12:52 PM - Mar. 15, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

One more reason to check that credit score

It looks like lenders, landlords, insurance companies and employers aren't the only ones interested in credit scores these days - now the health industry is getting in on the act.

Credit industry giant Fair Isaac is working with Healthcare Analytics and Tenet Healthcare to create a new "MedFICO" score. This new credit score is intended to judge a person's likelihood of paying their medical bills and could debut as early as this summer. Understandably, the new score is already raising concerns from consumer advocacy groups that fear it will be checked before patients are treated. They are afraid that people with low medical credit scores could receive lower-quality care than those with a higher MedFICO.

According to Stephen Farber, chairman and chief executive of Healthcare Analytics, that will not happen. Hospitals will check the score, which will be based on the patient's medical bill payment history, only after the patient is discharged.

And under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, hospitals and doctors may report health care debts to credit reporting agencies but cannot indicate what they were for. Hospitals generally do not report delinquent accounts, but they do turn them over to collection agencies. In such cases, only the medical provider's name and the amount owed should be listed. And even then great care must be taken so as not to reveal the type of care given, as would be the case with the Betty Ford Clinic, which is widely known for treating drug and alcohol addiction.

But can they be trusted?

Given the problems with the credit system in general - such as identity theft and inaccurate scoring data - consumer advocates question whether or not this information should be used as the basis for a new medical version. In an analysis of more than 500,000 individuals' credit scores, the Consumer Federation of America says 29 percent were 50 points lower than they should have been.

They ask, "What's going to happen if there's a mis-scoring due to clerical error or when there are two people with names like Bob Jones who have similar numbers?" Insurance companies are already using a person's credit score to determine their premiums now. What's going to stop health insurance providers from doing the same thing once the new MedFICO score is available?

If you ever doubted the importance or legitimacy of your credit score being as high as possible, this should be your wake up call!

4:56 PM - Feb. 28, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Eat great in 2008

“Everyone’s looking for the next breakthrough item, the next mini burger appetizer, mojito or pomegranate flavor,” says Maria Caranfa, director of Mintel Menu Insights. “This year, we expect to see new twists on already popular items, giving people more flavors and options for the foods they love. Restaurants will get more creative with foods and preparation techniques as they attempt to cater to American’s evolving tastes.”

1. Superspices are the New Superfruits - 2007 created a superfruit frenzy. With such high antioxidant content, superfruits such as pomegranates, blueberries and açaí berries flourished on the restaurant menu. This year, expect to see “superspices” seasoning American menus. Research suggests that superspices like cumin, ginger, cinnamon and tumeric may boast more antioxidant power and medicinal benefits than their superfruit cousins.

2. Snack Attack - This year, plan on satisfying that snack attack. Restaurants hope that small portions, big flavors and low prices will lure in hungry snackers. Mini burgers and wraps caught on late in 2007, but look for restaurants to add more “mini” favorite foods this year. From fast food to fine dining, restaurants may soon compete to create the fastest and most filling snacks.

3. Fine Fast Food - Fast food is going gourmet. Popular celebrity chefs are branching out with convenient, fast casual restaurants that promise high quality food, fine cooking and bold flavors…all on a 30-minute lunch break. Bobby Flay, Rick Bayless and Wolfgang Puck have invested in fast casual operations, bringing their unique culinary flairs to the masses. Expect more celebrity chefs to get in the mix this year.

4. Grain Goodness - With the health benefits of whole grains becoming more widely known, certain nutritious grains will grow on the American restaurant menu. Kamut, quinoa, barley and millet pack a worldly punch along with healthy, essential nutrients. These grains are the ideal backdrop for tomorrow’s innovative ethnic flavor and health trends.

5. Ingredient Provenance - Food safety and ecological issues have made headlines recently, causing many Americans to rethink where their food comes from. As concerns over ingredient origins rise, restaurants have responded with more local ingredients, more natural and organic menu items and more sourcing information on the menu. Expect all types of restaurants to take some of the “science” out of dining out this year.

6. Bulking up the Bar - Watch closely as restaurants flex their bar muscles. Enhancing menus with more flavorful cocktails and savory appetizers than ever before, restaurants want diners to linger, lounge and just have fun in the bar. Look for beverage lists to grow longer than entrée lists, while appetizers occupy more of the menu in coming months.

7. The Return of the Classic Cocktail - Once the preferred choice of Hollywood sophisticates, classic cocktails fell behind flashy, froufy new favorites in recent years. But no more. In 2008, expect a rebirth of cocktails such as the Sidecar, Manhattan, Bellini and Tom Collins. Classic and glamorous, these old-fashioned choices are sure to shake things up.

8. Mocktails Rock - Ice-cold lemonade with strawberry puree, fresh ginger, crushed mint leaves and … no alcohol? Rising demand for better non-alcoholic drinks created the mocktail. Boasting the same premium flavors as the cocktail menu, alcohol-free mocktails are a sophisticated alternative for “non-drinkers” and “drinkers” alike.

12:46 PM - Feb. 14, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Winter vacations in Colorado

6:59 PM - Jan. 24, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Planning a trip abroad this year?

Many Americans spend a lot of time preparing and planning trips to other countries, be it a winter vacation in the Caribbean or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe. Here are a few important travel tips to make sure your trip is as smooth as possible, and suggestions for what to do if the unexpected happens.

Is my destination a safe place?

As we all know by watching the news, there are a number of places in the world that are not safe for travel. The Department of State (DoS) issues travel warnings that recommend Americans avoid traveling in certain countries.

In addition, the DoS also offers fact sheets, called Consular Information Sheets, on every country in the world. These sheets describe general health, safety, and travel tips, as well as contact information for the local US Embassy, which is a critical piece of information when traveling abroad.

Passports - are they needed everywhere?

A passport is now required when traveling anywhere outside of the USA. Due to this recent change in policy, the time required to receive a passport has dramatically increased to approximately two months. You can pay an additional fee to request expedited service, but even then you'll wait nearly a month to receive it.

Helpful Tip: Even if you don't currently have plans to travel out of country, it's a good idea to apply for your passport today and keep it in a safe location until it is needed.

Where do I apply for a Passport?

Many county or municipal offices handle passport applications and photos. A complete list can be accessed at: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. If you're traveling within two weeks and need a passport or foreign visa for travel, you can contact one of the thirteen Passport Agencies who will be able to assist you.

What if my Passport is lost or stolen?

If you lose your passport while you're in the US, you must report the loss or theft immediately to the State Department and you should also file a local police report. If you lose your picture ID while traveling domestically by air, contact your airlines immediately as there are other ways to document your identity for the airline and TSA that can be used on a case-by-case basis.

Losing your passport while traveling overseas is a dramatically different problem. The first step is to contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. The State Department's website has a complete listing sorted by region and country. Alternatively, you can contact the Department of State Overseas Citizens Service at 1-317-472-2328. Generally, you will need to travel to the embassy, prove your identity, and reapply. Expect to pay more for this passport than the one obtained in the standard fashion.

Helpful Tip: Keep a photocopy of your passport with you while you're traveling, but in a separate place than your other travel documents. You may even consider storing digital copies on your PDA, iPod, or laptop to keep this info with you. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to keep a copy of passport, birth certificate and driver's license with them at home. That way you have a backup copy in case you need it.

What is the best way to pay for purchases while traveling abroad?

While many of us may remember the Karl Malden voiced American Express Traveler Checks commercials that were popular over the past several decades, Travelers Checks are not the best or most cost-effective way to pay for purchases overseas. Many retailers either no longer accept them, or they charge a very substantial markup to the exchange rate.

Helpful Tip: The best way to pay for items while traveling overseas is with your credit card, where with several card issuers you pay only the wholesale exchange rates without additional markups.

5:43 PM - Jan. 12, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

What's in your wallet?

If you're like most Americans, you have more than a few credit cards.cards. In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of credit card issuers, and perhaps more confusingly, the types of rewards being offered with those credit cards. So now, not only do you need to consider the rate and terms of your credit card...but what rewards or other benefits it offers. So what types are out there - and which is best for you?

Airline Miles: If you travel frequently, then maximizing your airline miles may be the very best reward. And if you primarily fly on a single carrier, you will do the best to take their affiliated credit card, as they typically offer 'bonus' opportunities to earn extra miles. If you do fly multiple carriers, you may need to use another option, but most reward cards offer airline miles as a choice. But watch carefully, as there are usually restrictions or blackout dates on when you may be unable to use your rewards-earned airline miles.

Cash Back: Discover was the first card to offer a cash back incentive program, and in fact, that marked the beginning of rewards programs in general. There are several items to consider when focusing in on cash back cards, most importantly being the fine print. Some of the better cash back offers do have tiers where you do not earn the most cash back until after certain amounts of spending on a yearly basis. So if you do not use your credit card very often or do not spend enough to make the required spending levels, you can lose out.

Store Cards: Cards issued by particular merchants can be some of the most valuable cards out there if you are a frequent shopper at that store. Typically, you will be given special offers or invitations to sales events, discounted prices, even up to 5% cash back or earned gift cards with that store.

Points Cards: Many rewards cards offer general purpose points that can be redeemed for a wide variety of items, including airline miles, cash back, gift cards from a variety of places, gifts to charity or simply merchandise. These cards can be very beneficial due to the flexibility that they offer - but here are a few general suggestions.

First, do not buy merchandise directly from the reward program. These products, often electronics, are routinely of poor quality or old models. Best way to purchase is to redeem your points for a gift card at a store you can buy the item at, which generally provides more bang for your points than straight cash back anyways. Next, look carefully at all of the reward levels, as sometimes you can get a better reward ratio if you save up your points over time. For example, 1000 points often translates to a $5 gift card, but saving up 6000 points may translate into a $50 gift card - ten times the value for only six times the points! Last, some vendors offer a statement credit versus a cash rebate - and generally offer a higher dollar amount for a credit rather than cash, although the money spends just the same.

2:51 PM - Dec. 30, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Don't worry, be happy!

Patti Kouri is a lifestyle and real estate coach who gives us these ideas on how to stop worrying and start living!

Face it: there's plenty to worry about. If global warming, terrorism and drug-resistant bacteria don't keep you up at night, there are probably things much closer to home.

Everyone worries - even the people who seem blissfully calm. We're hard-wired for a particular kind of worry: fight or flight. It's a physiological response that served us well in the time of saber-tooth cats and mastodons. But what's it doing for us today, when our daily adversaries are more likely to be financial pressures, changing market conditions and too many e-mail messages?

Worry just brings us to a future we don't want. If you can accept for the moment that, to think is to create - that is, you can change your life if you change your thinking - then worrying yourself into a new life is just the flip side of that process. Instead of thinking your way to positive change, you worry your way to negative change. So what can you do about it?

First, don't punish yourself for worrying. It's part of the human condition. You're not crazy. Next, introduce yourself to the worry gremlin. The worry gremlin's enemy is change. It has one job: to keep you exactly where you are - in the comfort zone. When you start setting goals that might stretch beyond the status quo, this little gremlin wakes up and starts throwing (imaginary) obstacles in your way: "oh you can't do that!" or "If you if you take a risk, you could lose every thing," or "it will be way too expensive." Sound familiar? Worrying is giving in to the gremlin. Time for a divorce.

Turn down the volume on the gremlin's annoying voice and create in your mind a vision of what you want. Focus on the image until it's very clear. Use your senses: touch it, taste it, smell it, feel it, hear it and see it.

Now, make a very subtle shift in your thinking, so instead of saying ,"I want" this vision you've created, say, "I have" or, "I am" whatever it is. Keep refining your vision and keep it in the present tense, as if you already have your dream. This is called affirmation. Keep visualizing, bringing your vision into better and better focus, and keep repeating your affirmation.

If you hear your soon-to-be-ex worry gremlin laughing at you or nattering in the background, it means you just need to focus more intensely on your vision and bring it into the present. Really feel the excitement, the thrill, the wonder and the appreciation for having this thing you want so much. The more you feel it, the less you'll hear the nagging voice of the gremlin.

The next step may seem like it's not very important, or like you're not really doing anything, but it's one of the most important parts of this process: take time to have gratitude for what you already have. Acknowledge the littlest things along with the big things. It's easy to forget how much we have to be grateful for, especially when we're worrying. But, if your toothbrush was in the right place, if your coffee tasted good, if a tiny bird stopped at the birdfeeder, if your car started or somebody said Thank You, you've already started an impressive list. Take some time to do this every single day.

Of course the extension of this step is to pass it along: express appreciation out loud, or in writing, to someone else. If it feels awkward, keep practicing.

Finally, do something every day to make you feel good, whether or not you can afford it. When we worry, we start cutting out the things that make us feel good. We tell ourselves we don't deserve it, we can't afford it or it wouldn't be right. But guess what? When you do something that makes you feel good, whether it's getting a facial, going to a movie in the middle of the day, visiting an elderly relative or serving up food at the local mission, that "feel good" shows in your face and in your spirit. It makes you attractive . And attractiveness has two benefits: it gets you more of what you want and it makes the worry gremlin slink off into the shadows.

These are the basic, simple steps in the prescription against worry, but let's look at one more thing you can do. The worry gremlin is sort of a pack animal. It's most comfortable when there are plenty of other worries around. So instead of worrying about one thing (for example, "I have a toothache"), we daisy-chain a whole bunch of worries together: I have a toothache, but if I go to the dentist, I'll probably need a root canal, but I can't afford that because of my car payment, and I could lose my car, and then how will I be able to show property. Or, the root canal will have to be done during the week I promised to visit my mother, or maybe the dentist will find... Well, you get the idea.

This kind of thinking has one result: paralysis. It saps our energy, focuses all our thinking on the negative, and grinds us to a screeching halt. And it has one very easy cure: Do One Thing. Call the dentist. Think of it as the thing you're doing today to make yourself feel good. Do One Thing. Everything else will follow. Congratulations! Your divorce from the worry gremlin is final. Be forewarned: this is an "ex" who likes to make unannounced, annoying visits. But once you've practiced these simple steps, you can always take control and send it packing again. It gets easier every time.

3:43 PM - Dec. 24, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Staying sane while traveling for the holidays

There's no denying that the holidays are stressful. There are gifts to buy, meals to prepare, parties to attend; you get the picture. However, when it comes to creating pure anxiety, there is one holiday ritual that surpasses all others. We're talking about traveling. And, whether you're hopping into your car or jumping on a plane, there are a few things you should know.

Before we share our tips, however, let's first talk about how to prepare ourselves mentally for holiday travel. From dealing with a tax audit to a child's temper tantrum, there are countless situations and mishaps in our daily lives that almost everyone would consider unpleasant. The worst part about these trying times is that our personal feelings hardly seem to matter. Despite how stressed out or anxious we allow ourselves to get, the circumstance still needs to be handled.

What does matter is how we behave in these situations. Conducting ourselves with poise and dignity may be difficult, but it's the best approach. Doing so allows us to accomplish our objective more easily, while at the same time remaining a good example to those around us. Stressful situations aren't necessarily our choice. What is our choice is the manner in which we deal with them.

That being said, here are a few helpful tips to help make your holiday travel, dare we say, a joyful experience:

Stay Healthy
This directive may sound strange, but traveling while you're sick or even run-down is the perfect recipe for a miserable trip. The holidays tend to be a time when we concentrate so much on others, we forget about ourselves. Think of this as a gentle reminder to not let this happen.

Eating well and getting a proper amount of sleep and exercise is a great start, but you may also want to consider the regular use of vitamin C (either chewable or powder form) and hand sanitizer to keep colds at bay. Also, consult with your physician about the possibility of getting a flu shot, as they can do wonders for helping your immune system in fighting off the most current flu strains.

Send Your Gifts Ahead
By utilizing this tip, you will be doing yourself a humongous favor. For starters, you will most likely be getting an earlier start to your holiday shopping. In doing so, you will avoid the big crowds and long lines.

Wrap your gifts, package them, and send them off before your post office gets its holiday rush. It may cost you a little extra to ship your gifts, but it will save you much in the way of aggravation. You'll have less to cart along on your trip, and you will not have to worry about getting your gifts through airport security, or having them potentially get damaged during travel. You'll arrive at your destination ready to celebrate.

If you do decide to fly with your gifts, either pack them in a suitcase to be checked or bring them as a carry-on, making sure to keep them unwrapped.

Pack Light…and Smart
Everybody's trip is different, so proving a specific checklist of what to pack is virtually impossible. What we can do, however, is give you some good packing advice.

Rule number one is to pack the least amount of clothes necessary. In order to do that, you must first assess your situation. How long will you be away? After all, there's no sense in packing for 7 days if you're only gone for four. Resist the tendency to pack more than you need by deciding on your specific wardrobe for each day.

Next, what are the weather conditions in your destination city? While the reason for determining the weather is rather obvious, you'd be surprised at how often it's overlooked. If you don't have a reliable source to ask firsthand, simply log on to www.weather.com, a website that lists extended forecasts for nearly every city in the world.

Another question to ask yourself is, will there be any social engagements that may require specialty clothing like a suit or a cocktail dress, or will the duration of your stay be spent bunkered down in the home of a relative? Lastly, will you have access to a washer or dryer at your destination? This helps out tremendously as it allows you to pack fewer clothes. It also provides an opportunity to return home with a suitcase full of laundered clothes.

If you do not have access to a washer or dryer, a great trick is to pack along a few plastic trash bags. They make great hampers for dirty clothes during your trip. Upon your return, they can be packed in your suitcase and serve as a barrier between dirty and clean items.

One last perk of packing light is it gives you more options for your return home. Let's face it, if you travel during Christmas or Hanukkah, there's a good chance you'll be coming back with gifts. The trick is getting them home in one piece without loading yourself down with extra carry-ons.

Many families deal with this issue by having a family suitcase that travels back and forth between households. Use it to pack any of the gifts you've received that you wouldn't consider fragile. Simply check it in along with your other baggage, and it will be waiting for you at baggage claim upon your arrival. As far as breakable items are concerned, you'll either have to ship them or bring them with you on the plane.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time
From traffic delays to heightened airport security, you want to give yourself plenty of time on your day of travel. Here are some tricks for doing so.

If your budget permits, think about staying at a hotel near the airport the night before you leave. Doing so will dramatically reduce your travel time, as most hotels of this nature provide a shuttle service to the airport.

Many airlines now allow you to check-in online within 24 hours of your departure. This practice alleviates the hassle of waiting in long lines at the ticket counter. Simply check your bags with a skycap and proceed to your gate with your printed boarding pass in hand.

Due to security checkpoints and larger crowds, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time before your flight. To find out your recommended arrival time, simply log on to your airline's website or the Transportation Security Administrations website at www.TSA.gov.

Navigating Through the Airport Security Checkpoint
Don't make this experience more difficult than it needs to be. Here are a few tips for quickly getting to your gate.

You will be asked to take off your shoes, so plan accordingly. The best way to go is to wear shoes or sandals that slip on and off as opposed to being tied or buckled.

Avoid wearing clothing that's baggy enough to hide prohibited items, as this could cause you to go through additional screening. Also avoid wearing heavy jewelry and carrying any excess items in your pockets. Remember, you need to remove everything from your pockets prior to entering the metal detector.

Do not forget your photo ID or your boarding pass!

De-clutter any carry-on baggage. This provides the screener a better view of the contents and you a quicker trip to your gate. Limit the contents to only the items you need during the flight. In terms of any liquids and gels, visit the TSA's website for the details of their "3-1-1 for Carry-ons" rule.

Stay Safe and Secure
If you are driving to your destination, and especially if it's for a considerable distance, please make sure to have a licensed mechanic perform a safety check on your car. The nominal charge that accompanies such inspections is far cheaper than paying for towing or repairs.

Make sure your car contains a first aid kit, a working flashlight, a blanket, jumper cables, road flares, drinking water, snacks, and possibly snow chains. If you are traveling with children, the aforementioned supplies, along with toys and games, become even more important.

No matter how you are traveling, you will want to be sure to inspect and secure your home before your departure. Many people make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to do this. Not only does this practice create anxiety for everyone involved, it also opens the door for all sorts of mistakes.

Prepare yourself for worst-case scenarios by bringing along your personal phone book, a cell phone charger, and a credit card. Flights get delayed, sometimes for a long period of time. You never know who you'll need to call, or how much money you'll need if this were to happen. Also, if you take any sort of medication, bring along a greater supply than what's necessary to get you through your trip.

Holiday trips can and should be fun. But merely expecting them to turn out this way isn't exactly the best game plan. So control the elements of the trip that you can with proper preparation. As for everything else? Try not to worry about it. Keep smiling and remember how lucky you are to be celebrating a holiday with the people you care about. Have a safe trip!

3:27 PM - Dec. 14, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Some last minute gift ideas

Are you still looking for that "perfect" gift for a loved one - or for a business associate? Here are some ideas that just might work.

The Gift of Pampering
We all work hard, so when it comes to finding a token that will be much appreciated, look no further than the gift of pampering. The best part - it's a gift that works for both men and women, and it can fit into almost any budget.

A prepaid manicure and pedicure is a great gift for almost any female. And for the guys, how about a professional shave? Straight razor shaves are quite en vogue and can be procured anywhere from barbershops to high-end salons.

For a little more money, a prepaid massage is a great way to go. By setting aside an hour, the beneficiary of this gift can experience incredible relaxation, while also allowing their overworked muscles to receive a little TLC.

You can take this idea to an even higher level by prepaying for an entire day at the spa. You must know that such a gift will cost you, but it carries an awesome amount of bang for your buck. A spa day usually involves multiple treatments, including any of the various types of massages and skin care applications. Most often, the recipient also has access to pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, and steam rooms. Some spas may even serve lunch. Whatever day package you decide on, it is sure to be a great gift for anyone.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Instead of giving a person just one gift, what if you gave them one gift every month for an entire year? This sentiment can be a reality if you utilize any of the several hundred gift-of-the-month clubs that can be found online.

From potato chips and bacon, to houseplants and neckties, if it's a product that can be shipped, you can find an online club that features it as a gift-of-the-month. These gifts range in price depending on the product, with many of them being appropriate for both men and women. A great way to limit the money you spend is to purchase a 3- or 6-month membership, rather than an entire year.

For a glimpse at the potential options, you can log onto various sites that feature many different clubs. www.monthclubstore.com, www.clubsgalore.com, and www.amazingclubs.com are just three examples of this type of site.

For anyone purchasing a gift-of-the-month-club membership for a business associate, there is an added perk. If you haven't already guessed, we're talking about a monthly reminder that the recipient is an appreciated person. Every time a package arrives at their doorstep, it will serve as a memento of the business relationship.

The Gift in a Basket
While they may seem passé, gift baskets are the ultimate in unique gifts. One reason is that a gift basket can include almost anything. The trick to making it great as well as unique is to find out the recipient's favorite hobby. Give the basket a personalized theme by filling it with items relating to the hobby. Here are a couple of examples.

Let's say the recipient is a golfer. Your gift basket could include golf balls, ball markers, wooden tees, gloves, a gift certificate for a free round of golf, a subscription to Golf Digest, instructional DVDs, collared golf shirts, and the list goes on.

If the recipient of your gift loves to cook, your choices for filling the basket are nearly endless. From food items to kitchen gadgets, almost anything goes. One neat idea is to choose one of your favorite family recipes. Instead of a basket, use either a large colander, stock pot, or baking dish, and fill it with all of the ingredients to make the dish. Write or print the recipe onto an index card, have it laminated, and include it as well. Items like table linens, potholders, and oven mitts are great for lining your culinary gift basket.

The Gift of Spirits
While discretion is required, a nice bottle of wine or a high-quality spirit can make a really great gift. Even if the recipient doesn't consume alcohol, they may still find it useful to have on hand. Quality wine and spirits can be utilized at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or for entertaining guests. A host or hostess who does not partake may have a difficult time choosing a great bottle for such an occasion.

If you're not sure how the person feels about having alcohol in their home, a great alternative is a high-end bottle of olive oil. Not only is this a unique gift, there aren't too many people who don't enjoy this product. One online purveyor of high-quality Italian olive oil is www.Olio2go.com, where you can find over 70 of Italy's finest artisan brands.

For anyone attending a gathering where alcohol is sure to be served, here is an "Absolut" showstopper gift:

Start by purchasing high-quality vodka, a brand that's good enough to be enjoyed straight up. You'll also need to purchase 1 half-gallon of milk (in a cardboard carton)

Pour the milk into a pitcher, and reserve it for another use. Thoroughly wash the inside of the milk carton. Place the vodka bottle inside and fill the carton 3-quarters full with tap water. Place it in your freezer, and allow it to freeze over night.

Bring your frozen vodka, along with a few bar towels, to the party. Before exiting your vehicle, rip off the cardboard carton. All that's left is to make your entrance holding a top-notch bottle of vodka, perfectly encased in a block of ice. Not only will this gift serve a useful purpose, it will instantly make you the life of the party. Talk about an icebreaker.

The Gift of Greenery
While freshly-cut flowers make for a very nice host or hostess gift, we feel that potted plants are even better. Cut flowers will quickly go south, while a good potted plant can last forever. Every time the recipient looks at their plant, they will most likely think of you.

A unique twist on this gift is a countertop herb garden. Nearly every kitchen or dining area can accommodate one, as they brighten and freshen up a room instantly. They are also utilitarian as the herbs can be used in cooking. A countertop herb planter is the perfect gift for someone who does not have a back yard, or for someone who is simply longing to have a garden.

The Gift of a Getaway
We know what you're thinking; we're going to suggest that you shell out big bucks to send someone on a vacation. Well, you're wrong. Consider that you should give yourself and your family a vacation before you send anyone else on an expensive trip.

What we're talking about is a much more subtle gesture. How about purchasing a one-night stay at either a local hotel, or at a hotel that's within driving distance? For a reasonable amount of money, you will be giving someone the ability to go out for an evening and not return home. This allows the recipient to recharge their batteries, without having to completely rearrange their schedule.

Now that we've put our spin on the subject of unique holiday gifts, it's time to wrap it up. Get it? In all seriousness, the point we're trying to make here is that finding a great gift for a "hard to buy for" person is not about spending a lot of time or money. It's about thinking outside the box.

3:21 PM - Dec. 12, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Don't give hackers a Christmas gift

For many consumers this time of the year can offer up a golden opportunity for some great online deals. However, it's important for consumers to also be aware of the plethora of Internet shopping scams, hacker attacks, fraudulent e-mails, and phishing schemes that often run rampant as well.

"Internet holiday attacks get more advanced each year, but many people are still relying on outdated or nonexistent security solutions, which put their computers and identities at risk," said Laura Yecies, vice president and general manager of Check Point's ZoneAlarm consumer division. "To stay safe online this holiday season consumers need to educate themselves on the latest types of threats, and make sure they are running up-to-date and comprehensive security software on their PCs."

Nearly nine in ten consumers regularly or occasionally research products on the Internet before buying in a store, as cited by the National Retail Federation. Yet according to a Check Point-commissioned survey by Harris Interactive®, more than half of adults who use the Internet had neglected to install a software firewall and fewer than one quarter of adults had installed a security software suite to protect against spyware and viruses. Additionally, the survey results concluded that when making purchases online, 97% of online shoppers use their credit card to complete transactions; however, 44% do not consistently verify security symbols when making purchases.

Check Point's security experts offer the following tips to help consumers stay safe while shopping online:

1. Fight holiday fraudsters, hackers and identity thieves by securing your PC. A good firewall, antivirus, anti-spyware, spam and browser protection are all critical. But, keeping up with security updates is even more important.

2. Beware of online phishing scams. Do not give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited e-mail, nor click links in any e-mail when conducting financial transactions. If you think you've been phished, immediately visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

3. Beware that the mere act of gift browsing in online music, gaming and other sites can deliver your personal information into the hands of marketers and scammers. Protect your privacy and your identity with this season's latest computer protection: browser security.

4. Make holiday donations directly to charities and not from links received in e-mails. Check your bank statements regularly and investigate any suspicious charges.

5. Only buy gifts from online retailers that disclose full, verifiable contact information. In addition, look for the little yellow lock at the bottom right corner of the browser window-that indicates a secure site.

3:26 PM - Dec. 9, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

How to Take a Great Nap

The folks at about.com give us the rules to get the most out of napping.

Napping can be a great way to catch up on sleep, increase productivity and become more creative. Napping puts the body in a relaxed state, which counteracts the effects of daily stress. Studies have shown that napping can actually decrease risk your of dying from heart disease.

How Naps Work

Sleep comes in five stages. If your nap takes you from stage 1 sleep (just drifting off) to stage 2 (brain activity slows), you will wake up feeling energized and more alert. If your nap takes you into stages 3 and 4 (deep sleep), you will not wake easily and will feel groggy and tired. Sleep stage 1 typically lasts about 10 minutes and stage 2 lasts another 10 minutes. That makes the 20-minute nap ideal for most people (your time will vary to some degree, experiment to learn what works best).

How to Nap Effectively

There is some controversy in the best way to take a nap.

It may be that different people have different nap styles. You can experiment with some of the napping techniques below and see what works for you. The best nap is the one in which you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for the shortest amount of time, while still waking refreshed. Napping too long may actually leave you feeling more tired. Read more about napping techniques below:

Nap Time: Prime nap time is from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., when your energy level dips due to a rise in the hormone melatonin at that time of day.

Darkness: Use a face mask or eye pillow to provide daytime darkness and make your nap more effective.

Not Too Late: Napping within three hours of bedtime may interfere with nighttime sleep.

Quiet Place: Assure that you will not be disturbed for the duration of your nap.

30-Minute Maximum: When taking a nap longer than 30 minutes, you run the risk of heading into deep sleep, which will leave you feeling tired and groggy. Naps as short as 1 to 2 minutes could be effective for some people.

Set an Alarm: You will eventually train yourself to nap for the amount of time you set aside. Until then, set an alarm or ask someone to wake you up.

The Caffeine Nap: Some people claim that drinking coffee and then taking an immediate nap works well. The caffeine kicks in somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes, waking them up. They feel extra energy from both the nap and the coffee. Researchers in Japan found that subjects using a caffeine nap rated highest in decreased sleepiness and increased productivity when compared to subjects taking a nap and washing their face, or taking a nap and being exposed to bright lights.

3:04 PM - Dec. 8, 2007 - comments {2} - post comment

Holiday decorating

Decorative Lighting:

- Only decorate with lights that have a NOEL or U/L testing agency label. Check wires, plugs and sockets for defects. Remember: If in doubt - throw them out.
- Do not overload outlets and extension cords. Never tie together more than three extension cords.
- Don't run electric cords under carpet, seat cushions or anywhere they may be crushed or broken.
- Keep electric cords and extension cords out of the reach of children.
- Turn off all decorative lights when going to bed or leaving the house.

Outdoor Lighting:

- Be sure decorative lights used outside are approved for outdoor use.
- Outdoor lights should be hung with insulated staples or hooks rather than nails or tacks.
- When decorating outdoors, be aware of all power lines. Don't work near overhead power lines or anywhere there is a possibility of contacting an overhead power line, either directly or indirectly with a ladder or other piece of equipment. Do not string lights on outdoor trees that are growing into or near power lines - entire trees may become energized if lights come in contact with a power line.

Christmas Trees:

- If you buy a natural grown tree, be sure it is fresh. Cut the trunk on a 45-degree angle, about one inch above the original cut, and place it in a sturdy stand. A large tree should be anchored to prevent it from toppling over and possibly catching fire.
- Be sure to place trees away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and other sources of heat that may prematurely dry out the tree and make it more susceptible to fire. Make sure the tree has a sufficient amount of water at all times.
- If you have an artificial tree, make sure it is made of a fire resistant material. Lights should be hung on plastic trees only, never place electric lights on a metallic tree.

Fireplace Safety:

- Don't burn wrapping paper or boxes in the fireplace. These types of materials ignite quickly and may burn uncontrollably. Wrapping paper also may not always burn completely and can become lodged in the chimney creating a fire hazard.
- When cleaning out fireplaces, place ashes in a metal container and store outdoors away from combustibles. Ashes can remain hot for several hours, if not days. Discard ashes only when they have completely cooled.

It's that time of year when houses shine a bit brighter, and many wonder how much the decorative lights add to a monthly electric bill. Bills will vary based on the billing cycle for each customer (what date each month the bill is sent), but the following is an easy way to help calculate energy costs this holiday season.

1. Count the number of bulbs on your indoor tree and all of your other decorative indoor and outdoor lights. For example, 1,000.
2. Check the wattage per bulb - one watt per bulb is common. For example, 1 watt.
3. Multiply watts per bulb by number of bulbs. For example, 1,000 x 1 = 1,000.
4. Convert to kilowatts (kw) - 1000 watts equals 1 kilowatt. For example, 1 kw.
5. Estimate the number of hours in a month the lights are on. For example, 5 hours per day x 30 days = 150 hours.
6. Multiply the total kilowatts by the total number of hours the lights will be on to get the total kilowatt-hours (kwh). For example, 1 kw x 150 hours = 150 kwh.
7. Multiply the total kilowatt-hours by the total cost of electricity. For typical PECO customers, the total cost for generation, transmission and distribution of their electricity is 14 cents per kilowatt-hour. For example, 150 kwh x .14 = $21.
In our example, the total cost of holiday lighting would be an additional $21.

3:09 PM - Dec. 7, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Holiday entertaining

3:05 PM - Dec. 5, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Is impulse buying ruining your budget?

Marshall Loeb, former editor of Money Magazine, takes a look at how to stop buying on impulse and starting living within your budget.

Is impulse buying taking a heavy toll on your budget? Here are six ways to get a handle on your spending:

1. Identify your triggers. Many people use shopping as an emotional outlet. But letting your emotions dictate your spending is nearly always a bad idea. To break yourself of the habit, try to determine what prompts you to spend unwisely and take steps to change your behavior.

2. Avoid temptation. If you're inclined to overspend, consider a self-imposed ban on window shopping, casual browsing and unnecessary trips to the mall. Hint: If you know you're going to be in a situation where you're likely to be tempted, leave your credit card at home and only bring as much cash as you absolutely need.

3. Be a cautious consumer. You may think you're immune to advertising, but even the savviest shoppers fall prey to marketing tactics now and again. Next time you find yourself eyeing a "new and improved" product, ask yourself why you feel compelled to buy it. Will that new golf club/razor/skin cream substantially improve your life or just deplete your bank account?

4. Take a time-out. If you stumble on a "must have" item, don't get caught up in the excitement, advises MSN Money columnist Liz Pulliam Weston. Take a deep breath and walk away. Give yourself anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to figure out if this is something that you can afford and really need. After the cool-down period, if you can truthfully answer yes to both questions, go ahead and splurge.

5. Remember long-term goals. Before you buy, ask yourself if you'll get more long-term satisfaction out of owning this item, paying down your debt or putting money toward that dream vacation. You may get a temporary boost from buying that scarf, but that doesn't mean it's the best use of your money.

6. Check your balance. If you find yourself standing in the checkout line, ready to buy something you're not sure you can afford, hold off, suggests Weston. Go to your local bank or log on to your bank account online. Once you've viewed your balance, the purchase may appear far less enticing.

2:21 PM - Nov. 28, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment

Saving energy

"Congress must adopt and send to the president the CAFE increases in the Senate energy bill," said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. "As consumers continue to be burdened by increasing gasoline prices, and with cost-effective technology currently available that can dramatically increase vehicle fuel economy, there simply is no excuse for Congress to postpone raising fuel economy standards.

"The benefits will go beyond consumers' pocketbooks," Callahan continued. "Energy efficiency in the transportation sector is a key element in helping to curb the polluting emissions that contribute to climate change and in lowering U.S. dependence on imported oil."

Callahan noted also that consumers have the power to lower their monthly gasoline costs through easy no-cost and low-cost steps and by choosing hybrid or very fuel-efficient vehicles when purchases are made. To help consumers in the purchase of hybrid or efficient, clean diesel vehicles, the federal government currently offers tax incentives.

The Alliance challenges consumers to take measures that will not only keep dollars in their pockets, but also will help to curb greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our national energy security:

1. Keep cars in good working order with regular tune-ups and oil changes; keep tires properly inflated; stick to the speed limit and avoid aggressive driving; and think about fuel economy when purchasing a new vehicle.

2. Keep your tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage by around 3.3% and also improve safety and tire life. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4% for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires.

3. Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil to improve gas mileage by 1-2%. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

4. Idle minds and idling vehicles - be mindful when behind the wheel. Avoid idling, which gets 0 mpg. Cars with larger engines typically waste even more gas while idling than cars with smaller engines.

5. Obey the speed limit. It's safer and less expensive. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly above 60 mph. As a rule of thumb, each 5 mph over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.

6. Curtail "road rage"/aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town. Sensible driving is safer, too - so you may save more than gas money.

7. Are you carrying around too much excess "baggage?" Pack lightly when traveling, and avoid carrying items on your vehicle's roof. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts a typical car's fuel economy by up to 2%.

8. Use cruise control to help cut fuel consumption by maintaining a steady speed during highway driving.

9. Combine errands into one trip to drive fewer miles, use less fuel, and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multipurpose trip when the engine is warmed-up and efficient.

10. Investigate other options for getting to work and other places - carpooling, ridesharing, public transportation, biking, walking.

11. Telecommute or stagger work hours if your employer permits to avoid sitting in traffic and wasting gas, especially during peak rush hours.

12. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, driving a car that gets 20 mpg rather than 30 mpg will cost you $1000 or more this year.

13. Buying, leasing, or renting a vehicle? Select a model that gets better fuel economy. Check out www.fueleconomy.gov, for information on fuel-efficient vehicles.

14. Take advantage of 2007 federal income tax credits that reduce what you owe to Uncle Sam or increase your tax refund by $250 to $3,400 for purchases of hybrid-electric or diesel vehicles. Amounts are based on the vehicle's efficiency and fuel savings. Details in English and Spanish on the Alliance's Web site -www.ase.org/taxcredits.

7:06 PM - Nov. 14, 2007 - comments {0} - post comment