When hiring professionals for a painting project, there are a few things you will want to consider before choosing the company you want to work with. Let's go over a few do's and don'ts of hiring a professional painting service. Do: 1. Consult your builder or contractor If you are working with a builder or contractor on your home improvement project, they likely have firsthand experience with several trustworthy painting companies that they recommend. It is typically a good idea to consult with them first before making any decisions. 2. Ask for references Ask around for references from people you know and trust. You will likely learn more information about which painting companies your friends do (and don't) recommend in…

When it comes to exercise, many people picture going to the gym, becoming a runner, or taking a fitness class. While those are great options for some people, others might have a difficult time finding the motivation to go. Luckily, there are many other ways to get exercise! Let's discuss six slightly unconventional ways to be active. Determined woman practicing rock climbing in fitness studio Hula Hooping Believe it or not, hula hooping can be a fun way to exercise your abdomen! If you've never tried it before, there are plenty of tutorials online to get you started. Once you get the hang of it, hula hooping can be a great workout that can be done from the comfort of your living room. Rock Climbing Rock climbing is another …

Spring cleaning season is among us, which means it's time to figure out what to do with your unwanted items. Instead of letting your items pile up in storage or be thrown away, you should consider donating them to a local thrift store. If your items are desirable and still in good condition, there are many benefits to donating. Let's go over three of them! Your Items Will Be Given a Second Chance Donating to a local thrift store is a great way to "reduce, reuse, recycle" your unwanted items and give someone in your community a chance to use and love them just as much as you did at one point. Many people rely on thrift stores for clothing, furniture, appliances, and other household items, so be sure to only donate things that you …

Living in or moving into a home with a small kitchen can be frustrating when it comes to storage space (or lack of it). However, there are many affordable ways to increase your storage without investing in expensive installations or remodels. Let's go over eleven savvy storage ideas for small kitchens that will help you maximize your space. 1. Shelf Risers Utilizing shelf risers is a great way to create more dedicated spaces in a small kitchen. They are especially useful for cabinets, pantries, and even countertops that have extra vertical space. 2. Drawer Dividers Drawer dividers and removable bins are perfect for organizing kitchen utensils, silverware, and other small kitchen items. Not only do they help to maximize draw…

There are several different types of headaches, but two of the main types are tension headaches and migraines. Tension-type headaches are often described as pressure or tightness in the head. They are usually on both sides of the head, but they are not limited to just these regions. They may or may not be accompanied by pain in other areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back. These headaches are usually caused by muscle tension. A migraine is a different type of headache where you may experience additional symptoms like visual disturbances called "auras," nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. If you suffer from headaches, no matter the type, you know the worst thing about them—the pain never seems to end…

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, moving can be equal parts stressful and exciting. There's a lot of planning, packing, and heavy lifting to do—and sometimes within a short period of time. One of the best ways to ensure that your belongings get from Point A to Point B in one piece is to turn the logistics (and labor) to the professionals. Let's get into how to find a reputable moving company that is safe and within your budget. Why Is It So Important to Choose the Right Mover? One of the main reasons people use professional movers is the convenience. Packing your belongings correctly is the best way to transport them safely. By making sure your items are packed well in boxes and in the moving vehicle, you…

Small businesses tend to be on tight budgets. No matter how tight your budget, however, you need to make sure to set funds aside for digital marketing. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stick to a budget with your digital marketing strategy. The following tips should help you do just that. 1. Make Your Free Google Business Profile Google Business Profiles are completely free and are essential to digital marketing. Once you claim your free listing, you will ensure that your company shows up when people search for you on Google. Your business will also show up on Google Maps. Take this to the next level by optimizing your Business Profile. This will help ensure your Business Profile shows up higher on the search results page.…

Whether you've been working remotely for a while or have just started working from home (WFH), having a dedicated desk or office space can make a huge difference in your WFH life. Here are a few tips to consider when setting up (or rearranging) your home office. Choose a Good Location The first step is selecting the best area for your home office. The best location to choose usually depends on your home size and structure. For instance, if you have a spare bedroom in your home, consider using it for an office space. You may also be able to utilize a window nook or second living area if you have the space. Or, if you don't have a dedicated room, you could rearrange furniture as needed in order to fit a desk and office chair. Regar…

"Runner's high" is a term used to describe a rush of satisfaction and adrenaline that occurs after a long run or workout. Some people may notice a decrease in pain and tension throughout the workout as well. Although many people connect the feeling with running, many other types of cardiovascular exercise, such as rowing, swimming, and cycling, can provide their own version of runner's high. Let's get into the causes and advantages of this sensation! Causes of Runner's High A runner's high is caused by the brain releasing particular brain chemicals and hormones. Endorphins were long thought to be responsible for the runner's high, but a recent study has found another class of hormones, endocannabinoids, might be the actual cau…

Trying to find a healthy productive balance while working at home with kids can be a difficult task. However, it's not impossible! Let's get into four essential tips for keeping up a productive lifestyle when you have children at home. 1. Set Goals Setting up goals for your daily routine is essential for any adult, but the same applies to your kids. Goals help kids to manage their time wisely throughout the week. Plus, setting weekly goals will help them develop discipline in the long run. The idea is that you want your kids to learn how to manage their time on a regular schedule. They should be taught to set goals and stick to them. A schedule is vital for any adult, and it's no different for kids. Plan the next day ahead of …

If you have a windshield that has been damaged, it is important to get it repaired right away. A small rock chip can turn into a huge crack if left untreated, and this can lead to decreased visibility while driving and even more serious damage to the windshield. Let's go over a few reasons you should never wait to get your windshield repaired. Stop Damage from Worsening A small chip in the windshield can turn into a large, expensive crack if left untreated. While it may seem like just a tiny spot, things like changes in temperature, dirt or debris, or vibrations from driving can all cause a rock chip to expand into a crack. Improve Visibility Even a small windshield chip can obstruct or distract your view while driving, whi…

Putting time and money into rental properties is a significant investment that needs attention and dedication. However, this can often be difficult if you have other commitments. This is where you might consider working with a property management company. Let's go over a few of the main benefits. Marketing Your Property In order to reach potential tenants, you'll need to spread the word about your rental property. Marketing your property by yourself can be difficult, but working with a property management company means they can reach out to their existing networks and target audiences. Property management companies are knowledgeable about the industry in your neighborhood and are reputable to renters. Tenant Screening Gathe…

If you rent your home or apartment, you know that home improvement upgrades are not always an option. However, there are many easy, affordable, and reversible ways to make your apartment or rental feel more your style. These simple upgrades can give your space a whole new look without breaking the bank (or violating your lease agreement). What is a Rental-Friendly Upgrade? A rental-friendly upgrade is a temporary and affordable way to make your apartment or rental feel more like home. These upgrades are often able to be done in a short amount of time and can be changed back when you move out. Contact Paper Contact paper is one rental-friendly upgrade that can make a huge difference in your home. You can use contact paper to…

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…

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 finan…

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 wate…

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 usual…

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 t…

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 d…

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 increasi…

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…