also, outdoor rugs can complete your whole look while still being functional. Adding an array of throw pillows creates a fun and casual feel while giving a punch of colour and interest with playful patterns. There are even lamps and wall decor that are made to stand up to the elements.

THINK FUNCTION: Ensure you think about how you want to use your outdoor space. If it’s for entertaining, make sure you have a specific space allocated for serving food and drinks like an outdoor bar. Make sure this piece has storage for keeping drinks and serve ware for easy use.

IMPACT AND INTEREST: An outdoor space is truly an oasis. Make sure to create outdoor specific areas of interest by adding a water feature or a wall of greenery to make the space cosy. A simple piece of lattice is a great do-it-yourself way for big impact. For a more custom look, add some stone finishes for a warm and rustic look. A fire bowl is perfect for creating an intimate conversational space for entertaining.

NURTURE NATURE: There can never be enough greenery in your outdoor space. Introduce planters and pots to add warmth and colour to your patio.

No matter what your style, just make sure your space is homey and comfortable to draw your guests and make your next party a success.

Article compliments Dwellings

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

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E FO R

S T E P

PREPAR hoosing a new pet is an exciting but nerveracking process. Once you find the right one, introducing the pets to the house can be a little tricky, especially if you have other pets or kids.

These tips can help make both choosing your new fur baby and integrating him into the family a lot smoother.

These will apply to animals that will generally be able to run free in the house such as dogs, cats, and smaller mammals like guinea pigs or rabbits. Caged animals like reptiles and rodents are a whole different set of considerations.

You must first decide what kind of animal you want as well as the age of the animal. Young puppies and kittens are much easier to train and acclimatise with other animals in the house, but they can be quite a commitment for a while. Older dogs can make wonderful pets and tend to be friendly, but if you have cats you should ask whether the dog is a cat chaser or not. Older cats aren’t really suitable for a household with other animals in it. If you don’t have any other pets, however, consider adopting an older animal.

In general, adoption is a wonderful thing to do. Most shelters are overwhelmed with the number of abandoned and orphaned animals out there. And yes, you can always find puppies and kittens at shelters. Rabbits are harder to find at shelters in Barbados. They can be purchased from a pet shop or a breeding owner. Also consider house-training. Cats are generally very easy to litter or house-train. Dogs take a bit more work. Rabbits can also be litter trained but again, it can take some time and patience. If you do decide on an older animal, please make sure to have it neutered if the shelter hasn’t done so already.

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

Babies, including rabbits, should be taken back to the shelter or veterinarian at six to eight months old to be neutered.

Once you’ve decided on the type and age of the animal that is best for your family, you’ll want to run a few checks on the animals you see before choosing the right one.

Rabbits: Hold the rabbit to see how jumpy or nervous he is. Turn him over on his back and see how well he takes being handled (ask the breeder/shop attendant to show you how to do this if you’re unsure). If the rabbit is generally calm, he will allow you to hold him on his back for a little while with a minimum of stiffening or kicking. Gently stroke and check his ears and paws. A calm animal will allow you to do this without backing away or shaking his head sharply. You don’t want to be chasing a frightened rabbit all over your house, because they are fast and delicate. Also, nervous animals are harder to house-train and to integrate with children and other animals.

Cats: Similar to the rabbit, hold the kitten or cat and see how calm he is in your arms. Cats sometimes don’t like to be held, which is fine, but he should allow you to pet him, to check under his tail, and in his ears. Many cats don’t like you to hold their paws, but in general, as long as you’re approaching the animal correctly, he should allow you to pet him and pick him up without immediately getting spooked. He shouldn’t be quick to scratch either. If he’s allowing you to hold him but has his claws out for grip, then he’s probably a bit more nervous. Calm cats also won’t spook at every little sound or movement they see.

The calmer the cat is, the more likely he will get along with other cats, dogs, and children.

Dogs: Again, hold the dog to see how calm he is. You should be able to comfortably hold a puppy or small adult dog. With a large adult dog, don’t hug him (dogs generally do not like hugs), but stand close to him and try to stand or sit touching the side of the dog’s body with your body. A calm dog will allow this and perhaps even lean against you. During this time, even if he is somewhat excited, he shouldn’t be running or jumping, but he can be trained out of these bad habits.

Make sure that puppies aren’t biting or nibbling as this can signal a dog that will chew things up and while this habit can be trained out of him, you have to decide whether you want to lose a few shoes before he gets them.

Check his teeth by lifting his lips. If he allows you to do this easily, without pulling away or growling, then you can surmise that the dog has a good temperament. Also try stroking his ears, lifting his tail, and holding and very gently squeezing and splaying each of his paws. Dogs are trusting, and if he allows you to do this without pulling his paws away sharply, growling or whining, it’s again an indication of whether he has an easy-going personality.

Any dog over four months should be able to walk on a leash, despite not having done it before. Attach the leash and encourage him to walk. Though it may be the first time, the dog should quickly catch on, even if he drags a bit.

He shouldn’t be fighting the leash at all, even if he doesn’t walk.

Once you’ve chosen your new pet, congratulations. It’s now time to integrate him into your home.

Make sure you have a room or an enclosure with adequate shelter where the animal can run without being in danger of escaping, but also without being too cramped. Very large spaces can be intimidating for young animals and can make them harder to house-train, but confined areas can also be very stressful.

Rabbits, however, shouldn’t be left in the garden because they will burrow and then you’ll never be able to find them.

Provide the animal with his own spot for litter, as most animals, especially cats, don’t like to share. Try to choose an area out of the way as well, because most animals like privacy.

Barricade areas that you definitely don’t want the animal to enter or poop in. If they make a mistake, never use the old “putting their nose in it and spanking them” trick. It actually does not help at all and only serves to make the animal anxious. Instead, pick the poop up and place it in the desired litter area, and then show the animal.

Don’t be angry, and also don’t be too coddling.

Simply be calm and firm. The animal will pick up on your energy and will eventually get the message, even if you have to repeat this action for a few days. If you can catch him in the act of squatting, pick him up and place him in the poop zone. If you find that he prefers to poop in one specific area, consider moving the litter box to that area or close by, and then repeat the same steps. Soon he’ll fall into the habit of using the designated space. Also, never clean

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the area with bleach; it is toxic and will cover the natural smell with an extremely caustic one (if you can’t stand the smell of bleach imagine a dog’s sensitive nose). Bleach will only serve to repel the animal from the area. Use vinegar and warm water instead.

Introduce your new animal to your existing ones slowly. Never leave them unsupervised until you know for sure that they get along well. Even the most well adjusted dog can feel threatened by a new pet, and this is even more true for cats. Be sure to have available space to be able to separate them for the first few weeks and try to give each animal individual attention as well as playtime all together.

If you intend on keeping your cat indoors, make sure to put chicken wire or some other reinforcement at the windows. Rabbits usually require a hutch, and they like to have a dark space in which they can hide out. If it’s outside, make sure the hutch is sheltered and facing away from rain. Make sure the hutch is in a well secured area, because even calm rabbits can spook easily at loud noises or uncommon smells or sights.

Provide lots of toys and legal biting/ scratching areas for the animal to stop him from getting into something he shouldn’t. A rabbit needs a piece of untreated wood to gnaw on to keep his front teeth from growing too long. A few squares of carpet glued or stapled to heavy pieces of wood make great scratching surfaces for cats or play areas for dogs and rabbits. Try to avoid using loose nylon or other synthetic fibre carpeting because the fibres can get into the animals throats. A tightly woven carpet is best. A dedicated area for play is also a good idea. Don’t keep your animal, even a rabbit or guinea pig, caged all the time. They need to be able to run and play.

Always supervise young children with new pets. It’s also worth it to research animal body language and teach your child to respect the animal, how to read its body language for signs of discomfort or aggression. This will help you find the best way to play with an animal (no hugging or pulling of ears or tails) to ensure everyone has a good time and stays safe.

It sounds overwhelming, but you’ll soon fall into a rhythm. If you take care when choosing your new pet, and also when introducing him to the home, soon you’ll have a happy family that’s one fur baby bigger.

ONCE YOU’VE CHOSEN YOUR NEW PET, CONGRATULATIONS. IT’S NOW TIME TO INTEGRATE HIM INTO YOUR HOME.

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FOR BETTER LIVING A LIVE WALL IS A MAINLY SELF-SUFFICIENT, VERTICAL PLANTING STRUCTURE WHICH HELPS TO NATURALLY REGULATE ROOM TEMPERATURE AS WELL AS REMOVE TOXINS AND CONTAMINANTS FROM THE ENVIRONMENT.

reen walls have, as of late, become a force to reckon with in contemporary design circles since their creation almost 30 years ago.

A live wall is a mainly self-sufficient, vertical planting structure which helps to naturally regulate room temperature as well as remove toxins and contaminants from the environment. It is easy and fairly straightforward to construct.

The basis for a living wall structure is a vertical series of shelves usually made of plastic. The wall where the structure is to be placed is usually waterproof and sealed to prevent the growth of mould. A layer of fabric, usually felt, is then used to wrap the frame of the green wall structure. The material used in this step must have excellent water retention abilities and be able to be penetrated by the roots of the plants, since microorganisms present in the soil carry out the removal of the air pollutants.

Once the foundation for the structure is in place, the next step is setting up a comprehensive irrigation system. The system should be designed to be able to deliver water to all parts of the green wall. For small to mediumsized wall structures, a drip irrigation system will usually suffice. For larger projects, a more active means of irrigation such as a recirculation or direct irrigation system that is especially calibrated for a green wall may be more effective.

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Another important step is choosing the correct blend of soil mixture. A mixture with low clay content is advisable since the soil should be able to retain as much water as possible.

Also, the soil should have a reasonable air content and an approximately 20 to 30 per cent fertiliser content to create the ideal environment for the plants to flourish.

Once these steps are in place, you’re ready to plant. Indoor green walls are commonly used as statement decor pieces, natural climate control agents, noise dampers, indoor herb gardens and, most commonly, natural air purifiers.

Popular choices for plants used as part of indoor green walls include: spider plant, bamboo, mother-in-law’s tongue, English ivy, daisies, and peace lilies. These plants are considered effective in facilitating the removal of common household air pollutants such as:

BENZENE – produced by tobacco smoke, gasoline, plastics, detergents, and oils.

FORMALDEHYDE – produced by plywood, clothes, carpets, furniture, and household cleaners.

TRICHLOROETHYLENE – produced by adhesives, varnishes, and paints.

The general recommendation for plant arrangements when constructing a green wall is 15 to 18 average-sized plants (about six to eight inches in diameter) to cause a noticeable improvement in air quality of a space that is 1 800 square feet.

So take some time out to plan and construct your own green wall project. The rewards are limitless.

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MOCO CONTAINER STORAGE A subsidiary of Crane & Equipment Ltd

ince its appearance on the scene just over a year ago, the bright yellow containers with their striking MOCO logo can be seen everywhere. Its rapid growth is attributed to a quality product backed up by efficient and friendly service. MOCO self-storage has become very popular with people looking to store anything from household items, building materials, office equipment, and anything else they want kept safe for later access.

A MOCO container will be delivered to your residence or business place. You can take your time packing it, and MOCO will then collect the container and store it securely for you at its Lower Estate, St George facility.

In addition to storage, MOCO supplies move-in ready modular offices, appropriate for small businesses and private dwellings. These move-in ready units come complete with utilities, air conditioning, and office furniture.

MOCO also rents and sells containers (20 feet and 40 feet) for general storage purposes. All rental containers are vented to minimise heat build-up.

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MOCO also rents and sells containers (20 feet and 40 feet) for general storage purposes. All rental containers are vented to minimise heat build-up.

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Outdoor Eating

By Natalia Nunes

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“

n my day,” . . . ahem. Hmm, I remember when I told myself that I would never echo those words I heard time and again from my grandmother and mother, because I wouldn’t be old. As my friendly GPS lady says, “recalculating”. In my day, only picnics and pool parties warranted outdoor eating. We always ate at the table in the dining room. Always. With the advent of the television (OK, I am dating myself now) not even those cute TV tables allowed for my brother and I to have dreamed of the pleasure of eating in the living room when Bonanza was on. Oh no. Instead it was a concealed bribe – if you don’t eat your dinner, no Bonanza.

Many a night I sat crying at the dining table while my brother enjoyed Little Joe, Hoss, Adam, and Ben Cartwright.

Having given birth to two picky eaters myself, I was not so rigid. I encouraged outdoor eating because it was fun and the children ate better. Wherever we lived, there was always a table and chairs on the veranda and/or lawn for eating. We once had a home with a roof balcony and there was a table and chairs up there for sure. It was fabulous dining under the stars at night – degrees cooler, too.

Nowadays, outdoor dining is commonplace. There is such an array of outdoor furniture along with lamps, candles, and sprays to kill bugs that might invade that there’s hardly a reason not to eat outside besides bad weather. Let’s consider the grass; it feels so good under bare feet but there are hazards.

I’m not friends with centipedes or any other creepy-crawlies.

But the draw to eat in the open air with stars as my canopy is huge. Even at breakfast or lunchtime, unless the weather is scorching hot, I opt for the natural scape.

Whether we are eating grilled food on the barbecue or food cooked in the kitchen inside, outdoor eating is the bomb. If we are creative enough, we can always find a space to set up a dining area outside. It can easily be incorporated in the existing furniture on the veranda or have its own place of honour on the lawn or deck. Of course, if there’s a pool then that’s an added pleasure. And, not to worry, set up a couple of fans to thwart the heat.

The myriad of styles in furniture is mind-boggling. Round tables, oval tables, triangular, rectangular, square tables – you name it, they’ve got it. Chairs, benches, stools, or couches to go with the tables, all for your comfort and taste. Umbrellas and various types of shades in varying styles and colours – why wouldn’t we eat outside? So much to tickle our fancies with choices beyond my late grandmother’s imagination to coax picky eaters to enjoy vegetables. And now that I know that eating and watching television do not actually give you indigestion, there’s no reason to exclude an outdoor TV. Sorry, Mama up in heaven, but that excuse won’t work with this generation.

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WELCOMING LANDSCAPES MAKE A STATEMENT aking a grand entrance is not just something that famous people can do, it is also stylish when your house offers the type of welcoming facade that makes a good impression on those who pass by or who come to visit. It also makes you feel good when you come home from work every day to see a beautiful entrance.

Whether you have a fence or not, your grounds should be well kept, your shrubs trimmed, and the driveway and walkway kept clean and free of moss or slime. The last thing you want is for someone to slip and fall.

If you had to skimp when you ďŹ rst built your house, now is the time to put down a good driveway and attractive walkway, leading up to the steps of your front patio.

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HOWEVER, WITH A BIGGER PATIO, IT’S GREAT TO HAVE A SMALL TABLE AND FOUR CHAIRS FOR HAVING OUTDOOR SNACKS. A CHAISE LOUNGE AND HAMMOCK ARE ALSO GREAT FOR RELAXING AND READING, OR JUST TAKING AN AFTERNOON SNOOZE ON YOUR DAY OFF. This can be done with concrete, with interlocking blocks, sturdy tiles or tiled surfacing, or with large stepping stones placed on a grassy path.

The path can be lined with shrubs, a low hedge, or have plant pots placed at intervals, along with outdoor lights to illuminate the way for visitors.

Steps leading up to the patio should be clean and nonsplippery and any cracks or rough edges should be repaired as soon as possible. You may wish to have a handrail in the middle or at the side(s) to assist those who are weak, ill or elderly.

Your patio walls can be painted in the same colour as the house, or be in a complementary or contrasting colour.

However, it is the decorative touches which give it that inviting look. Be sure to have some attractive plants in the corners or a number of plants in one corner.

Hanging baskets with plants are a very attractive eyecatcher on patios, or how about placing individual plant pots on the edge of each step? Wind chimes, in a design that blends with the house style, are also interesting items to hang on the patio.

An oblong planter can be filled with a mixture of plants; you can have a small rock and shell cluster with various cacti, or be dramatic with one or more large jars which can be empty or hold decorative grasses.

Your patio furniture should be of a weather-resistant material like treated rattan or plastic, which can be easily cleaned by wiping or washing. Depending on the space available, you may only be able to have a couple of chairs.

However with a bigger patio, it’s great to have a small table and four chairs for having outdoor snacks. A chaise lounge and hammock are also great for relaxing and reading, or just taking an afternoon snooze on your day off.

You can leave your patio exposed on two or three sides, or have the sides filled in for more privacy. Rather than using solid walls, however, you could go for lattice sheets or poles or blocks with spaces in between to achieve a semiprivate style.

Vines can be planted and run along lattice and poles to enhance your privacy, and even wrapped around posts.

You could also have an arch over your walkway or at the entrance to your patio, which can be left bare, or host vines or climbing flowering plants.

Of course there is one item that you want to have on your patio to sum up the warmth of your home: the welcome mat.

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Life Hacks

By Mandy Cummins

ho doesn’t love a good hack to make life easier and get the job done quicker? I have personally tested these hacks out and thus can vouch for them.

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• Line the bottom of your garbage bin and the bottom of your plastic bag with old newspaper to avoid squelchy messes.

• Once every two weeks, toss a fresh dryer sheet in any drawer containing clothes or linens to keep it smelling fresh.

• Use a hanging shoe rack in various rooms to sort everything from cleaning supplies to pet supplies and mail.

• Use empty toilet paper rolls stacked in a box to store cords without tangling them.

• Lay a wooden spoon across the top of a boiling saucepan to stop it from boiling over.

• Stretch old panty hose over the nozzle of your vacuum and hold in place with a rubber band, then vacuum as usual. Tiny items like missing earrings will get caught on the panty hose.

This also works to pick up pet hair easily without clogging your vacuum.

• Use a flat iron to smooth out shirt collars and cuffs.

• Banana peel works as one of the best furniture polishes ever.• • Walnuts are great for covering dings and scratches on furniture.

• To keep centipedes away from your home, periodically put some citrus oil in the corners of the house, and leave citrus peel (limes especially) around the outside of your home.

• Spice racks make great shelves for nail polishes and beauty or haircare products in your bathroom or bedrooms.

• When your kids spill glitter, wrap masking tape around your feet with the sticky part facing outwards, and start walking.

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•

• •

•

• •

• •

The stubborn bits of glitter will stick to the tape. The whole family can do it, the kids will think it’s a hoot, and the glitter will be cleaned up in no time.

Putting wet shirts on hangers and then clipping them to the line will not only help save clothespins, but also allow you to fit much more laundry on the line.

Plain white chalk can help to remove very stubborn grease stains.

To de-wrinkle items of clothing that can’t be ironed, spritz them gently with water and then use a hair dryer on low heat.

Placing a damp towel behind the most stubborn wrinkles for a while can also help.

Old drawers make great planters or tray shelves and can be mounted on the wall or turned into hanging planters. Fix hooks to the sides for jewellery or cleaning cloths. They can be painted or decorated to match any decor. Get creative.

Use empty egg crates to easily organise and store Christmas tree decorations.

In a pinch, wax crayons placed on a plate will burn for several hours and make effective replacements for candles during a sudden power outage.

Toothpaste makes a very effective polish for metallic finishes on home hardware, as well as for jewellery.

Pour salt immediately on a fresh stain on your carpet (except red wine). Rub it in and leave it for a few hours to a day, and then vacuum it out.

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GRANNEX

By Natalia Nunes

n the days of my beloved grandmother, Mama, the only home for the aged was for the destitute. It was called the almshouse and was spoken of in whispers as it was not a desired location for anyone.

With the advent of nursing homes, retirement homes, and villages, the traditional path of life has changed in a very big way. Few grandparents live at home with the younger generation as numerous types of accommodations for the elderly are so readily available and seemingly attractive.

In a conversation with my dear friend Madhu, she reiterated what we have spoken about on several occasions over the many years of our friendship. She is an Indian woman who, although born and raised in Jamaica, was also brought up

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in the traditions of her Hindu culture. According to Madhu, in days gone by, all the sons and their wives as well as their children, parents, and grandparents lived in one home.

Nowadays, all the children have their separate homes and it is first looked upon as the responsibility of the eldest son and his wife, depending on their financial position, to house and look after the older generation.

I can attest to that as Madhu and I have been fast friends for more years than we can remember and I’ve always admired the way Indians look after their elderly parents. In her words: “It really is a way of life for us. I am very glad that this is what we do. Parents do everything for children when they are young so it is only natural that we would be there at the time when they need us.”

TALKING ABOUT WHEELCHAIRS, TO ACCOMMODATE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THEM, THE BATHROOM AND KITCHEN COUNTER LEVELS SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Let’s say this world is level. A great idea, I think, is to build a grannex. I’m not sure if that word has made it to the Oxford dictionary yet, but it should be there. A grannex is an apartment which is built either onto the existing family home, or it can be a separate cottage on the same property, in close proximity to the main family house. For the older generation who may still be able to look after themselves but want the security of knowing they are only a footpath away from immediate relatives, the grannex is a gentle transition into relinquishing some of the challenges of life by being kept an eye on by their adult children as well as being in close proximity to their grandchildren.

The grannex allows for independence with loving supervision from the younger generation. With the thought that mobility may not always be a part of our lives, it is a great idea to rig the grannex for impending dependence on gadgets that make the lives of the elderly far easier to cope with should physical degeneration become a factor. Stairs are not generally a favourite of older knees; come to think of it, stairs are not a favourite of athletic knees of any age. So let’s agree that a grannex should be a one-storey bungalow. Open concepts are a favourite with most people and with the thought of the

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possibility of a wheelchair to get around in, the fewer walls the better.

Talking about wheelchairs, to accommodate people who live in them, the bathroom and kitchen counter levels should be taken into consideration. Being in a wheelchair does not necessarily mean that the person is not able to do things for themselves. So allowing for accessibility to do day-to-day normal chores for themselves would mean that levels need to be looked at; plus the fact that with age, sometimes a person’s height is compromised anyway so cupboards should not be too high either. Doorways should be wider and the fewer steps leading to anywhere would be preferred.

Bathrooms are a big deal for anyone, especially the elderly or physically challenged. Aesthetics have made this easy for us as showers with every gadget for easy accessibility are actually in, plus the no tub/walk-in shower is a great idea and is really easy to maintain. The choice of built-in seats or geriatric ones are at our fingertips. Every safety precaution – handles, rails, non-skid tiles, pulleys to hold people in a standing position – all of that is available to us. Check your Yellow Pages or Google it.

We may one day be standing in those slippers we buy for our ageing parents, so be kind.

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A Home Office T

By Natalia Nunes

o leave home or not to leave home – that is the question. The Internet allows for so many diverse lifestyles that those who prefer to stay home at all costs are able to do so and still earn a decent living in their pyjamas. The home office requires just as much discipline or more to actually work, but it is so doable.

The size home one inhabits dictates the size office one might have. I’m all for the home office; I just don’t want to see it. For me, I prefer to have that area designated for just that – official work that won’t interfere in my home life. However, that’s my opinion and everyone has one. So depending on yours, the ideal home office can be created to suit.

For years I had an office at home. I owned a party hireage business and my office was quite conveniently located at the rear of my home but within the walls of same. It worked really well because I could close off my office and concentrate on what I had to do. When I needed to check on my children or other home affairs, I simply opened the door and walked into my home life without having to drive anywhere.

When I started decorating, I once had a client who had a small, chic apartment. She needed to have a designated office

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area which was a challenge to say the least as the space was minimal with a capital M. Living/dining area was a definite no. Her master bedroom was minute. There was, however, a second bedroom. Within this bedroom, the cupboards were pretty adequate. The doors were bifold with slats and when I opened them up, a small desk and shelves to one side screamed to be added to the decor, and voila! There was Julie’s home office. I was able to save enough space for guests to have sufficient hanging for their clothing, albeit for a short visit.

Larger homes may lend to more elaborate office spaces and with that luxury, I could go crazy. The sweetest words to my decorating ears are, “Do whatever you have to do.” With no limits to rein my skills in, just about any wish is at one’s command. One drawback to having a home office may be that one is at work 24/7. But these days with cell phones, iPhones, iPads and the list goes on, many people are at work 24/7. We live in an ever competitive, ever-changing world and some of us try to keep up, be that a good thing or bad.

The home office may, however, keep us far from the maddening crowd of people who can physically interrupt our busy days just by walking into our conventional offices away from home . . . and we can’t wear pyjamas there.

exoticwoods@caribsurf.com

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Laundry Tips Mistake 1: Rubbing stains furiously This can make the stain worse and possibly wear away the fabric.

Instead, be gentle and methodical. Treat the stain as soon as you can; the less time that elapses, the more success you’ll have. And always use a white cloth so that colours won’t transfer. Dab, rather than rub, working from the outside in to keep the stain contained.

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re you using too much detergent? Overloading the washer? Overdoing the bleach?

Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Mistake 2: Using too much detergent Excess suds can hold dirt pulled from clothes and get caught in areas that won’t always rinse clean, like under a collar, leading to bacteria build-up. The remedy: use only half the amount of detergent that you normally do, then gradually increase that amount if your clothes are not coming out as clean as you would like. An exception: if you have hard water as we typically do in Barbados, you may actually need more soap than you are using. Check the recommendation for hard water on your detergent bottle.

Mistake 3: Filling the washing machine incorrectly When washing in a top loader with liquid detergent, you should first fill with water, then add soap, then add clothes, right? Well, no. This protocol from the past was meant to prevent residue on the fabric and the machine. But modern detergents are phosphate-free and not harmful to clothes the way old formulas were. As long as you’re not using bleach, don’t add clothing after the water. Instead, use this order to distribute detergent best: clothes, then water, then soap.

Mistake 4: Not zipping zippers all the way to the top Metal teeth can snag delicate and woven clothing that’s being washed in the same load.

Mistake 5: Washing shirts all buttoned up This seems like a good idea, but it can stress buttons and buttonholes and lead to premature popping due to the wearing down of the thread.

Take the time to unbutton before tossing clothes in the washing machine.

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Credit Cards:

MORE BENEFITS THAN MEETS THE EYE

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s you’re looking for deals while holiday shopping, one of the best sources is closer than you think. Many shopping cards have benefits that can help you save money and protect your purchase.

Unfortunately, you probably don’t realize it.

With so many different things to take into account, shopping around for credit cards isn’t easy.

Points, miles, cash back, and annual fees are some of the things that need to be considered when consumers

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choose which credit card is best for them.

The options available on store cards are dizzying for consumers looking to compare their options when shopping around. When looking for a credit card, consumers should start with an honest assessment of what they need and what they will use.

There are a whole host of reasons for using a credit card. Not only do they provide a fast and efficient way of paying for goods and services, but they also allow us to build up our credit history.

If that wasn’t enough, it’s possible to get protection when booking trips abroad, making them a safer alternative to a debit card. Even though it is painful for most of us to

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admit, it is a fact that everything in life revolves around money.

Finding the simplest possible way of transferring it is, therefore, beneficial to all concerned.

As a result of no longer needing to carry large amounts of cash around, the card is a safer and more convenient option.

Furthermore, some cards offer specialist rewards if they are used to pay for certain products and services.

But you need to be careful as interest rates applied to reward cards are usually higher than average so only take on the option if you know it’s possible to pay back the money in the time-frame.

It’s always important to check that the rates won’t change after a certain period of time as this could mean you lose out in the long run to a better deal elsewhere. Credit cards represent a viable solution in many cases to manage funds and our lifestyles, but it’s always important to remember that it’s best to pay it all off as soon as possible.

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Temperature

Entertainment

Security

Water

Communication

Electricity

Technological Evolution

By Nick Nunes

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mart homes are not the home of the future anymore, it’s the home of the present,” said Teddy Hinds of Nettech. The world of communication has gone far beyond the days of sending telegraph messages and even up and above human to human communication. Today, with the Internet, wireless technologies, and all manner of smart machines, communication can go from man to machine and machine to machine.

The world we live in is fast becoming more like science fiction than we realise, mostly because we’re living in the age of it rather than watching it remotely dreaming. For several years, home automation has been around with the ability to control your household environment from a smartphone or tablet.

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Now, the market is already available not for the luxury homeowner but for every market tier out there.

Nettech is one of the Barbadian companies that offer solutions to more streamlined and efficient lifestyles that can make you feel like you’re a part of a more advanced age without invasive changes. The ability to remotely control lights, open and close shutters, lock, arm, and monitor security systems, as well as keeping track of energy expenditure and running an efficient home are all things that can be done today.

The idea of a virtual butler like Jarvis to Ironman is closer than you may think. Affordable and without the need for major renovation, Nettech has solutions to bring your life up to a comparable age of integration and control over your important systems. Today, it has become increasingly simpler to retrofit homes to technology as the tech is the one that adapts at lightning pace.

Installing outdoor lighting and automating all the aspects of your electrically connected life are easier and more affordable than you would imagine since technology is both shrinking in size and growing in potential.

All this automation and ease comes from the developments of decades ago with telecommunication. Services that integrate and exchange information all owe their inventiveness to the long history of the human desire to communicate and wrap the world in easily accessible information.

Right now, you can call for a consultation and be living a more efficient and even eco-friendly lifestyle through the world of automation and the telecommunication of information all around you. The world is a vast place moving at an unbridled pace. It’s important to keep up with the emerging technologies and stay afloat on the always evolving wave to the future.

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THE ABILITY TO REMOTELY CONTROL LIGHTS, OPEN AND CLOSE SHUTTERS, LOCK, ARM, AND MONITOR SECURITY SYSTEMS, AS WELL AS KEEPING TRACK OF ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND RUNNING AN EFFICIENT HOME ARE ALL THINGS THAT CAN BE DONE TODAY.

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IMAGINATIVE AND COST-CUTTING GIFTS

By Rosemarie Layne

ith the prevailing economic climate, more than ever, we need to be cautious about our spending and avoid the usual overextending associated with this time of year.

Most people cannot afford to fritter away hard-earned money on merrymaking and impressing others, so we need to ďŹ nd ways of making our money stretch while still being able to enjoy the festivities of the upcoming season. Below are some suggestions to achieve this:

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Home-made gifts Bear in mind that price doesn’t necessarily mean nice. We can show our appreciation for friends and family members in simple yet meaningful ways. Sometimes, we need not look further than our homes for this.

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Make cards and hanging collages from family photos, or arresting photos from old magazines. Mount on a strip of wood or heavy-duty card.

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Make picture frames from coloured paper and card, glitter paint, buttons, et cetera.

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Make your own gift basket with local fruit and other produce such as fruit preserves, or add a home-made cake or special dish, bottle of sorrel or home-made wine.

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Give time – help someone paint or reorganise a room in their home, clean up a garden, or cook a meal for someone who lives on their own.

Purchased gifts If we have some more cash to spare, we can consider purchasing a gift. However, since Barbados has a number of skilled artisans producing work of excellent quality, wherever possible we should really try to buy local and in so doing, help to reduce the foreign exchange bill. There are a wide variety of items suitable for holiday gift-giving: •

Wire work – figurines and other artwork; jewellery strung with copper, brass or stainless steel wire and accented with beads and stones of all colours and descriptions.

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Leatherwork – sandals, belts, handbags and pouches; jewellery items such as earrings and pendants; document and accessory organisers.

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Coconut shell items – jewellery, wind chimes, picture frames, wall plaques, et cetera.

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Mahogany – personalised key rings, commemorative plaques, specialty clocks, sculpture from the realistic to abstract, et cetera.

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Glass blown ware – decorative dishes, wall hangings, exquisite pendants, earrings, et cetera.

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Food items (fruit) – traditional baskets laden with natural fruit or beautiful fruit sculptures, or fruit and home-made wine combos.

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Plants – brighten someone’s Christmas with a flower arrangement, including poinsettia and snow on the mountain amid lush foliage, or give a green plant or an assortment of herb seedlings.

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Rosemarie Layne, who is certified in second degree reiki, is a dance instructor and holistic health advocate.

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Check your house for common toxic chemicals and choose safer alternatives with this simple checklist for less toxic living.

KITCHEN • Do you cook with non-stick cookware? Replace with cast-iron, stainless steel, or glass when possible. Stuck with it? Take care not to overheat it, which releases toxic fumes.

• Do you use plastic food containers? We recommend glass over plastic. Never microwave food in plastic containers. For baby, use glass or BPA-free plastic bottles.

• Any canned food in the pantry? Cook with fresh or frozen whenever possible; most food cans (including liquid infant formula) are lined with bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical that leaches into the food.

• Do you use iodized salt? You should. Iodine is necessary to maintain healthy thyroid function.

• Do you eat high-mercury fish? Ask before eating and head for the lower-mercury types (especially for pregnant women and young children).

BATHROOM • Do you use air fresheners? Don’t! Most contain a number of toxic chemicals that contaminate the air you breathe.

• Do you use liquid hand soap? If so, avoid anti-bacterials – the American Medical Association recommends against using them at home.

• What material is your shower curtain? Avoid vinyl shower curtains. If you get a new curtain (whatever the material), leave it outside for several days before using.

LAUNDRY & CLEANING CLOSET • Are your cleaners green? It’s hard to know without a full ingredient list, which most products don’t have. Find out the ingredients by calling the manufacturer, avoid the toxic ones, and choose green-certified products whenever possible.

• Do you need all those products? Most homes can be safely cleaned with a few nontoxic ingredients: vinegar (it’s anti-bacterial), baking soda, water, a HEPA vacuum, microfiber mops and cloths - and some elbow grease! Skip laundry products you don’t need, like dryer sheets, fabric softener, and chlorine bleach.

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

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infobarb@asslbarbados.com

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SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2015

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Millworks Inc. has been successfully serving clients for over 15 years. With our incredible team of joinery and finishing specialists and designers.

Capitalizing on this depth of experience we design, produce and install the very best in high-end bespoke cabinetry and furniture products.

• Kitchens • Bathrooms

• Windows • Gazebos

• Doors • Sundries

• Closets • Book Cases

T: (246) 439 9242 | F: (246) 439 9858 E: info@millworks-inc.com | www.Millworks-Inc.com Millworks Inc., Spring Hall, St. Lucy, Barbados

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