Archives for the 'The Simple Life' Category
How to Build Community [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
Turn off your TV
Leave your house
Know your neighbors
Look up when you are walking
Greet people
Sit on your stoop
Plant flowers
Use your library
Play together
Buy from local merchants
Share what you have
Help a lost dog
Take children to the park
Garden together
Support neighborhood schools
Fix it even if you didn’t break it
Have pot lucks
Honor elders
Pick up litter
Read stories aloud
Dance [...]
Waste a Little or a Lot of Time With Wordle [Ian's Messy Desk]
If you’ve got some time on your hands and are looking for some word fun, check out Wordle. Jonathan Feinberg has created an addictive new web toy. Wordle turns any block of text into a word cloud.
You can paste a block of text or, as in my case below, enter your Del.icio.us user name. You can then [...]
10 Shopping Tricks That Stores Hate [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
I have never bought an extended warranty on any product and have never had call to use one? I figure the money I have saved by not buying extended warranties would cover the cost of replacing any computer, appliance, etc.
The Consumerist has lots of good tips for getting the most out [...]
20 Tips for Saving Money on Gas [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
With the astronomical prices of fuel these days, many people have had to tighten their budgets to make room for more spending on gas. However, with the application of some gas-saving tips, you can keep your spending to within a reasonable range, and help save the environment at the same time.
Maintain [...]
25 Tips for Garage and Yard Sales [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
It’s the time of year—at least in this part of the world—for garage and yard sales. Spring cleaning is finished and now it’s time to get rid of excess possessions.
One person’s trash is another’s treasure. Garage sales are a great way to get rid of things you no longer need, you’re [...]
Optimize Your Equipment for an Energy-Smart Office [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
Computers, printers, photo-copiers, fax machines and scanners are essential equipment in the office and in many cases, the home. They are tools we rely on each day to do our jobs effectively and efficiently and it is difficult to imagine working without them. However, there is a price to be paid [...]
Eco-Friendly Pest Control [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
(NC)-With the warmer temperatures here, many Canadians are spending more time outdoors working on the yard. Unfortunately, a common problem in many gardens is weed and insect infestations. Not only is it important to know how to effectively treat your garden to keep it pest and disease free, it is also [...]
The Four Laws of Simplicity [Ian's Messy Desk]
Leo starts his article with the quote from Leonardo da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” He then makes the point that most systems for simplifying tend be be complicated. He has a simple method of simplifying, The Four Laws of Simplicity, and How to Apply Them to Life.
His four laws of simplicity:
Collect everything in [...]
Build Stronger Intergenerational Connections [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
Grow old along with me!
The Best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith ‘A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all nor be afraid.’ —Robert Browning
There are few places today where people of different ages interact. [...]
Better sleep tips for shift workers [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in The Simple Life
My experience as a shift worker was back when I was in my 20’s. In those days, I’d think nothing of staying up 24 or more hours at a time coming off or heading into a shift change. My sleep patterns were all over the place. I was also pretty skilled [...]