LEADING BRAND: $10 purchase + $30 for dry cloth refills (1 year) + $30 for wet cloth refills (1 year)

= $70 / 1 year

MOOSE RIVER MOP: $45.41 + UNLIMITED USES FOR 5 YEARS

= $45.41 / 5 years!!!!!!!!

The benefits of the new Moose River re-useable mop include:

New microfiber mophead fabric guaranteed to cut through any scuff mark, crayon mark, dust, or streak.

Mophead has twice the cleaning area of standard mops. (15" x 3.5")

360 degree swivel joint allows for access to hard-to-reach areas.

Adjustable and lockable handle (30" to 60") which can extend to a length that is longer than the standard 45" mop

Microfiber mop heads can handle both wet and dry cleaning.

Completely re-useable; no need to dispose of your mop heads.

The mop is constructed from Moose River's new micro fiber material, which is a revolutionary product which comprises billions of tiny loops and hooks which helps to dig into the grime and maximize your cleaning power. Thus, the mop is equally-effective both for wet and dry washing, without the use of any chemicals!

Dry Use

When it's dry, the microfiber mop completely takes the place of all those anti-static sweepers that are so heavily advertised. The problem with the anti-static sweepers is that your hard-earned money goes directly into the garbage. This Micro Fibre mop is not only machine washable, but it is also a dust magnet that's absolutely fantastic for dry sweeping. The dust mop can not only pick up dust, but also dog and cat hair. The handle on the Micro Fibre mop is completely adjustable (ranging from 30" to 60") so that it can get under all the beds and pick up all that dog hair and those dust bunnies. You'll have no problems getting underneath the stove, or into any tight corners to get all the fuzz, fluff and other stuff you normally have to sweep before you mop. It's great for houses will a lot of tables and chairs because you can go in between the legs without having to move the chairs out from the table.

The Micro Fibre head of the mop is held on by Velcro; when you're finished, just peel the dust magnet off, throw it on your front steps or out on your balcony and give it a shake. That breaks the static electrical charge and cleans it so you can sweep the floors again, another day. You don't have to wash your broom every time you use it - you don't have to wash this every time you use it. Wash it in your laundry ocassionally, and it'll last for years.

Wet Use

Scuff marks and crayon marks are just a couple of really tough cleaning problems in anyone's house, whether you have ceramic tiles or laminate flooring. After a dry mopping, you can prepare the mophead for wet mopping. All you have to do is to run it under the tap in the kitchen sink until it's soaking wet with hot or warm water, and squeeze out about half of the water out. If you've ever used a sponge mop you know that they leave streaks. Micro Fibre cleaning is different. The loops and hooks on the surface of the Micro Fibre cloth literally grab onto the edges of the scuff mark.

All this mop for such a low price?

The Moose River mop package comes complete with:

Mop Extendible Pull Handle (with locking mechanism),

Plastic Base with Velcro attachment,

2 Wet Mop Heads, and

1 Dry mop head.

All this is yours for under $50! Since, on average, this mop can be used for up to 5 years, you will be saving money for years to come. For more information about Moose River's microfiber mop, go to www.algrashopping.com/mooseriver/.

Usually, I vacuum my hardwood floors to pick up all the dirt. Then I use the mop and bucket to clean the floors. What I was looking for was a sweeper mop to use for touch-ups, in between cleanings. One thing I found out is that the wet pads cannot remove stains that well. The pads are flat and cannot cut through any type of stain that is embedded into the nooks and crannies within and between tiles, no matter how much pressure you apply. If you apply too much pressure, the pole just bends.

Not only was the wet pad ineffective at picking up clumps of dirt, but the wet pads also leave residue on the tiles that act as a dirt magnet! In no time, the newly cleaned floor was dirty again. It seems that the residue left on the floor actually attracted dirt from shoes and socks.

Moose River's Microfiber Mop- the Better Solution

Don't pay attention to all the glitz and glamour that advertisements promise. What I want is functionality in my mop. Thus, I would like to tell you about a new mop which I have discovered, which utilizes revolutionary microfiber technology to maximize your cleaning power.

Unlike other leading brands of sweeper mops, the Moose River sweeper utilizes re-useable and machine-washable microfiber cloth. Disposable wet cloths (with their flat scrubbing strips) are generally not as effective as the Moose River microfiber fabric. This is because Moose River's new microfiber material is a revolutionary product which comprises billions of tiny loops and hooks that helps to dig into the grime and maximize your cleaning power.

Why do I like this new mop so much? Because Moose River really paid attention to detail when they designed this mop. First of all, the handle is sturdy and completely adjustable. It can be set anywhere from 30" long to 60" long. Secondly, the base is constructed out of a 360 degree swivel joint, which allows for access to hard-to-reach areas. Finally, not only are the pads disposable, but they provide extraordinary cleaning power for both dry and wet mopping.

Dry Use

When it's dry, the microfiber mop completely takes the place of all those anti-static sweepers that are so heavily advertised. The problem with the anti-static sweepers is that your hard-earned money goes directly into the garbage. This Micro Fibre mop is not only machine washable, but it is also a dust magnet that's absolutely fantastic for dry sweeping. The dust mop can not only pick up dust, but also dog and cat hair. The handle on the Micro Fibre mop is completely adjustable (ranging from 30" to 60") so that it can get under all the beds and pick up all that dog hair and those dust bunnies. You'll have no problems getting underneath the stove, or into any tight corners to get all the fuzz, fluff and other stuff you normally have to sweep before you mop. It's great for houses will a lot of tables and chairs because you can go in between the legs without having to move the chairs out from the table.

The Micro Fibre head of the mop is held on by Velcro; when you're finished, just peel the dust magnet off, throw it on your front steps or out on your balcony and give it a shake. That breaks the static electrical charge and cleans it so you can sweep the floors again, another day. You don't have to wash your broom every time you use it - you don't have to wash this every time you use it. Wash it in your laundry ocassionally, and it'll last for years.

Wet Use

Scuff marks and crayon marks are just a couple of really tough cleaning problems in anyone's house, whether you have ceramic tiles or laminate flooring. After a dry mopping, you can prepare wet mophead. All you have to do is to run it under the tap in the kitchen sink until it's soaking wet with hot or warm water, and squeeze out about half of the water out. If you've ever used a sponge mop you know that they leave streaks. Micro Fibre cleaning is different. The loops and hooks on the surface of the Micro Fibre cloth literally grab onto the edges of the scuff mark. You don't need to apply much pressure to make scuff marks dissapear!

Cost Comparison

Disposables generate a lot of waste, but they also cost you a significant amount of money. Not only will Moose River give you better cleaning power, but they will also save you money!

Here's how:

LEADING BRAND: $10 purchase + $30 for dry cloth refills (1 year) + $30 for wet cloth refills (1 year)
= $70 / 1 year

MOOSE RIVER'S MOP: $45.41 + UNLIMITED USES FOR 5 YEARS
= $45.41 / 5 years!!!!!!!!

Due to its low cost, re-useable nature, microfiber cleaning technology, and convenient design features, Moose River has introduced a fully functional mop for an extremely attractive price. When it comes to cleaning, Moose River's mop wins over the competition hands down!

Foods

It is practically impossible to keep the kitchen clean all day every day and you will probably leave some sort of food lying on the worktop at some point. If you have a dog or a cat you’ll already know how quickly they can spot and make a move towards unwatched food so it is important to be aware of things, which might be poisonous to them. It is a common misconception that animals will not eat something if it is bad for them – many animals will eat whatever is available and as their owner it is your job to keep one eye on them when there is food around.

Foods that are toxic include onions, garlic, salt, chocolate, yeast, coffee, sweets, chewing gum, grapes and raisins, tea and alcohol. Of course, if you have pets there is no reason why you can’t still enjoy these foods but it is important to be aware that they could be harmful to your pet.

Many dog owners assume that their pet will want the left over bones of their Sunday roast. However, these are also potentially harmful. Small bones, such as those found in chicken, splinter easily and could injure your dog’s mouth, intestines or stomach.

Household Products

The safety of household products is less ambiguous than that of food. The majority of products are labeled stating whether they are safe for animals or not. As a general rule, it is a good idea to assume that all household chemicals should be kept away from your pets. This includes cleaning products and insecticides. However, as any pet owner knows, having an animal in the house usually means there is more to clean up. So what can you do? There are more special animal-friendly cleaning brands being produced all the time so if you feel unsure about using normal household products around your pets it might be worth trying one of these. Otherwise, try to go for products that are predominantly made of natural ingredients and always keep them out of the reach of your pets.

Aside from the items listed above, certain species of household plants can also be toxic to animals. If in doubt, do some research before buying them so you know your pets will be safe? The same could be said for any household item – if in doubt check whether it could potentially harm your pet or not. By following your common sense and keeping the house tidy, your pet will have a safer living environment.

It is a common misconception that parrots actually learn to talk. In reality, they have no idea what they are saying; they are simply mimicking the noises they hear regularly. In the wild, parrots learn to mimic the noises they hear their parents making while they are chicks. This is a bonding process and repeating the familiar noises to each other keeps the family bonds strong. The same principal applies to parrots in captivity. They have a long life span and like to be surrounded by company. As their owners become more like family, they will be more likely to imitate them.

If you have a parrot and want to teach it how to talk, it is best to start when they are younger. This is when they would start imitating their parents in the wild and, although they might not be able to pick up actual words yet, they will be able to copy sounds and tunes. Teaching a parrot to talk is a form of training. Just as you would give a dog a treat every time he sat down when you asked him to, it is important to associate the words you are teaching your parrot with things it likes. The fastest way to teach it sounds is to repeat them again and again when your parrot is eating and playing.

The sound of your voice will also make a significant impact on your parrot. Women’s voices are higher and therefore easier for the bird to recognize but it is important to sound excited when saying the words you want your parrot to repeat. Just as if you were teaching a child, start with simple one and two syllable words and over pronounce every part. In the beginning, your parrot will only be able to learn one word at a time so don’t try and teach him a second word before he has mastered the first otherwise you might confuse him.

Like children, parrots also have to be in the right frame of mind to learn. You will not be able to control this but sounding excited and engaging will help. You will know when your parrot is ready to learn, as his behaviour will chance. Usually, he will stare at you and you may see his pupils contract or dilate as you whistle at him. If your parrot doesn’t seem interested then he is either just not in the mood to learn or you may need to get creative and find another way to get his attention.

Parrots are pets for life – some can live as long as 70 years. In the right environment, it should be possible to build up an impressive vocabulary during that time!

Even in a tank, fish are wild animals and, like all wild animals, are focused on two things: food and reproducing. This means that whenever you add a new fish to a tank, they are seen as competition for mating and food. The fish already in the tank will have established feeding territories but for some of them, this could include the whole tank!

Many male fish do not get on well because of the competition for females. With most fish it is better to have one male and multiple female fish. The one exception to this rule is schooling fish. Each sex of these fish will develop a hierarchy, with a dominant male and female. The only problems might come when you want to add more of the same fish, as this will disrupt the established pecking order.

Usually, but not always, fish that are bigger will pick on their smaller counterparts. It helps to try and keep all of the fish in your aquarium around the same size.

The order in which you add different types of fish is very important. It is crucial to research how one breed of fish reacts to another before you buy them. As a general rule, the new fish won’t have a problem with fish already established in the tank. For example, Black Skirt Tetras tend to nip at fish with long, flowing fins. Therefore, if you add Angel Fish to a tank where Black Skirt Tetras are already established, then you could have problems. However, if the Angel Fish are already established in the tank before the Black Skirt Tetras are added, there is less chance of them fighting each other. To avoid this problem altogether, if you know you have a breed of fish that likes nipping fins, it might not be wise to mix them with fish like Angel Fish or Goldfish that have long, flowing fins.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to do your research. Not all fish will get along together and it is necessary to know this in advance in order to avoid any potential disasters. If you haven’t started your aquarium yet, it is a good idea to make a list of the fish you think you will want in the future before you start buying them. That way, you can make sure you are introducing them in the right order.

Whenever we get a new pet, we are aware that the chances are that we will outlive it. However, for most people that doesn’t make the loss any less difficult. Losing a pet, whether suddenly or after a long illness, is like losing a relationship – you might miss the familiarity of having them around, the daily routine you had with them and all their little quirks.

Everyone copes with loss and grief in different ways. One of the most important things is to accept your feelings, whatever they might be, and not to dismiss them with the idea that your pet was just an animal. If it was an integrated part of your family, then it was like a family member. It doesn’t matter that it couldn’t talk to you or communicate in the same way as people; there was still an emotional bond that existed between you.

If you are grieving the loss of a pet, there are a few things you can bear in mind to help yourself through the process. The first is that there is nothing wrong with what you are feeling. If you try and ignore them then you are not going to help yourself. Secondly, there is no right way to mourn the loss of a pet. If you need time alone, that’s what you need. Some people need to talk about it as well, while some people try and busy themselves with other things to cope with the loss. Everyone is different and the right way to mourn your pet depends on whatever is right for you.

There are specialists pet counselors that exist. If you are finding the loss of your pet difficult to cope with, or simply don’t feel like you have anyone to talk to, it might be worth researching whether there is a professional you can talk to in your area. Some people, especially those without pets, may not understand the kind of bond that exists between an animal and its owner. If you want to talk to friends of relatives, try and talk to those you know will understand your loss and will be there to support you.

Guilt is a very common emotional reaction to the death of a loved pet. The questions ‘what if...?’ is one that many people are plagued by. Ultimately, there is nothing you can do to change the situation – you did the best you could at the time and what happened is a sad tragedy.

Losing a pet is incredibly difficult but given time and a proper grieving process, you will be able to move on with fond memories of your pet. Perhaps the time will even come when you will consider getting another pet in the future. For now, however, it is important to listen to your needs and accept your grief.

When your pet is microchipped, it has a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) inserted under its skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each animal reacts differently to the ‘injection’ but it is a very quick procedure. Although your pet may feel some discomfort, if your vet is experienced in microchipping it should be a painless event.

So what are the different sides of the microchipping debate? As always, there are distinct pros and cons associated with microchipping and these are explored below.

The Advantages

There are many reasons why pets may run away or be able to escape. It might be purely accidental – if someone leaves the side gate open, your dog or cat could easily slip out, become disorientated and unable to find their way home. Pets can also try and escape situations of stress, for example, dogs and cats are far more likely to try and run away during a nearby firework display than normally. Many pet owners experience problems with their pets when they move home. If the animal goes in search of its old, familiar home it can easily become lost and, depending on how far it has traveled, there may be little chance of reuniting it with its family again if it is not microchipped.

All pet owners know that their dog or cat should wear a collar and identifying tag. However, these can easily break or get lost, leaving your pet unidentifiable. Microchips are permanent – they do not fall out or cause your pet any problems in the long-term.

The Disadvantages

Although the level of discomfort felt depends on the type of animal being microchipped and the vet carrying out the procedure, it is fair to say that microchipping could potentially cause your pet pain in the immediate short-term. Since they cannot communicate verbally, it is impossible to know how they really feel so it is up to you, their owner, to decide whether the procedure might be too distressing for them.

Microchipping costs money. The amounts vary and there are some organizations that will carry out the injection for free. However, it usually costs something to register your details on the national database.

Ultimately, microchipping definitely has its advantages. Although it isn’t free and might cause discomfort for your pet, it lasts a lifetime and seriously improves your chances of being reunited if your pet is lost or stolen.

Laminate flooring can be cared for by using a dry dust mop on the floor for every day cleaning. During those times when you feel that you need a good deeper clean, you can use a wet mop, one that is not really all that wet, to clean up sticky messes or to clean up mud from the floor. You don't want to use that much water on the floor so you don't have the water seeping down into it and then the laminate flooring is going to warp over time.

Laminate floor care is going to be similar to wood or any other type of flooring when it comes to moving furniture across the flooring. Laminate flooring can be scratched, dented and can be marked up when you are not careful in moving those heaviest of furniture pieces in your home. To prevent and care for your flooring, you want to pick up the furniture and move it from location to location.

Don't drag the furniture across the flooring. Your laminate flooring that has marks and cuts in it will need a little extra care to get that mark out, and sometimes if the cut is all that deep you can't get it out no matter how much buffing you were to do on this area. The same goes for wood flooring, if the cut is too deep or the scratch is too deep, you are not going to be able to cover it up.

Laminate flooring is easy to care for because the seams in the flooring are actually very tight. You won't find all types of cracks in the flooring for food, for water, or for dirt to get trapped in. Laminate flooring is a type that will not allow things down between the rows, when you care for it daily. Sweeping and dusting your flooring with a broom, a swiffer or a vacuum that is not hard on the floor is what you need to care for the laminate flooring. You only want to mop your flooring when it is really sticky, when you spill something on the floor, but you don't even need to wax laminate flooring which is what makes it so popular!

Your home is important to you. You want it to look pleasing not only to yourself and your family but to your friends and neighbors as well.

Often times we buy blinds that fit our budget but compromise on getting a good fit for our window. The end result is a window that is decoratively challenged and usually just plain blah!. With roman blinds you can find at least six reasons for using them in your home. Why do I love to decorate with custom roman blinds, here are seven reasons.

1. My family and friends love them.

I am always getting compliments on my blinds. The ability to use different materials and styles around the home offers more personality.

After I got my new romans the neighbor would meet me at the mail box to compliment the new blinds and give me the third degree on where I got them, how much I paid and could I help here get some romans for her house. When I invite them in to see the whole effect they always want to know where I got the roman blinds, how much they cost and if I would help them pick some out for their house.

2. You can have an inside look and an outside look

With custom Roman blinds you can have two different fabrics. You can have fabric that matches your interior design from the carpet, color scheme, and it can be different in each room, while the outside or exterior side of the blinds can be done in a neutral or white to compliment the outside of the house.

3.It's easy to get them custom made

Once you have determined the type of decorator fabric and the colors you want for your blinds it is easy to get them custom made for your windows. You just order them to your correct size and in about ten days to two weeks later you have your custom roman shades

4. They Fit!

Most of the blinds that you buy in the stores are going to be a certain length and width and if they are more than a 1/2" off in width they will look like they don't fit. Which of course they don't!

There are some blinds that can be cut to your width in the stores, but you have to shorten them yourself and if you have ever tried to shorten blinds you know what a pain that is.

The best part of having custom romans means you won't have to mount them on the outside of the window which always looks tacky, but you can mount them inside the frame where they look awesome.

5. The Roman blinds can be made in different styles.

Personally I like the hobbled roman, that's my style. The fabric offers a perfect fit for my room decor and allows distinction.

I also find that the fabric tends to soften the room. While you can have patterns on the fabric, I have chosen the soft colors, without patterns. This fits in with my decor a little better and offers a pleasing style rather than something that continually draws the eye away from the rest of the room.

6. Romans are easy to clean

If you have ever had any type of horizontal mini or Venetian blind you know what a pain they are to clean and that's being polite.

Custom roman blinds on the other hand are easy to clean. Just use your vacuum brush or a quick run over with your "swiffer" and your done.

7. Gives you the privacy you want.

You can now get custom roman blinds in that top/down - bottom/up option. I like to open them down from the top in the bathroom, this lets me have plenty of light while letting me have my privacy.

If you would like to create a little friend and neighbor envy then add some custom roman blinds to your home. Your spouse and kids will love them. Your family won't be able to wait to show off the new romans to their friends, so be prepared to become known as the neighborhood decorator.

Your home is important to you. You want it to look pleasing not only to yourself and your family but to your friends and neighbors as well.

Often times we buy blinds that fit our budget but compromise on getting a good fit for our window. The end result is a window that is decoratively challenged and usually just plain blah!. With roman blinds you can find at least six reasons for using them in your home. Why do I love to decorate with custom roman blinds, here are seven reasons.

1. My family and friends love them.

I am always getting compliments on my blinds. The ability to use different materials and styles around the home offers more personality.

After I got my new romans the neighbor would meet me at the mail box to compliment the new blinds and give me the third degree on where I got them, how much I paid and could I help here get some romans for her house. When I invite them in to see the whole effect they always want to know where I got the roman blinds, how much they cost and if I would help them pick some out for their house.

2. You can have an inside look and an outside look

With custom Roman blinds you can have two different fabrics. You can have fabric that matches your interior design from the carpet, color scheme, and it can be different in each room, while the outside or exterior side of the blinds can be done in a neutral or white to compliment the outside of the house.

3.It's easy to get them custom made

Once you have determined the type of decorator fabric and the colors you want for your blinds it is easy to get them custom made for your windows. You just order them to your correct size and in about ten days to two weeks later you have your custom roman shades

4. They Fit!

Most of the blinds that you buy in the stores are going to be a certain length and width and if they are more than a 1/2" off in width they will look like they don't fit. Which of course they don't!

There are some blinds that can be cut to your width in the stores, but you have to shorten them yourself and if you have ever tried to shorten blinds you know what a pain that is.

The best part of having custom romans means you won't have to mount them on the outside of the window which always looks tacky, but you can mount them inside the frame where they look awesome.

5. The Roman blinds can be made in different styles.

Personally I like the hobbled roman, that's my style. The fabric offers a perfect fit for my room decor and allows distinction.

I also find that the fabric tends to soften the room. While you can have patterns on the fabric, I have chosen the soft colors, without patterns. This fits in with my decor a little better and offers a pleasing style rather than something that continually draws the eye away from the rest of the room.

6. Romans are easy to clean

If you have ever had any type of horizontal mini or Venetian blind you know what a pain they are to clean and that's being polite.

Custom roman blinds on the other hand are easy to clean. Just use your vacuum brush or a quick run over with your "swiffer" and your done.

7. Gives you the privacy you want.

You can now get custom roman blinds in that top/down - bottom/up option. I like to open them down from the top in the bathroom, this lets me have plenty of light while letting me have my privacy.

If you would like to create a little friend and neighbor envy then add some custom roman blinds to your home. Your spouse and kids will love them. Your family won't be able to wait to show off the new romans to their friends, so be prepared to become known as the neighborhood decorator.