Brightly Green

Featured Product Spotlight: Brightly Green All-Natural Laundry Wash

2012-01-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

FACTS: HE natural laundry detergents are more gentle on your clothes. The enzymes in HE cleaners clean your clothes without breaking down the fibers as regular detergents do. Washing your clothes with HE natural detergents takes less detergent than standard ones; thus saving you money. HE natural cleaners also saves the life of your clothes as they are more gentle on the fabric.

ISSUES: Many standard detergents have so called brighteners added to them. These toxic additives can be harmful to your clothes and the environment. People with sensitive skin also benefit from HE natural laundry cleaners because standard cleaners can have toxic chemicals that irritate the skin.

WHAT TO DO:

Switch to Brightly Green All-Natural Laundry Wash for a cleaner, healthier wash and for a healthier eco-friendly environment.

Use Brightly Green Laundry Wash... good for you & eco-friendly too!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Is Laundry a REAL Chore?!

2012-01-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

Laundry, in many households
is a never ending mountain to maintain.

Brightly Green All-Natural Cleaners
has some very helpful tips to help you
get control over this never ending chore!

How to save yourself precious time and
help save the earth too:

First: If you have children that are tall enough to reach the bottom of the washtub; they may be ready to learn how to do their own laundry. My grandchildren were taught how to do their own laundry when they could easily reach the bottom of the washing machine's tub. (It can even be a celebration for children when they can reach the bottom of the washing machine's tub because they see how they are growing! This was the case for my youngest grandchild!) Teaching your children to be responsible for their laundry is a very important life skill; and it will free you up to do other things.

Also, it may help to have a set day for each child to do his/her laundry. No more is mom "the bad guy" if the child runs out of underwear or socks, it's not mom's responsibility anymore!

Second: Say NO to IRONING!!
Don't you have something you would rather be doing...really!
Try to remove your clothes from the washing machine as soon as they are done. This will help to cut down on wrinkles forming. In addition; take each article of clothing out of the washer one at at time and shake the piece of clothing before placing it in the dryer. This will only take a couple of minutes but this tip will help the clothing to dry evenly and more quickly-$aving energy costs! Very eco-friendly too!

When removing clothes from the dryer--DO SO PROMPTLY WHEN FINISHED DRYING! This is the final tip to help prevent wrinkles. I've talked to various people who can reminisce about the days their mothers and grandmothers ironed EVERYTHING! Those days are behind us, so following these tips will save you time and energy.

Speaking of saving energy--if at all possible, hang your clothes outside on a clothesline. Let nature dry your clothing and enjoy the smell of truly fresh linen! If you need to you can bring the clothes in and toss them in the dryer for a couple minutes to make them softer (they tend to dry somewhat stiff outdoors).

Third: Choose the right detergent
Not all detergents are equal. Go with an HE natural laundry wash even if your machine is not an HE machine. Natural detergents actually lengthen the life of your clothing, while still getting your clothes clean. We highly recommend Brightly Green All-Natural Laundry Wash. Come back tomorrow for more eco-friendly facts! We will feature Brightly Green Natural Laundry Wash and give you more information about the pros and cons of various laundry products...Eco-friendly Laundry Washes and Toxic Detergents.

Have a laundry tip suggestion?

Leave us a comment!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Weekly Product Feature: Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner Concentrate!

2012-01-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

This Week's Featured Spotlight Product:

Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner Concentrate

THE FACTS:

Did you know that the dust in your home contains toxic chemicals?

The chemicals trapped in household dust come from small particles that flake off of household products. Toxic chemicals can also be brought in by your shoes and attach to dust within the home.

THE ISSUES:

The chemicals that are found trapped in dust can have negative, physical affects on you and your family. Smaller children are most vulnerable. Affects can be seen in their developing motor skilsl, memory, hearing and behaviors, to name a few.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Do not use synthetic sprays to dust with. Synthetic dusting sprays add unwanted chemicals into the air. Use Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner Concentrate; 100% plant-based, & all- natural. Our wood floor cleaner, in addition to being a great floor cleaner, is also great for dusting!
When vacuuming, be sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter and vacuum frequently.
Use a slightly damp cloth to dust electronic equipment.
Dust with a microfiber cloth it helps collect very small dust particles.
Caulk and seal around doors and windows.

To learn more about the toxins found in household dust and more tips on how to combat them go to: environmental working group @ ewg.org

Brightly Green Cleaners carries many green, eco-friendly, non-toxic products. We help you clean the green-clean, safe way!

Gift the ones you love, SAFE products that are good for them

and good for the enviroment!

Give the gift of Brightly Green Cleaners!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Weekly Green-Clean Product Spotlight!

2012-01-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green Cleaners is beginning a new series featuring a

"Product of the Week"

This week's featured, spotlight product:

Brightly Green Premium Non-Chlorine Bleach

THE FACTS: Chlorine is a natural, basic, element and as such; does not

is not a threat to the environment, people or animals.

THE ISSUES: Compounds artifically made with chlorine are producing

toxins. These man-made chlorine compounds

are unhealthy for the environment, people,

and animals.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Replace your bleach with Brightly Green Premium Non-Chlorine Bleach.
Install shower head and sink faucet filters to filter chlorine.
If you have a pool, replace your pool chlorine by installing a chlorine-free cleaning system.

To read more about the uses and dangers of man-made chlorine and what to do, go to:

greenhome.com.

Non-chlorine bleach is the eco-friendly, healthy, safe way to clean your home and laundry. If you do not have Brightly Green's Premium Non-Chlorine Bleach, order some today! For more great, green, eco-friendly safe cleaning products go to brightlygreen.biz.

Brightly Green Cleaners...cleaners that work & keep you safe & healthy

As always we welcome your comments!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Six Beginning Steps Toward Recycling in 2012!

2012-01-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

BRIGHTLY GREEN CLEANERS

ENCOURAGING YOU TO RECYCLE IN 2012!

6 Beginning Steps YOU Can Make

to Becoming A Green, Recycling Family:

When shopping: use recyclable bags for your purchases.

Instead of buying gift wrap: recycle brown packaging paper; this makes

great gift wrap! To spruce it up; stamp the paper or add ribbon.

Find where the nearest recycling center is and be sure to take

your recyclable glass, paper, plastic, etc.

Become a consignment shopper! You can find gently used clothing &
home goods at very reasonable prices!

Take your clothes or home goods to a consignment or re-sale shop!
This is a great way to give back to your community and save landfills!

Benefits to Becoming a Green, Recycling Family:

Save Money

Less Stress

Reduces landfills

Family Treasure Hunt Outings: at re-sale shops!

Enjoyment of the simple pleaures in life!

It all starts with taking that first step!

Come on... you can do it...get started today!

GO GREEN!

GO RECYCLING!

Brightly Green Cleaners is a Green Eco-friendly company.
We specialize in producing 100% all-natural, plant-based, non toxic, & safe cleaners.

If you have any tips on recycling...please leave us a comment!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

New Year Saftey Tips for You!

2012-01-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green, the green, eco-friendly cleaners, shares with you "Winter Driving Tips" from Consumer Reports.

Be prepared for winter driving by reading this article.

Consumer Reports - Winter-Driving Tips

Please note: Some content is available only to subscribers. You may not be able to view this content unless you are a ConsumerReports.org subscriber.
You may join at:

https://ecconsumerreports.org/ec/cro/order.htm

For an in-depth look at tests that found arsenic in apple juice and grape juice, health tips for the New Year, and more family news and consumer updates check out the following link:

January 2012 Consumer Reports

Brightly Green thanks Consumer Reports for their dedication to consumer health and safety!

If these articles have been helpful for you, please leave us a comment!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

A New Year For Healthy New Beginnings!

2012-01-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

You have said it over and over again, "I have got to get organized".

Stop saying it and begin the steps doing just that--getting organized. Determine to take the first steps by setting up a game plan.

Last fall we, at Brightly Green, ran a series of articles relating to decluttering your home, organizing your life and becoming more green. Why not peruse them to help you plan your line of attack.

Six blogs especially related to becoming green-clean and clutter free:

1.) Less Is More

2.) Housework Made Easy

3.) Have You Had It With Clutter?

4.) Healthier You

5.) How to Dispose of Toxic Products

6.) The Ready Kit

At Brightly Green, we care about you , your family, home and buisness!

Make this new year a green, clean, organized year!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Holiday - New Year Clean Up!

2012-01-03T17:54:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green Congratulates

Judy S. from Louisville, KY!

Judy is our HG Labs Holiday Notebook Contest Winner!!!

Holiday Clean Up is Underway:

Before tucking away all your holiday decorations; ask yourself the following question. Is there any decoration or ornament that I did not use this year, and if so, will I use it next year? If you didn't use that decoration or ornament & do not plan to next year, then why not give it away to a resale shop! Now is the time to purge your holiday items. This will help you to keep only what you really need and create more space in your home or garage!

Cleaning Inventory Checklist:

Go through your cleaning supplies and start this new year off on the right Green, Eco-friendly foot! Properly dispose of any toxic cleaning products you may have in your home. Make this year the start of a healthy, safe, green year for cleaning!

If you have a two story home, it is helpful to have the necessary cleaning supplies on both levels. This will only help you to be more efficient in getting the job done quickly and effortlessly. Make your list of the Brightly Green cleaners you need for both floors and order today!

Back to College the Green Clean Way:

Many of us are sending our students back to college; why not send them back with safe, green cleaners. Brightly Green Cleaners are 100% natural, plant-based and sustainable. Most come scented with our unique essential oil combinations; great for freshening up dorm rooms! We recommend for your student: Brightly Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate, Brightly Green Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover Concentrate. For their laundry needs; send them back with Brightly Green All Natural Laundry Wash Lavender (or Pure & Free).

If your student has already left; surprize him/her with a care package. College students always welcome care packages from home!

As always...we welcome your comments and tips!

May this New Year be a healthy, green year for you!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Final New Years Eve Party Tips & More!

2011-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Make this years New Years Celebration Enjoyable & Safe!

New Years Eve Green Clean Up Ideas:
Give kitchen and bathrooms a quick clean up with Brightly Green's Bathroom Cleaner Concentrate, Brightly Green Granite & Tile Cleaner Concentrate as well as your Brightly Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate. Keep handy Brightly Green Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover Concentrate for any spills during your New Years celebration.

New Year Eve Hangover Cure (from The Daily Green):
When the last drop of champagne has been drunk, you might need to give your guests another form hydration. Sending them off with a hangover cure -- an inexpensive paraating gift of a reusable water bottle filled with tap water and an Emergen-C packet --ought to do the trick They'll thank you in the morning.

Keep Guests Safe (and other travelers):
Remember do not let ANYONE drive home intoxicated. Be sure you have designated drivers to get your guests home safely!

One day left to enter...HG Labs Holiday Notebook Contest!!!

Get your entries in TODAY!!!

For all our Pet Lovers--Holiday Treats For Your Special Member of the Family:

Pet Cookie Recipe

From: Edie--Care Paws

http://www.carepaws.com/

Pumpkin/Sweet Potato Treats

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup powdered milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin mix

1/4 cup beef broth

Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper (or lightly oil the cookie sheet). Mix all dry ingredients, then add the moist ingredients and slightly mix. Dust hands with flour and knead the dough until well mixed, spread dough (by hand) on floured surface to 1/4 - 1/2 inch thickness. Flour knife and cut into pet bite-sized pieces and place on cookie sheet.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove tray and cool on rack. Store in a tightly sealed container.

Brightly Green thanks Edie from Care Paws for this special pet cookie recipe!

To you and yours...from Brightly Green Cleaners!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

More Great, Eco-Friendly New Years Eve Party Ideas!

2011-12-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green is excited to pass on to you

more green, eco-friendly tips from The Daily Green.

We hope these green party ideals will help make your celebration with family & friends a success!

Share the Cost (New Years Eve Ideals)
Tell guests to "Bring Your Own Bubbly" (or box of wine) to share the cost of the shindig. Try a bottle from our list of organic sparklers, and boxed wines. Tell your guests it's a green theme; they'll be surprised how many drink options are available.

New Years Eve Appetizers and Desserts
Your guests will probably be coming later in the evening, so you don't need to serve a big meal--appetizers and desserts should do the trick. These are all inexpensive and pretty easy to make. By our estimation, each dish is under 12 bucks for 10 servings.

Appetizers
Goat Cheese with Honey Dip
Quick Veggie Dip
Swiss Cheese Onion Crostini
Hush Puppies

Desserts
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
Candied Walnuts
Deep Chocolate Coffe Brownies

Only 4 days left for the HG Labs Holiday Notebook Contest!!!

Get your entries in TODAY!!!

(For details click on "HG Labs Holdiay Notebook Contest" --above)

Brightly Green wishes you a fun-filled & SAFE New Years Eve celebration!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Eco-Friendly New Year's Eve Party Ideals!

2011-12-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

This week is about getting YOU ready for the

big New Year's Eve party!

To help us, help you, we have eco-friendly

party tips from The Daily Green.

Eco-Friendly New Years Eve Invitations

Keep it simple and free with an e-vite or e-card. Find "cards" at Evite or MyPunchbowl. Try Somecards if you want to get hilarious responses.

Green New Years Eve Decorations

To spice up your place on the (green) cheap, try biodegradable crepe paper streamers, recycled rubber star coasters and soy candles to set the mood. Empty wine or champagne bottles can be used as candlestick holders or vases. Try DIY confetti with scrap paper, newspapers or used holiday gift wrap: Just grab some scissors or a hole punch and cut away. For another option -- and one that is easier on your fingers--try these awesome shredder scissors by uncommongoods.

Setting the table

The easiest and cheapest way to get enough seating for your guests is to borrow from your neighbors (this might mean you'll have to invite them to your party, so be prepared). If you still need more supplies, try renting them from a party store. You can get glasses, china and tablecloths as well. If you're going the disposable route, try some eco-disposable options. BiodegradableStore.com has a plate made from sugarcane, an annually renewable resource. At $6.95 for a pack of 50, the price is pretty sweet too.

Green Party Goods has great options for festive napkins, or take a look at Plum Party's eco-supply section.

New Years Eve Green Clean Up Ideas

Have your Brightly Green All-Natural cleaners handy for spills and be sure and clean up as you go! Helps make the New Years Day start off on a good foot!

Check back in with us later in the week for more eco-friendly party tips!

Brightly Green thanks The Daily Green for their helpful party ideals!

Send in your entries for the

HG Labs Holiday Notebook Contest

before it's over...don't miss out!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Holiday Wishes

2011-12-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

To all our friends, readers & customers

Brightly Green All-Natural Cleaners

wishes you & your family a

Very, Merry Christmas

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Get on the Right Financial Footing!

2011-12-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY WISHES FROM BRIGHTLY GREEN CLEANERS!

Gifts are all wrapped and nestled under the tree. Great job, you did it! Have a wonderful time with family and friends as you celebrate the season!

Remember to keep your Brightly Green Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover Concentrate handy for those accidental spills! Brightly Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate is also good to have on hand for quick, general, clean-up duties.

We have appreciated the comments and links many of you have given us over the past several weeks.

Thank you!

As the New Year approaches, we would like to share one of those particular links we received. Shirely from Businesscreditcards.com has many informative articles relating to business needs.

Get your New Year started on the right financial foot by checking out the helpful articles below.

Article 1: Top 50 Christian Business & Financial Blogs

http://www.businesscreditcards.com/bootstrapper/category/brand-identity/

Article 2: Working Green: 50 Tips to Reduce Your Office's Waste

http://www.businesscreditcards.com/bootstrapper/working-green-50-tips-to-reduce-your-offices-waste/

Green Businesses are growing and offering many healthy, positive & safe alternatives for all consumers!

Harmony All-Natural Aromatherapy Cleaners thanks Shirley from Buisnesscreditcards.com for her informative contributions to our readers!

Merry Christmas from Brightly Green All-Natural Cleaners!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

HGL 12 Week Holiday Planning Notebook Contest!

2011-12-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

Friends, Readers, Customers of

Brightly Green Cleaners

This Contest is For YOU!

($80.00 Valued Prize)

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

Every time you submit to us on our blog a Holiday comment, Holiday recipe,

Holiday poem or Holiday tradition (New or Old)

we will enter your name into a drawing!

You can also email us a picture of your eco-friendly festive decorations

or anything relating to Christmas, New Year's or any Holiday event!

RULES:

Please make sure we have your contact info so we can enter you into the contest!

You can email it to us separately at:

sharron@hglabsllc.com

Contest Runs Through New Year's Day 1/1/12

Winner will be announced on 1/2/12

We look forward to your wonderful entries!

HG Labs reserves the right to use our discretion on the appropriatness of the submissions.

Don't delay...enter today!!!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Child Safety - Toy Recall!

2011-12-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green thanks Consumer Reports for their dedication to safety!

Consumer Reports News
Subject: Recall: 1.7 million Little Tike toy workshop and tool sets—choking hazard

More than 1.7 additional Little Tikes Workshops and Tool Sets have been recalled because the oversized plastic toy nails can pose a choking hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today. This recall notice comes after a previous recall of approximately 1.6 million toy workshop sets and trucks with the same toy nails in August, 2009.
Little Tike reported two additional incidents, occurring prior to the August 2009 recall, of children who choked when the toy nail became lodged in their throat. Both children were treated in a hospital and made a full recovery.
This recall involves the toy nails sold as part of 11 additional models of Little Tikes Workshop and tool sets listed here. The toy nails are oversized, plastic, and about 3.25 inches long by 1.25 inch in diameter. The nails are either red or blue and have a large round head. Below the nail head there is a plastic ridge, slightly smaller than the nail head and about 1 inch in diameter. Model numbers may be found on some of the products.
Little Tikes will provide replacement toy nails for free. For additional information, contact Little Tikes at 800-321-0183, or visit www.littletikes.com.
Little Tikes Expands Recall of Toy Workshop and Tool Sets Due to Choking Hazard [CPSC] 2009 Recall: Little Tikes Children’s Toy Workshop Sets and Trucks Due to Choking Hazard [CPSC]

For more information:
View article...

Consumer Reports News
Subject: 14,000 wood musical toys recalled for choking hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Battat Inc. of Plattsburgh, NY, announced the recall of 14,000 Musical Wooden Table Toys. The table-top toy has small pegs that can detach from the xylophone and pose a choking hazard to small children.
CPSC and Battat have received nine reports of loose and detached pegs, but no injuries have been reported.
The musical toy has colorful instruments affixed to the green-painted table top surface. The table stands about 7-1/2 inches tall and has three supporting legs. Instruments on the table include a xylophone, cymbal, drum and two drumsticks.
The Musical Wooden Table Toys were sold nationwide at music and toy stores as well as online from September 2006 to October 2010 for about $30.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Battat (toll-free: 800-247-6144 website: www.battatco.com) to receive a free replacement product.

Musical Wooden Table Toys Recalled by Battat Due to Choking Hazard [CPSC]

Brightly Green wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

HGL Holiday Planning 12 Week Notebook Contest!

2011-12-17T19:40:00.000-08:00

All of our followers of the HG Labs Planning Notebook should be able to sit back, relax and enjoy this week before Christmas! Your gifts have been purchased & wrapped, meals planned, festive appointments all in order!

So…with some time on your hands! Maybe you would like to be adventurous and make a New Holiday Recipe! Try Frieda's Banana Pineapple Nut Bread (from our Week 11 Holiday Planning Guide).

OR: a featured recipe sent in to us from Amateur Cook; “Salmon & Cheese Biscuits”

[for our U.S. readers: follow this conversion: ¼ pound salmon, bake @ 350 degrees F]

You can always tuck them into your HG Labs Holiday Notebook for next year’s planning too!

Share some of your favorite recipes with us and YOU could be a winner!

In the Spirit of Giving:

Brightly Green Cleaners Presents!

HGL Holiday Planning 12 Week Notebook Contest!

($80.00 Value)

As a special THANK YOU for all our friends, readers and customers

your name will be submitted every time you send us a Holiday comment, Holiday recipe,

Holiday poem or Holiday tradition (New or Old).

Email us a picture of your eco-friendly festive decorations or anything relating to

Christmas, New Year's or any Holiday event.

Rules:

Please make sure we have your contact info so we can enter you into the contest!

You can email it to us separately at:

sharron@hglabsllc.com

Contest runs through New Year's Day 1/1/12

Winner will be announced on 1/2/12

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week 12 of the 12 Week Holiday Planning Notebook

2011-12-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Week Before Christmas

HGL Holiday Planning Notebook Poem

By Angel Wilder

'Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house,

not a creature was worried not even your spouse.

The presents in recycled paper were wrapped

And all Santa's helpers could sit down and laugh.

Organization and planning was all that it took.

And it was a breeze thanks to their HGL Holiday Planning Notebook.

The budget was followed, traditions were set,

The New Year was looming, the finances kept.

When chaos and bedlam around them appeared,

They all settled down with nothing but cheer!

The house how it sparkled, it smelled quite divine

With scents of fresh lavender, cucumber, and lime.

Poem written by Angel Wilder

Thank you Angel for your wonderful Eco-Friendly HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook poem!!!

---------

Santa is coming to town he will be proud you checked your list twice and that you have not been naught and you have been so nice! So check these few chores off your list and enjoy your family, friends, Holiday parties and Holiday events!

Holiday Budget: Check your budget...adjust if need be.

Gift List: Double check your list to be sure you have not missed anyone. Add anyone you forgot or received a surprise gift or card from!

All your gifts and crafts should be wrapped and placed under your Christmas tree or on your Holiday Gift Table. Any gift you need to mail should go out today!

Menus & Recipes: Check your menu section of your HGL Holiday Planning Notebook for your ingredient list table chart (if your hosting). If you are attending parties or dinners and plan to bring dishes to the events, check that ingredient list as well. Also, if you are hosting, consult your table decorating section for any additional items you may need. Homemade eco-friendly decoration may be a good option. Please be aware of poisonous holiday plants that can make your pets or children sick like poinsettias and keep out of reach.

Cleaning: 15 to 20 minute cleaning for each room with an emphasis on changing linen and tidiying up your guest rooms (if you are having guests). Be sure and keep our Brightly Green Multi-Purpose Cleaners and our Brightly Green Carpet Spot Remover handy for spills and last minute clean up!

HGL Holiday Planning 12 Week Notebook Contest!

($80.00 Value)

As a special THANK YOU for all our friends, readers and customers your name will be submitted every time you send us a Holiday comment, Holiday recipe, Holiday poem or Holiday tradition (New or Old). Email us a picture of your eco-friendly festive decorations or anything relating to Christmas, New Year's or any Holiday event.

Rules:

Please make sure we have your contact info so we can enter you into the contest!

You can email it to us separately at:

sharron@hglabsllc.com

Contest runs through New Year's Day 1/1/12

Winner will be announced on 1/2/12

We look forward to your wonderful entries!

HG Labs reserves the right to use our discretion on the appropriateness of the submissions.

Merry Christmas from Brightly Green Cleaners!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Sleeping Safely - Parent Reminders for Infant Care

2011-12-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

Many of you will be traveling during the holidays. May the following articles remind you to not take short cuts in keeping your infants safe when it comes to bedtime. Brightly Green Cleaners cares about you and your little ones!

Consumer Reports News

Thursday, November 24, 2011 8:30 AM
Poll shows that infants still at risk in unsafe sleep settings

Despite the relentless drumbeat of recommendations for the past two decades urging parents and caregivers to put babies “back to sleep,” as a way to reduce the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death syndrome in the United States, a recent poll from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, of the University of Michigan Health System, has found that awareness hasn’t necessarily translated into action.
According to a survey, when parents of children up to 3 years of age were asked about both their beliefs about safe sleep positions and about the sleep settings and positions for their children during infancy, the discrepancy between knowledge and practice was evident.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long recommended that parents put their babies to sleep on their backs in the crib, and 89 percent of parents believe that is a safe sleep position. Yet, despite the AAP’s recommendation that babies sleep alone in their cribs, 73 percent of survey respondents had reported falling asleep with their babies in their beds and other places, and 40 percent of the respondents also believed that it was safe for infants to sleep in bed with another person.
These findings are of particular concern, suggested Dr. Bethany Mohr, medical director of the child protection team at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, as the holiday season approaches and families may be traveling with their babies to other people’s homes or staying in hotels.
Parents, and caregivers, need to remain mindful of these recommendations:
• Babies should always sleep alone, in a crib or bassinette, with a firm mattress and tightly fitting sheet.
• The crib should be bare (no blankets, plush toys, or anything that could pose a risk of suffocation or smothering).
• Parents and caregivers should not fall asleep while holding their babies.
The AAP, which originally launched the “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1992, recently published new guidelines urging parents to keep cribs free of bumper pads, soft bedding, pillows, blankets, loose bedding as well as sleep positioners or other devices, like wedges.
See our Buying advice and Ratings (available to subscribers) for a wide range of products for babies and kids including cribs.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

View article...

You may be wondering, well how can I be sure my child is warm enough while he/she sleeps? Read on...answers below!

Consumer Reports News
Thursday, December 01, 2011 7:00 AM
Keep baby cozy in the crib without blankets

When baby sleeps in his bassinet or crib, he’s safest with only a fitted sheet—no blankets, comforters, pillows, or bumpers, all of which are suffocation hazards. How can he still stay comfortable and cozy? Read our guidelines to learn more!
Let baby sleep unencumbered
Don't wrap your bundle of joy in blankets or comforters when he's in a crib. He can quickly become entangled and—unable to free himself—potentially suffocate. Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed animals, and dolls don't belong in a bassinet or crib.
Dress baby properly
If it's cold, try putting your baby in a cozy zippered sleep sack or foot pajamas. Since babies can quickly overheat, if you're worried that your baby is too warm, you should feel his chest or the back of his neck. If he's hot and sweaty, the room temperature should be cooler. Or, put your baby to sleep in lightweight clothes and set the thermostat to a comfortable 70 degrees F. Overheating might contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Use safe sleepwear
Babies pajamas should fit snuggly and be made of flame-resistant fabric. There should be no drawstrings, ribbons, or anything else that might catch on something. Buttons and snaps should be firmly attached to avoid becoming a choking hazard.
Don't use an electric blanket, heating pad, or even a warm-water bottle to heat your baby's crib. An infant's skin is highly sensitive to heat and can be burned by temperatures that are comfortable to an adult.
Get more safe sleep tips, as well as crib safety advice, in our complete cribs buying guide.

View article...

Brightly Green thanks Consumer Reports for these important and timely articles!

Brightly Green wishes all of you a wonderful & SAFE holiday season!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week 11 Holiday Planning - Christmas Countdown

2011-12-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Week 11 Christmas Holiday Planning Countdown - Homemade Baking Gifts & Family Cookie Baking

You have done the hardest work. For these two weeks just enjoy family and friends. A little homemade holiday baking and preparation for your gatherings and parties are in order now!

Budget: As always take a few minutes to review your budget. This is when you could really get off track. Regardless of how naughty or nice you have been you will be glad you were diligent...come January!

Gifts: Because you have been following your HG Labs Holiday Notebook you should slide into Christmas festivities without a hitch. Include in your HG Labs Holiday Notebook any new invitations and gift giving additions now. There are still some great deals out there and you can more than likely get them delivered in time too. Wrap any new gifts and put them under your tree or gift table.

Cleaning: Because of all the Holiday decorations...you and your home may sparkle plenty...if so, a good sweeping/dusting may be in order! The Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner is great for dusting. Just spray a little Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner on a microfiber cloth and dust. It's great for any coated wood surfase...Not only for your wood floors! Give your home a 15 to 20 minute cleanup in each room. You've done the hardest work, now you can enjoy the benefits!

Cooking: Organize your menu/s and shop for ingredients. Set aside time for cookie baking with family and special homemade gift baking. Below is a favorite (tried & true) recipe from a dear friend:

A great homemade gift everyone will enjoy!

Frieda's Banana Pineapple Nut Bread:

Makes 2 medium gifts or 4 small homemade baking gifts.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2cups sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
3 eggs beaten
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 8oz can crushed pineapple (undrained)
2 Tbsp. vanilla
3 to 4 mashed bananas

-------------------------

Combine dry ingredients; stir in nuts and set aside.
Combine remaining ingredients; add to dry...just until moist - do not over stir.
Spoon into pans - Two - 9x5 floured/greased loaf pans - Cook for 50 to 60 minutes.
Or:
Four - 5x2 floured/greased loaf pans - Cook for 40 minutes.

----------------------

Oven set @ 350 degrees
Cool 10 minutes then remove from pans and continue cooling on baking racks.

Thank you Frieda M. for your wonderful recipe!

Please share with us more of your Holiday traditions and recipes! Tell us what Christmas and the Holidays mean to you. We would love to share them!

Next week: HG Labs special Holiday reveal...a surprise for all our readers and customers!

--from all of us at Brightly Green Cleaners!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Alert!

2011-12-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

There is currently a recall of select canine diets from Iams & Cargill Animal Nutrition. The following diets are being recalled:

1) Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food with Use by or Expiration Dates of February 5 or February 6, 2013

Version                         Code Date                         UPC Code
7.0 lb bag                        1278417716                       1901402305
8.0 lb bag                        12794177D2                      1901410208
                                       12794177D3                      1901410208
17.5 lb bag                      12794177K1                      12794177K1
                                        12794177K2                     12794177K1

2) Cargill Animal Nutrition Recalls River Run and Marksman Dry Dog Food

a) Professional Formula River Run HI-NRG 24-20 Dog Food, 50 pound bags

b) River Run Professional Formula 27-18 Dog Food, 50 pound bags

c) River Run 21% Protein Dog Food, 40 & 50 pound bags

d) River Run Hi-Pro No Soy Dog Food, 40 & 50 pound bags

e) Marksman Dog Food 24% Protein 20% Fat, 40 pound bags

f) Marksman Dog Food 20% Protein 10% Fat, 40 & 50 pound bags

g) Marksman Dog Food 28% Protein 18% Fat, 40 pound bags

If you have purchased any of these diets, please go to the following links for additional information.

http://www.cargill.com/feed/dog-food-recall

http://www.iams.com/

The Doctors & Staff at St. Matthews Animal Clinic - Louisville, KY would be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning this recall! Contact their staff @ 502-895-8100

OR: Contact your local veterinarian with any questions!

We at, Brightly Green Cleaners, know our Readers love their special pets as we do!

Healthy Green Living is also about caring for the animals in our lives

in addition to caring for our precious families!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Santa's Helper Suggestions

2011-12-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green has some helpful gift ideas -
thanks to Consumer Reports!

Consumer Reports News
Subject: Disney AppMATes: Toy cars that come to life on the iPad

Kids love tablets. Some toy companies, such as Vtech, LeapFrog, and Fisher-Price, are responding to this love by creating tablet-toy hybrids (and we plan to test these in the near future). But Disney and Spin Master are taking a different and creative tack with AppMATes: "a new line of toys that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad," for ages 4 and up.

The AppMATes toys are Disney-Pixar Cars 2 characters; they come two at a time in a $19.99 package (available in October at Apple stores and other mass retailers). Each of the Cars 2 toys has sensors on its base that identify it uniquely to the iPad. To play with the cars on the tablet, you download a free app and simply place the toy on the screen. You can then explore, race, and perform missions in the virtual world of Radiator Springs by moving your car around. (See the embedded video below for a demo.)
AppMATes are inexpensive and look easy to use. And there's a lot of replay potential in the virtual-world connection, to which new content can be added endlessly. The big question, though, is whether mom and dad want to share their expensive iPad for kids to play on. No doubt anticipating potential hesitation on parents' part, Disney also announced a very well padded iPad case, also with a Cars 2 theme ($49, coming this fall).

To read more go to:

http://news.consumerreports.org/electronics/2011/09/disney-appmates-toy-cars-that-come-to-life-on-the-ipad.html

_____________________________________________________

Consumer Reports News
Subject: Family news from the November 2011 Consumer Reports

Fever thermometers (with Ratings), health insurance rankings, outlet store Ratings, a riding-toy recall, and more family news and consumer updates from the November 2011 Consumer Reports.
Money and shopping
Where to put your money now.Top products of the year. Recommended products that stood out among the thousands our experts rated.
Outlet stores: Worth the trip? Readers rate 58 stores for value.
Health and beauty
Fever thermometers--does infrared beat digital stick?
Best laundry detergents. Many conventionals beat concentrates.
Best moisturizers for dry skin.
Best health insurance for your family.
Food and drink
Quick brown rices--up to $1.08 per serving vs. 15 cents for regular brown rice.
Coffeemakers: the invasion of the pod.
Auto
Best car waxes to winterize your vehicle.
Upscale sedans.
Safety and consumer protection
Recall: Scoot 'n Zoom riding toy, plus other products.
The USDA allows 49.9 percent of ground turkey in test samples to be contaminated with salmonella. Consumers Union says that unacceptable. Plus, more of the latest challenges and possible solutions facing U.S. consumers today.

For more information please go to:

http://news.consumerreports.org/baby/2011/10/family-friendly-news-and-consumer.html

Brightly Green thanks Consumer Reports for these very helpful articles!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Support Green Responsible and Caring Eco-Friendly Businesses

2011-12-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

One of the Key Points to being Green and Going Green is Eco Friendly Responsibility.

We, at Brightly Green Cleaners, feel it is our Responsibility to be as up front and honest with you about the ingredients we put in our products.

All of our cleaning products are 100% sustainable and are made completely with
100% natural plant based products.

Another Key Point to being Green and Going Green is Caring.

Caring for people and local businesses well as national and global green, earth- friendly caring.
We, at Brightly Green, Care about YOU.

We value PEOPLE, and as such, want to share with you articles and tips that not only help you to clean your home the best possible way with the best possible products; but share with you tips that help to enrich your lives.

"With you in mind," Brightly Green Cleaners has met some special people that truly care about safe, healthy, chemical-free foods for you and your family:

Meet John and Jessica Moody the originators of Whole Life Co-Op. Together they have built a large cooperative food club as well as helped others get co-op clubs going in their respective communities.

If you are interested in learning more about food co-ops, John has recently written a book, "Food Club and Co-op Handbook".

In stating the reason he wrote the book; John said, "Our desire isn't to become rich, but to help others enrich the health of their families, farmers, communities and countries."

John and Jessica also have a blog with many helpful and informative articles on what is or is not found in the foods we consume.

Brightly Green believes in supporting Green Responsible and Caring farmers and businesses.

Thank you John and Jessica Moody for the incredible Responsible and Caring work you do to help eco-friendly families sustain themselves as well as promote sustainable healthy life styles!

Earth Friendly, Green Responsibility and Healthy Living Care: It's that Simple!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week 10 of the Holiday Planning Notebook

2011-12-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

First: Check your Holiday Planning Notebook budget. Are you on budget? Should you add some or take some away from your budget? Evaluate how your plan is working so far...any improvements you can consider in your planning or clean up if so, make note of it now for next year.

Next: Did you campout or stampede the stores with the other bargain hunters anticipating the best prices for Black Friday or join the Cyber Monday discount shoppers fingering their way to great deals? Let's hope you kept your Holiday Notebook Gift List in front of you and were not drawn in to bargains you did not need or plan for.

Christmas Preparations:

By now you should have put away your Thanksgiving decorations as well as tucked away in your notebook many special memories to be visited next year! Many of you have begun or finished your Christmas decorating, if not, try to set aside time this week.

Wrap all your Christmas gifts and place them around your tree or gift table. Check your list to see if you have missed anyone. Make note of all upcoming events and have your recipes ready when needed. Mark them off against your event calendar. Prepare for any new invitation or unexpected surprise events.

Still looking for eco-friendly gifts? Check our these Green Toys that are available:

Green Toys
http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/shopunshop/10greentoys.cfm

Family Green Christmas Project: Why not make homemade gifts for Grandma & Grandpa! Many grandparents love homemade gifts from their grandchildren. This can be a fun-filled family night too!

Cleaning:

Although most of your time this week will be devoted to putting Thanksgiving decorations away and bringing our your Christmas things; be sure to tidy up every room - giving 15 to 20 minutes per room. Keep your Brightly Green cleaning basket close at hand; making you an efficient, cleaning machine! Look for great green cleaning specials this month at Shop Brightly Green!

Next Week: Putting it all together. Crunch Time!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Holiday Traveling With Children

2011-11-29T18:39:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green would like to share with you this helpful article. If you plan to travel with children this upcoming holiday season; read on!

Consumer Reports
by: Natali Morris

Parenting
App review: Road Trip Bingo
Jul 11, 2011 8:00 AM

"Are we there yet?" The well-prepared parent can stave off the dreaded road-trip whine by planning some fun family activities. If you're traveling with an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, consider the Road Trip Bingo app. [corrected link]
The game has bingo boards with travel icons instead of letters and numbers. You can play single or double player. You play like traditional Bingo: The object is to mark off squares on your board until you have marked off five in a row, either up and down, across, or diagonally.
In traditional Bingo, a person calls out numbers and letters that correspond to the squares on your board. In Road Trip Bingo, your squares are filled with images of things you would commonly see on a road trip. When you see those things out the window, you mark them off by touching the icon so that a purple dot appears over the image.
There are dozens of icons to search for, including cows, horses, cars, trucks, bicycles, crosswalks, and street signs for speed limit, merging, detours, one way, pedestrian crossing, and more.
When you play with two people, the iPad screen is split into two boards, so you play simultaneously. This doesn't allow you to be very competitive, because if you see a green car and mark it off, your opponent will see it too. You end up collaborating more than competing. But it's a lot easier to catch your opponent cheating!
I played Road Trip Bingo with my mom on a recent road trip (my son is too young to play this yet). While traveling through the Altamont Pass in Northern California, we saw a small farm with cows. She marked off cows and horses when there were clearly no horses on that farm. I indignantly called her out and unmarked her horse box. She still won, though. Twice. But I'm not bitter.
When a Bingo is reached, the app identifies a winner and shuffles though the icons to give you a new board. You can't go for a blackout, or a completely marked-off board.
The game has background music, which I found pretty annoying, so I turned it off. It was more fun to announce to the other four people in the car that I desperately needed a Merge Left sign. It became a fun group activity with everyone on the lookout for items.
I wasn't sure how much of a purist I should be about the game, though. For instance, I marked off my speed-limit icon when I saw a sign posting the speed limit at 65 miles per hour. The icon on the board says 55 mph, though. Close enough, right?
Also, should you count a Merge Left icon if the one you see is only graphically represented and not written out? And should you mark off a green car if what you see is a green SUV? I did all of those things. And yet, I still lost.
Road Trip Bingo HD costs 99 cents in the iTunes App Store.
—Natali Morris

Brightly Green thanks Natali Morris & Consumer Reports for this article!

May your holiday travels be filled with wonderful memories!

If you have any special travel tips...leave us a comment!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

My Thankful List

2011-11-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving it is a good time to begin to count our blessings!

MY Thankful List

10 things I’m (Sharron) thankful for!

1: God and His love

2: my wonderful husband (the genius)

3: my precious family

4: our sweet pet

5: my warm home

6: our great customers

7: the best job in the world

8: for caring friends

9: for our freedom

10: beautiful music, art & books

Leave us your thankful list!

f

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week Nine of the HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook-Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

Make this Thanksgiving a Stress-Free Holiday

Stay on Budget: Remember that being together is more important than what you have or have not.

“Get Your Game Plan On”: Review your HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook to make sure you are on target. Is your meal plan complete? Are rooms ready for your guests? Are decorations in order? Make a list and check it off as you complete a task. This helps to insure that you do not forget something.

Cook tomorrow (Wed.) for less stress: If you have not done this before, why not give it a try. As much as you can do on Wednesday will free you up to be with the friends and family on Thanksgiving. Our readers have given us some great holiday recipe ideas if you are in the mood for a little change.

Decorations: Set your table the night before if possible or have everything handy when it’s time to set the table. A fun and inexpensive table decoration for your children to do are: name tags. Take a posterboard or cardstock paper and cut out rectangles to make name tags for each placesetting. Fold the rectangles in half lengthwise. Older siblings can write the name of each guest on each name tag. Younger children can add festive stickers to the tags. (Many younger children enjoy being included in the holiday preparations!)

Cleaning: Be sure all bathrooms are in order and guest rooms are ready to go! Vacuum your rugs, carpets and Brightly Green clean your floors with Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner Concentrate. Quick Tips! Have ready your Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Spot Remover Concentrate and Brightly Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate handy on Thanksgiving Day. Accidents happen; be prepared!

One of our wonderful readers sent us some Thanksgiving thoughts.

Thank you Judy S.

“For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all of us from birth to death guests at a table which we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet… Shall we think of the day as a chance to come nearer to our Host, and to find out something of Him who has fed us so long?”

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving from all of us at Brightly Green!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

HG Labs Holiday Reader Recipes:

2011-11-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green thanks all of our readers

for sending us your favorite holiday recipes!

Honey-Lime Fruit Salad -- Gluten Free

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup frozen (thawed) limeade concentrate

2 tsp. poppy seeds, if desired

4 cups cut-up fresh fruit

1/4 cup slivered almonds; toasted

Mix honey, limeade concentrate and poppy seeds in medium bowl. Carefully toss fruit with honey mixture. Sprinkle with almonds. Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is gluten free. Products and ingredient sources can change.

To toast almonds, cook in ungreased heavy skillet over medium-low heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until browning begins, then stirring constantly until golden brown.

Prep Time 10 Min – Total Time 10 Min – Servings 4

Cook: Judy H

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Gluten-Free Pasta-less "Macaroni"& Cheese

(This makes a wonderful side for your Thanksgiving Meal as squash is in season!)

1 medium sized spagetti squash
3-4 cups hard cheese (such as cheddar)
1/4 stick of butter + 3 TBS. butter for topping
1/2 cup ground (or finely chopped nuts-almonds suggested)

Cut squash into 1 inch cubes and boil until soft. Let the squash cool then remove the skin. In a 9x13 casserole dish, layer with half of the cheese, top with half of the cooked squash, put chunks of half the butter on the squash. Repeat the steps above.

On top: Mix the 3 Tbsp. of butter with the ground nuts. Sprinkle on top.

Bake @ 400 degrees F. for approximately 40 minutes. Or until cheese is bubbly throughout.

Prep time 20-30 minutes    Serves: 8-10

Cook: Peggy V.

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Healthy Breakfast Bars: Great for company! Can also serve as a healthy snack!

1 cup flour
1 cup oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce OR one mashed banana
6 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix altogether and pour into a greased casserole dish.

Bake @ 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes   Serves 8-10

Cook: Peggy V.

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Corn Pudding

2 cups butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped 1/4 cup
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 cups milk (1 quart)
6 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 12oz bags frozen corn, thawed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
3/4 cup bread crumbs
3 tablespoons butter or marjarine, melted

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 13x9 inch (3 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In a 4 quart Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended. Stir in milk. Cook 4-5 minutes stirring constantly until thickened. Gradually stir in eggs and cheese. Stir in corn and parsley. Pour into baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle over corn mixture.

Bake uncovered 55-65 minutes or until mixture is set and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Prep time: 20 min. -Total Time: 1 hr. 35min.       Servings: 16 1/2 cup each

Cook: Barbara E.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dijon Deviled Eggs

Trade fat free sour cream for mayo for a leaner version.

6 eggs

3 tablespoons fat-free sour cream

3 tablespoons creamy Dijon mustard

1 medium green onion, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)

1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Paprika

In 2-quart saucepan, place eggs in single layer; add cold water until 1 inch above eggs. Cover and heat to boiling; turn off heat. If necessary, remove pan from heat to prevent further boiling. Cover and let stand 20 minutes. Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled. To remove shell, crackle it by tapping gently all over; roll between hands to loosen. Peel, starting at large end.

Cut peeled eggs lengthwise in half. Scoop out egg yolks into small bowl; mash with fork. Stir in sour cream, mustard, onion and seasoned salt.

Fill egg white halves with egg yolk mixture, heaping lightly. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Prep Time 20 Min – Total Time 1 Hr 5 Min – Servings 12

Cook: Jean N

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Tofu Not-A-Turkey from Gentle Thanksgiving

6 lbs. firm tofu

Stuffing:

1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 Tbsp. sesame oil
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. parlsey
Salt & Pepper, to taste
3 cups cubed whole wheat bread
2 cups cubed corn bread
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

Basting Liquid:
1/2 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce

One hour before cooking, mash the tofu and pack it into a colander lined with cheesecloth or a clean towel.
Place the colander over a large bowl to catch the liquid from the tofu. Weigh it down with a heavy object such as a can or jar on top of a bowl or small plate.

To make the stuffing, saute`the onion and celery in the sesame oil. Mix the seasonings into the cubed bread.
Combine everything, adding enough vegetable broth to moisten. Add nuts if desired.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Press the tofu with your hands to form a hollow center, fill with the stuffing mixture, and press down. Flip the tofu with 3/4 of the sesame oil and soy sauce mixture, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil, baste again with the remaining basting mixture, return to the hot oven, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with gravy.

____________________________________________________________

Cranberry Salad:

1 3oz Cherry Jell-O
1 3oz Orange Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
1 12oz bag cranberries (not dried)
2 cups apples (peeled and cut into chunks)
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup pecans

Mix Jell-O and boiling water. Set aside. Chop cranberries, apples, and pecans in food processor (or finely dice by hand) Add sugar. Mix with Jell-O. Chill until set.

Prep time: 15-20 minutes. Servings: 8 -10

Cook: Brenda F.

__________________________________________________________________

Ribbon Salad     (Especially Beautiful for Christmas as it contains ribbons of red & green jello)

Layer One:
1 6oz lime-flavored gelatin
2 cups hot water
2 cups cold water

Mix together until gelatin is dissolved. Pour into clear 14x10x2 in clear casserole dish or into a large clear bowl.

Chill until set.

Layer Two:
1 3oz lemon-flavored gelatin
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup white, minature marshmallows
1 20oz can crushed pineapples- reserve the juice
1 8oz pkg. cream cheese softened
1 cup heavy cream whipped (or Cool Whip)
1 cup mayonnaise

Add lemon gelatin to 1 cup hot water. Stir 'til gelatin is dissolved. Stir in marshmallows until melted. In a separate bowl; gradually add the reserved pineapple juice to the cream cheese-stirring constantly. Stir in pineapple, mayonnaise and whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Add this to the gelatin/marshmallow mixture.

Chill until thickened. Pour over the lime gelatin mixture (Layer One) Chill until almost set.

Layer Three:

1 6oz cherry gelatin
2 cups hot water

Stir cherry gelatin into 2 cups hot water and 2 cups cold water: stirring until dissolved.

Chill until mixture has the consistency of syrup.

Pour over pineapple/cream cheese layer (Layer Two)

Chill until firm

Prep time approx. 2 hrs.   Servings 24

Cook: Audrey B.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Rice Snow

Mix together:
1/2 cup cold water
1 pkg. unflavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
dash of salt

Add in:
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium sized can crushed pineapples with its juice
1 jar marchino cherries drained and cherries- halved

Cut in 1 8oz container whipped cream (Cool Whip)

Prep time: 30 minutes   Serves 12

Cook: Edna P.

_____________________________________________________________________

Keep reading Brightly Green for more great tips, articles and holiday planning ideas!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week 8 of our HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Week (Turkey Day FUNdamentals)

Budget:

First check your budget....are you on track? If not, adjust now!

One week to Thanksgiving and you are probably hosting, visiting or meeting your friends and family (restaurant) for T-day. If it's your turn to host you may have several questions regarding the preparation of the turkey. Some quick questions answered below and an informative article can give you more details.

Vegan Thanksgiving/Vegetarian Thanksgiving:

If you are having a vegan or vegetarian meal then skip this section and send us some of your "Great Thanksgiving Vegetarian/Vegan recipes"! I know our readers would love to have them!

Below are short answers to the Thanksgiving Turkey FUNdamentals you may need to assure you have a fantastic Thanksgiving meal. Read the entire article for additional information. See article: USDA Turkey Fundamentals by Pat Moriarty, R.D. Registered Dietitian.

USDA Turkey Fundamentals

"Believe it or not, taking care of "Tom" isn't that tough. Just follow our "Turkey FUNdamentals" and your bird will turn out fine without a lot of toil and trouble. The experts at USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline say that each November, both novice and experienced cooks have the same basic questions on preparing a turkey." Here are the answers.

How Big a Turkey Should I Buy?

You'll need about one pound per person, or a pound and a half per person if you have hearty eaters or want ample leftovers.

When Should I Buy the Turkey?

While the quality and taste of frozen and fresh turkeys are quite similar, the keeping time is not. A frozen turkey can be purchased months in advance, but a fresh bird should be bought only 1 to 2 days ahead.

What Kind of Turkey Should I Buy?

There are basically two types of raw birds to choose from--a prebasted bird (typical ingredients include vegetable oil, broth, spices) or an unbasted bird to which nothing has been added. Is a "Tom Better than a Hen"? Age, not gender, is the determining factor for tenderness. All turkeys in the market are usually 4-6 months old. A hen generally weighs less than 16 pounds and a Tom is usually over 16 pounds. A fresh Organic Turkey is a great option too!

How Long Will It Take to Defrost a Turkey?

It's best to defrost your turkey in the refrigerator. The rule of thumb is a minimum of 24 hours of defrost time for every 5 pounds of turkey. Thus it can take 4-5 days to defrost a 20 pound turkey. A completely thawed bird will last for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator once defrosted.

How Long Should It Roast?

Roughly 15-18 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird, and 18-24 minutes per pound for a stuffed bird. Have your oven preheated to 325F. USDA HIGHLY RECOMMENDS THE USE OF A MEAT THERMOMETER TO DETERMINE DONENESS.

What Do I Do if the Turkey's Not Done on Time?

About the only thing you can do is keep cooking! You can turn the oven up slightly, or cover the bird tightly with a lid...

Can You Roast the Turkey the Day Before?

Yes. In fact, more and more people are taking this route. However, for safety reasons, the cooked bird must be deboned before being refrigerated.

Additional Questions?

For additional questions on cooking your holiday bird, call USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline. Call 1-800-535-4455. Washington, D.C. area residents call 202-720-3333.

I hope these Turkey Tips Help!

Holiday Cleanup!

This week should be devoted to changing bed linens, with extra attention to bathrooms. The rest of your house gets a 15-20 minute cleanup.

Thanksgiving Day: Be sure and clean your counters and cooking dishes as you go. Taking the time to wash and put your dishes away while you are preparing the meal will help to give you more time with friends and family and less time in the kitchen. Our Brightly Green Dishwash is perfect for quick cleanups. Just squirt a little in your sink and soak your dishes for a couple of minutes...your dishes will sparkle and be squeaky clean. Makes Thanksgiving Day clean up easy!

Thanksgiving Decorations:

Refer to your HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook for your Thanksgiving table decorations and any special recipes you want to use. Making meal plans and purchases ahead of time will help you not be too overwhelmed.

Continue to share some of your great recipes. We may put together an HG Labs Favorite Holiday Recipe Book!

This Saturday look at our blog for some holiday recipes and tips that you, our readers, have suggested!! Keep sending us your recipes, holiday tips and traditions! We love them!!!

Brightly Green Thanksgiving Shopping Specials: 10% Off everything in the Brightly Green store, Free Shipping and a special Thanksgiving gift just for your Home Sweet Home. Hurry...Ends 11/26/11!!!!!!!

Next Week: Christmas Planning Countdown! (4 weeks to go)

Remember to send us your favorite Holiday recipe!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Brightly Green featured on Eco-Flock!

2011-11-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Brightly Green

takes center stage

Eco Flock!

Must see us at:

http://www.youtu.be/deBPJNZo4xA

Thank you eco-flock.com!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

HG Labs Holiday Planning Guide Countdown

2011-11-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

This is also our two week countdown to Thanksgiving Day!

If you have been following along you know the first thing you should do is check your budget and if you need to adjust it, do so now.

Thanksgiving Plans: If you are hosting Thanksgiving refer to your recipes, decorations and accommodations for guests and family. Many families find they are traveling to several relatives and friends on Thanksgiving Day. If you will not be the host, plan for some eco-friendly travel tips you will find below! Make this a special time with family and friends that everyone will be thankful for years to come!

Thanksgiving is an American holiday full of wonderful traditions. Why not include some eco-friendly and green traditions this year! In your HG Labs Holiday Notebook keep some of your original Thanksgiving traditions and add some new eco-friendly traditions too!

Here are a few tips to make your Thanksgiving holiday even more meaningful! A green Thanksgiving can make you, your family, and everyone's experience even more thankful.

Thanksgiving - Give Thanks: The first Thanksgiving was about the Pilgrims celebrating and giving thanks for their life in America. Take time to count your blessings and share what you are thankful for with your family and friends. Also, take time to say thank you to the people you most care about. If you are unable to be together call and send them an eco-friendly e-card.

Eco-friendly Decorations: Start a family tradition by making your own decorations. Use construction paper for a family project of Pilgrims and Indians for decorations you will adore for years.

The Three Eco-Friendly R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Your HG Labs Planning Notebook can help you reduce waste by buying only what you need. Look for packages that can be recycled. Take reusable bags when you go shopping. Using cloth napkins will not only tell your guests they are special, it will save excess throwaway paper.

Have your recycle bins readily available for your guests and mark them so they will know what goes where. Recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum. Consider a compost bin for your leftovers. Great for your garden next spring too!

Go Organic and Buy Local: Organic food is better for you and also is better for the environment. Organic food does not use antibiotics, pesticides, fertilizers as well as artifical hormones and is healthier for you. Using locally grown food tastes better and is also better for your local economy. When possible support local farmers as well as local merchants.

Thanksgiving Eco-friendly Travel Tips: Before traveling double check your auto to be sure your tires are properly inflated and that your car is in good working order and will create fewer emissions. Carpool when possible to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Green Cleaning: This week give your living room or great room a good going over. Use our Brightly Green Multi-Purpose, Brightly Green Carpet Spot Remover, and Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner for a sparkling clean non-toxic, pet friendly and kid friendly surface. Go through each room for 15 to 20 minutes to keep up with the rest of your cleaning.

Check out our 10% off all Brightly Green products + Free Shipping + Home Sweet Home gift... just to help you get ready for a toxic-free Holiday and to say thank you to you from all of us at Brightly Green!

Next Week: Final Thanksgiving Preparations and a special Eco-Friendly surprise to say "Thank You" to all of you! Please continue to send us ideas and recipes. We love them! Send to sharron@hglabsllc.com or better yet leave your idea in the comment area below. I will be sharing your tips and traditions in next week's blog post.

Remember to send us your favorite holiday recipe or tradition!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Buy Brightly Green at Bluegrass Green Company

2011-11-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Bluegrass Green Co. / 804 E. Market St. Louisville, Kentucky 40206 / p. 502-365-3373

Environmental Building Supplies

Zachary Riles Owner of Bluegrass Green Co. moved to Louisville, KY in 2008. He recognized a need for a green, environmentally friendly building supply company here in Louisville, KY. His commitment to healthy green alternative building supplies has been received here in our green community as well as environmentally concerned building contractors with a great deal of success.

His beautiful showroom/store is located in the progressive east end area of downtown Louisville the Greenside. Bluegrass Green Co. gives eco-friendly shoppers a great alternative product when they are looking for beautiful, durable building supplies, as well as providing concerned contractors with sustainable building products… beautiful building products, a large selection to choose from… what more could you ask for!

Brightly Green All-Natural Household Cleaners is proud to be a part of the eco-friendly products he offers.

About Bluegrass Green:

Bluegrass Green Co.'s mission is to offer quality green building and sustainable remodeling choices for the eco-conscious consumer with the best interest of the environment and community in mind.

Our commitment is to provide truly sustainable and natural products of the highest quality as well as dependable service. We hope to help our customers facilitate a healthy lifestyle through the provision of innovatively designed products coupled with friendly, knowledgeable, and life-minded employees.

Check out Bluegrass Green's photos:
http://www.bluegrassgreenco.com/Bluegrass_Green_Co./Photos/Photos.html

Please drop by Bluegrass Green Co.'s showroom for great sustainable building products as well as our Brightly Green All-Natural Household Cleaners!

Brightly Green thanks Zachary and Bluegrass Green Co. Environmental Buiding Supplies for doing such a great job! Go to: http://www.bluegrassgreenco.com/ for more info!

Week 6 of the HG Labs Holiday Planning Guide!

2011-11-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's six weeks to Christmas & our countdown to Christmas begins!

For this week's holiday planning:

First: Check in with your budget! Be sure you are staying on track!

Next: Put away the Halloween decorations and costumes. Be Eco-friendly and consider exchanging your Halloween costumes with friends or family! This is a great way to recycle them for someone new to have fun with next year! Tuck your decorations into your Halloween Decorating Bin. Place your new pictures of costumes or decorations in your Holiday Notebook to use again as suggestions for next year.

Thanksgiving: We have 2 1/2 weeks to prepare for Thanksgiving! Begin to purchase some staple items for Thanksgiving. Review your menus and add more recipes or decoration tips to your HG Labs Holiday Notebook.

Thanksgiving Recipes: Since you are reviewing and preparing to make some of your favorite recipes; we would love for you to share them with us. Send them to email: sharron@hglabsllc.com or go to our facebook and share them there! Please be sure and leave your name...we want you to have the credit!

We would also love any Eco-friendly Thanksgiving tips too!

Cleaning: Dining Room cleaning would be great this week. This room may be one of the easiest rooms to Brightly Green Clean. With the advent of eat-in-kitchens, many of us are not using our dining rooms as much as we used too. You may want to work this room into a day with other projects. Regardless, a top-to-bottom cleaning is in order this week for your dining room.

Tip: Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner is great to dust with. It is great for any coated wood surface not only for wood floors. Jsut spray a little on a clean cloth and dust. Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner takes away grime and dirt (safe & effective green cleaning) and leaves your wood surface shining and toxic-free!

Give the rest of your house a 15 to 20 minute cleaning - room by room. Always looking to de-clutter as we have mentioned in past blogs.

Next week: The Holiday countdown continues. See...it's not that hard to get it all together for a stress-free holiday, if you plan ahead!

Remember to send us your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and comments!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Green Halloween Tips for Your HG Labs Holiday Notebook

2011-11-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

We at, Brightly Green, have received some great Halloween tips that you will want to add to your HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook!

Add the following Green Halloween treat- tips to the Halloween section in your notebook and save it for next year!

Thank you Deborah Schimberg of http://www.gleegum.com/ for the Halloween tips below!
Deborah is also a sponsor of greenhalloween.org

Be sure to check out Deborah's website gleegum.com!

Green Halloween (greenhalloween.org) has a lot of great, "eek-o-friendly" Halloween treat ideas.

The recent write-up on People Magazine's website, includes a few Green Halloween tips too: http://celebritybabies.people.com/2011/10/04/yum-10-green-halloween-treats-your-kids-will-love/

Thank you Deborah Schimberg of http://www.gleegum.com/ for the Halloween tips above!

Thanks again from Brightly Green for the great, Green Halloween treat tips!

Remember, if you have some suggestions or tips we would love to hear from YOU! Leave us a comment please!

Also be sure to send us your cute Halloween children's & pet costumes to: sharron@hglabsllc.com

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week Five of the 12 Week Holiday Plan - Happy Halloween Week!

2011-10-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Don't be scared... we have everything under control!

First: Check your budget be sure you are on track... adapt accordingly.

Next: Prepare last minute Halloween supplies and costumes (for your children and pets). After Halloween- Put away Halloween decorations - place them in a labeled bin- "Halloween"; with pictures for next year as well as for great memories for years to come.

At the same time retrieve you fall and Thanksgiving decorations. Go to your HG Labs Holiday Notebook found in "Week One" and prepare for a great fall and Thanksgiving!

Cleaning: Stay current with your cleaning and always make it green cleaning with "Brightly Green Household products". Give a quick 15 minute cleanup for each room this week.

Homemade Green Gifts: If you are making some homemade gifts finish a few more of them, wrap and hide them well.

How much more memorable will be your Holidays if you make some special homemade gifts for your special friends and family. Sustainable Green gifts can mean so much more!

We have had a few readers ask for some green gift suggestions.
Thank you for asking!

We suggest you check out these green homemade gift ideas at:

Green Craft Ideas for the Holidays

10 Elegant, Inexpensive, Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

We would love to see your great green gift ideas. Send them to us at: sharron@hglabsllc.com

Next week is all about the Six Week Green Holiday Countdown!

From Brightly Green:

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents on Halloween

2011-10-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Brightly Green & Joshua, the Maltese pictured here, would like to share with you what pet lovers need to be aware of during Halloween!

Article Courtsey of:

The American Society of the Provention of Cruelty to Animals www.aspca.org

and also:

St. Matthews Animal Clinic
111-R Fairfax Avenue
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 895-8100
(502) 893-0450 Fax

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet safe.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick or treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms-especially dark or baking chocolate-can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call St. Matthews Animal Clinic at 502-895-8100 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively non-toxic, but can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it (yes, a few pets are real hams). For pets who prefer their "birthday suits", wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go "au naturale" or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet's costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your cat or dog has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Brightly Green thanks ASPCA

& Deborah Ackerson, Practice Manager of St. Matthews Animal Clinic

for this helpful article to keep ours pets safe during Halloween!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Halloween Costumes!

2011-10-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Still wondering what your children should wear
for Halloween?

Brightly Green has some suggestions!

Aren't they all adorable!

We at Brightly Green would love to see YOUR adorable

children's Halloween costumes!

Please email your pictures to Sharron@hglabsllc.com

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week Four: Kitchen Cleaning & Halloween Preparations

2011-10-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Budgeting: First, go over your budget before shopping. Update your budget as needed.

Halloween: If you haven’t already put out your Halloween decorations do this now. Add to your list of serving pieces and guest items that need to be purchased. Purchase all the serving items needed for Halloween.

Shopping: Also, buy more presents that need to be purchased. If you plan to make a few homemade gifts this would be a good time to begin. Try to finish some of the homemade gifts this week. Wrap them and hide them well. Add to a list of decorating supplies that need to be purchased. Buy any items you can find off of your list. Include all of your lists in your HGL Holiday Notebook.

Cleaning & Organizing: Now that we de-cluttered last week it is time to clean your kitchen and pantry. Focus on thoroughly cleaning your kitchen and pantry this week. We want everything in great shape for cooking and entertaining. If you didn’t complete your de-cluttering go back to the three -step organizing plan we did in Week Three. Time yourself to clean each room in your home. Give yourself just 15 to 20 minutes in each room. This will help you maintain a clean home.

In order to have a smoothly organized holiday season, we need our kitchen and pantry ready to go. Use your Brightly Green Kitchen Cleaners for a sparkling and healthy Eco-friendly kitchen and pantry. You may need Brightly Green Granite & Tile Cleaner, Brightly Green Glass Cleaner, Brightly Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Brightly Green Wood Floor Cleaner, Brightly Green Stainless Steel and Brightly Green Dish Wash. Brightly Green’s aromatherapy cleaners will make cleaning almost fun! Need some Brightly Green Cleaners; we have a special gift with purchase for you! Don’t miss out shop now!

Clean out and organize your pantry. Remove any old food. Donate any good food that your family won't eat to a local charity. Wipe down shelves and reorganize with whatever system that works for you.

Restock your pantry with supplies you will need for the holiday season.

Decorating:

Continue sketching your decoration plans in your HG Labs Holiday Notebook laid out in Week One.

Next week we continue with our Holiday Plan! Check back each week for a plan that will help make your Holidays memorable and fun!

Don't wait, get started today!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

A Special Purchase Gift for You!

2011-10-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU!

KEEP FOR YOURSELF

GIVE TO A FRIEND!

(Can make a great stocking stuffer too!)

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Surprise gifts +special gift=$10.00 value

(Limited time only with $20.00 purchase or more!)

GO TO OUR BRIGHLTY GREEN STORE

FOR MORE DETAILS!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week 3 of the HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook!

2011-10-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

If you have been following this blog you know that I went through my house last year and purged most everything we did not really need. Wow, I loved the outcome! This week we are going to do a mini-purging to prepare for the holidays.

DE-CLUTTER: Supplies you need

A large trash can and 2 boxes:

Throw Away - If you know these items are not sellable or good for donating because they are broken or damaged, throw them out.

Box 1: Give Away (Charity) or Sell - These items you could sell at a garge sale or gently used store. You may also consider giving them to a charity and make a donation. Be sure and list them and itemize what you think they are worth (donations made are tax deductible).

Box 2: Storage - These items you want to keep but may be out of season or you may want to use them at a later date. You should "really" want to keep them. Organize them in a group of "same as" items.

Sharron's Tip: I really like to decorate and hold parties and events. Over the years I have accumulated a lot of decorations, wreaths, etc. I use plastic bins that I label for each holiday or occasion. They stack nicely and I can find them easily when it is time to decorate for the party or event!

My Christmas decorations are the most extensive and receive a large area in my storage. The rest I can put in smaller bins. I have a bin for Easter & Spring, Halloween, Fall & Thanksgiving, New Years, Derby (I live in Kentucky), Fourth of July & other patriotic days, birthdays & showers (baby & wedding).

Shopping:
This week you should also shop for a few more gifts, wrap and hide them. Gifts that need shipping or mailing should be first on the shopping list.

We at Brightly Green hope you find this holiday planning guide to be of help to you!

If you have any holiday tips, be sure to leave us a comment!

We welcome your suggestions!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Why Organic Is Best!

2011-10-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Guest Blog:

Toni Jurkiewicz

http://organicecobaby.com/blog/

You wouldn't poison yourself so why poison your child?

Why organic is best.

Even though using organic baby products or even organic products for the whole family can be very expensive, your children and family are worth every penny. It will protect the ones you love from unexpected illness or skin irritations.

As a busy military wife with two adorable children, who both have allergies, I came to the realization that I too wanted to use all organic and eco friendly products; I just didn't know how I could afford it. Not only using foods from the local grocery store, but going as far as using organically produced cotton and dyes on my children's skins. Both of them have eczema, and any parent who has children with eczema kows how difficult this is to control and how to keep your child comfortable. My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was six years old. I have a strong passion about ADHD and decided that through this site I would like others to make an informed decision if the time ever arises. This can be done by organic products and learning the truths about ADHD. I will talk more about this in the future.

Having been in medical reaserch, I know firsthand the effects of chemicals, toxins and other products that we use on a daily basis, to our skin and bodies. We don't realize that the skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin abosrbs substances like a big sponge. The adorabe clothing out there that we purchase for ourselves and our children have all these beautiful colors, however, we don't stop to think what these are made from. Unfortunatley the scary thing is that all these dyes have very bad chemicals in them, dioxin, formaldehyde, azo dyes and heavy metals such as alum, chromium, copper, iron, and tin.

"Dioxins and furans are some of the most toxic chemicals known to science. A draft report released for public comment in September 1994 by the US Environmental Protection Agency clearly describes dioxin as a serious public health threat." (http://www.ejnet.org/dioxin/)
"Formaldehyde can be used for many purposes and is a poplular chemical because of its low cost. It also is found in items such as dyes, textiles, plastics, paper products, fertilizer, and cosmetics."
(http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/formaldehyde.htm)
I have only addressed two of the many chemicals/toxins that are in dyes that we expose our skins to 24 hours a day. They say that it all depends on exposure. So if we expose our skin to clothing with all these dyes and chemicals that we wear 24 hours a day, I would surmise that we are at high risk to exposure, wouldn't you?

OrganicEcoBaby.com not only endeavors to provide affordable organic and eco-friendly products for babies and the whole family, but to provide informative infomation, topics, and ideas on how to move forward and make a difference. I am committed to saving the environment and providing the children today and the future, a healthier more sustainable, nontoxic life. We wouldn't consciously poison ourselves, so why would we do it to our children and babies?

Think about it!

Our kids matter!

Thank you Toni

from Brightly Green

for a great article!

Our experiences and knowledge can help

one another, please consider making a

comment and or leaving your blogsite

address below!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week Two of the 12 Week Holiday Plan!

2011-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Budget:
One of the first things you want to do is determine a budget. Budget now for gifts, food, new decorations, holiday outfits, and anything else that relates to your holidays. After you create your budget stick to it!

Try to purchase some of the gifts on your list this week. Wrap them and hide them from prying eyes. Be sure to look for "on sale" items. Include all of your lists in your Holiday Notebook so that you can add to them or modify them as needed. To learn more about how to make an HG Labs Holiday Notebook-read blog post "Week One".

Scheduling:
Include travel plans in your Holiday Notebook. Schedule now to get the best accommodations and deals! Also, schedule any help from cleaning companies or meal services now. Don't forget making hair appointments! If you like to take family photos this would be a great time to schedule your session.

Decorating:
Design your decorating plans in your notebook. For example your Halloween look, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. You may even want to carry this ideal out for additional holidays such asValentines, Easter, and any other special days you want to include. (This could be added later too.) Hint: Take pictures of your tables, trees and decorations if you would like to duplicate any of them again next year; using the pictures for inspiration.

Cooking:

Make a list of your favorite dishes that everyone would miss if you didn't bring to holiday gatherings. Also make a list of holiday meals you would like to prepare. Check out new recipes in magazines and gather recipes you have gleaned from other great cooks you know! Decide where each event is being hosted and

what each person will be responsible for... including you!

Next Week (Week Three)...Organizing cllutter and more Holiday Notebook ideas!

Why not give us some holiday planning tips that work for you!

Please include them in our comment box!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

A Special Surprise From Brightly Green!

2011-10-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU!

KEEP FOR YOURSELF

GIVE TO A FRIEND!

(Can make a great stocking stuffer too!)

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Surprise gifts +special gift=$10.00 value

(Limited time only with $20.00 purchase or more!)

GO TO OUR BRIGHLTY GREEN STORE

FOR MORE DETAILS!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Week 1: Set up an HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook

2011-09-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Focus of the 12 Week Holiday Plan:

Planning

Plan your attack!

The first thing to do is to plan for the Holidays so you will not feel stressed and will be able to relax and enjoy your family and friends. Prepare with the HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook. Organizing now with you own HG Labs Holiday Planning Notebook will mean a more successful and enjoyable holiday time. The key though is to simplify and work at this daily or weekly!

The HG Labs Holiday Notebook should organize all of your holiday cleaning, decorating, travel reservations, gift lists, receipts for gifts, as well as recipes, budget, etc. This notebook will be the one place you go when you need direction and want to stay on task!

What You Need to Set up a Holiday Planning Notebook
(this should last you for years)

A Large Binder- Look for a sturdy three ring binder, one with pockets on the inside covers. Some people like to choose a red or green binder, while others choose a binder with a clear pocket on the front and print their own label for it. Go on, make it as festive as you want and personalize it with family pictures, etc.!

Dividers & Tabs- Use dividers with tabs and pockets to help in prioritzing. Write out how many events and categories you think you are going to need. Trust me... buy a few extra... you will think of more things as you go along. Start with at least 10 dividers.

A Highlighter and Indelible Ink Pen- Located in the front pocket of the binder or attach it with a string.

That's it! A three ring binder, some dividers with pockets, and a pen and you are ready to transform any holiday season into a precise organized event.

Sections Within Your Holiday Planning Notebook

Calendar
I suggest you keep your calendar on your computer with a paper calendar in the front or your notebook to help jog your memory and refer back to both from time to time. Be careful not to double book you and your family.

Budget
This may be the most important section of your holiday planning notebook. At the beginning of the holiday season, determine a reasonable budget based on your gift lists and ideas. Each section of your notebook needs its own allotment of the budget. Also keep this in front of your notebook. Tracking your spending can help you know where to make cuts or add a few frills to your holiday spending. You will have a great Holiday Season and no regrets!

Gift Ideas and Shopping Lists
Write down gift ideas for friends, family, or anyone you plan to gift. I buy gifts throughout the year when I see something special or "on sale". This will help to spread that budget a little further and give you more time to relax and enjoy the holidays!

Christmas Card Lists
Also your computer would be the best place to organize addresses. Keep your list up to date. Consider sending e-cards...more eco-friendly. If you want to send a special person a card consider one with a meaning like a seed or donation to a favorite charity!

Menus and Recipes
This would be a good section for menus: food menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and individual parties, will help you find everything at a glance. Put in copies of all your favorite holiday recipes. Include recipes for easy 20 to 30 minute meals to make during the busy holiday months. Gift jars and mixes would fit in this section too.

Personalize
Plan your personal traditions. The important activites that you and your family most enjoy... making cookies, caroling, Christmans tree shopping, etc. This section is to keep those traditions on your busy calendar.

Visiting and Travel
Organize your visits to family, friends and special events. You can keep travel arrangements, maps, directions and packing lists in this section. Information from past visits may help you be more prepared for any traveling issues.

Parties and Entertaining
This section should be used for guest lists, menus, and activity information just to mention a few ideas.

Receipts
Receipts would be a good idea to keep. Write information on the receipt, if it isn't already printed, include stores return policies and other info as well as the one who received the gift. You can bet something will break, not fit, or that they just may not want it.

Cleaning Schedules
Next organize your cleaning schedule. Extra things you may want to have tidy, maybe the glitter you will need to clean up... which is not in your regular cleaning schedule. Check my blog for year long cleaning tips also keep a look out for my new How to Cleaning and Organizing book.

Come back each week for more tips to make you Holiday Great & Green!

Don't let this be you...get organized and prepared!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

The 12 Week Holiday Organizing Plan!

2011-09-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Green Clean Your Holiday Home and Enjoy Your Family & Friends!

Starting this week we will begin the "12Week Holiday Plan". Come back each week for tips and strategies to make a successful holiday season. Traditions, love, laughter and your sanity will be kept.

What Is the 12 Week Holiday Plan?

The 12 Week Holiday Plan breaks down all of the tasks that you have to do during the holiday season into weekly focus areas with specific tasks to complete during a week. Instead of trying to cram all of your decorating, cleaning, organizing, buying, and planning into a few weeks before holiday events; we will work a little at a time for a worry free family/friend time!

Later this Week: customize the Brightly Green Clean Plan just for you and your traditions. Organize the holiday season by getting rid of clutter and getting some early planning done.

Keep watching for more holiday tips to come!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Tips to Grow Your Buisness!

2011-09-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

We at HG Labs and our different lines cherish our customer relationships!

That’s why we want to pass on tips to you that not only benefit you personally, but also your business!

Brightly Green encourages you to watch the video link below to learn more about how important spending time building relationships in your community is; and how those relationships will have a profoundly positive effect on your business!

Enjoy the video from Cleaning Biz.tv and GROW!

We value YOU!... Let us know if this video was of help to you.

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

A Healthier YOU!

2011-09-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

It is important to maintain a clean, fresh home for the health and overall well-being of your family as well as for yourself! You can start by improving the quality of the air in your home!

The first step toward cleaner indoor air is to replace all toxic cleaners in your home with non toxic, green cleaners.

Many cleaning products warn that they should be used in well-ventilated rooms. Why? --Because they really are not safe for you to inhale. Though, you may think that your room is well-ventilated, some of those fumes are getting out and into other rooms in your home.

There are many great, green cleaners that get the job done and are safe to use.

Clean regularly.

Weekly dusting and vacuuming will greatly help to reduce allergens and dust mites in your home. Bathroom cleanup is essential in keeping mold and mildew out!

Change the filters.

It is a good idea to have a set date when you will replace your furnace filter as well as your vacuum filter.

Did you know that houseplants act as air filters? Pretty much any broadleaf plant will do. If you have indoor pets, you may want to check with your vet to see which plants are safe around animals! Keep plants off the floor if small children may get into them!

Spice up the air.

Cozy scents such as apple pie, or baked cookies; give a sense of calm and rest. A quick tip to add those homey scents is to boil water in a saucepan and add your favorite baking spices to the water. Once the water comes to a boil; simply set the pan on a low temperature setting. Be sure to check the pan every so often as you may need to add more water. (You should be home if doing this; never leave a stove unattended.)

Make some changes today toward a healthier environment for you and your family!

Remember—more quick tips are coming soon from HG Labs Green Cleaning eBook”

If you have some quick cleaning tips, we’d love to hear from you!

Don't wait...send us you comment TODAY!

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The Ready Kit

2011-09-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

"To me a part of being organized
is being prepared for most anything. "

(Sharron McAdams, President/Owner
Brightly Green All-Natural Cleaners)

This year Americans have experienced earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes and tornados...just to mention a few of the natural disasters thrown at us. You do not have to be a boy scout to think well maybe I should prepare …just in case.

For several years my husband and I have chosen to put together what we like to think of as a “ready kit”. We chose September 11th to change everything out and update it. You can’t be ready for everything but you certainly can be ready for something.

I’m not the camping type. I have been known to say, “roughing it for me is when the ice machine is on the next floor.” So, if you are the outdoor camping type you will probably be way ahead of us but just in case you’re not, here are some ideas for your “Ready Kit”.

We have enough supplies for 3 days. There are just the two of us
and of course our dog.

Our Ready Kit consists of:

Canned tuna, canned soup, canned fruit, bottled water, & dog food

Blankets, fire starter logs, lighter, battery operated radio, two flashlights, battery operated camping light, extra batteries, can of Fix a Flat, candle, tarp, maps, all in one campers tool, first aid kit, pump, toilet paper, hand sanitizing wipes, garbage bags, medication information, flairs, eating utensils and a dog leash.

We also have a fire/waterproof safe with all our important information: insurance papers, passports, birth certificates, some important pictures, thumb drive with pictures of our home and its contents and a little cash.

To top it off we have escape routes from our home and a planned meeting place.

Not glamorous but efficient.

Are you ready? Send us your “ready kit” info! We would love to get your ideas too!

Our heartfelt prayers and love go out to the families and friends of the victims of 9/11.

We will never forget.

A cherished picture taken of me while on a shopping trip to New York several years ago.

When this picture was taken I never thought how special it was going to be.

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Brightly Green Has a New Look!

2011-09-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

Brightly Green has a new look.

Same great products…different look!

Check it out!

What do YOU think?.... Leave us a comment please!

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"New Affiliate Program"

2011-09-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Brightly Green "New Affiliate Program"

Announcing

One Stop Shop Website

for our

Great Green Household Cleaning Products!

Green Life Buys

To learn more visit Green Life Buys

Call us toll free: 866.605.1999

__________________________________-

While you are there

Check out our Brightly Green --HG Labs

"New Affiliate Program"

Make some Green while spreading the word about our

incredible Green products!

Become an affiliate and receive:

Commission

Incentives and More!

At our affiliate website: Green Life Buys you can

Shop:

Brightly Green for Home

Harmony

Baby Harmony Products

_________________________________________

Why not join us and sign up today!

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Have You Had it With Clutter?

2011-09-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from the HG Labs (Nature’s Laboratory)

Free E-book soon to be released.

Author: Sharron McAdams, President/Owner

BrightlyGreen All-Natural Household Cleaners

Last year, I decided to take control and to purge and organize. Much to my husband’s chagrin… he was pretty happy with the way things were. Some friends said I was organizing my organization. Simply because I keep my house fairly neat, they could not know what I knew…I was a “closet” hoarder!

I formed a plan of attack, prioritized and organized until I systematically got it done! Projects that seemed overwhelming were accomplished with working a few minutes a day. Working hardly more than an hour at a time, I was able to whittle my clutter down to a point now that I feel really good about! I will need to purge…one more time. But that’s just me. I will know this time that the things I “still” have and have not used can really go! It’s a good feeling!

Here are some ideals to get you going so you can feel good too!

Plan – You must have an idea how you want to live and what you want your life to be like. If you’re not good at an organizational chart…no problem. Just think about what makes sense to you and how it works with your lifestyle and space.

Prepare – Envision what you need and have it ready. Set aside a work space. I cleared out a section of my garage and set up a table with boxes, envelopes, baskets, sharpies, etc. As you are organizing have your Brightly Green cleaning supplies ready so you can clean behind and on the top of your surfaces. That way you will know you are really deep green cleaning.

Prioritize – You may want to start with the project you have been dreading the most. For me it was organizing years of family pictures. They had somehow gotten out of control and really needed some attention. However, it may help to slip in a few easier projects from time to time to get the instant satisfaction of completing a task.

Come back for more clutter free and green cleaning tips from me. Along with guest articles from organizational and cleaning experts, we will help you achieve the green-clean, clutter free life you need!

From our family to yours...we welcome your comments!

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How to Dispose of Toxic Products Safely!

2011-08-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

You and your family have decided to "go green" and use Brightly Green cleaning products..good for you! You know they work and you know they are sustainable and affordable. So...it's time to replace those toxic products in your cleaning basket!

When replacing your cleaning products, don't just throw the old ones in the trash. They are too toxic for your home; they are also too toxic for the environment. Many communities hold toxics and electronics recycling days and will take all of these off your hands. If not start one yourself. It would be best to plan how to eliminate chemical products before you throw them in your garbage or pour them down the drain. They just might end up back in your water supply.

Check out this downloadable pamphlet from the EPA.

http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/pubs/hhw-safe.pdf

I think a comment is coming! I hope it's YOURS!

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Make Housework Easy

2011-08-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Guest Blog article courtesy of:

Rachel Papworth founder of Green & Tidy

Make housework easy

Click here to join the Green and Tidy community, for regular hints, tips and inspiration on living a Green and Tidy life. (You’ll get a decluttering masterclass as a bonus for signing up).

I’m Rachel Papworth, the founder of Green and Tidy. I help people who have WAY too much stuff, to declutter and create homes they love, homes that support them to live the lives they want to live.

When your home works, your life works. Without you even noticing it, a home that works efficiently and is set up to support you to do the stuff you love, enables you to live the life you want to live.

Participants in my programme, Clear the Clutter, Stay Clutter-Free and Live the Life You Want, can look forward to the following benefits from decluttering and organising their homes:

1.      Saving time.
2.      Saving money.
3.      Getting rid of mental and emotional clutter.
4.      A simpler life.
5.      Better physical health.
6.      Reducing their environmental impact.

This is because, in a decluttered and organised home:

(photostock)

- You can lay your hands on anything you need quickly and easily.

- You’ve cleared out mental and emotional clutter as you’ve let go of the physical objects associated with it.

- You’ve got less stuff to manage.

(Puuikibeach)

- You’re spending less time and money on shopping, and having a lower impact on the environment because:

§ You no longer buy stuff to replace things you can’t find

§ You no longer buy stuff to replace things you’ve forgotten you’ve got

§ You no longer buy stuff to replace things that got knocked them off a pile of clutter and broken

§ You no longer buy stuff to replace things that got damaged under a pile of clutter

§ You’ve learned to bring into your home only what you truly want or need.

- You can protect your health by keeping your home clean.

- You’re more likely to use cleaning products that have a lower environmental impact because instead of blitzing occasionally with harsh products, you can quickly and easily clean on a regular basis.

It all adds up to peace of mind.

Rose was despondent and low about the state of her flat. She couldn’t face the overwhelming task of decluttering and she was afraid that her home would never be the way she wanted it to be.

Through my training and coaching her, she came to see that it would be possible for her to have “the flat I’ve always dreamed of”. As she cleared her clutter, she noticed for the first time in ages the massive dust-bunnies that had built up on the floor and the layer of dust on the skirting boards. She was shocked to think how that dust and dirt had been affecting the health of her and her ten-year-old son.

It’s not surprising dirt had built up. Cleaning around a clutter mountain is so time-consuming as to be nearly impossible. Moving all that stuff out of the way to dust, polish, wipe and vacuum (never mind dusting each of the objects in the pile) would have taken forever. And her clutter mountains were so precariously piled that she’d have risked knocking precious objects off and damaging them.

Her son’s verdict when she’d finished? “Clean!” he announced with a big grin.

Isn’t it fantastic what a difference decluttering and organising can make?

Click here to join the Green and Tidy community, for regular hints, tips and inspiration on living a Green and Tidy life. (You’ll get a decluttering masterclass as a bonus for signing up).

Brightly Green thanks Rachel for her wonderful article. We hope you enjoyed it too!

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Lincoln Heights Students Research ways to "Go Green"!

2011-08-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Kelly Carter’s, 9^th grade class at Lincoln Heights High School participated in a school research project “go green”. The following students: Katrina L., Bobby M., David P., Alicia G., and Daniel S., came up with several resources that they wanted to share with us.

Mrs. Kelly Carter, science and biology teacher at Lincoln Heights High School,found my page http://www.brightlygreen.biz/brightlygreenliving/ecoresources.html while researching for their current research project on ways to "go green." She wrote me that her students have been doing a good job in finding adequate information but they still have a ways to go in finding more reliable information.

She said, “Some of my students found other links during their research that if I may suggest, would be a perfect addition to this page and your site. I continued my bonus program from earlier this year for my summer classes to take advantage of. I wanted them to take a little extra time in doing research and bringing all of their findings to me for bonus points. In this situation if they find other resources that will make a site I have approved more resourceful, they receive added bonus points.”

Here are the sites that some of the students found:

http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=ac

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12420

http://www.betterbathrooms.com/green-bathroom-remodeling-guide/

http://mste.illinois.edu/courses/ci407su01/students/north/kristy/Project/K-DailyActivities-Net.html

http://www.air-n-water.com/air-pollution.htm

http://storyofstuff.org/bottledwater/

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/resource-guide-to-water-conservation.htm

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3915

Brightly Green and HG Laboratories, LLC wants to thank Mrs. Carter and her students for the wonderful resources they have shared with us! We have added these to the Brightly Green Page Brightly Green Living Eco Resources.

We are proud to be a part of this project! If you have a group or class that would like to submit information to us we would be happy to review it!

Please make my day; leave me a comment!

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New!!! Brightly Green Cleaning Company Directory!

2011-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Green Cleaning Company Directory

The Best in Green Cleaning!

We deserve YOU!

Do you know a great "Green Cleaning Company"? Help them to get the word out!

Are you a great "Green Cleaning Company"? You deserve to get the word out!

Brightly Green & HG Labs wants everyone to know about YOU and the Great Green Job you are doing!

It's Free!

It's just our way of helping to promote Green Cleaning and GREAT Green Cleaning Companies!

Residential Green Cleaning Companies

Commercial Green Cleaning Companies

Industrial Green Cleaning Companies

Click Here!

It's Free!

Get discovered…we deserve to know YOU!

Whatcha Doin?...We really would love to hear from you!

Don't you have a minute to leave a comment and maybe a link to your Blog and or Website?

Sole Searching

2011-08-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tips from HG Labs "Green Cleaning eBook"...soon to be available (Free). Sign up for the first release!

Imagine living at floor level where pets and small children spend much of their time. Who knows what is on your shoes at the end of the day. Shoes can bring in oil, fertilizer, animal waste, pollution, pollen and who knows what else into your home.

Keep the outside out of your home with a doormat or a shoeless house policy. Many green buildings now include entryway track-off systems as a means of maintaining healthy interior environments.

Less dirt means less sweeping, mopping and vacuuming; this reduces work, water, energy and chemical use.

Sign up today! Be the first to read it! Don't miss out! Celebrate our new eBook with us. Specials and great deals for YOU!

Shower us with your comments, we'd love to hear from YOU!

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Less Is More

2011-08-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Tips from HG Labs “Green Cleaning eBook”…soon to be available (Free). Sign up for the first release!

Houses and buildings with less clutter are cleaner and healthier and require fewer chemicals (natural or toxic) to maintain them. This can mean less is more…more time for the things you really want to do. This can also be a big money $saver as cleaning costs can often add up to as much as half of a building’s total maintenance cost, especially in larger buildings.

Sign up today! Be the first to read it! Don’t miss out! Celebrate our new eBook with us Specials and great deals for YOU!

Make me happy, leave a comment!

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Brightly Green “New Affiliate Program”

2011-07-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Announcing

One Stop Shop Website

for our

Great Green Household Cleaning Products!

Green Life Buys

For more info check out Green Life Buys

Call us toll free: 866.605.1999

___________

While you are there

Check out our Brightly Green - HG Labs

“New Affiliate Program”

Make Green while spreading the word about our incredible Green products!

Go to our affiliate website for more info : Green Life Buys

Shop:

Brightly Green for Home

Harmony

Baby Harmony Products

__________

Why Not!

If you have a:

Website Blog Facebook

"Free" to Join

Receive commissions, great affiliate contest and incentives!

We would love for you to be a part of us!

Summer Healthy Green Cleaning Tips!

2011-07-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

Healthy Summer Tips from Brightly Green!
How to Green Your Summer!

During the summer if you have your air conditioning working all the time and if you are using toxic products you may want to be concerned about the "Safety Factor". Many people think the winter is the only time to be concerned with toxic fumes in their homes. Summer too can create problems for people, kids and pets. Heat and humidity also can keep people indoors. The first thing you can do is replace toxic products for non-toxic products like Brightly Green All-Natural Household Cleaners.

Also, there are a few simple things you can do to help draw out the toxins in your home or working area. Open your windows and doors and use an attic fan from time to time. You can place a fan by your doors and windows especially on those days when the temperature is lower and the humidity is down.

Also, open your windows and allow some fresh air cool off your bedroom. Even opening your windows for just a short time the fresh air will help to freshen your home as well as lower energy cost.

This does take planning and effort on your part but in the end the benefits for you and your family will be enormous.

Other summer green cleaning projects are:

Vehicle Wash:

Our Brightly Green Dish Wash makes a great car wash and the runoff does not hurt the environment.

The Brightly Green Glass Cleaner will shine your windows and headlights and you will not be breathing toxic fumes while cleaning your auto.

Brightly Green Carpet Spot Remover cleans your car’s carpets and is great for cloth seats as well as leather.
Windows:

Let all the sunshine in this summer! Keep your windows sparkling and toxic-free with Brightly Green Glass Cleaner.

Grill:

To clean your grill uses our Brightly Green Multi-Purpose cleaner or if you really have some concentrated dirt and grime our Brightly Green All-Purpose Degreaser Concentrate will do the job. The best and safest way to clean your grill grid is to soak it in a shallow pan with Brightly Green Multi-Purpose or Brightly Green All-Purpose Degreaser Concentrate for a few minutes, rinse clean and scrub with a grill brush. No toxic fumes or residue when you use your grill.

Patio Furniture:

Make your life easier and non-toxic by cleaning your outdoor furniture with Brightly Green Multi-Purpose.

These are just a few tips to green your summer. Brightly Green would love to hear your summer greening cleaning tips! Leave your tips and comments below!

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Environmental Damage Caused by Tornadoes

2011-07-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

Guest article from Barbara O’ Brien

barbaraobrien@maacenter.org

Barbara represents the MAA Center, a leading web resource for asbestos exposure and cancer information. In addition,she is blogging at The Mahablog, Crooks and Liars, and AlterNet earned her the notoriety of being a panelist at the Yearly Kos Convention and a featured guest blogger at the Take Back America Conference in Washington, DC.

The recent tornadoes in the South and Midwest left behind acres of tangled, shredded debris — building materials, trees, cars, refrigerators. They also left behind some potentially serious environmental hazards.

Faced with challenging cleanups, states are relaxing some environmental protection regulations in the affected areas. Missouri, for example, is temporarily lifting some restrictions on what can be discarded in landfills. The state also is allowing residents in affected areas to burn vegetative matter on their own property, but only with the permission of the local fire department. Burning is an obvious way to quickly clear a pile of debris, but indiscriminate burning of made-made materials could release a poisonous stew of toxins into the air.

Toxins already released by the tornadoes are a bigger worry. These include asbestos, lead paint chips, gasoline, oil, and battery acid. A contractor cleaning up an Alabama site found the area contaminated by highly dangerous polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), leaked from damaged electrical transformers.

Asbestos appears to be the biggest concern, especially in neighborhoods with older homes, schools, and commercial buildings. The massive storms ripped asbestos insulation out of walls and smashed asbestos shingles, tiles, and other building materials into dust.

Asbestos is a mineral that breaks into tiny fibers. If breathed into the lungs the fibers can cause a host of severe illnesses, including the deadly lung cancer mesothelioma. However, the effects are not immediate. There are people receiving mesothelioma treatment today because they breathed asbestos as long as 40 or 50 years ago.

State and federal regulations require that asbestos removal can be done only by specially trained and licensed contractors, who wear respirators and “hazmat” suits. But with such widespread damage, it’s expected that many people will plunge into cleanup work without calling in experts to find out what hazards might be present. Some states are telling residents to at least wear high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) masks and heavy gloves when working around all tornado debris.

There were scattered reports of broken sewer and gas lines after the tornadoes had done their work, but more damage could be done by the cleanup. In some communities ruined building materials are being heaped along roadways, right on top of residential sewer lines. Eventually heavy equipment will be brought in to haul the debris away. Older lines in particular might be crushed, causing another kind of biological hazard and possibly compromise drinking water.

Most of the storm damage was in residential and farming areas, and it’s hoped that lingering environmental hazards will be isolated, and few. It may be weeks or months before the full extent of environmental damage is known.

Barbara’s public concern about health care and its ties to the environment, especially in light of all the recent disastrous weather. barbaraobrien@maacenter.org

Thank you Barbara for your great article.

If you would like to submit a worthy article please contact us!

www.brightlygreen.biz

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Read about New York Times take on the new light bulb law

2011-07-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Give Up Familiar Light Bulb? Not Without Fight, Some Say

The New York Times

By EDWARD WYATT

Published: March 11, 2011

WASHINGTON — American protests against the encroachment of government have been spurred by many causes — tea, of course, and guns, frequently. The latest catalyst: light bulbs. Read the rest of the article click here.
Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!

Thank You Shane Shirley-Smith of Environmental Booty for this article!

HG Laboratory, LLC Nominated for Green Award!

2011-07-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

HG Laboratories, LLC is honored to be nominated in the category “Green Award” by the Personal Counseling Service. See this wonderful organization Personal Counseling Service, INC that does so much for so many!

The award will be presented at the Norman Melhiser Samaritan Awards September 29^th, 2011.

Wish us luck! See announcement and information!

Thank you for the nomination!

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