The New Home Economics

Have you ever dreamed of trading your “same ole same” life for an adventure in another country? The best way to experience another culture is to live with the people working, playing, sight seeing for a period of time.

There have been student exchange programs available for students in high school, college or university for decades.  No much was available for the mature. The mature and baby boomer does not need to fret. Today there are many opportunities available for the mature and baby boomer who would like to teach, volunteer and work in other countries.  

For a list of resources visit http://www.transitionsAbroad.com , this website has offers a wealth of information. You will find information on international internships and jobs, au pair opportunities, summer jobs, travel service jobs, teaching English programs, and many volunteer opportunities, all in foreign countries. You’ll also find tips on travel abroad, ways to live overseas, and how to find study programs.  

Many accidents, both inside and outside of the home are caused by poor planning or time management. I have bruised my legs, spilled water, misplaced keys, had a car accident all due to my constantly rushing. Slowing down can prevent many accidents.

When we are in a hurry, we tend to pay less attention to the things going on around. To prevent feeling rushed or anxious, take a few minutes to plan daily. As you plan, factor in extra time to cover unexpected occurrences or delays.

If you feel yourself becoming anxious or getting in a hurry, stop for a moment to calm yourself.  To slow down– breathe deeply and slowly exhale.  You may need to do this 2 or 3 times. This really works! It doesn’t matter where you are or what you are doing– cooking, rushing out  to an appointment, or sitting in traffic. Sometimes we are late due to things that are outside of our control. When this occurs, give the person waiting for you a courtesy call, so that they will know when to expect you.

If you are habitually rushing around,  take tie to examine the why.  Sometimes, the  problem can easily be solved by allotting more time to complete a task or building in more time between activities.  Learning to say “NO” can sometimes solve some of our time management problem.

Baking powder and baking soda are used as leaveners in baking. If they are not fresh you might not get the best results. 

The expiration and “best used by” dates are good guides to determine if an ingredient or product is still good for use.  These dates are usually printed or stamped on the container.  Check the bottom of the container.  Many ingredients lose some their effectiveness if stored over a long period of time, though the ingredient may not have reached it expiration date.

To test baking powder, put 1 teaspoon baking powder in 1/3 cup hot water.  Fresh baking powder will fizz.  If you don’t see any bubbles forming in the water, the baking powder is too old and should be tossed.

To test baking soda, mix ¼ teaspoon baking soda with two teaspoons vinegar.  If it fizzes immediately it is still good and can still be used.  If it does not fizz immediately it is too old to be used as a leavener.  Instead of tossing the baking soda, look on the box or package for other non-baking uses or visit http://www.armhammer.com .  Click the products link.

 I have used baking soda to clean jewelry (rings, necklaces).  Simply make a paste  (1 ½  Teaspoon baking soda + ½  teaspoon water).   This should clean a couple  silver, gold or silver/gold tone necklaces and rings.  To clean place jewelry on clean dry rag or cloth, then brush the baking soda mixture on the jewelry using an old toothbrush.  Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.  I use a piece of an old Tee shirt.  Your jewelry will shine. 

How to organize your medicine cabinet 

Has clutter taken over your medicine cabinet?  You can take control of this clutter in 45 minutes or less. Of course, how long it takes to declutter depends on how disorganized the cabinet is.  Use the suggestions below to help you take control of that energy draining medicine cabinet clutter.

• Set aside time for your project.  Perhaps a Saturday morning will work best for you.
• Dispose of any expired and unused medications including over-the-counter.  It is no longer safe to flush medication down the toilet because traces of some medications have been found in our water supply.  A couple of ways to dispose of medications are: remove medication(s) from bottle and mix thoroughly with an unpleasant tasting substance or ingredient such as coffee grounds. The unpleasant taste and odor will discourage animals or pets.  Put medication(s) in a bag and seal, then place medications in trash can as close to trash pick-up day as possible.    Don’t forget to remove the labels from prescription bottles. Another way to dispose of medication(s) is to call your local pharmacy.  Ask if   they offer a pharmaceutical take-back program- a program that allows you to bring in old expired medications to a designated site where they can safely dispose of it for you.
• Move un-expired medications to another location.  Keeping certain medications in moist areas it not good, therefore, you may want to store them in less moist area; an area out of the reach of children and pets.

• Toss cosmetics older than 6 months or any personal items that you have not used in years.

• Store any duplicate items under the sink or in a closet.  When selecting your storage area, think of child and pet safety.

• Dust and/or clean medicine cabinet.  Neatly arrange items.

Resources 

http://www.rxnoprescription.com/how-to-dispose-ofexpired-medications.html

What is the best way customers is to dispose of medications

Hope you haven’t forgotten to change or replace your car air filter.  A car air filter should be replaced at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.  About every 3,000 miles; depending on driving conditions.  If you drive on dirt roads (unpaved roads) or experience constant stop-and go traffic, you may need to change your air filter more frequently.

Changing your air filter is simple.  Read your owners’ manual to find the correct type for your vehicle, location of the filter, and how to remove and replace the filter.  Filters can be purchased at discount or auto stores such as Walmart or Auto Zone.   Learning how to change the filter yourself could save you $10 or more.

For tips on how to change an air filter go to http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/change_air_filter.htm

Gift-giving can put a dent in your holiday budget..  However, with a little planning, a few inexpensive items and creativity; you can give practical, cute and inexpensive gifts to everyone on your list.  Coffee mugs, small tins, gift bags and boxes can be used to make gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, and co-workers.  These items make great gift containers because they come in a variety of sizes, easy to decorate and very inexpensive. Below are fun and inexpensive ideas to help make gift giving more affordable.

Candy/gum/mints

Purchase pre-wrapped mints, gum and other mini candy bars (Snickers, Mars, Almond Joy, etc).  Very few people can resist candy!  Fill small cellophane bags and fasten with a twist tie or ribbon.  Put into a lovely coffee mug, tin or small gift bag.  Wrap tissue paper, tulle or cellophane wrap around coffee mug, secure it with a bow and add a name tag.

To make tins more festive add a bow; tie a ribbon around or across the tin.

Beverages—Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate

Gourmet coffee, hot chocolate or herbal teas are some of the best gifts to put in mugs.   These items can be purchased by the box and a box has several individual packets.  Buying by the box saves money and is sanitary.

Simply fill an oversized coffee mug with a several packets (two or three, depending on the size of your cup) of gourmet coffee, hot chocolate mix or herbal teas. Add a couple of stirrers, packets of sugar or a miniature bottle of honey.  I found the honey at Walmart. This is an adorable, inexpensive gift, yet it can be personal. Consider adding a specialty spoon or a plastic spoon dipped in melted chocolate for extra flair. Insert chocolate covered spoon with a cellophane bag; tie with a ribbon or twist tie.  This gift is quick, easy and delicious.

Gift Cards

Almost all stores and restaurants sell gift cards.  They make practical gifts for most including the hard to please. Consider putting the gift card inside a coffee mug, an unusual shaped box or tin. You can fill the container with a little tissue paper or shredded confetti tissue and place the gift card inside.

Before buying a gift card consider the recipient’s interests or hobbies.  E.g. if the person enjoys home improvement, give him/her a gift card to the local hardware or home improvement store. Placing the card in a container instead of an envelope or gift card holder is a good way to avoid a misplaced or accidentally tossed card.

Jewelry

Jewelry is considered a “can’t go wrong” anytime of the year gift.  Costume and fashion jewelry are beautiful; and is an alternative to its more expensive counterparts-gold and sterling silver.  Rhinestones are an alternative to diamonds.   It may not be necessary to purchase any jewelry.  Check your jewelry box.  Are there pieces that a niece, sister or friend admired that you are willing to give as a gift? A brooch, necklace & earring set, etc. Clean it, wrap in tissue paper and place the piece(s) in a jewelry gift box. Cover box, add a bow and a personalized note: “Dear Wanda, you have always admired these earrings whenever I have worn them.  Please accept them as a personal gift from me and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.  Love your sis, Dot”

Additionally, try an area Thrift Store; you may be able to find inexpensive jewelry and perhaps some vintage pieces for the vintage lover.  I would not clean any vintage pieces without checking with an expert first.

Books and Magazine Subscriptions

Avid readers enjoy and love books. No need to go out and buy a book, check your bookshelf.  What books have you read that would be interesting or inspirational to someone?   Book could be placed in a gift bag, Wrap, or tie book with a beautiful ribbon. Personalize your gift with short review or personal note.  If you do not have a book to share: visit www.half.com.   You cannot go wrong with a subscription to a person’s favorite magazine.  Though it is a little late for a person to receive a notice by Christmas from the magazine company, you can easily include a note in a gift box or mug stating that the gift is on its way.

You may consider a subscription or gift certificate to an audio book club.  The interests and hobbies of the recipient will help you select the best book or magazine subscription.

Soaps, Lotions and Potions

Need a feminine gift that does not cost a lot?  Consider filling a pretty coffee mug with small (travel or purse size) soaps or lotions, perfumes, etc.  These items can be purchased inexpensively at your local bath and body store, drug store, Target or Walmart.

For young ladies, include items such as lip gloss, Chapstick, nail polish and other makeup. Fill the mug and wrap a little tulle around it along with a ribbon to add a feminine look.

Other items that will make great gifts are movies, movie tickets, Cds, calendars depicted a hobby or interests (horses); computer generated coupons for services you are willing to provide, e.g. babysitting for an evening, preparing a meal, etc.  Homemade items are a special treat and can be included, e.g. your homemade fudge.

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Choosing small tins, boxes, bags and mugs to fill with cute useful items, should reduce your holiday expense.  Most of the items for the gifts in this article can be bought at a Dollar store or other discount stores.

Resources:

http://www.simplyaudiobooks.com

Here you will practical tips that are useful for everyday living.   Tips, resources and ideas to help your save money, organize, go green and simplify your life.