Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com Making Your Life Easier, Ten Tips At A Time! Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:02:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 en Carnival Of Tips - July 5, 2008 http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/05/carnival-of-tips-july-5-2008/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/05/carnival-of-tips-july-5-2008/#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/05/carnival-of-tips-july-5-2008/ Welcome to the July 5, 2008 edition of Carnival of Tips. We had over 40 great entries this week on:

Business & Career:

  • Cindy King presents Sunday Book Review - Mastering Online Marketing posted at Cindy King, saying, “Mastering Online Marketing starts off with a few of the principles in The E-Myth. There is a Business Mindset Self-Assessment Test and a Marketing Mindset Self-Assessment Test. At the end of each of these chapters a check list helps you to clearly identify your action plan. Your action items are business focused.”

Education:

Finance, Investment & Savings:

Health & Beauty:

Hobbies:

Home:

Relationships:

Self:

  • Maria Gajewski presents Be Proactive to Increase Your Inner Peace posted at Never the Same River Twice, saying, “This post will teach you 4 things you can do right now to increase your inner peace. Then you can download a free ebook with many more tips.”
  • David B. Bohl presents (1) How To Kick a Bad Habit, saying, “Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,”” and (2) How to Remain Calm in a Crisis, saying, “Knowing the ropes when faced with a crisis will enable you to get your bearings and handle it with a minimal amount of stress,” posted at Slow Down Fast Today!.
  • Anand presents Cognitive Distortions posted at Anand Dhillon . com, saying, “This article details several common distortions in our thinking patterns that lead to stress, anxiety and limitations. THe article also explains how to correct these cognitive distortions to live a happier, more productive life.”

Shopping:

Sports & Fitness:

Technology:

Travel:

Websites & Blogging:

Writing:

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival Of Tips using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page And check out the following Carnivals Tip Diva recently participated in:


Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/05/carnival-of-tips-july-5-2008/feed/ Top Ten Tips - How To Be More Patriotic http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/04/top-ten-tips-how-to-be-more-patriotic/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/04/top-ten-tips-how-to-be-more-patriotic/#comments Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/04/top-ten-tips-how-to-be-more-patriotic/ fireworksToday is the birthday of the United States, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1886. Here are ways to be more patriotic and celebrate U.S. history and tradition:

  • Display An American Flag - The American flag is a great way to show your patriotism. First, read about the flag’s history, then learn proper flag etiquette before displaying.
  • Read Up On American History - There’s no better way of learning about our history than by reading about it. But reading history books doesn’t have to be a tedious task - titles like Kenneth Davis’ Don’t Know Much About History and Steve Wiegand’s U.S. History For Dummies makes it easy. You can find plenty more by Googling “American history books.” Then, flip on the TV and watch some of the top 10 patriotic movies.
  • Learn About Our Federal Holidays - University of Kansas Medical Center has compiled a list of the federal holidays and the history behind each.
  • Learn Patriotic Songs - I Love Wavs has an excellent list of patriotic music. Check out Patriot Icon for patriotic song lyrics.
  • Honor Our Veterans And Troops - Today is a great day to remember and support those who have fought for our country and our independence. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Honoring Our Veterans And Troops.
  • Register To Vote - If you’re a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 on Election Day, register to vote in the upcoming November elections through Rock The Vote.
  • Learn About Local And National Politicians - Take the time to learn about your local and national politicians, especially the two major presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama.
  • Visit National Historic Landmarks - National historic landmarks give you a plethora of information on U.S. history. You don’t just need to go to Washington, D.C. - there’s bound to be a historic landmark near you.
  • Buy American - Try your best to buy goods made by American manufacturers and American workers. For more on patriotic spending, check out MadeInUSA.com.
  • Be Red, White, Blue… And Green - By conserving energy and recycling, you’ll not only be working to save our planet, but helping keeping protecting U.S. resources, as well.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/04/top-ten-tips-how-to-be-more-patriotic/feed/ Top Ten Tips - Making More Time For Yourself http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/03/top-ten-tips-making-more-time-for-yourself/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/03/top-ten-tips-making-more-time-for-yourself/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/03/top-ten-tips-making-more-time-for-yourself/ relaxingIf you find yourself running from task to task and chore to chore without any breathing room, stop - you deserve some “you” time, and here’s how to make room for yourself:

  • Condense Your Tasks - If you have a number of errands or chores to do, try to condense them in the least amount of time. For instance, if you have to drive to the bank, supermarket and clothing store, do them in the same trip instead of going to the bank, coming home, going to the supermarket, coming home and going to the clothing store, then coming home yet again. You’ll save more time (and gas, to boot).
  • Automate Others - If there are tasks you can do on the computer - shopping, banking, bill paying - do it. It will save you time from standing in line.
  • Prioritize - Do what’s most important first, then leave the menial tasks for last. If you don’t get to the menial tasks, you won’t feel unaccomplished.
  • Write Yourself Into Your Day - Make sure you write some time for yourself into the day - whether it’s a lunch with a friend, an hour to curl up with a good book or 20 minutes to take a power nap.
  • Delegate Tasks To Others - Delegate tasks to others to free up some time for yourself. Instead of cleaning up your children’s playroom, have them clean it themselves. Ask your spouse to do the cooking for the night. Don’t take on the entire project at work and have a colleague help you.
  • Accept Help - If someone offers to help you in any way, let him help - he wouldn’t be offering if he didn’t want to genuinely help you. Remember to be gracious and thank him for his time.
  • Decide Where Time Is Worth Money - You can often pay for others to do tasks that are taking up your time, if you decide that time is worth money. For instance, you can hire a housekeeper to clean up your humble abode, which will free up three or four hours a week.
  • Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff - If menial tasks do not get done right away, who cares? The world isn’t going to end if your books are disorganized. Remember that time for yourself is more important.
  • Learn How To Say “No” - Sure, you’ll help make cookies for the bake sale. Yes, you’ll drive your cousin to his doctor’s appointment. Of course, you’ll help your neighbor carry his old couch to the curb. Although helping others is a nice thing to do, don’t do it at the expense of your sanity. There’s a point where you have to stand back and say, “I’m sorry, I would love to help, but I am tied up right now.” If you wind up always saying “yes” to everyone else and “no” to yourself, you’ll wind up going crazy.
  • Force Yourself To Take A Vacation - Take some time off - whether an hour or a week, and force yourself to dedicate it totally to you and what you enjoy doing.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/03/top-ten-tips-making-more-time-for-yourself/feed/ Top Ten Tips - Treating And Preventing Mosquito Bites http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/02/top-ten-tips-treating-and-preventing-mosquito-bites/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/02/top-ten-tips-treating-and-preventing-mosquito-bites/#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/02/top-ten-tips-treating-and-preventing-mosquito-bites/ mosquitoAhh, summer. The sun is warm, the water is cool, the flowers are blooming, and unfortunately, the bugs are biting. The worst offender of them all is the mosquito, carrier of pain, itching and possible diseases like West Nile. Here’s how to treat and further prevent bites:

  • Try Not To Scratch - If you have a mosquito bite or bites, do your best not to scratch them, which may irritate the bite even more, or worse, cause an infection. Instead…
  • Try Popular Remedies To Stop The Itch - Apply calamine or Benadryl lotion to the itch, or try rubbing some toothpaste on it (odd, but works!) The bee-sting treatment of baking soda/water paste also helps relieve the itch, and cool water compresses will bring down the swelling.
  • Take An Oatmeal Bath - If the itch is unbearable, try the ol’ chicken pox treatment of an oatmeal bath. Tip Diva loves Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment, or just try some rolled oats from your pantry.
  • Pay Heed To Large Welts - If your welts are large, red and inflamed or infected, see a doctor right away. You might have a bad allergic reaction or it could be a spider bite.

And to prevent bites in the future:

  • Wear Light Clothing That Covers Your Body - Linens and light cottons are cool for the summer and keep the mosquitos away from your skin. Further repel them by wearing light colors and avoiding bright or flowery prints.
  • Use Bug Repellent Spray Or Lotion - There are a lot of bug sprays and lotions based on your needs and preferences. If you’re nervous about DEET, which has shown to be an effective repellent, visit your nearest natural food stores for some great natural remedies.
  • Avoid Fragrances - Mosquitos seem to be attracted to body odor and fragrances, so lay off the perfume and take a shower after sweating.
  • Stay Indoors When Mosquitos Bite - Mosquitos are most active after it rains and in the early morning, evening and night. And make sure your window and door screens are in good repair so mosquitos don’t follow you inside!
  • Make Sure To Remove Stagnant Water Sources - Stagnant water sources are breeding grounds for mosquitos. Make sure to remove them from around your home - they can even collect in old tires, garbage pails, and gutters.
  • Light Some Citronella Candles - Mosquitos hate the smell of citronella, so that why so many repellents have that musky, lemony scent. You can buy citronella candles (or coils) at most home improvement and outdoors stores, as well as grocery stores during the summer months. Put a few candles around where you’ll be sitting.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/02/top-ten-tips-treating-and-preventing-mosquito-bites/feed/ Tipsy Tuesday - Gardening Edition http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/01/tipsy-tuesday-gardening-edition/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/01/tipsy-tuesday-gardening-edition/#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/01/tipsy-tuesday-gardening-edition/ butterflyWelcome to this week’s edition of Tipsy Tuesday, which will review some of the best tips blogs from around the Web. This edition focuses on gardening. Make sure to check out these great blogs, and feel free to nominate some of your own!

  • Marie’s Gardening Blog - Marie is an About.com guide focused on gardening, and brings a great blog focused on a variety of topics relevant to all gardeners, from specific plants to pests, how to garden and more.
  • Backyard Gardening Blog - This is another educational blog focusing on the ins and outs of gardening. Tip Diva particularly liked the post on using beer to annihilate slugs - eww!
  • You Grow Girl - For a hip, modern take on gardening, check out YouGrowGirl, focusing not only on approaches to gardening, but environmentalism, style, affordability, art, humor, recipes and more.
  • Wiggly Wigglers - The home of blog carnivals Country Living, Environmental Issues and Green Gardening not only offers great tips and links, but also has informative podcasts.
  • Gardening Tips ‘N’ Ideas - This blog is the Tip Diva of gardening blogs - check it out for handy, easy-to-follow tips on making your dirty work easier.
  • In My Kitchen Garden - If you garden for food, make sure to check out this journal for tips, links, recipes and more. Also visit The Cheap Vegetable Gardener.
  • Garden Question Of The Day - This isn’t a blog, but it’s the utmost authority on gardening - The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Every day, it answers your burning questions about your garden. Check out their expansive archive for some useful tips.
  • Gardening Blogs By Region - This isn’t a blog either, but a directory pointing to blogs based in your gardening region - check them out to see some of the best plants and tips for your location.
  • David Perry Photographer - If you love taking photos of your hard work, check out David’s site for breathtaking and inspirational shots.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/01/tipsy-tuesday-gardening-edition/feed/ Top Ten Tips - Organizing Hair Accessories http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-tips-organizing-hair-accessories/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-tips-organizing-hair-accessories/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:01:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-tips-organizing-hair-accessories/ hairaccessoriesIf you can’t untangle the headband that’s stuck to scrunchie knotted up with a few bobby pins, it may be time to organize your hair accessories:

  • Toss Out Anything Broken - Throw out broken clips, frayed ribbons, rusted pins and stretched-out hair bands. They’re not good for your hair, nor do they look good.
  • Throw Out Old Hair Products - If you have hair products more than a few years old (or they smell funky), toss them out.
  • Wrap Hair Ties And Scrunchies Around A Cardboard Tube - Depending on how many hair ties and scrunchies you have, find a cardboard or paper towel tube and gather them on the tube to keep them organized. PVC pipe works, as well.
  • Clip Bobby Pins To A Piece Of Cardboard - Get a thick piece of cardboard and clip your bobby pins on them to keep them from getting tangled with each other.
  • Stick Hair Pins And Sticks In A Piece Of Styrofoam - Get a piece of Styrofoam - cut a square from packaging material, or buy some at a craft store, and stick hair pins and and hair chopsticks in them to keep them organized.
  • Roll Up Ribbons And Clip - Roll up your hair ribbons and clip them in a roll using a paper clip or a hair clip.
  • Store Claw Clips And Plastic Headbands Separately - Claw (or jaw) clips and plastic headbands tend to break easily, so store them in a different container or drawer than your other hair accessories. Plastic shoeboxes work well.
  • Organize Small Clips In Jars - If you have small clips, organize them in jars - baby food jars are the perfect size. They also allow you to clearly see the contents.
  • Clean Your Hairbrushes - Now is a good time to clean your hairbrushes. Remove bunched hair with a fine-toothed comb, wash with hot water and shampoo, then let air-dry.
  • Store Accessories In An Easily Transportable Box - If you have to move from bedroom to bathroom, consider an easily transportable box. Use a plastic shoebox, toolbox, or even try one of Caboodles’ many specialty storage cases.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-tips-organizing-hair-accessories/feed/ Top Ten Everything - June 2008 http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-everything-june-2008/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-everything-june-2008/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-everything-june-2008/ Top Ten Top Ten Tips:

Top Ten Referrers:

Top Ten Entrecard Droppers:

Top Ten Visiting Countries:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • India
  • Philippines
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Netherlands
  • Malaysia

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/30/top-ten-everything-june-2008/feed/ Top Ten Tips - Treating TMJ Pain http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/29/top-ten-tips-treating-tmj-pain/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/29/top-ten-tips-treating-tmj-pain/#comments Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/29/top-ten-tips-treating-tmj-pain/ skullIf you suffer temporomandibular joint disorder (commonly referred to as TMJ) like Tip Diva, you may have trouble getting your medical and dental insurance plans to cover any treatment. But there are at-home remedies you can use to reduce, or even get rid of, the pain:

  • Avoid Hard-To-Eat Foods - Don’t eat food that is crunchy, chewy, or otherwise requires a lot of jaw movement. If you begin to feel any pain, switch to softer foods.
  • Avoid Chewing Gum - Chewing gum is one of the worst pain-causing culprits. If you need to snack on something, try sucking on a hard candy instead - and don’t bite the hard candy!
  • Massage Your Jaw - If your jaw begins to tighten or you feel some pain, try gently massaging it with the palm of your hand.
  • Maintain Good Posture, And Move Around - Bad posture can affect your jaw alignment, so make sure you sit up straight and don’t stay still for too long a period. Get up and stretch.
  • Try To Avoid Stress - Stress causes Tip Diva to clench her jaw, which means a lot of pain. If your stress goes to your jaw area, then do what it takes to reduce or remove the source of stress.
  • Use Hot And Cold Compresses - Hot compresses help reduce muscle tension, while cold compresses numb the pain and decrease inflammation.
  • Try A Pain Reliever To Reduce Swelling - Use an over-the-counter pain reliever/anti-inflammatory like Advil or Aleve to help reduce some of the pain and inflammation that comes with TMJ.
  • Ask Your Doctor About Pain Medications - If the over-the-counter medications don’t work, ask your doctor or dentist about stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxers.
  • Inform Your Dentist You Have Jaw Problems - If you have TMJ, make sure everyone in the dentist’s office knows, from the hygienist to the dentist. You don’t want your mouth open for too long a time if you’re getting a check-up or filling done.
  • Inquire About A Retainer If You Clench Your Jaw - If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a retainer that can stop or reduce clenching and grinding.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/29/top-ten-tips-treating-tmj-pain/feed/ Top Ten Tips - Look Luxe For Less http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/top-ten-tips-look-luxe-for-less/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/top-ten-tips-look-luxe-for-less/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:01:00 +0000 Guest Tipster http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/top-ten-tips-look-luxe-for-less/ modelToday’s Guest Tipster is Alicia Edwards of Fashiona. She is a born designer; growing up, she sewed clothes for her dolls and became an image consultant for her friends and family. She went to Florida A&M University for undergrad and graduate school, and then went to Parsons School of Design for fashion. She has designed for several well-known companies.

We all want to look like a million bucks without really spending it, even celebrities are often gifted their amazing threads. So embrace the motto: save where you can, splurge where you must.

  • Denim Should Be A Splurge - With sites like Bluefly, you can pick up several designer jeans for less than retail and get amazing quality.
  • Spend On Functional Shoes, Buy Fashion On Sale - Functional shoes, like shoes you actually wear working out - spend on those. But for fashion hounds - shop the sales. Unless you really love, love those gladiator sandals that are so in right now, those can be a budget item. Try Strawberry or Victoria’s Secret - surprising shoe finds.
  • Watch For Predictable Annual Sales - Every year, major department stores have annual sales that are predictable - White Sales, Bras Sales, Watch Sales, etc. Sign up for the stores’ loyalty programs and they will send you previews and dates.
  • Embrace Costume Jewelry - This is an easy way to extend your accessory wardrobe. Mix in your fine pieces, wedding ring or Tiffany bracelet with that great chunky bead number you found at the street fair.
  • Find A Good Tailor - Find a good tailor. Check out your dry cleaners, for one. Bring them a trial piece before you drop off the whole lot. If you happen to live near fashion colleges, post an ad for help. They can provide good work and they surely need the practice and the cash.
  • Splurge On One Or Two Handbags - Handbags - my tip are splurge on one or two. Use these for that big interview or hot date or your promotion. If you are chasing a trend, go to the discounters. Most likely, by the time the bag gives out, the trend will be over.
  • Be One With Your Shoe Repair Guy Or Gal - Nothing can cheapen even the most posh outfit than shoes that are in ill repair. Have them cleaned, polished and weatherproofed regularly. Check the soles, lifts and taps. Ladies, save the platforms for cobblestone streets - they are murder on stilettos.
  • Know What Looks Good On You - Skinny jeans are not for everyone - actually to be honest, they really aren’t for most people. If bootcuts or wideleg are more flattering, then by all means, buy them. If A-line skirts flatter your curves more, then get them in bulk.
  • Spend Cash On Designer Eyewear - Glasses can be a fashion statement that you wear all the time. Spend the cash on designer frames and take care of them. You can keep the same frames for years and get your money’s worth.
  • Spend On Your Clothing Staples - Little black dresses, slacks, sweater sets and blouses. Fillers - like cute baby tees and club gear - get thee to Forever 21 and check the threads before leaving the store.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/top-ten-tips-look-luxe-for-less/feed/ Carnival Of Tips - June 28, 2008 http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/carnival-of-tips-june-28-2008/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/carnival-of-tips-june-28-2008/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/carnival-of-tips-june-28-2008/ Welcome to the June 28, 2008 edition of Carnival of Tips. We had over 40 great entries this week on:

Business & Career:

Education:

Finance, Savings & Investment:

Hobbies:

Home:

Relationships:

  • David presents Girl Talk - Boy Talk posted at Junk and Sugar, saying, “Chas and Dave wrote a song about it and how right they were. Women just love to rabbit! Whether you calling it chatting, nattering, gassing or just plain talking, we’re way ahead of the opposition in the vocal stakes. Not that I’m saying it’s a reason for our men to dump us, as suggested by Chas and Dave, but I’ve no doubt there are times when they wish we’d put a sock in it.”
  • Fruitpunch presents A relationship to last a lifetime posted at Fruit Punch Diary.
  • Andrew Heath presents How to Be a Good Friend posted at Andy, saying, “How to win the trust and friendship of others and how to be the good friend that so many need.”

Self:

Shopping:

Sports, Diet & Fitness:

Technology:

Travel:

Websites & Blogging:

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival Of Tips using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page And check out the following Carnivals Tip Diva recently participated in:


Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/06/28/carnival-of-tips-june-28-2008/feed/