1. Clean Your Home Safely!

    Posted on March 24th, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    You’d like to think your home is a safe place. Yet most people’s homes are filled with potentially dangerous substances. These include oven and drain cleaners, laundry powder, floor polish, paint and pesticides. Even arts and crafts supplies and yard care products can be hazardous.

    Many household products can harm children, pets and the environment if not used and stored correctly. Toxic substances in these products can cause harm if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. People respond to toxic substances in different ways. At high doses a toxic substance might cause birth defects or other serious problems, including brain damage or death.

    Everyone likes a clean home, but few of us like the chore of cleaning. Even worse, we often rely on a cocktail of hazardous substances to make our bathrooms sparkle or our floors shine. Dishwashing detergents often contain phosphates that pollute the groundwater; wood polish generally contains flammable toxins like nitrobenzene; and laundry detergent may contain bleach and other corrosives. We lock these compounds away in closets or under the sink to keep them from our children—but we often don’t consider what they may be doing to our own bodies.

    Even as they help us pick up dirt and dust, many modern cleaners irritate our skin, eyes, and lungs. They can also leave toxic residues or pollute the water when we rinse them down the drain. But keeping our homes clean and avoiding toxic cleaners don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Our family is proud to be partnered up with a company that is entirely toxic free since 2004.

    Cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10 percent of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers in 2000, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, nearly two-thirds involved children under six, who can swallow or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home.

    According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside the typical home is on average 2-5 times more polluted than the air just outside—and in extreme cases 100 times more contaminated—largely because of household cleaners and pesticides.

    The Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project reports that 6 out of every 100 janitors in Washington state have lost time from their jobs as a result of injuries linked to toxic cleaning products, particularly glass and toilet cleaners and degreasers.

    In a 2002 U.S. Geological Survey study of contaminants in U.S. stream water, 69 percent of streams sampled contained persistent detergent metabolites, and 66 percent contained disinfectants.

    At least eleven U.S. states have banned phosphate from detergents sold within their borders, though the ingredient is still permitted in most of the country. Other states, cities, and counties have gone a step further by not just banning certain products, but also requiring the use of nonpolluting cleaners.
    If you would like more information on living pollution free within your own home, feel free to contact Craig or Denise Fortune at 262.723.1493.

  2. The Truth About Organic Gardening

    Posted on February 26th, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    Are you one of the thousands upon thousands of people who look at organic gardening
    as something mystical or from the “Hippie” age? You can rest assured there is nothing
    mystical about using “mother natures” own creations (natural elements), produced by the
    earth and animals, to plant your own natural garden. The information provided in this
    article will dispel the so called “mysticism” idea of organic growing held by many.

    A great many people have the mistaken belief that gardens planted without chemicals
    were begun by the rebelling “Hippies” and “Flower Children” of the 1960′s. I strongly
    suspect that our forefathers would find fault with that belief. The truth is that as
    more and more media attention was given to the “Hippies” and “Flower Children”, many
    people were hearing about organic gardening for the first time, but it has been around
    for centuries upon centuries.

    A lineage of farmers which has practiced all natural growing for centuries are the Amish
    farmers. Even in today’s modern world, with man made chemical fertilizer, weed killer and
    pesticides, these amazing farmers continue to practice all natural crop growing with truly
    phenomenal results. It’s not only here in America that “organic” growing is practiced. Many
    of the countries around the world still use century old methods of natural growth.

    Another myth about natural growing of your garden is that you will never be able to keep all
    the pest and bugs out of it. People believe that without using chemical based and expensive
    pesticides, you just can’t control bug infestations. Again it just ain’t so. One of the best
    all natural ways to control the pest is to use their mortal enemy. Birds! But then you ask
    “How can you attract enough birds?” You create an environment around your garden that is
    friendly for the birds.

    One of the best ways to draw the birds early on is place a birdhouse or birdhouses which are
    made especially for the type of birds which frequent your area. Not only do you furnish a
    nesting area for them but make water fully accessible to them. You can put something as simple
    as a small container filled with water or even go for something much more sophisticated, like
    a running fresh water fountain. Once the birds have been drawn to your garden and realize they
    can feast on your bug infestation your problem will be solved in short order. And don’t forget
    to draw those beautiful bats to your backyard with a bat house. You’ll be able to enjoy your
    garden in the evenings without getting bit by mosquitoes. Bats can eat their body weight in
    mosquitoes in a night.

    Frankly, with more research on the internet or a visit to your local nursery, you will become
    knowledgeable and see the truth about organic gardening. The real truth is it’s a great way to
    improve your families health and help restore “Mother Earth” to it’s own good health.

    Call our team today to find out other natural ways of pest control in your garden and even
    inside your home. Ask for Craig or Denise Fortune at 262.723.1493.

  3. Itching to Get My Fingernails Dirty!

    Posted on February 22nd, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    Spring is in the air! In our little corner of the country, we still have icy, slushy and sometimes snowy days, but we wait and watch for we know that when it starts to melt within a few days, and our days are a bit longer than the last that our time is coming!
    At our home, we look forward to the day that we can start getting our fingernails dirty with gardening. Gardening can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get physical activity, beautify the community, and grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. Whether you are a beginner or expert gardener, health and safety are important.
    Below are some tips to help keep you safe and healthy so that you can enjoy the beauty and bounty gardening can bring.
    • Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants when using lawn mowers and other machinery.
    • Protect your hearing when using machinery. If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length away, the noise can be potentially harmful to your hearing.
    • Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts, and certain contaminants.
    • Protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. My family has many natural ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. Call the phone number found below and give us a call. Wear clothing treated with our natural recipe too, and make sure to wear long-sleeved shirts, and pants tucked in your socks. You may also want to wear high rubber boots since ticks are usually located close to the ground.
    • Lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
    Put safety first.
    Powered and unpowered tools and equipment can cause serious injury. Limit distractions, use chemicals and equipment properly, and be aware of hazards to lower your risk for injury.
    • Follow instructions and warning labels on chemicals and lawn and garden equipment.
    • Make sure equipment is working properly.
    • Sharpen tools carefully.
    • Keep harmful chemicals, tools, and equipment out of children’s reach.
    Watch out for heat-related illness.
    Even being out in short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
    • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to replace lost fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
    • Avoid drinking liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, especially in the heat. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
    • Take breaks often. Try to rest in shady areas so that your body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover. Stop working if you experience breathlessness or muscle soreness.
    • Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness, including extremely high body temperature, headache, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness.
    • Watch people who are at higher risk for heat-related illness, including infants and children up to four years of age; people 65 years of age or older; people who are overweight; people who push themselves too hard during work or exercise; and people who are physically ill or who take certain medications (i.e. for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation).
    • Eat healthy foods to help keep you energized.
    Know your limits.
    Talk to your health care provider if you have physical, mental, or environmental concerns that may impair your ability to work in the garden safely.
    • If you have arthritis, use tools that are easy to grasp and that fit your ability. Research shows that moderate physical activity three or more days a week can give you more energy and can help relieve arthritis pain and stiffness.
    • If you are taking medications that may make you drowsy or impair your judgment or reaction time, don’t operate machinery, climb ladders, or do activities that may increase your risk for injury.
    • Listen to your body. Monitor your level of fatigue, heart rate, and physical discomfort.
    • Call 911 if you get injured, experience chest and arm pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, or heat-related illness.

    Enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
    Gardening is an excellent way to get physical activity. Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death.
    • Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. You can burn 150 calories by gardening (standing) for approximately 30-45 minutes. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.
    • If you have been inactive, start out with just a few minutes of physical activity each day. Gradually build up time and intensity.
    • Vary your gardening activities to keep your interest and to broaden the range of benefits.
    Get vaccinated.
    Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives. All adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years. Tetanus lives in the soil and enters the body through breaks in the skin. Because gardeners use sharp tools, dig in the dirt, and handle plants with sharp points, they are particularly prone to tetanus infections.
    • Before you start gardening this season, make sure your tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccination is up to date.
    • Ask your health care provider if you need any other vaccinations.
    The ability to work at home and enjoy these times with each other has been a huge blessing to our family. Craig and I make it our business to partner up with our team members and give as little or as much training as they want, so they can enjoy the benefits of working from home and earning a real residual monthly income too. Call us today for more information if you’re interested in joining us. There’s no obligation, extremely low startup, no inventory to keep, no delivering to customers, and no pressure from us. Our motto is that we ‘only work with the willing’. We’ll talk to you soon! Craig and Denise Fortune 262.723.1493.

  4. Weight Loss Tips

    Posted on February 19th, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    Choosing a weight-loss program may be a difficult task. You may not know what to look for in a weight-loss program or what questions to ask. Talk to your health care professional about weight loss and get the best information before choosing a program.
    Doctors do not always address issues such as healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management during general office visits. It is important for you to start the discussion in order to get the information you need. Even if you feel uncomfortable talking about your weight with your doctor, remember that he or she is there to help you improve your health. Here are some tips:
     Tell your health care professional that you would like to talk about your weight. Share your concerns about any medical conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
     Write down your questions in advance.
     Bring pen and paper to take notes.
     Bring a friend or family member along for support if this will make you feel more comfortable.
     Make sure you understand what your health care provider is saying. Do not be afraid to ask questions if there is something you do not understand.
     Ask for other sources of information like brochures or websites.
     If you want more support, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian, a support group, or a commercial weight-loss program.
     Call your health care professional after your visit if you have more questions or need help.
    Find out as much as you can about your health needs before joining a weight-loss program. Here are some questions you might want to ask your health care professional:
    About Your Weight
     Do I need to lose weight? Or should I just avoid gaining more?
     Is my weight affecting my health?
     Could my extra weight be caused by a health problem such as hypothyroidism or by a medicine I am taking? (Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, a condition that can slow your metabolism—how your body creates and uses energy.)
    About Weight Loss
     What should my weight-loss goal be?
     How will losing weight help me?
    About Nutrition and Physical Activity
     How should I change my eating habits?
     What kinds of physical activity can I do?
     How much physical activity do I need?
    About Treatment
     Should I take weight-loss drugs?
     What about weight-loss surgery?
     What are the risks of weight-loss drugs or surgery?
     Could a weight-loss program help me?
    If your health care provider tells you that you should lose weight and you want to find a weight-loss program to help you, look for one that is based on regular physical activity and an eating plan that is balanced, healthy, and easy to follow. Weight-loss programs should encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can stick with every day. Safe and effective weight-loss programs should include:
     Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not forbid specific foods or food groups.
     Tips to increase moderate-intensity physical activity.
     Tips on healthy habits that also keep your cultural needs in mind, such as lower-fat versions of your favorite foods.
     Slow and steady weight loss. Depending on your starting weight, experts recommend losing weight at a rate of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. Weight loss may be faster at the start of a program.
     Medical care if you are planning to lose weight by following a special formula diet, such as a very low-calorie diet (a program that requires careful monitoring from a doctor).
     A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it.
    Gather as much information as you can before deciding to join a program. Professionals working for weight-loss programs should be able to answer the questions listed below.

    What does the weight-loss program consist of?
     Does the program offer one-on-one counseling or group classes?
     Do you have to follow a specific meal plan or keep food records?
     Do you have to purchase special food, drugs, or supplements?
     If the program requires special foods, can you make changes based on your likes and dislikes and food allergies?
     Does the program help you be more physically active, follow a specific physical activity plan, or provide exercise instruction?
     Does the program teach you to make positive and healthy behavior changes?
     Is the program sensitive to your lifestyle and cultural needs?
     Does the program provide ways to keep the weight off? Will the program provide ways to deal with such issues as what to eat at social or holiday gatherings, changes to work schedules, lack of motivation, and injury or illness?
    What are the staff qualifications?
     Who supervises the program?
     What type of weight management training, experience, education, and certifications do the staff have?
    Does the product or program carry any risks?
     Could the program hurt you?
     Could the recommended drugs or supplements harm your health?
     Do participants talk with a doctor?
     Does a doctor run the program?
     Will the program’s doctors work with your personal doctor if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or are taking prescribed drugs?
     Is there ongoing input and follow-up from a health care professional to ensure your safety while you participate in the program?
    How much does the program cost?
     What is the total cost of the program?
     Are there other costs, such as weekly attendance fees, food and supplement purchases, etc.?
     Are there fees for a follow-up program after you lose weight?
     Are there other fees for medical tests?
    What results do participants typically have?
     How much weight does an average participant lose and how long does he or she keep the weight off?
     Does the program offer publications or materials that describe what results participants typically have?

    Our family is proud to be partners with an international company that has all natural products that can assist you in your weight loss goals. And while you’re at it, you can make residual income from the comfort of your own home.
    We would be happy to answer any questions you may have in teaming up with us in your future weight loss and working from home endeavors.
    Contact: Craig and Denise Fortune 262.723.1493

  5. Just Say NO to Chemicals and Pesticides

    Posted on February 16th, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    A pesticide is a chemical used to prevent, destroy, or repel pests. Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, weeds, fungi, or microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Some examples of pests are termites causing damage to our homes, dandelions in the lawn, and fleas on our dogs and cats. Pesticides also are used to kill organisms that can cause diseases.

    Most pesticides contain chemicals that can be harmful to people, animals, or the environment. For this reason the Office of Pesticide Programs of the Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticides in the United States to protect public health and the environment.

    Here are some examples of pesticide products we use in our homes:

    • Cockroach sprays and baits
    • Mosquito sprays
    • Rat poisons
    • Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars. Did you know that these common products are considered pesticides?
    • Cleaners used to disinfect the kitchen floor.
    • Cleaning products used to remove the mildew on bathroom tiles.
    • Household plant sprays.
    • Lawn and garden products to kill insects and weeds.
    • Some swimming pool chemicals.

    These are some common types of pesticides, and their purposes, used in our homes:

    Algicides Control algae in swimming pools and water tanks.

    Antimicrobials Kill microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses).

    Attractants Attractants are traps containing a pesticide and food to lure insects or rodents inside. However, food is not a pesticide even though it certainly attracts pests…like ants at a picnic.

    Disinfectants and sanitizers Kill disease-producing microorganisms in the kitchen and bathroom.

    Fumigants Produce gas or vapor intended to destroy pests in the house or in the ground.

    Fungicides Kill fungi (including blights, mildews, molds, and rusts).

    Herbicides Kill weeds.

    Insecticides Kill insects and other arthropods.

    Miticides Kill mites that feed on plants and animals.

    Microbial pesticides Microorganisms that kill or inhibit pests, including insects or other microorganisms. Sometimes microorganisms get rid of pests simply by growing larger in numbers, using up the pests’ food supply, and invading the pests’ environment.

    Molluscicides Kill snails and slugs.

    Nematicides Kill nematodes (microscopic, worm-like organisms that feed on plant roots).

    Pheromones Biochemicals used to disrupt the mating behavior of insects.

    Repellents Repel pests, including insects (such as mosquitoes) and birds.

    Rodenticides Control mice and other rodents.

    In 2004 our family teamed up with a company that has not only assisted us in achieving financial freedom, but in replacing pesticides in our home. Many of the above afflictions can be remedied naturally and with the products found with our partner company. Call to find out today how you can rid your home of toxic pesticides and chemicals and live a more natural, healthy lifestyle.

    Contact: Craig & Denise Fortune 262.723.1493 today!

  6. Live Healthy AND self employed

    Posted on February 15th, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    A toxic substance means any chemical or mixture that may be harmful to the environment and to human health if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. Did you know that some toxic substances are found in nature? There are naturally occurring toxins (poisonous substances coming from living organisms) found in certain plants like poinsettias and even some wild mushrooms and berries. However, the toxic substances contained in most everyday household products are synthetic which means they are man-made. The opposite of toxics substances are called non-toxic substances. Non-toxic substances are safe to use, and do not harm humans and the environment.

    Many of the products you find in your home may have toxic substances. These products include:

    • drain cleaners;
    • oven cleaners;
    • laundry detergents;
    • floor or furniture polish;
    • paints, and
    • pesticides.
    While these products are useful at home, some of the chemicals in these products can irritate your skin, eyes, nose and throat, or can even poison you – so be careful!

    In 2004 our family teamed up with a company that uses natural substances in their cleaning products. One of the qualities of this company is the blatant lack of safety caps. Why no safety caps? Because they are against dangerous chemicals those caps are supposed to make the product “safer.” Instead, they use natural, innovative ingredients to clean and disinfect without all of the toxic side effects.

    You won’t find these products on the shelves of the grocery store. And you certainly won’t see them on television. The only way you’ll hear about them is from someone who’s used them personally. Our family has evaluated these products on our own terms and deemed them to be extraordinary. We would like to take this opportunity to share our experiences with you.

    Call: Craig & Denise Fortune 262.723.1493

  7. Health and Your Home

    Posted on January 30th, 2011 by blondentrepreneur

    Indoor Air Quality

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Many indoor allergens and irritants can play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks.

    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. People with asthma have airways that are hyper responsive, meaning that the airways react to asthma triggers such as colds, cigarette smoke and exercise faster and more intensely than people whose airways are normal.

    A trigger is any object, act, or event that causes the airways to become inflamed or causes asthma symptoms. The muscles in the airways react to triggers and causes them to contract, tighten and narrow, making it harder to breathe.

    Asthma signs and symptoms vary from person to person and to what an individual has been trigger the individual have been exposed to. Common signs and symptoms include: coughing, wheezing and a tight chest.

    Scientists and doctors have learned that there is a connection between our health and the use of common everyday chemicals in our homes. From accidental poisonings to serious disease, everyday choices that we make in our homes regarding household products have a significant impact on the long term health of our family members, especially our children.

    The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products, finding 884 of the chemicals were toxic. There are better safer, and cost effective options for you and your family.

    Our family has teamed up with an international company that became pioneers in living green 25 years ago. We’ve lived chemical free in our home for 7 years, and have never looked back.

    We endorse…Safety, quality, and integrity.
    We enjoy…Meaningful, flexible work.
    We promote…Environmental awareness and home safety
    We offer…A risk-free 120-day trial run of the business with unlimited training and support.

    What We Don’t Do:
    NO selling
    NO large investment
    NO inventory
    NO distribution or delivery
    NO billing or complicated paperwork
    NO financial risk

    With our group, you can earn income from home AND
    Set your own hours
    Have more time
    Be paid well for hard work – without the office politics
    Help others through your work
    Achieve financial peace of mind

    Want to learn more? Contact Craig & Denise Fortune @
    262.723.1493 today!