Amanda and Patrick

Today’s Resolution: Give Credit Where It Is Due

Credit is very valuable in today’s economic climate. Do you know your credit score? Think about when it was last checked. Has anything dramatically changed since then that might have affected it? There are many free services to tap into to find out your credit score; you should never pay for it. If your score is in the excellent range, pat yourself on the back. Whatever you are doing is working. If your score needs a little work, start thinking about how to help it. Consolidate loans, pay off balances owed, and build your net worth. Credit is great, but not if it is anchored in debt.

Photo credit: marsmet543 on Flickr.

Today’s Resolution: Hit the Wall

When it comes to cleaning and doing jobs around the house, there are certain ones that make the Top 5 list: vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, laundry, and making beds. However, there is one job that gets overlooked and can really spruce up a room if tackled…cleaning or touching up nagging spots on the wall or ceiling. Depending on the finish of your walls, you should proceed with caution though.

A semi-gloss finish should be fine if you take a small damp cloth and eradicate small marks. Need a little more than just a gentle wipe? Do some paint touch ups on places that require more attention. Errant marks can show up seemingly from thin air and we don’t always notice them (unless you have small children who cannot seem to keep their hands off walls and windows!). So find your spot and get busy!

Today’s Resolution: Extend an Olive Branch

We all get irritated with family members, spouses, colleagues, friends, and significant others from time to time. Sometimes people are aware of the annoyance, and sometimes they are not. Find some small gesture to extend to that person who at times can drive you nuts. The person need not know about the “annoyance factor” he/she radiates. Offer to do something nice for the person. Even making strong eye contact and a smile with a courteous and sincere “thank you” or “please” can be enough.

Today’s Resolution: Follow a New Blog

Participating in the internet community can be intimidating and even awkward for those not used to it. Some people “drop in” to conversations, some like to stand out in a social network setting, some enjoy remaining behind the scenes. Having a sense of belonging is something the internet can provide to just about anyone. Become a part of a discussion on a topic you enjoy; find a blog to follow. There are blogs for everything. See what others have to say on topics that are important to you, and in the same vein, share your ideas and knowledge with others. Get connected.

Today’s Resolution: Make Key Points

Misplacing keys can be very annoying especially if you don’t have a spare tucked away somewhere. A single spare key by itself can be easily overlooked. Make it a little easier on yourself and put a key chain or lanyard on a spare that would make it easy to locate or identify. Avoid labeling keys with text like “house key;” this is asking for trouble if you lose it. Try color codes for keys: blue for house keys, red for house keys, yellow for lock box keys, etc. There are colored rubber frames you can get for keys that can help you do this. Be consistent with the location you choose for your keys and all spares. And don’t put extra keys under a doormat!

Today’s Resolution: Let It Shine!

Polishing and putting a shine on items needs to be done from time to time. Jewelry lost a little of its luster? Sometimes just submerging silver and gold items in a diluted container of cool soapy water (regular mild dish soap works) and drying with a clean cloth can do just the trick to restore brilliance and remove tarnish. Chrome on vehicles can be cleaned up to give a fresh look to your car or motorcycle. Try a little diluted vinegar or lemon juice on a clean rag for a sparkling finish and let it shine!

Today’s Resolution: Frame Someone

Most people have at least one picture frame in their possession somewhere. If it contains the image of someone near and dear to your heart, update it with a more recent photo or change the image altogether. Or try making your own frame out of items found around the house. Playful photos could use items such as straws, popsicle sticks, twigs, or even buttons.

The items can be glued to the edges of the photo and a magnet can be adhered to the back so you can place the adorned picture on the refrigerator. This could be a great activity for children too. Be creative and frame someone!

Today’s Resolution: Stitch in Time

Seamstress and tailoring skills seem obsolete these days. I can barely sew a button, let alone see the eye of the needle to feed the thread through. But there are times when sewing skills can become a necessity: a button pops off a shirt cuff, a hem comes undone, or something unravels that should not.

Small repairs are not impossible unless you are missing a basic sewing kit. A set of a few different sized needles and an array of thread in foundational colors (black, white, brown, red, and perhaps blue, green, and yellow) is enough to save the day when a fashion emergency occurs.

Mini-sewing kits can be purchased in many places and are not expensive. Mom probably has a few spools to spare too.

Today’s Resolution: Build a London Bridge

In case you didn’t realize, the XXX Olympiad is underway in London, England. Even if you are not a sports enthusiast, it is not tough to recognize this is a significant event dating back to ancient Athens and more of a symbolic gesture of world peace than anything else. A big deal. If you have not been following the Games which started July 27, it’s not too late. Choose a sport, country, or athlete to follow, make predictions about an event, or tune in to london2012.com for an overview of everything. If you have been glued to the action, wear the colors of the country you are pulling for today!

Image source: the*roving*sheep on Flickr

Today’s Resolution: Get an Appraisal

It is amazing how popular shows that highlight cleaning out sheds, storage units, and homes have become. The premise feeds upon the idea that “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” However, with the help of online auctions, that saying is quickly transforming to “one man’s treasure is also a treasure to many!”

The next time you clean out that attic, garage, or closet, sort your items carefully before taking to the dump or donating. Grandma’s Steiff teddy bear or Uncle Al’s Topps baseball cards from the ‘50s might have more than sentimental value attached to them. Check out online guides and auction websites or local antiques/collectibles shops for more information. Ask questions. Research the history of older items. Sometimes being a packrat pays off.