musingsofamusicianswife

  Tis the season of cozy nights spent by the fireplace, houses full of visiting family and friends, and ovens packed with holiday dishes all month long. As we continue to drift into colder months, our minds are wrapped around holiday preparations and how to stay warm for winter! But, what most people may not think about is the health of their homes this season. Many actions that seem like normal rituals for fall and winter could significantly impact your indoor air quality without you even realizing it. That pumpkin spice candle you just lit in the living room, or the turkey you have baking in the oven, could be diminishing the quality of your home’s air, leaving you with anything but warm and fuzzy feelings.    When talking about odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and poor ventilation, these negative factors stand out as a serious problem for indoor air quality. Learning how to avoid their unhealthy impact on your indoor environment can make for a better season, a

  Break out the decorative tablecloths, family recipe books, and those fancy plates you have tucked in the back of your cabinets because it’s holiday season! The leaves are just starting to change, the air is getting a little cooler, and people around the globe are preparing their homes for festive gatherings of family and friends. Though as the world witnessed last year, the art of hosting for the holidays looks a little different than it once did – that is, pre-pandemic.    While organizations like the CDC and WHO have recommended guidelines to follow for safe gatherings, it can still feel overwhelming to consider the right safety measures for a holiday dinner when you are already worried about the typical catastrophes of a festive feast, like what flavor pie to make or how many casseroles you can fit in the oven at once.    Practicing a few mindful actions while preparing and hosting a holiday gathering can reduce the risks associated with illness exposure and transmi