It's starting to cool down outside, and it's time to take a look at your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system if you haven't already. HVAC systems usually don't get the attention they deserve until the first signs of cold weather start to hit, and it's important to take care of them now so you can be prepared for colder days ahead. Let's take a look at a few HVAC maintenance tips that will help you prep your system for winter. Change the Filter Believe it or not, the air filter in your HVAC system should be changed every 90 days, if not more frequently. If the filter is clogged with dirt and debris, your HVAC system can become much less efficient at heating and cooling your home. A dirty HVAC system will not only reduce the amo…

At the end of a long day, you're probably looking forward to some rest. While you might not consider winding down before bed to be crucial, it's actually an important part of your sleep routine! Get ready for a good night's sleep after your busy day with these six tried-and-true ways to wind down before bed. Turn Off Screens The bright light from your phone, computer, and TV can have a negative impact on your sleep quality and keep you up at night. Try to limit your screen time in the last 30-45 minutes before bed to let your eyes and mind rest and get ready for sleeping. Read a Book Reading from a physical book or e-paper device (such as a Kindle) is a great way to wind down before bed. Turn the lights low, pull up your co…

It's no secret that water is a limited resource in need of conservation—not to mention residential water bills can be expensive and become a big strain on the household budget. Let's go over 7 ways you can save water and reduce your water bill! 1. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. We've all heard this tip before, but it's time to implement it if you haven't yet. Running the water while you brush your teeth wastes water that can add up in coins over time. Turn it off while you brush and just use it when you need to rinse! 2. Wash dishes more efficiently. Did you know that washing dishes by hand can use up to five times more water than running the dishwasher? If you do need to wash a load of dishes by hand, conside…

When the leaves change colors and the days get shorter, it's not just your mood that can be impacted by seasonal changes. Your vitamin D levels are also at risk of dipping during autumn and winter, which can lead to fatigue. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for bone growth, immune system health, and other functions in the body. Luckily, there are a few ways you can intentionally boost your vitamin D intake during this time! 1. Take Advantage of the Limited Daylight One of the simplest ways to keep your vitamin D levels up during autumn and winter is to enjoy as much natural light as possible. This means taking advantage of daylight hours by getting outside—yes, even when it's cold. Taking even a 10-15 minute walk can help boost y…

Fall is a wonderful time of year to use your imagination and enjoy fall crafts with the kids. Here are five fall craft ideas that will keep the little ones entertained and provide some handmade fall decor for your home! Pumpkin Painting Pumpkins are a fall staple and perfect for kid-friendly crafts. However, carving pumpkins can be quite messy, time-consuming, and hazardous (since knives are involved). An easy alternative is to paint pumpkins instead! Pumpkin painting is fun and safe for kids of all ages. Simply pick out the perfect pumpkins at the store or the local pumpkin patch and wipe them down or wash them before painting. You can use any size of pumpkin for this activity. You'll likely want to set up a designated space for …

You might not think about washing machine maintenance very often, but washing machines are one of the most-used appliances in your home. Even though you run detergent through it regularly, that soap residue can build up (in addition to dirt and other gross things) and make your machine less efficient. To keep it running smoothly, you'll need to clean your washing machine regularly. Let's go over how often you should do this and how to clean the parts that need attention. How to Tell it's Time to Clean There are two main ways to tell it's time to clean your washing machine: by looking at the amount of grime or soap residue built up on your machine, and by noticing your clothes are not getting as clean as they used to. However, it is u…

Fitness and exercise are for everyone, no matter someone's ability level or range of mobility. If you are experiencing limited or reduced mobility, you don't have to give up on fitness and the benefits of exercise! Whether you've been living with limited mobility for a while or are newly adjusting, there are many great exercises and exercise modifications you can do to stay active, relieve stress, and boost your mood—let's go over eight of our favorites. Remember, it's always important to stretch and warm up before exercising to help prevent injuries. Seated Twists Seated twists are a great way to stretch out tight muscles, get the blood flowing, and work out your abdomen while sitting in a chair. You can choose to do this with or …

It's time to declutter your car and finally get it organized! It might seem like car clutter is inevitable, but there are three easy steps you can take to declutter your car in an afternoon and keep it organized moving forward. 1. Remove and Toss Any Trash If there is trash in your car, now is the time to remove all of it and throw it away. Grab a garbage bag and go through your glove box, center console, backseat pockets, and other nooks and crannies to make sure you are getting everything! Getting any and all trash out of the way will make it easier for you to reorganize and have a clean space in your car. 2. Remove Items that Have Other "Homes" Whether it's a box of old things you've been meaning to donate, some random s…

Do you feel like your home is feeling a little dark and gloomy these days? If so, there are some simple fixes you might want to try! Let's go over six simple ideas to make your home feel lighter and brighter. Add More Lighting It may seem too obvious, but adding more light sources can really help brighten up your home. If you're lacking natural light from your windows, consider adding an overhead light or wall sconce to illuminate the area where it's needed, or try installing brighter bulbs for lamps and other fixtures throughout your home. Lights that are higher up will better imitate natural lighting, as will most "Daylight" light bulbs. Utilize the Power of Mirrors Strategic mirror placements are a quick and easy home de…

Every day, your digestion system is working hard to break down the food you eat and absorb the nutrients it needs. However, for some, easy digestion and good gut health can be more difficult. Let's talk about seven foods that are great for improving digestion and promoting good gut health. 1. Yogurt Yogurt is a great source of digestion-boosting probiotics, which you may hear referred to as "good bacteria." Yogurt is a great food to eat if you are looking to improve digestion or maintain healthy gut health. Eat it on its own as a snack, add it to smoothies, or eat it in some other way! Some yogurts have high sugar contents, so be aware of the nutrition facts on the label. 2. Whole Grains Looking to introduce more fiber into you…

Do you love art and want to support the local art scene in your neighborhood? If your answer is a resounding "YES!" we have four ideas to help you do just that. Attend Local Art Shows or Pop-up Art Gallery Exhibits A great way to support the local art scene is by attending art shows or art gallery exhibits in your area. You will be able to view a variety of different types of art from local artists and creators, as well as have the opportunity to support their work directly through donation or purchase! Visit a Local Art Museum Another way you can show your support is by visiting a local art museum, such as one operated by the city or a nearby university. Art museums often include some historical or cultural exhibits pertai…

Are you looking for ways to save energy in your home and reduce your utility bills? If the answer is yes, there are a few simple things you can do. Replace Your Lightbulbs One small thing you can do to make your home more energy-efficient is to replace your old lightbulbs. Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient lightbulbs—like CFL (compact fluorescent lights), LED (light-emitting diode) or halogen bulbs—will help you save energy and money. They also last much longer on average than traditional bulbs, which means they are cheaper in the long run. Check Your Window and Door Seals Your heating and/or cooling systems have to work harder (and cost you more money) when doors and windows in your home ar…

If you're running for the first time or running again after a long break, it can be hard to know where to start. There are many running tips and routines you can try, but not every technique or routine is best for every person. Let's discuss five ways new runners can improve their runs. 1. Set Realistic and Attainable Goals If you're running for the first time, it's important to set realistic running goals. These goals can be short-term (a goal for every run), long-term (running goals over a period of time), or any combination of the two. If you're just starting out, begin your runs at a slow, comfortable pace, and take walking breaks when you need them. It may also be helpful to set goals regarding consistency, such as running three…

We’ve all heard the expression ‘the money is in the list’. We’ve all heard it because it’s true! Growing your list of prospects and customers is one of the most important investments you can make, and businesses should always be on the hunt for ways to capture more leads. But you don’t necessarily have the budget to spend more money on ads, right? We hear you! The following strategies will help you capture more leads without spending more on ads. 1. Add a Web Chat to Your Website If you don’t already have a web chat on your website, go ahead and add one. This can help you gather leads and deliver customer support. As a small business owner, you may be hesitant. After all, you may not think you have the …

Have you seen the leaves changing? Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes cooler weather, the return of school for some, and fun seasonal activities. Looking for family-friendly fall activities to do this season? Look no further! Here are a few of our favorite ideas. 1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch Going to a pumpkin patch during fall is a classic activity for many reasons. First—and most importantly—pumpkins are in season from September to November, which means there will be plenty of nearly every size and variety to choose from. You and your family can choose the pumpkins that are perfect for carving or decorating! Many pumpkin patches also have additional activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and/or small petting zoos! If …

Nothing beats visually appealing content online. Regardless of how detailed your content is or how much value it provides to the reader, the vast majority of visitors would prefer it to be visually appealing. That’s why graphic design is so important for marketers. There's ample research to show that your online audience takes mere seconds to decide whether or not it wants to stick around. One research found that visitors only take 2.6 seconds on average to focus on a specific area of the website. So marketers only have one opportunity to capture the attention of their audience. If they're unable to do that, or if they end up leaving a bad impression, chances are they might not see that visitor again. Good graphic design is key,…

It's no surprise that proper car maintenance is important to keep your car in good shape. A car that is not cared for will break down and may eventually end up costing you more money than if it were properly maintained. Luckily, there are several car care tips that you can do on your own to keep your car running smoothly between regular maintenance visits. 1. Check Tire Pressure Properly inflated tires will improve gas mileage and reduce wear on other parts of the car. Most experts recommend checking tire pressure monthly, or at least before long road trips. If your tires are low, you can add air at most gas stations or call your local tire shop to see if they will fill your tires for free. 2. Check Oil Checking the oil in your…

Painting your own home is a DIY project that can be both rewarding and cost-effective. It often saves money, gives you the satisfaction of completing a project yourself, and can be an enjoyable experience. However, there are some important things to know before you start painting. Let's talk about them! Plan Before You Paint Paint can be an expensive investment, so it's important to plan ahead. Hopefully, the more you plan beforehand, the smoother it will go for you later on. First, be sure to swatch which paint colors you want in your home (or outside your home, if you are painting your house exterior). Next, you'll want to plan to move your furniture away from the walls or into another room so it will be out of the way. Make a list…

August 26th is National Dog Day, which is a holiday that celebrates the love we have for our dogs. It's an opportunity to spend time with your dog and show them how much you care. In this blog post, we're going to share six ways you can celebrate this year's National Dog Day with your furry friend! 1. Take them to the dog park or set up a pup playdate One great way to celebrate National Dog Day is by taking your pup to the dog park or setting up a playdate with one of their dog friends. They'll have a chance to interact with other dogs and you can connect with fellow dog owners! Dog parks or playdates can help strengthen your dog's social skills and lead to more opportunities for playtime in the future. If you plan on going somewh…

Choosing a carpet cleaning service can be an overwhelming task. There are so many options, and it can turn into a headache if you don't know what to look for. However, we are hoping the information in this post can make choosing the right carpet cleaner easier for you. Let's discuss how to select a carpet cleaning company based on your needs and budget, as well as a few tips for getting the most out of your carpet between cleanings. Why Should You Hire a Carpet Cleaning Company? Carpet can become the perfect home for dust, dirt, bacteria, pet fur, and other allergens. Without regular carpet cleaning to remove these allergens, your home's air quality can suffer significantly and you may experience breathing problems or allergies witho…

Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money by preparing your meals ahead of time and eating them gradually throughout the week. While meal prepping takes a little bit of planning, it doesn't have to be hard! Here are 6 tips for meal prepping for those just starting out. 1. "Don't Bite Off More Than You Can Chew" The key when meal prepping for the first time is to start out small. Don't overwhelm yourself with all your options. Since you have to cook and prepare multiple servings at once, it can be a lot of work at first to get comfortable in the kitchen. Start by prepping a few days at a time, and then move up to a full week. As you get more comfortable with the process, expand your horizons to more recipes or more variation…