Spending more time at home, means noticing all of the practical things that could use a fresh overhaul.  Replacing a chair or recliner would be an essential update for your living room area, or choose a modern cover, Area rugs, coffee tables, end tables, and throw pillows are all practical items that could be updated.  Painting an end table or coffee table and adding a few throw pillows could add a new look without breaking the budget. 
- Replacing curtains for more energy efficient ones could save money during the colder and warmer months.  Painting the living -room depending on what brand of paint will run about $40/gallon.  Consider washing your walls, and spot painting blemishes or chips to freshen the room. 
- Technology updates include tv, stereo, speakers, computers, entertainment centers, and cd's. Entertainment centers can change the look of the room with a new coat of paint and hardware. 
- Display "simple is less" organization keeps the room clean and clutter free.  A welcome presentation for your family and guests will be a welcome comfort. 

​Removing snow and ice is everyone’s responsibility.www.missouririverinsurance.com
If you think about the risks, taking care of ice and snow is a no-brainer.
 
Winter in South Dakota can seem quite unpredictable. One day its sunshine and warm, the next day we are getting several inches of snow. Do not let the occasional spring day fool you, we are still in the middle of the winter months. When you consider that insurance claims from winter storm related damages can run into thousands of dollars, knowing how to properly deal with snow and ice around the home is simply smart.
 
One of the first things we tell homeowners or renters is to keep snow away from your foundation. Moisture from the snow melting can seep in. Remember, concrete is very porous. So, when you are shoveling sidewalks, driveways, and walkways push the snow away from the perimeter of your home. Another important thing to remember is to keep any fire hydrants, gas meters, dryer vents, and heat exhaust vents clear of snow. This ensures that no fumes are being exerted back into your home, causing serious health issues and ensures easy access for anybody servicing the meters/hydrants.
 
Any amount of snow on the right roof could cause it to collapse. The interesting thing is you want snow on your roof. If the snow does not melt you know your attic insulation is doing its job. However, if there is too much snow and ice the roof could collapse. Flat roofs are especially vulnerable. Some individuals utilize roof shovels, which are designed to reach the roof from the ground, so you are not climbing on the roof and risking a fall. But shoveling your roof from the ground also has its risks: 1. You could damage your shingles, and 2. The snow could com down on top of you. If you need snow or an ice dam removed from your roof, we recommend calling a professional contractor who regularly deals with these issues.
 
Many people are concerned about injuries happening on their property. The most common winter related injuries are slips and falls. It is your responsibility to make sure all walkways and sidewalks are properly taken care of. This includes shoveling and laying down ice melt/sand to prevent any ice/snow build up.
 
If you think about the risks, taking care of ice and snow is no-brainer. Save yourself the trouble and prevent any potential injuries or damages the winter months may bring to your doorstep.
 

It is that time of year when you just want to snuggle up in your home with something warm and comfortable for fall.  When you need to go run errands choose a brightly colored scarf, the perfect accessory that goes with any outfit.  Dress it up with a new pair of jeans, boots, and leather jacket. 

Dressing for colder weather doesn't have to be difficult.  Update your wardrobe with accessories and a couple of new pieces of clothing.  Jewelry is the perfect accent with any update in silver, gold, bronze or rose tone.  Comfortable clothing is stylish.  Match the buttons on your blazer with your jewelry.  Jackets with hoods are popular and crossbody bags.  What ever your style make it simple, comfortable, and affordable.  

You can be ready for your meetings online with a updated blouse, blazer and necklace.  Essential wardrobe pieces that you can wear when you attend meetings, or have lunch with your girlfriends. 

Pumpkin Terms
·         Skin: The outside, colored part of the pumpkin.
·         Flesh: The stuff inside, used for cooking.
·        Easy Carving: Is the pumpkin fairly easy to carve with a knife or pumpkin-carving kit? 
·         Shape: Pumpkins are not just round. They can be squat, tall, long, uneven, etc.
·         Texture: Glide your fingers across the pumpkin's skin. Is it bumpy, slightly rough, or smooth as a baby's bottom? That is the pumpkin's texture.
·         Ribbing: If you were drawing a pumpkin, the ribbing would be those vertical stripes you create to indicate that it is a pumpkin and not some other round object. Deep ribbing is noted.
·         Size: Straightforward—big, small, miniature, medium. Sometimes indicated in weight.
·         Keeps well: Describes a pumpkin's "shelf life" or if it tends to last a few months (uncarved) or quickly wither off the vine.

​How many people will be taking the road this holiday season over the 4th of July weekend?  According to AAA it is estimated that 700 million trips will be taken based on economic indicators.  Travel is down by 15% compared to July – September of 2019.  This is the first decline in travel since 2009.  According to the travel specialists the trend remains that Americans are making plans to travel more cautiously being spontaneous.
Traveling by car will be the favored way of traveling this summer.  It is estimated that more than 683 million car trips.  There is a positive note as consumers make plans for future vacations by railroad, cruises, booking airlines, and traveling by bus.

Are You Suffering From Caregiver Burnout?
By Starla Fitch for Sunlight Senior Care
 
If you have people you love who are aging, you may expect that eventually, they may need your help with maintaining a home, paying bills, or even coordinating medical care. But even if you are expecting it, a sudden medical situation can throw your life into chaos.
 
If you fail to do the following, you can experience caregiver burnout?
 
· Get proper rest and nutrition. You can’t take care of someone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
· Exercise regularly. Even if you only exercise for 10 minutes a day, it’s a great way to relieve stress and make sure you are staying healthy too.
· Try stress-reduction techniques. Meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi, and even communing with nature for a few minutes a day can help reduce stress and recharge your batteries.
· Ask for help. Reach out to friends and family for breaks. Check-in with your loved one’s medical providers for local resources or support groups.
 
Let Sunlight Senior Care help!
 
We can help you reduce stress by managing all of your loved one’s in-home care needs.
 
Sunlight Senior Care is the regional leader at providing comprehensive, coordinated in-home care for seniors. Our goal is to coordinate all in-home care, companionship, and medical equipment needed to allow your loved one to age in place. We even offer legal and financial services through third parties, to ease the burden on you and your loved one.
 
Call (402) 200-5555 TODAY!
 
One of our caring staff members will be more than happy to assist you.
We understand what you are going through, and we CARE!
For more information, please give us a call or visit our website at
 
www.sunlightseniorcare.com
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