Remove that Pet Hair!

Pet hair can be difficult to remove from upholstery. Try these simple solutions:
1. Fabric Softener Dryer Sheet.
Pet hair tends to stick to the dryer sheet.

2. Inflated Balloon.
Rub the balloon to generate static electricity. The electricity that makes your hair stand up, will also make pet hair cling to the balloon.

3. Damp Sponge.
Try rubbing your upholstery lightly with a slightly-damp kitchen sponge.

4. Pre-Treat.
Try applying a mixture of fabric softener and water to the upholstery. This will prepare the pet hair to stick to the surface of your sponge, fabric sheet, or hand.

Keep Smilin'!

Fix the Scratch!

Here are a couple of quick tips for either fixing the scratch, or at least making it far less visible:
Light Scratches:
1. Try breaking open the meat of a walnut, pecan, or brazil nut. Rub the opened surface of the nut meat in the direction of the scratch. The oils in the nut meat will darken the scratch.

or

2. Where you see several light scratches, try using a hard paste wax and a very fine "0000" steel wool. Lightly rub the paste wax with the steel wool in the direction of the wood grain. Allow it to dry, then lightly buff the surface with a soft cloth.

Deep Scratches:
Try using a furniture repair crayon. Match the color carefully, and rub the crayon lightly in the direction of the scratch. Use the edge of a credit card to rub off excess following the direction of the scratch. Lightly buff the repair with a soft cloth.

Keep Smilin'!

FishIng Bloopers, Keep Smilin'

This clip is good for a few laughs: http://www.wimp.com/fishingbloopers/

Are You Getting the Sleep You Need?

That is, are you getting the kind of sleep you need - and are you getting enough of it? In 1959 middle-aged Americans slept an average of 8-9 hours per night. By 1992 that number had reduced to 7-8; about an hour less. Between 1975 and 2006 the percentage of Americans getting less than 6 hours of nightly sleep increased from 24% to 30%.

DURATION
Sleep deprivation (restriction) reduces our performance during the day, and has adverse effects on our health. There are statistically significant correlations between those that are sleep deprived and those with hypertension, diabetes and weight gain.

QUALITY
Scientists continue to study sleep and its patterns. Some theorize that there are 4; others that there are 5 levels of sleep. What matters most is that it is a deep stage of sleep in which our brain rejuvenates. Many of us experience persistent interruptions to our sleep before entering this deep stage. This leaves our brains tired and worn out. In such a foggy-headed state, our thinking abilities are suppressed. It's more difficult to think clearly, and to concentrate.

CAUSES
One common cause of sleep interruption is apnea - a cutting off of air supply in the throat. Just as a sleep apnea sufferer is approaching a restorative deep sleep, there is a gasping for air. The sleep cycle is interrupted, and that deep level of sleep is not achieved. A moderate apnea sufferer may experience 20 to 30 or more such interruptions per hour. Many do not realize that such a problem exists, until a sleep partner notices it.

This can be diagnosed at a sleep center, and treated with a C-PAP machine (continuous positive air pressure). Such a treatment can keep the airways open, and allow for a deeper, more restful and restorative sleep.

The most common mattress problem is tossing and turning; this too can interrupt sleep. Pressure points cut off circulation, creating soreness, and sometimes a numbing sensation. Selecting the right mattress can correct this, as well as other problems, but that is the subject for another day.

In today's fast-paced and competitive world it is more important than ever to be at our best all day. If you wake up without feeling rested, if you are more tired than you think you should be, these are two areas of consideration.

Keep Smilin'! (or sleeping…)

Additional Reading: National Sleep Foundation Wikipedia Stages of Sleep Chart

Smiling Elevates Your Mood

Smiling involves the zygomatic muscles of the cheek and the eye. A full smile creates "crows feet" - the smile wrinkles around the eyes. Use of zygomatic muscles tells your brain to be happy. Perhaps that's why people who suffer from facial paralysis, and cannot smile, are more apt to be depressed.

My Professional Goal? Your Happiness. I want to put your zygomatic muscles to work!

That's why my professional motto is: KEEP SMILIN'

Choosing mattresses and furniture can be difficult for some; but there is no reason it can't be enjoyable. That's why I try to give each customer a reason to smile.

Smiling and laughing are good for your health. Some scientific findings:

1) Endorphins - These are brain chemicals that function as neuro-transmitters, and which make us feel happy. Laughing releases endorphins.

2) Health - A good laugh is beneficial to the lungs, boosts immunity, and burns calories.

3) Energy - Laughing increases energy and feeling of well-being.

4) Stress - Several things happen when a body is under stress:

a) heart rate accelerates

b) digestive system shuts down

c) blood sugar levels increase

Laughing reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

TIP

Next time you feel stressed, make a conscious effort to do two things:

1) Take Slow, Deep Breaths.

2) Create Crows Feed. Make a conscious effort with your eyes, using your zygomatic muscles.

QUIZ

#1) Does happiness help one smile? or does smiling help one be happy?

Answer: Both. People presented with cartoons who were already smiling found the cartoons more amusing.

Keep Smilin'!