Favorite House

Has your neighbor been robbed? 

Which house on your street is a burglar’s LEAST favorite? Joseph Kuhns, criminology professor at the University of North Carolina asked some crooks and here are some that they skip when house hunting:

* Proximity: When selecting a target, most burglars said they hate close proximity of other people, including traffic, people in the house or business, police officers and the lack of escape routes. 

* Increased security: Robbers look for alarm signs, dogs and cameras and usually take a pass.

* Working alarm system: Of the crooks who do encounter an expected alarm mid-crime, most abort the mission and make a run for it.

Generation Gap

If you've got a great story about your grandparents, or that crazy uncle, make sure to share it with your kids.

Every family has a story. Actually lots of stories. And it's important we share them with our kids. There's research that shows sharing family stories can make a big difference when it comes to emotional well-being and a sense of self. Family stories provide a sense of identity through time, and help children understand who they are in the world. Tales of heritage can help us feel connected to our extended family. And details about our more recent past, such as how mom and dad met, or most embarrassing moments, can really help fill the generation gap.

Even if kids – especially teens – seem a little bored by it all, they will one day be happy you told them these stories.

Slow Mow

How are your mowing skills? 

If you’re mowing the grass anytime soon, you’ll need to take your time if you want to mow like a pro. Ed Perratore, lawn and garden expert at Consumer Reports says if you rush through the job it WILL look like it. Relax and approach your lawn with a slow mow. Push mowers are fine but most riding mowers can cruise at speeds much too fast to do the job right. 

You’ll also want to be sure that grass is really dry for a nice, even cut. Once you’re in the mowing groove, avoid following the wheel tracks on your next pass. You’re better off with some overlap in the cutting swaths and be sure to alternate directions each time for a cleaner, healthier lawn. 

Soft Touch

The next time you shake someone’s hand, caress their sweet spot. 

A firm handshake never goes out of style – but adding a soft touch can help to seal the deal. It’s a handshake trick that has been proven to be effective at making a good impression and anyone can do it. The next time you go in for the shake, keep your hand firm but extend your forefinger to touch his or her wrist, ever so slightly. 

You’re aiming for the spot on the wrist where you might find a pulse. It just takes a moment and won’t really be noticed, but making contact with that sweet spot can send a subtle signal of sincerity and warmth which can enhance your shake appeal.