by Tracey T. Serebin
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Think organically! Natural alternatives to anti-aging, wrinkles, toxins and modalities as we uniquely age.
One of the mo... Read more
Women Starting Over
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We hear often from parents, "I'd love for my son/daughter to get accepted to their dream school...but I'm very nervous about how to pay for it."
Even if you're in a more comfortable income bracket, scholarships can go a long way to making the college-going years less of a financial burden. Here are our top tips on getting started:
Your Employer
Look for college scholarships close to home. See if your company or any professional organizations you belong to offer scholarships.
Local
Local businesses, civic groups and even wealthy people in your hometown may offer scholarships to local students.
Guidance Counselors
Proactively sit down with your student's guidance counselor to discuss scholarships that are a personal fit for your student and your family's financial situation.
The University
Most people don't know that universities earmark scholarship money for students studying specific majors or entering certain career fields. Once you have narrowed your college list, be sure to reach out to each university to see what is available.
Federal Government
The federal government offers certain scholarships and grants: studentaid2.ed.gov is a great resource.
Courtesy of BrightGuide This article comes to us from BrightGuide, a community of parents preparing their children for college. Signup and you'll get practical tips, empowering ideas, and the best possible college preparation resources...daily to your inbox.
Women all over the Twin Cities are dropping pounds, making new friends, and improving their health. Their secret? Moms on the Run! Designed for all fitness levels, Moms on the Run was initially created to move even the most inactive woman towards lifestyle change and give her the confidence and training structure to complete a 5K Race. Now in its fifth year of operation right here in the Twin Cities, Moms on the Run offers a structured 18-week training program in 12 metro locations.
If you've been waiting for the motivation to get your start as a runner, this class is for you. Programs are available for walkers, beginning and intermediate runners. Run your first 5K/10K/10 mile or half-marathon, improve your speed and endurance, or stay motivated in your walking routine. The group is for all women, not just moms, but jogging strollers are welcome. This class will focus on interval training to increase metabolism and burn more fat. You'll start out slowly and walk/jog/run your way up to your very first race or a new personal record!
Moms love to say they put their families first...but forget they are part of the family. Feel better. Do better. Your kids are watching you and the example you are setting for a lifestyle of health and fitness. If you are a woman who is too busy, too stressed, too tired....join us this spring. You'll find a supportive community of women eager to encourage you toward your health and fitness goals. Join Moms on the Run for Fitness, Fun, and Friendship!
Moms on the Run Twin Cities Locations: Apple Valley/Rosemount, Blaine, Coon Rapids/Andover, Eden Prairie, Forest Lake, Hastings, Maple Grove, Shoreview, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Woodbury
The average family spends $1500 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A home energy audit and some quick fixes can save some of that hard-earned money.
The EPA estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and accessible basement rim joints.
Conduct an energy audit to identify spots where energy is lost through gaps and cracks. Start in your basement and move upwards. Look for both visible gaps and cold or hot spots.
HVAC Penetration
Your air-conditioning system set-up could be doing more than just heating and cooling your house. It could be an air-infiltration culprit. Check the HVAC ducts from your attic and basement into the living space. There may be gaps where the ducts go through the floor above into the ceiling below.
Plumbing
While plumbing pipes may be hidden behind or under the sink, it doesn't mean that the pipe penetrations aren't allowing unseen bugs and unwanted air into the house. Check for holes under the sink where the pipes enter from the floor or wall in all rooms that have running water (kitchen, bathroom, utility room, and laundry room).
Electrical Box
Stand in front of the electrical box of your house and look at where the main electrical exits the box and enters the living space (in the basement look upwards). If there is a hole, seal it.
Electrical Outlets
Use a screw driver to remove your outlet cover plates. Homes have holes cut in the walls for the outlets. Check for gaps between the wall and the metal box that houses the electrical socket.
Attic Hatch
Seal around the attic hatch frame to keep the unconditioned attic air from entering your living space.
The EPA recommends sealing these leaks with spray foam, caulk, or weather stripping. Insulating foam sealants, such as GREAT STUFF form an airtight, water-resistant seal. The foam is sandable, paintable, and can be trimmed with a utility knife afterwards and is easy to use for do-it-yourselfers of any skill level.
Other ways to save on energy
* Either installing a timed thermostat or by turning up or down the temperature before heading to work.
* Make sure the fireplace flu is closed and install glass fireplace doors to keep energy from escaping.
* Check to be sure no air vents are being blocked by furniture or drapery.
* Insulate any areas that are not heated and cooled (garage, attic, basement, or crawl space).
For more information on how you can save money by sealing gaps, visit www.dowgreatstuff.com.
