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One of the greatest legacies any parent can give a child is a framework for living an enduring healthy lifestyle. It is hard to underestimate the power parents have on their children’s development, which is why parenting is such a profound responsibility. The attitudes and habits formed in childhood can determine your child’s health in his or her adult years. Here are some ideas for parents who are looking to raise healthy children that grow up to be healthy adults: 1. Stick to a Steady Routine Set regular times for meals, schoolwork, play, and bedtime to give your child a sense of stability and help them stay on track. 2. Get Active It may be harder than ever to tear children away from the phone, computer, and TV, but it’s crucial that children engage in active play. Make use of the great weather and explore nearby parks, playgrounds, or trails. Whether it’s a quick game of catch outside or a weekend hike, staying active doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be fun! 3. Choose Healthier Foods Modern lives are busy, but try to plan ahead by stocking healthy foods and snacks in the house. You may even want to cook a few meals during the weekend for the week ahead. If you’re looking to improve dieting behaviors, be sure to move slowly with these changes. The less the kids notice, the more effective the transition will likely be. Expose your child to different foods by pairing them with foods he or she already likes. Let your kids pick out healthy snacks at the store. Cooking together is a fun way to teach them about balanced eating. 4. Cut Down Screen Time Set limits on TV and tablet use, especially during school nights. Instead, encourage your kids to read a book, draw, or play a game. Tech-free time helps kids stay focused, creative, and better rested. A shared family space can still be tech-free during certain hours to promote more interaction and creativity. 5. Teach Life Skills Early Give your kids little responsibilities around the house like tidying their room, feeding a pet, or setting the table. These small chores help them feel confident and capable, no matter your home size. 6. Promote Emotional Wellness Kids are tough, but they still need support! Talk to your children about their feelings openly, practice gratitude, and encourage kindness. Make your home a safe place for emotional expression, love and support are the most important foundations. Thirty-four percent of children in Houston (age 12 and over) are currently overweight or obese, according to the Houston Department of Health and Human Services.  Good habits should begin early in childhood. It’ll save you (and your adult child) from the difficulties of breaking bad habits later on. Healthy habits grow best with love and consistency. No matter where you live, you can give your kids the tools they need to thrive. Lessons are difficult to teach if the teacher is not practicing what he or she preaches. Be sure to lead by example. Start small, and you’ll see big results!

A budget helps tenants understand their income and expenses, giving them greater control over their finances. Budgeting allows tenants to categorize expenses (utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.), helping them identify areas where they can cut back or save ; enables tenants to set and achieve financial goals, whether it's saving for a future home, paying off debt, or planning a vacation and facilitate consistent payment of bills on time, which in turn improve a tenant's credit score over time. Keeping track of monthly income and expenses ensures that tenants can prioritize rent payments and avoid late fees or eviction. There are several apps that can help tenants stay organized and manage finances better: Mint : This app allows you to track expenses, set budgets, and get insights into your spending habits. You can categorize expenses and see how they stack up against your budget. You Need a Budget ( YNAB ): YNAB focuses on helping users allocate every dollar and prioritize spending. It's great for building a budgeting strategy that suits your needs. Good Budget : A digital envelope budgeting tool, Good Budget allows you to plan your expenses ahead of time. You can create categories for rent, utilities, groceries, and more. Pocket Guard: This app shows how much disposable income you have after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities, making it easy to see what you can spend. Every Dollar : Developed by financial expert Dave Ramsey, this app uses a zero-based budgeting approach, helping you allocate your income to specific categories. Wally : A personal finance app that helps you track your expenses and income while providing insights into your spending patterns. Spendee : This app allows you to create shared wallets, which can be helpful if you’re splitting costs with roommates. It also helps track expenses and budget. Simplifi : A budgeting tool that helps you see all your finances in one place, allowing for better tracking and management of your budget. To choose a Budgeting app: start by defining your goals, such as tracking expenses or managing bills. Look for a user-friendly design and essential features like bill reminders and savings goals. Ensure the app can link to your bank accounts for automatic tracking. Consider your budget, including any subscription fees, and check device compatibility. Choose an app that allows category customization and has strong security measures, like encryption and two-factor authentication. Check for customer support options and read user reviews for insights into others’ experiences. A budget offers tenants a clear understanding of what they can afford, enabling them to make informed decisions about housing, lifestyle, and other financial commitments. By tracking where their money goes and having a financial plan, tenants can reduce anxiety about their finances, resulting in greater peace of mind. Budgeting empowers tenants to manage their finances more effectively and work towards a more stable financial future.

Save money now before you really need it

Did you know that changing your air filter regularly can help save you money? Proper air filter maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and your energy bills low. It’s one of the simplest maintenance tasks with the most significant impact on your utility bills. Here’s why: 1. Improve Efficiency & Lower Costs When your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. This means more energy is used, and your utility bills go up. By changing the filter, you allow the system to run more efficiently, using less energy and ultimately saving you money. 2. Extend Your HVAC’s Lifespan A clean filter helps reduce strain on your HVAC system, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. This can extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling units and reduce the chances of costly repairs or early replacements. 3. Enhance Indoor Air Quality Regularly changing your air filter can improve your indoor air quality by trapping dust, allergens, and pollutants. It not only helps you breathe easier but also prevents these particles from circulating through your home, making it healthier for you and your family. Tip: Change your filter every 1 - 3 months, depending on your system's usage and based on the advice from AC companies in Houston. For ceiling intakes ,Filters should be changed at least once a month. For wall/floor intakes and if you have pets , Filters should be replaced every couple of weeks since they collect more dust, pet hair, and debris. Taking a few minutes to replace your filter can save you money and keep your home comfortable and healthy. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance or maintenance requests!

Fog in Houston can be common during certain times of the year, especially in the early mornings or after a rainstorm. If you're experiencing foggy weather, here are a few tips to stay safe and comfortable: 1. Be Cautious When Driving Visibility can be significantly reduced during foggy conditions, so it’s important to slow down. High beams can reflect off the fog and make it harder to see, so use low-beam headlights when driving. Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, as stopping distances can increase in foggy conditions. 2. Check for Dampness Inside Foggy weather can sometimes lead to higher humidity levels. Make sure your home is well-ventilated to prevent excess moisture buildup, which could lead to condensation. Open windows slightly (if safe) to let fresh air in. Use dehumidifiers or air conditioning if humidity feels high. Ensure that windows and doors have proper weather seals to avoid drafts and moisture buildup. 3. Prevent Mold and Mildew Keep exhaust fans running in bathrooms and kitchens, especially when cooking or showering, to reduce humidity levels inside. After foggy mornings, look out for any condensation on windows or walls and wipe it down to prevent mold. 4. Increase Indoor Lighting Since fog reduces outdoor light levels, make sure your indoor lighting is sufficient to help you navigate around your home safely, especially in the morning or evening. 5. Prepare for Slippery Conditions Fog can make surfaces like sidewalks and driveways damp, and if temperatures are near freezing, it could even create icy spots. Walk slowly and wear shoes with good traction. If you have a porch or walkway, keep it clear of water or ice to prevent slipping hazards. 6. Stay Alert for Changing Conditions Fog can come and go quickly, so stay alert for sudden changes in visibility. If you're going outside, be ready for conditions to shift. 7. Prepare for Allergies Fog can sometimes trap pollutants and allergens close to the ground, which may cause issues for people with respiratory conditions. Keep windows closed if you’re sensitive to allergies. 8. Safety in Emergency Situations In case of a power outage (which can happen in any weather), keep flashlights or emergency lighting handy. Make sure your phone is fully charged, as foggy weather may sometimes cause unexpected delays in transportation or emergencies. Fog can create some visibility challenges, but these precautions can help ensure you stay safe and comfortable indoors and when you’re out and about.

Decluttering Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Carpet flooring is made from a woven or tufted textile that provides warmth, comfort, and sound insulation. It typically consists of a layer of soft fibers, which can be made from various materials such as nylon, polyester, wool, or polypropylene and is available in numerous colors, patterns, and textures. Carpets can suit any decor style and offers a soft surface, making it comfortable to walk on, sit on, or lie down. Carpet floors helps retain warmth and can contribute to energy efficiency by insulating against heat loss , reduces noise levels in a room by absorbing sound, making spaces quieter and provides a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Keeping carpet floors in great shape is essential for both comfort and appearance. Here are some tips: Vacuum at least once a week to remove dirt and debris. Focus on high-traffic areas more frequently. Address spills and stains immediately using a carpet cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water. Blot, don’t rub, to avoid spreading the stain. Schedule deep cleaning every 6-12 months to remove embedded dirt and allergens. Place doormats at entrances and area rugs in high-traffic zones to protect the carpet and reduce wear. Be cautious with water; avoid over-wetting during cleaning to prevent mold growth, especially in humid climate. Change the placement of heavy furniture occasionally to prevent indentations in the carpet. Regular maintenance significantly prolongs the life of carpets, preventing early wear and tear. Well-cared-for carpets not only enhance the beauty and comfort of a space but also create a welcoming atmosphere. Consistent cleaning reduces allergens, dust, and bacteria, improving indoor air quality. Maintaining clean carpets also minimizes the risk of slips and falls.Addressing spills and stains promptly helps avoid permanent damage, keeping the carpet looking fresh. Additionally, routine upkeep is usually more cost-effective than replacing carpets that have been neglected.