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…

Painting over dark walls with a lighter color is a common home improvement project that many people choose to do in their homes. It can seem daunting, but painting over dark walls doesn't have to be hard. Let's go over 5 tips that will make this project a little easier. Gather the Best Tools When painting over a dark wall, you'll want to make sure you have the best tools for the job. The right painting supplies can make a huge difference when tackling a project like this. For example, using a high-quality roller can result in thicker coverage and smoother application—saving you time and energy you might otherwise lose when using a low-quality roller. Prep Your Surface Prepping the wall(s) you're about to prime and paint i…

For people with pet allergies, the idea of finding a hypoallergenic pet can be encouraging. However, are "hypoallergenic animals" really hypoallergenic, and do they really make a difference for people with allergies? Let's go into some of the basic information (and misinformation) about these animals. What Defines "Hypoallergenic" Pets? The term hypoallergenic is used to describe animals that are considered less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people, such as sneezing, itching, wheezing, or hives. The term is commonly used to describe certain breeds of dogs or cats, but it can also be applied to pets like reptiles or amphibians. However, using "hypoallergenic" as an umbrella term can be tricky and misleading, because i…

Did you know that cupcakes have their own holiday? On December 15th each year, National Cupcake Day gives us an extra reason to enjoy these sweet treats! Whether you pick up your cupcakes from your local bakery or bake them at home with your loved ones, we hope you can join us in celebrating. 🧁

Winter driving can be hazardous when the weather conditions include ice, snow, or freezing rain. To prepare for winter driving conditions, it's important to take a few safety precautions with your vehicle. Let's go over seven of them: 1. Inspect Your Tires A good place to start your preparations is by checking the condition of your tires. This includes checking your tread and your air pressure. Tire traction is extremely important in snowy and icy conditions, so you may want to get them rotated or replaced if needed. Additionally, maintaining the correct tire pressure can improve your handling in slippery situations. 2. Test Your Battery Another key thing to check before the weather gets too bad is your battery. Cold weathe…

Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking, but the different kinds can be confusing if you're not familiar with them. Let's take a look at kosher salt, Himalayan salt, sea salt, and table salt to see how they are different from each other (and how they can elevate your cooking)! Table Salt Regular refined salt, or table salt, is probably the most common salt you'll come across. This salt is ground very finely and is nearly pure sodium chloride—with, in many cases, the addition of iodine. Most refined salts also include anti-caking agents to keep the finely-ground salt particles from clumping together. While iodine-enriched table salt (or iodized salt) has successfully contributed towards preventing iodine deficiencies in ma…

If you are in the market for a new television but don't immerse yourself in the world of constantly-evolving technology, you might be left wondering what kind of TV display is right for you. When searching for a new TV online or in-store, you'll probably find prominent descriptors such as QLED, OLED, UHD, and 4K—but what do these terms really mean and what differences do they make in a TV display? Let's briefly go over the definitions and differences so you can be more informed when you make your purchase. QLED QLED stands for "Quantum-dot Light-Emitting Diode" or "Quantum-dot LED" TV. QLED TVs function similarly to regular LED displays, except they use a technology called "quantum dots" in order to boost the color and brightne…

Your company's logo is one of the most important branding elements for your business. It is often the first thing people see when they visit your website, social media, or pick up your business card. A logo can be used in all of your marketing materials, and it's something that people visually associate with you and your company. Unfortunately, many companies neglect the importance of logo design, leaving their logos outdated, hard to read, or even non-existent. Let's go over three reasons why you might want to consider updating your logo for your business. 1. Brand Identity A logo is the metaphorical face of your business. Do you feel like it represents your company or brand accurately? As businesses grow, change, and move in di…

Dental flossing is an essential part of a regular dental hygiene routine, but many people tend to skip this step (no matter how many times our dentists tell us it's important). However, flossing remains one of the best ways to remove food and plaque from between your teeth and promote good oral health. Let's discuss the importance of flossing regularly in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 1. Prevent Gum Disease If you've ever avoided flossing by using the excuse that your gums hurt or bleed each time, it's actually a sign that you need to floss more. The buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth can cause inflammation and irritation, which can cause your gums to bleed and lead to gum disease. Gum disease can damage you…

When you think of alterations, do you see a bunch of dollar signs? Many people think alterations are expensive and unnecessary, but this isn't always the case. Depending on what you need done, how much fabric and time will be involved, and the tailor's rate, alterations can actually be quite affordable—and the finished product will have you wondering why you didn't get your clothes altered sooner. Let's go over three main reasons why you should consider taking your clothes to the tailor. Comfort Clothes that fit well are typically more comfortable to wear than clothes that are too big or too small. A tailor can help take in a shirt that's too baggy, let out a pair of pants that are slightly too tight, and adjust other pieces so…

It's no secret that having clean counters and tabletops can feel like a breath of fresh air—but sometimes keeping those high-traffic areas clutter-free can be a daunting task. Whether it's a desk, kitchen counter, or dining room table that becomes a magnet for clutter, let's go over three tips for decluttering your home's problem areas (and the secret to keeping them clean). Declutter One Area at a Time Whether you have time to tackle multiple problem areas on the same day or can only spare 15 minutes for cleaning, one of the best ways to declutter your home is to work on one area at a time. Focusing on one area can reduce overwhelm and make the task feel much more manageable. Toss, Sort, and Put Away One of the worst cul…

When it comes to the "perfect" skin care routine, there's no one-size-fits-all solution—which is why it's easy to unknowingly use methods or products that irritate your skin (even if they work well for someone else). Let's go over a few common skin care mistakes you might not even know you're making! Using Products with Harmful Ingredients Even though skincare products are marketed to improve your skin, it's possible that the products you use could contain chemical ingredients like parabens, sulfates, or phthalates—which can irritate sensitive skin. Be sure to research or check the ingredients of your skincare products before purchasing so you know what you are putting onto your skin. Additionally, other harmful ingredient…

It's nearly Thanksgiving, which for many people means gathering together with family or friends, giving thanks, and sharing a meal. Thanksgiving also means Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are just around the corner. This weekend of sales is a great way to further show thanks and appreciation for the small businesses we know, like, and trust. Let's go over a few reasons why we should all #ShopSmall this holiday season and support our local small businesses. Why Shop at Small Businesses? When you think of a small business, what comes to mind? Do you picture the mom-and-pop bakery down your street? How about the friendly folks who run pop-up shops at weekly markets? Or perhaps you think of a local boutique that s…

November 23rd is National Espresso Day! This fun holiday was created to celebrate the invention of the espresso machine and the way espresso has influenced coffee since 1884. Here are a few quick facts about espresso: - Espresso is both a type of coffee beverage and a brewing method, and it is not limited to a certain type of bean or roasting level. - Espresso is made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, making what is often called a "shot" of espresso. The highly-concentrated espresso can be used as the base of many popular coffee beverages (such as lattes or cappuccinos) or drank by itself. - The first version of the espresso machine was patented in Italy in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo, the first …