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_