June 30, 2023

 These tech upgrades can increase your home’s value and improve your life. Installing a doorbell with a built-in security camera or a WiFi programmable thermostat are projects that most DIY’ers can handle. Adding smart outlets lets you program individual lights, or go with a full system of automated devices that use Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. Source Link 

The old standard of an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles doesn’t fit for today’s cars that use synthetic oil, but how often do you need to change it? Your owner’s manual gives you a precise number, but typically it’s between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. And many cars take the guesswork out of it with a warning light on the dash that tells you it’s time for an oil change. Source Link 

Who’s a good candidate for an FDA-approved hearing aid sold in stores? You might benefit if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, where speech seems muffled; if you struggle to understand TV or phone calls, or ask people to speak louder. But see an audiologist if you have sudden hearing loss, ringing in both ears, or pain or dizziness. Source Link

June 29, 2023

How do you celebrate July Fourth with a bang but without the danger? Leave fireworks displays to the pros. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there’s been a steady annual increase in people who were treated for fireworks injuries and about one out of three fireworks that were tested had problems such as bad fuses or too much explosive materials. Source Link

Summer is salad time but make sure you’re having one that’s good for you. A taco salad can pack as much fat as a cheeseburger and a chef’s salad is often loaded with processed meats with nitrates and cheese that’s high in saturated fat. And that Caesar salad is topped with a heavy, creamy high-calorie dressing, so order it on the side and use it sparingly. Source Link

A stress headache can be your body triggering the natural “fight or flight” reaction but you can stop that cycle. Try deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and mind-body exercises like tai chi or restorative yoga. A quick trip to the outdoors is another option because 10 minutes in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being. Source Link_

June 28, 2023

 Do you want your credit card to be a rewarding experience or a real deal? It depends on how you use it. Rewards credit cards are good for people who pay off their balance each month and those who carry a balance are better off with the lowest interest rate. A survey found that nearly
half of Americans don’t understand the basics of credit cards. Source Link 

Most of us don’t know how to look for signs of oral cancer, but it can be as simple as saying, “Ahhh.” White or gray batches in your mouth or throat that you can’t scrape away could be a warning sign, just like a sore on your lips or mouth that doesn’t heal within a few weeks. Difficulty swallowing and new hoarseness in your voice should also be checked out by a dentist. Source Link_

Remember these numbers to build a better to-do list – one, three, five. Pick the biggest job of the day and put that number-one on the list. Then choose three smaller, but still important tasks, and complete the list with five small items that you can finish easily. This technique lets you avoid the need to sort your to-do list by time or urgency. Source Link_

June 27, 2023

 A spray-on sunscreen can be less messy and more convenient, but how can you tell if you’re using enough? Keep applying a sunscreen spray until your skin glistens and then smooth it in, even if it’s a “no rub” product. Don’t spray sunscreen near your face; spray it on your hands and rub them on your face, and still wear a hat to keep the sun off your head and neck. Source Link 

Using social media safely is something you need to teach your kids starting early. Show them how to spot misinformation, bullying, and hate speech, and warn them not to compare themselves to others’ online personas. Explain the importance of keeping personal information private, but don’t paint social media as all bad because it can be a useful tool for self-expression. Source Link 

A trip to the park with the kids can be healthy and fun for all. You can push a stroller or lay out a blanket for infants to practice tummy time, let toddlers and preschoolers climb, swing and run at the playground, or get into the game with older kids by riding bikes, kicking a soccer ball or throwing a Frisbee. Source Link

June 26, 2023

Fear of getting a shot is real for children but there are ways to ease those worries. The youngest kids can understand there’s some pain from a needle poke but it can help your body not get sick and older children can follow a deeper explanation of how vaccines work. But try not to talk too much about it before the shot and don’t let your anxieties show. Source Link 

You can make a meal, go for carryout or eat at a restaurant, but you can also replay some of the greatest hits out of the fridge. A survey found that the average American’s weekly diet consisted of five home-cooked meals, three takeout meals, three restaurant visits and three leftover meals. But one out of four people said they never eat from yesterday’s menu. Source Link 

More people are seeing pay raises, but how do you get one if you have to ask for it? Make a list of specific accomplishments, consider negotiating perks and benefits and find out how your salary compares to others in a similar job. And time your pitch to approach the boss right after you’ve done well on a project or taken on new responsibilities. Source Link

June 23, 2023

There are probably some real germy hotspots in your home that rarely get cleaned. Like a toothbrush holder, the coffee maker water reservoir, inside a soft-sided lunch box, or the knobs or buttons on kitchen appliances. And pull out the garbage disposal rubber flange for a good cleaning because germs there can spray into the air every time you use it. Source Link

Selling things on Facebook or Craigslist might mean wading through a swamp full of scammers. They might insist on using PayPal or Venmo and then send you a fake payment confirmation to get the goods for free. Or they offer to pay with a check that’s over the amount and you keep the balance, and then the check bounces. The safe way to avoid a scam is to deliver items in-person with cash payment. Source Link 

You can save on grocery bills by making your perishable food last longer. Layer a refrigerator crisper bin with paper towels to absorb moisture that can make spinach or lettuce go bad. Wrapping cheese in parchment paper can fight mold and get that milk out of the door and into the back of the fridge to keep it fresh longer. Source Link

 

June 22, 2023

 Here’s a safety tip you can “count” on every time you fly. Make note of the number of rows between you and the nearest exit. That way you can reach out and count the seats by touch as you pass them to make it to the exit in the dark, in smoke or even if the plane is under water. Source Link 

These things found in most homes can cripple a WiFi connection. Keep the router away from microwave ovens or heavy-duty metal appliances, along with mirrors that have a thin coating of metal that can interfere with a WiFi signal. Baby monitors and cordless phones use frequencies that also clash with a router, and the water in a fish tank can play havoc when the router is nearby. Source Link_

You can deal with stress on the job by changing your approach to work. Find things you can control and focus your energy there, like using a lunch break to re-energize. Be intentional with your time and try to plan more of what energizes you, make a manageable to-do list by breaking big tasks into several smaller ones and practice saying “no” to projects that don’t fit for you. Source Link_

June 21, 2023

 You can keep ticks off with clothing that has built-in insect repellent. Testing showed that insecticide-treated clothing stopped ticks from biting or caused them to fall off. You can treat your own clothes with a bug spray but clothing made with insect repellent can work for up to 70 washes. Source Link 

People who are always running late might try these tips to get back on-time. Use analog clocks to give you a visual cue of passing time and set multiple alarms for when to start preparation, as well as departure time and arrival time for an appointment. Figure out exactly how long it takes to get somewhere and then build in extra time, and plan what to do if you’re early to eliminate that excuse for leaving later. Source Link_

Hurricanes and other dangerous storms happen in summer, but don’t put your life at-risk after the skies have cleared and the power is out. Carbon monoxide from a gasoline-powered portable generator is a silent killer, so be sure to place it at least 20 feet away from the house and never use a generator on a porch or in a carport. And be sure home CO alarms are working properly. Source Link_

June 20, 2023

 Your laptop can be vital to work and play and there’s a right way to clean it. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water to gently wipe down all surfaces but never spray any cleaner onto the laptop. Compressed air can blow dust and dirt from vents and gently shaking the laptop while holding it upside down will dislodge dirt and crumbs from between the keys. Source Link 

How can you improve the look of your home for just $20? Swap a regular light bulb for a smart model that lets you fine-tune the color and brightness, make over light switches, refresh cabinet hardware, or add self-stick paper to the top of an end table for a new look. You can even create giant wall art by stretching a colorful shower curtain across a simple wood frame. Source Link 

These small steps might lead to a more-healthy life for you. Swinging arm circle exercises can help your shoulders and neck muscles and practice standing on one leg to improve your balance. Sit on the floor for 30 minutes a day for better hip joints, and get more steps by walking during a phone conversation. Source Link 

June 19, 2023

Why should you skip the tablet and grab a book when reading to your toddler? Testing showed that young children paid more attention to parents when sharing a paper book and were less likely to act out. Holding a real book was less distracting than using a screen that may encourage a child to play with it. Source Link

With more people shopping online, more scammers are trying to steal from you. It’s a red flag if you’re unfamiliar with a company and its ad shows up in your social media feed, and a super-low price might get you a counterfeit or pirated product. You can check out unfamiliar websites with review services at bbb.org or ScamAdvisor.com. Source Link

Meal delivery or takeout can be a convenient alternative when you want a night off from cooking but making healthy choices from an online menu can be a challenge. Avoid items that have the words “fried,” “crispy,” “creamy” or “breaded” in the name and tend to be high in saturated fat. Instead, look for terms like “baked,” “grilled,” “roasted,” and “steamed.” Source Link 

June 16, 2023

 It may be easier to get older adults to use sunscreen by focusing on avoiding short-term pain versus the long-term risk of skin cancer. In one study, concern about getting a sunburn was a bigger motivator to use sunscreen and a reminder from their partner also helped. And older adults may prefer a spray-on sunscreen that’s easier to apply. Source Link 

Scammers are out to spoil some special connections in your summer travel plans. Think twice before hooking-up to free airport WiFi because some networks with familiar names could be powered by a hacker’s hot spot. There are other ways to steal your data so don’t charge your phone with a USB cord that’s not yours. And use a charger that plugs directly into a power outlet and not into a USB charging port. Source Link

How can you beat the ever-rising price of a first-class postage stamp? You can stock up now because Forever stamps you buy today can be used in the future regardless of price hikes. Just don’t look for a deal online because there’s no legitimate way to sell postage stamps at a deep discount. Those offers are likely from scammers who want to steal your credit card information. Source Link

June 15, 2023

 You want to do your part for the environment but you can’t swap your car for a bike, switch to all-solar energy or recycle everything? Spending one minute less in the shower each day would save thousands of gallons of water a year. You could also stop using disposable products and keep a few plastic bags in your car so you don’t use more of them on every grocery trip. Source Link

Your house can be easier to maintain when you keep a diary for it. Start with basic information like the square footage, window sizes and door widths for each room, along with notes about paint colors. You can even make your own paint swatch on a file card that’s easy to take to the home store when you need to repaint or touch-up. Source Link_

Avoiding injury when you’re a weekend athlete takes a week-long effort. Get at least ten to 15 minutes of stretching or strengthening each day to help prime your body for weekend activities. And eating a healthy diet all week long with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will give your body the nutrients it needs to perform. Source Link_

June 14, 2023

To graduate to better fitness, pick classes at the gym that cover all the subjects. For strength training that’s Pilates or classes using resistance bands or kettlebells. You can cover cardio with spinning, stepping or dance classes and flexibility with yoga or tai chi that have the added benefit of easing stress. Source Link 

These basics of car maintenance are things that any driver can handle themselves. Know how to check and refill your oil, top-off tire air pressure, or jump-start a dead battery. And you should know the car’s year, make and model because those are needed to find the right parts for D-I-Y work. Source Link_

Here are some ways to make that next moving day go easier. Start packing as early as possible and clearly label all boxes with what’s in them and the room they go to. De-clutter first so you’re not moving junk and set up utilities and change your mailing address before moving day. And try to pick a weekday morning or afternoon to save money on paying the movers. Source Link_

June 13, 2023

The journey to a clutter-free home can start with one spot at a time. Pick a place, like a bathroom vanity, kitchen counter or dining room table and commit to keeping it tidy and clear. This can calm your brain and train you to put things where they belong right away rather than dropping it in your clutter-free zone. Source Link_

Here are some smart hacks that make it easier and cheaper to fill your home with WiFi. Don’t hide the router in a cabinet – get it up high in a central part of your home. To save money, consider buying your own modem instead of renting one from your internet provider. And start with a more-affordable lower-speed service that might work fine for you. Source Link_

Cleaning a cast-iron skillet the right way involves some special techniques and cleaning tools to preserve the seasoning. Add some warm water a few minutes after removing it from the heat and scrape with a wooden spoon or soft-bristle brush. For stubborn, stuck-on foods, sprinkle some kosher salt in the pan without water and then scrape. Source Link_

June 12, 2023

 You can make your medicine cabinet safer and easier to use. Toss out expired over-the-counter meds and dried-out makeup and prioritize the shelves to put the items you use most often on the lowest one. And forget the name and move all medicines to a cool, dry shelf in a closet or cabinet outside of your bathroom. Source Link 

Keeping a gratitude journal could be a key to better health. Research has shown that people who count their blessings tend to sleep better, feel less stress and improve interpersonal relationships. You don’t have to focus on the big things because finding small everyday joys can be just as helpful. Source Link 

For many couples, talking about money is difficult for one of you, but there are ways you can team up. Start small and review your bank accounts or automated bill payments and take time once every three months to talk about your financial goals. But don’t force the issue – remember your partner doesn’t need to take on everything in order to participate. Source Link

June 9, 2023

 Here’s a good reason to eat a good breakfast and not skimp on lunch. People who front-loaded their daily calorie intake were able to lose weight compared to those who ate more later in the day. Earlier eating could change your body’s systems to promote weight loss while eating later might adversely affect the hormones that regulate your hunger. Source Link

There are ways to boost the curb appeal of your home other than giving the front door a pop of color. A storm door is far less inviting, so consider removing it, and trim overgrown bushes or fill up those empty planters. And if you rarely enter through the front door, check to see that there’s a clear walkable path for visitors. Source Link 

Easing off on the gas pedal could ease some of the sting of high gasoline prices. Gas mileage often declines dramatically at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour. Studies have shown that every 5 miles per hour beyond 50 is equivalent to paying 30 to 40 cents more per gallon of gas and that can really add up with every fill-up. Source Link 

June 8, 2023

 Summer driving means more kids in the car and there are some simple ways to keep them safe. Make sure your young children are in the right size of car seat or booster seat and that teens are using seat belts. And remember that children inside a parked car can be at risk for heat stroke whenever outside temperatures are above 80 degrees. Source Link 

You can create a will to settle your estate after you die, but what about dealing with your virtual life? You can designate a Facebook legacy contact person who will update your profile and cover photo and create a pinned post as a farewell message. And a Google trusted contact can have access to your Google Drive, Photos and Gmail after you die. Source Link 

Getting crystal clear water in your pool has its limits. Too much chlorine can cause skin rashes, coughing, nose or throat pain, eye irritation and even asthma attacks. Always follow label directions for pool chemicals and have swimmers shower off after taking a dip to prevent skin reactions from chlorine. Source Link 

June 7, 2023

Up to half of young children can be picky eaters, and if you have one, there are ways to make mealtime less stressful. Don’t force them to eat because that associates food with anxiety, and make eating fun by serving food in different shapes and colors. And try to have meals as a family with everyone eating the same food, including one favorite item for that picky eater. Source Link_

You found a tube of sunscreen from last summer, but should you worry about it being expired? Probably not. Sunscreen can start to lose its potency after two or three years but the bigger problem is that people don’t use enough. You should apply the equivalent of a shot glass full of sunscreen and re-apply every few hours. Source Link

When the thermostat in your office is set on “Arctic” there are ways to stay warm without packing the parka. Take a cue from your winter wardrobe and wear shirts with thumb holes or slide into some fingerless gloves. Eating spicy foods can warm you up from the inside and a heating pad can turn your chair into a warm oasis in all that frigid AC air. Source Link_

June 6, 2023

Packing the right accessories can keep your phone powered-up all through your vacation. Bring along a backup battery and three power cables - one to keep at the hotel, one with the backup battery and another to charge the battery pack. And use a multi-port charger so you can top-up the phone and backup battery at the same time. Source Link

Full-time caregivers need to take care of themselves to give the best to their loved one. Besides getting enough rest, exercise and healthy eating, refresh your mind with yoga, meditation or deep breathing. Be adaptable and positive, deal with what you can control and set realistic goals. And share your feelings by talking about your stress to help relieve it. Source Link_

With prices what they are today, you can save money simply by not overspending on these items. Try private-label brand pantry staples or cleaning supplies, generic brands of makeup or cookware that’s sturdy but without the name-brand price tag. And see if using a TV antenna can get you the local stations that cost plenty in a cable bundle. Source Link_

June 5, 2023

 Peanuts and potato chips might be a tasty nighttime snack but your bladder would beg to differ. In a study, people who cut down on salt had half the number of nighttime trips to the bathroom. Those who consumed more salt had twice the average in overnight potty breaks. Source Link

Having a cell phone can take a big chunk out of your budget but there are ways to save money. Most carriers offer a discount for paperless billing and auto-pay and you could skip the insurance and buy a good phone case instead. And ask yourself if you really need a phone priced over $1,000 when a mid-range model will do, or look for a pre-owned phone for even more savings. Source Link

Natural disasters strike in every season and being prepared year-round can help when the worst happens. Have a supply of shelf-stable food and water, along with a flashlight with fresh batteries. You’ll also want some cash in case ATM’s and credit card readers are down. Create a folder with copies of insurance policies and ID’s and pack a whistle to attract help. Source Link

June 2, 2023

Razor bumps from shaving are no fun, but a few simple steps can help to prevent them. Shave after a shower or hold a warm, damp washcloth to your skin to soften the hairs, and use a cool washcloth on your face after shaving. Replace disposable razors or clean an electric razor every five to seven days and shave at least every two days so facial hair doesn’t have time to grow and curve. Source Link

Here’s one way to spend less – aim to buy nothing. See if someone in your area may be giving an item away before buying something new. Members of Buy Nothing groups give items to others in their communities and everything is free. The Buy Nothing project has an app to connect people and you can also use Facebook Buy Nothing groups. Source Link

Your clothes dryer can do a better job with a few simple hacks. Adding dry towels to a smaller load can absorb moisture and make clothes dry faster. Using several 2 to 3-inch balls of aluminum foil can prevent static. And you can dampen an old sock and apply a few drops of essential oil to it to get that fresh laundry smell without buying dryer sheets. Source Link

June 1, 2023

Can you improve comprehension by taking 10 after a lesson? Researchers found that people who rested quietly for 10 minutes after learning something improved their ability to remember fine details. Sleep relaxes the synapses in your brain to improve the neuroplasticity that’s necessary to build memory. Source Link

The unreality of social media can take a toll on body image, and here are some ways to stop the cycle. Identify the posts that make you feel bad and stop following them. Pick one day a week to take a break from devices and social media in order to reset yourself, and turn off notifications and set daily limits on the time you’ll spend on social media. Source Link_

The same personal care tool that gives you smoother skin can tackle a pet lover’s nightmare in the car. Rubbing a pumice stone along car seats and carpeting will remove pet hair quickly. And don’t worry about needing to clean the stone because it rolls hair into a ball that can be picked up easily. Source Link_