Wise Bread (Andrea Dickson)

Affordable Flowers for Valentine's Day (or Any Day)

Andrea Karim — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:41:39 +0000

A lovely bouquet of flowers is one of the most common Valentine's Day expenditures. Flowers really are a luxury item — they aren't something that most people buy regularly. This is partly because floral arrangements are so expensive — even the less-than-perfect arrangements that you get from your local grocery store. If you plan on buying flowers for your significant other this Valentine's Day, there are ways to spend less and still get a beautiful bouquet. (See also: 14 Valentine's Desserts That Hit the Sweet Spot)

Avoid the Premade Arrangements

If you need to save some serious money this Valentine's Day, then you actually need to avoid the pre-made arrangements at your local grocery store (or online!). Florists are ready weeks ahead of time with pre-made floral arrangements for Valentine's Day, the cost of which can run the gamut from reasonable to bank-breaking. If you can afford a professional florist, by all means, splurge on a bouquet that will knock the socks off your lover. But if you really need to watch your wallet, don't buy the big bouquets that are specifically created for this Hallmark holiday. Nine times out of ten, the price is more than triple what it would be on any other holiday, and you end up paying for a lot of fill, like ferns and other greenery that may not be that attractive.

Instead, buy a bunch of flowers that isn't already arranged, and do the arranging yourself. Here's how.

Choose Underrated Flowers

Some flowers have been so misused over the years that people have an almost innate aversion to using them — the problem is that these flowers are some of the nicest and most affordable: alstroemeria and carnations.

"People have a knee-jerk reaction to alstros and carnations because of how they have been used in the past," says Miles Johnson, owner of Fiori Floral Design, Lavender & Vine Florists, and R. David Adams Flowers in Seattle. "But if they are used on their own, without other flowers, the effect can be striking. Pick up two bunches of alstroemeria, place in a vase with some lily grass, and you will have a beautiful arrangement that will last a long time."

Alstroemeria

Carnations have typically been seen as a cheap alternative to "real" flowers, like roses, but carnations have two very important qualities, besides the low price: scent and longevity.

Carnations in a Mason jar

"Carnations should almost never be used with other flowers," explains Johnson, "unless they are providing a particular pop of color or texture that only they can provide, such as a deep, dark purple in a pavé arrangement. Carnations look great massed together as a single flower in a bouquet. Cut the stems short and tuck them in together closely." Choose a shorter vase or jar to accentuate the compact feeling.

Other flowers that are often overlooked on Valentine's Day? Hydrangeas, which come in dazzling colors, last for a long time, and can stand alone in a vase or add fullness to a bigger bouquet.

Hydrangea photo courtesy of photofarmer

If your loved one enjoys the scent of flowers, then look no further than stargazer lilies. They can be more expensive than other bouquets (you might pay $12 for a sprig), but the heady, spicy scent is worth every penny. Buy two sprigs and skip the filler — keep the bouquet simple and fragrant.

Stargazer lily

While roses are very pretty, skip the long-stem red roses and choose a bunch of "spray roses" — they come in a variety of shades, with many dozens of blooms, and are often half the price of the Valentine's Day rose selections. Sure, the stems are shorter and the blooms are smaller, but they are also more interesting and varied than your standard bouquet rose.

Spray roses — $20 for over 100 blooms!

Select the Unexpected

Roses are such a symbol of Valentine's Day that they've pretty much become a cliche. But what if your significant other isn't into the norm? Look beyond the standard offerings and consider something more unusual.

Thistles come in lovely shades of green, blue, and purple, and are increasingly easy to find in floral departments at major grocery stores — a couple of sprigs shouldn't cost more than $11.

Purple thistles and dark purple carnations

Is your love a bit prickly? Get him or her a potted cactus instead of cut flowers. If your darling has a green thumb, then a beautiful orchid might be just the thing. Does your honey spend more time in the kitchen than in the garden? Buy bunches of organic herbs at your grocery store, tie together with twine, and place in a simple mason jar with a little water — a fragrant bouquet of edible herbs. A spray of eucalyptus might appeal more to those Earth-y types than regular flowers.

Seek Out Unique Vases

Never buy a vase at the same place you buy your flowers, unless you find an incredible steal. The vases sold at floral shops and grocery store floral departments are usually poorly made, incredibly expensive, or both. Instead, use a vase that you already have at home, or find a cool-looking alternative.

Miles Johnson recommends mason jars, milk glass vases, and unusually shaped vases like glass cubes. Check out vintage and thrift stores like Goodwill for old-fashioned and unusual glasses, vases, and teacups, or go to large discount retailers like Target and Walmart for more modern and exotic vessels.

How to Arrange a Bouquet

A beautiful bouquet can seem like a daunting project, but it's actually fairly simple. Just use the following tips:

Florists employ a bevy of tools to create their beautiful bouquets, but Miles Johnson says that beginners only need a sharp knife, floral tape, and some flower food. "Knives are always better for cutting flowers because they don't compress the capillaries the way clippers or scissors will, so the flowers will last longer," says Johnson. Floral tape can be replaced with Scotch tape in a pinch.
Fill your vase halfway with clean, cold water, and add the flower food (this should be provided to you when you buy your flowers — if not, ask for a packet or two). Mix until dissolved.
Remove any leaves that would be submersed in water — the leaves decay quickly and make the arrangement die faster.
Using the tape, create a grid across the top of the vase, so that stems can be inserted in the gaps in between. The grid allows you to position blooms in a symmetrical manner. It's also easier on the stems than using floral foam.

Bouquet Accessories

Although a simple cluster of one or two types of flowers is generally enough, if you are feeling creative, you can certainly bulk up an arrangement with a few floral accessories.

Pine Cones

Wrap wire around base of pine cone and create a wire "stem" so that the pine cone can be set securely among the flowers.

Glass Christmas Bulbs

Similar to the pine cone, create a "stem" using some wire and insert glass Christmas ornaments (gold or pink) among bright pink blooms.

Branches

Curly willow and blooming branches like witch hazel make beautiful additions to floral bouquets and also provide dimensional interest. You don't have to buy branches — you can get them from your own yard or neighborhood.

Paper Hearts

Well, it IS Valentine's Day, after all. Cut out several sets of paper hearts from whatever paper or spare material you have (newspaper makes some pretty hearts), and glue to both sides of the top of a wooden stir stick (the kind you use for coffee). Place throughout your bouquet.

Should You Buy Locally Grown Flowers?

Attempting to purchase flowers that are grown locally is admirable — it cuts down on your carbon footprint, because the majority of flowers available in the U.S. come from Central and South America. Those regions have hot weather and longer growing seasons, to say nothing of incredibly cheap labor. This makes it tough for U.S.-grown flowers to compete on price. Miles Johnson recommends buying local flowers in the late spring and summer, when the cost difference drops significantly.

If you really want to pull together a bouquet of locally grown flowers for Valentine's Day, your options are limited (unless you live in more tropical climes yourself). In some areas, tulips are an inexpensive option, as bulb flowers are the first to hit the market. They'll probably be grown in a hothouse, but they might not travel as far.

Are you a flower-arranging maniac? Have any tips on how to put together a great, inexpensive bouquet on Valentine's Day (or any day)? Tell us about it in the comments!

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Go on a Financial Detox

Andrea Karim — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:36:13 +0000

You've probably heard the term "cleanse" or "detox" in reference to physical health. "Detoxification" originally referred to the process that drug addicts go through when experiencing withdrawals associated with severe addiction. The concept of "detoxing" has taken on less severe connotations in recent years, but still involves the same basic principle — removing toxins from the body so as to attain a healthier state. The most basic “detoxes” or “cleanses” are pretty simple. Some people stop eating processed foods. Some people might go as far as fasting for a couple of days (or longer), others take expensive fiber capsules to “flush” out their system, and the most fanatical might combine all of these with a trip to the sweat lodge and a good high colonic. The principle is obvious — add clean fluids to the system so as to push toxin-laden systems out.

I’m not dissing detox — I think that a well-controlled body cleanse can be good, if managed carefully. But there are plenty of websites to guide you through an intestinal cleansing — what if your biggest problem is not your clogged colon, but your hemorrhaging bank account? Then you’ve got a different kind of toxin — toxic spending. (See also: 37 Savings Changes You Can Make Today)

Toxic Spending

Toxic spending is spending that you can’t control (and as a rule, spending that you can’t afford).

Roughly 90% of detoxing involves preventing new toxins from entering your system. Whether your detoxing from heroin, nicotine, or caffeine, the first step is to stop the toxins from re-entering your body. Flushing toxins from your body is an important step in detoxing, but it’s pointless if you don’t plan on preventing toxins from re-appearing.

The same can be said of a spending detox — the majority of the cleansing process is learning to stop stupid spending behavior from reoccurring. Toxic spending must be reduced, or even stopped altogether.

A spending detox is all about prevention, planning, and learning to let some things slide.

Locating Unidentified Toxins

When you embark on a bodily detox, you probably already familiar with the majority of the toxins that are making you feel sluggish — because you probably put them in your system knowingly. You know you aren’t supposed to smoke, and you’re aware that five cups of coffee per day might be a bit much. You know that you will feel better if you take it a little easier on the martinis.

But there are also toxins in your system that you can’t identify — and you may never know that they are there. Free radicals, pollutants from the environment, beauty products, and chemicals coating our foods; we may feel the effects of these toxins, but we’re not necessarily aware of their specific presence.

The same goes for toxic spending — there’s the spending you know, and the spending you don’t even realize is taking place. If you frequently find yourself staring at a negative checking balance and can’t figure out how you got there, then you’re probably facing an unknown toxic purchase or two.

How do you find the hidden toxins in your spending? Simple — you examine your bills and bank accounts in great detail. If you receive paper bills, go over them with a highlighter and a fine-toothed comb… OK, just a highlighter. Mark any purchase or charge that you see that you don’t recognize and investigate. There should be a phone number associated with purchases made online — call and find out what the heck it is that you bought.

On utility bills, look for hidden fees or charges that you don’t recognize. Cell phone companies are always trying to add new services to your account without your permission, and we all know how major banks are trying to figure out ways to charge you for things that used to be free — you know, like checking accounts themselves.

If you use online banking, export the last three months of your checking account ledger into a spreadsheet. Sort by transaction name/type, and then delete extraneous information. I do this on a semi-regular basis because I have never seen a bank that is willing to present most of my purchases in an easily examined format online. My bank, for instance, only displays the last 30 purchases made — since I make almost all of my purchases with a debit card, this means that I only see about five days at a time and have to keep clicking NEXT to see purchases made before that. A spreadsheet allows me to sort and track ALL monthly expenditures, which is how I find out when a software vendor charged me a monthly maintenance fee for a product I don’t use or my bank tacks new fees onto my account without notifying me.

Once you’ve found unknown expenses and dealt with them, you will still need to monitor your accounts to ensure that they don’t reappear.

Admitting to Known Toxins

Most of your toxic spending should already be familiar to you, because it’s something that you do regularly, impulsively, or both.

When it comes to performing a physical detoxification, there are certain toxins that are physically addictive and thus difficult to quit. This is because the chemical reaction between your brain and these chemical makes your brain want more, and drives your behavior by making you crave the toxin (or at least, the package the toxin comes in) and rewarding you for providing the toxin.

Impulsive spending can function like a physical addiction, actually creating similar chemical reactions in your body — flooding your brain with dopamine and endorphins when you buy a new pair of shoes, for instance. Feeling good when you buy something isn’t a bad thing — unless you can’t afford to buy that new pair of shoes, or SUV, or flat screen television.

There are other spending habits that cause pleasure in the brain, not so much because of the purchase itself, but because of the culture surrounding the purchase. Getting a $4 coffee drink halfway through the morning at Starbucks with your coworkers, for instance. It’s not so much that you enjoy the spending; it’s that you enjoy the environment in which the spending takes place and would feel badly about not participating. This is social spending, and while it may not result in obscene amounts of debt, it can certainly cut into potential retirement savings.

There are other types of toxic habitual spending that aren’t necessarily social, but that are equally damaging to your bottom line — like dining out because you don’t have time to cook. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all three meals) that you can’t find time to prepare, dining out is a significant drain on the wallet. Every time you dine out or order in, you’re not just paying for food, but for labor. Of course, that’s half of the appeal with take-out food — you don’t have to do the dishes. But the increased cost rapidly adds up.

I'm not referring to occasional splurges on dinner, or even constant splurging on dinner — if you can afford it. What I am referring to is uncontrolled habitual spending. It’s damaging to your financial health in the same way that environment toxins and drugs are damaging to your physical health. It's toxic because it keeps you from ever finding financial security.

Short-Term Cleanse

Once you’ve identified the poisons that are making your bank account sluggish, you have to change the behaviors that lead to the toxic spending. Just like a physical detox, you might have to make some serious behavioral adjustments, change some long-held habits, and even change some social relationships. Abrupt lifestyle and spending changes are easier to handle when you know that the change is temporary. As an experiment, try a toxic spending cleanse for a fixed period of time, and see how much money you save and how you feel.

Go Cold Turkey

Like quitting any number of other addictive behaviors, toxic spending habits can be stopped by drastic measures — going cold turkey. The key here is to know that the stoppage is temporary. You’re going to stop dining out, stop getting weekly manicures, stop going on spending sprees at Target — for a month. One month. You can do this.

Make an Announcement

If the spending changes that you need to make actually bite into your social life, it can be good to give friends, family, and coworkers a heads-up. You don’t have to go into great detail or divulge the totality of your debt, but you might want to make a couple of phone calls, or send out a few emails, and tell people why you need to take a break from trivia night, Chinese Food Fridays, or shopping with the girls. Simple and honest explanations, like trying to really reign in spending, or hoping to cut back on unnecessary calories, are usually accepted.

Avoid Your Triggers

Uncontrollable spending usually has some sort of catalyst that triggers the impulsive behavior.

Make It Harder to Spend

Do you use your credit card too much? Put that puppy where you won’t use it. Online shopping addict? Delete all of your credit and debit card info from your PayPal account. Eliminate the ease of spending money, which will make you think twice when you see something on 6pm.com that you just HAVE TO HAVE. Temporarily suspend your daily online deals subscriptions, like Groupon and LivingSocial. Don't put temptation right in front of you.

Avoid Manipulative Media

Personally, I can't read a women's magazine without immediately running out and shopping immediately after. Some TV shows, like Mad Men, also trigger some strange spending reflex in me — I WANT to be stylish; I NEED to be pretty. When I quit reading women's magazines a few years ago, I got my impulse shopping under control. If you stay up late watching infomercials and end up buying one unnecessary blender after another, trade in your late night TV for a really good novel instead.

Reward Yourself in Other Ways

Doing good by yourself shouldn't be agonizing, even if it is challenging at first. It's OK to give yourself treats — a fro-yo after a week of dining in every night, or a night at home with a good DVD and a glass of red wine (instead of a full-price movie ticket), after you've avoided H&M for seven straight days. Remember, if you're an impulse shopper, you are denying your brain the addictive high that it gets from shopping, so it's not a sin to provide it with other ways to be happy. Just be careful not to replace one addiction with another.

See What You’ve Accomplished

At the end of one month, look at your bank account — are you shocked by how easily bills have been paid? Do you have more money leftover than you thought possible, given your salary? If not, you can try a deeper spending detox. If so, you have a couple of choices — return to business as usual, or alter your future behavior to make your detox permanent.

Long-Term Spending Detox

Once you’ve seen what you can manage in a month, try seeing how many of your behavioral changes can be incorporated into your lifestyle in the long run.

Assess Relationships

There are plenty of relationships that are as toxic as a drug. Do you have friends or family who make you feel like you need to spend money, either on yourself or on them, in order to be loved or accepted? Whether the pressure is truly external or imagined, the relationship needs to change in some way — you need to assess why you feel the need to behave in a financially irresponsible way when around such people. Decide if any changes you can make to the relationship, or your perception of it, will fix the issue.

Simplify/Plan Ahead/Collaborate

Some of the worst spending habits are caused by time-management issues — it’s not that we WANT to order take-out every night, it’s that it’s darn near impossible to get up early enough to care for family, pets, and ourselves while still finding time to shop, cook, and clean.

This is where teamwork and planning come into play. Take the free time that you have (and you probably have some, and you probably spend it watching TV, so pick one evening of the week and don’t watch TV, OK?) and plan your meals for the week. This doesn’t have to be an exact science — just allow yourself the extra time to put together meals that provide leftovers. Leftovers are the key to packing your own lunch. Who has time to make a sandwich in the morning? Not me. But taking a Tupperware container from the fridge? That’s just seconds of my time.

If you live with family or roommates, try coordinating a trade-off in cooking duties every week. This might not work in every instance, but if it does, it can reduce the amount of time, and pressure, that is put on you to create healthy meals every week.

What about those nights out with peers? If you think that your friends or colleagues might want to follow the same detoxifying route, you can propose a group change — maybe you and your work buddies can pack lunch every day and eat in the lunchroom together, rather than ordering teriyaki. Perhaps your girlfriends would enjoy hanging out and watching a movie at your house while enjoying home manicures — it may sound hokey, but you’d be surprised how many of your friends are probably struggling with finances as well.

Don’t be hurt if people continue on as before without you, though — just because everyone still meets up at the bar on Friday night doesn’t mean that they don’t value your friendship.

Analyze and Prioritize

Sometimes we form toxic spending habits simply because we believe in the necessity of the habit. Often, the habit itself can seem like a smart choice — like regular salon appointments. You’ve been told that regular haircuts (and updated color, and styles) are good for the health of your hair, and even your social life. But are they? That depends — does anyone really care about your hair? As long as it is clean and brushed and not falling in your eyes, does it matter if the style isn't avant garde?

If a seemingly "necessary" spending habit becomes unaffordable, you need to decide if your habits' frequencies, or cost, can be reduced. Can you get by with going to the stylist once every other month? Can you find a stylist who charges less? Can you join a gym that doesn’t cost $99 a month? Or skip the gym and work out at home?

Funnel Your Savings Somewhere Safe

It can be incredibly easy to fall back into old habits, especially once you have built up a buffer in your checking account — suddenly, you realize that you can go on more than one shopping spree! And before you know it, your checking account is back down to zero. To prevent this (and trust me, if you have a shopping addiction, you'll want to take this step), set that extra money somewhere that makes it tough to get to. You don't have to put it in an IRA or a CD, although you certainly could. But at least stash it in a free savings account that isn't connected to any of your credit or debit cards.

Detoxing isn't just about getting rid of bad spending behaviors — you have to keep from forming new ones. Any time you find yourself guilty staring at a bank statement and realizing that you've spent yourself into a hole, you can try a spending detox to see if you can regain financial balance.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

7 Ways to Remodel Your Bedroom (Without Demolishing a Thing)

Andrea Karim — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:00:27 +0000

You spend roughly 1/3 of your life sleeping, so shouldn’t you sleep in a room that contributes to sweet dreams? An uninspired or disorganized bedroom can make it tough to relax, and it probably doesn’t help your disposition in the morning, either. What if your bedroom is a focal point for family time — maybe you read in bed, snuggle with the kiddos, or spend quality time with your pets while ensconced in the bedroom. A dingy or depressing bedroom won't contribute to relaxing gatherings.

Fortunately, bedroom remodels are some of the most affordable projects for a make-over (unlike, say, changing up a bathroom or kitchen). You don't have to install new windows or remove any structural objects; often, all that's needed is a deep clean and a little surface work. (See also: 15 Home Decorating Ideas for Under $5)

First Things First

Ready for a bedroom re-do? First, before you get started, do a little soul searching and consider the following.

What Do You Need?

What needs to change to make you happy? Is the room too dark? Does street noise keep you awake? Can you fix everything with a simple furniture rearrange?

What’s Your Style?

What kind of room do you really want — a bright, airy bedroom, or a dark, cozy den of slumber? Pick a style and stick with it to avoid getting derailed.

What Are Your Personal Limits?

Do you love stark, white bed linens but have three black cats that sleep with you every night? Choose bedroom components that work with your lifestyle and habits.

What’s the Use?

Do you do more than sleep in your bedroom? Is it also your office? Your movie theater? If there’s no way to keep the bedroom reserved for sleep alone, then you need to take its other uses into account.

Have you meditated on your own nature and what kind of bedroom you are seeking? Excellent, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with these simple bedroom remodeling ideas.

1. Organize and Purge

Like with most home make-over projects, a good portion of the actual make-over involves simply getting rid of unneeded stuff that is cluttering up the environment. Sure, you like to read before bed, but do you need a whole stack of books on the bedside table? Put the unread tomes back on the bookshelf or donate them to the library (you read everything on your Kindle now, anyway).

Because your closet is in your bedroom, this is a good time to go through it and get rid of unused clothing, coats, and shoes. If you have a linen closet that needs organizing, consider paring down your excess towels and mismatched sheets.

2. Make Walls That Soothe

Painting a bedroom is probably the fastest and cheapest way to change the overall character. Choose a color that works with your trim (this is where paint chips come in handy). Strive to find a color that enhances the exact ambiance that you want in your bedroom — cozy and warm, light and modern, or bright and eclectic — there are thousands upon thousands of colors to choose from. And remember, if the first color doesn’t work, you can always paint over it.

3. Consider Window Coverings

You may think that it’s the rug that really pulls the room together, but window dressings are more important in the bedroom. Because bedrooms tend to be smaller and dominated by large furniture, the eye is drawn upward beyond the bed — that’s where the window dressing can work its magic. Curtains, blinds, and shades can be very expensive, so first decide what kind of coverage you need, and then go from there. White panel curtains are simple, cheap, match with almost any style. If you need curtains that block the early morning light but don’t appear heavy, consider thick cotton or velvet in light colors.

4. Hang Art That You Love

The bedroom is a great place to display the works of art that mean the most to you. Whether it's paintings or silk rugs, sculptures or kid's drawings, make the most of whatever wall space you have. If you prefer a clean, uncluttered look, choose one or two pieces that you like the most. If your taste runs toward the more eclectic, you can fill up your walls with whatever you want. Framing art can be expensive, so look into cheaper art displays for your favorite works.

5. Pick Appropriate Linens

Hey, this IS the bedroom, right? Sleeping is the name of the game, is it not? Your linens should be comfortable first and foremost, with style coming in second. Unless you are the type of person who fastidiously makes your bed every morning, don’t plunk down hard-earned cash on pricey bedspreads and decorative pillow shams. Stick with the basics, in simple colors or basic patterns, and straighten up as needed.

6. Turn on Good Lighting

You can usually identify a well-designed room by the type of lighting used — it’s always the exact right amount for the right time of day (or night). Is your bedroom suffering from too much light? Recessed pot lights are fine for the living room, but use a lot of electricity and can seem harsh in a bedroom. Consider installing a dimmer (between $60-100) to reduce the overhead glare. Alternately, your bedroom might have dim lighting that strains the eye. In either case, you can benefit from a few well-placed lamps that increase visibility without overloading the senses. Lamps are a wonderfully cheap accessory — check out IKEA’s selection before hitting Target or other big box retailers. Try out a new lampshade on an old fixture for an instant bedside accessory facelift.

7. Find Furniture That Fits

New or different furniture should be your last resort in redoing your bedroom, unless a change is drastically needed. Sometimes a new coat of paint or varnish can completely change the character of your dresser or headboard. Check out DIY websites for inspiration, but don’t get too caught up in the idea of completely overhauling every piece of furniture you own. A plain white table runner can hide a multitude of surface damage to dressers. Sometimes, wooden furniture just needs a good polish or scratch repair.

Have you successfully changed your bedroom recently? Have any tips for readers about how to make a bedroom a better place to sleep?

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

The Best Cooking Oils: For Your Heart and Wallet

Andrea Karim — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:24:21 +0000

Have you ever stared down several shelves of cooking oil and had no idea what to buy? Wondered what's the best cooking oil to use? Vegetable oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, canola oil — which cooking oil is good for me? Which oil is best for baking?

Here to help is a quick breakdown of the various cooking oils generally available on supermarket shelves. The good news is, with a couple of exceptions, that the calorie counts for most cooking oils is pretty much the same, and most have similar levels of saturated versus unsaturated fats. With a couple of exceptions (like coconut oil), you generally can't go wrong in choosing a cooking (or baking) oil, although it doesn't hurt to know the various smoke points of cooking oils (the temperature at which an oil is damaged by heat).

Cooking oils do vary in price and in usefulness, though, so here's how to choose the right cooking oil for the right job. (See also: Healthy, Frugal Eating)

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in the U.S., as it is both inexpensive and relatively low in saturated fat. More highly refined peanut oils have all the allergens removed, so it's not as risky, but cold-pressed oil can still put you in the hospital if you are allergic to peanuts. Refined peanut oil performs also brilliantly at high temperatures and is a favorite for deep-frying (everything from fried chicken to thanksgiving turkey to potato chips). The slightly nutty flavor is appreciated in many Asian cuisines, so consider it for stir-fry as well.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 120
Smoke point: 450°F (232°C)
Saturated fat: 1.5 grams
Unsaturated fat: 10.5 grams
Cost: Peanut oil can cost anywhere from $11 to $33/gallon. Unlike olive oil, though, peanut oil isn't often cut with cheaper oils (see the olive oil section below), so even lower-end peanut oil should be a safe bet.

Overall grade: B (good price, light flavor, decent health benefits)

Canola Oil (Vegetable Oil, Safflower Oil)

Canola oil (so similar to safflower and vegetable oil that I've lumped them all together here) has one of the lowest saturated fat levels of any commercially available cooking oil. It's also among the cheapest and most readily available, thanks to heavy government subsidies (in both the US and Canada) of the canola production industry (also the case for soy). This isn't to knock canola oil — it's light, flavorless, and generally inoffensive to the taste buds. It is frequently used for baking, making popcorn, and general cooking.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 124
Smoke point: 375-450°F (190-232°C)
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Unsaturated fat: 10.3 grams
Cost: Cheaper brands of canola oil run about $0.06/ounce.

Overall grade: B (good price, no flavor, OK health benefits)

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has a rich, nutty aroma that gives many Chinese food dishes their distinctive flavor. Sesame oil is also rich in antioxidants. Sesame oil can be used as skin therapy, if you don't mind smelling like a tasty dish. In studies, sesame oil has also been shown to reduce blood pressure in men with hypertension. Because it has such a toasty flavor, sesame oil can overwhelm more delicate dishes, so go easy on it. Adding a teaspoon to your bottle of salad dressing can add flavor and nutrition without overwhelming your palate.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 120
Smoke point: 450°F (232°C)
Saturated Fat: 1.9 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
Cost: $0.16/ounce

Overall grade: A (higher price, great taste, good health benefits)

Flaxseed Oil

Is flaxseed oil good for cooking? In a word, no. Think of flaxseed oil as a very healthy garnish. Flaxseed oil contains all kinds of omega-3 and omega-6 goodness, and is best consumed in the raw. It's a delicate oil that should be kept in the refrigerator. Its low smoke point means that it isn't particularly useful for cooking or baking. Flaxseed oil does have a slightly bitter taste, but that flavor can be masked by whatever food it is served with. Try using a couple of tablespoons as a part of your salad dressing, or drizzle over roasted vegetables before serving.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 120
Smoke point: 225°F (107°C)
Saturated fat: 1.3 grams
Unsaturated fat: 11.2 grams
Cost: As low as $0.73/ounce

Overall grade: B (expensive, weird taste, fantastic health benefits, not that useful for cooking)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

We've been told for years that extra virgin olive oil is bursting with healthful goodness, and that we should pour it all over everything. It's full of the good kind of fat! It has antioxidants! It reduces heart disease! It has natural anti-inflammatory compounds! The good news is that all of that is true. The bad news? Your brand of olive oil might not be extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is among the most adulterated food products sold on the world market. This has been a dirty little secret of the European industry for a number of years, and is becoming more widely known as the newly published book, Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil.

Like most plant-based oils, olive oil clocks in at about 120 calories per tablespoon with 2 grams of saturated fat. The amount of unsaturated fat in olive oil, however, means that olive oil protects against heart disease and even help control blood sugars in diabetics. An anti-oxidant known as DHPEA-EDA, which can help protect red blood cells and reduce the amount of low density lipoproteins (LDLs — the bad cholesterol) in the human body, is readily found in olive oil. That is...assuming that you actually are consuming extra virgin olive oil.

If you are using real extra virgin olive oil, and not the adulterated grocery store version, then olive oil isn't actually very good for high-heat cooking. Olive oil can be used for sautéing, of course, but to really enjoy the flavor of true extra-virgin olive oil, it's best used as a dressing for salads, soups, cheeses, and pastas. Highly refined olive oil is stable at higher temperatures, but it lacks the flavor of cold pressed EVOO.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 120
Smoke point: 375-450°F (190-232°C)
Saturated fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated fat: 12.7 grams
Cost: On average, olive oil runs at about $0.50 per ounce (often less; quite often great deal more).

Overall grade: A- (expensive for the real stuff, great taste, amazing health benefits)

Walnut Oil

Like olive oil, walnut oil is an important part of the Mediterranean Diet that we always here so much about. In fact, walnut oil rivals olive oil in terms of anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut oil's smoke point means that it is appropriate for cooking at medium heat, but less useful for high-heat sautéing. It can be used for baking as well.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 120
Smoke point: 320°F (160°C)
Saturated fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated fat: 12 grams
Cost: From $0.62 - $1.25/ounce

Overall grade: A- (expensive, great taste, amazing health benefits)

Avocado Oil

With the highest smoke point of commercially available cooking oil, avocado oil should be more prevalent than it actually is in our diet. High in vitamin E, avocado oil is often used in cosmetics like make-up and skincare remedies. The oil doesn't taste like avocado, so if you're not a fan of the fruit, you can rest assured that the oil is closer in taste to olive oil (but without the acrid or pepper notes).

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 120
Smoke point: 520°F (271°C)
Saturated fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated fat: 12 grams
Cost: $0.61/ounce

Overall grade: A- (pricey, mild taste, good for your health)

Coconut Oil

Extracted from the meat of mature coconuts, coconut oil is somewhat of a darling of the natural foods movement. It's excellent for making popcorn (after popping, add some salt and dried coconut flakes to the popcorn and shake, shake, shake). Coconut oil's subtle flavor means that it can be used for many dishes, but its high level of saturated fat makes it less appealing to those who care about such things. Many people swear by coconut oil as a beauty product.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 117
Smoke point: 350°F (177°C)
Saturated fat: 11.8 grams
Unsaturated fat: 1.8 grams
Cost: $0.50 - $0.80 per ounce

Overall grade: B- (good for the skin, pricey)

Butter

Oh, butter makes everything better, we all know that. So many foods couldn't even exist WITHOUT butter. Do you think that a croissant could have ever come into existence via Crisco? I think not. On the butter-versus-margarine front, we all now know that spreadable butter-substitutes are terrible, packed with trans fats, and not worth the money. But is butter a good choice nutritionally? One Swedish study from 2010 showed that butter consumption actually resulted in lower levels of fat in the blood than canola oil or olive oil. This is thought to have to do with the structure of the acid chains in butter, which are shorter than those in vegetable oil, and perhaps preferred by the human digestive system.

Butter certainly has its place in the baker's kitchen. It's also the very flavor that takes popcorn from puffed grain to hot, awesome deliciousness. And butter has even worked its way into our drinks — no one ever asks for a cup of "hot oiled rum," after all.

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14 grams)
Calories: 102
Smoke point: 250–300°F (121–149°C)
Saturated fat: 7.3 grams
Unsaturated fat: 4.2 grams
Cost: $500 per pound...in Norway

Overall grade: A++++

What's your favorite oil for cooking or baking? Do you use a variety of oils in your kitchen? Do you use oil at all?

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Why Your Big New Year's Resolutions Are Pointless

Andrea Karim — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:36:29 +0000

New Year's Resolutions — they're dumb. Yeah, I said it. What, you don't think so? You're wrong.

Sometimes I think that the idea of a "New Year's Resolution" was invented by the media to have something fluffy to write about during the dead week between December 25 and January 1. It certainly gives authors, radio hosts, and bloggers plenty of fuel for pointless articles about how to make, and keep, a resolution. And yes, while New Year's Resolutions are the fodder for this blog post, I'll have you know that I'm calling for an end to these stupid promises that we make to ourselves on the brink of a new year. May this be the last blog post that anyone ever writes about New Year's Resolutions! (See also: Trade in New Year's Resolutions for Achieving Life Goals)

Why? Because great big New Year's Resolutions are a stupid concept. Choosing a single day to start a major life change isn't logical. That's why New Year's Resolutions don't work, and when you fail to keep them, you feel like a loser. This isn't to say that no one has ever succeeded in keeping a very drastic New Year's resolution, but the vast majority of New Year's Resolutions go unfulfilled. Think about it — if every person succeeded in losing weight as a part of a New Year's Resolution, we'd be a much thinner society.

And of course, there are easier resolutions you can make that will help your life feel a bit more organized — for a list of useful, doable New Year's Resolutions, see 25 Small New Year’s Resolutions You Can Start Today.

But back to BIG resolutions — why don't they work? Why do so many of us make, and break, our yearly resolutions to work harder, to quit smoking, to eat healthier, and to save more money?

1. January 1st Is a Terrible Start Date

If we were to pick a day to start making a difference in our lives, January 1st would be among the worst. It's the day we wake up, hung over and or/still sleepy, and have to drag ourselves to the coffee machine or Bloody Mary IV drip. Freshly hydrated, we blink into the cold, uncaring eye of a January morning and try to convince ourselves that today is the day to stop smoking.

Just the thought is causing me to crave a cigarette, and I'm not even a smoker.

Yes, I understand why January 1st seems like a good day to start anew. After all, it's marks the first day after the end of all holiday partying. No more large meals, no more holiday cookies, no more glasses of champagne...or eggnog, or mulled wine, or Spanish coffee, or wassail, or spiked cider. January 1st may feel like a good time for austerity following a major spending blitz — it's the purge after the binge.

Here's the thing about making a significant lifestyle change — either you are ready to do it right now, or you aren't. January 1st isn't going to roll around and make it any easier to start going for a daily run. If you can't make smart choices before January 1st, then the chances of beginning a sustainable change on January 1st is slim. What makes it harder is that...

2. Traces of Holiday Cheer Remain

It's not like all the physical remains of the holidays magically disappear at midnight on January 1st.

Let's say that you've decided to lose weight in the New Year — that's what the majority of people choose for their New Year's Resolution. The problem with that particular resolution is that, if you just spent the holidays in a gluttonous glory, your body is now accustomed sweets and sloth. There are still candy canes and boxes of Almond Roca lying around. Fruitcake can keep for decades*. The temptation is still there, and what's worse, your body is now accustomed to enjoying a box of Ferrero Rocher for lunch. And you're going to start denying yourself after all of that? I'm sure your metabolism won't rebel at all.

Or what if your New Year's Resolution is to save more money by cutting back on shopping — but your family gave you a couple dozen gift cards for Hanukkah, and you have trouble leaving Target without dropping a couple hundred dollars? January 1st's arrival doesn't make this any easier. That's especially because...

3. We Expect Too Much

There are people in this world who can simply pick up a new hobby or undertake a big challenge like it's nothing. Take my brother-in-law (please!), who can lounge around smoking cigarettes and eating massive plates of pasta, and then one day, simply run a 10K race for the fun of it...without fainting.

Most people are not my brother-in-law. If you are miserably out of shape, making a New Year's Resolution to run a marathon by June isn't just hard, it can be disheartening. If you have medical problems that affect your health, or complicate your ability to partake in physical activity, it can be even tougher.

This doesn't mean that you should abandon your desire to be healthier, to run a race, to swim across a lake, to cut back on booze, or to learn to play tennis. What it means is that you can't approach the goal as an "all or nothing" resolution. You can aim high, but you have to occasionally accept that there are some targets that aren't reachable, need modification, or will take more time. There's nothing sillier than wanting to lose 20 pounds and giving up by mid-February because you haven't seen enough of a change. Change takes time, perseverance, and commitment. Without these things...

4. Momentum Dies So Fast

I go to the gym on a fairly** regular basis, but I know to avoid it during the month of January. Why? Because I know that the elliptical machines and free weights will be occupied from dusk to dawn with people who made the New Year's Resolution to "get in shape." But by February, the gym will be nearly empty again, and I can return and lift weights in relative peace.

New Year's Resolutions are usually sincere — people don't say to themselves "I want to take a half-assed stab at being healthy." People DO want to quit smoking. They DO want to be in shape. They DO want to have a baby, and get a better paying job, and save for retirement.

But you have to be committed to these goals before the New Year rolls around. In fact, you have to be ready to start making lifestyle changes immediately, even if in modified form. Because while January 1st signifies the start of a new calendar year, actual change starts with YOUR internal clock, and that clock is already ticking.

*Fortunately, nobody eats fruitcake. Except Canadians. Who may or may not be an actual people.
**Every other month or so.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

From Clutter to Clean: Make Your Desk Awesome

Andrea Karim — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:48:14 +0000

Clutter will swallow you alive if you don't control it. Stop tuning it out and start dealing with. Trust me, you don't need that to-do list from October. If you did, you would have done all that stuff by now. Whether it's the job, the boss, an upcoming project, or facing down your afternoon commute, you might find yourself feeling seriously stressed out during the workday.

The good news is it's possible to reduce your stress right at your desk — just follow these easy de-stress tips to find your workstation Zen. (See also: Creating Productive Workspaces)

Organize a Clean Workspace

You can't take your boss out with the recycling, but you can remove the clutter in your workspace to create a more relaxing environment. Is your desk so cluttered that it makes you want to cry? Take some time out to organize, shred, and file everything.

Photo by Mingo Hagen

Take advantage of vertical space to post reminders, but automate everything that can be automated by using your email or phone-based calendar to keep track of tasks, appointments, and meetings. Is your computer desktop a mess? Spend an hour or so creating new folders and filing things where they belong. Don't just do it on the fly — try to find a real folder structure that makes sense to you.

Adjust Your Monitor Settings

Photo by MoneyBlogNewz

If you work on a computer all day long, make sure that your screen resolution and refresh rate are optimal for you. If you find yourself squinting at your monitor, maybe you need to set the font size a little larger. If you have the ability to customize the look and feel of your operating system's settings, use a desktop background that you enjoy and choose colors that you like (but that aren't too hard on the eye — so no Hunter Orange).

Get Personal

Photo by J'ram DJ

Everyone has a different purpose in life, a different cause that drives them to succeed. For you, family photos might inspire you to work, even when you feel tired and stressed out. For others, it might be helpful to look upon beautiful landscapes, flowers, or even posters of famous athletes or musicians. Take images of whatever it is that inspires and relaxes you and place those images in plain view. As long as it doesn't fly in the face of workplace rules, make your workspace your own.

Take a Sound Break

What kind of music relaxes or energizes you? Jazz, heavy metal, classical, alternative? Pinpoint the tunes that you find relaxing or invigorating and make a point of listening to them for a few moments every couple of hours. If you don't have your own office space, headphones can transport you away from it all for just a few musical minutes. Listen to your favorite song on your break, if you have to — just get those notes tumbling around inside your brain.

Photo by David Blaikie

You may find that a little background noise can help you relax while working. You can purchase meditation CDs and play them quietly (or listen to them on headphones). Saving your pennies? Simply do a web search for "relaxing sounds" and listen to the free MP3s that are available online.

Get Green

Indoor plants can and give your workspace a sense of serenity — assuming you don't kill them all. Houseplants are cheap, adore fluorescent lighting, and will help you breathe easier at your workstation. Choose plants that are pleasing to your eye — whether you like cacti, bonsai, or bamboo, be sure to find potted office mates that you enjoy looking at and that you can easily take care of.

Photo by David Goehring

If you aren't a fan of plants or simply have a notorious black thumb, then skip this idea altogether — after all, plants can get dusty and clutter up a space as much as anything else.

Just Get Out

Not everyone works in an office, of course. Working retail often means little personal space to hang photos or keep cactii. If your "office" is more of a warehouse floor, and you need an escape, try to make a point to leave the premises when you can. Even a walk around a warehouse district on your lunch break is healthier, and a better stress relief, than sitting and staring at the TV in the lunchroom.

Photo by Mark Hunter

Then again, if the TV really helps you zone out, then that can be your escape as well (especially during lousy weather!).

Stretch and Breathe

Stretching while you work is easy and counteracts the damage that you do your body through repetitive daily movement (or lack of movement). Try some simple stretching exercises while seated or stand behind a chair and stretch your muscles using fluid movements.

Photo by David Spinks

Meditation has received plenty of press for its health benefits, like improving immune system function and lowering blood pressure. Well, you can take meditation into the cubicle farm and help make your day less stressful. Meditation in the office doesn't have to involve loud chanting or piles of cushions and burning incense. You can meditate at your desk without making a sound. Like stretching, deep breathing and mind focusing exercises can help you concentrate on the tasks at hand, no matter how boring.

Does your workplace make it hard to relax and concentrate? Do you have any tricks for finding a sense of peace and quiet amidst work chaos? Please tell us in the comments!

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

15 Ways to Exercise in Under 5 Minutes

Andrea Karim — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:24:09 +0000

You've probably heard of interval (or circuit) training — it has to do with interspersing regular workouts with short, intense bouts of activity, and getting better results. Interval training can be helpful even for people who aren't highly athletic. Pressed for time? Hate going to the gym? That shouldn't keep you from engaging in basic interval training. You don't need to buy expensive equipment, or spend hours every day, to get fit through short workouts. In this article, I've outlined several basic, equipment-free exercises that take under five minutes. You can do them at home, or even at work, to burn fat and build muscle tone and improve your balance. (See also: 10 Exercises to Do at Work That Don't Make You Look Silly)

Although the following exercises themselves are quick, you should never attempt them without first adequately warming up and stretching. Of course, a healthy adult should participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, so if you want to try some of these quick exercises as your daily workout, choose three or four of them and combine them to work all of the major muscle groups.

1. Push-Ups

Done properly, push-ups work your shoulders, chest, upper and lower back, core abdominal muscles, triceps, biceps, and if you are really into it, your buttocks. Done improperly, like most of us do them, they work your shoulders. As I've been told by many people, doing a push-up (or even half a push-up) with perfect form is much better than doing one or more shoddy push-ups.

Watch video

But how do you do a perfect push-up? There are several things to keep in mind. First, your body needs to be as straight as possible — tighten your tummy muscles if you have trouble with a sagging midsection. Your hands should touch the ground more or less below your shoulders, and your elbows should be turned out no more than 45 degrees from your body.

Now, push-ups aren't easy. Nearly 85% of American adults can't do a single push-up properly (I just made that up, but it's probably true). If you can't lower yourself down to the ground and come back up in a fluid motion, you can start by simply lowering your body to the ground using perfect, straight plank form. Once you have mastered that, you can slowly work your way up to doing a full push-up. Too easy? Do them one-legged.

2. Bicycle Crunches

God, I hate these crunches. They are difficult, but they work a large number of muscles (back, core, legs) and are a great way for runners to train quads for more rigorous running.

Watch video

3. Hip Thrusts

If you have access to a good surface like a weight bench, and are planning on starting a new career as a porn star, a set or three of hip thrusts will work similar core, back, and leg muscles as the bicycle crunches.

Watch video

You can add some light hand weights (or even hold some books) and work your triceps in between...uh, thrusts. You'll be the strongest, most well-read thruster out there!

4. Burpees

If there's anything that I hate more than the bicycle crunch, it's the burpee. A throwback to the horrors of gym class (remember when they tried to make you climb a stupid rope? I do.), the burpee is a dizzying exercise that may make you want to vomit. But if done correctly, the burpee gives you a full-body workout in a short amount of time.

Watch video

5. Full Locust Pose

Full locust pose uses all of the major muscle groups, but especially concentrates on the core abdominal and back muscles. It is one of the most challenging of all Bikram Yoga poses and should be practiced with care.

Watch video

6. Duck Walk

Duck walking is not for the faint of heart — or knee. Seriously, don't do this if you have bad joints. It's not as easy as it looks (and it doesn't look that easy). Do it forward for 20 feet, and then backwards for 20 feet.

Watch video

7. Wall Plank

No, not that kind of planking. Real planking. Bracing your feet against the wall, you hold you body parallel to the ground, with core muscles engaged. Add some leg curls if you aren't getting enough exercise just holding yourself up.

Watch video

8. Side Plank

Side planks are like sideways hip lifts that work core, hip, and arm muscles. Do them slowly, and don't forget to breathe. If you have dumbbells, you can incorporate some light hand weights into the overhead motion.

Watch video

9. Side Lunges

Side lunges work inner and outer thigh muscles, but add a rowing motion, and you've got extra work for your lower back and abdomen. If you do have free weights at home that you can use in the exercise, feel free to employ them, but if not, you're still going to be engaging major muscle groups.

Watch video

10. Donkey Kicks

This super-short video gives you the essence of a good donkey kick. Bring the knee close in to the chest, then slowly raise the leg back and up. Be careful to take your time so as not to smack your knee into the ground.

Watch video

If you're not really feeling the burn enough, you can alternate between Donkey Kicks and Dirty Dogs. Which would also be a great name for a band.

Watch video

11. One-Legged Calf Raises

Calf raises are so easy to do that I often do them at Starbucks while waiting in line. Sure, people look at me weird, but that might also be because I forgot my pants. You can use a step to increase the range of motion, if you like. Also, to work more muscles, raise your arms at the same time. This will require slow movement, and lots of balance, but you'll be working your stabilizer muscles like crazy, which is good.

Watch video

12. Jumping Rope

Like all P.E.-related activities, I hate jumping rope with every ounce of my being. I hate it nearly as much as dodgeball. But jumping rope an excellent way to get a quick, intensive cardio session in a short amount of time. It takes a certain amount of rhythm (which I don't have) and coordination (ditto), but if you were to jump rope for five minutes a few times a day, you'd be getting in some wonderful heart conditioning and circulation improving exercise — and it would certainly help break up the monotony of sitting at a desk all day.

Watch video

13. (One-Legged) Squats

Squats are great for toning and strengthening your quads and glutes, but if you want to do a squat that will work your core muscles, try a one-legged squat. Watch how the Russian-engineered, mega-fit, cheerful Cylon Zuzana does them.

Watch video

*Disclaimer — Squats, even one-legged, will not produce the kind of boobage that you are seeing in this screen still.

14. Explosives

Like an evil sibling of the burpee, the explosive works leg muscles, core muscles, and even arms. Do not try this in a basement with low ceilings, is what I have learned.

Watch video

Again, if you do have access to dumbbells or hand weights, you can up the ante a bit by adding some resistance to your workout.

Watch video

15. Dead Lift Rowing

I actually refer to this as "sadistic rowing," as it's something that my personal trainer makes me do while standing on one bent leg for the entire set (10 reps, then 15, then 20). As much as I dread doing this particular exercise, it does incredible things for your balance, working stabilizing muscles in your legs and core. You don't have to use a weight — just reach toward the floor and lift your arm.

Watch video

I'm not a trainer or even a particularly intelligent person. As with any exercise regimen, it's your responsibility to be certain that you are capable of doing the following exercises without injury. Consult with a physician first if you have any conditions that make exercise hazardous.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

The DOs and DON'Ts of Great Hostess Gifts

Andrea Karim — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:24:24 +0000

Whether you’re attending an evening soiree or crashing in someone’s pad for a week, you’re likely to find yourself in a position of needing a gift for someone you don’t know that well this holiday season. Giving a good “thanks for hosting” gift isn’t necessarily about spending a huge wad of cash or about DIY-ing until you drop, but by being thoughtful in your gift selection process. A little host gift etiquette can go a long way. (See also: How to Be a Host With the Most)

DO: Learn About Your Host

When choosing an appropriate host gift, you’ll need to know a little bit about your recipient. If you already know your host well, you’re ahead of the game, but what about parties or get-togethers where the host is a complete stranger? Then it’s time to do a little Host Recon, my friend. Ask around. Find people who know your host or hostess, and ask what kinds of small gifts might fit into their lifestyle. Are your hosts voracious readers? Get a gift certificate to a local book store.

DO: Make Sure the Gift Fits the Occasion/Setting

The scale of your gift should be proportional to the amount of effort that your host has expended on you (or saved you from). Just like there’s no need to bring an ornate flower arrangement and French champagne to an NFL party, you don’t want to skimp on a gift if someone has hosted a fancy party or allowed you to stay as a houseguest.

A petite potted rose is a nice gift for a hostess who has spent hours making a prime rib dinner for an at-home party. A potted plant would be cumbersome, however, if the party was being held at a fancy hotel or restaurant. In that case, send or deliver the gift to the host or hostess's home the day after the party. Crashing with someone for a week? You’ll want to up the ante — think fancy soaps and an artisan crafted soap dish, or a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant. Consider what you would have spent on a hotel, and plunk down at least ¼ of that on your gift.

DO: Consider an Experience-Based Gift

Most of us have spent the recent economic downturn learning how to make do with less stuff, which means that giving items is less fashionable now than giving someone an experience. This can be as simple as a gift certificate to your hosts’ favorite restaurant or as decadent as two tickets to the opera or whale watching. Just be sure to give gift certificates that offer flexible scheduling, so as not to inconvenience the recipient.

DO: ALWAYS Follow Up With a Thank You Note

Even if you knocked it out of the park with your gift, you should follow up within a week of the event (or your stay) with a quick note showing gratitude for your hosts’ effort. It’s not only polite, but it’s also a good networking method, because it makes you more memorable than the other schlubs who came to the party (but who never wrote a thank you note).

DON'T: Assume Booze Is a Safe Bet

A nice bottle of wine is often enough to make your gratitude known to your hosts, but this obviously doesn’t hold true for hosts who have religious objections to alcohol or a history of substance abuse (which you would hopefully learn about during your Host Recon).

DON'T: Feel Obliged to DIY

Giving a gift to someone you know well, and want to make your prezzie stand out a bit? If you are not naturally inclined to making things, then there’s no shame in a little store-bought something. That said...

DON'T: Be Afraid to DIY

If you already have a cocktail mix, salt rub, cake-in-a-jar, cookie platter, or handmade candle recipe down pat, then by all means, give your host a handmade gift. It’s a sweet gesture, and most hosts will be flattered. Check out Myscha’s article on holiday-themed foodie gifting goodness inspiration.

DON'T: Be Offended by Potential Regifting

Giving a regiftable present is actually a good thing, because it saves your host the trouble of finding an appropriate gift the next time he or she is heading off to a cocktail party. This isn’t to say that you should aim to give such hideous gifts that your host can’t help but part with it immediately, but if your host is more of an acquaintance than a friend, avoid overly personalized presents.

I sometimes include a little note with a hostess gift that says something like, “Feel free to regift; my feelings won’t be hurt!” It takes the pressure of the host to find another place to store yet another knickknack or doodad, and might make their holiday party attendance a little easier. Similarly, if you receive a gift that was obviously regifted, be gracious. If you hate it, you can always donate it to charity or pass it along to someone else.

Are you an expert gift-giver? What tips do you have for ensuring that your holiday hosts feel appreciated?

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Switch Banks

Andrea Karim — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:48:20 +0000

American banks aren't the most lovable of institutions. It's no wonder that the American consumer is sick and tired of low interest rates on savings accounts and sky-high ATM fees, to say nothing of the disappearance of free checking. When all these price hikes are taking place at mega-banks that received government bailout funds a few years ago, it feels all the more galling.

Maybe you have wanted to switch banks for a long time. Maybe it's only just occurring to you now that there are better options out there. Whatever your reasons, you have decided to change banks. Whether you choose another mega bank or a local credit union to handle your funds, here's how to swap financial institutions. The process can often take up to two months, but taking your time to properly manage your money is a good thing, so don't rush it. (See also: 7 Banks Still Offering Free Checking and Great Interest Rates)

1. Choose Your New Bank/Credit Union

You obviously can't close an old account without first having a new place to stash your cash, so decide what factors are most important in your choice of financial institution. For some people, the convenience of large banks is enough to compensate for terrible customer service. For me, that wasn't enough, so when I switched banks, I moved to a credit union. I love my credit union, even though its location isn't always convenient for me.

There are many qualities to consider when choosing a new bank, including what kind of ATM fees are involved, whether or not free checking is offered (and all the caveats that go along with that, like a required minimum balance), if they offer free online bill pay — whatever financial activities are most important to you, check to see if they are possible with your new bank, and how convenient and costly they are.

If you share financial accounts with a spouse or other family member, be sure to discuss and consider their needs, as well as your own, when choosing a new bank.

2. Open Your New Account

Once you've settled on a financial institution, march on in and open your new account. You'll want to order checks, even if you think you'll never use them (you'll need them for setting up direct deposit, and it never hurts to have them on hand), a debit card, set up online accounts, and obtain any other paraphernalia that will make your banking experience easier. You'll probably meet with an account manager when you open your account - get their business card and do not be afraid to use your contact as a go-to when you need help with your banking. Having a one-on-one relationship with an account manager at a bank isn't common these days, but if you choose a smaller bank or credit union, having a good relationship with a manager can make your financial life easier.

TIP: Don't be pressured into opening a credit card or line of credit with a new bank. Many big banks now won't offer free checking without some kind of connected savings or credit account, because both savings and credit accounts earn interest for the banks.

3. Determine Your New Bank's Fund-Holding Period

Most banks and credit unions will hold deposits from new customers for the sake of "security" until they decide that you are a trustworthy customer. When I opened my bank account at Citibank in Manhattan back in 1999, they actually had a two-week holding period for deposited checks, even business checks. This wasn't mentioned until after I deposited my entire paycheck into my fledgling checking account, whereupon my money was put "on hold", leaving me with exactly $20 in cash to survive for the next two weeks.

Find out if any security holds apply to direct deposit, check deposits, and even cash deposits. When first opening an account, there's no reason to go whole hog and put all your money in at once. Just deposit a couple hundred dollars and let them hang onto it for "security." Once you've passed their test and the holding period is up, you can start moving your funds into your new account.

4. Set Up Direct Deposit

Work with your company's HR firm to change your direct deposit from the old bank to the new. This might take longer than you think, so find out when the switch will happen. If your HR department requires a blank check from your account to set up direct deposit, be sure to order your checks right away — they can take up to a couple of weeks to receive.

5. Start Transferring Your Bill Payments

If you use an online bill pay system to pay bills as they are sent to you, you can transfer the accounts over from one online bill pay system to another manually. If you have bills that are automatically deducted from your bank account, like car payments, auto insurance, or a monthly gym membership, you can determine who needs to be notified of your new banking info. Start by exporting the past two months' worth of checking transactions to an Excel spreadsheet, then sorting according to the transaction name. Delete extraneous information and pinpoint the transactions that occur every month. If you use a finance tracking system like Mint.com, you probably already have a good idea of which transactions will need to be moved to your new bank or credit union.

It is possible that you may miss an auto-deduction or two, but not to worry — debtors will not sit idly by if your scheduled payment fails to go through, so you'll be notified immediately. Make sure to settle any missed payments as soon as you are notified.

6. Transfer Your Debt (if possible)

What you do with your bank-issued credit cards depends largely on your debt situation. It's entirely possible that you are paying off a large credit debt and aren't able to transfer the amount to another credit card. If this is the case, and you need to keep your old bank account open in order to make payments to your credit card, things get a little trickier. When I left my old mega bank, I transferred all of my debt to a new personal loan that I took out at my credit union, but not everyone will have that option. If you are leaving your bank partly because your credit card APR has been jacked up to unbearable levels, consider a debt consolidation plan that will allow you to make a single monthly payment on all of your credit cards (and you can make the payment from your new bank account). Most debt consolidation programs can help you get a lower APR on your existing debt. You might also consider applying for a loan from Lending Club.

If you can't move your debt from one card to another, you can at least continue to pay down your debt on a bank-issued credit card, even if you no longer want to hold your primary checking account with the same bank. My mortgage is managed by U.S. Bank, an institution that I am not particularly fond of. Even so, I am unable to refinance or move to mortgage to another institution, and so I maintain a checking account (and now a savings account, since U.S. Bank no longer offers free checking accounts without a connected savings account) that part of my paycheck is deposited to every other week. I only deposit enough money to cover my mortgage and to keep the account open; otherwise, I have nothing to do with the bank at all, and all of my primary checking and savings are managed by a local credit union. This simplifies my relationship with a bank that I don't like, but have to deal with.

7. Close Your Old Account

You won't be able to close your old bank account until all pending debits have cleared, so stop using your old debit card and checks once your new account is established. It's a good idea to leave your old account open for about a month while discontinuing its use — leave a few hundred dollars in the old account, just in case you forgot about the check that you sent your nephew for his birthday. This is also a good way to identify any automatic payments that are being debited from your account (while the account isn't cluttered by your daily spending habits). Be certain to leave enough money in your old account to cover any checks you have written, because the last thing you need is a bounced check ruining things for you. Once all written checks have cleared, close that account down! Banks will try to make this as hard as possible for you — be polite but firm in your resolve to continue your banking activities elsewhere.

8. Offer Feedback

Don't be afraid to offer feedback to your old institution. If an account manager wants to know why you're leaving their fine financial institution, be certain to give it to them straight. You can explain that the fees were too high, or that you wanted to find a bank that offered an actual interest rate on savings accounts. Maybe the hours aren't convenient for you. Whatever your reason, calmly share it with management. Don't be under any illusions that the banks really care about you (you're small potatoes), but Bank of America's recent disowning of the $5 debit fee shows that large public outcry can affect institutional policies.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Dorm Room Essentials

Andrea Karim — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:48:17 +0000

Well, the time has finally arrived — you’re packing for college. Freedom, adventure, shenanigans, and (hopefully) a crap-ton of learning and growing await you during these next four years.

So, what are you taking with you? Don't say "my blanky."

What you pack for college depends a great deal on where you are going for college. Big university in the middle of a city or tiny college in the middle of nowhere? Does your dorm permit you to have a mini-fridge and microwave in your room? These are questions that need to be answered before you start shopping to outfit your new home. Your college or university should provide you with living information ahead of time, but you're still left deciding what you can't live without and what you can afford to leave behind in your old bedroom. And heaven forbid you should get stuck without something you really need while attending some idyllic liberal arts college in the middle of Western Massachusetts, because you'll either shell out big bucks at the student store or have to go without.

There are many things that make for a killer dorm room, like plants, well-designed politician posters, and a rug that really ties the room together. This is not an article about those things, because this is meant to outline the bare minimum that you can take with you while living comfortably in a college dorm.

Where to Shop

What's the best place to get good prices on your college essentials? Probably the same places to get best prices on anything else — Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, and K-Mart. Avoid buying stuff from the catalogs that colleges send out in the summer, and don't fall for the idea that your dorm room has to include a theme or any particular element that you don't think is necessary. Also, if you can manage to keep it spare and spartan during your freshman year, you can score tons of free stuff at the end of the term when seniors move out and dump all of their stuff for you to pick through (freegans rejoice!). (See also: College Move Out Days: The Best Time to Dumpster Dive?)

Sleepy Time Stuff

Sleep is so incredibly important during your college years. However, getting a good night's sleep when suddenly faced with a room-sharing situation can be tough. To help you catch all the necessary Zs, make sure to pack the following:

Ear Plugs (cost varies; $20 for 200)

Your roommate is guaranteed to either snore or receive very loud phone calls at 2 a.m. from his mother in Croatia (or both). Soft, foam ear plugs are going to allow you to largely ignore middle-of-the-night convos while still being able to hear your alarm ring in the morning.

Sleep Mask ($5-10)

There are going to be times in college where you are going to need to catch some shut-eye even when the sun is out or your roommate is cramming for an exam with the light on until 3 a.m. This is where a sleep mask will save you from a life of sleep deprivation.

Alarm Clock (varies)

If you have a mobile phone, you can its alarm clock to wake up in time for 8:00 a.m. Spanish (why, why did you sign up for 8:00 a.m. Spanish?), or you can buy a full-fledged alarm clock that will wake you up with soothing sounds or your favorite music.

Foamy Mattress Cover ($44-100)

Unless you are attending a college of chiropractic medicine, chances are that your dorm bed is going to suck. Find out ahead of time what size mattress you will have (twin, probably) and purchase a memory-foam mattress pad. It’ll be nice and cozy and will separate your tender spine from those metal springs by a few inches of soft, wonderful foam.

Sheets ($20 and up)

Some dorms provide sheets, others don't. But even if they do, you want to bring your own, don't you? Don't go for anything fancy, just two sets of simple sheets that will fit whatever size bed your college is forcing you to use.

Personal Care

Grooming is especially important during your college years. It might not be consistent, but it’s important. You should shower at least once a week, is my point.

Shower Caddy/Tote ($10-20)

Common showers? Unless your dorm provides lockers (they might), you’re probably going to want a shower caddy to tote your toiletries to and fro. Plastic is easy to clean and doesn’t rust, but metal is less likely to get moldy. There are even fabric or plastic mesh versions now, should you care to simply toss your tote through the wash after every few uses.

Bathrobe ($10 and up)

Bathrobes are indispensable in college. You can’t be expected to get totally dressed on your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Flip-Flops/Shower Shoes ($1 and up)

Unless you are lucky enough to have a dorm room with a private shower, you’re probably going to have to deal with communal showering situations, which are often rife with bacteria. Avoid athlete’s foot and general grossness with a good pair (or two) of shower-ready flip-flops. You can bring as many pairs with you as you like, but reserve one pair specifically for shower use.

Slippers ($10 and up)

Although your flip-flops can double as slippers for schlepping around the dorm, you might want a pair of warm slippers if your school happens to be in a cooler clime.

Towels ($5 and up)

Most colleges don’t provide towels. You will need a minimum of two body towels and two hand towels. Washcloths are a personal preference (I never liked them).

Body Wash ($2 and up)

Under normal circumstances, soap is a more frugal buy than body wash. But when you have to tote your shower essentials back and forth and store shower stuff in plastic buckets, body wash is a scum-free alternative to bar soap.

Extra Razors (godawful amount of money)

If you shave, buy your razors in bulk ahead of time. Costco, your local dollar store, or Walgreens are good places to find deals on razor refills.

Feminine Products (varies)

Obviously for the ladies only; stockpile everything you will need for approximately nine months of menstruation, and then pack some more because you will make instant friends with other women who come to you in the middle of the night in desperate need of a tampon.

Laundry

Laundry facilities will vary from place to place, but chances are that you will find yourself doing laundry more often than you like in college.

Laundry Basket or Bag (from $10)

Traditional laundry baskets take up a lot of horizontal space, so seek out baskets that are tall and have a small footprint. Sturdy laundry bags that hang on a light aluminum frame are also a good option.

Detergent ($13 and up)

Detergent is expensive if purchased anywhere outside of Costco or Sam’s Club. If you possibly can, buy one or two massive drums of the stuff at the beginning of the year, and ration it carefully. Powder detergent is a more frugal option than liquid detergent, but it’s also less useful in rickety old dorm washing machines.

Dryer Sheets ($4 and up)

Easier to store than fabric softener, dryer sheets can be reused at least once each.

Rolls of Quarters

I imagine that many colleges now have advanced laundry systems that allow you to use credit cards, student IDs, or other means to pay for your laundry, but many millions of years ago when I was in school (1999), quarters were where it was at. And I happened to go to a school that shall remain nameless (Mount Holyoke College) where obtaining enough quarters to do a month’s worth of laundry was pretty much like pulling teeth, only less pleasant and occasionally with more bloodshed. My mother, bless her heart, used to send me rolls of quarters in her occasional care packages. Get a couple hundred dollars worth before setting out and hoard any that you come across when getting change, and you’ll be fine.

Miscellaneous

It's always the little things that make life less stressful — realizing that you have what you need to run minor errands, like a bus pass and a decent pair of socks. Here are some minor items that make dorm life more tolerable.

Waste Basket ($5 and up)

Most college dorms provide at least one waste basket, but you can never have too many baskets to stash things in.

Desk Fan ($12 and up)

Fans are a godsend for muggy climes with no air conditioning and for drowning out the sounds of a snoring roommate.

Stamps (varies)

You will occasionally have to mail something in college. A pack of Forever stamps will take you far. The same goes for envelopes. Buy them now, as they will cost a million times more at the student bookstore. You might want to consider printing out your own return address labels.

Surge Protector/Power Strip ($5 and up)

It’s amazing how few outlets you will find in a 15 ft. x 15 ft. bedroom. A surge protector will offer extra places to plug in your lamp/laptop/cell phone charger.

Medicine

It sort of goes without saying that you will need to bring any and all prescription medicines with you while away from home.

Documents and Filing System

Bring any and all documentation that you might need for filing financial aid paperwork, to get a job, or to pay your bills. It's unlikely that you will need a full file cabinet — an accordion file should suit you just fine.

Condoms

Hey, better safe than sorry, right? Even if you don’t personally get the opportunity to get (safely) busy, you can bet that a roommate or friend will probably be grateful for your prophylactic stash.

Learnin’ and Technical Stuff

Books and computers are expensive, but the advent of the technical age means that many books are now in electronic format, making a computer a worthwhile investment. How many other peripherals you need depends largely on your ability to plan ahead.

Computer ($300 and up)

Some colleges have well-apportioned computer labs at your beck and call 24/7; others are a little stingier. It’s obviously more convenient to have your own computer in college, because you can use it for note-taking, loading e-books, writing papers, and keeping in touch with everyone you left behind when you went to college. How MUCH of a computer you settle on depends on budget and major — if you plan to work with graphic design, a netbook is not going to cut it. But if you’re a Lit major or taking Asian Studies, you can probably get by with a lightweight, inexpensive netbook or even an iPad.

Printer and Paper ($50 and up)

Computer labs usually offer printing services, but the price can vary. Printers are so cheap these days that it almost makes sense to buy your own and keep it on hand for days when you need to print a term paper but don’t have time to wait in line behind 20 other students. If you do have your own printer, be sure to bring enough paper.

Food and Snacks

Keeping yourself armed with edibles that can stand the test of time is a good way to avoid splurging on late-night Denny's runs (not that you shouldn't EVER hit Denny's at 2 a.m.). If preparedness leads to savings, then having a well-stocked snack pantry is practically the key to your vault of gold.

Dried Fruit and Nuts (varies)

It helps to hit up Trader Joe's on your way to college and stock up on dried fruit and flavored nuts, which will get you through many a late-night cram session. Go easy on the dried fruit, though. Peanut butter is also a fantastic source of energy that is easy to store.

Ramen ($0.50/pack)

Ramen is the answer to all of life's woes. If you can find a nice, cheap electric kettle for your room, all the better. Another option here is a rice cooker, if you are a big fan of rice or the one-pot meal. If you're not a carb-lover, investing in a big stash of beef jerky can be a wise choice, even if it is on the pricey side.

Coffee and Tea (varies)

Having your own stash of coffee and tea will not only help keep you awake when you suddenly remember that you have a paper on the early Islamic caliphates due in the morning, but also makes for some good socializing time with new roommates and friends. Buy a decent selection of tea (black, green, chamomile), offer a warm cup to any homesick co-ed, and you've got a friend for life.

Are you heading for college? What are you bringing with you? What do you think you can live without?

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Do Daily Deals Make Good Gifts?

Andrea Karim — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:36:11 +0000

Gift giving is never easy, especially on obligatory occasions like holidays and birthdays. Because I never know for sure what to get for anyone, unless someone has expressed interest in something specific, I am increasingly inclined to give gifts of experience. You know, tickets to a concert or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant, rather than just another THING that will collect dust in someone's attic or basement.

With the advent of daily deals coupon sites like Groupon, Tippr, and Living Social, you can get pretty good bargains delivered to your inbox every morning. And you've probably already bought one or two of these dealy-bobs for yourself — but can you give them as gifts? (See also: To Groupon or Not to Groupon)

Yes! Gift a coupon gift when...

There are situations in which a daily deal coupon is a great idea for a gift, such as when...

...the recipient has asked for it.

Your recipient has expressed interest in this exact Groupon, and you're buying it for them. That's pretty straightforward, right? Easy-peasy.

...the recipient loves a good deal.

I have a friend who lives for coupons — she gets seriously excited when she gets the chance to save money. Whether it's Restaurants.com, Living Social, or consignment store shopping, I have never met anyone else who was so delighted by the opportunity to spend less than full price for something. Friends like this are excellent recipients for deals gifts, because they are usually excited on your behalf that you paid less than full price for their gift. Trust me, these people exist. That said, the coupon still has to be a good deal, not just for the sake of having saved some dough.

...you're going to share the gift (and they don't have to know you got a discount).

Somehow, saying "I got us tickets to see Pearl Jam!" is so much classier than saying, "I bought you discounted tickets to see Pearl Jam!" Not that your recipient should be looking a gift horse in the mouth, but if you are going to be attending the concert/museum exhibit/yoga class with someone else, it's easier to get away with making a covert discounted purchase. I personally think that using a coupon on a date is perfectly reasonable, but I am always right upfront about that kind of thing ("I have a coupon to Nijo Sushi! Want to go stuff our faces of raw fish for cheap?")

No, don't give a coupon gift if...

OK, there are many more instances in which a daily deal a gift is not such a hot idea, like when...

...the deal expires sooner rather than later.

Some deals have more unreasonable timelines than others. Check to see that the deal doesn't expire before the year is out. In fact, read all of the fine print to be sure that your recipient won't get screwed over in some way.

...it's an out-of-town deal.

When planning a trip to a city that is served by one or more of the social coupon sites, it behooves you to sign up for that city's daily deals to see if you can score tickets to a game or a nice dinner at a hefty discount. But there's sort of a trick to buying a coupon for an out-of-town experience or business, and that is that you are more or less locking yourself into using it during your travels. It's even more complicated if you are buying the coupon for someone else who is visiting another city, or even your own city, because unless the coupon is for something that the travelers were already intent on doing/visiting/eating, such a gift dictates part of their plans.

...your recipient is uber-busy.

The catch with many daily deals, like gift certificates or VISA gift cards, is that they do expire, usually within a year. This makes them less-than-ideal gifts for busy people, or harried people who believe that they are busy. A gift that will expire is simply one more item to weigh heavily upon their minds, so save them the stress (self-imposed or not) of trying to find the time to redeem the gift.

Legitimately busy people may love a daily deal coupon, but choose carefully — $50 off of dinner at a good steak house might be a smarter pick than a month of heated yoga classes for your cousin Jamie, who runs a busy marketing agency.

...your recipient is not tech-savvy.

My mother is not bad at technology, but she doesn't enjoy it as a rule. Cell phones annoy her, and while she does email, she checks into Facebook once every couple of months only to find that she still hates everything about it. My mom is NOT the ideal recipient for a daily deal gift, because the very act of having to download and print out the requisite barcode is enough to erase any joy she might receive from the actual gift itself. Of course, I can always print out the deal and mail it with a card, but those deals aren't very pretty when printed, are they?

...it's going to cost more than what you paid.

As a rule, a gift is really only a gift if it is fully paid for. Quite often, when you buy a daily deal, you're getting a significant discount off of goods or services, but the allotted number of coupons might not always cover the entire cost for your recipient.

This past Christmas, I bought what seemed like a good deal for my parents — a coupon for the transfer of old media, like photos and reel-to-reel film, to DVD. My family had boxes of old 16mm home movies, and we weren't watching them at all because our old projector was broken. I thought that this would be a great opportunity to help my parents enjoy some fond memories, so I bought two coupons (this was the maximum allowed). The coupons weren't cheap, but I figured that they would help get the ball rolling.

Well, it DID get the ball rolling, but unfortunately the ball rolled upwards of an additional $700 to get all of the old movie footage transferred to DVD. In addition, my parents weren't even particularly impressed. Like everyone else, their attention spans have shortened over the years, so now watching five to ten minutes of video of my sister and me as infants doesn't thrill them the way it did back in the 1980s.

So much for nostalgia! Oh, well. At least I can upload some of the old videos of my sister running around naked as a baby to YouTube.

Can you think of other situations that you can think of in which giving a coupon is a great idea, or a terrible one? Tell us in the comments!

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Avoid (and Treat) Cold Sores

Andrea Karim — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:24:16 +0000

There it is — that horrible tingling sensation that lets you know a cold sore is about to erupt all over your face, ruining the next week and making you wish that burqas were suddenly in fashion for a short while. Is there anything more annoying than a cold sore?

I got my first cold sore when I was 8 years old, right in the corner of my mouth. It was horrible — ugly, painful, and because of the location, it took almost a month to heal. Every time I would open my mouth, my sore would split open. I still have scar tissues from that thing.

Up until a couple of years ago, I used to get cold sores frequently. It got so bad that I started forming some scar tissue above my lip where the sore would reappear every couple of months. However, once I figured out what triggered them, and how to prevent them, my outbreaks were greatly reduced. More importantly, I can treat them when they do appear, so recovery is much faster and less painful. (See also: Cheap and Simple Sunburn Remedies That Really Work)

What Causes Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Yes, the cold sore virus is very similar to the virus that causes genital herpes. HSV-1 causes cold sores, HSV-2 causes genital herpes, although in some cases, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes as well. If you have one version of the herpes virus doesn't indicate you also have the other version of the virus. However, it's easy to transmit the viral infection from one area of the body to another through contact, be it direct or indirect (sexual contact or accidental contamination of an area with infected bodily fluid).

Herpes simplex 1 is phenomenally easy to catch. Most people are infected with HSV-1 as a child, through shared food or drink with a contagious carrier. Many people will catch the virus and never display an outbreak of lesions that indicate the presence of HSV-1. Others will show an immediate sign of infection through a lesion on the face, usually on the lips. Cold sores can also occur around other facial mucous membranes, like the nostrils or eyes (known as ocular herpes, which sounds cooler than "eyeball herpes"). Cold sores are not to be confused with canker sores, which typically appear on the inside of the mouth.

The bad news about HSV-1 (other than the fact that it is very damaging to the nervous system) is how easy it is to transmit. The good news is that, with some care, you can avoid lesion outbreaks — or at the very least, shorten any cold sore outbreaks that may occur.

Cold Sore Triggers

What are the most common cold sore triggers? Cold sores are triggered by a number of different causes, but most of them have to do with your body being negatively stressed in some way. Because viruses love to attack when you are weak, the HSV-1 waits until your immune system is suffering, and then works its evil, painful magic on your face.

Fever/Illness

Cold sores aren't called "cold sores" for nothing — they typically make their arrival when you are suffering from another viral infection, be it a cold or flu. HSV-1 loves a good fever, so if you find yourself with an elevated temperature, take a fever reducer like Advil to lessen your chances of experiencing a cold sore outbreak.

UV Rays

Bright sunlight triggers many a lip lesion, so use plenty of lip balm at the highest concentration SPF that you can find. I also slather my upper lip with SPF 40 sunblock every morning, because I never know when I might end up outside* for an extended period of time. (This is a joke — I never go outside.)

Cold Weather

Cold, harsh weather can also wreak havoc on lip health, and once your lip cracks, HSV-1 is only happy to add insult to injury. Keeping lips moisturized with a medicated ointment like Blistex or Carmex can prevent damage to your lips. Keep your mouth covered in extremely cold, windy conditions. And the instructions for using a high-level SPF on your skin don't end with warm weather — cold, sunny days in the snow are perfect ingredients for a cold sore recipe. Harsh, UV rays reflecting off of snow, mixed with freezing cold, dry air? Cold sore perfect storm.

Stress

You might not expect emotional stress to contribute to skin lesions, but it can. Although there is often no way to remove stressors from your life, if you can find a way to stay calm and carry on (as the British would say...when they are not rioting), you can probably prevent a cold sore from appearing. Deep breathing and meditating exercises won't take more than 15 minutes out of your day, and can lower your blood pressure, too. The emotional stress of PMS is often enough to cause outbreaks in women. If you can track your menstrual cycle well enough to figure out which days are going to be the worst ones, emotionally, you may be able to work in a couple extra hours of stress-reliving fun to balance out the mood roller coaster.

Injury to Delicate Facial Tissues

At one point, I noticed that I was coming down with a cold sore after every single time I had sex — this was a big disappointment, because I was beginning to believe that perhaps sex was causing my cold sores. And it was, in a way. My husband had a beard at the time, and our passionate lip-locking would irritate my skin so much that I broke out in a cold sore within a few hours of sexy-time. He is now required to wax his face and exfoliate with a floor sander. (No, really, we're just more careful with the smooching.)

Some people have noticed cold sores after extensive dental work (not quite as fun as sex, but just as necessary to your health). This is because damage to the delicate tissue of the lips and mouth are like an open invitation to HSV-1.

Reducing the Cold Sore's Duration

Once you feel a cold sore coming on, you have a couple of hours to intervene. After that, any measures you take will be a bit less effective. The usual rules for healing apply here — keep the cold sore clean and don't touch it. Spreading bacteria to the lesion will just make things worse. As to whether you prefer to keep the infected area moisturized or not, well, that's up to you. Moisture can slow healing, but it does prevent cracking, so just make sure to use a medicated cream. Wash hands before and after applying. In addition to keeping clean, you can look to:

Anti-viral Prescription Medicines

The most expensive, but by far the most effective, anti-viral cold sore prescription drugs were originally created to help people survive agonizing outbreaks of genital herpes. But because the viral structure is similar, you can now use the same medications for HSV-1 outbreaks, as well. These medications include Famciclovirand (Famvir), acyclovir (Zovirax), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Although these medications come in oral tablet form, acyclovir is also available as an ointment.

After having spent years dealing with extremely painful and damaging cold sores, I finally got a prescription for acyclovir from my doctor. What a difference acyclovir made! Since getting my hands on a tube of Zovirax, I have only had one cold sore that actually reached full-on blister stage, and that was because it formed while I was sleeping.

Acyclovir is a simple ointment that you apply to your tingling lip when you feel a cold sore coming on. If you apply soon enough, you can prevent the actual outbreak altogether. Even after the outbreak, acyclovir can shorten the life of a cold sore dramatically. It used to take me two weeks to fully heal from a cold sore, and now that time has been cut in half, and the damage done to my skin is much less dramatic.

The downside is the Zovirax is NOT cheap, and my insurance insists on a pretty high co-pay. For me, it's worth the $60 — a single tube lasts for a couple of years.

Non-prescription Creams

Over-the-counter cold sore ointments that can shorten the life of a cold sore include Docosanol (Abreva), which can prevent cold sores if applied early enough, and Benzyl alcohol (Zilactin), which may shorten healing time. It seems that millions of people believe that Carmex is an effective cold sore treatment, as well. Ointments that contain zinc oxide may reduce the duration of the blister.

Natural Remedies

I have heard that many people have had luck in taking a large dose of L-lysine supplements upon the outbreak of a cold sore, but I have had zero luck with this method. L-lysine and other all-natural cold sore remedies have not be proven to effectively treat or prevent cold sore breakouts.

Preventing Infection

If you've already got a cold sore somewhere on your body, you don't want to infect other body part, or anyone else around you. A cold sore is contagious from the time that a blister forms until it has crusted over, and during that time, you'll have countless opportunities to spread the HSV-1 virus to your loved ones or your other delicate body parts.

Be smart! Don't cross-contaminate.

Don't Share Food, Drink, Utensils

When you get a cold sore, don't share cups, glasses, forks, plates, chopsticks, food, anything with anyone else. Just don't. Be your own little island until that lesion has healed completely. Technically, the cold sore's infectious stage starts when the blister forms and ends when it crusts over, but don't take any chances.

Hands

Stop touching your cold sore. Stop it. Now wash your hands. With soap. Dry them on a paper towel.

Towels

I said a paper towel, why don't you listen to me? Fine, now you have to wash that hand towel. Any time you wash your face, if you dry it using a normal towel, throw that towel in the wash. You can spread that virus pretty much anywhere else if your cold sore leaks onto your bath towel.

Cold sores are a pain, and a painful fact of life for many of us, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of Carmex, so follow these steps and kiss your cold sores goodbye.

Well, no, I mean, don't kiss them.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Cold, Frugal Drinks to Keep You Cool in the Heat

Andrea Karim — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:36:25 +0000

The mercury is rising, and you are thirsty, but the idea of a boring old glass of water has you reaching for your wallet (and a $5 mixed coffee at Starbucks). Stop! Put your money down and step away from the counter. You can make your own delicious beverages that will quench your thirst and protect you wallet from summertime pillaging. (See also: 9 Places to Go to Beat the Summer Heat)

Flavored Water

Staying hydrated during a hot summer couldn’t be simpler than drinking water. Water is cheap, plentiful, easily accessed...and kind of boring. Fortunately, it’s easy to change from flavorless to delicious in a couple easy steps.

You’ve probably had lemon or cucumber-flavored water at a restaurant. All you have to do is slice up your favorite fruit and let it sit in a pitcher of water for a couple of hours. Try adding sliced pineapple, guava, grapes, or grapefruit for an exotic feel. Want more savory alternative? Lightly mash a combination of herbs like mint, basil, sage, and thyme, and add to your water. Then simply pour the water through a strainer into your glass. You can keep refilling the pitcher, using the same herbs, for a couple of days. Combine herbs with fruit slices for a truly unique flavor.

If you enjoy the smell and taste of flowers, try using a wooden spoon to masticate some rose petals from your own garden and adding them to water or other beverages. Jasmine flowers and violets also add a wonderful fragrance and taste.

Try Xin’s naturally flavored water recommendations for even more tasty varieties of healthy, cheap, and delicious water.

If your tap water has a chemical taste, try filtering it first. My fair city of Seattle has a clean water supply that is treated heavily with chlorine, so I filter the heck out of that stuff.

Spritzers

If flavored-but-flat water doesn’t excite your tastebuds, consider adding sparkling water to your favorite juice beverage. Watering down your juice with some fizzy goodness reduces the number of calories you are taking in and saves money, too (seltzer water is cheaper than juice, after all). This is going to sound totally weird, but one of my favorite beverages in college was half a glass of chocolate milk cut with half of glass of seltzer.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is very lightly flavored, but stuffed with electrolytes that help replenish your system when you’re sweating buckets. Coconut water isn’t always cheap — look for larger containers, rather than individual juice boxes, and cut in half with water to get extra hydration. Or check your local Thai and Vietnamese grocer for a supply of fresh baby coconuts or packaged coconut water.

Cold Brewed Tea

Sun tea was a tradition where I grew up, but because sun tea can harbor dangerous bacteria, consider making refrigerator tea instead. User four teabags per quart of cold water, and refrigerate for six hours or more.

Cold-brewed tea shouldn’t be limited to just black or red tea. Try making icy herbal teas like chamomile or mint, or use green or white teas for that boost of antioxidant power. You can also add lemon, herbs, fruit juice, or a pinch of your favorite sweetener for added tea-rrificness. If you're watching your calories, go easy on the sugar — if you like sweet tea, use half sugar and half Splenda or Truvia to get sweetness without the added calories.

Iced Coffee

There are some hot summer mornings that don't permit you to even THINK of drinking hot coffee. Iced coffee to the rescue! The secret to making iced coffee that doesn't suck is cooling it correctly without watering it down. You can either brew coffee extra strong and add ice, or make coffee ice cubes that you then add to regular coffee that has been cooled to room temp or refrigerated overnight. Add cream and sugar as usual, but remember sugar will take longer to dissolve.

Homemade Frappuccinos

A blended coffee drink is so hard to resist on a hot day, but if you are consuming more than one per week, you can probably save yourself some cash by creating frappuccinos at home rather than shelling out the big bucks at a café. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still create delicious blended coffee drinks using super-strong brewed coffee or instant coffee. You can always opt for decaf, and making your own frapp means that you can choose low-carb or sugar-free options (not possible at Starbucks).

Super-Light Cocktails or Mocktails

When the evening rolls around, my liquor cabinet doors swing open. Now, I love me a stiff drink as much as the next lush, but during the hotter months, sometimes staying hydrated means going easy on the booze. Watering down your cocktails a bit means that you can enjoy two or three hydrating drinks without ending up face-down in the foyer. Also, if you really cut back, you’ll be saving beaucoup bucks.

Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic is a traditionally popular warm-weather drink. To enjoy a lighter version, opt for diet tonic water, add extra lime juice, and only use half the amount of gin that you would normally add. I like to make my summertime G&Ts in a highboy glass, with freshly made ice, smashed homegrown herbs, or even a bit of sliced up over-ripe fruit (strawberries and blackberries are a particular favorite).

Sangria

Use up a bottle of not-so-hot wine by mixing up a pitcher of sangria. Combine wine, citrus-flavored soda, a pinch of brown sugar, and a couple shots of brandy. Pour over ice, and you have a refreshing beverage without too much of a buzz.

Even cheap white wine tastes pretty good paired with chilled seltzer water and a splash of elderflower liquor (St. Germaine is not cheap, but a little bit goes a very long way — and there are other, less-expensive elderflower liqueur options).

Other flowery options that you can find at upscale grocery stores include drinkable rose water and orange-flower water. A small bottle might cost $10, but you’ll only need a teaspoon to take that bland rosé to rivetingly rosy.

Bloody Mary Veggie Madness

Are you a big fan of bloody Marys? During the peak of summer’s bounty, when your table is overflowing with homegrown tomatoes, make your own fresh tomato juice and enjoy a bloody Mary (virgin or not) that is lower in calories and a little less sweet. I actually loathe the taste of canned tomato juice — too much like watery ketchup — but my homemade tomato juice brings all the boys to the yard, with or without vodka.

Mocktails

A good mocktail is nothing to sneeze at. Finding a way to balance sweet and sour, bitter and savory can take some doing, but cutting back on booze is better for us all, decreasing our heft while increasing the heft in our wallets.

What are you favorite summer beverages? Do you like cold drinks at all, or do you find that hot beverages are more your style? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

No-Sew Ways to Update Your Wardrobe

Andrea Karim — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:24:22 +0000

There are many ways to update old articles of clothing that don’t involve sewing machines. For those of us who can’t tell a bobbin from our backsides, here are some easy, cheap ideas for bringing your old clothes back to life.

First, a couple of quick notes about the methods here — you shouldn’t try any of these out on an otherwise respectable piece of clothing that you like and wear all the time, and you certainly shouldn't attempt on very expensive clothing. If you’ve never bleached or shredded a pair of jeans before, you might want to have a couple of practice rounds on a pair of jeans that are otherwise unwearable or destined for the dust bin. (See also: 25 Things to Do With Old Jeans)

Another quick note — some of the alterations in this article can make clothing harder to care for or require more delicate laundering methods. If you don’t have the patience for such things, then you probably don’t want to spend time shredding your t-shirt into a fine mesh.

Lastly, many of these DIY pieces are trendy and/or eye-catching, so if your style is more classic and conservative, they might not be up your fashion alley. It never hurts to give it a try, though.

Crop

Turning a t-shirt into a crop-top or making jeans into cutoff shorts are such easy tasks that we’ve all done them before (probably in 1985, but hey, the 80s are back in fashion). The benefit to DIY cropping is that it’s cheap and eco-friendly. Why pay for a pair of cut-off shorts when you can turn an old pair of jeans into shorts for free?

If you don’t have any jeans that you wish to sacrifice, but you really want a pair of cut-off shorts, head to your local Goodwill where you’ll find jeans for under $10 that can be cut as short as you like. If you’re lucky, you might come across a pair of high-waisted jeans, which are apparently all the rage this season among serious fashionistas.

There are tons of things you can make using various cropping methods — want some fingerless gloves? Leg warmers?

Shred/Slash

If your t-shirt already has holes in it, you might as well shred it and turn it into a punk rock item of hotness. Threadbanger offers a tutorial for creating a built-in fabric braid diagonally across a t-shirt (start the video at 3:15 to see the shredding and braiding; the first part of the video deals with re-sizing a too-big t-shirt).

Shredded t-shirts go well with undershirts, and Generation T shows you how to shred a shirt and combine with a painted undershirt for a peekaboo look that’s rocks without necessitating a nip-slip.

For a t-shirt that is finely shredded, you’ll want to view the tutorial from Salina Bear. It’s work you can do while watching TV, because it takes forever. If you are planning on attending a Poison Concert, Heavy Mental teaches you how to create a laddered t-shirt. You can even braid a totally shredded t-shirt if you are interested in showing more skin than you ever thought possible while still technically being clothed.

Bleach/Color

Bleaching is one of those fantastic DIY options that waxes and wanes with clothing trends, but it’s back now in abundance.

You can bleach portions of a garment or an entire item of clothing. I find denim rather hard to bleach evenly, and have had better luck painting bleach onto clothing in specific patterns and designs. Many people swear by washing your dyed clothing in vinegar afterward to set the dye (I’ve heard the same tip for preserving bright hair color, as well).

Ombre

If you’ve never heard of the term “ombre” before (or have, but never knew what it meant), here’s a quick definition: Ombre, French for “shadow,” also refers to a style of fabric coloration in which one color fades gradually into another. Any color gradient is possible, although ombre seems to imply a darker color seeping into (or out of) a lighter one.

Here’s a photo of Sienna Miller in ombre jeans. See? You’ve seen the style before. Here’s a gorgeous example of a dress with an ombre dip-dye effect from Etsy.

You can get the ombre look from dark clothing using bleach or dip-dye a lighter item of clothing using cloth dye, like Rit. I achieved a blue ombre t-shirt by lowering the upper half of a shirt into a bucket of Rit dye and leaving it there overnight — the color gradually seeped up another few inches on the shirt, leaving a nice gradient blue color that faded into white at the bottom of the shirt.

All Over Color

Trends in denim color change every few years — back in 2001, no one would have dreamed of wearing acid-washed jeans, but in 2011, they are back with a vengeance. Dark denim is still popular, as are black and gray washes. If you have a pair of jeans or a jacket that you want to update, you can do so simply and cheaply with fabric dye like RIT.

If you are looking to age a pair of too-new jeans, the jeaniouses (see what I did there?) at Threadheads have a tutorial for adding a vintage, distressed look to your denim that involves using coffee grounds and a cheese grater. You could also use tea staining for a vintage fabric look — it’s a trick often used by quilters to give new material a more burnished appearance.

Tie-Dye

A favorite project for many a disillusioned teenager, tie-dye is an age old art that can be completed in any number of patterns. Watch this super-easy tie-dye bleach tutorial from Serious WTF that turns a simple black shirt into an awesome article of style.

Spray Paint

Using either regular spray paint or specialized fabric paint, you can use your clothes as a canvas for an amazing array of freehand or stenciled designs. Check out the stenciled cotton dresses from among the crafty T-shirt projects from Generation T. If you have a pattern that you can paint and press onto fabric, you can create funky, wrinkled variations of that pattern using regular spray paint, almost like screen printing, as shown in this tutorial by Fashion Enemy.

Spray paint is also a fantastic way to update metal jewelry like cheap dangly earrings or brass bangles.

Paint/Draw

Color blocking is a huge trend right now, along with ombre pieces, so it’s hard to go wrong in adding big blasts of color to pieces in your wardrobe. One of my favorite examples is the color blocking performed by the brilliant creators of Honestly WTF, who painted a pair of moccasins with pastel colors. You don’t have to stop at simple colors, of course — you can draw or paint any design on a shoe, shirt, skirt, bag, or anything with enough space to accommodate your style. One of my craftier friends bought a pair of beige canvas shoes at WalMart and added a significant cool factor by coloring the straps with markers in colorful abstract geometric shapes. I honestly thought she had bought a pair of designer shoes until she clued me in.

Fabric-ate

OK, so it does involve a needle and threat of sorts, but it’s not really “sewing” per se. To add interesting texture and dimension to a t-shirt, pair of jeans, or any article of boring clothing, buy a skein of soft-but-interesting yarn and thread it through a garment in a pattern. You can do the same with small (or even large) strips of different colored fabric by making small slices in your clothing with an X-Acto knife or scissors and threading the fabric through. Secure the ends of the fabric strips or yarn using small stitches (a needle and thread).

What kinds of DIY projects do you use to update old clothing items? Share your tips in the comments!

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

7 Summery Ways to Protect Your Skin

Andrea Karim — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:36:08 +0000

I’m not going to lie — I love tan skin. Naturally “blessed” with a speckled Scottish complexion, I’ve always been jealous of people whose skin browns beautifully in the sun, rather than simply burning to a crisp like mine. Darker skin is slimming, darn it, and I just love the way it looks. That said, I’m absolutely against tanning, even though I love the way tanned skin looks. Tanned skin is damaged skin. We’re not talking about sunburns or naturally darker skin, but tans acquired through exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

When skin is exposed to UV rays, it reacts by producing melanin. Melanin is the same pigment that gives people all over the world varying shades of skin tone. Some people naturally produce a great deal more melanin, which results in darker skin. The presence of additional melanin isn’t injurious; it simply indicates that your skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself against further damage.

Those of us who bask in the sun or pay good money to lie in a tanning booth are doing real and permanent harm to our epidermis.

Now, you may be thinking that you don’t see any evidence of damage to your skin, so people should call the heck down. Plus, the allure of tanned skin is so obvious — it speaks of idle time spent outside. I don’t mean to suggest that you shouldn’t spend time out of doors, because of course you should. You need SOME sun, for Pete’s sake, to get that vitamin D that we are all chronically low on. However, to avoid skin cancer, painful burns, and premature wrinkles, it makes sense to take precautions when exposed to the sun. Here are some ways to keep the bad UVs at bay while still enjoying the great outdoors. (See also: 7 Perfect Pieces to Keep You Protected From the Sun, via Currency)

Use Sunscreens and/or Sunblock

Photo by earthlydelights

You’ve probably heard by now that buying SPF 100+ sunscreen is a bit of a scam — the highest possible protection that sunscreen can offer is SPF 50, so don’t spend money on any sunscreen that claims otherwise. Also, please pay attention to the type of sunscreen you are purchasing. The type is determined by the active ingredients — the chemicals and compounds that protect you from the sun’s UV rays. Here are Consumer Search ratings of the most popular sunscreens. If you go use a lot of sunblock, check out Carrie’s article on the most cost-effective sunblock on the market.

The last thing to note about sunscreen is that you need to use it even when it's not sunny — you can still get a sunburn on a cloudy day, and anyone who has ever been skiing in Utah probably recalls the first massive winter sunburn to the face. Sunscreen for daily use is an absolute must — sunblock for days when you are spending time doing outdoor sports or hanging out at the beach is the best move you can make.

Wear Long, Light Clothing

Photo by FashionbyHe

From linen slacks to tunics to maxi dresses, today’s fashion has something for everyone who wants to keep their dermis protected. Look for summer clothing made of cotton or cotton blends, and keep it loose and light in color. My husband also swears by the breathability of silk, although it’s not a fabric I prefer.

Sometimes, wearing less clothing is simply a must, such as while swimming. Be certain to continually re-apply sunblock every couple of hours, and stay under a palapa or cabana when not splashing in the surf. Beach cover-ups and sarongs are good ways to cover your tush while remaining cool.

Add Some Accessories

Photo by julie jordan scott

Hats and sunglasses are pretty common summer wear, and the great thing about giant sunglasses and huge floppy hats is that they allow you to protect your skin while looking like a petulant movie star who doesn’t want the paparazzi to get in the way.

A light cotton scarf is another good way to keep bare shoulders covered when in the sun. A cotton or linen pashmina provides light sun protection while allowing you enough movement to maximize air flow.

Hats and sunglasses are also a must-have for kids (see below), so don’t forget to outfit your offspring with protective accessories.

Use a Parasol or Umbrella

Photo by Theoddnote

Parasols aren't just for tropical drinks anymore. While it may strike you as quaint and old-fashioned, the umbrella is a wonderful way to keep the sun off of your skin. And hey, if popular culture can tolerate the return of kettlebell exercises and overwrought mustaches, we can certainly appropriate the parasol from the Victorian era. Paper parasols offer sun protection and style for cheap.

Keep Kiddos Covered

Photo by glassblower

Start your kids off with a lifelong habit of sun protection — in addition to smearing those little rugrats with sunblock, be sure to provide your stroller-bound bambinos with shade. Many strollers already come equipped with collapsible stroller covers, but if your stroller doesn’t have one, do some online shopping and find one that will fit your stroller model.

Whether you’re at the zoo, park, beach, or just out and about, keep kids’ heads covered with a hat or cap that has a decent-sized brim. Hats not only make it easy to identify your kids at a glance, but they protect little scalps, faces, and necks from seriously painful sunburns.

Stay in the Shade

Photo by jonkriz

Shaded outdoor areas aren’t just a good idea for sun protection — they’re an all-around practical place to entertain family, neighbors, and friends. If your yard lacks good shade trees or your patio is completely exposed to the sun, consider purchasing a cabana or camping canopy to provide cover and comfort when spending spending the day out of doors.

In my family, the outdoor gathering area was underneath a grape arbor, where vines that grew up and over the structure that my father built gave us shade from the sun and protection from summer storms.

Whether the shade you use is naturally provided or shipped to you via FedEx, staying out of the sun's direct rays is both smart and comfortable.

Exercise in the Dark

Photo by jesse.milan

Getting up before the sun to run through the streets can be difficult, but exercising outside of daylight hours is smart — not only do you reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays, but you’re getting your workout during cooler hours, meaning that you’re less likely to suffer from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Nighttime exercise is fun — you just have to take some precautions when running or biking after dark. Make sure to use reflective clothing or vests, for instance, have a good headlamp and distress whistle, and carry a cell phone with you for emergencies. Exercising with a partner is always smart, no matter what time of day.

If you live near a wooded area, you can take advantage of natural leaf canopies to exercise in a cooler location, especially if exercising before or after daylight isn’t an option for you. Be certain to wear sweat-resistant sunscreen if you do exercise during daylight hours.

If all else fails, or you live too far north to take advantage of non-daylight hours, there is no shame in going to the gym. I know that we here at Wise Bread tend to applaud people who save money by not going to the gym, but I have a gym membership, and even though I use it year-round, it’s particularly wonderful for those times of the year when exercising outside simply isn’t a reasonable option.

How do you keep your skin protected from the sun during the warmer months? Tell us in the comments!

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Why You Should Buy a Desktop Computer

Andrea Karim — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:00:14 +0000

My first laptop, purchased back in 1997, was a 12-pound gray Toshiba that took approximately eight minutes to fully boot and froze constantly. It had something like 256MB of RAM, which was considered a great deal of RAM at the time. I believe it cost a little under $1,800 (which, in today's money, is like $6 million). It broke down after a year, which is fine, because I probably would have thrown it out the window if it hadn't simply stopped working. (See also: Make Your Computer Faster Instead of Buying a New One)

The laptop computer has undergone quite the transformation in the past few years. Laptops are lighter and more stylish, and they have more processing power than my first laptop could have ever dreamed of. But I'm probably not going to be buying one anytime soon. Now, with the advent of better laptops, tiny netbooks, and adorable iPads, my next computer is going to be a desktop.

Why on Earth would anyone pay for a big, clunky machine that is stuck in one place? Here are a few reasons why I am choosing a desktop over a laptop.

Desktops Are More Affordable

Dollar for dollar, a desktop is simply a better investment in terms of raw computing power. Making RAM and memory small enough to fit in the laptop is expensive, so you pay more for the same processing power in a laptop than you would in a desktop.

I'm not really a multi-tasker, but a great deal of my work involves switching between applications. I might be working on a website and then change over to graphics editing and then need to check the contents of a technical manual. I need a computer that has the RAM to handle all of the back-and-forth. Many of today's laptops have that much memory, but the cost of that memory in laptop form is prohibitive for me.

Could I get all the processing power that I need in a laptop computer? Yes, but I would pay a great deal more for the portability.

I Don't Like to Work Just Anywhere

Stop by any cafe with WiFi, and you will find at least 40% of the customers are working on some kind of portable computer. This kind of productivity is fine, but not everyone can work effectively in a cafe. Personally, I can't even READ in a cafe. If I go to a coffeehouse, I can do two things: drink coffee and stare at other patrons. I am literally incapable of doing more than that.

People love the portability of laptops, tablet computers, and netbooks because they can use the technology to work anywhere. And that's great — for people who are able to tune out ambient noise and concentrate on one thing at a time. For some of us, that's just not a possibility. I, for one, can only perform work in my cubicle at work or at my desk in my home office. Other locations just aren't conducive to my productivity. I'm easily distracted, and the noise in airports, cafes, and bookstores doesn't help me work.

WiFi and I...We Don't Get Along

I'm not sure what it is about the magnetic field surrounding my body, but I am capable of repelling the signal of any wireless network in my vicinity. Does anyone else experience this? If I am lucky enough to locate an actual wireless network, I won't be able to convince a laptop to connect to it. In my home, we have a wireless network set up for my husband's various laptop computers. I can't use them. In order to guarantee that I can watch "Modern Family," I have to plug a computer into a wired Ethernet connection.

I recognize that this is not a normal problem that normal people experience, but it does make a huge difference in how I feel about traveling around with a laptop.

I Like the End of a Workday

I like the idea of being able to put my work down. If I carried a laptop with me everywhere, I'd never escape from the feeling that I could be working at all times. I like to separate work from the rest of my life. The beauty of having a desktop computer is that once I walk away from it, I walk away from work and can concentrate on other things. When you work as many jobs as I do, having that kind of physical separation is important.

Laptops Have Lousy Ergonomics

Laptops aren't always conducive to comfortable typing. Once you get used to an ergonomic keyboard and gigantic trackball with gel wrist pad, it's hard to go back to a strange, cramped little keyboard that's missing the number pad, or using those little keyboard nipples in lieu of a mouse. Or a touchpad. My god, I hate touchpads. One accidental swipe with the thumb, and you end up deleting entire paragraphs at a single keystroke.

I've often heard people suggest that laptops can function as desktops. "You can dock your laptop and plug in a mouse and a keyboard!" This is true, but once you've docked a laptop, you might as well be using a desktop. Why bother paying extra money for portable technology when you just have to pay hundreds extra in peripherals in order to make it feel comfortable to use?

Data Is Highly Portable

But what about moving data around? The great thing about a laptop is that you can take your ENTIRE hard drive with you wherever you go. This is true. But I can also take whatever I am working on wherever I go via a USB thumb drive or external hard drive. I don't travel much for work, but on the rare occasion that I do, I can access my documents using Google Docs from a borrowed or rented computer. Of course, for some people, travel with a laptop is a fact of life, but for me, travel is a rare luxury that isn't meant to be marred by experiencing airport security while hauling a laptop.

Lifetime/Durability

A business laptop comes with a standard warranty of about one year (top-of-the-line models might come with three-year warranties, but are significantly more expensive). A desktop comes with a standard warranty of three years. This means that it is cheaper to fix desktop computers in the long run. The reason is obvious — a laptop gets moved around, banged up, and is prone to breaking down sooner as a result.

Security

Of course, someone could break into my home and steal my desktop — I'm not suggesting it won't happen. But it's much less likely to happen than having someone steal a laptop. Anyone who broke into my house would have get past a ferocious, man-eating Pekingese, whereas swiping a laptop from my car wouldn't take much effort at all.

Do you use a desktop computer, or are laptops the best thing that has ever happened to you? Do you have some unique combination of computing power that makes your life easy? Share it with us in the comments.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more Technology articles from Wise Bread.

25 Healthy Changes You Can Make Today

Andrea Karim — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:24:22 +0000

Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest impact on our lives. Whether you want to lose weight or feel more energetic, you don't have to go on a drastic diet or guzzle vitamin drinks. Just make some small adjustments to your daily regimen and see how your life is transformed. (See also: 25 Frugal Changes You Can Make Today)

1. Walk More

Photo by Gustavo Veríssimo.

Getting more exercise is tough for many of us, but walking is your first step to being healthier. Walking offers some of the cheapest, lowest-impact exercise. The hardest part is motivating yourself, so try to find something that helps you move. Can you walk to and from the store? How about walking for the sake of practicing photography? Does music help you keep moving? Is it easier to walk through a park or around the city? Find whatever works for you, and start strolling. Or, if walking isn't your style, find another form of fitness that works for you.

2. Eat Slower/Less

Photo by Ernesto Andrade.

How many of us sit in front of various screens (computer, television, iPad) and scarf our food down mindlessly? Eating slowly, concentrating on your food, and savoring each bite will help you eat more slowly, which helps you feel full on less food. Mindful eating might sound like some sort of hippie-dippy practice, but it's actually something that anyone can benefit from. If you can spare 20 minutes for each meal of the day, chew your food carefully and slowly, and put your fork down in between bites, you will find yourself feeling better, less full, and more energized in a few days.

3. Drink More Water

Photo by Jeremy Keith.

The news media is always blabbing on about how no one drinks enough water. If this were really true, we'd all be dying of dehydration. But it is worth checking to see if you are getting enough clean water to drink. A quick test — the pee test! Is your urine almost as clear as water? No? Then you're not drinking enough water.

4. Drink Less Alcohol

Photo by Mecookie.

But wine is so good for you, right? Well, yes and no. Wine does help thin the blood and is good for your heart health, but wine contains sugars that, if not burned off, can fatten your liver. And having a fatty liver can contribute to all kinds of alcohol-related health problems. There are a number of other problems associated with drinking booze, including poor sleep habits, dehydration, memory loss, and of course, one-night stands with horrifically ugly people.

5. Drink More Wine

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik.

Wait, didn't I just say to not drink wine? Yes, I did, but I'm going to contradict myself. We've all heard over the years about wine's health benefits and how moderate consumption of wine can reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Combine a daily glass of wine with a brisk, hour-long walk (see #1), and you should be able to burn off the calories in the wine.

6. Meditate/Breathe Deeply

Photo by vicki watkins.

Taking a short break twice a day to concentrate your mind on a single subject (while breathing slowly and deeply) can help reduce stress and anxiety and lower your blood pressure. You don't have to chant if it makes you feel uncomfortable; in fact, the actual "spiritual" mantras don't have any effect on the effectiveness of meditation.

Doctors at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City have run trials for pre-surgery cardiovascular patients in which patients received guided meditation and yoga instruction, among other New Age-y sounding benefits. Patients who used meditation tapes pre-surgery recovered faster than patients who opted not to use any of the relaxation techniques, whether or not the tapes contained "real" mantras (some contained relaxing-sounding gibberish).

If meditation can help patients who need open-heart surgery, imagine what it can do for you.

7. Stretch Your Muscles

Photo by David Spinks.

How many of us have careers that allow us to move all day? Probably not many. Most of us sit in front of a computer with the posture of a jumbo shrimp. If you slump in front of a PC (or a Mac, I won't discriminate) for the better part of your waking hours, try getting up every hour and performing some simple stretches. You don't even have to get out of your chair if you don't want to.

Stretching doesn't just increase range of motion, it actually acts like low-impact strength training for your muscles. Stretching can increase blood flow and energize an office-bound body. Stretching doesn't have to be dramatic or particularly athletic, it just has to be consistent. So set a timer on your computer and do a little stretch once an hour, concentrating on different muscle groups (neck, arms, back, legs) until your whole body is lightly worked.

8. Spend 10 Minutes Outside

Photo by Office Now.

Although you're probably not suffering from rickets, assuming you enjoy being outside, spending time there is a good way to get a boost of vitamin D and some fresh air — if you can find some fresh air where you live. Vitamin D deficiency, which is chronic in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, can increase the risk of many chronic conditions and illnesses. If you can rectify this by standing outside for a few minutes a day and absorbing a bit of sunlight, why not do it? Standing outside is (so far) free.

9. Cut Back on Caffeine

Photo by D'Arcy Norman.

Unless you are experiencing negative side effects from caffeine, it's not something that necessarily has to be eliminated from your day completely. But what if you are? If you're taking in too much caffeine during the day, you may find yourself jittery and nervous, or experiencing problems with indigestion or severe heartburn. Caffeine is a funny kind of drug — it's probably the only socially acceptable addiction, and there are many ways to get your daily fix. If you do consume caffeine on a regular basis, try getting it from drinks that are not highly processed. Choose coffee over Mountain Dew, for instance. Coffee is much lower in calories, and coffee also has antioxidant properties that make it an attractive drink.

10. Drink a Cup of Tea

Photo by Renato Ganoza.

Drinking a cup of tea is healthy and a smart way to get the aforementioned caffeine fix. Tea can help lower blood sugar, increase metabolism, and offer a nice excuse to socialize. Stick to decaf tea if you want to drink it later in the day, but caffeinated is perfectly fine for morning. If you don't particularly like tea, it's possible that you are brewing it wrong. Green tea needs to be brewed at a much lower temperature than black tea, for instance.

11. Sleep More

Photo by Umberto Salvagnin.

Sleep deprivation makes you fat. Seriously. When your body is low on energy, it will burn less energy than it usually does and hang onto calories that you don't need. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes.

In a culture that never seems to unplug, and where bragging about lack of sleep is almost a hobby, getting enough rest to recharge your body may seem impossible. But remember, there is really nothing glamorous about being overworked and miserable, no matter what your buddies in investment banking may tell you. Sleep is incredibly important to your health.

There may be any number of reasons why you aren't getting enough sleep, from bad sleeping habits to working overtime to stress or sleep apnea. If there is one single thing that you can do to improve your health today, getting more sleep should take priority.

12. Watch Less TV

Photo by dullhunk.

Watching less television may be the key to getting more sleep if you are suffering from lack of Zs. Do you find yourself gazing glassy-eyed at the local news at 11 p.m., as dingbat reporters try to find some sort of local connection between a horrible world event and the area you live in? It's time to cut back on television. After all, you can get your news from the radio or the internet. Do you stay up late, trying to cram all your TiVo'd episodes of "The Amazing Race" into a single evening? Consider choosing one of two television shows to concentrate on, then skip the rest. Trust me, your life won't be any less rich if you miss a season or two (or the entire span) of "The Apprentice."

13. Laugh Your Ass Off

Photo by Phil Scoville.

The benefits of laughter are probably obvious to anyone who has ever had a laughing fit, the kind where you feel like you might burst or pee. Laughter reduces stress, and the best part? It's easy to come by. Rent whatever kind of silly movie makes you guffaw. Spend time with people who have you rolling in the aisles. Make a point of attending stand-up comedy nights. You don't have to be an all-around mirthful person (although it wouldn't hurt), because even grumps can benefit from a couple of hours of medicinal giggling.

14. Quit Smoking

Photo by Curran Kelleher.

Do we really need any details on this one? Everyone knows how terrible smoking is for you. Just stop it. It's gross.

15. Eat One (More) Serving of Fruit

Photo by the Italian voice.

How awesome is fruit? Seriously, think about your favorite fruit and how much you enjoy it. What is it? Pineapple? Bananas? Blueberries? Tomatoes? Peaches? Now give yourself the gift of eating a single serving of that fruit, fresh or frozen (but not canned) once a day. You get fiber, nutrients, and a happy mouth. Some fruits, like peaches, are only in season for a short while, so buy them frozen at Trader Joe's or Costco and throw them into a protein shake in the morning. Or cook them with some white wine and chilies and put on top of baked fish. Find a way to incorporate your favorite fruit into your day. It's a treat AND a healthy choice.

16. Exercise Your Brain

Photo by Jay Bergesen.

We don't really know if doing small brain exercises, like crossword puzzles or Sudoku, can really help stave off dementia in old age. But small brain teasers that can be performed during, say, your lunch hour, are a good way to help increase your memory capacity. Puzzles and quizzes are also a good way to pass idle time when waiting in line or on public transit. You can zone out while still engaging your brain. Don't feel like working on a puzzle? Try keeping a journal. Even if you simply write down the most mundane things that have happened to you at the end of the day, being forced to remember what happened since you got out of bed every morning is a good mental exercise, and it can help to recap your day right before bed.

17. Smile More

Photo by amrufm.

It can be hard to smile when you don't feel happy, but conjuring up happy thoughts and really putting on a (sincerely) happy face can better your mood and the moods of those around you. Facial feedback hypothesis indicates that doing away with your scowl, at the very least, can have real positive effects on your emotions.

18. Take Your Fish Oil

Photo by Stephen Cummings.

Look, it's not my favorite supplement, either. The pills are big, and I always end up burping a gross, fishy scent for a couple of hours. But fish oil may fight depression and anxiety, and maybe help stave off cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. Unless you are allergic to fish, there's really no reason not to take it. Other than the fishy burps, and that's not a good enough reason.

19. Take a Hot Bath

Photo by elly jonez.

Taking a warm bath might not be the greenest way to relax, but a hot bath can help lower your blood sugar, relax aching muscles, and help you sleep better. It's not something that should be done every single day, but after a long walk in the park or on a cold evening in the winter, a good, long soak in the tub can be just what the doctor ordered.

20. Make Love, Not War

Photo by Jean Koulev.

Seriously, having sex is not just awesomely fun, sex is good for you. Oh, yes, there are risks, so take your precautions and don't do anything stupid. But if you have a partner who you trust and who trusts you, seriously, get it on. Regularly. If you have a choice between arguing about whose turn it is to do the laundry and having hot monkey sex with your significant other, which one appeals more?

Please say "hot monkey sex."

21. Floss Your Teeth

Photo by D. Sharon Pruitt.

Sure, flossing is significantly less interesting than having regular, rewarding sex, but it can help with your sex life by preventing gum disease AND tooth decay, because no one wants to make sweet, stress-relieving love to someone with a mouth full of rotting teeth. Yes, flossing is incredibly boring. But it's also very easy, and inexpensive, and good for you. So do it.

22. Adopt a Pet

Photo by Andrea Karim.

Assuming you have the financial capacity and living situation that makes this viable, having a pet can be a wonderful experience. You'll need to choose the right kind of pet (fish aren't good for cuddling, many lizards are difficult to walk in a leash, horses make lousy apartment dwellers) and do all of your research into diet and other needs before adopting. Look first for animals at shelters that need homes, rather than to for-profit pet stores or illicit breeders. Animals offer companionship and a hefty dose of regular unintentional hilarity (see photo above for example — that is my dog doing his best to look dignified after falling face-first into a mud puddle).

Dogs are great socializers, and the regular walks that they require will force you to get outside and walk more (which satisfies #1 and #8). Cats may not get you outside much, but they offer comfort and warmth and force you to replace your window treatments once every five years or so.

23. Get a Massage

Photo by o5com.

It can be hard to believe that something as indulgent as massage therapy can really have health benefits, but massage is great for your health. From increasing circulation and flexibility to easing muscle aches and pinched nerves to improving brain wave activity, massage combines good feeling with healthy living. Massage can also be expensive, so seek out daily coupon email deals, massage schools, willing friends, and subscription packages from lower-priced massage centers like Massage Envy.

24. Plant a Garden

Photo by Ajith Kumar.

Gardening is a wonderful activity that allows you to spend hours outside, playing in the dirt. Think of it as childhood revisited. But unlike childhood, when playing in the dirt merely meant getting dirty, gardening as an adult can offer a bounty of rewards, from fresh flowers to fruits, vegetables, and herbs that will improve your diet and impress your friends.

Even if you don't have a yard, container gardening can offer plenty in the way of fresh tomatoes and enviable basil yields. Just find a sunny spot in your condo and tend your pots regularly. Dry, pickle, or preserve whatever you can't finish during the growing season, and keep the excitement of homegrown goodness year-round.

25. Take a Fiber Supplement

Photo by Nathan Jones.

If you already eat the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, getting more fiber might not be necessary. But if you eat a typical American diet, you're probably a bit low on fiber at the moment. Although taking fiber won't replace eating well, it can help even the dietetically challenged by making you feel fuller and by giving your colon a good ol' cleansing. You don't need to take anything special, just have a glass of water with some Metamucil or Benefiber in the morning before breakfast and again before dinner. If you want something that feels more like a treat, you can try some of those fiber gummy bears (they really are delicious).

Fiber can help lower cholesterol and fight heart disease, as well, in addition to keeping you...you know, regular.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more Health and Beauty articles from Wise Bread.

Which Salt Is Best?

Andrea Karim — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:36:36 +0000

The salt that we consume is mostly composed of sodium chloride, and any other color or flavor that you get from it, other than saltiness, comes from either impurities or additives. That's salt, in summary.

Salt is a necessary part of our diet, so important that it has been used as pay (the word "salary" may come from the Latin word for salt), and wars have been fought over access to salt mines. Whether harvested from the ocean or underground mines, we can't live without salt.

The taste of salt is one of five tastes (salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami) that the human tongue can identify without the help of the olfactory system. But salt does more than simply make our food taste salty; salt enhances the flavors of the various ingredients in our food. When you add salt to, say, a pot of chicken curry, it not only tastes saltier, it reacts with the curry powder to make the curry taste different. Salt can even temper spicy food. Don't believe me? Sprinkle some table salt on a slice of fresh jalapeno and notice how easy it is to eat without your mouth busrting into flames. (See also: 8 Natural Ways to Make Water More Flavorful)

What Kinds of Salt Are There?

Until recently, most Americans lived rather contentedly with the idea that there was one kind of salt — table salt. It's easy to use, cheap to buy, and always on the tabletop at Denny's. Of course, if you peruse the salt section of any grocery store, you'll see more and more salt choices added to the shelf every day. What are all of these salts good for? And what is the difference between them?

Table Salt

Table salt is the cheapest and most readily available type of cooking salt. No matter what tiny podunk town you live in, your corner gas station probably sells cardboard containers of Morton's salt. Table salt is highly refined, with very few impurities, and as such, is the saltiest tasting of all culinary salts. It often has added anti-clumping chemicals, like sodium aluminosilicate. Table salt's small granules are easily dispensed through a salt shaker and dissolve quickly in water.

Table salt is also generally iodized, meaning that it has had iodine added to it. Iodine is a necessary chemical that our bodies use to process nutrients. An iodine deficiency can lead to goiters, which occur when the thyroid gland swells up. It's a problem that has been largely eliminated in the United States since iodine was introduced to table salt. Although the processing of salt removes minerals and other impurities, it does not make the salt "unnatural" or dangerous, the way that, say, heavily processing corn and soy to remove all of the fiber makes them less healthy for human consumption.

Table salt is nice and cheap, as low as $0.40 per pound.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is referred to as kosher not because it is processed in accordance with Jewish law (although there really isn't a way to process salt that is offensive to Jewish law), but because it is used in the koshering process. In the koshering process, kosher salt is sprinkled on meat to draw out the blood, blood being considered an impurity. The shape of kosher salt crystals allows a more efficient dehydrating of surrounding materials. Kosher salt is sometimes (correctly) referred to as "koshering salt."

Kosher salt is often favored by chefs because of its shape — it is composed of flakes, rather than the very small granules that you will see in table salt. This makes it easy to pinch, if you are the type of cook (like my husband) who likes to keep a small bowl of salt by the stove. If you add kosher salt right before eating, the flakes don't dissolve quickly enough, and you will find a slight crunchiness followed by an explosion of salty flavor when you bite down on the salt flakes.

Kosher salt is more expensive than table salt, but still relatively inexpensive compared with sea salt. Kosher salt is approximately twice the cost of table salt, occasionally more.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is, once again, sodium chloride, but instead of being harvested in underground mines, it is harvested from evaporating pools, either in salt lakes or from the ocean, hence the name. Sea salt frequently contains minerals and other impurities that give it a grayish color and flavor distinct to its region. Fleur de sel ("Flower of the sea" in French) is a variety of sea salt that is harvested during the peak of summer and often has a higher mineral-to-salt content, and a briny, ocean-like flavor/scent. Sea salt's shape can vary from fine powder to large chunks to shavings.

Because so much sea salt is harvested by hand, it is more expensive than kosher and table salt, although the price varies dramatically, depending on the source, brand, packaging, and market audience.

The cost of sea salt varies quite a bit. I've seen it for as cheap as $1.30 per pound and as much as $17 per pound, depending on the source, packaging, and intended audience.

Himalayan Pink Salt

There are a number of things to keep in mind about Himalayan pink salt, and the most important is that the hype surrounding it is just that — hype. The way that Himalayan pink salt is sold, you would think it was harvested by meditating Buddhist monks in the purest, most untouched areas of Nepal, but most pink salt actually comes from Pakistan, a decent distance from the Himalayas. Food writers and "alternative" medical practitioners love to wax rhapsodic about pink salt, its "curative" properties, and its use in traditional "healing." Mind you, none of the medical claims about pink salt have any non-biased published data to back them up. For example, you might hear that the salt was "crystallized miles below the surface of the Earth, protected from modern day polution." Well, yes, but most mined salt is. You might read that it is the "purest salt on Earth" — if it were pure, it wouldn't be pink. You might read claims that the people of the Himalayas have prized this salt for thousands of years, and that it is known for its healing properties. I defy you to find anyone who lives in the Himalyas who has heard of pink salt.

It's salt. Mined salt. And it's pink because it has iron oxide in it. Not enough iron to keep you from being anemic, but enough to make the salt pink. That's it — iron. So it's not really pure — the whole reason that table salt is so salty is because table salt is the purest salt you can find; the purer the salt, the sharper the taste. Table salt has had impurities and minerals removed from it, which is why it is so white and lacks any additional flavor other than saltiness.

Other writers are prone to saying things like this: "Himalayan salt can be a natural and chemical-free alternative to traditional table salt." Never mind that salt IS a chemical, statements like this are simply idiotic.

Himalayan salt prices aren't as high as some of the more gourmet sea salt costs. You can buy 12 oz. of Himalayan salt in a mill for $6, which is a little over $7 per pound.

Smoked/Flavored Salt

Smoked and flavored salts are popular gifts for foodies — very few things seem to make a man with a BBQ happier than a jar of specially smoked salts. Smoked and flavored salts can really enhance the flavor of meat and vegetables, especially if applied right before eating.

There isn't anything terribly special about the chemical composition of a flavored salt granule. It's just sodium chloride that has been coated with flavor or mixed with other ingredients to provide a flavor other than saltiness. You can save yourself a pretty penny by making your own flavored salts, but there are lots of interesting versions out there to try. At my local grocery store, I counted 15 different flavored salts, everything from green tea salt and smoked salts to lemon salt and even merlot-flavored salt (an intriguing purple color).

Of course, one of the cheapest and most delicious flavored salts has been around for a while — garlic salt. Garlic salt is made of salt, powdered garlic, and other herbs. It's a real life-saver in a pinch when the homemade marinara you made from hot house tomatoes tastes a little bland.

The cost of flavored salts varies widely — garlic salt is among the cheapest (you can even make your own garlic salt if you are feeling industrious), but I saw flavored salts selling for as much as $10 an ounce at my local store.

Salt Substitutes

There are a number of salt replacement mixes available on the market, many of which contain potassium chloride, which is meant to mimic the flavor of salt without actually providing an increase in sodium consumption. However, potassium chloride is hard on the kidneys and isn't always a great substitute. Salt substitutes perform poorly in taste tests, although reviewers on Amazon seem to appreciate NoSalt.

Which Salt Is Healthiest?

Salt is something we need in our diets. Of course, many of us get too much salt, which can lead to hypertension and other health problems, so it never hurts to cut back a little. But if you are going to choose a salt, is there a type of salt that is better for you than any other? That depends — are you iodine deficient? If you are, then table salt, which has iodine added to it, is your best bet.

There are some who would claim that the minerals that remain in gourmet sea salts are good for you, and while that's technically true, the amount of these minerals found in sea salt is minuscule — not enough to make a difference in the nutritional value of salt. So, when choosing a "healthy" salt, your best bet is to buy the salt that you enjoy the taste of, and use it as sparingly as possible.

Which Salt Is the Most Affordable?

Pound for pound, table salt is still the cheapest salt that you can buy, and it offers a dose of iodine that keeps your thyroid working well. Kosher salt is slightly more expensive, but tends to score very well in taste tests.

The cost of salt can vary from $0.36 per pound to a whopping $36 per pound! That's a 100-fold increase!

Which Salt Tastes Best?

Finding a delicious salt is entirely up to the individual palate. Slate's Dan Crane performed a taste test of various salts on two separate occasions, pitting a salt substitute against table salt and several fancy salts. Although he doesn't say so explicitly, it appears as though the taste testers were aware of which salt they were tasting, and exposed to the salt containers as well (as such, I imagine some of the tasters might have been swayed slightly by the lovely packaging on the more expensive gourmet salts). Despite this, kosher salt tested very highly, especially when taking cost and lack of pretty packaging (compared with much more expensive salt brands) into account.

Cook's Illustrated ran a series of salt taste tests as well, and the results were mixed — table salt did well in baking, sea salt did well when sprinkled on roasted meat, and all salts performed the same in the taste test involving chicken stock. This doesn't suggest that all salts are the same, but as the writers at Cook's Illustrated suggest, it makes sense to keep pricier salts on the table, since their texture and flavor is more easily detected if added right before eating.

Do you have a particular type of salt that you like best? Do you buy salt based on flavor, cost, or some kind of combination?

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more Food and Drink articles from Wise Bread.

How to Avoid Getting Hired

Andrea Karim — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:36:06 +0000

Jobs aren't exactly pouring out of every corner of the market right now. Whether you need a full-time job, a part-time bill payer, new clients for your business, or a second job, the market is tight even for the most qualified candidates. This means that in order to be considered for a job now, more than ever, you have to stand out from the crowd as a stellar candidate.

My company is in the process of hiring two new employees. I promote these jobs through my own social networks, and receive lots of inquiries and job applications in the process. I have to admit, even I have been astounded at just how little effort people are willing to make to get hired. I'm assuming that people actually want to earn money and have a career, so why be so half-assed about it?

It's good to have a nice resume that is free from spelling errors, but there's so much more that you have to do right now to show how psyched you are about the job. Here are some examples of shoddy application tactics that I have come across in the past week alone. If you want to ensure that you don't get hired, please use these tactics.

Pass Up an "In"

My company recently decided to hire a new salesperson and a new customer support representative. I was in charge of writing up a job posting and helping to publicize it. I received a LinkedIn message from someone I have done business with, asking about the customer support position. He spoke passionately about his desire to help customers and his experience running a business. He seemed enthusiastic and ready to get started. Unfortunately, he lacked the technical skills required for the position.

That said, I know he's a smart guy who can sell stuff, so I mentioned the sales job in lieu of the highly technical job, and asked if he was interested. Silence. Not having heard back 7 days later, I followed up over LinkedIn. After 2 more days of silence, I figured that the LinkedIn messaging system was wonky, and sent him an email asking if he had received my messages. A few minutes later, I got a reply.

"Thanks for your messages. I've been really busy with my job and stuff. I'll guess think about the sales job and maybe get back to you."

Oh, yes, please go ahead and do so. No, really, take your time. In the meantime, my company is going to hire people to fill both roles. Had you responded with a resume outlining why you would be good for the job, there might have been a chance that, even if you weren't hired for the job, you'd be kept on file, with me as a reference from within the company. But now, there's no way I will ever recommend you for a job here, or anywhere.

Be Slow to Respond

Because the job market still sucks, when companies hire these days, they do so because they really need to fill a position quickly. Some companies (especially larger companies or governments with big HR bureaucracies to contend with) move slower than others, but all companies expect you to respond quickly to them. It's an unfair imbalance that you just have to face if you want to get hired.

So, if you don't want to get hired, take at least 72 hours to respond to any email or phone call from a potential employer. That gives the employer a good idea about how likely you are to get projects done on time. I have experience with this mistake firsthand, as I lost a number of job opportunities by being too casual in replying to hiring managers.

Apply Online and Let It Go

The internet is fun and entertaining. It is also a black hole for job applications. If you apply for a job through an email address, you have at least a slight chance of slipping through to the final pile with a stellar resume and cover letter. But if you apply through a website for a large company, you're that much more of an anonymous entity. All your resume formatting might be stripped away, and you're just another poor schlub looking for work at JCPenney*.

By all means, do this. Whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to make any personal contact at the company you want to work at. Do not go to the jewelry counter at Fred Meyer and chat up the manager about working there. Do not admire the way they do business or compliment them on how professional the staff is. Never send a hand-signed letter personally asking the manager to keep an eye out for your online application.

Just keep plugging your name into the website application. Don't make yourself memorable.

Do Not Provide a Good Cover Letter

Cover letters prove that you read the job posting and are not just blindly sending job applications out. So you should definitely avoid crafting one that calls out the job requirements and how you meet or exceed them.

Show Your Inability to Do Research

It's actually not that unreasonable for an employer to expect hires to know what a company does, or sells. Now, it's not always your fault that you can't immediately determine what a company does, because some firms are notoriously bad at explaining their business on their web sites. For this reason, there's no shame in asking a company to send you more info — white papers, brochures, case studies, so that you can get a better grasp on what they do and how they do it.

So don't do this. Should you get a job interview, show up utterly unaware of what your potential employer does. Also, it helps if you don't remember what the job title was or what your responsibilities might be.

Follow Up Incessantly

A few weeks ago, I was looking around my home, which resembles a tract house in Arizona that has been taken over by homeless squatters. Sighing, I searched for and located a few small businesses in my area that help with home organization. I emailed a few of them, and heard back within a few days for each. I then found myself struggling to find time to meet with them, between work, some vacation time that I had haphazardly planned, and a bit of recovery time after surgery.

One business in particular seemed genuinely interested in earning my business, so interested that the owner emailed me every three days for nearly a month, asking if I was ready to meet.

There's persistence, and then there's stalking. If you want to alienate a potential client or employer, by all means, badger them until they take out a restraining order. Do not stick to a single thank-you-for-your-time note. Go all out and show up at their house for Thanksgiving with the bits of their fingernail clippings that you've been collecting from their garbage bin. They'll be touched that you care so much.

Demand More than the Market Pays

The job market sucks right now. I don't want anyone to be paid less than they are worth, because people (I'm looking at you, ladies), really need to be careful about ensuring that they are asking for what the market should be paying.

But there's also a reasonable limit to what you can expect to make, and that's probably about 10K more than the posted job pay scale, and only then if you are a super star. When a job is posted as paying 40K, the best way to make sure that you aren't hired is to send a compensation expectation estimate of around 90K.

Do Not Form a Respectable Online Presence

One of the first things that potential employers do upon receiving a qualified application is check out the applicant online. The last thing you want is have a presentable resume, some solid recommendations, and a good, sober-looking picture of yourself up on LinkedIn. If you have such an online presence, people might see it, and think that you are (1) sober and (2) worth hiring.

Also, try to think of LinkedIn as something that only white collar professionals use. That will limit your ability to pitch yourself adequately in the retail industry.

Make sure your Facebook profile is visible to everyone and prominently features the photo of you from the Pimps 'n Hos Valentine's Day party where you passed out in your cousin's driveway with a Brass Monkey in your hand.

On a related note:

Do Not Google Yourself

There are a few other Andrea Dicksons out there in this world. Not a lot, but enough that I still get weekly emails about how my little Bobby is doing in his Toronto-based Little League team. Nevermind that I've never even been to Toronto, I'm sure my little Bobby (or was it Timmy?) is doing just fine. Little Sammy Slugger, that's what we call my kid, the one I've never met, because his mother is another Andrea Dickson. (Despite repeated emails to Kanata Little League to find out what Billy's mother's email address is, I still get the occasional payment request from Canada).

Fortunately, as far as I know, there haven't been any Andrea Dicksons that have been arrested for anything particularly gruesome, so I've been pretty lucky (pity the other Andrea Dickson who tries to get a writing job somewhere only to find that people think she's a sub-par writer for a personal finance web site, amiright?). But not everyone is so lucky — my mother happens to share a name with someone who gets arrested for meth production every few months...in the same town. And she works on the civic guild, so they all get a laugh out of the arrest notices in the local paper.

Anyway, the point is never to Google your name and make sure that there aren't other people out there giving YOU a bad name. If you, heaven forbid, actually Google your name and find out that there is another, let's say, Mike Hunt out there whose name is less than respectable, whatever you do, DO NOT point potential employers to your LinkedIn profile.

What LinkedIn profile, right? You don't use that silly web site! MySpace forever, man!

Have you seen people making egregious job application mistakes recently? Have you made any of these mistakes yourself?

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*This is not a knock of JCPenney — I adore JCPenney.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

17 Uses for Stale Bread

Andrea Karim — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:36:17 +0000

Stale bread is a given in most households; even the best-intentioned foodies will occasionally find themselves staring down a rapidly drying loaf of white bread with no idea how to cope. Throwing away food isn't just a waste of money — it's a downright shame. (See also: Waste Not, Want Not: Stop Throwing Away Your Food!)

Bread is a varied and delicious staple that is delicious fresh and yet still incredibly useful when past its due date. In fact, one of the better supermarket/bakery deals that can be had is bags of day-old bread. A bakery near my house sells large bags of day-old bread for approximately $2, and it includes things like scones, cinnamon rolls, and raisin bread. Perhaps I could bake these things on my own for less, but considering what an untalented baker I am, these leftover bags are a real bargain. Check with your local bakery to see if they sell or even give away their day-old extras — you might even be able to make an entire meal out of a freebie bag of bread.

Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your leftover loaves.

1. French Onion Soup

You can have French onion soup without a cheesy toasty topper. Well, OK, you can, but no one will want to eat it. Try Alton Brown's recipe for the perfect French onion soup, but remember that your bread topping doesn't have to be perfectly even or perfectly round. You can toss a handful of stale bread on top of your soup and still find plenty of room for the cheese to settle in.

2. Easy Soufflé/Quiche

Stale bread and eggs were somehow made for each other. If you love soufflé but aren't in the mood to worry about it rising or collapsing, use this shortcut recipe for cheese, onion, and bread soufflé that is easy as pie. Love having quiche for brunch? You can even use that healthy, high-fiber bread for a delicious weekend quiche.

3. Stuffing/Dressing

Is stuffing too obvious a use for stale bread? It's my favorite, so I can't resist. The only dish at Thanksgiving that I would be heartbroken without, savory stuffing is a sure-fire accompaniment to any poultry-based meal. A small helping of rich, delicious stuffing can save a dry turkey dinner from despair or add some oomph to an otherwise normal chicken sandwich.

Stuffing doesn't always have to be served alongside fowl, though; it's also wonderful next to baked tilapia or oysters. Because stuffing has so many regional variations, you are free to branch out and try out all kinds of different recipes. Stuffing is also very forgiving — it will accept the presence of all kinds of other flavors, including squash, broccoli, spinach, sausage, nuts, cranberries, and more.

4. Breadcrumbs

Just how handy are breadcrumbs? You'll never know until you have your own stash in waiting, ready to top macaroni and cheese and casseroles, to coat your filet of fish or famous fried chicken, to use on top of cakes and cupcakes, or to coat the bottom of a cheesecake when you are low on graham crackers.

Breadcrumbs are incredibly easy to make — just bake your stale bread on low heat (say, 150°F) in your oven or toaster oven until the bread is extremely dry and brittle. Then place the bread in your blender or food processor and churn until you have a golden brown crumbs. Further drying can be achieved in the oven or on the counter.

You can add herbs and salt if you want a savory mix for dishes. Add some brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and coconut flakes for a delicious ice cream topper, or leave the crumbs plain for versatility.

Freeze breadcrumbs in an air-tight container for maximum storage time.

5. Meat Loaf

Probably one of the best-known uses for stale bread, meat loaf can be a family favorite if you make it right. Breadcrumbs are often added to meat loaf in order to add heft and save money, and they can also act to make meat loaf more tender by keeping the protein separated. The best meat loaf recipe that I have ever tried called for crushed saltine crackers, but crumbled stale bread is a logical (and inexpensive) substitute.

Meatloaf doesn't just have to be made out of beef, of course. Salmon loaf (top with dried dill and sour cream) makes a wonderful treat either hot or cold.

Did I forget to mention crab cakes? Like meatloaf, crab cakes are held together by a small amount of egg and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs (also, I've learned that using one chopped scallop per crab cake will add a certain cohesiveness to the patty without changing the flavor). Used canned crab for the best, and cheapest, results.

6. Refreshed Bread

OK, so let's say that what you really want is fresh bread. You can always refresh your stale bread using this trick.

7. Cinnamon Toasts

Think you know how to make cinnamon toast? You probably do. But we're talking about cinnamon toasts. You've never made cinnamon toast quite like this. It's the perfect way to use up fluffy-but-stale white bread, and the results last for days and are a perfect treat to take with you to a party (scroll down a bit for the recipe and pictures).

8. Bisques and Bread Soups

I'm a big fan of bisque as a pre-meal appetizer (slowly sipping a cup of bisque will help you eat less in your main course), and stale bread is a great carbohydrate that you can use to thicken your soup if you lack potatoes or yams. Just toss the bread in and let it get mushy like the veggies, then blend carefully in batches.

If you don't feel like blending, bread soup is big in Italian cooking, so try out a new recipe while using up leftovers.

9. Bread Salads

Bread salad, also known as panzanella, is a nice change from regular old lettuce-and-dressing and often a hit at parties. Remember that the word "salad" comes from the Latin word for "salt," and it refers to salted things, not necessarily to veggies. If you want to throw a can of artichoke hearts, some sliced tomatoes, a few handfuls of stale bread, some leftover chicken, and some dressing in a bowl and call it a salad, you're well within your semantic rights to do so.

10. Bread Pudding

I don't have a big sweet tooth — I can honestly pass on most candy, ice cream, and even pie. But bread pudding? Nearly impossible to resist. Also, it turns out, it's incredibly easy to make. I avoided making bread pudding because I was terrified that it would end up being as tragic as my cheesecake disaster, but bread pudding is delicious and simple. It's a good way to use up dessert-y breads, but don't let the rosemary loaf go to waste — just combine the flavors with complementary tastes, like rosemary with lemon.

Similar to bread pudding (and yet different) is fruit charlotte. A good way to use up both old bread and excess apples, charlotte may not be the healthiest dessert, but it's certainly among the most warming.

11. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Hey, half the point of grilling a sandwich is to get the bread nice and crispy, and with dried sliced bread, you're already halfway there. To get a perfect grilled cheese, I lightly butter and grill both sides of the bread before applying the cheese. That way, the bread is extra crispy on both the outside AND the inside, and the cheese melts faster.

12. Open Faced Sandwiches/Bruschetta

Feeling like you want less bread and more filling? Toast stale slices, and then top with anything you like, from olive tapenade to leftover meat loaf. Any variation of bruschetta will do, and the crunchy, toasty base will hold together better than fresh bread in the face of moister toppings.

13. French Toast

French toast practically begs for the use of stale bread, and there's no reason to limit this tasty treat to breakfast time — you can enjoy French toast for dinner, too. I personally love all flavors of French toast, but my new favorite involves spreading one side of the stale bread with a light layer of cream cheese (or chevre), and the other side with a tart jelly (like cherry or marmalade) before dipping it in egg batter and cooking.

French toast doesn't have to be limited to large slices of sandwich bread — a popular snack in my household is French toast bites made of slices of tiny French baguettes that are past their prime.

14. Gourmet Croutons

Nothing can be easier than turning stale bread into delicious gourmet croutons for soup and salad toppings. Simply toss the bread in a mixture of olive oil, dried herbs, and salt and toast until golden brown. You can add parmesan cheese after toasting (adding it before toasting might cause some burning).

Croutons are great for fondue and also to top off a particularly gourmet Bloody Mary.

15. Potato/Rice Substitute

Are all carbs created equal? Could you substitute bread for rice or potatoes? There are some who might disagree, but consider that a very popular Moroccan dish is basically a chicken stew poured over day-old bread. You don't even have to make Moroccan bread to make this dish. Just tear us slightly stale bread into bite-size pieces and smother the bread with your own curry, Irish stew, or whatever floats your boat.

16. Bread Dumplings

Semmelknoedel are German dumplings that are a little bit like Italian gnocchi, but are made using stale bread and milk. Enjoy in a soup, topped with mushroom gravy or marinara, alongside meats and fish, or however you like your dumplings. Create a slightly sweeter version (minus the garlic, pepper, and herbs) and eat warm with honey, almonds, and ricotta cheese.

17. Bird Food

OK, I've heard that bread isn't good for birds and all that. I'm sure that the Audubon Society would have me stuffed and mounted for saying so, but seagulls aren't really birds, are they? No, they are just big, flying cockroaches, and bread won't hurt them at all.

Storing Old Bread

How you store your bread depends an awful lot on the kind of bread it is. When I buy "artisanal" loaves of bread from the supermarket, I do so with the understanding that the bread will last approximately four days on the kitchen counter, wrapped in a paper bag and then loosely in a plastic bag. Regular sliced bread from the bread section of the store (as opposed to the actual bakery) can last for as long as two weeks, so long as the last week is spent in the fridge. Your own storage methods and preferences probably depend a great deal on your climate and your ability to spot the first few strands of mold.

Incidentally, if you see a loaf that is just starting to mold, there is no shame in cutting off the fuzzy part and saving the interior.

The freezer, though, is where stale bread goes to await its reincarnated fate. If you've never frozen bread before, Martha Stewart can tell you how to do that. Much of my bread ends up in freezer-safe Ziplock bags, which seem to do the trick. I don't recommend keeping bread frozen for more than six months, but how long you can tolerate the bags of bready scraps might also depend on your type of freezer and how much space you have.

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more Food and Drink articles from Wise Bread.