20 Habits That'll Get You Fit for Summer

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

Want to lose weight and get in shape? Here are 20 ways to get thereWe've all been there: Despite exercising and watching what you eat, the elastic in your workout shorts seems to be as tight as your hamstrings. "Ninety-five percent of the active people I work with want to lose some weight," says Cassie Dimmick, M.S., R.D., a sports dietitian and running coach in Springfield, Missouri.

Getting lean requires the same trait that makes you get up at 5 a.m. for a workout: discipline. You need to be vigilant about your diet and consistent with exercise so that you maximize calorie burn, increase muscle mass, and decrease body fat. Luckily, it's easier than it sounds when you employ these tactics from dietitians and coaches. Get ready to lose!

1. Practice Long, Slow Eating
In a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2011, researchers in New Zealand looked at the relationship 2,500 women had between their self-reported speeds of eating and their body mass indexes. For each step up in speed (on a five-step scale from very slow to very fast), BMI increased by 2.8 percent. By slowing down, you give your mind a chance to process that your body is full. Increase your meal splits by eschewing distraction: no computer, no television, no newspaper. "You'll become aware of every bite," Eberle says.

2. Go All DIY
"Throwing something together for yourself at home is almost always going to involve fewer calories than dining out," Dimmick says. "You can control the ingredients and the portion sizes." For nights you're too rushed to cook, stock your pantry and freezer ahead of time with these staples: vegetable and bean soups, a frozen vegetable pizza, brown rice you can microwave, a can of black beans and salsa (a combo of the latter three make an easy, healthy meal). In order to make a brown-bag lunch as easy as possible, double dinner recipes so that you'll have leftovers. Chili and lasagna--make them both heavy on the vegetables--are especially tasty the day after you make them.

3. Plan Ahead
"Know when you're going to eat and what you're going to eat," says Suzanne Girard Eberle, M.S., R.D., author of Endurance Sports Nutrition. "Plan it out at the beginning of the day and the week so that you're not scrambling when you're hungry." This helps you resist the temptation of fast-food restaurants or pastries in the break room.

4. Eat Often
Aim for three healthy meals and two small snacks a day, which means you're eating something around every three hours. A 2010 Swedish study involving more than 3,000 people found that those who ate more than three times a day had a lower body mass index and waist circumference; consumed more fiber and less fat; and drank less alcohol than those who limited their eating sessions to three or less. "Eating more often keeps your metabolism humming, and prevents you from getting super hungry," says Lauren Antonucci, M.S., R.D., owner of Nutrition Energy in New York City.

5. Repeat Yourself
The National Weight Control Registry is a compendium of more than 10,000 people who have maintained a weight loss of at least 30 pounds for at least one year. These successful losers "limit their exposure to temptations," says J. Graham Thomas, Ph.D., a co-investigator on the study, "and have a repertoire of healthy foods they pull from regularly."

6. Don't Drink Sugar
A study out of Tufts University in Boston looked at the association between sugar-sweetened drinks and the nutritional habits of 947 adults. Unsurprisingly, those who drank the most sugary beverages, like soda, had a higher risk of obesity and a lower intake of fiber. When you celebrate, opt for wine, beer, or a drink mixed with club soda. "Margarita mix, orange juice, and Coke often have more calories than the alcohol," Dimmick says.

7. Veg--and Fruit--Up
Aim to have fruits and vegetables make up half of each meal. "Your breakfast should be half fruit, and your lunch and dinner, half veggies," says Dimmick, who adds that snacks should have the same 50/50 ratio: think carrots and a yogurt, or string cheese and an apple. Try this recipe for minestrone vegetable soup loaded with tasty spring veggies.

8. What's Your Intake?
Count your calories, if only for a few days. "Most people hate doing it," Dimmick says. "But it's the only way to actually see the mindless eating over the keyboard or steering wheel or in front of the television." You can carry a small notebook and log everything or use an app: Loselt, MyFitnessPal, and MyPlate are three popular apps to track calories.

9. Take It Easy on Nut Butter
Athletes love peanut and almond butters, and for good reason: They offer protein, healthy fats, and fiber in a convenient package. But a serving size is two level tablespoons. "People often end up eating three tablespoons," says Dimmick. "That's an awful lot of calories."

10. Make Fiber Your Friend
"Multiple studies have shown that fiber is correlated to weight loss as well as weight maintenance," says Jennifer Vimbor, M.S., R.D., founder of Nutrition Counseling Services in Chicago. Fiber passes through your system undigested, so your body has to work harder and longer to move it out, which helps rev your metabolism and give you a feeling of fullness. Aim to eat at least 25 grams of fiber a day: beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. (But to keep your GI tract quiet during your run, don't eat fiber two hours before you head out.)

11. Eat real Food
"The more packaged and processed foods you eat, the less satisfied you feel," says Antonucci. "A half of a sandwich is a better snack than a handful of pretzels; nuts are more filling than animal crackers." Pack an apple for emergencies.

12. Pay Attention
"Before you reach for a snack, make sure you're really hungry," says Eberle, who explains we often eat when we really need sleep, play, or downtime. "You may just need to step away from your desk for 15 minutes and chill out."

13. Go Off the Sauce
Beware of the hidden calories in sauces. Use tomato sauce instead of alfredo on pasta; substitute hummus or mustard for mayo on a sandwich; and make your own salad dressing: Add a little ranch seasoning to plain Greek yogurt, or a dash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

14. Downsize Your Settings
Bigger utensils and dishes promote bigger meals, so keep your dishes appropriately sized-a salad plate can easily hold a sandwich and a piece of fruit, which is a perfect lunch-and your serving dishes off the table.

15. Treat Trap
After a long workout, set a limit of "reward calories," Nisevich Bede says. "A safe number is 200 reward calories, and if you went for a really, really long workout, 400 calories." Good choices include: low-fat ice cream; bite-size cookies; single-serving-size chips; high-quality dark chocolate.

16. Get On Board
After following about 121,000 men and women for 20 years, researchers at Harvard University published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011 that documented the foods and drinks most and least associated with gaining weight. Nutrition Energy's Lauren Antonucci gives the benefits or drawbacks of each.

THE BEST
NUTS Great combination of unsaturated fat and filling fiber.
YOGURT A good source of calcium, plus probiotics for gut health.
FRUITS High water content and key antioxidants and vitamins.
WHOLE GRAINS Packed with B vitamins and fiber.
VEGGIES Low calorie, lots of vitamins and nutrients, and high fiber.

THE WORST
FRENCH FRIES Deep-frying makes them high in calories and saturated fat.
POTATOES Often fried or covered with butter, sour cream, or sugary ketchup.
SWEETENED BEVERAGES Skip soda to save calories for when you need sports drink.
RED MEATS Avoid fatty cuts, such as T-bone, New York strip, and rib-eye steaks.
PROCESSED MEATS Most contain nitrates and are very high in saturated fat.

17. Eat Right When Hungry
Eat something with protein, carbs, and fiber like plain, fat-free Greek yogurt with a cup of berries. "Don't let yourself get too hungry, as it's hard to stop eating," Eberle says.

18. Master Special Occasions
Celebrate. Moderately. Have a (small) piece of cake. No good comes of trying to "save up" calories. Eat your normal meals and snacks so you're not starving.

19. Set Reasonable Expectations
"Trying to stay at your lowest weight is like trying to stay at your peak fitness year round," Fitzgerald says. "When you dial back training, expect to put on a few pounds."

20. Cross-train to Blast Calories
Bicycling [14 to 16 mph]: 682 calories
StairMaster [no hands]: 614 calories
Swimming [50 yards/min]: 545 calories
Elliptical: 491 calories
Walking [15-minute mile]: 341 calories

(c) From the editors of Runner's World, Healthy Living

Add Comment

Weird Home Remedies that actually work

Thursday, May 03, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

(c) Lisa Collier Cool, Day in Health

Strange but true: you’ve probably got an amazing assortment of stuff in the kitchen, the tool box or the medicine chest that can do double duty as remedies for all kinds of common ailments. What’s more, there’s actual scientific research to back up some of these do-it-yourself treatments. Here’s a rundown on the most intriguing nine:

Didgeridoo for Sleep Apnea

Okay, so this probably isn’t something you’ve got lying around the house. You may not have heard of it either, but if you’ve got sleep apnea, this strange-sounding Australian wind instrument may be just what you need.

According to a study from Switzerland, four months of learning to play the didgeridoo worked well for patients with moderate sleep apnea, made for a better night’s sleep, and reduced daytime sleepiness. Even more, their bed partners slept better, too. Playing the instrument addressed sleep apnea by strengthening the upper airway, which prevents it from narrowing as you inhale.

Biting on a Pencil for Headache Relief

This won’t work for migraines, but if you get common tension headaches, the pencil trick may help prevent them. We tend to automatically clench our jaws and teeth when we’re anxious or stressed, and this is a subconscious reaction that can lead to a tension headache.

When you feel your jaw clench, put a pencil between your teeth (don’t bite down) and hold it there. This simple strategy will cause your jaw to relax, easing tension, forestalling the headache, and easing the pain.

Listerine for Blisters

You know it as a breath freshener and an antiseptic, but Listerine can also dry out blisters. Dab some on a cotton ball and apply it to your blister three times a day until it dries and the pain vanishes. Integrative medicine pioneer Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends applying petroleum jelly on a blister for temporary pain relief.

Lemon Balm Tea for Cold Sores

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and packs an anti-viral punch that can heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (this isn’t the herpes that is sexually transmitted). A big study in Germany found that once treated with lemon balm, not a single cold sore recurrence occurred.

Duct Tape for Warts

This is not an old wives tale. Using duct tape to remove warts has been shown to work better than freezing them off. In one study, duct tape eliminated 85 percent of patients' warts in two months (freezing eradicated only 60 percent).

Here’s how it works: make sure the wart and surrounding skin are clean, then cut a piece of duct tape a bit larger than the wart and press into place. Remove the tape every three days, rub the wart with an emery board or pumice stone and repeat until the wart is gone.

Ginger for Motion Sickness

Crystalized ginger, ginger tea, ginger syrup, or capsules of ginger powder can combat motion sickness and nausea in general (ginger ale or even ginger snaps may help, too). One study found that ginger worked better for motion sickness than anti-nausea medication, and Danish researchers report that ginger helped quell seasickness in susceptible naval cadets better than a placebo.

Papaya for Smoother Skin

The active ingredient is papain, an enzyme that dissolves dead surface cells that give skin a dull, rough look. Try this fruity facial to soften and smooth your skin: wash and peel a ripe papaya and swirl about two tablespoons in a food processor. Add a tablespoon of dried oatmeal and apply to your freshly washed face for 10 minutes. Remove with warm water or a wet washcloth.

Banana Bonanza

You can do a lot more with a banana than slice it on your cereal. Among the fruit's other uses: slap a banana peel (the inside part) on an itch caused by a bug bite or poison ivy; this will dial down the inflammation and relieve the itch. You can also use mashed banana as a facial--it’s great for moisturizing dry skin. Banana peel also has anti-acne properties: just rub the inside part of the peel over your clean face to get the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.

Mustard for Minor Burns

Slather mustard on seared skin. After an initial sting, the mustard will relieve the pain and prevent scarring and blistering. No science here, but lots of enthusiastic testimonials.

Add Comment

Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Friday, April 06, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit.

The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago.

Additionally, a Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey found credit requirements in the fourth quarter were consistent with the past three quarters.

However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of mortgage lending standards, but also a loosening of credit availability.

Banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings. This is up from a low during the crisis of 3.2 times borrower earnings.

Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios (LTV), which Capital Economics denotes “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions.”

In contrast to a low of 74 percent reached in mid-2010, banks are now lending at 82 percent LTV.

While credit conditions may have loosened slightly, some potential homebuyers are still struggling with credit requirements. In fact, Capital Economics points out that in November 8 percent of contract cancelations were the result of a potential buyer not qualifying for a loan.

Additionally, Capital Economics says “any improvement in credit conditions won’t be significant enough to generate actual house price gains,” and potential ramifications from the euro-zone pose a threat to future credit availability.

Add Comment

Five Travel Costs to Avoid on Your Next Road Trip

Sunday, March 25, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

Thousands of Americans will hit the road over the next few weeks to travel as their children are out of school for spring break. Even more will find themselves on the nation's highways on summer vacations.

A road trip often means big bucks will be laid out on travel costs. From pricey snacks to premium fuel to costly car washes, the route between your home and your destination is a virtual minefield of unnecessary purchases that can drain your pocketbook.

Exceeding Speed Limit Lowers Gas Mileage

It may feel more satisfying to fly around other drivers on the highway, but the joke is on you. Your gas mileage will decrease rapidly after your speedometer hits 60 miles per hour and higher, and boost your travel costs.

In addition, rapid acceleration and braking also can reduce your gas mileage. Driving at a lower speed can help you save as much as 33% on your cost to fill up at the pump, says Jody DeVere, chief executive at AskPatty.com, an automotive advice and education site for women.

"Observing the speed limit is also safer, so you may save more than just money," DeVere says.

Avoid Expensive Road Food Costs

A little preplanning can save you from having to buy those pricey bags of chips at roadside gas stations. Before you leave, visit your local grocery store and stock up on snacks and drinks, then toss them in a cooler that's small enough to stash in the back seat or trunk, says Stacey Hylen, a business coach in Montreal who spent seven years on the road while working in sales.

If your trip is long enough to require a restaurant meal, sit down for road food during the first half of the day to save money.

Dodge High Gas Prices Just Off the Highway

Pulling into a gas station right off the interstate or turnpike saves time, but it can cost you money. Gas prices just off the highway may be higher than at stations at discount stores and near supermarket shopping centers, says Jody DeVere, chief executive at AskPatty.com, an automotive advice and education site for women. Warehouse stores, such as Sam's Club and Costco, also offer cheaper gas, but you have to be a member. If you are, check your route beforehand to see if there are any locations on the way.

Finally, smartphone users can download free apps, such as GasBuddy, to find stations closer to town that offer fuel at lower prices.

Do You Really Need Premium Gas?

The debate over regular gas versus high-octane fuel has raged for years. But the truth is simple: Very few cars derive any benefit from premium grades of gasoline. "For most cars, the recommended gasoline is regular octane," says Jody DeVere, chief executive at AskPatty.com, an automotive advice and education site for women. Premium gas won't help your car perform better or increase your gas mileage, and it can cost you as much as 20 cents per gallon more than regular, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

A small number of cars do require high-octane gasoline, so check your owner's manual -- and even then, read carefully. "Find out if the higher-priced gas is required or just recommended," DeVere says. If it says "recommended," you're probably fine using regular gas. If it says "required," you should go for the higher grades.

Put Off Costly Car Washes

Think hard before ponying up those extra few bucks for automatic car washes at gas stations. They may not get your car entirely clean and might even damage the exterior. "Some older car washes use abrasive brushes instead of cloth ones, which can leave small scratches in a car's finish," says Jody DeVere, chief executive at AskPatty.com, an automotive advice and education site for women. Often, a more cost-effective option is a self-service wash, which requires you to physically scrub the car but can be useful for removing heavy, caked-on dirt. Or skip the wash altogether while you're on the road and periodically spot clean the headlights, windshield and mirrors for safety purposes, says Eric Wulf, chief executive of the International Carwash Association in Chicago.

Finally, if you can plan ahead, you may want to wash your car before you even leave home. "A good wash with wax or sealant goes a long way toward protecting your vehicle from road salt and corrosion," Wulf says.

(c) Claire Gallam | Work + Money

Add Comment

6 House Repairs to Tackle Now

Monday, March 12, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

(c) Financially Fit Home Karen Haywood Queen

In this economy, you may be tempted to delay or even skip minor home maintenance repairs, cleaning jobs and inspections in your home. But don't be penny-wise and dollar-foolish. That $200 or $300 you save today could result in expenditures of $3,000 or even tens of thousands next month or next year if hidden problems in your home go unnoticed and become worse.

Consider coughing up a little dough to take care of these small jobs before they morph into gigantic, expensive jobs later.

Annual HVAC inspection

Cost: $200-$300, depending on where you live.

How often: At least once a year.

When: Spring or fall. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, companies aren't as busy, and you're not in dire need of heat or air conditioning.

What an inspection might find: The furnace blower is not working properly. Cost to repair or replace: $100-$150. Possible consequence of letting it go: a broken heat exchanger. Potential savings down the road: $300-$1,000 to replace the heat exchanger or $750-$3,500, depending on the energy efficiency, to replace indoor or outdoor furnace components. The reversing switch in the heat pump is broken. Cost to repair or replace: $100-$300. Letting it go results in no heat from the heat pump, and the system switches to a more expensive auxiliary heat. Potential savings: lower heating bills.

Bottom line: "Things that happen often happen at the worst possible time in the worse possible conditions and you're looking at the maximum rate," says Terry Townsend of Townsend Engineering in Chattanooga, Tenn., and former president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Remember, continual maintenance prolongs the life of the equipment. "You're sitting there with an investment of thousands in your HVAC system and you're investing a few hundred dollars in maintenance."

Chimney Inspection

Cost: $65 for an inspection; $150 for inspection and cleaning, including removal of creosote buildup, which may lead to a chimney fire.

How often: Once a year.

When: Before your first fire in winter.

What an inspection might find: There's no chimney cap. Cost to add: $150. If you let it go, rain water can get into your chimney, damage the chimney liner and damper, and even saturate mortar joints -- causing mold. Potential savings: $2,000-$4,000 to replace the chimney liner. Other problems may include: A cracked chimney crown, which can be repaired for $300-$500; chimney flashing that needs caulking, which can be done for $80-$100; and waterproofing the exterior brick, $350-$600. All these fixes will prevent rainwater from getting in and mold from forming.

Bottom line: "A simple chimney cleaning can prevent chimney fires and damage to your entire house," says Ray Gessner, a licensed professional engineer and owner of A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps, with offices in the eastern U.S. "Water is the No. 1 problem with chimneys. With water damage, you might need to have your whole chimney rebuilt."

Termite Inspection

Cost: $75-$200 for an inspection; $200-$300 for a termite protection contract for qualifying homes with no current evidence of termites to cover treatment and repairs for any later infestation.

How often: Once a year.

When: Any time, although termites are more active in spring and early summer.

What an inspection might find: Subterranean termites that come from the ground or flying termites. If left untreated, these bugs damage framing, trim, drywall, furniture, carpet, copper and other soft metals. Termites cause more than $5 billion in damages a year in the U.S., says Paul Curtis, director of quality assurance for Terminix in Memphis, Tenn. The average homeowner loss for termite damage is $3,000, but losses can be as high as $30,000 or even $80,000, Curtis says. Most homeowners insurance does not cover repair of termite damage.

Bottom line: "Termites eat the wood from the inside out," Curtis says. "A typical homeowner would not be aware they are even in their home until months or years after they get in and start causing damage. A lot of people don't realize that termites don't just feed on the home. They'll eat flooring, insulation, books -- I've even seen them penetrate through swimming pool liners."

Power Washing and Sealing Wood Deck

Cost: $100-$300 for a 200-square-foot deck, more for a larger deck.

How often: Every one to three years, depending on the amount of traffic, moss and mold.

When: Any time in sunny weather.

Power washing gets rid of stains, algae, mold, mildew and moss. Algae and mold can make your deck slippery and dangerous, says Justin Lee of JL Power Washing in Williamsburg, Va. Sealing your deck after it is cleaned helps prevent water damage. Wood soaks up rain like a sponge, expands and then shrinks, Lee says. Sealing makes the water bead up and roll off. And let's not forget -- your deck will look nicer, too. If you let it go, your deck will warp, nails will pop out and the deck won't last as long.

Potential savings: $4,000 to $20,000 or more to replace your deck, depending on size.

Bottom line: "A properly cleaned and sealed wood deck can last 20 to 30 years," Lee says.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cost: $120-$200.

How often: Every year.

When: A sunny day. The purpose is to get rid of lint buildup. If your dryer is not on an exterior wall, it's likely that the vent leading outside is clogged up, says Gessner of A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps. If you ignore it, the result could be a disastrous fire. "Once the vent gets clogged, the dryer starts overheating and it can catch on fire," Gessner says. "Dryer fires are very dangerous."

Potential savings: Your home, your furnishings, your belongings and your life.

Bottom line: "I had been airing a radio commercial talking about the importance of dryer vent cleaning for about a month when three people (in our area) died in a fire caused by a dryer vent fire," Gessner says.

Carpet Cleaning

Cost: About 50 cents per square foot for hot water extraction cleaning, or $500 for 1,000 square feet of cleaned carpet.

How often: Every 12 months; more often for high-traffic areas and homes with small children, pets or smokers. Manufacturers' warranties may require cleaning every 18 to 24 months. You can save money by focusing on regular cleanings for high-traffic areas and waiting up to two years for the entire carpet.

When: Any time.

If the carpet looks dirty, you've waited too long because some soil can't be removed with vacuuming. This soil will bind to your carpet and dull the texture, shortening the life of the carpet. Your home also will be healthier with pollen, bacteria, insecticides and dirt removed, says Howard Partridge, founder and president of Clean as a Whistle, a cleaning company outside Houston.

Potential savings: Extending the life of your carpet. Replacing 1,000 square feet of medium-grade carpet, including padding and installation, costs about $3,000.

Add Comment

12 quick fixes for your household things

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

By Adam Bluestein

Fifteen-minute home projects that won't put a dent in your weekend.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Scuffed Linoleum

Rub the spot with white toothpaste and a dry cloth or with an eraser. Or spray WD-40 on a towel and rub lightly, making sure to degrease the area afterward with liquid dishwashing soap and water.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Dry Cutting Board

Revive your board by gently warming a bottle of pure mineral oil (available at drugstores) in a bowl of hot water, then wiping the oil onto the surface with a soft cloth. Wipe off the excess four to six hours later.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Stuck Sliding Windows

A little silicone spray lubricant (sold at hardware stores) will grease the skids. Spray it onto a rag, then wipe along the tracks, whether they’re metal, wood, or plastic.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Flattened Down Cushions

Put them outside in the sun for a few hours, flipping them halfway through. (Be careful―leaving them out too long may fade the fabric.) The sun will help evaporate the moisture that gets into the filling over time, and the cushions should plump up nicely.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Dirty Decanter

Fill the decanter halfway with hot water, a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of uncooked rice. Swirl the rice around for a few minutes to remove the residue, rinse with hot water, and air-dry.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Tangled Extension Cords

Cowgirls and sailors alike know the benefits of storing ropes neatly coiled. Follow their lead and keep extension cords tangle-free and contained inside a large plastic bucket when they’re not in use.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Peeling Wallpaper

With a knife, smear wallpaper paste onto a piece of writing paper. Rub the paper against the underside of the peeling section. Press the wallpaper against the wall. Slide the writing paper out and smooth away bubbles with a clean cloth.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Worn Caning

A little sagging over time is natural but reversible. To tighten caning back up, use a sponge to wet the underside with warm water. Let dry slowly overnight. Repeat if necessary.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Dusty Chandelier

Allow the fixture to cool. Wear a pair of white cotton gloves―one dry, one dampened with glass cleaner. (For crystal, use one part rubbing alcohol to three parts distilled water.) Wipe each prism with the damp glove, then the dry one.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Hard-to-Remove Decals

Spray the decals and the surrounding areas with WD-40, lifting the edges to get underneath, if possible. Let sit, then gently scrape away the decal with the edge of a credit card. Degrease the tub with liquid dishwashing soap.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Hard-to-Remove Light Bulb

Press the center of a foot-long strip of duct tape onto the middle of the bulb. Fold each loose end in half so it sticks onto itself. Gripping each end between your thumb and index finger, give a counterclockwise twist to loosen the bulb.

Photo: Hallie Burton

Stained Tub

Combine equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth. Let sit for a half hour, then rinse well with water.

Add Comment

How to: Delete your Google Web History

Thursday, February 23, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

By Andrew Couts | Digital Trends

One area this is most clear is with search. Our search histories can reveal a lot about us: what we like or dislike, our religion, political leanings, sexual preferences, age, and even health information. As it stands today, all that data collected through searches performed while logged into your Google account has been kept separate from the troves of other data the company has in its coffers. That will all change come next Thursday. Unless, of course, you delete all of it. And here’s how you can do that in less than a minute:

• First, go to google.com/history. There, you’ll be asked to sign into your Google account.

• Second, click the “Remove all Web History” button. And that’s it! You’re done. Not only is all your search data removed from Google’s grasps, but doing this automatically pauses Web History, meaning no more information will be collected until you click the blue “Resume” button at the top of the page.

(Note: If you have more than one Google account, you’ll have to do this whole process for each of them.)

If you want to be less drastic, you can also go through your entire Web History (an activity your author found both intriguing and truly frightening), and pick out the bits and pieces you’d rather Google not know about. You can then simply hit the “Pause” button, and no more search data will be collected.

Please note: This doesn’t not stop Google from collecting all types of information about you. To do that, you’re going to have to go through a lot more steps, many of which the Electronic Frontier Foundation has spelled out here.

One pleasant effect of deleting your Web History is that it does away with much of the bad parts of Google’s personalized Search Plus Your World. To thoroughly eradicate that monstrosity from your life, follow these steps outlined here.

This article was originally posted on Digital Trends.

Add Comment

7 Classic Super Bowl Party Recipes

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

By Country Living | Game Time Guide

These classic game-day recipes are sure to score high points at your Super Bowl party, no matter who you're rooting for!

1. Pigs In a Blanket

Nothing will get the crowd going louder than this all-star appetizer. Use frozen pastry dough and all-beef hot dogs for these mouth-watering bites.

Get the recipe: Pigs in a Blanket »

2. Mini Portobello Burgers

Grilled mini portobello burgers offer vegetarians a savory option. But you might want to make extra - they look so good that meat lovers might snag one, too!

Get the recipe: Mini Portobello Burgers »

3. Crunchy Rosemary Potato Chips

Don't get stuck with the last bag of crumpled chips from the grocery store. Just one teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary lends explosive flavor to these quick-frying potato chips.

Get the recipe: Crunchy Rosemary Potato Chips »

4. Chicken Fingers

Cut the fat from these irresistibly crispy chicken fingers by baking them in the oven instead of deep frying - your guests will never know the difference.

Get the recipe: Crispy Chicken Fingers »

5. Bacon Dip

This flavor-loaded dip is blasted with tomatoes, bacon, and scallions that will have veggies - and taste buds - dancing.

Get the recipe: Bacon Dip »

6. Cowboy Chili

For something a bit heartier, try this classic chili recipe, which was first concocted in Texas by - you guessed it - cowboys passing through on cattle drives.

Get the recipe: Cowboy Chili »

7. Soft Pretzel

Enjoy this stadium staple fresh from the oven with cheese and mustard dipping sauce.

Get the recipes:
Hot Soft Pretzels »
Cheese and Mustard Dipping Sauce »

Add Comment

12 Things to Keep in a Safe at Home, Not at a Bank

Friday, January 20, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

(c) Financially Fit, Ray Martin

Many folks believe that the safest place to store valuable items is in a bank safe deposit box. After all, banks have the best 24 hour security and alarm systems.
But the contents of a safe deposit box are rarely insured, while items in your home are typically covered by your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

Also, don't think your cash in a safe deposit box is covered under FDIC insurance. The FDIC only insures the deposits in accounts held in banks, but not the contents of their safe deposit boxes.

Finally, it's not a good idea to store original copies of documents that you require immediate access to, such as passports, spare keys, wills, funerary directives, etc. in a safe deposit box. Bank safe deposit boxes are only accessible during branch operating hours and the boxes are typically sealed when the bank receives a death notice. To open a sealed safe deposit box, estate representatives are required to provide court papers to the bank.

For these reasons it's good idea to buy a fireproof safe in your home. What should you keep in it? Here are a dozen suggestions:

1. Property insurance policies and agent contact information. You'll need this information right away if your house suffers damage and you need to know how to file a claim.

2. Passports and original birth certificates. These can be a hassle to replace and will come in handy to establish identity when traveling with children.

3. A list of family doctors, prescription medications, and contact information for all pharmacies you use. You may need these to get new supplies of medications you use on a regular basis.

4. CDs or an external hard drive containing digital copies of all family photos. It's a good idea to scan all older family photos and keep a digital copy of them as well. Your family memories in photographs are irreplaceable.

5. Safe deposit box keys. If you store valuables in a bank safe deposit box, you'll want to make sure you keep the keys to it in a safe place.

6. Important papers related to investments, retirement plans, bank accounts, and associated contact information. You may also want to keep some cash on hand for ready access in an emergency.

7. Information on your outstanding debts, due dates, and contact information. It's important to keep tabs on your finances and protect your credit, in the event you're displaced by a fire.

8. Original Social Security cards. These can take time to replace and may be needed to establish eligibility for benefits.

9. Copies of your important legal documents, including powers of attorney, living wills, and health care proxies — both for yourself and for anyone else for whom you are designated attorney-in-fact or health care surrogate. Having access to these can help ensure the protection they were created to provide.

10. Copy of wills and all wills in which you are designated the executor. It's important to have access to these as safe deposit boxes are typically sealed upon notification of the box owner's death.

11. Valuables: Jewelry, coins, cash, etc. that you may want access to from time to time.

12. Spare Keys and titles to all vehicles. It helps to know where copies are in the case that you need them.

Of course, exactly what you choose to store in your fireproof safe will depend on your personal circumstances and the size and location of the safe.

Add Comment

Don't Let Foreclosed Homes Ruin Your Neighborhood

Thursday, January 12, 2012

by Alexandra Zega

The Danger of Doing Nothing
According to NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit providing financial support, technical assistance and training for community-based revitalization efforts, vacant homes take an economic, physical and social toll on a neighborhood. Empty houses tend to attract trespassers and squatters, as well as becoming a haven for illegal and dangerous activities. It's possible to prevent these problems by taking steps to safeguard and invest in your neighborhood.

What Occurs to Neighborhoods
The 2007 mortgage crisis provides some important clues as to how your neighborhood could be affected by empty homes. Many properties sat empty for more than a year because the foreclosure process was delayed. Banks were overwhelmed by the number of troubled homeowners. Some properties were bought by investors with the intention of flipping them for a profit, meaning these residences were vacant to begin with, and have remained vacant since.

No Longer a Piggy Bank
In early 2011, RealityTrac Inc. reported that 27% of home sales in foreclosure or "short sales" were sold at an average discount 27%. According to the Center of Responsible Lending, an estimated 69.5 million homes nearby foreclosures saw a price drop of $7,200 per home in 2009. This led to a $502 billion total decline in property values in the same year. Also, this would all cause the tax base to become smaller. Low home values mean less equity. People depending on the value of their home to achieve investment goals, such as retirement or college, have seen those goals delayed.

Encouraging Crime
Crime is a major concern with these vacant homes. Unkempt lawns and dilapidated roofs advertise to thieves that the home is empty. Many of these opportunists will rob the home of copper pipes, copper wiring, appliances and fixtures. The vacant home can also become a magnet for vandalism, drug dealers, prostitution and violent crimes. Minority and poor communities are especially hard hit because they have fewer resources to make improvements compared to residents of more affluent areas.

The vacant homes also lead to increased municipal costs because of the need for more services, such as police, fire and code enforcement. Funding these services can take away from property tax revenue.

What You Can Do
Take measures to stabilize your neighborhood before your home loses value. Organize or host foreclosure-prevention workshops. Request a community-based organization to come to your neighborhood and hold a meeting. Contact local lenders, loan servicers and housing counselors to find out whether they are able to hold a workshop at your home or local community center. The workshops could give your quietly struggling neighbors the assistance they need.

When you notice a property going astray - such as grass height not meeting the appropriate community standards or obvious damage - locate the owners of the property so they can immediately handle the situation and reduce the financial loss. To find out who owns the home, you can contact the homeowners association, community managers or your local housing and inspections department. Call the realtor who is listing the property with your concerns if the home is up for sale.

Some More Tips
Organizing a neighborhood watch is a great way to prevent crime and vandalism. Try to learn who's moving in and who's leaving so you know which homes are at risk. Identify block captains to monitor these homes until the situation is resolved. It helps to create a checklist for housing issues such as:

signs of running water
lights left on
trash, debris and other items left outside
broken doors or windows
graffiti
structural damages

Some active measures suggested by NeighborWorks include:

parking cars in the driveways of vacant homes to give the appearance that the home is occupied
maintaining the lawn
painting the boards to look like doors and windows
clearing trash and organizing neighborhood clean-up projects

Other creative techniques for you to try include:

hanging curtains and blinds in the windows
using deadbolts for the locks
using baby monitors
installing motion detectors, flood lights and cameras to catch burglars

Before you attempt any of these more creative options, make sure you talk to the owner or a representative of the bank holding the property title. Making alterations to a property, even positive ones, can be construed as trespassing.

Additional community efforts can involve grass roots strategies, such as pooling funds from community groups and local government to buy foreclosed properties, renovate the homes or tear them down to create community spaces. Some mortgage companies may hire a property preservation company to check in on and handle the maintenance of a foreclosed home. The company may contact you to let you know that they are checking on the home and may ask you to contact them if a situation arises. The company sticker will usually be placed on the door of the home indicating that it is frequently being looked after.

The Bottom Line
When foreclosed homes are left unattended it affects you and your community. They lower property value, invite crime and create health hazards. It's important that the owners of the property are held accountable if the property is not looked after. Take action early to stop problems from occurring or keep them from getting any worse. Help a financially troubled neighbor by holding a foreclosure prevention workshop. Organize a neighborhood watch. Take active and creative measures to preserve the property's aesthetics and prevent crime. Report any suspicious activity or code issues to the proper authorities, such as local law enforcement or community government.

The following organizations can provide some additional informative resources and help: the National Housing Institute, National Vacant Properties Campaign and Neighborhood Works America. Remember that by taking active steps to protect the value of foreclosed properties, you are actually protecting your own home's value too.

(c) Brigitte Yuille | Investopedia

Add Comment