<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Down To Earth Personal Development</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.downtoearthtips.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com</link>
	<description>Practical, Realistic, and Sensible Solutions For Living Better</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:27:37 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6</generator>
	<language>en</language>
			<item>
		<title>How to Save on Auto Loans</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/frugal-living/how-to-save-on-auto-loans</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/frugal-living/how-to-save-on-auto-loans#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:27:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Frugal Living]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=404</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A smart investor knows he must seize every opportunity that comes  knocking at his door - as long as it allows him to save more. Auto  refinancing is appealing to those whose credit scores are of good history. This is favorable for a buyer who has no negative records on his account whatsoever.
Auto loans gives [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A smart investor knows he must seize every opportunity that comes  knocking at his door - as long as it allows him to save more. Auto  refinancing is appealing to those whose credit scores are of good history. This is favorable for a buyer who has no negative records on his account whatsoever.</p>
<p>Auto loans gives the buyer the opportunity to refinance their loan at  terms that allows them to save their money. However, refinancing is not saving. At least not what most people deem it to be. Refinancing means reducing monthly payments in order to save a little extra money. Car refinance loans are useful in downsizing.</p>
<p>Auto loans are just a click away, thanks to the Internet. Lenders specializing in refinancing are online to assist possible clients about auto loans. One must submit an application before any negotiation takes place. Provide the same documents required when making a loan at any bank or establishment.</p>
<p>But there are auto loan refinances that do not care even if you have a negative credit history. Refinancing at best rates are available if you  have a clear record, but that does not mean that because you were a  little off in paying at due time, you will not be able to get the auto loan that you are applying for. You still would but the rate won&#8217;t be as good as opposed to you having a clear record.</p>
<p>Throughout the duration of the loan, there are opportunities to refinance the car loan. If you are opting for refinancing, know that the options for auto loans are negotiated with the lender beforehand. There can be changes as long as there is the approval from the lender and the person applying for the loan.</p>
<p>If you need refinancing as soon as possible, consult with the lender and try to work around auto loan refinancing requirements. By updating yourself with the services and programs offered by the various car refinance loan specialists out there, then you are more aware of which one you should choose - depending on the one that works for you best.</p>
<p>Refinance car loan specialists are more than willing to cooperate with you if the terms you are asking for are favorable for them. The catch is that when you choose to refinance then the rates are lower and you will be able to save more. Auto loan refinancing opens more doors to saving because it reduces your monthly payments at the interest rate of your choice.<br />
Here is a tip before you invest in auto loans, what are your goals for refinancing? You have to compare with the other auto refinancing businesses before you fully decide on one. Choose one where you get the best deal and where you will be able to save more. You have a right to do so because it is your money and your investment.</p>
<p>For car owners, investing on auto loans is a wise decision because it gives them better deals. However, before you commit yourself to any refinancing agreement, you have to take into consideration all the terms that are involved in the car financing program you are committing to.</p>
<p>Also, by tapping the equity in your home loan, you will be able to lower the interest payment when buying a car. That is because the home equity loan can actually provide a lower rate as opposed to a car loan.<br />
The former is more secured than the latter. You can consult a tax advisor for a second opinion.<br />
If you want you can approach an independent lender before you completely decide on which car to purchase. By arranging the terms and finances before buying the car, dealer financers will be able to assist the consumer in which auto loan refinancing can give him the best deal, making him save the most amount.</p>
<p>You must also be very wary of the zero-interest loans. Just like with any other deals, it may sound tempting but that is not usually the case.  You may be buying a car for $18,000 and pay zero interest for two years through the dealer and getting a rebate of $3000, but how sure are you that there is no catch on that offer? If you do take the rebate and finance at the given percent, then who knows you may even save more.</p>
<p>Think twice before you make any decision. Especially since it involves money. Stretch your buck for as long as it would take.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/frugal-living/how-to-save-on-auto-loans/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Help Your Baby Communicate Through Sign Language</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/parenting-tips/help-your-baby-communicate-through-sign-language</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/parenting-tips/help-your-baby-communicate-through-sign-language#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:14:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=401</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the newest trends in parenting is baby sign language.  People in the deaf community have known for years that babies could communicate through sign long before their vocal cords allow them to speak, but the trend didnít really catch on because of the false assumption that signing led to later verbal language development. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the newest trends in parenting is baby sign language.  People in the deaf community have known for years that babies could communicate through sign long before their vocal cords allow them to speak, but the trend didnít really catch on because of the false assumption that signing led to later verbal language development. We now know that not only does signing not keep a baby from talking; it actually helps them to start talking sooner and have better language skills.</p>
<p>By using sign, children learn how to express themselves with words, and some will even start to put words together in sentences before they turn one.  Sign is also great for relieving some of the frustration you and your child face because they can tell you exactly what they want.  This is especially helpful if your child is ill.  Imagine a child under a year being able to tell you not only that theyíre in pain, but where it hurts.</p>
<p>Before you start teaching your baby to sign, you should decide what signs to use.  While the logical choice would be American Sign Language, some people discourage this because the signs are too complicated for developing hands and fingers.  If you want to use simpler signs, there are books and videos with signs that are easier for babies to perform.  Or you can make up your own signs, whatever works best for you.  Just be careful with non-ASL signs.  Some parentís have unknowingly taught their children to use offensive language and been very embarrassed later on.  Even if you use a sign from a baby sign book, that doesnít mean youíre safe.  Itís best to check with someone who knows ASL before teaching a new sign to your child.</p>
<p>Once youíve decided what signs you are going to use, you need to take the time to learn them.  If you do decide to use ASL, there are many resources online to learn from.  Not only are their online ASL dictionaries; there are also specific resources that include only signs babies will need.  They even have videos so you know youíre doing them right.  To learn the signs, you may want to start using them even before your child is ready.  This way youíll be in practice when they are.  The important part is to be consistent.  Once you choose a sign, stick with it.  And use it whenever the baby is in the room.  That way, they think it is a normal part of communication.</p>
<p>Teaching a child sign language takes a little time, but is fairly simple.  If you use hand signs, you can start around 7 to 8 months; however signs involving the lips and tongue can be taught starting at birth.  You can teach your child to stick out their tongue for pacifier, or purse their lips if they want milk.  To teach a sign, simply make the sign or facial expression every time you use a word.  To keep your child from getting confused, teach them one word at a time.  Once theyíre successfully using that word, add another.  Since this process might go slowly, teach them the most important words first, like: milk, wet (diaper), and ow (pain).  These will also be the most useful words to you.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/parenting-tips/help-your-baby-communicate-through-sign-language/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>11 Tips for a Green Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/green-living/11-tips-for-a-green-kitchen</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/green-living/11-tips-for-a-green-kitchen#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:11:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Going Green]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=399</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. When buying your groceries, remember the four Ns. Choose food that is NATURAL, (meaning no pesticides have been used and it is as minimally processed as possible), NAKED (as little packaging as possible), NUTRITIOUS and NOW (in season).
2. Buy your food locally whenever possible. Most cities have farmer’s markets where you can purchase produce, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>1. When buying your groceries, remember the four Ns.</strong> Choose food that is NATURAL, (meaning no pesticides have been used and it is as minimally processed as possible), NAKED (as little packaging as possible), NUTRITIOUS and NOW (in season).</p>
<p><strong>2. Buy your food locally whenever possible.</strong> Most cities have farmer’s markets where you can purchase produce, meats, breads and baked goods from local vendors. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but these are usually fresher and healthier options. You can also talk to the seller directly to find out their practices when it comes to the use of pesticides, hormones and preservatives. An added bonus is that the food wasn’t trucked in which means less fuel usage and fewer emissions.</p>
<p><strong>3. Pack lunches in reusable containers.</strong> The amount of packaging used for food nowadays is staggering. Help reduce it how you can by opting for reusable containers when packing lunches. There are lots of options available in a variety of different sizes so you can pack everything you need. Be sure to include reusable silverware if needed as well.</p>
<p><strong>4. Purchase products you use often in bulk.</strong> Single serving food products are a huge waste of packaging materials. By buying in bulk you cut down on the amount of packaging that needs to be thrown out and buying more at a time means less trips to the store to pick things up.</p>
<p><strong>5. Compost your kitchen waste.</strong> Composting your fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to cut down on the amount of garbage going in to our landfill sites, and provides nutrient rich soil that you can use in your garden. Some communities are now starting city run composting programs so be sure to check for a program like this where you live.<br />
<strong><br />
6. Don’t waste water while waiting for it to heat up.</strong> Running the tap while waiting for the water to heat up is an unnecessary waste. Instead of letting this run down the drain, catch it in a pitcher or pot and use it to water your plants, save it for cooking or put it in the fridge as drinking water.</p>
<p><strong>7. Use less energy when you cook. </strong>There are several things you can do to cut back on the energy you use when cooking. When boiling water put a lid on the pot and it will boil faster. Once it is boiling, turn down the heat (water that is lightly boiling is the same temperature). Most foods don’t require the oven to be preheated so don’t waste energy on this. When using the oven for cooking items such as roasts, you can turn it off for the last 15 minutes and the heat left will finish the cooking. All of these can help you to use less energy in the kitchen.</p>
<p><strong>8. Thaw foods before cooking them.</strong> It takes longer – and uses more energy - to cook foods from frozen. Instead, think ahead about what you will be cooking and when and thaw it first. Likewise, take items out of the fridge before it is time to put them in the oven to bring them up to room temperature.</p>
<p><strong>9. Keep drinking water in the refrigerator.</strong> Instead of having to run the tap to get cold water every time you want a drink, keep a pitcher in the fridge. This will also help you avoid buying individual bottles of water that generate an unnecessary amount of waste.</p>
<p><strong>10. Run the water less when preparing meals.</strong> Next time you cook a meal, put a big bowl underneath the faucet and see how much water is collected every time you wash your hands, rinse your food, etc. You may be surprised how much water is being wasted. Reduce this by instead keeping a bowl of water in the sink to wash your hands in. Keep another one to wash fruits and vegetables in. This way you are only using that one bowl of water instead of letting the tap run.<br />
<strong><br />
11. Look for paper plates that can be composted. </strong>The paper plates you are used to seeing in the supermarket are made from virgin tree pulp. They are then coated in a petroleum-based wax, which means that when you are done with them they cannot be recycled. But now there is a new type of paper plate made from “bagasse”. It is a left over from sugar processing and when used to make paper products is compostable. So now you can still be good to the environment and not have to do dishes after the family picnic!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/green-living/11-tips-for-a-green-kitchen/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Staying Motivated to Exercise</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/healthy-living/staying-motivated-to-exercise</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/healthy-living/staying-motivated-to-exercise#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:04:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Excercise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=397</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Exercise is always a do-it-yourself venture. No other person and no machine can do it for you. Hence, it is important to have those motivating factors so that a person who is into exercise in order to lose weight will hang about.
This is what people who are overweight should learn to understand. However, even if [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Exercise is always a do-it-yourself venture. No other person and no machine can do it for you. Hence, it is important to have those motivating factors so that a person who is into exercise in order to lose weight will hang about.</p>
<p>This is what people who are overweight should learn to understand. However, even if it so easy to set for instructions and easy to follow, this is not the same case for almost 35% of Americans who are unable to prevent being overweight.</p>
<p>Of course, once we are overweight, we usually want to trim down for a whole lot of reasons, some related to physical condition and fitness, while others would want to enhance their physique and appearance. And it is never too late to be fit.</p>
<p>In the past 50 to 75 years, physical activity has become the exception rather than the rule, both at home and on the job. People tend to drive where others once walked. People tend to flick a switch and machines do the hauling, lifting, pushing, and pulling for them.</p>
<p>However, people who try to lose weight tend to believe that weight gain is likely to happen if they will not take forward-looking steps to stop it.</p>
<p>The point here is that health experts believe that people lose their way, especially when it comes to dieting. They tend to go back to their old eating habits even after they learn to enjoy low-fat eating. They tend to return to sedentary ways even though they enjoy exercising.</p>
<p>But despite the momentum toward weight gain, you can stop it from happening, experts say. And there are plenty of good reasons to avoid excess pounds, reasons that go beyond vanity or social appearance. There are many reasons in order to keep you motivated to exercise and stay healthy for the rest of your life.</p>
<p><strong>Ways to Lose Big </strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Have an explicit goal</strong></p>
<p>A simple statement like, ìI want to lose some weight,î is an ambiguous and an indefinite statement. It will not the least motivate you to start doing exercises right away.</p>
<p>What is important is to be precise on your goals. It would be better if you will set some detailed amount of pounds that you really want to lose. Envisage yourself what you will look like after reaching your desired weight. Doing this will inspire you to lose weight. In fact, maybe even more than what you have planned in mind. The idea is to use that figure to assist you to remain resilient and dedicated.</p>
<p><strong>2. Develop a strategy</strong></p>
<p>Strength of will does not work alone! To lose weight and stay with it, your strategy must comprise of both exercise and diet, and not either of the two.</p>
<p>Try to start motivating yourself by throwing away your clothes that have bigger sizes. This will put you in a situation where you only have your sexy clothes and that you have to make a choice by staying motivated to exercise or not wear any clothes at all. Which do you prefer?</p>
<p><strong>3. Make out little, calculable measures</strong></p>
<p>Put into practice actions that will suit your lifestyle. This means you have to implement moves that you and you alone will benefit from it and not somebody else.</p>
<p>The idea here is to opt for a more positive and attainable goal and not just to shun away from being plump and chubby.</p>
<p><strong>4. Produce monitoring that has an important effect</strong></p>
<p>It would be better to have somebody willing to take note of your progress or development. This will inspire you to keep on doing what you have started. Having somebody to listen to your achievements is definitely a better prize than just achieving your goal alone.</p>
<p>Besides, having an extra hand to support you and cheer for you when things start to fall short. It is that simple way of hearing somebody believing on what you do is one of the greatest motivations to keep you exercising for more.</p>
<p><strong>5. Construct a vigorous, sensible timeline</strong></p>
<p>What do you plan to achieve in a year? Try to suit your objectives to your calendar, and do not look forward to see the results in just a snap.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that in order to stay motivated to exercise entails a lot of hard work, which is contrary to what most people tend to think. The main idea is to let people change their lifestyle because it is only through this way that they will absolutely change their weight for the better.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/healthy-living/staying-motivated-to-exercise/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>3 Reasons Why You Should Know and Monitor Your Credit Score</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/personal-finance/3-reasons-why-you-should-know-and-monitor-your-credit-score</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/personal-finance/3-reasons-why-you-should-know-and-monitor-your-credit-score#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Credit Repair]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Credit Score]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=395</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is your credit score?  If you don&#8217;t know your credit score, it&#8217;s time to find out.  In this article we&#8217;ll give you some very good reasons for knowing how you rate with creditors, and how to monitor your credit score.
First, a little background.  Your credit score is based on information about you from companies [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is your credit score?  If you don&#8217;t know your credit score, it&#8217;s time to find out.  In this article we&#8217;ll give you some very good reasons for knowing how you rate with creditors, and how to monitor your credit score.</p>
<p>First, a little background.  Your credit score is based on information about you from companies that gave you credit in the past.  They report on your payment history to the three major credit reporting bureaus, who then create a numerical score, sometimes call a FICO score (it&#8217;s named after the Fair Isaac Corporation).</p>
<p>You can think of your credit score like grades on a test in school.  The higher your score, the better your credit rating.  FICO scores range from 300 to a perfect 850.  Anything under 700 is in need of some improvement.  So why should you care?</p>
<p><strong>Reason #1: </strong> A more affordable mortgage.  A higher credit score will get you a lower rate on your home loan.  Particularly in these days of tightening credit, banks pay close attention to your FICO score when you apply for a home loan.  Just a 2% reduction in the interest rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage on a $200,000 home will save you nearly $100,000!</p>
<p><strong>Reason #2: </strong>Lower insurance premiums.  Many auto insurance and health insurance companies check your credit score before they set the premium on your insurance.  They have found that people with a higher FICO score are less likely to file a claim against their policy.  So, they reward customers with better credit by offering them a lower premium on life, health, and auto insurance.</p>
<p><strong>Reason #3: </strong> A better job.  It&#8217;s true.  More and more employers are checking your credit report when you apply for a job.  While they may be getting the report to verify the information you put on your job application, what&#8217;s to stop them from seeing how you handle your financial affairs, too?</p>
<p>So, many more aspects of your life are being affected by your credit score than you might have imagined.  Raise your score, and you may well raise your standard of living through lower interest rates, a better job, and a more affordable lifestyle.  Back to the original question:  What is your credit score?</p>
<p>It&#8217;s easy to get a copy of your credit report.  In fact, you are due a free copy each year from the three major credit reporting bureaus.  Just log on to annualcreditreport.com (this is a web site supported by the credit bureaus).  It is entirely your choice whether you order all three credit reports at the same time or order one now and others later. The advantage of ordering all three at the same time is that you can compare them. However, you will not be eligible for another free credit report for 12 months. On the other hand, the advantage of ordering one now and others later (for example, one credit report every four months) is that you can keep track of any changes or new information that may appear on your credit report.  It is important to monitor your credit report, since it does change over time as your lenders send new information.</p>
<p>Note that your free credit report will not contain your FICO score.  The three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) will be happy to sell you that piece of information, as will any number of other web sites.  Shop around for the best deal, and don&#8217;t get hooked into signing up for a monthly service.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This article is brought to you by <a href="http://creativemp.niesong.hop.clickbank.net" target="_blank">The Credit Secrets Bible</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/personal-finance/3-reasons-why-you-should-know-and-monitor-your-credit-score/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Living Beyond Your Means</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/personal-finance/living-beyond-your-means</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/personal-finance/living-beyond-your-means#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:28:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=393</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When our parents were young, living beyond their means would be equivalent to taking a vacation they couldnít afford.  Today, it is quite different.  Taking long trips abroad, buying cars and jewelry would be considered normal for many people.
We all want what we can&#8217;t have.  Sure, some of us would love to retire and not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When our parents were young, living beyond their means would be equivalent to taking a vacation they couldnít afford.  Today, it is quite different.  Taking long trips abroad, buying cars and jewelry would be considered normal for many people.</p>
<p>We all want what we can&#8217;t have.  Sure, some of us would love to retire and not have to worry about paying off the mortgage or similarly, move to another state and begin a new life free of debt.</p>
<p>When we play the weekly lottery, we are hoping against hope that we&#8217;ll win for no other reason than we would love to buy a new home for mom and dad, send the kids to college, pay off the car loan, or travel to anywhere.</p>
<p>The reality is we are much more likely to be struck by lightening than win the lottery.  Oddly enough, it may take a bolt of lightening to bring us back to reality.  Fantasy Island was just a show, but for some, it is living a life that is in complete contradiction to the balance sheet in oneís life.</p>
<p>There are so many people in debt today and the numbers are growing.  When the sub-prime mortgage debacle occurred, most of the individuals affected were the unfortunate victims of unscrupulous characters who sought to make a quick buck.  For others, buying a home that was far beyond their ability to pay put them in dire straits.</p>
<p>People who live beyond their means have no conception of money.  An example would be someone who was brought up in a poor household.  He probably swore that some day anything he desired would be his.  Conversely, another person who grew up in a similar situation may be a saver - prepared for any eventuality, yet living comfortably and modestly.</p>
<p>If our parents couldn&#8217;t afford to buy something, there was no discussion or compromise, it just wasn&#8217;t purchased.  Today, with credit card applications offering zero interest, with incentives from mortgage companies and banks, with infomercials claiming, &#8220;You, too, can become rich and live in luxury for the rest of your life.&#8221;, it&#8217;s no wonder we have become a nation in debt.</p>
<p>Every day, there is one ad or another in a local newspaper or online offering a quick and easy way to earn thousands of dollars.  Yes, we all want what we can&#8217;t have.  If you think about it psychologically, it is the quest that is enticing:  the journey to fabulous fortunes that is luring individuals to stray from what they know is the truth.</p>
<p>Living beyond one&#8217;s means is a problem for many, but the bigger problem lies at the end of the quest when the bills start rolling in and there isn&#8217;t enough money in the budget to pay the debts.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/personal-finance/living-beyond-your-means/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Actively Listening to your Child</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/parenting-tips/actively-listening-to-your-child</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/parenting-tips/actively-listening-to-your-child#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:48:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting Tips]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=391</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Communicating with our children can be a difficult task at times.  We feel like they&#8217;re not listening to us; they feel like we&#8217;re not listening to them.  Good listening and communications skills are essential to successful parenting.  Your child&#8217;s feelings, views and opinions have worth, and you should make sure you take the time to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Communicating with our children can be a difficult task at times.  We feel like they&#8217;re not listening to us; they feel like we&#8217;re not listening to them.  Good listening and communications skills are essential to successful parenting.  Your child&#8217;s feelings, views and opinions have worth, and you should make sure you take the time to sit down and listen openly and discuss them honestly.</p>
<p>It seems to be a natural tendency to react rather than to respond.  We pass judgment based on our own feelings and experiences.  However, responding means being receptive to our child&#8217;s feelings and emotions and allowing them to express themselves openly and honestly without fear of repercussion from us.</p>
<p>By reacting, we send our child the message that their feelings and opinions are invalid.  But by responding and asking questions about why the child feels that way, it opens a dialog that allows them to discuss their feelings further, and allows you a better understanding of where they&#8217;re coming from.</p>
<p>Responding also gives you an opportunity to work out a solution or a plan of action with your child that perhaps they would not have come up with on their own.  Your child will also appreciate the fact that maybe you do indeed understand how they feel.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s crucial in these situations to give your child your full and undivided attention.  Put down your newspaper, stop doing dishes, or turn off the television so you can hear the full situation and make eye contact with your child.   Keep calm, be inquisitive, and afterwards offer potential solutions to the problem.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t discourage your child from feeling upset, angry, or frustrated.  Our initial instinct may be to say or do something to steer our child away from it, but this can be a detrimental tactic.  Again, listen to your child, ask questions to find out why they are feeling that way, and then offer potential solutions to alleviate the bad feeling.</p>
<p>Just as we do, our children have feelings and experience difficult situations.  By actively listening and participating with our child as they talk about it, it demonstrates to them that we do care, we want to help and we have similar experiences of our own that they can draw from.  Remember, respond - don&#8217;t react.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/parenting-tips/actively-listening-to-your-child/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>24 Household Energy Tips for Green Living</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/green-living/24-household-energy-tips-for-green-living</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/green-living/24-household-energy-tips-for-green-living#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:02:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Green Living]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=386</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. Keep your furnace running efficiently. Your furnace is the most expensive appliance in your house to run. In fact household heating accounts for 60% of all energy used in the average home. Make sure it is operating as efficiently as possible by replacing its filter every two months. A great option is to purchase [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>1. Keep your furnace running efficiently.</strong> Your furnace is the most expensive appliance in your house to run. In fact household heating accounts for 60% of all energy used in the average home. Make sure it is operating as efficiently as possible by replacing its filter every two months. A great option is to purchase one of the reusable filters that can be washed on a regular basis. You’ll pay more for them but they last for years so in the end they cost less than disposable filters. The few minutes it will take you to properly care for your furnace can increase its energy efficiently by as much as 50 per cent.</p>
<p><strong>2. Install a programmable thermostat.</strong> Heating and cooling your house when no one is home – or when everyone is in bed – uses an unnecessary amount of energy. This is bad for the environment and bad for your checkbook!  Instead of wasting that energy, buy a programmable thermostat and set the temperature to be several degrees cooler (or warmer in the summer) during the night and when the house is empty. You can easily have it back to the temperature you like by the time you wake up or arrive home.</p>
<p><strong>3. Wrap your hot water heater in a blanket.</strong> Every hardware store sells fiberglass blankets that you can wrap around your hot water tank to help it hold in heat. They are easily installed (you can do it yourself) and usually pay for themselves in the first year of use.</p>
<p><strong>4. Opt for a tankless hot water solution.</strong> If your hot water tank is getting old and you’re considering replacing it, choose one of the new tankless hot water options. They heat water as you need it instead of keeping an entire tank heated and ready to go at all times. As a result they use significantly less energy, which is better for the environment. And an added bonus is that you can expect to save about 50% on your hot water heating costs.</p>
<p><strong>5. Keep your house cool naturally.</strong> Closing the blinks and curtains and using ceiling fans can dramatically decrease the temperature of your home during the heat of the summer. If you must use air conditioning, keep it at 75F and reserve its use only for the hottest days. A programmable thermostat is a great option to raise the temperature during the night and when no one is home.</p>
<p><strong>6. Replace your incandescent light bulbs.</strong> Although they cost more upfront, the compact fluorescent light bulbs will save you a lot of money in the long run. They use 75% less electricity than incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer! That means you pay significantly less for electricity and are not throwing nearly as many light bulbs into the landfill. If you were to change only five of the light bulbs that you use the most often to compact fluorescent bulbs you could save more than $30 per year.</p>
<p><strong>7. Turn off the lights.</strong> A lot of people are guilty of leaving lights on all over the house. But remember that every little bit of electricity you can save counts! Make it a policy in your home to always turn the lights off when you leave a room. Same making sure that the television, stereo and computer are off when not in use. For outdoor lights, consider a timer or use motion detectors instead of always leaving outside lights on.</p>
<p><strong>8. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are operating efficiently.</strong> Refrigerators that are more than 10 years old use approximately 60% more electricity than new models. To make sure you are not using more energy than needed, keep the temperature of the fridge at 37F and the freezer at 0F. This will keep your food at the perfect temperature without using excess electricity. Another great tip is to clean the condenser once or twice a year so that the motor does not have to run as long or as often.</p>
<p><strong>9. Use your microwave.</strong> Not all foods are great when cooked in the microwave, but there are lots of times you can use it over your conventional oven.  Since your microwave uses 75% less energy than your oven, it’s worth it to find new ways to use it when cooking!</p>
<p><strong>10. Unplug electronics when they are not in use. </strong> Did you know that your television, DVD player, computer and kitchen appliances all use some electricity even when they are not turned on? Avoid wasting this electricity by unplugging them if you won’t be using them for a day or longer. And remember to unplug them before you leave home for vacations.</p>
<p><strong>11. Use countertop appliances over their stovetop equivalent.</strong> When you are steaming vegetables or boiling water in the kettle, opt for countertop appliances instead of using your stove. They use significantly less electricity and get the job done faster.</p>
<p><strong>12. Only run a full load in the dishwasher.</strong> Before running a cycle through your dishwasher, make sure it is full. You’ll use less electricity and less water – and an added bonus is that your dishes will come out cleaner!  And always be sure to let your dishes air dry or use the cool dry option rather than using the heat dry setting. This alone will cut the amount of energy used for each load by 15% - 50%!</p>
<p><strong>13. Change to digital dimmer switches. </strong>Although having dimmers on your lights is a great way to save energy, some of the older styles are no more efficient than regular switches. If you have a dial dimmer, check to see if the switch itself feels warm. If it does, you are not saving any energy by using it. Consider replacing it with one of the new digital dimmers to increase the amount of energy saved.</p>
<p><strong>14. Make your swimming pool more energy efficient.</strong> Pools account for as much as 60% of a home’s summer energy costs – and more in parts of the world where pools are used year round. Cut this down by as much as 20% simply by using a solar blanket to help keep the pool warm. Save another 20% by turning down your pool heater by a few degrees.</p>
<p><strong>15. Insulate your hot water pipes.</strong> Insulate the first meter of pipe leading into and out of your hot-water tank as well as any metal hot-water pipes running through unheated spaces in your home. This quick and easy project will reduce the amount of electricity you use and save you some money.</p>
<p><strong>16. Clean out your lint filter.</strong> Having a full lint filter in your clothes dryer can result in 30% more energy being used. Be sure to clean it out before every use and scrub it with a soft bristle brush every few months. To check and see if it needs to be cleaned, fill it with water and see whether it drains. Often tiny particles can clog the holes even though it appears that they are clear.</p>
<p><strong>17. Install motion detectors on your outdoor lights.</strong> Instead of leaving on your outdoor lights all evening, install motion detectors so they only come on when needed. This relatively simple change can save as much as 30% of the electricity needed for your outdoor lighting.</p>
<p><strong>18. Keep your refrigerator and freezer well stocked. </strong>A half empty fridge or freezer uses significantly more energy than a full one. If you don’t have anything else to add, fill up bottles of water and put them where needed to keep things full.</p>
<p><strong>19. Work on weatherizing your home. </strong>If your house is drafty you are literally throwing money out the window. Spend a bit of time sealing up doors and windows to cut down on heat loss. Also be sure to check that you have enough insulation. In older homes the attic in particular can benefit from increased insulation. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it’s well worth it to hire a professional to do an energy audit.</p>
<p><strong>20. Buy a slow cooker.</strong> Also known as “crock pots”, slow cookers can be used for everything from roasts to stews. Because new ones use only the same amount of energy as a single light bulb, they are a very energy efficient way of cooking.</p>
<p><strong>21. Stop losing heat. </strong>There are several places in your home where you are losing heat and may not even realize it. One that most people overlook is the electrical outlets. In particular in older houses where there is not much insulation in the walls. Stop this heat loss by putting in those little plastic child proofing plugs.</p>
<p><strong>22. Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater.</strong> Most houses have the hot water heater set much hotter than it needs to be. As a result you end up having to mix a lot of cold water in to get it to a temperature that is useable. Make sure your hot water heater is set to no higher than 140F. That is hot enough to kill germs but not so hot that it is a huge waste of energy.</p>
<p><strong>23. Investigate grants that will help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.</strong> Changing the way we live is becoming so important that in many parts of the world the government and energy companies are helping homeowners by paying – or at least subsidizing – energy saving measures. Find programs in your area by searching the web, calling your energy supplier or asking your local officials.</p>
<p><strong>24. Request a home energy audit.</strong> A lot of utility companies now offer free energy audits to their customers. Check with yours to see what is available. You may be surprised at what you learn about how you are wasting energy.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/green-living/24-household-energy-tips-for-green-living/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Read Food Labels</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/healthy-living/how-to-read-food-labels</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/healthy-living/how-to-read-food-labels#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:55:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Living]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Food Labels]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You cannot measure every morsel that passes your lips, but it is a good idea to measure most foods and beverages until you get a feel for portion sizes.
It is a supersized world out there, and most people are surprised to find that their idea of a single serving is actually two or three.
If you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You cannot measure every morsel that passes your lips, but it is a good idea to measure most foods and beverages until you get a feel for portion sizes.</p>
<p>It is a supersized world out there, and most people are surprised to find that their idea of a single serving is actually two or three.</p>
<p>If you are into bells and whistles, there are food scales that are preprogrammed with nutritional information, as well as scales that will keep a running total of your daily food and nutrient intake for you. The only tools you really need, however, are a simple and inexpensive gram scale, dry and liquid measuring cups, and idea on reading food labels.</p>
<p>Among all of the mentioned tools, reading food labels seem to be the most effective way of determining the right kind of food to be bought in the supermarket. It lets you make sensible food selections. Through the &#8220;Nutrition Facts&#8221; section in a particular item in the grocery, you can identify the amount of serving sizes provided in that product.</p>
<p>With food labels, you can clearly understand the amount and kinds of nutrients that are provided in the item. Usually, it contains the information on saturated fat, sodium, total fat, fiber, and cholesterol amount &#8220;per serving.&#8221;</p>
<p>However, understanding and reading these food labels can be very perplexing. A typical consumer would definitely ask what those numbers mean and how it will affect her diet intake if ever she will religiously follow the serving guide as stipulated on the food label.</p>
<p>To further have a clear and more comprehensive understanding of the items stated in the food label, here is a list of things that you need to know:</p>
<p><strong>1. Serving size</strong></p>
<p>This is the primary item you will see in a food label.</p>
<p>The amount of servings stated in the food label refers to the quantity of food people usually consume. However, this does not necessarily mean that it reflects your very own amount of food intake.</p>
<p>Moreover, serving size determines the amount of nutrients that enters the body. This means that if you will follow strictly what the serving size is, you will obtain the same amount of nutrients according to the serving size that was given in the label.</p>
<p>For instance, if the serving size says one serving size is equal to 54 grams, that would mean you have to measure 54 grams and eat that and you have just eaten one serving. So to speak, the amount of nutrients stated in the food label is the same amount that has entered your body considering the fact that you have just eaten 54 grams.</p>
<p>However, if you have eaten everything, and the food label says that each pack is equivalent to 4 servings, you have to calculate the amount of nutrients that have entered your body. This means that if the food label says 250 calories per serving that means you have to multiply it to four to get the total amount of calories you have taken.</p>
<p><strong>2. Nutrients</strong></p>
<p>This refers to the list of available nutrients in a particular item. It is also where the nutritional claims of the product based on the recommended daily dietary allowance are stated. Usually, the nutritional amounts are based on both the 2,500-calorie diets and the 2,000 recommended dietary allowances.</p>
<p>In order to understand the numeric value of each item, you should know that the ì% daily valueî that the food label indicates is actually based on how a particular food corresponds to the recommended daily dietary allowance for a 2,000 calorie.</p>
<p>If in the event that you have purchased an item that has a dietary allowance different from the 2,000-calorie diet, you just have to divide the stipulated amount by 2,000 and you will be able to identify the ì%daily valueî for the nutrients.</p>
<p><strong>3. Ingredients</strong></p>
<p>This refers to the list of the ingredients that were used to manufacture the product. The listing is usually arranged from the main ingredients that have the greater amount by weight up to the smallest quantity. This simply means that the actual quantity of the food includes the biggest quantity of the main ingredient or the first item and the minimum amount of the very last ingredient.</p>
<p><strong>4. Label claim</strong></p>
<p>This refers to the kinds of nutritional claims of a particular food item. For instance, if an item says it is sodium-free, it has less than 5 milligrams per serving or a low fat item actually contains 3 grams of fat or less.</p>
<p>Indeed, reading food labels can be very tedious and confusing. Nevertheless, once you get the hang of it, it would be easier for you to watch your diet because you can already control the amount of food that you take.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/healthy-living/how-to-read-food-labels/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Save on Insurance</title>
		<link>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/frugal-living/how-to-save-on-insurance</link>
		<comments>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/frugal-living/how-to-save-on-insurance#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:43:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Frugal Living]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Saving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.downtoearthtips.com/?p=379</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As much as possible, if it can be done, you must seize every opportunity for you to save on insurance. Here are some tips you can follow.
Your home insurance:
If you think about it, you can actually save up to several hundred dollars if you buy insurance from a low-price but licensed insurer. Compare prices of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As much as possible, if it can be done, you must seize every opportunity for you to save on insurance. Here are some tips you can follow.</p>
<p><strong>Your home insurance:</strong><br />
If you think about it, you can actually save up to several hundred dollars if you buy insurance from a low-price but licensed insurer. Compare prices of the insurance departments in your state and get the lowest price but most practical company.</p>
<p>Negotiate a lower selling price with a broker who works for you and not as the mediator to the seller. There may be a conflict of interest if there are too many people involved. So negotiate with just the broker.</p>
<p><strong>Your life insurance:</strong><br />
If you prefer just insurance protection, and not a savings and investment life policy, you can just buy term life insurance.</p>
<p>If you would like to purchase whole life insurance, then hold on to one up to 15 years. If you cancel these policies after only two years of having them in your name it will mean double the insurance costs.</p>
<p>Check the public library about life insurance in your state and get one that suits your personal savings.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.downtoearthtips.com/frugal-living/how-to-save-on-insurance/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
