Clean Your Oven Now!

Now is a really good time to clean your oven!...

If you haven’t cleaned your oven lately – do that soon. Vernon Schmidt, author of “The Appliance Handbook for Women: Simple Enough Even Men Can Understand,” says people make the mistake of cleaning their oven right before Thanksgiving or another big event. Ovens are most likely to fail during or right after the self-cleaning cycle because of the very high temperatures involved. It’s not easy getting an oven fixed around the holidays or on a weekend when repair shops and parts distributors are busy or closed.

Midweek in the summer is probably your best bet for that oven clean. If something goes wrong, you can always fire up the grill.

Franken-Fat



Interesterified fats may be
identified by terms including
interesterified soybean oil,
interesterified vegetable oil,
partially or fully hydrogenated oil.



There’s a fat out there even worse than trans-fat – it’s Franken-fat!

We all know trans-fats are bad – but Franken-fats could be even worse! According to Mark A. Stengler, author of “The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies,” when restrictions were being put on the use of trans-fats – the food industry had to scramble to come up with something similar – and they did. Its real name is inter-esterified fat – but Dr. Stengler has dubbed it the Frankenstein of fats. Research has found this Franken-fat can increases blood sugar levels after a meal and also lowers insulin levels – increasing the risk for diabetes.

Here is how to avoid Franken-fat in the food you buy – scan the ingredients for the word “interesterified.” There is no real way of knowing if it’s in food you order at a restaurant. Your best bet is to avoid any commercially baked sweets and fried foods.

Mobile Headache

There’s an app for your smartphone that might just give you a headache...

If you’re planning on downloading an application for your smartphone or device that is 3D – you might want to download some aspirin with that. In a new Journal of Vision study, prolonged viewing of 3D on mobile devices and other stereo viewing devices can cause headaches, fatigue and visual discomfort. This kind of viewing forces your eyes to converge images at unrealistic distances.

These 3D effects are worse on mobile devices and laptops than a 3D film would be because of the close distance. It’s as if you’re looking through a window at something in the distance – but in reality, it’s much closer – and your brain knows that. Limiting viewing time to a few minutes at a time might help – but it’s no guarantee you won’t wind up with a headache.

Look Who's Hiring!

If you’re considering a career change – they're hiring here...

Good jobs may be hard to come by – but some industries ARE hiring.  Here's a list of jobs that are in demand right now:

• Gaming Manager. You could have the pleasure of kicking cheaters out of casinos and rewarding high-rollers.

• Hydrologist. If you like science – this would be a good option. They deal with water distribution and circulation. The government and the private sector need them – and some companies will train you.

• Multimedia Artist. If you’ve got a creative eye and a knack for technology – the animation, film and advertising industries are hiring. Multimedia artists help visualize, plan and design in imagined spaces.

Mosquito Water

If you’ve got a bird bath – you’ve probably got mosquitos too...

There is one thing mosquitos like just as much as blood – water! Bird baths, fountains and even dog bowls are prime real estate for mosquitos - they love to lay their eggs in there. There are a few things you can do to prevent that. Change the water in bird baths or fountains twice a week - every day for the dog bowl. That should be often enough to disrupt the life cycle of any mosquito eggs, larvae or pupae in there.

There are also products available containing a bacterial insecticide, called BTI. It comes in tablet form and you drop one in there once a month. You can usually find that at garden shops or pet stores.

Belly Fat

Belly fat is bad – even for skinny people!

You’ve probably heard that apple-shaped people should be worried about the extra fat around their middle. But what about carrot-shaped people? New research from the Mayo Clinic says those skinnier people are not off the hook. It turns out even some thinner people still wind up with excess weight around their middle.

There’s one way to find out for sure – grab a tape measure. You’ll need to measure at a very specific part of the body – just above the top of the hip bones. For men, a waist circumference of 40 inches or more is a risk factor for heart health. For women, 35 inches or more puts you into the danger zone.

Heat Index

If the heat index says it’s 120 – is that in the shade?

If you’re wondering who came up with this heat index stuff – that would be Robert G. Steadman, and academic textile researcher. He wrote a paper in 1979 called “An Assessment of Sultriness.” It laid out the factors that affect how hot a person feels under a set of given conditions.

In order to experience the actual heat index sensation, you’ll need to be 5’7” and weigh 147 pounds. Don’t forget to wear long pants and a short-sleeved shirt. Now start walking at just over 3 miles per hour into a slight breeze, in the shade. If you’re in the sun – go ahead and tack 15 degrees more to the calculated heat index.

Is Stevia Safe?

The sugar substitute stevia is getting more popular – but is it safe?

Payoff:There are lots of sugar substitutes out there – and stevia is among the most popular now – just don’t call it a sweetener. It’s made from the leaves of the stevia plant and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in South America. Here in the U.S., the FDA refuses to import stevia as a sweetener. That’s why importers call it a supplement. That makes it a lot easier to get around the regulations.

So is stevia safe? According to Andrew L. Rubman, director of the Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, research has shown stevia to be relatively safe, but there are still concerns that it could have harmful effects on blood sugar control, the kidneys, and the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. Dr. Rubman says more testing needs to be done and suggests you limit your intake any sweetener, natural or not – including stevia.

Musical Age

There’s something we should all do that can actually slow down the aging process...

If you’d like to slow down the aging process – strike up the band. Good news for musicians – musical activity keeps them mentally sharp for longer than non-musicians. University of Kansas researchers compared three groups of healthy adults ranging in age from 60 to 83 years old. Non-musicians, low-level and high-level musicians. The musical types scored higher in nonverbal memory, processing and cognitive flexibility. The more years of practice the individual had, the better their performace – on the test.

If you don’t play an instrument – don’t worry. It’s never too late to learn. And here’s some more good news – singing counts! Your singing might not put you in the high test performance arena with the musical pros – but it can help sharpen your auditory recall which is good for your brain too.

Say What?

Humans aren’t the only ones who name their babies...

Choosing names for our children is a pretty human thing to do. Not many other species identify their young that way – but parrots do! They communicate with each other in their own very complex language - naming their chicks along the way. And they don’t just chirp out the same thing for all of their chicks - they have individual names for each one – and that name follows that parrot for life. After a chick is assigned their chirp by the parent parrot – they sometimes create their own nicknames by twisting their own tweet a little to suit their liking.

Bad Boys

Do some women really have a weakness for bad boys?

If you’re a bad boy, I’ve got some bad news. Women don’t really have a big weakness for that. Marni Kinrys, author of “The Playbook of What Women Want,” says whoever made that one up is way off base. She says women are not sitting around saying “I can’t wait to meet a lazy, unreliable jerk who treats me poorly.”

So what DO women like? Marni says nice guys, not wimps, pushovers or pleasers; nice guys with a backbone and strong sense of self.

Charging Your Device

There’s a lot of advice out there about the best way to charge your devices...

When is the best time to charge your mobile device? You may have heard it’s good to let it run all the way down before, charging it. That’s not really necessary – but it is a good idea to do that once a week. Most people charge their devices overnight – and that’s fine. It’s NOT a good idea to leave your device tethered to the charger all the time. Overcharging can reduce the efficiency of the battery over time.

Batteries don’t like the intense heat. Try to keep all of your devices out of direct sun and hot cars. Anything over 86 degrees for too long could shorten the life of the battery.

Graceful Exit

If you’re in a bad relationship that needs to end – it's best to exit gracefully...

At some point in our lives – we usually need to put an end to a bad relationship. Henry Cloud, author of Necessary Endings,” has some key steps to take in order to end it gracefully:

• First, prepare yourself. Position photos of people you love spending time with where you’ll see them. This will continually remind you what you’re sacrificing when you waste time on the toxic relationship.

• Next, increase your interaction with the problem person. Avoiding it often drags things out. If you’re tempted to screen calls or contact – you’re better off confronting them instead of making excuses.

• When it comes time to actually end the relationship – place the blame on the relationship and how the two of you interact, not just on the other person.

For your exit line, Dr. Cloud suggests saying “I know this is hard to hear. It’s hard for me to say. This really is an issue and it isn’t getting any better.” Exiting gracefully without placing blame or hurting feelings more than necessary is almost always the best approach.

Kitchen Code

Would your kitchen at home pass a health inspection?

Restaurants have to endure some pretty rigorous inspections from public health officials. How would your kitchen fare? Here are some official guidelines to keep it up to code:

• Your refrigerator temperature should be between 32 and 40 degrees.

• Don’t thaw foods in the danger zone – on the kitchen counter. You’ll need to thaw in the fridge or in the microwave instead.

• All produce MUST be washed and scrubbed – even pineapples, watermelon and cantaloupe.

• Your sponges must be cleaned regularly in the microwave or dishwasher, or replaced.

• Any perishables that have been out for more than two hours need to be stored in the trash can.

• Do NOT wash raw meat. That just spreads bacteria around your kitchen.

Personal Retreat

How does a private retreat, customized to your needs sound?

Traveling to an exotic retreat for some R and R sure sounds nice – but is it realistic? If that’s not in your budget – you can still escape, at home. Victoria Moran, author of “Shelter for the Spirit,” tells us how to build our own private retreat:

• Pick a spot. Work with what you’ve got – it could be a spare bedroom or a walk-in closet or the corner of a room.

• Keep the furnishings simple. You’ll need a comfortable chair or yoga mat, an end table or shelf to hold a few favorite objects, and a favorite visual item.

• Ambiance. This part is up to you. Candles, aromas or a small fountain are popular relaxation tools – but some people prefer music or total silence.

• Keep the space clean and uncluttered - and eliminate anything that might cause stress. This is your opportunity to escape and exclude the outside world for a while.

People who get in the habit of using their private retreat for 10 to 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce stress and increase their sense of well-being. It’s important to let anyone else in the home know about your retreat – and ask them for some respect and privacy while you’re in there.

Café Manners

If you like to hang out in coffee shops – mind your café manners…

 

Coffee shops have always been popular hangouts – but now with Wifi and more amenities, some people just won’t leave. Brenna Ehrlich and Andrea Bartz, authors of “Stuff Hipsters Hate,” have some café etiquette rules to follow:

• Unplug. Next to coffee, outlets are often the next most sought after item in the café. Once your charged, unplug and give someone else a turn.

• Share a table. Resist the urge to spread out your laptop, lunch and work all over a large table if you’re alone. Customers who are there to drink coffee with friends won’t appreciate it.

• Shhhh. Heated conversations on your phone, singing along to your iPod, or watching videos without headphones is really pretty rude.

• Order something. Nursing one cup of coffee for hours while you network won’t be appreciated by the owners, or for new customers who deserve a seat.

Don't Worry

If you’re a worrier – here is a list of things to STOP worrying about...

We all worry once in a while – but too much worry can be paralyzing. Here is a list of some top worries and why we should STOP worrying about them:

• Weight loss. Instead of worrying about how much weight you need to lose in the future, focus on making some healthy choices today. Worrying about what you might go without tomorrow will not make you any thinner today.

• Cheating. Worrying that a spouse or partner may be cheating is counter-productive. If it’s a realistic concern, stop worrying and address immediately. If it’s just a fear, remind yourself that it’s a natural awareness of being in a relationship.

• Cancer. It’s natural to worry about that – especially if it runs in your family. Remember that the odds are still in your favor if you reduce your risk factors by making healthy choices and get regular checkups.

• Terrorism. Although the threat is a reality now – we need to remember that it is minuscule compared to the risks we take every day.

Google +

Have you tried Google Plus yet?

Payoff:It seems Facebook may have some competition on the horizon with the launch of Google’s new social venue, Google Plus - if and when they decide to let EVERYONE try it. It’s not exactly a household word just yet, but some users seem to LIKE it, or should we say ENJOY it. It takes a little getting used to if you’re already a Facebook user, but once you jump in, you’ll start to see the differences.

Google Plus has circles of friends – so instead of having one big friends list, you’ll take a name and add it to the appropriate circle. Friends, family, acquaintances and colleague circles are already set up – and then you can create any custom circles you like. When you post something to your status, you then choose which circles you’d like to share that with. If you’d rather not share those crazy party pictures with your boss or your mom, Google Plus seems to have that figured out. It’s also got video chat, which Facebook says it will be adding soon.

If you can’t even find Google Plus, don’t feel bad. Google Plus is still in a limited trial phase and access is limited. If you want to join, you’ll have to wait for another Google Plus user to invite you.

Road Trip Protocol

Before you hit the road for that vacation – make sure to check your car for a few things...

 I’ve got the list, coming up…Payoff:You’ve packed the suitcases and the kids – now let’s be sure the car is up for the trip. Here are some things to check:

• Make sure your vehicle’s owner’s manual is in the car. Hopefully you won’t need it.

• Top off all the fluids, including oil, transmission and power steering and brake fluids.

• Do a visual inspection. Look at all the lights, the wipers and the wheels.

• Check your tire pressure – first thing in the morning while they’re cool.

You’ll probably want that AC. Start the car and run it on high. If it’s not cool enough – take the car to the dealer and have them check the cooling agents. Some dealers will do a multi-point inspection of your vehicle for free before your trip.

Grilling Safely

Before you fire up that grill tonight – here are some safety reminders…

Grilled food and cookouts are great summer fun – but not if you or your guests end up doubled over after the meal. Kingsford has some reminders for us:

• Wash your hands first – then wash them again after handling any meat.

• Keep seafood and meat cold until the last minute – use a cooler if your uncooked food will be traveling.

• Keep meats and produce separate. Use separate cutting boards and utensils too.

• Keep any marinades and condiments refrigerated until you’re using them. Don’t let them sit out on the counter or in the sun.

• Meats can brown fast on the grill. They really need to be 140 degrees on the inside before they are served, and a thermometer is the only way to know for sure.

If you’re using charcoal for your barbeque, make sure not to grill under a tent or enclosure of any kind. Burning charcoal gives off deadly, odorless carbon monoxide. Never use gasoline or kerosene to light your coals, and DON’T squirt the starter right onto hot coals. The flame really can travel straight up that stream and barbeque you.

AC Fix

If you’re air conditioner’s been getting a workout lately – spray it with a hose.

Our air conditioners have been working overtime lately – and now is a good time to give it a good spray-down with the hose. Air conditioners are constantly sucking in air – and bugs and dirt and other debris too. To clean an outdoor unit, unplug it first, take the cover off the grill, then give it a good thorough spraying. For a window unit, unplug it first, remove any covers, then vacuum any debris out of there.

Cleaning your AC unit once in a while can prevent a lot of problems that could require repair jobs if you let them go.

Coconut Water

If you’d like to rehydrate faster – try this...

What’s more effective than Gatorade and sports drinks at rehydrating you? Coconut water. That sweet tasty clear liquid found inside the coconut is actually really good for you and a lot easier to find, now that’s it’s gotten so popular with athletes. One cup of coconut water has got more electrolytes than most sports drinks – and is loaded with magnesium and potassium.

If you’re worried that coconut water is fattening – it’s not. Coconut milk on the other hand, may be delicious, but it’s not exactly a diet food. It’s the liquid expressed from grated coconut – and can have over 500 calories and 50 grams of fat per serving.

Coffee Drinker's Delight

Go ahead and have that second cup of coffee...

 

If that first cup of coffee doesn’t do the trick – go ahead - drink the whole pot! New research says it won’t affect your blood pressure. The Louisiana State University School of Public Health tested the data of 170,000 people. They determined that people who drink 5 or more cups of coffee a day were no more likely to develop high blood pressure than the people who drank little or no coffee at all.

Storing Fresh Herbs

Some of our favorite herbs are really thriving now...

Basil, Mint and cilantro are at their peak in a lot of gardens. You can keep cut herbs fresher for longer with a plastic milk or water jug. Just cut the top off, fill with a couple of inches of water - and then pop your herbs in there for refrigeration. It will keep them looking and tasting fresher and will also fit nicely into one of the refrigerator door shelves if you use the half gallon size. Cover them loosely with a plastic bag and they could stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Don’t bother washing the herbs until just before you’re ready to use them. Any extra moisture on the leaves can cause them to rot.

Naming Names

Naming a baby is a pretty big deal...

If you’d rather not choose from your list of family names or a list of popular names – there’s a new list in town. Naming expert Pamela Redmond Satran has come up with the list of top ELITE names for boys and girls.

• Girls: Charlotte, Seraphina, Olivia, Elizabeth, Lucy, Isla, Violet, Sophia, Alice and Maisie.

• Boys: Henry, Finn, Oliver, James, Asher, Jack, Jasper, Max, Kai and Atticus.

According to the last census, the most common names in the U.S. are James and Mary. Mary actually tops the list of most popular female names in the world. For boys, that title belongs to Muhammad. There are still more Chang’s than any other last names out there.

Bad Diet Food

That diet soda could actually make you gain weight!

If you’re dieting – skip the diet soda. New research from the American Diabetes Association says people who drank two or more diet sodas a day had waist size increases SIX times greater than those who didn’t drink it. Here are a few more “diet” foods to avoid:

• Smoothies – some of them are loaded with calories, fat and sugar. Stick to whole fruits and vegetables and skim or no milk.

• Artificial Sweeteners – some research suggests they may actually make you hungrier than natural sugar.

• Light salad dressings – they probably have less fat and calories – but are usually high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup

Negative People

If someone you know is the glass-half-empty type, try this...

Most of us have to deal with negative people - coworkers, family members or friends who drive us nuts with bad news or criticism. Here are a few strategies to protect yourself from letting them bring you down:

• Neutralize the conversation. When it starts heading in a negative direction, change the topic. Talk about books, movies or celebrities – anything to stop the complaining.

• “Now tell me something positive.” Some people have no idea how negative they are. Go ahead and challenge them.

• Surrender! Don’t bother trying to argue – that just draws you into their negativity. It might be hard to bite your tongue or respond with a simple “okay,” but it should shorten the conversation and you’ll feel a lot less drained.

• Detach. If you can’t agree with them – smile, and say nothing at all. Negative people are often looking for a reaction. When you stop responding all together, they’ll start to notice how one-sided the conversation is.

Shop Every Day

If you’d like to live longer – go shopping!

Good news if you like shopping – it could lengthen your life. The trick is you’ll need to shop every day, well into your old age. Taiwanese researchers studied 2,000 elderly men and women and found that the regular shoppers lived longer than those who shopped once a week or less.

There are some key benefits to the daily shopping routine for longevity, including exercise, interacting with others, and eating fresh food every day. Shopping also improves psychological well-being for those who enjoy it – and it’s a lot easier to maintain than some other activities and forms of exercise.

Over Thinking

If you have trouble making decisions – you could be overthinking things...

Thinking things through is good. Overthinking them - bad. If decision making slows you down, you’re not alone. Studies have found that 52% of us think too much, which can lead to worry, stress and wasted time. Here are a few tricks to thinking less:

• Get a second opinion. As soon as you start to wonder – go ahead and ask someone. It can speed things up drastically, whether it’s which shoes to buy, or something more important. Chances are there is someone nearby who can give you their unbiased opinion.

• Find a distraction. When you start to dwell on a decision – do something else for a while and go back to it. Detaching can stave off obsession.

• Write some notes – and post them where you’ll see them. A handwritten stop sign strategically placed on your desk or bathroom mirror can be a valuable reminder to think less and act more.

Water Bottled Where?

If you like bottled water – you might be surprised where it’s coming from...

When you think “arctic” – are you thinking Tennessee? Probably not – but that’s where Arctic Clear water is bottled. Arctic Wolf Spring and Arctic Falls bottled water are from the arctic region of New Jersey. So is Glacier Mountain Natural Spring water. Everest water is from, where else? Texas.

If you prefer Alaska Premium Glacier, Aquafina, Dasani, Glacéau Smartwater or Yosemite water – you may be surprised that their exotic origins were from a tap.

Not all bottled waters are imposters. Fiji water is bottled and shipped from Fiji – that’s why it costs a little more. Voss water comes from Norway and Evian and Perrier are still bottled in France.

Brain Wash

A lot of us struggle with clutter – in our brains!

Cluttered space can make it really hard to find important things – and our brains are no exception. If you’ve been having trouble remembering things lately, it’s probably time for a little brain wash – it only takes 5 minutes. Find a quiet comfortable spot, close your eyes, and visualize something soothing such as waves washing up on a shore or a balloon floating into the distance. The trick is to focus on something that’s really simple for your brain to digest, without too much detail. If you do this once a day, it will give your brain a chance to relax and reboot – and let go of some of the unnecessary clutter that builds up in there over time.

Good iDea!

If you need a surge of creativity – find an Apple!

 

There is a simple logo you can look at that will actually boost your creativity and idea power. It’s the Apple logo. Researchers at Duke University put the Apple to the iTest. They asked participants to brainstorm new and unusual uses for a brick. Some were shown the Apple icon, while others were not. The Apple bunch came up with 30% more ideas than the other group. When rated by a group of independent judges, the Apple group ideas for the brick were found to be the better and more creative ones.

Hot Summer Car

Getting into a broiling car can be brutal on a hot summer day...

The next time you have to get into a sweltering car – cool it off first, with the Japanese door trick. First, open your door and roll down the PASSENGER side window – keep the driver’s window up. Then get out of the car and open and shut the driver’s side door 5 times. This draws the hotter air out while pulling some cooler air in.

When demonstrated, the temperature outside was 86.9 – and 106.8 inside the car. After the door trick, the interior was 92.3.

You Need a Raise

There is a right and wrong way to ask for a raise...

Chances are – you could really use a raise. Corie Russell, from Office Ettiquette, has some dos and don’ts to improve your chances of getting one:

• Don’t argue that you NEED a raise. Do point out that you DESERVE a raise. Your company doesn’t really care what you pay for child care or car payments. Point out some ways you’ve helped them make or save money instead.

• Don’t mention your coworkers’ salaries – stick to your own strengths.

• Don’t threaten to quit. That just confirms your lack of commitment.

• Do keep a record of your accomplishments. When it comes time to discuss a raise – keep it short and sweet – and be prepared to back it up with some highlights from your accomplishment stash.

Sweet Talk Trick

There’s something you can do to make your spouse even more attractive – in 21 days...

 

Forget the Botox or the weight lifting – you can make your spouse or partner more attractive with a little sweet talk. Shawn Achor, author of “The Happiness Advantage,” says that if we compliment our partner on a daily basis – we can actually change our own brains – and our relationships. Try it for 21 days in a row to really make it stick. Instead of complaining, find something positive to point out. When we do this we start feeling more optimistic, which changes our perspective. Your partner will naturally appreciate that – and you could start seeing each other in a whole new light.

Chemical Calories

Is your shampoo making you fat? Maybe...

Why is it that the stuff we love most seems to make us fat? Now we might have to add our shampoo and makeup to that list. New research says there could be chemical calories lurking in our beauty products like shampoo, lotions, makeup and even our soap. Some household cleaning products have them too. The weight-gain culprits in there are the (thalates) phthalates. They’re used as gelling agents in cosmetics and cleaning products – and are also in most of the plastic containers. Scientists say they can affect the glands and hormones that regulate our weight.

Experts say it’s important to remember anything we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies. It’s best to use products without phthalates and other unnecessary chemicals.

Just Divorced

If someone you know has just gotten divorced – should you congratulate them?

When someone announces they’ve just been divorced – should you offer congratulations – or sympathy? Most people aren’t quite sure what to say, assuming the divorcee is not sobbing or popping a bottle of champagne. Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project,” asked some divorced friends – who have some suggestions.

Helpful things to say:

• “I’m sorry to hear about your marriage.” Regardless of the circumstances, it’s pretty safe to assume there was a time they wanted it to work out.

• “That must have been tough. How are you doing so far?” They will take the lead from there.

Things NOT to say:

• “You’re better off without him/her.” Even if you believe that, it’s insensitive.

• “I’m shocked, you two seemed so happy together.” That puts them in the awkward position of having to defend or explain the divorce.

Try to avoid talking about your own divorce, or someone else’s, unless they specifically ask for advice. Badmouthing the ex is also NOT appropriate, especially if children are involved. If you really want to help, ask if there’s anything they need, and don’t forget to include the divorcee in some future plans. They often fall out of the social mix for a while.

Salad Order

Is it better to eat your salad before or after the main course?

Americans are used to being served salad BEFORE the main course. In some countries, it’s severed after the meal. So which is better? There are benefits to both.

Eating a salad before the meal can help reduce your saturated fat intake, especially if the main course is meat. Having salad first can take the edge off of your hunger too. If you’d really like to benefit, eat the salad before ORDERING your meal.

Eating your salad AFTER the main course has a different effect. Meat takes longer to digest than salad, and the meat slows down the effect of the carbohydrates in the salad. It may help you feel full for longer.

Sun Sick

Too much sun can make you sick...

Heat illness is serious stuff – and it can sneak up on you if you’re having too much summer fun. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Fever is the first sign of a problem. It may start low and be hard to notice – but could quickly elevate as high as 104.

• If you’re sweating a lot and your skin gets red and clammy, you’re nearing heat exhaustion. Get into the shade and get hydrated.

• Fatigue and weakness are some more red flags. It’s time to call it a day and get inside. The same goes for stomach pain or nausea.

• Dizziness and headaches are super-serious. You’re on your way to heat-stroke which can be life-threatening. Get to a hospital.

Wooly Weather Predictor?

We rely on the groundhog to predict our spring. So can that wooly caterpillar predict next winter?

Wooly caterpillars are making their way out of their cocoons soon. Folklore says the size of their red and black bands can help us know what to expect this winter. The wider the black bands, the more severe our winter will be. Unfortunately, scientists have taken all the fun out of that theory. They have hatched Isabella Tiger moth larvae, or Wooly Bear caterpillars, under identical conditions – only to find their stripes to be varied. Actually, the size of the stripe continues to change as they mature. The older the Wooly Bear - the larger the red stripe will be.

As far as crawly things go – the Wooly Bear is pretty cute. Although they’re not poisonous, don’t pick one up if you’ve got sensitive skin. Their bristles can trigger dermatitis in some people.

Blueberry Bliss

We know blueberries are good for us – but they’re even better than we thought!

 

You may have heard that blueberries are good brain-food. The USDA and Tufts University research has found that every-day consumption can help slow and even reverse some age-related brain decline. Now there’s even more good news about blueberries. A Harvard study found that adults who ate at least one serving of blueberries a week are 10% less likely to develop high blood pressure. Another study from Texas Woman’s University says blueberries can potentially shrink fat zones by interfering with the formation of fat cells.

Make Your Bed!

Did you make your bed this morning?

If you’d like a better night’s sleep tonight – be sure to make your bed this morning. A survey by the National Sleep Foundation says it really makes a difference. People who regularly make their bed each morning were 19% more likely to fall asleep faster at night. Researchers chalk that up to a feel-good relaxing sensation when we go through the motions of turning down the sheets and climbing into a tidy bed.

If you’d like to add a few more z’s – try spritzing your sheets with lavender scented linen spray before you climb in. That scent can act as a natural tranquilizer.

Prettier Picture

If someone is about to take your picture – blink on "2"...

 

The next time you’re asked to pose for a picture – blink on “2.” More often than not, the person taking the picture counts to three. By blinking on two, your eyes will be open and bright for the shot. If they ask you to say “cheese” – blink first. While you’re at it, lean your neck slightly towards the camera – double chin – gone. And don’t forget to give your lips a quick pursing just before the shot – they’ll have more color and look fuller.

Summer Star-Gazing

Warm summer nights are a great time for star-gazing!

Our nights maybe be a bit later and shorter during the summer months – but there are a few things up in that night sky you might like to look for. In July, Saturn is sinking lower in the sky each night. It’s setting before midnight now – and if you’ve got a clear night and a telescope – go ahead and take a peak. Its rings have that “wow” factor if you haven’t seen them before. As Saturn sets, Jupiter is on the rise right next to the moon – and as the largest planet in the Solar System, it’s fun to spot too.

If you’re a fan of the moon – the best time to check it out is not when it’s full. Quarter phases make for the best moon view. The shadows on the surface will make the craters, mountains and seas much more defined.

It may be cheating a bit – but if you’ve got a smartphone, there are some great free aps for star-gazing. GoogleSky maps everything out for you in real-time wherever you are. NASA.gov has some great options for tablets and smartphones, and even has an app tracking the last space shuttle Atlantis mission.

Thirsty Plants

Are you tired of watering those outdoor plants?

If it seems like your outdoor plants need more water every time you turn around – here’s a trick to give you a break. You’ll need an old water bottle or soda bottle. Fill it up and pop it in the freezer. Stick in in the soil, upside down without the cap on, near a deserving plant. It will get a nice long drink as the ice melts.

You can also keep a favorite plant hydrated by poking holes into a bottle or milk jug. Bury the jug next to the plant, leaving the top exposed to fill with water. You’ll want to keep the cap on in between fills to prevent evaporation.

Acne Fix

If you’ve got problematic skin – stock up on honey!

 

Did you know there’s something sweet that can actually help CLEAR up your skin? It’s honey. The trick is to rub it all over your face – really. According to Laurie Steelsmith, author of “Natural Choices for Women’s Health,” the honey treatment will help to clear up blemishes at any age and is safe for just about everyone. Using your fingertips, spread the honey over your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on there for five minutes and then rinse it off with water. Then, cleanse your face as usual. Laurie says it works like a charm for people prone to acne – and it should be done once a day.

Aggressive Driver

If you honk your horn too much – you could be classified as an aggressive driver...

Are you an aggressive driver? To date, 15 states have new laws to address the problem – and more states are passing aggressive legislature. Here are some driving behaviors that already apply:

• Speeding

• Failure to obey traffic control devices

• Passing on the right

• Unsafe lane changes

• Following too closely

• Failure to yield right of way

• Driving outside the lanes

• Failure to signal

• Passing a stopped school bus

• Intent to annoy, harass, intimidate or obstruct another driver

• Impeding traffic flow

• Unnecessary sounding of the horn

• Repeatedly flashing headlights

Rake Your Carpets

When is the last time you raked your carpets?

Have you raked your rugs lately? Do you even own a carpet rake? It’s nothing new, just ask Grandma. This classic cleaning tool has actually been around for a long time – but a lot of people have never even heard of it. Carpet rakes range in price from about $10 to $30 and can be found at the big chain hardware stores.

Giving your rugs or carpeting a good raking once in a while can really perk them up – especially in high traffic areas. Not only will it add a bit of texture and depth, your next vacuuming or deep cleaning session will be a LOT more thorough.

Fading Fireflies

Fireflies are synonymous with hot summer nights – and there are fewer of them now...

If it seems like there are less fireflies around than when you were a kid, you’re right. One of the reasons fireflies are fading is due to what scientists call “light pollution.” Increased artificial illumination in what used to be rural areas really throws them off. It interrupts their ability to signal each other for mating – which means less baby fireflies for next year’s light show. Even natural light sources inhibit them. Fireflies usually take the night off if there’s a full moon.

Negotiating Salary

You got the job offer – now it’s time to negotiate salary...

One of the toughest aspects of an interview or job offer is the salary phase. Negotiating can be tricky – and there are some definite dos and don’ts.

• Do be ready to talk about it – just don’t be the first one to bring it up, unless you’re being asked to sign papers.

• Do your research. Find out what you’re worth before discussing it. Don’t go into negotiations unprepared.

• Do think about it ahead of time – and decide what you’re willing to accept. You don’t want to get caught off-guard on the subject.

• Do take a look at the company’s financial position. Some companies just don’t have the flexibility to negotiate much.

• Do consider perks. If the money’s not there, you may be able to negotiate some more vacation time or a shorter waiting period for 401k matching or potential raise.

If you are asked first to come up with a number – a good response would be “I’m going to need more information about the job, expectations, and salary range benefits before I can name a number.” This buys you some time and puts the burden on them to give you a clue.