Hello there and welcome to our monthly feature of all kinds of tips.
We at the business desk are pleased to bring you our monthly feature of a plethora of tips that cover a wide range of topics.
All of our tips are designed to help you save time, cut down on your research, and help you get ahead.
So go ahead and read on.
This week we bring you our monthly tips.
It’s what we do for a living! We help you to help yourself!
Enjoy!
From the business desk team at http://www.sterlingcreations.com.
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld
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The new look for 2025
March 2025
Welcome to our new look monthly tips where we are pleased to share a plethora of tricks and tips that are relevant to such things as technology, travel, managing your daily life, and much more.
So just come aboard, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy!
If you wish to contact us then please do not hesitate to write to us at info@sterlingcreations.ca and we promise to respond within 2 business days as long as technology allows us to do so.
Give us your feedback, comments, suggestions, and thoughts!
For it is only through you and with you that we are able to do this!
Table of contents –
1. From our 10 tips on technology series
2. From the pages of Donna’s travel diary
3. A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
4. From the scam watchers
5. Tips from Melanie Mama peach
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From our 10 tips on technology series
Hello everyone:
Welcome to my 10 tip series where each month I’ll be sharing 10 tips on various pieces of technology.
This would include tips on popular screen readers, office software, and browsers.
If you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share then by all means! Write to me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
For this month:
10 tips for learning Windows 11
Certainly! Learning a new operating system like Windows 11 can be exciting and overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you can get up to speed quickly. Here are ten tips to help you learn Windows 11 effectively:
1.
Explore the Start Menu:
Familiarize yourself with the new Start Menu layout. It’s centered and has a simplified design compared to previous versions.
Explore pinned apps, recommended files, and the All apps list to get a sense of how to navigate.
2.
Use Widgets:
Windows 11 introduces Widgets that provide quick access to news, weather, calendar events, and more.
Try customizing your widget feed to keep important information at your fingertips.
3.
Master Snap Layouts and Snap Groups:
Windows 11 enhances multitasking with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.
Practice using these features to organize open windows efficiently and switch between tasks quickly.
4.
Explore Virtual Desktops:
Virtual Desktops allow you to create separate workspaces for different tasks or projects.
Experiment with creating and managing multiple desktops to improve your productivity.
5.
Customize the Taskbar:
Personalize your Taskbar by adjusting its position, changing which icons are displayed, and pinning your favorite apps.
This will help you tailor your workspace to your preferences.
6.
Check Out the Settings App:
The Settings app in Windows 11 has a new, user-friendly interface.
Spend time exploring the various settings categories to configure system preferences, privacy options, and personalization features.
7.
Use the Microsoft Store:
Get familiar with the Microsoft Store for downloading apps, games, and utilities.
It’s a centralized place for obtaining software and updates for your system.
8.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts:
Keyboard shortcuts can greatly speed up your workflow.
Learn commonly used shortcuts like Windows + E for File Explorer, Windows + L for locking your PC, and Windows + D for minimizing all windows.
9.
Try the New Features:
Windows 11 comes with several new features, such as DirectStorage for gaming and redesigned system sounds.
Explore these features to get a sense of what’s new and how it might benefit you.
10.
Stay Updated with Tutorials and Guides:
Look for online tutorials, guides, and videos that cover specific aspects of Windows 11.
Microsoft’s official website and support forums are also great resources for learning more about the OS.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Windows 11 and making the most of its new features and improvements.
To contact me please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)
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Important tips from the travel table
From the pages of Donna’s diary
What makes for an accessible bus
I do not think that this is too difficult to imagine.
In my respectful opinion, here it is.
* Stairs should be easy to navigate with rails on both sides of the stairs.
* Not too many stairs.
* No twisting stairs. That is not stairways with 3 steps then a landing and then more stairs.
* No steep stairs.
* Then seats must be easy to navigate and find with comfort being the primary focus.
Aisles must be wide enough to accomodate walkers and hopefully wheelchairs.
* a bathroom that is easy to access and navigate.
All of these help to make any bus trip an enjoyable one.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels.
To learn more about me as a sight loss coach and author visit
http://www.donnajodhan.com
On your next trip you could enrich your down time with some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you go!
In the car, on the plane, on the bus or train, at the beach, anywhere!
And now you can listen to Donna’s weekly podcasts!
Ask donna – a plethora of tips from a sight loss coach along with book and product reviews!
Dining with donna – recipes and time saving tips for the kitchen!
Your mental stretch with Donna – how to recharge, renew, and get going! Save yourself from those dramas, traumas, and stress!
Visit www.donnajodhan.com/youtube
and subscribe for free
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
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March 2025
A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
Award winning sight loss coach, author and advocate
Welcome to my Donna’s did you know diary for this month and pleased to share the following with you.
Here’s what I learned for this month.
Practical and natural!
1) Want to cool down your cup of hot coffee or tea?
It is very simple!
Place a tea spoon in your cup and voila!
The liquid will cool very quickly.
2) Looking for ways to better pack your suitcase?
Purchase yourself a pack of packing cubes and these are in various colours and the material is nylon.
There are 4 different sizes and about 8 packing cubes in the pack.
You can now proceed to sort your clothes and pack them neatly in each pack according to the size of your clothes.
They can be rid of air by squeezing down the cube before zipping them up.
They are readily available online and at several stores.
3) Want to keep your wine fresh after opening the bottle?
Simply put the bottle to lie down after you have opened and poured out the desired amount of wine.
Either in the fridge or in your cupboard in a dark corner.
4) Want to make sure that you do not over eat?
Here’s a quick tip.
Drink one 8 ounce glass of water about half hour before eating your meal.
5) Some interesting trivia about cats!
For whereas many of us believe that cats love bowls of milk, that it is what they love,
That it is good for them,
In truth and in fact cats are lactose intolerant!
6) When trying to make crackling with your pork!
Rub the skin with a bit of oil before you pop into the oven for baking.
7) 3 practical and natural ingredients for an upset or bloated stomach?
Make a tea out of any of the following.
Ginger, garlic, lemon.
8) And here are 2 very practical and logical tips for old versus new!
Probably best not to sew a patch onto an old hole in a garment and why?
Because you will find that the new patch will rip away from the old hole.
Likewise, best not to put new wine into an old skin and why?
Because the new wine will burst the old skin.
9) What’s this about finding cheaper flight routs?
Yes, this is true!
Booking a direct flight is more expensive than booking an indirect flight!
10) What’s this about the benefits of using Salve?
Here goes.
If you want to extract the bad stuff out of boils, bruises, and blisters; here’s what you do!
Put some salve on the offending spot.
Place a bandage over it.
And remove the bandage in a few hours.
Voila! Much better.
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From the scam watchers
The Top 3 Scams to Watch Out for in March: How to Protect Yourself
As March kicks into gear, so do scammers, adapting their schemes to target vulnerable individuals with new tactics. Whether through taxes, romance, or fake investment opportunities, scammers are always looking for ways to exploit unsuspecting people. In this blog, we’ll dive into the three most popular scams making rounds in March and provide tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to these traps.
1. Tax Scams: Exploiting Tax Season Anxiety
March is prime time for tax-related scams, as people prepare to file their tax returns. Scammers take advantage of the confusion and urgency surrounding tax season to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or paying fraudulent fees.
Common Tax Scams:
• Fake IRS or Tax Authority Calls: Scammers impersonate the IRS or local tax agencies, threatening legal action, arrest, or heavy fines unless immediate payment is made. They often demand payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are difficult to trace.
• Tax Return Phishing Emails: Fraudulent emails or texts claim to be from the IRS, asking recipients to verify personal information or resolve “issues” with their tax return. These messages typically contain malicious links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your identity.
• Tax Preparer Fraud: In some cases, fraudsters pose as tax preparers, offering to file your taxes but instead steal your personal information and tax refund.
How to Protect Yourself:
• The IRS and legitimate tax agencies will never demand payment over the phone or through email. Always verify the legitimacy of the call by contacting the agency directly through official channels.
• Never provide personal information like your Social Security number over the phone or by clicking on unsolicited email links.
• Only use trusted tax preparers and check their credentials. Be cautious of any preparer who promises unusually large refunds.
2. Romance Scams: AI-Enhanced Scams on the Rise
March is also seeing a surge in online romance scams, where fraudsters build fake emotional relationships to steal money from their victims. These scams have become more advanced, using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create realistic conversations and even fake photos or videos of their fictional identities.
How Romance Scams Work:
• Fake Profiles: Scammers create fake online dating profiles or social media accounts, using stolen or computer-generated photos. They pretend to be interested in forming a relationship, often targeting lonely individuals.
• Emotional Manipulation: Over time, they build trust and an emotional bond, eventually asking for financial help for an emergency, medical bills, or travel expenses to visit the victim.
• AI-Generated Deepfakes: Some scammers now use AI tools to create convincing fake videos or live chats, making it harder for victims to realize they’re being scammed.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Be cautious of anyone who falls in love too quickly or avoids meeting in person or on video calls.
• If you suspect something is off, perform a reverse image search of their profile photos to see if they’ve been used elsewhere online.
• Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person. Scammers often claim they have sudden financial emergencies or travel expenses that require your help.
3. Cryptocurrency Scams: Riding the Wave of Digital Gold Rush
With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, scammers are increasingly targeting crypto enthusiasts with promises of fast, easy money. In March, these scams are particularly widespread, driven by the volatility of certain cryptocurrencies and the lack of regulation in the space.
Popular Crypto Scams:
• Pump-and-Dump Schemes: Scammers promote obscure or worthless cryptocurrencies, claiming they are the “next big thing.” They encourage people to invest, driving up the price artificially. Once the value increases, the scammers sell their shares, leaving other investors with massive losses.
• Fake Crypto Investment Platforms: Fraudsters create convincing but fraudulent cryptocurrency exchanges or investment platforms. They lure people in with promises of huge returns, but once funds are deposited, the scammers disappear.
• Impersonating Celebrities or Influencers: Scammers often claim that famous people are endorsing a particular cryptocurrency or investment opportunity. They use fake social media ads or messages to give the scam legitimacy and encourage others to invest.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Always research any cryptocurrency before investing, especially new or lesser-known tokens. Be skeptical of promises of guaranteed returns or “secret” investment strategies.
• Use well-established, regulated cryptocurrency exchanges. Avoid unknown or unverified platforms.
• Don’t fall for investment opportunities promoted by celebrities, especially on social media. Verify any claims independently before making financial commitments.
Conclusion
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and adaptive, taking advantage of new technologies and people’s vulnerabilities. In March, tax scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency scams are on the rise, each targeting different aspects of our lives. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay skeptical, double-check sources, and never share sensitive information or send money to unknown individuals or platforms. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Stay safe this March, and be mindful of these scams circulating online and in your communities.
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Tips from Melanie Mama Peach
EGG SAFETY
Proper care and handling of eggs is important in order to prevent the growth of potentially harmful bacteria such as salmonella.
* Select clean eggs from a refrigerated case. Don’t buy dirty, cracked or leaking eggs because they may have become contaminated with harmful bacteria.
* Slightly move each egg in the carton to make sure it isn’t stuck to the bottom because of egg leaking through a crack that you cannot see.
* Refrigerate eggs in their cartons as soon as you get home. Storing eggs in the carton keeps them from losing moisture and absorbing odors.
* Do not leave eggs in any form at room temperature for more than 2 hours, including preparation and serving.
* When cracking eggs, try to avoid getting any eggshell into the raw eggs, just in case there are harmful bacteria on the shell. It’s a good idea to crack the egg into a custard cup where you can easily remove any shell particles before slipping it into a skillet for frying or poaching.
While it is important to cook eggs thoroughly, it is not necessary to overcook them to be safe. A poached or fried egg is done when the yolk thickens. Scrambled eggs should be just set. An omelet can be slightly moist when it is folded over because the residual heat will finish cooking it.
* Use an egg separator to separate egg whites and yolks for souffles, meringues or cakes, rather than passing the yolk back and forth between broken shells.
* Since any egg stuck to the carton probably had a hairline crack through which egg leaked into the carton, it is best to use those eggs for baking or in a dish where they will be thoroughly cooked.
HOW TO HARD-COOK EGGS PERFECTLY
When very fresh eggs are hard-cooked, they may be extremely difficult to peel. That’s because the fresher the egg, the more the shell membrane clings to the shell. If you want to make lots of deviled eggs for a party, the best solution is to buy and refrigerate the eggs a week to 10 days before hard-cooking them. During this time the eggs will take in air, which helps separate the membrane from the shell. An unattractive, greenish-black ring around the yolk of a hard-cooked egg is the result of overcooking. Follow this procedure for perfect hard-cooked eggs.
Put eggs to be hard-cooked in a saucepan in a single layer. Add cold water to come at least an inch above the eggs. Cover and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. As soon as water comes to a full rolling boil, remove the pan from the heat. Let stand, covered, 18 minutes for extra large, 15 minutes for large eggs and 12 minutes for medium (set a timer). Immediately pour off the hot water and fill pan with cold water (add ice if handy). When eggs are completely cool, crackle shells all over by tapping gently against sides of pan. Roll eggs gently between hands to loosen shell. Then peel off the shell, starting at the larger end, dipping the egg in water to help ease off the shell. Refrigerate the eggs until needed.
If you are going to use the eggs the next day, refrigerate them in the crackled shells and peel just before using.
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711