• Amir Vahdat | Broker
  p: 949-682-9090 f: 949-499-1414
  e : amirvahdat@bhhscal.com
• w: www.OCLuxuryProperty.com

Benefits of Solar Electricity

Solar-generated electricity has been gaining popularity among homeowners. For years, photovoltaic (or PV) systems, which convert sunlight into electricity, have been used to generate power. The most frequent application of PV can be seen in such consumer products as hand-held calculators, portable lights and watches. Recently, this alternative energy source has received attention from an increasing number of homeowners who are interested in protecting the environment.

According to one survey, the majority of today's affluent households are in favor of utilizing renewable energy resources to produce electricity, and six out of 10 are in favor of self-generated clean power. Solar panels scored high on the list, followed by fuel cells and micro-turbine generators.

Many of today's homeowners are already using, or are considering using, PV systems to generate much of the electricity used in their homes.

Less expensive systems feature fewer PV panels that offer supplemental or backup power. More costly systems can include mechanized panels that pivot to follow the sun to gather as much solar energy as possible. Consumers may find the price of these systems begin to drop as more homeowners add them to their existing homes and more new homes are built with them.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep-disrupting conditions prevent more than 40 million Americans from getting restful sleep. Sleepless nights are not only frustrating, they can put you at risk for obesity, high blood pressure and make you more prone to depression. If you suffer from a sleep disorder, there are some steps you can take to get a few extra hours of rest.
Remove such distractions as the television and office equipment from your bedroom. Take a warm bath, drink a cup of herbal tea or warm milk, and turn down the lights. This will cue your body that it's time to sleep.

Don't consume anything with caffeine, including chocolate, within four to six hours of bedtime and don't exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising raises your heart rate and body temperature - both of which can keep you awake.

Avoid over-the-counter sleep aids. While they might help you fall asleep, your body can build a tolerance in only a few nights. If, despite your preparations, you wake up in the middle of the night, consider this advice: Get out of bed and read or find something relaxing to do, but don't do housework or office work, and don't turn on the television. Have a snack if you're hungry. A banana or glass of milk provides a bit of tryptophan, an amino acid which acts as a mild sleep inducer. Move your pets off the bed. In a Mayo Clinic survey of 300 people with sleeping disorders, half of the individuals had pets - and half of those pets slept in the survey participant's bed. Write in a journal. By writing down what's on your mind you may be able to stop worrying.
Visualize a relaxing scene such as a waterfall or quiet beach. You may want to purchase a CD of white noise to tune out any background sounds.

Green Cleaning

You want your home to look its best, but some products used to clean your home may be doing more harm than good. Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that may cause skin irritation, difficulty breathing or damage to the environment. Green cleaning is using products that don't endanger you, your family or the environment. So why not "think green" and select from these safe and effective natural alternatives:

• Baking soda - may be the most versatile item in your kitchen cabinet; it can be used to deodorize your refrigerator, carpeting and upholstery, remove acidic stains, and safely scour sinks and countertops.
• White distilled vinegar - is excellent for killing mold and bacteria. Its acidic properties also dissolve soap scum on bathroom fixtures.
• Lemon juice - acts as a stain remover and its crisp, citrus scent freshens the air.

Be sure to clearly label any solutions you mix and spot test each solution before using it on a large area.

Question and Answer

I feel like I am constantly on the go, but I want to be able to prepare lunches for my family. Do you have any suggestions?

If you are a busy parent and would like to make nutritious lunches for your family, remember that the key is to plan ahead. And changing the plan each week will eliminate boredom, as well as the temptation to stray from healthy eating habits.

You can start by creating a menu plan at the beginning of each week and taking it along when you shop. Avoid prepackaged junk food, and opt for snacks like dried or fresh fruit and low-fat granola.
It will help if you prepare all the lunches in the evening before bedtime. Most people are too rushed in the morning.

Include old favorites along with new variations. Spice up a plain salad by adding chopped apples, raisins, nuts, peppers, chickpeas, cauliflower or pine nuts. Or make a sandwich with whole-grain pita bread, bean sprouts and cucumbers instead of traditional white bread and lettuce.

On days when you don't have time for a homemade lunch, opt for something such as a broiled chicken breast or visit a salad bar. And make sure your children know what wholesome choices they should make at their school cafeteria.

Smart Shopping for Appliances

Buying new appliances can be an expensive investment, especially if you've just purchased a home. Whether you're furnishing your home for the first time or need to update your old appliances, the following tips can help you stretch your shopping dollars and get the most for your money.

Before buying any appliances, measure the height, width and depth of the space where they will be placed. Also measure any doorways or halls the appliance will have to move through to ensure it will fit.

Kitchen
Because it holds most of your appliances, the kitchen can be the most costly room, but it also tends to be the room where friends and family gather, so you want to buy the best you can afford.

Consider your lifestyle. Do you have a large family or entertain often? Do you enjoy gourmet cooking or will you regularly "pop" something in the microwave?

There are many styles and finishes from which to choose. Do you want a side-by-side, top-mount or bottom-mount style of refrigerator? Models with a water and ice dispenser in the door are handy, but decrease your refrigerator's energy efficiency.

Should you buy a gas or an electric range? Keep in mind that sealed gas or smooth top electric ranges are easier to clean than ones with open burners. Self-cleaning ovens eliminate the need for chemical cleaners and are typically more energy efficient.

Compare the inside of dishwashers before selecting one; they may look the same size on the outside, but different models accommodate large pans and serving dishes more easily than others. If you are limited on space, you may want to buy a portable dishwasher.

Utility Room
On the other hand, if space isn't an issue, a large capacity washer may be more economical because you have to wash fewer loads. Front-loading machines are typically gentler on clothing and more energy and water efficient than top-loading washers.

You also have a choice between electric and gas when it comes to clothes dryers. Electric dryers may cost less initially, but gas tends to be cheaper to operate.

When buying any appliance, decide on the make and model you want, then do some comparison-shopping. Contact at least three stores, mention the lowest price you've seen, and ask if the manager will beat that price. Be sure to inquire about delivery and installation charges before making your purchase.