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Author: dev@genexmarketing.com

Home Renovations: 5 Great Rebate Programs

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March 31, 2013 marks the end of the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program, a tax rebate program for homes investing in energy-saving renovations. Since 2008, the wildly popular program has awarded over $77.5 million in incentives to 100,000 participating households. If you missed the deadline, never fear. There are plenty of other provincial and federal programs encouraging homeowners to invest in home renovations.. We round out our top five. (Certain restrictions may apply. Check websites for program details and deadlines.)   B.C. Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit This year-old program assists individuals 65 and over with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility or help a senior be more functional or mobile at home. New Housing GST/HST Rebate: This federal program is meant to defray a portion of the GST or HST paid on a new house or substantially renovating an existing house, up to a maximum of 1.5 per cent of the GST/HST. Power Smart Incentives and Rebates BC Hydro’s program includes rebates for light fixtures, windows and home electronics. Switch ’n’ Shrink This Terasen Gas incentive gives homeowners a $1,000 rebate for switching to Energy Star natural gas heating systems. Other rebates and incentives are available for installation of an EnerChoice fireplace, and storage tank and furnace upgrades. Financial Assistance Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC) offers financial assistance to low-income homeowners, persons with a disability, homeowners in rural areas and seniors seeking home adaptations. (cmhc-schl.gc.ca)

5 iPhone apps to help you clean your home

Posted on by dev@genexmarketing.com
A screenshot from “Chore Hero.”
You can do pretty much anything with your iPhone – everything, perhaps, except clean your house. Until Apple designs and iMaid, check out these five apps designed to make household chores more manageable.
Custom Hypnosis: House Cleaning Edition ($1.99) Using “specialized audio,” this app promises to turn time-consuming chores into hours of hypnosis-induced entertainment! HomeRoutines ($5) Like the gentle prodding of a parent, HomeRoutines helps you keep track of your cleaning goals. Create routine checklists, receive reminder notifications and create a “gold star” reward system for completing tasks. Clean Freak Cleaning Schedule ($.99) Designed by working parents, Clean Freak uses the “divide-and-conquer” approach to cleaning, breaking chores into 15 to 60 minute rotations. Green Shine ($1.99) Using a database of recipes based of household items, this app provides environmentally friendly solutions for more than 100 everyday housekeeping tasks, from simple window cleaning to stain removal. Chore Hero ($2.99) Is your family competitive? Chore Hero turns cleaning into a contest by allowing you to assign tasks to various members of your household. The app awards awarded points for each completed chore, with the winner being crowned the “Chore Hero.”

Citrus fresh: How to make natural household cleaner of out orange peels

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Most people are well aware of the cleaning powers of vinegar. As an eco-friendly solvent and disinfectant, vinegar is cheap, versatile and a staple in most households. So, why don’t more people us it to clean their homes? If you’re anything like me, one of the major turn-offs of vinegar is its pungent odour. Luckily, there are ways around this smelly conundrum, with help from another natural source – orange peels. I say orange peels, but lemons, limes and grapefruits work equally well. That’s because the rinds of citrus fruits contain d-limonene, the compound responsible for that “citrus fresh” scent. D-limonene is a solvent and disinfectant in its own right, which is why it’s often used in commercial cleaners, air fresheners and soaps. So stop throwing out your orange peels, and instead follow this simple recipe to make your own vinegar-based citrus cleaner. What you’ll need: Orange or citrus fruit peels Distilled white vinegar Water A large, airtight glass container Strainer Spray bottle   Directions: -Fill an airtight glass container with citrus peels. -Fill the container with white vinegar so that the citrus peels are covered. -Seal the glass container and store it in a cool, dry place for two weeks, or until the vinegar takes on a strong citrus odor (the concoction should also change colour, depending on the fruit used). -Strain the liquid and pour into a spray bottle, adding water as desired to dilute the solution (a 1:1 ratio will reduce the pungent smell, while maintaining the cleaning power of the solvent.)

Good as new: How to clean jewelry naturally

Posted on by dev@genexmarketing.com
For couples, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the special love between two people. But for retailers, February 14 is a day for big consumer spending. The average Canadian household will spend $37 on Valentine’s Day gifts this year, according to The Retail Council of Canada. (Fun fact: Ontarians, are more likely to buy jewelry for their special someone than residents in any other province). So, if you’re lucky enough to get a bracelet, necklace or – gasp! – engagement ring for Valentine’s Day, follow these easy tips to keep your jewelry sparkling and new for years to come. Cleaning Silver -To remove tarnish from silver pieces without gemstones, try a soaking bath. Line a glass roasting pan with aluminum foil, dull side facing down. Put silver pieces on top of the aluminum foil. Pour about 1 litre of boiling water over the pieces and add 2 tbsp. of baking soda. Allow the silver to soak for five minutes, or until the water is cool enough to touch. Dry the silver with a clean polishing cloth. -If your silver piece contains gemstones, do not submerge it in water; water can rust or discolor your settings or cause the stones to become loose and fall out over time. Toothpaste, with its mild cleaning agents and gentle abrasives, is an effective single-ingredient cleaner for polishing tarnished silver. Apply the toothpaste to silver with a clean cloth. Avoid touching the gemstones. For intricate pieces, use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the pieces air dry by placing them upside-down on a clean cloth. Cleaning Gold and Platinum -To clean gold or platinum jewelry that doesn’t have gemstones, use a mixture of soap and water. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Submerge your gold jewelry in the mixture. Let the jewelry soak for 20 minutes, then rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running water. Dry the gold with a clean polishing cloth. -Never submerge gold or platinum jewelry with gemstones under water. Instead, dampen a clean cloth with the soap-and-water mixture mentioned above. Gently wipe down the piece, then use a cloth that has been dampened with water to clean off the soap. Let the pieces air dry by placing it upside-down on a clean cloth. Cleaning Copper -Pure copper jewelry (without gemstones) requires an mildly acidic solution to remove tarnish. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of pure lemon juice and a teaspoon of salt. Submerge your copper jewelry in the mixture. Let the jewelry soak for 20 minutes, then rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running water. Dry the gold with a clean polishing cloth. -The same rule applies to copper jewelry as with gold and silver: do not submerge pieces containing precious stones in water. For these pieces, you can use ketchup (yes, ketchup!) to clean the piece. Add a small amount of ketchup to the copper with a clean cloth, or use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the pieces air dry by placing them upside-down on a clean cloth.

Go trekking with the Fernie Mountain Film Festival

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Here in Canada, we’re blessed to be surrounded by all kinds of natural beauty: raging rivers, vast forests, sparkling lakes and towering mountains. Ah, mountains. It’s fitting that Fernie, a town in the shadow of the majestic Rockies, would play host to the 7th annual Fernie Mountain Film Festival, taking place February 21 to 23. The three-day event is “dedicated to filmmakers who spark awareness of mountain cultures, fragile environments, and the passion and perseverance of global explorers.” That’s good news for movie goers, who can expect some of the world’s top outdoor cinematography on display at the Fernie Community Centre. The festival kicks off Thursday with a local talent night, featuring submissions by local filmmakers. Friday features the headline film Congo: The Grand Inga Project. Follow a group of adventure junkies as they battle to be the first to descend Congo’s Inga Rapids, the tallest rapids in the world. Saturday is a double-header. The mountain biking documentary Where the Trail Ends is followed by a special lecture by Leo Grillmair. A pioneer of mountaineering in British Columbia, Grillmair will be regaling audiences with stories and images of B.C’s beautiful Bugaboo Provincial Park. There’s lots more excitement in store, so lace up your hiking boots and head over to the Fernie Mountain Festival! ($25 for all-access pass, tickets available at ferniefilmfestival.com)

5 must-have cleaning products for your backyard

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The Grillbot is a single-button-operated, automated grill cleaner that takes the ick out of scrubbing your gas or charcoal BBQ. (Photo courtesy grillbots.com)
  I know, it’s hard to imagine right now. But some day soon, all that snow will disappear, leaving you with a backyard’s worth of cleaning jobs. Luckily, technology can step in to fill the enthusiasm gap. Add these five outdoor cleaning products to your arsenal, and you’ll be ready for your first backyard patio party in no time. The Grillbot (photo above): The brainchild of former real estate agent Ethan Woods, the Grillbot is a single-button-operated, automated grill cleaner that takes the ick out of scrubbing your gas or charcoal BBQ. The Grillbot’s three motorized scouring brushes are powered by rechargeable battery pack, and its “smart CPU” brain allows it to navigate grills with ease. Now if only we could teach it to cook the perfect steak… (US$69,95 basic model, US$99.95 premium model, available starting June 2013, grillbots.com) Quickie Bulldozer Super Stiff Broom: Appearances can be deceiving; the Quickie Bulldozer is designed to look like indoor kitchen broom, but its industrial grade steel handle and super-stiff polypropylene fiber bristles can sweep up crushed brick, block, rebar, landscape stones and other punishing objects with ease. ($8.88, available at Home Depot)   CLR Outdoor Furniture Cleaner: CLR’s non-abrasive, biodegradable formula is perfect for cleaning your patio furniture after a long winter break. But don’t stop there; CLR is safe to use on a variety of surfaces, from wrought iron to plastic to canvas, so go nuts. ($6.99 for 26 oz., available at Canadian Tire)   Craftsman/mD 22″, 190cc B&S 725 Platinum Series Rear Wheel Drive Lawn Mower: Adjustable self-propelled drive system? Check. Easy push-button start? Check. Simplified bag removal system with full bag indicator? Check. This gas-powered mover by Craftsman is the total lawn care package.  ($549.88, available at Sears)   Jackson Clog-Free Rake: When is a rake more than a rake? When it’s designed to prevent debris from getting stuck between the tines, that’s when. The Jackson Clog-Free Rake comes with a lifetime warranty – because you know the leaves will never stop falling. ($24.99, available at Canadian Tire)

Checking out: How to avoid germs during your hotel stay

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Whether you’re on vacation at a tropical resort or away on business, your hotel room is supposed to be your home-away-from-home. Unfortunately, that “home” was used by hundreds of strangers before you arrived – and they may have left more than just a pair of dirty socks behind. A recent investigation by CBC’s Marketplace found alarming levels of bacterial contamination on “high-touch” spots in hotel rooms across the country. The tests, conducted by University of Guelph microbiologist Keith Warriner in 54 rooms at six hotel chains, found that many commonly used surfaces and items failed to meet basic sanitation standards, and in some cases contained dangerously high levels of bacteria. And if you think you can avoid the problem by opting for a luxury suite, think again; Warriner’s test found that rooms at high-end hotels like Fairmont and Sheraton were no cleaner, on average, than rooms at budget hotels like Super 8 and EconoLodge. So, if you’re planning a special getaway this February, follow these simple tips to keep your hotel stay as sanitary as possible. Disinfect “high-touch” spots. The Marketplace investigation found that bathroom faucets and TV remotes were among the dirtiest items in most hotel rooms. Use an alcohol-based sanitizing wipe to clean these “high-touch” items, as well as the phone, door knobs, toilet handle and ice bucket. Set aside the comforter. It’s the dirty secrets of most hotels – they don’t clean the comforter for every new guest. It’s no wonder it was one of the filthiest areas uncoverd by Marketplace‘s investigation.  If you’re concerned about clean bedding, call and ask your hotel how often they launder their comforters, or just bring your own blanket. Give your glassware a quick cleaning. Most hotels require cleaning staff to wash all glasses in a dishwasher between stays – but the staff may have other ideas. Marketplace used hidden cameras to record housekeepers skirting the rules of basic cleanliness, including one cleaner at a high-end Toronto hotel who washed glasses with a touch of hand soap. To be safe, run all glassware (including your coffee pot) under hot water for at least minute before using. Stay away from the bathroom counter. Personal hygene products and bathroom germs don’t mix. Keep your toothbrush, razor and dental floss in travel containers and off the bathroom counter, where bacteria is likely to propagate. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Bed bug infestations have risen sharply across North America in the past decade, according to Health Canada. Hotels are a prime breeding ground for the tiny blood suckers, who can then travel home with you and make your life very, very uncomfortable. To inspect for bed bugs, lift the mattress and look for reddish-brown spots on the mattress or other parts of the bed (that’s bed bug excrement). Don’t expect to see any live insects; though visible to the naked eye, bed bugs are adept at hiding in small cracks and crevasses. You should also check for bed bug poop between couch cushions and in the space between the carpet and the wall. Bed bugs feed at night, leaving behind itchy red bumps on the skin, similar to mosquito bites. If you discover any signs of a bed bug infestation, inform the front desk immediately and request a new room. Never leave luggage, clothes or purses on the bed or floor of your hotel room, where bed bugs can easily climb aboard. Instead, put these items in the bath tub or on the luggage rack.

Compu-clean: How to clean your PC

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If you’re anything like me, your cleaning regiment is probably very structured: clean the tops of things. Clean underneath those same things. Repeat as necessary. But many homeowners neglect the most frequently-used items in their homes – their electronics, and in particular their computers. These ubiquitous (and expensive) devices can become clogged with dust and grime after years of continuous use, which can shorten their lifespan and expose you and your family to harmful bacteria (just think of how many people touch your keyboard in an average week.) Fortunately, cleaning your PC is as easy as 1-2-3. What you’ll need:
  • A Screwdriver
  • Can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)
  • Cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Soft, lint-free cloths, paper towels, or anti-static cloths
  • Water
(Note: ALWAYS turn off electronic devices and unplug them before performing any cleaning or maintenance). Step 1: Cleaning your tower Computer towers require ventilation to avoid overheating. But the fan and vents also allow dust to get inside, which can make the ventilation systems less efficient. To clean inside your tower, you must first open the case. Computers vary in the kinds of fastening mechanisms that hold the tower together – some use knobs or slots that can be removed by hand, while others are held together by screws. If in doubt, consult your computer’s owner’s manual. (Note, it some cases opening your computer case will void the warranty. If in doubt, consult your computer’s owner’s manual.) Once the case is open, you’ll want to avoid touching the interior as much as possible. Remove large pieces of dust or lint with a cloth or a pair of tweezers. Angle the computer downward, then use the compressed air to remove dust from hard-to-reach corners. Use the compressed air to clean the tower vents, fan, disk drive and CD-ROM drive. Finally, close the case, and wipe down the exterior of the tower with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. Step 2: Cleaning your monitor Take care when choosing what materials to use when cleaning your monitor. Do not use paper towels, which can scratch the monitor surface – use a soft, lint-free cloth instead. Also, never spray cleaning materials directly onto a monitor screen – spray onto the cloth. For LCD screens (used in flat screen and laptop monitors), wipe down the screen using a small amount of water on a soft, lint-free cloth. For glass screens (used in “TV-style” monitors), you can use glass cleaner, again with a soft, lint-free cloth. Step 3: Cleaning your Mouse and Keyboard Unplug the mouse and keyboard, if they’re connected to your computer, or turn them off, if they’re wireless. To clean your keyboard, first turn it upside down over a sink or waste basket and shake out any loose debris. Then, use compressed air to clean between the keys. Finally, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to wipe off any stains. In some cases, you may need to remove “sticky” keys and clean them separately. To clean your mouse, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to wipe off the top of the mouse. If your mouse uses an electronic sensor, rather than the traditional roller-ball, make sure to wipe off any dust or debris from the sensor. If your mouse has a roller ball, open the underside of the mouse and remove the roller ball. Soak the roller ball in water and let it air dry. Then, wipe the interior of the mouse with rubbing alcohol and a soft, lint-free cloth, then spray the interior with compressed air. Return the roller ball and to the mouse and close it.

The Future is Now: 8 Household Gadgets from CES 2013

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Last week, more than 150,000 tech-hungry shoppers flocked to Las Vegas for the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. The annual event draws some of the world’s biggest tech companies, as well as start-ups hoping to wow consumers (and generate buzz) with their innovative new products. Along with new smartphone technology and super high-definition televisions, many of the headline-grabbing devices were designed with everyday living in mind. From smart fridges to forks that help you lose weight, here are 10 gadgets destined to bring your household into the 21st century. (Note, some items are not yet commercially available). 8. HAPIfork: Usually, utensils are supposed to aid in the consumption of food. The HAPIfork by Hapilabs does this only to a point. In addition to tracking your “fork servings” and how fast you eat, the HAPIfork vibrates and lights up when you eat food too quickly. The HAPIfork also comes equipped with a USB drive and software to track your eating habits. (hapilabs.com)   7. WeMo Switch: For the cautious, careless (or simply neurotic) traveler, Belkin’s WeMo Switch allows you to monitor and control electronic devices from your iPhone and other electronic devices. Combine with the WeMo Motion to automatically turn on devices whenever you enter a room. As an added bonus, you can freak out the person who waters your plants by having your blender go off, Poltergeist-style, when he stops by. ($49.99 WeMo Switch, $99.99 WeMo Switch and Motion, belkin.com)   6. Moxie showerhead: Singing in the bathtub has never been easier thanks to Kohler’s Bluetooth-enabled shower head with waterproof speaker and “60 angled nozzles for a full water spray.” Not recommended for people who already spend too much time in the bathroom. ($199, us.kohler.com)       5. iPotty: Yes, this is a real thing. CTA Digital, maker of iPad and Kindle accessories, has developed a training potty complete with iPad holster, allowing your tot to play games or watch cartoons while using the bathroom. How did we ever potty train without it? ($40, ctadigital.com)   4. Flower Power plant monitor: Until the day we genetically engineer talking plants, you’ll have to rely on French electronic company Parrot’s new gadget to tell you what your azaleas are thinking. The Y-shaped Flower Power sensor monitors moisture, sunlight, humidity, temperature and fertilizer conditions via your smartphone. It also comes with an electronic database of best care tips for more than 6,000 plant species. (parrot.com) 3. Compact4All Appliances: Like LEGO blocks for the kitchen, these four cube-shaped home appliances by Princess (kettle, toaster, coffee maker and juicer) can be stacked and plugged into a single electrical outlet. ($52 each, princess.nl)       2. Famibot: It’s a Roomba… I mean, a home service robot, that patrols your home, purifying the air, guarding against intruders and communicating with family members. So really, there’s no reason for you to come home anymore. (ecovacs.com)           1. T9000 Refrigerator: Not to be mistaken with the T-1000 android from Terminator, the T9000 is part of a new line of “smart” appliances conceived by Samsung. The stainless-steel, 32-cubic-foot combination fridge/freeszr comes equipped with a 10-inch display screen and plenty of culinary-themed apps, like Epicurious, which provides recipe ideas based on the items you have in your fridge. ($4,000, samsung.com)

CTV’s Canada AM coming to Fernie

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Early birds rejoice: there’s plenty of excitement to be found before the sun rises. On Wednesday, January 23, CTV’s Canada AM will be filming live from Fernie Alpine Resort (5339 Fernie Ski Hill Road) starting at 4 a.m. One of the country’s most popular morning talk shows, Canada AM is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary on the air – and it’s looking for bright-eyed and bushy-tailed audience members to join the fun. This is your chance to meet the entire Canada AM team: hosts Beverly Thomson and Marci Ien, weather specialist Jeff Hutcheson plus their special guests! There will also be special activities taking place to keep everyone awake and warm during filming. For more information, go to canadaam.ctvnews.ca.