March 31, 2025

The fantasy world 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

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

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

March 28, 2025

The office binder clip is a multi-purpose tool in the kitchen. Use one to seal a potato chip bag or hold parchment paper to a sheet pan when you bake. A binder clip can tame a tangle of power cords on a kitchen counter, hang bags of veggies from a freezer wire shelf or serve as guard rails to keep horizontal bottles from rolling around in the fridge. Source Link 

They may not top the list of your favorite foods but some of these are tops for heart health. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus and cabbage contain potassium, onions and garlic have antioxidants and beets are a natural source of nitrous oxide, and all can decrease blood pressure. Beans, nuts and seeds and fatty fish are also superfoods for your heart. Source Link 

It’s like Airbnb but for a stay at a National Park and more. Recreation.gov lets you make reservations for campsites and lodges that are managed by over a dozen federal agencies. The website and smartphone app lets you search across the country and nearby. You can also reserve tickets for events and programs. Source Link

March 27, 2025

If you’re like most people and indulge that sweet tooth every now and then, there’s a right way to eat sugary foods. Minimize the time sugar is in your mouth by eating sweet treats with meals and not as a stand-alone snack. Rinse with water after eating sugary foods but don’t brush for 30 minutes because brushing right away could damage your teeth. Source Link 

There’s an easy-to-use tool that lets you remove items with personal information from Google searches. Start with your name and then right-click on the three dots next to each item for an option to report the listing. Google will often remove the result from a public search if it includes your name, home address or phone number. Source Link_

A few basic steps can help you become a better listener. Try listening to learn rather than just being polite and ask more questions. Aim to listen twice as much as you talk and use active listening to repeat back what you heard. And always wait until someone is done talking before you respond. Source Link_

March 26, 2025

 You don’t have to become an online seller to turn your old tech into new money. Trade-ins are a popular option, from store kiosks that take used smartphones to retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot that will swap your old gear for a gift card. And Amazon’s trade-in plan lets you ship used items to them free for evaluation. Source Link 

You might enjoy a weekend free of housework by spending just 20 minutes each weekday on chores. Identify a dozen tasks and create a schedule to do a few each day, like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning the bathroom and doing small loads of laundry. And spend a few minutes daily doing a quick wipe down of counters and tables, washing dishes and putting things away. Source Link_

That date stamped on a food package could mean a number of things. “Sell By” is when a store stops selling it, but you can keep using it for a few days or up to a week later. “Best By” refers to quality of taste, and long-term storage with a “Use or Freeze By” date might give you several months to keep it frozen until use. Source Link_

March 25, 2025

How can changing one word make that self-critical voice in your head become a cheerleader? Swap the word “I” for “you”. Making your mental narrative sound like a friend’s advice can produce more positive self-talk and strengthen your resolve to get things done. Source Link

You can rent out your house, your car, your pool and even your backyard as a play space for the four-legged set. Sniffspot.com offers homeowner’s yards as private dog parks and you pay by the hour. The site lists a variety of settings, from fenced yards to dog water parks, agility parks, hiking trails and homes with beach fronts and swimming pools for dogs. Source Link_

There are two things you can use to unclog a bathroom sink drain and one you probably shouldn’t use. Boiling water can work, but avoid this with porcelain sinks or plastic plumbing. A plastic drain zip tie can remove a clog that’s built up around the plunger rod, but avoid using chemical cleaners in a clogged drain because they're often ineffective and can damage pipes. Source Link_

March 24, 2025

When baby proofing a home, don’t forget all those doors. Use a handle lever lock or door knob safety cover, or add a child safety door lock that’s installed high and out of their reach. Besides the obvious places like a bathroom, remember to baby proof any door that leads to a room with low window ledges that could pose a fall hazard. 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

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

March 21, 2025

You can plan a museum trip or take one virtually with help from the number-one web search engine. Google Arts and Culture is a special section that offers walk-throughs of many of the world’s museum collections. Use it to preview attractions before you travel or select the “Nearby” feature to find something close to where you are now. Source Link 

They may not top the list of your favorite foods but some of these are tops for heart health. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus and cabbage contain potassium, onions and garlic have antioxidants and beets are a natural source of nitrous oxide, and all can decrease blood pressure. Beans, nuts and seeds and fatty fish are also superfoods for your heart. Source Link 

A monthly computer cleanup can keep your laptop working smoothly. On Windows, go to System and Storage to see what unneeded files can be deleted, remove unused apps and tidy up your browser by clearing the cache of temporary data. And do a physical cleaning of the keyboard and screen with a lint-free cloth and a bit of water. Source Link

March 20, 2025

Most people know that scratching an itch only makes it worse, but why is that? The act of scratching creates pain that cancels out the itching sensation, but the brain overrides that pain and the itching returns. Experts say the best way to deal with an itch is to give the spot a quick rub. Source Link 

The flashlight feature on your iPhone is handy, but what if it’s too bright for what you need? When this happens, you can dim that light with just one touch. Simply hold down the flashlight button and drag the slider up or down to control its brightness. Source Link_

Browning hamburger can leave a splattered mess on the stove, so why not boil it? Put the raw ground beef in an uncovered stock pot, fill with water above the meat and set on high heat. No need to boil – just cook for about 7 to 10 minutes until the meat turns brown. Drain the water and you have cooked ground beef ready to use or freeze. Source Link_

March 19, 2025

Want to see what’s heading for your mailbox before it’s delivered? That’s the idea behind Informed Delivery from the US Postal Service. The free service shows you images of the mail to be delivered to your home today. You can do this with a website, a daily email or through the USPS Mobile app for iPhone and Android. Source Link 

Here’s a simple two-step tip to help you look better in any picture. Instead of facing the camera head-on, position your body at a 45-degree angle. Now put your weight on your back foot and lean your torso slightly forward. The angle and the lean-in will give you a more-flattering look. Source Link_

Start simple to create a go-bag for use when you need to evacuate your home. Grab an old backpack and a few zip-top bags to hold first aid items and matches. Now pack some basics you can use, like a bath towel, protein bars or an old pair of glasses and add more as you go along. Each member of the family should have their own go-bag. Source Link_

March 18, 2025

 Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but don’t sabotage it with poor food choices. Be sure to get enough protein and be careful to keep your breakfast at about 400 calories. Don’t fill up on carbs, avoid frozen breakfast meals that can be high in sodium and try fresh fruit instead of fruit juice that’s high in sugar. Source Link 

Some smart bathroom updates can help you beat the battle against mold. Skip the grout and tile and use acrylic wall panels, an acrylic shower pan, or vinyl or laminate flooring. Try metal storage for soaps and bottles in the shower and choose a freestanding tub or vanity that doesn’t need to be caulked up against a wall. Source Link_

Here’s how to have your phone read text on a web page out loud. With an iPhone, open a page on Safari and say, “Siri, read this page.” With an Android phone, go to Settings and under Accessibility choose “Select to Speak” to add a Play button to your screen and use it to have a web page read to you. Source Link_

March 17, 2025

 The three parts of a typical auto insurance policy each do different things. Liability covers the cost of damage or injury to others in an accident while you’re at-fault, while collision coverage pays to have your car repaired after an accident. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your car in non-accident settings, such as a hailstorm, flood or fire. Source Link

Here’s a colorful way to keep track of things that might come up missing, like a set of keys, a phone or a TV remote. Pick a really bright color and use a key ring and phone case in that color to make your items stand out. And put a similar bright-colored piece of tape on the TV remote so it’s easier to spot. Source Link

A few office supply products can help you organize a freezer that’s packed with food. With wire shelving, attach a binder clip so it hangs down and can hold bags of frozen food. And vertical file holders set along the back wall of a freezer can hold frozen fruit, veggies or meat for easy organization. Source Link 

March 14, 2025

 A clogged showerhead can ruin your daily routine but there’s an easy way to fix it. Fill a plastic sandwich bag with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water and attach this around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for 60 minutes to clean out the mineral buildup and get that shower going full blast again. Source Link 

You can find ways to fit in fitness at work. Every 30 minutes, do stretches to relax your neck, shoulders and fingers, or stand up and bend at the hips to touch your toes. Take a walk across the office to talk to someone face-to-face instead of calling or emailing and maximize your lunch break by including a walk or climbing a few sets of stairs. Source Link 

Remember these tips when trying to tackle that pile of paper documents, records and receipts. Never discard birth or death certificates, military service, marriage and divorce records, loan payoff statements, or retirement or pension records. Tax paperwork can be scanned and saved for seven years and you can shred any receipts after you get your monthly bill statement. Source Link

March 13, 2025

 You may be on your own when it comes to knowing what’s really in the skin products you use. That’s because the FDA doesn't regulate descriptions like “hypoallergenic,” “unscented” or “fragrance-free.” A good idea is to test a product on your forearm for a week to see if it triggers a reaction. Source Link 

Your freezer is a great place to find a fast meal that you make and store. Start simple by doubling a meal recipe once a week and freezing half of it. Using freezer bags will help to remove air that can dry out food. Plus, they’re easier to stack flat and take up less room. Source Link_

When you want to rehearse a question before going for something like auto service, try using AI. Open your favorite chatbot and describe the problem ending with, “what could this be?” The answer should help you understand the issue before going to the repair shop and might save you from paying for work that you don’t need. Source Link_

March 12, 2025

 These food hacks can make it easier to eat healthy. Create a lower-fat creamy tomato sauce by adding hummus instead of cream. Mix cottage cheese with your salsa for high-protein snacking and add white beans to your smoothies for a fiber-rich drink. Source Link

A vacation abroad is supposed to be a fun time but accidents can happen and that’s why travel medical insurance is a good idea. Most U.S. health insurance plans and Medicare don’t provide coverage abroad but a travel insurance plan can pay for emergency care, prescriptions and medical evacuation with single-trip or annual coverage. Source Link_

What are some warning signs that an ATM, gas pump or payment terminal may have a card skimmer installed by scammers to steal your personal info? Watch out if the buttons on the PIN pad are offset or hard to push or if part of the pad feels loose. When this happens, use your card’s tap-to-pay option, or Apple Pay or Google Pay instead of your card. Source Link_

March 11, 2025

You’ve heard of refinancing your mortgage, but how about your loan for that set of wheels? Auto loan refinancing may be an easy way to save money because many people don’t shop around for the best rates when buying a car. Refinancing an auto loan is much simpler than a mortgage and may take just one day to complete. Source Link 

Furnishing a first home or a new bigger one doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Resist the urge to be “moved in” as quickly as possible using all your existing pieces. Instead, measure the space and consider how you’ll use it. Then choose furniture and accents that fit that plan, whether it’s what you already have or something different. Source Link_

Keeping all of your credit cards active can improve your credit rating and you don’t have to overspend to do this. Take a current bill like utilities or a monthly subscription and put it on an automatic payment plan with a credit card. Pay the full balance every month and put one bill on each unused credit card. Source Link_

March 10, 2025

Try this tip to get Google to cover the difference if that plane ticket drops in price after you buy it. Use the Google Flights feature to book your air travel and look for the Price Guarantee check box. You’ll get a refund through Google Pay but it’s limited to three flights per year and capped at $500 in annual savings. Source Link

Activity, eating and how you stimulate your brain can all help prevent memory loss. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and healthy eating with plenty of lean protein and good fats will also help. And challenge your mind by learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or planning a day trip or vacation to a new place. Source Link

Scammers are taking advantage of the growth of smart TVs and streaming services to rip you off. If you turn on a smart TV or open an app and see an error message, don’t call a phone number or click on a web address. No subscription streaming service or device will ever ask you to pay an activation fee. Email a customer service rep and inform them of the error message. Source Link 

March 7, 2025

 A few common household products may be all you need to keep your phone free of dirt and grime. Use a disposable wipe or a solution of 70-percent isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean the screen every day. And a strip of Scotch tape can pull up any lint or sand that’s struck in crevices on your phone. Source Link

Here are some fast and easy cleanouts for a few trouble spots in the home. Pull out all of the phone chargers and cords you have to see which you still need and recycle the rest. Empty everything from beneath the sink to discard old sponges or cleaners you never use. And only keep enough reusable shopping bags in your car for one grocery run. Source Link 

Teaching kids the value of saving now to enjoy a purchase later might start with one simple word on an everyday shopping trip. When you go into a store, remind them that you aren’t there to buy anything “fun.” If that’s what they want, they’ll need to save money for it. Do this along with creating a savings goal chart for that purchase. Source Link

March 6, 2025

Getting kids to brush their teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead of setting a two-minute timer, try playing a fun song or reading a silly story to them as they brush. Don’t ever let kids skip brushing and encourage them by brushing your teeth together and offering rewards for good habits. Source Link

Your vacation budget can take you further with these tips. Look for lodging away from the city center and don’t assume that vacation rentals are cheaper than a hotel room. Be flexible with your travel dates to get the best airfares and consider affordable lookalikes like a trip to Montreal instead of visiting Paris. Source Link_

Don’t let these mistakes shave years off the life of your dishwasher. Run a shorter Eco mode when your dishwasher is less than two-thirds full. Read the manual and regularly clean all of the filters. And don’t pre-rinse dishes because that can reduce the performance of dishwashers that are designed to handle tough food particles. Source Link_

March 5, 2025

Plan to start your spring cleaning in the medicine cabinet by disposing of old prescription drugs that could be dangerous for children. Over-the-counter pills can be used beyond an expiration date but may be less effective. And liquid medications like cough syrup should be thrown out after the expiration date. Source Link

A simple hardware swap or modifying new low-cost cabinetry can give your kitchen a fresh look for a lot less. New basic IKEA cabinets can be customized with door fronts and brass or matte black handles and pulls. Or use that same new hardware and some paint to refresh your current cabinets. Source Link_

One new habit could help you start the day with more energy. Waking up at the same time every day can stabilize the body’s circadian rhythm governing the release of hormones that wake you up in the morning and get you to sleep at night. Keep your wake-up time within the same 30-minute window each day and try to use that snooze button only once. Source Link_

March 4, 2025

Besides losing an hour of sleep, how does the jump to Daylight Saving Time affect people? Studies have shown that the time shift may be responsible for more heart attacks, more workplace injuries and even more headaches. But there’s not a lot of evidence to support the claim that “springing forward” leads to more traffic accidents. Source Link 

Ever wonder what it would take to undo the calories that you add with a trip to the fast food drive-thru? A Big Mac and fries would cost you about 90 minutes on an elliptical machine, while that three-piece KFC meal clocks-in at about an hour in the gym. A slice of pizza isn’t much better, requiring about 59 minutes of cardio or even more weightlifting. Source Link 

You can tackle big cleanups around the house by taking on the task in small bites. Micro decluttering means focusing on a medicine chest instead of the whole bathroom, or cleaning out the fridge instead of the entire kitchen. Create a schedule to do at least one micro section of a room per day to see the benefits without the burnout. Source Link

March 3, 2025

The window in an oven door gets grimy, but there’s an easy way to clean it. Make a paste using baking soda and water and add a few drops of a grease-cutting dish detergent. Spread this on the glass and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and wipe with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Source Link

With voice cloning becoming easier, getting a fake call from a child or grandchild needing money for an emergency is a common scam, and you can fight back with one word. Create a unique family code word and ask for that if you get such a call. If they don’t say the word, hang up. You can make it even safer by using a common word but mispronouncing it as the code word. Source Link

We’ve all had times when you can’t fall asleep because your mind is racing. You might overcome this by listening to soothing sounds or a calming meditation on your phone. You can also try rhythmic breathing like the 4-7-8 exercise, with a four-second inhale, a seven-second hold and an eight-second exhale. Source Link