In the News

Is Your Olive Oil The Real Thing?

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Olive oil is a staple product in virtually every home. It has numerous culinary uses, and is even great for your beauty regimen (we talk about some of its uses in another one of our blogs Here.)

The problem is most brands are not the genuine thing. The oil is either cut with less expensive refined oils such as canola, or lesser grade olive oils to reduce the cost of production, therefore skyrocketing the profit margin. When the product is bottled, it is very difficult to tell if it is real or fake by taste or texture. In 2010, researchers at UC Davis tested 124 samples of oil from major brands, and found that over 70% were adulterated! Click Here To See Their Report.

For more information on this subject, check out these links to The Food Renegade, or Mama Natural’s Blog.

All in all, the general consensus on this subject is that your best bet is to buy local (or as close to local as you can, depending on where you live.) It may be a little pricier, but you know you will be getting exactly what you pay for, and not lining the pockets of those who find it appropriate to trick the consumer for a higher profit.

Can You Give Your Pet The Flu?

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Flu season is hitting hard this year, and it is essential to take great care of yourself and be mindful of those around you who could be sick. But of course, we will all suffer through it from time to time. One issue that is in question is, can you give the flu to your pets? It was previously thought that it was not possible, but as it turns out, it is a rare but real possibility. It is called “reverse zoonosis,” and research is currently underway at Oregon State University and Iowa State University as Science Daily Explains. 

As a pet lover, this information is hard to swallow. Could my furry friend get sick from comforting me when I’m under the weather? But who am I supposed to snuggle with? Now we all feel guilty about letting our pets come as close as they do.

According to This Article On Web MD, if your pet does contract the flu from you, don’t panic. The virus is not deadly to them, but like in humans, the main concern is the compromised immune system that can open them up to other, more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. If your pet is exibiting sympoms, take them to the vet as soon as possible.

While it is unlikely that your pet will get the flu from you, (I mean, wouldn’t he have gotten it at some point in the past?) it’s probably better not to risk it. When you are at your most vulnerable, try to maintain distance from everyone as much as possible, your snuggle buddy included. They may not understand why you don’t want to lay on the couch with them this time, but it’s worth it if it means they will be just fine and ready to play when you are!

Cleaning For A Reason

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, October 16, 2012

As many of you already know, October is breast cancer awareness month, also called Pinktober. At Bit a Bliss, we take cancer very seriously, and do what we can to help those who are in the fight of their life. Since 2009, we have been a partner of Cleaning For A Reason, a foundation that helps women battling ANY cancer receive free house cleanings. It has been such an honor working with them, and since we all have been affected by cancer through our families and friends, it is very personal to us and we are proud to be a part of the foundation.

Cleaning For A Reason began in 2006 by Debbie Sardone, President of Buckets and Bows Maid Services, Inc. in Lewisville, TX and can boast over a thousand cleaning service partners around the United States and Canada. The foundation recieves applications from patients, and once they are approved, are matched with a cleaning service in their area. The foundation passes the information to the cleaning service, and they contact the patient and set up their free cleanings. Absolutlely no money is required or asked for from the recipient for their services. If you or someone you know could really use housecleaning during this trying time, Apply Here.

So this Pinktober, we would like to encourage you to get active in any way you can. Whether it’s donating directly to Cleaning For A Reason (or you could donate to the cleaning service you use that participates, and they will make the donation on your behalf,) or getting the word out, whatever you decide is the right choice. If you enjoy having your home cleaned by a service, we encourage you to use a service that participates in Cleaning For A Reason, to find a service near you, Click Here.

Also, take good care of yourself. Many women have no control over whether or not they get cancer, and there is still a long way to go in erradicating it entirely. But there are preventative measures you can take, check out a previous blog of ours on Preventing Breast Cancer.

Homes Getting Bigger, Cleaning Getting Harder -Plano-Frisco-Dallas

by Scarlette | No Comments Wednesday, September 19, 2012

According to NPR Houses are getting bigger and we know the cleaning is getting harder, even for the super moms of today.  Call Bit a Bliss, set up a house cleaning and feel the weight lift off your shoulders.  We offer maid service to Dallas, Plano, Frisco and surrounding areas.  214-390-3907

West Nile Virus Information

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The West Nile Virus scare is getting pretty intense around here as you all know, and there is coverage on it all over the place. But there is SO much actually, that it can get a little confusing to get the information straight. We all need to take it seriously, as it has affected hundreds, and sadly cost lives as well. I just wanted to share with you guys my source of information, WFAA.com. It is the most organized I have seen so far, and they have a special link for just West Nile.

Be safe out there, and don’t forget your bug spray!