What is Green Cleaning in Seattle?

The buzzword for this is going green, as more and more people become concerned with the impact that we have on the planet. Driving electric cars, recycling, and composting are all great ways to go green, but when it comes to cleaning products, many of the greenest households are still relying on harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia to keep their house sparkling. Thankfully, the push toward green living has resulted in a plethora of eco-friendly cleaning products that you can use to reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals.

You may be wondering about the meaning of green cleaning. Green cleaning actually refers to using cleaning methods and products with environment friendly ingredients and procedures which are designed to preserve human health and environmental quality. Most of the time cleaning companies who advocate green cleaning are using all non-toxic and 100% natural cleaning products. These green cleaning products are actually beautiful and highly recommended to use. It is definitely effective and environment friendly.

Want to know more about green cleaning? Click here.

We recommend you to use green cleaning products and get cleaning services from companies that are green cleaning advocate. Let us transform Seattle into an Earth-friendly community and people who care for their family and environment. How will you be able to do that? It is very simple, choose products and services that support the same movement.

Here are some products that are green cleaning friendly:

To learn more about the benefits of using green cleaning products, click here.

1. Seventh Generation Dish Soap

Getting greasy stuck on food off of your dishes can be a pain, even with the toughest chemicals — and they still end up being harsh on your hands and poor for the environment. Seventh Generation is one of our favorite companies for green cleaning products in general, but their dish soap really stands out. Their Free and Clear soap has no artificial scents, and even their scented soaps are mild and use botanical extracts and essential oils. It’s easily one of our favorite green cleaning products.

2. Better Life Stainless Steel Polish

Cleaning stainless steel appliances can be a nightmare, especially if you’ve got lots of little hands leaving fingerprints on your fridge and stove. Most stainless steel polishes contain harsh chemicals like VOCs which are bad for your health and the environment.  Better Life’s stainless steel polish provides the same cleaning power, plus a protective fingerprint repellant, without relying on harsh chemicals. Plus, the company is vegan — their products aren’t tested on animals at all.

3. Osmo Wash and Care Wood Floor Cleaner

Cleaning and sealing your hardwood floors usually results in your house reeking of artificial pine or lemon scents, not to mention the fumes from whatever oil you use to seal the wood after cleaning it. Instead of having to leave all your windows open when you clean your floors, choosing Osmo Wash and Care wood floor cleaner lets you get all your floors clean and polished without worrying about using harsh chemicals in your home.

4. Intelligent Nutrients Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a great tool to keep you healthy, especially if you work in an office or around people who tend to carry lots of germs. Traditional hand sanitizers tend to be harsh on the skin and are full of chemicals. Intelligent Nutrients also uses alcohol as the main sanitizing ingredients, but instead of pairing it with antibacterial ingredients, it uses essential oils and other ingredients to kill surface bacteria and keep you healthy.

5. Nature Zway Bamboo Towels

We use 13 billion pounds of paper towels every single year. If you break that down per person, that’s an average of 45 pounds of paper towels that each person in the United States uses and throws away every single year. While we love the convenience of being able to use a paper towel and throw it away, it’s incredibly wasteful and not terribly good for the environment. Nature Zway Bamboo Towels come in a roll of 25 for $11 and can be rinsed and reused up to 100 times each. If you’ve got kids and have a lot of spills to contend with, these reusable towels can be a godsend.

6. Moldex Mold Remover

Our go-to cleaning substance for getting rid of mold is bleach — but if you’re trying to go green, then chlorine bleach isn’t always the best option. Moldex doesn’t just kill mold and make it easier to clean, it also inhibits mold growth in the future by using a combination of materials that works as a viricide, a fungicide, and mold and mildew inhibitor – all without using bleach or other harsh chemicals.

7. The Honest Co. Honest Dishwasher Pods

We all love the convenience of being able to use our dishwashers instead of hand washing our dishes, but most dishwasher soap isn’t the greenest. If you can’t live without your dishwasher, The Honest Co’s Honest Dishwasher Pods are one of the best options on the market — fewer harsh chemicals while still getting your dishes sparkling clean.

8. GreenWorks Chlorine Free Bleach

It can be hard to break that bleach habit. If you can’t live without that clean bleach smell, then the best thing you can do is to get away from traditional chlorine bleach. GreenWorks Chlorine Free Bleach uses sodium lauryl sulfate as its primary cleaning ingredient — a plant based solvent that works just as well as chlorine without all the fumes or harsh side effects.

9. SafeChoice Super Clean

Everyone can always use a good all-purpose cleaner but many of them use harsh chemicals and VOCs as their cleaning agents. Super Clean, by SafeChoice, is one of the most effective degreasers and all-purpose cleaners that we’ve ever tried, without any of the chemicals that we normally worry about. It comes in one-gallon jugs and it’s concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way.

10. Vinegar and Baking Soda

One of our favorite green cleaners is probably already in your kitchen.  White vinegar is one of the most versatile green cleaners that you’ll ever find. If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar, steep your cleaning vinegar with some lemon rinds for a few weeks — not only will this give it a fresh lemon scent, but it helps to increase its cleaning properties. If you have something particularly grimy that needs to be cleaned, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Once you spray it with your vinegar cleaning solution, it will bubble up and carry the grease and grime away with it.

You don’t have to break the bank to go green — at least for your cleaning supplies. It might be a little difficult to know where to start, but hopefully, this blog will help you to become a green cleaning advocate.

Installing a Home Humidifier

Adding a whole-house humidifier to your heating and air conditioning system is something you can do yourself to improve your air quality and comfort. Did you know that a humidifier adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness that can possibly cause irritation in many parts of the body? Yes, that is right! Humidifiers can be particularly effective for treating dryness of the skin, nose, throat, and lips. Humidifiers can also ease some of the symptoms caused by the flu or common cold. But, you have to take note that overusing humidifiers can potentially worsen respiratory problems. It is important to know how to use it properly.

We also have to understand the usage of a humidifier. Humidity acts as a natural moisturizing agent that can relieve dryness. For this reason, humidifiers are often used for relieving dry skin, sinus congestion, headache, cracked lips, dry cough, irritated vocal cords, bloody noses and nose irritation. You may be prone to these discomforts when the air in your home is dry. This is usually common when an air conditioner is being used during the summer or during winter months.

There are also different types of humidifiers. You can choose depending on your preferences, budget, and the size of the area you want to add moisture to. Here are some types of humidifiers; central humidifiers, evaporators, impeller humidifiers, steam vaporizers, ultrasonic humidifiers. Usually, humidifiers are often classified as console or portable. Console units are meant to add moisture to the entire house. They are often very large in size but usually have wheels so you can easily move them around. Console units are meant toad moisture to one room. Personal (or portable) humidifiers are the smallest, and are the best choice if you need a humidifier while traveling.

For central humidifiers, they are built directly into your home’s air conditioning or heating unit. These are the most expensive types of humidifier, but they’re the best choice if you want to add humidity throughout the entire house. Traditional humidifiers carry a potential risk of burns from the steam they emit. Central humidifiers don’t emit steam. As for Evaporators, it blow moisture through a moistened filter. Fans power the unit and expel the humidity into the air from a single-unit system. Evaporators are actually more affordable than central humidifiers, but the downside about it is that they only work in one room at a time. They may also expel too much moisture into the air. This can be problematic for people with asthma, as it raises the likelihood for mold growth.

About impeller humidifiers, it work with the help of rotating disks that run at high speeds. These units are often less expensive. They’re also among the most child-friendly devices, because they create cool mist and carry no risk of burns. The downside is, like evaporators, they only work for single rooms. They can potentially cause breathing difficulties for people with allergies and asthma when they’re overused.

To know more about different types of humidifiers, click here.

Adding humidity to the air may be beneficial, but too much humidity can cause health issues. High humidity levels can worsen respiratory problems and create uncomfortable dampness in the air. This can encourage the growth of dust mites, mildew, mold, and harmful bacteria. It is highly recommended that humidity stay between 30 and 50 percent. A hygrometer can determine how much humidity is in your home. Some central humidifiers come equipped with hygrometers, but you can also find them at hardware stores. Test the humidity daily, especially if someone in your household has allergies or asthma.

Unclean humidifiers can cause bacterial growth that can promote coughs and colds. Steam vaporizers can get dirty quickly, but they’re also among the easiest to clean. Rinse out all the used water between uses. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, clean the unit regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Wash the bucket and filter system every two to three days during usage. Humidifiers can potentially emit minerals and microorganisms. They’re not necessarily harmful, but the residue can bother people with asthma. Use distilled water to avoid this problem.

Burns are the most common injuries associated with humidifiers. Take special care if you have children. Never let children handle humidifiers, and don’t place a warm-mist steamer in a child’s bedroom. Allowing a unit to expel too much moisture can create condensation on the walls. As a result, mold can grow and spread throughout the home.

To know more about properly maintaining your humidifier, click here.

If you are wondering about where to install your humidifier, you need to decide first on where you are going to install it. Your options may be limited by your existing heating and cooling system’s set up. Again, we recommend you to follow this example installation to the end to have a better understanding of what you will be doing and then make your decision. Keep these few things in mind:

-          Mount the unit on the return air duct whenever possible. You can mount to the supply side, but the system works much better on the return side and poses less of a threat to your furnace, should there ever be a malfunction involving water and electrical components.

-          Make sure there is enough room above the unit to mount your humidistat. It's suggested to be at least 6" above the unit.

-          Try to make the bypass connection as short and straight as possible.

-          Aprilaire units are able to be flipped around so that the bypass can be on either side.

-          Be sure you have room to remove the unit's cover, water pad/panel, and other parts for easy maintenance and repair in the future.

-          Visualize your drain path to be sure you'll be able to maintain a downward slope towards its destination. This ensures proper drainage and prevents stagnant water from building up in the line. Again, the shorter, the better.

If you use your humidifiers with care, it can make a significant difference when it comes to dry skin and airways. However, keep in mind that this is just a home remedy, and not a medical treatment. Stop using a humidifier and call your doctor if you have symptoms that don’t improve or seem to be getting worse because of the humidifier.

Three Recommended Apartment Complexes

Finding a place to live is hard enough. When you are on a specific budget, finding a new apartment is a serious challenge. Whether you are relocating for a new job, or trying to lessen your housing expenses, apartment searching can sometimes be frustrating. You’ll likely deal with absurdly high rents, shady landlords, and sketchy locations, and it can be hard to find a genuine bargain that is both affordable and safe. Finding an apartment in your price range without help is possible, but you need to do your homework. Here’s a list of three recommended apartment complexes in Seattle.

Belltown

Located between Downtown and Queen Anne, Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle. With a large selection of restaurants and an active nightlife scene, Belltown attracts professionals of all ages looking for a blend of city living with a neighborhood feel. Residential options mainly include high-rise condos and apartments. In recent years, Belltown’s popularity has decreased due to an increase in crime. However, the neighborhood has begun recovering and is seeing an influx of residential and retail development.

Here are some things that you can do in Belltown

Located on the edge of the Downtown retail center, Belltown is home to many premium shopping destinations, including clothing boutiques, design studios and home interior stores. You’ll find a mix of trendy restaurants, such as the popular Local 360, cafes, sports bars and music venues, including The Crocodile. Enjoy the waterfront at the Olympic Sculpture Park, which features contemporary art sculptures, amazing views of the Puget Sound and a waterfront trail along Elliott Bay. You do not have anything to worry about transportation. Belltown is completely walkable and all of the major bus lines run through the neighborhood.

Apartment in Belltown

Walton Lofts

• Year Built: 2015

• Number of Units: 136

• Number of Layouts: 5

•  Rent: $1,925-$5,550

Highlights: Newly constructed on the corner of Western and Vine, the 12-story Walton Lofts feature eco-centered, high-end design such as bamboo flooring, 10- to 13-foot loft ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows capturing expansive views of the city and sound. A few notable amenities include a grand library, bike workshop, fitness center and rooftop to rival the best of Seattle.

University District

As its name denotes, the University District is adjacent to the University of Washington, and the majority of residents are students. Student housing, including dorms, fraternities and sororities, make up the majority of the non-apartment housing options. There are also many single-family homes that are rented out to students and young professionals.

Here are some things that you can do in University District

In the University District you will find two distinct areas. “The Ave,” on the west side, caters mainly to the student demographic. It consists of hole-in-the wall restaurants, bars frequented by students and eclectic clothing shops. If you can get a table, try Thai Tom for one of the most popular Thai restaurants. You can also enjoy a show at the historical Neptune Theater, which has recently been transformed into a multiuse live performance venue, or tour the Henry Art Gallery or the Burke Museum.

On the east side of the neighborhood, there is University Village, an upscale outdoor mall consisting of higher-priced boutiques and restaurants. For Northwest-inspired wine and dining from the owners of Beecher’s Cheese check out Liam’s, or Din Tai Fung for dumplings.

With the neighborhood’s proximity to the water, water sports are also popular. Rent a kayak from Agua Verde Café & Paddle Club and then enjoy a margarita on the patio. Spend an afternoon walking, running or biking the Burke-Gilman Trail. As the university continues to grow, so does the neighborhood.

When it comes to transportation, majority of the neighborhood is mainly students, walking, biking and public transportation is very common. Parking can be difficult in the neighborhood.

Apartment in University District

LIV U District

• Year Built: 2015

• Number of Units: 56

• Number of Layouts: 6

• ·Rent: Call for pricing

Highlights: Offering units as large as five bedrooms, LIV is making a big statement in the U District this year. With modern decor and finishes, these units come furnished and are spacious and bright. LIV has a two-level fitness center, plenty of study rooms and a rooftop terrace, all close to UW.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is one of the most diverse and vibrant parts of the city. This densely populated neighborhood consists of apartments and condos, as well as mansions and large single-family homes around the perimeter of the neighborhood. The demographics include singles, young professionals, students and families.

Here are some things that you can do in Capitol Hill

This is one of the top destinations in the city for dining and nightlife, and the number of bars and dining options is continually expanding. From trendy restaurants and cocktail bars to dive bars and music venues, you can find just about any type of entertainment or food.

Explore the food-focused Melrose Market, have a cocktail at Liberty and catch a show at Neumos or longtime Seattle institution The Comet. Enjoy the city views at Volunteer Park or visit the Asian Art Museum. As for outdoor activities, most evenings you can find people playing soccer, softball or Frisbee (or just relaxing) at Cal Anderson Park.

Capitol Hill only continues to grow. There are numerous development projects taking place, including the construction of several luxury condos and apartments throughout the neighborhood.

When it comes to transportation, the neighborhood is extremely walkable and is within walking distance of downtown. Many residents bike as their primary means of transportation. Parking can be difficult, especially on weekend evenings when people are attracted to the neighborhood’s nightlife. However, transportation will substantially improve with the introduction of a light-rail stop on Broadway in 2016.

Apartment in Capitol Hill

Pine + Minor

• Year Built: 2013

• Number of Units: 120

• Number of Layouts: 24

• Rent: $1,395-$2,650

Highlights: Apartments are bright with clean, modern lines and stainless steel appliances throughout. Residents have access to an urban garden roof deck and exceptional workout facilities, as well a prime location for those looking to live in Capitol Hill while being a few blocks from Downtown.

Installing New Home Windows

There are a lot of good reasons to replace your old windows. New one’s will not be drafty, will not require unsightly storm windows, and will tilt in for easy cleaning.  You will have a hard time finding project that brings as many benefits and stretches your investment dollar farther than new windows. These new windows will also be more efficient than your old windows and replacing your windows with new ones will also make an effort to lower your heating and cooling bills. Installing new home windows is like an investment. Here’s what you need to know before installing new windows.

Want to know more about installing new home windows? Click here.

• Increased home value. Your new windows and doors can return homeowners 71 to 78 percent upon resale. If you replace your windows tomorrow and sell your home the following day, you will be able to recoup the majority of your cost. That alone makes it a worthy investment. As well as a beautiful addition to your home. There are other monetary benefits of new windows. Your property value may increase, which also increases your resale value. An often overlooked benefit of replacement windows is curb appeal. The ever-increasing selection of window types, sizes, colors, hardware finishes and styles allows you to match your windows to your home's design or update its look. The continuity of your home's appearance can greatly influence the appraisal of your home. Curb appeal can make or break the sale of a home.

• Enhanced safety and security. Windows that do not open easily or are painted shut are more than just an annoyance, these windows can also be a safety hazard. For example, when trying to escape during a fire. Tempered glass is less likely to cause injury when accidentally broken, as it is designed to break into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. Laminated glass has a polymer interlayer that holds the glass together if shattered – offering added protection from potential intruders. Replacement windows with multiple locks can also lower your insurance costs. This added value also increases appeal to a potential homebuyer. Emotional security certainly adds to the appeal and perceived worth of your home. Also, windows with multipoint locks are harder to break through than those with only one lock.

• Reduced dust and allergens. Blinds and shades tucked between the panes of glass stay protected from dust, helping to reduce allergens in your home.

• Easy maintenance. Replacing your existing windows with new quality windows that feature advanced designs will increase sustainability. Look for easy-clean features, durability, and quality construction. Innovative designs like between-the-glass blinds, shades or grilles not only contribute to less time spent cleaning.

• Improved comfort. Energy-efficient, well-sealed windows and doors can help reduce cold drafts and hot spots in your home.

• Improved energy efficiency. New windows can reduce wear on your furnace and air conditioner, helping you save money by improving your home’s energy efficiency.

• More peace and quiet. Insulating frames and triple-pane glass help reduce the noise from traffic, lawn mowers and barking dogs. Reduce outside noise by installing high-quality windows with noise-reducing glass options.

• An enhanced view. While replacing your windows can reduce energy costs and increase security, the style, color, and material can also benefit your home. New and improved windows can boost your home’s curb appeal, adding visual interest and can help increase your home’s overall value.New windows or doors can dramatically improve the beauty of your home – inside and out.

• Less time spent cleaning. Today’s windows and doors are designed with convenient features that make it easier to clean places that used to be harder to reach.

• New home windows save you money now and later. Purchasing new windows might seem costly at first glance, but after evaluating your monthly energy savings year after year, it’s one of the best home improvements you can make. Older, single-pane windows are often the source of up to 70 percent of your home's heat loss. In contrast, energy-efficient replacement windows are designed specifically to keep heat in or out, depending on the season. Not only will you see immediate savings in your monthly costs, but you might be able to receive instant savings offered through rebates for new windows from your utility company. You may also be able to claim a deduction on your income taxes for your energy-efficient replacement windows.

• New windows keep extreme weather outside. Energy-efficient windows can reduce the demand on your heating and cooling systems by up to 25 percent allowing you to make your home more comfortable at a lower cost.

• UV Protection. Most people love having natural light in the home, but excessive ultraviolet rays can cause fading in your home’s interior. Protect your home’s walls, floors, and furnishings by choosing windows that have Low-E insulating double-pane or triple-pane glass with argon that provides added protection from UV-rays – like sunscreen for your house!

Your home is your castle. It's the place you live, learn and grow. It's the place you go for comfort. The benefits of replacement windows are far greater than the cost. They improve your home’s overall environment with benefits like natural light, noise reduction, improved views and custom style. New windows can offer UV protection for walls, fabrics, flooring and furniture, which lengthens the life and quality of your home's interior. They also require very little maintenance, allowing you more time for activities you enjoy. Consider the benefits of new windows for your home and how they can improve your quality of life.

How to Clean Simply in Seattle

We all know that cleaning is a daunting task. However, as tedious as the chore of cleaning house can be, making an effort to keep things tidy is extremely important to maintaining both mental and physical health. We would sometimes ask help from professional cleaners to make sure that our house is spotless clean, but we cannot solely depend on cleaners to make our home tidy.

When your home is dirty or disorganized, it’s difficult to focus on the tasks you should be doing. You may find yourself distracted by organizing or surface cleaning. These distractions keep you from getting important things done and can make you feel as though you accomplished little by the end of the day. When your home is clean and organized, you’ll have fewer distractions and get more done.

Did you know that having a clean house makes you more creative? Clean space allows the mind to relax and be more creative. When you’re surrounded by uncleanliness or a disorganized mess, your mind focuses more on the chaos and less on letting your creative juices flow. If you’re a creative person, keeping a clean home will help you do what you do best.

We would sometimes have our friends, or family come over our house and we do not want to be surprised because we have a dirty home. There’s nothing more embarrassing than greeting friends with a dirty house. In this case, you may stop having people over altogether. Don’t let a dirty home keep you from spending time with the people you love. By keeping your home clean and orderly, you’ll have more motivation to invite people to dinner and enjoy their company.

We can always do something to make our house look cleaner every day. We do not want our house to look like a disaster, right? Do not worry! We will help you out in making your house look sparkling clean in simple ways.

• Create private and public spaces in your home. That is, set priorities and choose rooms near your home's entrance as public spaces. Like, the dining room, front porch, and living room. You can keep those areas free of clutter. Avoid clothes, no mail, no papers, no storage areas. The rest of the house can be a mess, but cleaning the rooms that guests see gives the whole house the appearance of being clean.

• Do simple things, often. Put dishes directly in the dishwasher instead of filling up the sink. Take the trash out every night, so there are no lingering smells. Throw dirty clothes immediately in the hamper, so there aren’t piles everywhere.

• Clear out the “I might need this someday” items. Whether you’re keeping clothes you may wear one day, a board game that’s missing a piece that you might find, or a kitchen appliance when you hate cooking - getting rid of the things you’re not using instantly makes your place seem less junk-filled.

• Set a timer and have the whole family clean up for 10 minutes. Engage the kids and your spouse to help. You can even make a game out of it. This small investment of time leads to big payoffs. You would be surprised at how much cleaner your house will look after just 10 minutes of family effort.

• The floor should only have furniture on it. Toys, stacks of newspapers and magazines -- anything on the floor should be put away or tossed out each day. Having bare, unoccupied floor space gives every room a more open, airy, and less cluttered look.

• In the kitchen, keep out only the things you use daily. Toaster or blender, if used daily, stays. Big appliances, like a slow cooker, if only used weekly or less frequently, should be put away.

• Avoid dirty floors by having two welcome mats; one inside and one outside your front door. That way, dirt and other debris don’t spread to your floor and throughout your house (having two increases the chances that everything gets caught). Since most guests see the room right off the front door first, mats give the appearance of an overall clean house.

• Make the beds. Yes, it would be great to have the whole bedroom clean, but simply making the beds gives the eye a place to settle. Everyone notices a made or unmade bed.

• Keep your bathroom vanity clear. Store makeup and other everyday toiletries in bags or bins under the sink -- this makes it easy to pull them out and put away and keeps clutter off the countertops.

• Open mail and backpacks over the recycling bin. Seeing a lot of papers inside your house makes it look messy. For notes and follow-up reminders, put them into your phone immediately and throw out the actual paper.

There’s nothing more relaxing than jumping in a bed with clean sheets and saying good night to an orderly house. You’ll rest at ease when you’re not waking up to chaos. Let your mind rest peacefully in a clean home.

The Best Green Smoothie After You Clean Your House

After a daunting task of cleaning your house, you deserve to relax and have a refreshing drink. The best refreshing drink that we suggest you to have is a green smoothie. Aside from giving you the refreshing feeling, this drink is also good for your health. Adding leafy greens to your smoothie not only turns your smoothie into our very favorite color here at Green Blender, but has so many benefits to your physical well-being.

Green vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and lettuce are nutrient powerhouses. When blended in a smoothie, the nutrients in these leafy greens are released and readily absorbed into the bloodstream which enhances your nutrient absorption. With enhanced nutrient absorption, you become invigorated and energized! Smoothies, as opposed to juices, utilize the whole fruits and veggies that go into them.  The abundant fiber in leafy greens, when consumed in a hydrating smoothie, will help you reach optimal digestibility. Leafy greens also help you boost your immune system. Loaded with phytonutrients, leafy greens strengthen your immune system and help you stave off illness all year long.

On the other hand, dark leafy greens are rich in calcium and vitamin K, which is necessary in ensuring calcium reaches your bones and not your tissues. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin A and C, greens in smoothies can significantly lower cholesterol, decreasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. Full of antioxidants, green smoothies reduce the signs of aging as well as hydrate your skin. Most people struggle to get enough greens, which are excellent sources of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll replenishes and rebuilds red blood cells, rejuvenating your body.

When you consume whole, unprocessed, nourishing foods, you naturally start to crave those healthy foods over unhealthy sweet, salty, and fatty ones. Believe it or not, consuming green smoothies makes you more likely to engage in other healthy habits. Because the human mind thrives on consistency, one healthy habit leads to another. So after adding kale or spinach to your smoothie, you may opt for a side salad instead of fries when eating out. When you eat fruits and vegetables in the raw state you get double the nutrients, because when you cook food it loses half of the vitamins and nutrients.

All you need to have is your green leafy vegetables and your blender and you are good to go! Fall in love with your health!

Here are some tips that will help you in creating your first smoothie

When you’re making your first few green smoothies, don’t just throw things in the blender. Chances are, it’ll taste nasty if you wing it right out of the gate. To save you a few smoothie-fails, bust out those cute little measuring cups and follow this simple formula: 60% fruits to 40% leafy greens. (2 cups of leafy greens + 2 cups of liquid base + 3 cups of rice fruit)

• Here are some green veggies that you can use for your green smoothie: spinach, kale, romaine, bok choy, swiss chard, collards, dandelion. For your liquid base you may use one of these: water, coconut milk, coconut water, almond milk. And for your rice fruit you can choose from any of the following: banana, mango, berries, orange, avocado, peach, pear, apple, pineapple, grapes

• First, you have to blend the leafy greens, and liquid base first. Second, add the fruits and then blend again. You may use at least one frozen fruit to chill smoothie. This formula yields about 32 ounces and serves 2

• You may also boost your green smoothie by adding some boosters like chia seeds, coconut oil, almond butter, hemp seeds, hemp protein powder, flax seeds, cacao, cinnamon, and acai powder.

• Chewing your green smoothie is no fun!  To get a “smooth” green smoothie experience, blend up your leafy greens and liquid-base first. Then add your remaining fruits and blend again.

• Ditch the ice, and freeze the fruits! Want your green smoothie to be extra chilly? Freeze your favorite fruits like ripe bananas (peel first), grapes, pineapple or berries. This is also a great way to not waste ripe fruits (like those brown bananas on your counter). You can also freeze your leafy greens in a freezer-safe bag. Just make sure to add your frozen greens straight to the blender (don’t defrost these fragile little guys).

• Use raw natural sweeteners. Add naturally sweet fruits to any smoothie that tastes bitter or a bit too “green.” By sticking with naturally sweet fruits like bananas, mango, apples, pears or pitted dates, we avoid artificial sweeteners and processed sugars.

• Make smoothies ahead for the perfect fast food. We know life can get crazy busy— especially in the morning. That’s why we think green smoothies are the healthiest fast food for people who are constantly on the go. You can blend your green smoothie the night before and store it in your fridge (up to 2 days). Use an airtight lid to limit oxidation and keep it as fresh as possible. When ready to drink, give it a good shake before you open.

Why Should You Visit Seattle

Do you want to know why you should visit Seattle? Don’t worry! In this blog, we will help you find reasons to visit this beautiful place. There are actually a lot of interesting things that you can do and a lot of historic places that you can visit. Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is surrounded by water, mountains and forest, and has thousand acres of parkland to enjoy. Seattle’s nickname is the “Emerald City” because it portrays the color of the environment. The city is filled with green all year around, and when you visit the city you will also notice the green grass covered parks. The largest city in Washington State, it is also home to a large tech industry with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered here.

Here are some reasons why you should visit Seattle:

You Must Try Their Coffee Places

You Must Try Seattle’s Coffee

Seattle is regarded as a world center for coffee roasting and coffee supply chain management. Related to this, many of the city's inhabitants are coffee enthusiasts; the city is known for its prominent coffee culture and numerous coffeehouses. Seattle is the locus that turned us all into coffee-istas, and is where Starbucks was founded, in the Pike Place Market. People in Seattle consume more coffee than in any other American city. A study has been conducted and it stated that there are 35 coffee shops per 100,000 residents. The people in Seattle spend an average of $36.00 a month on coffee. It is also nearly impossible to walk past a single block in a commercial area in Seattle. Coffee drinkers can get coffee at a local sidewalk stand, parking lot, tiny coffee houses, big coffee house, drive-through, and even delivery.

Click on this link for the latest cafes in Seattle.

Visit the Space Needle

One of the famous attractions in Seattle is the Space Needle. If you have a head for heights then you must not miss the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle quickly became the symbol of the city. The high-speed lift takes only 43-seconds to whizz you to the observation level. Views from the 605-foot tall are spectacular, and you can see the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier.

Want to learn more about the Space Needle? Click here.

Enjoy the Night Life in Seattle

If you are a type of person who is into partying, this is the best neighborhood for you! Capitol Hill is the nightlife central, and Havana Social Club is at the throbbing epicentre. With its swaying palms and gold pressed-tin ceiling, the place feels like a quaint old tropical hotel. You’ll find mostly young, pierced folks throwing back tequila and gyrating to soul, rap and indie hits.

Need help on finding out the coolest bars on Capitol Hill? Click here.

Experience an intimate Seattle Living Room Show

Seattle Living Room Shows and Seattle Secret Shows are a unique way to see a live concert. All shows take place in a secret Seattle venue where you’ll be face to face with some of the best up-and-coming musicians from around the country. We provide an intimate setting for both musician and listener which we feel brings the music back to where it should be; Raw, emotional, powerful, and exposed.

Click on this link to know more about Seattle Living Room Show.

The World’s Best Glass Art is From Seattle

Seattle's art scene heats up with a bevy of hot shops and glass galleries. Seattle is a glass city. You can’t help but notice glass art installations, glassblowing studios and galleries dedicated to the art when visiting. You might have also heard of one particular glass artist, who hails from Tacoma and still calls this area home: the glass artist, Dale Chihuly. His glass works can be found around the world. The Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases at the Seattle Center display the incredible talent of Dale Chihuly with a series of jaw-dropping indoor and open-air installations. His distinctive glass art is a mixture of colourful shimmering cones, spears, coils and entanglements. Lismore Castle in Waterford has a turquoise chandelier designed by him.

To know more about Chihuly Garden and Glass, click here.

The Famous Wineries Can Be Found in Seattle

Located just 30 miles from downtown Seattle is a wine lovers' haven. Woodinville is a suburb of Seattle nestled in between its urban core and the rustic skyline of the Cascade mountain range. With over 100 wineries calling Woodinville home, wine lovers travel far and wide to taste and buy the local Washington wines on offer. Novelty Hill Januik is a newer independent winery that have a production facility and tasting room in Woodinville. Originally started by one of Washington’s most acclaimed winemakers, Mike Januik, the winery is very family orientated and committed to sourcing grapes from only the best vineyards in Washington. Their modern, state-of-the art facilities make for an impressive tasting experience and you are made to feel warm and welcome, whether you’re a wine novice or a veteran of the vineyard world.

Need help on your winery visits? Click here.

Try Seattle’s Local Delicacies

The city is flooded with good food but one of Seattle’s specialties is seafood. Due to its coastal location Washington is perfectly situated for fisherman. The up-coming neighborhood of Ballard has a large concentration of fishing fleets which make their way to Alaska throughout the year to source fresh water fish like no other.

You will never get bored in Seattle as there are tons of activities to do. So, if you need to relax and enjoy, Seattle is surely the perfect place for you!

Renting an Apartment vs. Buying an Apartment

It is a major decision whether to rent or buy the place in which you live. It does not just affect how much money you have left at the end of the month; thus it also affects your lifestyle and the size of the savings you accumulate over the years. Every day people buy homes when financially they would be better off renting, because it is also important to them to have a place to put down roots and because they see buying a home as an investment that can grow in the long run. Similarly, people rent all the time for the flexibility and minimal responsibility it offers, even though they would amass a larger net worth over time if they bought a place.

Among the two options, there are also pros and cons to renting a property, just as there to owning a home. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. For example, renting allows you more expendable money in the short term, while owning a house gives one the sense of security as it is considered a long-term investment. Let us discuss the pros and cons of renting an apartment vs. buying an apartment.

Advantages of Renting an Apartment

-          One of the benefits of renting a house is it is low maintenance. Depending on your rental agreement, renting a house may also mean taking on shoveling the walkway, mowing the lawn, maintaining the garden and general upkeep of the house. In an apartment, the grounds and outdoor maintenance are all taken care of for you.

-          You will also have the freedom to choose the location. If you're looking for a prime location right in the downtown are, in the heart of the city, you're most likely going to be looking at an apartment. Single-family dwellings are usually found in more suburban or outer-city regions.

-          Renting a property allows more flexibility than owning a home. This is ideal for those who could be faced with sudden changes such as a job relocation. Renting requires no long-term commitment from a Tenant, and is the best option if you don’t intend on staying in one place for a long time.

-          Moving out is easier for a tenant than a homeowner as there is no stress of finding someone to take over the lease, or finding a Buyer to purchase the property as this is the responsibility of the Homeowner or landlord.

-          After paying rent, a Tenant may have additional money which they can use to invest elsewhere, whether it is saving towards buying a house or investing in the stock market, and need not worry about putting additional funds into a home loan.

-          The only insurance required by a Tenant will be to cover the contents of the home, while all maintenance work on the property is for the Homeowner’s account, as is homeowners insurance.

-          As a tenant, there is the possibility of living in an area in which you could not afford to buy.

Disadvantages of Renting an Apartment

-          You might have a problem with your neighbors. If you're a loud person or someone who needs a quiet environment, apartment living may not be for you. Remember, in many apartments, there are people and families living on all sides of you.

-          From available closets to cramped storage units, apartments don't usually offer a lot of storage space.

-          You might also encounter issues with infestation. The case with neighbors in an apartment complex. If, for example, others in the complex have roaches or ants invading their abode, those same pests are likely to eventually find their way into your home as well.

-          You cannot make changes to a rented property without the consent of the homeowner.

-          A tenant is bound by the rules of the lease agreement, which can impact the freedom to use or renovate the property.

Advantages of Buying an Apartment

-          The value of a home will appreciate over time and in case you decide to sell, you can earn a profit off the sale

-          When you buy a house, it becomes your legal property which allows you greater freedom in its use without restrictions often enforced by a landlord.

-          Owning a home offers the long-term benefits of security, equity, and potential growth in personal wealth

-          Being a homeowner allows you creative control of your property, including décor changes, landscaping and renovations, to suit your needs and your style.

-          Being a homeowner who ensures repayments are made on time can improve your credit profile. Not only will you have a large investment to your name, but paying your monthly bond repayments on time increases your credit score.

-          You have the option of buying to rent which enables a homeowner to generate income from renting out the property. You can have your house registered in AirBnb or websites for leasing. This income can be put towards the home loan.

-          You have the option to refinance your bond amount should you wish to withdraw a large amount of money to pay for major purchases.

-          There is an opportunity to save money in the long term as there are possible tax deductions related to income-generating properties.

Disadvantages of Buying an Apartment

-          Home prices are well off their recent ridiculous highs and mortgages rates also continue to break new record lows, which is surely making many renters salivate at the notion of homeownership.

-          There are additional costs to homeownership and these usually include rates, taxes, insurance, and maintenance for which the homeowner is responsible.

-          Being a homeowner comes with huge financial responsibility including bond repayments and regular house maintenance.

-          There are additional costs to homeownership and these usually include rates, taxes, insurance, and maintenance for which the Homeowner is responsible.

-          A homeowner has less mobility when it comes to being able to move home than a Tenant who rents on a short-term basis. A tenant can leave a property after fulfilling the notice period, which is usually one month. However, a Homeowner is likely to be dependent on selling their home before being able to buy a new one, and therefore it might take longer to be able to move homes once the decision has been made to do so.

To learn more about the pros and cons of renting vs. owning a home click here.

Whether you decide to rent or buy Divine Maids is here to help.

Things In The Kitchen That Can Be A Good Cleaning Agent

When it comes to home cleaning, most of us reach for expensive, often harsh products. Did you know that there are things in your kitchen that can be a good cleaning solution?

Non-toxic homemade cleaning products aren’t just better for us; they can also help save us money and protect the environment.

You may have heard that you can replace many commercial cleaning products with inexpensive items you've already got in your kitchen pantry.

Onion

Give your grill a rubdown with an onion and you’ll watch the caked-on grease and grime vanish from your grill grates. Turn your grill’s heat up super high, and with a long grill fork, stab an onion, and with the flat side down, rub along the grill grates.

---

Tea

More than a favorite beverage, brewed tea can be used to clean windows, mirrors and countertops. Spray on your bathroom surfaces just as you would any typical window or surface cleaner. Then, keep your bags to hide in the back of the fridge. They will actually work to deodorize it. And if you need to remove the scent of onion, garlic or fish from your hands, cut a bag open, and wash your hands with the leaves to remove the odor

---

Lemons

You don’t need lemon-scented cleaners to clean your house — you just need lemons! With their mildly acidic properties, lemons can be used to cut through grease and grime on your stove and appliances. They can also shine up brass objects so long as they are made of actual brass and not just brass plated.

Citrus can zap grime from your microwave, remove stains from linens, and shine brass.

---

Rice

Swish a scoop of uncooked grains (with warm water and a little dish detergent) around the inside of a vase to scrub hard-to-reach spots.

Having a hard time fitting your hands while cleaning a narrow vase? Just pour two tablespoons of dry rice and half a cup of warm water inside the vase. Shake the vase vigorously while covering it with your hands. Drain the vase afterwards.

---

Ketchup

This french fry sidekick can shine copper and get your car gleaming again.

---

Table salt

The course texture of this cooking staple can erase stains from butcher block countertop, and helps release stuck-on food from your cast-iron skillet.

Remember that miracle lemon that cleaned the tub? If your dirt stains are particularly stubborn, add some salt to the lemon, and scrub the surface of your bathtub, sink or toilet. Once your salt solution has done the trick, just rinse off any pulp and leftover residue, leaving your bathroom perfectly clean with a lemon-fresh scent!

---

Walnuts

Got a scuff or a scratch on your wood furniture? Rub it with a walnut (shell removed) to mask the damage.

---

Powdered lemon or orange drink

The citric acid in your favorite drink powder can help banish rust and stains from your dishwasher.

---

Cream of tartar

This common baking ingredient can remove the grayish residue that shows up on aluminum utensils after you run them through the dishwasher.

---

Baking soda

This stuff deserves a star spot in your cleaning cabinet. Mixed with warm water, it's an effective all-purpose cleanser — it can even shine jewelry.

---

Vinegar

Like baking soda, white vinegar is a powerful cleaning tool. It can freshen laundry, lift stains from carpet, brighten windows, and so much more. Just don't use it in these spots — you might do more harm than good.

---

Vodka

Grab the bottle from leftover from your last big party to deodorize clothes and shine chrome and porcelain fixtures.

---

Cucumber

Use slices of cucumber to polish any stainless steel products for a flawless shine!

---

Mayo

If your coffee table has water ring damage, a spoonful of mayo will help take it away. Spoon a glob of it on the stain and let it set for a few minutes. Take a damp cloth and gently rub the mayo in. Allow it to sit, and then with a wet cloth wipe excess mayo away, followed up by a soft buffing cloth.

---

Ice Cubes

Every few weeks, toss in a handful of cubes in your sink. Add some orange, or lemon to ward off some stenchy odor.

---

Coffee Filters

Use Coffee Filters On Glass

Clean your mirrors and windows with coffee filters instead of rags or paper that wells for a streak and lint free shine.

---

Baby Oil

Baby oil helps the dirty water bead roll down the drain faster. Use this to clean your sink, toilet bowl, or tub.

---

Potatoes

Did you just went on a camping trip? To remove hardened mud on your clothes, especially comforter or blankets, slice a potato in half and gently rub the cut end on to it. Soak the fabric in cool water after before tossing them into the laundry.

---

Wax Paper

Wax Paper for Faucets

Wiping faucets with wax paper prevents water spots and finger prints.

---

White bread

Get rid of greasy fingerprints from walls with white bread

It sounds weird, but rubbing finger marks with a slice of white bread will give your walls a new lease of life! We're not sure how someone discovered this, but we're grateful they did...

---

Salt and foil

Clean your iron with salt and foil.

If you’ve got a dirty iron, remove built-up dirt from the bottom with salt and tin foil. Turn on the iron, and run it over a piece of aluminum foil sprinkled with salt.

---

Grapefruit

Get rid of water marks or stains in your bathtub by cutting a grapefruit in half, sprinkling on some rock salt and giving it a good scrub. Have the other half for a nutritious breakfast!

If you are a person that have a hectic schedule, You might prefer getting a cleaning service.Great thing there is Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy. They make your lives easier by doing the cleaning job for you.

Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy are also using Eco-friendly cleaning products, meaning our home is free from toxic cleaning supplies. Call them now and schedule an appointment!

How to Hire the Right Cleaning Company

Cleaning your house has no season. Whether you want to hire a cleaning service to help you with a one-off task, an annual spring clean, or something on a more regular basis, there are a few things you need to inquire about before you make a decision. You would always want your home sparkling clean and fresh. I am pretty sure you do not want a dirty home, right? When it comes to cleaning the house, it is a very daunting task and it takes a lot of time as well. Those people who have big houses or apartments, will find cleaning very difficult. Working professionals would not have time squeeze in cleaning their houses into their schedule that is why sometimes they seek help from cleaning companies. Some people would look for cleaning services because of an upcoming event at home or sometimes relatives would come over the house.

The question here is how do we hire the right cleaning service company? We do not want to settle for just anyone. Some would say, “it is cheaper to hire an under-the-table cleaning lady for cash!”, you have to know that you are putting a potential risk on your property and your belongings. We would want to hire a cleaning company with a good reputation. If your main concern is if it is worth your money, then you have to consider choosing professional cleaners. You have to make sure that you choose wisely, and according to your needs and requirements.

Of Course as a cleaning company ourselves we strongly recommend Divine Maids Seattle 😉

Here is a list of tips that may help you in order to hire the right kind of home cleaning service. Let’s get started!

Get Referral From Family and Friends

You can start with asking your family members or friends if they have tried hiring cleaning professionals to take care of their home. It would be easy for you to choose a cleaning company if your family members or friends have a good experience first hand. Referrals also give you an inside look about what a cleaning service company is about and not just with what they say on their website. Companies can make themselves sound amazing, credible, and experienced, but a referral from a friend or family can paint a different picture and carries more weight.

Take Online Reviews With a Grain of Salt

Satisfied customers would not tend to write as many reviews as unsatisfied customers who feel compelled to shower the world with their terrible experiences. Remember, oftentimes, those reviews are people using it as an opportunity to vent out, blow a story out of proportion, or try to damage the reputation of the company. If a company has all terrible reviews, that is definitely a red flag, but if they have mostly good reviews and a few bad ones, that is pretty average. No one is perfect.

The other thing that you also have to watch out for is a cleaning company with a perfect score. I know companies who pay clients to write good reviews for them, so of course, they would really get 100% perfect score. Regardless, a good rule of thumb is to avoid a company with all perfect scores, avoid a company with all terrible scores, and find the ones with really consistent high scores.

Bonding, Insurance and Worker’s Compensation

As mentioned earlier, some customers are concerned if the price of the service is worth their money. You also have to take into consideration the company’s ability to cover costs of any damage done to your home, any theft, or if an accident occurs on your property. If they do not have this coverage, you could be on the hook for money, items stolen, property damaged, or an injured worker. A company must be willing to tell you if they have this coverage and provide copies of their policies upon your request.

Take note! Be aware that this adds to the cost of operating a service company, which is why the rates are higher per hour or per job. However, this level of assurance is valuable, especially when you are letting someone into your home, and could ultimately be on the hook for something that goes wrong. Remember, we live in a litigious world.

Affiliations, Accreditations and Experience

You would have to do your assignment in knowing how long have they been in business for? Does this company have any recognitions, accreditations, or affiliations with professional organizations? You have to look out for this as this will make you feel assured that a company is trustworthy and concerned with their reputation. These acknowledgements, recognitions, and certifications are something that that company must have worked hard for to obtain a good reputation. With this, it would also show the staff, clients, and potential clients, that the company has done everything they can to offer an exceptional service. So, checking in to these affiliations lends to credibility to a company’s desire to remain in good standing with their customers.

Service Offerings

Does the company take requests or offer a fixed service? How detailed will they get? It is also important to choose a company who can accept requests depending on what you want to be done. You have to inquire as to what level of service is offered. If you can customize it, and hire someone to come and tick a bunch of things off your to-do list, or if you just get the same service each visit irrespective of what you want to be done, or if you can do a combination. Companies offer a variety of options; none are right and wrong, you just need to find out what suits your needs and your lifestyle.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Make sure to ask about breakage, damage, and satisfaction guarantees. A good company should stand behind its work and its workers. If you are not happy as a client, what are they prepared to do for you? How will they make it right? It is a fact that sometimes, things will break. The way that a company should always handle this is to be highly responsive, sincerely apologetic, and fix anything at any cost. I know this might sound crazy, but other companies do not really do this. They tell the client to claim it under their own homeowner’s insurance policy, or chalk it up to an unavoidable mistake.

If you are not satisfied with the cleaning, a company should have something to offer you. A touch-up? A free cleaning? Companies have different policies about this so find out what recourse you have if you are not happy with the level of service you received.