Osteoarthritis and Women: Simple Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common types of arthritis. OA is a condition where the cartilage that protects your joints begins to break down. This causes the surfaces of your bones and joints to rub together, irritating the surrounding tissue and causing chronic inflammation. Anyone can experience osteoarthritis. However, more women than men develop OA at a younger age. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in five U.S. adults has OA and 24 million of them are women. The reasons for this aren't well understood. Several factors can increase your risk of developing OA including excess weight, trauma, injury, joint overuse, and genetics. That said, to help you reduce your risk of developing OA in your late 40s and early 50s, here are a few ways you can improve your … [Read more...]

How to Adjust to the ‘New Normal’

Our lives have drastically changed in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the things that were part of our regular routines that we never thought twice about have been significantly altered or halted entirely. Millions of people are now working from home, kids are learning from home, and many of the businesses we used to visit have closed their doors to slow the spread of the virus. We live in a new world and a new normal, but adjusting to these changes is easier said than done. Thankfully, there are many tools at our disposal and various steps you can take to adapt to the new normal, less strenuous. Digital Services We are fortunate that the virus has struck during the digital age when we have a slew of digital services at our fingertips. Though getting used to using … [Read more...]

Routine Car Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Being a car owner goes hand-in-hand with a certain amount of responsibility. Knowing how to take care of your vehicle and when it needs to go to a shop for repairs is part of that responsibility. So what can you do yourself and what needs to be done at a shop? One of the biggest reasons you'll want to learn certain repairs for your car that you can do yourself is because it can save you money. The total average repair cost for a vehicle in the United States is $305.55, which means knowing how to change your own oil and tires or even fix your own breaks may be worthwhile. Here's a brief breakdown of some car repairs you should be responsible for learning yourself. Change the Oil One of the most routine car repairs you can do yourself is to change the oil. Oil should be changed every … [Read more...]

The Importance of Basement Waterproofing to Prevent Mold

Your basement, often an underappreciated part of your home, is a potential breeding ground for mold if not properly protected. Mold can lead to a variety of health issues and cause structural damage, making a basement waterproofing system a crucial investment in your home's health and longevity. Preventing Moisture Intrusion: Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, and basements are particularly susceptible to moisture intrusion. Basement waterproofing involves sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation and walls, preventing water from seeping in during heavy rains or flooding. Health Concerns: Mold spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, making it essential to keep your indoor air quality pristine. Waterproofing your basement not only prevents mold growth but … [Read more...]

Who Has Confidence? You Will After Incorporating These Two Simple Tips Into Your Life!

Being confident comes naturally for some while for others, it's much harder to attain. Regardless of how we actually look, it's common for people to not feel their best all the time. For example, 88% of women say their hair has a direct effect on their confidence. Though their hair probably looks amazing, they still feel less confident when it isn't how they want it. When we aren't feeling confident, we don't always treat or speak to ourselves like we would to our best friend. If you're someone who struggles with confidence, here are two important suggestions to help you look and feel your best. Challenge Yourself The first thing you need to do when trying to be a more confident person is to figure out why you aren't feeling confident in the first place. Is it because that dress or … [Read more...]

How to Turn Your Basement into the Ultimate Family Room

Finished basements have a major return on investment, averaging at around 70%. There's a good reason for that. Your basement has the same square footage of an entire house floor. That means when you finish your basement, you've essentially added a new ground floor to your home. Many families use their finished basements as a way to create the ultimate family room, leaving their upstairs living rooms open for guests and formal occasions. But how exactly do you transform a dark and spooky basement into a happy and fun family room? Here are a few tips to consider if you're looking to transform your home's basement from scary to beautiful. Plan ahead and plan carefully The first step toward converting your basement into the ultimate family room requires you to plan ahead and plan … [Read more...]

3 Safe Summertime Activities For Families During COVID-19

There's little doubt that the novel coronavirus has thrown a wrench in your family's plans for the summer. Whether your daughter's day camp has been canceled or you've had to postpone your big vacation until next year, it's not easy to deal with the disappointment we all feel brought on by the pandemic. But not all is lost. Although it's important to continue staying home when possible, wearing masks when in public, and practicing social distancing measures, there are still plenty of activities in which your family can participate this season. Outdoor activities tend to be a bit safer than those that take place indoors, but you'll still need to be discerning when making your summertime selections. Here are three ideas to get you started that are both highly enjoyable and relatively … [Read more...]

5 Tips for Buying a House as a Single Parent

It's no secret that buying a house as a single parent is daunting. Not only are you investing in a home on a one-person salary but you're also supporting your kids on that same budget. Fortunately, you're not alone if you're a single parent dreaming of buying a house. Every year, about 39% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, leaving many newly-single parents looking to settle down to give their kids a sense of security. While saving for a down payment on a house can be a struggle for anyone, there are a few ways single parents can get the help they need to overcome the financial challenges involved in the home buying process. Here are a few tips you can use to make buying a house as a single parent a little less overwhelming. Look into homeownership programs About 78% of recent … [Read more...]

How to Take a Pandemic Beach Trip

Each July, I pack up my car and my kids and we set out for Rhode Island, my home state.  It's a long day in the car but we make it work and it is all worth it when we pull into the driveway of our rental and take in the salty air.  Aaaah... In April of this year, I started to worry about my beach rental deposit.  The pandemic wasn't winding down.  Traveling between states wasn't OK. Would our trip even happen in 2020 or would it be another thing scrapped like so many other activities? Turns out YOU CAN take a pandemic beach trip here's how we did it. Pandemic Pre-Trip Prep Work Before we left I did a ton of research about what the state we were traveling through expected of any visitors.  So far we were in the clear and not expected to quarantine upon arrival.  I talked to the … [Read more...]

Ways To Make Your Outdoor Space Environmentally Friendly

burgers on grill

As the warmer weather rolls in for many parts of the world and people continue to spend more time than usual at home, it is now the perfect time to revamp your outdoor space for an eco-friendly summer. Updating your outdoor area may seem like a daunting task, but there are plenty of different ways you can make your space environmentally friendly and beautiful without breaking the bank or your back. Take your pick from various ways to easily make your outdoor space more ecologically friendly in time for the upcoming season so you can enjoy your time outside while being kind to the planet. Power of Propane When it comes to adding new appliances or features to your outdoor area, no one wants to deal with running power cords. There are rarely outlets outdoors, and the hassle of … [Read more...]