The best family-friendly New Year’s resolutions are those that create more fun, laughter, and love in the family. Some resolutions, like eating more healthfully, sound good on paper but tend to fail because they lack this “fun” factor. As a result, they become a burden which can cause conflict, guilt, or stress in the family. […]
Getting enough exercise during winter months can be a challenge, especially if you own a dog. We know how important it is for people to be active during winter, but we can go to the gym when it’s too cold to exercise outdoors. By taking 20 to 30 minutes a day to get your sweat on with these fun ways to stay active with your dog this winter, you can keep your pet healthy while creating a deeper bond and keeping those winter blues away. Here are some fun activities you and your furry friend can do together to stay active this winter. […]
Happiness research reveals there are several strategies for well, being happy. But on the eve of Thanksgiving, we wanted to find out what role being grateful for plays in happiness. Those we spoke with were especially grateful for family and friends, of course, but how do you show your gratitude this season? […]
Why wait for a vacation or a day off work to pamper yourself? It’s not easy to prioritize yourself if you lead a busy lifestyle. It's even more important to practice self-care and recharge after moving. But it’s time to make that a priority. Treating yourself (in moderation) is good for your mental and physical health. You deserve it! Especially when you think about the benefits - decrease stress and increase productivity. Remember, after or during a move, make sure you add some self-love into your routine. Here are 8 ways to recharge after moving into a new home. MEDITATE Meditation is a learned activity - you may not reap major benefits until it becomes a daily practice. Don’t be [...]
Millennials are choosing to move back home with their parents more than previous generations. But why are millennials struggling to get their own home? A lot comes down to the Great Recession, which hit when millennials were just starting their careers. Though the economy has now recovered, the Great Recession had a long-term impact on millennial careers and finances. […]
So, you and your newlywed are moving into together—the wedding went off without a hitch and the honeymoon romantic. Now what? From agreeing on home decor to divvying up household chores, merging two lives can be a challenge. Most agree money can add to the difficulty too. Even so, experts agree on some basic principles on how to combine two households harmoniously. Create your happily ever after by following our tips on how to combine two households after marriage. Evaluate Belongings Before the Move Whether you are moving into an apartment or a house, when combining households you’ll quickly discover if you’re good at sharing. More seriously though, the first thing to consider is merging existing furnishings since [...]
Knowing where and how to hide Christmas presents can be difficult if you have smart kids. They’re sharp enough to pick up on little clues, and they have enough time during the holidays to snoop out any poorly hidden gifts. Figuring out how to hide big Christmas presents from these dedicated, clever kids gets harder every year. Motivated by excitement, curiosity, or the challenge of discovering your hiding spots, they can be relentless in their search. Need help outsmarting them? Here are some tips to keep your holiday presents a secret. […]
We totally get it—the idea of buying your pooch a gift for Christmas or Hanukkah is not silly. According to a survey reported by Pet Age, 95% of dog owners buy Christmas gifts for their furry friends. So we’ve compiled a handy list of gift ideas for your dog. […]
The most essential Thanksgiving tips are the ones that help reduce your stress, allowing you to enjoy the holiday and appreciate your family. Your primary sources of stress will depend on your situation of course. And, If you’re hosting for the first time, you might feel overwhelmed by all the cooking. Moreover, if your family tends to argue, you might feel anxious about the coming conflicts. Whatever your stress triggers are, it’s important to recognize them and find ways to deal with them in advance. Though you might not be able to remove 100% of the stress, you can at least make it more manageable. With proper preparation, you can make your family gathering into a loving event and [...]
Once the kids go off to college, most people will start thinking about downsizing. While it may seem a little early to think about what life will be like post-retirement, the home you live in today will impact your options years down the road. As you get close to post-retirement, your tasked with making a big decision. Do you remodel to age in place so that you can stay put? Or do you move to a senior-centric community that can accommodate your changing needs as you age? The answers to these questions are always the same: Aging Americans prefer the idea of avoiding assisted living facilities in favor of living at home. Wouldn't you? The dilemmas facing aging [...]
