Avoid Electrostatic Shocks

As we head into the cooler temperatures, I notice that with the drier indoor air the number of static shocks I receive in our home is electrifying! These tips to reduce static electricity was brought to my attention courtesy of the blog: Compare Electricity Rates.

1. Increasing Humidity. Should you live in a very dry climate and get lots of days when it causes static shocks then improving the humidity can help with that problem. A humidifier can add moisture to the air or even something like running a shower will help.
2. Using Dryer Sheets. Placing dryer sheets in your dryer when using it can cut down on the problem of static electricity when drying your clothes. Not only do they help to decrease problems of wrinkles, but they also help with in the area of static electricity that can make things like socks stick together.
3. Cotton Layers. With things like blankets or clothes that you stack in layers and the fibers tend to cause build ups in static charges adding something between them made of cotton is a good idea. It will reduce the problem and cut down on the change of shocks.
4. Wetting Your Hair. If you are going to use the clothes dryer a good option to keep from the risk of getting a shock is to slightly wet your hair. That will decrease the chance of static electricity build up.
5. Wristbands. There are wristbands you can purchase to wear that will help keep the static charges from building up, when are you working around metal or electric appliances.
6. Keys. If you have problems with getting shocks when you reach for a door knob then touch it with your car or house key first. It will absorb the electricity without causing you any serious shocks.
7. Change Your Shoes. Perhaps the type of sole on a given pair of shoes contributes to you getting shocked. Then switching to a different pair can take care of that problem.
8. Taking Off Jewelry. If you are going to be working around metal and will have to touch it a lot then removing any jewelry can cut down on the chances of getting shocked.
9. Avoid Wool Clothes. Reduce your chances of shocked by not wearing clothes made of something such as wool. It is more prone to have static charges than fabrics made of cotton.

Latest in kitchen appliances

Recently, I was among the lucky eighteen kitchen designers invited to attend an event at Summerhill LCBO given by Thermador to introduce their new Steam & Convection Oven. A fabulous lunch was prepared with step-by-step instructions by Chef Cory Vitello from Toronto's The Harbord Room, using this unique appliance. I have a Thermador wall oven with microwave and warming drawer in my own kitchen and absolutely love it.


Here's a photo of Chef Cory Vitello preparing to start the meal.

Here I am totally absorbed in tasting the first course. That's me in the animal print top. I had a chance to chat at length with my table mate, guest Monica Schnarre, successful Canadian model (seated at the end of the table).

Let the sun shine in

My client recently moved into her lakefront condo with floor to ceiling windows. She loved the views and was reluctant to cover them up. Privacy was not an issue, but the sun's UV rays were. Cognizant of the problems with having no shades - fading of hardwood flooring and furniture, UV protection of herself as well as the heat from a southwest exposure - she thought she had no choice but to cover up. I advised her that there was an option that several of my other condo clients with fabulous views have opted for: Prestige window film by 3M.

I love 3M Prestige Window Films because:

• they reject up to 97% of the sun’s heat to help keep your home cool and lower your energy bills.

• they are designed to reduce the effects of solar heat and light on your furnishings, and

• they will block up to 99.9% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which is the single largest cause of fading.

Stay cool, protect your furnishings and save on your energy bill…something worth thinking about. For more information, please contact Tobi Brockway Interiors.

Chair Affair 2011 at Furniture Bank

Last year, I participated in Furniture Bank's first Chair Affair. This fund-raising event showcased the creative makeovers of 31 Toronto-area designers and artists, who donated their talents and their time to transform ordinary chairs from the Furniture Bank’s warehouse. About 375 guests were in attendance on October 31^st at The Steam Whistle Brewery for the silent auction. The plain black chair that I turned into a cute pink chair for a little girl's room received quite a few bids during the Silent Auction.

This year, Furniture Bank is holding Chair Affair 2011 on September 21st at the Steam Whistle Brewery. I encourage you to check it out and help support this worthy cause.

Recycling TV's and other Electronic Equipment

Our TV broke down recently and it turns out that it would cost more then to replace it. At least that's the explanation my husband gave me when he purchased a brand new 46" 3D HD TV! For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I really feel strongly about reuse, recycle, re. So how does one avoid putting the old TV in landfill?

According to the City of Toronto’s web-site, if we lived in a single family residence, we could get curb-side collection of the TV if it is placed beside the garbage bin. A different style of truck from the regular garbage truck will pick up all electronics for either recycling or safe disposal. However, since we live in a condo, we can place the TV at a collection spot designated by the property manager for collection of bulky items.

For those of you who live in Toronto, the City of Toronto website has more information. For those of you who live in other parts of the province or country, check out the Ontario Electronic Stewardship website.

http://www.recycleyourelectronics.ca/Electronics/Default.aspx

Dayle David Laing