Topic “Manage Your Life”

By Margaret Ely (The Washington Post)

Even before winter’s departure, Liliane “Lilly” Lima was ready to welcome brighter skies and warmer weather. The 36-year-old owner and founder of Skilled Maids in Silver Spring, Md., and her staff were putting together a plan to help residents scrub away the season’s dust and dirt.

Now, Lima said, every other call her business receives...

By Aimee Blume (Scripps Howard News Service)

You might find a 2-horsepower motor in a small electric lawn mower, or in your outboard boat motor or in your blender, if you have a Vitamix.

I recently indulged myself with a Vitamix. I’ve been coveting one for 10 years, since I worked at a restaurant that kept one in the prep area. It’s one of those things -- you see it, use it, lust...

By Home & Garden Television (Home & Garden Television)

Think that cleaning your refrigerator (and keeping it clean) takes a lot of effort? Well, chill! Just follow these tips:

1. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl...

By Jessica Grose (Slate)

NEW YORK — Only 10 percent of children receive “high quality” day care, says the National Institute of Child Health Development.

The median yearly salary for day care workers is less than $20,000. Day care is more expensive than rent for families in 22 states. These are the depressing — but not shocking — statistics writer Jonathan Cohn...

By Kasey Trenum (Time2Saveworkshops.com)

Q: We are redoing the landscaping in the front of our house. I’d really like to buy landscape fabric to prevent weeds, but it’s so pricey. Is there a frugal alternative?

A: Many people overlook a very basic, inexpensive resource when it comes to weed prevention: the newspaper. Nothing fancy, just the...