All posts in: Since You Asked

Stopping junk mail


"Neither snow nor rain nor heat or gloom" prevent U.S. mail carriers from delivering roughly 213 billion pieces of mail every year, according to the Today show. However, a quick glance in your mailbox should give you an idea of how much of that mail is plain old junk: advertising, credit card offers, catalogs, brochures, coupons, and a hundred other things we never request or read. So in the spirit of a fresh new start, I'm setting out to give my mailbox a lighter load by banishing unwanted junk mail.

DIY: Turn your treadmill into a desk


Treadmill desks are gaining popularity, thanks in part to studies warning that sitting for long periods increases your risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Purpose-made treadmill desks often cost thousands of dollars and are limited, at best, for fitness applications. But if you already have (or are planning to buy) a regular treadmill, you can get the best of both worlds by turning it into a part-time desk.

Get your fresh-from-the-salon look at home


I love the fresh boost of confidence that comes with a new haircut. It makes me feel almost like I'm starting over and anything is possible. But, quite often that fresh-out-of-the-salon look doesn't carry over into the next day when I have to fix my hair all by myself. And unless you have mad hairstyling skills, I'm betting that you've experienced the same thing. So, why is it that your hair doesn't look the same as it did in the salon... even when you try your hardest to recreate the style?

How to: Buy a dress slip


Ladies, you may think you have your New Year's Eve ensemble planned all the way down to the hosiery (textured tights, anyone?), but make sure you are not forgetting one of the most essential elements. No matter how pulled together you look on the outside, appropriate undergarments are crucial. And a dress slip--though it may be a blast from the past--is sometimes a must. The New York Times even points out that the slip is no longer worn exclusively by old ladies; it's back in fashion--as underwear, not just outerwear--for women of all ages.

We talked to Anne Fritz, About.com's 15-Minute Fashion Guide, for a few pointers when it comes to under-dress skivvies.

Don't just throw it away: How to return unwanted gifts


As rewarding as the tradition of giving and receiving gifts at the holidays can be, there are those awkward moments when you unwrap something that you don't want. Whether it's clothing in the wrong size, an item you have no use for, or something you just absolutely dislike, you smile, genuinely thank the gift-giver, and start thinking of what to do with your new unwanted treasure.

Keep it, exchange it, or return it? Stores' holiday return policies


Once the excitement of the holiday gift-giving has passed, the chore of returning or exchanging items that weren't quite right begins. There are plenty of options on what you can do with your unwanted present, such as re-gifting or selling it on eBay; but the traditional route is to return it and that is where it can get tricky.

Each store has a different return policy, but most require original or gift receipts. For gifts ordered online, keep the original box the item was shipped in, as well as all packing materials and invoices. The table below breaks down the basics of the policies of major retailers. The amount of time each retailer allows items to be returned and restrictions varies from store to store, so we've included a link to each store's return policies for additional information.

Charitable donations: How to give responsibly


As the holidays approach and the year quickly comes to an end, lots of people's minds turn to giving back to their communities and helping those in need. Plenty of businesses and schools put together food and clothing drives, Toys for Tots bins start popping up all over, and of course there are the thousands of charities looking to receive monetary donations.

But with all the worthy causes out there, how do you determine which ones to give to? Is there any way to be sure that your money is going to directly help a cause? Are long-established charities a better choice over newly-formed ones? Is it even possible to question a charity without getting labeled a Scrooge? Here are some tips and suggestions to help make your holiday giving a little less stressful.

Holiday gifts for the boss: Yay or nay?


From career advisors to the reigning queen of etiquette, Emily Post herself, most experts agree gifts for a workplace superior are an unwelcome addition to the holiday festivities. But as with most gift-giving guidelines, this one varies significantly from one workplace to another and depends on your relationship with the intended recipient.

Pop quiz: What kind of holiday gift is appropriate for teacher?


Gift giving around the holidays can be a major stressor, especially when it comes to the folks you aren't even sure you should give to. Holiday gifts for teachers are commonplace, but recent laws have cracked down on accepting valuable gifts from students. We rounded up the best gifts to give teachers that don't involve shelling out a huge amount of cash or buying five types of scented lotion in a holiday-shopping induced panic.

Pet-free homes are not pet allergen free


Think your pet-free home is free of pet allergens? Not so. Cat dander has been found in places where cats have never stepped foot, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) case studies. Referred to by allergists as "passive" exposure, cat dander can travel from one place to another from hitchhiking onto clothing and other personal belongings.

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