BusinessVoice News Network

How can changing one word make that self-critical voice in your head become a cheerleader? Swap the word “I” for “you”. Making your mental narrative sound like a friend’s advice can produce more positive self-talk and strengthen your resolve to get things done. Source Link

You can rent out your house, your car, your pool and even your backyard as a play space for the four-legged set. Sniffspot.com offers homeowner’s yards as private dog parks and you pay by the hour. The site lists a variety of settings, from fenced yards to dog water parks, agility parks, hiking trails and homes with beach fronts and swimming pools for dogs. Source Link

There are two things you can use to unclog a bathroom sink drain and one you probably shouldn’t use. Boiling water can work, but avoid this with porcelain sinks or plastic plumbing. A plastic drain zip tie can remove a clog that’s built up around the plunger rod, but avoid using chemical cleaners in a clogged drain because they’re often ineffective and can damage pipes. Source Link

When baby proofing a home, don’t forget all those doors. Use a handle lever lock or door knob safety cover, or add a child safety door lock that’s installed high and out of their reach. Besides the obvious places like a bathroom, remember to baby proof any door that leads to a room with low window ledges that could pose a fall hazard. Source Link

The same personal care tool that gives you smoother skin can tackle a pet lover’s nightmare in the car. Rubbing a pumice stone along car seats and carpeting will remove pet hair quickly. And don’t worry about needing to clean the stone because it rolls hair into a ball that can be picked up easily. Source Link

With prices what they are today, you can save money simply by not overspending on these items. Try private-label brand pantry staples or cleaning supplies, generic brands of makeup or cookware that’s sturdy but without the name-brand price tag. And see if using a TV antenna can get you the local stations that cost plenty in a cable bundle. Source Link

You can plan a museum trip or take one virtually with help from the number-one web search engine. Google Arts and Culture is a special section that offers walkthroughs of many of the world’s museum collections. Use it to preview attractions before you travel or select the “Nearby” feature to find something close to where you are now. Source Link

They may not top the list of your favorite foods but some of these are tops for heart health. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus and cabbage contain potassium, onions and garlic have antioxidants and beets are a natural source of nitrous oxide, and all can decrease blood pressure. Beans, nuts and seeds and fatty fish are also superfoods for your heart. Source Link

A monthly computer cleanup can keep your laptop working smoothly. On Windows, go to System and Storage to see what unneeded files can be deleted, remove unused apps and tidy up your browser by clearing the cache of temporary data. And do a physical cleaning of the keyboard and screen with a lint-free cloth and a bit of water. Source Link

Most people know that scratching an itch only makes it worse, but why is that? The act of scratching creates pain that cancels out the itching sensation, but the brain overrides that pain and the itching returns. Experts say the best way to deal with an itch is to give the spot a quick rub. Source Link 

The flashlight feature on your iPhone is handy, but what if it’s too bright for what you need? When this happens, you can dim that light with just one touch. Simply hold down the flashlight button and drag the slider up or down to control its brightness. Source Link

Browning hamburger can leave a splattered mess on the stove, so why not boil it? Put the raw ground beef in an uncovered stock pot, fill with water above the meat and set on high heat. No need to boil – just cook for about 7 to 10 minutes until the meat turns brown. Drain the water and you have cooked ground beef ready to use or freeze. Source Link

Want to see what’s heading for your mailbox before it’s delivered? That’s the idea behind Informed Delivery from the US Postal Service. The free service shows you images of the mail to be delivered to your home today. You can do this with a website, a daily email or through the USPS Mobile app for iPhone and Android. Source Link

Here’s a simple two-step tip to help you look better in any picture. Instead of facing the camera head-on, position your body at a 45-degree angle. Now put your weight on your back foot and lean your torso slightly forward. The angle and the lean-in will give you a more-flattering look. Source Link

Start simple to create a go-bag for use when you need to evacuate your home. Grab an old backpack and a few zip-top bags to hold first aid items and matches. Now pack some basics you can use, like a bath towel, protein bars or an old pair of glasses and add more as you go along. Each member of the family should have their own go-bag. Source Link

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but don’t sabotage it with poor food choices. Be sure to get enough protein and be careful to keep your breakfast at about 400 calories. Don’t fill up on carbs, avoid frozen breakfast meals that can be high in sodium and try fresh fruit instead of fruit juice that’s high in sugar. Source Link 

Some smart bathroom updates can help you beat the battle against mold. Skip the grout and tile and use acrylic wall panels, an acrylic shower pan, or vinyl or laminate flooring. Try metal storage for soaps and bottles in the shower and choose a freestanding tub or vanity that doesn’t need to be caulked up against a wall. Source Link

Here’s how to have your phone read text on a web page out loud. With an iPhone, open a page on Safari and say, “Siri, read this page.” With an Android phone, go to Settings and under Accessibility choose “Select to Speak” to add a Play button to your screen and use it to have a web page read to you. Source Link