May 31, 2023

You wash your dishes by hand and it’s time for your tools to come clean. A damp sponge is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria so clean it regularly in a solution of bleach and water or put a wet sponge in the microwave to disinfect it. Better yet, try a plastic or silicone scrub brush that can dry out after every use. Source Link

How can you keep a social media life from interfering with your work world? Use automation tools to write posts on your own time and schedule them for later publication. Have separate personal accounts that make it clear you’re not speaking for the company and remember that any post can be set for friends-only viewing. Source Link

Anxiety can hit right when you’re ready for bed, and you can keep those worrying thoughts from ruining a good night’s sleep. Cut off caffeine consumption at least five hours before bed and try getting rid of your worries by putting them down on paper with journaling. And give yourself something to look forward to in the morning, like a nice breakfast, a walk or a favorite podcast. Source Link_

May 30, 2023

 What’s the best way to wash fruits and vegetables? Smooth-skinned produce like apples or pears can be rinsed with water and dried with a clean towel when you bring them home, but other items should be washed just before eating to prevent bacteria growth. And submerging leafy vegetables in water might increase the risk of contamination. Source Link 

A few office supply products can help you organize a freezer that’s packed with food. With wire shelving, attach a binder clip so it hangs down and can hold bags of frozen food. And vertical file holders set along the back wall of a freezer can hold frozen fruit, veggies or meat for easy organization. Source Link _

When baby proofing a home, don’t forget all those doors. Use a handle lever lock or door knob safety cover, or add a child safety door lock that’s installed high and out of their reach. Besides the obvious places like a bathroom, remember to baby proof any door that leads to a room with low window ledges that could pose a fall hazard. Source Link_

May 26, 2023

Improving a credit score can help you save on loans, auto insurance, or even rent and you can boost that number for free. Use a secured credit card linked to a savings account for everyday purchases and pay off the balance each month. And some credit bureaus let you report on-time payments of bills for utilities, cell phones or streaming services. Source Link 

You don’t need a five-figure home improvement budget because many upgrades can be done for $100 or less. Replace knobs and handles on kitchen drawers and cabinets or add solar lights to outdoor walkways or porches. Limewashing a fireplace can revive it without painting and wall-mounting a TV with hidden cabling makes a room look more open and cleaner. Source Link

You can fight back against higher electric bills by pinpointing energy vampires in your home. Set-top boxes, amplifiers and other audio-visual equipment can be unplugged when not in use and do the same with a TV in a spare room that’s not used often. Install timers or motion detecting switches on room lighting and insulate a fish tank to cut down on heater use. Source Link

 

May 25, 2023

 You can recycle those leftover online shipping boxes and donate items to dozens of charities. Fill the box with clothing or shoes to donate and go to GiveBackBox.com to pick the charity and print a shipping label from FedEx, UPS or the US Postal Service. The service works with boxes from several dozen online sellers, including Amazon, Overstock and Newegg. Source Link 

Here’s a colorful way to keep track of things that might come up missing, like a set of keys, a phone or a TV remote. Pick a really bright color and use a key ring and phone case in that color to make your items stand out. And put a similar bright-colored piece of tape on the TV remote so it’s easier to spot. Source Link_

Starting a garden can teach kids about where fruits and vegetables come from and make it easier to get more of them into their diet. You can grow in containers or create a garden in the yard and let children plant seeds and help with watering and weeding. After harvesting, use your fruits and vegetables in a meal, like lettuce or tomato on a hamburger or fresh-picked berries for a fruit smoothie. Source Link_

May 24, 2023

Burning the midnight oil is really rough on you. Being a night owl can lead to higher blood pressure, make exercise more difficult, promote late-night eating that packs on the pounds and can increase your risk of diabetes. And night owls are more tired and less alert on their morning commute and that can lead to more accidents. Source Link 

The three parts of a typical auto insurance policy each do different things. Liability covers the cost of damage or injury to others in an accident while you’re at-fault, while collision coverage pays to have your car repaired after an accident. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your car in non-accident settings, such as a hailstorm, flood or fire. Source Link_

Scammers are taking advantage of the growth of smart TVs and streaming services to rip you off. If you turn on a smart TV or open an app and see an error message, don’t call a phone number or click on a web address. No subscription streaming service or device will ever ask you to pay an activation fee. Email a customer service rep and inform them of the error message. Source Link_

 

May 23, 2023

Taking lots of smartphone pictures to make your vacation memories might cause the real ones to fade away. In a test, people who recorded their thoughts during an experience had less memory of it later. Experts say a focus on taking photos can change the way you experience an event and multitasking can interfere with memory. Source Link 

Try this tip to get Google to cover the difference if that plane ticket drops in price after you buy it. Use the Google Flights feature to book your air travel and look for the Price Guarantee check box. You’ll get a refund through Google Pay but it’s limited to three flights per year and capped at $500 in annual savings. Source Link_

Activity, eating and how you stimulate your brain can all help prevent memory loss. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and healthy eating with plenty of lean protein and good fats will also help. And challenge your mind by learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or planning a day trip or vacation to a new place. Source Link_

May 22, 2023

 One important part of a good night’s sleep needs to be replaced every year or two. A pillow past its prime loses firmness and that can cause neck and shoulder pain. To test yours, hold out your arm and drape the pillow across it. If it hangs down on each side, it’s time for a new one. Source Link 

They’re dark purple and wrinkled and could be the perfect snack when you’re watching your weight. In one study, eating prunes helped people control appetite better to consume fewer calories and lose more weight. Nutrient-rich prunes may be better than other snacks because they can make you feel full faster. Source Link 

When you’re overweight you might avoid seeing your body in a mirror but that may be one way to help you lose those extra pounds. Researchers found that looking in the mirror encouraged overweight people to engage in more healthy activities. They say looking at your reflection seems to reduce anxiety and body dissatisfaction, while improving self-awareness. Source Link

May 19, 2023

 Baby wipes are great for more than cleaning those little bottoms. A baby wipe does wonders on a dirty keyboard or light switch plate, leather furniture, latex paint on your hands, a whiteboard, or your car’s interior. A baby wipe can also remove your makeup gently and clean makeup stains from clothing. Source Link 

Here are some of the warning signs that you can’t afford your home mortgage. You aren’t able to save money for retirement, travel, education, or a rainy day fund. You might have high credit card bills to cover purchases that don’t fit into a too-tight budget. Or you’re deferring necessary home maintenance because the money isn’t there to pay for it. Source Link 

People who are battling high blood sugar may have another weapon. Researchers found that meditation, yoga and mindfulness exercises to deal with daily stress have also helped those with type-2 diabetes lower their average blood sugar levels. The improvement could be as much as some people see by using medications. Source Link

May 18, 2023

 You probably don’t need prescription pain relievers after a visit to the dentist. A study found that over-the-counter medications like Advil, Motrin or Tylenol were more effective at relieving dental pain than opioids such as Vicodin or Oxycontin. Unused narcotics have been blamed for fueling the nation’s opioid epidemic. Source Link

With voice cloning becoming easier, getting a fake call from a child or grandchild needing money for an emergency is a common scam, and you can fight back with one word. Create a unique family code word and ask for that if you get such a call. If they don’t say the word, hang up. You can make it even safer by using a common word but mispronouncing it as the code word. Source Link_

We’ve all had times when you can’t fall asleep because your mind is racing. You might overcome this by listening to soothing sounds or a calming meditation on your phone. You can also try rhythmic breathing like the 4-7-8 exercise, with a four-second inhale, a seven-second hold and an eight-second exhale. Source Link_

May 17, 2023

 Should yoga be part of the curriculum for your elementary student? A study found that third graders who began the school day with breathing exercises, guided relaxation and several simple yoga poses were less anxious in class, especially when taking tests. Third grade is often the year when school work becomes more complex for kids. Source Link 

You can battle spring allergies with some unique weapons. The herb butterbur is a natural antihistamine. Green tea can reduce sneezing and itchy eyes, and spicy food can help clear nasal congestion. Or add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water to breathe in a natural remedy for allergies caused by inflammation. Source Link_

Road rage is all too common and you can help yourself from becoming that person who’s always angry at other drivers. Don’t drive if you’re upset and keep the car comfortable with the right air temperature and some soothing music. And give other drivers some grace and the benefit of the doubt if you get cut off. Remember times when you’ve done the same thing without thinking. Source Link_

May 16, 2023

Using an air fryer can save time and make meals with less oil, but is it an economical choice for cooking? The power bill to run an air fryer might be only half of what you’d pay for natural gas or electricity to cook the same dish. And there’s more savings because you don’t have to use energy to preheat an air fryer before cooking. Source Link_

When packing for that next trip, think about what to carry with you on your phone. You can download content from services like Spotify or Netflix to enjoy music or movies when you don’t have a data connection. GPS won’t work without the internet but you can download directions and maps from Google Maps for offline use. Source Link 

The window in an oven door gets grimy, but there’s an easy way to clean it. Make a paste using baking soda and water and add a few drops of a grease-cutting dish detergent. Spread this on the glass and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and wipe with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Source Link_

May 15, 2023

Good posture can help reduce neck and back pain and you don’t need to balance a book on your head to improve. A few times a day, sit with your feet flat on the floor or stand up tall. Look straight ahead, bring your shoulders back and down, and slightly tuck in your chin. Now hold this position for a count of five. Source Link

Sooner or later many of us will interview for a job through a screen rather than face-to-face and here’s how to shine in that remote setting. Before the meeting, double-check your internet for adequate speed, close anything other than the meeting app and have a backup plan if the connection is lost, And don’t assume it’s audio-only – always dress as if you were in the office. Source Link 

There are some simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of online scammers. Beware of opening document files attached to emails that might include hidden hacker code and keep your router’s firmware updated for the latest protections. And consider using a virtual credit card that generates a one-time-use number for every online purchase. Source Link

May 12, 2023

 Here’s a reason to switch-up your dental hygiene routine and floss before you brush. A study found that people who flossed before brushing reduced more plaque on their teeth. One reason could be that flossing removes more food particles before brushing and that makes it easier for fluoride in toothpaste to do its work. Source Link

Adding a little olive oil to your daily diet could help to keep your heart and mind healthier. Researchers found that people who ate more than half a tablespoon of olive oil each day had lower rates of premature death from cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Olive oil can be a healthy substitute for butter, margarine and other types of fat used in cooking. Source Link

How do you open a can without a can opener? Friction is your friend. Turn it upside down and rub the top of the can on a rough surface like concrete, a rock, or use sandpaper for about a minute. Wear down the top edge and give the can a squeeze and the top might pop off, or push a knife or other flat tool into the seam to lift off the top. Source Link 

May 11, 2023

Helping your kids be healthy eaters as adults might start in the kitchen when they’re teens. Researchers found that people who learned to cook as a teenager had better nutritional habits in their 30s. They were more likely to prepare meals with vegetables, ate less fast food and had more family meals. Source Link 

There’s a lot you hear that’s not true, so let’s debunk some common myths about organ donation. You will not pay a fee to donate an organ and a doctor won’t fail to resuscitate a donor just to have an organ to harvest. And your lifespan won’t automatically be shorter because you’ve donated a kidney or part of your liver. Source Link_

A simple shift in the way you look at your money might help you stop living from paycheck to paycheck. Make a savings account the first thing you fund instead of the last after all your bills are paid. Any use zero-based budgeting that allocates every dollar to savings, paying bills or for spending money. Source Link_

 

May 10, 2023

 A big belly is bad news for your heart regardless of what the scale says. A study found that people with a normal weight but a fat belly had more risk for heart problems than people without a fat belly, even if they’re obese. Because belly fat is such a risk factor, some people may need to focus on waist loss instead of weight loss. Source Link 

Doing your grocery shopping online could help you save money in several ways. It stops impulse buying in the store and lets you easily compare items from different brands. And you’ll have a better handle on what you’re spending because an online grocery cart keeps track of the total cost as you fill it. Source Link_

How you answer your phone could put you at-risk for being hacked. Because scammers can easily clone your voice with a phone recording, don’t say “hello” when answering. Better yet, don’t say anything and let the caller speak first. The best defense is to not answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, they’ll leave an email. Source Link_

May 9, 2023

 Most home moves happen in Spring and Summer and you can make yours easier with these tips. Mark boxes by room using stick-on color dots and save on buying boxes by putting clothes on hangers in a trash bag. Take a picture of how electronics are connected and use an “open first” box that holds essentials like toiletries, phone chargers or a change of clothes. Source Link 

That smartwatch you’re wearing has its own security risks. Make sure that apps you use to pay with your watch are set to private and enable notifications whenever a payment is made to quickly spot any fraud. And keep your smartwatch updated to combat the latest malicious activity from hackers and trackers. Source Link 

A cardboard box could be key to reducing the clutter in your life. Fill the box with things you save because you think you might need them. Tape the box closed, store it and set a reminder on your calendar for 12 months from now. If the box remains unopened for one year, you can donate it knowing you won’t miss what you’re giving away. Source Link

May 8, 2023

 Gift cards are for giving and never for paying someone because that’s always a scam. In a survey, nearly 1 in 3 adults said they or someone they know had been asked to purchase a gift card to pay a bill, fee or some other debt or obligation or to claim a prize. And don’t give gift card serial numbers to anyone because that could use that to steal the card’s value. Source Link 

It’s a common reaction for vanity’s sake but sucking in your stomach can actually hurt you. That clinch can interfere with pelvic floor muscles involved in posture and bodily functions and could alter the mechanics of your abdomen. It may also be harder to take deeper breaths, or you could develop soreness and stiffness in your lower back and hips. Source Link 

How do you build a better conversation? Start by asking more questions rather than just sharing your thoughts and beware of empathy that might sound like you’re not validating the other person’s experience. Don’t be afraid to go deep on a topic but make it something you’re both familiar with to get the most out of your talk. Source Link

May 5, 2023

 Posture may be an important factor in how fast that pill you’ve taken begins to work. There’s nothing wrong with taking a pill while standing or sitting up, but testing showed that leaning to your right side could speed absorption by about 13 minutes. On the other hand, leaning to the left could add an hour to the time it takes that pill to dissolve. Source Link 

Finding the best lighting angle for that outside photo is as easy as raising your hand. Hold your hand in front of you with your palm pointing out and turn your body in a circle until your hand has no shadows on it. That’s the direction to point your subject or stand yourself to ensure a shadow-free photo. Source Link 

Just wearing a step-tracking watch can lead to taking more steps per day, even if you never check your progress. Researchers found that people who wore step trackers took about 300 more steps per day than before testing began. They got the “before” numbers by using a little-known feature in every iPhone that automatically tracks your steps. Source Link

May 4, 2023

 It’s happened to all of us -- you wake up from a dream and can’t get back to sleep. The remedy might be recalling some details of the dream and then trying to put yourself in those dream images. Don’t look at the clock or turn on a light because clock-watching will make you more anxious about losing sleep and bright light signals the body that it’s time to wake up. Source Link 

Improving your credit score can happen faster if you remember these two tips. Paying your bills on time and keeping total credit card debt under 30 percent of your limit accounts for about two-thirds of your credit score. Doing both of these diligently might help your credit score begin to climb within six months. Source Link 

Does it make a difference if your young child is learning to read on a tablet or with a book? A study found that e-books could interfere with a child’s comprehension but a digital book could outperform a paper version if the e-book has special enhancements like interactive features that are responsive to the child. Source Link

May 3, 2023

 The financial bad habits that cause Americans the most trouble are a mix of old favorites and new challenges. A survey found that impulse buying is the number-one danger for a household budget and coming in second was paying for subscription services you no longer use. Two out of three people regretted not handling their money better last year. Source Link 

Raising a well-behaved child may have life-long benefits by giving them happier, healthier lives as adults. A long-term study found that kids who were goal-oriented with good self-control had healthier bodies and brains by the time they hit middle age. They also were better prepared with financial and social reserves for old age. Source Link 

You probably know about thermostats and lighting but there are lots more smart devices for the home. Try a shower head that connects to your phone to play music, a WiFi aromatherapy diffuser, a smart beauty mirror that can analyze your skin for changes and recommend products, or even a smart diaper that tracks a baby’s sleep patterns. Source Link

May 2, 2023

 You’ve decided to spend less time online and here’s how to begin the log off. Treat your internet use like intermittent fasting by going online only during set hours and not every day. If you’re doomscrolling, ask yourself if it makes you feel good or more angry or anxious. And use a free service like Pocket to save articles for later reading to free you up from having to see it right now. Source Link_

Helping your kids be healthy eaters as adults might start in the kitchen when they’re teens. Researchers found that people who learned to cook as a teenager had better nutritional habits in their 30s. They were more likely to prepare meals with vegetables most days, ate less fast food and had more family meals. Source Link

Paying with a credit card is convenient but there are times when you should pass on pulling out the plastic. Don’t use a credit card when purchasing something on a public computer, when making a charity donation on the street or if the card leaves your view to complete the purchase. And don’t use a credit card to buy something you can’t afford. Source Link

May 1, 2023

 Who knew we were using antiperspirant and deodorant the wrong way? The ingredient in antiperspirant that keeps you dry by blocking sweat glands takes time to work so apply it in the evening before bed for maximum effectiveness the next day. And deodorant works best when applied to dry skin, so towel off from the shower before you use it. Source Link

If you need another reason to sit less, a study found that it could dampen your mood and mental health. The good news is that it’s easy to find ways to get up and get moving. Walking around your office for five minutes or getting off the couch to move during commercial breaks while watching TV are two simple ways to be less sedentary. Source Link

Protecting against online credit card fraud means taking a hard look at those bargain offers for name-brand goods. Shopping on less familiar, less secure websites may be an invitation to cyber-thieves. Using a virtual card option or an online wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay adds another layer of protection for your credit card number. Source Link