Supporting small businesses is essential to help the local economy succeed and grow. Many small businesses create jobs, support local schools and services and contribute to the growth of the community. By shopping local you help local shops, restaurants, and other businesses in your community. Here are four easy ways you can help support small businesses in your community: 1. Leave a positive review Leaving a positive review helps potential customers determine if they want to give the business a try. Positive reviews can also boost the business’s search engine ranking, making it easier for others to find them. You…
Author Lauren
A walk is not just good for your body, it’s also good for your soul. Physical activity, like walking, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood. However, reports show walking rates are declining steadily in the United States. On average, 1 out of every 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, per research from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Regular exercise improves mood, boosts energy and can even help you sleep better. Staying active is one of the…
April 22nd is Earth Day, a day where we recognize Mother Earth for all she has done for us! Here are several ways to celebrate Earth Day and show your support for environmental protection: Reduce, reuse, and recycle: One of the simplest ways to help the environment is to reduce waste by recycling and reusing items. Make sure to properly dispose of hazardous materials such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronics. Conserve energy: Reduce your energy usage by turning off lights and electronics when they are not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Plant trees: Planting trees can…
There are no alarms set and you are cuddled up in bed after a good night’s sleep. It’s late morning and there is nowhere to go, no rushing around to do. No school bus, no work to be done, just relaxing at home with loved ones. However, breakfast is calling your name. Your stomach rumbles as your stumble toward the kitchen. You need something quick and effortless. The kids will be up soon and you know food will be on their minds. When you’re in a pinch, there is nearly nothing better to make than something sweet and filling for…
Easter is about coming together with loved ones, enjoying beautiful spring weather and eating your family’s favorite foods. The kids will be playing, adults will be chatting and all will be patiently waiting for the table to be set. If you’re visiting and making memories with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, there are few things better than diving into a marvelous Easter spread. While eyeing the table, you notice all the colors popping off the dishes. Fruits and veggies make the feast come to life, but a warm Easter dip paired with rolls for dipping is…
Small Actions, Big Impact 🌍 Today, we’re celebrating Global Recycling Day! 🌍🌱 It’s the perfect time to give a shout-out to one of the coolest superheroes around: recycling! Recycling reduces the need for raw materials. By reusing materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal, we’re cutting down on the amount of resources we need to extract from the Earth. Less mining, drilling, and chopping means less damage to our precious ecosystems. Recycling also helps to curb pollution. When we recycle, we’re keeping harmful substances out of the air and water. That means clearer skies, cleaner oceans, and happier wildlife. Who…
Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year and added one more thing to your holiday to-do list, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. After all, Easter is a time meant for fun and fellowship with the food just one part of the celebration. Building the menu around simple, one-pan dishes can keep the focus where it needs to be: spending time and creating memories with family and friends. These dishes call for short lists of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, and simple preparation to create a full spread…
4 DIY projects with a touch of Irish flair Pairing Shepherd’s pie and potato soup with green pints and Irish delights are surefire signs of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Food and drink may be the stars of the show, but a little festive ambiance can transport guests from your dining room table to the streets of Dublin. A few seasonal touches are all it takes to complement a menu of corned beef and cabbage. Consider these DIY decorations for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day party. Set a St. Paddy’s Mood – Show off your holiday spirit for all to see…
6 Small, Kind Gestures to Make a Big Impact for Random Acts of Kindness Day and Everyday Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. While these moments can have a monumental impact on the person on the receiving end, they often go unrecognized. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology” found that performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being and leads to…
When the weather is frightfully cold and you need something quick to warm you up, try this recipe for Tomato-Tortellini soup. With only 4 ingredients, you’ll be warm and cozy in no time. For more comfort food ideas, go to www.culinary.net. Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe! Tomato-Tortellini Soup • 2 14 ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth • 1 9 ounce package of refrigerated tortellini • 1 8 ounce tub cream cheese spread with chive and onion • 1 can tomato soup • Fresh chives (optional) 1. In a medium sauce pan bring broth to a…