Back to the Past

 

 

Do you feel like you’re living life in a whirlwind? Is everyday rushed and frantic? Are you constantly struggling to keep on top of daily life? Do you wish you could live a simpler, more stress-free life that’s kinder both to you and to the environment?

Well, you’re not alone. Many people are getting fed up of the hectic pace at which we live our lives and want to make their home environments and lifestyles simpler. Here are a few ways in which you can take inspiration from days gone by to simplify family life whilst having a positive impact on the environment:

 

Transport
Almost every family today has at least one car but 60 years ago, only the wealthy would have had their own transport. Think about the journeys you make and rather than automatically jumping into the car, try cycling or walking instead. Not only is this better for your health but will help cut your carbon emissions too.

 

Clothes
Whether the buttons have fallen off your shirt or you just feel like something new to wear for a night out, it’s become normal to buy new clothes on a regular basis. Rather than mending clothes, we choose to buy new ones and with low prices and more choice than ever before, most of us have wardrobes bulging with cheap items that are only worn a handful of times. In the past, people cared for their clothes a lot more carefully and would mend items rather than replace them. By investing in fewer but better quality items, you’ll have a more stylish wardrobe and feel less stressed when deciding what to wear. And in addition you’ll be helping the environment by reducing the number of textiles sent to landfill and help cut the energy used in producing new clothes.

 

Recycling
In more frugal times, nothing was thrown away if it could be reused or repurposed. Think about the things you throw away and see if there is a new use for them. For example, empty jam jars can be washed and used as pretty flower containers, old envelopes can be used as scrap paper and empty boxes can be given to children for craft projects.

 

Cooking
Today we throw away more food than ever before. Of course, during the wartime rationing of the 1940s and 50s, many ingredients were incredibly scarce and people simply wouldn’t have dreamt of throwing food away. Today’s supermarkets and convenience food makes it easier than ever to buy and throw away food. Try making a food plan for the week, just as households in the 1940s and 50s would have done and then you will only need to buy the ingredients that you know you are going to use. Not only will this save you money and cut waste but could also lead to a healthier diet as you plan nutritious home cooked food rather than relying on ready-meals and takeaways.

 

Of course, many aspects of life in the 1940s and 50s were much tougher than today and it’s great that we have access to mod-cons and luxury items that make life easier but if you’re looking for easy ways to make your home environment and lifestyle simpler and more relaxed, then these by-gone eras may have lessons to offer.

 

For more information about creating a green family lifestyle, visit: www.futurefriendly.co.uk

Categories: Clothes, Food, items, life, nbsp

Robin Williams" Family Given More Time to Settle Estate Dispute

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Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams’ wife and children have got more time to settle dispute over some of the late actor’s personal items. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Andrew Cheng gave them time until July 29 to resolve the issues, reported Ace Showbiz.

 

The settlement was supposed to be reached on June 1. However, the actor’s widow, Susan Williams, and three children from the actor’s previous marriage were still in disagreement about splitting some personal items.

 

Meredith Bushnell, attorney for Mr Williams’ children from previous marriages, said there were approximately 300 personal items, including clothing, books, bicycles, entertainment awards and some artwork, which were still in dispute after the two sides met with a mediator at a judge’s suggestion.

 

Mr Williams hung himself in August 2014 in his Marin County home, which he shared with Susan. He left instructions that she would receive enough money to keep it up through her lifetime.

 

On the other hand, the actor left most of his estate, worth around US$ 100 million, to his three children, including the proceeds from the sale of a Napa County home and property.

 

Categories: actor, Children, county home, items, nbsp, personal items, property nbsp, robin williams, williams

Medical Supplies You Should Have In Storage

Medical emergencies are something that could strike anyone at any time, no matter how old or young the person may be. Luckily, the Internet age has made it much easier to acquire medical supplies that go above and beyond the standard First-Aid kit.

 

It is unfortunate that many homeowners do not even own a First-Aid kit, let alone any specialized medical gear. The following items are common medical items that have been proven to save lives.

 

First-Aid Kit

The two main functions of a First-Aid kit are to stop bleeding and to keep wounds from getting infected. The items included are gauze, antibiotic cream, band-aids, medical tape, and a cold pack to treat muscle strains. This is the basic kit that any safety-conscious homeowner should have.

 

Defibrillator

This apparatus is designed to start a heart that has stopped beating as a result of cardiac arrest. This is especially useful for those who are not trained in CPR. The reason is that defibrillators often come with clear-cut instructions for operation. With that being said, at least one member of a household should be trained in CPR. These classes are fairly cheap and are usually offered at a community’s activity center.

 

Suture Kit

Many people think that stitching a wound is a complex procedure; however, the reality is that it is the same fundamental procedure as stitching a seam. Do some research online on how to sew and confer with your doctor regarding the slight differences between the two procedures. It is a skill that most people never need, but it is always good to know how to be able to stitch a wound in case of an emergency. This is what field medics who are stationed in war zones specialize in.

 

Stethoscope

A stethoscope is what doctors use to listen to a patient’s heartbeat and pulse. This checks for any irregularities in heartbeat or blood flow, which are both early warning signs of cardiac arrest. If there is a clot forming somewhere in the body, then you will be able to hear the flow of the person’s blood moving at a slower pace. This also may indicate that the artery is blocked. The best course of action is to give the person an aspirin to thin their blood and call the paramedics immediately.

 

Catheters

When most people hear the word catheter they think of a urinary catheter. While this is certainly a common use of catheters, the reality is that they have several uses. When shopping for medical catheters it is important to understand that different sizes have different functions. Some other uses for catheters include cardiovascular, neurovascular, and gastrointestinal issues.

 

By owning this simple list of items you will be sufficiently prepared for any medical emergency that comes your way.

Categories: aid kit, Blood, cardiac arrest, catheters, health concerns, items, Medical, medical supplies, nbsp

What Gifts are Good to Give Friends with Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis comes with certain limitations, such as difficulty holding pens or doing up buttons, and so that nice stationary set or item of clothing you were going to buy for your friend may not be the best thing for their wellness. If you have a friend with rheumatoid arthritis – and a birthday coming up – there are many gifts you can give them that can help improve their wellbeing.

Firstly, get to know about the types of limitation that your friend has to deal with. Does he or she have a problem using regular utensils to prepare meals and to eat, or is that fine but reaching for items in their kitchen cupboards is a challenge? Once you have the low-down on their condition, there are several shops online that provide a wide range of items to help someone with rheumatoid arthritis cope with physical challenges.

Your friend might appreciate eating utensils with special grip handles that make them easier to hold and use or knives that work with a rocking motion – as these will greatly reduce stress on your friend’s hands and wrist. for gardening enthusiasts, tools with special grips or extra-long handles might be a good idea, or your friend might like a reacher or grabber which allows them to extend their reach and retrieve items. You can also buy door knob grippers, which make it easier to turn regular door knobs, special cushions that can be put on pens and pencils, and dressing aids, such as button hooks, zip pulls, and shoe horns.

If your friend struggles buttoning clothing, or has items that are difficult to put on, how about giving them a voucher to have the clothing altered by a professional tailor or seamstress? You could even do the alterations yourself if you are handy with a needle and thread – all you need is a few Velcro brand fasteners. Other vouchers your friend might appreciate include ones for lawn services, cleaning services, maintenance services, food shopping delivery or a catered or home-cooked meal once a month. You could also help them with a voucher for a massage, gym or fitness club membership, tai chi classes, hair salon services or even a spa day.

 

What Gifts are Good to Give Friends with Arthritis?

Categories: Arthritis, Friend, gifts, items, Rheumatoid Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), services, special, Vouchers