August is National Wellness Month. Between work, family obligations and a constantly changing world, people in the United States are stressed. In fact, U.S. workers are among the most stressed in the world, according to a State of the Global Workplace study. While some stress is unavoidable and can be good for you, constant or chronic stress can have real consequences for your mental and physical health. Chronic stress can increase your lifetime risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, physical inactivity and smoking while also increasing risk factors, including high blood…
Author Lauren
In between summer adventures and hot afternoons spent poolside, you’re likely looking to combat rising temperatures with a cool, refreshing beverage. This year, quench your thirst with drinks that play up the trendiness of bold flavors. While many concoctions can help you beat the heat, some gems seem to hit the spot better than others. Consider one of the trendiest beverages that is increasingly becoming available at smoothie and juice bars nationwide but which you can also prepare at home: the tempting, bold taste of the Mangonada. With a harmonious fusion of sweet, spicy and tangy flavors, this thirst-quencher captures…
As a pet parent, you know your pet’s needs are continually evolving. That’s true during different stages of growth and even as the seasons change. Part of supporting your pet throughout the year is understanding the specific risks that come with changing weather and special seasonal events. Supporting pets this summer can be easier with these tips: Summer Health Concerns It may be an exciting time of year for humans with all the extra activities, seasonal celebrations and travel, but those summer pastimes can add up to a whole lot of stress for pets. In addition, environmental factors like allergens…
Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and sustainable way involves several steps that not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact. Consider these tips from the heating and cooling experts at Carrier to help make your cooling system more eco-friendly: 1. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System. If your HVAC system is outdated, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Look for systems with an Energy Star or high SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, which indicates better energy efficiency. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more…
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…
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…

