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Spring Cleaning Ok, those participating, we have finished the normal spring cleaning. Source S. Getzkin. (March 21-23, 2014). Hoarders: Buried Alive . USA Weekend. Have you cleaned? Clean and store winter tools and sports gear. Bring out spring gear. Clean and store winter clothes in pest-proof bags and containers. Toss in a cedar bar if possible. Bring out spring and summer items. Donate any items not using, consignment, or have a yard sale. Wash winter sheets, blankets and comforters. Make certain that you have reviewed all food expiration labels. Donate any canned goods not using to a local food pantry. Throw away freezer food items that are more than six months old. Donate any magazines and books you've read to your local library, senior center, or hospital waiting area. Remove the address label of each item donated. Use a basket to hold traveling items in your vehicle trunk. Take an inventory of gardening supplies and plants that survived winter. Create a nurse...

The best vacuums are built to handle only hair, dust, and dirt. Anything else can damage the filter and clog the engine. More suction isn't always better. If suction is too strong, carpet gets pulled into the vacuum, creating a seal that dirt can't get past. Use your adjustable power settings whenever possible. Uprights tend to be better on carpets.  Canister vacuums are lightweight, and they're almost as powerful as uprights. If you vacuum regularly or daily, you do not need a powerful suction vacuum cleaner. Replace (or clean) any vacuum filter. Write the date of replacement in your household journal. Source: S. Getzkin (March 21-23, 2014). Tips for Spring Cleaning.  USA Weekend. Source: B. Driscoll (April 2014).  Esquire .

Extension Cord Safety Tips Source: www.cableorganizer.com (March/April, 2012, Home Magazine) Extension cords are classified for either indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor-rated cords are stronger for temperature changes, moisture, UV rays, and (sometimes) chemicals. Never use an indoor-rated cord outside. Always check to see that your device doesn't exceed the cord's wattage rating, including multiple devices. Overheating and fire may occur. If you don't know the device's rating contact the product's manufacturer. AMPS/Volts vs. Watts: Multiply the number of amps by the number of volts. Always purchase cords that have the UL symbol. Don't use cords with cut or damaged insulation. Exposed wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock.  Never cut, file, etc., a cord or plug blades to make it fit into an outlet. You may need to simply replace the receptacle (box). As long as a cord is plugged into an outlet (whether on or off), it's using...

It's my hosted event theme of U.S. Mixed Race Identity Month and Online Quotes Month (April, yearly). It is Spring Cleaning Month, too. I read an interesting article, from another blogger, of what not to say to parents of biracial kids, accessed April 8, 2014, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-stir/15-things-never-to-say-to-parents-of-biracial-kids_b_3109408.html Can you imagine someone commenting "Aww, look at the cute zebra baby" as implied by the blogger. By definition, mixed race individuals include people of two or more racial identities.  Most U.S. minorities could be considered a part of this definition. Is race still a factor in America? In my opinion, it is never possible for a mixed-race individual to fully avoid their racial identities. I believe that there is more cultural awareness that takes place by mixed individuals --attempts to fully understand American racial identity and personal behaviors. Some individuals may consider too much attention to racial...

Article by USA Weekend (March 21-31, 2014, J. Waggoner of USA Today ) Time To Organize Your Household's Financial Contributions and Deductions Get credit for the EITC. (Earned Income Tax Contribution, only if you made less than $51,567) No pension, Do you have a traditional IRA?  Have you reached the higher income tax bracket which is 39.6% for earned income over $400,000 (single person) or $450,001 (married couple)? Did you search for a job in 2013? You may be able to deduct your job-hunting expenses (e.g., mileage is 56.5 cents a mile). Have children, Did you have any child care expenses? You may be able to receive a tax credit. Did you remodel your home in 2013? New windows? Furnace? Energy-saving home improvements? You may be able to receive a tax credit up to $500. Are you a teacher? You may be able to receive a tax credit up to $250 for educational materials. Did you include deductions of state sale taxes? Do you own an electric vehicle? You may be able to recei...