October 31, 2024

What could you do with an extra $1,500 a year? That’s how much food the typical family throws away annually but you can reduce that waste with simple steps like checking to see what you already have before you grocery shop and understanding that “sell by” dates don’t mean you can’t eat it later. And freeze and save leftovers that you don’t eat. Source Link 

Deep breathing has benefits for digestion. Breathing from your diaphragm activates your parasympathetic nervous system and that helps basic bodily functions like digestion operate smoothly and efficiently. You’re breathing from your diaphragm when you place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly and feel the hand on your belly move with each breath. Source Link_

The psychology behind buying online might make a laptop a better way to shop than using your phone. That’s because many big purchases like airline tickets take you through multiple steps and phone users are less likely to back out or open other options to compare in real time. And phone use is often more casual and less focused than working a laptop. Source Link_

October 30, 2024

Sleep experts say using your phone or tablet before bedtime is a no-no, but there’s an exception to that rule. You should do things that help ease you into sleep, and if using an app on your phone or even clearing an email inbox is relaxing, you can make it part of your pre-bedtime routine. Source Link 

Odds are you moved your child out of a car booster seat before they were ready. A study found that four out of five parents ditched the booster seat before a child was big enough to ride with just a seat belt. And three out of four parents didn’t know that kids need to ride in booster seats until they’re at least 4-foot-9-inches tall. Source Link_

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_

October 29, 2024

 These classic first aid moves need some updating. Do pinch your nose but don’t tip your head back with a nosebleed because that lets the blood run down your throat. Skip the ice or butter and use cool water to treat a burn. And don’t rinse off a tooth that’s been knocked out. Put it in a cup of milk and take it to the dentist. Source Link 

No one wants to pay a parking ticket that’s dropped on your windshield by a scammer who’s trying to steal your credit card information, so don’t use the contact web address on the ticket. Instead, go to your city’s official parking website where you can look up any tickets using the car’s license plate number. Source Link_

You can spend less money and help your clothes last longer by not using dryer sheets. They use a waxy substance that makes clothes feel softer but also can build-up and damage a garment and your dryer. The better choice is a reusable wool or plastic dryer ball or make your own by crumpling a piece of aluminum foil into the size of a tennis ball. Source Link_

October 28, 2024

 It’s a popular Halloween prank and there’s a right way to clean up after a tree’s been toilet papered. If it’s dry, you can pull the paper down with a long pole or use a leaf blower to remove it from taller branches. And don’t delay, because if it gets wet, you’ll have to live with a TP’ed tree until all that paper dries. Source Link 

Your dishwasher needs some help getting things clean and the solution may be in the soft drink aisle at the grocery store. A monthly acid bath using unsweetened powdered lemon Kool-Aid can help remove lime scale, soap scum and other stains. Put one package in each detergent cup and run the empty dishwasher for a complete cycle. Source Link 

Here’s a quick list of familiar food myths. All fat is not bad, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh, plant-based milks are not more healthy than cow’s milk, and eating soy-based foods will not increase the risk of breast cancer. And roasted, baked or air-fried white potatoes eaten with the skin on are a healthy, affordable food. Source Link

October 25, 2024

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 

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 

The gut microbiome affects everything from your immune system to brain function and you can help to keep it balanced with a few simple steps. Drink plenty of water, get more fiber and avoid ultra-processed foods with lots of added sugar and sodium. And rather than taking probiotic supplements, eat probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut. Source Link

October 24, 2024

 How can you put five minutes to good use to improve your mood? Try focused breathing or meditate by silently repeating a word or phrase. Five minutes of brisk movement can help too and you can recharge by unplugging all devices for five minutes and let your mind wander. Source Link 

There are warning signs when scammers steal your child’s identity for credit fraud. Keep an eye out for any bills or credit card offers addressed to them. If debt collectors are calling about your child, someone might have made credit purchases in their name. And always add a credit report freeze for every child to prevent any stolen information from being used. Source Link_

Your paycheck is showing that new raise but be sure to pay yourself first before upping your lifestyle. Your savings plan should grow with every raise so you’re putting away more money for that home down payment or saving for retirement. And consider switching to a high-yield savings account to earn more interest on your savings. Source Link_

October 23, 2024

 If you’d rather not have your digital life harvested for sale by data brokers there are some steps to shut it down. Begin by making your Facebook, Instagram and X accounts private and then go to PrivacyRights.org to search for data brokers that allow you to remove your information from their service. Source Link 

Election anxiety is real for many people but there are ways to ease your worries. Use social media sparingly, maybe just a few times a day. Substitute with pastimes like reading a book, or taking part in personal hobbies. And have respectful discussions with people on the other side. Don’t preach but do listen to understand their perspective. Source Link_

It’s Medicare enrollment time when scam artists are calling and here’s why you should hang up on them. Medicare will never call to confirm your address or say they need to send you a new Medicare card for next year. And Medicare cards do not have an embedded chip, so don’t fall for someone claiming they need to send a new chip card to you. Source Link_

October 22, 2024

 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 

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

October 21, 2024

 You don’t need to have a little one at home to put baby wipes to good use. They’re great for cleaning computer keyboards, removing makeup and wiping away excess nail polish, cleaning switch plates, removing latex paint from your hands, and cleaning stains from clothing and carpet.. A baby wipe can even sub for a Swiffer sheet the next time you sweep. Source Link

Could people who suffer with anxiety and depression get a boost by being kind to others? Those who started adding small acts of kindness into their day showed an improvement in symptoms and better feelings of social connection. Being kind to others may help people with mental health symptoms stop being preoccupied with suffering. Source Link

When you’re aiming to reorganize and reduce the stuff in your home, don't purchase these things before you purge. Baskets, bins and dividers are great for organization but don't buy new ones until after you've sorted. Otherwise, you'll find yourself filling those new containers with things that should be going. Source Link

October 18, 2024

 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 

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 

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

October 17, 2024

 Resistance training can be an important part of any weight loss plan. It lowers the percentage of body fat in healthy adults and builds muscle that burns more than twice as many calories as fat does. Weightlifting also speeds up metabolism, improves testosterone levels for men and boosts bone density in women. Source Link

More screen time for kids at age 2 can mean more problems with communication and daily living skills by age 4. That’s from researchers who say the wild card is more outdoor play time. Youngsters who spent more time playing outdoors improved their daily living skills but it didn’t alter the negative effects of screen time on communication skills. Source Link 

Your dishwasher needs some help getting things clean and the solution may be in the soft drink aisle at the grocery store. A monthly acid bath using unsweetened powdered lemon Kool-Aid can help remove lime scale, soap scum and other stains. Put one package in each detergent cup and run the empty dishwasher for a complete cycle. Source Link

October 16, 2024

 Save time and money on laundry by not over washing some of the clothes you wear. Think about the number of times you’ve worn it rather than how long since it was last washed. Undergarments and socks may need washing after every use but outerwear can be worn two or three times. And try to avoid washing jeans because every laundry cycle can damage denim. Source Link

Is it a bad habit or a secret to better comprehension? Doodling can keep your mind active when you’re listening to something that’s boring. In a study, people who doodled while hearing a boring phone message remembered 29 percent more than those who sat still and listened. Source Link

You can cut clutter by identifying things you don't use and there’s an easy way to do that with a roll of masking tape. Put a piece of tape on each item and take it off the next time you use it. After six months, anything that still has tape on it probably can be sold, donated or recycled. Source Link

October 15, 2024

 When you’re minding that credit score these things won’t ding your rating. Paying off a credit card won’t hurt but canceling one will because it reduces your total available credit. Checking your credit report or a credit check by an employer has no impact, and you can’t have too many credit cards unless you carry balances that you can’t pay off each month. Source Link 

Locking the biggest entryway into your home is easier with a smart technology upgrade. You can add a smart garage door hub and use your phone to control the door from anywhere or upgrade to an opener that has this feature. For a simple fix, add a smart plug to the power outlet for the opener and turn this off and on remotely when you leave and come home. Source Link

Do you need to test to see if those sniffles are COVID? You might if you’ll be in contact with other people in closed spaces or with the elderly or others who are at higher risk for severe COVID. People with verified COVID should try to isolate for one day after their symptoms fade and then wear a mask for an additional five days afterward. Source Link

October 14, 2024

 Cleaning up after your dog does their business can be easier with these tips. Save those fast food cardboard French fry boxes because they make great disposable poop scoopers when you walk the dog. Or spread non-toxic squirrel repellent on the parts of your yard that you don’t want your dog to use as a bathroom. Source Link 

Giving a child an allowance can be the foundation for a lifetime of smart money management. Having their own money forces kids to think about how to spend it and learn the difference between needs and wants. And using an allowance for savings, donations and spending can teach self-reliance in kids. Source Link 

You should think twice before scanning a QR code with your phone. Scammers are using fake QR codes for rip-offs that range from bogus parking meter payments to fake online portals for bill payments and even romance scams. Always confirm that a QR code is legitimate before scanning it and avoid any that come in an email you weren’t expecting. Source Link

October 11, 2024

 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 

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 

October 10, 2024

 How could drinking coffee help you take a better nap? Identify the afternoon time when you start to drag, find a quiet spot behind a closed door or on the couch, drink a cup of coffee and set a timer for 25 minutes before you start to nap. The caffeine will begin to wake you up in about 20 minutes and you won’t feel groggy after your mid-day shuteye. Source Link 

What’s that new app going to do with your personal information? Search the app’s name and the words “sell” or “selling” to see that part of its privacy policy. You can also try the search including the words “California” or “state” because it’s a California law that requires app developers to post a clear explanation about information they collect. Source Link 

You clear out your suitcase after every trip, but do you clean it too? Luggage picks up plenty of dirt and germs, from conveyor belts to hotel rooms, and you don’t want that in your home. Clean the outside of that suitcase including the wheels with soapy water or a multi-purpose cleaner and use disinfecting spray or wipes to clean the inside. Source Link 

October 9, 2024

Getting your preschooler to eat more fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be a stealth operation. Sneaking healthy ingredients into a dish won’t help your child learn to enjoy them. The better approach is to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables in whole form when they’re younger so they can learn to appreciate those tastes as they get older. Source Link 

Keeping your address off the Internet is a smart security step. When you find your address in a Google search, go to “Manage Your Google Account,” select “Data and Privacy,” “History Settings,” and “My Activity.” Choose “Other Activity” and scroll down to “Results About You” to alert Google to remove the address information. Source Link 

Beans are a natural superfood with many health benefits. They’re packed with protein and complex carbohydrates, have higher levels of potassium that can help control blood pressure and are high in fiber. If you use dry beans, soak them in water overnight to draw out some of the gas-producing compounds. Source Link

 

October 8, 2024

 If you’re among the half of Americans who admit to using retail therapy to cope with stress you might slow down the compulsive shopping with the 30-day rule. Wait one month before making that impulse buy. If you still want it 30 days later, it’s probably a worthwhile purchase. Source Link 

It’s yellow and tart and makes one of the best home cleaning products. Use a cut lemon as a scrubber along with table salt to remove stains in a coffee or tea mug or to disinfect many surfaces. And lemon juice has natural properties to break down fats and proteins and clean that cheese grater without ruining a sponge. Source Link 

Headphones are a must for travelers of any age. There are kid-friendly headphones that limit the top volume and are safe to use for younger children but there’s a good rule of thumb for volume limits on any headphones. Your child should be able to hear you talking to them over a movie or the noise of an airplane cabin while wearing headphones. Source Link

October 7, 2024

 This trick will help you cut clutter by managing the in's and out's of things in your home. With each new thing that comes to stay, you’ll get rid of one other thing. Having a designated “outbox” for the items you’ll donate or give away helps you keep the habit. Source Link 

Living like it’s the old days before we had cell phones might be a good way to deal with today’s distractions. Smartphones can interrupt you with constant notifications, so turn those off whenever possible. While you’re at it, put away that phone for occasional breaks throughout the day because just the sight of it can raise anxiety and prompt you to pick it up. Source Link 

To sleep or not to sleep – that’s the question on an airline flight. An overnight red-eye is a good time to sleep and watching a movie or listening to music can sometimes help you doze off. If you can sleep when you arrive, bring some work on the flight to occupy your brain. Either way, pack some good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions. Source Link

October 4, 2024

You may want to do a bit of housecleaning when checking into a hotel. Bring some antiseptic wipes and target the high-touch spots, like the TV remote, light switches, coffee maker and handles on the dresser, door, fridge and toilet. And here’s a bonus tip – protect your feet by packing a pair of flip flops for wearing when you’re in the hotel room. Source Link 

These simple steps can help you save money on food. Don’t buy bottled water. Instead, use tap water with a water filter pitcher. Throw almost-spoiled fruits and veggies in the freezer for use with smoothies. And speaking of that freezer, make sure it's full and you’ll use less energy to keep things icy cold. Source Link 

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

October 3, 2024

 You clean out the trunk of your car when selling it but have you swept up your personal data? Before you go to the dealer for that trade-in, be sure to disconnect your phone from the car’s Bluetooth and delete your contacts, maps and address data. And remember to delete any garage door opener codes that were stored by the vehicle. Source Link 

Taking on someone else’s debt is never a good idea. Cosigning a loan means you’re responsible for repaying all of it if the main borrower doesn’t and the debt goes on your credit report. Instead of cosigning a loan, help someone find a loan for people with a lower credit score or find ways for them to improve their credit score. Source Link 

Some common home fire safety products come with an expiration date. Smoke detectors should be tested every few months and replaced after 10 years from the date of manufacture that’s stamped on the product label. And disposable fire extinguishers have a shelf life of 10 to 12 years, while rechargeable models should be inspected and refilled every six years. Source Link

October 2, 2024

 The physical strain that comes from too much screen time might be cured in the blink of an eye. Typically, a person blinks about 30 times per minute but that can drop to just a few times per minute when focusing on a screen. One solution might be the “20-20-20” rule -- every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds at something that’s 20 feet away. Source Link 

Kitty litter has uses around the home beyond the litter box. A 50-50 mix with potting soil can help hold moisture for plants. Use a shaker container of kitty litter to remove odors in a refrigerator or sprinkle litter to absorb liquid spills like motor oil on the garage floor. You can even fill a larger sandwich bag with kitty litter and slip that into an old sock to make a door stopper. Source Link 

You need to use sunscreen every day because other things you put on your skin could make it more sensitive to UV radiation that causes a sunburn. Anti-aging makeup products with alpha and beta hydroxy acids remove skin layers and increase the risk of sunburn, and makeup with built-in sunscreen doesn’t provide enough protection. Source Link

October 1, 2024

Noise can be a health concern, even when you’re not awake. Your auditory system doesn’t shut off while you’re asleep and loud noises can cause spikes in blood pressure, even if they don’t wake you up. Earplugs, noise-canceling earphones, or white noise such as a fan can help to smooth your way to better sleep. Source Link 

Goodwill is a favorite thrift store and you can save even more money with these tips. Shop stores in different neighborhoods because items may be donated one place but sold in another, and look for discounted Goodwill gift cards on websites like Gift Card Granny, Rise or eBay. And use frequent shopper reward cards or shop on days with discounts, like a Senior Citizens Day. Source Link_

What are some hotspots in your home where germs can linger and make you sick? Running a garbage disposal can send bacteria into the air, so use a disinfecting cleaner in your sink. Frequently clean pet food and water bowls that can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. And wash bed sheets weekly in hot water to get rid of dust mites and bacteria. Source Link_