Did you know that regular massage therapy offers a wide range of health benefits? In fact, many people schedule regular massage appointments to help improve their overall well-being. Let's go over some of the key benefits associated with massage. Relieve Tension, Stress, and Anxiety One of the primary benefits of massage is that it helps to relieve tension and stress, both mentally and physically. When you're stressed, tense, or working long hours, your muscles can tighten up and can cause pain. Massage therapy helps to release that tension and relax your muscles—and the often-calm environment can help relax your mind. Improve Circulation Another benefit of massage therapy is that it helps to improve blood flow throughout the body, which ca…

Before you outsource your company's financial services, it's important to determine whether you need full accounting services or a bookkeeper. The terms may seem similar on the surface, but there are some important differences between the two that will likely affect your decision. There are four main areas of distinction that separate these two important aspects of financial management. 1. Responsibilities The scope of bookkeeping duties concerns recording daily financial transactions into a database. Bookkeeping responsibilities can also include setting up and running bookkeeping systems, budgeting, and other administrative duties. Accounting is less concerned with daily financial transactions and more with long-term financial planning, re…

Having plants in your home brings life and color to the space. But for those of us who seem to kill every plant that comes into the house, it can be a challenge. Here are three hard-to-kill house plants for the not-so green thumbs. 1. Jade Plant Jade plants are superstars at storing water in their leaves, meaning you don't need to worry if you forget to water them. As succulents, jade plants do well near bright, sunny windows. Only water when the soil feels dry to avoid overwatering! 2. Snake Plant The snake plant is very forgiving and will grow in a variety of lighting conditions, including low or indirect light. Forget to water your plants for weeks at a time? No problem! Snake plants prefer going a few weeks without watering so their soi…

When it comes to finding a daycare provider for your child, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many options available, and each has its own set of pros and cons. How do you know which daycare is right for your child and your family's lifestyle? What should you be looking for when making your decision? Let's discuss a few main things to consider when choosing a daycare provider. Type of Daycare The first thing you'll need to decide is what type of daycare you're looking for. There are several different options available, including daycare centers, in-home daycares, and nannying services. Daycare Centers One of the most common types of daycare is a daycare center, or "group daycare." These are usually larger facilit…

Do you ever feel sick or experience mild-to-severe digestion problems after eating gluten-rich meals like pasta or bread? If the answer is yes, you may be sensitive to gluten. But how do you know if you have gluten intolerance or something more serious such as celiac disease? Let's take a closer look at both. Celiac Disease Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a poor immune response to gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley. For people with celiac disease, gluten causes an immune reaction in the small intestine, which leads to damage of the intestine's lining over time. Continued damage can cause people to suffer from malabsorption, the inability of the intestinal wall to absorb vital nutrients from the bloodstr…

If you're looking for ways to increase your home's value without renovating a room, landscaping can be a great option. There are many landscaping projects that can add curb appeal and increase the attractiveness of your home. Let's discuss five projects that can help you achieve this goal! 1. Maintain Your Lawn One of the simplest ways to increase the value of your home through landscaping is by having a well-maintained lawn. This might look like re-seeding, watering, mowing it regularly, trimming the edges, and keeping it free of weeds and debris. A well-maintained lawn makes a great first impression and adds curb appeal. On the flip side, a poorly maintained lawn might make it seem like your home is not well cared for and may deter potent…

Do you ever feel like you're struggling to remember things? You're not alone. Memory skills tend to decline with age, but there are things we can do to improve memory and keep our brains healthy. Let's discuss a few tips and tools for better memory! Get Better Sleep: Believe it or not, one of the best ways to retain and improve memory is to get better sleep. When we sleep, our brains consolidate memories and store them for long-term recall. Lack of sleep or restless sleep can affect our ability to form new memories and/or retrieve old ones efficiently. Exercise Your Body: Physical exercise is beneficial for your whole body—including your brain. Regular exercise has been shown to improve brain health and memory by increasing blood flow and e…

Do you have a lot of clothes that are labeled "dry clean only"? If so, you may be wondering if it's really worth the hassle to take them to the dry cleaners. Is it really that much different than just washing them at home? Let's discuss a few benefits of dry cleaning and reasons why it would be worth taking your clothes to the professionals. 1. Protects Delicate Fabrics and Materials Certain fabrics and materials are very delicate and can be easily damaged by regular washing, drying, and some types of detergents. Dry cleaning is a much more gentle option that can help protect these items while still offering an effective wash. Additionally, dry cleaners will know and apply best practices when dealing with delicate materials, such as silk, w…

You're on social media for one reason and that's to get your message out to as many people as possible. Social media is all about amplification. Those that are able to attract the most amount of eyeballs to their posts, videos, images, etc are considered to be the mavericks of their field. That’s because social media can be a tough nut to track, particularly for businesses. Maintaining a presence across all of the different networks can be difficult and time consuming. That’s why brands often try to go above and beyond in their efforts to increase their organic reach. Sometimes, that can end up doing more harm than good. A social media crisis is always best avoided. It has the potential to permanently harm the reputation of a brand and turn…

Do you sometimes struggle with knowing how much or how often to water your houseplants? If so, you might want to try bottom watering instead. Let's discuss four benefits of using this method for watering your plants, as well as offer a brief guide on how to do it. What is Bottom Watering? Bottom watering is exactly what it sounds like—watering your plants from the bottom of the planter instead of the top. To use this method, your plants will need to be in pots that have drainage holes. First, make sure your plants need to be watered. Poke your finger into the soil about two inches deep to see if it is fully dry. If it's dry, you're safe to water. Next, choose where you are going to place your plants for watering. Some people choose bowls or…

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? This is a great time to emphasize the importance of dental health and oral care with your kids! It’s never too early to start teaching your children how to take good care of their teeth. Let’s discuss a few tips for keeping their teeth healthy. Brush, Brush, Brush! It’s no secret that one of the most important components of good dental health is regular brushing. However, your child’s brushing routine will look slightly different depending on their age—and will change as they grow and learn. Even before your child’s first teeth peek through their gums, harmful bacteria can gather in the mouth. To remove it, wipe their gums with a clean, damp cloth. As your baby starts to…

Are you looking for a way to improve your gardening experience this year? If so, you might want to put raised garden beds at the top of your gardening essentials list. There are many benefits to using raised beds over in-ground gardens, so let's go through a few of them. 1. More Control Over Soil Type and Quality Gardening in raised beds means you have much more control over the type and quality of your soil. Depending on the climate where you live and what your native soil is like, in-ground gardens are often affected by less-than-ideal soil conditions. Existing soil may be too shallow, rocky, dry, or even contaminated with pesticides. Raised beds give you the option to choose a quality soil that is rich in nutrients, the right texture for…

There is often some confusion surrounding the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's disease, especially when the terms are used interchangeably in conversation. Let's discuss a few basic details in order to make them easier to understand. What is Dementia? Dementia itself is not a disease, but instead a general term for a group of symptoms (caused by damage of certain brain cells) that significantly affect memory, emotions, thinking, communication, and behavior beyond the typical effects of aging. There are many different types and causes of dementia, and it is possible to experience more than one type at a time—which is known as mixed dementia. Dementia often severely interferes with and inhibits an individual's everyday routine to…

Cleaning your home (and keeping it clean) can be a daunting task. It seems like there is always something that needs to be done, and it can be hard to find the time to do it all. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider hiring a professional house cleaner. Let's discuss some of the reasons why hiring a house cleaner or residential cleaning company might be a good idea for you. Regain Your Time Investing in a professional cleaner or cleaning company can help give you back the time that you would otherwise spend cleaning your home. You can use your regained time to do the things you can never fit in your schedule, like finishing work or hobby projects, spending more time with your family or friends, resting and reading a book, go…

Interpreters play a vital role in many communities by facilitating communication between people or groups who do not speak the same language, but there is usually a lot more to interpreting than meets the eye. Here are four things you might not know about the profession! 1. Interpreters and Translators are Different While the words “interpreter” and “translator” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, the two professions are separate and different from one another. Both involve conveying a message from one language (the source language) into another (the target language), but interpreters work with the spoken word while translators work with written text. Another difference is that interpreters often interpret speech in rea…

When you are considering paint colors for your home, it might be beneficial to think about more than just your personal preferences. Certain paint colors can actually affect the value of your home! Let’s discuss how and why this happens, as well as provide some tips on how to choose paint colors that will increase your property value. How Does Paint Color Affect Home Value? There are a few factors that go into how paint color affects home value. The first is simply the perception of a particular color by potential buyers. Some colors might be seen as classy or luxurious, while others might be perceived as basic, busy, or loud. Secondly, paint color can affect mood and create different atmospheres in a room. A light blue in the bathroom can…

Did you know February is Heart Health Month? Heart Health Month—also known as American Heart Month—is a month dedicated to shining a light on the importance of cardiovascular health and raising awareness about common heart problems that affect a large percentage of the population. Today, let’s discuss more about what this upcoming month is all about and go over a few heart health tips for awareness and prevention. The Importance of American Heart Month Heart disease—or cardiovascular disease (CVD)—is an umbrella term referring to the myriad illnesses and conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as arrhythmia, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States…

It’s never too late to learn how to dance! Even if you've never danced before, there are many benefits of taking dance lessons as an adult. Let’s go over seven reasons why you should consider signing up. Get a Fun (and Challenging) Workout Dancing is a incredible way to exercise and stay in shape. Not only will the cardio alone get you sweating and your heart pumping, but the complex movements involved in many types of dance will teach your body to move in ways you didn’t know were possible. Whether you try ballroom, ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary, you’ll get to look forward to a fun and engaging workout each class session. Learn a New Skill Taking dance classes as an adult is a great chance to learn a new skill and exercise your brain in…

If you have young children, then you know that safety is a top priority. You need to make sure that your home and yard are as safe as possible for their curious exploration, and that includes the type of fence you have around your property. However, some types of fences are better suited for families with small children than others. Let’s discuss a few things you should take into consideration. Material One of the most important things to consider is the material and quality of your fence. Some materials are less ideal for children who love to explore and touch everything with their hands—wood, for example, may pose a risk for splinters, while iron can have sharp edges if not properly welded. Although wood and iron make great fences, they m…

Do you have a new puppy at home? If so, congratulations! Puppies are adorable and exciting and have the potential to be your family’s best friend for life. However, as with any new addition to your family, they can come with a unique set of challenges as each of you adjusts to life together—especially in the early days. One such challenge you may not expect is known as "the puppy blues." Let’s discuss what this term means, what causes it, and how to manage the symptoms. What are the Puppy Blues? When preparing to bring your new puppy or dog home, you’re likely thinking of all the fun activities you’ll be able to do together as they learn and grow. However, there are a few growing pains you (and your puppy) will likely have to go through bef…

Windows are one of the most important features of a home when it comes to energy efficiency. They can play a huge role in how much energy your home uses and how much money you could save on your monthly energy bill. Let's go over five ways your windows can affect the energy efficiency of your home! Proper Installation The first way windows can affect the energy efficiency of your home is by how well they have been installed. If windows aren't properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, they won't be as efficient at keeping cold air out and heat inside—and vice versa. When replacing or repairing your windows, make sure to hire or consult a professional to install them for you so you know they are done correctly. Weathers…