Pets

How To Reduce Pet Allergens In Your Home

by Jennifer | No Comments Thursday, March 22, 2012

Even if you are not allergic to pets, they can still cause problems, especially in the springtime when every other allergy culprit is making it’s way to you. These issues are caused by dander, the loose, flaky skin that animals shed. But your furry friend still needs loads of love, so here are some ways to reduce the pet allergens in your home to keep everyone happy and as sneeze-free this spring as possible!

1. Keep Them Out Of Bedrooms

As sweet as it is to snuggle with your pet, the dander can settle into your bedsheets and clothes, making it impossible to avoid any reactions. Give them their own bed in another room of the house.

2. Let Them Play Outside Often

Most pets don’t want to be couped up in the house all day and night, and who could blame them, you wouldn’t want to be confined either! So let them outside frequently when the weather permits, so they shed some of that dander outdoors.

3. Don’t let them crawl all over the furniture.

Upholstry is a magnet for dander and hair, so unless you are ok with vacuuming your furniture every day, it is usually best to not let them on the couch.

4. Keep Them Cleaned And Groomed

If you can afford it, get your pet professionally groomed every week or two. If you have time, do it on your own. If you have a cat that will not let you put him in water, there are powdered shampoos you can try. And having good tools really helps, such as a brush with wire bristles that will lift the dander, and one with regular bristles to grab everything and smooth the fur.

5. Vacuum and Dust Often

With a pet in the home, the floors and upholstry should be cleaned at least 2 times a week or more, depending on how many animals and people reside there. Maintaining your home will keep the allergens to a minimum.

The 5 Best Uses For Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

by Jennifer | No Comments Thursday, February 23, 2012

Olive oil is a real treasure. We would write sonnets about it if we were any good at it. There are so many applications you would find useful, but we are going to break it down to the 5 best uses.

1. A Great Addition To Food

First of all, it is recommended that you NOT use extra-virgin olive oil to cook, because the smoke point can be very low, which is dangerous. This Article From Whole Foods goes into greater detail. It is, however, fantastic for adding to food once it has been prepared, such as spraying on vegetables or lean meat. It is low calorie, great for your health, and also makes a fantastic salad dressing!

2. Using It On Your Hair

Olive Oil is incredible for the hair. It is great for every type of hair. We recommend keeping a plastic bottle in the shower, and adding about a dime-sized amount to your conditioner every time you wash your hair. Leave it in for about 5 minutes and rinse clean. A few drops on dry hair will help calm the frizzies, especially on a humid day.

3. Skin Care

Just as it is great for hair, olive oil is just as great for every type of skin. Yes, even oily skin (I promise!) Keep a small bottle with your products and add a few drops to your daily moisturizer (face and body) and apply straight oil onto very dry areas, such as knees and elbows. Once a week, apply straight oil to your fresh, clean skin and leave on for 5 minutes as a mask. It will help unclog your pores and your face will feel just the right amount of soft and supple. It is also a great shaving oil for men and women.

4. Great For Cats

Adding a few drops to your cat’s food daily will help keep their coats soft and shiny, and will also cut down on those pesky hairballs.

5. It Makes A Great Furniture Polish

Forget commercial wood and leather cleaners, simply add a few drops to a soft, clean cloth and wipe your furniture as normal. It will pick up dust, remove fingerprints, help fill in scratches, and add a subtle sheen to your furniture to keep it looking brand new

For more great and completely random uses you will find helpful, Go To The Daily Green’s Blog Here.

4 Ways To Avoid and Control Pet Obesity

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, February 7, 2012

You’ve seen a multitude of information on the dangers of adult and child obesity, but pet obesity is a growing problem as well, featured here on CNN. Owners find that they have less and less time to care for their pets, and their health can decline. Now, I’m not at all saying anybody does it on purpose, or even to a large extent, but even the smallest changes can take a toll as life gets more and more hectic and demanding. Whether you have a cat, dog, or something more unique, the more time and effort you can give your furry (or not!) friend, the better for everyone. After all, they are a part of your already loving family!

1)Exercise

Commit a certain amount of time every day to playing with your pet. They need to stay active just as much as you do, and especially if they are alone most of the day can become lazy and lethargic. Some things to try are laser pointers, toys, (although, we all know some animals will always go for the rolled up ball of foil first!) or taking a walk if they can be leashed. For more information on playing with your pet, Check Out This Site From Petplace.com

2) Attention

If a pet feels neglected by you, it will be unhappy and its health will quickly follow suit, just like it would with humans. Spend as much time with your pet as possible, to show them they are loved and wanted.

3) Balanced Nutrition

Of course you want the best for your pet, but it can be hard to afford the absolute best. Consult your veterinarian to discuss the best diet for your budget, they can often point you in the right direction and tell you what you need to look for, as well as how much they should be eating and how often.

4) Regular Checkups

You should be taking your pet for a wellness checkup once a year, and immediately if there are any odd symptoms or behavior. If your pet is gaining weight and you honestly cannot figure out why, there could be a thyroid problem, or a number of other issues your vet can check for and help find a solution so that your pet can be in the best possible shape. And don’t be afraid to call with any questions, they are here to help! Need a veterinarian? This Database Will Help You Find One Close To You!

Best Maid Service in Dallas, Plano and Frisco

by Scarlette | No Comments Friday, January 13, 2012

Lately I have been getting these wonderful emails from our clients and I just had to share.  The staff at Bit a Bliss really cares about the clients we serve and it shows through their hard work and great relationships with our clients.

*Clients names have been removed

Hello Scarlette,

First, Happy New Year!! We hope your holidays were good. Ours were. Next, my wife and I just wanted to give you some feedback. Plainly and simply, we are delighted with Sheri’s work! This past week our house was especially dirty from the holidays, and she did a super job! We were both impressed and delighted to find the house spic and span. The floors shined, which was quite a feat as they were especially dirty. Sheri consistently does excellent work. We want to thank her and make you aware of her excellent work.

Thanks again,

P.s. I also was home one day when she came in, and I really appreciated how kind and sweet she was to our little dog. Of course, we love him, but I was delighted to learn (without her knowing I was there) that she treats him so well.
_______________________________________________________________

Scarlette,

Just wanted to let you know what an awesome job Alberta does on our home.  She did the house all by herself today and it is sparkling.  Please let her know how fantastic she is and keep her coming to our house.

If you have had a great experience with Bit a Bliss in Dallas, Plano, Frisco or the surrounding area, send me an email and let me know.  It is a joy to know that our service is exceeding expectations!  [email protected]

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service in Plano, Frisco, Dallas and the surrounding area.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

The Ultimate Green House Cleaning Kit

by Jennifer | 1 Comment Thursday, August 25, 2011

It’s easy to clutter your cabinets with cleaning products of all kinds, usually with specific purposes, and often with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your family and pets. The good news is that you don’t need much to keep your house clean, and you don’t need a lot of money to do it. Going green has never been easier! Follow these guidelines, and you will have everything you need to keep your home fresh and clean.

Tools:

-A small or medium sized bucket to keep everything together, organized, and portable.
-One toilet brush for every bathroom.
-An extendable duster (Like this, for example,) for ceiling fans and cobwebs.
-A broom.
-A mop, such as the Sh-mop or a steam mop such as this one.
-Rags.
-Microfiber cloths.
-Magic Erasers for the stubborn grease, soapscum, and grime.
-1 spray bottle.

Products:

-White distilled vinegar.
-Essential oil of choice. We recommend peppermint or tea tree oil.
-Baby oil for stainless steel if you have it. To see how it works, click here.
-If you have hardwood floors, we recommend Bona.
-If you have granite, marble, or other natural stone countertops or floors, we recommend Method Daily Granite Polish.
-Also, for the natural stone surfaces, you don’t want to apply any vinegar to them, so keep Clorox Green Works Wipes handy in case raw meat or other potentially harmful substance gets on the counter/floor.

To make your all-purpose cleaner, simply add two tablespoons of vinegar with two or three drops of essential oil to a spray bottle, and fill to the top with water. Label properly, and keep refridgerated. Discard any unused product after 6 months. This all-purpose solution will be your go-to product for almost everything, and is also a natural disinfectant, so it is ideal to clean counters, laminate or tile floors, and even toilets.