Ways to Instantly Free Up Space on Your Phone | E-Neighborhood Advisor

 Happy Saturday! - Hope you have a great weekend! 👋

You never want to see the dreaded "storage almost full" message pop up on your phone. That means you've filled up your phone with so much stuff—apps, docs, photos, videos, files—that you can't cram anything else on it, leading to questions like these: Which apps should you delete first? Do you really need every photo from the last five years? Why even bother downloading music in the streaming era, anyway?  But here's the good news: Just as it's shockingly easy to accumulate all those files very quickly, it's actually pretty simple to get rid of it without having a breakdown. Popular Mechanics says these are the most straightforward (and surprising) ways to free up a ton of space on your phone.  If You Have an iPhone: First things first: What's the level of urgency here? If your cell phone hasn't given you a warning message about your storage almost being full or being full, you could have some time on your hands. But it's probably smart to do a check anyway, in case you suddenly run out of space while trying to capture a once-in-a-lifetime photo.  Set up iCloud Photos, stat. iCloud keeps all your photos and videos in their original high-res format, and when you sign up, Apple automatically gives you 5 GB of free storage space. You'll have to pay up for additional space, but the cost is easy to stomach. Plans start at 99 cents for 50 GB per month. Small price to pay for all that space and some peace of mind.  But a word of caution: iCloud does not automatically back up your photos in the sense you'd normally think, because any changes you make on one device will be mirrored across others, like your iPad or Mac. So, deleting a photo from your phone will delete it elsewhere. To prevent that, make sure you keep backup copies of everything important.  On your device, with iOS 10.3 or later installed, go to Settings > (your name) > iCloud > Photos. Select "Download" and "Keep Originals" and import them to your computer.  Another way to save space is to compress the size of your files. Since photos and videos are already saved in their original hi-res version in iCloud, you can save space on your iPhone with the "Optimize Storage" setting.  Tap Settings > (your name) > iCloud. Then, tap Photos > Choose Optimize iPhone Storage.  Buy a MicroSD reader for Lightning. This method might bring back memories of floppy disks and flash drives, but you should consider buying a MicroSD Reader with a lightning connection to plug into newer iPhones. Basically, the deal is exactly the same as with a USB drive: plug it in, move files to the external memory card, and now you can take them anywhere and remove them from the actual device, freeing up space and avoiding cloud fees. You'll have to buy both the reader and a MicroSD card of your choosing. It's basically a hack to mimic the SD card slots that many Android phones have.  Delete your apps without mercy. Start dumping the pre-installed ones that you never use, like the compass (unless you are going camping/hiking), stocks (if you're not into investing), or voice memos (if you're not a songwriter). After that, you'll have some tough decisions, but there's some quantitative data you can unlock to make it a bit easier.  Go to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage > tap "Manage Storage," and you'll get a full report on which apps are taking up the most space.  Delete conversations from years ago. For some truly awful reason, Apple's software keeps the logs of all your texts stored on your phone by default. So if you've had the same phone for three years, you can imagine the world's longest grocery store receipt of your full conversations with your ex from two years ago or every time your mom asked you what you were up to.  Go to Settings > Messages > Message History > Keep Messages > then select a time frame of 30 days, one year, or forever.  Magically, the old messages disappear and free up space you should have had all along. Consider Subscribing to Apple Music if you haven't already. It's worth the money. For students, it's $4.99 per month; for individuals, it's $9.99; for a family plan with access for up to six users, it's $14.99. Pro tip: If you're an adult without your own family (or your family members use flip phones), just round up some friends and split the cost.  You can stream up to 50 million songs ad-free, so you'll never need to download music unless you have an extremely limited data plan or you're taking a long flight. (But even then, lots of airlines have WiFi now.) You can add your favorite songs to a library in the cloud, and if you choose to, you can download select songs and albums to your device.  Plus, Apple Music is also now available to Android users. Speaking of ...  If You Have an Android Device: Depending on the type of Android phone you have, these instructions may slightly vary. For reference, I tested these tips out on a maxed-out, 64-GB Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in desperate need of a cleanse.  Use a cloud-based photo app. It's pretty likely that you'll have Google Photos and Google Drive installed on your device by default, considering Google's dominance over Android software, so you really just need to create an account. (Scroll up to the first tip in the Apple section of this article for more on cloud services). Clear your cache. Android phones often store cached versions of websites—a version of a webpage or app at a certain point in time that serves as a backup if a link is broken. That way, you can still see the most recent version. On phones, that also means faster load times, as websites are already partially stored.  The downer, of course, is that cached pages take up tons of space—and you don't really need them. If there are some sites or apps that you know take particularly long to load, you can leave 'em alone and cleanse your cache on an app-by-app basis.  If you're looking for a quick fix, go to Settings > Storage (or Device Maintenance > Storage) and select "Optimize Now." Watch as your phone cleans up advertisement files, cached data and more.  Purge your Downloads folder. Most Android phones now come with a built-in file management system. To find the Downloads folder, in particular, check under Settings or try searching on the Apps page.  Once inside your settings, look for the Downloads folder. Just know it's going to look a bit nightmarish in there, full of tons of unnecessary files.  There's always the option to delete files one by one, but if you've already set up a backup process hosted on a cloud-based service (see tip #1), you're safe to Select All and press Delete. It feels scary at first, but it's worth the leap.  Move your apps to an SD card. Just because you have an SD card, that doesn't mean you're using it correctly. If there's one thing to take away from this article, let it be that all Android users with an SD card should scoot those storage-hungry apps from internal memory to the memory card.  Move those larger files to the SD card by going to Settings > Applications > Application Manager > then tap the app you want to move > select "Move to SD card."  If the app can't be moved from the device, the button that says "Move to SD card" will be grayed out.  And if none of these tips help, maybe it's just time to upgrade to a new phone. Thanks for taking the time to read this email, and if you have any phone tips that you like, please feel free to share them with me too!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend! Sincerely,

Matt Capell & Capell Team Capell Flooring and Interiors Office         208-288-0151  call or text us Web           www.capellflooring.com Email         sales@capellinteriors.com

P.S.  Here is joke for you.... Why was the cell phone wearing glasses? He lost his contacts!

Why Deli Sandwiches Taste Better Than Yours | E-Neighborhood Advisor

 Happy Saturday! - Hope you have a great weekend!

You've probably been disappointed by your own sandwiches versus the ones you order at a deli. Eating Well says here's why and offers tips on making a better-tasting sandwich at home (Psst, have someone else make it for you, seriously). Bread  Without bread to tie everything together, you don't have much of a sandwich! Bread that's too soft and can't hold up to the ingredients inside, and bread that's too hard to comfortably take a bite of, can cause you to put down a sandwich even when it's filled with your favorites.  Delis put a lot more thought into what type of bread they use for different types of sandwiches than you likely do. They also have relationships with bread purveyors and individual bread makers, so they have easy access to a selection of breads that you simply don't when you're walking through the bagged bread aisle in your local supermarket. Some sandwich spots may even employ their own baker, and that baker may source the highest-quality flours made by millers who are personally selecting and milling heirloom whole grains. The quality of those sandwiches is very hard for the home cook to match!    Slicing for Sandwiches  Some delis offer freshly sliced meats and cheeses for you to take home in addition to their sandwich offerings. Did you know you can even freeze your deli meat?🥶  Delis also often have mechanized bread and meat/cheese slicers, enabling them to slice the sandwich components quickly and exactingly, so they combine in the most satisfying way possible. The uniformity of mass-produced, pre-sliced meats and cheeses may not necessarily provide the thickness or thinness that you prefer in a sandwich. And unless you have super-sharp knives and excellent knife skills, you can't really compete with the slicing equipment most delis have.  Sandwich Construction  The right sandwiches are works of art that layer everything correctly, from the bread to the seasonings, and this could be a make-it-or-break-it factor, determining whether you'll have a delicious sandwich or a soggy, bland one. The ratio of ingredients really matters when constructing the perfect sandwich. You want just the right amount of veggies, oils, and/or condiments to balance the sandwich without making it soggy. Don't overload your sandwich—there should be a balance between the main ingredients, like meat and cheese, and the veggies that go on top. A schmear should be just that—no matter how much you may love mayo, huge globs of it won't help anybody or any sandwich.  Seasoning  Seasoning shouldn't be an afterthought. Sandwiches need seasoning too! Using a squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs, or just good old salt and pepper (especially on ingredients like greens, tomatoes, radishes, avocados, etc.) can go a long way in transforming your sandwich from tasting homemade to deli level. Try experimenting by adding new flavors to your mayo or spreads, use pickled onions instead of raw ones, and look beyond what may be your usual suspects, like oregano or mustard, and use za'atar or zhoug sauce. A Sandwich Made by Someone Else Tastes Better  Scientists (regular ones, not sandwich scientists) have found that a sandwich made by someone else may taste so much better than the ones you make simply because you didn't make it. (I think most anything I didn't have to make tastes better for sure.) Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University believe this phenomenon has to do with extended exposure to the same stimulus (in this situation, the sandwich making), which decreases your positive behavioral and physiological responses to it, lessening your desire to want to eat it. So, if you enjoy your homemade sandwich so much less than a similar one you just had a deli, it literally may be your mind playing tricks on you. Thank you, science!  Bottom Line  Think about the type of sandwich you're going to make, and shop for the appropriate ingredients. Simply put, a tuna or chicken salad sandwich is going to need sturdier bread than a ham and cheese, which will be fine with softer breads. Remember to buy the best and freshest ingredients available to layer into your sandwich, season properly, and select a good bread (ask your deli counter person for suggestions for local bakers). Have fun experimenting with condiments, adding flavorings to spreads, or picking up a store-bought one to broaden your flavor horizons. Once you've taken care of all those factors, then ask your family or friends to possibly make it for you—it could be the best homemade sandwich you'll ever have! Do you have a favorite go-to for sandwiches in the area? One that you may have yet to try before is Hugo's Deli, especially if you are new to the area since they aren't a national franchise. They have been around the Treasure Valley since I was a kid, and a lot of people like them, including me. Their fries are unique, too, and worth a try with fry sauce. Sandwiches are classic and definitely a go-to in my book. Thanks for reading, and happy sandwich making in the weeks to come!🥪

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend! Sincerely,

Matt Capell & Capell Team Capell Flooring and Interiors Office         208-288-0151  call or text us Web           www.capellflooring.com Email         sales@capellinteriors.com

P.S.  Here is joke for you.... What did the policeman have on his sandwich? Some traffic jam!

The Healing Power of Nature | E-Neighborhood Advisor

 Happy Saturday! - Hope you have a great weekend!

The idea that immersing yourself in forests and nature has a healing effect is far more than just folk wisdom, reports Rebecca Lawton in Aeon magazine. "The longer the trip, the more healing occurs," says geologist Peter Winn, who has been leading expeditions down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon since the 1960s. "Healing happens for people almost without exception." River guides might know that nature is transformative for the human body and psyche; but the mechanism behind such profound change is less universally agreed upon and understood. How nature heals had been little researched until 1982, when Tomohide Akiyama, who was then secretary of the Forest Agency in Japan, coined the term shinrin-yoku ('forest bathing') to describe the practice of getting into the woods for body and mind renewal, to counter lifestyle-related health issues. The tradition was already ages-old in Japan, but naming it went hand in hand with making recommendations for best practices: one should walk, sit, gaze, and exercise among the trees; eat well-balanced meals of organic, locally sourced food; and, if available, immerse in hot springs. All five senses should be engaged, especially for certification as one of Japan's official Forest Therapy Bases, which are well-maintained, embraced by the local community, and which are required to show, in practitioners, a decrease in physiological markers such as levels of the stress hormone cortisol after wandering in the woods. When Akiyama recommended forest bathing all those years ago, he knew about the pioneering studies of phytoncides – basically, pungent essential oils – conducted by the Soviet scientist Boris P Tokin in the 1920s and '30s. The oils, volatile compounds exuded by conifers and some other plants, reduce blood pressure and boost immune function, among other benefits. In recent years, a host of other mechanisms have come to light – in fact, there are up to 21 possible pathways to improved health, according to a review paper in Frontiers in Psychology from scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Among the elements that have been identified, of particular note are bright lights and negative air ions (oxygen atoms charged with an extra electron), known to ease depression; simple views of nature, which enhance autonomic control of heart rate and blood pressure; and even the sounds of nature, which help us to recover from heightened stress. Blood tests revealed a host of protective physiological factors released at a higher level after forest, but not urban walks. Among those hormones and molecules, a research team at Japan's Nippon Medical School ticks off dehydroepiandrosterone which helps to protect against heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, as well as adiponectin, which helps to guard against atherosclerosis. In other research, the team found elevated levels of the immune system's natural killer cells, known to have anti-cancer and anti-viral effects. Meanwhile, research from China found that those walking in nature had reduced blood levels of inflammatory cytokines, a risk factor for immune illness and research from Japan's Hokkaido University School of Medicine found that shinrin-yoku lowered blood glucose levels associated with obesity and diabetes. Studies showed that just three days and two nights in a wooded place increase the immune system functions that boost feelings of well-being for up to seven days. The same amount of time in a built environment has no such effect. The human response includes increased awe, greater relaxation, restored attention, and boosted vitality. Health outcomes on the receiving end of the pathway are astounding: enhanced immunity, including reduced cardiovascular disease, fewer migraines, and lowered anxiety, to name but a few. According to Frances Ming Kuo, the lead author of the University of Illinois review: "The cumulative effect could be quite large even if many of the individual pathways contribute only a small effect." Much of the scientific evidence of nature's benefits has been derived from studying shinrin-yoku subjects. "Outside of urban nature, most of the peer-reviewed science has been done on northern temperate forests," says Kathleen Wolf of the University of Washington College of the Environment. "We know from the research that people respond very favorably to water, for instance, whether a fountain in a healing garden or a river or shoreline environment. We know less about the response to tropical environments or desert environments. And we do know that we don't need endemic nature – ornamental, designed, or engineered nature can be effective." What we know is that we feel good out there, a notion firmly supported by science. The essence of prescriptive medicine, with specific dosages and intervals between consumption, downplays nature's key role in our lives during our evolutionary history. Some call shinrin-yoku a fitness trend, a movement to counter our modern obsessions with technology, a timeout in which we put away our devices and take the good old 'nature cure.' That sense of nature as outside of us prevails mainly in the West; Eastern-based mindfulness practices and meditative traditions align more closely with human oneness with nature. But even in cities, we can intervene: when endemic nature isn't available, ornamental and designed, nature is quite effective. Even critical systems, such as storm-water infrastructure, designed to handle storm runoff and overflow, can also be designed to heal. Imagine a storm-water system with a second function as a natural habitat, complete with running water, vegetation, microbial life, and a whole host of diversity, all geared to enhance human wellness. When a wild river isn't right at hand, we might wander down to a water-treatment micropark, designed with natural elements that restore us to health. Colorado River guides know that nature enhances our physical and mental lives. "For decades, I've believed that I'm part of nature," Winn says, "not separate from it or "above" it. Many years ago, I studied Zen Buddhism and learned to meditate. Eventually, I found that just hanging out on desert rivers had the same effect as meditation – no stress."

I'm grateful that we live in Idaho, where you can escape to nature without having to drive too far. Have you found a place that you like to go that helps you? I like Blue Lake, Cascade, MK Nature Center in Boise, and Jump Creek, to name a few. Here's to a healthy 2023! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend! Sincerely,

Matt Capell & Capell Team Capell Flooring and Interiors Office         208-288-0151  call or text us Web           www.capellflooring.com Email         sales@capellinteriors.com

P.S.  Here is joke for you because what would you do without our jokes ;) Why is grass so dangerous? Because it’s full of blades

New Year Traditions to Bring You Luck From Around the World | E-Neighborhood Advisor

 Happy Saturday! - Hope you have a great weekend!

Every culture has its own ways to bring good luck while ringing in the coming year. Many groups start the year off with good luck foods to kick things off on a delicious foot. Beans, round foods and noodles are often high on the list, as well as some tasty desserts. Other cultures put great stock in what you wear, letting your wardrobe usher in good health, money, or love. Then again, where you are when the clock strikes midnight could carry more importance than what you're wearing — so get ready to jump into the new year with both feet. And since most of us strive to start the year off with a blank slate, there are plenty of traditions you can follow to go into 2023 with a fresh start. Check out this list from Good Housekeeping! Have Hoppin' John on New Year's Day Many believe that anyone who makes this dish of black-eyed peas, pork, and rice on January 1 will experience luck and peace for the rest of the year. And maybe prosperity, too: According to History.com, "Hoppin' John was, and still is, often eaten with collard greens, which can resemble paper money, and 'golden' cornbread. The peas themselves represent coins. Some families boost the potential of their Hoppin' John by placing a penny underneath the dishes — or adding extra pork, which is thought to bring more luck." Or Try Something Else Round Many cultures believe eating round foods on New Year's Eve will lead to prosperity. In Italy, lentils serve the same function as the black-eyed peas in Hoppin' John, with their round shape representing coins. And in the Philippines, it's customary to eat 12 round fruits, one for every month, to ensure a year of abundance. The fruits usually take center stage at the table for the media noche or the midnight meal. Dress in Dots And in the Philippines, revelers don't just try to eat circles — partygoers wear them, too. Polka dots are all the rage on December 31, increasing the chances for good luck in the new year. Wear White Brazil makes choosing your New Year's Eve outfit easier — everyone wears white for good luck and peace. Plus, matching outfits make for classy-looking photos! Jump Seven Waves Also, if you head to the beach in Brazil, you can increase your luck by heading to the water and jumping over seven waves. You get one wish for each wave, so think up your list before heading into the water.

Give Gifts Christmas was forbidden in Soviet Russia, so New Year's became the big gift-giving occasion during that time. Presents were delivered not by Santa but by Ded Moroz, or Father Frost, often aided by his granddaughter, Snegourochka.  Make a Resolution You might think that making resolutions for the new year is a relatively recent trend, historically speaking, but the tradition is ancient — and likely dates back more than 4,000 years. Historians believe Babylonians, one of the first cultures to celebrate the changing of the year, made promises to pay debts or return borrowed objects.  Make a Fish Dish Fish is considered another good New Year's entrée since fish only swim in one direction — forward, like the movement of time. Smash a Plate In Denmark, broken dishes are a good thing: people go around breaking dishware on the doorsteps of their friends and family. The more shards there are in front of your home the next day, the luckier and more well-liked you are (unless you have to sweep them all up). But try to keep it on the doorstep: "I once threw a cup at my friend's house," a reveler told the University of Copenhagen's University Post. "The cup didn't break – his window did!" Eat 12 Grapes Yes, precisely 12, one at each stroke of midnight, to represent each month of the New Year. "Eating one grape at each of midnight's 12 clock chimes guarantees you a lucky year — if and only if you simultaneously ruminate on their significance," according to Atlas Obscura. "If you fail to finish your grapes conscientiously by the clock stops chiming, you'll face misfortune in the new year." Now, that's a lot to chew on! These traditions throughout the world are fun and varied. Do you have traditions that you do at the beginning of each year? I would love to hear about them. Happy New Year, and thanks for reading! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend! Sincerely,

Matt Capell & Capell Team Capell Flooring and Interiors Office         208-288-0151  call or text us Web           www.capellflooring.com Email         sales@capellinteriors.com

P.S.  Here is joke for you! What was Dr. Frankenstein’s new year’s resolution?  To make new friends.

Welcome to January 2023 | Capell Flooring and Interiors

Dear friends,

Welcome to 2023!  We're looking forward to a great new year and hope you're also looking ahead to a great year too!

One of the great things about ringing in a new year is making a fresh start in many areas of life.  If your home is ready for a fresh new look in 2023, Capell Flooring and Interiors is here for you.  Whether planning a serious remodel or just looking to perk up some worn-out carpet, our flooring and design experts can help you choose the right product for your style and budget.  And since installation is such a crucial component when it comes to quality flooring, we're proud to work with some of the best installers in the area.  Even if you're just looking around for inspiration for your home's new look, we hope you'll stop on in – we're always here to answer your questions. 

We hope you enjoyed your Christmas holiday and New Year's, and we look forward to making 2023 a great year.  Thanks for reading, and we're happy to have you along for the ride.

Your friend, 

Matt Capell