About half Canadians don’t know the mortgage rules change today

Just read the news this morning regarding to the new mortgage rules in Canada. Yes I am part of the half Canadians that don't know about it. Apparently, federal government announce the new rules on Jun 21, 2012, and it will take effect on July 9, 2012

Picture from http://fortmcmurraymortgage.com

Here're the changes: 


- Reduce the maximum amortization period to 25 years from 30 years. This will reduce the total interest payments Canadian families make on their mortgage, helping them build up equity in their homes more quickly and pay off their mortgage sooner. The maximum amortization period was set at 35 years in 2008 and further reduced to 30 years in 2011.

- Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow when refinancing to 80% from 85% of the valve of their homes. This will promote saving through home ownership and encourage homeowners to prudently manage borrowings against their homes.

- Fix the maximum gross debt service ratio at 39% and the maximum total debt service ration at 44%. This will better protect Canadian households that may be vulnerable to economic shocks or an increase in interest rates.

- Limit the availability of government-backed insured mortgages to home with a purchase price of less than $1 million

The rule sound making Canadian buying house more difficult, but I think it's a good thing. Investing a house is great for saving and some good potential financial return, but if investing a house that cannot afford it may give you lots of pain.

Source: financial post

The power of Baking Soda - Miscellaneous Use

In previous posts I share the 17 ways of using baking soda in cleaning, 15 ways of using baking soda in personal care and 18 ways of using baking sodain deodorizing. What about using baking soda in miscellaneous use.

Picture by http://www.sgiss.com/

 1. Camping Cure-all

Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. Its a dish washer, pot scrubber, hand cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, fire extinguisher and many other uses.

2. Extinguish Fires
Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire–and call the Fire Department just to be safe.

3. Septic Care
Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.

4. Fruit and Vegetable Scrub
Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse.

5. Tendering the Meat
In most of the Asian Restaurants, stir-fry beef or pork, the meats are very tender because they used this technique to tender the meat. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda on the meat and mix it well. Wait about 10 to 15 mins, rinse it with water to wash out the baking soda before marinate. If you find strong taste of the baking soda reduce the amount of baking soda.

I believe there's still more ways of using baking soda. Let's utilize this amazing household tools. 

Source: Care2.com

Receive 4 Disney Land / Disney World Ticket Free - Another Scam

Received another scam - Receive 4 Disney Land / Disney World Ticket Free today. In order to get the "Free ticket", you need to invite your friend to join this event.  This is almost exactly same as the Starbucks one - Receive $100 Starbucks Gift Card for FREE (Official). I am telling you again. This is a scam / spam. 

1. When you click on the page they created, it's almost nothing there. Official page should have more information.

2. It's too good to be true, just invite 50 friends, you can get 1 Ticket. There's no free lunch.

3. The link will redirect to "http://lnkgt.com/8v3" which will ask you to pick up Apple stuff instead of Disney Land ticket and continue.

If you did make the mistake of sharing the scam link, then you are now spamming your friends with the very same message. Clean-up your newsfeed and profile to remove references to the scam. (click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the post).

Be on the lookout for more marketing offers arriving to your email inbox and physical address if you submitted that information to the scammers. Also be aware and alert for possible identity theft attempts.

The Power of Baking Soda - 18 ways of using baking soda in deodorizing

In previous posts I share the 17 ways of using baking soda in cleaning and 15 ways of using baking soda in personal care. It's time to talk about using baking soda in deodorizing.

Picture by humblebeeandme.com

1. Deodorize Your Refrigerator
Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

2. Deodorize the Cutting Board
Sprinkle the cutting board with baking soda, scrub, and rinse.

3. Deodorize Trashcans
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay.

4. Deodorize Recyclables
Sprinkle baking soda on top as you add to the container. Also, clean your recyclable container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse.

5. Deodorize Drains
To deodorize your sink and tub drains, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water–it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)

6. Deodorize and Clean Dishwashers
Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

7. Deodorize Garbage Disposals
To deodorize your disposal, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. Baking soda will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain.

8. Deodorize Lunch Boxes
Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors.

9. Remove Odor From Carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight, or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.)

10. Remove Odor From Vacuum Cleaners
By using the method above for carpets, you will also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

11. Freshen Closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.

12. Deodorizing Cars
Odors settle into car upholstery and carpet, so each time you step in and sit down, they are released into the air all over again. Eliminate these odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

13. Deodorize the Cat Box
Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning.

14. Deodorize Pet Bedding
Eliminate odors from your pets bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

15. Deodorize Sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.

16. Freshen Linens
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels.

17. Deodorize Your Wash
Gym clothes of other odoriferous clothing can be neutralized with a 1/2 cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle.

18. Freshen Stuffed Animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

I will share another use of baking soda - Miscellaneous Use. To Be Continued....

Source: Care2.com

The Power of Baking Soda - 15 ways of using baking soda in personal care

In previous post I share the 17 ways of using baking soda in cleaning, this time let's talk about using baking soda in personal care.

1. Make Toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

2. Freshen Your Mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

3. Soak Oral Appliance
Soak oral appliances, like retainers, mouthpieces and dentures, in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.

4. Use as a Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.

5. Skip Harsh Deodorant
Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an Antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.

7. Treat Insect Bites & Itchy Skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.

8. Make a Hand Cleanser and Softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, or 3 parts baking soda to gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.

9. Help Your Hair
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly–baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

10. Clean Brushes and Combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

11. Make a Bath Soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration, it also makes your skin feel very soft.

12. Soothe Your Feet
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub. 

13. Shaving
Men with sensitive skin may find that a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup water makes a great pre-shave treatment or a soothing aftershave rinse. For instant relief of razor burn, dab on a baking soda solution.

14. Nail Cares
Clean fingernails and toenails by scrubbing them with a nailbrush dipped in baking soda. This also softens cuticles.

15. Soothe minor mishaps
For sunburn pain: saturate a washcloth with a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water. Apply to affected area. Ease windburn or poison ivy irritation with a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Do not use on broken skin.

This is the personal care section only, I will share another use of baking soda - Deodorizing. To Be Continued.... 

Source: Care2.com, mythirtyspot.com