Monthly Archives: November 2023

My job means that I talk to professional home organizers and declutterers every single day. As a result, I pick up some pretty good tips that I then implement around my home.

After a year of separating what works from what doesn't, I have settled on four firm decluttering lessons that have completely changed how I live in my home, and how I deal with the clutter that used to leave me in a constant cycle of feeling overwhelmed.

These are the four decluttering tips I now swear by as someone who works with expert organizers, and why they changed my home.

From knowing what to do with the items you are decluttering to understanding how to declutter when feeling overwhelmed, professional organizers have done it all which is why their advice can almost always be trusted.

(Image credit: Ted Todd)

Guilt was something I really struggled with when it came to decluttering and it wasn't just when decluttering sentimental items either, it was for everything I had ever spent money on, be it decluttering my closet, or clearing out my kitchen.

One of the most important things I learned from organizers is that this feeling of guilt that I havent used something or that something doesn't fit is a surefire sign that it needs to be decluttered. After all, the item will only continue to make me feel guilty and remain unused.

After starting to stick to this rule and forcing myself through the difficult moments, I feel a lot happier with what I do keep around me.

Sentimental items are one of those home items people never want to declutter but need to and I certainly used to be guilty of hanging on to every ticket and travel map with the intention of putting it in a scrapbook but never did.

These items are hard to let go of, but experts reminded me that I can still reminisce on those trips and events without having to have a physical item to remind me of them. Besides, the fact I never put it in a book or digitized the memory suggests I would never look at it again if I had anyway.

The memories stick with me and don't take up space in my essential home storage making letting go of stuff easier.

When it comes to the process of decluttering, I used to wait until I got overwhelmed by a space or physically couldn't use a storage unit before I gutted it out as a matter of necessity. This is the furthest thing from a practical solution imaginable.

When I started talking to the experts, I discovered that every one of them has a system that they depend upon and works for every space in every home. I have tested out a fair few of these around my space for work but settled on the ski-slope organizing system as my ultimate favorite for reestablishing order around my home and decluttering without making a mess.

Finding one that works for you can be trial and error, but it is worth the time you invest to sustain a calm home.

I never used to be a big planner when it came to cleaning and decluttering my home, opting to dive in head first instead. This was a huge mistake, however, as it meant I frequently got distracted and never ended up getting rid of very much at all.

It turns out that, while it may be time-consuming, planning where I wanted to tackle and writing out my goals (be it on paper or my phone) does set you up for a successful decluttering session and not much else beats it.

When starting with decluttering, it helps to read tips from professional organizers to learn more about their process. From there, you can start to try out different approaches to clearing out your home to work out what works best for you and helps you to achieve your goals. You might also want to hire a professional organizer to get a head start and learn from them directly.

The golden rule of decluttering is to always put things back where they belong when you have finished with them to prevent visual clutter from accumulating around your home. This helps you to keep things organized while also making it simpler to find things when you need them helping you to avoid feeling overwhelmed at home.

There are plenty of other decluttering rules and approaches that professionals love for keeping order in a home, so it is a good idea to try different things out to see what works best for you. They are professionals for a reason, after all.

You might want to combine approaches, for instance, to make decluttering fun or learn how to encourage family to declutter with you to take the load off.

Read this article:

The most valuable decluttering lessons I have learned | - Homes & Gardens

Its time Bennington stood up against hate. The world is boiling over with it. Dont we all wish we could stop it? The world cannot tolerate it much longer. Innocent people are being killed everywhere.

This isnt the world I grew up in and this isnt the world the next generation should grow up in. This isnt the way government was supposed to work. This isnt the way modern countries should deal with each other.

I know there is little we can do here in the State of Vermont to solve the problems of Israel and Palestine, or to give more than moral support to the war to preserve Ukraine. Governments are going to continue to spin out of control, no matter what we do here in Bennington.

Still, we cant just sit and stew, in the face of hate crimes, the racist attacks on Jewish, Black, Asian people or any race or nationality, and the rising tide of hatred that spews forth out of the media.

When the murder of George Floyd led to the Black Lives Matter movement, Bennington took a stand. It allowed painting on a roadway to support Black Lives Matter. That was no small gesture. Its rare to see principles displayed that way, and it had an impact.

Its time Bennington stood up against hate. Perhaps the process could begin with a strongly-worded resolution by the select board. We then can find ways as a community to underscore the public need for tolerance.

Vermonters have always been known as a tolerant people. Still the whitest state in the Union, Vermont was a leader in the abolitionist movement and has welcomed peoples from all nations into our communities.

But even here in Vermont we sometimes see signs of hate. Those who are afraid of people who dont look like them, who practice a different religion, will sometimes lash out with hate with ugly words. Thats just not acceptable it cannot and should not be tolerated.

Vermont has laws against hate crimes. They must be enforced. They must be matters of regular public discussion. We must show our disapproval publicly, but also we ought to look within. As adults we must find ways to keep this hate from spreading to our children.

Like others, I think about my own prejudices, which have changed over the years. Some of what I once thought what everyone around me thought was wrong. Even now, I have to be careful what I say and what I think. Everybody seems to be so sensitive lately. Sentences sometimes come out backward.

Ive been told that human beings are the only animals that hate. It cant be that we, as the supposedly most advanced form of life on the planet, have evolved to hate each other. It's not as if that was some kind of advance rather than a weakness something that is entirely impractical in addition to being unacceptable.

Each of us should be honest enough to admit our prejudices. And each should be willing to change if necessary. Thats not as nave as it sounds. Was I ever wrong about anything? Of course I was. Everybody has been wrong sometime. When what I thought turned out to be a mistake, I changed, but I never gave up my basic values.

Those values include a basic, sincere tolerance for others, especially those who are not like me, who come from different cultures, different families, different ideas. Thats what we are taught as a basic part of being an American. And a Vermonter.

We can say loudly and clearly we will not tolerate hate. Why cant we all live under the Golden Rule, treating others the same way we deserve to be treated. I believe that is a good place to start.

Mike Bethel is a resident of Bennington. Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.

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COMMENTARY| Bethel: Too much hate | Opinion ... - Bennington Banner

Do you love good food? A comfortable family-style atmosphere, familiar favourites on the menu and also new delights to try?

If so, you are looking for Nellos Cucina Italiana. Whether you are a long-time patron or have yet to experience Nellos charm, you are always welcome in the dining room.

My wife and I bought Nellos from my father in March 2010, says Tony Saporito. If you like Italian food, you will love our food because we only make home-style, old-school Italian dishes just like Nonna used to make in our home.

Saporito is not just the owner, he is also the executive chef. His recipe for success is beautifully simple, yet profoundly effective, "Treat people the way you want to be treated, food-wise, experience-wise, and service-wise."

The establishment, named after his father, has become a beloved local institution, recognized for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality, and he is proud to carry on the tradition his father started. As an Italian-Canadian chef, he brings a vibrant blend of cultures to his kitchen. He is known for his high-energy approach to cooking and his unwavering demand for excellence from his team. Yet, it's his self-expectations that are highest of all.

While the pressure cooker atmosphere of a restaurant kitchen can leave some chefs flustered, Saporito thrives under the heat. He channels his intense energy into creating dishes that are not just delicious, but emotionally engaging.

At the heart of his philosophy is love. He firmly believes in cooking with love, and he insists that the mood of the chef can influence the final outcome of the dish. With his passion and dedication, Saporito ensures that every dish served at Nellos is a testament to his love for food and his commitment to providing a memorable dining experience for each guest.

One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the chicken parmigiana.

Its an old-school staple Italian dish in the south, smiles Saporito.

Every menu item is crafted using fresh, quality ingredients. The consistency year over year means diners know they will get the same exceptional meals and service every single time.

Starting with their appetizers, Nellos offers a selection of mouthwatering options that serve as a perfect introduction to the main meal. From bruschetta to calamari, these starters are designed to whet your appetite and prepare you for the culinary journey ahead.

The salad offerings are equally impressive, providing a fresh and healthy alternative. Whether you prefer a classic Caesar or a more adventurous Bocconcini salad, each salad is prepared with the freshest ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavours with every bite.

The entrees are the highlight of the menu, boasting a variety of traditional dishes. From succulent meat dishes to fresh seafood options, there is something for everyone. Each entre is meticulously crafted, ensuring a dining experience that is both delicious and memorable. Why not try the gamberi, which is pan seared jumbo tiger prawns? Or perhaps you are in the mood for meatballs. They have been slow simmered in Nellos signature tomato sauce. Eating light? Try the fresh salmon. The garlic butter and red peppers are the perfect complement to this dish.

The pasta selection is equally enticing, featuring classic Italian favorites such as carbonara and pasticcio. Each pasta dish is made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection, offering a true taste of Italy right in the heart of St. Albert.

If you haven't yet savored the taste of Italy at Nello's, there's no better time than now. Tonys golden rule of treating people the way you want to be treated resonates through the service, the ambiance, and most importantly, the food. At Nello's Cucina Italiana, every meal is a celebration of love, passion, and the rich, enduring tradition of Italian cooking.

From outstanding customer service awards to several Readers Choice awards, Nellos has been consistently celebrated and recognized over the years by industry, community, and patrons alike. Learn more online and on Facebook and Instagram.

Read the original:

Cooking with Love Nello's Continues Impress Diners - St. Albert Gazette

With nearly 100 acting credits to his name, James Garner was thriving during Hollywood's Golden Age. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, the Golden Globe winner was a military veteran and racer. Behind the scenes, he fought through a number of health issues to be a doting dad and husband.

Garner was born in 1928 in Oklahoma. At age 16, he joined the Merchant Marines at the end of World War II. After the war, he attended high school but dropped out during his senior year to enlist in the National Guard. Garner went on to serve in the Korean War but was wounded twice in action, earning two Purple Hearts during his service.

After his military career came to an end, Garner appeared in a few plays and commercials and managed to snag minor parts in television series. Some of his earliest acting roles included 1956s Toward the Unknown, Conflict and Cheyenne.

In 1957, Garner began portraying the lead role of Bret Maverick in the western TV series Maverick. He appeared in 63 episodes of the show until 1962. Several attempts were made to revive the program with Garner in the decades that followed, but none of them found the same success as the original iteration.

He turned his attention to films throughout the 60s, landing roles in The Great Escape, The Americanization of Emily, 36 Hours, The Art of Love and more. Sharing the screen with the likes of Julie Andrews, Steve McQueen, Dick Van Dyke, Eva Marie Saint and many other film veterans led Garner to become one of Hollywoods most in-demand leading men.

The Marlowe actor returned to television from 1971 to 1972 with the series Nichols. He also starred in the detective drama The Rockford Files from 1974 to 1980. In 1985, Garner scored his first and only Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Murphys Romance. In his later years in Hollywood, Garners acting credits included First Monday, 8 Simple Rules and The Notebook.

Garners career spanned more than six decades, and he had his supportive wife, Lois Clarke, by his side through it all. The pair met in 1956 and got married just two weeks later.

From a previous marriage, Clarke was already a mom to daughter Kim when she met Garner. He later adopted her and raised her as his own. The couple also welcomed daughter Greta, whom they called Gigi, during their marriage.

I really hit the jackpot with my dad, Gigi told Closer in October 2021. He was the type of father that got down on the floor and played with you. He was very present. The greatest father in the world.

Throughout his life, Garner opened up about experiencing a number of health issues, with multiple knee operations, a quintuple bypass surgery and he suffered a stroke in 2008.

Im constantly in pain. I have arthritis in my back, and my knees, and my hands. I had ulcers this year and once an ulcer patient, always an ulcer patient, he told People in April 1985. I get depressed. Very.

He was very thankful for the support of his longtime wife during his health battles.

Shes just stuck with me all these years, he said. I guess shes stubborn too.

Garner died on July 19, 2014, at his Los Angeles home at the age of 86 from a heart attack. Seven years later, Clarke died on October 21, 2021.

My father was an all-around good guy and a big animal lover, Gigi said. He was just a genuine person who lived by the Golden Rule. You just dont get people like that nowadays.

Excerpt from:

What Happened to James Garner? Inside the 'Maverick' Star's ... - Yahoo Entertainment

Greenhouse growers have a golden rule: 1% more light entails 1% more production. This mainly involves the PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) part of sunlight. In the Netherlands, the Delft-based startup Fotoniq has developed a coating that converts UV into PAR and ensures a diffuse distribution of light. In other words, more growing light in more places inside the greenhouse. Backed by the Innovation Program AgriTech, the coating was tested at two vegetable growers. "Taking part in an innovation process costs time and money, but this is something I dared try," said founder Sadiq van Overbeek in a report from InnovationQuarter.

Sometimes, innovative ideas arise by chance. Such was Fotoniq's case. Co-founder Sadiq van Overbeek was in the middle of a bicycle trip through the Westland a few years ago. He saw the greenhouses and realized how important light is for growers. This brought to mind a coating that he had developed with his company but for which he had not yet been able to think of an application. That coating converts UV light to PAR light.

Things started moving quickly after that. Van Overbeek sought contacts in horticulture and was welcomed with open arms. That resulted in a small 50m2 trial at Koppert Cress nursery in Monster. The trial showed that the coating on the greenhouse cover did indeed increase growth. "However, Koppert Cress grows cresses, which is a very different crop compared to fruiting vegetables. Bell pepper, tomato, or cucumber growers, for example, are not as interested in growth as they are in production," said Van Overbeek.

Later, a trial at a bell pepper grower also went well. And last year, Fotoniq was also able to test the coating in tomato and cucumber farms. Fred Schpe, of Verkade Tomaten, from 's-Gravenzande, said that "the coating works. The production improves, and the plants do better and are under less stress."

Higher production Corn van Boxel is a cucumber grower in Delfgauw. He read an article in a trade magazine about Fotoniq's coating, "which would increase the amount of growing light by 8 to 10%. That seemed interesting to me. I then sent a message. And last year, I got a call from Fotoniq, asking whether I wanted to take part in a trial."

Not much later, the coating was applied to a 600 m2 area. Van Boxel noticed that there was better light diffusion inside the greenhouse. As a result, light was reaching more places, and thus, more of the crop's leaves. The coating also provided extra light inside the greenhouse on light days. That resulted in a slight 1.7% increase in the production.

In the greenhouses of Verkade Tomatoes, the coating was even more effective. 900 m2 of the greenhouse roof were treated there, and this resulted in about 3.1% more production of truss tomatoes. Schpe was very satisfied. "This was just a trial. By coating an entire greenhouse, the improvement will only be greater."

Growers are constantly adjusting the climate inside the greenhouse. They do that for an entire section at once, therefore, for a large part of the greenhouse. The coating at Van Boxel and Verkade Tomatoes covered only part of the greenhouse roof. The growers did not control the climate based on the part with the coating but on the part without. Van Overbeek says that "because of the coating, there was better light diffusion in the greenhouse, so the screen at the top of the greenhouse could be closed later. That, in turn, affects the temperature, humidity, and CO2 in the greenhouse, and thus growth."

No one wants to be the first customer The cooperation between Fotoniq and the two growers was possible in the framework of the AgriTech Innovation Program. As a result, the two growers ran no financial risk in testing the coating. And that was the deciding factor, according to Schpe. "Taking part in an innovation process costs time and money. But this is something I dared do."

"Investing in innovation is exciting for an entrepreneur. The same certainly applies to our coating. On average, a grower operates independently for about thirty years. Our coating lasts eight years. In other words, by trying our coating, a grower is taking a risk for a quarter of those thirty years. So it's a big risk," said Van Overbeek.

44,000 square meters Consequently, many entrepreneurs in horticulture are not at the forefront when it comes to embracing innovations, according to Van Overbeek. "Nobody wants to be the first customer but the second. Because why take a risk when your neighbor can take it, and all you have to do is wait? We do everything we can to reduce the risk. That's why we fill the coated greenhouse with sensors for humidity, temperature, and light. The grower can see that data, and they can always call us if they have any questions."

Whether Van Boxel and Schpe will decide to have their greenhouses completely covered by the coating, they dare not say yet. After all, the investments involved are large. In any case, many growers have already made the decision. Due to the positive results of the studies with tomatoes and cucumbers, the demand for the coating has increased enormously, says Van Overbeek. "The news has spread like wildfire. Because of the positive results, we have received many requests for different crops. We have already sold 44,000 square meters!"

Source: Innovation Quarter

For more information: Fotoniq info@fotoniq.com http://www.fotoniq.com

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Successful trial of coating that converts UV into PAR boosts sales - hortidaily.com

The new EU rules for national debts and deficits will limit member states ability to act on climate change in a socially fair manner, the secretary general of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Esther Lynch, told Euractiv in an interview, warning against a return of austerity across the bloc.

The ongoing economic governance review, which looks to keep EU member states deficit and debt levels in check, has been the source of intense negotiations in recent months, in the hope that ministers agree on a new set of rules by year-end.

The previous rules in place, whose application was suspended in 2020 to account for the COVID crisis, were found to reinforce and encourage austerity politics: The constraints for member states to reduce debt and deficit were such that it would ultimately backfire, with high social and economic costs.

In April, the Commission officially proposed a new framework, with tailored four-year-long debt reduction plans for each country, and looked to give member states more leeway when looking to invest in the twin green and digital transition.

In practice, however, the review is no panacea, Lynch told Euractiv. Weve asked member states to do the sums, she said.

Were worried member states are sleepwalking into this decision [to review debt rules].

According to Lynch, whose main role is to speak on behalf of 93 trade union organisations from across the bloc, member states have not quite worked out what in practice [these new rules] will mean in one year, two years, three years [] and what austerity measures some of them will have to put in place.

Her concerns centre around a set of common benchmarks, added into the Commissions proposal after a last-minute push by Germany, which would apply uniform rules to all debt reduction plans, irrespective of country-specific needs.

This, many experts have argued, gravely limits the true impact of the reform, and curtails long-term investments in the green transition.

In a communiqu released last April, ETUC called for a golden rule on public investments, as EU countries look for new ways to finance green investments and achieve the EUs 55% greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans by 2030.

It should be like in a company, Lynch said, where you would be able to depreciate the investment over a long period of time.

Instead, as things stand in European Council negotiations, green and digital investments would not be explicitly mentioned in the rules unlike defence investments, as Euractiv recently revealed but could be taken into account when the European Commission considers expanding debt reduction trajectories from four to seven years.

Not good enough in Lynchs eyes: What we are absolutely asking for is for fiscal scope, managing the green transition, and social expenditures. The current state of things is such that there are no safeguards that it will not affect the most vulnerable, she claimed.

We go to meetings where we are told nobody will be left behind. Were told there is a European pillar of social rights, theres a Social Europe. But as were having these conversations, at the very same time, [debt rules negotiations] will be introducing a set of rules which will make everything else impossible.

In her view, it is high time the conversation opened to a general public debate, so citizens across the EU understand what these new rules mean for them.

The discussion has been hijacked by technical specialists, by technocrats, Lynch said. We would have expected governments to [] work out exactly what costs would need to be made.

Will taxes go up? Will austerity measures be implemented? Citizens are not in the know because the conversation has been moved out of the public domain.

Yet the consequence of the outcome of that discussion has very real implications for political decisions, and it will narrow the margin for political decisions to be made at the national level, Lynch warned.

In ETUCs view, there is still time for member states to go back to the drawing boards, and make the whole thinking over new debt rules more democratic.

In this vein, she refuted the argument that an agreement must absolutely be found before the end of the year, or else old rules would start applying again.

The current suspension [of the debt rules] would remain in place for another couple of months so as to give time rather than just create an unnecessary deadline.

Ultimately, she had one clear message for all member states: Dont make the mistake of sleepwalking into a set of rules before youve done the sums and figured out what the consequences are.

[Edited by Jonathan Packroff / Zoran Radosavljevic]

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Debt rules will affect the most vulnerable, EU trade union chief warns - EURACTIV