Motherhood, however, has a way of shifting perspective. Once tiny hands start crawling across freshly mopped floors and snacks land directly on kitchen counters seconds after being wiped down, awareness changes. That intense artificial fragrance feels less reassuring and more… unnecessary.

The low-tox home movement has grown quietly out of that awareness. Not from panic. Not from perfectionism. From practicality.

Moms are not trying to sterilize their homes into laboratories. They are simply paying closer attention to what they bring into the spaces where their families live, breathe, nap, and spill juice.

And thankfully, this does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul.

What Low-Tox Really Means

At its core, low-tox living in the home is about reducing exposure to overly harsh cleaning chemicals when you can, while still keeping your spaces truly clean. Many traditional cleaners rely on ingredients like bleach, heavy synthetic fragrance, and ammonia, which can irritate skin and lungs — especially in smaller, closed-in spaces. For homes with children, pets, or anyone with chemical sensitivities, that irritation can matter.

But the modern low-tox approach is not about fear. It is about moderation and smarter choices. Choosing products that lean toward biodegradable, plant-derived formulas allows you to clean effectively without overwhelming your senses — and without feeling like you need a science degree to wipe down the kitchen.

The Smartest Place to Begin

If you change just one thing, make it the product you reach for most often: the all-purpose cleaner. This is the workhorse you use to wipe down countertops, tackle unsightly spills, and rescue surfaces from the chaos of everyday life.

Everspring All Purpose Cleaner Lavender & Bergamot is a highly accessible, plant-based all-purpose spray available at Target. It tackles grease and grime on many surfaces without ammonia or harsh fumes, and its lavender and bergamot scent is soothing rather than sharp. Many busy moms appreciate that it cleans well without leaving behind an intense artificial smell.

Another everyday staple is Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi Surface Cleaner, which combines plant-derived ingredients and essential oils for a fresh-but-not-overpowering clean. This multi-surface formula works on counters, tile, finished wood, and more, making it a practical swap for traditional chemical cleaners. It is widely available, affordable, and reliable for everyday messes without the sensation of breathing industrial strength cleaner.

One Bottle with Endless Possibilities

For moms who like efficiency and simplicity, a product that serves multiple roles is a gift. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner is a concentrated formula designed to be diluted for use on floors, counters, dishes, laundry, and more. Because it is strong yet plant-based, one bottle lasts much longer than many ready-to-use sprays.

There is also something satisfying about mixing your own cleaning solution. It feels intentional and customizable. Even if you double check the dilution ratio each time, it still feels surprisingly empowering.

Floors, Kids, and Everyday Cleanups

Floors often feel like the epicenter of low-tox motivation. This is where little ones spend a lot of time, and where pet fur, cereal crumbs, and mystery spills accumulate daily.

Method All Purpose Cleaner Lime + Sea Salt brings plant-based cleaning power to floors, counters, and more. Its lime and sea salt formula cuts through messes while using a biodegradable blend that feels gentler than conventional products. Moms find its scent refreshing and its cleaning reliable for a variety of surfaces.

For those who want a versatile kit that tackles more than just the kitchen, Blueland Clean Essentials Kit offers a set of reusable spray bottles and plant-based cleaning tablets that handle multi-surface, bathroom, and glass cleaning without harsh ingredients. The refillable system also reduces single-use plastic, which is a welcome bonus for eco-minded households.

Why This Movement Feels Different

Unlike past trends that demanded dramatic overhaul or perfection, the low-tox home approach feels sustainable because it encourages small, manageable improvements. There is no checklist that must be completed overnight. There is no moral scoreboard. You swap out one product when it runs out, try another that feels gentler, and over time your home’s cleaning routine becomes healthier.

This trend also aligns with something deeper: a desire for simplicity. Many mothers are craving less clutter, fewer overwhelming scents, and more intentional choices about what they bring into their homes. Cleaning, once associated purely with a chore, becomes part of creating a calmer environment.

That calm matters.

The Emotional Payoff

There is a subtle mental shift that occurs when your home feels both clean and aligned with your values. You no longer wonder what is lingering in the air after you spray. You simply clean.

That confidence does not require perfection. It does not demand eliminating every conventional product. It asks only that you pay attention where it makes sense for your family.

Motherhood already demands enough from you. Your cleaning routine should not add unnecessary stress.

A clean home that feels safe. A calm mind that does not spiral. A routine that works in real life.

That is the version of low-tox living moms are actually embracing.

And it looks far less dramatic than social media suggests.

The post Clean Home, Calm Mind: The New Way Moms Are Doing “Low-Tox” appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to make the outside of your home look as good as the inside. Not sure where to start? The experts at RubberMulch and RE/Max of New Jersey have teamed up to share their best tips on updating your home’s exterior this spring whether it’s to get it ready to sell or just to make it look more appealing.

• House Numbers—a super easy and affordable update is to replace house numbers. Today’s house numbers come in a wide variety of styles. Think chic, modern looking styles or utilize your DIY skills to make a rustic type that are attached to wood and hung on your home.

• Front Door—if your front door is in good condition but needs an update, skip purchasing a brand new door by applying a new coat of paint. With a good coat of primer and a couple coats of exterior paint, your door will look new and striking at first glance. Research shows that a home’s value can increase as much as $8,000 just by updating the front door. Take a look online for some of the more trendy door colors such as canary yellow, kelly green and shiny black.

• Exterior House Cleaning—realtors suggest a good, thorough cleaning of the front of your home can increase the value from $10,000-$15,000.If you stand back and look at the front of your home do you see mold, mildew, dirt and grunge? Pick up an exterior home cleaner or make your own recipes along with a brush to scrub the dollars back into your home.

• Mailbox—wobbly, dented and outdated mailboxes are an eyesore and unattractive to potential homebuyers. Replacing it will add more curb appeal to your home but will give it a little personality as well.

• Gutters—since plugged gutters shout “poor home maintenance,” clean out the leaves and weeds and make any necessary repairs. Plugged gutters can also lead to long term problems with the home and many buyers are warned to look for this problem and avoid a home that hasn’t had gutter upkeep.

• Windows and Trim—replace broken glass, scrape and paint trim and clean the inside and outside of windows until they shine. Brackets and decorative moldings can really make your exterior pop and are easy to install. Add a couple of window boxes to offer a cottage-like, homey appeal.

• Roof and Chimney—one of the last things a home buyer wants to see is a roof and chimney that needs work. This is an investment and deters many buyers from a home. It may cost you a bit to repair now but if you don’t, it will come off the bottom line of your home value. So make the repairs now for a better sale.

• Light Fixtures—strategically placed exterior lighting goes a long way. Exterior lighting is an easy and cost-effective way to add beauty and security to your home. It also highlights your beautiful landscaping and all the upgrades you’ve made to your home. It will also enhance photos a realtor takes of your home when putting it on the market. Think about uplighting to the landscaping and walkway, a hanging pendant light to the front doorway and additional lighting hung near the garage. Find styles that complement your home.

• Landscaping—this is the time to make an investment in some perennials, trees and bushes for your home if you haven’t already. Most plants you find at your local big box store or local nursery are typically easy to care for and right for your state. Finish off your garden beds with a nice border and quality mulch or rock. You’ll be amazed at how a little work on landscaping goes a long, long way.

 
Rubber Mulch is the original and environmentally responsible mulch made from 100% recycled rubber used in gardens, playgrounds and sustainable landscaping. Rubber Mulch is weather resistant, durable, and the most cost effective mulch around and is specifically designed to protect children from falls on the playground.

The post Quick and Easy DIY Ways to Bump Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

For many people technology is a double-edged sword. Sure, technology can make work easier and more efficient but actually using “techy” devices can be frustrating and complicated. Thankfully the newest high-tech gadgets are easier to assemble and use than ever, making this summer the perfect time to give your home an update. Not only will these devices be easy-to-use; they’re also cost-efficient, time-saving, and will give you a little more peace of mind when it comes to your family’s health and safety. Here are our picks for the best of the best in new technology for the home:

Even if you’re not the greatest cook in the world you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen. That’s why the Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ from Nutri Ninja is going to be your new best friend. This baby does all the hard work for you. Easily and swiftly grind whole fruits, veggies, and even chunks of ice with the power of the Total Crushing Technology and the patented Ninja blade system. Worried about operating a high-tech kitchen gadget? The Auto-iQ technology takes all of the guesswork out of blending and crushing with easy-to-read buttons. Want to make a smoothie? Simply press the Frozen Drinks Smoothies button. Be ready to relax because getting your kids to eat their vegetables has never been easier.

With summer in full swing it can be tough to find ways to get your family members to spend time together while enjoying each other’s company. That’s why the SyrenPro from iLuv will be your new go-to music device. This sleek, weather-resistant wireless Bluetooth speaker is compatible with devices you already have, including the iPhone 6 and most tablets. Plug the SyrenPro into an outlet, or use the rechargeable battery while on a family beach vacation to get 360 degree sound on-the-go.

Need another gadget the whole family will love? Look no further than the Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 from Logitech. This keyboard is compatible with everything from your iPad to your iPhone. Need to write a late-night email to your boss but don’t want to turn on your desktop. Simply connect your iPhone to the Multi-Device Keyboard and type that email in no time flat without leaving your bed.

Moms, you know it’s true: kids are germ vacuums. They suck up bad bacteria everywhere they go and touch everything they can get their hands on. With the Cimarron Touchless Toilet from Kohler installed in your kids’ bathroom, you’ll have one less germ-filled thing to worry about. Activated by a no-touch sensor located in the tank and powered by replaceable AA batteries, the Cimarron Touchless Toilet will help cut down on germs and keep your bathroom cleaner than ever, giving you a little more peace of mind and more time to not clean.

Most parents will agree that there is nothing more important than their family’s, especially their children’s, safety. More than ever there is a demand for home security, but security doesn’t always come cheap. That’s why the Arlo Security System with 2 HD Cameras is an absolute must. For around 350 dollars you get two HD indoor/outdoor cameras, a smart home base station that connects to your WiFi router, camera mounts, and seven days of free cloud recordings. Worry about your home’s security at night? Night vision and motion alerts will give you peace of mind while you sleep. The Arlo Security System even comes with a free app so operating your motion-alerted security system is easy and efficient.

The newest techy toys are the best of both worlds: they’re not too difficult to use but they still give you all of the modern convenience you want in a gadget. Give these devices a try and see if updating your home this summer wasn’t the real vacation after all.

The post Update Your Home this Summer with These Techy Toys appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Spring typically delivers more allergen triggers than any other time of the year – however, this year, allergy sufferers will feel even more miserable with what doctors are saying will be one of the worst allergy seasons, a pollen tsunami.

Thanks to the polar vortex that was responsible for frigid, snowy weather this past winter, plants, grass and trees have all received plenty of moisture and are blooming simultaneously and releasing higher pollen levels. Dr. James Love of the Tulsa Allergy Institute also warns of that with the wet and warm weather occurring, mold is another allergen that will be in the air.

In order to limit the amount of suffering you will experience during this volatile allergy season, here are 13 ways to prevent allergy triggers from infesting your home.

1. Identify Your Triggers

The first step in managing your allergies are to know what sets them off to begin with. If you can’t pinpoint what you are allergic to, an allergist can help identify your triggers. Knowledge is power, and once you know your triggers, you can target prevention of symptoms.

(Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock)

2. Install Allergy-Friendly Window Dressing

Avoid installing window dressings that are allergy magnets such as frilly curtains or venetian blinds. Opt for metallic blinds that can easily be dusted, or simple drapes that are machine washable.

(Credit: Dmitriy Kiryushchenkov/Shutterstock)

3. Encase Your Bedding

Prevent allergy-causing dust and mites from taking over your bedding by encasing your box spring, mattress and pillows in allergy-proof casing. This is greatly cut down allergens aggravating your symptoms.

(Credit: VGstockstudio/Shutterstock)

4. Upgrade Your Vacuum

Give your sinuses a break by using a hardshell contained vacuum cleaner or one that uses a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum bag to prevent allergens from blowing back out as conventional ones will do. Vacuum your home 1–2 times a week and always empty out your vacuum outdoors.

(Credit: Vely/Shutterstock)

5. Allergy-Friendly Containers

When storing items away, avoid cardboard boxes as they are magnets for mold, especially when stored in dark, moist spaces like our basements and attics. Instead, stash away items in waterproof plastic containers that will prevent mold buildup, and are easier to see into when you need to find something in particular.

(Credit: Jaimie Duplass/Shutterstock)

6. Limit Your Clutter

Take this opportunity to spring clean and declutter areas of your home that are hiding allergens. Ditch items such as old magazines and minimize the number of decorations you keep.

(Credit: bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock)

7. Mold-Proof Your Bathroom

Your bathroom can be a mold magnet with the amount of moisture it has. If you have wallpaper on your bathroom walls, replace it immediately with mold-resistant paint or with tile to eliminate the walls absorbing moisture and growing mold. Be sure to always air out your bathroom by using the fan and opening windows when possible.

(Credit: ckchiu/Shutterstock)

8. Use High-Efficiency Filters

You should replace your furnace filter about every three months with a high-efficiency filter with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of 11 or higher. They cost a little more, but the allergy sufferers in your family will greatly benefit from these filters since they capture 99% of airborne allergy triggers including pollen, bacteria and fumes.

(Credit: Serenethos/Shutterstock)

9. Balance Humidity Levels

You’ll want to purchase a dehumidifier for your home to cut down on moisture levels in your home. Low humidity levels will decrease the growth of mold and mites in your home. Be sure to clean out filters and trays regularly.

(Credit: Kellis/Shutterstock)

10. Allergy-Proof Pets

You may not be directly allergic to your pet family member, however, their fur can be a magnet for allergy triggers. They can roll around plants or the floor, picking up pollen and dust. Banning them from furniture and your bed may be hard, so give your pets a good washing once a week to lower the risk for allergens.

(Credit: 135pixels/Shutterstock)

11. Maintain Your A/C Unit

Clean your A/C unit of debris and leaves to prevent mold spores from entering your home. Check your yard to ensure there aren’t pies of decaying compost with spores inside that the wind can carry and flow into your open windows. Jump on this clean up in the springtime, and then check on it throughout the year.

(Credit: GSPhotography/Shutterstock)

12. Avoid Early Mornings

Experts say that pollen levels are the highest between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. so try to avoid being out during this time. Although the cool night air feels good during warmer weather, avoid these peak allergen hours by also keeping windows closed overnight and running the A/C unit instead.

(Credit: iravgustin/Shutterstock)

 
About Pro.com

Pro.com is a nationwide marketplace for pricing home projects and finding a pro. Through its large database of home services and its Pro matching algorithms, anyone can immediately get instant price estimates, find trusted professionals and schedule appointments. Pro.com customers have access to vetted home service professionals in their marketplace. Customers are matched to the most trusted and experienced local professionals that best fits their needs and budget. For more information, please visit: www.pro.com.

The post 12 Ways to Eliminate Allergy Triggers in Your Home appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Home should be a haven for families to retreat to and recharge their batteries. However, as kids grow older and schedules become more challenging, home can be a place filled with chaos and frustration.  Try incorporating some of these tips into your family routine to create a tranquil home environment for you and your family to gather and create lasting bonds.

Take “mom” time.  We hear it all the time, but following through with it is a different story.  For a mom to run the household and constantly cater to everyone’s needs, she needs to take the time to recharge her battery.  This could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day alone to read a book or hit the gym. Moms need to also make time to spend time with friends and engage in outside interests. As the saying goes, happy wife, happy life!

Set up a family command center.  Mornings and homework time can be a holy nightmare for parents.  However, with a little time and attention, you can combat the nightmare and help prevent morning meltdowns.  Create an area in your home, preferably near the door or kitchen (the hub of the home) that holds a hook and/or cubbie for your kids’ backpacks, coat, homework, etc. Also, hang a bulletin board and calendar nearby that display important school notes, appointment dates, homework assignments, and more. Once there’s a place for everything, the morning rush and homework time should go much smoother.

Dine as a family at least once a week.  Family schedules tend to be hectic with work, sports, volunteering, and more, so it’s not always feasible to have dinner together every night. Make it a point to eat together as a family at least once a week.  Plan simple meals like a taco bar, chili or a beef stew.  The point is not to spend hours in the kitchen preparing the meal, but rather to spend that precious time dining together.  If dinner just doesn’t work with everyone’s schedules, you can also bake and decorate cookies together on the weekend or have everyone make their own ice cream sundae after the entire family returns home from their daily activities.  It doesn’t have to be an elaborate event to create good conversation and family memories.

Take time each day to talk to your family.  Days roll into weeks, weeks into months, and so forth.  You always hear parents say that their kids’ childhood disappeared in a flash.  Don’t forget to take a few minutes each day to actually talk to your husband and each child. Ask them how their day was and ask what’s new with their friends. Just ask those questions and let them know you care. Keep those lines of communication open.

Have a dedicated family night.  Unplug from technology and focus on building family bonds.  This night should be mandatory for everyone, so scheduling activities and work around this time together is essential, especially as kids grow into teens and have their own lives.  The whole family can plan a fun game night, take a cooking class, or try rock climbing or another team activity that builds trust.  Be sure to plan activities that foster communication and working together to achieve a common goal.

Kids grow up too fast, and if you don’t slow down and make an intentional plan, you’ll miss out on creating family memories.  Life can fill up quickly with running from sporting events to doctor’s appointments and, before you know it, families drift apart.  It’s important to create a home atmosphere that is peaceful and encourages communication and spending time together.

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:

Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at www.kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post How To Create Tranquility At Home appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Before we had kids, our homes were clutter free and everything had its proper place.  For many of us, those days are just a distant memory as we step over toys as if navigating a mine field in our living rooms.  As toddlerhood approaches our children’s curiosity and imagination become active and all of a sudden we find forts and tunnels erected from blankets and pieces of furniture.  Childhood is filled with exploring and trying new things, but that often leaves parents picking up messes.  Understanding how kids experience their world can help reduce the frustration of constantly cleaning up spills and clutter.

Part of growing up is learning how things work.  As a result kids drop things like cups, utensils or their dinner to see what will happen.  They tear up Kleenex or paper to see how it sounds and feels.  Toddlers may even try to rub food on the walls to see if it will stay on the wall or fall to the floor.  It’s a natural part of development, and, yes, this phase will pass.  As frustrating as it may be, it is a great sign that your child is growing and developing a hunger for learning. He is discovering theories like gravity, cause and effect, and spatial relationships.  He may also explore textures by running his fingers or hands over everything you just cleaned which may test your patience.  Bear in mind that this is his way of setting up science experiments.

If at all possible, try to channel his curiosity by having him help with chores or set up projects like:

• Folding laundry.  Dropping folded socks into the laundry basket or drawer will help him make some of the same discoveries without making any new messes.
• Setting the table. Setting the table by taking spoons and napkins from the kitchen and placing them on the table before meals will help him work with spatial relationships.  He can even help put utensils in the silverware rack in the dishwasher.
• Learn about gravity. Magnetic letters and numbers on the refrigerator are useful for teaching sounds and counting as well as how magnets work.  Easels and finger paints and allow him to experiment with how things stick to the wall with minimal cleanup.
• Figuring out shapes.  Draw shapes on a sheet of butcher paper and cut out shapes from construction paper and have him stick the shape in the appropriate outline with tape.

Kids want to know how things work.  For your own sense of sanity, you can set up controlled science experiments like:

• Use shower paints and allow the kids to explore their creativity by painting on the shower walls.  It allows them the opportunity to explore how things stay on the wall, mixing colors, making shapes and it all washes down the drain.
• Ask questions like, “Why does the spoon drop to the floor when you drop it?”  Take several different items and test the theory of gravity like a book, a feather, and a ball of socks.
• Use everyday activities as teachable moments.  Show them how the sprayer in the kitchen sink washes away food on a plate and explain that is how the dishwasher makes dishes clean when it is running.

Working with kids to help them discover how things work and explaining the principle behind the action will help them learn how to apply science to real life.  Encourage them to explore their surroundings and help them find solutions to the things that puzzle them.  Take ques from them and guide them accordingly. Keep instruction open ended, kids with a lot of instruction tend to have a dampened curiosity and won’t look for other ways to use a toy or instrument.

Adapting a new strategy for playtime may be just what the doctor ordered.  Providing a learning rich environment that fosters the natural desire for learning and exploration will help parents reclaim some order to chaos while nurturing creative and inquisitive minds.

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post Embracing Your Child’s Messes appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When a cable network creates an entire show about tiny houses and their inhabitants, it’s kind of a big deal, right?  FYI Network featured the first episode of “Tiny House Nation” back in July 2014, and since then other shows on similar networks have begun to feature families actively house-hunting for an elfin establishment to call home.

But why would a family of three or more voluntarily give up their 1,500+ square foot home with all of its amenities to reside in a space the size of their current family room?

Living paycheck to paycheck is a reality for nearly 76% of Americans, as one-third to one-half of their total monthly income is dedicated to paying for the roof over their heads. Sounds extreme, but it’s the unfortunate reality that many face.  This has given rise to the tiny house movement around the globe, with itty-bitty abodes popping up in a neighborhood near you.  But does that mean that tiny housing is the right choice for your family?

Let’s weigh the pros and cons, shall we?

Pros

Elimination of Clutter: When Gandhi died, he has less than 10 possessions to his name, and a house wasn’t even one of them.  Imagine living with just the basic necessities needed for daily survival and perhaps a few personal effects to make life comfortable? The simple life is what more and more people yearn for, and downsizing with a micro-house is the perfect start.  The added bonus: less space to clean!

Environmentally Friendly: Moving into a tiny home is the epitome of “going green.” Less land, less waste and less use of natural resources is an eco-friendly homeowner’s ultimate dream.

Reduced Cost of Living: How high is your heating and air conditioning bill each month? What about your property taxes? Is your mortgage through the roof? – (pardon the pun) If your eyes are rolling just at the thought, imagine how much money you could save buy moving into a tiny home.  Are you back in your happy place yet?

Cons

Personal Space: Privacy is a hot commodity in the world today, and one that we as American’s often take for granted.  Tiny houses nix the idea entirely, as your family would basically be within a stone’s throw at all times – literally.  This is a major factor that would need to be examined, especially if you are a stay-at-home mom or parent who works from home.  If you like to go and hide in the corner when life gets a bit overwhelming, good luck finding one in a tiny home.

The Future of Your Family: Say you want to have another child at some point, or you simply don’t want to spend the rest of your life in a 400 square foot living space. Then perhaps this isn’t the option for you. Think into the future and decide if a tiny home works for all the members of your family before buying.

Lack of ‘Luxury’ Amenities: Forget lavish kitchens, spacious family rooms and bathrooms with dual sinks.  While most would think these things standard in any home, you can pretty much forget if you move into one of these little living spaces.  Depending on the size, there’s a good chance you will be dining within 5 steps of where you use the toilet. That is, of course, if the house has a bathroom indoors.  Yeah…sounds like a deal-breaker to us too.

The post Taking a Tour of the Tiny House Movement appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

This Valentine’s Day gift your Valentine with HNINA chocolates (http://www.hninagourmet.com/) that are delicious AND nutritious. These 100% raw and vegan dark-chocolate truffles are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and nutrients while being non-GMO, pesticide-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free and kosher. Available in 7 unique flavors, HNINA chocolates include Almonds + Hazelnuts, Macadamias + Pistachios, Brazilian Nuts + Almonds + Coconut, Walnuts + Cashews, Seeds, Pecans + Pine Nuts and Pistachios + Hazelnut.

Cook a romantic dinner at home with Cookware, Bakeware and Contemporary Cutlery from Viking (www.vikingrange.com) that is 100% manufactured in the U.S. and includes everything from sauce pans, stock pots and pressure cookers, to baking pans, roast pans and knife sets.

You can’t have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner without a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert! Do something fun and romantic together on February 14th…like bake together! Thanks to Mastrad (www.mastrad.us) you can bake heart-shaped mini desserts with a Heart Cup cake pan, make a delicious variety of red velvet, carrot and spice cupcakes with the Cupcake Kit and enjoy delicious fondue with Valentine’s Day themed Ceramic Chocolate Fondue sets. You’ll have fun spending quality time together and end up with a sweet treat to cap off your romantic evening!

Stealing a few moments with your sweetie may be difficult with little ones in the house…until now! Keep your kiddos occupied with BabyTV (www.babytv.com),a FOX International Channel that is the world’s leading commercial-free channel for babies, toddlers and parents, reaching over 100 countries worldwide and available in 18 languages. BabyTV has also launched a series of mobile apps with the goal of bringing their audience a valuable exchange between the TV and their ever popular digital devices.

The post Valentine’s Day (at home) Essentials appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

“Allergen avoidance and environmental control are important parts of any asthma and allergy management plan,” say Dr. Beth Corn, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and Medical Director of the Division of Immunology Faculty Practice Associates, “that means a patient should try and avoid contact with allergens like dust mite particles and pet dander that can be found in the dust of most homes. Exposure to irritants, like strong scents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be found in some common household cleaners should also be avoided by patients with respiratory issues.”

If your cleaning routine doesn’t specifically focus on allergen control and removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air that could aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. To create a “healthy home” this season, consider these simple tips from the asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program, a healthy home initiative of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

• Use a certified vacuum that has a high efficiency filter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes.

• Use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard or flat surfaces that rarely get cleaned, such as baseboards, door jambs, air duct vents, ceiling fan blades and window blinds and shades.

• Certain cleaning products can contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or have strong odors. Also avoid “green” products with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lemon, coconut or tea-tree oils.

• Place certified allergen barrier covers on your mattresses and pillows. Wash your bedding at least once a week in 130 degree hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs.

• Mold, a common allergy trigger, can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present. Look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep your household humidity below 50 percent and fix leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper.

• If you are unable to remove carpets and heavy rugs from your home, have a certified professional steam cleaning service care for them three to four times a year. The asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program has recently adopted a new standard for Professional Carpet Steam Cleaning Services. Visit www.AAFA.org/certified to learn more.

• If children live in your home, look for certified plush toys. Dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate on plush toys over time. Certified toys can be machine-washed and dried, or placed in the freezer for 24 hours then rinsed in cold water to remove dead mites. Dry completely. Do this monthly.

• Lots of air passes through window areas and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments – which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or flat screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean.

• If your home uses central air conditioning or heat, replace the filter in the machine regularly, typically every 30 to 90 days. Choose an HVAC filter that has been certified to effectively capture fine airborne particles like pollen, dust and dander.

AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly certification program helps consumers evaluate and verify the allergen-reducing effectiveness of a variety of products, from cleaning supplies, air cleaning devices and vacuums to toys, bedding, home improvement products, paints, clothes washers and more. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.

*BPT

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