Howto 2016

JUNE 2016 A Special Supplement To

TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD

View this section online @ www.havasunews.com

Unplugging to Unwind

How to unplug from your devices

Financial 411

Getting Gone How to find more time to travel

How to get back on track with your finances

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June 30, 2016 • Today’s News-Herald

NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE

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How bulk cooking can make meals easier

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Food storage and safety tips

6

Revitalize kids’ toys in no time

7

How to revitalize an aging sofa

8

Make simple work of household chores

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How to make your dishwasher work better

9

How to repurpose items for new and useful purposes

10

The many uses for vinegar

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Easy financial tips to get on track

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Easy and budget-friendly ways to add curb appeal

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Redefine a space with an interior decorator’s help

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Make the most of small living spaces

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How to keep your bike in top form

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How to find more time to travel

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Simple techniques to help you relax

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How to get a better night’s sleep

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How to take back your downtime

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How to unplug from your devices

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O

pening a dresser drawer to find clothes disorganized and stuffed inside can be frustrating. Bulky clothes may not seem to fit correctly and other items can become stuck at the back of a drawer, making it difficult to close the drawer properly. Although you may be tempted to purchase an entirely new dresser or give up and store items solely in the closet, try a new tactic.

Various organizing experts advise folding and layering clothes vertically in drawers to create more space and keep things neat. An additional benefit to this method of storage is you can more readily see just what you have in the drawer, rather than lifting and looking underneath your clothing. Anyone can give this a try to free up space in their drawers.

This method also works especially well with children’s clothing, giving kids the opportunity to see their clothes and choose their own outfits.

Today’s News-Herald • June 30, 2016

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Food storage and safety tips Separate meat and poultry Individual pieces of meat and poultry should be separated before freezing, as this makes it easier to take out the right portions when defrosting for meals.

Small, thin packages will freeze faster and more evenly than other types of containers. They will also defrost quickly for use later on.

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uying in bulk can reduce trips to the supermarket and save you money.

When buying in bulk, you can cook perishable foods all at once or store foods for later use. When taking the latter approach, there are certain storage and safety tips home cooks can take to ensure their food stays fresh and safe to eat.

Be prepared Before buying a large amount of food, ensure that your refrigerator and freezer are in good working order. Use a food appliance thermometer to get an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigerators be kept at or below 40 F (5 C), and the freezer at or below zero (-18 C). A refrigerator or freezer that is too warm can cause the growth of unhealthy bacteria in stored foods and decrease the shelf life of stored items.

Purchase freezer-safe plastic storage bags or containers to hold divided food.

Also have a permanent marker handy to label containers with the date and type of food enclosed.

Wash later Wash produce and fresh foods prior to eating. If items are washed before they are stored, the moisture trapped can accelerate spoilage. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables are the exception.

Wash these items and drain thoroughly.

Afterward, store in a sealed bag with paper towels, which will absorb excess moisture.

Keep hands clean when handling raw foods by placing one hand in a small plastic sandwich bag to grab the pieces of chicken or meat. Then turn the bag inside out on your hand and the piece of food. Place these wrapped pieces into a freezer-safe bag. The double layer of protection will safeguard against the formation of ice crystals and freezer burn, which can affect flavor.

Bulk ground beef or turkey purchases are another popular buy. Place in a large storage bag and flatten the ground meat as much as possible. Use a spatula to indent the meat almost through to the bottom in a grid pattern. This perforation allows you to access as much of the frozen meat as necessary.

Defrosting The USDA advises to defrost foods properly to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Freezing suspends bacteria trapped in food indefinitely. Improper defrosting practices can cause that bacteria to grow.

If the food is not cooked thoroughly, illness can result.

Plan ahead to defrost foods in the refrigerator. It can take up to a day for this method of thawing, so plan meals well in advance.

A cold-water bath also can defrost foods.

They should be in a leak-proof package, and the bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. Small packages of meat, poultry or seafood — about a pound — may thaw in an hour or less.

Microwaves also have a defrost setting.

Just remember to cook foods immediately afterward if you defrost them in a microwave.

Purchasing larger quantities of food can save money and time. Proper storage and food handling afterward ensures meals will be safe and tasty.

How bulk cooking can make meals easier

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ealthy family meals can get lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.

Convenience may win out when parents are short on time, and it’s hard not to be enticed by the ease of fast food or the lure of frozen foods. While these options are certainly fine on occasion, there is a more nutritious solution for time-crunched families.

Planning is a big part of enjoying a homecooked meal, and cooking in bulk can help families enjoy more homecooked meals. By thinking ahead about meals, you can more easily enjoy homecooked dinners than if you were to wait until the last minute to think about what’s for dinner.

If bulk cooking is a foreign concept, the following are some resources to help you along.

• Get started by browsing cookbooks, online recipes or speaking with friends and family members about their favorite meals, especially those that may be popular with younger eaters. Concentrate on a specific meal each day. Dinner is the meal many families hope to share, as breakfast and lunch are often eaten outside of the home. Make a list of the ingredients that go into your family’s favorite meals, selecting recipes that use many of the same ingredients.

• Wait until you have a free schedule and ample time to go to the store to shop for all of your supplies. Have a list on hand and check off each item as you find it. Cooking in bulk also means you can buy in bulk. Very often bulk-size foods are discounted, saving you both time and money. Shop for the staples that are needed for most meals, including fresh herbs, cheese, spices, oil, and whatever flavorings your family finds most appealing. Large bags of rice and potatoes also are handy to have available.

• Take advantage of warehouse club membership fees or manufacturer or store coupon deals on multiple buy specials. Buying jumbo-sized packages of food makes more sense when you intend to cook in bulk.

• Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, as you will need plenty of room to store your ingredients, and later, your prepared meals. Figure out when you will be doing the cooking so you know what will need to be refrigerated or frozen once you return from the supermarket.

• Establish a dedicated cooking day.

Many bulk cookers cook on the weekend.

You may be able to have a spouse or friend take the children for the day so there will be no interruptions.

• Gather all items that need to be chopped or sliced and set them aside.

Leave ample time to chop or slice, which can take a lot of time. Use all of your available cooking resources, such as the grill, stovetop, oven, and slow cooker, at once. Then just drop the ingredients in as necessary.

• Have plenty of freezer-safe storage containers on hand. Divvy up the meals into containers and label clearly. Now each day of the week you have a fast meal that can be heated up in no time.

Fresh bread and a salad may be the only other components you need.

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June 30, 2016 • Today’s News-Herald

Revitalize kids’ toys in no time

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hildren can be rough on their toys, and many a toy has found its way into the garbage pile long before parents could have imagined it would when they purchased the item.

But there are various, easy ways to rehabilitate toys so they can go on to have more utility and not end up in the garbage prematurely.

The following suggestions can help restore some of the luster that made kids love their now-damaged toys.

• Fix tangled doll hair. Dolls come out of the box looking pristine, but after a few play sessions, their nylon locks can become a knotted mess, and brushing only seems to make it worse. Rather than giving that princess doll a “buzz cut” to remedy the bad hair day, visit your laundry room. Fill a spray bottle with a 50-50 mix of water and liquid fabric softener.

Spray the solution onto the doll hair. Use a comb or brush to work out the tangles, then rinse the hair with clean water. Allow to dry

before putting it back into your youngster’s toy box.

• Clean up plush toys. Plush toys are often children’s first and most beloved companions. As a result, they can become grimy from constantly being dragged here and there through areas that are not always very clean. Many plush toys can be run through a washing machine’s gentle cycle. Place the stuffed toy in a light-colored pillowcase, being sure to securely close the pillowcase to protect the plastic eyes and other components of the plush. Wash and tumble dry on low to refresh the toy. Adding a little more stuffing to a plush toy can make a world of difference as well. Find a seam and make a small hole in the stitching. Stuff in some more batting or loose fill purchased from a craft store. Use an unsharpened pencil to push the stuffing into hard-to-reach areas, such as thin arms and legs of the doll. Then stitch up the hole before giving the toy back to your child.

• Clean gummed-up electronics.

Electronic toys are favorites for many children. Toys with keyboards or buttons that need to be pressed can become stuck over time, rendering the toy useless thanks to debris that accumulates. It can be challenging to clean electronic toys because they are sensitive to water. Use a rag soaked with dish liquid and water. Ring out the rag before wiping down the surface of the toy. This will help clean up any sticky residue and other dirt. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean in between tight areas, such as between keys.

Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so it is generally safer to use on electronics than water.

The alcohol also can help disinfect the toy.

Before discarding kids’ toys, parents can first explore the many ways to give the items new life.

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Today’s News-Herald • June 30, 2016

How to revitalize an aging sofa plans, and regular wear and tear may be excluded.

However, rips, certain stains or opening seams may be eligible for repair.

Covered costs means not having to spend any money out of pocket.

Repairing, cleaning and restuffing can help homeowners get a few extra years out of a sofa.

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ouches are an important component of living rooms and dens, serving as comfortable places to relax. Sofas will be sat on, slept on and, if young children are in the house, sometimes jumped on.

Homeowners looking for new sofas often prioritize comfort, but they also want a sofa that can withstand the test of time.

Although there’s no magic formula, a sturdy sofa should have a lifespan of around 10 years. According to Houzz, quality sofas should feel solid and heavy.

They should have joints that are double doweled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed (not stapled) into place. Over time, even the sturdiest couch can start to show its age and look a bit past its prime. Don’t fret. There are some easy ways to give that aging sofa a makeover.

Begin by reviewing the service agreement. If you purchased an extended warranty or protection plan on the furniture, you may be eligible for repairs at no cost. Stores will restrict just what is covered under such service

Easy financial tips to get on track

There also are some easy do-it-yourself fixes for couches that may be sagging or looking deflated. If seat cushions can be removed, consider placing firm cardboard or wood on top of the springs to provide more firmness. Cushions may begin to sag when the springs underneath begin to lose their elasticity.

If the cushions are the problem, replacing the foam in the cushions or the loosefill stuffing in the pillows can breathe new life into the couch. Foam can begin to disintegrate and lose its shape and integrity. Craft stores, home improvement centers and fabric stores often carry foam products, but those you can’t find might be available via online orders.

Do not give up on a sofa just yet. It may be repaired or given a fresh look to make it appear like new.

Find a method that you can stick with consistently. Some people prefer old-fashioned bookkeeping with pen and paper, while others may like the convenience of software and mobile apps. Having financial matters clearly visible in black and white can show a clear picture of how much money is coming in and how much is being spent.

• Explore auto-withdrawal and deposit.

Many financial institutions offer several services to customers that can make banking and money management easier.

You can set up a savings account and have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into this account. Even small deposits add up over time. You also can arrange for automatic bill pay so you don’t have to worry about accruing late fees for missed payments. Check with your bank or credit union about these types of services.

Cleaning may be another simple fix. Check with the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning. Certain fabrics require specific cleaning solutions. If you are ever unsure about what to use to clean the sofa, use a mild solution of soap and water in an inconspicuous spot first. Many carpet and upholstery cleaning solutions can be used on furniture. Use sparingly and test for color-fastness before cleaning the entire couch. For those who are skittish about cleaning the sofa on their own, consult with a professional upholstery cleaning service.

Slipcovers are another option to revitalizing the look of an aging sofa.

Fitted slipcovers slide right over the existing couch cushions and can change an outdated sofa into one that looks brand new. Measuring correctly and buying accordingly will help achieve a seamless look.

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• Put a change jar in your house.

Change might not be popular, but it is money. Having a jar or bucket in a location of the house where you set your wallet or purse may encourage you to save that loose change for something larger. Place loose change in the jar and watch it add up. Some banks have coincounting machines, which can make it even easier to cash in your change.

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oney is something that individuals usually need more of but frequently find in short supply.

People worry about money … a lot.

According to the YouGov poll for the Institute of Financial Planning and National Savings and Investments in Great Britain, nearly two-thirds of respondents worried about their finances, with 43 percent saying they worried about money “more often than not.”

Things aren’t much different in the United States, where a recent survey from Lincoln Financial Group showed that 53 percent of respondents worried about having enough money for retirement.

Taking charge of personal finances may seem like a difficult undertaking, but you don’t have to make drastic lifestyle changes to grow your savings. Try these tips to save more and live a more financially-conscious life.

• Keep financial records. It’s hard to determine your financial standing if you do not prioritize record-keeping.

• Sign up for shop-and-earn programs.

Everyone from credit card companies to major retailers offer incentives to repeat customers. These include cashback or other perks for a percentage of the money spent on purchases. These programs equate to built-in discounts and can help you squirrel away even more money without making a conscious effort.

• Consider investing. Investing can put your money to work in exchange for a return. There are many different types of investments available. If you are an investing novice, work with a financial planner or broker who can help you find a level of risk you are comfortable with.

• Pay off debt. The earlier you can get rid of outstanding debt, the better.

Put money toward high-interest loans and credit cards so you aren’t paying so much in costly interest charges.

Afterward, you can start saving in earnest.

Learning to take charge of personal finances early on can set you on a course for financial stability throughout your life.

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June 30, 2016 • Today’s News-Herald

Make simple work of household chores

How to make your dishwasher work better Dishwashers do a lot of cleaning, but they also must be cleaned in order to work effectively.

There are many ways to make the job of cleaning your home a lot less daunting.

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aintaining a clean and orderly home can sometimes be overwhelming. Homeowners juggling the responsibilities of work and family may find they have little energy for everyday household chores. But homeowners can employ some simple strategies to keep their homes clean and orderly without taking up too much of their time.

• Enlist a buddy. Work goes much more quickly if you have someone to help you.

Make a list of all the jobs that need to be done and then split them among your cleaning helpers. Kids can get involved by taking care of the simpler tasks, such as dusting or wiping down counters.

• Clean from top to bottom. Dust and dirt will settle at the lowest possible points, so do not create extra work for yourself by cleaning floors and other surfaces and then dusting off shelves or cleaning cobwebs from the ceiling.

Always work your way downward when cleaning your home.

• Keep stray item baskets in main rooms. Items from other rooms will inadvertently gravitate to places where your family spends most of its time.

Cleaning takes a lot longer if you’re constantly interrupting your tasks to put things where they belong. Instead, toss them into a catch-all basket and make your rounds to other rooms at the end of the cleaning session.

short rinse afterward with some baking soda to remove odors and scour the interior of the appliance as well. Baking soda and vinegar are popular cleaning substances and are safe to use around food items.

• Try a chore each day. Some cleaning enthusiasts advocate performing a different chore each day. Breaking cleaning down into more manageable chunks can make the task of cleaning a home a lot less daunting.

• Keep cleaning items in the bathroom. Bathrooms get daily use, and they need a lot of attention. Store a set of cleaning tools and cleansers in the bathroom so they will always be at the ready. Consider keeping a spray bottle of a bleach-and-water solution or mildew cleaner near the shower so you can simply spray down the walls right after showering.

• Multitask as much as possible.

Multitasking works at the office, and such an approach also can pay dividends when cleaning your home. For example, unload the dishwasher while your lunch is heating up in the microwave. This saves you some time and makes use of the time you would otherwise be standing around.

• Do laundry daily. Laundry can quickly sneak up on you, especially in a busy household. Instead of devoting an entire day to doing laundry, try to do one full load per day. This will make the pile of dirty clothes much more manageable and ensure that you and your family members always have some clean clothes available.

Find a cleaning schedule that works and then stick with it, and soon you will discover that maintaining a clean and orderly home is not so difficult after all.

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he dishwasher is an unsung hero of many a kitchen. When a dishwasher is working properly, it can make fast clean-up of scores of dishes, silverware and glasses.

As handy as dishwashers can be, sometimes they seem to lose their cleaning power. While inadequate cleaning may indicate the time has come to replace the dishwasher, many times all the appliance needs is a little maintenance and TLC. Begin by investigating the interior of the dishwasher. Check for any visible food particles or debris, cleaning out any food traps at the bottom of the dishwasher.

The mat-like item at the bottom is called the coarse filter and is meant to catch big particles that could prevent your tub from draining. Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals around the perimeter of the dishwasher where the door meets up with the tub of the dishwasher, as this is a prime location for debris to gather.

Running an empty dishwasher with a clarifying rinse can help wash away any residue and improve performance. Plus, this maintenance task can remove odors and refresh the dishwasher. Put two cups of white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher so that it will distribute through the appliance during the cleaning cycles. White vinegar will naturally break down old dishwasher soap and scale buildup inside of the unit. Consider a

For more intense cleaning, create a bath of vinegar and water in your sink basin. Remove parts from the dishwasher, such as shelving and the utensil holder, so that they can soak in the solution.

Some dishwashers have removable spinning cleaning arms. Take these off, if possible, and let them soak to dislodge any residue that has clogged the water jets. Use a pipe cleaner or another flexible device to carefully remove any debris from the water holes. You may be amazed at what has built up in these small holes.

You also may need to inspect the drain line, which is often made of plastic and connected to the trap under the kitchen sink. On occasion, this tube can get blocked and prevent the dishwasher from draining effectively.

In addition to these cleaning techniques, using a rinse agent may help the dishwasher work better.

According to Jet Dry, the maker of a popular rinse agent, rinse agents help your dishwasher rinse away residue that causes spots and film on dishes and glasses. They are designed to lower the surface tension of the water, causing it to sheet off the dishes during the final rinse. This prevents the formation of droplets of water that can remain on the surface of the dishes and form spots and film.

Maintaining a dishwasher with regular cleaning can help it perform better during each and every load.

Today’s News-Herald • June 30, 2016

How to repurpose items for new and useful purposes

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Easy and budget-friendly ways to add curb appeal

Before items get discarded or recycled, see if they can be put to use in new and interesting ways.

the sleeves of a shirt to make handles.

• Craft can bird feeders. Cut a sturdy can in half and punch holes into either end. String rope through the holes and tie to create a hanger. Place in a tree branch and watch the birds stop by for a treat.

• Design unique planters. Just about any vessel can be turned into a pot to house a plant. From teapots to cups to mason jars, items can be cleverly transformed to display greenery.

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he “reduce, reuse and recycle” movement has grown increasingly popular as more men, women and children look to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. By considerably cutting back on waste, people are doing their part to reduce the size of landfills, safeguard natural habitats and keep neighborhoods and local communities clean.

Municipal public works organizations may have recycling programs in place that make it convenient for residents to recycle items by placing them at the curb for pickup. But prior to putting items out for recycling, people can investigate if it’s possible to reuse an item in a new way.

The following are some creative ways to repurpose items around the house.

• Transform shirts into shopping totes. With some modest sewing skills, you can turn an old shirt into a reusable shopping tote. Seal the bottom of the shirt securely. You may want to slip a piece of cardboard in the bottom to make it more durable. Then either sew or tie

• Sew a pocket organizer. Before you discard old jeans that are torn or no longer fit, remove the square of fabric surrounding the back pocket. When you have several denim squares, sew them together to make a hanging pocket organizer to hold everything from small toys to crafting tools. Old jeans also can be turned into knapsacks and doll clothes.

• Turn old books into shelves. Rather than placing books on shelves, make the books the shelves! With a few shelving brackets and some sturdy, hardcover books, you now have interesting shelves to display other items. Ladders and even old folding chairs also can be repurposed as shelves.

• Turn doors into décor. Old doors can be put to use all over the house. Attach legs and transform a door into a coffee table. Secure a door to a wall and it instantly becomes a piece of art. Take out a door frame and use it to hold a mirror. Plus, doors can be used to craft headboards and footboards for beds.

When thinking creatively, you can find many ways to breathe new life into items that may be on their way to the trash or recycling bins.

Curb appeal can set your home apart from others, and improving curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive.

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urb appeal can help a home get noticed in a bustling real estate market. Curb appeal also can contribute to the aesthetics of a neighborhood for residents who plan to stay put, and many homeowners feel an attractive exterior is just as important as a comfortable interior.

Homeowners do not have to spend a fortune to improve the curb appeal of their homes. With these strategies, anyone’s home can take on a more appealing look.

Clean up A messy, untamed front yard can detract from a perfectly acceptable home.

Cleaning up your yard and home’s exterior is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to give the place a makeover. Cut back overgrown shrubs, plants and trees. Make sure the front door is clearly visible and that any walkways are edged and accessible.

Store garbage pails behind a barrier and keep trash out of sight. Store children’s toys in the backyard rather than strewn across the front lawn. These simple steps can improve curb appeal instantly.

Spruce up the lawn A well-manicured lawn can go a long way to making a home more appealing. If your thumb is anything but green, hire a professional lawn and garden service to help you establish a lush, green lawn.

Dress to impress The entryway to a home is the first thing visitors will see. Be sure the front door and entryway are in good repair. A pop of color can’t hurt, either. If you do not like the idea of painting the door a vivid hue, dress it up with a colorful wreath or another decorative accent. Carry your interior design style to the outdoors as well. Welcoming accents, such as cushioned chairs or potted plants, also add curb appeal. Consider painting house numbers on a terra-cotta pot and filling it with plants. The pot will be decorative and functional.

Rely on symmetry Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and easy to arrange. Use it to frame your entryway and throughout your property.

Symmetrical use of lighting fixtures, plants, trees, and decorative items really can have an impact.

Don’t forget lighting Outdoor lighting adds appeal and safety to a property. Use lighting to accent a special landscaping feature or to illuminate a walkway. Few people enjoy approaching a dark home, and outdoor lighting can ensure your property always is well-lit. Remember, curb appeal is applicable both day and night.

Improving on curb appeal can make a difference in how others view your home.

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June 30, 2016 • Today’s News-Herald

The many uses for vinegar

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heck your kitchen pantry and you will probably find a bottle of vinegar. While this substance can add much-needed tang to favorite recipes and even improve the leavening function of some baking ingredients, its power extends far beyond the kitchen.

Lawn and garden

Many are surprised upon learning how much vinegar can do. A sourtasting liquid that contains acetic acid, vinegar can be used as a cleaning product and an influential ingredient in many recipes.

Vinegar also is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective home staple.

Vinegar makes an effective weed deterrent and can kill grass that grows between the cracks on sidewalks and driveways.

Acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons or azaleas, can benefit from a little vinegar mixed in when watering.

If you want to keep ants at bay, use vinegar when cleaning outdoor patio furniture or spray it around areas that are susceptible to ant infestations. You may find the ants steer clear of the smell.

Health and beauty Some people say that vinegar can be used as an appetite suppressant. Using it on prepared foods may help you to eat less.

If you are ready to get more from that versatile vinegar in your kitchen pantry, explore the following ways to put it to use.

Vinegar is handy for relieving the pains associated with sunburns and jellyfish stings. Dot irritated areas with vinegar to relieve pain and itching.

Cleaning Vinegar is an effective cleaning fluid, perhaps best known for producing streakfree windows. Vinegar also can dissolve dirt from painted walls and remove grime from woodwork.

By boiling 1⁄4 cup of white distilled vinegar in the microwave with a cup of water, you can loosen splattered-on food and deodorize the appliance. Vinegar also can be used to deodorize garbage disposals, coffee makers and kitchen drains. It’s an effective means to removing pet odors from carpeting as well.

Around the bathroom, use vinegar to remove soap scum film from shower doors and tile surfaces. Remove stubborn toilet bowl stains as well. Corrosion and hard water can clog showerheads, and by soaking the shower nozzle in vinegar overnight, you can dislodge any material.

You can rely on vinegar when cleaning up around your home office as well. Vinegar can help clean sticky scissor blades or remove ballpoint-pen marks from surfaces. A vinegar-and-water solution can be used to clean keyboards and other electronic equipment. Apply with a damp cloth rather than spraying the solution directly onto the electronics.

Because vinegar can act as an antibacterial, gargling it can alleviate some throat ailments. Even if it can’t prevent illness, a vinegar gargle can soothe throat soreness. Apple cider vinegar also may help soothe an upset stomach. Use two teaspoons of the vinegar to one cup of water.

Some people have used vinegar to soften skin and remove corns from feet. It also may dissolve warts. Be sure to check with a doctor before using vinegar to verify its safety with regard to your particular situation.

In addition to each of these uses, vinegar is handy in the laundry room, helping to remove stains and rinse detergents from fabrics more easily.

Today’s News-Herald • June 30, 2016

How to take back your downtime

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Redefine a space with an interior decorator’s help of appeal. Even though the designer will charge a fee, the investment may be well worth the expense when the room is done right the first time.

Interior decorators have numerous resources at their disposal. Fine tuned to the world of design, they understand which trends will come and go and also which design ideas have staying power.

In addition, decorators will be in touch

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any working professionals have hectic schedules. Perhaps due to technology that now allows men and women to stay connected to the office no matter where they might be, a great number of men and women now exceed the traditional full-time employment standard of 40 hours per week. In fact, data from the 2013 and 2014 Gallup Work and Education polls indicates that adults employed full time in the United States work an average of 47 hours per week, almost an entire extra workday.

Some working professionals have little recourse with regard to reducing the number of hours they work each week. But those who find themselves unknowingly working extra hours, whether it’s by checking work emails at home or answering business calls even after leaving the office, can take steps to regain their downtime for themselves.

• Schedule activities during, before or after office hours. Men and women who want to take back their downtime may benefit if they start to schedule activities during those hours that aren’t meant to be spent at the office. Rather than planning on going to the gym, plans that can easily fall apart if a particularly difficult project lands on your desk, schedule sessions with a physical trainer or sign up for classes with a friend or family member. You will be less likely to work during your downtime if you have already paid for a training session or class or have scheduled a dinner date or another activity with a loved one.

Especially busy professionals can plan activities for one or two weeknights per week so they know they are leaving the office on time no less than 20 percent of the time.

Interior decorators have the expertise and connections to help homeowners realize any project.

Working professionals looking to spend less of their downtime working can avoid checking work emails after leaving their offices for the day.

• Encourage team-building activities with coworkers. One way to ensure you get out of the office on time is to promote team-building activities with your coworkers. Propose a company softball team or encourage your bosses to sponsor a company bowling team.

Such activities can create stronger bonds between you and your coworkers, and they also ensure all of you get out of the office on time at least once per week.

While you won’t necessarily avoid talking about work, you will be out of the office and having fun while you relax rather than sitting at your desk and burning the midnight oil.

• Turn off your devices. Professionals who own smartphones or tablets can now check work emails or monitor work projects whether they’re sitting in their offices or lounging on the couch at home with their families. Working men and women looking to work less during their downtime should consider turning off those devices that keep them connected to their offices. This may be more difficult than you think, as a 2013 survey conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of GFI Software found that 39 percent of participants acknowledged checking work emails outside of standard work hours, while a whopping 81 percent of the more than 500 respondents said they check their work email on weekends.

Men and women who want to regain their downtime for themselves can try turning off their devices upon leaving the office, resisting the temptation to check work emails on nights and weekends.

T

hough it may seem like interior decorators are a luxury reserved exclusively for the rich and famous, interior decorators work with people of all budgets. Homeowners sometimes wrestle with the practicality of hiring a decorator, wondering why they should spend the money when they can do the work themselves.

But just like homeowners may hire professional electricians or landscapers, hiring a professional interior decorator can ensure the job is done right, within budget and completed within a reasonable amount of time.

Those who have already invested quite a bit of money into their homes but want to add some finishing touches would be wise to hire interior decorators or designers. Homeowners often have no idea where to begin when attempting to establish flow from room to room in their homes. Decorators can help homeowners tailor the interiors of their homes to the homes produce the desired vibe.

Hiring a designer can help a person avoid making potentially costly design errors. An aesthetically appealing house also can increase the home’s value, setting a property above others in terms

with vendors in the industry, connecting homeowners with the best of the best in terms of providing furniture, housewares, photography, and additional special touches that help make a house a home.

In addition to expertise and resources, interior decorators have eyes that will be trained on things homeowners may not have noticed or even realized can be done. A designer may envision removing a room to create more space or knocking a wall down to let more natural light into a room.

Designers and decorators are trained to think differently and spatially to achieve concepts homeowners may never have envisioned for themselves. They can help tell stories through design and improve spaces immeasurably.

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June 30, 2016 • Today’s News-Herald

How to keep your bike in top form

Maintenance is a part of keeping bikes on the road and ensuring they operate efficiently.

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icycle riding is one of the best things a person can do for the environment and his or her personal health.

Riding a bike requires only the power of the body and does not produce any noxious emissions.

It’s quiet, and bikes are able to gain access to places where cars are not permitted.

According to Glumac, a fullservice engineering company specializing in sustainable design, using one gallon of gasoline in a car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions directly, or 26 pounds if you account for processing the fuel. Opting for a bike instead of a car can have profound environmental benefits.

Bicycles are most useful and efficient when they are properly maintained. Failing to maintain a bike means it could be relegated to a dusty corner in the garage.

To keep bikes in ideal working order, consider these bike maintenance tips.

• Keep the bike clean. A bicycle is a collection of moving parts.

Over time mud and debris can get lodged in gears, tires and other components, impacting the performance of the bike. Regular washing ensures that the bike will operate at peak capacity whenever you decide to go for a ride. High-pressure hoses may damage sensitive bearing systems, so it’s better to use a damp rag to carefully clean the bike. Brushing or buffing away debris can be handy as well.

Consider how frequently you ride the bike and where you ride it when determining how often to clean the bike.

• Maintain proper tire pressure. Much like with car tires, air pressure in bicycle tires can impact the ride and likelihood of damage. According to the CARE Exchange, a group of riders involved in fundraising cycling events, too little air in tires can increase the likelihood

of punctures to the inner tube.

Low air pressure can put more pressure on bike components and accelerate wear and tear. Plus, it can make for an uncomfortable ride. Similarly, too much pressure can cause the tires to blow out or provide a less enjoyable ride. Always keep tires at the pressure rating listed on the tire’s sidewall.

• Keep the chain well lubricated. One of the most crucial steps to maintaining a bicycle is to keep the bike chain and other moving parts lubricated. This reduces excessive wear caused by friction and can prevent gears from ceasing up. Lubricants also can help prevent rust and corrosion. Apply lubricant to the chain, brake and derailleur levers and cables. But too much lubricant can be a bad thing, attracting dirt and reducing performance. Use only as much as the bike needs and wipe away the excess.

• Get a tune-up. It’s beneficial to periodically have an experienced bike mechanic look over your bicycle. Bearings may loosen slightly, and brake and gear cables can stretch.

Take the bicycle into a bike shop so the staff can give it an overhaul, addressing any areas that may need a little fine-tuning.

Bike shop employees typically are knowledgeable in bicycle maintenance, and they can provide a wealth of information on other cycling-related subjects.

Bike riding is a popular pastime and an activity that is beneficial to the environment. Maintaining a bicycle is a great way to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible.

Today’s News-Herald • June 30, 2016

Make the most of small living spaces

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iny houses are a recent phenomenon and have spurred many businesses — from builders to decorating experts — looking to connect with consumers who want to go small. The small house movement advocates for living simply in small homes, some of which can be as small as 100 square feet or less.

Although living in a tiny house is not for everyone, many people prefer small-space living to living in larger, more spacious homes and apartments. For those looking to make the most of their small living spaces, there are ways to make such living arrangements feel larger.

• Light is your friend. Establish adequate lighting in a room that includes at least three working lights. Varied light sources from different angles will eliminate dark corners and shadows that can make a space feel smaller.

Lighting also can draw the eye

where you want it and distract attention from the room’s flaws.

• Make use of vertical space.

Homes where space is at a premium may have limited storage areas. An oftenoverlooked storage option is vertical space. Space above doors, shelving, and areas above cabinetry are ideal places to store items. Use hooks on walls to keep belongings off the floor.

• Choose light-colored paint.

Choose lighter hues for your home furnishings and wall colors. You do not have to limit this to white (unless landlords require white walls). Pale colors will help reflect light and can make the room seem larger than it really is. Using a dark color on the flooring can make other lighter shades really pop in contrast.

• Conceal the clutter. If you cannot keep personal belongings to the utmost

minimum in a home, experiment with clever ways to keep items out of sight. Furniture that serves dual purposes can help with this task. Storage ottomans will conceal small toys or linens and also provide seating options in a room when guests come over. A dresser can be used as a dining room buffet piece, and the numerous drawers can hold knickknacks or silverware.

Furniture with built-in, hidden storage is well worth the investment when living spaces are limited.

• Create dual-purpose rooms.

Lack of space means getting creative with the space you do have. A nook in your bedroom can be devoted to a miniature home office. Perhaps you can establish a crafting center in a portion of your laundry room.

Garages have long served as catch-all spaces in homes.

Apart from storage, they can be subdivided for home gyms

or even a place to gather and watch a ballgame.

• Hang mirrors to “expand” rooms. Mirrors can trick the eye into believing there is more space in a room. Mirrors melt away room borders and can accelerate the flow of light.

Hanging them throughout your home can make spaces seem larger.

• Think about built-in furniture. Traditional furniture may not be practical for small spaces and can waste a lot of room. Custom-built furniture is often the way to go to maximize the area you do have. Employ a little do-it-yourself initiative as well, customizing items for the perfect fit.

• Work with a designer. If you’re having difficulty making a small space work for you, consult with an interior designer or a contractor for some ideas.

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June 30, 2016 • Today’s News-Herald

Simple techniques to help you relax

How to get a better night’s sleep

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he National Sleep Foundation notes that adults between the ages of 26 and 64 need an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Such a sleep schedule may be ideal, but many adults juggling work and family find it difficult to get seven hours of sleep per night, much less eight or nine.

While there may not be any way for adults to get more sack time at night, there are ways for men and women to get a better night’s rest so they can approach each day with as much energy as possible.

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inding ways to relax can improve life at home and at the office. While it’s not often easy to find time to slow down, especially for those men and women juggling the responsibilities of career and family, the following are some simple techniques that don’t take much time but can have a positive impact on your day.

• Take some time out from multitasking. The ability to multitask is a cherished commodity for parents and working professionals alike, but men and women can benefit from periodic breaks from their everyday juggling acts.

Something as simple as focusing on a single task for 30 minutes at a time, as opposed to checking emails while preparing dinner or working on a project while answering a client’s phone call, can help lower stress levels and have a lasting and calming effect on your nerves.

• Make time to meditate every day.

Studies have shown that meditation can affect the circuitry in the brain, positioning it to more adequately respond to illness and stressful situations.

Meditation has the added benefit of being a relaxing exercise, as meditation encourages people to sit with their feet on the floor with both eyes closed in a relaxing setting that is free of external distractions.

• Stick to a schedule. Keeping a sporadic sleeping schedule can make it difficult to get the kind of restorative sleep that can help you maintain adequate energy levels throughout the day. To ensure you get a better night’s sleep, go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each day. Try to stay true to your sleep schedule on weekends, resisting the temptation to sleep in later or stay up late on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Walk away from your desk and couch. It’s well documented that spending too much time sitting at a desk can have a negative impact on your health. In addition to elevating a person’s risk of heart disease and diabetes, sitting at a desk all day long has been linked to repetitive stress injuries, obesity and back pain, each of which can contribute to stressful living conditions that make it difficult to relax. Men and women should spend at least five minutes each hour walking, whether they are getting up from their desk at work or getting off the couch at home. Doing so takes little time, but it can help to relieve stress at work and at home and improve your overall health.

• Practice yoga. Yoga is another activity that can help men and women relax.

Yoga involves a series of poses that helps stretch the muscles and aid their recovery from everyday aches and pains, including those that often result from stressful experiences or days at the office.

• Nap effectively. Men and women who have the time to sneak in a nap may find that napping is a more effective way to make up for inadequate sleep than sleeping in late in the morning. Effective napping allows men and women to recharge without affecting their ability to fall asleep at night. Napping in the early afternoon and keeping nap time to between 20 and 30 minutes can provide the energy boost you need and help you make it through the after-dinner hours without feeling drowsy. Such drowsiness can lead to post-dinner periods of dozing that can make it difficult to fall asleep come bedtime.

• Adopt a nighttime ritual. The NSF notes that a relaxing nighttime ritual that is noticeably different from the hustle and bustle of the rest of your day can help your body adjust for sleep, increasing the chance that you will get a more restful night’s sleep. Relaxing ways to unwind before climbing into to bed to fall asleep including reading a book, listening to

calming music or taking a warm bath.

Once you find something that works, stick with it.

• Find time to exercise. Studies have shown that men and women who exercise regularly benefit from more restful nights’ sleep. Finding the right time to exercise is essential, as many people find that exercising right before bed elevates their heart and stimulates their body in ways that make it difficult to fall asleep. Exercising in the early morning can provide more energy throughout the day, and come bedtime your body might be more ready to fall asleep. However, if you find yourself exercising at the expense of your sleep, try to find another time to get your workout in.

• Ensure your bedroom is sleepfriendly. The NSF recommends maintaining a relatively cool temperature between 60 and 67 F in your bedroom for sleeping. In addition, eliminate any potential distractions, such as light and noise, that can negatively affect your ability to fall asleep. Humidifiers, eye shades or even machines that generate white noise can effectively counter any distractions that you cannot get rid of on your own.

A good night’s sleep is essential to human health. Men and women struggling to get adequate, beneficial sleep can employ a host of strategies to improve their quality of life.

Today’s News-Herald • June 30, 2016

How to unplug from your devices

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OFF

he prevalence of technology is undeniable.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, as of October 2014, 64 percent of Americans owned a smartphone.

In January of the same year, 42 percent of Americans owned a tablet computer while 32 percent owned an e-reader.

While technology can be convenient, many people find themselves spending more time on their devices than they might prefer. Overexposure to communications technology can be detrimental to kids and adults, and some parents might be surprised to learn just how much time their youngsters are spending using different forms of media. A 2010 survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that kids spend more than

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seven hours per day using various forms of media. That’s especially disconcerting when considering the American Academy of Pediatrics says that overexposure to media can increase kids’ risk of aggressive behavior and interest in alcohol and smoking, and lead to poor performance in school.

fruitless activities, whether it’s catching up on the latest Internet gossip or scanning friends’ social media pages to pass the time. Eliminating these activities from your day is unlikely to have an adverse affect on your life, and you will find yourself with more time to enjoy more unplugged time with family and friends.

So how can families who have grown accustomed to using their devices find ways to unplug? The following are a handful of strategies families can employ to reduce the amount of time they’re spending on their smartphones, tablets and laptops.

• Schedule your media time. Many of today’s adults grew up in homes where their parents restricted the time they were allowed to spend watching television. Today’s parents can take a similar approach by limiting the amount of time their kids spend on their devices while also placing the same restrictions on themselves. Allow yourself a certain amount of time each day to spend on your devices, even scheduling times each day when you will watch some television or catch up with friends on social media. Stick to this schedule and you will likely see your device usage decrease dramatically.

• Start monitoring usage. Realizing just how much time you spend on your various devices is a great first step toward unplugging. As you go about your day, jot down each and every time you use any of your devices and what you are doing while using them, and ask family members to do the same. Do so for roughly one week, which should be ample time to provide an adequate picture of how much time you’re spending on your devices and what you are using them for. Don’t beat yourself up if the numbers shock you, just resolve to lower those numbers and continue to monitor your device usage as you do so.

• Cut out the media junk food. As you examine your device usage, you may notice you are spending lots of time on

• Recharge devices outside of your bedroom. Many adults can’t resist the urge to scan work emails or social media right before going to bed, and that can increase device usage and have a negative impact on sleep. When plugging devices in at night, be sure to charge them outside of your bedroom so you aren’t tempted to indulge in some extra and unnecessary usage at the end of the day.

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