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c OLLEGE
P ARK Neighborhood Association
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.CollegePark-Richardson.com
DECEMBER 2017
HOLIDAY DECORATION WINNERS Winner— 911 Dunbarton - Jones Family BEST OVERALL THEME Honorable Mention—1107 Dunbarton - Mason Family SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS THEME Honorable Mention—907 E. Berkeley - Retani Family CANDY LAND THEME Honorable Mention—1209 Hillsdale - Cavanaugh Family ANGELS ON HIGH THEME Honorable Mention—1202 Grinnell - Terry Family FROSTY THE SNOWMEN THEME
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Notes from the President
Patti Glenn [email protected] 972-900-9188 or 972-699-1615
I can’t believe the it is almost the end of 2017. As usual, I am trying to get everything done for the holiday. As I have driven around the neighborhood, I encourage you to drive around the neighborhood & enjoy the various light displays, particularly the winners of our Holiday awards listed on the front page. The curb painting for all homes has been completed. They look very nice. The contractor skipped any homes where the curb numbers address looked fresh or where there is a special such as a flag, university, etc. If you are interested in having something special done, please contact me & I’ll give you contact info for a contractor. As most of you have noticed the red light at College Park & Centennial was knocked down early Thanksgiving morning. It was a single car accident (driver fell asleep). Thankfully the driver was not hurt. However, the traffic light suffered MAJOR damage & the concrete based etc. must be replaced. The city is working on the repair, but I have been told that would not be fixed until mid to late January. We should have wildflowers blooming in the spring in the Oncor easement at Spring Valley and College Park – there was about ½ an acre planted on each side of College Park at the intersection. As 2017 comes to a close, CPNA wants to thank Neighbors that deliver Newsletters to neighbors without email
Sharlee & Rick Skaggs Annapolis, College Park, E Berkeley Laura & Chris Koloc Grinnell Clint Burleson Edgewood Denise Lane Hillsdale Lynne Patterson Dunbarton Oakmont, Oakmont Place, & North Park
Putting up & taking down CPNA Christmas garlands & bows on street signs for the last several years Tami & Tom Cooke
Selecting Yards of Month & Holiday Award Winners Dale & Hilda Klosterman Pam Young (also our new Treasurer) Managing the CPNA & Town North Park Crime Watch Patrol Kathy Hill All the volunteers that make National Night Out so successful. We won the top award from the city for 2017, the Higher Caliber Award - (the party that went above & beyond to support NNO) In January, we are planning to apply to the city for matching funds to install irrigation for future beautification projects like berms & shrubs in the easement. We are also looking into installing a bench or two, particular in the small area on the west side of College Park where there are a few trees & shade. Our neighborhood is using a private online network called NextDoor College Park. I think you'll benefit from joining us. On our NextDoor site, neighbors share community events, recommendations, items for sale/free, crime/safety concerns, ideas about how to make our neighborhood better, and more. Please join us to build a better neighborhood! If you have not signed up for the Next Door website site, I highly recommend it. There are lots of good things showing up. You may get to know you neighbors a bit better & help send pets home or even find a cabinet to work on if you are inclined. Richardson Police & the City both post to it & keep us informed on city things going on. You can lurk or participate. Discussions include things about the wild critters who sometimes visit our backyards. Who to call for tile work? Cleaning the vents? Foundation repair? Selling your stuff? (I purchased by car from an ad on Next Door) Need a babysitter? Police updates? Stranger danger from the neighbors-crime alerts that can travel very fast! Things for sale or FREE Giveaways. If you are interested, please send me an email & I will send you an electronic invite.
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CRIME TIPS
Crime Watch Patrol Stats
FOR NOVEMBER
Patrol Hours: 86.75
(This includes both patrol & meeting hours)
We had 12 crime watch patrol members attend the monthly crime watch meeting.
Open Garage Doors 22 Suspicious Persons 0 Other Property Observations 10 Suspicious Vehicles 10 House Watches 20
We welcome Jack Fletcher,
our newest CW Patroller, as well as a new neighbor
The following people patrolled in November
Jack Fletcher, Peggy & Chris Williams, Gala &
John Partlow, Gordon Melton, Rick Skaggs,
Len Foster, Dieter Paul, Ray Champion, Jim
Krizmanic, Patti Glenn, Joe Sheehan, Dale
Klosterman, Ben Parlapiano, and Kathy Hill.
December YARDS OF THE MONTH
Michael & Lori Garner
807 Grinnell
Francene Carwell 1000 Grinnell
Our thanks to Callaway's Nursery, located on
Plano Road, north of Campbell, for sponsoring
CPNA Yards of the Month
College Park’s Personal Officer
Ed Coleman cell 214.282.0843
Provided by the COR for our protection.
This dedicated police presence helps residents by deterring crime & providing another way to watch over the neighbor-hood.
Call Officer Coleman for:
• General Assistance • To report Minor or Unusual Activities • Cars on the Street
For Emergencies, continue to call 911.
Crime Tip: Install a laminate film on your vehicle glass that protects against glass breaking. The laminate will make it harder for the thief to gain access to your vehicle thus slowing him down. The longer it takes, the more likely the thief will go somewhere else.
Crime Tip: Always park your vehicle in well-lit, high-traffic areas. If you sense you are at a disadvantage, trust your instincts & leave the area.
Crime Tip: Always keep your gas tank at least half full & your vehicle in good repair in expectation of the unex-pected. Foul weather, traffic delays & detours, or simply getting lost can result in unanticipated fuel consumption. A tank of fuel not only allows for better traction on slip-pery roads, but it can keep the heater running in frigid weather & lights on at night should you run off the road. An empty tank or mechanical break-down can leave you all alone & in dire straits.
WELCOME TO THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
917 Dunbarton
Erin Sigler & Patrick Doyle Erin is a recent graduate of Baylor with an advanced Degree in Hospital Admin. She works at Children’s Hospital downtown.
Patrick Doyle is an SMU alum & works in the IT industry. They have a lovely golden retriever.
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CPNA OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE HEADS 2017-2018
President Patti Glenn 972-699-1615 [email protected] 972-900-9188 cell Vice President Jerry Silverman 972-231-2300 [email protected] Secretary Sharlee Skaggs 972-690-3172 [email protected] Treasurer Pam Young 214-415-4132 [email protected] Parliamentarian Jerry Silverman 972-231-2300 [email protected] Welcome Comm. Kathy Hill 214-533-5295 [email protected] Beautification/YOM Dale Klosterman 972-644-1583 [email protected] Beautification/YOM Pam Young 214-415-4132 [email protected] Newsletter Helene Levitan 972-519-0270 [email protected] Crime Watch Patrol Kathy Hill 214-533-5295 [email protected] AT LARGE Member Chris Xeros 972-740-4151 [email protected] AT LARGE Member Chieu Mai 972-235-0028 [email protected] AT LARGE Member Peggy Williams 972-680-2863 [email protected] AT LARGE Member Laura Koloc 972-235-6516 [email protected] Webmaster Mike Jahrig 469- 644-0528 [email protected]
College Park Market Analysis Summary as of 12-20-17
Active Listings 1 (pending) (Includes 6 pending & 1 under option)
List price $315.0K Avg price/sq ft $138.27
Sold past 6 months 21 Avg sold price $288.8K Avg price/sq ft $125.35 Avg Days on Market 33
Please note this does not include “For Sale by Owner” Properties
The Market Analysis combines College Park, College Park North, College Park East (Glenville Park), and Town North Park subdivisions If you would like additional information or a market analysis of your property, please contact me at
972-900-9188 [email protected]
CPNA - Dedicated to improving our neighborhood & community
Membership dues covers June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018
Our College Park Neighbors (All neighbors, not just homeowners) are invited to join CPNA!
Mail dues of $35.00 to Treasurer- Pam Young
1202 Dunbarton Richardson, TX 75081
Questions? Pam Young 214-415-4132 or [email protected]
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING
REALTOR®, Associate Broker
GRI, ABR, SRS , SRES, PSA, BPOR
What is your home worth? http://pglenn.cbapex.com/house-value
December Gardening Tips
Bruce Miller Nursery
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In December, our thoughts turn toward the winter holidays. If you have an avid gardener, or perhaps a new homeowner on your gift list, consider a Bruce Miller Nursery Gift Certificate or the gift of a tree! Our parking lot is an easy “in & out,” and there are no long lines at the register. Gardening tools also make great gifts: Add a trowel, gloves, bulbs or gardening book & make someone truly happy!
Remember your turf grasses will be going dormant, so cut back on watering, & any trees & shrubs planted now will require far less water to get established than if you wait to plant them in spring.
Plant
Pansies! Vibrant, colorful pansies that are cold hardy, snapdragons, ornamental cabbage & kale. These are great plants to liven up your garden while many other plants are moving into dormancy.
Plant cyclamen in pots so that you can easily move them indoors if the temperature drops below freezing.
Spring bulbs can still be put in the ground. Remember to bury them approximately 2-3 times their size with the pointy end up. Bulbs are best when planted in masses, so go ahead & dig the hole, empty the bag of bulbs in the hole, smooth them out so there is only one layer, cover with soil, plant some pansies on top & enjoy the show of color in spring!
Shrubs such as nandinas, loropetalums, mahonias, hollies, pyracanthas. Plant now to enjoy their colorful winter foliage & berries.
Fruit & nut trees are best planted now. Some fruit trees require “chilling days” to bear fruit. Getting them in the ground now will give them a great start.
Trees! If you need to replace a tree or want to add a shade tree to give your cooling bills some relief next summer, this is a perfect time to do so. Did you know that Bruce Miller Nursery offers a “planted & guaranteed” program for our trees? Come in & select the one you want & let us take care of the rest.
Prune
Mistletoe! Not the kind you share a kiss under, this is a parasite that lives on your trees & must be removed. Cut the twigs & branches on which the mistletoe clumps have formed.
Trees & shrubs: remove dead or damaged branches, & any that interfere with walkways, roofs, etc. Do not “top” your trees. Trim only what is necessary for the health of the plant & to maintain the plants’ shape. Remove tree roots that are a hazard to people or threaten foundations.
Crape Myrtles: Trim excess trunks if you are taking the plant from a shrub to tree form. DO Not “top”.
Other
Broadleaf weeds (clover, dandelions, henbit, chickweed) can be handled by applying a broadleaf weed-killer spray on a warm afternoon.
Freezes: protect your faucets, disconnect hoses, & make sure your system is not on auto. Cover tender plants with sheets, blankets or frost cloth.
Equipment: repair/clean/drain power equipment now so that it is ready for you in spring.
People fail to notice the warning signs of identity theft for a variety of reasons. Perhaps identity theft feels like a vague threat, one that they won’t fall prey to. Or maybe it seems overwhelming to learn how to detect the signs of identity theft. The reality is that identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, and learning the signs & regularly checking for them doesn’t require hours & hours of time. Discover some of the biggest identity theft warning signs below & start to develop a practice to screen for them. Of course, the surest way to protect yourself is to prevent theft from ever occurring.
Watch for these red flags:
Personal Banking
• You receive a call, email, or letter from your bank notifying you of possible fraud on your account.
• You see withdrawals you can’t explain on your bank statement, or charges you didn’t make on your credit card statement.
• Your interest rate goes up due to unknown credit activity.
• Your credit report shows accounts you didn’t open, or credit checks by companies you haven’t done business with.
• You’re denied credit or a rental application, even though you know you have a strong credit record.
Mail & Telephone
• Bills or other pieces of mail never come (and you didn’t sign up to “go paperless”).
• You receive a bill for services you didn’t use.
• You get a credit card you didn’t open, or a letter related to an account you never established.
• Debtors call you about bills you’ve never heard of before.
Taxes & Social Security
• The IRS informs you that more than one tax return was filed under your name, or that a dependent’s Social Security number was already claimed.
• You receive tax documents from an employer you never worked for.
• Your Social Security statement shows errors. For example, your reported earnings appear inflated.
Health Insurance
• Your health plan rejects a medical claim with the explanation that you’ve already reached your limit.
• You can’t get coverage under a new plan because your medical record lists a condition you don’t have.
• You regularly receive treatment solicitations for health conditions you don’t have.
Other
• A merchant refuses your check.
• An employer denies you a job based on a bad background check, even though you know your record is clean.
• A company that you have an account with (or regularly do business with) notifies you that it’s experienced a data breach. Alternatively, you hear such a thing in the news.
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How to Know if Your Identity Has Been Stolen
You can’t swing a tool belt without hitting a website or TV network offering tips on taking care of your digs. Save money by watering your lawn at night! No, water it in the morning! No, dig it up & replace it with a drought-hardy meadow!
Throw in the info you pick up from well-meaning friends & there’s a sea of home care truisms out there, some of which can sink your budget.
Myth 1: Stone Countertops Are Indestructible
Fact: Even rock can be damaged.
Marble, quartz, travertine, soapstone, & limestone can all be stained. Regular household cleaners can dull their surfaces over time. And marble is maddeningly fragile — it’s the prima donna of stone.
It’s easy to scratch. It’s easy to stain. Here’s the worst part: Mildly acidic substances like soda, coffee, lemon juice, even hard water will eat into marble, creating a cloudy, dull spot in a process known as etching.
“Spill a glass of wine on a marble counter & go to bed without cleaning it, the next morning you’ll have a problem,” says Louwrens Mulder, owner of Superior Stone in Knoxville, Tenn.
And while stone counters won’t crack under a hot pot, such direct heat can discolor quartz or marble, says Mulder. So be nice to your counters, no matter what they’re made of. And note that the best rock for your buck is granite. “It doesn’t stain or scratch. It’s tough because it’s volcanic rock,” Mulder says. Which means it can stand up to all the merlot & barbecue sauce you can spill on it.
Myth 2: Your Smoke Detector's Test Button Is
Foolproof
Fact: The test button doesn’t tell you what you really need to know.
Yes, check your smoke detector twice a year. But all that test button will tell you is whether the alarm sound is working, not if the sensor that detects smoke is working. Pretty key difference there.
The best way to check your device is with real smoke. Light a long, wooden kitchen match, blow it out, and hold it near the unit. If the smoke sets off the alarm, it’s working. If not, replace the batteries. If it still doesn’t work, you need a new smoke detector. And replace those batteries once a year anyway, because dead batteries are the No. 1 reason smoke detectors fail.
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You Only Think It Is True 10 Myths Costing You Time & Money
Myth 3: Gutter Guards Are Maintenance-Free
Fact: You gotta clean gutter guards, too.
Gutter guards keep out leaves, but small debris like seeds, pine straw, & flower buds will still get through.
Gutter guards can lessen your work, though — sometimes a lot. Instead of shoveling out wheelbarrow loads of leaves & other crap twice a year, you might just need to clean them every two years. But if there are lots of trees in your yard, once a year might be necessary.
Myth 4: A Lemon Is a Great Way to Clean a
Disposal
Fact: While wanting to use natural cleaners is admirable, all of them will damage your disposal & pipes over time.
The lemon’s acidic juice will corrode the metal parts of your disposal. The mixture of salt & ice contains metal eating acid, too. The coffee grounds are abrasive enough to clean the gunk off the blades & make it smell like a cup of americano, but they’ll accumulate in pipes & clog them.
The best natural cleaner for your disposal is good old baking soda. It’s mildly abrasive so it will clean the blades, but it’s a base, not an acid & won’t damage the metal. Best of all, a box with enough baking soda big enough to clean your disposal twice costs less than a buck.
Myth 5: Mowing Your Lawn Super Short Means
You'll Mow Less Often
Fact: You might not have to mow as often, but your lawn will look like awful.
Cut that grass under an inch high & you’ll never have to mow again because your grass will die. Mowing a lawn down to the root — a screw-up known as scalping — is like cutting all the leaves off a plant.
Grass blades make & store your lawn’s energy. Removing more than 1/3 of the length of the blade will leave your grass too weak to withstand weeds & pests. It also exposes the roots to the sun, causing the lawn to dry out quickly. Leave 1 to 3 inches of grass above the roots to keep your lawn lush.
Continued on next page
Look at this as a job interview where the contractor is an applicant & you’re the hiring manager. Make them show you they’re the guy or gal for the work.
Myth 9: Turning Off Your AC When You Leave
Saves Energy
Fact: Turning off the air conditioner when you leave could actually cost you money.
That’s because when you turn it back on, all your savings will be lost as the unit works overtime to cool your hot house. A better way to save on utilities is to turn the thermostat up or down (depending on the season) 5° to 10° when you leave, says home improvement expert Danny Lipford of todayshomeowner.com
And the best option? “Install a programmable thermostat,” he says. Even better, buy one you can control remotely with your smartphone & adjust the temperature before you get home. Because thermostats you have to touch are so 1998.
Myth 10: Permits? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Permits
Fact: You do.
Let’s say your neighbor’s brother-in-law, Cecil, is an electrician. Cecil can rewire your kitchen in a weekend because he won’t inconvenience you with a permit. Should you hire Cecil? No. Building codes protect you, from Cecil. Getting a permit means an inspector will check his work to make sure he didn’t screw up.
Plus, if your house burns down in an electrical fire & your insurance company finds out the work was done without a permit, they won’t cover your loss. Check with your local planning or building department to find out if your project needs a permit. If it does, get one.
Myth 6: CFLs Cost Too Much & Are Dangerous
Fact: CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) have come down in price since they first hit the market & don’t contain enough mercury to cause any harm.
You can buy one now for as low as $3. And replacing one incandescent bulb with a CFL will save nearly $60 a year for the lifetime of the bulb, says Consumer Reports. CFLs last an average of 5 years, so one bulb can save $300. A houseful of them, say 20, will save $600 each year.
And CFLs are a safe option. They actually lower your exposure to mercury indirectly, because they use 70% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. That means the coal-fired power plants that spew 340 million pounds of mercury into the air each year won’t have to run as long to keep our houses lit. Fewer toxins, lower power bills. What’s not to love?
Myth 7: A Trendy Kitchen Re-Do Will Increase My
Home's Value
Fact: Décor trends come & go as fast as viral videos.
Remember those Tuscan-style kitchens with mustard gold walls, ornate cabinets, & medieval-looking light fixtures that were the must-have of the late ‘90s and early aughts? Today, they’re as dated as flip phones.
Instead of remodeling in the latest look, which costs $22,000 on average, try repainting in on-trend colors, which costs $1,700 on average. If you do opt for a full remodel, choose elements like Shaker cabinets, wood floors & subway tile, a timeless style you’ll love 10 years from now.
Myth 8: A Contractor Recommendation From a Friend Is Good Enough
Fact: Good contractors have more than just your buddy to vouch for them.
Your neighbor’s rec is a good start, but talk to a couple of sources before you hire anyone. Check the contractor’s reviews on Angie’s List or other online rating sites.
Ask a local building inspector which contractors meet code on the properties they inspect.
Ask the contractor for the names of past clients you can talk to, how many other projects they have going, how long they’ve worked with their subcontractors, and if they routinely do projects the size of yours.
You Only Think It’s True 10 Myths Costing You Time & Money, cont’d
Stand in your kitchen & take a deep breath. Smell that? From last night’s fish to your son’s nasty lacrosse pads (why did he leave them on the table?), you probably can’t detect any of your home’s rankest odors. You’ve got nose blindness.
“You adapt to the smells around you,” says Dr. Richard Doty, the director of the Smell & Taste Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
On a sensory level, your processing mechanism becomes less sensitive to the continuous stimuli. Or, on a cognitive level, you can become habituated to the smells & basically learn to ignore them. Or you can do both.
Here are some of the most common nose blindness culprits & how to ban them from your home.
#1 Pet Funk
There’s one easy way to tell if your home smells like pets: Do you have them? Then yeah, unless you’re an obsessive cleaner & groomer, your abode has at least some Fido funk.
It could be pee, but more likely it’s just hair, gunky ears, & weeks-old slobber.
The first step to cleaning up pet smells is — sorry, pets — cleaning the pets themselves. Bathe & groom them regularly.
Then, vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. If they have a favorite couch or cushion, cover it with a blanket & run it & the cushion cover through the wash weekly. Every time you vacuum, start with a hearty sprinkle of baking soda on the carpet.
And use that crevice tool liberally; pet hair loves tight spaces like the border between the carpet & the wall, the edges of your steps & that little crack of space between the stove & your cabinets.
Hopefully urine isn’t the issue, but to be sure, you can use a black light to out any dried stains your pet was hoping you’d never notice.
Use more of that baking soda followed by a half-water, half-vinegar solution to neutralize the odor. Lots of people also swear by store-bought neutralizers, like Nature’s Miracle.
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2 Mustiness
Fortunately, nose blindness only affects one of your senses & you don’t need your nose to verify a basement with a musty smell.
Mustiness is caused by mildew & mold, which — for
better or for worse — your eyeballs can easily detect.
Do a careful inspection of your basement, from the
darkest corner to the surface of every cardboard box or
bookshelf. If you find gray or white splotches
anywhere, it’s probably mildew. If it’s fuzzy, (oh no!) it’s
mold.
First, you’ll want to bust up those existing odors. Then, you’ll want to make sure they never return. Some elbow grease with regular household cleaner will scrub away mildew. Bleach isn’t the cure-all for mold. If used often it can exacerbate the problem.
To prevent mildew & mold from returning, consider running a dehumidifier or improving air circulation & sunlight exposure in the affected area if possible.
For chronic mustiness, you can deodorize rooms by setting out bowls of vinegar, cat litter, baking soda, or — as crazy as this sounds — an onion also will do the trick. Cut one in half & let it sit in a bowl in the room. The onion smell goes away in a few hours & so will the dankness. #3 Smelly Bedding
Similar to pet odors, knowing if your mattress could smell is easy: Do you have a human body with skin & oils? Do you sleep on it?
Eventually, all the dead skin & body oils you shed while sleeping are going to build up & stink they will, especially if your bedding is older.
You can’t exactly toss your mattress in the washing machine, so you’ll have to deal with it where it lies. But it’s an easy fix:
Sprinkle baking soda on it, let it sit for an hour or more & then vacuum up the soda. (This works for memory foam, too.) Add a couple drops of essential oil to the soda (drip directly into the box & shake it well to mix evenly) for a pleasant smell. Bonus: Lavender has been shown to help you sleep.
Funky Odors in Your House, Only Your Guest Can Smell
Continued on page 11
By KATIE HOLDEFEHR
What’s the one spot in your home that you dread cleaning the most? Maybe it’s the toilet, or the greasy stovetop, or that moldy shower curtain. If the mere thought of these dirty, grimy messes is making you cringe, don’t worry, we’ve called in reinforcements. To figure out the best way to clean these tricky areas, we asked Debra Johnson, home cleaning expert at Merry Maids & Donna SmallinKuper, a certified home cleaning technician & author of Cleaning Plain & Simple, for their professional advice. Armed with their best tips & tried-&-true tools, these problem spots will sparkle in no time.
A Messy, Greasy Stovetop
There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, cheesy homemade meal—that is, until you look at the stovetop & realize the damage you’ve done. Grease and cooked-on mozzarella everywhere. Now what? If the mess just happened & the stovetop has cooled, now’s the time to act, says Debra Johnson of Merry Maids. All you need is warm soapy water & a microfiber cloth. “The microfiber cloth is the best way to absorb the grease. It is important to rinse the cloth after each wipe to allow the food or grease to release from the cloth & tackle more with the next wipe,” she advises.
And what if the stove & the cooked-on grease has already cooled? The task is tougher, but still not impossible. Donna SmallinKuper recommends dipping your sponge in hot, sudsy water & then squeezing it over the spot. “I let it sit for a few minutes to soften (usually while I am loading the dishwasher or washing pots & pans) and then I give it a quick scrub with the scrubby side of a sponge & wipe it up with the sponge side,” she says. Johnson also believes in letting the spot soak. She suggests letting a degreaser product sit on the area for three minutes, then wiping it off with a microfiber cloth.
Streak-Free Windows
Both Johnson & SmallinKuper agree: A microfiber cloth is essential for a streak-free window, because it won’t leave behind lint like a paper towel or another type of cloth. They also both believe that the wrong product & too much of it, is the main reason for streaky windows. “The majority of people make an assumption that if a little product is good then more product is better. Wrong!” says Johnson. Instead, spritz lightly & use a homemade solution. Johnson mixes up one part water & one part white vinegar in a spray bottle, while SmallinKuper prefers plain old H20 for a chemical-free shine.
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How to Clean 9 of the Toughest Spots Around the House
Finally, fold the microfiber cloth several times so you have multiple clean sides to use as you wash the window.
A Stinky Dishwasher
If your dishwasher smells when it’s full, food particles are the most likely culprit. To prevent the stench, scrape off food & rinse your plates & glasses before loading them in the dishwasher. “If you don’t run the wash cycle every day, do run the ‘rinse & hold’ cycle to remove food particles,” SmallinKuper says.
If your dishwasher continues to smell even when it’s empty, it’s time to run a wash cycle. With the dishwasher completely empty, place either a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar (SmallinKuper’s pick) or a small bowl of lemons cut into quarters & covered with water (Johnson’s recommendation) on the top rack, then turn on a cycle.
Either method helps to eliminate odor. For an even more thorough washing, wipe down the walls with a baking soda paste before using the lemon-water method.
A Spill-Stained Rug
We’ve all been there: You’re eating the messiest food possible (a meatball sub, a plate of buffalo wings), when you accidentally drop it right on your living room rug. Don’t panic—and definitely don’t try to rub it clean. Instead, blot the spot with a clean white towel, SmallinKuper suggests. She also only recommends using stain-removal products certified by the Carpet & Rug Cleaning Institute, such as Simple Green or Spot Shot. “The wrong type of spot remover may initially clean the spot, but leave a film that will attract dirt so that the stain will seem to reappear,” she warns.
If you don’t have a store-bought stain remover on hand, you can whip one up, Johnson says. For the safest solution, mix together one teaspoon dishwashing liquid, two tablespoons white vinegar & one cup water. Blot the solution on the spot, then blot dry or place a fan near the area.
Cleaning Under the Bed
The hidden area under the bed is often the last spot we think to clean—but it’s also a breeding ground for dust bunnies. If you hate to crawl on your hands & knees to reach each dusty corner, Johnson recommends using a thin dust mop fitted with microfiber cover.
Continued on next page
11
Using a clean microfiber cloth will actually remove bacteria from the surface of the device. Johnson also suggests dampening (don’t soak) the microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol for an extra boost of bacteria-fighting power.
A Moldy Shower Curtain
When your shower curtain starts to get mildewy, your first instinct may be to toss it & buy a new one, but it’s actually not as hard to clean as you may think. Our experts recommend throwing it in the washing machine. If you have a top-loading machine, place your shower curtain inside, fill it with water , & add a cup of bleach, Johnson says. Let it soak for an hour, then run a regular wash cycle. If the mildew has been growing for a while, you may need to repeat the process a second time. If the mildew persists after two attempts, it’s your cue to throw the curtain away & purchase a new one.
To prevent buildup over time, be proactive & run your
shower curtain through a wash cycle every other
month. Your shower-cleaning spray can also be used
to wipe off collected soap scrum before it becomes
unmanageable
How to Clean 9 of the Toughest Spots Around the House, cont’d
Don’t own a dust mop? Just wrap the end of a yardstick or broom handle with a microfiber cloth & secure it with a rubber band. SmallinKuper also suggests checking if your vacuum cleaner offers a floor attachment designed for either wood or carpet. Investing in this add-on attachment could make your weekly cleanup much easier.
A Sauce-Splattered Microwave
For those moments when you heat up a bowl of sauce & accidentally forget to top it with a splatter guard, this genius cleaning trick will save the day. Place one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl (you can also add lemon slices for extra deodorizing power), set the cooking time for two minutes & hit start. When the time is up, let the bowl sit for another minute or two so that the steam can soften any cooked-on food. Then, open the door, remove the glass plate & rinse it in the sink with warm soapy water. Wipe down the walls of the microwave with a damp microfiber cloth & also wipe down the outside of the appliance.
Both of our cleaning pros urge cleaning the microwave as soon as spills or splatters happen—procrastination will only make cleaning this appliance more difficult. Don’t forget: “Frequent cleaning is your best friend to prevent buildup on any surface,” Johnson says.
The Dreaded Toilet
The toilet is my favorite thing to clean, said no one ever. To make this unpleasant chore a little more bearable, we asked our experts for cleaning methods that let us be as hands-off as possible. Johnson recommends pouring a half cup of white vinegar into the bowl & letting it sit.for at least one hour. However, this won’t clean the rim, so for that, you will need to pick up a scrub brush.
Once you have your toilet sparkling clean, you can keep it that way for up to three months by installing the Kaboom Toilet Cleaning System, SmallinKuper says. Three months free from toilet scrubbing? That’s $11 well spent.
Germy Phones & Tablets
Studies have found that some cell phones contain more germs than a toilet seat, so cleaning & disinfecting these tech devices should be one of our top cleaning priorities. SmallinKuper recommends cleaning the screen of your phone or tablet in a similar way to windows: with a microfiber cloth & a small amount of water applied to the cloth rather than directly on the device (to avoid getting moisture inside the phone, of course).
Funky Odors in Your House (cont’d)
#4 Fridge & Freezer Grime
It’s your fridge & freezer’s job to keep your food fresh, but they need a little help staying fresh themselves.
Itty bitty food bits hang out long after you’ve tossed the item from which they came. Although you might not notice the odor creep, you may notice your ice starting to taste funny or see those food morsels start to accumulate in the corners of your fridge shelves. If you see or taste something icky, you can bet others can smell something icky.
To zap odors from your freezer & fridge, unplug & empty them & do a thorough cleaning with a mix of hot water & baking soda.
You can sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon bleach & one gallon of water. Let it air out for 15 minutes. Try wiping it down with vinegar for extra odor eliminating or even leave the door open for a few days.
What better excuse is there for a long weekend away, or to treat yourself to takeout?
How to Clean 9 of the Toughest Spots Around the House (cont’d)
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Over one-quarter of driving accidents each year are affected by bad winter weather conditions, resulting in vehicle & property damage, injury & death. That’s why it’s so important to make sure, as heavy rain, snow, sleet, fog, wind & ice return, that you, your family & car are protected.
Here are a few ways to make sure you’re ready for whatever winter throws your way:
Change your wipers: Bad visibility is a top reason drivers get in accidents, especially in winter. If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks or wiper blades appear dry, stiff or cracked, it’s time to replace them. While you’re at it, buy an extra set & leave them in your trunk, along with a full container of washer solution that contains antifreeze.
Turn on the AC: It may sound counter-intuitive, but if your windows are fogging & frosting up from the cold outside, your vehicle’s air conditioning, even set to a warm temperature, will help by removing humidity.
Check the lights: Snow, slush & dirt can cover up your headlights (and brake lights), reducing visibility for you & other cars around you. Wipe your lights on a regular basis, especially after long drives & bad weather conditions.
Check your battery: Car batteries are less effective in cold weather conditions & engine oil gets thicker, making it more difficult for your car to turn over. Have your car battery professionally tested & replaced if it’s on its last legs. The last thing you need is a dead battery in the middle of a snowstorm.
Warm up your engine: If you live in an area where the temperature drops significantly & if you often park outside, consider an engine block heater that can be plugged into an electrical outlet.
Lube your locks: Moisture in your car door or trunk locks can freeze in very cold conditions & make them hard to open. Use a silicone spray to lubricate your locks before it gets really cold. And if you’re already locked out, lock antifreeze can help.
Is Your Car Ready for Winter Danger ?
From RPD
During the fall & winter seasons, many people have decorations stolen from their yards. Take pictures of your decorations & write your name on them
Holiday lights are nice to display & many people like to show their decorated trees inside their homes. Keep your blinds & curtains closed when away from your home to keep them from being window shopped.
If you travel for the holidays, submit a free House Watch request to RPD
http://tinyurl.com/CDRHouseWatch Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect mail, newspapers & door flyers.
New Year’s Resolution: This years make a concerted effort to record all serial numbers & descriptions of electronic devices & other valuables. Save your property inventory list in a Word document & email it to yourself. In the event of a burglary, fire or other loss, you can retrieve the list & provide needed information to the police department & your insurance company.
GETTING YOUR DOG
THROUGH THE HOLIDAY FIREWORKS
Do fireworks or loud noises scare your dog around New Year's? Don't worry; it's completely normal!
After all, your dog's keen senses make their fireworks experience far more intense than ours. And while some dogs can handle the loud noises no problem, here are some tips that may help more startled dogs enjoy the holiday just as much as we do!
• Create a safe space. If your dog is crate trained, then that's where he might feel most secure. If not, putting his bed in a calm place may ease him through the experience.
• Try a calming wrap or vest. These help your dog feel secure during stressful situations.
• Stay calm. Our dogs turn to us for reassurance. Showing them that we are relaxed helps them understand there is no real danger.
• Keep them happy! Give your dog his favorite toy and create a positive association by rewarding him with treats.
The key to tax planning near the end of the year is simple – defer income & accelerate expenses if either is going to save you money on your taxes.
Income is taxed in the year it is earned, so if additional income is going to put you in a higher tax bracket & cause you to pay more taxes, you may want to get paid on January 1st & not December 31st. Expenses are deducted in the year they are paid, so if paying tax-deductible expenses early helps lowers your tax liability pay your expenses on December 31st rather than January 1st.
With that in mind, what are some flexible income & expense items you can defer or prepay? Check out the below year-end tax tips that you can take advantage of until December 31st to help you save on your taxes!
Holiday or Bonus Income. Do you receive a bonus around the holidays? If your bonus pushes you into the next tax bracket, ask your employer to delay that bonus until January 1st & you won’t owe income taxes on it until you prepare your taxes for the following year. You also want to make sure that the deferred bonus is also reported to the IRS in the correct tax year by your employer if you defer income.
Charitable Contributions. If you make a charitable contribution with a credit card on December 31st, you can claim the charitable deduction on this year’s taxes regardless of when you pay the credit card bill. It’s common for folks to contribute in December but not actually pay out the amount in January.
College & Education Expenses. If you take advantage of the various education-related credits, you can accelerate these too. You can prepay for the spring term in December to claim that on your tax return this year, since education tax benefit is based on when you pay the education expenses.
Retirement Contributions. Retirement contributions to a tax-deferred account, like a 401(k), can reduce your income so consider increasing your contribution to a 401(k) to reduce your taxable income. In 2017, you can contribute a maximum of $18,000 per account & every dollar you contribute will reduce your taxable income. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $6,000.
Save With These 8 End-of-Year Tax Tips
The same applies to Traditional IRAs, which have a contribution limit of $5,500 for 2017 with an additional $1,000 for those 50 & older, as long as your income is below a threshold.
Medical Expenses. You can deduct medical expenses if they exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income. If you are near the threshold but not quite over it in 2017, you can prepay medical expenses for the next year to get above the 10% mark.
Flexible Spending Account. Don’t forget to use your flexible spending account by the end of the year! At the end of the year, the money in your FSA may disappear if you don’t use it depending on your account. Take care of some of those medical expenses you’ve been putting off that are covered by your FSA like over-the-counter medication or co-pays for additional doctor’s appointments.
If you find yourself with a lot left over, it’s a good time to review how much you’ve set aside for your FSA & adjust it accordingly. You don’t have to pay taxes on FSA contributions but you don’t want to be putting away too much & be stuck trying to find ways to spend it or lose it.
Business Expenses. Do you run your own business? If you have business expenses, look to shift them into this year. Did you want to purchase a new computer? Upgrade your current equipment? Get a new phone? Expenses related to your business are typically tax deductible & you’ll want to consider making those investments to reduce your taxable income.
It doesn’t have to be a full-time business to qualify. If you are a part-time driver for a ride-sharing company like Uber, many costs associated with your car would be included since the car is required to perform your job. This would include the car’s registration, insurance, maintenance, tires, & even cleaning costs.
Estimate Your Taxes. You can use TurboTax TaxCaster to estimate your taxes & see if you need to make any last minute tax moves. The IRS treats income taxes withheld from your paycheck as if they were paid in equal amounts throughout the year. So if your calculations show you’ll owe money, you can increase the withholding on your last paychecks of the year to make up the difference.
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