Baskets Earla Conners is our Welcome to Woodgate coordinator. If you have recently moved to Woodgate and have not received one of the Welcome baskets sponsored by the HOA, please call Earla (313.410.8563) to receive one. Also, if you would like to provide business coupons or free gifts for the baskets, contact Earla.
Woodgate Single Family HOA includes areas 1-18 (HOA dues optional). Areas 19– 26 are also included in our newsletter distribution so you can be included in our events. We enjoy keeping you in the loop and involved in our neighborhood happenings. However, please report to your assigned HOA management group for any concerns. Contact information for each of those areas appears below.
Woodgate Recreational and Woodgate Terrace (areas 19-24 on map) have mandatory dues.
Colorado Property Management Group enforces your covenants, (303.671.6403 ext. 27).
Woodgate Precedent (areas 25-26 on map) has mandatory dues. The Management Trust enforces your covenant (303.750.0994).
Woodgate 2025 Dues
From your neighbors in the Woodgate HOA, we wish you a very Happy New Year!
We are asking for your help with our regular annual dues submissions. Your dues ensure we can keep our neighborhood clean and safe, as well as allowing us to continue the events we all love such as the Christmas Hayrack Ride and Easter Egg Hunt, among many others.
Dues payments have unfortunately been decreasing in recent years, placing these activities and our neighborhood traditions at potential risk. Thank you so much to those who have already contributed.
We also have some exciting changes coming with new monthly digital copies of our newsletter starting this month including much more local content (which you can even contribute to individually for free if you wish), as well as maintaining our quarterly printed newsletter delivered to your door. Our website will continue to grow and we would love for you to continue to check it out. If you are receiving this email, you are already subscribed to our new content and you have received this copy of your digital newsletter.
Thank you for your support and helping us to continue making Woodgate a fantastic place to live.
From Your Woodgate HOA Board http://www.woodgatehoa.com
Dues can be paid via the button or QR code (LEFT) by PayPal, Venmo, ApplePay, or Credit/DebitCard.
A check can also be mailed to the address below.
Woodgate Single Family HOA, PO Box 460283, Aurora, Colorado 80046, USA Powered by Squarespace
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Woodgate HOA Calendar
Virtual Board meetings are held quarterly. Please see the website www.woodgatehoa.com for dates and times or contact any Board member for information on the meetings.
Newsletter
Our newsletter is printed monthly. Any dues-paying member of the Woodgate HOA may submit articles, pictures, stories, etc. If you would like to submit content or sponsor an event contact Tim Roeckel (tim@timroeckel.com).
Submission dates for pictures, articles. etc. is the 15th of the month prior to publication.
April Festivals Nearby
Bloomin’ Beats
• Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
• Address: Bohn Park, Lyons
About: Free concert held in Bohn Park from 1 to 3 pm, one day per month from March to May.
Collaboration Fest Denver
• Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
• Address: Denver
About: Taking place annually, Collaboration Fest
Denver is an event where local brewers work together to create truly one-of-a-kind beers. An event for adults 21+, beer aficionados can learn more about the craft, upcoming brewery trends, and try some unprecedented flavors
Colorado Tartan Day Festival
• Date: Sat-Sun, April 12-13, 2025
• Address: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont
About: An annual event celebrating all things Scottish, the Colorado Tartan Day Festival is free to attend and fun for the entire family. Activities at the festival include a parade, face painting, combat demonstrations, and live music.
Denver Auto Show
• Date: Thur-Sun, April 17-20, 2025
• Address: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
About: A premier showcase of the newest and hottest models of the year, including both domestic and imported vehicles.
East Boulder County Artists Studio Tour
• Date: April 26-27, 2025
• Address: Lafayette & Longmont
About: A free 2-day event with over 30 artists showcasing original pieces at over a dozen studios in Longmont and Lafayette. Some of the artwork on display includes paintings, sculptures, glass, ceramics, and mixed media.
Mrs. Colorado and Miss Colorado for America Strong
• Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
• Address: Denver
About: Annual competition where women compete for scholarships, prize packages, and the chance to represent Colorado at the Mrs. America national pageant.
Rocky Mountain Train Show
• Date: Sat-Sun, April 5-6, 2025
• Address: National Western Complex, Denver
About: Showcasing more than 20 manufacturers, 50 vendors, and 20 operating layouts, this show has something for every train lover. There is even a junior engineering program for children.
April Festivals Farther Away
5Point Film Festival
• Date: Thur-Sun, April 24-27, 2025
• Address: Carbondale
About: Four-day Carbondale film festival with traveling events throughout the year.
Aspen Film Shortsfest
• Date: Mon-Sun, April 1-6, 2025
• Address: Aspen and Carbondale
About: One of the continent’s best annual short film festivals and Oscar-qualifying showcases. Several venues are showing international short films, defined as 40 minutes or less in length.
Bud Light Rocks the Boat
• Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
• Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: Free concert series held at the base of the mountain. The series features a mix of music genres with many big-name acts having performed in previous years.
Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival
• Date: Wed-Sun, April 30 – May 4, 2025
• Address: Cañon City
About: Long-running music festival featuring a parade, rodeo, and carnival. High school, middle school, and junior high school bands from across the country compete in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Parade, and Orchestra categories.
Cardboard Classic
• Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
• Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: 43rd annual event features homemade sleds constructed only using cardboard, glue, string, water-based paint, duct tape, and masking tape. It’s a race down Headwall in this hysterical end to the season.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
• Date: Fri-Sun, April 11-13, 2025
• Address: Durango
About: Three days of concerts showcasing bluegrass bands from around the country. Special events include a Durango-style barn dance, Saturday night ‘Celtdown’, and music in local restaurants and bars. The headquarters is in the historic Strater Hotel.
Durango Wine Experience
• Date: Fri-Sat, April 25-26, 2025
• Address: Durango
About: 2-day annual wine festival showcasing hundreds of craft wines, spirits, and beers. The WalkAbout Durango is a wine tasting held Friday and the Grand Tasting starts Saturday afternoon.
Mountain Plover Festival
• Date: Friday-Sunday, April 25-27, 2025
• Address: Karval
About: Held annually in late April or early May, Karval plays host to the annual Mountain Plover Festival. The only event of its kind in the US, and you’re likely to spot not only plovers but also prairie dogs, big-horned owls, and other migratory birds.
Splashdown Pond Skim
• Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
• Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: A wet and wild event featuring skiers and riders attempting to cross a pond at the base of the mountain. Judged on distance, outfit creativity, and crowd response, followed by a free Bud Light concert.
Taste Of Vail
• Date: Wed-Sat, April 2-5, 2025
• Address: Vail Village
• About: 33rd annual Taste of Vail is the largest food and wine festival in Eagle County. Enjoy wine and food vendors against a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Prankster in a Bottle
In January of 1749, London newspapers advertised that in an upcoming show, a man would squeeze his entire body into a wine bottle and then sing while inside it. The ad promised that “during his stay in the bottle, any Person may handle it, and see plainly that it does not exceed a common Tavern Bottle.” The ad promised the show would feature other tricks as well, including communicating with the dead.
Legend has it that the ad was the result of a bet between the Duke of Portland and the Earl of Chesterfield. Reportedly, the duke bet that he could advertise something impossible and still “find fools enough in London to fill a playhouse and pay handsomely for the privilege of being there.” And apparently, he was right. The night of the show, every seat in the house was filled, but no performer ever showed up. Realizing they had been duped, the audience rioted.
Fleecing the Government
On April 1, 1905, a German newspaper called the Berliner Tageblatt announced that thieves had dug a tunnel underneath the U.S. Federal Treasury in Washington, D.C., and stolen America’s silver and gold (this was before the U.S. built its Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky).
The Berliner Tageblatt said the heist was organized by American robber barons, whose burglars dug the tunnel over three years and made away with over $268 million; and that U.S. authorities were trying to hunt down the thieves while publicly covering up the fact that the country had been robbed. The story spread quickly through European newspapers before people realized that it was an April Fools' Day prank by Louis Viereck, a New York correspondent for the Berliner Tageblatt who published the joke article under a fake name.
A black rhinoceros, the 1959 Brazilian candidate.
In 1959, students in São Paulo, Brazil, who were tired of the city’s overflowing sewers and inflated prices launched a campaign to elect a rhinoceros to the city council and won. The rhino’s name was Cacareco (Portuguese for “rubbish”), and she was already a popular figure in São Paulo when the students launched her campaign. When the students looked at the 540 candidates vying for São Paulo’s 45 city council seats and feared that none of them would address the city’s problems, they decided to make a point by asking people to vote for the popular rhino instead.
Cacareco won a city council seat with a whopping 100,000 votes, far more than any other candidate (the closest runner-up got about 10,000).
The Great Spaghetti Harvest
On April Fools' Day 1957, broadcaster Richard Dimbleby reported on the growing of spaghetti trees in Switzerland. The camera cut to footage of people picking spaghetti off of trees and bushes, then sitting down at a table to eat some of their “real, home-grown spaghetti.”
Some viewers were upset the BBC had aired a fictional segment during a serious news program. But other viewers reportedly asked about how they could grow their own spaghetti at home.
Is Gravity a Thing?
In 1976, BBC Radio 2 broadcasted a hoax that the gravity of Earth would decrease for a short time on 1 April. The prank was invented by the English astronomer Patrick Moore. He stated that due to the astronomical event i.e. conjugation of Jupiter and Pluto at 9:47 am, people will be able to feel the reduction in gravity on the Earth for a brief time. Also, he explained that the powerful combination of the gravitation of the two planets will cause this effect. He managed to convince the listeners that if they would jump into the air at that exact moment, they would feel a floating sensation.
The prank turned out to be a huge success. Soon after 9:47 am, BBC received hundreds of calls from people claiming that they felt the effect of decreased gravity. One woman who called even stated that she and eleven of her friends were sitting and had been “wafted from their chairs and orbited gently around the room.”
An unidentified flying object.
Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has a well-documented love of April Fools' Day. But in 1989, his annual prank came a day early, on March 31. That evening, residents outside of London spotted a flying saucer that appeared to land in a nearby field in Surrey. Police officers went to the field to investigate the supposed UFO, and were probably surprised when they actually found one. As they approached the flying saucer, a door opened and a silver-clad figure walked out. The cops promptly ran away.
The
Taco Liberty Bell
In this now-classic 1996 prank, Taco Bell took out newspaper ads saying Bell “in an effort to help the national debt.” Even some senators were taken in, and the National Park Service even held a press conference to deny the news. At noon, the fast-food chain admitted the joke and said it was donating $50,000 for the landmark bell’s care. The value of the joke, of course, was priceless.
Whopper for Lefties
In 1998, a day before April Fool’s Day, Burger King announced the launch of a new burger designed especially for lefties. This special burger was named “the left-handed Whopper”, which was made available from April 1. The ad mentioned that the sandwich had been redesigned to fit more comfortably in the left hand.
Burger King announced that the new burger is redesigned by rotating the condiments 180 degrees. So, the weight of the sandwich is redistributed, and the bulk of them skew to the left. This arrangement will cause ‘spills’ for the left-handed burger lovers.
The next day i.e. on 1st April, thousands of customers ordered the left-handed whopper without even realizing that a burger is circular in shape, and a 180-degree rotation would not change a single thing.
"There Has To Be A Better Way": Modern-Day Inconveniences Looking
for Solutions
Looking for a new stream of income? Try taking this list of modern-day inconveniences reported by BuzzFeed’s followers, and find a solution. Imagine filing for a patent on the brilliant solution you come up with, then sitting back and collecting the money your patent generates!
"In the 21st century, can we not get something to plug into our smart TVs to equalize the sound? Why are some ads/commercials 10 times louder than my show? Or why are some parts of my movie so quiet? I can't hear a word they say, but when some action happens, it blows out my speakers. I hate having to babysit the volume button on my remote."
"Airlines overbooking as a strategy. How much time is wasted by asking people to volunteer to give up their seats, which then causes delays and rebooking? They ought to have the costs optimized and known at this point."
"Underwear with narrow crotches. Women are getting taller now, and their legs are angulated further apart, but the larger-sized undies have the same-sized crotch as the tiny ones."
"Why are electric outlets on the floor? I would love for them to be side table height! That way, they would never be behind furniture!"
"There has to be a better way to have X-rays done on your teeth. They shove big plastic pieces in your mouth and almost gag you."
"I get having to enter your email and or password using an on-screen keyboard on your TV, but make the keyboard standard. Why have a qwerty keyboard on one app and an alphabetic keyboard on another?"
"The fetal monitor for women in labor. It is a semi-useless, clunky machine with thick wires and paddles strapped to a woman's abdomen to record the baby's heart rate. It is practically identical to the original machine from the early '80s. It often records poorly and requires frequent adjustments to track the baby as it moves to keep picking up the heart rate. Same thing if the mom moves. All while the patient is coping with painful labor contractions. There has been little to no innovation, yet obstetrics is the highest area of litigation in medicine. I get so annoyed when I see that we can fly drones on Mars but can't improve upon this incredibly outdated technology."
"Cereal packaging. The inner bags should have a zip closure and/or be made of sturdier material. I have had to throw away so much stale cereal because the bags have split open, and the cereal has spilled into the bottom of the box. For the prices we pay for cereal, this nonsense is unacceptable."
"The same charging device plug for all electronics! I was surprised to learn that electric cars have different types of ports, and they are just now standardizing them. I think that it would make sense for electronics to be standardized, too, so you don't have to carry different charging cords on trips."
"Printers! I was in high school in the 1990s. I remember typing a paper, hitting print, and going to bed because it took hours to come out. But still, I hit one button, and my job was done. Now, when my daughters have to print a photo or something for school, they email it to me and then go to bed while I spend all night reinstalling drivers, establishing connections, changing ink cartridges, and calibrating the nozzles. And we haven’t even talked about the phantom paper jams yet."
"Any electronic device with an indicator or stand-by light or whatever on it should have the option to dim or turn that light off."
"A barcode needs to be on every side of boxed packaging. It's very frustrating trying to figure out where the barcode on different boxes is printed when I'm doing self-checkout. Every manufacturer does it differently, so there is no consistency."
"We live in an age where it's possible to travel to other planets, look at the top of our heads via satellite, and even grow human body parts in a lab, but it still takes 7–10 business days to process a refund."
"Mine is food cans. Why are they not all pop tops by now?"
"Traffic lights that make you wait even though there's no cross traffic. C'mon, cars can drive themselves, spaceships can land on other planets, planes fly and land with no pilot, and toilets flush automatically. They even mail you a ticket if you run a red light, but the signal can't tell if any cars are coming and switch to green. How much of our lives is spent sitting at red lights?"
Balance and Well-Being
You may think of the ability to balance on one leg as, perhaps, a nifty talent to whip out when it’s time for tree pose in yoga class. But according to a growing body of research on balance and longevity, maintaining that seemingly simple skill as you age has far bigger implications: It may actually increase your chances of living a long life. While that’s partly because of the fact that having good balance can spare you from a longevitybusting fall, the process of balancing well is also linked with a host of healthy neurological functions necessary to keep you kicking into old age.
“Keeping your balance requires more complicated connections than a 60-person family.” — Michael Roizen, MD, internal-medicine physician
The reason why likely has to do with all the systems that need to fire in order to achieve good balance. “You have sensors throughout your limbs that interact with position sensors in your ears and others in your eyes, all of which are integrated in an area in the back of your brain called your cerebellum and in motor nerves that send messages to all your skeletal muscles to keep you upright.” Chances are, if your body is capable of making all those connections, you’re less likely to also have a chronic condition and more likely to have full function of your brain and nervous system.
Though many of the health implications of good versus poor balance are still being teased out, what we know for sure is that balance involves so much more than just leg strength, says Dr. Fruge: “You’re really looking at the body’s overall ability to function and coordinate its activity.”
Here are 3 different pathways through which having good balance may boost your longevity 1. Balance and physical fitness
Perhaps the most obvious connection between balance and longevity is that folks with better balance also tend to be more physically fit compared to those with poor balance.
“We know that if you are feeling unstable in any way that means you’re going to be less active,” says exercise physiologist Dawn Skelton, PhD, professor of Aging and Health in the Department of Physiotherapy and Paramedicine at Glasgow Caledonian University. “And as soon as you’re less active, all the health issues that sedentary behavior brings will begin to kick in.”
Perhaps even more immediately, being less active due to balance issues can cause you to lose muscle mass quickly, which can increase your risk of falling, says geriatrician Scott Kaiser, MD.
2. Balance and cognition
Though scientists aren’t exactly sure why, practicing and achieving good balance has been shown to improve certain brain functions particularly, memory and spatial cognition. One potential explanation is the fact that balancing requires different parts of the brain to fire together, as it takes in sensory inputs from all over the body. And that process may strengthen neural pathways. The result? “Brain connections that foster balance can also foster improved cognitive function,” says Dr. Roizen. And with better cognition, you’re also “better able to enjoy your friends and your passions longer, as if you were many years younger,” he says.
3. Balance and the nervous system
Just as balance requires much of the brain, it also makes a special request of the nerves throughout the body. So, if your balance is poor, it could be an indicator that your nerves have lost some of their ability to respond which could, be the result of an underlying condition. For example, take diabetes, which is known to increase mortality risk. “With diabetes, you can get nerve damage in your feet, which can make it significantly more difficult to balance on one foot,” says Dr. Fruge.
A similar scenario could play out with a brain injury, like a mini stroke, or a circulation issue relating to heart disease; all of these can cause you to struggle with balance, says Dr. Fruge. Reverse that pathway, though, and there’s more evidence for the link between good balance and longevity. That is, if you are, in fact, able to balance well, it’s likely that you’re less likely to have a chronic health condition lurking beneath the surface.
How to increase balance at any point in life to help safeguard your longevity
As a starting point, the exercise used in a few of the studies above simply standing on one leg is a great one for improving balance. If you’re worried about falling, try the exercise facing a corner, so you can lean against one of the walls if you start to lose balance, suggests Dr. Roizen. Once you’re confident, you can also practice standing on one leg while doing other tasks like brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
In addition to that, the experts recommend incorporating some dynamic balance exercises into your rotation, too that is, exercises that require you to balance while moving through space, as opposed to just doing a static hold. Of course, yoga and dance fall into this category, too, as they both require you to balance and coordinate your body while it’s in motion.
Overall, the key with balance training is really to mix it up and keep it challenging. “The more different forms of movement you’re doing, the better,” says Dr. Skelton. “And don’t worry if you feel a little wobbly, either. That just means your brain is working hard to keep you upright.” And so long as you’re keeping those neurons firing, you’re contributing to your longevity, too.
Make your own beautiful succulent wreath
Gather Your Supplies
For this craft you will need: 2 wire wreath forms/ assorted succulent clippings/ potting soil/ moss/ floral wire/ floral pins/ chop stick/ wire cutter/ garden gloves/ crafting paper or newspaper
Prepare the Succulents
A few days prior to assembling the wreath, trim the succulent pieces from the larger plant. The succulent trimmings should have a stem about 1 to 2 inches long. At this time remove any leaves to keep the new crown tidy. Keep them in indirect light and allow the ends to dry. Tiny roots will soon emerge from where leaves used to be.
Bottom Layer
How to Make a Succulent Wreath |
Spread out newspaper or crafting paper to protect your work surface. Place a wire wreath form round side down with the "cradle" for the moss facing up. Begin to add the moss.
Place Moss
Continue to place moss generously around the entire bottom wire wreath form.
Add Soil
To the top of the moss, add a few inches of potting soil around the entire wreath.
More Moss
To the top of the soil add another generous layer of moss and place the second wire wreath form on top. This time the wire wreath form should have the rounded side facing you. The idea is to form a nest for the succulents.
Secure with Wire
Cut 2 pieces of floral wire, each about 2 feet long. Anchor one piece of wire to the top wire form on the outside and anchor the other piece of wire on the inside part of the frame.
Wire it Up
Keeping the wreath flat as not to disrupt the soil, wrap the floral wire around outside of the wreath essentially wiring the top wire wreath form to the bottom wire wreath form. Wire should be wrapped about every inch around the outside. You may need to cut more pieces of wire as you work. Repeat this process on the wire frames inside the wreath.
Hanging Wire
With the floral wire, add a floral wire loop to the back of the wreath for hanging.
Ready to Plant
Tuck in any moss that is astray as it is now time to begin planting the wreath.
Planting Help
With the chopstick or small wooden dowel, make a hole into the wreath for planting.
Add Succulents
Tuck the succulents into the wreath. Start with the larger succulents and then fill in the gaps with smaller ones.
Get Artistic
Slowly fill in all parts of the wreath at once. This helps to maintain a full and uniform look.
Extra Support
Floral pins help to hold the succulents in place until they root.
Hold
it Up
Once completely filled in, hold up the wreath to see if you need to add any extra support with floral pins or fill in any blank spaces. Over time the succulents you added will fill in the wreath nicely.
Colorado Facts You Might Not Know
1- Colorado has the highest elevation of any U.S. state. 2. Colorado is the only state in America to turn down the Olympics.
3. The Spanish were the first European visitors who arrived in Colorado in the 1500s.
4. No U.S. President or Vice-President has been born in Colorado.
5. 75% of the land in the US with an altitude over 10,000 feet is in Colorado.
6. Denver has more than 300 days of sunshine every year.
7. Mesa Verde National Park is one of the richest archaeological sites in the world with more than 4,000 protected areas, many of which originate from 600-1,300 A.D.
8. The state was named after the Colorado River. In Spanish, Colorado means “colored red.”
9. The first license plate was issued in 1908 in Denver, Colorado. 10. Pagosa Springs is home to the deepest-geothermal hot spring in the world. Granted, it’s so deep that any attempt to get an official number on its depth has failed. We do know that it’s at least 1,002 feet deep.
Cost Efficient Car Detailing at Home
Having your car professionally detailed is likely to set you back a chunk of change, but with the right tools and a little spare time, you can get similar results at home.
Whether you’re washing away winter grime or just giving your ride some overdue attention, follow these steps to get your vehicle in tip-top shape.
Assess your vehicle’s condition: If there’s a specific problem you need to address, such as stains or excessive insect buildup on your front bumper, those are areas you’ll want to focus your time, energy and budget.
Purchase the necessary supplies: A car cleaning kit could simplify the shopping process, but you may need to supplement with additional items, such as a spot treater, to achieve the best results. The essentials include a sturdy bucket, washing mitt, soft bristle brush, soft rags, a dust rag, automotive soap, glass cleaner, a vinyl or interior-safe cleanser, vacuum and wax, if you wish.
Empty the vehicle: Removing all your personal possessions provides a blank slate for cleaning and prevents you from having to work around or worry about damaging your belongings. Also remove any elements of the vehicle you may want to clean separately, such as floor mats, console inserts and other removable pieces.
Tackle the interior: Start by removing debris from crevices and wiping away dust and other gunk. Then, with the initial layer of mess removed, go back and wipe down all surfaces using a cleanser. You can also clean the interior windows at this stage, and be sure to wipe down the console, especially if you have a touchscreen that is covered with fingerprints.
Vacuum thoroughly: Using a small vacuum or hose with strong suction, pay special attention to high-traffic areas and spaces where trash and debris tend to settle, such as between the seat and console. The floorboards will likely need the most attention, but don’t overlook the seats, and especially the area where the seat and back meet as this crevice can trap a great deal of dirt.
Clean the floor mats: Chances are good your floor mats rival the exterior for the dirt and grime they accumulate. Depending on how heavily soiled they are, and especially if they’re carpet-style mats, you may want to shampoo them after a deep vacuuming to remove stubborn stains.
Return belongings to the interior: Before you add everything back into your vehicle, take time to wipe down items and sort out any unnecessary clutter. It’s a good time to reorganize your storage areas to be sure the items you use frequently are in easy reach. You can also replenish supplies such as facial tissue and hand sanitizer.
Wash the exterior: Follow the instructions on the product’s label to wash your automobile’s exterior. Pay attention to special requirements such as allowing time for a bug remover to soak. In general, start with a rinse, followed by scrubbing with a mitt then an all-over rinse. Use a chamois towel or other drying cloth to avoid water spots.
Add finishing touches: If you’re using wax or planning on specialty treatments like tire cleaning, those will be among your final steps. Last but not least, clean the exterior windows with glass cleaner to remove streaks and leave them sparkling.
It Might Be Time to Unplug
Hefty electricity bills can ruin your month, especially since we live in a world where even eggs are unaffordable. If you’re looking for a way to cut down your bill, it’s worth finding out what’s using the most energy.
HVAC: The very essence of comfort in your own home is probably the most expensive part. Consider space heaters in the winter or cooling fans in the summer. This stuff accounts for about half of your energy usage.
Major Appliances: Your stove is a huge part of what’s gobbling up your energy. You can try things like avoiding preheating when necessary. Also, don’t leave your fridge door open.
Lights: Turning off lights when you leave a room is effortless, and makes a huge difference.
Entertainment : Just turn off the TV when you’re done. Turn off your computer at night. Power down video games and turn off DVD/Bluetooth players, if anybody still owns any of those ancient relics. These small percentages all add up.
Water Heating: This is a hefty charge, and in many cases it can be avoided or shortened. Showers generally use less hot water than baths, and you can almost always get away with washing your clothes on a cold cycle.
Top Tips for Starting a New Business
Starting a small business is an exciting journey, and one that many Americans hope to make a reality. More than six in 10 U.S. adults say they would prefer to be their own boss, according to a Shopify-Gallup Entrepreneurship study.
In an ever-changing landscape, the prospect of launching and sustaining a business can feel intimidating. That’s why The UPS Store, which has supported small business owners with the resources they need to grow, thrive and reach their goals for 45 years, is offering these tips to put your entrepreneurial ideas into action.
Refine your idea: Coming up with an idea is the first step toward establishing a successful business. This phase involves recognizing market needs and determining how you can fill a gap. Refining your concept will help establish a solid groundwork for everything that follows, ensuring that your enterprise aligns with your vision and values.
Identify your passion, skills and purpose: Your passion and purpose are what will fuel your entrepreneurial journey, and your unique skills will allow your business to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Evaluate the competition: Having a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape is crucial. By evaluating other small businesses, you gain valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses and the strategies they employ. Start by identifying your direct and indirect competitors. Take note of their product or service offerings, pricing strategies, marketing and SEO tactics and customer reviews. SEO is search engine optimization practices aimed at improving a website’s visibility in search engines. This information can illuminate gaps in the market and highlight opportunities for positioning your business. Remember, competition isn’t inherently negative. It can provide motivation and inspiration.
Research market demand: To validate your business idea and ensure its viability, you’ll need to gather information about your target customers, competitors and overall industry trends. This market research will ensure your business idea resonates with potential customers, help you refine your offerings, and prepare you for market ups and downs. Remember, informed decisions today pave the way for a successful business tomorrow.
Get inspired: Each year the Small Biz Challenge, sponsored by The UPS Store and Inc. Magazine, invites entrepreneurs and creators nationwide to apply for the business opportunity of a lifetime, which includes a share of a total prize pool of $35,000, incredible mentorship opportunities and networking connections, and an editorial feature in Inc. Magazine. You can be part of the next wave of unstoppable small business owners.
Flavor of the Year, 2025
Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow chile pepper,” is grown in Peru and is native to South America. Long considered a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, this moderate-heat pepper with fruity notes reminiscent of passionfruit and mango is going to spice things up in kitchens worldwide this year.
That’s according to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 25th edition, a well-researched annual report exploring the culinary trends shaping the future of flavor in homes, restaurants and grocery stores.
“Our Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, lends itself to amplifying both sweet and tangy flavors and adds dimension to smoked or charred items,” says Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef and senior manager, Culinary Development, U.S.
Consumer at McCormick. It will enhance any dish, including seafood, poultry, sauces, salsas and more.”
With foodies today increasingly craving flavors that offer both sweet and spicy elements – nearly one tenth of U.S. restaurants have sweet and spicy menu items, according to Datassential. The predicted popularity of Aji Amarillo aligns perfectly with the “swicy” trend. To bring this delicious complexity into your own kitchen, try this recipe for Queso Fundido from McCormick – a rich, molten blend of melty cheese, it’s the perfect match for the tropical flavors, smoke, and moderate heat of Aji Amarillo Seasoning made by the McCormick Spice Company.
1 Tbsp oil
1 med onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsp McCormick Aji Amarillo Seasoning, divided
½ cup cooked and crumbled Mexican chorizo
2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese, divided
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, divided
1 ½ tbsp chopped cilantro
1 ½ tbsp sliced green onions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat oil in a medium cast-iron skillet on medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook and stir until deep golden brown and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet, mix with 3 tsp of the Aji Amarillo Seasoning.
Place 1 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese ad ½ cup cotija cheese in skillet. Layer with the onion mixture and cooked chorizo, top with remaining cheese Bake until the cheese is bubbling, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, sliced green onions, and t tsp Aji Amarillo seasoning. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
How to Build and Support Muscles
Whether you’re an everyday athlete or weekend warrior, working toward your weight loss goals or hoping to maintain your strength and balance as you age, you probably know how vital muscles are.
You may also know that protein plays a big role in building and maintaining muscle, but you may be unsure how much you need. Protein is essential for tissue repair, hormone and enzyme production, and overall metabolism. Yet, because requirements vary according to age, sex, body composition and activity levels, many adults may not be meeting their individual needs.
Ensuring adequate protein intake is crucial for overall health, particularly in terms of muscle development and maintenance, and it also plays a role in healthy weight management. When prioritizing fitness, it’s important to meet specific protein requirements from a variety of sources and to evenly distribute protein consumption throughout the day, to support muscle protein synthesis.
Here are some tips on boosting protein intake and what to look for in a protein supplement from Dr. Susan Bowerman of the Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board.
Protein needs change with age
As you age, your body’s ability to use protein declines, which means you need a higher intake to maintain muscle mass and overall health. Adult males need about 56 grams/day, adult women about 46 grams/day. Older adults weighing about 150 lbs. should aim for a minimum of 55 grams per day to support muscles and health. Higher amounts may be needed to support the needs of heavier and physically active older adults or those with particular health conditions.
Tap into plant protein
A well-balanced mixture of plant proteins can provide ample high-quality, complete protein. Plant proteins are found in soy foods, beans, peas, lentils and whole grains – which also provide important vitamins and minerals.
However, protein intake recommendations for vegans and vegetarians are about 10% higher than for those whose diets contain animal protein.
Milk proteins can boost muscle growth
Milk proteins are good sources of a particular set of amino acids that are wellsuited for promoting muscle protein synthesis. They’re rapidly taken up by cells, which is why they’re often recommended as the perfect post-workout option.
Plant Based Protein
If you don’t prefer dairy, consider a supplement made from a blend of plant proteins, such as pea, pumpkin seed and chia seed.
Support heart health
Since plant proteins are naturally cholesterol-free and generally much lower in saturated fats, swap animal proteins for plant-based options, when possible, in order to help keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check, which helps reduce your risk for heart disease. Some plant proteins come packed with fiber and antioxidants, which are also heart healthy.
Boost protein intake with supplements
Getting enough protein each day is only part of the challenge. Studies show that consuming protein in amounts that are evenly distributed throughout your day is more effective for muscle protein synthesis than having varying amounts at each meal. Aim for 20-40 grams of protein per meal, depending on your daily needs.
What to look for in a supplement
High-quality ingredients: Protein powders made from premium protein sources ensure optimal nutrition without unnecessary fillers.
Customizable intake: Products that allow you to tailor your protein intake to meet specific dietary needs.
Versatility: Protein powders that can be easily incorporated into various foods and beverages can be convenient.
Third-party validation: Ensure your protein of choice is safe, effective and meets label claims by checking if it has been tested and approved by a third party. Look for certifications such as NSF-Certified for Sport, or the USDA Organic seal.
Medical Tourism: What Is It and Where Is It Popular?
Medical tourism, also known as health tourism, involves traveling to another country for medical care, often driven by lower costs and higher quality treatments abroad. It is a rapidly expanding industry worldwide, valued at 47 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 and is forecast to reach a market size of over 111 billion U.S. dollars by 2029 (Statista).
With the rising cost of healthcare in developed countries and the increasing availability of affordable healthcare options in developing countries, more and more people are choosing to travel for medical treatment. Popular destinations for medical tourism include countries like Turkey, South Korea, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, known for advanced procedures and affordable treatment options. Here are their specialties:
1.Turkey: Plastic Surgery, Dental Surgery, Fertility Procedures, Cancer Treatment, Neurosurgery
3.Mexico: Plastic Surgery, Dental Surgery, Cancer Treatment, General Surgery
4. Thailand: Plastic Surgery, Dental Surgery
If your first priority is quality of care: Countries like South Korea, Turkey and Germany are known for their high-quality healthcare services. They offer advanced treatments, modern facilities, and highly skilled doctors. These countries maintain strict medical standards, which gives international patients confidence in the care they receive.
For patients looking to save money, countries like Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, and South Korea offer -30% more affordable medical treatments than Canada, USA and Germany.
Medical tourism has grown quickly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the global market expected to grow by 15-25% each year over the next decade. Many medical tourism companies operate worldwide, and their numbers continue to grow.
Medical tourism is not just about treatment; it also offers a chance to explore new places. As a medical tourist, you may end up spending several weeks or even months in a foreign country while you undergo treatment and recovery.
Countries like Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Thailand attract patients with their rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes. Patients often use their recovery time to explore historic sites, beautiful beaches, or unique local traditions.
What's the Difference Between Medical Tourism and Travelling for Treatment?
Medical tourism is defined as travelling to another country specifically for cheaper, more accessible treatment. The majority of medical tourists travel for elective treatments (for instance, plastic surgery or dental work) that are available in their home country, albeit at a higher cost. Some medical tourists also travel to receive higher-quality treatment than they would find in their own country.
‘Travelling for treatment’ is different from medical tourism. Those traveling for treatment are not usually going for elective treatment, but treating a specific illness or disorder. Doctors in their home country refer patients for treatment not available at home.
How can International Health Insurance Help?
International health insurance can benefit patients traveling abroad for medical care as it covers medical expenses and helps patients manage costs while receiving treatment. This insurance connects patients with healthcare professionals and clinics in their destination country.
Traveling abroad for medical treatment can be very stressful, so it is important to consider a few points before planning:
Bring a Spouse or Relative
During medical treatment abroad, having a loved one with you is helpful. Many medical tourism operators allow guests, and international health insurance often covers at least one companion to help with emotional support and daily tasks during recovery.
Choose a Reputable Operator
Choosing a reputable operator is important for a successful experience. A reliable operator ensures quality care, clear communication, and support throughout the treatment process, which reduces stress.
Always Consult Your Insurance Provider
Always consult your insurance provider before traveling for medical care. They can give important information about coverage and any necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth experience.
Coverage that Travels With You
Having international coverage for medical care is beneficial for tourists. This type of insurance ensures that patients receive the necessary medical assistance without worrying about unexpected costs while away from home.
Smart Strategies to Increase Your Savings
Savings can help meet unexpected expenses, fund short-term spending goals and protect against unanticipated life events. At the same time, leaving too much of your money uninvested can jeopardize long-term financial goals like retirement. Set a goal to be more intentional with your savings by getting clear on your savings goals, ensuring your savings earn a competitive return and putting excess cash to work for your longterm financial goals.
Set savings goals
To determine your personal savings goals, consider your ability to withstand savings shocks and potential income loss, as well as any short-term spending goals such as buying a car or taking a vacation.
Start by ensuring you have a buffer for unexpected expenses. Aim to have at least $2,000 or about half a month’s household expenses, whichever is greater, set aside in a cash savings account. If you’ve navigated any changes in the last year that impact your income or spending, it’s also worthwhile to revisit that emergency savings goal. You might also have additional short-term financial goals. Perhaps you’re planning a home renovation or saving up for a wedding. Money to fund these goals that are a year or two away probably shouldn’t be exposed to much risk of loss and may be best kept in a cash savings account.
Think about building a more substantial financial safety net that can cover three to six months of living expenses. This fund will help you manage financial disruptions, such as job loss or other longer-term goals like retirement savings, but such money, however it is invested, should be easily accessible if needed to bridge periods of income loss. Certain accounts like a 401(k) or traditional IRA with limited ability for early withdrawals likely won’t be the best homes for these funds.
Get specific about why you’re saving and create an action plan. Start small and build. Saving something is better than not saving at all, especially when saving in an account with a competitive yield. Yield, or annual competitive yield (APY), indicates how much interest or return you can expect to earn on your savings in a given account over a year. Put simply, the higher the APY, the more your savings can grow.
Earn what you deserve
Many Americans aren’t getting the return they deserve on their savings. Whether you’re just starting to set aside funds for an emergency or you already have substantial cash saved, make sure you know how much that cash is
“earning.” Saving with intention means selecting the best savings vehicle for your personal savings goals. Consider whether you value FDIC insurance, ease of money movement or if you’re simply looking for the highest return on your savings. Letting your money sit in an average bank savings account might mean your money doesn’t have much chance to grow. The average bank savings account yield as of Dec. 16, 2024 was 0.42% according to the FDIC National Rate and Rate Caps. That means foreach $100 you save you’ll earn 42 cents annually. Do a little research and compare this to higher yielding accounts which are available at other financial institutions.
The cash you keep easily accessible does not need to sit idly on the sidelines. It can work for you in a high-yielding account. Keeping your hard-earned money in a low-yielding account could mean leaving money for short- and long-term goals on the table.
Build on your savings foundation
A well-funded emergency savings account can prevent you from taking on high-interest debt, tapping into a retirement account or turning to other sources that could slow your long-term financial progress.
While crucial for funding short-term financial goals, an intentional savings plan can also create the foundation for a longer-term financial plan. Once you have a solid savings plan in place, consider whether you can move excess cash – beyond the amount needed to meet your identified savings goals – into higher-earning potential asset classes like stocks and bonds for long-term goals like retirement.
1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
½ cup chopped green onions
1 (4 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pancake mix
12 eggs
1 cup milk
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
In a greased 3-qt. baking dish, layer the sausage, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese. In a large bowl, whisk the pancake mix, eggs, milk, oregano, salt and pepper; pour over cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until top is set and lightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
2 packages (16 oz each) chocolate chip cookie dough
1 cup heavy cream
2 T sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
Crumbled cookies sprinkles and/or chocolate chips for topping
Heat oven to 350.
In muffin tin, press three pieces of cookie dough into each muffin hole. Bake 15 min.
Let cook 5 min, then use shot glass and press into each hole. Let cool another 5 min and place on rack to cool completely.
With hand mixer, mix heavy cream and sugar until it thickens and add cream cheese and powdered sugar, cream together and spoon into cool cookie cups. Add toppings Yield: 12 cups
