If you’ve ever been stung by a bee, you may think that these insects are more of a nuisance than an asset to humans. However, honeybees are the fuel that drives our economy. These hardworking insects are responsible for the growth of $15 billion worth of food crops every year in the U.S alone, while producing $150 million worth of honey annually.

Through pollination, honeybees facilitate the growth of local Florida crops such as cucumbers, apples, and watermelons- in addition to pollinating almonds, berries, and citrus fruits across the country.

The unfortunate news is that the honeybee population is shrinking at an alarming rate. Colonies across the globe are disappearing and never coming back- with scientists struggling to figure out why this is the case. This is why you should become involved in efforts that help save your local honeybee population.

There are many simple things you can do to help local honeybees thrive. Read on to find out.

1. Give them more places to live

As urban centers continue to expand across the country, local bee populations are slowly being pushed away. You may find it pleasant not having to deal with bees buzzing around your backyard, but this trend may result in significant consequences.

You can help support your local bee population by creating habitats. You don’t need to be a bee farmer with many hives to become involved. Simple actions such as planting bee-friendly plants in your backyard (or on your balcony) can help. Get your neighbors on board and designate a street corner where you can plant flowers that are rich in nectar.

1. Take the chemicals away from your garden

Those who own gardens know full well how weeds and pests may affect crop growth. However, think twice before spraying pesticides and herbicides in your garden. These … Read More

New year, old problem — how to turn a drab bedroom into a fab bedroom. For 2019, why not make a resolution to have a bedroom that is super-stylish and clutter-free (which also means swapping out that tired bedroom set). After all, a stylishly designed bedroom may just alter your whole outlook for the year — and we’re here to give you some pointers on how to create the bedroom you’ve always wanted.

Picture for a moment, waking up each day in a bedroom where you just can’t help but say, “Wow, I can’t believe this is my room.” As we turn over the new year, here’s a bedroom design mantra you might like to consider: Keep it stylish, keep it clutter-free, and make it stylish.

#1. Ditch the Clutter

Before we get into the latest bedroom furniture sets and all the stylish possibilities, we first have to start with what may be the easiest or hardest part of your bedroom re-design — ditching all those knick-knacks. Like, the online design website Brabbu recommends, we are ranking a clutter-free bedroom as our top 2019 design goal. Chances are, you have knick-knacks xand other odds and ends that have gone unnoticed and unappreciated for years. Why not store or donate these items? Out with the old and in with the new.

By keeping your bedroom clutter-free, you’ll also find it much easier to clean and keep it looking great. If you have a number of items that you’d like to keep in your bedroom, but still want the clutter-free look, you could consider getting a bedroom set that has a bed stand with a built-in storage panel.

#2. Keep it Simple

In these overstimulating times, keeping things simple, design-wise can seem like a revelation. Most of us are attracted to the … Read More

Owning rental properties is arguably one of the best investments you can make. It’s easier to get loans for, it’s a commodity that’s always needed, and it’s a fairly predictable source of income. But what if you’re not earning as much as you could on your properties? What if you constantly have vacancies or can’t seem to get top dollar? If this is the case for you, there are a few things you can do to change it.

Be a good landlord

Your reputation as a landlord will precede you. So, if you want the best quality renters who will stick around, make sure you’re a good landlord. And you don’t have to be a pushover to get this done. Good renters understand their responsibilities and won’t often overstep their bounds. Half the battle of earning top dollar for your property is finding those quality tenants. And the other half is respecting them. To make sure you get renters who will take care of your property, pay the rent, and stick around, make sure you thoroughly screen all your applicants. You can install free landlord software to make your job easier. And don’t fail to check their references and set certain income and credit requirements.

Secondly, educate yourself on tenant rights in your state. For example, you can’t enter a renter’s property without permission in any state unless it’s an emergency. And every renter is entitled to a safe place to live. Certain repairs, such as plumbing, heating, and leaks should be addressed immediately.

Consider offering some amenities

Depending on the quality and location of your property, you may be able to offer some amenities to entice higher-paying renters. For example, if it’s located near the golf course in Basking Ridge, NJ, offer your tenants a membership with … Read More