What do you think? Try this: bring to mind a stressful situation—either current, or one from the past. As you think about it, notice what happens in your body. Where do you feel the tension? Does your jaw tighten? Does your stomach turn? Do your shoulders creep up? Does your breathing get shallow, or your mind feel foggy? Now take one slow breath in, and let your exhale … [Read more...]
Mom talked to us kids and said she wants to “preplan her service” so she gets exactly what she wants, we’re all for it, but what’s the best way to get started?
Great question! There are some easy ways to get started. For many people the conversation you’ve already had is the hardest. So good for you, your siblings, and your Mom! My advice would be to start with free resources that are focused on explaining and educating you about preplanning. Many funeral homes, including Hoff, offer free preplanning guides. You should also look for … [Read more...]
What should you look for when buying a used vehicle?
Review the dealer’s reputation. Start by checking out reviews on Google and Facebook. This will give you a solid sense of how the dealer treats their customers and what you can expect from your experience. Examine the vehicle history. Look at the Carfax or AutoCheck report to confirm the car has a clean title and to review any past maintenance or accidents. Knowing the … [Read more...]
What are different ways I can maintain the length of my HVAC system?
Your HVAC system works year-round to keep your home comfortable, whether cooling in summer or heating in winter. Lennox equipment works quietly in the background. Rather than waiting for problems, preventive maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and reliably. A proactive maintenance plan reduces breakdowns, extends equipment lifespan, improves indoor air quality, … [Read more...]
Why do I still have spots and buildup around my house even though I use good soap?
If you live in our area, hard water is very common. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that doesn’t rinse away cleanly. That’s what leaves white spots on dishes, buildup on faucets, and film on shower doors. It also makes soap less effective, so you end up using more detergent and still don’t get the results you expect. Over time, those minerals can build up inside … [Read more...]
What do I need to know when starting a business?
Starting a business is both exciting and challenging at the same time. It comes with great risk and reward. When I was in college, one of my accounting professors said to never start a business unless you have a good accountant and marketing plan. You need to be able to manage cashflow to keep the business solvent and you need to have a marketing plan to generate sales. The … [Read more...]
Spring calving season is upon us! Here are just a few reminders and tips:
Feeding your cows at night or not allowing access to feed during the day increases the odds that they will calve during the day. Scour vaccines should be timed so that the annual booster is given aproxx 5-7 weeks prior to the start of calving. This year is our first year using a new scour vaccine that includes Cryptosporidium, a protozoa we have not been able to vaccinate … [Read more...]
We are looking to purchase a new home and sell the one we currently live in. How do we select the right real estate agent?
Look for a REALTOR® with a well-established local office, strong market knowledge, and proven negotiation experience. Reach out to schedule an in-person meeting where you can ask questions and openly discuss your concerns about buying and selling. You should feel confident in the agent’s knowledge, experience, and ability to advocate for you while guiding you through the … [Read more...]
What pressure should I air my tires up to?
This is a great question! There can be some confusion surrounding tire pressure. One common mistake made is to look at the pressure that is stamped on the sidewall on the actual tire. Often this pressure indicates the maximum pressure allowed when seating the bead or installing the tire onto the rim. Vehicle manufacturers have specifications that the tire pressures should be … [Read more...]
How does indoor air quality affect my overall wellness?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on overall wellness. IAQ is a contributing culprit causing struggles with respiratory illness, breathing, snoring, poor sleep and asthma. Indoor pollutants at home, work or school like dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, and chemical vapors can irritate airways, worsen asthma or allergies, and increase the risk of respiratory … [Read more...]