Senior Thursday
It is often difficult to make the decision to move after the children have moved out. You may have been in your home for 25 or even 45 years. You're comfortable with the home. You're comfortable with the neighborhood. You have many friends in the area.
So even though the house may be a handful, you don't want to leave.
But making the decision to leave now is better for you than waiting until you are forced out of your home.
First of all, you will have the power to make the decisions. Whether the decision includes where to move or what to bring with, you have the mental and physical capabilities to make those decisions for yourself. You don't have to live with another family member's decision on what may be best for you.
Second, making your own decisions will result in a new home that suits your needs, not your family’s. Your family may want you close to them, or in an assisted living facility.But you would prefer to move close to friends or into an active adult community. This should be your decision since you are the one who will experience it.
Finally, you will have time to enjoy your new home while you are still active. If you wait until you are ill or mentally incompetent, what pleasure will you get from the move? Select something now that will give you the excitement and lifestyle you want
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Keeping Track of Research--Part Two
Writer Wednesday
There is so much research to keep track of for writing, that we had to break this into two parts. It's an important part of writing, because you never know when you will need to access the information.
Here are more tips for keeping track of research.
• If you interview someone for your project, keep a record of all names, dates, phone numbers and topics of conversation. Also note best times for contact if applicable.
• If you come across an article in a magazine, tear it out and save it, noting the publication and date on the page. There is no need to keep the entire magazine for one article.
• Keep a database (electronic or paper) for all sources you borrow. This will help you retrieve it again if you need it, and also to know what has to be returned to its owner.
• Make a notation of the URL for any pages you print from the internet. This usually prints automatically on the page--verify it for accuracy.
• Save favorite web sites in folders and subfolders according to subject. Use the same folder structure you have in your file drawers for easiest retrieval.
• Back up your favorites folders to an online service or an external hard drive.
There is so much research to keep track of for writing, that we had to break this into two parts. It's an important part of writing, because you never know when you will need to access the information.
Here are more tips for keeping track of research.
• If you interview someone for your project, keep a record of all names, dates, phone numbers and topics of conversation. Also note best times for contact if applicable.
• If you come across an article in a magazine, tear it out and save it, noting the publication and date on the page. There is no need to keep the entire magazine for one article.
• Keep a database (electronic or paper) for all sources you borrow. This will help you retrieve it again if you need it, and also to know what has to be returned to its owner.
• Make a notation of the URL for any pages you print from the internet. This usually prints automatically on the page--verify it for accuracy.
• Save favorite web sites in folders and subfolders according to subject. Use the same folder structure you have in your file drawers for easiest retrieval.
• Back up your favorites folders to an online service or an external hard drive.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Keep Like Items Together--Bed and Bath
Tips for Tuesday
This is one of the basics of organizing--Keep like items together. But what does that mean? How can you implement this practice in your home? Here are some tips for your bedroom and bathroom.
• Keep linens for each bed in their own closet or on their own shelf in a closet.
• Keep towels for each bathroom together.
• Sort toiletries according to type--hair care, oral care, first aid, etc.
• Sort items in your medicine cabinet according to type--pain relievers, oral care, vitamins, etc.
• Have a basket for each person's toiletries so they can easily find what they use.
This is one of the basics of organizing--Keep like items together. But what does that mean? How can you implement this practice in your home? Here are some tips for your bedroom and bathroom.
• Keep linens for each bed in their own closet or on their own shelf in a closet.
• Keep towels for each bathroom together.
• Sort toiletries according to type--hair care, oral care, first aid, etc.
• Sort items in your medicine cabinet according to type--pain relievers, oral care, vitamins, etc.
• Have a basket for each person's toiletries so they can easily find what they use.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Selling Tips for eBay
Moving On Monday
After you've cleaned out your house and thrown away the trash, you are left with piles of items that are in good condition but you don't want any more. As stated earlier, you can donate them to your favorite charity, or try to sell them.
One way to sell your items is through eBay. And although the money sounds good, there is a lot of effort that needs to be expended to make it worth your while. Here are some tips for making your sales experience profitable and fun.
• Research your items before listing. What is the average sale price for your item's condition? How many others are selling the same thing? What are they asking? What are their shipping fees?
• Take quality photos. Use a good digital camera. Take photos from different angles--front, back, bottom or top if appicable, and close-ups of details.
• Write an accurate description. Be sure to include sizes, whether or not it has been used, and if it's new, whether or not there are tags attached or a box included. Always describe anything that is WRONG with the item. Be honest. If you are clear, people will still bid because they know what they are getting into.
• Write a descriptive heading. Select words that you think will draw viewers.
• Set a reasonable price. If you overprice, no one will bid, and your fees are higher. If you list too low, you risk selling it at that price.
• Accept PayPal. It's the safest, easiest way to get payment.
• Ship items as soon as possible after payment. Customers will be impressed and leave good feedback.
• Remember, the customer is always right (even if they aren't.)
After you've cleaned out your house and thrown away the trash, you are left with piles of items that are in good condition but you don't want any more. As stated earlier, you can donate them to your favorite charity, or try to sell them.
One way to sell your items is through eBay. And although the money sounds good, there is a lot of effort that needs to be expended to make it worth your while. Here are some tips for making your sales experience profitable and fun.
• Research your items before listing. What is the average sale price for your item's condition? How many others are selling the same thing? What are they asking? What are their shipping fees?
• Take quality photos. Use a good digital camera. Take photos from different angles--front, back, bottom or top if appicable, and close-ups of details.
• Write an accurate description. Be sure to include sizes, whether or not it has been used, and if it's new, whether or not there are tags attached or a box included. Always describe anything that is WRONG with the item. Be honest. If you are clear, people will still bid because they know what they are getting into.
• Write a descriptive heading. Select words that you think will draw viewers.
• Set a reasonable price. If you overprice, no one will bid, and your fees are higher. If you list too low, you risk selling it at that price.
• Accept PayPal. It's the safest, easiest way to get payment.
• Ship items as soon as possible after payment. Customers will be impressed and leave good feedback.
• Remember, the customer is always right (even if they aren't.)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Saving Money in the Bathroom
Frugal Friday
Whether it's what you use, or how you use it, you can save money in bathroom.
• Try using less shampoo than you usually do. You will find that you can still get a good lather with less shampoo.
• Don't shampoo your hair every day. It won't dry out or frizz as fast.
• Adopt a new hair style that doesn't need the blow dryer and curling iron every morning--save on electricity.
• Turn shampoo, conditioner and lotion bottles upsidedown after every use. That stubborn liquid that sticks to the bottom will eventually make it to the top.
• Flatten your toilet paper roll before putting it on the holder. This will make it harder to unroll so you'll use fewer sheets.
• Don't throw away that shower curtain liner! It can be laundered on the gentle cycle with vinegar to get rid of the soap scum.
• Before calling a professional to fix a problem, go to your local hardware store. They may be able to tell you how to fix the problem if you describe it.
• Wipe down your sink, mirror and shower doors on a regular basis so you don't have to use expensive, harsh cleaners as often.
• Send in or ask for free samples of shampoo, hand lotion, etc. Many manufacturers offer free samples, especially of new products.
Whether it's what you use, or how you use it, you can save money in bathroom.
• Try using less shampoo than you usually do. You will find that you can still get a good lather with less shampoo.
• Don't shampoo your hair every day. It won't dry out or frizz as fast.
• Adopt a new hair style that doesn't need the blow dryer and curling iron every morning--save on electricity.
• Turn shampoo, conditioner and lotion bottles upsidedown after every use. That stubborn liquid that sticks to the bottom will eventually make it to the top.
• Flatten your toilet paper roll before putting it on the holder. This will make it harder to unroll so you'll use fewer sheets.
• Don't throw away that shower curtain liner! It can be laundered on the gentle cycle with vinegar to get rid of the soap scum.
• Before calling a professional to fix a problem, go to your local hardware store. They may be able to tell you how to fix the problem if you describe it.
• Wipe down your sink, mirror and shower doors on a regular basis so you don't have to use expensive, harsh cleaners as often.
• Send in or ask for free samples of shampoo, hand lotion, etc. Many manufacturers offer free samples, especially of new products.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Decide to Downsize
Senior Thursday
As we age, our lives and needs change. Our children move out of the house. They may even move out of state.
Suddenly, that house we needed to raise our family is too large for us. It's too large for occasional visits from the out-of-town grandchildren.
And it's too large to keep up as our health declines.
Now is the time to make the decision to downsize. Yes, your house may be manageable now. But what if a catastrophic illness hits you? Who will take care of the house then? Your children have their own jobs, lives and houses. Can your spouse do all the yard work? Or all the grocery shopping?
Start thinking now about what you really need in a house. This is a difficult decision, as there are many friends in the neighborhood, and you are comfortable with your surroundings.
Just keep in mind what is best for you.
As we age, our lives and needs change. Our children move out of the house. They may even move out of state.
Suddenly, that house we needed to raise our family is too large for us. It's too large for occasional visits from the out-of-town grandchildren.
And it's too large to keep up as our health declines.
Now is the time to make the decision to downsize. Yes, your house may be manageable now. But what if a catastrophic illness hits you? Who will take care of the house then? Your children have their own jobs, lives and houses. Can your spouse do all the yard work? Or all the grocery shopping?
Start thinking now about what you really need in a house. This is a difficult decision, as there are many friends in the neighborhood, and you are comfortable with your surroundings.
Just keep in mind what is best for you.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Organizing Your Research
Writer Wednesday
While writers write about what they love, they don't always write about what they know. This means they have to do research in order to make their writing believable and accurate. Whether it's the geographical location, the clothing of a different era, or the customs of a foreign country, if the facts aren't right, the reader will be disappointed and discouraged. The writing itself may be wonderful, but too many errors, and you will probably lose that reader for life.
The solution? Lots and lots of research. Research that you need to compile and save for future reference. So then the issue becomes--what to do with all this research.
• Any research you do for a project should be kept with that project. For example, you are writing an historical set in Turn of the Century New York. Everything that you research, from geography to architecture to transportation, should be kept in a file with your chapters and synopsis.
• Separate your notes by subject. Keep costume (men's, women's and children's) notes together. Keep culinary info together. Keep society notes together, etc.
• If you copy any information from a book, copy the title page also so you can identify the source.
• When you borrow a book from the library, write down the call number in addition to the title and author so you can easily find it again if you need it.
• When you handwrite notes, keep a running page for each subject. Make sure you identify the source for each note you take.
• You may be taking notes on a variety of subjects from each source, so they will be spread over a number of pages. Create a master file of your sources, identifying them by number. When you cite the source in your notes, you'll just need to write down the number rather than the title, author, ISBN, etc.
Next week: More on organizing your Research
While writers write about what they love, they don't always write about what they know. This means they have to do research in order to make their writing believable and accurate. Whether it's the geographical location, the clothing of a different era, or the customs of a foreign country, if the facts aren't right, the reader will be disappointed and discouraged. The writing itself may be wonderful, but too many errors, and you will probably lose that reader for life.
The solution? Lots and lots of research. Research that you need to compile and save for future reference. So then the issue becomes--what to do with all this research.
• Any research you do for a project should be kept with that project. For example, you are writing an historical set in Turn of the Century New York. Everything that you research, from geography to architecture to transportation, should be kept in a file with your chapters and synopsis.
• Separate your notes by subject. Keep costume (men's, women's and children's) notes together. Keep culinary info together. Keep society notes together, etc.
• If you copy any information from a book, copy the title page also so you can identify the source.
• When you borrow a book from the library, write down the call number in addition to the title and author so you can easily find it again if you need it.
• When you handwrite notes, keep a running page for each subject. Make sure you identify the source for each note you take.
• You may be taking notes on a variety of subjects from each source, so they will be spread over a number of pages. Create a master file of your sources, identifying them by number. When you cite the source in your notes, you'll just need to write down the number rather than the title, author, ISBN, etc.
Next week: More on organizing your Research
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