The Mediocre Multitasker: Study Shows Persistent Multitaskers Perform Badly In A Variety Of Tasks

Does this mean I can't paint my nails while watching football while reading my google reader while ..what was I saying?

What Time Is It?

So, the kids are back in school, the weather where I live is unseasonably cold and the Dollar Store has it's Christmas stuff out. Although there must be something wrong with my calendar because it's telling me it's still AUGUST.

And now I am thinking about the Holidays and what to get for certain, nameless, difficult figures in my life. Let's just say there is an older woman, an older man and a guy just about my age who are always big problems for me to buy for every year.

It's like this. They already have whatever they need and when I ask for ideas, I am told they don't need anything. Of course, this is a big, fat lie. They really do want something. And it needs to be good.

And so, I am thinking watches for everyone! I have checked out casio G-shock.

They have something for the older lady:

The older man:

And the youngish guy:

I had kind of forgotten what a great gift a watch can be. And besides glasses, watches are are the only accessory that's actually useful. (Though one could make an argument for cuff links, too, I guess.)

Blue dial has watches for every use and occasion. Know a sporty executive? Or a trendy cheerleader? A deep sea diver or a school teacher? There is something for everyone. And these are NICE watches. Not something you will find at the local drug store.

Not that I've EVER, EVER gone shopping for watches in a drug store. Well, maybe that one time on Christmas Eve, but I was about to break up with him. That's another post for another time.

BTW, buying these watches now will mean I am an organized, efficient person. That may have been my New Year's Resolution but I'm not sure, I lost the list.

Coupons You Don’t Clip, Sent to Your Cellphone - NYTimes.com

Coupons You Don’t Clip, Sent to Your Cellphone - NYTimes.com

This is such a great idea for those of you with "fancy phones". I got my G1 in February with gift cards earned from points for using my debit card. I currently use my coupons from my phone and have found some good deals; which incidentally are MUCH more lucrative than newspaper and mailer coupons. Does anyone have any other sources?

ExxonMobil: "Green Company of the Year?" | Mother Jones

ExxonMobil: "Green Company of the Year?" | Mother Jones


OK this sounds pretty crazy and the thinking here is that Forbes is utilizing a "shock-jock" mentality by making such a controversial claim. It seems that ExxonMobil may be making up for lost time by going to natural gas production, and going forward, that may be "helpful". But it could also be considered too little too late.

And let us not forget the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, which has caused an unthinkable amount of environmental damage. So, the question is, do we give ExxonMobil the benefit of the doubt as if they are doing pennance for past deeds and at least trying? Or is this just another publicity stunt to benefit both ExxonMobil and Forbes?

I guess it really boils down to the answer to this question: with this on its cover, will you buy Forbes?

Top tips for the recently unemployed

The Unemployment Olympics

My household has dealt with unemployment for almost 14 months.

There I said it, er wrote it. And, I have to say that I may look back on this time in my life and feel I really learned a lot. However, most likely, I will look back and think boy did that suck.

Whew! That feels good to have gotten off my chest. Which brings me to the first of my top tips for the recently unemployed.

1. Try not to freak out.
Freaking out will not help. Trust me on this. Take a deep breath (or fifty). It's going to be OK.

2. Accept that short term planning may be all you can do right now.
This may be a short term thing or a long term thing, it's impossible to know. The one thing you can plan on is today and maybe tomorrow. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Have you heard of the phrase "Take it one day at a time."? Try to live by that and you'll realize you can handle whatever happens each day.

3. Get it together.
Educate yourself. You have choices. Contact the unemployment office for a quote of your entitlements. Discover if you will qualify for food assistance, rent assistance, etc. Consider your richest relative; now may be the time to seek them out. I'm not kidding, here. These are desperate times and that does call for desperate measures.

4. You're not alone, so don't live that way.
Find a support group, online forum, or career counselor. The more support you can get, the better prepared you will be for the adventure of job searching! You will need to vent about all this stuff you are going through. Your spouse will want you out their hair. It's win-win.

Superheros aren't the only ones looking for a job these days.

5. Structure your days.
OK, I know it is tempting to catch up on sleep and just "hang out" until something magically comes up, however, it's really important for your mental health that you do something productive each and every day. Try cleaning, painting, going to the library or outdoor projects. Keep structured and keep busy.

6. Deal with less money.
OK, here is a great way to reframe your sudden poverty. It's called going green! Yes, going green can save you BIG money and joblessness is a great excuse to save humankind.

Go Green to Save Green

The above tips have helped me and my family keep our sanity. I know (because I've followed my own tips) that Number 1 is really the most important, so I'll repeat it again.

Freaking out will not help. Trust me on this. Take a deep breath (or fifty). It's going to be OK.

(Photo credits: clementine gallot, steve p2008, ewen and donabel)

Have a Fun Wednesday!

# Sirena_Varada #

5 tips to help your child have a great school year

jaqian

It's back to school time! Time for kids to catch the bus, and time for us parents to get back into a routine. Of course, it's also time for us to start worrying.

We will worry about our child's friends, our child's relationship with their teacher, our child's academic progress, and, we will worry about how we will get all that homework done.

Well, to that I have good news and bad news. Which would you like first?

How about we get the bad news over with: the truth is, when one of the above issues is just a little bit off, it can really affect our child's school year. If there are issues with friends, our child can be distracted and unhappy.

If (good forbid) our child's teacher isn't as smitten with our little darling as we are, our child could have a tricky year. If our child is not making adequate academic progress, then we are perhaps in for a multitude of meetings at a big table with school "experts".

And finally, if we, the parents, haven't got good organization and time management skills, then that homework may not get done properly or consistently.

OK, here is the good news: we can do things to put the odds in our child's favor. Below I have put together 5 tips to help your child have a great school year.

freeparking

1. Your child's friends
OK. We can't be with our kids 100% of the time. But we can try and supervise whenever possible. If our child is on team sports, we can try to observe his/her interaction with teammates as much as possible. We should volunteer at school as often as possible. This will give us a lot of information about the classroom environment.

Chicago 2016 Photos

2. The Teacher
OK. I am going to be really blunt here. Don't make the teacher mad. We need to remember and our child needs to understand that the teacher is to be respected. Teachers like respect.

Second, contrary to what they say, teachers do like presents, flowers and gift cards. But, mostly, they like hand drawn pictures and handwritten notes and poems, especially from the kids.

Lastly, and I can't emphasize this enough, teachers like and need help! Offer to help the teacher yourself. Even if us working parents can only offer to cut out laminating at home, teachers really like help.

3. Academics
If there are concerns about our child's academics, we need to collect evidence, uh, I mean facts. Keep any and all work, tests, and projects that cause you concern. We don't want the teacher to think we don't think she's doing her job.

Schedule a meeting with the teacher, around his or her schedule. Be specific about your concerns and listen to the teacher's plan. Give it some time to work before asking for a support team meeting.

4. Homework
This one is really simple but sometimes not easy. Just do it. If it's a battle, talk to the teacher about reducing the amount, having your child come in early, or just letting natural consequences happen.

apdk

5. School Phobia/Anxiety
If this is happening, we need to meet with the teacher and principal as early as possible. Problem solve this issue as a team and come up with a plan. Make sure you are all in agreement or your child will sense discontent.

There you have it. Five tips to help you help your child achieve success in school. I'd love to add to this list. Please comment below and I'll add your tips!

Green College Slideshow | Mother Jones

Green College Slideshow | Mother Jones

This is a very interesting look at the potential for going green across our college campuses. It also speaks to the possibilities for going green in all public buildings.

Saving Money Carnival!

alamosbasement

I appear today over at Savings with Sadie for her 2nd edition of the Carnival of Savings. There are 14 other great links to help you save money, just in time for the money pit back-to-school can be. Check it out!

Back to School

Avolore

Jeana Lee Tahnk: Am I Doing This Parenting Thing Right?

Jeana Lee Tahnk: Am I Doing This Parenting Thing Right?

By the time you really learn how to do motherhood and are getting it right consistently, it's over; they turn 18 and move out. Ah, what a gig it is!

Important Facts You Never Knew about Asbestos

The following is a Guest Post from Barbara O'Brien, of The MahaBlog, Crooks and Liars, and Alternet:

“Is There Asbestos in My Home?”

The short answer to the question, “Is there asbestos in my home?” is “Yes, probably.” How much, where, and whether you should worry, depends mostly on when your home was built and what condition it is in.

In the U.S., if your home was built after the mid-1990s there might be asbestos in roof shingles, floor tiles, cement pipes and boards, caulking compounds, and joint cements. However, this is not necessarily something to worry about.

Asbestos is a mineral that breaks into small fibers. The fibers are dangerous to breathe, because if they settle in the lungs they can cause mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer, and asbestosis, a debilitating disease that interferes with breathing. You should also avoid ingesting asbestos. However, as long as the asbestos fibers are encased in something so that the fibers can’t be breathed, or get into your water — generally the case with newer construction materials — you can safely leave it where it is.

ktheory

Insulation in Home Built Before the mid-1990s

Homes built between 1920 and 1950 may have asbestos insulation. Also, be aware that homes built after 1950, and possibly as recently as the mid-1990s, may contain an insulation called Zonolite made of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. The vermiculite came from a mine in Libby, Montana, a community so contaminated with asbestos the EPA recently declared Libby to be a public health disaster.

As long as the insulation is enclosed in a wall where fibers cannot escape, it is not hazardous. However, if walls are damaged, or if your remodeling plans involve cutting into a wall, you must arrange for state-certified asbestos abatement specialists to deal with the insulation. They may either remove it or find some way to contain it. But do not handle the insulation yourself.

Asbestos in Homes Built Before 1980

Here are just some of the other places you might find asbestos in an older home:

• Shingles and walls. From the 1920s and until 1978 asbestos cement shingles were a popular choice for housing exteriors. Also until the 1970s, cement sheet, millboard, and paper with a high asbestos content were used around fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Cutting or drilling these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air you breathe.

• Soundproofing. Until the 1970s, soundproofing material containing asbestos was sprayed on walls and ceilings. Asbestos also was used in textured paint and patching compounds until 1977. The asbestos in these applications can become loose and release asbestos into the air, if they haven’t already.

• Hot water and steam pipes. These may be coated with asbestos or wrapped with asbestos tape.

• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets. Replacing an old basement furnace in your home can create an asbestos hazard.

vinzcha

Inspection and Abatement

At this point, you may be worried about the cracks, chips, and flaking in your older home. It cannot be stressed enough that if asbestos really is present, you need professional help to deal with it. Deal only with asbestos inspectors and asbestos abatement contractors that are licensed by your state.

The first step is assessing whether there really is an asbestos danger in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you hire an inspector who is independent from any abatement contractor you might use to avoid a conflict of interest.

Even if there is asbestos in your home, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have it all removed immediately. If the asbestos is in a place where it won’t get into the air or water, it may be left alone. But be aware that renovations or damage to your home might release the asbestos, and then you must call in an asbestos abatement contractor. Don’t try to deal with it yourself.

-Barbara O’ Brien

a great way to save on skin care products

I'd like to think I take pretty good care of my skin.

I try to minimize stress lines and have been practicing meditation for 20 minutes a day, on average, for over a year. I practice yoga regularly and jog a few miles several times a week.

To keep my skin hydrated, I drink plenty of water. I also have an iron-clad skin care regime, which includes daily sun block.

And yet...I still break out and have these wrinkles! So, I try products here and there, without actually having any objective reason to feel they are successful, except that it says will help on the bottle or tube. But it usually ends up being a waste of money and time.

HOWEVER, I have found a useful website. It's called Skin Analysis. And I think they are going to save me both money and grief.

You see, they give free skin analysis. You just have to send them a pic of your skin; a close up of the problem area and in a few days they get back to you with a FREE analysis. Isn't that cool?

There are also reviews upon reviews with opinions of the products from people who have tried them. They review eye cream and wrinkle cream among other products.

What I especially like about this site is that is it a non-affiliate site. The folks who review products are average Janes, just like you and me. They do NOT get paid for their reviews and there are no affiliate links from Skin Analysis to any product website.

So, in essence it's like getting a recommendation from your BFF about something that really works to help you look better, feel better and love your nontoxic life.

I'd love to hear comments from anyone who has tried Skin Analysis!

Note: this has been a paid post.

Back to School on the Cheap

dave_mcmt

Back to school is an exciting time for everyone, but it can also be rushed and chaotic if you don't plan ahead a bit.

There are many things you will need to purchase.

Here is a list of things you might need and how to save BIG on them:

Clothes and Shoes

• online coupon codes, clearance-Repeat after me: "I will never buy anything online without first searching for a coupon code." Coupon codes can, at the very least, save you shipping and may even get you a dollar or percentage off, even on items already on clearance.

• Speaking of clearance, always be thinking ahead to the next 2 months and the next year. Things that are on clearance now, include summer clothes , which, in many parts of the country can be used for the next 2 months. So, buy some things in your kid's current sizes. But also buy a few things in your kid's next sizes for next summer. I especially buy shoes this way as it is hard to find used shoes anywhere.

• name brands/trendy styles-That trendy part of me from high school still loves name brands. However, I now only buy them on clearance or if I really must have it, on sale with a coupon code. Now, for my kids, I generally stay away from name brands because they outgrow things before they wear out. However, when that ceases to be true, I will shop around for name brands and ALWAYS use a coupon code. For the trendy kids, I will probably a few anchor pieces in my kid's wardrobe to be name brands/trendy and supplement with store house brands and basic items like jeans and black T-shirts.

• hand me downs-I love hand me downs!! Try to find someone with kid's slightly older than yours. Let them know you'd love to take outgrown clothes off their hands, whenever they are ready. Many times people really would like to find a good home for their kid's outgrown clothes, instead of donating them.

• goodwill/thrift/garage sales-Always a great place to find deals on kid's clothes and sometimes shoes. Generally, goodwill stores have a high turnover rate of clothes. Talk to the manager at your local store and s/he can tell you when they put out the most new goods. Same is true with local thrift stores. Garage Sales can be hit or miss, but to minimize time wasted, check the paper and go for anything marked "kid's stuff".
  

back_garage

Backpacks/lunchboxes

• Shop around. And around. And around. Many places are having back to school sales and there are good deals out there.
  

• Avoid "character" backpacks. They are generally smaller and not as well made. Also there is no guarantee your darling will still like Dora next year.
  

• Make sure the style and options will be usable in the future. For example, for a kindergartner, buy a backpack with the lunch box as they will probably need it next year.

joebeone

School supplies

• First thing, check the dollar store for school supplies, you may be able to get a lot of what you need there.

• Buy school supplies in bulk whenever possible. I would even go in with a neighbor or friend, if possible.
  

• If you can wait until the September-October school supply clearance sales, wait.
  

• Don't forget to hit drug store sales for back to school supplies; they usually have great deals and good coupons, too.
  

• Search the Internet for printable back to school coupons, you may discover a few great deals on things that are already on sale now.

Communication can save you BIG

• Contact the school(s) to see if the kids need anything special for gym class, art class, etc., so you are not caught off guard when your little one tells you she needs an art smock "tomorrow" when it's 9pm.

• Many schools will sell you a complete package of back to school supplies for a flat rate. This may be a good deal and will start your child off with the same exact supplies everyone else has. Believe it or not, this is a big deal to some kids. In addition, the price of the supplies may benefit your local PTA, which is a great cause.
  

Electronics

• Yikes! Try not to freak out when you see the prices of some of things your kids need. Instead, calmly compare the sales online to save time. You will find some deals, especially if you educate yourself about memory and processor speed. The same is true for cell phones and cameras.
  

• Consider buying refurbished with a guarantee. This may be a great way to save money, especially since electronic items frequently become obsolete so quickly.

• If you have good credit, 0% interest deals may work for you.

• Try buying used from a smaller computer store.

Haircuts

• It's amazing to me what they will charge for a kid's haircut! However, have no fear, coupons are everywhere this time of year.
  

• The cheapest way is to cut the hair yourself. There are instructions for boys haircuts when you buy a buzzer/trimmer.
  

• For girls, try learning how to give a layered haircut and how to trim bangs. You'll save a fortune!
  

• Another option is to find a good stylist who will do haircuts for your family and friends at home. Many times, they will charge a fraction of their regular price if you supply the location. They may even be able to give you those highlights you've always wanted on the cheap!

~ Kevin McGrew ~

General Tips

• If you can be disciplined, get a few department store credit cards. The bigger stores usually run special sales, including cash back sales, for their credit card holders. But in order to feel the savings, you must pay it off completely each month.
  
• Only buy what you went in the store for!! Do not succumb to in-store marketing unless it is a major deal, or you will undo any savings you just got.
• Try things on you and your kids in the store, if possible. Many people get home with something only to find it doesn't fit or is damaged in some way. Those items may or may not ever get returned. Learn from me: I have actually had to tear tags off clothing before donating it. Though I did get a tax break for the donation, I still came out behind.
  

I hope you have found some good ideas here at your nontoxic life to save money on back to school. I'd also love to hear your best tips on saving at this time of year! Please comment below!

Beautiful Wordless Wednesday

Hamed Saber

A Closer Look at Quality Sleep

Deborah Rozman Ph.D.: Why You Can't Sleep at Night and What You Can Do About It

Apparently we can blame some of our sleep trouble on our heart rhythm. When we are stressed, our heart beats irregularly, but the heart needs a nice, even beat for us to feel relaxed enough to get a good night's sleep.

There are some great "right now, today" tips here, including links for a FREE e-book download and a FREE webinar download.

geocaching, cheap fun or waste of gas?

respres

I recently had my first taste of a geocaching adventure. We looked up coordinates on the Internet, piled into the car and got down to "treasure hunting".

After 30 minutes and three turnarounds, we found the area in which the coordinates and the treasure were hiding. We walked around for a few minutes and one of the kids found it!

luis perez

The "treasure" was a tin full of coins and small trinkets. There was also a ledger. We selected a small bead and added our name and the date to the ledger. We also left behind a quarter as our contribution.

Then, it was off to find a restroom. After that we headed home for lunch. We headed back out in the afternoon, in the opposite direction, with a different set of coordinates, which were more difficult to find.

Finally, after about 45 minutes in the car and 5 turnarounds, we pulled over and found the treasure right away: a plastic bin with photos of people in it, among other things. Since we had read ahead of time to bring a pic to this one, we added one of our neighbor's dog, then took a picture of ourselves, holding the bin.

viZZZual.com

By then the bugs were beginning to come out and rain was threatening, so we headed back.

All in all it wasn't a bad time, but I couldn't help but think of the gas we used on our little adventure. On the other hand, the kids LOVED it and kept talking about the treasure hunt the rest of the day.

However, I am not one to just do things because the kids love it. There needs to be something else in it that's beneficial, like physical exercise, good nutrition, cooperative skill building or education.

As well, we spent a few hours in the car, unable to make too much eye contact, is that really family bonding?

I don't know--I'm leaning toward this not being something we do in a car. Maybe if I hid a treasure at the local park, then let the kids find it, it would be better, and serve another purpose?

Where do you stand on geocaching? Family treasure hunting fun or another example of indifference to the oil crisis?

.schill

PLEASE give me your $.02 on this one! I need to figure out if we'll do this again.

How to find $100 to reduce our climate impact

Environmental News Network:

Environmental News Network is reporting that climate legislation would only cost $100 for an average family per year.

Now, personally, I don't really have $100 laying around right now, but over the course of a year, I could find it. I think this cause is worth it.


How to find the $100:

In order to "find" the money to cover it, I will work on lowering my utility costs by $8.33 a calendar month.

• hot water heater blanket (estimated average yearly savings at least $25.00)

• water usage: fixing a dripping faucet, getting family to use less water (estimated average yearly savings $20)

• air conditioning: insulated curtains on the east side of my house (estimated yearly savings $25)

• electricity: using a green power strip on TV, Cable, DVD, VCR (estimated yearly savings $25)

• cable (my least favorite utility) canceling the $5 kid's channels (sorry, guys, we'll use the bizillion DVD's we have) (average yearly savings: $60)

OK! With $55 dollars extra saved. Hmmm, maybe that means I can buy new shoes this year!


(photo credit: azrainman)

wordless wednesday

paparutzi

Acai Berry Supplement Review

Has anyone thought about trying Acai Berry to lose weight? I found a site that has reviewed the top three supplements and has links for FREE trials of each. Click here to visit. Let me know what you think!



gurucrusher

time vs. money?

Time- well there is never enough of it. And we can never get back what we've lost.
Of course working, uses our time so we can earn money.


Money- is more short term-sort of. We need it mostly right now, and always try to earn back what we've spent. And when we din;t have enought money it;s a right NOw isituaion. So, some are willing to give up som time to save some money.

Time & Money are inextricabley linked. We use our time to earn money. We can spend a ton of money in seconds. We can spend a ton of time on something that earns pennies.

The bully who defined me | PhD in Parenting

The bully who defined me | PhD in Parenting

This is such a heart wrenching story from Annie, PhD in Parenting, about her experiences with bullying for many years. I am curious about your experiences with bullying, too and I have the same questions for you that I asked of Annie.
What could've made the difference? Teachers doing something? Parents? Please comment below.

Does Your Car Qualify for the Federal 'Cash for Clunker' Program? : Planet Green

Does Your Car Qualify for the Federal 'Cash for Clunker' Program? : Planet Green


This is a great deal for someone looking to buy a car. You can get $4,500 if your car qualifies. Since, IMHO, dealers usually see (read: hear) these cars coming and offer about $1,500 at most, this could make the difference between a new car and a life continuing with a clunker.