April 29, 2025

Before you pack your bags for that road trip, be sure to pack your car with some safety essentials. Along with your cell phone, AAA recommends a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic tool kit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, and jumper cables and emergency reflectors. Also bring drinking water and extra snacks for people and pets. Source Link 

You can protect your future privacy by downloading and deleting DNA data you provided to an online testing site and that goes for your relatives too. Even if you’re never provided a sample, a family member’s DNA could trace back to you, so ask them to set their profiles to private or delete their online data completely. Source Link_

Weight gain doesn’t have to be a side effect when you stop smoking. Kicking the nicotine habit can slow down metabolism but drinking lots of water, planning for meals and snacks and keeping your hands busy can help beat back food cravings. And working with a tobacco treatment counselor can improve your odds of success at quitting. Source Link_

April 28, 2025

Starting a garden can teach kids about where fruits and vegetables come from and make it easier to get more of them into their diet. You can grow in containers or create a garden in the yard and let children plant seeds and help with watering and weeding. After harvesting, use your fruits and vegetables in a meal, like lettuce or tomato on a hamburger or fresh-picked berries for a fruit smoothie. Source Link 

These basics of car maintenance are things that any driver can handle themselves. Know how to check and refill your oil, top-off tire air pressure, or jump-start a dead battery. And you should know the car’s year, make and model because those are needed to find the right parts for D-I-Y work. Source Link

Here are some ways to make that next moving day go easier. Start packing as early as possible and clearly label all boxes with what’s in them and the room they go to. Declutter first so you’re not moving junk and set up utilities and change your mailing address before moving day. And try to pick a weekday morning or afternoon to save money on paying the movers. Source Link

April 25, 2025

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 

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 stormproof 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

April 24, 2025

If cereal, eggs or oatmeal don’t sound good for breakfast, you can mix it up with that first meal of the day. Try leftover veggie pizza or peanut butter and sliced bananas on whole wheat toast. Or roll up a tortilla with sliced turkey, lettuce and low-fat cheese for a homemade grab-and-go breakfast. Source Link

Your phone has a name that pops up on Bluetooth or WiFi and it’s usually the brand and model, but you can change that name to make it more useful. In the phone’s settings, give it a new device name, such as “Reward if Found” with a phone number to call to increase the odds that you’ll get a lost phone returned to you. Source Link_

A five to fifteen-minute break at work can be a healthy reset whether or not you get up and move. Taking a few flights of stairs or walking through the office can get your blood moving, but you could also try some mindfulness exercises, or simply stare out the window and daydream while looking at nature for a “green” micro break. Source Link_

April 23, 2025

Gardening is a form of exercise and you need to take steps to avoid injury when you’re planting and pruning. Do some stretches to loosen joints before you start and avoid staying in the same position too long. If you’re moving rocks or other heavy objects be sure to lift with your legs and use a garden stool to reduce the strain from kneeling. Source Link 

An online job ad could be a tool for scammers so watch for these warning signs. Legit jobs don’t ask you to apply using personal email, WhatsApp or Messenger. Beware if you’re rushed through an interview and pressured to accept. And no real employer asks for bank details or a Social Security number before hiring. Source Link_

Taking a nap could be a great way to improve your memory. During nightly sleep your memory transforms the material learned throughout the day into actual working knowledge and a daytime nap can do the same thing, but faster. As little as 30 minutes of napping could help to lock in information. Source Link_

April 22, 2025

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

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

April 21, 2025

 Avoiding injury when you’re a weekend athlete takes a week-long effort. Get at least ten to 15 minutes of stretching or strengthening each day to help prime your body for weekend activities. And eating a healthy diet all week long with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will give your body the nutrients it needs to perform. Source Link 

People who are always running late might try these tips to get back on-time. Use analog clocks to give you a visual cue of passing time and set multiple alarms for when to start preparation, as well as departure time and arrival time for an appointment. Figure out exactly how long it takes to get somewhere and then build in extra time, and plan what to do if you’re early to eliminate that excuse for leaving later. Source Link 

Most of us don’t know how to look for signs of oral cancer, but it can be as simple as saying, “Ahhh.” White or gray batches in your mouth or throat that you can’t scrape away could be a warning sign, just like a sore on your lips or mouth that doesn’t heal within a few weeks. Difficulty swallowing and new hoarseness in your voice should also be checked out by a dentist. Source Link

April 18, 2025

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

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

Dentists have some simple do’s and dont's for better oral hygiene. Don’t use charcoal as a whitener because it damages tooth enamel, but do brush gently by holding the toothbrush with your fingertips. Don’t drink soda, flavored coffee or sports drinks that are high in sugar and acids, but if you do, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to neutralize acids and remove sugar. Source Link

April 17, 2025

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

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

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

April 16, 2025

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

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

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

April 15, 2025

If you’re not getting a tax refund this year, you’re doing it right. Adjust withholding so tax refund money goes to your paycheck instead of Uncle Sam. Using that extra money to pay more on a credit card bill or to invest in a 401-k can earn more for you instead of being a zero-interest loan to the IRS Source Link

Scammers who impersonate someone else are the number-one source of fraud but you can fight back. Remember that government agencies will never contact you to ask for your Medicare or Social Security number or a password, and don’t click links in emails or texts that look official. Visit the agency’s website separately. And use free spam blocking apps offered by wireless carriers to limit junk calls. Source Link 

Opening a good book might be a prescription for a better heart. Research showed that as little as six minutes of relaxing by reading or listening to an audio book could lower stress levels as much as 68%. Lowering stress levels reduces production of the hormone cortisol that can raise your heart rate, slow digestion and fragment your sleep. Source Link_

April 14, 2025

Gardening can benefit your body in three ways. Growing some of your own food gives you fresh and healthy alternatives to processed food and maintaining a garden can be good exercise. And gardening has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, especially when you’re working with others in a community garden. Source Link 

You can battle spring allergies with some unique weapons. The herb butterbur is a natural antihistamine. Green tea can reduce sneezing and itchy eyes, and spicy food can help clear nasal congestion. Or add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water to breathe in a natural remedy for allergies caused by inflammation. Source Link 

Anxiety can hit right when you’re ready for bed, and you can keep those worrying thoughts from ruining a good night’s sleep. Cut off caffeine consumption at least five hours before bed and try getting rid of your worries by putting them down on paper with journaling. And give yourself something to look forward to in the morning, like a nice breakfast, a walk or a favorite podcast. Source Link

April 11, 2025

 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 

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 

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

April 10, 2025

The home stretch of tax filing season is prime time for scam artists who want to steal your identity. Don’t fall for emails that appear to be the IRS asking you to go to a web site to update your personal information. The same goes for similar emails that claim to be from your tax filing software. Source Link 

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

All you need to clean your kitchen cabinets may already be stored inside one of them. A mixture of mild dish soap and warm water can be used to clean most types of cabinets, but avoid any abrasive tools with wood cabinets. And a paste made of baking soda and water can take care of grease buildup on kitchen cabinets. Source Link_

April 9, 2025

You can celebrate the rebirth of vinyl and pick up some special releases on Record Store Day Saturday, April 12th. Independent record stores nationwide will be offering dozens of new titles and special releases of classic albums. See the full list of offerings and participating store locations at RecordStoreDay.com Source Link

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

Be on the lookout for three words in a text or email that could be a tipoff to a scam. The phrase “would you kindly” is a red flag because “kindly” is rarely used in American conversation and often points to someone who is a non-native English speaker. Beware of any request to “kindly” submit your credit card or bank information. Source Link_

April 8, 2025

What food can you put on your plate that will help put a better smile on your face? Think about the basic nutrients that can build stronger teeth, like calcium in dairy products and eggs, and fish, meat and poultry that are rich in phosphorus. Vitamin C can come from citrus fruits, and sweet potatoes, leafy greens and fish are good sources of vitamin A. Source Link 

Scammers are plugging into your fear of a power outage by posing as utility company representatives calling to seek immediate payment or service will be cut off. Real utilities will never ask for financial information over the phone or demand an unusual method of payment like a prepaid debit card or money transfer service. Source Link_

The right questions can make for an easy start to that first date and here are some suggestions. If you’re at a restaurant, ask what’s their go-to order at a place like this. Ask what’s been the highlight of their week so far or what they usually do in their free time. Another good topic is to ask what hobbies they’re been wanting to learn or get better at. Source Link_

April 7, 2025

Before you start running for exercise, remember these steps to get off on the right foot. Begin with a good pair of name brand shoes that are fitted for you at a sports shoe store. Learn how to do a dynamic warmup with air squats, lunges and jumping jacks to prepare leg muscles for running. And start off by walking a block, jogging a block and then running a block. Source Link 

Here are some smart hacks that make it easier and cheaper to fill your home with WiFi. Don’t hide the router in a cabinet – get it up high in a central part of your home. To save money, consider buying your own modem instead of renting one from your internet provider. And start with a more-affordable lower-speed service that might work fine for you. Source Link 

Cleaning a cast-iron skillet the right way involves some special techniques and cleaning tools to preserve the seasoning. Add some warm water a few minutes after removing it from the heat and scrape with a wooden spoon or soft-bristle brush. For stubborn, stuck-on foods, sprinkle some kosher salt in the pan without water and then scrape. Source Link

April 4, 2025

Here’s a good reason to take a work break for a nature walk. Researchers found that walking in natural surroundings improved brain function for a person’s working memory, decision-making, problem solving and planning. A stroll in a city setting didn’t help in that way, so look for nearby green spaces for a brain-boosting walk. Source Link 

When your young artist has used the kitchen wall to create a masterpiece in crayon it’s easy to clean off. Make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water and use a wet, white cloth to gently rub this on the crayon lines. Then use another clean and slightly damp cloth to wipe away the residue. 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

April 3, 2025

They’re soft and fuzzy and found in many a medicine chest and also responsible for sending thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Pediatric experts say cotton swabs can cause injuries and should not be used to clean the ears. The inside of your ear is naturally self-cleaning and doesn’t require a deep dive with a cotton-tipped applicator. Source Link 

Keep an eye on the mileage you put on those running shoes to ensure the best fit for your feet. About 300 to 500 miles of running is when you should be looking for a new pair because shoes warp in size with use and your feet can also change over time. And when sizing a new pair, avoid a tight fit that can cause blisters or movement in a loose pair that can be tough on toes. Source Link_

No one wants to spend a lot of time with house cleaning but a little patience can make the job easier for you. Many cleaners need time to work, so spray it on and do a few other small tasks. Those few minutes of waiting to wipe up may save you some elbow grease. And here’s a bonus tip – a cleaning cloth can work better than a paper towel because it’s sturdier. Source Link_

April 2, 2025

Want an effective exercise that won’t make you break a sweat? Studies have shown that Tai Chi may improve fitness of the heart and lungs and could be as effective as jogging to help lower the risk of death. Experts say the slow, mindful movements of Tai Chi work on the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress hormones that can take a physical toll on our bodies. Source Link 

Here’s a two-step solution to manage that drawer full of old power cords and random cables. Sort them into types based on the plug style, such as micro USB, USB-C or Apple Lightning. Anything that’s odd or not being used with a current device can be tossed out. The rest can be stored in plastic leftover containers that are labeled for each type. Source Link_

Cutting down on phone spam and robocalls can come down to two words – “yes” and “no.” Say “no” by adding your number to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call registry that prevents many businesses from contacting you. And never say “Yes” if a robocall asks, “Are you there?” because that one word can be recorded and used for fraudulent activity. Source Link_

April 1, 2025

When grandma is your child care provider, make sure she’s up-to-date on safety for kids. Researchers found that some older adults who watched their grandchildren weren’t aware of new guidelines like babies should be put to sleep on their backs. Parents can mistakenly think that grandparents know everything about child care because they raised children before. Source Link 

There are a number of foods that give you more protein than an egg. Cottage cheese, peanut butter, dairy milk and greek yogurt can pack more protein into a serving. Kefir is filled with protein and probiotics and tastes great in a smoothie and you can get plant-based protein from lentils, buckwheat, or hemp seeds. Source Link_

Silencing squeaks is just one of the many uses for WD-40 spray. It can attract fish when applied to bait or lures and repels pigeons when sprayed on balcony railings. A quick shot can take the sting out of fire ant bites and shine the leaves of artificial plants. And you can untangle a horse’s mane or remove chewing gum from a kid’s hair with WD-40. Source Link_