In today's competitive real estate market, it's tough to get top dollar for your home. That's why you'll want to try these affordable, do-it-yourself home improvement projects, which can add curb appeal and help lead to a "sold" sign in your front yard. “What’s needed is your time and willingness to attend to editing your home and cleaning it up -- inside and out,” says Marybeth Dennett, real estate professional with Triangle Star Realty in Durham, North Carolina. Give your home the makeover it deserves with these helpful hints.
Category: Magazine Writing
Tried-and-True Teething Remedies
The misery teething sometimes causes your baby to endure can break your heart. Teething can begin as early as 3 months, said Dr. Elizabeth Athans of the department of pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Hospital. “For some babies, teething is painless and for others, it can be very painful, with brief periods of irritability, crying jags and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns.” Comfort and soothe your baby with tried-and-true teething remedies designed to turn those frowns upside down.
Nutritious Lunch Suggestions During Pregnancy
When those cravings take over during pregnancy, it's difficult to resist the temptation to tackle a chocolate bar or devour a bag of salty chips for lunch. Healthy options, though, can satisfy those cravings and lead you on the path to a healthier lifestyle while your little one grows stronger. Adding protein, vegetables and fiber to your meals is a great start. Make your lunchtime menu one that is tasty and hearty with some creative food choices. Read the Rest of the Story Here
A New Year of Food: Buy, Sell and Hold
Achieving your financial goals and reaching your wellness goals may not be as different as you think. Knowing what to buy, sell and hold is crucial when it comes to both your finances and your food choices. “If you are a wise investor, you would keep the high risk portion of your portfolio to a minimum; and it's the same story with your food choices. The consequences of those choices could not be more important,” says Dr. Joseph Colella, Pittsburgh-based bariatric surgeon and weight-loss specialist.
The Top Nutrients for Pregnancy
"During pregnancy, it is vital for women to take care of themselves and provide their baby with nutrients and vitamins that will aid their growth and development," says Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian and the author of "Eating Expectantly: The Practical and Tasty Guide to Prenatal Nutrition." Good nutrition keeps you healthy throughout your pregnancy, gives you that pregnancy glow that makes your skin shine and your eyes beam, and -- most importantly -- helps your little one get the best start in life. That's worth stocking up on spinach for. Read the Rest of the Story Here
After Divorce: Setting New Rules for Kids
Establishing rules for one household is difficult for many families, but when divorce occurs, establishing new rules for both households can be even more challenging. “One of the biggest challenges for split families is consistency,” said Jamie Rishikof, Massachusetts-based licensed psychologist.
Do Arguing Parents Affect Young Kids?
Disagreements are a way of life: It's inevitable that you and your spouse will verbally disagree, and just as inevitable that your child will come into contact with one of those disagreements. However, when disagreements turn into arguments that consist of yelling and name-calling, it can drastically influence your child’s well being. “Arguing traumatizes children for several reasons,” said JeaNette Goates Smith, Florida-based licensed marriage and family therapist. “Parents are often out of control when they argue, and it's scary for a child to see a parent out of control.” To reduce the negative effects on children, learn how to respectfully disagree, rather than argue.
Growing Up: Vertical Gardening Tips
If your goal is for your neighbors to envy your lush landscape, build your flower gardens vertically and make the sky the limit. Vertical gardens feature plants that grow up walls, fences and vertical surfaces. Show off blooming plants while hiding unsightly walls with creative vertical gardening tips that will make your outdoor landscape memorable.
10 Ways You Can Fight Pollution
Pollution is everywhere -- in the water and in the air, and combating harmful agents should be a top priority for families. “Parents should not have to worry about whether or not it is safe for their children to play in the nearest lake, river or shore,” said Pamela Crouch of Orange County Coastkeeper, an environmental protection nonprofit organization. Promote a healthy lifestyle by fighting pollution with simple changes to your daily routine. The result? A better quality of life for you, your family and your community.
10 Outdoor Pathway Perennials
Once your garden beds are overflowing with plants and flowers, it may seem like you’ve hit a road block when you want to continue to put your green thumb to good use. Often-forgotten spots in your lush yard are pathways and entrance ways. Create a walkway like no other by sprucing it up with pathway perennials that can handle the foot traffic while complementing the landscape.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 