BACK TO BASICS | by MOLLY MARTIN

OUR OLD STOVE’S ELEMENTS NEEDED REPLACING AGAIN ― or so I thought.

Removed elements and drove to the appliance-parts store. Woman #1 said if the receptacles they plugged into were old, the new elements would keep failing. Easy to replace those receptacles yourself, she said.

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Drove home. Got stove model number. Called store. Woman #2 confirmed they had replacement receptacles in stock. Feeling miserly, decided not to call an electrician and try it myself, first time. Enlisted husband’s help to make sure I didn’t electrocute myself. ID’d corresponding circuit breaker and switched it off. Turned element knob to confirm power was off. Removed one old receptacle.

Drove to store with receptacle. Man #1 looked up part, went into the back, returned with new receptacle. Looked different. He said it would fit.

Drove home. Checked that circuit-breaker was switched to off. Turned knob to confirm power was off. Installed new receptacle. Tricky. Finally fit at one end but not the other ― element didn’t push in far enough to nestle in drip tray. Called shop to confirm right part. Woman #3 said it should fit. Tried again. Called shop. Just closed, Man #2, said not open again until day after tomorrow. Turned power back on. Cooked dinner on one element.

Drove to store Monday. Talked with Man #1, who turned out to also be Woman #3 (high telephone voice), and apologized for giving wrong receptacle. I apologized for calling him a her. He found correct receptacles. Looked like the originals.

Drove home. Turned off power. Installed first receptacle. Turned on power. Worked. Forgot to switch off circuit breaker but luckily wasn’t electrocuted before remembering. Turned off power. Installed second receptacle. Turned on power. Worked.

Now, about those track lights that went out in the bedroom?

Called electrician.

BACK TO BASICS | by SHERRY STRIPLING

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, AN AMATEUR PAINTER with no end to paint-worthy walls, you’ll take any help you can get. For what it’s worth ― and believe me nobody pays me to paint ―here are my favorite paint tools and tips. 

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The 8-in-1 putty knife: I have used this versatile tool for putty, but I primarily use it for scraping. It pries up trim boards, tough plaster, nails. You can use the cut-out to remove paint from paint rollers. Rumor has it you can also use it to open beer.

Blue masking tape: Yes! My woes with pulling paint off as I remove masking tape are gone. You can also use this lightly sticking tape to outline where to put a flat-screen TV.

Quality paint: Frankly, you get what you pay for. I nearly choked recently when I paid $130 for two gallons of exterior paint and a quart of primer but I know it will last. Bonus hint: Find a paint store that keeps track of colors you’ve purchased.

Buy good brushes and take care of them: I’ll pay $25 for a good brush. I clean my brushes every night using a paintbrush comb and warm water or solvent (for oil-based paint). Retain the shape by drying the brush in its cardboard jacket.

Tools I’d like to try:

No-peel or peel-stop primer or a stir-in bonder-sealer-primer adhesion system. Priming is vital. Moisture is your enemy, so take care to paint in dry conditions, allowing time to dry between coats.

Bucket grid: Used to remove excess paint from brushes and other applicators before applying.

Accubrush XT edger or MX edger: I’ve only seen the video and read reviews, but I want one. Sells for $30 (MX) to $100 (kit with both) from Painthelpers through Amazon.

DESIGN | by KAT SPELLMAN

SOMETIMES THINGS LOOK, WELL, JUST MORE ELEGANT AGAINST A DARK BACKGROUND. It’s an easy DIY project and instant update that involves little more than a can of spray paint, a scrap of fabric or a repurposing of things you already have at home.

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• Add visual import to household accessories, nature’s goodies and everyday items. Promote them to a simple thing of beauty by placing them in front of a blank dark canvas. Whether that’s a bulletin board sprayed black, a panel of fabric propped against a wall, or a tiny easel perched on a desk, you’ll look anew at a bundle of moss, a crocheted doily tea-stained with age, or a cancelled postage stamp steamed off an envelope.
• Choose a dark-hued tablecloth or leave that deep-toned wooden table bare for your next dinner party. Simple dinnerware and silver pops against the dark background, conveying a modern, clean feel that’s fresh.
• Transform an eyesore nook or hallway into an instant art gallery by painting it a rich, dark color and accessorizing it with sumptuous picture frames sprayed gold, silver or bronze. A little bit of gloss and sparkle will trick the eye making this once neglected spot a real gem.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING | by CELESTE TELL

WHEN REMODELING A KITCHEN, FLOORING IS A CRITICAL DECISION. For hygienic reasons, many people think that installing hard-surface tile in your kitchen is the best way to go. Yet ceramic, granite and marble tile can take a physical toll on the body, especially as we age.

CORK FLOORING SOURCE: EXPANKO.COM

While commercial kitchens often have hard-surface floors for hygiene and maintenance purposes, professional chefs know that industrial-strength rubber mats have to be added on top to prevent injury, fatigue, and back and leg strain.

For those of us not running full commercial kitchens, wood, bamboo, cork and linoleum are all acceptably hygienic, yet have much more “give” and are easier on aging bones:

Wood. Wood floors provide warmth and beauty. Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood to ensure it comes from managed forests.

Bamboo. Similar to wood, bamboo floors are beautiful, easy to clean — and a renewable resource.

Cork. Cork is a renewable resource made from tree bark. It comes in both tiles and floating floor systems. Cork comes in a variety of patterns and beautiful natural colors.

Linoleum. Unlike vinyl, which is made from petroleum, linoleum is made from linseed oil, a natural substance. It comes in tile and sheet goods in a huge range of colors.

If you love to cook and spend any appreciable amount of time in the kitchen, a softer floor will give you years of healthy payback.

BACK TO BASICS | by JANNA LUFKIN

GIVEN THE RECENT CRISIS IN HAITI, IT’S CRUCIAL THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMLY be prepared if a disaster of any kind occur. By assembling an emergency kit now and dedicating a handy space to store it, you will be set should the need arise.

Here’s what’s essential for the kit:

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• Water: enough for each family member, stored in plastic gallon jugs and rotated quarterly
• Dry or canned food for each family member
• First-aid supplies
• Copies of important documents
• Cash ($200)
• Change of clothing
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight and batteries
• A few toys, books and small games (cards work well)
• Waterproof matches
• Extra house and car keys
• List of contact names, addresses and phone numbers
• Food, water and supplies for pets
• Large plastic bags
• Bar soap, liquid detergent, shampoo
• Toothpaste and brushes
• Feminine and infant supplies
• Toilet paper
• Bleach and an eyedropper for purifying water
• Sturdy shoes
• Sturdy latex and work gloves
• Tent
• Tools: ax, shovel and broom, crescent wrench for turning off gas, screwdriver, pliers and hammer
• Rope, plastic tape and sheeting
• Knife and/or razor blades
• Garden hose

A large plastic storage bin is a good choice to use for your kit. Check out this one from Rubbermaid.

Once your kit is complete, store it in a convenient and easy-to-get-to place. Inside the garage, close to the door is a good option. Review its contents yearly and replace any used or out-of-date items.

There is a multitude of valuable information available on this subject. These and other websites have more good ideas:

• Ready.gov
• FEMA preparedness site
  

This weekend, add pulling together an emergency preparedness kit to the top your to-do list.

CONNECTIONS | by KAVITA VARMA-WHITE

“MOM, WHEN CAN I GET A CELL PHONE?”

“I don’t know … probably when you get to middle school.”

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This conversation apparently transpired between me and my grade-school-aged kids during some car ride a few years ago. (I don’t recall when it happened, since conversations like this take place every time we’re in the car!)

Now the kids ― especially my 10-year-old, fifth-grader daughter, who begins middle school next year ― are holding me to my promise.

While my initial “middle school” answer was arbitrary (I’m sure I thought it was a long way off), research and advice from other parents of middle schoolers are proving it’s a reasonable, appropriate age (at least for my child; all families are different) to have a cell phone.

For tweens, getting a cell phone is a both a step toward independence and a status symbol among friends. It’s also kind of a lifeline to a support group of family and friends, which becomes so important when you enter the middle-school “big pond” world of multiple classrooms/teachers and general adventures in adolescence.

For parents, the benefits are more tangible. You get to keep in touch with your child at all times and you’re provided with a sense of safety and security, especially in emergency-type situations. Texting is a great way for teens to discreetly communicate with parents. Plus there’s the practical aspect, i.e.: “Call me when you need a ride home from soccer practice.”

Like any form of technology, it’s best to establish rules of use. Consider:

• A pre-paid plan with a limited number of minutes so you don’t face extra charges.
• The ability to put limits on what the phone can do, such as turning off web access.
• Devising a plan for monitoring your child’s text messages.
• Have a discussion about serious cell phone issues, such as the dangers of driving while on a phone, cyberbullying and cell-phone etiquette.

WELLNESS | by VALERIE GRIFFITH

I LOVE TO RUN. BUT IT’S STILL HARD TO GET OUT THE DOOR.

A few simple strategies can help keep your running on track: Make it routine. Determine a time you can run each day and stick to it. Ideally, exercise early. Set goals. A mile, a 5K event, a breast-cancer fundraiser, a marathon. Commit to a partner. Celebrate your success by recording daily mileage.

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On a bad day I’ll procrastinate for so long that I never manage to cross that psychological ― and literal ― threshold. So for times when “Just do it” is just not enough, I’ve created this cheat sheet to help me get out the door. I mean, why wouldn’t you run?

• Nothing should come before your health.
• Endorphins. The happy hormones. Produced by high-octane cardio workouts, an endorphin surge delivers a tremendous sense of well-being.
• Running burns calories. A lot of calories.
• The glow. To run is to sweat, which in turn detoxes and revitalizes the skin.
• The body trifecta: Running strengthens the heart, increases bone density and boosts your immune system.
• Stress and running are mutually exclusive.
• Running is a first line defense against depression.
• Energy, energy, energy.
• Every run has at least one unexpected moment of beauty.
• Gratitude. To run is to be blessed ― by a perfect day, a sunset, or a downpour.
• You’ll feel fantastic when you’re done.

WELLNESS | by MOLLY MARTIN

WHEN I TELL FRIENDS ABOUT THE NEW EXERCISES THAT HAVE HELPED MY BACK and I mention the word “core”, most nod knowingly ― until I mention the transverse abdominus and multifidus.

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The new core exercises are much more subtle than pulling your belly button towards your spine. After learning them in physical therapy, I understood them better after observing a workshop for PTs, based on research by some Australian PTs.

The theory: Three key muscles can form a stabilizing cylinder around the spine to protect the back:

• the transverse abdominus or TA, short and cord-like, just inside the hip bone;
• the multifidus, small connectors of the spinal vertebrae;
• the muscles of the pelvic floor.

The research showed that people without back problems contracted those muscles 4/100^th of a second before they moved. Folks who had back problems contracted them when they moved.

So back patients re-learn to contract these muscles before moving and then do other specific exercises, many balancing one way or another.

Most women are familiar with engaging the pelvic-floor muscles via Kegel exercises.  It’s trickier for men: At the PT-training session, some of the therapists said the most effective phrase they found to help men learn this one was, “Scrotal lift”!

The other exercises are difficult to describe (not to mention teach) with words alone. The PTs in the workshop at first had difficulties getting the knack. (“If you’re sure you’re doing it, you’re probably not, you’re contracting too much and engaging larger muscles instead.”)

What to do if you’re interested? Ask a prospective physical therapist if she or he teaches how to engage your TA and multifidus, and refer to the book link above if needed.

I hope you find as much relief from them as I have!

BACK TO BASICS | by DEBRA PRINZING

JUDICIOUS EDITING OF YOUR PLANTS can create a more attractive ― and healthier ― garden. Pruning is one of the most important editing tools for the landscape, but I’m not talking about something that looks like Edward Scissorhands has come to play, or the tightly-clipped boxwood balls, cubes and animals belonging to über-formal estate gardens.

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Gardeners prune to achieve the following benefits:

• Produce better blooms and fruit (think of rose shrubs and apple trees)
• Improve plant health by removing dead and diseased branches (to allow for better air circulation and encourage light to reach healthy stems)
• Rejuvenate overgrown shrubs (eliminating overcrowded stems or limbs encourages the vigorous growth of younger ones)

Pruning is ideally scheduled for late winter, when woody trees and shrubs are in their dormant stage. For the best cuts, use sharp, clean pruners. This avoids ragged edges and prevents the spread of disease from one plant to the next.

Before you start, observe how your trees and shrubs are growing. Stand back; walk around the plant; take note of oddly-angle or wayward stems that might be worth removing. It’s better to prune less than more, so take your time. Make cuts that enhance a plant’s natural form. Cut no more than ¼-inch above the joint of a branch or new bud, to encourage healthy growth. The ideal cut is at a 45-degree angle on an outward-facing bud or branch.

Here are three of my favorite pruning tools:

Felco pruners. The classic red-handled tool is used by the pros. It comes in ergonomic styles and a range of sizes, including small (ideal for women’s hands). You can also purchase replacement blades.

Fiskars pruners. Lightweight and easy to use, this cool tool is designed with ergonomic features to minimize stress on the hand.

Floral pruners. From Wild and Wolf, these are thoroughly pretty and decorated with William Morris wallpaper florals from the Arts and Crafts era. This attractive tool is ideal for cutting back perennials and deadheading roses.

BACK TO BASICS | by JANNA LUFKIN

NO! I’M NOT STARTING A CLEANING SERVICE! But at one time I felt as if I was running one in my “off” hours. I’d get home from work, get dinner organized, then pull out the vacuum and Windex and whirl around the house. One evening while vacuuming I said, “What do you think this is, Janna-torial Service?” It’s a family joke now ― one of my more creative moments. My husband calls my broom “my ride”. Real funny! NOT!

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Honestly, I’m sure I had more in common with the Wicked Witch than Glenda the Good.

Finally it occurred to me that I needed to teach my family what I fondly refer to as “The Daily Basics”.

Work these quick and easy tasks into your day and gently teach your family to lend a hand.

• Hall entrance or mud room: Take off your shoes! It will go a long ways towards keeping the rest of your home dirt-free.
• Bathrooms: Swoosh out the sink and give the mirrors and faucets a quick spritz of window spray. It will shine in no time.
• Bedrooms: If you do nothing else, make the bed.
• Kitchen: Get dishes out of the sink and wipe down the counters. If you have an extra minute, wipe the fingerprints off the fridge.
• Main living spaces: Pick up papers and magazines and give the cushions a quick fluff.

In 20 minutes, you’ll have it done and be out the door.

I’m still the chief cleaner-upper, picker-upper, and yes, I’m the picky one. But now my little cleaning service has blossomed into a family business.