The ULTIMATE Freedom!

I haven't been blogging for the last week and I've been feeling like I'm trying to catch up lately. Given that Mercury is still in retrograde until August 6th, I thought it would be time to start doing something different!

I started to purge! Both physically and non physically - meaning the cyberspace world. The pile of clothes that I've been meaning to take to Goodwill... gone. The soda cans piling up to go to the recycling center, gone. The pile of papers and boxes, tossed. All of the newsletters I'm subscribed to and never read... unsubscribed! The big folder filled with emails that I've been meaning to read, deleted. Heck the whole folder is deleted. I figured that if I didn't read it three years ago, I wouldn't read it now and I'm not missing out on anything.

It's interested how all these little things have piled up have unconsciously created a to do list that will never end.... especially in my inbox. Now, I have more time to focus on what matters. After all, given everything that's going on, the Aurora shooting, the Olympics and recent death of my friend's cousin, time is something I don't have an abundance of, it's something I will never get back but it's something I HAVE A SAY in doing.

So I say I spend it on what matters and I get rid of what doesn't matter. What can you get rid of this week?

What is can you freeze?

Here's what I found for fruits and veggies.

Veggies: fresh beans and peas, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Make sure you blanch them before you freeze them.

Fruits: berries, stone fruits, apples, pears, pineapples, mangos, figs and rhubarb are the best for freezing. Make sure they're not over ripped or damaged before you wash and freeze them.

You don't need to thaw and they have 3-6 months of shelf life.

This is a great tip to save money and when you have too much of something.

Choose your words wisely!

The other day, I had asked a friend how she was.

Their direct response: "I'm surviving. Struggling for financial independence."

My immediate emotion wow, you're having a rough time right now aren't you?

The mere fact that she chose to use the word struggle created an image of pain, difficulty and discomfort. I thought the journey to independence was suppose to fun and exciting. It's the fun and excitement that would actually drive you into action. The prospect of being free is the core of why we do what we do - isn't it?

However, when we actually take the journey to do something new, we forget that it will take time and work. In turn, we think that it's no longer fun and it turns into a struggle. When I use the word struggle, it would drive me to sit on the couch and avoid work because it's hard and no longer exciting. 

Believe it or not, the words we use to describe anything will evoke a certain emotion, behavior and ultimately an action. If you find yourself struggling with something new that you're taking on, take a moment and pay attention to the words you're using to describe it. You'll be surprised to how you're disempowering the whole situation therefore producing an undesired result, ultimately leaving you with the experience that you're a fool for doing something like this, you're a failure and you will not succeed.

To shift that experience, you must first shift what you say.

Strawberries that Last LONGER!

They are in season and if you're paying attention, you can find some really great sales on berries.

For someone like me who likes to eat a little at a time, they will start rotting before I get to half of my pint. Not to fret, I've found a great tip on how to preserve them.

When you get them at home, wash them with vinegar first.

Follow the recipe of 1 part vinegar (white or apple cider works best) and 10 parts water.
Pour berries in the mixture and swirl around.
You can rinse if you'd like, but the mixture won't affect the taste of the berries.
Pop it in the fridge and eat when you're looking to satisfy that craving!

The vinegar will actually kill off any mold spores and bacteria that may be lingering in the surface.
This should make raspberries last a week and strawberries last two weeks.

How would you finish this?

One bite at a time!

The summer heat is starting up and it's very easy for us, especially me, to say, you know what? I'd like to just sit, relax and eat some ice cream! While at the same time, the piles on my desk are doing nothing but expanding. At a time like this, where the attention span isn't any better than a 4 year old, I tell myself that it's okay. I just need to take it one bite at a time, after all that is the only way you're going to finish "The Kitchen Sink Challenge" (Referenced from MVF)

So if you're in the same mood as me and the heat is doing something to your work ethic. Just remember that it's okay. One bite at a time and that's all you need. After all, a little work is better than no work!

Hair Care: Myths or Truths

I have long hair and it's hard to keep with taking care of it. There are days where just chopping it off seems like a great idea - but I know that I LOVE my long hair. I found this great article from Good Housekeeping that goes through each myth and does a quick fact check. Click here if you want to read the whole article.

Here's what they found:

Myth #1: Frequent trims makes hair grow faster. Hair on average, grows a half an inch a month. But it will help with split ends.
Myth #2: On average, you lose about 50 to 120 strands of hair PER day. When a big life changing event happens, you'll lose a little more. But it will grow back.
Myth #3: Changing shampoo can make hair look healthier. Your hair won't know the difference.
Myth #4: Pluck out 1 gray hair will spout out 2 or 3 more strands. My mom used to tell me that all the time! Even though this is not true, plucking can damage the roots, cause an infection or leave a scar, so it should be a no no.
Myth #5: You can't make flat, fine hair look full of body. All you need is 5 minutes with hot rollers!
Myth #6: To get really clean hair you must lather, rinse and repeat. Once does the trick.
Myth #7: Rinsing with ice-cold water after shampoo will give you hair a healthier shine. It will probably just wake you up.
Myth #8: Coloring your hair causes major damage. Always consult a professional stylist if you have any questions, but products these day contains ingredients that are gentle enough to not cause damage.
Myth #9: You can mend split ends with the right products. Once they're split, they're split. You can always try and prevent.
Myth #10: You should brush your hair 100 times a day. Now this one is a conflicting one for me. Good Housekeeping says that it may pull hair from their follicles and damage individual strands whereas another hair stylist I know said that it would stimulate my scalp. I wonder if the type of brush you use would make a difference.

There's more to a banana than just eating it!

I love bananas but sometimes they get ripe faster than I can eat and I'm always left wondering what I could do.

Here's some simple quick planning tips to do with bananas other than eating it. :)

1. Smoothie Base: When making smoothies, have you ever added crushed ice to the blender only to end up with a watery, diluted smoothie? That’s because the ice melts during blending process. For a creamy, non-diluted smoothie, use slices of frozen, overripe banana instead of ice. Cut your  peeled banana into bite-sized slices. Lay out the slices on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and freeze them for 40 minutes. When the slices are frozen, place them in a freezer bag for storage. This method prevents the slices from sticking and also allows for single portions.
2. Baked Goods: Overripe bananas taste as good as ever in baked goods. Mash the peeled bananas with a fork and transfer to freezer bags. Label with the number of mushed bananas. To use, defrost and use as you would regular banana.

On top of that, if you're about being green, you can use the banana peels and extend the life of a banana.

1. Shoe Polish: If your dress shoes are looking a little scuffed,  buff them using a banana peal. Banana peels contain oil and potassium—two of the main ingredients in shoe polish. But unlike store-bought shoe polish, a banana peal is cheap, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Place your palm against the peel and rub it all over the exterior of a leather shoe. Use a clean, soft cloth to remove any excess oil, banana pieces, and those stringy things (FYI: in case you’re ever a contestant on Jeopardy, the technical name for the stringy things inside bananas is phloem bundles.)
2. House Plant Fertilizer: Put a banana peel in 12 ounces of water to make “banana juice.” Add one part “banana juice” and five parts water to your watering can. Use this solution to water your houseplants as normal. The banana-fortified solution contains phosphorous and other beneficial compounds.
3. Rosebush Fertilizer: Add banana peels to the soil around a rosebush soil as non-toxic fertilizer. The peels, just like store-bought garden fertilizer, contain potash and phosphorous to nourish your delicate flowers. To make fertilizer, finely chop the peels and then spread the pieces around the base of the rosebush. Sprinkle some dirt on top to promote decomposition. Water.

Fraud Alert and Credit Freeze - what's the difference?

I've personally make sure to watch my credit, understand what hurts or helps it and protect my identity.


I thought it was a great explanation from TransUnion of the difference between a Fraud Alert and a Credit Freeze along with the pros and cons. Take a minute to understand the different - you may never know when you might need to me armed with that information.


How is a fraud alert different from a credit freeze? 

A fraud alert can help prevent an identity thief from opening any accounts in your name. It means that lenders must take extra precautions to verify your identity before granting credit in your name. A fraud alert is the typical first step identity theft victims take.

A fraud alert initially lasts for 90 days but can be renewed indefinitely. You can also get an extended fraud alert, which stays in your credit report for seven years, if you can provide a police report or other official record showing that you've been the victim of identity theft. You can place a fraud alert with any of the three bureaus, and the bureau you contact will alert the other two. 

Fraud alerts don’t prevent an identity thief using your existing credit cards or other accounts. It also doesn’t protect you from an identity thief opening new accounts in your name that do not require a credit check – such as a telephone, wireless, or bank account. And, if there’s identity theft already going on when you place the fraud alert, the fraud alert alone won’t stop it.  

A credit freeze (or security freeze) offers stronger protection, by blocking access to your credit history. If you are very concerned about becoming a victim of identity theft, a security freeze may be right for you. This could discourage identity thieves from getting credit in your name because most legitimate lenders would not extend credit without first reviewing your credit history. A freeze may not be worth it if you're about to take out new credit, but can offer strong protection for someone who worries a lot about identity theft, such as seniors who can't check their records regularly or consumers whose information has been stolen in a security breach.

A freeze could complicate things if you want your credit file to be accessible for inquiries or new accounts. Establishing utility service, a cellphone plan, or an insurance policy might require access to your credit record. In those situations, you would have to temporarily unfreeze your file by providing the credit bureau with a PIN or other access code by phone or online. 

For a freeze to be effective, you need to freeze your record at all three credit bureaus. Get instructions from TransUnion here. There is a charge of between $5 and $20 each time you freeze or temporarily lift the freeze depending on your state of residence. In many states fees may not apply for seniors or victims of prior identity theft.

As summer approaches...

I tend to want to spend more time outdoors. And, I should be careful because there are things that can bite and cause serious harm. Make sure you read up on the slide show of "Identifying Bugs and Their Bites" from WebMD. I was never in girl scouts and was never told what to look out for.

A couple years ago I got bit by a tick and that freaked me out! Being aware and informed is the first step in prevention! So enjoy the great outdoors and be safe while you're at it!

I must warn you, you may be a little scared to go in the wild after seeing this.

Summer is here, so now what?

School is out, it's brighter for a longer part of the day and I'm feeling the family spirit. I've been trying to spend some time with my little cousin, who is 7 years old, more often, but I find myself trying to figure out what to do!

Thank goodness for Right@Home Newsletter, they have reminded me of all the fun games I used to play before there were iPads or cell phone apps. In case you need to be reminded...

1. Tag/Freeze Tag 

  Peskowitz noted that readers of her book love talking about tag. "They say, ‘Oh my gosh, I forgot about tag,’" she said. To play, one kid is "it" and tries to touch or tag another kid. Whoever is tagged becomes "it." 

2. Jacks 

  You’ll need jacks and a ball to play this classic game. Toss the jacks onto the floor and then, using one hand, toss the ball up and grab one jack and the ball before it bounces again. Move on to "twosies" (grabbing two jacks), "threesies" (three jacks) and so on. To see the game in action, check out this video and keep these pieces away from little mouths.

3. Hopscotch

  Draw a traditional hopscotch design (watch this video for a visual and more instructions) and toss a rock or beanbag onto the first square. Hop over the bean bag or rock and jump onto each part of the diagram until the end and then turn around and jump back. 

4. Hide-and-Seek

  Just like it sounds. All players hide except the one who is "it." That child closes his or her eyes, counts to ten or more, and then seeks the other children. Adults can play too! Game ends when "it" finds the last hiding player who then becomes the new "it."

5. Marbles 

  Draw a circle on sand, dirt or concrete and take turns trying to knock your opponents’ marbles out of the circle with your big marble. For safety’s sake, keep the game and its marbles away from little ones. For a quick history and rules check out this site.

6. Jump Rope/Double Dutch

 This fun activity, which is great exercise, can be played alone or in a group, with two kids twirling a long rope and another child jumping. Double Dutch is more challenging, as you have to jump over two ropes twirled one after another. See these Double Dutch jump rope champions.

7. Kickball

 This game is similar to baseball only instead of hitting a small ball with a bat, you kick a larger ball and run the bases. Want to ‘kick’ it up a notch? Check out these advanced kickball tips.

8. Parachute

 You’ll need a large round parachute or an old sheet. Let kids take turns being the leader and giving directions. Kids can walk or jog in a circle, switch directions, hide underneath or play "popcorn" by putting light whiffle balls or beanbags on top of the parachute and ruffling it up and down. An adult should supervise this one, especially when small children are involved. For additional instructions, videos and parachute playing music, visit this site. 

9. Freeze Dance

 Everyone dances until the music stops, then everyone freezes. Whoever moves is out. The game continues until there’s a winner. Ready to play? Check out Freeze Dance, an app which turns your songs into freeze dance favorites.

10. Simon Says

 One person acts as "Simon," and tells other players to do something, e.g., "Simon says touch your nose." If the order is given without saying "Simon says," first, anyone who follows that request is out.

11. Red Light, Green Light

 Players run when one child (the traffic light or cop) says "green light." Players freeze when that child says "red light!" Those caught moving must go back to the starting line. The first one to tag the traffic light or cop wins. For more detailed rules, visit this site.

12. "Mother, May I?" 

 One person, the "mother," goes to one side of the room or yard. Players take turns asking, "Mother, may I take [insert number] steps forward?" The mother replies, "Yes, you may," or "No, you may not." Players may ask to take baby steps, giant steps, spinning steps or jumps. The first to reach the mother wins. For further instructions, visit this family friendly site.

13. Four square

 Draw a large square on concrete with chalk and divide it into quarters. Two, three or four players can participate by bouncing the ball into another player’s square. If a player allows the ball to bounce twice or fails to hit it back, they’re out. For tips on how to play four square, watch this video.

14. Capture the flag

 The more players the better for this game involving two teams, each having a flag or marker for the team base. Each team tries to capture the other team’s flag without getting tagged by opponents. 

15. Marco Polo 

 Usually played in a swimming pool, this game involves one person closing his or her eyes, calling "Marco" and trying to tag one of the other players, who must reply, "Polo." Make sure to keep this to the shallow end and have an adult or lifeguard supervise.

Perfect for the season...

As Graduation season is among us, it's the perfect opportunity to hear some inspiring speeches. Some are from your fellow classmates and other are from famous people - who didn't even graduate. Regardless of who they are, you're left with something new. A new chapter.

I recently came across this speech that I thought was very fitting for the occasion. Too often we're caught up with going from Point A to Point B and crossing off the things on our list that we forget to just sit and listen. Although this speech has been widely credited to Bill Gates, he did not give this speech. It was Charles J. Sykes, author of 1996 book: Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can't Read, Write or Add.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Some Rules Kids Won't Learn in School

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you a get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parent's fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parent's weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. so before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employees are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. 

Think you know recycling?

Wait until you check out this article from Earth911! They list the 10 things that you NEVER knew you could recycle and I must say, the first one made me squirm. The rest of the list, however, made practical sense and I never thought to think of the impact it has on our environment.

It is taking "Being Green" to a whole new level for me.

Find more great Green Action tips from Recyclebank.

How to be green with all the extra school supplies...

I typically just store my school supplies until the following year, but what if you're done with school. Here are a couple great tips I came across from Recyclebank. Another thing to keep in mind is storing the items for a back to school donation drive. I know our local Rotary does that at the beginning of every school year. Here are a few tips in case you don't have anything like that. 


Also the biggest contributor to waste is buying more of what you don't need. If you're storing items for the next school, make sure you remember that you have it before you buy more.

Paper



RestoreRather than saving all of the papers that your children bring home, help them choose a few reports or high-scoring tests they're particularly proud of. A recycled-cardboard document storage box, color-coded for each kid and labeled for each school year, works great for storing important papers; recycled binders serve the same purpose in an even more accessible way. If you or your children are particularly crafty, you might consider binding the important papers into a single scrapbook.

Reuse

Use leftover papers that were only used on one side as an easy, makeshift notepad: with scissors or a paper cutter, cut the sheets into quarters, and then use a binder clip to turn it into your new notepad. The pad is the perfect size for jotting down messages, leaving notes for family members, or making up a quick shopping list. If you've got any paper that was printed on both sides, first mentally thank the teachers for not being wasteful, and then recycle it.

As for all those paintings and drawings your little artistes have created throughout the year, save a choice few in the aforementioned document box, and put the rest to good use: you can turn pictures into greeting cards, or laminate paintings and use them as placemats.

Textbooks and Workbooks
Reuse
Don't throw away used textbooks, or even put them in the recycling bin if you can help it. Textbooks can be reused through a number of channels. Some organizations, like Textbook Recycle will take old textbooks and either put them back into circulation or recycle them. You can also sell your used textbooks through Half.com, or at your local used bookstore. Local libraries, correctional facilities, Native American reservations, shelters, and thrift stores might also accept textbook and workbook donations.
Recycle
Workbooks that have been completely filled out might not be good candidates for reusing, but they are typically recyclable. Recycling textbooks is a bit trickier because of the glue used in their binding, but you can call your local waste hauler to see if they'll accept any of your out-of-date textbooks that couldn't be donated.

Backpacks and Schoolbags
Restore
That backpack that toted homework, textbooks, and miscellaneous show-and-tell items back and forth might be looking a little worse for the wear come June. If it's dirty but in otherwise good condition, clean it up now and put it away for the next school year. You can use a handheld vacuum or the crevice tool of your vacuum cleaner to get the crumbs and dirt from the insides and pockets, then use a sponge and some warm water mixed with a couple of squirts of dish washing detergent to wash away stains and grime from the inside and exterior. Let the bag air-dry completely. Stains and tears can be hidden with colorful iron-on or sew-on patches, which will also give the bag a new look.
Reuse
If you think you'll be replacing the bag for the next school year, find other uses for it, such as stashing it in your car to use for shopping trips, toting gardening supplies or beach toys, or using it to contain art supplies or sewing notions (the various compartments are perfect for organizing crafting tools). You can also cut out the pockets to make purses, or even make couch caddies, which can hold remote controls, eyeglasses, magazines, and other writing or crafting supplies — just sew the pockets onto a longer piece of fabric, and drape over a chair or couch handle.


Pencil cases can be used at home to sort and organize art supplies, hair accessories or kids' jewelry, or to organize small items when packing for a trip. Depending on how snazzy the pencil case is, you might consider adding a strap to the case for a near-instant and easy-to-make clutch. 

Writing Utensils and Other School Supplies
Reuse
Sort through pens, pencils, and markers to see what still works. Working utensils can either be saved for next year or stashed throughout the house — after all, how many times have you needed a pen and been unable to find one? Place extra pens in the kitchen, by the phones, in the car, and in all of your handbags.

Unfortunately, pens and markers are not recyclable. Your best bet? Next time, invest in pens that have refillable or replaceable ink cartridges. Although dried-out markers aren't recyclable, there are certain ways you can reuse them, such as dipping the dried-out tips in water to use as a watercolor pen, or using the colorful caps for mosaics and other art projects.

As for crayons, don't pitch random or broken ones. They can be donated to a recycling program like Crazy Crayons, which uses them to make new, shaped crayons, as well as fire starters, or recycle them yourself by melting crayons into new shapes.

Ice Cream Parlor Anyone?

I was just at a girlfriend's bridal shower and her sister took the time to make it a lovely affair. She had this whole theme going on called the "Ice Cream Parlor" and it was quite impressive. Who knew it was just a template and all she did was click print and used a pair of scissors. It made this elegant set up so easy!

Now there's no excuse for me to dress up any affair that I have! A little effort in thinking outside the box would make an unforgettable impression! Especially since it's getting hot around here!

Click here for the website.

One person can make a difference! It starts with you!

Literally! This is a must see Ted Talk!

A couple facts I picked up from earth911.


13 billion pounds of paper towels are used in the U.S. every year. If all Americans used one less paper towel a day, 571,230,000 pounds of paper would be spared over the course of the year. One man has a simple strategy to make it happen.


And believe it or not....


The problems with paper towels are many-fold: they don’t contain significant amounts of fiber for recycling and when they’re dirty or wet, they degrade even further and become non-recyclable. And paper towels soaked in oils, pet or baby waste or other harmful substances should be steered clear of the compost pile.


It all starts or ends with you! I love the concept and the action of everyone can make a change!

What to do when your child needs a time out...

and sitting in a corner is a pain? Create a calming jar!


Piggy backing off of my last post with babies, I came across this idea and thought it was GENIUS! I'm definitely going to do this when I start a family!

It's called a CALMING JAR. Here's how it works.


A calming jar is a glass jar filled with water, food coloring, and glitter. When your child acts up and earns him/herself a time-out, they shake up the jar and sit in their designated time-out place until all of the glitter settles back at the bottom of the jar, and they both “calm down.”

How to assemble:

• Find a large glass jar. I would recommend using at least a 15 oz jar (we used a recycled spaghetti sauce jar).
• Fill the jar ¾ full of water.
• Add a few drops of food coloring. I would suggest allowing your child to pick the color.
• Pour in a small packet of glitter. Be sure to use only very fine glitter (almost powder-like) as most large-piece heavy glitters will only take a few seconds to settle to the bottom (I made this mistake with my first jar–my daughter really lucked out that day!)
• Fill the remainder of the jar with water so that there is only about an inch of empty space on the top of the jar, and shake until the color and glitter blend.
• After the glitter has settled, put the jar on a flat surface and use as needed!

Please let me know how it's worked out for you!

This has been a guest post by Hillary from Lansing, MI, a contributor to The Krazy Coupon Lady Blog

Being Green and Baby in the same sentence!

I've noticed a lot of people around me getting pregnant or have a new addition to their family. For me, the initial thought is always the money. All the diapers a baby goes through in a single day, the baby formula and the clothes they'll constantly grow out of. I'm enjoying that fact that I can still fit into clothes from years ago, but for a baby, they have sizes in the months! So, how do soon to be parents respond to the realities of bringing home a newborn?

I don't have all the answers, but I came across something that can help! Personally, I was so very excited to see this and it's definitely something to share! It's Netflix for baby clothes! The company is called Good Karma and with a monthly membership you get a box of clean clothes that fit your baby and once your baby outgrows them, you can ship it back for another box. I think this is a fabulous idea and I can't wait to have a little one to do this with!

An excerpt from Earth911's newsletter.


Raising a baby is hectic, so it’s no wonder disposable bibs, diapers and bottles are in high demand. They’re easy and always clean, but they aren’t always “green.” As those little limbs grow, in a way, clothing becomes disposable too, finally finding its way to the trash or donate pile after a short few months.

Thrift shopping is an economic and environmentally friendly option, but new moms and dads don’t always have the time to go out and bargain hunt. That’s where Good Karma comes in. The service is like Netflix for baby apparel: Instead of films, Good Karma trades baby clothes as your little one grows out of their old numbers.

With a subscription, seven outfits arrive to your home washed and ready to wear. As your baby outgrows the outfits, they can be sent back in a pre-paid shipping bag for the next size up. Good Karma keeps outfits in stock for babies up to 24 months.

Subscriptions to the service start at $27.99 a month for “basic” bundles. Higher quality, brand name bundles are available for $44.99 a month. The service also works as an exchange. If you have gently used baby clothes to sell back to the service, you can ship them along with your bundle. They don’t guarantee they’ll buy the clothes, but they’ll credit you for which outfits they do.

Thinking outside of the box for everyday items!

I was very impresses with this little list that I got from Recyclebank. it gave me ideas of how to use everyday household items for other purposes. It's a great way to be green and save some green. I hope you enjoy the information as much as I do! I can't wait to try it! :)

1 Tablespoon Of Vodka
Use on a soft cloth to clean and sterilize your eyeglasses. Apply to a bandage and let sit for a few minutes to remove the adhesive glue and the bandage will come off painlessly. Mix with a teaspoon of sugar and a cup of water to keep flowers looking fresh.

5 Aspirin Tablets
Crush and mix with a teaspoon or two of water and use to relieve the itch of a mosquito bite. Add a few teaspoons of plain yogurt to the mixture and you can use it as a mask to treat acne.

1 Lemon Wedge
Not only does it add flavor to your iced tea or water, but rub that wedge over your teeth and tongue after your meal to freshen your breath. Juice that lemon wedge into a container, add an equal amount of water and rinse your hair to stop dandruff. Grind a lemon wedge in your kitchen garbage disposal to eliminate orders.

A Small Ball Of Aluminum Foil
Hang it outside to scare birds away from your garden. Toss it into the dryer to eliminate static cling (no more dryer sheets, ever!). Cut it up with your scissors and it will sharpen them as good as any professional knife sharpener.

1 Tablespoon Of Olive Oil
Massage into wet hair and rinse with warm water to condition your dry mane. Rub into dry cuticles to soften, or use as a shaving lotion. Also use to fix a squeaky door or lubricate a bike chain.

1 Old Used Dryer Sheet
Will dust a mini-blind or remove static cling from winter clothes. Tuck it in a dresser drawer to freshen things up a bit.

5 Plastic Grocery Bags
Use them to pick up after your dog. Use them to cover your plants during harsh weather or to wrap fragile items when shipping.

Quick tip to bring the life back to your romaine hearts!

I love to buy romaine hearts to make salad with. However, when I don't eat them soon, I notice that my romaine is wilting and it doesn't look appetizing at all. It's almost as if I should throw them away. I end up feeling like I've wasted food and money.

But at last, there's a quick trick to bring life back to your salad. Just pick off the amount of leaves that you want, put it in a bowl filled with water. You want the bottom of the stem to be soaked in water. After a couple of hours, you'll see that your romaine turned younger and it looks like you just brought it home from the store. What was really going on was that the leaves were thirsty and you're just re-hydrating them. Now you can eat all of your romaine and save you money!

How to pick a pineapple?

As pineapple season is coming our way, I've found myself confused on how to pick a good, juicy and sweet pineapple at the grocery store. Thank goodness for technology because I just looked it up on my phone. Little did I know, I was way off with my initial choice. But I've found out the tips that work and I hope it brings a successful pineapple home with you the next time you shop.

To sum it up, you want to make sure the color is an overall yellow, more than green.

Keep in mind that pineapple will not ripen with time like a banana. It stops ripening once it's been picked.

Next, you want to squeeze the pineapple to make sure it's not mushy. If it's mushy it's too ripe.

Then, smell the butt of the pineapple to see if you can smell a sweet scent. That gives you and idea of how sweet it's going to be. If you don't smell anything, chances are, it's not going to be sweet. I've also noticed that it's hard to pick up a scent if it's been refrigerated, so you may have to really try and smell it.

Lastly, try to pick off one of the leaves. If it's easy to pick off, it's good to go!

Now that you've been equipped with the right tips, I hope your next pineapple journey is a successful one!

Have unwanted shoes laying around?

Instead of giving them away, you can give them a second life. Through Recyclebank via ShoeBox Recycling, you're able to ship your shoes off to someone in need! I'm always looking for a way to clear out unwanted things and what better way than to help someone else!

Click here to join Recyclebank.

And click here for more information about the program!

Show me the Green!

Through my various explorations of how to be more green I was able to stumble on this great site: greenergadgets.org showing me how and where to recycle and possibly make money on it! If I hand found this sooner, printer and other various electronics might have brought some green home. It's been late than never and  I'm sharing it with you so you don't miss out! 

1. Find out if your device has value, either cash or to someone who needs it.
   • Kodak offers a mail-in cash program for old digital cameras and printers.
   • Best Buy’s cash mail-in or in store trade-in program.
   • Amazon.com offers gift cards through its electronics trade-in program.
   • Gazelle.com has paid out $25 million for consumer electronics.
   • Hewlett-Packard in partnership with Staples provides free.electronics recycling for all brands of office electronics (excludes TVs) at Staples stores across the US . HP also offers customers a choice of cash, donation to charity, or HP gift card for most computer equipment—visit the website to get a quote.
   • NextWorth offers great values for your used devices.
   • Recyclebank offers a points system for recycling, which you can then use for discounts and merchandise. The site boasts more than 2 million users.
   • Staples offers cash for printer cartridges and in partnership with HP provides free.electronics recycling for all brands of office electronics (excludes TVs) at Staples stores across the US..
   • Close the Gap makes reused and refurbished computers available to underprivileged individuals in Africa and other developing countries.
   • Digital Links has distributed over 50,000 reused computers to the developing world and provided access to technology for over 125,000 individuals.
   • Panasonic offers a plan for recycling of Toughbook® mobile computers that have reached the end of their life-cycle. The process works the same for all customers and is free of charge.
2. Recycle It!

You can find more ways to be green at Recyclebank and at Greenergadgets.org.

The Source of Procrastination

Procrastination is a very common concept. It's the explanation we use when we leave things to the last minute and do a half ass job on them. We are then left  with the horrible feeling like we did a really bad job, we could have done better and we're in a space of shoulda, coulda, woulda.

But what's really at the core of procrastination? It's the unwillingness to make a choice. We're presented with choices everyday - what to get at Starbucks, to run the yellow or to pick up the phone call from your mother in law. In those moments, we don't hesitate. If you do, you'll have a line of people annoyed at you, you get a ticket or your mother in law is nagging at you at the next family dinner.

Yet, when we're faced with more pressing issues, the issues that really determine our bottom line, we're able to avoid the issue and put it on the bottom of our to do list. That my friend, is pure procrastination. What would happen if you just dealt with the issue head on, made a choice and followed up with the necessary actions determined by your choice? Your inbox would be empty, you would be productive and the feeling of accomplishment would actually consume you. Your hump-day would no longer be a hump; it would be a highlight.

It is very easy to give into the the idea "I can do that later" but we forget how many tasks we say that to and the list piles on. Tackling the issue the moment it is brought up is a win-win situation. So, what is it about making a choice? For me, sometimes it's not knowing what the right choice is or not having all of the information and even not willing to put in the amount of time that is required to render a choice. With all of those objections, how would I succeed with my bottom line? I wouldn't. It's plain and simple. Then the next time I'm confronted with the idea of "I can do that later", I'll either do it at that moment or schedule when later is. Because we all know, "someday" isn't in any of the seven days.

To that note, I'd like to leave with a quick concept that I got from Fast Company. You can't be afraid to fail. You have to make choices and in making those choices you learn from them. That is how you grow, that is how you succeed and that is how you fulfill your business. Tackle a choice that you've been putting off today!

Putting up with the little things.

If you've seen me around, you would notice that I have a tablet with me. I was given the opportunity to play with this toy for two months and get paid for it. It was a pretty sweet deal. 

Once I received the tablet, I immediately found out things that didn't work for me. There were no arrow buttons to get my cursor where I wanted, the response to my finger wasn't as accurate or quick enough and the layout didn't follow my common sense. After a while, I noticed that I started to put up with it. I was taking the extra time to deal with the inefficiency of this time suck. 

Soon I realized that there were other things in my life that I was putting up with. Granted, these are minor things but they have been in the back of my head sucking up my time and energy for a while. For example, have you tried to go back back a year in your Google calendar from your phone or tablet and find that your schedule has disappeared? Or how about trying to find the freaking "print black only" button on your HP PSC 1200 printer?  Instead of being nagged each time I come across the issue, I finally decided to look it up. It took about 10 minutes on each issue, but I have the answer. I found out that the devices, my phone and tablet, don't sync up that far my on my calendar. In actuality, all of my events in the past are still stored safely online. HP PSC 1200 printer doesn't have a print black only function. Who knew that I had to ask that question before I bought the printer? (I do... now)

Through the practice of finding out the answers to my questions, I noticed that the pursuit to find the solution isn't as common as it was once before. The habit is to put up with it, to deal with it and to work around it. Even though it will have us waste time, energy and money. 

What's different now that I know the answers to my questions, is that the questions never come up anymore. I get to use my brain to answer a different question. I get to ask "What's next?" If you're always stuck on one question, you're unable to explore other questions that may lead you to expand your business, fulfill your dreams or even be happy for the day. What's the question that you're putting up with? What's the question you can answer right now?

When you're in the mood to clean, where does it all go?

It's Spring and along with that comes Spring Cleaning! I've been in the process of cleaning things out on a consistent basis. I've rummaged through my books from college that I thought I would use again and listed them online to see. I've donated our 20 year old set Encyclopedia to the local library for their annual book sale. And there's the hamper full of clothes waiting to be donated to good will. 


I would assume, that just like me, there are things that we haven't used and we would like to get rid of. However, the idea of just throwing it out seems preposterous! Giving it a second life sounds more appealing, but where do we do that! Upon educating myself on being a conscious consumer I've come across a list from earth911.com on where you can donate your stuff. I hope this list helps and keep it book marked for future reference. Because all of our material things deserve a second life.

Furniture

• Operation Homefront: Choose military families to benefit from your donation.
• National Furniture Bank Association: Your local Furniture Bank chapter will take your old furniture and donate it to families in need, particularly previously homeless people who are trying to get back on their feet financially.
• Vietnam Veterans of America: VVA sells furniture and other donated items to fund their programs for veterans.
• Donation Town: Donation Town operates a database of local charities that pick up unwanted furniture for free, taking all the hassle out of your donation.
• In your neighborhood: Use your unwanted furniture to directly benefit your community by donating it to a local homeless or battered women’s shelter.

Books

• Operation Paperback: Donate your books to troops overseas.
• Books for Africa: As its name implies, this Minnesota-based nonprofit works to build libraries in Africa and uses your donated books to stock them.
• Reading Tree: This national nonprofit distributes donated books to underfunded libraries and schools – both in the U.S. and overseas – and has drop-off locations all over the country.
• In your neighborhood: Help a neighbor with your old books by donating them to a local school, public library, community center or prison.

Electronics

• Verizon HopeLine: Through its HopeLine program, Verizon collects unwanted cell phones and distributes them to domestic violence victims so they can call for help in case of emergency.
• Computers with Causes: Computers with Causes accepts donated electronics and finds them new homes in underfunded schools.
• Recycling for Charities: Recycling for Charities offers a Web-based take-back program that accepts and recycles all forms of electronics and gives a value donation to your charity of choice.
• In your neighborhood: Make a difference with your old gadgets by donating them to a local school, after-school program or community center.

Clothes and shoes

• American Red Cross: Clothing you donate to the Red Cross benefits natural disaster victims around the world, from the Gulf Coast to Japan.
• Soles4Souls: Nashville-based Soles4Souls collects all types of shoes in any age range, from children’s to adult sizes, and distributes them to people in need in more than 127 countries.
• Career Gear and Dress for Success: Both groups provide your used business attire and toiletries to unemployed, low-income men and women for job interviews. Dress for Success accepts women’s clothing, while Career Gear serves men.
• In your neighborhood: Keep someone warm right in your own community by donating your used clothing to a local homeless shelter, church, community outreach program or thrift store.

Appliances

• St. Vincent de Paul: A worldwide Catholic charity that provides aid, disaster relief and programs for low-income and homeless people.
• American Council for the Blind: The ACB is the leading U.S. provider of services for the visually impaired, and they have thrift stores in almost every major city in the nation. Call (800) 866-3242 to schedule a pick-up.
• In your neighborhood: Many community outreach centers will accept your working but unwanted appliances to distribute to low-income families in your neighborhood.

Everything else

• Goodwill: Goodwill helps unemployed and under-employed people find full-time work. Additionally, the organization sells donations at affordable prices to help low-income families furnish their homes, all proceeds benefiting Goodwill charities.
• Salvation Army: Salvation Army uses donations to stock their homeless shelters and also sells them in their resale stores at low prices to benefit communities in need. They will also pick up your donations for you.
• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity accepts everything except clothing and also provides pick-up services.
• In your neighborhood: Use Earth911′s recycling database to find local recycling and donation solutions for your spring cleaning leftovers, whether they’re usable or broken.