Home + Family

There's nothing like a road trip to get you away from the ordinary, and exploring parts of the U.S. that you never even knew were within driving distance. However, we don't want to allow a getaway to impact our education. The good news is there are ways to create a balance that allows broadening your horizons both on the open road while pursuing opportunities within your degree program. Longer Treks If you're getting behind the wheel by yourself, make sure that you're roadtripping with style. Be prepared by packing snacks and getting your vehicle ready for the trek ahead. If you're accompanied by friends or family members on your road trip, it'll be better for your study habits. Taking the back seat while someone else drivers is an opportune time to open your books and stay on top of r...

When your teenage son or daughter is displaying the typical angst and attitude of their age group, it’s easy to find yourself frustrated. However, these moments can be learning opportunities for you both, not to mention a chance to strengthen your relationship. Even with teenagers or adult children, you have the opportunity to be a truly supportive parent. But, even if you’ve supported them throughout their entire life, you may struggle to determine just what it takes to be supportive as your little one becomes a young adult. Teach them the things they’ll need to know. Just like you taught them to tie their shoes, ride a bike, or recite the alphabet; you can teach your teen the essential skills they’ll need to before entering adulthood. For instance, when they get their driver's lic...

Selling your home takes a lot of work, and if it's your first time, you may not be prepared for how much is involved. Of course, it's not just physical work and going through an extensive amount of paperwork. It's likely that you have a strong emotional attachment to the home you're trying to sell, especially if it's your first home. The good news is that you don't have to go through it alone, and it shouldn't be as hard as usual to find buyers these days. The demand for housing in the United States shot up during the coronavirus pandemic, and the current timeline is still a seller's market. That doesn't mean you can hope to just take it easy and rake in the cash, however. Here are four crucial things you'll need to do before your house is ready for the market. 1. Declutter your home. ...

Whether they're family or your best friend, sometimes buying gifts for the important people in our lives can be difficult. Even if you spend a lot of time with them, holidays and special occasions can cause a little anxiety when it comes to picking out that perfect gift. But it doesn't always have to be a guessing game. A person's Zodiac sign can reveal a lot about them—including what kind of gifts they're more likely to enjoy. Although there are twelve Zodiac signs, we've made a list of gifts for six signs below to give you an idea of where to start! From the quirky Aquarius to those glamorous Libras, we've got you covered. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Known for their duality and curiosity, a Gemini never settles down. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, a Gemini would love ...

In a perfect world, decorating your home would be as simple as heading to the store, finding a piece that catches your eye, and putting it in a place of honor. For some people, that might be enough, but for those who are truly looking for the best-decorated home possible, there's more to the process. Yes, your home decor should indeed appeal to you, in the simplest sense. That said, even more importantly, it must assimilate into your home as a whole and work seamlessly into your life in general. Whether you're moving to a new home and want it to start with that wow factor or you're hoping for a fresh start in your current home furnishings, the right plan is crucial to any home decor project. 1. Determine your starting point. Before you can create the aesthetic of your dreams at home, i...

Being a homeowner means being responsible for anything and everything related to your home, no matter how much or little the price tag is. Keeping up with regular home maintenance is the best way to prevent small issues from developing into costly repairs or replacements. There are plenty of DIY things that homeowners can accomplish with little to no experience. Whether it's hiring a contractor for a bathroom renovation or investing in the right kitchen and homeware, take a look at some of the things you shouldn't live without. 1. Professional contractors for home renovation projects. You need to hire a professional contractor to take on major home renovation projects. There are many home improvement projects that you can do to drastically improve the look and value of your home withou...

As the summer months approach, so does the anticipation of fun and vacations. Unfortunately, besides fun and vacations, the arrival of summer can mean higher energy bills. If the summer season finds you dreading sky-high energy bills, it could be a sign that it's time to check out your HVAC system. A spike in energy consumption during the warmer months could be tied to your system's efficiency. When temperatures and humidity rise outside, your older air conditioner might have a difficult time keeping up. The most common factor to consider when discussing HVAC energy efficiency and costs is the age of your unit. Experts agree that the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is 10 to 15 years. As HVAC systems begin to age they become less efficient. Even with regular maintenance and ...

When you're a homeowner, the air systems in your home require year-round monitoring for ongoing functionality. No matter the age of your heating system and HVAC, both units have their own checklists for year-round maintenance. However, there's always the chance that once your family is ready to cool or heat the house, something may not function properly. If that's the case, it may not be the air system that's broken down. You may have a faulty thermostat. Before you worry that you're on the receiving end of costly furnace or air conditioning repairs, review your options for testing the thermostat's reliability. With a little research, thermostat replacement might even be a great investment for your home. Here, we will look at what you should do if you have a broken thermostat and your m...

Mental healthcare has been stigmatized for far too long. For years, people suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, or heartache have been discouraged from seeking counseling because it would be perceived as weak. But taking care of your mental health is anything but weak. It shows that you care enough about yourself and your life care to get healthy and feel happier. Your quality of life matters, and if you need emotional support from a therapist or counselor, you should feel welcomed to pursue that. Recently, online therapy has become a widely used form of mental health care. For individuals who can't get to a psychiatrist's office for medical care, seeing an online therapist through a video chat or phone call can offer that safe space for healing. Mental health services moving...