Articles
For El Paso, Texas

Planting a butterfly garden can be an exhilarating experience. It will bring beauty and fragrance into your life and can act as a natural mood booster. Here are the steps to successfully start your own butterfly garden. Devise a Garden Plan The first step in the process is to identify which plants will draw butterflies to the garden you create. Ideally, the garden should have spots where eggs can be laid. It also pays to use plants that caterpillars will want to eat. You'll want to make s…

Volunteering in your local neighborhood is a great way to give back to your community and develop closer relationships with the people you live around. If you are in search of a volunteer opportunity, here are some steps that will help you find the perfect one. 1. Identify Your Skills The first step in finding the right volunteer experience is to take stock of your skills and strengths. You should know exactly what you have to offer in regards to each particular volunteer role you conside…

Whether you want to start eating healthier or have been told that you need to follow a medically prescribed diet, the right dietician or nutritionist can help you reach your goal. An appropriately qualified and experienced nutritional science professional can help you determine which changes you need to make in your diet and how to incorporate these changes into your life most easily. The following tips can help you choose a local professional who is right for you. Look for the Right Credent…

When you hear the phrase "bathroom renovation," do you cringe and see dollar signs? If you do, you are definitely not alone. All too often, when buying older homes and apartments, bathroom renovation prices can mount up quickly, replacing this fixture and that appliance until your wallet can't take it anymore. Luckily, bathroom reno does not have to break the bank, and in this article, we will be breaking down the four easiest and most affordable ways to renovate your bathroom. DIY This f…

Renting a house or apartment means you must adhere to certain standards. Other things are optional, such as renter’s insurance. Some landlords make renter’s insurance mandatory, but even if yours doesn't require it, it’s wise to have the coverage. Here are three reasons why you need renter’s insurance. Protect Your Belongings You never know what might happen in your home. Natural disasters can occur without a moment’s warning, meaning you can be affected by a flood, hurricane, w…

Your child is constantly growing and needing new clothes almost every year, but don't be too quick to toss their old clothes. While one great idea is to donate the clothes to your local thrift store or clothing drive, you can also repurpose a few things with one of these three creative methods. 1. Turn Old T-Shirts Into a Quilt Consider sewing your child's old T-shirts into a quilt. This is a creative option to help your child be able to keep their old favorite shirts and think of the mem…

If you're like most people, you dread the sound of your alarm in the morning. In fact, you might be guilty of hitting the snooze button to steal a few more minutes of blissful slumber. Although it's tempting to sleep in as late as possible, studies show that there are benefits to waking up earlier.Some of the most productive people in the world, including CEOs and world leaders, use an "early to bed, early to rise" strategy in order to get more done and enjoy higher levels of energy throughout …

If you've spent any amount of time online, you probably know how frustrating it is to create a secure password. It can feel like nothing you enter will ever be good enough, except for a random string of letters and numbers that no one can possibly remember. And yet, strong passwords are a must if you do any business online. Creating a strong password is harder than people think, but it's something you need to do if you want to protect your private information. Here are some tips that might help…

Hardwood and laminate flooring are two of the most popular flooring options for modern homes. There are pros and cons to each option, so you'll have to weigh them before you make a decision about what you want in your home. Here are a few tips to help you choose. The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Hardwood has a beautiful natural texture that can give a classy look to practically any home. There are plenty of varieties and stains to choose from, so you won't have to worry about not being able …

Roughly 20% of adults experience dental anxiety. Whether these fearful feelings stem from negative childhood experiences, reduced personal space, or some other factor such as the sound of the drill, they should be addressed so you can have successful visits with your neighborhood dental professional. The following tips can help you remain calm at your next dental appointment. Bring a Friend or Family Member When you're faced with a potentially stressful situation of any kind, bringing som…

Spring is full of rain, flowers, and sunny afternoons. If you live with spring allergies, you might also live with symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. These symptoms can make spring seem like a much less beautiful time of year. The following tips can help you reduce the symptoms of spring allergies so you can focus on the more uplifting aspects of the season. Minimize Outdoor Allergen Exposure Since spring allergies are often triggered by pollen, reducing allergen exp…

Moving is—without a doubt—stressful. The process can become even more stressful when you're moving to a rental or an apartment that desperately needs some flair but doesn't allow basic decorating necessities like a coat of paint or, well, nails. Don't fret just yet—we're serving up three ways to spice up the dull walls in your rental without breaking the bank or the rules.

Painting Isn’t Allowed…Now What?

Nearly all rental spaces outlaw painting, and while the rule is reasonable, it can also be irritating when the white walls have faded to gray or blind you during an otherwise-enjoyable sunny afternoon.

One easy and clever workaround to the "no painting" conundrum is to cleverly hang curtains or tapestries with push pins or …

Safety is the biggest concern when taking anyone on a hike, but especially children. They have different needs and expectations that you will have to take into account when planning your hikes. Choose a Child-Friendly Trail Some hiking trails are easier to navigate than others. It's best to start with a local trail that is suited for those who are new to hiking. Steep inclines and rocky terrain can wear children out and put them in danger of getting injured. The older the child is, the lo…

It should come as no surprise that consistently getting enough sleep can come with many health benefits, but it can often be difficult to get the rest our bodies need. Being busy with work, school, or family can make it harder to set aside the time for a proper night's rest on a regular basis, and many people also have trouble falling or staying asleep. While it's not always an easy task, here are our top three reasons for why we should all be getting more sleep. 1. Regular Sleep Can Impro…

Planning your vacation can be an exciting experience when you keep a few important details in mind. Here are three important things to consider before you make your travel arrangements. Trip Duration The duration of your trip is the first thing you'll need to determine before you begin to plan your itinerary. How much available time you have allows you to choose whether you'll be able to visit just one location or multiple destinations, in addition to whether you'll have enough time to tr…

Getting started on a homegrown herb garden is a breeze when you have the right materials and a little bit of know-how. By deciding in advance if you want to grow seeds or starter plants, as well as what types of herbs you want to learn to grow, you'll be on the road to harvesting a beautiful, flourishing herb garden in the comfort of your own home. Seeds or Starter Plants? When starting your herb garden, consider whether planting seeds or starters will work best. Often, for beginners, usi…

Every person has their own preferred method of cleaning. Some will dive in head-first and scrub, clean, and polish the whole house over a productive weekend. Others prefer to tackle designated sections over a period of time or on a schedule. Still, many people find cleaning to be an overwhelming chore. While there's no right or wrong way to approach the task, here are a few tips to help you get the job done. 1. Deep Clean One Room at a Time Try deep cleaning just one room at once. This c…

Buying a used car can be challenging. However, it can be a lot easier when you know what factors to consider. Here are some of the most essential. Your Budget One of the first things you should consider before heading out to your neighborhood dealership is your budget. Establishing a set amount of money you are willing to spend can help you to stay within your means and can narrow down the scope of cars that you will potentially buy. Its History Of course, you will want to know the …

The perfect spring picnic begins with a few fabulous ideas and a little planning. The following tips will help you put together an unforgettable springtime feast that your family and neighborhood friends will love. 1. Pick a Location Location is one of the most important elements for creating a perfect spring picnic. Select an area in your community that captures the essence of spring at a local park or relaxing beach area with blooming trees and foliage. Picnic spots that are easily acce…

Sitting all day can build tension in the body. Not only can it cause physical health issues, but it can also affect people’s energy and level and mood. Increase Flexibility Through Stretching 1. Thoracic Extension. The thoracic spine refers to the section of the upper back that sits between the cervical area of the neck and the lumbar spine. To use the stretch, clasp both hands behind the top of your head, and slowly, pull backward. This is a gentle stretch to help alleviate upper back …