Listening to Your Muse

Writer Wednesday

One of the challenges of writing is finding the time to write when the muse strikes. Sitting down at a computer doesn't guarantee inspiration any more than NOT sitting down will stifle it. Inspiration can strike while at work, in line at the grocery store, or sitting at a red light. None of these environments is conducive to writing. However, there are some steps you can take to use these inspirational moments and then work them into your writing later.

• Always carry a pen and paper with you. This can be a small notebook, a few index cards in your wallet, or a folded piece of scrap paper you saved from the recycle bin.
• When you envision a scene or have an idea, write that idea on your piece of paper. You may not always have time to write the entire scene. So at least write one word down that is the main them of your scene, such as "apple" or "guilt."
• In this day of technology, a phone or tablet will work as well. Send yourself a text with a key word or two, or write yourself a reminder in your electronic calendar.
• Your inspiration comes from people you meet. Therefore, take note of little idiosyncrasies or habits of people that you can weave into your story and make your characters memorable.
• Keep a journal. Set aside five minutes a day to write freely. Use the time for gratitude or description or even your task list for the day. You never know when inspiration will strike from words that come from your pen.

Safety During the Holidays--Children & Pets

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

• Keep decorations at least six inches above a child or pet's reach. They may cause a hazard if broken or be poisonous if ingested.
• Avoid using tinsel. Loose pieces that fall on the floor are tempting choking hazards.
• Ribbons on gifts should be no longer than 7 inches so a child doesn't wrap it around his neck and pets don't get tangled up in it.
• Avoid using small package decorations or ornaments on young children's packages, as they may present a choking hazard. Also check gifts from others for small pieces and other age-appropriate items.
• Store scissors from wrapping away from little hands.
• Watch children and pets around fireplaces or stoves.
• Some holiday plants are poisonous to pets. Check the ASPCA web site (http://www.aspca.org) for a list of plants and foods harmful to pets.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Seven

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. Last week, we looked at bathrooms for potential water disaster areas. This week, we're looking at kitchens.

Kitchens
• Are the countertops in good condition?
• Are the countertops affixed properly?
• Does the plumbing show signs of leaking?
• Does the water line to the refrigerator work/leak?
• Does the garbage disposal work properly?
• Does the dishwasher work properly? Leak?
• Are all the appliances in good working condition?
• Is the floor in need of repair?

Using Home Remedies to Save Money

Frugal Friday

Medications, whether over the counter or prescription, can be expensive. Yet there are many ways to make your own cures/remedies that will be natural and save you money at the drug store.

• Tape a banana peel over a planter's wart before bedtime. The poultice will start working in a few days.
• Make your own cold pack by putting 3 parts water to 1 part rubbing alcohol in a zippered bag and freezing it.
• A spoonful of honey works just as well for a sore throat as a lozenge.
• Soothe sunburns with a cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar or witch hazel.
• Soak feet in white vinegar to keep athlete's foot at bay.
• Dissolve 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a cup of warm water to soothe a stomachache.
• If you have to take a prescription medication, ask for samples from your doctor.

General Organizing Tips--Part Three

Writer Wednesday

So far, we've been talking about organizing tips specific to aspects of writing, from tracking submissions to networking. But writers are people too. They have the same challenges in their day-to-day lives as we all do. So here are some general organizing tips for writers.

• Keep a supply of note cards and stamps on hand for writing thank-you notes.
• Pre-print or order return-address labels to save time, and ensure accuracy.
• Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable units.
• Not every storage or filing system works for everyone. Choose one that suits your needs.
• You don't need perfection when organizing. Just make sure everything has a home, where you can find it when you need it.

Safety During the Holidays--Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Have your chimney, flues or stove professionally inspected and cleaned.
• Keep flammable materials such as paper/wrappings, live evergreens and other decorations away from the fireplace or stove.
• Burn only clean, dry firewood.
• Check the damper to make sure it is open before starting a fire.
• Have a sturdy fireplace screen or other barrier around the fireplace/stove while it is burning to keep children and pets away.
• Ashes can stay hot for up to 48 hours. Take caution when cleaning out your fireplace/stove, and always use a metal container to dispose of ashes.
• Leave glass doors open when burning a fire to prevent creosote build-up in the chimney.
• Close glass doors when the fire is out so chimney air doesn’t' escape into room.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open to prevent creosote buildup inside the stove's chimney.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Six

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at storage spaces and possible fire hazards. This week, we'll look at potential water disaster areas--your bathrooms.

Bathroom
• Do toilets flush properly?
• Do toilets show signs of leaking?
• Is the sink area/under dry?
• Is the sink top attached firmly to the vanity?
• Do the tiles in the tub/shower area need repair?
• Are the walls damaged from moisture or water?
• Is the whirlpool tub working properly?
• Do the pipes show signs of leakage?
• Does the ventilation fan work?
• Is the room equipped with a GFCI outlet?

Saving Money on Clothing Care

Frugal Friday

We like to look our best when going to work, out with friends or to a special event. We can't always afford to buy new clothes for special occasions. But our wardrobes may be looking a little sad.

Here are some tips to keeping your clothes and accessories in ship-shape condition so you can still look good without spending money.

CLOTHES
• Remove pills from sweaters by shaving them with a clean electric razor or buffing them with a pumice stone.
• Try fixing a stubborn zipper with soap or spray starch before tossing the item.
• Mend rips in unlined raincoats with transparent adhesive tape on the inside of the coat.
• Use padded hangers for knit items. Make your own padded hangers with old shoulder pads from dated tops.
• Dot clear nail polish on button threads to keep them from fraying.
SHOES
• Toothpaste (without whitening agents) can remove scuffs from shoes. (Do not use on patent leather.)
• Polish suede shoes and boots with fine-grade sandpaper.
• Use old pantyhose to polish leather shoes.
• Use auto paint to cover knicks and tears in high heels.
• Shine leather shoes with vegetable oil.
ACCESSORIES
• Spray the toes in your pantyhose with hairspray to strengthen them, or rub beeswax on toes and heels.
• Use clear nail polish to stop runs in nylon stockings.
• Putting lotion on your feet, heels, legs and hands will make it less likely for hosiery to snag.
• Pantyhose and tights last longer when stored in a plastic bag in the freezer.

Profile of a Hoarder

Senior Thursday

The following characteristics are what experts believe define hoarders. Although there are hoarding situations that defy each of these characteristics, and they are also common.

Hoarders are typically:
• Female; unmarried
• Living alone; socially isolated
• Related to other hoarders
• Suffering from anxiety, depression and/or personality disorder
• Lacking insight into the problem or in denial
• More entrenched in hoarding as they age

HOW COMMON IS HOARDING?
It is estimated that slightly less than 1% of the population hoards. (Note: One percent of the U.S. population represents approximately three million people.)

However, hoarding is a very private disease and in all likelihood, is under reported. Researchers believe that fewer than 5% of hoarders ever come to the attention of authorities.

General Organizing Tips for Writers--Part Two

Writer Wednesday

So far, we've been talking about organizing tips specific to aspects of writing, from tracking submissions to networking. But writers are people too. They have the same challenges in their day-to-day lives as we all do. So here are some general organizing tips for writers.

• Use MS Outlook or other similar contact software management for collecting emails and contacts.
• Keep receipts of all expenses for tax purposes.
• Keep business money separate from household money.
• Always write a name with any phone number you jot down so you remember to whom the number belongs.
• Keep a notebook in your purse or briefcase to record appointments, etc., if you don't carry your planner with you.

Safety During the Holidays--Entertaining

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

• Keep an eye on the stove, oven or grill when cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires in the U.S.
• If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer at least ten feet away from the house.
• Turn pot handles in when cooking so you don't bump into them and little hands can't grab them.
• Unplug small electric appliances such as mixers and waffle irons when you are done with them so they don't get turned back on accidentally.
• Keep dangling cords on the counter and set back so kids or pets can't reach them.
• Don't leave hot dishes or liquids near the edge of the counter. Kids or pets might pull them over, or someone might brush up against the counter and knock them over.
• Supervise children when they are in the kitchen.
• Test all food for temperature before serving so it isn't too hot.
• Test internal temperature of meats to ensure they are cooked enough.
• When cooking on the stove top, always have a lid handy. If a grease fire starts, slide the cover over the pan and turn off the heat.
• Test smoke alarms before guests arrive.
• Place hot pots and pans on hot pads or towels. Never place them directly from the oven onto the counter or table.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection? Part Five

Moving on Mondays

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. These last weeks, we looked at storage spaces This week, we'll look at fire-hazard areas--the fireplace and laundry room.

Fireplaces
• Have the fireplace and chimney been cleaned recently?
• Is the masonry missing cement or mortar?
• Is the flue clear?
• Does the damper operate properly?

The Laundry Room
• Are appliances properly ventilated?
• Are vents clear of lint and debris?
• Is the wiring correct for the appliances?
• Are there signs of leaks from appliances?

Saving on Cosmetics

Frugal Friday

It is said that even during a recession or depression, cosmetics still sell well. Even when time are difficult, it's important to look and feel pretty. Here are some tips for saving money on cosmetics.

• To get a higher yield from powdered products, tape over half the holes.
• Don't follow directions on shampoo bottles that say "repeat." You only need to shampoo once.
• Seal your newly polished nails with a coat of baby oil. This will make them shiny and keep them from chipping.
• Ask for samples at the cosmetics counters. Say you want to try it for a week before purchasing.
• Hair dryers will last longer if you clean the lint from the screen.
• Beauty schools offer significant discounts on services under the supervision of an instructor.
• Purchase your cosmetics from a big-box store rather than a specialty or department store.

How do People Hoard?

Senior Thursday

Hoarders acquire their belongings through numerous methods.

Excessive buying—Many hoarders acquire belongings through excessive buying. Items may be purchased in person, through mail order (i.e. catalogs, QVC) and through the Internet. It is acquiring items that many hoarders crave rather than using them.

It is common to find piles of brand new items, still with tags, in the homes of hoarders.

Decreased mobility--This especially impacts older adults. Individuals who depend on others for transportation to and from shopping may overbuy in order to minimize the need for future trips. Discount warehouses that sell items in large quantities are a favorite (the “Costco syndrome”).

Catalogue and Internet shopping enable hoarders to purchase items without having to leave home. For individuals with limited mobility, the human interaction involved in the purchasing process itself may seem to fulfill important social needs.

Acquisition of stuff (trash)—Many hoarders acquire things that have been discarded by others. Hoarders are often big proponents of recycling and regard discarding objects as wasteful because “you never know when you might need something.” Lack of proper disposal opportunities are often cited as reasons why items cannot be gotten rid of. Piles of aluminum cans or paper are kept so they can be ‘recycled properly.’

General Organizing Tips for Writers

Writer Wednesday

So far, we've been talking about organizing tips specific to aspects of writing, from tracking submissions to networking. But writers are people too. They have the same challenges in their day-to-day lives as we all do. So here are some general organizing tips for writers.

• Sort and purge your office supplies and files before purchasing anything new. You may be able to save money once you pare down and see what you already own.
• Repurpose your belongings rather than purchasing new organizing products. A coffee mug works well as a pencil cup. An empty check box can hold small pads of sticky notes. An egg carton can hold paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands and other small items.
• Think vertical when planning your work space. Utilize the walls as well as the floor.
• Use a pencil when entering appointments in your planner. Anything can change, and it's easier to erase an entry than try and scratch out pen and write over it.
• Set up a tickler file (days 1-31 and months 1-12) to remind you about upcoming tasks and events.

Safety During the Holidays--Decorations

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Among these is decorating the house. While not as dangerous as it used to be with live trees and hot lights, there are still risks involved.

Decorating
• Choose decorations made with flame-resistant materials.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials, including trees.
• Never leave candles burning unattended in a room.
• Use non-breakable ornaments in homes with small children and pets.
• Keep trimmings with small pieces out of the reach of small children.

Trees
• Purchase artificial trees that are fire resistant.
• If purchasing a live tree, check for freshness and keep it watered. Cut several inches off the bottom of the trunk for better water absorption.
• Place trees away from heating sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
• Make sure the stand is steady so the tree doesn't tip. If you have carpeting, place a board under the stand.

Lights
• Don't use electric lights on metallic trees.
• Before hanging lights outside, check to make sure they are for outside use.
• Don't use nails or tacks to hold up lights. Use plastic clips instead.
• Look for burnt out bulbs and frayed wires before hanging lights.
• Plug all outdoor lights into ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Turn off outside lights during rain or snowstorms.
• Turn off all lights before going to bed.
• Use heavy gauge extension cords.

Will Your Home Pass Inspection?--Part Four

Moving on Monday

Before you purchase a new home, you have an inspector look at it for any major problems. The results may be a deal breaker if the issues are serious enough. If you have your home for sale, put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What would they find on a home inspection of your property?

Avoid any surprises by having your own home inspection. Last week, we had a checklist of things to look for in the attic. This week, we're looking at another storage space--your basement.

• Do walls show signs of seepage or past water damage?
• Are there cracks in the foundation?
• Is there rot in the woodwork?
• Is the electricity up to code?
• Are there signs of leakage from plumbing?
• Are basement windows operational? Broken?
• Do the stairs to the basement have a railing?
• Are stairs uneven/of equal height?
• Are there signs of pest or rodent infestation?
• Are there signs of water leakage from upper floors?
• Is the insulation adequate?
• Are there holes where the foundation meets the walls?
• Is the sump pump operational?
• Does the sump pump have battery back-up?

Saving on Energy Costs--Communication

Frugal Friday

We all like to save money. Whether it's finding something on sale or clearance, using coupons or being smart about appliance use, the less we spend, the more we can save for emergencies, college tuition or retirement.

These last weeks on Frugal Friday, we've been addressing ways to save money on energy costs--electric, heating, water, etc. Up this week--saving on communication.

• When shopping for a new computer, think refurbished. Find one that comes with a warranty.
• Make 'phone calls' from your computer using a service like 'Skype'. Or look into VoIP services that charge much less per month than traditional phone service.
• Evaluate your land line extras. Are there any services like call forwarding or caller ID that you can cancel?
• Sign up for online bill pay for all your utilities and credit cards. Many banks offer this service at no charge.
• Opt for slower internet service--but be prepared to be patient.
• Never pay for an extended warranty at electronics stores. The manufacturer's warranty usually offers enough coverage for the life of the product.
• Connect all electronics to a surge protector so you don't have to replace them in the event of a power outage.
• Look for appliances and electronics at garage sales. Many times people would rather sell it than pack it.

Causes of Hoarding

Senior Thursday

While it is not always known exactly what makes seniors begin to hoard, there are some disorders that contribute to the disease.

1. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Experts believe that the most common cause of hoarding is OCD. Approximately 3% of the general population has OCD. However, most of these individuals are not hoarders. Individuals may exhibit mild, moderate or significant symptoms with this disorder.
There are four subtypes of OCD:
• Pure obsessions
• Contamination and checking
• Symmetry/ordering/arranging
• Hoarding/saving/collecting
Hoarders engage in saving/collecting behavior in order to combat obsessive doubts and anxiety-provoking thoughts. Most hoarders experience intense anxiety or distress when attempting to discard what others may view as useless objects.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Adult ADHD—the inability to focus or control impulses—often contributes to hoarding. Like OCD, many people who hoard have ADHD, but most individuals with ADHD are not hoarders.
3. Psychosis Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often hoarders. However, most hoarders do not have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
4. Dementia Approximately 20% of people with dementia exhibit some degree of hoarding behavior. Hoarding is common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as individuals attempt to keep things in sight for fear of forgetting where they are. As the disease progresses, hoarding behavior may increase as individuals seek to gather together familiar objects. Most hoarders do not have dementia.

Time Management for Writers--Part Five

Writer Wednesday

If you're like most writers, this isn't your full-time job. You may work outside the home. You might have children to care for. You might have a sick family member that takes up much of yor time.

Whatever it is, not many writers have the luxury of writing ten hours a day to crank out that manuscript. Here are some tips to help you manage your time better, and find more time to write:

21. Compose a signature line for all your emails that is automatically added to outgoing messages.
22. Create a master file of standard email responses to copy and paste into the body of an email.
23. Delete or save emails immediately after reading and responding to them.
24. Let phone calls go into voicemail when writing to minimize interruptions.
25. Close the door to your office when working--this tells your family you mean business!

5-minute Clutter Cures

Tips for Tuesday

Don't let lack of time keep you from being organized. There are many things that take only a few minutes to get aspects of your house in order.

• Buy a universal remote so you don't waste time looking for the right one.
• Corral each person's shoes into their own laundry basket. They may not be lined up in pairs, but at least they will be in the same basket.
• Turn those stray socks into dust rags. They fit perfectly over your hand!
• Set out a tray or basket for each person's keys, sunglasses, phone, pocket change when they walk in the door.
• Even junk drawers can be organized! Use dividers or small containers to categorize small items.
• Have a basket at the top/bottom of the staircase to hold items that need to go up/down on our next trip.