While Mother Nature might still have a few chilly surprises in store — it’s the Midwest, after all — it’s almost April, and the signs of spring are in the air, from warmer temperatures to blossoming bushes and longer days. For Lori Portner, owner of Murphy’s Gardens in Galena, Ill., it’s a particularly joyful, if...

Soon leaves will return to trees and brown lawns will become green again. Welcome spring! With spring comes the opportunity to refresh, renew and reinvigorate one’s interior and home décor. Looking for ways to refresh your décor this season? Here are some top tips: Use color “drenching” techniques. Color drenching is a design technique in...

With flowers blooming and birds chirping, you might be in a spring-cleaning mindset. As you spruce up your home, you can also channel that energy into getting your finances in tip-top shape. According to certified financial planning professionals, here’s how to clear away the cobwebs in your budget: Sort expenditures If you’ve ever sorted your...

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is something most women have experienced at some point — mood swings, bloating, fatigue, cravings or just feeling “off” in the days leading up to your period. But while it’s common, it’s not something we should just accept as normal and push through. PMS is a sign that something in your body...

New parents have a lot to think about. From setting up the nursery, to picking out a name, there are so many details to consider, both small and large. Here are some tips: Prepare your household Doctors suggest exposing pets to the smells and sounds of babies in advance of your child’s arrival. Playing a...