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Expert Answers to Your Questions |
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BUY HOLIDAY GIFTS ON A BUDGET THIS YEAR |
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Dear Julia,
The holidays are almost here, but I have not yet started my holiday shopping! I have been putting it off because I am on a tight budget. I think a lot of people are on budgets this year. Do you have any advice to help us buy memorable holiday gifts but not spend a fortune?
Ella
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Dear Ella,
Here are eight simple steps you can follow to maximize your time and money this holiday season.
- Before you begin shopping, figure out exactly how much money you can spend on holiday gifts this year. Write down this amount.
- Below your budgeted amount, make a list of each person for whom you need to buy a gift.
- Create an "extra" category, which includes holiday cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, postage and shipping expenses.
- Estimate how much you might realistically spend on the items in your "extra" category.
- Subtract this amount from your overall budget.
- Divvy up the remaining amount and figure out how much you can spend on each person on your list.
- Go through your list and write down three items each person might like. Three gifts per person gives you a better chance of finding at least one of those items on clearance.
- When you shop, choose stores that offer free gift wrapping. And don't forget to shop online, as you might be able to find free shipping!
Happy holidays!
Julia
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HELP CLEAN YOUR DISHES EFFICIENTLY |
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Dear Julia,
I have three young kids, and it seems like the pile of dirty dishes in my house is neverending. Do you have any tips to help my dishwashing routine become faster and more efficient?
Faye |
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Dear Faye,
If you clean your dishes by hand, be sure to treat your hands with care. Remove your rings before dishwashing so water doesn’t get trapped beneath them. And if you’d like to improve the look and feel of your hands while you’re dishwashing, try Dawn® PLUS Hand Renewal With Olay® Beauty. It improves the look and feel of your hands in just five dish washes. Plus, it offers the grease-fighting power you need for your dishes. Be sure to dry your hands thoroughly but gently after you finish the job to help keep your skin looking soft and smooth.
If you prefer to use the dishwasher, be sure to load your silverware correctly. Silverware can nest in the dishwasher, which prevents pieces from getting as clean as they can be. To prevent this, load some with handles up and some with handles down. To save time and water, skip the pre-wash. Simply scrape off large food remnants and use Cascade® ActionPacs™. You can also help save energy by reducing the amount of heat you use. Set your dishwasher on "no heat" or "energy saver" during the drying cycle.
Julia
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HOLIDAY STRESS BUSTERS |
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Dear Julia,
I said I would not let it happen again, but I’m way behind and the holidays are really stressing me out. What are some ways to unwind and relax?
Nicole
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Dear Nicole,
First of all, take a deep breath. It’s the holidays. They’re supposed to be joyous! But I hear you. Here are some old but good ideas:
- Take a nice, long soak in a warm bath — no to-do lists, just you and the suds. Concentrate on relaxing.
- Bundle up, take a walk and enjoy the crisp air. Exercise will lift your spirits and you’ll feel the stress roll off your shoulders.
- Step outside your life. This might sound a little counterintuitive, as you have so much to do, but spend a couple of hours volunteering at your favorite charity, a nursing home or even your kids’ school. Try helping out at a homeless shelter or getting holiday packages ready at your place of worship. It’ll put things in perspective.
Have a great holiday!
Julia
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