Don’t Turn off the Light; it’s Friday the 13th

What’s your superstition?

On today’s date, many wake up and dread looking at the calendar. Some are riddled by fear while others look at it as another day. Just how did this hullabaloo start over this legendary day? As The Lite Source unraveled the history of this mystery, we have discovered some fun and entertaining facts to about this freaky Friday date!

How did it all begin?

Although there are a few different theories about how the fear of Friday the 13^th came about, one of the more popular beliefs is that it derived from The Last Supper with Jesus and the apostles. There were 12 apostles at dinner and Judas ended up being number 13, after he showed up. Later, Jesus ended up dying on a Friday.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Just what is that jumbled mess of letters above? Friggatriskaidekaphobia is the actual name for the fear of Friday the 13^th! According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with this phobia. Source: glo.msn.com

More fun Friday facts:

· Airplanes often lack a 13^th row

· Many buildings do not have a 13^th floor

· A lot of hotels will not have a room #13

· Estimates have suggested that on Friday the 13^th, the U.S. economy loses up to 900 million dollars. (Source: glo.msn.com)

· Many Americans will not drive on Friday the 13^th

· In the 1880s, The Thirteen Club was formed to expose the superstition that 13 was not unlucky

· On Friday the 13^th, Henry Ford did not do business and Franklin Delano Roosevelt eluded travel.

· In 2012, there are three Fridays that fall on the 13th

· Hurricane Charley hit Florida on Friday the 13^th

Here are some other top superstitions besides this famous Friday’s date:

· Crossing paths with black cats

· Walking under ladders

· Opening an umbrella indoors

· Breaking a mirror

· Stepping on a crack

Do you know of any more freaky-Friday fears or facts or superstitions? Let us know!

So take along your trusty rabbit’s foot, four-leaf-clover or lucky horseshoe and keep your fingers crossed that this Friday ends up being fantastic!

~Charlene Marie

Saving Energy with the Latest Home Technology

What in the world is AIGT2012?

If you are looking to be better to the environment or save money on your electric bill for 2012, the latest gadgets have just emerged. Straight from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), these devices are economically feasible and smart. In honor of today’s finding, I have dubbed an acronym for these ingenious innovations: (AIGT2012) for affordable, intelligent, green technology for 2012. For your enjoyment, check out these fabulous finds below!

Bracketron Stone GreenZero Charger

Leave your USB compatible devices plugged in and only pay for the electricity needed to charge them, period. This green-charger will stop stand-by power from being drawn from an outlet when a device is fully charged.

Image courtesy of secondact.com

GE Green Mobile Power Station

Here’s another all-in-one, smart gadget that will shut down socket power after devices are charged! It functions as a power strip, surge protector and USB hub. For added convenience, it also houses a lithium-ion battery.

Image courtesy of secondact.com

Solar Kindle Lighted Cover

What a great item for the avid electronic reader! Charge a Kindle without the use of electric power and flip open the attached mini LED reading lamp when the lights are low!

Image courtesy of secondact.com

Speaking of light, OttLite bulbs are always a great way to save money and be green too! Check out our stock at thelitesource.com for more smart and stylish lamps and light bulbs!

Know of any other AIGT2012 products that will help improve the quality of life this year? Pass it on; we’d love to hear it!

Until next time, stay green!

~Charlene Marie

New Year, New Design: Lighting

Out with the old and in with the new

Are you seeking a fresh new look this year? Why not start with your home décor? There are a lot of fabulous room designs out there for 2012 and believe it or not, besides painting, one of least expensive ways to upgrade is to change your lighting. Whether it’s replacing an outdated light fixture or adding a decorative lamp updating your lighting can have a big impact on the way your home looks and feels.

Take a look at some of these before and after pictures and see what you think.

Check out the new vanity lighting in these pictures! It makes a huge difference in the look!

Photos courtesey of casasugar.com

In this living room, the outdated floor lamp was exchanged for two cute table lamps.

Photo courtesy of gillaninteriors.com

Here’s another idea on how to handle an old light fixture!

 Photos courtesy of diyhomedecoratingideas.com

Need a place to hunt for perky new lamps? Check out thelightsource.com for a great selection! Not only are the lamps are stylish and contemporary, the natural lighting from OttLite is good for your health!

Have any other home décor ideas? We’d love to hear them!

~Charlene Marie

Lamps of the ‘80s

Take a step back in time and remember when...

 Photo courtesy of wardrobeadvice.com

Being a product of the ‘80s, I can recall many of the bizarre styles, big hair and flamboyant fashions produced from that decade. Don’t ask me why, but another thing that stuck in my head was the interesting light fixtures that illuminated that funky era as well. From seashell shaped bases to touch lamps, I remember these lamps like it were yesterday. So throw on your jean jacket and bring on the Aqua-Net hairspray; for it’s time to take a trip down memory lane with these vintage lighting finds!  

Touch lamps

When my parents first brought a touch lamp home, I thought technology was at its prime. I marveled at the lamp’s brass base and shiny, smoked-glass shade and was floored that the human touch could have so much power! We placed the lamp in the TV room, so we could see our cassette-operated answering machine better. It also worked well to view the buttons on the remote better in order to get to the one and only channel of HBO faster!

This lamp is pretty close to the one I remember!

Halo-shaped light bulb

On the ceiling in the kitchen, we had a halo-shaped light bulb. It was attached to a shiny round, silver fixture and I always thought it was quite interesting. I’m not so sure if it was the in-thing back then, but it lit up our hideous green refrigerator and stove quite well!

Seashell-shaped lamp base

As a little girl, I was an avid shell collector. At the beach, I’d walk around the shoreline for hours and pick up the old residences of random mollusks and crustaceans. When I first caught sight of scallop-fashioned glass lamps in the store window, I begged my parents for one! Eventually, I ended up getting a small tan, seashell lamp with a white shade to match my room.

Photo courtesy of sealifegifts.net

Curved floor lamps

I had a trendy uncle that had an eye for home décor. Whenever my parents and I would stop over for a visit, he always seemed to have something new and stylish that garnished his pad. One day, I remember seeing a really unique brass, curved, floor lamp that extended over his couch. It had one base and four lights that branched out from the top. Each light was topped off with a frosted bell-shaped glass shade. I pointed it out to my parents on numerous occasions and hoped they would get one too!

Do you recall any lamps or fun lights from previous eras?

Although the lamps of the ’80 may have been ‘like totally rad’ at the time, I’m just glad that my taste in décor has changed since!

Until next time, embrace your memories!

~Charlene Marie

Three Cheers for the New Year!

Here are some practical things to do to make it a smooth-sailing 2012

Now that a brand new year just about here, it is time to get your resolutions in gear! If you haven’t thought about your resolution, here are a few good suggestions to make life a little better in 2012!

1. Take care of your wheels

Your mode of transportation is extremely important. Make sure you have your oil changed regularly and schedule preventative maintenance on your automobile. Need tools for the job? www.mechanicsdiscount.com has a ton!

2. Improve your lighting

Save money and your eyes with natural lighting. As of Jan, 2012, the new energy efficiency law goes into effect and older light bulbs will start to be phased out. Get yourself into the ‘green’ spirit and visit www.thelitesource.com for some great energy-saving bulbs!

25 Watt HD Compact Fluorescent Bulb

3. Be a fashionista

Get your glamour on and let you style shine through! Add a little extra zing to your wardrobe with a fabulous pair of TAG Heuer sunglasses! Check out some of the sleek and chic styles at www.sunglassesavantgarde.com!

Lady TAG Heuer 9100-204

4. Enjoy the great outdoors

Need a break from the same old rigmarole? Take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the serenity of an outdoor adventure. Being one with nature can definitely be therapeutic. If you need supplies, www.survivalistsoutfitter.com has a ton of gear!

5. Embrace your inner geek

Do you love electronics? Update your gadgets for optimum enjoyment. Technology is booming and new toys can be a boatload of fun! Get some new gear this year at www.imagineshopping.com!

IIC-ME100 Imagine Portable Multimedia Player

Have any other suggestions for a New Year’s Resolution? We’d love to hear it!

Best wishes for a fabulous 2012!

~Charlene Marie

Classic Holiday Movies

Light up the room with a perfect form of holiday entertainment

 

Are you looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further than your trusty television! The big networks are playing plenty of great flicks that can turn a frown into a happy holiday smile. Check out what movies made this year’s top ten list courtesy of myfoxny.com! These movies are in no particular order:

                                       1.       Elf 

                                       2.       National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 

                                       3.       A Christmas Story

 Photo courtesy of stefannholm.com

                                        4.       Home Alone 

                                        5.       The Holiday 

                                        6.       White Christmas

                                        7.       It’s a Wonderful Life 

                                        8.       Miracle on 34^th Street 

 Photo courtesy of setsailmotivation.com

                                         9.    White Christmas

                                        10.   Bad Santa

What’s your favorite?

If you don’t see what you’re looking for on your local TV guide, check out your provider’s On Demand list. Most cable and satellite will have a special category for holiday films for you to view for free. Some providers even offer holiday music and a channel with a burning yule log for your enjoyment!

Relax, have fun and enjoy a great classic film this holiday season!

~Charlene Marie

   

Pair This with That: Lights

There are some gift ideas out there that can complement each other; let us show you how.

Ever wonder what to get for the person who has everything? You’re not the only one! Just when you feel that there is nothing more that you could possibly get, think about what you can do to enhance or make use of what that special someone already has. For instance, if your recipient has a swanky, new coffee maker, why not get them some gourmet coffee to brighten their morning?  Below are some great ideas that can make more use of what may be taken for granted: lighting!

Here are a few gifts that can be paired with OttLite bulbs or lamps:

Do you know someone with a green thumb? An indoor herb garden can flourish under natural lighting such as an OttLite! Pair an herb garden with an OttLite 20W Edison Swirl Bulb.

Photo courtesy of tastefulgarden.com

Avid readers need the aid of a light to see at night. Couple an OttLite bulb or lamp along with a bookstore gift card!

Key Largo Table Lamp

For the crafty crafter, try an OttLite bulb or lamp with a new craft design book!

Craft book photo courtesy of crafterschoice.com

Delve into your recipient’s interests and see what he or she enjoys.  A practical, yet personalized gift can go a long way!

Have any questions or comments on today’s blog? Let us know!

Happy shopping!

~Charlene Marie

Inspired by Winter: Lights

There are certain products that were inspired by specific reasons and events.

Winter can be wonderful for some and a pain for others. Regardless of personal feelings, the season of chilly weather and snow for most, can bring out some of the best products and designs. Below is some great merchandise that can help you get through Old Man Winter’s fury!

All of our lights have winter in mind. The natural lighting that illuminates the room helps keep ailments like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) away. Here are a couple of great lamp designs below:

 Floor Lamp

Sydney Desk Lamp

Task Lamp with Black Swivel

Here’s to enjoying the winter season at its best!

Have any questions or comments about our blog? Let us know!

~Charlene Marie

Green Holiday Tips for 2011

 Give a gift to our planet this holiday season

After choosing gifts for your friends and family this holiday season, why not give a little something back to nature? Since it is the season of giving, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to help make our Earth a happier and healthier place this year.  After all our planet puts up with, it could probably use a little pampering once in a while!

Even if it’s snowing, you can let the green shine through with these tips:

•          Skip wrapping paper and present your gift in a reusable item such as a basket or tin
•          Put your light strings on a timer and save money as well as energy
•          Upgrade your holiday lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs
•          Recycle your live tree or wreaths
•          Use china or glassware when entertaining
•          Use wooden or biodegradable ornaments such as real pinecones or pine branches
•          If you’re in a colder climate, build a snowman for that extra holiday yard décor
•          Instead using a holiday aerosol freshener, boil cinnamon sticks, orange essence oil and nutmeg in  water
•          Instead staying indoors and using electricity, enjoy a natural holiday adventure such as going skiing, sledding or ice skating.
•          Send e-cards instead of paper ones

Want to spread some green cheer with your friends and family? Help the environment with eco-friendly gifts such as:

•          Bird feeders
•          Live trees or plants
•          Personalized reusable shopping bags
•          Steel water bottles
•          Solar charger for electronics
•          Wireless solar keyboards
•          GreenWash balls for detergent-free laundry
•          Mountain bikes
•          Solar light caps
•          Organic herb garden kits

A healthier planet keeps us happy too; so help share the green this holiday season!

Have any other green ideas? Let us know!

~ Charlene Marie

Holiday Fire: A True Story

A fire and the heroic deeds of a concerned neighbor

Since the weekend is hours away, I was planning on writing a more upbeat blog; however, due to the fact this can happen to anyone, I figured I’d share a true story that could save a home or possibly even a life.

Since the weather has been becoming quite chilly, the homeowners felt that there’s nothing better than warm, relaxing fire to wrap up the evening. After the logs were in place and the fire was set, the couple went about their business.

About an hour later, a loud, hard banging noise at the door alarmed the homeowners. Bam, bam bam! “What in the world?” the lady of the house thought to herself, as she sprung up from her computer. As she scurried down the stairs, she saw that her husband was nowhere in sight. Bewildered by the situation, she decided to investigate and went outside to find her significant other. What she saw next, was a shocking sight.

Flames were shooting out of the side of her house, while her husband and neighbor were dousing the flames with a garden hose and fire extinguisher! “Holy cow,” she exclaimed as she ran back in the house to check on the fireplace. On the inside, the fire was still burning as it normally would. The only thing she noticed was that one of the logs seemed to be touching the back wall of the fireplace.

Seconds later, the flames were out, due to the handy work of the neighbor and a trusty fire extinguisher. Armed with a few pot holders and a shovel, he quickly loaded the burnt logs and fireplace grate into a wheelbarrow and dumped them out into the driveway to cool. After dousing the inside of the hot mantel with water, the fire department arrived and tore what was left to the wooden siding off the damaged area of the house.

Actual photo of the damage

Apparently, the fire in the fireplace heated up the blocks so much, that it cracked the cement sealant and started a fire on the outside of the house. At least that is what is understood. After the house is inspected, the couple will know for sure.

As for the lady of the house, that was me.

I wanted to share this story to make my readers more aware what can happen when you least expect it. I’ve also compiled a few fire safety tips to help keep you and your own family safe. One can never be too careful when it comes to fire.

Fire safety tips:

· Have your chimney swept and cleaned once a year

· Have heating equipment inspected once per year

· Clean all ducts including clothes dryer ducts every year

· Test some detectors once a month

· Change batteries in a smoke detector once a year

· Avoid overloading electrical outlets

· Discard holiday light strings with frayed wires, cracked sockets or loose connections

· Keep decor, curtains and furniture at least three feet from any sources of heat

· Do not leave candles burning without being watched

· Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach

· Use clothes dryers ONLY while someone is home or awake

· Never leave the room while cooking

· Keep fire extinguishers around the house in case of emergency

· Do not purchase a dry or brittle Christmas tree

· Turn off space heaters and extinguish fireplaces while sleeping or when leaving home

· Make sure halogen lights are away from anything flammable

· Have a fire escape route and meeting place mapped out

· Do not smoke in bed or while sleepy

· Stop, drop and roll, if clothing catches fire

· Always stay low to the ground, if escaping a fire

Hopefully this situation doesn’t happen to you.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story as well as these fire safety tips. I also would like to thank my company for allowing me to share my story and most of all, a huge thank you to my neighbor for his kindness, concern, quick thinking and action. If it wasn’t for him and his son, I might not be writing this article today! I don’t think I can say thanks enough!

Please feel free to pass my story along and keep these fire safety tips in mind.

Stay safe!

~Charlene Marie

Food Safety During the Holidays

If you are cooking for a holiday gathering or are offered leftover treats, take food safety into consideration.

A holiday celebration without food just isn’t as jolly. After planning the menu for your festive feast, considering food safety while prepping and storing is imperative. Below are a few tips to help keep your holidays happy, healthy and bacteria-free.

When prepping your meals, here are a few things to keep in mind:

· Always wash hands before handling food

· Wash and sanitize all food prep surface areas

· Wash all fruits and vegetables

· When cooking, make sure most meats reach up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit

· Use separate cutting boards for meat and produce

· Do not thaw or marinate food at room temperature

· Only store fresh meats up to 2 days in the refrigerator

Not sure how long to cook your creation? Check out the cooking chart below: 

 

Category	Food	Temperature (°F)	Rest Time
Ground Meat & Meat Mixtures	Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb	160	None
	Turkey, Chicken	165	None
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb	Steaks, roasts, chops	145	3 minutes
Poultry	Chicken & Turkey, whole	165	None
	Poultry breasts, roasts	165	None
	Poultry thighs, legs, wings	165	None
	Duck & Goose	165	None
	Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird)	165	None
Pork and Ham	Fresh pork	145	3 minutes
	Fresh ham (raw)	145	3 minutes
	Precooked ham (to reheat)	140	None
Eggs & Egg Dishes	Eggs	Cook until yolk and white are firm	None
	Egg dishes	160	None
Leftovers & Casseroles	Leftovers	165	None
	Casseroles	165	None
Seafood	Fin Fish	145 or cook until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.	None
	Shrimp, lobster, and crabs	Cook until flesh is pearly and opaque.	None
	Clams, oysters, and mussels	Cook until shells open during cooking.	None
	Scallops	Cook until flesh is milky white or opaque and firm.   Chart courtesy of foodsafety.gov	None

When serving food, be aware of these facts:

· Try not to leave food out for no more than 2 hours

· Keep cold foods such as a macaroni salad by nesting serving dishes in ice

· Keep hot foods hot by using chafing dishes or slow cookers.

· Replace empty used platters or wash thoroughly before adding fresh food

Do you have leftovers? Here’s a great chart that shows how long food can be stored:

Category	Food	Refrigerator (40 °F or below)	Freezer (0 °F or below)
Salads	Egg, chicken, ham, tuna & macaroni salads	3 to 5 days	Does not freeze well
Hot dogs	opened package	1 week	1 to 2 months
	unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Luncheon meat	opened package or deli sliced	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
	unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Bacon & Sausage	Bacon	7 days	1 month
	Sausage, raw — from chicken, turkey, pork, beef	1 to 2 days	1 to 2 months
Hamburger & Other Ground Meats	Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, veal, pork, lamb, & mixtures of them	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb & Pork	Steaks	3 to 5 days	6 to 12 months
	Chops	3 to 5 days	4 to 6 months
	Roasts	3 to 5 days	4 to 12 months
Fresh Poultry	Chicken or turkey, whole	1 to 2 days	1 year
	Chicken or turkey, pieces	1 to 2 days	9 months
Soups & Stews	Vegetable or meat added	3 to 4 days	2 to 3 months
Leftovers	Cooked meat or poultry	3 to 4 days	2 to 6 months
	Chicken nuggets or patties	3 to 4 days	1 to 3 months
	Pizza	3 to 4 days	1 to 2 months

Chart courtesy of foodsaftey.gov

Do you have any other comments or suggestions on this blog? Let us know!

Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!

~ Charlene Marie