#Good Ideas: Simple Hacks To Spruce Up Your Life
Parenting tips, overcoming sleep issues, kitchen cleanliness and more
Parenting On Track
The parent-child equation these days is often defined by gifts and material comfort. As parents we tend to overcompensate with gifts for physical absence. Experts remind us again and again that nothing can substitute for time well spent with your child—it cements the bond with your child. Kids don’t need a lot of time, they just need small moments of togetherness. Be creative together. Whether it’s making holiday projects, DIY crafts, learning to play the synthesizer, baking cookies, cooking or decorating the Christmas tree—it’s much more fun done together. Also, go out and play. It’s the best way to ensure physical activity for him and you too. A walk in the park after dinner isn’t too difficult. And if you have a busy schedule, chalk out time on weekends for outdoor games.
The Dirtiest Thing In Your Kitchen
Is likely your sponge—and it can make you sick, says Elizabeth Scott, PhD, director of the Center for Hygiene and Health at Simmons College, Massachusetts. More than a billion germs can grow in the moist environment of an uncleaned sponge in 24 hours, meaning that you may contaminate what you try to clean. To keep your sponge non-toxic, moisten and microwave it for 1 minute (any longer and it can burn). Replace after a week or two of use—or whenever it looks worn or discoloured.
Is Your Pillow Making You Sick?
Don’t lose sleep over this bit of news, just change your pillow covers. A recent study found that a typical pillow may have more than 4,00,000 bacteria, yeast and mould colonies breeding on it. Although they are not all harmful, some of the micro-organisms can cause diarrhoea, bronchitis and asthma. So wash your pillow covers in warm water at least once a week. To reduce unwelcome, undercover bed buddies, toss your pillow into the washing machine twice a year. And if you can&rsqu...
Parenting On Track
The parent-child equation these days is often defined by gifts and material comfort. As parents we tend to overcompensate with gifts for physical absence. Experts remind us again and again that nothing can substitute for time well spent with your child—it cements the bond with your child. Kids don’t need a lot of time, they just need small moments of togetherness. Be creative together. Whether it’s making holiday projects, DIY crafts, learning to play the synthesizer, baking cookies, cooking or decorating the Christmas tree—it’s much more fun done together. Also, go out and play. It’s the best way to ensure physical activity for him and you too. A walk in the park after dinner isn’t too difficult. And if you have a busy schedule, chalk out time on weekends for outdoor games.
The Dirtiest Thing In Your Kitchen
Is likely your sponge—and it can make you sick, says Elizabeth Scott, PhD, director of the Center for Hygiene and Health at Simmons College, Massachusetts. More than a billion germs can grow in the moist environment of an uncleaned sponge in 24 hours, meaning that you may contaminate what you try to clean. To keep your sponge non-toxic, moisten and microwave it for 1 minute (any longer and it can burn). Replace after a week or two of use—or whenever it looks worn or discoloured.
Is Your Pillow Making You Sick?
Don’t lose sleep over this bit of news, just change your pillow covers. A recent study found that a typical pillow may have more than 4,00,000 bacteria, yeast and mould colonies breeding on it. Although they are not all harmful, some of the micro-organisms can cause diarrhoea, bronchitis and asthma. So wash your pillow covers in warm water at least once a week. To reduce unwelcome, undercover bed buddies, toss your pillow into the washing machine twice a year. And if you can’t even remember when you bought it, get a new one.
Kiwi Storage
Store kiwi fruit at room temperature in the winter months. It takes between three to five days for a firm fruit to ripen. Hasten the process by placing an apple or banana with it in a paper bag. The ripe fruit can be stored in the refrigerator without its colour or flavour getting affected.
The Foundation Principle
Unfortunately, instead of hiding imperfections, the more-is-better strategy brings attention to them. The excess product has nowhere to go and just settles into creases. This exaggerates wrinkles and the thick layers form a mask instead of blending in with your complexion. When it comes to foundations, the principle, less is more, works best. Choose a lightweight, water-based foundation or ones with anti-ageing properties. Apply in dots and blend evenly with a brush. Avoid the compact, as the powder can settle into creases and make fine lines more prominent. Magic trick: Squeeze a nickel-size amount onto your palm and rub it on like you would a moisturiser. Apply with your fingers instead of a brush to eliminate the chance of product overload.
Collated from articles previously published in Prevention magazine.
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