Frugal Friday
Last week we gave you some useful cleaning tips that will save you money. Here are more tips for saving pennies (or even dollars) when cleaning your home. These solutions are also eco-friendly. Why use harsh chemicals when you can use something good for the environment?
• A solution of baking soda and water works well as a deodorizer for your kitchen and bath. Add a drop of essential oil for a scented version.
• Place a bowl of water and one of ammonia in your oven while it is still warm. Let it sit overnight. You will be able to wipe away any accumulated grease in the morning.
• Save the corks from your wine bottles. Use the clean side to rub on tarnished silverware. It will pick up whatever is tarnishing the surface.
• Vinegar and water (1:3)will clean your crystal stemware without streaking. Wipe clean with soft rag, and air dry upsidedown.
• Rubbing alcohol will remove spots from stainless steel surfaces.
• Remove tea stains from mugs and teapots--Fill with warm water, then dissolve denture cleaning tablets in the water. Let sit for about an hour--time varies depending on severity of the stain.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Principles of Sorting--Part One
Senior Thursday
Everyone's family will face the time when they must sort through the belongings of senior family members or aging parents. This may be as a result of a move to assisted living, or upon the senior's passing. If the senior is still alive, the decisions are more difficult, whether the move is to a retirement community or a nursing home. In most cases, the new home is smaller, and thus, many of their possessions can't go with them.
Downsizing, right-sizing, and sorting all refer to helping seniors determine which belongings can be accommodated in their new home. For some, the prospect of sorting is so daunting they postpone moving. For others, the anxiety about the move itself takes on the form of indecision about belongings. Family dynamics may complicate this.
Organizing in advance and documenting decisions is a critical ingredient of smooth, efficient moves. This should be done before moving day for the least stress. Even when sorting is done in advance, the senior may take too much with them, resulting in over-crowding. A senior is less likely to be happy in their new home as a result. That is why sorting in advance is critical.
Remember these are the senior’s belongings, not yours. They have a right to make their own decisions, even if they are irrational. When helping a senior, provide what help and guidance you can, but don't interfere with their right to self-determination.
It is the client’s right to take as much or as little to their new home as they wish. This is the core principle of sorting.
Everyone's family will face the time when they must sort through the belongings of senior family members or aging parents. This may be as a result of a move to assisted living, or upon the senior's passing. If the senior is still alive, the decisions are more difficult, whether the move is to a retirement community or a nursing home. In most cases, the new home is smaller, and thus, many of their possessions can't go with them.
Downsizing, right-sizing, and sorting all refer to helping seniors determine which belongings can be accommodated in their new home. For some, the prospect of sorting is so daunting they postpone moving. For others, the anxiety about the move itself takes on the form of indecision about belongings. Family dynamics may complicate this.
Organizing in advance and documenting decisions is a critical ingredient of smooth, efficient moves. This should be done before moving day for the least stress. Even when sorting is done in advance, the senior may take too much with them, resulting in over-crowding. A senior is less likely to be happy in their new home as a result. That is why sorting in advance is critical.
Remember these are the senior’s belongings, not yours. They have a right to make their own decisions, even if they are irrational. When helping a senior, provide what help and guidance you can, but don't interfere with their right to self-determination.
It is the client’s right to take as much or as little to their new home as they wish. This is the core principle of sorting.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Organizing Submissions to Editors/Agents--Part One
Writer Wednesday
Once you have a completed project, you can start submitting your work to agents and editors. There are many things to keep in mind when submitting your book or novella. Having a handle on all this will improve your chances of having your full manuscript accepted.
1. Read all guidelines for the publishing house or agency for their specific rules. They vary from house to house, as well as editors within a publishing house. Therefore, it is imperative that you learn what each editor/agent is looking for in a submission.
2. Abide by all guidelines. It isn't enough to read them. You must obey them, even though you think you should be an exception to the rule for whatever reason. Breaking even one rule, such as "Do not ask for a signature on delivery" will make a poor first impression on an agent or editor. So if you want this, or subsequent projects requested, do as they ask. You may not get a second chance.
3. Call the agency or publishing house before submitting any work to verify the editor's/agent's name, name of the publishing house/agency, their title, and whether or not they are still employed by the house or agency. Depending on the agency/house, your work may be returned to you unread if the agent/editor is no longer there. They have such a large quantitiy of submissions, they don't always want to take the time to re-route projects to other editors/agents.
Once you have a completed project, you can start submitting your work to agents and editors. There are many things to keep in mind when submitting your book or novella. Having a handle on all this will improve your chances of having your full manuscript accepted.
1. Read all guidelines for the publishing house or agency for their specific rules. They vary from house to house, as well as editors within a publishing house. Therefore, it is imperative that you learn what each editor/agent is looking for in a submission.
2. Abide by all guidelines. It isn't enough to read them. You must obey them, even though you think you should be an exception to the rule for whatever reason. Breaking even one rule, such as "Do not ask for a signature on delivery" will make a poor first impression on an agent or editor. So if you want this, or subsequent projects requested, do as they ask. You may not get a second chance.
3. Call the agency or publishing house before submitting any work to verify the editor's/agent's name, name of the publishing house/agency, their title, and whether or not they are still employed by the house or agency. Depending on the agency/house, your work may be returned to you unread if the agent/editor is no longer there. They have such a large quantitiy of submissions, they don't always want to take the time to re-route projects to other editors/agents.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Streamline Your Life--General Tips for Errands
Tips for Tuesday
You lead a busy life, working, shuffling children around, attending family commitments, etc. There are times you wonder how you are going to get it all done. Especially with all the errands that are a part of everyday life. Here is the first in a series of blogs about streamlining your errands and shopping to save you time.
General Tips
• Write out all your stops before you head out the door so you take the shortest route and won't be backtracking. Check times of operation for businesses before you leave so you don't arrive at a store that isn't open yet, resulting in a trip back later in the day.
• Order stamps by mail—they’ll be delivered to your mailbox at no extra charge. The Post Office also ships supplies like priority mail envelopes/boxes at no cost to you.
• Barter with friends—trade one of your errands or tasks with one of theirs to avoid an additional trip. Plan in advance in case you have to bring an item, such as library books, to your friend's house before they are due.
• Limit your kids’ activities. Even one activity can mean several trips per week, with practices and games or performances. Allow one activity per child to save on your sanity--and their health.
You lead a busy life, working, shuffling children around, attending family commitments, etc. There are times you wonder how you are going to get it all done. Especially with all the errands that are a part of everyday life. Here is the first in a series of blogs about streamlining your errands and shopping to save you time.
General Tips
• Write out all your stops before you head out the door so you take the shortest route and won't be backtracking. Check times of operation for businesses before you leave so you don't arrive at a store that isn't open yet, resulting in a trip back later in the day.
• Order stamps by mail—they’ll be delivered to your mailbox at no extra charge. The Post Office also ships supplies like priority mail envelopes/boxes at no cost to you.
• Barter with friends—trade one of your errands or tasks with one of theirs to avoid an additional trip. Plan in advance in case you have to bring an item, such as library books, to your friend's house before they are due.
• Limit your kids’ activities. Even one activity can mean several trips per week, with practices and games or performances. Allow one activity per child to save on your sanity--and their health.
I'm Moving! Now What?
Moving on Mondays
People move for different reasons. They move out on their own after school, they get married and move in with their spouse, they move to a larger house to accommodate a growing family, or they move to a friendlier climate upon retirement. These are all joyful occasions.
There are other reasons people move, too. A company may relocate the head of the household to another state, a divorce may require the sale of the current home in an asset liquidation, or a senior may not be healthy enough to care for his/her current residence on his/her own. In these cases, emotions run higher because the move is not optional, but rather a necessity due to outside circumstances.
Regardless of the reason, moving is very stressful. Like any other event, though, proper planning can make the transition easier. If you know what to expect and what to do, the move will be smooth and stress-free.
To help you through these stressful times, Prima By Design, Inc. has published a moving guide. The guide is full of helpful information and guidelines. It also has many forms that you can use to make your move as easy as possible. There are 76 pages of ideas and forms that we have compiled from our experiences. For more information, see our web site.
People move for different reasons. They move out on their own after school, they get married and move in with their spouse, they move to a larger house to accommodate a growing family, or they move to a friendlier climate upon retirement. These are all joyful occasions.
There are other reasons people move, too. A company may relocate the head of the household to another state, a divorce may require the sale of the current home in an asset liquidation, or a senior may not be healthy enough to care for his/her current residence on his/her own. In these cases, emotions run higher because the move is not optional, but rather a necessity due to outside circumstances.
Regardless of the reason, moving is very stressful. Like any other event, though, proper planning can make the transition easier. If you know what to expect and what to do, the move will be smooth and stress-free.
To help you through these stressful times, Prima By Design, Inc. has published a moving guide. The guide is full of helpful information and guidelines. It also has many forms that you can use to make your move as easy as possible. There are 76 pages of ideas and forms that we have compiled from our experiences. For more information, see our web site.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Frugal Cleaning Tips
Frugal Friday
Here are some penny-pinching tips for saving while cleaning your home.
• Use the rule of half. Use half the detergent, half the dryer sheet, half the sponge, etc. You will find that most cleaning can be done with half the product, saving you 50% on cleaning costs.
• Denture cleaner and water makes a great paste for cleaning stainless steel.
• Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your microwave, boil water for 30-60 seconds. The food particles will easily wipe off.
• Buy generic when possible. These brands often clean just as well, for much less money.
• Buy in bulk when on sale. This will save you money in the long run.
• A crumbled up mesh onion bag works just as well as a scouring pad--and rinses clean more easily.
• Freeze vinegar/water cubes and toss one in your garbage disposal for inexpensive, effective cleaning.
• Use rags instead of paper towels.
Here are some penny-pinching tips for saving while cleaning your home.
• Use the rule of half. Use half the detergent, half the dryer sheet, half the sponge, etc. You will find that most cleaning can be done with half the product, saving you 50% on cleaning costs.
• Denture cleaner and water makes a great paste for cleaning stainless steel.
• Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your microwave, boil water for 30-60 seconds. The food particles will easily wipe off.
• Buy generic when possible. These brands often clean just as well, for much less money.
• Buy in bulk when on sale. This will save you money in the long run.
• A crumbled up mesh onion bag works just as well as a scouring pad--and rinses clean more easily.
• Freeze vinegar/water cubes and toss one in your garbage disposal for inexpensive, effective cleaning.
• Use rags instead of paper towels.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Overview of Senior Communities
Senior Thursday
There are as many different types of facilities for seniors as there are needs. Some seniors are still active and working. Others are retired, but can't live on their own and take care of a house. Yet others are too ill to take care of any of their daily needs.
Here is a summary of different types of facilities and their levels of care.
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES
These are generally for people 55 years of age or older. The senior purchases the home and it can be sold when moving out. They can be single family homes, attached, or apartments. Most communities have club houses and golf courses, along with other activities. Health care is not normally included.
CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITIES
These facilities offer a carefree lifestyle with a built-in support system. Residents pay an entry fee, along with a monthly fee. There are different types of contracts, depending upon the seniors situation:
• Extensive--Provide shelter, services, amenities and long term care. Monthly fees do not increase.
• Modified--Provide shelter, services, amenities and a specified amount of nursing care. Additional care can be purchased in the future if necessary.
• Fee for Service--Provide shelter, services, amenities and emergency and short-term nursing care. There is an entrance fee , and low monthly fees. Long term care is available at an additional cost if necessary.
• Rental Agreement--There is no entrance fee. This is for housing only, and health expense are paid for as needed.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
These are designed for individuals who need help with daily activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day. Most offer three meals a day, housekeeping and laundry services. Medicare does not cover assisted living care. Most of the cost is covered by private pay.
NURSING HOMES
These are for people who need significant assistance with activities of daily living. Most provide different levels of care, from skilled nursing to rehabilitative. Services include room and board, personal care, and medical care. Most offer structured activities and recreation. Medicare might pay for a limited number of days.
The facility you choose for yourself or your family member will depend on physical health, mental capactity, and income. Make an informed decision.
There are as many different types of facilities for seniors as there are needs. Some seniors are still active and working. Others are retired, but can't live on their own and take care of a house. Yet others are too ill to take care of any of their daily needs.
Here is a summary of different types of facilities and their levels of care.
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES
These are generally for people 55 years of age or older. The senior purchases the home and it can be sold when moving out. They can be single family homes, attached, or apartments. Most communities have club houses and golf courses, along with other activities. Health care is not normally included.
CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITIES
These facilities offer a carefree lifestyle with a built-in support system. Residents pay an entry fee, along with a monthly fee. There are different types of contracts, depending upon the seniors situation:
• Extensive--Provide shelter, services, amenities and long term care. Monthly fees do not increase.
• Modified--Provide shelter, services, amenities and a specified amount of nursing care. Additional care can be purchased in the future if necessary.
• Fee for Service--Provide shelter, services, amenities and emergency and short-term nursing care. There is an entrance fee , and low monthly fees. Long term care is available at an additional cost if necessary.
• Rental Agreement--There is no entrance fee. This is for housing only, and health expense are paid for as needed.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
These are designed for individuals who need help with daily activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day. Most offer three meals a day, housekeeping and laundry services. Medicare does not cover assisted living care. Most of the cost is covered by private pay.
NURSING HOMES
These are for people who need significant assistance with activities of daily living. Most provide different levels of care, from skilled nursing to rehabilitative. Services include room and board, personal care, and medical care. Most offer structured activities and recreation. Medicare might pay for a limited number of days.
The facility you choose for yourself or your family member will depend on physical health, mental capactity, and income. Make an informed decision.
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