Why do we make resolutions? I have thought about this for a while, so I decided to look into it, and here is what I found (with a few of my anecdotal thoughts sprinkled in).It’s the language of the brain. One of the most important functions of the brain is the executive function, a cluster of cognitive abilities that have evolved to enable us to set and achieve goals. This … [Read more...]

Thinking about updating your bathroom, and wondering about the latest trends? Bathrooms are looking more natural, and feeling more comfortable. Vanities are being made to look more like furniture. Wainscoting is gaining popularity in the bathroom, as are clever storage niches, tucked into the wall between the studs. Quartz countertops with undermount sinks are stylish, … [Read more...]

It’s that time of year! Time for joyous family gatherings, big laughter, delicious smells, indulgent meals, games around a fire. Here’s the problem: You have to drive hundreds of miles over the proverbial river and through the woods to get to Grandma’s house to have all this family fun. Maybe you pack into a crowded plane or perhaps you cram your family into a car that - let’s … [Read more...]

According to the Pew Research Center, almost half of adults in their 40s and 50s are living in the “sandwich,” working full time and caring for their minor children, but also caring for elderly parents. This so-called sandwich generation carries the responsibilities of child care and education, planning for their own retirement, and caring for their aging parents. Here are … [Read more...]

It is important to have your furnace checked once a year by a professional for a tune-up. However, there are a few simple things you can check yourself to make sure your family is safe and warm this winter.Visually inspect the flue system of your furnace and water heater. The flue is the round galvanized pipe that takes the unburned gas products and the carbon monoxide … [Read more...]