February 20, 2018 In February, most people focus on Valentine’s day and love, hearts, and candy. If you’re coupled up, it’s a single day that will come and go. If you’re not in a relationship, it can feel a little lonely. That’s why it’s a good idea to make the entire month of February about…
February 22, 2018 Is your belly constantly bloated? Did you know that there is a scientifically-proven way to shed those stubborn midsection pounds and keep them off? The secret to beating the bloat is a healthy gut. Superfoods, anti-inflammatory fats, prebiotics, and probiotic foods reduce cravings, regulate blood sugar, fight inflammation, and shed those pesky…
March 1, 2018 Vegas always promises gambling and a good time, but the best trip to Vegas combines both of those with a little R&R. Below we feature two relaxing alternatives to traditional Vegas resorts, perfect for couples—or even families—looking for a little fun (and rest!) under the desert sun. Red Rock Casino, Resort and…
March 15, 2018 In the summer, the warm temps and humid air keep our skin looking dewy and feeling supple but the cold of winter isn’t quite the same. Not only might your skin take on that signature ashen hue associated with the season, but it may also crack and peel. Is there anything you can…
February 28, 2018 It’s hard enough to take a day off when you are feeling physically ill, so most people balk at the idea of taking a mental health day. Whether it’s our bodies or our minds, if something is having an impact on your health, it needs to be addressed and taken seriously. Here…
February 21, 2018 In the morning, I don’t have time to do much more than get ready and out the door! While it would be nice to whip together an omelet with bacon and sausage and freshly squeezed juice, it’s just not going to happen. That doesn’t mean that I have to resort to pastries…
February 27, 2018 Everything from stress, lack of sleep, illness and even genes are said to cause inflammation in our bodies. However, foods are a major cause of inflammation too. Making some little simple tweaks to your diet can not only help you feel better and look better, it can help fight inflammation. Here are…
March 8, 2018 Decades ago people use contact paper—also known as adhesive film—to line the drawers and shelves in their kitchen and bathrooms. This versatile product has had a change of fashion and function and now allows for dozens of new uses. The designs range from flowers to wood, granite to marble. You can cover…
February 26, 2018 It can be so frustrating dealing with a child who refuses to eat most foods—especially when their likes and dislikes seem to change overnight. Apples on Monday are wonderful, then suddenly apples on Wednesday are a definite no. What happened? Of course, there can be medical reasons that lead to picky behavior….
March 6, 2018 Spring is on the horizon. Are you already thinking about your first vegetable garden? I know there is still snow on the ground here, but I cannot wait to get outside and start gardening. There is something relaxing about digging in the dirt and watching the first green shoots come alive that…
February 27, 2018 If there was ever a year to throw an Oscar Viewing Party, it’s this year! The 2018 Academy Award nominees are the most diverse in history—nominees of all color and gender—and films many people have actually seen! Plus, could you ever before have imagined a world in which Star Wars, Blade Runner,…
March 14, 2018 Spring cleaning is just around the corner. It’s rare that we think about cleaning out our washing machine, considering its job is to actually do the wash! Unfortunately, washers and dyers can get musty and start to smell—which unfortunately transfers to our clothing. And definitely clean out the dryer vent as it’s…
March 13, 2018 Spring arrives next week, but the temperatures might still be chilly in your area. Here in Vermont, we won’t really see spring-like weather until sometime during the end of April or the beginning of May. Of course, spring fashion is in abundance in the stores already, and I cannot wait to lighten…
March 26, 2018 Puerto Rico’s sunshine, sandy beaches, rhythm, and warmth are back in business, ready to welcome families looking for a spring break escape. Thankfully, Maria is long gone and the island is back on its feet, offering deals and extra perks while reminding travelers that there’s no better time to visit Puerto Rico. From…
March 22, 2018 While every day we should be taking exquisite care of the earth, April 22nd is when our planet is officially celebrated. This year Earth Day falls on a Sunday which may make it easier for you and your family to get out and do something worthy. Many local events and fairs are…
March 23, 2018 Why stay in a standard hotel this spring break, when you can spend the night steeped in history? From in-house historians to immersive, period decor and self-guided tours, these seven spring-break-worthy hotels go the extra mile when it comes to showcasing their rich history. The Jefferson Washington, D.C. The Jefferson boasts an in-house…
March 21, 2018 Many more people are working from home, but they often sit in bed or find themselves at a desk in a dark corner. I work from home and spend so much time at my desk working. I started to wonder how I could make my home office a healthier place to be….
April 2, 2018 Did you know that diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease? Many people don’t, or don’t even know what an autoimmune disease entails. An autoimmune disease is when your immune system attacks itself in some way to cause deterioration and destruction of tissue. The immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign cells…
March 30, 2018 Do you have boring wooden picture frames lying around the house and you’re not quite sure what to do with them? When I was little, my Grandmother had a stand that was covered with photos of family members—everyone from second cousins to great aunts and uncles. There must have been a dozen…
April 3, 2018 Snorkeling makes for the perfect family vacation adventure: it’s easy, safe and fun, while also giving you the chance to get up close and personal with some amazing local marine life! With over 11 million snorkelers in the U.S. and about 20 million worldwide, according to DEMA, hotels and resorts are now reaching…
April 17, 2018 There’s just something about animals … the connections we form and the love we add to our lives. For children, having pets is a wonderful experience. Not only do they get to feel that love, they learn a lot. For adults, they provide many benefits as well. Responsibility Pet ownership teachers responsibility,…
May 15, 2018 There’s nothing like homemade lemonade on a hot summer day! And there’s nothing like the fresh scent of a lemon when you cut into it. Did you know there are many uses for this versatile fruit? Here are some surprising ideas for things you can do with lemons. Cleaning: Mix lemon rinds…
April 6, 2018 After so many months of winter, you may be wondering how to add color to your yard in the spring. Here in Vermont, our winter can last up to six months and the only colors I see when I look outside are brown, gray and white. While those are certainly great colors,…
April 12, 2018 In this Part 2 in our series on autoimmune diseases, we talk about how no drug or treatment will cure an autoimmune disease, however, they are often used to try to control an overactive immune response and bring down inflammation. If one medicine does not work for you, do not get discouraged….
April 9, 2018 Who coined the phrase “Earth Day?” How many jobs does the recycling industry support in the United States? What are the most environmentally friendly retailers? How many pounds of plastic is in the average car? Sustainable buying decisions take practice. Each month new information is released regarding the impact of every day…
May 17, 2018 Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, boarding a flight can be a stressful experience. It wasn’t always this way but overbooked planes and enhanced security measures have definitely affected us in multiple ways. Once concern many fliers have relates to staying healthy as they embark on their journey. While you can’t…
April 18, 2018 If you’ve been in a relationship for a while, you can probably look back on the early days when your romance felt new and exciting. When we’re falling in love, we tend to be more adventurous and willing to overlook imperfections because having fun is more important than nitpicking. After a while,…
April 13, 2018 This may sound like a bizarre combination, but you are going to love this homemade cream of mushroom and kale soup recipe! Years ago, I had found a recipe that called for a can of cream of mushroom soup. I didn’t have any in the cupboard but decided it couldn’t be that…
April 30, 2018 Once a year many of us do our spring cleaning. This usually includes getting the yard ready for gardening, deep cleaning of our houses and garages, and even cleaning out our closets. Often we forget about smaller things, like our cosmetic bag and drawers. They can have products that are old, full…
April 26, 2018 Eating healthy should be a way of life for everyone. But healthy for one person is not always good for another. Many studies have been conducted to research the effect of diet on autoimmune diseases, but most experts will agree that there is not enough fact-based evidence to reach a conclusion. The difficulty…
April 24, 2018 Have you been wondering about a few of the popular healthy eating plans you’ve heard about online or in the news lately? It seems like everyone is talking about keto, paleo, Whole 30, clean, and other healthy eating plans. If you’re not already familiar with each eating plan, here’s the skinny on…
April 19, 2018 This post was sponsored by Instinct. Owning a dog has many wonderful perks, from companionship to a range of emotional benefits backed by scientific research. Nothing beats a puppy’s gaze to melt your heart, and now we know why: our bond with dogs increases the levels of the powerful hormone Oxytocin, sometimes…
April 30, 2018 A busy mom is just about every mom. From carpooling to kid-corralling to keeping track of a teen—a mom’s job never ends. Ask any mother what she wants for Mother’s Day, and more than likely she’ll answer: “A break!” Thankfully, there’s a destination to fit every mom. Give mom what she really…
May 10, 2018 Breakfast, lunch, dinner … tacos are always on everybody’s most wanted meal list, no matter the time of day. This traditional Mexican dish, which consists of a corn or wheat tortilla folded around a filling, has been embraced by the world. Here’s a tome that takes on tasty new takes on the…
May 7, 2018 I love lobster and crab cakes but the expense of using the real thing is just out of my budget. If you’re looking for an easy, affordable meal idea, you can make these easy imitation lobster cakes just as easily at a fraction of the cost. When you purchase imitation crab or…
May 16, 2018 Now that the weather is warmer, you’re probably scheduling a trip to your local beach or planning a vacation that involves fun in the sun and splashing in the water. If that’s the case, now is the time to sit down and have a talk with the kids about beach safety tips…
May 14, 2018 It’s road trip season! Whether you’re driving for three hours or three days, there’s something transformational and adventurous about hitting the highway and going on your own journey as you separate yourself from the rest of the world. I’ve crisscrossed through North America more times than I can count and I learned…
May 21, 2018 From the time we are little, there’s a lot of emphasis on us being good to the people around us. We’re told to stand by our friends during hard times or to help the older person next door … but how often is there an emphasis on the importance of being good…
May 23, 2018 As everyone is aware, water is essential for so many reasons: weight loss, good skincare, mental clarity, and a well-functioning body to name a few! Health professionals used to say that you should drink eight 8 ounce cups of water a day (for a total of 64 ounces). Studies since have produced…
May 22, 2018 If you’re a pet lover, have you thought about ways to keep your pet safe in your home? You might think that as long as they aren’t running loose outside they’re safe, but there are a number of different dangers that exist in your home you might not be aware of. Here…
May 30, 2018 For many of us summer finally appears to be on the horizon! It’s time to get load the car and head to the beach. Here are our favorite seven summer beach bag essentials. Sunscreen. First and foremost, whether sunny or cloudy, you need sunscreen to protect your skin. The safest ones are made with…
May 24, 2018 We can all agree that the Kentucky Derby just wouldn’t be the Kentucky Derby without a few sips of a Mint Julep, the quintessential cocktail of the South. This bourbon-based cocktail is traditionally made with four ingredients—mint leaf, bourbon, simple syrup, and crushed ice—and makes for the perfect boozy refreshment on a…
May 29, 2018 There is no tastier way to start your morning than with this chia seed pudding. I know that on busy days, I’m often tempted to skip breakfast. Or, even worse, to grab a donut or pastry instead of a healthier choice. The joy of this delicious chia seed pudding is that you…
June 6, 2018 Ah honey, sweet, sweet honey. In the summer the flowers are blooming and the bees are buzzing. Honey is the original way to satisfy a sweet tooth. We all know it’s much healthier than sugar, but are you using honey as often as you could be? Do you know the difference between…
August 14, 2018 Everyone touts the benefits of meditation, but it’s not easy for many people to sit still and be mindful for five, ten, or twenty minutes. You may be unable to find time, or the kids keep you running ragged until you fall into bed every night utterly exhausted and mindlessly scrolling Facebook. Or…