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…

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 interpre…

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 …

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…

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 a…

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…

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 h…

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 correc…

If you're not already using mouthwash as part of your regular dental hygiene routine, you could be missing out on a few oral health benefits in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Here are 5 reasons why mouthwash is an important step in your routine. 1. Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas Mouthwash can help to clean the areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss, like between your teeth and along your gum line. By swishing for 30-60 seconds after brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help loosen and dislodge left-behind pieces of food, plaque, and bacteria that would otherwise stay in your mouth and cause problems over time. 2. Reduces Plaque Because mouthwash gets into those hard-to-rea…

Not to be confused with National Cheese Day on June 4th, National Cheese Lover's Day is all about the people who love everything cheesy. Be it brie, bleu cheese, mozzarella, or the classic cheddar, celebrate yourself today with your favorite cheesy dish from a local restaurant in your area or a homemade charcuterie board. The cheesier the better! …

If you're like most drivers, you probably don't think about the filters in your car until they start to cause problems. But it's important to know about the different types of filters and what they do, because if one of them isn't working properly, it can affect your car's performance and even its safety. Let's go over the four types of car filters and why it's important to change them when the time comes. Oil Filter The oil filter is responsible for trapping dirt and debris as the motor oil circulates through your car's engine, which helps to keep the oil clean and the engine lubricated. When you regularly change your oil or get it changed at your local auto shop, you'll likely need to change out the oil filter as well. This way…

Most of us have power strips and surge protectors throughout our homes and offices, sitting next to our televisions, computer desks, kitchen appliances, and more. But what is the difference between the two, and do you know how to tell which is which just by looking? Let's go over some basic details. Power Strips Power strips are a type of extension cord with multiple outlets. Power strips allow you to power multiple devices or appliances in the same area from the same wall outlet, and they often include an "on/off" switch to allow for easy control. They are typically very affordable and come in a range of different styles and sizes. One downside of power strips is that they can get overloaded by devices that need a lot of powe…

Have you ever heard of SAD light therapy lamps? Light therapy is a treatment that uses a specific type of lamp to help relieve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression. But what exactly do light therapy lamps do, and how do they help? Let's go over a few of the basics. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs around the changing of the seasons each year. SAD is most commonly experienced during the fall and winter months when the weather is colder and there are fewer hours of sunlight, but it can affect some people during the spring and summer months. For those that experience SAD during the winter months, the symptoms typically su…

When you are planning a wedding, it is easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start. There are so many options and so many decisions to make! That's why many couples decide to hire wedding planners to help them pull off the celebration. However, before you sign the contracts, make sure you've considered these 5 things. 1. Availability One of the most important things to consider when hiring any vendor for your wedding is their availability. You'll want to make sure your wedding planner is available on the date of your wedding and also for the planning that will take place leading up to the big day. Make sure you ask any potential wedding planners about their availability and how many clients they tend to take on at a time…

If you're in the market for a humidifier, you are probably wondering if there are any differences between the types available to consumers. There are two main types of cool mist humidifiers: evaporative and ultrasonic. Let's take a brief look at each type and how they work differently to provide moisture to the air in your home. Evaporative Humidifiers Evaporative humidifiers utilize a fan and a filter (also known as a "wick") to create water vapor through the natural process of evaporation. After filling the humidifier tank with water and turning it on, the fan functions to bring in air and push it through the moistened wick, which evaporates the water within the machine and releases it into the room. As the air is pushed throug…

Did you make a New Year's resolution or goal for 2022? If you're someone who struggles to keep their resolutions each year, we have some tips to help you out. Make it Achievable When making New Year's resolutions or goals, you'll want to make sure they are realistic and achievable. Instead of trying to hit the ground sprinting, set goals that you can gradually work towards. Breaking your goal into smaller steps or achievements will also help it feel more attainable. Write it Down Writing your resolution or goal on paper can add to the commitment you are making. By writing it down and placing it somewhere you will see regularly, not only do you have a physical reminder of your goal, but it can also help to keep you accountab…

2022 is officially here, and New Year's resolutions are being made all over the world. For some, resolutions can feel overwhelming or unachievable, but they don't have to be that way. Let's go over 10 simple and attainable goals to work towards in 2022. Drink More Water Drinking more water is always a great goal for the upcoming year. Our bodies need water to survive and stay hydrated, but it's sometimes easy to forget to drink enough. Luckily, there are ways to help make the habit easier, such as setting a reminder or keeping a refillable water bottle with you at all times. Move Your Body Whether you start stretching in your living room in the mornings or join a gym in your area, moving your body more (or more regularly) i…

2022 is quickly approaching, and the urge to declutter before ushering in the new year can be strong. If you're not sure where to start, look no further—here are 5 things you should consider getting rid of or throwing away before January 1st. Clothes If you have clothes you haven't worn in the past year because they're old, worn, or just not your style anymore, the chances of wearing them again are low. However, throwing away clothes and textiles each year can lead to heaps of waste in the landfill, which is not good news for the environment. We recommend sorting your unused clothing into a donation pile and a recycling pile. Clothes that are in good, wearable condition can go in the donation pile, and clothes that are worn or ding…

Journaling is a form of self-reflection that has been shown to have many mental health benefits. Some people journal to process difficult events, manage anxiety or depression, or cope with loss and grief. Journaling helps them clear their minds and reflect on the past, process what is going on in the present, and plan for future events. Let's go over 4 basic mental health benefits of journaling that can make a big difference in one's life (and we'll offer some tips on how to get started). Creates Space for External Processing Journaling is a practice that creates a safe outlet for external processing. Journaling through words or drawings can provide a safe and healthy way to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to …

Searching for last-minute gift ideas for the holidays? You're not alone. Whether you're a chronic procrastinator or this holiday season has sprinted by and taken you by surprise, here are a few down-to-the-wire gift ideas to draw inspiration from. Gift Cards Gift cards are a classic last-minute gift idea that can work for nearly everyone on your list. Gift cards are convenient to find, quick to buy, and they let the recipient choose exactly what they want from their favorite place. You can buy gift cards for a specific store or restaurant the recipient loves, or take the general route with a Visa gift card that someone can use anywhere they like. Subscription Services If you're looking for practical last-minute gift ideas t…

Home remodeling can be expensive, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Fortunately, there are many small ways to add new life to your kitchen without breaking the bank! Let's go over 5 budget-friendly kitchen remodeling ideas to refresh your space. Fresh Coat of Paint One of the best ways to freshen up your kitchen is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. A new color on the walls or cabinets (or touching up the current paint job) has the potential of making your kitchen feel bright and new. The best part about painting is that it can be as big or as small of a project as your budget allows—from painting the whole kitchen to just painting one small accent wall. Updated Cabinets and/or Hardware If your cabinets and drawer…