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Are You a Procrastinator? Find Out How to Change

2012-05-20T10:50:00.000-04:00

Are You a Procrastinator? Find Out How to Change

Published: May 20, 2012

There are more distractions today than ever before, thanks to the influence of the Internet. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are among the online time wasters that lure us from the task at hand. But here's the disconnect: even as the opportunities for procrastination grow, so does the demand for fast, creative, motivated workers.

So why do we procrastinate? Some experts, like Joseph Ferrari, associate professor of psychology at Chicago's DePaul University, believe we procrastinate because we were overregulated as children or because we feel anxious about a task. But virtually all authorities on the subject agree that procrastinators are made, not born. Procrastination is a learned behavior that can be changed.

Making a to-do list can be a great first step in managing procrastination. Cross each item off as you complete it.

Knowing what your biggest distractions are can help you avoid them. If you check email every five minutes, try to reduce it to a few times an hour. If you feel compelled to read and reply to every text message you receive, put your phone out of reach.

Look at your work environment. Get rid of clutter, hang or post items that inspire you, and find a spot to keep your to-do list in plain sight. If you find yourself procrastinating regularly, you might want to consider talking to a therapist. Professional advice can help you determine what's at the root of your procrastination and eliminate it.

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When Does a More Expensive Home Cost Less?

2012-05-16T17:51:00.000-04:00

When Does a More Expensive Home Cost Less?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 16, 2012

While it may seem counterintuitive, it's true; purchasing a more expensive home in an urban neighborhood could actually wind up costing you less than a home with a smaller price tag in the suburbs.

In more ways than one.

That's largely because of the high cost of transportation. When shopping for a home, many people who choose to live far from the core and commute to city jobs often neglect to factor in transportation costs.

The ever-increasing price of gas is not the only consideration. Regular maintenance, higher car insurance rates due to the longer drive, simple wear and tear, and vehicle replacement costs all need to be considered when calculating the cost of living far from where you work.

Given that suburban living also typically requires the use of a vehicle for everything from taking the kids to school to quick trips to the grocery store, you could also be looking at adding a second vehicle.

Whereas city dwellers - who benefit from better transit options and from being within walking distance of many amenities - may get by with one car or none at all.

Something else to consider if you're weighing the pros and cons of urban versus suburban living: according to research, health benefits - such as lower rates of obesity, hypertension and diabetes - are associated with the increased physical activity (primarily walking) that comes with being a city dweller. And that could translate into both lower medical costs and a longer, healthier life, which we'd all agree are priceless.

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6 Green Terms: Which Ones Can You Trust?

2012-05-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

6 Green Terms: Which Ones Can You Trust?

By: Karin Beuerlein

Published: May 7, 2012

Does "natural" mean organic? Should you buy anything labeled "non-toxic"? Here are the truth and eco-facts about many of the green terms you find on product labels.

What’s really green? Soon you’ll have a little more confidence about green product marketing claims, such as “biodegradable” and “recyclable”: The Federal Trade Commission, which sets standards for the use of environmental claims in its Green Guides, is getting tougher on green terms.

Proposed revisions to the Green Guides will make it harder for companies to make unsubstantiated green claims about their products.

So when is all this happening? An FTC official we spoke to says the revisions may be final this summer. Until then — and even after then, since the guides don’t have the force of regulation — put on your skeptic’s hat when you shop and be prepared to research labels before you buy.

1. “Organic”: a green term that really means something

Organic is the one term in our list that’s federally regulated — by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to be specific. Product makers making this claim must prove their stuff is “produced without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation, or bioengineering.” Period.

FTC is cracking down on these terms

2. “Recyclable.” After the new guidelines are adopted, a manufacturer can use this term without a caveat only if a substantial majority of communities nationwide have facilities that can actually recycle its product. Before you buy, do your homework to see what you’re able to recycle locally. Also, take a closer look when a product claims to be “recycled” (a term that’s not covered in the Green Guides).

What you really want to look for is “post-consumer recycled” content. These products have been diverted from the landfill, so you’re truly helping reduce the waste stream when you buy them.

3. “Biodegradable.” When you see this term, you think, “Great, I don’t need to worry about throwing this away; it’ll break down naturally.” But many products labeled biodegradable need ideal composting conditions to break down — and some won’t degrade even then.

The FTC’s new guidelines require that products or packaging labeled “degradable” break down within a year in normal disposal conditions.

Heads-up: That means the term likely won’t apply to anything you’d throw in the trash, because items simply don’t degrade in landfills. It’s far better to reduce waste in the first place than to expect it to disappear.

4. “Compostable.” In the future, products with this claim shouldn’t take any longer to break down than the rest of your compost pile.

5. “Non-toxic.” The FTC’s new guidelines say that non-toxic claims should mean the product isn’t harmful to humans and safe for the environment. But research the product online if the label is vague. And definitely don’t assume kids or pets can ingest it safely.

The fuzziest green term of all

6. “Natural” is unregulated by the government. It’s not interchangeable with organic or healthy, although manufacturers want you to think if it’s natural, it has to be good for you, right? Not so much. Take ammonia. It’s a naturally occurring compound, but it’s also a toxic pollutant. Without context, the word natural doesn’t mean much.

A label to help you decide

When you’re just not sure about a product’s claims, look for certification by a reputable third party — like Scientific Certification Systems.

Its green-and-blue SCS label provides some reassurance that a product lives up to its claims. SCS sets tough standards for the terms biodegradable and recycled content, according to BuildingGreen, an independent company that educates building professionals on green certifications. And the label has been around a long time.

Some SCS guidelines:

SCS only certifies liquid products as biodegradable — cleaners, detergents, and soaps that break down completely in natural conditions in 28 days.

Recycled products include a wide array of building products — windows, doors, insulation, carpets, tiles, and more — so seek them out.

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Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

For Today's Homebuyer Small Is Beautiful

2012-04-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

For Today's Homebuyer Small Is Beautiful

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

No longer is the sprawling luxury home the pinnacle of real estate in the North American market.

As baby boomers look to downsize and homeowners trade luxury for function, there is renewed interest in smaller homes.

Eighty percent of 1,300-plus real estate agents surveyed in 2011 said that baby- boomer clients aged 54 to 64 are interested in smaller homes. Saving money and living more simply were among the reasons for the interest.

A recent study by the U.S. National Association of Home Builders showed that the economic downturn has altered the landscape of housing.

The study predicted that by 2015, homes will be 10% smaller than the average single-family home in 2010.

While homebuyers may be looking for smaller residences, they're not interested in sacrificing functionality.

Instead, they're trading luxury amenities for practicality.

According to architects surveyed by the American Institute of Architects, buyers are losing interest in spaces such as home theaters and exercise and game rooms and are embracing spaces like home offices and mud rooms.

Aging baby boomers will also be looking for features to make their lives safer and more comfortable. Baby boomers, more than any generation to date, are looking for homes that have been adapted to their needs instead of making the move to retirement homes.

The two- or three-story single-family home may also be on its way out, as boomer homebuyers launch their search for an entirely different type of housing, offering a maintenance-free lifestyle.

This important demographic is looking closely at options such as condominium apartments or bungalow communities. Many are also considering rental units.

Boomers aren't alone in pursuing smaller homes. Young people and immigrants will also continue to drive demand in the future.

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Shh...We're Eating: Mindfulness in the Dining Room

2012-04-27T02:00:00.000-04:00

Shh...We're Eating: Mindfulness in the Dining Room

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

Most of us would agree we need a break from our fast-paced lifestyles. But would eating in silence be carrying it too far?

Mindful meditation - a technique to slow down and be in the moment - is moving from the yoga mat to the dining room table in hopes of restoring calmness to the process of nourishing our bodies.

Once the preserve of Buddhist monks, mindful meditation is now seen as a powerful tool by the scientific and medical communities to combat stress, depression, anxiety and other lifestyle diseases. Mindful eating is being touted as a way of bringing a degree of consciousness to the dinner hour and possibly helping to combat obesity, now epidemic in our society.

The emphasis is on slow, deliberate eating, savoring food and creating an atmosphere conducive to this. That's why silence is golden - at least at the dinner table. No TV; no gulping it down on your way to something else; no unconscious eating.

If you'd like to try mindful eating, start small. Sit down as a family for one meal a week, turn off the smartphones and TV and try silence, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Consider making a special meal, with a variety of textures and flavors. Focus on fresh vegetables, fish and chicken. Chew each bite 20 times (which also gives your stomach a chance to tell you it's full). Think about what you're eating. But most of all, enjoy it

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Buy in the Right Location to Ensure Your Home's Value

2012-04-27T01:05:00.000-04:00

Buy in the Right Location to Ensure Your Home's Value

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

True, the phrase, "location, location, location", is a cliché. But smart homebuyers have come to realize that the location of their new home not only determines how happy they'll be with their purchase but also dictates its resale value. Following is a primer to help you find the right home in the right location:

Don't be tempted to buy a great house in a bad neighborhood unless you can see signs that the neighborhood is changing for the better. Future buyers will not be willing to pay top dollar for a house surrounded by fixer-uppers.

Decide what you want in a neighborhood before looking. If it's important to have excellent schools nearby, don't look in areas where your kids will have a long drive or bus ride to school.

How safe is the neighborhood? Be sure to check it out at night and on weekends. Neighborhoods that may seem safe during the day can change when the sun goes down. Also look around you. Are your neighbors' homes and gardens well maintained or are there rusted cars in their backyards?

What amenities do you need nearby? If you're looking for parks, walking trails and recreation centers, a suburban location is for you. For the local restaurant, bar and theater scene, check out downtown properties.

And be sure to ask your sales agent about any likely changes in zoning, new schools to be built or recently approved projects that could have a negative impact on the neighborhood.

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Everyone is Going 'Pinsane' Over Pinterest

2012-04-27T01:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone is Going 'Pinsane' Over Pinterest

By: FOXmls.com

Published: May 1, 2012

If you've picked up a newspaper, surfed or watched TV recently, you've probably heard about Pinterest - the online photo pinboard and community.

The new social media kid on the block is growing so quickly that its popularity has been touted as "Pinsanity".

The moniker for its success is well deserved; the site has more than 11 million unique visitors, and it's growing. It gets more referral traffic than YouTube, Linkedin and Google+. The demographics of the site are interesting too. Most of its users are young women.

But what's the appeal? Think of it as an online scrapbook or inspiration board - minus time spent rifling through magazines and newspapers and cutting and pasting. You can share pins, re-pin from others and organize your boards by themes such as food, travel, home decor and personal style. Users can pin items from websites they like, using "Pin It" buttons on their browsers.

In the wake of Pinterest's success, many large corporations are developing their own Pinterest presence. Nordstrom, HGTV, ModCloth, General Electric and Whole Foods Market are among the brands currently using the site. Small businesses also can make use of it to unveil new items or advertise a service.

There may be a fly in the ointment, however. Some web watchers have concerns over copyright violations, although the legal community believes Pinterest, like YouTube and Facebook, is protected by U.S. legislation, as long as it responds quickly to copyright complaints.

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What’s Your Earth Day Resolution

2012-04-24T12:50:00.002-04:00

What’s Your Earth Day Resolution?

By: HouseLogic.com

Published: April 16, 2012

This year, we’re resolving — and we hope you do too — to make some lasting changes in our homes so every day can be Earth Day.

This April 22 is Earth Day, and your planet really appreciates your taking the time to help it out. You know, saving water, saving energy, recycling and reusing — all that good stuff.

But what a beleaguered planet really could use is a little commitment — some dedication to the long run.

That’s why we home owners make ideal stewards of the environment. We’re committed to the long run (everybody with a 30-year mortgage, raise your hand), and what we do with our daily household routines has lasting impact.

With that in mind, we’ve cooked up six Earth Day resolutions for home owners — simple ideas that are easy to do, will save you some cash, and are a snap to make second nature:

1. Put up a clothes line to dry clothes this summer.
2. Shut down your computer at night (instead of putting it to sleep).
3. Take shorter showers instead of using the shower as a meditation chamber (gotta love that white noise).
4. Put something heavy (like a brick or bottle of water) in the toilet tank. It displaces the water, so you need less to fill the tank after flushing.
5. While waiting for the shower water to warm up, put a bucket under the faucet. Use that water for plants.
6. Always use low-VOC paints.

What are your Earth Day resolutions?

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No Granite? Don't Let That Be a Deal-Breaker

2012-04-01T14:31:00.000-04:00

No Granite? Don't Let That Be a Deal-Breaker

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

Even the casual HGTV watcher will be familiar with "granite obsession." Picture this: A couple is viewing a house that has great curb appeal in their chosen neighborhood, at a price they can afford. It's perfect. Or is it?

If you're looking for the perfect house, that huge wish list you're carrying around may be holding you back - and ultimately could cost you your dream home.

"Hate that fixture," the husband says, as the couple checks out the dining room.

They pause in the kitchen.

"This has to be completely redone," he says. "No granite countertops."

She agrees. The husband and wife nod knowingly at each other, and the husband says to himself, "Granite obsession."

Despite the home's obvious advantages, the couple can't see the forest for the trees ... or rather the house for its décor.

Instead of obsessing over paint colors, fixtures and granite countertops, the couple should be asking about the neighborhood; discussing recent energy-saving upgrades and the home's electrical system; checking for leaks or cracks that may signal a roof repair or foundation problem; and deciding if the floor plan and room sizes will meet their lifestyle needs.

The couple should ask if window coverings are included and if the appliances are in working order. And even if these are not to their tastes, the couple will save a lot of money if they can live with the status quo and not have to buy new appliances, fixtures or drapes immediately.

Got questions?

Search Angie List or google for recommend home inspectors, contractors, designers and others you might want to ask for a second opinion.

But don't hold out for granite, hardwood or high-end appliances. You may never get a second chance at your dream home.

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When Everything Old Is New Again

2012-04-01T14:19:00.000-04:00

When Everything Old Is New Again

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

This February, Leonard Cohen, 1960s philosopher and guru to a generation of aging baby boomers, released his 12th album, titled Old Ideas.

It was his first in eight years. Historic in its own way, the album also represents something new ... the rebirth of something old.

These days, everything old is new again. In Cohen's lyrics ("Show me the place where the world became a man; show me the place where the suffering began.") and in philosophical texts turned popular reading (such as The Latest Answers to the Oldest Questions: A Philosophical Adventure With the World's Greatest Thinkers by Nicholas Fearn) the world is rediscovering our debt to ancient thinkers.

Take Thales. This philosopher, who lived around 585 BC, was the father of the idea that everything is one.

Acknowledged as such by Nietzsche, Thales foreshadowed later Greek philosophers such as Aristotle, Socrates and Plato, who effectively shaped our ideas of the universe.

In fact, our current notion of the holistic world had its origin with the ancient Greeks, whose worldview bound together philosophy and politics with culture and science.

Albert Einstein neatly summed up our debt to those who came before, stating, "We owe it to a few writers of antiquity (Plato, Aristotle, etc.) that the people in the Middle Ages could slowly extricate themselves from the superstitions and ignorance that had darkened life for more than half a millennium."

The distance from ancient Greece to the Middle Ages to our current iPad, the world is not as far as it seems.

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Want to Feel Good? Try Decluttering Your Life

2012-04-01T14:10:00.000-04:00

Want to Feel Good? Try Decluttering Your Life

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

Decluttering is in. A Google search on "decluttering your life" generated 1.16 million results in just a sixteenth of a second. Everyone from professional declutterers to Zen masters has something to say about it. Simply said, though, it boils down to this: Declutter, feel good, achieve more.

Following are some tips to help you declutter:

Many experts recommend you start small. A post at www.zenhabits.net recommends spending five minutes a day on decluttering. Before you know it, that junk drawer or hall closet will be a thing of beauty.
As you're going through that junk drawer or closet, ask yourself if you've used items in the past six months. If not, get rid of them.
DDelegate a box for the undecided - items you might want in the future. If you don't open the box in three months, get rid of the contents.
Everyone has things that don't live anywhere. Consider the often-lost TV converter or recharger for your electronics. Make it a mission to find these things.
How many knickknacks do you really need? Pick your favorites and take memory pictures of the rest. Then pass them on to charitable organizations.
Buried under papers? One suggestion: Every paper that comes in the door lands in a single place. Sort through the pile every two days and discard or file every piece.

Last but not least, learn to love the decluttered look. You'll stay decluttered for life.

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Nine Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive

2012-04-01T13:56:00.000-04:00

Nine Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive

By: FOXmls.com

Published: April 1, 2012

These days, staging your home involves more than decluttering and inexpensive fix-ups. You can spend big bucks. Or not. The following tips can help you add value to your home:

Watch the trends and incorporate them in simple, effective ways. In 2012, buyers will be looking for extra storage and great laundry rooms. Declutter all your closets and add inexpensive but attractive storage in the laundry area. Fresh paint and attractive baskets can go a long way.
Position one of today's colors - any shade of blue from cobalt to turquoise, for example - against neutral walls, either by painting an accent wall or by adding hints of color with accessories.
For accessories, try light woods, brass and stone.
Switch down your lighting - dimmers create a warm, romantic mood in bedrooms and dining rooms.
Hardwood floors are still number one, but sisal and seagrass carpeting are becoming popular.
White or off-white kitchen cabinets are still in. Painting cabinets may be labor intensive, but you may avoid that "dated kitchen" label.
Stainless steel appliances remain popular, but building them in to match kitchen cabinets is very now.
Move out all but essential pieces of furniture. Buyers want to imagine their possessions in your home.

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7 Killer Ways to Get Rid of Weeds

2012-03-14T13:35:00.000-04:00

7 Killer Ways to Get Rid of Weeds

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: March 14, 2012

Here are 7 ways to murder weeds with household items. You’ll save money and show no mercy to your garden’s uninvited guests.

Nothing ruins your garden or yard like weeds, those uninvited guests that rob your plants of space and nutrients. So murder those weeds most foul, but without harmful chemicals that can do you in, too.

Here are 7 ways to kill weeds with weapons you already have around your house.

1. Newspaper: A carpet of newspaper, which blocks sunlight and oxygen from reaching the soil, will smother weeds already sprouted and prevent new ones from growing. Throw down newspaper in 10-sheet layers, wet to hold it down, and cover with an inch or two of mulch. If weeds begin to grow in the mulch, add more layers, making a mulch-newspaper lasagna, which eventually will decompose and nourish the soil.

2. Old shower curtains and carpet samples: Spreading these useless items in garden paths or between rows will keeps weeds from ever showing their unwanted heads. Cover with mulch.

3. Corn gluten meal: This corn by-product stops seeds from growing into weeds. Since the meal will prevent germination, spread it around established plants, and after seedlings and transplants have taken hold in the soil. After harvest, spread the meal to prevent late-season weeds.

4. Vinegar: The acetic acid in 5% vinegar is a desiccant that sucks the life out of plant leaves. It’s most destructive to young plants with immature roots, though it just rolls off weeds with waxy leaves, like pennywort or thistle.

Make sure you cover desirables before spraying, because vinegar is an equal opportunity killer. Keep your spray on-target by removing the bottom from a 2-liter plastic soda bottle, and placing it over the weed. Spray vinegar into the mouth of the bottle, which will keep it from splattering on your vegetables.
5. Vodka: Don’t know if vodka makes weeds fall down dead or drunk, but 1 ounce mixed with 2 cups of water and a couple of drops of dish soap will dry out weeds that live in the sun. Doesn’t work that well on shade-loving weeds. Protect desirables, because vodka will dry them out, too.
6. Soap: The oil in soap can break down waxy or hairy weed surfaces, making them vulnerable to desiccants. So add a few drops of liquid dish detergent to vinegar or vodka sprays to keep the solution on leaves. The soap also makes leaves shiny, which will help you keep track of what you’ve sprayed.
7. Boiling water: After you’ve made yourself a cup of tea, take the kettle outside and pour the boiling water on weeds, which will burn up. This is a particularly good way to whack driveway and walkway weeds, because the boiling water can run off impervious surfaces and cool before it reaches border plants.

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Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

How to Prepare for the Spring Housing Market

2012-03-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

How to Prepare for the Spring Housing Market

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

Spring is the time of year when sellers and buyers gird up for what has traditionally been the most important season for buying or selling a home. Following are some ways to prepare:

Sellers
Sellers should be aware that there's a lot of competition for buyers in the spring. That means sellers should do everything possible to differentiate their home from others, including the following:

Polish windows and floors, rake the yard, mow the lawn, and add flowers in containers.
Wash blinds and curtains and have carpeting cleaned.
If a seller has spent the winter renovating to sell, new pictures should be taken to show the renovated space to best advantage.
Consign dark linens and towels to storage and add bright or pastel accents in baths and bedrooms.

Buyers
Buyers should have a good idea of what they want, how much they can spend and the neighborhoods they're interested in.
Buyers should also:

Have a network of experts in place, such as a real estate agent, lawyer, home inspector and mortgage broker.
Obtain a copy of their credit report, and if there are errors, clear them up.
Approach several lenders for preapproval.
Decide before shopping for a home the most they're prepared to pay.

View this articles Newsletterxx

Green Your Home: Save Now and Profit Later

2012-02-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

Green Your Home: Save Now and Profit Later

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

With apologies to Sesame Street's Kermit the Frog, it is easy being a green homeowner. And it may be profitable, too.

To green your home you need to invest in a number of energy and water-saving measures that result in lower energy costs. While the initial cost of your green investment may be higher, greening your home can give you an immediate saving of 30% to 60% off your energy costs. Incentives offered by government and local electricity distribution companies will help too.

Best of all, when it's time to sell, you've increased your home's resale value - some say by as much as 10%.

A simple change of habits can start you on the road to a green home: For example, toasters, microwaves, computers and TVs steal "phantom power" - even when they're not in use. Unplug them for lower electricity bills.

Going greener may be as simple as installing energy efficient lighting, upgrading your appliances to Energy Star-rated products and switching to low-flow toilets and water-saving shower heads.

Outside, planting large deciduous trees on the west and south sides of your home moderates the temperature. The result: lower heating and cooling costs and an attractively landscaped yard.

To kick it up a notch, you could really reduce costs with energy efficient windows and insulation. A high-efficiency furnace will quickly pay for itself; as will an energy friendly air-conditioner.

You may even opt for installing solar panels to reduce your dependence on the electricity grid.

And when you're renovating, why not consider a green reno, using toxin-free building materials, cork or bamboo floors and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint.

Ready to sell? Don't forget to trumpet your green investments. They may just sell your home.

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How to Become a Master Raconteur

2012-02-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

How to Become a Master Raconteur

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

People who long to enthrall audiences with their stories can do so by following a few simple rules.

First, good raconteurs offer a unique insight into the human condition. They captivate an audience by bringing life experience to the tale.

Good storytellers also use their personality and history to create a yarn that is relevant and important to the audience.

They use body language, gestures and facial expressions that suit both the story and storyteller.

Good storytellers also pick stories that complement their personality. A witty story may fall flat in the hands of a poet, while a much-heralded raconteur may not be able to instill the passion in a tale of lost love.

Good storytellers are comfortable with their stories.

They bring characters to life and make the audience care about them. They use dialogue skillfully to enhance characterizations.

Storytellers also need to remember that it's always about the audience. A skilled storyteller is constantly gauging the audience's interest and involving them.

Atmosphere helps create the magic, so a good storyteller weaves the setting into the story. The audience should almost believe they are there.

The magic doesn't happen spontaneously. To become master storytellers, individuals must practice and establish the gestures, facial expressions and body language that support the story.

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Slowing Down: The Fast Route to Happiness?

2012-02-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

Slowing Down: The Fast Route to Happiness?

By: FOXmls.com

Published: March 1, 2012

Simplicity may well be the defining value of 2012. With money tight, most of us are homing in on essential needs.

Ironically, while many of us are "going simple," we still find ourselves frantically busy. We still need our Twitter accounts and smartphones. We work more hours, cram too much into our days and find it hard to sit still.

Hence, the "slowdown" movement. Everyone from the slightly off-the-wall International Institute of Not Doing Much to psychologists and our family doctors suggest we slow down.

In 5 Reasons to Slow Down Your Life Today, and How to Do It, blogger Henrik Edberg offers simple suggestions for slowing down.
One is to lower your stress by continuing to do the things you do but doing them more slowly.

Running from errand to errand? Don't stop. Just slow your pace. Take a deep breath and force yourself to relax.

But after years of pushing ourselves farther and faster, will we be able to slow down? And if we do, will we fall behind? Will we miss out on Facebook or life?

Maybe, but does it really matter? The simplicity movement sorts out what's important. The slowdown movement helps us achieve it. What's not to like about that?

View this articles Newsletterxx

Deceptively Easy Ways to Get the Stainless Steel Look

2012-02-24T13:29:00.000-05:00

Deceptively Easy Ways to Get the Stainless Steel Look

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: February 24, 2012

Our “Why You Should Fake It” series continues today with bright ideas so you can get the stainless steel look at the price of a cheap dinner.

Yesterday, we showed you how to get the look of cedar shakes for the price of vinyl. Today, we’re telling you how to steal the stainless look and give your appliances an instant upgrade.

We get that stainless makes everyday cooks feel like restaurant chefs. But stainless also adds a couple of hundred dollars to appliance prices and shows every fingerprint.

Not so with Appliance Art’s faux stainless films and magnetic panels, which can cover two or three old appliances for less than a C-note and are easier to de-fingerprint than real stainless.

Rolls of faux stainless steel film ($49.99-$99.95) are made of polypropylene and PVC. The backing has a low-tack adhesive so you can apply and reposition the film easily. Just cut the film to the size of your appliance door, and smooth it on. But make sure the doors are totally clean and divot-free, because the films are unforgiving and show imperfections.

Magnetic panels ($39.99-$69.95) are made only for dishwashers. Each has a faux stainless film attached to a magnet backing — so make sure your dishwasher door is magnetic before ordering. Trim to fit, and pop onto the face of your dishwasher.

Rachel Ray featured the products during a recent show. Check it out.

Come back next week when our “Why You Should Fake It” series spotlights fiberglass garage doors that mimic mahogany.

Do you covet stainless steel? Would you cover white appliances with faux stainless film?

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Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

How to Get the Look of Cedar Shakes and Never Paint Again

2012-02-23T14:12:00.000-05:00

How to Get the Look of Cedar Shakes and Never Paint Again

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: February 23, 2012

Our “Why You Should Fake It” series launches today with vinyl shake siding that, unless you lick it, is a dead ringer for cedar.

Fake used to be an ugly word, but not anymore. Beginning today, we’re celebrating fabulous fake finishes that give you the look of luxury for the price of pressboard in our “Why You Should Fake It” series.

First up: We’re talking about vinyl shakes that look so much like cedar you have to sniff them to tell the difference. Next up, tomorrow: We’re talking about sticky-back film you’d easily mistake for sheets of stainless steel. Later: Electric fireplaces that’ll warm up your love life.

Is it real? Or is it faux? Do you really care, so long as no one else can tell the difference?

Is there a product or material you want to know about? Just leave us a comment below.

Our first fake find: vinyl shake siding

Say “vinyl siding” and that white, shiny stuff on double-wides and tract housing comes to mind.

But today’s vinyl — the country’s top-selling home siding- mimics high-end building materials, such as cedar shakes, for a fraction of the price of the real deal.

Who knew?

Evidently, Los Angeles designer Yuriko Hirsch knew. Hirsch wanted to use real wood shakes to clad the custom house she built five miles from the Pacific Ocean. But California’s air quality regulations have robbed paint of its staying power. And ocean air, Southern California sun, and Santa Ana winds threatened to eat the wood siding if Hirsch didn’t repaint it every couple of years — more preventative home maintenancethan Hirsch wanted to do.

So, she used vinyl shakes instead.
Vinyl is:

Resistant to the elements, including termites

One-third the price of wood shakes — $2 to $6 for vinyl (installed) compared to $15 to $20 for wood.

Available in hundreds of colors, rather than the tepid pastels of yesteryear.

“We won’t ever have to paint the exterior,” Hirsch says.
The one thing that Hirsch did worry about is whether vinyl shakes would look like real wood siding, or if new neighbors would sniff at her “plastic house.”

She could have chillaxed. Today’s vinyl siding has loads of personality, because fake shake manufacturers transfer the grain and texture of real cedar boards onto the vinyl replicas. Even home inspectors are fooled.

Downside of vinyl? You’re stuck with the color forever because you can’t paint it. So think hard about the hue you choose.
Check back tomorrow when we tackle the look of stainless steel for less.

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Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

8 Tips for Cleaning Up a Broken CFL Bulb

2012-02-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

8 Tips for Cleaning Up a Broken CFL Bulb

By: Dona DeZube

Published: February 21, 2012

You dropped and broke a CFL bulb. No need to call a Haz Mat team — just keep a cool head and follow these 8 tips.

A broken compact fluorescent bulb isn’t cause for panic, but it is cause for concern. CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs typically contain a small amount of mercury, which can turn into dangerous mercury vapor if the bulb breaks.

Cleaning up and disposing of a broken CFL properly is important, especially if you have young children, you’re pregnant, or the bulb breaks on a carpet.

Don’t reach for the broom to sweep it up. That’ll disperse the mercury; your goal is to keep the mercury in one place and remove it.

Follow these 8 steps to clean up and dispose of any CFL bulbs that break:

Step 1: Contain the damage

Get people and pets out of the room.

Open the windows to let in fresh air.

Shut the door to the room and turn off your forced-air heat or AC to keep mercury vapors from traveling elsewhere in your home.

Avoid stepping on the broken glass or mercury powder as you leave the room.

Step 2: Gather up cleaning supplies

Stay out of the room for 5 to 15 minutes to give the mercury enough time to settle into little balls, but not long enough to disperse. Meanwhile, collect:

disposable rubber gloves

duct tape

a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard

a few damp paper towels or baby wipes

a sealable container — a glass jar with a lid (best), a plastic jar with a lid (OK), or a zipper plastic bag (better than nothing)

Step 3: Cleaning up your broken CFL

Put on the gloves and pick up the big pieces of broken glass.

Use the stiff cardboard to scoop up the smaller pieces.

Use the sticky side of the duct tape to pick up the smallest shards.

Wipe the area with your paper towels or baby wipes.

Put the broken CFL pieces, the cardboard, and the wipes in your container and seal it.

Step 4: Double-check your work

Look closely at the area where the CFL broke for any remaining powder, pieces of glass, or mercury balls. If you see any, repeat Step 3.

You may vacuum the area, but use only the hose attachment and pay special attention to the disposal techniques in Step 5.

Did your CFL break onto a carpet? If you have small children who crawl or play on the carpet, you may want to replace the area of carpet where the CFL bulb broke. A Maine Deparment of Environmental Protection Agency study says residule mercury left behind after you clean the carpet can be released as vapor when children play or sit on the carpet.

You can avoid the problem entirely by using only LED or halogen bulbs in rooms where your kids play or sleep, and in your bedroom while you’re pregnant. Also, make sure you’re using CFLs appropriately to keep them from burning out too soon.

Step 5: Take out the trash

Take the zipper bag or glass jar right out to the trash.

Toss out anything else the CFL broke on, such as bedding, fabrics, and clothing.

If you vacuumed, take the whole vacuum outside before pulling the bag out of the machine. Seal the vacuum bag and put it in the trash. If you have a canister vacuum, empty the canister into your sealable container and wipe the inside of the canister clean. Put the cleaning rag into the container, too.

Step 6: Clean yourself

If bits of glass or mercury got onto your shoes, use a towel or wipe to clean your shoes, then dispose of the wipe.

If mercury got onto your clothes, toss them out.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Step 7: Remove the debris from your property

Your sealed waste container and contaminated trash need to go to a universal waste facility that handles all types of trash, including environmentally sensitive materials.
Ask local government officials where to find one in your area.

Step 8: Continue to air out the room

Continue to air out the room and leave the HVAC system off several hours, or as long as that’s practical given the outdoor temperatures. If the CFL bulb broke on carpet, open the windows when you vacuum for the next few weeks in case vacuuming releases any mercury you didn’t already get out of the rug.

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Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Selling Your Home? How to Make it Lovable

2012-02-01T13:05:00.000-05:00

Selling Your Home? How to Make it Lovable

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

Today's buyers love vibrant red and orange accent walls, usually in contrast to earth-toned neutrals. They also love stoves with super-quiet exhaust fans, kitchen islands, and recessed lighting combined with hanging pendant fixtures.

In the bathroom, they love glass and stone finishes with brushed nickel faucets and floating vanities. And don't forget the open floor plans that blend kitchen, dining room and family room into a single open space. Seducing today's buyers is almost a necessity in today's real estate market. But how far should you go to cater to buyers' wants?

It depends. Unless you're selling a luxury property, you don't have to buy a professional-grade stove. However, you may want to consider trading your outdated avocado appliances for stainless steel and buying an inexpensive island on casters to make the kitchen feel more modern.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so it makes sense to spend the majority of your renovation dollars to upgrade these spaces. In the bathroom, new fixtures, a soft color for the walls and sconce lighting will make a world of difference. Add fluffy white towels, flowers and candles, and you have a spa that buyers will love.

A fresh coat of neutral paint is always a cost-effective solution. And an accent wall can make a space look bigger, warmer and more up to date.

Carpeting is out and exotic woods and travertine floors are in. However, your buyers will likely be as impressed with less-expensive flooring options.

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How to Prepare and Pack a Fun and Healthy Lunch

2012-02-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

How to Prepare and Pack a Fun and Healthy Lunch

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

Remember the endless stream of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from school lunches gone by? No wonder we traded with our friends.

These days, school lunches are much more fun, nutritious and easy to prepare. Increasingly, both adults and children are carrying lunchboxes with compartments for hot and cold foods, and thermoses of soup and drinkable yogurt for digestion. They get protein from cheese, fish and meat.

And thanks to a recent dictum from nutritionists, we're encouraged to feed our children what they like, ensuring that they’ll actually eat their lunches. As a bonus, it can also be healthier and less expensive to pack a lunch.

For many, leftovers are the answer. If your children loved last night's dinner - be it burritos, macaroni and cheese, or a curry dish - feel free to recycle it as lunch. Add a serving of fruit and milk or vegetable juice. It's easy and there will be no leftovers to turn green in the back of the fridge.

It works for adults, too. According to netdoctor.co.uk, most of us take less than 19 minutes for lunch and almost half of us eat at our desk. Lunch totes have now replaced the brown bags in our briefcases, and we, too, are taking leftovers to work. After all, who wouldn't prefer a hot lunch to a plastic-wrapped sandwich? As well as chili and stews, casseroles are better the second day and reheat perfectly. Children - and some taste-challenged adults - love cold pizza.

Healthy lunches mean healthy bodies and healthy minds. They also mean no more trading with friends.

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5 Ways to Nurture a Love That Lasts Forever

2012-02-01T10:14:00.000-05:00

5 Ways to Nurture a Love That Lasts Forever

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

A relationship is like a recipe - it takes time to get it right. So how do couples of three months, all the way to 30 years, make their relationships work?

Make Time for Each Other: No relationship can survive without getting to know one another, even if you’ve been together for 30 years. There are always new things to discover about your partner.

Have Your Own Life: You need to make time for yourself. Don't let hobbies fall by the wayside just because you're in a relationship. As cliche as it may sound, it takes two halves to make a relationship whole, so be sure to keep a hold of your own interests, even if your partner doesn't share them.

Be Present: When you do get to spend time together, make the most of it. Don't waste a dinner date by lurking on Facebook or constantly checking text messages. Showing interest in your partner makes your relationship more interesting.

Argue: Arguing means you're working toward a common goal. Be open to discussion when you're at fault, and don't irrationally drudge up the past when you're upset about something else. Fight fair and you'll be surprised how relieving it can be to work toward being a better couple.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: There are going to be things that make your partner "unique," and you may not always like it. But don't turn every little thing that goes wrong into the end of the world. Be thankful for the things he or she does to make you happy, and try not to obsess over the things that don't.

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How to Leap Those First-Time Buyer's Hurdles

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

How to Leap Those First-Time Buyer's Hurdles

By: FOXmls.com

Published: Febuary 1, 2012

First-time home buyers have plenty of obstacles to overcome. There is an intricate maze of details that need to be carefully navigated. Following are five obstacles that first-time buyers have to overcome when looking to buy a home:

Down Payment: Saving enough for the down payment is not sufficient. Closing costs must also be considered. Closing costs are additional fees such as the lawyer's fees, escrow charges, appraisal fees, financing fees and utility adjustments. A good rule of thumb is 2% of the purchase price will cover the closing costs. So for a $200,000 home with a 5% down payment, you would require $14,000 to cover both the down payment and closing costs.

Mortgage Preapproval: Many first-time home buyers overlook the preapproval process. This mistake can cost you your dream home. Visit a mortgage professional to see what kind of mortgage you qualify for and closely examine the actual cost of the money you must borrow to purchase a home.

Use a Real Estate Agent: Some home buyers think they can go it alone. Buying a home is a complex legal process, and buyer representatives have the knowledge and know-how to make your home-buying experience a happy one.

Know the Difference Between What You Need and What You Want: It is fine to dream big, but the home-buying process can be very frustrating when you have a $200,000 budget and $500,000 taste. It is essential to the buying process to identify what your home must have and what you would like it to have.

Believe in Yourself: It seems that when you are buying your first home, everyone has an opinion about the purchase. This can be confusing because unsolicited advice clouds your decision. Believe in your ability to assimilate the facts, look at the property and decide what to buy.

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The Best Home Security Money Can Buy … But Who Really Needs a Helipad?

2012-01-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Best Home Security Money Can Buy … But Who Really Needs a Helipad?

By: Dona DeZube

Published: January 23, 2012

If you’ve got a few million dollars, you can buy the world’s safest home. But for the rest of us, these 7 home security tips help us sleep at night.

For just $5.9 million, you could be the next owner of the world’s safest house - an 11,000-sq.-ft. home in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. It features two panic rooms, two bedrooms that can be sealed off from the rest of the house, and a heliport on the roof.

If you’re a 99 percenter whose housing budget won’t stretch that far, try these 7 tips for improving your home security:

A quick 5-step do-it-yourself home security check is fast and free.

Doors are your first line of defense. Upgrade the strike plates for $3 and deadbolts for $20 to $80.

An outdoor solar-powered motion sensor light spotlights anyone approaching your home and saves energy compared to a traditional motion-sensor light.

Home security system installation and monitoring costs vary a lot from company to company, so to make a smart choice, get quotes from a local and a national company and consider DIY options, too.

A home security camera gives you peace of mind while you’re away from home and costs. Add a web cam and remote access to your computer for about $30 and you can go online to see what’s going on when you’re not home.

A home office security check tells you if you’re at risk of losing vital documents, business equipment, or pricey office equipment.

Get protection when it counts: build a tornado storm shelter or safe room in your home for around $3,500.

Would you ever put a panic room in your house?
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Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.