We’ve all heard the stats about bottled water and the growing problem in our landfills. An increasing number of consumers are consciously choosing to drink from their municipal source; the tap. Still many are concerned about the taste and the chemicals. The solution; use a filtering system. Here are two to consider: Mavea Elemaris and Brita’s limited edition Orange.
Mavea Elemaris Water Pitcher This new kid on the block, German-made Mavea, is sleek and ergonomically designed. Its pour through fill lid is activated by water pressure and closes automatically when full. The filters do not need pre-soaking and a micro-screen reduces carbon particles. The computerized meter not only lets you know when to change your filter, it also measures the volume of water filtered and water hardness.
The company will provide consumers with postage to return used filters (six at a time) for recycling. Mavea filters out the usual heavy metals, agricultural chemicals (atrazine, simazine) and industrial pollutants (benzene, tetrachloroethylene). However, it leaves the fluoride content intact.
Brita’s limited edition Orange Pitcher The Brita brand has been the leader for water filtering systems for many years. The Orange Pitcher boasts a large water capacity - 10 (8oz glasses), an easy grip handle and a flip-up lid for easy refilling. The electronic filter change indicator (located on the lid of the pitcher) lets you know when to replace the filter, about two months, so you won’t have to rely on memory.
For those concerned about the filters winding up in the landfill, you should be aware that Brita has a recycling partnership with Preserve to turn used filters into eco products. Brita filters remove chlorine tastes and odors, copper, lead and mercury.
Most of us are trying our best to be green these days, but if we are being totally honest it is much easier when it affects our pocketbooks. Now you can move a little closer to saving some precious water with HydroRight Dual Flush Converter. For the cost of $35 you can change your water guzzling toilet into a two button fixture.
We discovered this gem when we went to buy a new flapper to replace the one that had warped, causing leakage that was driving up our already high water bill. At the same time, we decided to pick up the HydroClean Universal Fill Valve at $16.99.
The box claims that you can install the HydroRight in about 10 minutes and that is true. We suggest you watch the install video below to save the time of reading the instructions. It will take a bit longer to install the HydroRight Fill Valve - for both installs it is about ½ hour. Well worth the effort.
After a few minor adjustments we were ready to test our new device. The small “liquid” flush used about 1/3 of the tank while the larger “solids” flush used about 2/3. Keep in mind that we adjusted to the lowest setting on both to maximize savings and have not experienced any issues with a “weak” flush. You can fine-tune your water level if you feel you need a stronger flush.
I can’t walk by an open house. The "For Sale" sign beckons like a carnival barker, calling out to me, "Step right up, ladies and gentlemen!"
Unfortunately, when I get inside the house, all too often it reminds me of a circus.
In my professional career, I’ve occasionally taken on the role of "fluffer" – a cute word I hate having applied to me.
When I’ve been called in to fluff, it is generally by real estate agents who want me to prepare a house to go on the market. The deadlines are usually very strict, so I have no time to build rapport and get to know my clients. I have to be blunt and tell it like it is.
People’s noses get out of joint. They think I’m judging their lifestyle. I’m not. I’m window dressing, quite literally, trying to attract customers to help them imagine their life in your house.
Nor should anyone believe that a fluffed house in any way relates to real life. No sane person would ever want to live in a storefront window, or a house devoid of any human trace. Once a home is fluffed and on the market, homeowners have to make the psychological break and stop thinking of the house as theirs. It belongs to someone else.
If you’re looking to sell, follow the rules of fluffing.
First: Clean, clean, clean! For some reason, people overlook windows – a big mistake. Make sure you clean all of the windows in the house or hire someone to do it. Shiny windows give the whole house an air of freshness. It’s well worth the investment.
Clean the carpets. If the house needs painting, do it. Again, it makes the house seem that much cleaner and cared for. Paint is worth $20 in the can but $200 dollars on the wall!
Are you a whiner when it comes to house chores? Miele, a German manufacturer of premium household appliances, has recently launched its latest vacuum which is designed to lighten your domestic load in more ways than one. The new compact, lightweight S2 Series is a powerful canister vacuum; weighing in at just over 12 pounds (with all accessories and attachments) and only 19 inches long, this nimble appliance is easy to carry and to store. Great for condo owners.
The S2 comes in three models - the Contour, Momentum and Continuum and is available in chilli red, royal blue and white. With a six-level power adjustment this nifty little gadget is ideal for cleaning different types of surfaces including rugs, carpets, drapes or hard floors. And best of all, its superior suction power assures to trap 99.9% of dust particles. Supported by a seven–year motor warranty, the S2 retails for under $400 and can be purchased through most national retailers, including Sears, the Bay, Future Shop, Costco and Canadian Tire.
Mavea Elemaris Water Pitcher
Brita’s limited edition Orange Pitcher
Most of us are trying our best to be green these days, but if we are being totally honest it is much easier when it affects our pocketbooks. Now you can move a little closer to saving some precious water with HydroRight Dual Flush Converter. For the cost of $35 you can change your water guzzling toilet into a two button fixture. 
After a few minor adjustments we were ready to test our new device. The small “liquid” flush used about 1/3 of the tank while the larger “solids” flush used about 2/3. Keep in mind that we adjusted to the lowest setting on both to maximize savings and have not experienced any issues with a “weak” flush. You can fine-tune your water level if you feel you need a stronger flush. 
I can’t walk by an open house. The "For Sale" sign beckons like a carnival barker, calling out to me, "Step right up, ladies and gentlemen!"