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Cleaning up after your dog does their business can be easier with these tips. Save those fast food cardboard French fry boxes because they make great disposable poop scoopers when you walk the dog. Or spread non-toxic squirrel repellent on the parts of your yard that you don’t want your dog to use as a bathroom. Source Link

Giving a child an allowance can be the foundation for a lifetime of smart money management. Having their own money forces kids to think about how to spend it and learn the difference between needs and wants. And using an allowance for savings, donations and spending can teach self-reliance in kids. Source Link

You should think twice before scanning a QR code with your phone. Scammers are using fake QR codes for rip-offs that range from bogus parking meter payments to fake online portals for bill payments and even romance scams. Always confirm that a QR code is legitimate before scanning it and avoid any that come in an email you weren’t expecting. Source Link

How do you prioritize cleaning if you have just a few minutes to do it before guests arrive? Cut the visible clutter by putting things into a laundry basket that you can stash, fluff up couch pillows and quickly wipe down visible surfaces like a kitchen countertop, a bathroom vanity or mirrors. And give your place the scent of clean by lighting a lemon or orange-infused candle. Source Link

Asking Siri, Alexa or another voice assistant for quick directions on how to do CPR could have a deadly outcome. Testing found that nearly half of responses were unrelated to performing CPR, only one-third provided CPR instructions and only one in ten gave verbal directions. The best option is to call 9-1-1 and ask the emergency dispatcher for directions on how to do CPR. Source Link

It’s easy to eat healthy anytime when you stock your freezer with these items. Frozen shrimp or fish filets are rich in protein and low in fat and frozen vegetables can be as nutritious as fresh. Frozen berries make a great smoothie and whole wheat flatbreads or tortillas will keep in the freezer for months. You can even satisfy that sweet tooth with frozen 100 percent fruit bars. Source Link

There are some smart ways to get rid of items you don’t want or need. Keeping the tags on not-so-great clothes you got as a gift makes resale more profitable and go beyond eBay to specialty sites that can pay more. And if you keep things for fear of needing them later, use the “20-20” rule – don’t save it if you can buy it again in 20 minutes for less than $20. Source Link

You can help your child improve their reading skills with encouragement and the right approach. Make reading fun and engaging by choosing books that align with your child’s interests, including comics, graphic novels or magazines. Read aloud together and stick to a consistent routine with reading every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Source Link

In the fight against Alzheimer’s and memory loss, you can start with your heart. The same steps that promote heart health can protect the brain. That includes losing extra weight, eating a healthy diet, managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, getting physically active and not smoking. Source Link

The carpet in that new home probably needs to go if the former owner was a smoker. Researchers found that tobacco smoke clings to carpet fibers long after smoking has stopped, and ozone generators that purify air and surfaces can’t remove it completely. This so-called “thirdhand smoke” can linger for years and sometimes transform into a new type of dangerous contaminant. Source Link 

You can prevent delays during the security check on that next family flight by packing a “flagged” bag for carry-on. Put everything that might require a closer look into one bag to speed the process and avoid having anything left behind after multiple bag searches. This includes all electronics, snacks, medications, tools like nail clippers and all liquids in 3.4 ounce containers. Source Link

Think of it as spring cleaning, except it happens in fall and the chores are outdoors. Store your lawn mower safely by draining the gasoline and replacing it with a special fuel mix that has no ethanol. And speaking of draining, don’t forget to winterize that sprinkler system by blowing out all water from the lines and from any sprinkler heads. Source Link

Eggs are an affordable source of protein and can even be stored in the freezer. Use a non-stick spray on an ice cube tray, then crack eggs into it and freeze them. Remove the frozen eggs and store these in a freezer bag to be used as needed. And if you’re wondering to tell if a raw egg is fresh, place it in a glass of water. Good eggs sink and bad eggs float. Source Link

Daydreamers rejoice – that so-called bad habit might just be good for you. Giving your brain an occasional break has been shown to aid in problem-solving, boost creativity, improve learning, increase productivity and inspire you to be kinder to others. Just 2 to 5 minutes of daydreaming a day can help you recharge. Source Link

Dealer financing for your next car seems convenient but it can come at a cost. An auto dealer is just the middleman in the loan process and they mark up their services and pass the cost along to you. Take the time to fully explore bank, credit union or other financing options and shop for the best deal on an auto loan. Source Link

This trick will help you cut clutter by managing the in’s and out’s of things in your home. With each new thing that comes to stay, you’ll get rid of one other thing. Having a designated “outbox” for the items you’ll donate or give away helps you keep the habit. Source Link

Living like it’s the old days before we had cell phones might be a good way to deal with today’s distractions. Smartphones can interrupt you with constant notifications, so turn those off whenever possible. While you’re at it, put away that phone for occasional breaks throughout the day because just the sight of it can raise anxiety and prompt you to pick it up. Source Link

To sleep or not to sleep – that’s the question on an airline flight. An overnight red-eye is a good time to sleep and watching a movie or listening to music can sometimes help you doze off. If you can sleep when you arrive, bring some work on the flight to occupy your brain. Either way, pack some good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions. Source Link