Entertainment on a Budget

June 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Entertainment is expensive. Movies, plays, cable, concerts, and the awful price of books today can put quite a strain on the finances. Stage shows like “The Lion King” look very entertaining, but one look at the price and you may prefer rather to just watch the DVD. Entertainment does have to break the bank. Here are some things you can do.

  • Some movies are just better on the big screen. So when you have to go to the theater, go for the cheaper pre-5:00 matinees. And stay away from the concession stand. Snack before or after elsewhere (or at home).
  • Instead of buying or paying to rent movies or books, try your local library. Many libraries have a wide selection of movies. And naturally renting a book at the library is a lot cheaper than buying one. But when you’d prefer to own that certain book or movie…
  • Use sites like eBay or Amazon to get movies and books at prices far less than retail.
  • There are discounts available for theater shows the likes of the aforementioned “The Lion King.” Hunt around for discounts and you can enjoy stage shows for less. In fact, hunting around can produce discounts for most things.
  • Eating out is fun. It’s also pricey. Try preparing more of your own food. If you’d rather eat out, look for coupons in your junk mail or in the newspaper.

The price of entertainment doesn’t have to prevent you from doing all the things that entertain you. Try the things listed here. Be entertained and still be able to pay the bills.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , ,

Apartment Makeover

May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Apartment buildings lining the south side of E... 

Image via Wikipedia

An apartment is an occupant’s personal space. From the time a tenant moves in, the four walls become a home. From the furniture that is chosen to the art on the walls, apartments tell a story about whoever lives there.

There always comes a time for an apartment makeover, time to move the story forward to reflect where the tenant is today. Whether it is New York, San Francisco or Chicago apartments, a good place to start is the furniture. Is it time to get new furniture, or can the old comfy couch be rehabbed? Do you entertain more than when you first got the apartment? Perhaps you need to update the layout for company. Or, perhaps, this is chance to redo to the garden…

Do the research. Take time to browse through stores that catch your eye. Match up the colors, choose the art work, perhaps even replace an appliance or two. Maybe it is just a simple piece of new furniture or a new rug that your apartment needs…

Or it might be time to redo the bathroom, and even the bedroom as well, giving the feel that one is in a whole new apartment. A new shower curtain and a new set of towels can transform the bathroom. Perhaps a new headboard and a coat of paint on the dresser is just what the bedroom needs.

A few new plants can give your outside space a quick “Summer is here” face-lift, creating a tranquil place to spend warm nights.

Once the transformation has taken place, invite friends over and play hostess as if you have just moved in.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , ,

Tips To Help You Stick To Your Diet

March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Bikini weather is just around the corner.  Are you prepared?  Winter can really wreak havoc on your body.  Those comfort foods and snowy days that kept you inside for days at a time can really tell on you when you step out in the light of springtime.  Shedding those unwanted pounds can be a major headache when it was so easy to gain them.  Here are a few tips that will keep you on track and help you stick with your diet goals.

When finding the right diet for you to follow, keep in mind that your diet should cater to your lifestyles and tastes.  If you don’t like the food you are eating, your chances of staying true to your diet are pretty slim.  No pun intended, really.  The key to any diet is moderation.   Eat moderately of good healthy foods that you enjoy and your chances of success are much greater.

Who likes to exercise alone?  Nobody really likes to do the grueling exercise regimens alone.  Grab a friend, spouse, or significant other who will exercise with you.  Even if it just walking it gets you outside the house and you can spend time with that person.

Ignore those junk food or sweet tooth cravings by always having something good and nutritious on hand.  We all have those cravings when we are in the car, or sitting at your desk.  Don’t deny yourself a snack; just make it a healthy one.

Allow yourself that one indulgence once a week.  Don’t go overboard on it though.  A little piece of chocolate or ice cream can be the reward you give yourself at the end of the week for doing such a good job.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , ,

Changing a Flat Tire

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A flat tire on a Mercury Villager van.

Image via Wikipedia

Changing a flat tire is seen as a man’s job, but if you’re stranded alone on the side of the road with a flat, doing it yourself is not as difficult as you may think. The key is to be prepared beforehand so you’ll know exactly what you need to do when the time comes.

Familiarize yourself with your car and the car’s manual. The manual will tell you exactly how to change a flat. You should have all the necessary tools in the area where the manufacturer stored the spare tire. These include a jack and tire iron. If you purchased the car used, make sure you have all the necessary items at all times, even if you have to buy your own tools and spare. Spend one weekend afternoon practicing using the jack and going over the steps listed in the manual.

When you experience a flat tire, keep driving until you reach level ground. Do not stop in mud or soft earth and make sure you give yourself plenty of room on the shoulder. Once parked, put on the parking brake and hazard lights. It’s a good idea to put pieces of wood or bricks in front of and behind one tire on the opposite side of the flat to make sure the car doesn’t roll.

Take off the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. If you forget this step, the tire will spin when you loosen the nuts.

Jack up the car. Refer to your car manual for proper positioning.

Remove lug nuts and the flat. Put on the spare and screw the nuts back into place.

Lower the jack and tighten the lug nuts. Don’t tighten them in a circular pattern, but once you tighten one, move to the opposite nut and so on.

That’s it! Store your tools, hubcap, and flat in the trunk.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , , ,

Common Makeup Mistakes

January 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Applying lipstick

Image via Wikipedia

Makeup can take years off your features and leave you feeling fresh and confident, but if done incorrectly it can add years to your face. There are several common makeup and skincare mistakes women make. Some are common sense like not sleeping in your makeup, but others you may not even have heard of.

Choosing the wrong foundation shade. Your foundation should match your skin. Don’t listen to your mother if she says you’re too pale and need her shade of beige. You’ll be left with a line underneath your jaw and a face that’s a different color than the rest of your body. If you want to add color different from your skin tone, dust your cheeks with bronzer or blush.

Visible lip liner or feathering lipstick. It sounds like common sense—you don’t want a lip liner that’s darker than your lipstick. Liner should never stand alone, it’s meant to define your lips in the same shade as your lip stick. Choosing a perfectly-matched liner will prevent lipstick feathering, which becomes more of a problem as you age. You can also prevent feathering by blotting lipstick with a tissue and switching to a matte product or lip stain.

Too much mascara. In this case, less is more. Applying too much mascara only leads to thick, clumpy lashes. Mascara should be discarded after four months. To apply properly, start with the wand at the base of your lashes and wiggle back and forth until you get to the tips. Let one coat dry before applying another.

Choosing the wrong formula for your skin. Foundation should not settle into lines or pores. If it does, you may not be using a moisturizer or makeup suitable for your skin type. For oily skin, skip the moisturizer or opt for a light one. Use makeup primer to smooth fine lines and pores and set makeup with translucent powder.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , , , ,

Cooking Tricks

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Even the smallest tip can make cooking a whole lot simpler. We’ve sought out the most fabulous tricks and compiled them here for quick reference.

To keep boiled cauliflower or potatoes white, add a few drops of vinegar to the water.

To chop onions without crying, try cutting them under running water. You may also try chopping it near a gas flame. No matter which method you choose, refrigerate onions before chopping to reduce the irritating sulfide.

To skin a chicken more easily, skin a little piece and then use a paper towel to grab hold of the skin and pull. The skin should stick to the paper towel.

If you let your tomatoes sit out for too long and now they’re overripe, place them in a bowl of cool water with some salt overnight.

While cooking white rice, add a few drops of lemon juice to maintain the whiteness.

When peeling garlic, put your knife flat against the clove and whack your hand against it. It will burst open.

To separate the core from a head of lettuce, place the head on the counter, core-side up, and whack the core with your hand. The core should separate.

To save leftover tomato paste, drop it by the spoonful onto a cookie sheet and freeze, then store in a freezer bag.

If storing flour or any other dry goods, place a whole bay leaf inside the container or bag. It keeps the bugs away. You can also lay bay leaves in your kitchen cabinets to ward off pests.

Measuring honey or molasses can be a pain, but coating your measuring cup or spoon with oil will help the honey or molasses slide out easily.

To melt chocolate without a double boiler, place chocolate chips or chopped chocolate blocks into a plastic bag and put the bag in hot water. Take it out every few minutes and knead the bag until the chocolate is melted.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With:

Helping a Loved One Overcome Addiction

January 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You may have noticed recently that a loved one is acting a little different from normal. Maybe they are more withdrawn, or they sleep a lot. On the other hand, maybe they have gone into almost a manic state, where they are always going. Either way, you may be suspecting that they are dealing with a drug addiction, and you have decided that you need to step in.

At this point, it can be difficult to know exactly when to step in, and how much to do. In general, it is best to intervene as soon as you notice a problem. At first, your loved one may deny that there is a problem, or even get upset. They may surprise you and open up, admitting that they do have a problem. Either way, making it known, and letting them know that you love them and support them, and want to try to help them, is extremely important at this point.

You may find that your loved one needs to be admitted to a detox facility. This is a hard thing to accept for many people, but it is something that can be very beneficial, not only for the person that is dealing with the addiction, but also for the people around them.

Though there are many different types of detox facilities in the country, you will find that you want to do your research on them before you make a decision on one. Since they are so different, there may be some that do not fit the person that needs the intervention. With everything from a more clinical detox center in a hospital to a new age spin on getting drug free, there are so many options that you may feel a little overwhelmed. One suggestion is to contact your insurance company, or the insurance company of the loved one dealing with the addiction, and find out if they cover detox treatment.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , ,

Public Safety Tips

January 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In a world of modern conveniences we tend to take our safety for granted. Car radios and cell phones can cloud our intuition, and this can put even the most observant woman in danger. Keeping in mind some simple safety tips can ensure that your personal security doesn’t take a backseat.

  • Learn to trust your gut. If you feel an inexplicable pull telling you to readjust your route, that’s your intuition talking. Listen to it.
  • Put on an air of confidence. This shows potential aggressors that you’re not easily intimidated.
  • Keep the noticeable jewelry at home if you’ll be walking alone.
  • There is always safety in numbers. Wait for any public transportation in a well-lit public place. In parking lots, park underneath a light and use entrances with the most traffic flow.
  • When using public transportation, sit behind the driver or choose an aisle seat in case you need to make a quick exit.
  • Approach your vehicle with keys in hand. Ball them in your fist and have one key jutting out between your index and middle finger. This creates a self-defense weapon.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask a bagboy or store manager to escort you to your car at night.
  • Always lock your doors when driving or parking your car. Never leave your vehicle unlocked, even for a few moments.
  • If someone inside a car points a knife or gun at you and threatens you to get in, don’t do it. It’s much better to run away from the vehicle screaming to draw attention to yourself. He’ll speed off to find an easier target.
  • If someone drives alongside your car and points to your tires or exhaust in an attempt to pull you over, drive until you reach a well-lit public area before you stop. Do the same for police officers and if you’re in a minor rear-end collision.

Remember, a little common sense goes a long way!

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With:

Basic Survival Techniques

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Self-defense is a lifesaving skill every woman should know. When attacked, survival is the only rule. Keep in mind some basic self-defense rules:

  • Hit the attacker just under the nose with your open palm.
  • Immediately kick him in the groin with your foot at a 45-degree upward angle.
  • Use this chance to escape.

Make as much noise as possible to attract people to the situation. Kitchen flatware, coins, and aerosol sprays can be used as self-defense weapons. Plan which objects can be used in self-defense ahead of time so you know what is in your purse at all times.

In the case of an armed robbery, however, the rules change. If you’re in a public place that’s in the process of being robbed or alone on the streets, the rules remain the same:

  • Above all, stay calm.
  • Cooperate with the robber and do only what he or she tells you to do. The sooner they get what they want, the sooner they’ll leave.
  • Do not make any sudden, jerky movements. This is not the time for self-defense techniques.
  • Do not stall in an attempt to prolong the robber.
  • Never follow or chase a robber.

Take account of the types of clothing the robber was wearing, especially any inner layers. Make a mental note of the physical characteristics—height and weight, eye and hair color, accent, and any scars or tattoos. If you see the getaway vehicle, get a description of it and the direction it went. All of this information will be important to the police. Never stare at a bank robber in an attempt to make all these mental notes. That may only lead to further agitation.

Witnessing or experiencing violence will often take an emotional toll. Keep an open communication with friends and family about the event and seek counseling if necessary.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , , ,

Safety Tips for Joggers

January 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Jogging with dog at Carcavelos Beach

Image via Wikipedia

Jogging has become so popular lately that you often can’t drive one city block without seeing someone training for a marathon. It’s a healthy form of exercise that keeps your mind sharp and your muscles lean, but while you’re on that euphoric jogger’s high, don’t forget the fundamental rules of jogging safety.

  • Stay on the sidewalk. If you’re running in a rural area or if the sidewalks are hazardous due to ice or construction, always run facing traffic.
  • Don’t listen to music in isolated areas. That workout mix on your iPod may be motivating, but it also distracts your gut feeling. Earphones also keep you from hearing oncoming traffic.
  • Avoid jogging in the early hours or at night.
  • Consider your clothing. Wear reflective or light colors and proper footwear to avoid injury.
  • If you plan to run several miles from home, carry bus change or pay phone money (if you don’t take a cell phone with you). This comes in handy if you end up spraining your ankle. You can slip a couple of dollars into a sock to avoid losing it.
  • Always double-tie your shoelaces to avoid trips.
  • Switch up your routine. Never run the same route more than a few times. Assailants who stalk victims beforehand have been known to map out their daily running patterns so they know where and when to lay in wait for an attack.

If you feel like a car is slowing down to follow you, turn around and run back in the direction from which you just came. This makes it difficult for the vehicle to continue following you. If your instinct tells you not to turn around, calmly enter a public building or crowded area. Watch the driver to see if he reacts in a way that indicates you were being followed and, if so, call the police to report the incident.

Filed Under: Need To Know Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts