Cleaning out your cabinets on a regular basis will do more than provide you with much needed space in your cabinet. Depending upon how old food stuff and medicines are, getting rid of them could also keep you and your family healthier.

Recently reports have circulated around the internet about a young man that died because he ate pancake mix that was expired. Old food can grow mold spores that are hazardous to your health, especially if you have certain allergies. Since you want your family to stay healthy, cleaning expired foods from your cabinets can go a long way to keeping them that way.

How do cabinets get cluttered in the first place? Many grocery stores have “buy one, get one free” sales that are too good to pass up. The next time you go to the grocery store they have more of the same items on sale and so you buy more. The newer items are placed in front of the older items. Later, after you’ve used the newer ones, you reach back for the other box. Unfortunately, because you didn’t use the older box first, you could be opening a box that has expired.

Be sure to go through your cabinets often to remove old, opened boxes of cereal, crackers, or baking mixes. Besides opening up space in your cabinets, it could also save the life of someone you love.

Take everything out of your cabinets when you clean them, going through each item to ensure it is still good. Throw out anything that is old, expired, or opened that hasn’t been used in a while. Organize the food in your cabinets by moving the items with the nearest expiration date to the front and use those items first.

Go through the cabinet to see what’s still inside that’s good and make a list of the items you need to replace. When you come home and begin to put groceries away, be sure to put the new items behind the older ones. This way you’ll use up the older food before it has a chance to expire.

It is important to clean out your medicine cabinet as well, since expired medicines lose their effectiveness. Some medicines could also become more concentrated the longer they are past their expiration date and could cause serious problems for someone taking them.

Cleaning out your cabinets – food and medicine – is a great way to dispose of things that have expired. Not only can you make more room in your cabinets, you may also keep yourself or someone you love from getting sick.

There are a number of companies that manufacture bins of every shape, size, and material.  You may have heard of companies such as Rubbermaid, Space Saver, and Sterlite, but if you search around you can also find others.  In fact, you can find bins for any organization and storage need you may have.

If what you need to organize is small, look for clear plastic bins with lids on them.  Not only will your items be organized, the lids will keep them from coming out if the box falls and will stop the items from becoming dusty, as well.  Storing like items will make them easier to find, so you may want to stack small bins with similar items in them.

Many people have music collections.  Look for bins that can be hung on a wall as storage.  You can find ones that hold CDs in various numbers.  Organize your collection into styles and then color-code the bins so you can more easily find the CD you’re looking for.

There are multiple bins available that can be used for organizing craft materials.  Scrapbooking, arts supplies, tools and supplies for beading, and other crafts can all be kept in bins.  You can find many that are made specifically for crafts in craft stores, but they can be expensive.  There are cheaper bins that would work as well if money is an issue.

Larger bins and totes can be used for storing clothing that is out of season.  You may want to label the bins so you have an idea of what is in each one.  Bins with lids will keep out water and bugs if they are stored in a basement.  This size bin can also be used as a toy box for your children’s larger toys.  Get a wooden case with open areas to organize and store smaller toys such as building blocks, cars, or doll’s clothes.

Use open bins to help organize the shelves in your kitchen cabinets to keep smaller boxes, spices, and flavorings together.  You can also use tall plastic bins with lids to store different varieties of noodles so you can quickly find the right type for cooking.

Storage bins can be used in virtually every area of your home for organizing.  Use shallow open bins for organizing office supplies in your desk drawers.  These types of bins can also be used in the bathroom to keep your medicine chest in order.  They can even be used in the garage to help keep small items like nuts, bolts, screws, and nails handy and organized.

If you want to get your home organized, bins can be a great way to accomplish this.  Look for the best bin for the job among the many to choose from.  Bins and totes can be found at discount stores, dollar stores, as well as in home improvement stores and on the internet.

If you’ve had clutter in your home for very long you may have become “clutter blind”.  You may not even realize how bad it is but your family members may become irritated and resentful because the clutter is keeping them from inviting guests over or being able to find what they need.

Clutter does more than just wear on your family’s emotions.  It may become a way to avoid dealing with what is going in your life – a way to insulate you from something that has hurt you.  Some people hold on to clutter because they’ve had tragedies in the past and are afraid to let go.  Letting go, however, is necessary if you want to reclaim your home, your family, and your life.

Many people with seriously cluttered homes may want to clear the clutter from their homes, however, they are overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” and don’t know where to start.  Starting to de-clutter is often the hardest thing, because they know that after getting started, they then have to face the task of letting go.

Families that have a lot of clutter to live with may experience any of the following:

* Frustration and anger over the amount of clutter
* Family battles over getting rid of things
* Shame or guilt to the point they won’t let anyone come into their home
* Depression and feeling stuck in a situation of their own making
* Feelings of being overwhelmed by the clutter and life

After the clutter is cleared away you may find that you feel relief, appreciation for the items you’ve kept, appreciation for your family and home, more clear headed, better able to make decisions, more focused, and productive.

There will also be less tension and fighting among family members.  It’s amazing how much more people are able to relax when the home is clutter free.  You’ll also be amazed that you’ll actually have more time for your family because you won’t be wasting so much time looking for things.  What’s more, you and your family will be able to actually invite friends over without fear of embarrassment or being ashamed because of amount of clutter in your home.

Clutter makes your home an unorganized stressful environment.  When you are able to let go of the clutter and organize your home you’ll be thrilled at the transformation that takes place.  So start today, and just get rid of 10 items of clutter.  That’s all, just 10.  Store them, donate them, or just plain throw them away.  In no time, you’ll have an organized home and a happy family, and you’ll feel much better about yourself.

Routine maintenance is important for your car all year long, but during colder weather you want to be sure your car will keep you warm and not break down and leave you stranded.  If you’re one of those that procrastinate, you may not want to wait too long to winterize your car.

There are a number of things any car owner can do to prepare their car for winter.  However, some systems are best checked by a qualified mechanic.  For instance, brakes need to be inspected by a mechanic because they are such a vital component of your car to keep you and your family safe.  A mechanic can make sure your brake pads are adequate, but you can check the brake fluid to ensure it is at the correct level.

You obviously want to make sure the antifreeze level in your radiator is adequate.  The antifreeze mix should be at least 50 percent antifreeze to 50 percent water.  Some professionals recommend a 60:40 mix, especially if the area you live in gets extremely cold in the winter.  Follow the instructions given in your car owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

If it’s been a while since you’ve checked the electrical system in your car, now would be a good time to do so.   Check the alternator belt, and other belts in the system, to ensure they’re in good condition.  Make sure the battery is charged.

No one will argue about the benefits of maintaining the proper pressure in your tires.  You can save on fuel consumption by keeping them properly aired up.  The tread depth and proper inflation can also help with traction on snow and ice.

Change the oil and oil filter before the weather turns bad.  Ensure the all of the exterior lights – turn signals, brake lights, emergency lights – all work properly.  Now would also be a good time to check that the windshield wipers are in good shape.  Verify that your defrosters are working properly, too.

Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle at all times.  The purpose of the emergency kit is to be prepared just in case your car breaks down and you’re stranded.  The kit might include:

First aid kit
Blankets
Extra gloves for each family member
Flares
Snow shovel
Tire chains
Kitty litter
Spare Tire
Jumper cables
Flashlights and extra batteries
High energy food, like energy bars, and water

Is your car prepared for the winter? With the above list of items, you know what items are important to check and keep in your vehicle to ensure you and your family arrive at your destination or are able to survive in case of a breakdown.

Although hermit crabs are advertised or thought of as cheap and easy to maintain, there are some things that are important to consider if you want to keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy.  When kept at the proper conditions and in the right environment, hermit crabs have been known to live for 6 to 15 years.  Most, unfortunately, will only live for about 6 to 12 months.

A glass terrarium makes the best choice for the hermit crabs.  The glass helps to keep the temperature and humidity at the proper level.  There should also be a proper airflow to help cut down on mold and bacteria.

Inside the terrarium there should be enough suitable material lining the bottom to allow the largest hermit crab to dig down, about twice the height of the crab should be sufficient.  Materials that you can use include sanitized beach sand, quality play sand (not used for construction), crushed coral, fine river pebble, and damp coconut fiber.

You will also need to create two different ponds for your hermit crab by using non-metallic, non-porous dishes.  One is for fresh water and one is for ocean water.  Adding sea sponges to the water dishes will help maintain the humidity and moisture in the hermit crabs’ environment.

Under the tank you will need to place a heat pad made especially for small animals and reptiles.  It gently warms the glass and sand, but you will still need to regulate the temperature of the sand by installing a thermostat at sand level.

Hermit crabs are nocturnal animals and therefore are most active at night and least active around noon.  They do not bite, but will pinch using their strong front claws.  These same claws are used for climbing, so hermit crabs are proven escape artists.  Be sure that your enclosure does not offer them any chance to break free.

Because the hermit crab has no natural outer protection, you need to provide shells for the molting process.  Young hermit crabs may molt several times a year, otherwise the molting typically will occur about once every 12 to 18 months.  Molting crabs often bury themselves in the substrate and will remain buried for the entire process.  Do not disturb molting crabs.

There are two varieties of hermit crabs most often sold in stores.  The Purple Claw Crab is usually the more aggressive and can be prone to pinching.  The Ecuadorian Crab is the sweeter choice.

Although the hermit crab may seem to be the easiest pet around, it does require some care and special housing.  If you are able to meet these needs then the hermit crab is a fun and entertaining addition to any home.

Freshwater aquariums are generally the least expensive and easiest to maintain.  The smallest size to start out with is probably a good 20 gallon tank.  Be sure to use water that is non-chlorinated.  Fish should be added no more than two at a time and then time given for the water (and good bacteria) to adjust to the new occupants – this is known as cycling.

Maintaining good water quality is the key to healthy and happy fish.  It requires the optimal filtration system for the size tank and the number of fish.  You will also need to purchase lights and accessories for the tank.  All together, the start-up costs for a freshwater tank can run from about $200 and go up from there.

There are an amazing variety of fish that live in fresh water, and they come in almost every shape and color that you can imagine.  The fish that you choose should be able to live together and be comfortable in the space that you are willing to provide.

Dwarf Gourami are small, peaceful fish and can be found in several different colors.  They are well suited to smaller aquariums and community aquariums.

The Red Eye Tetra is a great beginner fish and easily adapts to a community tank.

Angelfish are peaceful and easy to care for.  They are a popular aquarium fish because of their great color variety.  They make a good choice for the community aquarium.

Rainbowfish are small and colorful (as the name implies).  They tend to swim at the top of the water and can fill a void in most tanks.  They are hardy and active and can do well in a semi-aggressive aquarium.  It is a schooling fish and prefers to live with six or more of the same species.

Bettas (Siamese Fighting Fish) will fight aggressively with one another, but will typically be okay in community tanks with other species of fish.  They come in a beautiful array of colors and their long, flowing fins make them prized additions to the freshwater aquarium.

Swordtails can make a wonderful, and colorful, addition to the passive community aquarium.  They are school fish and will do best in groups of five or more.

Fish can be a relaxing and entertaining addition to your home and your family.  Although they are relatively easy to maintain, they do require some basic needs (like space and oxygen) that should be considered before you purchase your pets.

Hamsters

Hamsters are small (about 6 inches), typically solitary animals.  They are nocturnal by nature, and may be temperamental when handled.  Raising hamsters from babies is the best way to ensure they will be more agreeable, but they can still be biters – and the bites can be very painful.  Most hamsters only live for about 2 to 3 years. But they make great first pets for older kids (3rd – 6th grade).  I had about 3 hamsters when I was growing up.  However their short life span may be an issue for those who are more sensitive about things like that.

Things to be concerned about when buying a hamster include:

• Hamsters with runny or sticky eyes, matted fur or runny nose.

• Pet store employees that cannot guarantee the sex of the hamster (you could end up buying a pregnant female – this happened to my sister once when she got a “male” hamster for Christmas, we had about 6 hamsters by New Years!)

• Cages that are overcrowded and not separated by sex (males should be in one cage and females in another).

Gerbils

Gerbils are even smaller than hamsters (about 4 inches), with long tails.  They are very active and very social animals.  They prefer to be with other gerbils, but putting a male and female together is one way to insure that you will get prolific breeding.  Acquire your littermates when they are young to help them get used to one another.  Gerbils can be quite tame, and a pair would be content in a small home (about 1 ft by 2 ft by 1 ft). Gerbils also have short lifespans – about 2 to 4 years.

Gerbils are best housed in a terrarium at least 10 inches by 18 inches (and 10 inches high).  Gerbils are hoppers, so keep the top tightly covered with a mesh lid.  They are also burrowers and need about 6 to 8 inches of material on the bottom (preferably a combination of straw and peat, or sawdust or wood shavings).

There is really only one breed of gerbil sold in stores today – the Mongolian gerbil.  Hybrids of the breed have been developed over the past few years to introduce color variations.  There are some rare, imported species (like the small Egyptian gerbil, the Indian gerbil or the Libyan gerbil or jird) that can occasionally be found in shops today.

Rabbits

Rabbits have traditionally been kept outside, alone, in a hutch. This is not the best place for such social animals. Rabbits make ideal indoor pets. They are friendly, like social interaction, and are typically easy to litter box train.  You can also keep them indoors in a crate like those used for house-training dogs.

Both the female (doe) and the male (buck) can exhibit negative habits as they reach maturity.  The does can become territorial and start nipping.  The bucks can begin to spray their urine to try and attract a mate.  The best way to avoid this is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered when it is at the right age.  Rabbits also tend to chew, a lot.  We had a rabbit for my teenage step-daughter, and would let him roam about the house sometimes.  We lost countless barbie heads (he found them under the beds), one laptop computer cord, and several shoe laces!  So be sure you keep a close eye, and everything is picked up (especially under the beds!)

Rodents like the gerbil, hamster and even the rabbit can make the perfect choice for a first pet. They are easy to care for and do not require a long-term commitment. There are plenty of choices when it comes to family pets. Be sure to pick the one that is best suited to your needs and your home life.

Quite often, women feel they must be superwoman or supermom, regardless how difficult that may be to pull off.  One area where women struggle trying to do everything is cooking.  Follow these cooking tips for busy moms and give yourself a break!

If you’re like many women today, you’re working a full-time job during the day and then come home to put in at least another eight hours taking care of the home.  Finding things that will make your time at home less taxing would be great, especially when it comes to being able to feed your family nutritious meals that they will enjoy.

Truth be told, everyone prefers to eat a good, home cooked meal.  But if you’ve just spent a draining eight hours outside the home, you may not have the energy to cook from scratch.  You can create great meals that don’t take a long time; here’s how:

• Make a plan before going grocery shopping.  Creating a meal plan for at least a week at a time will solve two problems. Firstly, you’ll know what you’re going to fix so you won’t be racking your brain after you come home trying to figure out what to fix.  Secondly, you’ll be able to better control how much you spend because you’ll already know what ingredients you need.

• After you’ve done your shopping, wash all the vegetables and cut them up into the sizes you’ll need for each meal.  This may take a while on the front, but will save you a lot of time when you’re preparing each meal later.  Don’t forget to ask for help from those that are old enough to use a sharp knife.  This will greatly lessen the time you need to spend.

• Make your crock pot your best friend.  This one cooking tool can make your life so much easier, and your family much more satisfied with the meal.  Put your ingredients into the crock pot, turn it on, and leave it alone.  By the time you return home, you’ll have the makings for a great home-cooked meal!

• When you plan a family favorite, prepare more than one meal’s worth.  You can double, triple, or quadruple the amount that you make.  Freeze the separate meals for later use.  When you’re craving a particular meal and don’t have time to fix it, you’ll have one in the freezer; all you have to do is take it out and reheat it.

• If you don’t want to spend an entire day cooking extra meals, plan on cooking enough for one extra meal that you can use as a planned leftover one night.  If you’re using making chili one night, make a little extra that you can add to baked potatoes on another night.

• Stretch your home-made meal with a great tossed or pasta salad.  Salads are quick, easy, and nutritious.  They’re also good to add when you’re having leftovers.  They’ll stretch the meal quite nicely.

You may not be able to be supermom or superwoman, but you can accomplish your goal of providing nutritious, home-made meals even after working outside of the home all day long.  By using these tips, you’ll reduce some of the time you need to prepare those meals.  You might actually find that you have a chance to enjoy your meal, as well, and that should make you feel super!

Cats are very interesting creatures.  Most cats are solitary creatures by nature.  They want to be social when they want to be social and they want to be alone when they want to be alone.  But cats can still be some of the best pets you will ever have.

There are some things that you should think about before bringing a cat home to be part of your family.  Some cats can be aggressive territorial animals (especially the males) and can have a tendency to spray – or mark with urine – their home.  Be sure that you have your cat spayed or neutered as soon as it is old enough.

Most cats are hunters by nature.  If you have other small pets in the house (birds, hamsters or rabbits) then you might want to think twice before bringing a cat into the home.  On the flip side, cats can help to decrease a rodent problem, particularly for homes in the country or in the woods.

There are many breeds of cats – each with their own unique needs, tastes and look, but keep in mind that no two cats (even of the same breed or litter) will be alike.  Although pound cats (those that have been abandoned and are at risk of being put down) often make the best pets, there are still some breeds that you might want to consider for your home.

Breeds of Cats

The Siamese cats were made famous by Walt Disney as being picky, but more often these cats are very social, intelligent and curious.  One distinct factor is their need to talk – often and for a long time.  The Siamese cats are short haired and need very little grooming.

Himalayan cats are needy cats, but they are typically quiet and affectionate.  Because of their long hair, they will probably require more grooming (and shedding WILL be an issue).

The Maine Coon Cat is an American long-haired cat.  It is considered to be very friendly and have a loving spirit.  It is also believed to be highly intelligent.  The patient nature of the Maine Coon Cat makes it ideal for homes with children.

The Ragdoll Cat is another good choice for homes with children.  It is a sweet-natured cat, known (and named) for going limp when picked up.  It is extremely laid back, without an aggressive bone in its body.

The Sphynx Cat is the breed of choice for people who suffer from allergies.  This nearly-nude cat has little or no dander problems, but does require frequent bathing.

The Manx Cat is the tailless cat.  These are extremely playful animals and often exhibit dog-like tendencies (like playing fetch).  It is a one-person breed that will bond strongly with its owner.

Kittens are always a treat for the home, but they all grow up to be cats.  Cats are climbers and jumpers and tend to find a way into everything that you don’t want them in.  But cats are also great at knowing just when you need loving support, and their purr is the perfect stress reliever from the world outside.

Things to Think About In Deciding If a Dog Is the Right Pet for your Family:

Dogs are social and do best when not left alone.  If you are not going to keep the dog inside then consider getting two dogs so that they can keep each other company.  You will need to plan on spending plenty of time with the dogs so that the dog will feel like it is part of the family.

Socialization takes at least one half hour every morning and about one hour every evening.  The younger the dog, the more time needed.

Dogs love routing – same time, same place.

Dogs are a long-term commitment – with many breeds living twenty years or more.  Be sure you are ready for such a relationship before you commit to having a dog join your family.

Dog Breeds and your Family Pet

If you have decided that a dog is the right pet for you then you need to decide which dog breed you will bring into your family.  Every breed has different needs and typical personalities, but like people, every dog within each breed is unique.  Before you take a dog home, spend some time playing, petting, and getting to know that particular dog.  See how it responds to you and your family.  See if there is a trail period so that the dog can come home and meet the whole family and live a day in the new atmosphere.  Do whatever you can to ensure that the dog you choose is a good fit for you and that you are a good fit for the dog.

The Beagle is a small, friendly dog that needs companionship from human or from other dogs.  It is a pack animal.  It is gentle, tolerant, and typically good with children.  It can be loud – often prone to barking and howling.  The short, smooth coat is easy to maintain.

The Collie was made famous by the television show “Lassie”, and is a dog of grace, speed and strength.  Most often the collie is an intelligent dog that is willing to please.  It makes a gentle friend and is great with children.  Although it is a breed that is wary of strangers, the natural inclination to be friendly keeps it from being the best watchdog.  The smooth-coated collie does not need much grooming.  It needs room to run and plenty of shade and is not recommended for apartment living.

The Greyhound is a wonderful pet and makes a great indoor companion.  Although it is used in racing, it is gentle and quiet – preferring to nap.  It is not a high-energy dog, but does need social interaction (with family or other dogs) to avoid becoming timid.  The breed is loyal and friendly but can be extremely sensitive.  Grooming is easy, mostly because of the short coat.  The skin on the greyhound is thin and so it is sensitive to cold.  It can also have troubles with digestion, so the greyhound should be fed several small meals over the course of the day as opposed to one large meal.

There are many things to consider when you are thinking about bringing a dog into your family, and one of the most important is the long-term commitment to the animal.  Dogs are social animals and they will bond with their family.  Breaking that bond can be harmful to the pet.  Take some time to really think about the long-term place a dog will have in your family before bringing one home.