Vacuuming Stress

If you’re not into yoga or meditation – consider vacuuming!

If you’re lacking a mantra – or haven’t perfected your downward-facing dog – fire up the vacuum cleaner! Getting completely involved in an everyday task can be as beneficial as meditation for some people. There is an art to vacuuming away anxiety. Focus on the whir of the machine – and find a good rhythm for the pushing and pulling action – you want your breathing to be in sync with that. Inhale to the count of 4 – then exhale to the count of 4. If you can keep your mind focused on the whir and your breathing for ten minutes – you’ve completed your meditation – and have a really clean spot in your house.

That's Still Good!

Once you’ve opened that peanut butter – how long can you keep it?

Some food lasts a LOT longer than we think. The “use by” and “sell by” dates can be misleading. The USDA food safety experts have some stuff we SHOULDN’T throw out:

• Peanut butter lasts 6 months once it’s been opened – in the refrigerator.

• Yogurt is still good 10 days after the “sell by” date.

• Eggs last 3 to 5 weeks past the “sell by” date.

• Cottage cheese – 1 to 2 weeks past the “sell by” date.

• Breakfast cereals are fine for 2 to 3 months after they’ve been opened.

Pathological Gamers

Excess gaming can wreak havoc on in a kid’s life. So how much is too much?

Some kids are at EXTRA risk of becoming pathological gamers. Those who are socially awkward are more prone to addiction – and escaping to that gaming world can cause big problems with sleep, school, depression and social life. So how much is too much? The American Academy of Pediatrics says elementary school age children should really limit their screen time to 1 hour per day – while high school kids should max out at around two hours.

Researchers determined which kids were pathological gamers by asking them if they lied about the amount of time spent playing, if their schoolwork suffered, and if playing helped them escape from problems or bad feelings.

I Love You

If saying “I love you” out loud just isn’t enough – or you’re not ready – Laura Gilbert of Match.com has some unspoken suggestions:

• Giving flowers. It doesn’t have to be cliché – consider an unusual variety – or wrap them in something more personal than florist paper.

• Monogram something. It can add a luxurious and personal touch to an otherwise standard gift.

• Frame a memento. It could be ticket stubs, a matchbook or even a receipt. It’s an inexpensive personal gift that can be very sentimental.

Worried Sick

Can worrying about getting sick make you sick? Yes!

There’s some truth to the phrase “worried sick.” Research shows that excess worry and stress not only lowers our immunity – but can also manifest into acid reflux, insomnia, skin rashes and depression. So all that worrying actually leaves us more vulnerable to catching a bug – and can even enhance the symptoms and severity. If you do get sick – keep in mind that people with positive attitudes tend to bounce back much faster.

Toothbrush Germs

You don’t have to keep replacing toothbrushes to stop the spread of germs....

Most people buy a new toothbrush after someone’s been sick – and that’s a good idea – but a bigger problem can be the toothbrush holder. It’s best to store toothbrushes in separate cups. And if you want to stop germs from spreading from brush to brush – just dip each one in hydrogen peroxide once a week – then let them air dry. According to Dr. Philip M. Tierno, author of “The Secret Life of Germs,” that quickly kills any bacteria and viruses on there.

New Tax Laws

There are more changes this tax season than usual...

The average number of tax and filing changes each year is 200 – but this year there are more than 500! One of the biggest changes is with itemizing. If you use something other than the simple W2 or 1099 forms – you’ll have to wait until the middle of February to file. Deductions for business and medical mileage have also changed. If you write those things off – make sure to check the new requirements. The IRS has a lot of the changes highlighted at IRS.gov – just click on the “Individuals” tab.

Social Status

What’s the most common relationship status on Facebook?

"Single” is still the most common relationship status on Facebook – close to 44 million people checked that one. “Married” is not far behind – over 36 million Facebookers claim they are. 28 million are ‘in a relationship’ – almost 6 million are “engaged” – and for the other 3 million – “it’s complicated.”

A whopping 750 million photos were uploaded to Facebook over New Year’s weekend. 57% of people admit talking more to others on Facebook than they do in real life – and 48% of young Americans say they find out about news through Facebook.

Cooking Spray

If you’re going sledding – or fishing – you might want to take some cooking spray...

Cooking spray sure is handy in the kitchen – and not just on pans. Use it on your cheese grater and in measuring cups for easier cleanup – and in Tupperware type containers to prevent staining. Here are some more great uses for cooking spray OUTSIDE of the kitchen:

• Shovels and sleds glide through the snow with a coating of cooking spray on there.

• Prevent car doors and locks from freezing with a generous dose of cooking spray on the rubber gaskets BEFORE the temperature drops.

• Cast your fishing line farther with cooking spray – and lubricate your bicycle chain while you’re at it. It will also prevent grass from sticking to your lawnmower blades.

• Cooking spray is great at fighting soap scum too. Coat the shower door with a thin layer and let it sit a few minutes. It loosens up the buildup and will be much easier to clean.

Smartphone Security

Is there anything worse than losing your wallet? Yes! Losing your smartphone!

Losing your wallet is a nightmare – but losing your smartphone can be downright dangerous! Smartphones are super convenient for handling your email, finances and social lives in the palm of your hand – and the amount of information on there is like hitting the jackpot for a thief. And if you check into places using your smartphone – evil doers can even follow you there hoping you’ll leave that gadget within their reach.

Passwords and phone locks aren’t always enough to protect you from professional hackers. Check your phone’s apps for remote wipe-out services. They automatically erase information on your phone as soon as you claim it lost or stolen.

Source:  Nikki Junker, Identity Theft Resource Center

Phone Interview

Want to ace that phone interview?

Phone interviews present some challenges. There’s really no way to make eye contact or establish rapport – and it can be tough to get comfortable with the whole thing. Paul Bailo, author of “The Official Phone Interview Handbook,” has some pointers:

• Find a picture of the interviewer or someone you respect – and talk to it during your interview.

• If you’re given a choice between placing or receiving the interview call – opt for receive. It creates a subtle sense that they are perusing you and not the other way around.

• Have information about the company AND your resume handy. A list of prepared questions can really help too.

Once the call arrives, say “Hello” instead of “Hi” and try to start off with about 90 seconds of small talk to establish a personal rapport. Try to speak in sound bites and limit your responses to a sentence or two. Nervous applicants tend to ramble – save the details for when they’re requested.

Don't Forget that Gift Card!

Have you used that gift card yet?

Gift cards are a great gift – for retailers! According to the National Retail Federation – about $8 BILLION of what was sold ends up right back with the sellers. Ten percent of gift card values go to waste each year through fees, leftovers, loss or forgetfulness.

Consumer studies show that people who don’t use those gift cards within the first few weeks of receiving them are much more likely to misplace them or forget about them.

Source: Consumer Affairs

Close Shave

Men have been shaving for thousands of years – and some of them are STILL bad at it...

If you think shaving is a chore now – the Egyptians started it all – bathing several times a day and shaving with a clam shell. Expert barber Roxanne Griego says BEFORE you shave is what counts. You really have to warm the skin first and work in some cream or shaving soap - it plumps and pushes up the hair. She also says if you’ve got sensitive skin – stick to single edge blades. Multiple blades just irritate the skin more. When you’re done – rinse the blade but don’t dry it. Drying the blade with a towel just dulls it which just leads to razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Electric razors are convenient and save a lot of time – but you’re shave won’t be nearly as close as with a straight or safety blade. There’s no reason you can’t use both – a blade for the initial close shave – with electric touch ups.

Bang on the Hood!

Before you start your car – bang on the hood!

You might want to bang on the hood – and even honk your horn before you turn that car key. Cats and other critters love to seek refuge from cold and wind and curl up against a warm engine. Also, remember that animals – especially cats and dogs - are attracted to antifreeze. Regular antifreeze has got a sweet taste and smell that they’re likely to sample – and it’s highly toxic to them. If you spot a puddle on your driveway, sidewalk or in your garage – clean it up right away.

Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate

Is there a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Yes!

Skip the hot chocolate – go for hot cocoa instead - there IS a difference. Real hot cocoa is made from unsweetened cocoa powder – while hot chocolate is made from high calorie ground chocolate. It’s best to go for the unsweetened dark cocoa powder instead of a mix – you can add as much sugar or flavoring as you like – it’s healthier, less expensive and just as easy to make. A spoonful of unsweetened cocoa in your morning coffee gives that a healthy boost too.