BusinessVoice News Network

This two-ingredient hack will let you run that load of dirty plates and cups when you’re out of dishwasher detergent. Put just a few drops of regular dish soap into the detergent slot and fill it the rest of the way with baking soda. It’s a natural gentle cleaning agent that can remove stuck-on food and help sanitize your dishes. Source Link

Doing more for others and enjoying time with friends may be a prescription for better aging. Research found that older people who participated in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and avoid serious physical, mental or emotional conditions that prevent daily activities. Source Link

If your child is struggling to keep up with schoolwork, there are some ways to help. Show them how to use a planner guide to work day-by-day to complete long-term projects. Provide a quiet study area away from phones, tablets or screens and enforce regular bedtimes with 30 minutes to unwind before sleep. Source Link

No one wants to sleep through a morning alarm and be late for work but there are some fixes for this. Create a morning routine with something you enjoy doing or wake up to natural light. Try an alarm app that makes you complete a task before it shuts off or put your phone or clock out of reach so you have to get out of bed to shut off the alarm. Source Link

How can you get all the value from all those dollars you’re paying for gas? Use apps that let you price-shop before you head out to fill up and maintain correct tire pressure for the best fuel economy. Remove roof racks when you don’t need them, avoid jackrabbit starts or fast braking and skip the premium gas unless your owner’s manual says it’s a must. Source Link

You don’t want to resist this kind of exercise that might help if you have trouble sleeping. A study found that lifting weights or using resistance bands was the best for helping people sleep better. The body’s process that builds muscle after a resistance workout may also trigger the brain to keep you asleep longer to get the job done. Source Link

When clutter is a constant problem, you can fight back by creating a refuge from all the refuse. Choose one spot like a kitchen counter, a dining room table, or a bathroom vanity to keep tidy and clear. Once this clutter-free zone takes hold, consider beautifying it with something like a small vase of flowers. Source Link

Starting with a list can help you make the right choice about giving your child that new tech gadget. Write down the pros and cons – are they tech savvy and will make good use of features that can be educational, or will the device be little more than a digital pacifier? Then set up parental controls and draw up a contract with rules for use including time limits. Source Link

You can fight back against high food prices by watching, clicking and stocking. Watch the sales and aim to buy most of your groceries when they are on sale. Click on coupon apps to use while you shop and start stocking-up on foods you regularly use, beginning with one item at a time. Source Link

Follow these tips to keep your laptop, tablet or phone battery in top shape. Don’t charge too much by leaving a device always plugged in, because staying in a range of 40 to 80 percent charged will prolong battery life. Likewise, don’t let your battery completely run out because that can limit its lifespan. And avoid cheap replacement cables and chargers that may not work as well and could even pose a fire hazard. Source Link

Your eyesight seems fine, so why do you need an annual eye exam? Because glaucoma – the second leading cause of blindness – often has no symptoms and may not affect vision when it’s most treatable. Routine testing that measures eye pressure can provide an early warning for glaucoma. Source Link

Battling with a young picky eater can create tension but won’t do much to change the habit. In a study, toddlers who were choosy about food maintained a similar weight whether or not parents made an issue of it. Better to introduce a new food over time once a week in smaller portions and mix it with a fruit or vegetable that your child enjoys. Source Link

Heading to college with allergies requires some planning before you arrive on-campus. Contact the school’s health care service to see if they have an allergist and find out if local grasses and pollen might aggravate your allergy. And resist the urge to live in a mess because dust and mold in a dorm room can make allergy symptoms worse. Source Link

Some staples found in many medicine chests or kitchen pantries can help you clean your carpet. Spray a spot with shaving cream and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove many common stains. Sprinkling a box of baking soda before vacuuming can freshen a carpet, and a spray mix of warm water and peppermint essential oil or extract can tackle stubborn pet odors. Source Link

Setting new goals can help to keep you on-track for lifelong fitness. Identify an area that needs work, like cardio endurance or flexibility, and focus on that. You could master an activity that’s new to you, like running, swimming or cycling, or exercise for a good cause by signing-up for an event like a 5K run or a bike ride for charity. Source Link

You can make space in your fridge by removing any of these foods. Tomatoes keep their best on the kitchen counter and coffee needs a cool and dry place for storage. Bread can be kept in the freezer but not the refrigerator and onions and potatoes don’t need to take up space in your crisper because any cool, dry storage place will do. Source Link

Using a store’s shopping app on your phone may be convenient but it ‘s often a back door for advertisers to get information about you. Many of the most popular apps share your personal data with third-party advertisers. The solution is to turn off permissions in those apps or make your purchase through the retailer’s website with a browser instead of using the app. Source Link

Here’s a three-word mantra that can help when decluttering a house – best, favorite or necessary. When you have too many things you use, pick out the best ones and clear out the rest. You can also hang on to favorites and what’s necessary, as long as you don’t save too many things. Source Link