BusinessVoice News Network

Preparing to paint means taping off those edges for a neat job, but how do you keep from getting paint on something round like a doorknob? Wrap it in aluminum foil. It’s a snap to get a perfect fit and the foil can be removed easily after the paint has dried. Source Link 

Be sure to pace yourself when you’re ready to add more fiber to your diet. Natural fiber found in fresh fruits, leafy raw greens, nuts, beans, whole grain bread, brown rice or even popcorn can help you feel full without adding all those calories. But ramping up your fiber intake too fast can be tough on your digestive system, so add more fiber gradually each day. Source Link 

You may want to do a bit of housecleaning when checking into a hotel. Bring some antiseptic wipes and target the high-touch spots, like the TV remote, light switches, coffee maker and handles on the dresser, door, fridge and toilet. And here’s a bonus tip – protect your feet by packing a pair of flip flops for wearing when you’re in the hotel room. Source Link

A pants hanger can double as a second set of hands when you’re whipping up a dish in the kitchen. Use the clips on the hanger to hold a recipe book open and then hang it from a cabinet handle. Now you can concentrate on your food creation without needing to juggle that recipe book. Source Link

Contact lenses are convenient and safe to use when you follow these cleaning rules. Rub your contact lenses while cleaning them to loosen bacteria and protein build-up, never use water to clean contact lenses, and rinse the case and leave it open to air dry. And take a contact lens holiday by not wearing them for a few days if your eyes are irritated. Source Link

Your body’s sleep clock is changing with the switch back to Standard Time and there’s an easy way to see if your slumber is sufficient. On the weekend, don’t set an alarm and sleep until you wake up on your own. If that’s longer than your typical shuteye, adjust your weekday routine to get that much sleep every night. Source Link

You know to keep tabs on our credit report, but other records could affect your chances of getting a new job. Doing a background check on yourself could uncover mistaken arrest warrants or ID theft that led to a suspended license. But you need a professional background check and not the kind offered to consumers online. Source Link 

You have two things to heat in the microwave and they both won’t fit on the tray, so think about cooking at a different level. Use a mason jar or other glass piece of kitchenware to prop up the second container of food and cook both together. Just remember that you’ll probably need to increase cooking time. Source Link

Gut health is an important part of overall health and there are things you can do to keep that microbiome in good shape. Instead of popping a pill, eat foods that are rich in probiotics like plain yogurt, kimchi or sauerkraut. Get your daily quota of fiber and stay hydrated, and avoid ultra-processed foods with huge amounts of added sugar and sodium. Source Link

There are many ways you can show support when a friend or family member is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Send handwritten cards that they can save and look at later. Be a good listener and connect them with support communities. And instead of asking what they need, tell them how you’ll help, whether that’s with household chores or starting a fundraiser to defray hospital bills. Source Link

Stocking a freezer with meat when it’s on sale can be a great way to save money, but how long will it keep? Steaks, chops, bacon, chicken breasts and hot dogs can be good for six months, and ground meat up to four months in a freezer at zero degrees. You can freeze meat in its original packaging but overwrap it with foil, plastic wrap or put the package in a plastic bag. Source Link

Your brain might benefit from a vacation getaway that doesn’t involve travel. In a test, people who stayed off social media for a week gained about nine hours of free time and improved their mental well-being. Other research has shown that taking a brief break from TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Source Link 

What can you do with an old USB stick? Load it with portable applications that can be used on any PC without installing them. Create a rescue kit with apps that find malware or help recover from common computer problems. You can even load a complete portable operating system onto a thumb drive that can be used without needing to change a computer’s current setup. Source Link

Here’s how to win the battle to fit everything in that carry-on bag. Make a packing list and then pare it down, especially with toiletries you won’t use. Fold bulky items and use packing cubes or plastic compression bags to leave you more space. Stash small items inside shoes or boots that you pack, and wear as many layers of clothing on the plane as you can, including a bulky coat to save space in your bag. Source Link 

It doesn’t take a lot to safeguard your privacy online. Switch to a web browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo that doesn’t log your every move and use the Duck forwarding service to strip out trackers from your emails before you open them. And use a VPN on your phone or tablet to protect your sensitive data when you’re connecting to WiFi away from home. Source Link 

You’re making a healthy choice by eating at the salad bar but don’t ruin it with unhealthy toppings. Mounds of shredded cheese and croutons or crispy noodles can add lots of calories and skip the taco or bread bowl. Grated cheese, fresh avocado or a spoonful of nuts or seeds can soup-up that salad without ditching your diet. Source Link

What kitchen tool comes in handy at Christmas or anytime you’re opening a gift? A can opener can make quick work on the edges of those rigid plastic cases. Line up the can opener along the edge, ensure a tight grip, and turn the opener as you would with a can to safely open that packaging. Source Link

A sticky household staple should also be part of any home emergency kit. Duct tape along with plastic sheeting can be used to cover a broken window, patch a leaky roof, or build a makeshift shelter. Duct tape can also mend torn clothing, or a hole in a shoe or glove, patch a leaking hose on your car’s engine or even reinforce a sprained ankle or keep a bandage in place. Source Link