Blog Archive
A GUIDE TO AMERICAN FLAG ETIQUETTE AND TRADITIONS
Written by Sarah Loghry. Courtesy of Homesteaders Life Company. Not only does each star stand for a state and each stripe stand for one of the 13 original colonies, but the colors are also symbolic. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white stands for purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. As Flag […]
Read MoreEver Wondered What Goes in to a State Funeral?
State funerals are public funerals held in honor of those who have served our country. They only occur when the family of the deceased has agreed to the honor and are comfortable including the public in commemorating the accomplishments of their loved one. In the U.S., state funerals are also held for president elects, sitting […]
Read MoreCelebrating Mother’s Day Without Your Mom
It’s hard to think about someone who has more influence on our life than our mothers. Mother’s Day is a time to remember how much your mother means to you, but if she is no longer with you, the second Sunday in May tends to be difficult. Even if she has been gone for a […]
Read MoreHow a Painting of a Funeral Shaped the History of Art
The 19th century gave way to some of the most important artistic movements in history and gifted us with some of the most recognizable names in art: Monet, Degas, Cezanne, and Van Gogh. A name that might be less familiar to you and others is Gustave Courbet. His famous painting titled, “A Burial at Ornans” […]
Read MoreSpring Cleaning: Make Donation your New Tradition
It may not quite be time yet to open your windows and let that fresh air in, but it’s never too early to start thinking about that annual Spring cleaning. This year, why not give back to your community while you’re at it? Most everyone loves an opportunity to de-clutter and simplify their life […]
Read MoreHow Keeping a ‘Gratitude Journal’ Makes for a Happier Life
Whether a loved one has died recently, or you are still healing from a loss that occurred years ago, you know sometimes it is hard to find happiness when dealing with grief. You’ve always been told to “count your blessings,” but that can seem impossible when you’re overcome with negative emotions. Although it may be […]
Read MoreThe Most Awe-inspiring Memorial Sites to Visit in the U.S.
It’s that time of the year when cabin fever can really start to get you down. Why not plan a trip and throw some of our country’s most historical sites into the mix? You might consider some of these beautiful and powerful memorial sites throughout our country when deciding where to travel next: Martin […]
Read MoreFamily Friction and the Holidays
If you believe the movies, the holidays are supposed to be a magical time filled with snowflakes, love, and family togetherness. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for many. Family dynamics can be complicated, and when you get the whole brood together sparks can fly. For families with definite dysfunction or tension, the dinner table can […]
Read MoreHow to Stay Healthy as the Temperatures Drop
There’s a certain charm to Fall and Winter, isn’t there? But despite its allure, as swimsuits, sun block, and cookouts give way to sweaters, crackling fires, and cups of cocoa, you might find yourself more prone to getting sick. Why is this? We know the cold air itself doesn’t make us ill, even though […]
Read MoreMending relationships: Reconciling with a Dying Loved One
Taking steps towards healing a fractured relationship is difficult on even the best days. When someone is terminally ill, the situation can become even more emotionally-charged, as complex feelings enter the equation. Suddenly, there can be a sense of urgency to the desire to make things right. But just because someone is facing the end of […]
Read MoreEncouraging Caregivers to Care for Themselves
November is National Caregiver’s Month, and chances are, you have a caregiver in your life. In fact, the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP Public Policy Institute reported in 2015 there were approximately 34.2 million Americans who provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older. On average, they spend over 24 hours […]
Read MoreA GUIDE TO DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD) TRADITIONS
Posted by Brooke Barry. Courtesy of Homesteaders Life Company As Halloween approaches, skeletons, witches and zombies seem to be everywhere. Candy is flying off the shelves as people prepare for the hordes of trick-or-treaters that will take to the streets on All Hallows Eve. In the United States, this time of year is full […]
Read MoreThe Joy a Dog Can Add to Your Family
We all know dogs can add a lot of fun to our lives, but did you also know they’re good for your mental health? There have been a number of well-regarded studies conducted over the last 35 years that highlight the positive influence dogs have on the physical and mental health of their owners. Of […]
Read MoreBreast Cancer: Awareness and Prevention
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. All of us can think of someone whose life has been touched by this disease. With a focus in October on breast cancer awareness, it’s a great opportunity to remind ourselves and our […]
Read MoreHow Grandparents Can Help with Back-to-School Activities
It’s that time of the year again! Roads are filling up with big yellow buses, carting growing minds off to school. Parents are working hard to get the kids back on a schedule that can include hours of classes, homework, after-school activities like sports or music lessons, and then those all-important family dinners at the […]
Read MoreIs Your Office Harming Your Health?
America is built on hard work and perseverance. Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours slaving away at the office, yet we give little thought to how our office environment is impacting our health and well-being. Studies have proven that open office plans, including cubicles, may be the worst offender in terms […]
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