When your child is stressed or anxious, their feelings may manifest in ways that are different than those of adults. Some of these signs will be similar to those your child experiences on a typical day, so they can be difficult to detect. Here are a few clues that might tell you your child is anxious or stressed. Infants Your baby may show signs of stress and anxiety if they cry more than usual or have trouble sleeping. Your child may break down when you leave them with a caregiver, babysitter, or in a daycare center. Your infant may also be fussy, irritable, and have trouble feeding. Toddlers Physical symptoms, such as sweating or trembling, can be signs of anxiety or stress. Your toddler may act apprehensive, be withdrawn, or have frequen…

Long daily commutes by car or public transit can quickly become boring or frustrating, but luckily there are ways to make the time more enjoyable (and even productive). Let's go over a few suggestions. Learn Something New During a long commute, you can use your time to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge. If you drive yourself in your car, you can listen to audiobooks or podcasts about subjects you're interested in, such as history, finances, or cooking. Another great option is to start learning another language through an audio-based program or listen to new music from an artist you enjoy. If you take public transportation, you can use your traveling time to read a book, put together a shopping list, manage personal tasks like makin…

Having area rugs in your home can bring many benefits, like adding aesthetic appeal, defining a space, retaining heat in a room, and providing traction on slippery floors. However, these rugs can become stained over time (especially in high-traffic areas of your home), so you should know how to clean area rugs to keep them looking their best. Basic Cleaning 101 First, you should know the material of your rug. This will let you know which cleaning agents or methods you should use to maintain the integrity of the rug. Typically, you can find the material listed on the manufacturer's label. If this tag has worn off, you may also be able to check online with the manufacturer. For daily cleaning, you can vacuum a large area rug the same way you…

If you suffer from allergies, you know they can make you miserable. Sneezing, coughing, sniffling, and itching can make it difficult to concentrate at work or enjoy time with friends and family. Some people try to combat their allergies by taking over-the-counter medications, but sometimes this is not enough. If you have tried seemingly every medication out there and still find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms, you may want to consider allergy shots. What Are Allergy Shots? Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a type of treatment that can help to reduce your symptoms and allergy attacks by increasing your tolerance to the allergens that trigger them. Allergy shots work by injecting you with small amounts of the allergen s…

Antifreeze is a liquid that helps to keep your car running at its best, but do you know how it actually works? Learn more about what it does and why it's important. What Is Antifreeze? Often referred to as coolant, antifreeze is a liquid that has a much lower freezing point and a much higher boiling point than water. This makes it very useful for controlling temperatures within the extreme environment of a combustion engine. Typically, antifreeze is sold as a bright green or blue liquid, but it can also be orange, pink, or red. What Is the Purpose of Antifreeze? Ethylene glycol was first used commercially as antifreeze in the 1920s after mainly being used for explosives. In a car engine, antifreeze regulates and maintains optimal operating…

Banks and credit unions offer similar financial services, but there are a few key differences between them. Let's take a look at what sets these two types of institutions apart. For-Profit vs. Not-For-Profit: Why It Matters Banks are for-profit institutions, which means their goal is to generate income for their shareholders. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profits that work for the public good and use their profits to benefit their members. Credit unions are owned by their members and focus on providing affordable banking services to their communities. While they tend to lack the financial leverage of banks, their not-for-profit status grants them tax exemptions and other benefits. Since banks are for-profit institutions, the…

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 your area. If possi…

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 fantastic way to…

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 would want…

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 drawer space, but the…

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! Here are a…

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 can rest ass…

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. If you're not…

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. Regardless of th…

"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 cause. These chem…

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 time, includin…

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, which can be dangero…

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 Gathering and screenin…

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 line shelves or…

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…