Survival After Seventy-Five

 When invited to a Christmas dinner, bring gifts for hosts and family.

     Take some time to read, write a note to a loved one or simply relax during this busy holiday season.  

      Before stepping out of the shower, wipe tiled walls down with a wash cloth to eliminate mold and mildew.  It only takes about two minutes and saves time and expensive product.  Use tile cleaners about every six months to thoroughly clean and disinfect.

       Use cleanser and a mop to scrub bathtub, and then, rinse tub and mop thoroughly with water.  There will be less stress and strain on your back.

      Save on gas when doing your errands by planning the shortest, most logical route possible.  For example: I go to the bank before I go grocery shopping, use cash, and then, I fill up on gas while I'm out.  In other words, start at point A, drive to point B, on to point C, and then back to point A using the least amount of  gasoline resource.  Do your shopping locally on the same day instead of randomly on impulse.

      When decluttering a room or area, take one thing at a time and decide whether you want to keep it, sell it, give it away or toss it.  If you cannot part with an object, visualize where to store it or where to display it.  If it has no value to you, decide how you could get rid of it.  If something you can live without has monetary value, think about how to sale the possession.  If it has little value, yet is still useable, plan to give it to a charitable organization, a family member or friend.  Be realistic, if it is worn out, broken, or shabby, mend it or toss it in a recycle ben or garbage can.        When you make a decision one way or another, make an effort to put it where it should be or pack it in a box, bag, or toss it immediately.  Things you aim to give away, do it as soon as possible.      Less stuff, is less stress.  I practice decluttering on a regular basis and when it's gone, I rarely miss things.

     As you update you pantry supplies, don't throw away Cream of Tartar from years-gone-by.  Use it to bring back a sparkle to your sink.