July 31, 2024

 The long weekend is a favorite getaway and these tips can help you save on your mini-vacation. Book your rental car as far ahead as possible to get the best rates but consider waiting to find last-minute deals on unsold hotel rooms. The same strategy might also work with a short-term rental property that still has an opening a few days before you plan to leave. Source Link 

Looking for an alternative to help you kick the soda habit? If you like the fizz, try sparkling water with a lemon twist, lime twist, crushed raspberries or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cola fans can switch to iced redbush tea to get the same taste and if you like ginger ale you can make your own with seltzer water, freshly grated ginger and a half-teaspoon of the natural sweetener stevia. Source Link

You can make it easier for your child to be ready for the arrival of a new brother or sister. With toddlers, you can read picture books about new babies but preschoolers need more involvement. Encourage them to help plan for the new baby, let them play with their old baby toys before they’re handed down and assure them they won’t be loved any less because of the new sibling. Source Link

July 30, 2024

 Being bored can boost your creativity and brain power but only if you do it the right way. Don’t confuse relaxation with boredom, which can happen when you’re doing a familiar activity that requires no thinking or you’re just sitting quietly. The key to reaching boredom is letting your mind wander without stimulation from anything like music or a screen. Source Link 

A vacation from work can help you reset and do a better job when you return and the same is true for your phone. Restarting ends background processes, clears the cache and RAM, and speeds up things. Some people never turn off their phones, so make it a habit to hit “restart” at the beginning of each day. Source Link_

You can get the most out of your air conditioning with the help of a garden hose. Spray down the outdoor condenser unit to remove any dirt or debris that might stop it from pushing out the hot air. A regular hose and nozzle does the job but don’t use a power washer because that strong stream can damage the tiny ventilator fins in the condenser unit. Source Link_

July 29, 2024

That next grocery shopping trip can be faster when you follow these tips. Take stock of what’s in your pantry and fridge and make a shopping list before you go, and pick up canned or frozen produce if you don’t eat the fresh kind fast enough. Don’t shop when you’re hungry and go it alone so that kids or your spouse don’t add more to the shopping cart. Source Link 

We love our shoes and have plenty of pairs, but how many do you really need to pack for vacation? The magic number is three. For example, a business trip may call for flats, heels and sneakers. Or you can visit with the family by packing a pair of sneakers, boots and dress shoes. Don’t pack more than three unless you have a specific need for multiple pairs. Source Link 

When you’re looking for a car that will go the extra mile – and then some – there are many that can easily hit the 200,000-mile mark. In a study, the top five were the Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser, followed by the Chevy Suburban, Toyota Tundra and GMC Yukon XL. But it’s not all big trucks or SUV’s because the number-six vehicle was the Toyota Prius hybrid sedan. Source Link

July 26, 2024

 The 50-30-20 Budget Rule can make it easier to manage expenses now and save for the future. Allocate 50 percent of your take-home pay to necessities like mortgage or rent, utilities and groceries. Use 30 percent of that after-tax income for wants, like a new phone or a fresh outfit. The remaining 20 percent is for savings or paying off debt. Source Link 

For your next visit to the doctor, be sure to bring some important information on your family. Knowing about conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancers experienced by siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can help your doctor identify if you’re at higher risk and need a special schedule of screenings. Source Link 

Your tennis shoes can come clean in the washing machine, with some important caveats. A machine wash works for polyester, cotton and canvas kicks, but leather sneakers should be hand-washed, and any stain may need to be spot-treated separately. And a wash cycle does a better job of killing odor than helping your tennis shoes come clean. Source Link

July 25, 2024

A young child will get the most benefit if you go low-tech when reading to them. Children whose parents used print books instead of a tablet or other digital device got more out of the experience. Researchers say a tablet can be distracting with its touch features and e-books with sounds and music blocked interaction between parent and child. Source Link 

Your phone offers plenty of shortcuts to make life easier. Ask your voice assistant to remind you of something you need to do later when you enter a certain room, or add items to a grocery list as you see that you need them. And when you’re trying to find others in a crowd, show them where you are with the prompt, “Where am I?” and then share that location with your group. Source Link_

Eating nuts can be a great tool for weight loss, but be sure to watch your portions and choose wisely. Walnuts give you antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, while peanuts and almonds can curb hunger. Pistachios are lower in calories than other nuts and cashews are a low-fat crunchy alternative to less healthy snacks. Source Link_

July 24, 2024

When it’s time to clean up your act on that laptop make sure you have the right tools to get rid of the grime. Start with short sprays of canned air to blast away crumbs or dirt in the keyboard and dust that’s blocking the cooling vents. Then use a dry microfiber cloth to remove smudges from the screen and add a bit of water to that cloth to wipe down the case. Source Link

Watch for these red flags when choosing a home mover. Beware when a mover gives you an estimate without an on-site inspection of your household items or says they’ll provide a written estimate after they load the truck. Never sign blank documents or put down a large deposit before the move and avoid a mover that demands cash payment. Source Link_

Your smartphone’s camera can catch those action shots easily with a few simple steps. On an iPhone, swipe the shutter button to the left for “Burst Mode,” then lift your finger to stop and select the best shots by tapping Burst > Select > Done. To do the same thing on an Android phone, simply hold down your shutter button. Source Link_

 

July 23, 2024

Are you guilty of these bad driving habits that annoy others who share the road with you? Top complaints are about people who ride in the left lane instead of using it only for passing, not using headlights in rain or snow or sitting at a green light. And if you’re behind that driver who doesn’t go on green, be kind and give them to the count of three before using your horn. Source Link 

How can a healthy colon prevent those calories on the lips from making it to your hips? Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains gives your gut microbiome more fiber to absorb and eliminate hundreds of calories per day. Processed foods are stripped of fiber and are digested and absorbed by the stomach where every calorie counts. Source Link_

Beware of fake delivery-service text messages that can direct you to hacker websites. Ask yourself if you’ve ordered something to be delivered by the service that’s listed in the text. Look for misspellings and awkward grammar and a lack of a tracking number. If there is one, copy that number and paste it into a Google search box to see if it’s real or fake. Source Link_

July 22, 2024

You want Alexa to be ready to help anywhere in your home, but here’s where you don’t want to put an Amazon Echo or Dot. Keep it away from a kitchen sink or anywhere water could cause damage, or near a TV where it could mistake a program's dialogue for a command. And keep Alexa away from windows where someone outside the house could hijack it. Source Link 

Hitting the “pause” button on that next online or in-store purchase might be just the break your budget needs to avoid impulse spending. Give yourself 24 hours to think about going to the store and see if you still want that thing tomorrow. And when you’re buying online, leave items in the shopping cart and come back later. Sometimes, you’ll find a lower price when you come back. Source Link 

What are some of the do’s and dont’s of good dental hygiene? Do choose a toothbrush with a smaller head and soft bristles, but don’t scrub hard. Use a fingertip touch to hold the brush. Do brush with a rotating motion and at a 45-degree angle, or let your electric toothbrush hover over each tooth. And don’t rinse after brushing your teeth. Allow the fluoride in toothpaste to continue to work after you’re done. Source Link

July 19, 2024

 Achieving financial wellness takes planning and persistence to make it work. Set a budget and review it monthly to see if the spending matches your plan. Make a point to review retirement or investment accounts twice a year, and use automatic transfers from checking to savings and automatic payments on car loans or mortgages to avoid late fees. Source Link 

The right way to clean your ears is simple because you don’t really need to do it. Ear wax naturally works its way out and if you see some use a wet washcloth to wipe it away. A few drops of half-and-half mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide can loosen ear wax, but cleaning with a Q-tip can push wax back into the ear canal. Source Link 

That expired milk in the fridge doesn’t necessarily have to go down the drain. Sour milk can be used in savory baking recipes and those that call for buttermilk, like crepes, pancakes and waffles. Milk that’s slightly turned is great with sugary cereal and expired milk can be mixed with breading for fried veggies or cheese. Source Link

July 18, 2024

 It’s using the carrot instead of the stick to help you lose weight -- try bribing yourself to shed those pounds. You could put a dollar in a jar that's the money you saved by eating less and then buy yourself a non-food item at the end of every month. Testing showed that adults were willing to eat less for the chance to win a prize like a gift card. Source Link

Apps are more convenient but going to the website for that service might be safer for privacy and security. Apps can collect information like location, what other apps you use or other devices on your WiFi network. Browsers give you more options to dial up privacy and websites are a good alternative to apps for services you don’t use often. Source Link_

Picking a nursing home can seem overwhelming but you can narrow the choices and focus on what’s really important. Start with facilities with top overall rankings and high ratings for staffing levels. Then schedule visits to see how the staff works with residents to provide health care and social and recreational activities. You can find a checklist for nursing home evaluation at medicare.gov. Source Link_

July 17, 2024

 Should you turn off the tunes when you’re trying to create? Testing showed that listening to music significantly impaired verbal creativity. The sound of a library was no problem but songs with words and instrumental music were bad and the worst was listening to a song with familiar lyrics. Researchers say music can interfere with the brain’s verbal memory. Source Link 

You can organize your kitchen to make cooking easier. Stair-stepped risers are perfect for seeing spices and a turntable lets you spin to access things instead of digging. Store the most–used items like plates and dishes on easy-to-reach shelves, and put silverware next to the dishwasher or mugs near the coffee maker. Source Link_

These simple habits are hard on your teeth. Chewing ice can cause small chips in tooth enamel that might develop into larger cracks and sipping an energy drink, soda or coffee exposes your teeth to higher levels of acid that can erode enamel. Drink with a straw if possible and always follow-up with water to rinse your mouth. Source Link_

July 16, 2024

 It may be the best way to use a 15-minute break to make your day go smoother. Workers who spent a quarter-hour on a leisurely walk through a nearby park and focused on the natural surroundings were able to concentrate better when they got back to work. If you can’t find any green space for a break, you could try meditation in a quiet place for 15 minutes. Source Link 

These technologies can be a big help when making a home safer for someone with Alzheimer’s. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that use a human voice instead of a disturbing loud beep to warn of danger. And app-controlled thermostats and video doorbells make indoor comfort simpler and can help with remote monitoring should someone leave the home. Source Link_

Ultra-processed foods have been shown to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, cancer and even dementia, but how do you get these junk foods out of your diet? Make fresh food your first choice and opt for minimally processed food like frozen vegetables. If you love crackers, choose those with just wheat, oil and salt and no other additives. Source Link_

July 15, 2024

 'Tis the season to know the signs of heat-related illness. Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, headache, lightheadedness or weakness are early warnings and muscle spasms in the legs or stomach can be a sign of heat cramps. A good starting treatment is to move to a cool place and give small amounts of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. Source Link 

The old advice to, “fake it till you make it” might apply if you slap on a fake smile when you have a case of the blues. Researchers found that people who smiled when they were low were better able to overcome sad feelings. But the technique isn’t effective for someone who’s suffering from serious sadness like depression. Source Link 

If a long workout isn’t your thing, how about an activity snack? Researchers found that taking a quick walk or doing squats after you eat may help retain muscle mass as you age because moving helps you use the food you’ve eaten to build muscle. The small spurts of activity should be in addition to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Source Link

July 12, 2024

 Boosting your credit score can save big money on that next loan and these credit card hacks can help improve your number. Pay down credit card debt and ask for an increased limit but don’t use it. And when you pay your credit card bill, do it before the payment due date and the balance that’s reported each month will be lower. Source Link 

You learned the right way to install a child car seat when your baby was born, but what about when they get older? It’s common for parents to make mistakes attaching the top tether or when using seat belts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at nhtsa.gov lets you search by zip code for local resources to help with proper use of child car seats. Source Link

Breathing is about more than getting air into your lungs. Relaxed breathing can decrease heart rate, reduce blood pressure and allow more blood flow to help with digestion. And deep breathing can improve blood glucose in healthy people, and help anyone lower their stress levels and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Source Link

July 11, 2024

 Achieving personal goals may be easier if you approach the challenge in a new way. Consistently working toward a goal in a specific way every day helps your brain turn it into a habit. And setting and achieving small goals triggers your brain to release “feel good” chemicals that will encourage you to stay the course. Source Link 

You can save money on homeowner’s insurance and repair bills by hardening your abode against natural disasters. Things like removing vegetation near your home that could be fuel for a wildfire or installing a stronger roof to stand up to higher winds. You could also use a sump pump to avoid basement flooding or install storm-proof windows and doors. Source Link_

It may be a handy choice but some things should never be cleaned with dish soap because it’s too strong. This includes hardwood floors, leather or dishes that are in the dishwasher. Don’t use dish soap on your skin or hair, for a dog bath or to wash your car because dish soap can strip skin oils and damage the clearcoat finish on an automobile. Source Link_

July 10, 2024

 If there’s a DIY painting project on your to-do list, remember these tips to get the job done right. Start with a pint of paint to see if you like the color on your walls and then buy the best paint to get quality coverage that will last longer. And have the primer tinted to match your color and you’ll need only one coat of paint. Source Link

Mindfulness meditation may be helpful for a wide range of physical and mental ailments. It’s been shown to reduce chronic pain and treat addiction issues, as well as help with depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. With mindfulness meditation, you learn to focus on your thoughts, emotions and body sensations as you’re experiencing them. Source Link_

A rental storage unit can do more than hold your overflow stuff from home. You could use a storage unit as a location for online meetings or to produce videos, to maintain inventory, as an art studio or to create a home gym away from home. The one thing you can’t do is use a storage unit as a place to live. Source Link_

July 9, 2024

 The tools of the trade in car detailing will also work when the job gets done in your driveway. Ditch the old t-shirts and cotton towels and use a microfiber cloth to dry your car and avoid scratches. Use a car wash cleaner and not dish soap and have two buckets -- one for soapy water and one with plain water to rinse dirt out of your sponge. Source Link 

There are some simple steps that can help curb excessive screen time for tweens. Start by restricting their screens at meals and at bedtime and model this good behavior yourself. In testing, researchers found that using screen time as a reward or punishment for a child didn’t change their habits. Source Link_

Summertime protection for your eyes involves what you wear in many ways. Start with 100 percent UV blocking sunglasses and wear a hat that also protects your eyes and face from the sun. Keep sunscreen out of your eyes by using one that doesn’t run when you sweat. And consider wearing swim goggles to protect your eyes from pool chemicals and bacteria found in lakes, rivers and oceans. Source Link_

July 8, 2024

Stop and ask yourself a few questions before you share health stories on social media. Is the source trustworthy, like a major medical center or national organization? Is it a personal story that may not reflect the big picture, or does it make you feel emotional? If it does, try waiting to post because the impulse to share it might pass. Source Link 

Streaming TV subscription fees add up fast and you can save money with a little planning. Make a calendar note for when a trial subscription ends to avoid paying for an extra month, and bundle or get an annual subscription for services you know you want to keep. And if there isn’t a show you’re watching now on that service, cancel and re-subscribe later. Source Link 

There’s a good chance you have a free hotspot or free public WiFi available nearby now, but how do you find it? Apps like Instabridge or WiFi Map will show you where to find a free hook-up that’s near you, and many public libraries offer free WiFi. Consider using a VPN with any free internet connection to safeguard any personal data during the session. Source Link

 

July 5, 2024

 You can turn that messy kitchen into a clean scene in just 15 minutes with these tips. Load the dishwasher and throw a wet sponge into the microwave for one minute on high to create steam that will loosen gunk. Wipe down the sink, counters, and stove top with disinfectant wipes, use that sponge to wipe the inside of the microwave, and then sweep and mop. Source Link 

Using dumbbells, barbells or weight machines are all effective ways to build muscles, but how much you lift and how you do it can determine the results. Lifting the heaviest weights with three to five reps is best for building strength. Weights that you can comfortably lift eight to ten times are best for building muscle size. Source Link 

You can teach kids good money habits at any age. Explain to youngsters under 5 how money is used to support everyday activities. Kids ages 6 to 11 can earn chore money and make decisions on how to spend it on things or experiences. And teens can learn about payroll taxes and experience investing with a custodial brokerage account. Source Link

July 3, 2024

 If your phone’s photo gallery is overflowing there’s a technique popular with home cleanup experts that also works on a cramped camera roll. Look at each photo and ask yourself if seeing this makes you happy or if you’d want to see it again. If you answer “no” to either question, the photo can probably go in the trash bin. Source Link 

Using a fan along with air conditioning can help you feel cool without burning up your utility bill. A ceiling fan is best because it distributes air throughout a room but a pedestal, tower or table fan can also help you feel cooler when using air conditioning. Studies have shown that a room with fans and the thermostat set at 80 degrees can feel as cool as only using AC that’s set at 72 degrees. Source Link_

There’s a reason why taking notes with pen and paper helps you learn better than when typing on a keyboard. Handwriting involves fine-tuned coordination between the motor and visual systems in the brain to deeply engage in ways that support learning. Testing showed that typing doesn’t offer the same benefits. Source Link_

July 2, 2024

 The long weekend is a favorite getaway and these tips can help you save on your mini-vacation. Book your rental car as far ahead as possible to get the best rates but consider waiting to find last-minute deals on unsold hotel rooms. The same strategy might also work with an Airbnb that still has an opening a few days before you plan to leave. Source Link 

The typical kitchen or pantry will have more room for storage when you ditch these space wasters. Throw out mismatched plastic storage containers or damaged utensils you no longer use and save the kitchen cupboard space for only the number of place settings you typically use. The rest can be stored elsewhere and you can also throw away any expired pantry staples, spices or condiments. Source Link_

Creating a successful fitness plan takes some work before you start that first workout. Determine what you want out of exercise, whether that’s more energy, stronger muscles or to lose weight and find exercise you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick to it. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals and create healthy rewards for when you reach those goals. Source Link_

July 1, 2024

A summer heat wave can be hard on your heart, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or are obese. Triple-digit high temperatures may double the number of deaths from heart disease and strokes can be more severe. Staying hydrated is important and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water regularly throughout a hot day. Source Link 

Getting rid of apps you don’t use can pay big dividends. It saves space on your phone or tablet, keeps you from scrolling through endless screens and reduces the risk of security breaches. Make a list of apps you use every day and work back from that to find what can go. And remember to close out accounts online as well as deleting the app. Source Link 

Try the “90-90” rule to decide what stays and what goes when you want to thin out your wardrobe. For each item, ask yourself if you used it in the past 90 days, or if you’re likely to use it in the next 90 days. If the answers to both questions are “no,” then it can go. And make the next step easier by keeping a box in your closet where you can toss items that are going away. Source Link