The How To Issue - The Indiana Gazette

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How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

Make the most of small living spaces

• Hang mirrors to “expand” rooms.

Mirrors can trick the eye into believing there is more space in a room. Mirrors melt away room borders and can accelerate the flow of light. Hanging them throughout your home can make spaces seem larger.

• Think about built-in furniture.

Traditional furniture may not be practical for small spaces and can waste a lot of room. Custom-built furniture is often the way to go to maximize the area you do have. Employ a little do-ityourself initiative as well, customizing items for the perfect fit.

By Metro Creative Services

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iny houses are a recent phenomenon and have spurred many businesses — from builders to decorating experts — looking to connect with consumers who want to go small. The small house movement advocates for living simply in small homes, some of which can be as small as 100 square feet or less.

Although living in a tiny house is not for everyone, many people prefer small-space living to living in larger, more spacious homes and apartments. For those looking to make the most of their small living spaces, there are ways to make such living arrangements feel larger.

• Light is your friend. Establish adequate lighting in a room that includes at least three working lights. Varied light sources from different angles will eliminate dark corners and shadows that can make a space feel smaller.

Lighting also can draw the eye where you want it and distract attention from the room’s flaws.

• Make use of vertical space. Homes where space is at a premium may have limited storage areas. An oftenoverlooked storage option is vertical space. Space above doors, shelving, and areas above cabinetry are ideal places to store items. Use hooks on walls to keep belongings off the floor.

• Choose light-colored paint.

Choose lighter hues for your home furnishings and wall colors. You do not have to limit this to white (unless landlords require white walls). Pale colors will help reflect light and can make the room seem larger than it really is.

Using a dark color on the flooring can make other lighter shades really pop in contrast.

• Conceal the clutter. If you cannot keep personal belongings to the

utmost minimum in a home, experiment with clever ways to keep items out of sight. Furniture that serves dual purposes can help with this task.

Storage ottomans will conceal small toys or linens and also provide seating options in a room when guests come over. A dresser can be used as a dining room buffet piece, and the numerous drawers can hold knickknacks or silverware. Furniture with built-in, hidden storage is well worth the investment when living spaces are limited.

• Create dual-purpose rooms. Lack of space means getting creative with the space you do have. A nook in your bedroom can be devoted to a miniature home office. Perhaps you can establish a crafting center in a portion of your laundry room. Garages have long served as catch-all spaces in homes. Apart from storage, they can be subdivided for home gyms or even a place to gather and watch a ballgame.

• Work with a designer. If you’re having difficulty making a small space work for you, consult with an interior designer or a contractor for some ideas.

The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

3

Simple techniques to help you relax

• Make time to meditate every day.

Studies have shown that meditation can affect the circuitry in the brain, positioning it to more adequately respond to illness and stressful situations.

F

By Metro Creative Services

inding ways to relax can improve life at home and at the office.

While it’s not often easy to find time to slow down, especially for those men and women juggling the responsibilities of career and family, the following are some simple techniques that don’t take much time but can have a positive impact on your day.

• Take some time out from multitasking. The ability to multitask is a

cherished commodity for parents and working professionals alike, but men and women can benefit from periodic breaks from their everyday juggling acts.

Something as simple as focusing on a single task for 30 minutes at a time, as opposed to checking emails while preparing dinner or working on a project while answering a client’s phone call, can help lower stress levels and have a lasting and calming effect on your nerves.

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Meditation has the added benefit of being a relaxing exercise, as meditation encourages people to sit with their feet on the floor with both eyes closed in a relaxing setting that is free of external distractions.

• Walk away from your desk and couch. It’s well documented that spending too much time sitting at a desk can have a negative impact on your health.

In addition to elevating a person’s risk of heart disease and diabetes, sitting at a desk all day long has been linked to repetitive stress injuries, obesity and

back pain, each of which can contribute to stressful living conditions that make it difficult to relax.

Men and women should spend at least five minutes each hour walking, whether they are getting up from their desk at work or getting off the couch at home.

Doing so takes little time, but it can help to relieve stress at work and at home and improve your overall health.

• Practice yoga. Yoga is another activity that can help men and women relax.

Yoga involves a series of poses that helps stretch the muscles and aid their recovery from everyday aches and pains, including those that often result from stressful experiences or days at the office.

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How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

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By Metro Creative Services

t is easy to overlook the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Without adequate rest a person can be left feeling irritable, distracted and sluggish. Those who repeatedly do not get enough sleep could be facing other health problems as well. For some, the secret to getting a better sleep is modifying their sleeping environment.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate insufficient sleep has become a public health epidemic. An estimated 50 to 70 million American adults report having a sleep or wakefulness disorder, and women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Plus, one in three people suffer from some form of insomnia during their lifetime, offers the organization Better Sleep for Life.

In some instances, lack of sleep or too much sleep might be indicative of a medical condition, but it could just be related to poor sleep hygiene and an uncomfortable sleeping environment.

Making some changes could make all the difference.

• Start with your mattress. You will spend between seven to 10 hours in your bed each and every night. An

uncomfortable mattress could be an underlying factor in your sleep problems. If your bed is several years old, it could pay to invest in a new mattress and box spring. If you sleep with your spouse and your bed is too small, upgrading to a larger size could provide the room you need. If you cannot afford a new mattress, buying a mattress topper in memory foam could mask any problems for the time being.

• Balance light and dark. In order to trigger sleepiness at the right time, it is essential to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day during the morning or afternoon. In the evening, begin dimming the lights to trigger the body’s natural internal clock and stimulate the production of the natural hormone melatonin, which relaxes the body into sleep. Keep a dark bedroom — invest in blackout curtains if need be.

• Make the bedroom a cozy retreat.

Your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Fill it with cozy cushions and pillows. Make sure the room is clean and clutter-free. Relaxing blues and purples can be soothing colors to use in decorating, and the use of lavender essential oil could also add to the relaxing environment.

The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

5

How to find more time to travel • Reconsider when you travel. Building a trip around a long weekend is an easy way to find more time to travel.

Consider the holidays that fall on a Monday, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Plan a getaway for these long weekends and you won’t even need to use a vacation day.

If you have the vacation time to burn, extend the trip one day by leaving on Friday or returning on Tuesday.

By the time your trip ends, you will have enjoyed a three-day getaway without using any vacation time or a four-day extended break during which you used just a single day of vacation time. Planning a week-long trip on a holiday week is another way to save a vacation day for later in the year.

F

By Metro Creative Services

ew people would likely say they don’t enjoy traveling. Travel provides an opportunity to experience different cultures, visit idyllic locales and enjoy some rest and relaxation.

But as much as people love to travel, finding more time to do so is not always so easy, even for those people with a sufficient amount of vacation days at their disposal. Oftentimes, finding more time to travel requires some extra and earlier planning.

• Negotiate with your employer.

Many employers have grown increasingly flexible as technology has made it easier for employees to work re-

Travel is a luxury that even busy men and women can enjoy if they employ certain strategies to create more time to get away.

• Use your allotted vacation time.

A 2013 study from Oxford Economics found that American workers took an average of 16 days of vacation in 2013,

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motely. Men and women who want to find more time to travel should not be afraid to negotiate more travel time with their employers, even offering to work remotely from whichever destination they plan to visit. This can be an especially effective way for parents to extend family vacations in the summertime, as one parent can take the kids in the mornings and afternoons while the other works. Come nighttime, the whole family can still enjoy all the fun of a typical vacation.

• Extend business trips. Business travelers who typically travel on Mondays and/or return home on Fridays can extend those trips to include the weekend preceding or following the trip. This gives you a better chance to explore the city where conferences or client meetings are being held, as business trips typically leave little time to get to a know a city or see its attractions. Business travelers can plan family trips around their work trips, giving families a great and often costeffective way to see various locales.

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which represented a roughly 20 percent decline from 2000, when workers took an average of 20.3 vacation days.

The United States Travel Association discovered a similar pattern, finding that in 2013 workers used just 16 of their nearly 21 days of earned time off. Perhaps the easiest way working men and women can find more time to travel is to make use of all of the vacation days they earn as oppose to letting them fall by the wayside at the end of their companies’ calendar years.

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How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

Food storage and safety tips made easy eating. If items are washed before they are stored, the moisture trapped can accelerate spoilage. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables are the exception.

Wash these items and drain thoroughly.

Afterward, store in a sealed bag with paper towels, which will absorb excess moisture.

Separate meat and poultry Individual pieces of meat and poultry should be separated before freezing, as this makes it easier to take out the right portions when defrosting for meals.

By Metro Creative Services

B

uying in bulk can reduce trips to the supermarket and save you money. When buying in bulk, you can cook perishable foods all at once or store foods for later use. When taking the latter approach, there are certain storage and safety tips home cooks can take to ensure their food stays fresh and safe to eat.

Be prepared Before buying a large amount of food, ensure that your refrigerator and freezer are in good working order. Use a food appliance thermometer to get an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigerators be kept at or below 40 F (5 C), and the freezer at or below zero (-18 C). A refrigerator or freezer that is too warm can cause the growth of unhealthy bacteria in stored foods and decrease the shelf life of stored items.

Purchase freezer-safe plastic storage bags or containers to hold divided food.

Also have a permanent marker handy to label containers with the date and type of food enclosed.

Wash later Wash produce and fresh foods prior to

Small, thin packages will freeze faster and more evenly than other types of containers. They will also defrost quickly for use later on.

Keep hands clean when handling raw foods by placing one hand in a small plastic sandwich bag to grab the pieces of chicken or meat. Then turn the bag inside out on your hand and the piece of food. Place these wrapped pieces into a freezer-safe bag. The double layer of protection will safeguard against the formation of ice crystals and freezer burn, which can affect flavor.

Bulk ground beef or turkey purchases are another popular buy. Place in a large storage bag and flatten the ground meat as much as possible. Use a spatula to indent the meat almost through to the bottom in a grid pattern. This perforation allows you to access as much of the frozen meat as necessary.

Defrosting The USDA advises to defrost foods properly to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Freezing suspends bacteria trapped in food indefinitely. Improper defrosting practices can cause that bacteria to grow. If the food is not cooked thoroughly, illness can result.

Plan ahead to defrost foods in the refrigerator. It can take up to a day for this method of thawing, so plan meals well in advance.

A cold-water bath also can defrost foods. They should be in a leak-proof package, and the bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw.

Small packages of meat, poultry or seafood — about a pound — may thaw in an hour or less.

HOW TO

Microwaves also have a defrost setting.

Just remember to cook foods immediately afterward if you defrost them in a microwave.

Purchasing larger quantities of food can save money and time. Proper storage and food handling afterward ensures meals will be safe and tasty.

MAKE A RICE BALL Rice Balls

Rice balls are fried delicacies sold in many Italian specialty food stores and markets.

Often filled with meat or cheese, rice balls can be bite-sized snacks or softball-sized meals.

Due to some uncertainty about how to keep rice balls from falling apart, many home chefs shy away from recreating them in their own kitchens.

However, with a little know-how, anyone can create delicious rice balls.

1 cup rice with a high starch content to make it sticky, like aborio 2 cups water Salt for flavoring Homemade or prepared breadcrumbs 2 to 3 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed 1 to 2 eggs, whisked 1⁄2 cup homemade or prepared tomato sauce Few sprigs parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil for frying In a saucepan, bring water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rice to boiling water and reduce heat to simmer.

Cover pot and cook, roughly 15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed by the rice.

Drain the water and put rice in a bowl. Add the tomato sauce and mix.

Season with parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture

to sit and cool to room temperature before handling.

Have beaten eggs ready in a shallow bowl.

Pour breadcrumbs into another bowl and set aside.

Take the rice mixture and gather some in your hand. (Wet hands between making rice balls to keep the rice from sticking to your hands). Cup and form into a bowl. Push a piece of the mozzarella cheese into the center of the rice ball and reshape.

Roll the rice ball into the eggs and then place into the breadcrumbs to coat.

Repeat the process if desired for a thicker coating.

Repeat until all the rice is used. Place the formed rice balls into the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to set.

Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Place a few rice balls in at a time and cook until golden on all sides. Place on rack to drain. Repeat with all rice balls.

Serve and enjoy.

The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

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How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

Revitalize kids’ toys in no time ined it would when they purchased the item. But there are various, easy ways to rehabilitate toys so they can go on to have more utility and not end up in the garbage prematurely.

The following suggestions can help restore some of the luster that made kids love their now-damaged toys.

By Metro Creative Services

C

hildren can be rough on their toys, and many a toy has found its way into the garbage pile long before parents could have imag-

Spring

• Fix tangled doll hair. Dolls come out of the box looking pristine, but after a few play sessions, their nylon locks can become a knotted mess, and brushing only seems to make it worse. Rather than giving that princess doll a “buzz cut” to remedy the bad hair day, visit your laundry room. Fill a spray bottle with a 50-50 mix of water and liquid fabric softener. Spray the solution onto the doll hair. Use a comb or brush to work out the tangles, then rinse the hair with clean water. Allow to dry before putting it back into your youngster’s toy box.

• Clean up plush toys. Plush toys are often children’s first and most beloved companions. As a result, they can become grimy from constantly being dragged here and there through areas that are not always very clean. Many plush toys can be run through a washing machine’s gentle cycle. Place the stuffed toy in a light-colored pillowcase, being sure to securely close the pillowcase to protect the plastic eyes and other components of the plush.

Wash and tumble dry on low to refresh the toy.

Adding a little more stuffing to a plush toy can make a world of difference as well. Find a seam and make a small hole in the stitching. Stuff in some more batting or loose fill purchased from a craft store. Use an unsharpened pencil to push the stuffing into hard-to-reach areas, such as thin arms and legs of the doll. Then stitch up the hole before giving the toy back.

• Clean gummed-up electronics.

Electronic toys are favorites for many children. Toys with keyboards or buttons that need to be pressed can become stuck over time, rendering the toy useless thanks to debris that accumulates. It can be challenging to clean electronic toys because they are sensitive to water. Use a rag soaked with dish liquid and water. Ring out the rag before wiping down the surface of the toy. This will help clean up any sticky residue and other dirt.

Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean in between tight areas, such as between keys. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so it is generally safer to use on electronics than water. The alcohol also can help disinfect the toy.

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The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

Achieve perfect pics with tips from a pro

By Metro Creative Services Photographs are the way many people document life’s special occasions, milestones and even the daily moments that are worth saving and sharing.

Nowadays, it’s easy to take photos for granted since digital technology has made taking photos simpler than ever before.

The U.S. Library of Congress says that the oldest known photograph in the world was taken by French inventor Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1825. The photo depicts a man leading a horse.

Niepce’s heliographs, or sun prints, were the prototype for the modern photograph.

Although people have been taking photographs for nearly 200 years, some people still struggle to perfect their style and execution. Professional photographer Laura Kyle Bruen, of Laura Bruen Photography, works across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and shares her expert tips for creating visual photo perfection.

Photo taker: My camera has automated settings, but I’m interested in having more control over my photos. What are some things I need to know?

Laura: Step one would be learning the three elements of creating a correct exposure. This involves finding the balance between: ISO, shutter speed and aperture setting. ISO is the measure of a digital camera’s sensor’s sensitivity to light. Aperture is the size of the opening in the lens, which allows light to enter.

It also controls your depth of field (how in-focus or out of focus the background is behind your subject). Shutter Speed is the amount of time the shutter open and closes.

The most important thing to remember is

once you change one of these settings it will directly affect the others. I highly recommend Bryan Peterson’s book, “Understanding Exposure,” to learn about the balance of these settings and how it affects your images overall. Once you learn the rules of creating a correct exposure balancing these three settings, you can learn how to break them when deemed creatively desirable.

PT: My photos seem great at first glance, but then I see something in the background that ruins the overall look.

How do I remedy this?

L: While the subject, not the background, should be your main focus, it makes sense to evaluate your surroundings when composing a shot, as an ugly background may distract from the subject. Training your eye begins with looking through the viewfinder and making some conscious decisions. A good method of doing this is to mentally divide your frame into nine equal parts.

Evaluate your frame: Does that large box of tissues need to be in the background?

Are there any large obstructions, garbage cans? Is the light behind you? See any objects with clashing colors to your subject or other undesirables? If so, recompose your shot. Make it a habit to perform this exercise and when your eye is trained, you will compose images before you even put your eye up to the viewfinder.

great images. With children, life is silly — I’ll do anything to get the shot — dance, hop around making silly faces, even mount things on my cameras to get a rise out of small children. Do not force your subjects to do things they are not comfortable doing or do not want to do.

Keep it light, fun and comfortable.

PT: How do I know when to use the flash?

L: The correct answer to this question depends on the current lighting situation.

In every environment you have to analyze whether or not flash is necessary to achieve your desired outcome. As you progress/advance you’ll learn techniques where you can add supplemental light to existing light. Some of today’s best consumer digital cameras have very high ISO ratings that allow the photographer to shoot with relatively low light. Oncamera flashes can be harsh. If you need to use your pop-up flash, I highly recommend purchasing a pop-up diffuser. It is a solid investment as it softens the light and subjects won’t have that deer-in-headlights look.

PT: Everyone has had a horror story with

a photo that makes them look awful. I want my subjects to look their best. Are there any tips for achieving this?

L: We can all use posing tips! Direct your subject to bend his or her elbows and lift arms slightly away from the body to avoid flat arms against the body — which is not flattering. Shoot from above if your subject has a full face to eliminate any double chins. Make sure everyone is standing up straight! Have subjects cross one leg in front of the other to slim the thighs. Rotate the upper body of the subject slightly at the waist (slight twist) to slim the waistline. Tell subjects to relax their faces and to smile with their eyes — it works! I also tell my clients to get a good night’s rest the night before a shoot. They arrive well rested and fresh faced, and it’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do!

Laura Kyle Bruen is a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), as well as the National Association for Professional Women (NAPW). Vist her blog at shoot-scoop.com.

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PT: How do I get my subjects to pay attention … especially children?

L: In addition to knowing your camera and the basics of photography, depending on your subject matter you will either play director or documentary still photographer. If you’re working with an adult in a portrait, engage him or her in conversation to relax the atmosphere.

Getting your subjects relaxed results in

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10 How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

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How to keep your bike in top form

By Metro Creative Services

B

icycle riding is one of the best things a person can do for the environment and his or her personal health. Riding a bike requires only the power of the body and does not produce any noxious emissions.

It’s quiet, and bikes are able to gain access to places where cars are not permitted.

According to Glumac, a full-service engineering company specializing in sustainable design, using 1 gallon of gasoline in a car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions directly, or 26 pounds if you account for processing the fuel. Opting for a bike instead of a car can have profound environmental benefits.

Bicycles are most useful and efficient when they are properly maintained.

Failing to maintain a bike means it could be relegated to a dusty corner in the garage. To keep bikes in ideal working order, consider these bike maintenance tips.

• Keep the bike clean. A bicycle is a collection of moving parts. Over time mud and debris can get lodged in gears, tires and other components, impacting the performance of the bike.

Regular washing ensures that the bike will operate at peak capacity whenever you decide to go for a ride. Highpressure hoses may damage sensitive bearing systems, so it’s better to use a damp rag to carefully clean the bike. Brushing or buffing away debris can be handy as well. Consider how frequently you ride the bike and where you ride it when determining how often to clean the bike.

• Maintain proper tire pressure.

Much like with car tires, air pressure in bicycle tires can impact the ride and likelihood of damage. According to the CARE Exchange, a group of riders involved in fundraising cycling events, too little air in tires can increase the

likelihood of punctures to the inner tube. Low air pressure can put more pressure on bike components and accelerate wear and tear. Plus, it can make for an uncomfortable ride.

Similarly, too much pressure can cause the tires to blow out or provide a less enjoyable ride. Always keep tires at the pressure rating listed on the tire’s sidewall.

• Keep the chain well lubricated.

One of the most crucial steps to maintaining a bicycle is to keep the bike chain and other moving parts lubricated. This reduces excessive wear caused by friction and can prevent gears from ceasing up. Lubricants also can help prevent rust and corrosion.

Apply lubricant to the chain, brake and derailleur levers and cables. But too much lubricant can be a bad thing, attracting dirt and reducing performance. Use only as much as the bike needs and wipe away the excess.

• Get a tune-up. It’s beneficial to periodically have an experienced bike mechanic look over your bicycle.

Bearings may loosen slightly, and brake and gear cables can stretch.

Take the bicycle into a bike shop so the staff can give it an overhaul, addressing any areas that may need a little fine-tuning. Bike shop employees typically are knowledgeable in bicycle maintenance, and they can provide a wealth of information on other cyclingrelated subjects.

The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

11

Improve your indoor lighting Want to enhance your mood, productivity and general well-being? Consider these bright ideas.

By Metro Creative Services

T

he psychological effects of lighting have long been a subject of study.

It has been documented that the intensity and quality of light can impact the psychological and physiological well-being of a person, affecting daily mood.

The Mayo Clinic says that a lack of adequate lighting can make people feel depressed. That’s because light deprivation can affect the production of the hormone melatonin, leading to physiological imbalances. An abundance of light can get bodily systems back in check and also may be an alternative therapy for common emotional issues.

Lighting is such an important factor in mood that even stores and businesses study the impact certain lighting can have on people and their impression of a space. In fact, lighting design is an art and a science. Lighting designers must have an understanding of the visual quality users of a space need for their health, safety and enjoyment.

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America lists the basic body of knowledge on lighting in the IESNA Handbook. It includes summaries of recommended practices based on

research and consensus of successful lighting for specific applications. But individuals don’t need an extensive knowledge of lighting principles to improve their own interior lighting situations. Instead, a cursory understanding of what works can do the trick. Here are some things to consider.

• People are attracted to light. If lighting is necessary for safety, brighter illumination will guide the way.

• Brightness focuses personal attention on a particular object or area.

• To create a more pleasant atmosphere, use wall lighting instead of overhead lighting in a space.

• In public spaces or areas where individuals need to be alert, overhead lighting is the best option.

• Dim lighting is best for rooms in which relaxation is desired. That is why table lamps are often used with a shade to diffuse the light.

• Homes typically need a combination of lighting sources. An overhead light paired with ambient light and task lighting can help most people get things done.

The Mayo Clinic says that a lack of adequate lighting can make people feel depressed.

• According to light bulb manufacturer Sylvania, think in terms of layering light. Light sources should be placed at different heights throughout a room to supply adequate illumination as well as visual interest.

with the sun. Skylights can help light shine indoors when the sun is directly overhead. There are also sun tubes that help direct sunlight into rooms under an attic where traditional skylights cannot be installed.

• For those who want to boost mood, consider full-spectrum light bulbs that mimic the spectrum of outdoor light.

Remember, bright light can energize a person, so it is important to wind down from a long day by dimming the lights and preparing for sleep in the evening.

• Another easy remedy (during the day) is to simply let more outdoor light in. Keep blinds open wide, especially those that face west and south. Bedrooms with windows facing the east may help people rise

Individuals often take light for granted and only realize something is off kilter when their homes are not adequately lit. There are different ways to remedy inadequate lighting situations. Speaking with a lighting designer may help.

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12 How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

HOW TO

ASK FOR A RAISE The process will go much easier if you arrive for the meeting prepared to sell yourself.

A

By Metro Creative Services

s the economy has struggled over the last several years, many employees have felt happy to have a job, no matter what it pays.

However, for those who feel they have been doing an exemplary job at work, they shouldn’t let the economy prevent them from asking for a raise they deserve.

Chances are employers are not going to walk up to employees and offer them pay raises.

After all, bosses are in the business of having the company operate at the least possible cost. Men and women who want a raise should recognize that it is their responsibility to approach higher-ups about a pay increase.

Asking for a raise can put employees on edge and raise a couple of questions. What is the best way to approach the topic? What if the boss decides against a pay increase? What is a reasonable salary?

Preparing for a meeting with a supervisor is essential for men and women about to request a raise.

Research what others in your position are being paid. There are a number of salary calculators available online that will provide a good indication of the regional pay rate for a particular job description. Compare a few of them and take the average.

Print out these salary rates and bring them with you to the meeting.

Calculate how long you have been working at the company. It generally costs more money for an employer to replace an employee — even if the new one will be paid less than you — rather than just giving you a raise. That’s because there is the potential of lost business and productivity should you choose to leave the company. Hiring and training takes time. If you have been with the organization for quite some time, that should work in your favor, as it shows loyalty and the boss can review your lengthy work history.

Be prepared to say how much you enjoy working for the company and indicate your long-standing record for getting the job done.

Determine the financial position of the company first. You can probably get a good indication of how well the business is doing based on

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happenings around the office. If the employer has eliminated jobs, merged jobs, taken away incentives or other morale boosters like office parties, or done anything else that might be indicative of financial struggles, you may want to wait until things level out before asking for a raise.

Practice your sales pitch. Sit down and go over all of the reasons why you deserve a raise. Think about what proof you can use to support your request. If yours is a sales-based job, offer a spreadsheet that shows how many sales you have made.

For recruiters, show how much new business you have brought in. If you have any customer testimonials, present them as well. To get a raise you have to sell yourself. Don’t think of it as making threats or ultimatums.

An employer is smart enough to realize that, if you are asking for a raise, you could be unhappy with your current situation.

Think about how you will react if the raise is turned down. Perhaps asking for a raise is the last step before looking for a new job. You might stay if

you get more money, but leave if your request is denied. Maybe you have a comfortable enough relationship with your boss that you can ask when might be the right time for a raise, or when you can broach the subject again. Also, there is the opportunity to negotiate: If I cannot get a pay increase, are there any other benefits I can receive, such as better health insurance, gym membership, covered child care expenses, or some other benefit that isn’t salary-related?

Choose a good time for an appointment with your boss. Wait until deadlines are over or after your supervisor has returned from a vacation. You want an uninterrupted time to sit down and present your case when there will be no distractions.

After all, you want him or her relaxed and in a good mood, which will only improve your chances of getting what you want.

Asking for a raise can sometimes be uncomfortable. However, for employees who think they are going above and beyond at work, they should state their cases for a raise.

The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

Check Out Indiana Regional Medical Center’s Patient and Consumer Health Portal The Portal provides patients and their families access to health information online at any time and from almost anywhere.

Get started today and you can securely: View and Request Appointments

Access Discharge Summaries

See Your Visit History

Update Personal Information

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To get started, visit the Patient and Consumer Health Portal link on our website: www.indianarmc.org

13

14 How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

How to repurpose items for new and useful purposes durable. Then either sew or tie the sleeves of a shirt to make handles.

Before items get discarded or recycled, see if they can be put to use in new and interesting ways.

• Craft can bird feeders. Cut a sturdy can in half and punch holes into either end. String rope through the holes and tie to create a hanger.

Place in a tree branch and watch the birds stop by for a treat.

• Design unique planters. Just about any vessel can be turned into a pot to house a plant. From teapots to cups to mason jars, items can be cleverly transformed to display greenery.

• Sew a pocket organizer. Before you discard old jeans that are torn or no longer fit, remove the square of fabric surrounding the back pocket.

By Metro Creative Services

curb for pickup.

T

he “reduce, reuse and recycle” movement has grown increasingly popular as more men, women and children look to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.

By considerably cutting back on waste, people are doing their part to reduce the size of landfills, safeguard natural habitats and keep neighborhoods and local communities clean.

Municipal public works organizations may have recycling programs in place that make it convenient for residents to recycle items by placing them at the

But prior to putting items out for recycling, people can investigate if it’s possible to reuse an item in a new way.

The following are some creative ways to repurpose items around the house.

• Transform shirts into shopping totes. With some modest sewing skills, you can turn an old shirt into a reusable shopping tote.

Seal the bottom of the shirt securely.

You may want to slip a piece of cardboard in the bottom to make it more

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When you have several denim squares, sew them together to make a hanging pocket organizer to hold everything from small toys to crafting tools. Old jeans also can be turned into knapsacks and doll clothes.

• Turn old books into shelves.

Rather than placing books on shelves, make the books the shelves! With a few shelving brackets and some sturdy, hardcover books, you now have interesting shelves to display other items.

Ladders and even old folding chairs

also can be repurposed as shelves.

• Turn doors into décor. Old doors can be put to use all over the house.

Attach legs and transform a door into a coffee table. Secure a door to a wall and it instantly becomes a piece of art.

Take out a door frame and use it to hold a mirror.

Plus, doors can be used to craft headboards and footboards for beds.

When thinking creatively, you can find many ways to breathe new life into items that may be on their way to the trash or recycling bins.

DID YOU KNOW? Tarnish is a discoloration that forms on silver and silver-plated items. It occurs due to oxidation from exposure to air and skin. Tarnish remover is quite expensive and contains harsh chemicals that can damage the metal. To remove tarnish, you can mix a teaspoon of ammonia with 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap and 1⁄4 cup of water. Mix the solution and apply to the tarnish with a cotton swab. Gently scrub until the tarnish is gone. Be sure to do the cleaning in a well-ventilated area because ammonia fumes can be toxic.

The Indiana Gazette • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • How To

15

HOW TO

choose your next television

Whether it’s plasma, LED, LCD, HD, or 3D, all of the “Ds” of television technology and terminology can have the average consumer scratching his or her head and wondering what’s what?

Gone are the days when you turn the knob of the television set, adjust the rabbit ears antenna and hope the picture is clear. Television technology has advanced light years from what it was when most people were children. High-definition picture quality creates sharp images that make viewers feel like they’re right in the show. Improved speakers and sound enhance the viewers’ the overall experience.

And today’s televisions come in so many shapes and sizes, they’ll fit in just about any home or business setting.

Other technology continues to shrink a television’s size and weight so that they are lighter and thinner.

Gone are the days of those ultra-heavy behemoth sets. As all of these changes take place, it can be difficult to stay abreast of the changes. Shoppers looking for a new TV can inform themselves of the different types of TVs and the strengths and weaknesses to each.

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CRT TVs use a specialized vacuum tube inside of the TV to create the picture. The black level on CRTs are among the best, and these TVs are much lower priced than some of the newer technology.

While the direct view televisions have a long life expectancy, their bulk and weight deters many of today’s shoppers who prefer sleeker alternatives than CRTs. LCD LCD, or liquid crystal display, is used on flat panel or rear projection televisions. LCDs are not overly reflective, so they’re a good idea in bright rooms. They do not produce the “burn-in” effect, where an image is permanently imprinted on the screen, that other televisions might.

The disadvantages to LCD flat-panel TVs is that they can be expensive. There is also a limited viewing area. Those sitting to the sides of the television may have a darker, distorted view.

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16 How To • Saturday, May 30, 2015 • The Indiana Gazette

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