Pat's Blog

If you have trouble keeping your New Year's resolutions, you may benefit from taking a more scientific approach.

In the late 1970s, researchers studying the experiences of smokers to learn why some were able to quit on their own and others needed further treatment found that people move through varying degrees of readiness when changing behavior. Initiatives that don't match the correct stage of change will be ineffective, because the person will not be ready for it.

By identifying where you are in the process and what you can do to reach the next stages, you increase your chances of sticking to your healthy resolutions.

New Year's resolutions tend to come with a lot of hype, but sometimes little return. Our lives get busier, and the promises we made to ourselves at the beginning of the year can lose their luster. But putting that energy into something other than yourself might make you more inclined to keep up with your goals this year!

These ideas are sure to get your home looking brand new, while giving you a space where you can fully relax at the end of a long day.

Aim to go green
Reduce your carbon footprint this year and create a more eco-friendly environment for your home. Watch your electric bill go down month by month, and sleep soundly knowing you're doing your part. Simple ways to make this change include unplugging applianc...

Who says your New Year's resolutions have to be all about you? If you're a pet parent, there's a large chance that your beloved animal is an important member of your family.

Instead of just focusing on self-love, remember that your companion could benefit greatly from a little reflection on the past year and some positive changes in the year to come.

Say no to that extra treat
Overweight pets are at a higher risk for a number of health issues, such as diabetes, joint and bone damage, heart disease, and decreased liver function. Instead of using food to motivate him, develop a new reward system for good behavior that involves offering a new...