If you want to fight bad odors in your home, throw out the synthetic, toxic chemical sprays. Exposure to toxins called VOCs from synthetic sprays, air fresheners and scented candles can cause a wide array of health issues, from mild irritation to possible links with cancer. Do you want to find a natural way to freshen your home? Follow the tips below to combat common smelly odors naturally without resorting to harmful chemicals. 

Open the Windows

Sometimes the simplest remedy is the most effective. If your house or car has an unpleasant smell, allowing for some fresh air circulation can quickly get rid of the problem. A cross breeze from open windows circulates fresh air so that smells can quickly dissipate. In case of strong smells, such as burnt popcorn or cigarette smoke, you may need to open a window and turn on an oscillating fan to air our your home.

Stop the Source

Opening the windows can only go so far if you don’t identify the source of the smell. Experts say the key to odor removal is removing the source. Natural fresheners can only temporarily mask strong foul odors, especially if the problem has anything to do with faulty plumbing, mildew, mold, or dead animals caught under the house or in the chimney. Follow this guide to determine where foul odors are coming from and how to combat the problem. 

Since the start of the recession three or four years ago, fewer people have purchased new cars. This year however, the tide is ebbing as the economy, job market, and real estate market show true signs of recovery. With more money in their pockets, people are ready to finally purchase a new car. They are, however, still conditioned to get the most value with the least cost. Resale value, a combination of popularity, functionality, and longevity, is an important factor to consider when seeking the best bang for your buck. Here are this year’s top ten cars that retain the highest value at resale.

1. Jeep Wrangler

One of the most iconic American vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler has been around for over sixty years. Starting at a base price of $23,000, it’s also one of the most affordable four-wheel drive vehicle with off-road capability. The Jeep’s new upgrade for the 2012 model is a powerful, fuel-efficient V6 engine. After five years, the Jeep Wrangler retains a value of 55 percent. 

2. Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a modern update of the classic Land Cruiser. The new Toyota Cruiser is built similar to the Toyota 4Runner and is equipped to handle the toughest off-road courses. Good for weekend camping trips, daily driving, and off-roading, this vehicle retains a value of 50 percent or more after five years. 

Since the housing market recovery has officially begun, demand for homes at record low rates has increased, and the supply for desirable homes is limited. As a home buyer this time of year, you can expect to have competition from multiple bidders. While the winner is usually the most qualified home buyer with the highest price, there are a few tricks to the trade that can increase your chances of winning against competing home buyers. 

1. Highest offer

As stated above, the bidder with the highest offer is usually the winner. Before you make your bid, learn as much as possible about the local market and prices of comparable properties. You can ask your realtor to prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA), or calculate the CMA on your own. A CMA discloses the recent selling prices of similar properties. When market values are on the rise, as they are in certain cities, there is more guesswork involved in pricing. To be the successful bidder, you may have to pay more than yesterday’s comparable sales. However, the most important thing to remember in a multiple offer situation is matching what the seller desires.

2. Clean offer

Aside from the right price, sellers want offers with the least number of contingencies; conditions that must be fulfilled before the sale is completed. Common contingencies include financing, inspections, and sales of other homes. If you can shorten the contingency period, or waive it altogether, your offer will be more appealing to sellers. As you craft an irresistible package, be sure to take in to account any expensive, necessary repairs, like a cracked foundation or leaking roof.

Getting the promotion you want often takes more than hard work. Here are seven simple ways to demonstrate your value and secure a better position.

Let Your Boss Know

Don’t assume people will know that you are interested in a job; discuss interest with your boss or supervisor. This can feel awkward, but most managers expect their best employees to want to advance. Your annual evaluation is a good time to broach the subject; you can often get your manager’s input on how to get that promotion.

Volunteer

Take on extra responsibilities and volunteer for special projects. Not only will you show you’re dedicated and can handle challenges, but it will help you get noticed by more people.

Speak Up

If you have ideas, speak up. Don’t be afraid to give your opinion and offer new suggestions on how to complete a project or task. This can show that you are able to handle more than your current job.

In addition to bulk boxes of Cheez-It crackers and discounted flat screen TVs, shoppers can now purchase ready-to-go mortgages at the wholesale depot Costco.

Partnering with First Choice Bank and ten other lenders, Costco now offers a mortgage lending program on its website. After a year of testing more than 10,000 mortgages, Costco will move into an aggressive promotion campaign to gather more members and provide a wider range of financial products.

"The Costco service, while offering competitive options for its members, still warrants comparison shopping and research," says Keith Gumbinger of the mortgage information company HSH.com. Gumbinger surmises that the Costco services may provide more opportunities to homeowners looking to refinance, than those looking to purchase a home. "The process of purchasing a home happens face-to-face, and isn’t yet suited for online transactions," Gumbinger says.