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 the day. Here are three benefits to waking up earlier. 1. Ease Into Your Day If you're rushing to get to work in the morning because you slept in as late as you possibly could, you're beginning your day with a nervous, anxious energy that might…

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. The Proper Password Length Experts are unsure as to how long a secure password should be. Longer passwords are obviously more secure, but they're also harder to remember. Most experts believe that a strong password that is still easy to remem…

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 to find something that suits your decor. However, one downside to hardwood flooring is that it can get expensive. Depending on the kind of hardwood flooring you get, you can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot, including installation. Ha…

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 someone familiar can help. They can provide you with a conversation partner while you wait, and they can also take valuable notes on follow-up care. If your companion does the driving, you also have one less worry on appointment day. Talk to Your Den…

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 exposure can help reduce your symptoms. You might consider saving neighborhood walks for after it rains or inviting someone else to complete allergen-intensive gardening chores, such as mowing the lawn or weeding the flower bed. When you do go out, show…

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 longer the length of the trail they can handle. If this is your child's first hike and they are no more than 2 or 3 years old, one to two miles is the ideal length to start with. Choose Appropriate Clothing The most important part of a child'…

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 Improve Mental Health and Brain Function Many people recognize how their body reacts to constant bouts of sleepless nights. Most individuals who suffer from sleep deprivation will note mood instability, lack of focus, irritation, and general feelings o…

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 travel domestically or internationally. The more time you have, the more flexible your vacation plans can be. You can likely squeeze more into a week's trip than you think if you manage your time well. Knowing your trip's duration is also useful for ma…

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, using starter plants is a better choice that cuts growth time down by two to three weeks and increases your chances for a successful harvest. Once you get the hang of how growth and harvesting works with starters, it'll be easier to learn how to grow he…

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 can be broken down into manageable time sessions like 10 minutes, one hour, or over a morning or afternoon.Start at the top and move down. Dust ceiling fans and corners. Clean light switches, doors, handles, and other frequently touched items. Dust al…

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 complete history of any vehicle you’re considering buying. Taking a scan of the interior and exterior, even if it looks flawless, doesn’t tell you about the true history of the car. You should get a full history of the vehicle, including past num…

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 accessible are best for ensuring that all of your guests can attend. If you choose remote areas such as flower-filled meadows far from the road or mountainous locations that require a bit of a hike, be sure to give your guests plenty of time to plan acco…

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 and neck pain.2. Back-bend. For lower back pain in the lumbar spine, back-bend stretches can help. To ease spinal tension, stand with both feet together. Press your hands behind your hips, and gaze at the ceiling. As you exhale, slowly bend backwards…

Maintaining the health of your garbage disposal is important to keep it in good working order, and it reduces the costs associated with having to call in a professional for future repairs or replacements. Add these easy-to-remember steps to your kitchen-cleaning checklist to ensure that your garbage disposal smoothly functions for years to come. Clean It Regularly Frequently cleaning your garbage disposal quickly removes food and other waste that may cause sludge buildup and clogging issues. Use natural products such as baking soda and vinegar to remove sludge rather than harsh chemicals that may damage the parts of your disposal. Also, run cold water instead of hot water to prevent any built-up grease from liquefying, which may clog…

April 2021 Letter from the Publisher, Tim Fahndrich. As we head firmly into Spring of 2021, I had a chance to reflect a little on where we've been during the past year. A year ago, we were all scrambling to understand what the Covid-19 pandemic was and how it might impact our life and livelihood. Our team had already switched to a remote work-from-home scenario, thinking it might last a couple of weeks. I clearly remember pushing back with one of my team members when she stated that she had heard that Covid-19 might last until June. I was like, "Where did you hear that?" Not quite comprehending how that could even be possible. Obviously, it has lasted much longer. As we all know, the impact on our local business communit…

Spring is the best time to do fun outdoor projects that will get the exterior of your home ready for the season while dramatically boosting its curb appeal. Here are a few fast and easy spring projects that'll improve the quality and value of your home without costing you a fortune. Spruce Up Your Lawn and Garden Giving your front yard a rejuvenating update after the long winter months is just the thing to increase your home's curb appeal. Manicuring your lawn and trimming trees and bushes is a quick way to improve the appearance of your entire home. If you have branches that are out of reach, consider hiring a professional landscaper to do the job. You can also plant colorful flowers and tend to the gardens you currently have to cre…

Most store-bought foods contain artificial flavors, high salt, sugar content, and little nutritional value. Today, there is a widespread use of pesticides and other harmful chemical toxins in agriculture. Foods that must remain fresh for extended storage usually will contain high amounts of these unwanted toxins. 1. Local Seasonal Produce Contains More Nutrients The longer a food source must be preserved—in order to survive long shipping distances and sitting on grocery store shelves—the greater chance that valuable nutrients they once carried are long gone.The good news is that people can purchase seasonal produce from nearby farms, local grocery stores, and other local produce markets that will have these health-boosting nutrie…

The IRS advises to file your taxes early if possible. This helps to avoid last-minute stress that could increase the chances of making a mistake or missing the deadline altogether. Incomplete, wrong, or late tax-related information on the required forms may result in steep fines, delays in processing, and could possibly trigger an audit. Here are a few ways to increase your tax filing efficiency. Gather and Organize Your Tax-Related Data Ahead of Time Procrastinating is not the best approach to filing your yearly taxes. Seasoned tax experts urge taxpayers to begin gathering their necessary tax-related data well ahead of the filing deadline. After you have gathered the proper forms, receipts, and necessary documentation proof for m…

Receiving a massage can be an excellent way to relax and relieve certain types of aches or pains plaguing your body. However, you may benefit even more by getting a specialized type of massage, such as a deep-tissue or Swedish massage. Knowing the difference between the two can help you make an informed decision on the best choice for your body. What is Swedish Massage? Swedish massage is a common form of massage which is designed to help you relax, relieve surface muscle tension, and improve blood flow. These massages are typically full-body and involve long, light strokes on the skin. By focusing mainly on the top layers of muscles, a Swedish massage addresses the areas that hold day-to-day tension, such as your shoulders, back,…

With new advances in technology, many industries are changing—including real estate. Even with all of these brand-new technologies, however, there are still reasons you should work with a real estate agent if you're trying to find a home.It might seem like it’s easy to do your own home search. There are many real estate listing websites where you can browse properties like a catalog. Also, because of the broker fees, many individuals consider going it alone when trying to find a home. You should work with an agent because of the following reasons. Access to the MLS The MLS stands for multiple listing service. Only licensed real estate agents are allowed to view this database and interact with it. The MLS makes it much easier for …