BusinessVoice News Network

You can celebrate the rebirth of vinyl and pick up some special releases on Record Store Day Saturday, April 12th. Independent record stores nationwide will be offering dozens of new titles and special releases of classic albums. See the full list of offerings and participating store locations at RecordStoreDay.com Source Link

If your wallet is bursting at the seams from too much stuff, take these things out right now. Spare keys, a social security or Medicare card, birth certificate, passport card, a blank check, old receipts and that password cheat sheet all need to go. And carry one credit card to use and a backup instead of a wallet full of plastic. Source Link

Be on the lookout for three words in a text or email that could be a tipoff to a scam. The phrase “would you kindly” is a red flag because “kindly” is rarely used in American conversation and often points to someone who is a non-native English speaker. Beware of any request to “kindly” submit your credit card or bank information. Source Link

What food can you put on your plate that will help put a better smile on your face? Think about the basic nutrients that can build stronger teeth, like calcium in dairy products and eggs, and fish, meat and poultry that are rich in phosphorus. Vitamin C can come from citrus fruits, and sweet potatoes, leafy greens and fish are good sources of vitamin A. Source Link 

Scammers are plugging into your fear of a power outage by posing as utility company representatives calling to seek immediate payment or service will be cut off. Real utilities will never ask for financial information over the phone or demand an unusual method of payment like a prepaid debit card or money transfer service. Source Link

The right questions can make for an easy start to that first date and here are some suggestions. If you’re at a restaurant, ask what’s their go-to order at a place like this. Ask what’s been the highlight of their week so far or what they usually do in their free time. Another good topic is to ask what hobbies they’re been wanting to learn or get better at. Source Link

Before you start running for exercise, remember these steps to get off on the right foot. Begin with a good pair of name brand shoes that are fitted for you at a sports shoe store. Learn how to do a dynamic warmup with air squats, lunges and jumping jacks to prepare leg muscles for running. And start off by walking a block, jogging a block and then running a block. Source Link

Here are some smart hacks that make it easier and cheaper to fill your home with WiFi. Don’t hide the router in a cabinet – get it up high in a central part of your home. To save money, consider buying your own modem instead of renting one from your internet provider. And start with a more-affordable lower-speed service that might work fine for you. Source Link

Cleaning a cast-iron skillet the right way involves some special techniques and cleaning tools to preserve the seasoning. Add some warm water a few minutes after removing it from the heat and scrape with a wooden spoon or soft-bristle brush. For stubborn, stuck-on foods, sprinkle some kosher salt in the pan without water and then scrape. Source Link

Here’s a good reason to take a work break for a nature walk. Researchers found that walking in natural surroundings improved brain function for a person’s working memory, decision-making, problem solving and planning. A stroll in a city setting didn’t help in that way, so look for nearby green spaces for a brain-boosting walk. Source Link

When your young artist has used the kitchen wall to create a masterpiece in crayon it’s easy to clean off. Make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water and use a wet, white cloth to gently rub this on the crayon lines. Then use another clean and slightly damp cloth to wipe away the residue. Source Link

That next decluttering sweep can be more successful when you do it by the dozen. Find 12 things to throw away, 12 things to donate and 12 things to be put away where they actually go. Twelve is a good number to work with because it’s small enough to feel achievable, but big enough to present a bit of a challenge. Source Link

They’re soft and fuzzy and found in many a medicine chest and also responsible for sending thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Pediatric experts say cotton swabs can cause injuries and should not be used to clean the ears. The inside of your ear is naturally self-cleaning and doesn’t require a deep dive with a cotton-tipped applicator. Source Link

Keep an eye on the mileage you put on those running shoes to ensure the best fit for your feet. About 300 to 500 miles of running is when you should be looking for a new pair because shoes warp in size with use and your feet can also change over time. And when sizing a new pair, avoid a tight fit that can cause blisters or movement in a loose pair that can be tough on toes. Source Link

No one wants to spend a lot of time with house cleaning but a little patience can make the job easier for you. Many cleaners need time to work, so spray it on and do a few other small tasks. Those few minutes of waiting to wipe up may save you some elbow grease. And here’s a bonus tip – a cleaning cloth can work better than a paper towel because it’s sturdier. Source Link

Want an effective exercise that won’t make you break a sweat? Studies have shown that Tai Chi may improve fitness of the heart and lungs and could be as effective as jogging to help lower the risk of death. Experts say the slow, mindful movements of Tai Chi work on the sympathetic nervous system to reduce stress hormones that can take a physical toll on our bodies. Source Link

Here’s a two-step solution to manage that drawer full of old power cords and random cables. Sort them into types based on the plug style, such as micro USB, USB-C or Apple Lightning. Anything that’s odd or not being used with a current device can be tossed out. The rest can be stored in plastic leftover containers that are labeled for each type. Source Link

Cutting down on phone spam and robocalls can come down to two words – “yes” and “no.” Say “no” by adding your number to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call registry that prevents many businesses from contacting you. And never say “Yes” if a robocall asks, “Are you there?” because that one word can be recorded and used for fraudulent activity. Source Link