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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
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4 Relaxation techniques to calm your nerves 5 How to get a better night’s sleep 6 How to acclimate to your new community 8 Protect yourself when buying refurbished products 9 Keep track of passwords
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10 Simple ways to find more time in your day 11 How to streamline grocery shopping 12 Save time with fast meals 12 No-bake desserts make the perfect end to a gathering 13 Hair care made simple 15 How to avoid distractions when working from home 16 How to cut your commuting costs 17 Manage teams, clubs and leagues in a digital world
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Ralxation techniques to calm your nerves
ince 2007, the American Psychological Association has commissioned an annual nationwide survey to examine the state of stress across the United States and understand its impact. The 2013 survey found that people continue to experience what they feel are unhealthy stress levels, with 42 percent of adult respondents reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. In addition, 44 percent of survey respondents feel they aren’t doing enough to manage their stress, painting a potentially troubling
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future for people who cannot find better and healthier ways to manage their stress. The picture is none the rosier in Canada, where data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey revealed that nearly 23 percent of Canadians aged 15 and older reported that most days were “quite a bit or extremely stressful.” While those figures marked a slight improvement from the previous year’s survey, it’s apparent that stress is still a considerable concern for people throughout both the United States and Canada.
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Though many people unfortunately regard stress as an inevitable side effect of adulthood, it’s important that men, women and even children avoid characterizing stress as simply a byproduct of a difficult and/or successful life and career. Even momentary stress, often referred to as “acute stress,” like the kind that appears when stuck in a traffic jam, can have a potentially devastating impact on overall health. According to the American Institute of Stress, acute stress causes an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle, and some medical professionals have suggested there is a link between repeated episodes of acute stress and heart attack. Regular use of relaxation techniques to reduce stress can help to counteract the effects of long-term stress, which the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes can contribute to depression, digestive disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia. While it’s always best for anyone, and especially those people with heart disease, epilepsy, certain psychiatric conditions or a history of abuse or trauma, to consult their health care provider before attempting to address their stress on their own, the following are two popular relaxation techniques that may help relieve stress in a healthy way.
Meditation There are many types of meditation, but in general people who meditate employ certain techniques when meditating. These techniques may include maintaining a specific posture or finding a quiet, distraction-free location to meditate. Many practitioners of meditation choose to recite a positive mantra that they repeat throughout their session. While many people question the effectiveness of meditation, research has suggested that routine meditation sessions can alter the brain’s neural pathways and make a person more capable of combatting stress. Yoga Yoga has grown increasingly popular in recent years, and much of that can be traced to the multitude of health benefits that have been linked to this typically lowimpact practice of the mind and body. The NCCAM notes that studies have suggested yoga is effective at lowering heart rate and blood pressure and can even relieve anxiety and depression. Those are beneficial side effects for sufferers of stress, which over time can contribute to high blood pressure and arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) and even cause people to worry too much about minor things or suspect bad things are about to happen. More information about stress and coping techniques is available at www.apa.org.
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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
How to get a better night’s sleep hen it is 3 a.m. and you are pacing the halls of your dark and quiet house while everyone else is sleeping soundly in their beds, it may seem like you are the only person in the entire world who is not getting some much-needed shut-eye. However, many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep. Information from the National Sleep Foundation, Better Sleep Council, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several other organizations indicate that between 20 and 40 percent of the U.S. population experiences insomnia. Many of the people suffering from insomnia have family histories of the condition or are also experiencing depression. Insomnia rates are higher for people over the age of 60, and women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Among Canadians, 40 percent of a recently polled group of 2,000 individuals reported insomnia symptoms at least three times per week in the preceding month. French-speaking Canadians were less likely to experience insomnia than English-speaking residents, but researchers are unsure why. Although how much sleep a person requires varies from
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individual to individual, the general consensus is that adults should receive between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to feel rested. The Institute of Medicine estimates that hundreds of billions of dollars are spent annually on medical costs that are directly related to sleep disorders, while statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that 100,000 vehicle accidents occur annually as a result of drowsy drivers. These figures underscore the importance of getting a good night’s rest and understanding how to treat insomnia in order to do so. Insomnia may be a byproduct of a physical condition. A person dealing with side effects of certain medications, chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and a bevy of other conditions may find it difficult to sleep at night. Identifying the cause of the insomnia can make it easier to treat, so those who can’t sleep at night may have an undiagnosed condition that is affecting their ability to fall asleep. Exercise can help promote better sleep habits. A workout will tire you out, increase feelgood endorphins throughout the
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body and raise body temperature. As the body recovers from the workout, it may feel sated and you can drift off to sleep more easily. Just do not work out too late. Aim to complete a workout two to three hours before planning on going to sleep so your body is not still amped up when your head hits the pillow. Establish a regular sleep schedule. Humans are creatures of routine, and training the body to recognize when it is time to wake up and when it’s time to go to sleep can make it easier to enjoy a good night’s rest. Stick to a consistent schedule as much as possible — even on the weekends. It isn’t possible to make up for lost sleep, so pull yourself out of bed at the same time in the morning, even if you didn’t get a good night’s rest. Over time you will condition yourself to accept certain times for sleeping and waking. The National Sleep Foundation advises avoiding heavy meals, caffeine and nicotine before bed. Each of these things can rev up the body and make it difficult to settle down. On the surface, a cocktail may seem like a good way to unwind and relax. Although a drink or two may help many people fall asleep, it will not produce the deep sleep necessary to recharge the body. When the effects of the alcohol wear off after a few hours, your sleep is likely to be interrupted. In addition, relying on alcohol as a sleep remedy can lead to dependence and further health problems. Get up and accept a poor night’s sleep rather than tossing and turning. It can be easy to associate the bed with wakefulness and frustration if you
stay in bed and watch the clock. Getting up and reading or listening to relaxing music can help distract the mind and relax the body. Avoid working on the computer or watching television. Bright light can reduce the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, resulting in further difficulty settling down. Thanks to their reproductive hormones, women undergo more sleep changes and challenges than men. Afterward, being woken by children or worrying about them can lead to sleepless nights. Many women experience trouble sleeping during menopause. Different therapies may be needed to figure out the solution for a restful night’s sleep. Individuals can try natural remedies to induce sleep or stay asleep. In addition to good sleep hygiene and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, there are a number of herbs that can relax the body. Chamomile tea has soothing properties, and drinking chamomile tea before bed can be an effective sleep strategy. Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of Ancient Greece and Rome, and it can reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Melatonin supplements are produced from plant sources and can induce sleep when taken in the right amounts. Speak with a doctor about possible remedies to find a sleep system that works for you. Insomnia is a more common problem than many people may think. Recognizing insomnia as a problem and seeking treatment can help many people get on the road to a more restful night’s sleep.
TODAY’S NEWS HERALD • JUNE 2015
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How to acclimate to your new community oving is seldom easy. But even after all of the boxes have been unpacked and the furniture moved in, some of the difficulty of moving remains. Much of that remaining struggle can be traced to adjusting to your new environment. Though many people settle into a new residence after a short period of time, acclimating yourself to a new community is a taller order, especially for those without friends or family already entrenched in the community. The following are a handful of ways men and women who recently relocated to a new community can acclimate themselves to their new surroundings. Join a local community organization. Local community organizations provide great opportunities to meet new people and learn about a town or neighborhood. Parents may find such organizations more accessible, as associations that focus on local youngsters are quite common. Adults can join parental organizations sponsored by their children’s school or volunteer with an extracurricular organization, such as a local youth sports program. These are great ways for moms
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Inviting neighbors over for a casual backyard barbecue is a great way for men and women who are new to a community to meet people and form new friendships.
and dads to meet fellow parents and begin forming new friendships. Singles or married couples without children also can take advantage of community organizations. Volunteer with an environmental cleanup group or sign up to play in a recreational sports league with neighbors in your age group. Opportunities to assimilate into your new community abound, it just takes a little effort on your part to get involved. Make an effort to meet your neighbors. The days of yore when everyone knew their neighbors are largely a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an effort to meet the people who live next door. Once you have settled in, knock on your next door neighbors’ doors and introduce yourself. If you really want to go the extra mile, host a casual backyard barbecue and invite your neighbors and their families. Such an affair can be a great way to break the ice and you might just find your neighbors share similar interests. Don’t be a shut-in. Communities are often home to numerous traditions, and many such traditions are aimed at increasing the sense of community within
a given town. Summer carnivals or winter holiday balls can make for a fun way to assimilate into a community and meet your neighbors. Leave the couch and your television behind to take advantage of such opportunities when they present themselves. Join a professional organization. Many professionals find the demands of their careers are simply too great to give them the amount of time they need to fully assimilate into their new communities. In such instances, men and women might want to join their local professional organization, which can help them meet professional peers and make contacts that can pay both professional and personal dividends. If no such organization exists in your community, consider starting one. The difficulty of moving is often considered a burden on children. But adults may struggle to acclimate to a new community as well. Making that adjustment and learning to thrive in your new community may require some creativity and a little extra effort on your part, but it can be done.
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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
Keep track of passwords asswords are more prevalent than ever before. If you want to withdraw money from an ATM machine, you’ll need to know your PIN code. To log in to an email account, you will first need to type your password. Secure shopping sites and social media sites require use of passwords as well. Many sites require that passwords include a combination of letters and numbers, and while passwords full of case changes and funny symbols may be difficult to crack, they also can be just as difficult to remember. Managing the myriad passwords the average person must remember is no small feat. That’s why people routinely turn to familiar passwords. But passwords that are too similar could put men and women in a compromising position that makes them susceptible to consumer fraud and identity theft. Fortunately, consumers can employ many precautionary measures to keep their information out of the wrong hands.
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Write them down Writing passwords down can be risky if the information falls into the wrong hands. When storing passwords written down on paper, keep such information in a safe and secure place. A home safe or lockbox is safer than jotting passwords down on a pad stored on top of your desk.
Password keeper When visiting a site that requires login information, many operating systems will ask if you want the password information to be remembered automatically in the system’s hard drive. If you routinely use one computer to access password-protected sites, having the passwords saved can be advantageous. But keep in mind that you will likely be prompted for your password on such devices if you attempt to login from another computer or mobile device. It is not the site that saves the password, but the computer you are using. Password apps A variety of password saving apps have sprung up to keep passwords safe and organized. Some are offered as free downloads, others require monthly or yearly subscription fees. These apps keep login information secure in one place. Many password apps are paired with security alert services, which will notify you if there is a suspected hack or breach of information. These alerts let you know if your password security has been compromised so that you can take fast action. Technology has forced individuals to make all types of changes to their daily lives. As the world relies more and more on technology as a method of communicating and managing the tasks of everyday life, remembering passwords has become all the more important.
Many websites require visitors to enter a username and password. Remembering all of these secret codes can be challenging, but there are a few strategies to make that task easier to manage.
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How to streamline grocery shopping If fresh food is all you need, stick to the perimeter of the store, where produce, meats and dairy products are typically stored. rocery shopping is a part of life, and whether trips to the local supermarket are a daily, weekly or monthly occurrence, such excursions can be time-consuming. Data from the American Time Use Survey, which measures how much time people spend shopping among other things, indicates that people have spent less time shopping since the recession began in 2008, and many people might want to continue this trend of spending less time at the store even as their finances recover. The following are some simple strategies for those who want to do just that. Embrace e-commerce offerings. Grocery stores have joined the ranks of other retailers in making it easy for customers to shop for food online. Individuals can browse for sales, shop according to the weekly circular and create lists that make it easier for them to track their purchases.
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Another change in how we shop for groceries concerns how the food we purchase makes it into our refrigerators and pantries. Many grocery chains now offer delivery service, and some even have personal shopping services in which customers fill out their orders online, and a store employee gathers all of the groceries. The customer then arrives to pick up and pay for their groceries at a predetermined time. Utilizing such services can curb impulse buys and drastically reduce the time shoppers spend in stores. Make a list. Making a list before heading to the store remains one of the biggest time savers when shopping for groceries. A list helps shoppers cut back on the time they spend wandering around a store and wondering what they do or don’t need. Shoppers can even take things one step further by coordinating their list to a store’s layout, which reduces the likelihood that
shoppers will make several trips down the same aisle. Bring only the coupons you are likely to use. Instead of toting along your entire coupon portfolio, bring only those coupons you plan to use. This allows you to get in and out of the store without rifling through circulars or coupon organizers. Shop the perimeter of the store. Shoppers interested in fresh foods should concentrate their shopping efforts on the perimeter of the store. This is typically where fresh produce, meats, poultry, bakery items, and dairy products are kept. Packaged, processed foods are usually kept in the interior aisles. Visit during off-peak hours. Avoid stores on the first day of a sale, when your fellow shoppers will be eager to stock up. In addition, try to avoid shopping on the first or last day of the month, when paychecks
or government benefit checks arrive. Shopping when school lets out in the afternoon is another busy time of day at many grocery stores. If you truly want to save time, shop late in the evening or in the early morning when stores are less hectic and checkout lines won’t be as long. Go it alone. Some shoppers may benefit by flying solo when grocery shopping. It’s often quicker to move through a store when you are on your own. Scan as you go. Some stores allow shoppers to scan their groceries as they put them in their carts. The scan gun is linked to their shopping rewards card. When shoppers are ready to go, the shopper then scans a bar code and the entire purchase history gets sent to the register for check-out. This concept cuts down on the time shoppers spend in line.
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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
No-bake desserts make the perfect end to a t is the season for entertaining, when invitations for barbecues and parties abound. Common courtesy dictates guests offer a token of appreciation to their host or hostess for the invitation to socialize. Although wine or other beverages are a go-to gift, a tasty dessert also makes a great gift. And gifters can even consider a no-bake recipe so they don’t have to turn on the oven when the weather warms up. Need inspiration? Browse the Internet and you’re likely to discover dozens of delicious no-bake recipes. Cooking shows on television and articles in newspapers and magazines also can inspire home chefs. Otherwise, you can try your hand at these simple dessert solutions. Ambrosia salad: Ambrosia is a variation on a traditional fruit salad. While the name references a food enjoyed by Greek deities, most believe the dessert traces its origins to the United States. Although ambrosia salad can have different variations, many recipes begin with a dairy base (pudding, sour cream or yogurt) and then include different canned or fresh fruits, shredded coconut and mini-marshmallows. Ambrosia salad is refreshing on a warm day and takes little time to prepare. Pudding trifle: Trifles are made by layering different ingredients to create a striated design. This dessert may include a variety of ingredients, from cake to cookie crumbs to fruit. Trifles also can be customized to fit a particular party theme. Patriotic parties may feature a trifle made with berries, whipped cream and cubes of vanilla pound cake. Match flavors to cocktails or other food being served. Easy ice cream cake: Packaged ice cream sandwiches can be turned into a tasty and simple dessert. First, purchase a box of ice cream sandwiches, then melt hot fudge and crumble cookies, like Oreos®, into the fudge. Spread the cookie and fudge layer on top of the sandwiches
I Save time with fast Employ various techniques to cut down on the time it takes to prepare and cook a meal. arm weather provides a great opportunity to slow down and savor time spent having fun in the great outdoors. But time spent away from home often leads to meals made on the fly or lastminute jaunts to a nearby fast-food restaurant. Though last-minute meals or trips to the local burger joint might be convenient, they are not always healthy. Fortunately, there are other ways to eat well even when you’re pressed for time. Choose fast-cooking foods. Stock the pantry with items that will cook quickly. Fresh produce can be steamed or grilled in only a few minutes and served alone as a vegetarian meal or mixed with other foods for a quick entree. Seafood tends to cook quite fast, and many seafood dishes make for a low-fat source of healthy protein and essential fatty acids. Seafood also is lighter on the stomach, which fits well with the smaller meals people tend to enjoy during warm weather. Even foods that take a long time to cook can be prepared quickly. Thick cuts of meat or poultry can be fileted or sliced to allow them to cook faster. Cook with high heat. Instead of slowroasting or plugging in the slow cooker for hours on end, instant meal gratification often means cranking up the heat. That is why grilling is such a popular cooking method this time of year. Grilling will sear meats and vegetables over high heat, sometimes as much as 400 to 500 F, cooking foods rapidly
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as a result. Select meats that do well over high heat, such as those that are tender, because they will not require long cooking periods to break down the fibers in the meat. If grilling is not an option, then stir-frying is another way to cook fast over high heat. Invest in a wok or another deep frying pan for such meals. Have prepared items on standby. Keep the refrigerator stocked with already-washed vegetables and lettuce. Par-boiled potatoes or pasta can be mixed in with a number of different ingredients to create a filling meal. When free time allows, develop a plan so meals take less time to prepare. If frozen items must be defrosted, make sure to put them in the refrigerator the day before they will be cooked to begin the thawing period. Otherwise, use a microwave to safely defrost foods rather than leaving them out on the counter where bacteria can grow. Don’t fret a no-fuss night. Not every meal has to be a three-course delight. A fast dinner could equate to a sandwich or salad. Breakfast foods for dinner are also quite popular and can cook up quickly. Surprise everyone with French toast or pancakes made savory with bits of bacon and spinach in the batter. When all else fails, a bowl of cereal can be adequate and fast. When dining out, go healthy. Sometimes takeout or a meal out with friends or family is the perfect ending to a great day. Restaurant food tends to pack more fat and calories into larger-than-normal portion sizes, so choose steamed or broiled foods whenever possible. Divide larger portions among other diners. Clear soups are better for you than creambased soups. Try to fill up on vegetables rather than bread served before the meal.
and then repeat the layers. Finish by sealing everything with a thin coating of frozen whipped topping. Wrap in aluminum foil and allow to set and harden in the freezer for a few hours. Fruit pizza: This is a refreshing and relatively healthy dessert to complement any occasion. Start by making a graham cracker crust, either by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a bit of sugar and pressing into a pie dish or by simply buying one ready-made. (For a less healthy alternative, and one that requires baking, use a sugar cookie dough to make a cookie crust.) Mix whipped cream cheese with a bit of strawberry jam, marmalade or your favorite fruit flavor. Spread over the crust. Place slices of fruit on top of the cream cheese. Peaches, apples, grapes, sliced cherries, kiwi, and blueberries can be used. For a professionallooking finish, a glaze made from cornstarch, water and sugar will give the top of the fruit pizza an inviting sheen. Fresh strawberry yogurt pie: The benefits of eating yogurt abound. Yogurt is lower in fat and calories than ice cream, and yogurt boasts active, live cultures that keep your digestive system working correctly. Yogurt doesn’t just have to be reserved for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it in a delicious dessert, too. Purchase a ready-made chocolate cookie pie crust or make your own from ground chocolate sandwich cookies. Mix together eight to 10 ounces of strawberry Greek yogurt with a small container of thawed frozen whipped topping. Add in slices of fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and freeze until firmly set. Thaw slightly to slice easily and enjoy. No-bake treats make for easily prepared desserts. Experiment with different flavor combinations, and you just may discover a new crowd favorite.
TODAY’S NEWS HERALD • JUNE 2015
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How to avoid distractions when working from home elecommuting has made great strides over the last decade. U.S. Census Bureau statistics have identified key telecommuting trends, noting that 45 percent of the American workforce holds a job that is compatible with at least part-time work from home. Based on current trends, with no growth acceleration, regular telecommuters will total 4.9 million by 2016, a 69 percent increase from the current level. As more people work from home, more people need to find ways to be productive outside of the office environment. That productivity may hinge on avoiding distractions. Many people telecommute in an attempt to make their lives easier and more affordable. Working from home carries with it a number of benefits, but also quite a few challenges. Some people who work from home find it more difficult to separate work life from home life, and distractions in the latter can sabotage the former. Recognizing your biggest distractions and remedying them can lead to more productivity and better job performance.
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Children One of the more popular reasons employees work from home is to be more available for child care. Telecommuting gives working parents a schedule that is flexible enough to meet work deadlines while also being able to pick the kids up from school or to attend school-related functions and extracurricular activities.
Telecommuting also allows new mothers to nurse longer or stay home with infants for a longer period of time. However, the same reasons people work from home also can prove to be the biggest distractions. Imagine being several paragraphs into a report when the baby wakes up from a nap and demands to be fed. Conference calls can be disrupted by a child who needs homework help or a toddler who needs the channel changed on the television. Some trial and error may be required to develop a system in which you can work effectively and be able to pull away to handle child-related issues. Social media Social media connects people to the world around them. Smartphones and tablets enable people to check their email, update their status and tweet messages at a moment’s notice. Working from home affords unrestricted access to social media sites and other forms of communication that may not be so readily accessible in a traditional working environment. It can be tempting for you to constantly click over to Instagram or LinkedIn during the day. However, telecommuters should set specific times of the day when they use social media and restrict usage to only these times. This way they can more fully immerse themselves in work. This may involve shutting off instant messaging services or logging off
personal email until the workday is through. Friendly interruptions Friends and family members may not understand that telecommuting is the same as working. Phone calls or texts answered at all hours of the day can be distracting. Working from home does not give friends or family unlimited access to you, so discourage unexpected visits or phone calls. Others should understand that they must respect your work hours, whether those hours are being spent at home or in an office. Dedicated workspace It can be difficult to take telecommuting seriously if your work area is a folding table and a laptop stuck in the corner of the living room. Others in the household may infringe on your workspace, and daily life can produce many distractions. It is best to have an area specifically dedicated to work, and this area should be closed off to others who won’t need you during the day (children should be able to reach you in case of emergency). Your work desk shouldn’t be a place that the children do their homework. Try to set up your desk in an area that doesn’t get much foot traffic or inspire you to daydream. If you are close to a television or facing an open window, you may spend too many hours gazing aimlessly
instead of focused on the tasks at hand. Very often you can be your own worst enemy when it comes to distractions. Buckling down and paying attention requires effort. Know your limits Taking breaks from time to time can quell boredom and refresh your level of concentration. Periodically step away from your desk to grab a snack or drink, just like you would at the office. Go outdoors for a few minutes and breathe some fresh air. These tactics can keep your head clear. Resolve problems before logging on Attempt to handle any concerns or tasks related to your personal life before you start your work for the day. Otherwise, you may be focused on tackling one problem when your mind should be on something else. While home and work issues will inevitably cross paths, do not use work hours to pay bills, schedule medical appointments or run house errands. Reducing distractions is a key to telecommuting successfully. As more companies recognize the benefits of allowing employees to work from home, workers should step up to the challenge with dedication and focus.
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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
How to stretch your vacation Budget-conscious travelers can still visit their favorite resorts without breaking the bank.
he affordable vacation is becoming more and more rare. Rising fuel costs have made air and automotive travel considerably more expensive, hamstringing many would-be travelers’ budgets before they even begin their search for a hotel or private rental. While vacations may have become more expensive in recent years, that should not prevent men and women from booking trips to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. In fact, there are many ways to stretch your vacation dollar without sacrificing the quality of your getaway. Shake things up with your travel schedule. Flexibility can be your greatest ally with regard to stretching your vacation dollar, so consider traveling on
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less popular travel days when planning your vacation. For example, instead of booking your vacation to coincide with a typical work week, consider breaking your vacation up over a twoweek period, leaving on a Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday. Both your outgoing and return flights will likely be less expensive than they would be if you were to travel on a weekend, when flights tend to be more expensive, and you will still get to enjoy a full week’s worth of vacation. Consider booking through a travel website. Many travel websites, including Groupon and LivingSocial, offer travel packages at heavily discounted prices. While some people are understandably skittish about booking trips
through such sites, a little research can go a long way toward calming any nerves you might have about booking your trip. Read previous customer reviews of a deal before booking your trip, shying away from deals that fellow travelers felt fell short of their expectations. In addition to gauging reaction from past customers, do your own homework on the resorts included in each package you’re considering, and then make an educated decision based on your research. Book an escorted vacation. If your vacation is going to be less about relaxing poolside and more along the lines of sightseeing and experiencing a different culture, then an escorted vacation might be your most affordable option. On an escorted vacation, your itinerary is prearranged, and that itinerary likely includes many popular tourist
attractions and destinations. Such vacations are typically offered at a set price per person, and that price typically includes the cost of transportation, which can be considerable when traveling abroad. Pack light. Anyone who has traveled by air over the last decade is likely aware that baggage costs are another thing to consider when establishing a vacation budget. While men and women flying alone might be able to grin and bear it with regard to baggage fees, parents traveling with kids in tow might be forced to shell out hundreds of dollars in baggage fees alone. When packing for a vacation, pack light so you aren’t left paying hefty baggage fees before boarding your outgoing and returning flights. Familiarize yourself with local tipping standards. Tipping standards vary
depending on the country, so it pays to research tipping standards before traveling abroad so you aren’t unnecessarily overtipping. Many resorts already include the cost of a tip when billing guests for food and beverage, and some all-inclusive resorts may have already factored staff tips into your bill when determining the cost of your stay. You may tip several hundred dollars over the course of a weeklong stay, and that might be money wasted if your resort has already factored tips into the cost of your stay. Doing your homework might just save you a substantial amount of money. The cost of travel has skyrocketed in recent years. But savvy travelers can still satisfy their wanderlust without breaking the bank.
TODAY’S NEWS HERALD • JUNE 2015
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How to spruce up outdoor space before hosting Patios, including furniture and walkways, should be cleaned and cleared of debris before hosting your next party.
eautiful nights make for great opportunities to invite some friends over for a starry soirée under the nighttime sky. Unlike house parties at which guests will be spending most of their time indoors and in various rooms throughout the house, outdoor parties are often limited to smaller areas, such as patios. That can make things much less taxing on hosts, who won’t have much prep work to do to get an outdoor hosting area ready for guests. But even an impromptu party requires planning and a little elbow grease before guests arrive. The following are a few areas to address before guests arrive for your next outdoor get-together.
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Clear the walkways and patio of debris. The walkways and patio may not need too much attention, but give them a once-over with a broom to clear any debris. When clearing the patio of debris, move all furniture, making sure to sweep up any debris, including food, that might have fallen beneath tables and chairs since your most recent party. If the patio is especially dirty, consider power washing it to remove stubborn stains that can rob the area of its aesthetic appeal.
Clean the furniture. Whether it’s been months since your last party on the patio or just a few days, the furniture must be cleaned. Unless items have been stored in a garage or shed, patio furnishings are exposed to the elements, and that means dirt, soil, soot or pollen may have accumulated on the furniture. Wipe down all cushions, using a mild detergent when necessary. Cushions may need some time to dry, so make this one of your first tasks, and leave cushions out in the sun so they dry more quickly. Once the cushions have been cleaned, wipe down the furniture with a wet towel to clear them of any dirt or debris. Clean and inspect the grill. The grill is a go-to accessory when hosting an outdoor party, so give the grill a thorough cleaning before the first guests arrive. Nothing brings a party to a halt like hunger, and guests may begin to grow antsy if they are not served food in a reasonable amount of time. If you are using a propane grill, check to make sure the tanks are full as you clean the grill. Running out of propane is a summer soirée faux pas, so you might want to keep an extra tank handy just to be safe.
Clear the entryway to your home. Your guests will likely be using the same entryway over and over again during the party, so focus on cleaning this entryway so guests don’t trip or have to jump over toys on their way to an indoor restroom. Once the entryway has been cleared of potential tripping hazards, make sure the indoor path to the restroom is clear as well.
Quench guests’ thirst with this refreshing concoction
Pressed Watermelon With Basil Water
Few foods are as synonymous with a particular season as watermelon is with summer. For many people, a backyard barbecue or picnic in the park is not complete without a refreshing slice of fresh watermelon. But while watermelon is most often associated with dessert at warm weather soirées, this beloved fruit is much more versatile than that. For example, watermelon can be used to make a refreshing beverage for guests of your next outdoor gettogether. Easy to prepare and ideal on warm afternoons and evenings, the following recipe for “Pressed
Watermelon With Basil Water” from Brian Peterson-Campbell’s “Cool Waters: 50 Refreshing, Healthy, Homemade Thirst Quenchers” (Harvard Common Press) is sure to cool down your guests. Pressed Watermelon With Basil Water Makes 6 servings 4 cups watermelon 6 to 8 large basil leaves 1 ⁄4 teaspoon white wine vinegar 4 cups chilled still water Pinch of sea salt
1. Combine the watermelon chunks and basil in a colander placed over a large bowl. Using a metal ladle or spoon, press the watermelon to extract as much juice as possible (the remaining pulp should be fairly dry). 2. Season the juice with the sea salt and vinegar and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Add the water, stir and serve. Food pairings: Grill chicken or fish, feta and tomato salad, shortbread cookies Chef’s tip: Use yellow watermelon for an unexpected twist.
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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
Keep pests away from entertaining areas Identify common pests Yard pests vary depending on geography, so the first step is to figure out which pests are native to your area. Mosquitoes can be found in many locales, but certain insects may be exclusive to specific regions. For example, palmetto bugs are native to moist, tropical areas, such as the southeastern United States. In addition to insects, squirrels, moles, raccoons, and other rodents may also descend on a property. Neighborhoods that abut natural ecosystems or infringe on wild animals’ habitats may see a wider array of animals encroaching on entertaining spaces. Deer, bears, coyotes, and certain bird species can present their own brands of trouble. Homeowners new to an area may have to experience a learning curve to determine which pests are common to a certain area, as well as which seasons bring which creatures.
Make entertaining areas comfortable and safe by keeping pests at bay. utdoor entertaining is one of the joys of nicer weather. People routinely gather on the patio or around the pool when the weather warms up, and such recreational activities can foster companionship and reduce stress. However, if nuisance animals and insects are sharing entertaining spaces, these pests can quickly put a damper on the festivities. While it may seem impossible to keep an outdoor entertaining area completely pest-free, there are ways to keep such unwanted intrusions manageable.
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Try natural repellents first To minimize damage to the environment and to protect local wildlife, homeowners should exhaust natural ways to repel pests before resorting to less eco-friendly methods. Animals can be kept out of a yard with fences and other barriers, such as thorny bushes. Many pests are deterred by smells or certain structures in a lawn or garden. For example, inserting chicken wire into a garden bed may be enough to repel burrowing animals. Certain insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, find the aromas of citronella grass, basil and marigold offensive. Surrounding a property with these plants can create a natural bug repellent. Lavender and rosemary are other
aromatics that may deter pests. Blood meal and soap solutions can repel deer and other wildlife that may feed on garden plants. Pests attracted to food can be kept at bay with frequent sweeping or hosing down of the patio. In addition, maintain a clean grill and store trash in tightly secured receptacles. Consider more traditional alternatives If natural repellents do not work, you may need to rely on more traditional products to repel insects and other pests. Beetle traps lure beetles with an inviting scent before the beetle gets trapped in a bag and cannot exit. Traps for wasps and flies follow a similar premise. Bug zappers are largely viewed as an inhumane option but can be highly effective. Unfortunately, these zappers also attract and kill beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies. Chemical repellents also are available. Stores stock pesticides that will rid plants of damaging insects. These repellents also may be used around the patio to make the area inhospitable to insects and other pests. Contact an exterminator If the problem is simply too difficult to manage on your own, then you might need to contact an exterminator, who can spray the perimeter of the home for bugs and can also be called in to safely trap and remove nuisance animals. An exterminator may also have detailed knowledge of protected species and which habitats can and cannot be disturbed.
Did you know? Few things beat a cold beverage on a hot day. When time is of the essence, there are ways to cool down bottled or canned beverages quickly. Individual bottles can be wrapped in a wet paper towel and stashed in the freezer for a few minutes. However, if you will be having a party and want to get beverages ready for the crowd, create a salty ice bath. Salt does not actually make water colder, but it will suppress the freezing point of water. That means water can become much colder — and retain that temperature — without freezing over to ice. If no salt were added, the coldest the water would reach would be 32 F. By adding salt, water can get as low as -6 F. This means items submerged in a salty ice bath will get colder much more quickly. Fill a cooler half-way with ice. Add the beverages until they are covered by ice. Then add water until the ice is submerged. Mix in table salt or rock salt to suppress the freezing point of the water. After 10 minutes or more, the beverages should be icy cold.
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TODAY’S NEWS HERALD • JUNE 2015
Cleaning and stain removal
hether it’s carpeting, clothing or upholstery, a new fabric can be ruined at the arrival of that first stain. Spills and spots can quickly mar the surface of any item, transforming a prized possession into an eyesore in a matter of seconds. But knowing how to treat a stain can save such items from the scrap heap and save their owners a substantial amount of money along the way. Mildew: Rare is the homeowner who hasn’t battled mildew at one point or another. Bleach and baking soda are the materials most often used to tame a mildew outbreak. Depending on the severity of the mildew, begin with one part bleach to one part water in a spray bottle. Allow this solution to sit on the mildew and then rinse. If this does not work, mix one part bleach to three parts baking soda to form a paste. Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to scour the mildew, allowing the concoction to set for roughly 30 minutes before rinsing it off. If the mildew is still stubborn, increase the amount of bleach in the cleaning solution. Remember to always clean in a well-ventilated room. Diluted bleach also can remove mildew from siding or plastic patio furniture. Never mix bleach with an acid, such as ammonia or cleaning products that contain ammonia. Red wine: Anyone who has hosted a party where adults are drinking wine knows the potential for a spill is significant. Red wine can stain quickly, so fast action is necessary to prevent wine spills from causing permanent damage. Use cold water to flush out the stain as much as possible. When cleaning spills on clothing, flush the red wine from the back of stain or the underside of the fabric. This is not often possible when cleaning spills on carpets and upholstery, so in such instances blot the stain with a clean cloth, such as a white rag, that will not transfer any additional coloring to the stain. Sprinkle table salt on the wine stain and allow it to sit for two to three minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly with cold water while blotting up the excess. Continue to rinse until the stain has dissipated. Oily stains: Oil and water do not mix, so using water to try to treat an oil-based stain will only exacerbate the problem. The first step to cleaning oil-based stains is to use something absorbent, such as corn starch or talcum powder, on the stain and blot with a cloth. This will help draw some of the oil out of the fabric. Lay paper towels down on a table and place the stained clothing face-down on the towels. Use a dry cleaning solvent on the back of the stain and push down to blot out the oily residue onto the paper towels. Repeat the process until the oil is removed. Apply a laundry pretreatment product or even plain laundry detergent to the stain. Wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric and allow the item to air dry. Pet stains: As young puppies learn to house train, they can leave messes indoors, while cats may soil areas of the home if they are scared or finicky. Pet stains should be treated thoroughly because not only do they look unsightly, but they can begin to smell as well. Leaving odor behind may encourage the pet to urinate in the same area over and over. Plain, white vinegar is a good tool for pet stains. Blot up as much of the urine as possible. Use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water on the stain. Spray it onto the soiled spot. Blot up the remainder with a dry, clean cloth. Repeat as necessary. To remove any residual odor, sprinkle baking soda on the spot after it has dried. Let the baking soda sit for up to a day. Then vacuum up the powder. When stains occur, avoid rubbing or pushing the stain further into the fabric. Work from the outside in when blotting to contain the stain as much as possible.
Wardrobe tips for every woman elebrities and public figures make many things look easy, especially when it comes to fashion. Deep pockets and stylists on the payroll make it easy for celebs to project a polished appearance. But money alone does not buy style, and chances are the average woman has the wardrobe staples necessary to look her best. Such essentials need not cost a fortune to produce a seemingly endless array of outfits.
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are big for the spring and summer. Orange can also carry into autumn. A bold blazer will add appeal to an office combination. A printed scarf paired with a neutral blouse and pants adds some color and whimsy without being too bold. Printed pants can be a fun choice for a night on the town. Those who prefer to play it safe may lean toward classic lines and colors, but don’t forget to add some punch with strapped shoes or flashy accessories.
Take inventory of the basics Women should go through their closets and find the wardrobe pieces that can be put to use in multiple combinations. Timeless styles can be used over and over, and some items work well as a base for a multitude of outfits. For example, a simple sleeveless dress in a neutral color can be worn alone, paired with a cardigan for a professional or casual look, or even made to look corporate with a blazer for a business meeting. A sheath in black, tan or navy can be worn repeatedly and matched to a bevy of other pieces. In addition to a simple dress, a pair of black pants, a knee-length skirt, a few tanks or camisoles, a pair of dark-colored jeans, and solid-colored cardigans can be mixed and matched in different ways. Women can make a running list of the staples they already own and then fill in the missing pieces on their next shopping trip.
Know the cuts and colors that work Looking polished means finding the hues and styles that fit with a particular body type and skin coloring, more so than simply following the latest trends. A woman who understands her body type can rely on pieces that are designed to flatter. Not all colors work on every person. While greens and yellows may look good on one person, a woman with an olive skin tone may look washed out wearing these shades too close to her face. Similarly, fair- or dark-skinned women may fade into their clothing if the pieces are too similar to their skin tone. Women can peruse magazines to find models of similar proportions and coloring, then experiment with the styles and hues they see. Once a match is found, these can be the go-to looks that enable her to always look polished.
Add some pieces that pop Spice up the basics with some new items that feature hot colors of the season. Pastels, orange and neon colors
Make sure it fits Clothing that does not fit properly will not look good no matter how fashionable or expensive it might be. Rather than fixating on the size printed on the tag, women should shop for clothing based on fit. This could mean
bringing a few different sizes into the dressing room and figuring out which one fits best. Not all designers run true to size, and some fabrics will have more give than others. A good rule of thumb is to always fit the largest part of your body. The other measurements can be tailored accordingly. It is a safer bet to purchase a size bigger if one is between sizes and have the item altered rather than trying to squeeze into something that is too small. Invest in good undergarments Sometimes it isn’t the clothes that can make the woman, but the structure pieces she wears underneath. Fitting experts attest that nearly 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Most women are slipping into bras that are too small. Although bras range in size from 28AAA to 56FF, the majority of department stores stock a limited number of the most popular sizes. Therefore, women may squeeze into bras that are not sized correctly. A better idea is to go to a specialty lingerie shop to get properly sized. Not only will a well-fitting bra support the breasts better, but such a bra also transforms the way shirts and dresses look and fit. Before investing in an entirely new wardrobe, women should invest in new bras. Looking good does not have to require spending a fortune or overhauling a wardrobe. Mix and match existing clothing with some new, well-fitting pieces to revitalize your look.
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JUNE 2015 • TODAY’S NEW HERALD
How to reduce junk mail finding its way into your inbox Reduce junk emails as much as possible by filtering email and being selective with whom you share contact information.
mail correspondence has completely changed the way people communicate on a daily basis. Handwritten letters have become a relic of the past, as most people now take to their keyboards or touchscreens to tap out messages and send them instantaneously. In addition to general correspondence, email has become a method for businesses to contact prospective consumers. Once a store or service provider has customers’ email addresses, that business now has a direct avenue by which to reach potential customers. While providing businesses with your email address has its benefits, most notably making it easier for consumers to learn about upcoming sales or even special discounts offered only to email subscribers, offering such information also makes men and women susceptible to junk email. Few things can be more annoying than an inbox overrun with junk mail. Some retailers sell subscribers’ email addresses to other businesses, so consumers who initially only provide their email address to a specific retailer may soon find themselves inundated with emails from a bevy of retailers. In addition to being a nuisance, junk mail also can make a person who isn’t careful more susceptible to identity theft.
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Eliminating junk mail may be impossible, but there are ways to cut back on all of that unwanted content in your inbox. Filter your messages. Run a search in your inbox for the word “unsubscribe.” Doing so should narrow down all of the messages that have instructions to unsubscribe from notifications. Go message by message, and follow the links provided to remove your email address from mailing lists. Although this can be a time-consuming process, it can substantially cut back on the amount of junk mail in your inbox. Create a designated junk mail account. Who says you have to have just one email account? Establish one account that you will use for correspondence between friends, family members and other important people while reserving another account to use when stores and businesses request contact information. This way all of the spam will funnel into one account and won’t interfere with the account you use to correspond with friends and family. Avoid publicizing your email address. Junk mailers have robot programs that can grab email addresses from a websites and enter them into their systems. If you manage a website, do not list your email address among the contact information. Use a secure “contact us” form or replace the email address with a QR code. Don’t conduct business with a junk mailer. Despite how annoying they can be,
unsolicited emails are effective. A certain number of people will follow a link within a junk mail advertisement and ultimately conduct business with that company. Make it a point not to purchase a product or service from a company that sent you an unsolicited email. Utilize email filters. Many email programs enable users to filter their messages and automatically redirect them to specific folders so they never reach a user’s primary inbox. Use these filters and tags to keep unwanted junk mail out of your inbox and in a folder where all unwanted messages can be deleted in a single click. Beware of unsolicited messages on mobile phones. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to ignore unwanted marketing text messages. Not only does this alert a junk mailer that a number is a working number, but also it opens the door for more messages. Depending on your data plan, this can end up costing you a substantial amount of money in overage charges. If unwanted texts are getting out of hand, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission or the Canadian Anti–Fraud Centre. Junk mail can be a nuisance that interferes with business and personal communications. But there are several ways men and women can make themselves less susceptible to these unwanted daily emails.