Catalyzed by my post on battling laziness, I’ve been focusing on some tasks that I’d previously avoided because I just didn’t want to work on them. Guess what? I'm making progress! I finally took care of the stacks of assorted documents that rendered my desk unusable. While focused on these tasks, I’ve realized that my productivity is … [Read more...] about Breaking Little Habits that Hamper Productivity
Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
Triclosan, a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, has been added to various products including soaps, cosmetics, fabrics, and plastics since the 1970s. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asserts that triclosan is not known to be harmful to humans, they also state that regulators do not have scientific research demonstrating … [Read more...] about Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
Do You Know Your Neighbors?
Over the last few days I’ve been thinking about neighbors a little more than I usually do. I began doing so after hearing a news story about 3 women who were kidnapped and then held captive for 10 years in a house in Cleveland. The general public and the media have asked how these women could be held in a house in a very populated neighborhood … [Read more...] about Do You Know Your Neighbors?
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Cruciferous Vegetables
What’s your favorite vegetable? While a few of you are cringing at the question because you don’t like any vegetables, most of you do have a few you really enjoy eating. How about broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and collard greens? Do you like any of these? They are from the Brassica genus of plants and are known as … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Cruciferous Vegetables
Beyond Infrequent, Impersonal Expressions of Gratitude to Mom
As I’ve looked at Mother’s Day items in the stores this spring, I’ve been struck by how impersonal the holiday has become. I’m bewildered by the mass-produced, impersonal gift baskets that appear to me to communicate one of three things: The purchaser (1) didn’t know what to get mom, (2) didn’t shop in time to get something personal, or (3) … [Read more...] about Beyond Infrequent, Impersonal Expressions of Gratitude to Mom
Frugal TIPbits: How to Use Fewer Paper Towels
I’m constantly searching for ways to save money. Given how frugally my husband and I already live, this is kind of like the proverbial trying to get blood from a turnip. Nonetheless, I’m driven to continue experimenting with new strategies because every penny counts. I think we can cut back on our paper towel use in my house. This … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: How to Use Fewer Paper Towels
Brainstorming About a Home Management Notebook
It’s time for a pop quiz! If your electricity goes out, what phone number should you use to contact your electricity provider? You likely don’t have it memorized (if you do, you’ve been losing power too often!), but where in your house can you find the number? What’s for dinner tonight? The trim on the front of your house needs to be … [Read more...] about Brainstorming About a Home Management Notebook
Rampant Reusing: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes
How many toilet paper and paper towel tubes do you throw away each year? Dozens? Scores? Do these tubes have to end up in the trash or is there some way to reuse them? I’ve been looking into some options. 10 Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes Add some scrapbooking paper and ribbon to make small gift boxes. Place tubes … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes
