June 28, 2024

 People who’ve gone on a water fast claim it’s a great way to lose weight, but is it safe? Researchers say “yes” and they found that a water fast can trigger significant weight loss, but the benefits are often short-lived. For many people the weight returns within three months, unless they follow their water fast with a diet that restricts calories. Source Link 

The price of gasoline makes it smart for anyone to take a few steps to get the most out of every fill-up. Start by getting junk out of your trunk that adds extra weight and use a hitch-mounted rack instead of one on the roof that slows you down. And don’t waste gas by letting your car idle for more than 10 seconds when you start it up. Source Link 

Memory loss is just one of many symptoms of dementia. Look for early warning signs like difficulty with problem-solving, confusion of time and place, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from social interactions, and mood and personality changes. And be on the lookout for increased aggression or difficulty with speech or writing. Source Link

June 27, 2024

 That rental ride on your next vacation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Booking your rental car early is one way to save money but don’t pre-pay because you might find a better deal later. Consider if you want to buy separate insurance or have an accident show up on your own policy and take photos of any scratches or damage on the vehicle that you find before you head out. Source Link 

An IRS program to file your federal income tax return for free is going nationwide. The Direct File system that was tested in a dozen states will be available for all eligible filers for 2024 returns. Direct File works with a smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer to complete your federal return for free and get a refund via direct deposit. Source Link_

Is your homeowners insurance carrier flying high to check up on you before renewal? Some companies are using drones to look for things like an old roof that could leak or new features such as a pool or trampoline that can raise the risk of an at-home accident. The good news is that you can always compare coverage from other carriers if this happens to you. Source Link_

June 26, 2024

 Here’s a strategy if you have an average student who’s heading to college and looking for scholarships. Check for any that may be connected to your profession or where you live and apply for the many scholarships that don’t require a high GPA. You can also use social media to search for scholarship opportunities via hashtags. Source Link 

Try these smart ways to save money on your next getaway. Look for travel deals from wholesale clubs and consider reliability of flights when choosing a bargain air carrier over a mainstream airline. Bring your own mini bottles of alcohol to save on bar and restaurant prices, go for free walking tours versus expensive guided ones and try local markets and street food for some meals. Source Link_

What are some products likely to use shrinkflation, when you get less for the same price? Toilet paper rolls and tissue boxes are getting smaller, along with family size boxes of crackers, cans of tuna fish, boxes of pasta and sharing size bags of some candy. The shrink is also on with box counts of sandwich bags, dishwasher tabs and cleaning wipes. Source Link_

June 25, 2024

 When you might fall victim to a telephone scam could depend on the day and time. Testing found that people were least likely to take the bait on a Monday but by Friday two out of three gave away secure data over the phone to someone posing as an HR rep. After 5 pm was when scammers were the most successful. Source Link

A true bedtime snack isn’t a good idea because it redirects blood flow that the brain needs for good sleep, but what can you eat in the evening to satisfy that hunger? Foods high in protein or fat, like fresh fruit, yogurt or peanut butter are good choices for better digestion, but skip the traditional sweet and salty snack foods. You can drink water, milk or sparkling water, but avoid anything with caffeine. Source Link

An empty cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towels can have many great uses. Use a longer size to roll up and protect important paper documents or to save kid’s artwork; wrap string around the tube to store it or wind-up extension cords, spare computer cables or Christmas lights and slip them inside that cardboard tube for neat storage. Source Link

June 24, 2024

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 21, 2024

 Keeping a tick bite from making you ill takes some fast steps after it happens. Check for ticks right after any hike. You’re usually okay if you remove a tick within 24 hours, but after that see a doctor about testing or treatment. You can avoid tick bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks and spraying clothing with the insecticide permethrin. Source Link 

Here’s how to prepare your digital life for after you’re gone. Set up a password manager for all accounts and apps, share that master password with a trusted contact and designate a legacy contact for your Facebook page, or ask Facebook to delete your account after you die. Your next-of-kin can also memorialize your Instagram account after providing proof of death. Source Link 

Don’t be that passenger who makes things miserable for the airline flight crew. Don’t get up to use the bathroom during service and make a flight attendant move the cart for you. Don’t ask for water while passengers are still boarding and don’t hand off trash to the flight attendant who’s serving drinks or ask for a drink when they’re collecting garbage. Source Link

June 20, 2024

 Some simple things when done in bed can make it harder for you to sleep. Reading, writing or doing puzzles teaches your mind to associate the bed with activity and lying in bed trying to force yourself to sleep makes your brain think that’s normal. And plan afternoon activities to avoid taking a nap that could leave you awake at night. Source Link

In summer it’s vital to know the warning signs of heat exhaustion, when skin may feel cool, moist and clammy, you may stop sweating and experience weakness and muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Get to a cool place and drink cold water. In heat stroke, skin can be hot, dry and red, with rapid pulse and difficulty breathing. That’s the time to call 9-1-1. Source Link_

You don’t have to give up travel just because someone suffers from Alzheimer's. Check with their doctor first and then plan an itinerary around the person’s abilities and routines to reduce anxiety. If you’re flying, the TSA offers special assistance for airport security and also let the airline know when you’re traveling with someone with memory impairment. Source Link_

June 19, 2024

 How can you speed up your metabolism to burn more calories? Evenly-spaced meals let your body avoid the starvation mode that stockpiles calories and staying hydrated helps you burn more calories. Watch alcohol intake because it diverts the liver from burning fat and get enough sleep to regulate the hormones that affect hunger. Source Link

You can feel better about yourself and enjoy life more by investing in experiences instead of buying stuff. Materialism can be key to feelings of loneliness because it prompts envy, but people who spend money on experiences say they feel more connected to others. Shared events increase connections between friends and people in general. Source Link_

Walking is great exercise and starting a new walking routine takes just two things that go together. Get a pair of good supportive shoes and step out, but start small. Aim to add more steps with each walking workout and look for ways to incorporate this into your daily life. That might mean taking the steps wherever you can or parking further out in a lot at the store. Source Link_

June 18, 2024

 Finding the perfect roommate takes some extra steps to ensure it’s someone you can really live with. Compare your styles - do you like quiet time at home or having lots of friends visiting? Get details in writing about sharing household costs and chores and consider a test run by sharing a vacation rental home or apartment. Source Link 

A familiar boxed product along with fruit juice and something found in many medicine chests can be great cleaners around the home. Baking soda mixed with water makes a mild abrasive cleaner, lemon juice has natural acidity to cut through grease and grime, and hydrogen peroxide can tackle organic stains like grass, mold or blood. Source Link

You can save money and make your smartphone last longer with a few simple steps. Keep it in a sturdy case to prevent damage and replace the battery every two years to improve performance for about $100. And keep your phone clean inside and out by uninstalling unused programs and keeping dust and dirt out of buttons and ports on the phone. Source Link

June 17, 2024

 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 14, 2024

 When kids are swimming in the backyard pool, these two things are the ultimate safety devices. You need a pair of adult eyes watching young swimmers at all times because drowning can happen in an instant. And that adult supervisor must not be distracted with their cellphone, or a phone call inside the house, or a conversation with another adult. Source Link 

Creating a professional social media profile is different from your personal pages. Use the right blend of entertaining, educational and promotional content and remember that humor isn’t universal. Play nice with competitors and never get into an argument; be responsive, but not reactive. Give credit to sources and use just a few relevant hashtags in each post. Source Link 

Those photos of homes that we love to browse on Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com are also popular with burglars who can use them to spot vulnerabilities and scope out security systems, so it’s best to get your home offline unless you’re selling. Real estate websites let you claim ownership and request that any home photos be taken down. Source Link

June 13, 2024

 Serving your dog raw food can be risky for them and for you. High levels of harmful bacteria in raw food can be a health risk for dogs and people, especially the elderly, the young and those with weakened immune systems. Unlike commercial dog foods, raw meat products are not heat-treated or freeze-dried to kill bacteria like e Coli or salmonella. Source Link

Before you keep something “just in case” you might need it someday, this decluttering trick might save you some space. If the item can be replaced for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes you can probably get rid of it, freeing up more space for storing the things you really need to keep. Source Link

You can probably save money on multivitamins and other supplements by doing one thing. Eating a balanced daily diet including fruits and vegetables can provide all the nutrients a person typically needs. Among the exceptions are pregnant women who need folic acid, seniors with osteoporosis who need more calcium or vegans who need a multivitamin to supplement nutrients they aren’t absorbing in their diet. Source Link

June 12, 2024

 If you give an allowance to your kids it’s important to be consistent about the rules you set for how they spend that money and the amounts you give. But avoid the urge to link an allowance to chores unless you plan to negotiate each time you want your child to clean their room or empty the dishwasher. Source Link 

Just how long do eggs last in the fridge? In the shell, eggs can be good for three to five weeks after you buy them when stored on a shelf and not in the door. You can store raw egg whites in an airtight container for up to four days and raw yolks for up to two days, but yolks can also be blended, frozen in an ice cube tray and stored for up to a year. Source Link

You can have a better start to your day in the office with a simple cleaning task. Take a few minutes to organize your workspace and desktop. Studies have shown that clutter makes it difficult to focus and is a predictor of procrastination. You can do this cleanup at the beginning of the day or the end to have a clean start in the morning. Source Link

June 11, 2024

When it comes to the most effective way to argue with your spouse or significant other, the eyes have it. Looking eye-to-eye provides the visual cues that add context to what you’re hearing and help avoid misunderstanding what’s being said. It’s only after you each get better at communicating in-person that you should consider a debate that’s done by text. Source Link

Try these clever hacks to help your groceries last longer. A bit of plastic wrap around the stem can keep bananas fresh and storing whole mushrooms in a paper bag extends their shelf life. A drizzle of lemon juice will help preserve half an avocado and trimming the greens from carrots will help to keep them from drying out. Source Link_

Email etiquette includes some basics that help you and the recipient. Make sure your subject line clearly describes the topic and use :cc and :bcc for those who need the information but don’t have to participate in the discussion. Close with an expression of gratitude like “Thanks” or “Thanks in Advance” and don’t expect a speedy reply like you might get with text messaging. Source Link_

June 10, 2024

 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 7, 2024

 Here’s why a dishwasher can give everything a better cleaning than doing dishes by hand. Most dishwashers can boost the temperature of tap water up to 145 degrees to kill bacteria and germs. If you do dishes by hand and want to sanitize them after washing, soak for 10 minutes in one gallon of hot water with one tablespoon of chlorine bleach. Source Link 

You can find your best camera angle for a selfie with some test snaps. Look into your phone and take a picture with the camera directly in front of your face, then above it and below it. Now turn your face to the right and use the same head-on, upper and lower angles, and then do the same facing left. Review these nine pictures to find your best angle. Source Link 

Some staples found in many medicine chests or kitchen pantries can help you clean your carpet. Spray a spot with shaving cream and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove many common stains. Sprinkling a box of baking soda before vacuuming can freshen a carpet, and a spray mix of warm water and peppermint essential oil or extract can tackle stubborn pet odors. Source Link

June 6, 2024

 What food is high in protein and fiber and loaded with good fats? Nuts are a natural hunger-buster as a handy snack. Just watch the portion and limit yourself to about 10 or 12 peanuts, walnuts or pistachios and you’ll stay around 100 calories. Source Link

Taking a breath before you dive into a task can pay big dividends. A study found that people who practiced relaxation breathing improved decision-making performance and experienced less stress. Repeat a 5-2-7 pattern with a five-second inhale, holding that breath for two seconds and then exhaling for seven seconds. Source Link_

There’s a feature in Google Maps that can help you see the future, sort of. “Immersive View” covers some 500 landmarks around the world and uses AI to create an image that lets you fast forward up to five days to show what the scene might look like, including things like upcoming weather and typical traffic. Source Link_

June 5, 2024

 It’s challenging to stay close as a couple after a baby arrives but there are ways to keep that connection. Prioritize couples time over household chores, find ways to do things together like taking a walk and don’t abandon the niceties like compliments for each other. And make a plan to help both of you get as much sleep as possible. Source Link

You never know what kinds of household items will do double duty when you’re cooking or cleaning. A quick rub with a piece of chalk can remove stains from clothing by absorbing oils and grease. And a plastic shower cap can tightly cover a dish while heating it in the microwave. Source Link_

That next decluttering sweep can be more successful when you do it by the dozen. Find 12 things to throw away, 12 things to donate and 12 things to be put away where they actually go. Twelve is a good number to work with because it’s small enough to feel achievable, but big enough to present a bit of a challenge. Source Link_

June 4, 2024

 They all live up to the name, but your junk drawer can be more organized. Start by dumping it out, cleaning it and putting in a fresh liner. Use drawer dividers to organize bigger items and make space for small things by repurposing an egg carton to provide a dozen mini-containers for nails, screws and other tiny items. Source Link 

It’s a handy tool to get more open plugs but these items should never be connected through a power strip. Refrigerators and freezers pull lots of current and can overload a power strip and the same is true for hair appliances, toasters, slow cookers, air fryers and microwave ovens. And never use a power strip to plug in a space heater or an air conditioner. Source Link https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/7-things-never-plug-into-a-power-strip/

Remember these numbers when shopping for a new laptop. You need at least 8 gigabytes of memory to run multiple Windows programs at the same time and 16 gigs is your best bet. A 500 gigabyte hard drive is okay but 1 terabyte will serve your needs for years. And look for a quad core processor for faster performance. Source Link

June 3, 2024

 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