December 29, 2023

 Google can help you find out if what you’re seeing in an online product listing is what you’re really getting. Take a screenshot of the product photo or enter the page’s web address at images.google.com and do a reverse image search. It’s a warning sign if you see the same image in many other listings because it could be a stock photo and not what you’re actually buying. Source Link 

Babies love them and anyone can benefit from a good nap if you do it right. The midday dip in alertness that most people feel between 1 and 4 pm is the best time for a nap that’s 30 to 90 minutes long, but even 20 minutes of shuteye can be helpful. Don’t nap late in the day or for too long because both could impact your sleep at night. Source Link 

You don’t have to put up with flaky WiFi during your next hotel stay. Walk around your room to see if a particular spot gives you a better signal or ask if you can move to a room with better service. If all else fails, spring for the hotel’s premium Internet service that probably has fewer users, meaning you can get a better connection. Source Link

December 28, 2023

 It’s a home appliance you may not think about, but one mistake can make a water heater a serious fire risk. Gas and oil-fired water heaters use a flame that could cause a fire if flammable items are too close to it. Never store anything on top of a water heater and keep at least three feet of clear space around it. Source Link_

The “Miles Per Gallon” rating is what most people use to measure a car’s fuel efficiency, but there’s another number that’s a better gauge for that. The “Gallons Per 100 Miles” rating makes it easier to quickly compare how much gas you’d use on a typical trip. That rating for every vehicle is available at fueleconomy.gov. Source Link_

When you want to pick a charity to make a new donation, you can look back at this year in your life. For example, if you enjoyed a hiking vacation you could donate to an organization that helps urban youth experience the outdoors. Or if you lost someone to illness this year, you could give to a charity that funds research or raises awareness. Source Link

December 27, 2023

 You don’t need to drop $1,000 or more on a new phone when a little DIY maintenance can revitalize your current one. Start with a thorough cleaning of the screen, body and case using a microfiber cloth. For the inside of your phone, delete unused apps, and old emails and text messages, and consider doing a factory reset to start fresh with your operating system. Source Link_

A few easy steps can make that next airline flight go smoother. Get to the airport early but instead of sitting at the gate, take a walk around the terminal for exercise but avoid the overpriced restaurants and bars. And take it slow if you want to enjoy a drink on the plane. The low cabin pressure means less oxygen and one drink in the air can equal two on the ground. Source Link_

It’s easy to eat smarter with these simple tips. Olive oil has less fat but more calories, so coat that cooking pan using an olive oil spray. Winter squash and sweet potatoes are both orange vegetables but squash has the same fiber and half the calories. And a large banana can help you feel full better than a cup of strawberries. Source Link

December 26, 2023

Many of us have a desk drawer full of old dead phones but be careful they don’t come back to life in a bad way. Old batteries can swell up and may catch fire, so remove any phone like this and dispose of it safely. If you plan to keep an old phone as a backup, charge the battery to 50% and then turn the phone off and check that charge every six months. Source Link_

An innocent internet search for that famous pop star or actor could leave a computer stuffed with malware from links that look like the real thing but aren’t. The good news is that the Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines have safety settings that let you set limits to prevent those sketchy links from appearing in listings. Source Link_

The basement may be your go-t o storage spot, but there are a few things that should never be kept down there. Rolled up rugs and carpeting are a perfect home for bugs and can absorb moisture and odor. The same goes for wood furniture and upholstered items. And fur and leather clothing, books and toys need to be in sealed containers to prevent damage. Source Link

December 22, 2023

 Your dentist wants you to know a few things to help keep your mouth healthy. Your gums should not regularly bleed while flossing, and skip charcoal toothpastes that won’t whiten your teeth but could make them more sensitive to hot and cold. And don’t self-medicate with alcohol or drugs if you’re nervous about an appointment because the dentist can provide what you need for a pain-free visit. Source Link

Sharing time with your long-distance grandchildren doesn’t have to be a phone call or a FaceTime session. You can work on projects together, whether that’s drawing in a shared sketchbook or building the same hobby items. You can also read the same books and then discuss them with your grandchildren. Source Link 

There are times when shelling out for phone insurance is a smart buy. If your phone costs over $1,000 and you tend to drop it or have kids who play with your phone, it might be worth the extra fee on your monthly bill. But first check to see if your credit card includes phone insurance when you pay your bill with that card or invest in a sturdy phone case. Source Link

December 21, 2023

 Fake charity scammers want to tug on your heartstrings and your wallet, and here are some red flags to watch for. They may call from a local number for a false sense of security or claim that you’ve donated before, and may never say exactly how the money is being used. And beware of scam charities with names that sound like a well-known one but aren’t quite right. Source Link_

You don’t need a closet full of them, but your feet will thank you if you don’t wear the same shoes every day. That can cause fatigue and pain because you’re always using the same areas of the foot for support and walking. Have a few pairs of comfortable shoes and rotate them throughout the week. Source Link 

Losing your luggage is no fun, but you can reduce the odds of being separated from your travel belongings. Use a luggage tag with up-to-date contact information and label the inside of the bag as well. Remove old baggage tags that might confuse handlers and make your bag stand out with a distinct luggage tag, belt or ribbon to prevent someone else from mistakenly grabbing it. Source Link_

December 20, 2023

 You can beat the battle of the bulge as a host or a guest at a holiday party. If you’re hosting, offer healthy fruit and vegetable dishes or bring a vegetable dish if you’re a guest. And remember that a holiday party shouldn’t be an “all you can eat” challenge. Take smaller first portions and go back for seconds only if you’re still hungry. Source Link 

Why should you add a crumpled wad of aluminum foil to every load of dishes? For more sparkling clean silverware. When it’s placed in the cutlery tray, that ball of aluminum foil interacts with the chemicals in the dishwasher detergent to remove tarnish on silverware. Source Link_

Here are some side hustles for introverts who don’t want face-to-face contact with customers. Renting items on sites like Poshmark or selling things you make on Etsy don’t involve much interaction and blogging is also a solo gig. You could even make some extra cash taking online surveys that you do solo from the comfort of home. Source Link_

December 19, 2023

 When you want to begin your workday right, avoid the urge to multitask. Testing has shown that trying to tackle several things at once right off the bat can set you back for the rest of the day. And don’t start with small talk because that can derail your focus on important tasks at the beginning of your workday. Source Link 

Just like a dryer, your washer has a filter that needs to be cleaned regularly. In most top-loading machines, the filter is in the center of the agitator, on the top rim of the washer tub, or at the end of a drainage hose. Front loaders have the filter on the front or back of the machine, and high-efficiency washers typically don’t have a filter. Source Link_

Most cellphones have lots of duplicate photos on them and they’re easy to find and delete. On an iPhone, select Albums in the Photos app, choose Duplicates, select All and tap the Trash icon. With an Android phone you can use the “Files by Google” app to select Clean, tap to Confirm Junk Files and then Clear. Source Link_

December 18, 2023

 You can combine some basic cleaning solutions with paper towels to make your own biodegradable disinfecting wipes. Soak paper towel sheets in hydrogen peroxide or 60-percent isopropyl alcohol, or in a mixture of four teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water. Store these in a sealed container and throw them away in the trash and not down the toilet. Source Link

There are ways to offset the carbon footprint of your Amazon shopping habits. If you don’t need an item right away, choose the slowest shipping time like Amazon Day delivery to consolidate multiple orders into one weekly drop-off. And look for a “Used” listing for the item because you’ll be recycling and often get a product that works fine and costs less. Source Link 

When keeping close watch on a household budget isn’t your thing, try the 80-20 rule to simplify it. The first 20 percent of your paycheck should automatically go toward investments, savings or debt repayment. The other 80 percent goes toward needs and wants, including food, rent and entertainment. How you choose to spend that money is up to you. Source Link

December 15, 2023

 Here’s how to dry your laundry faster by putting in more than clothes just out of the washer. Adding a clean, dry towel to a load for about 15 minutes will absorb moisture from wet clothes. You can do the same by adding a few white tennis balls, and remember to wring out any dripping wet clothes before they go into the dryer. Source Link 

A home warranty can save money on unexpected repairs but be sure to read the fine print. Some warranty companies charge a service call fee each time you file a claim and other plans may only offer a basic replacement or a refurbished model. And getting that installed may take significantly longer than if you paid for it yourself. Source Link

You don’t want to depend on the hotel house cleaning staff when it comes to these items in a room. Coffee makers often just get a quick external wipe down and that ice bucket is used for many things and might not be sanitized even with a plastic liner. And unless there’s a visible stain, blankets, duvets and bedspreads may only be laundered once a year. Source Link

December 14, 2023

 It’s important to know when your personal information is surfacing on the web and a Google feature makes it easier to track. “Results About You” lets you set alerts for when your email, home address or phone number appear on Google. You can also flag any search results that include your social security number or credit card numbers, medical records or login credentials. Source Link_

Teaching kids the value of money can be fun. Try filling a two-liter bottle with dimes to show children how small amounts can add up over time. Pay them interest when they save their allowance or have a “no money” day when you enjoy free activities and don’t spend any money. Source Link 

Using that snooze button could be good for you. In a study, about 20 minutes of snoozing appeared to boost the ability to think quickly and clearly upon waking for the day. The benefit was seen the most in those who go to bed later and snoozing did not affect mood or raise levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol. Source Link_

December 13, 2023

 Frozen pizza can taste like the best takeout with a few simple hacks. Start with a good brand and season the crust with melted butter, garlic powder or parmesan cheese. Add fresh veggies and more cheese for a homemade supreme, and use a pizza stone that you preheat in the oven for crispier crusts and more evenly cooked toppings. Source Link_

A special kind of 10-minute break can help you clear your head and work better. People who used a 10-minute meditation recording were able to complete cognitive tasks faster than others who had the same break without meditation. The benefits were seen with everyone who used the recording, including people who had no prior training in meditation. Source Link 

You can get a brighter smile with home teeth whitening, but there are some caveats to keep in mind. Teeth that are brown or gray may not respond well to a home whitener and whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns, fillings, injured teeth or those changed by medications. Source Link_

December 12, 2023

 Location is the key to getting the best performance from your home router. A wired connection near your workspace is best, and WiFi works better with fewer walls between you and the router. Move the router out into the open and use the 5 gigahertz channel for faster speeds when you’re closer and 2.4 gigahertz when you’re further away from the router. Source Link_

The best perks in a new job go beyond good health insurance and flexibility to work from home. Look for an employer that matches 401-k contributions to earn more from your retirement savings. And the availability of tuition assistance or professional development programs can help you grow and advance in your career. Source Link_

You can build more exercise into your workday. Start simple by moving your wastebasket and other essentials away from your desk. Walk over to talk with a colleague instead of emailing or phoning and take the stairs to a restroom on another floor. You can also use resistance bands to do foot curls and arm stretches at your desk. Source Link

December 11, 2023

 If your wallet is bursting at the seams from too much stuff, take these things out right now. Spare keys, a social security or Medicare card, birth certificate, passport card, a blank check, old receipts and that password cheat sheet all need to go. And carry one credit card to use and a backup instead of a wallet full of plastic. Source Link 

What does it mean to have your home fully insured? Most policies include a dollar amount for repair or replacement costs but there are some big exceptions. You’ll probably need a separate policy for flood insurance and expensive items require an add-on called a rider. This could be jewelry and other pricey collections or all that computer equipment in your home office. Source Link 

Parents with adult children still living at home may need to apply a dose of reality to get the kids to move out. One strategy is to charge them rent that’s 40 percent of their take-home pay or to double the rent every three months. And resist the urge to bail them out financially because in the real world adults handle this with an extra job or by cutting back on spending. Source Link

December 8, 2023

 To lose water weight, avoid this four-letter word. Salt is a big part of processed foods and makes it more likely that your body will retain water. Natural foods, such as vegetables, seeds and nuts are low in salt and help keep water weight down. And drinking more water aids in kidney function that flushes excess salt and water from the body. Source Link

We’ve all faced a mess in the microwave when food explodes while reheating it, but how do you prevent that? Turn down the power to 60 percent for most foods and 70 percent for denser things like meat. Stop several times and stir foods with lots of liquid and slice thick items into smaller pieces for more even heating. Source Link

A slim piece of string could help connect you to better brain health. People who practiced daily flossing and brushing and got regular dental checkups had MRI’s that showed more healthy brain cells, and that could lead to a lower risk for stroke and dementia in later years. Source Link

December 7, 2023

 You can boost cell phone reception with some simple steps. Move away from metal objects or concrete walls and get near a window or go outside and remove a phone case that may be blocking the built-in antenna. And turn Airplane Mode on and then off to force your phone to find the best signal in the area. Source Link_

When fashion dictates your footwear you may pay the price with blisters, hammertoes and bunions. Choose shoes with a toe box that’s wide and deep for free movement. And find your foot’s arch by placing it on flat ground and taking a photo to know what type of shoe is best for you. Source Link_

Recycling can be more than plastic, paper and glass. There are national programs to recycle things like used crayons, wine corks and old eyeglasses. And contrary to popular belief, milk cartons, juice cartons and juice boxes can be recycled and are accepted by many community programs. Source Link

December 6, 2023

All carbs in vegetables are not created equal. Peas, corn, squash, turnips and potatoes are examples of low-quality carbs that can fuel weight gain. But eating high-quality carbs found in broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms and spinach along with more fiber can slow down the rising numbers on that bathroom scale. Source Link_

It’s a simple step that might save your child’s life. Millions of car seats are recalled every year for safety issues, so you should mail in the warranty card or register online to be notified if there’s a problem with the car seat you use. You can also see a listing of car seat recalls for the past 10 years at nhtsa.gov. Source Link 

These wardrobe swaps can help you avoid turning up the thermostat and those energy bills. Microscopic air pockets in fleece, wool and flannel make them better at insulating your body and wear warm slippers that cover the entire foot. And a hooded sweatshirt or sleeved or hooded blanket can cut down on heat loss from your head and make your whole body feel warmer. Source Link_

December 5, 2023

 One simple hack can help Tai Chi protect your brain from cognitive decline. Testing showed that adding extra mental challenges like repeating an instructor’s cues or spelling words while doing the slow, rhythmic exercises helped seniors improve their ability to do two tasks at once, like walking and focusing on a thought, and that could help reduce the risk of a fall. Source Link

The smart thrift store shopper isn’t just searching price tags to find a bargain. Look for name brands and avoid store labels or fast fashion items in the clothing aisle. Those aren’t made to last and you might even find a new one on sale, but top-quality items that are second hand could give you years of use and save more in the long run. Source Link

Can you pack part of the holiday feast on your flight home? TSA officials say you can bring things like a pie or a side dish in a carry-on bag but portions will be small because it needs to be in a clear, three-ounce bag. You can pack food in checked luggage along with adult beverages as long as they’re less than 24 percent alcohol. Source Link

December 4, 2023

 More exposure plus more fun equals kids eating more vegetables. Researchers found that offering toddlers a bigger variety of vegetables more often meant they ate more kinds of them. And following up with a fun non-food reward when they tried something new could encourage kids to eat an even bigger variety of veggies. Source Link

Not all debt is created equal. A mortgage lets you build wealth through rising home values and a student loan for an education to get a good job will pay off with much more in lifetime earnings. But debt from credit card balances you can’t pay off every month or an auto loan or lease every few years will have you spending more instead of living within your means. Source Link 

There’s more to the cost of buying a car than the sticker price. Paying it off in the shortest term you can afford will save on interest charges and don’t forget sales tax if you have it in your state. Consider insurance premiums for the make and model of car and get several estimates and look at gas mileage for the most economical driving for years to come. Source Link

December 1, 2023

 As the days get shorter, it can trigger “Seasonal Affective Disorder,” but how do you know the winter blues you’re feeling really is SAD? A diagnosis of seasonal depression can only be made after two consecutive years with depression that begins and ends at the same time each year and with no symptoms during other times of the year. Source Link

You can prepare your car for winter driving with these simple steps. Make sure tires are properly inflated, clean and check your battery and check coolant levels. And you can prevent an icy lockout by lubricating window tracks with spray silicone or dry Teflon spray. You should also lubricate door locks and latches, including the one that opens your car’s hood. Source Link

There are some telltale signs that you may be the target of a scam artist. If someone claiming to be a retailer calls to question about a large order you didn’t make, or says they can connect you directly with your bank, or wants to stay on the line while you go to the bank, you’re probably dealing with a scammer. They may also ask you to buy gift cards to send to them or pretend they are police investigators. Source Link