Women's Journal

Ways to Keep Bugs Out of a House While It’s on the Market

Selling a house is a slow process. Eventually, however, you’ll find the right buyer. But until that happens, it’s important to keep the house in great condition. There’s no worse feeling than losing a buyer because of a preventable problem like a bug infestation. In this article, we’ll show you 6 easy ways to keep bugs out of a house you’re trying to sell.

Keep the House Sealed

Cracks and holes around the house make for a bad look to potential buyers. They also provide insects with easy access to your house. That’s why it’s important to completely seal any potential entry points around the house. Likewise, it’s a good idea to attach screens to all of the windows and doors.

Use Insect Traps

Once insects get inside, they can be difficult to remove. Insect traps are one way to start getting rid of an infestation. A bug lamp outside can help to get rid of a lot of unwanted pests. Sticky traps or gel traps also work well if the house you’re selling doesn’t have electricity.

Clean Up Any Messes

Keeping insects out is a process that starts early. Getting rid of garbage and other trash as soon as possible is essential in keeping any nasty critters from showing up. Even after you’ve finished cleaning the place, it’s a good idea to take a look around every once in a while. Litter can pop up even when you’re not expecting it.

Take Care of the Yard

An overgrown yard isn’t attractive to potential buyers, but it is attractive to bugs and other pests. If you want to keep bugs away, it’s important to keep the yard nice and tidy. Adding in some plants that bugs hate like Lavender also helps to keep bugs away as well as making the house more enticing to potential buyers.

Remove Standing Water

Bird feeders or water fountains add a lot to the look of a home. However, they also have a tendency to attract insects. Unless you plan to do daily maintenance, it’s a good idea to get rid of standing water around the house. That also includes any leftover puddles of water after a rainy day.

Use Bug Spray

Bug spray is a great way of getting rid of any insects you spot. But it can also be used to stop insects from entering your home in the first place. Spraying a layer of bug spray around the outside of your home can work as a strong defense against any tiny invaders. Just make sure to only use high-quality bug spray from a reputable vendor.

The only way your house will sell is if you make it as attractive as possible. That means using everything at your disposal to get rid of any nasty insects, and the best way of doing so is through preventive measures like keeping things tidy. Keeping bugs out of your house while it’s on the market will help it sell faster and remain in pristine condition.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

South Tampa Wellness Spa: A Holistic Approach to Mental and Physical Health

By: Nic Abelian

In a world where the mind-body connection is often overlooked, South Tampa Wellness Spa stands out by offering a unique blend of mental and physical wellness services. Founded by Alicia Divico, a seasoned mental health counselor and addiction specialist with over ten years of experience, the spa is dedicated to promoting overall well-being through holistic treatments.

About South Tampa Wellness Spa

Located in the heart of Tampa, the South Tampa Wellness Spa offers a sanctuary for those seeking to unwind, reset, and rejuvenate. Alicia Divico’s vision for the spa was born from her extensive background in mental health and her personal journey with holistic treatments. Her experiences with acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and vitamin therapy inspired her to create a space where individuals could address both mental and physical wellness in one place.

Comprehensive Services

South Tampa Wellness Spa A Holistic Approach to Mental and Physical Health

Photo Courtesy: Alicia Divico

The spa provides a variety of services designed to help relax the central nervous system and promote overall wellness:

  • Mental Health Therapy: Led by experienced mental health professionals, the spa offers therapy sessions to address a range of mental health issues.
  • Holistic Treatments: Services include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and vitamin therapy, all aimed at enhancing both mental and physical health.
  • Sensory Deprivation Float Tanks: These tanks offer numerous benefits and may help individuals reach a meditative state naturally while improving physical and mental health.

A Mission of Wellness and Empowerment

South Tampa Wellness Spa’s mission is to provide a safe space where individuals can unload, unwind, and hit the reset button. The spa’s approach is deeply rooted in the belief that a healthy mind is essential for overall well-being. The services offered are designed to help clients achieve a meditative state without much effort, promoting relaxation and healing.

Encouraging Preventative Care

In a culture that often prioritizes putting out fires over preventative care, South Tampa Wellness Spa seeks to change the narrative. The spa encourages individuals to take time for themselves to reset and rejuvenate. This focus on preventative care is especially important for women, who often carry the weight of caregiving and societal pressures to look good. The spa aims to remove these pressures, helping women renew, refresh, and fill their cups back up.

Expertise and Passion

The team at South Tampa Wellness Spa is composed of dedicated professionals with more than 15 years of experience in their respective fields. Each team member is committed to listening and creating personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each client. Their passion for promoting wellness and their genuine care for their community set them apart from the competition.

Why Choose South Tampa Wellness Spa?

What makes South Tampa Wellness Spa different is its focus on the inner workings of the mind and body. Unlike typical spas that emphasize aesthetics and routine relaxation, South Tampa Wellness Spa is concerned with the deeper mind-body connection. The spa provides a true mental health day, encouraging clients to take time for themselves, meditate, and heal.

Contact Information

For more information about South Tampa Wellness Spa and to book an appointment, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube.

Contact Information: Email: stwellnessspa@gmail.com Business Phone: +1 813-435-3060

Quotes

Alicia Divico: “We are not concerned with aesthetics or routine relaxation. We are concerned with your inner workings and the deeper mind-body connection that gets severely neglected in today’s world.”

Alicia Divico: “We want to help people learn to relax so that they can feel better, function better, and continue fighting the challenges we face on a regular basis. We want to empower, heal, and elevate those in our community.”

South Tampa Wellness Spa is committed to transforming the approach to wellness, offering holistic treatments that address both mental and physical health. By providing a space for individuals to relax, rejuvenate, and heal, the spa is making a significant impact on the well-being of the Tampa community.

 

Published by: Khy Talara

How to Create a Family Mission Statement for Lasting Unity

By: Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Summer is a time for relaxation, adventure, and, most importantly, making memories with family. As the days grow longer and the pace of life slows down, there is a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with those we love. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen these bonds is by creating a family mission statement. This guiding document encapsulates your shared values, goals, and dreams, offering a clear vision that can steer your family through life’s various seasons.

A family mission statement is more than just a written declaration; it is a reflection of who you are as a family. It captures the essence of your collective identity and serves as a compass for making decisions, resolving conflicts, and fostering unity. By engaging in this process, each family member feels valued and heard, contributing to a shared sense of purpose and direction.

Here are some steps for creating your own family mission statement:

Gather Your Family Together

Begin by setting aside dedicated time for the entire family to come together. Choose a comfortable setting where everyone feels at ease and open to sharing. This could be around the dinner table, during a family outing, or even a cozy evening in the living room.

How to Create a Family Mission Statement for Lasting Unity

Photo Courtesy: Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Facilitate Open Discussions

Encourage each family member to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions such as:

  • What are the values we hold dear?
  • What are our individual and collective goals?
  • What dreams do we have for our family?
  • How do we want to be remembered as a family?
  • What values were most important to our parents and grandparents, and how can we amplify them in our lives? 
  • By creating a safe space for honest dialogue, you allow everyone to contribute their unique perspectives.

Identify Common Themes

As the discussions unfold, look for recurring themes and ideas. These commonalities will form the foundation of your family mission statement. Highlight the values and goals that resonate most strongly with everyone. 

Craft the Statement

With the common themes identified, begin drafting your family mission statement. Aim for clarity and brevity, ensuring that the statement is easy to remember and understand.

Here’s an example to get you started:

“We, the [Family Name] family, are dedicated to loving and supporting one another, embracing our individual and collective dreams, and living with integrity and kindness. We commit to fostering a home filled with joy, gratitude, and continuous growth, where every member feels valued and heard.”

Add specific action steps  – We commit to this weekly or monthly practice. Name it. Transforming a value into action brings the mission statement to life. 

Incorporate Everyone’s Voice

Make sure the final statement reflects the input of all family members. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the mission statement.

Display and Live by the Statement

Once finalized, display your family mission statement in a prominent place in your home. Refer to it regularly when making decisions, addressing challenges, or simply reflecting on your family’s journey. Let it serve as a reminder of your collective vision and purpose.

As you embark on this journey of creating a family mission statement, remember that the process itself is as valuable as the final document. The conversations and connections formed during this time will become cherished memories, laying the foundation for a legacy of love and purpose.

 May your family thrive and grow, bound by a shared vision that will endure for generations to come.

How to Create a Family Mission Statement for Lasting Unity_3

Photo Courtesy: Rabbi Daniel Cohen

About Rabbi Daniel Cohen:

Popular motivator, mentor, and inspirational speaker Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom, and insight helps anyone better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over twenty years and is the author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy, and his newest book, The Secret of the Light.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Empower Med Spa: Empowering You to Look and Feel Your Best

In a world where the pursuit of beauty and confidence often involves invasive procedures and costly treatments, Empower Med Spa stands out by offering a refreshing approach. With a comprehensive range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments and weight loss solutions, Empower Med Spa is dedicated to helping clients achieve their desired look and feel. Their commitment to providing effective, affordable, and accessible treatments is at the heart of their mission, ensuring that every individual can enhance their beauty and confidence in a supportive environment.

About Empower Med Spa

Empower Med Spa provides an extensive selection of services designed to address various aspects of personal aesthetics and well-being. From reducing the signs of aging to sculpting the body and supporting weight loss, their offerings cater to a wide range of needs and goals. The philosophy at Empower Med Spa is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. This belief drives their approach to each treatment, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of care and expertise.

Meet the Team

The team behind Empower Med Spa is led by two highly experienced professionals: Ann Andrzejewski and Amy Brown. Their combined expertise and dedication create an inclusive and personalized experience for each client.

Empower Med Spa

Photo Courtesy: Empower Med Spa

Ann Andrzejewski, a nurse practitioner with over thirteen years of nursing experience, including eight years as a nurse practitioner, brings a wealth of knowledge to Empower Med Spa. Her background in acute care and trauma emergency medicine, coupled with her recent focus on aesthetic treatments, makes her a trusted expert in injectables, Botox, fillers, and weight loss adjunct therapy. Ann’s commitment to achieving perfection for her clients is evident in her meticulous approach to every treatment.

Amy Brown complements the team with her extensive experience as a registered nurse and her expertise in nutrition and fitness. With fifteen years in nursing and credentials as a Fitness Nutrition Specialist (ACE), certified personal trainer (NASM), and certified yoga instructor (RYT-500), Amy provides invaluable support to clients on their weight loss journeys. Her personalized counseling and guidance, along with her specialization in the Epionce skincare line, ensure that clients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.

Services

Empower Med Spa offers a diverse array of services designed to help clients achieve their aesthetic and wellness goals. Their treatments include:

Botox and Injectable Treatments: These services help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, offering a refreshed and youthful appearance without the need for surgery.

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are used to add volume and smooth out wrinkles, enhancing facial contours and providing a natural, youthful look.

Weight Loss Programs and Adjunct Therapy: Empower Med Spa provides personalized weight loss solutions, including adjunct therapy to support clients in achieving their weight management goals.

Personalized Nutrition and Fitness Counseling: Tailored advice and support in nutrition and fitness help clients make informed choices that complement their weight loss and wellness plans.

Comprehensive Skincare Solutions: Utilizing the Epionce skincare line, Empower Med Spa offers a range of skincare treatments designed to improve skin health and appearance.

Experience the Empower Difference

At Empower Med Spa, the focus is on providing non-surgical aesthetic treatments and personalized weight loss solutions in a welcoming and supportive environment. Their dedication to helping clients feel confident and beautiful extends beyond the treatments themselves. By fostering a space where every individual can achieve their desired look and feel, Empower Med Spa embodies their commitment to enhancing beauty and self-esteem.

For those seeking to rejuvenate their appearance, sculpt their body, or embark on a weight loss journey, Empower Med Spa offers a path to achieving these goals with the utmost care and expertise. Their holistic approach ensures that each client receives personalized attention and effective solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Contact Information

Empower Med Spa 146 2nd St N #305, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (813) 412-8346 Email: info@empowermedspafl.com Website: empowermedspafl.com

Empower Med Spa is more than a destination for aesthetic treatments and weight loss solutions; it is a partner in the journey toward a more confident and beautiful self. Through their innovative services and dedicated team, they empower individuals to look and feel their best, every day.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Strategies for Defending Your Intellectual Property

By: Heimlich Law

In today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven world, safeguarding your intellectual property (IP) is crucial. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a larger corporation, understanding how to defend your IP can mean the difference between thriving and losing your competitive edge. The first step in this defense is consulting with a specialized legal professional, such as a San Jose patent attorney, who can guide you through the complexities of IP law and ensure that your creations are adequately protected.

Understanding Intellectual Property

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It is categorized into four main types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Each category has its own set of protections and requires different strategies for defense.

Patents protect new inventions and give the inventor exclusive rights to use, sell, or license the invention for a certain period, typically 20 years from the filing date. Trademarks safeguard symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services. Copyrights protect original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Trade secrets cover confidential business information that provides a competitive edge.

The Importance of Registration

Registering your IP is the first line of defense. Without proper registration, it becomes challenging to enforce your rights. For patents, this means filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). For trademarks, registration not only grants legal protection but also establishes a public record of your claim, which can deter potential infringers. Copyrights can be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, providing legal benefits such as the ability to sue for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in case of infringement.

Monitoring and Enforcement

After registration, actively monitoring your IP is essential. This involves keeping an eye on the market for any unauthorized use of your creations. Various tools and services can help with this, such as Google Alerts for trademarks or professional monitoring services for patents.

When infringement is detected, enforcement is the next step. This may involve sending a cease-and-desist letter, negotiating a settlement, or taking legal action. An intellectual property attorney can assist in determining the premier course of action based on the severity and nature of the infringement.

Utilizing Contracts and Agreements

Contracts are powerful tools for protecting your IP. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are essential when sharing sensitive information with potential business partners, employees, or contractors. NDAs ensure that the recipient of the information understands their obligation to keep it confidential and outlines the consequences of a breach.

Employment contracts should include clauses that specify the ownership of any IP created during employment. This prevents disputes over whether an invention or creation belongs to the company or the individual employee. Licensing agreements allow you to grant rights to others to use your IP while retaining control over how it is used and receiving compensation for its use.

Leveraging Technology

Technology can aid in the defense of your IP. Digital rights management (DRM) tools can help protect digital content from unauthorized use and distribution. Technology is emerging as a way to timestamp and record the creation and transfer of IP, providing an immutable record that can be used in legal disputes.

International Protection

In our global economy, protecting IP internationally is just as important as domestic protection. The process of securing international IP rights can be complex and varies by region. Treaties such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Madrid Protocol facilitate the process of obtaining patent and trademark protection in multiple countries.

Working with an experienced intellectual property attorney who understands international law can help navigate these complexities. They can assist in filing the necessary applications and ensure compliance with the varying legal requirements of different countries.

Educating and Training Employees

Your employees play a crucial role in the defense of your IP. Providing regular training on the importance of IP and the measures in place to protect it can prevent unintentional breaches. Ensure that employees understand the significance of confidentiality and the procedures for handling sensitive information.

Building a Culture of Innovation and Protection

Creating a company culture that values and protects innovation can strengthen your IP defenses. Encourage employees to come forward with new ideas and ensure they understand the importance of protecting these ideas. Recognizing and rewarding innovation can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the company’s IP.

Legal Recourse and Litigation

Despite best efforts, infringements can still occur. In such cases, having a well-prepared legal strategy is crucial. This may involve litigation to enforce your rights and seek damages. While litigation can be costly and time-consuming, it often serves as a powerful deterrent to potential infringers.

An intellectual property attorney can provide representation in court and help build a strong case. They can also assist in exploring alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, which can be less adversarial and more cost-effective.

The Role of Social Media

Social media platforms can be both a threat and an ally in defending your IP. While they provide a platform for infringers to distribute unauthorized content, they also offer tools for monitoring and enforcement. Reporting mechanisms on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn allow you to take down infringing content quickly.

Additionally, social media can be used to raise awareness about your IP and the importance of respecting it. Engaging with your audience and educating them about your IP rights can foster a community of support and vigilance.

Final Remarks

Defending your intellectual property requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal measures, technological tools, employee education, and a proactive company culture. Consulting with professionals such as a San Jose patent attorney or an intellectual property attorney ensures that you have expert guidance in navigating the complexities of IP law. By implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your innovations, maintain your competitive edge, and secure your business’s future.

For more insights and updates, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”

Published by: Martin De Juan

Jess Munson Interview on ‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices’

By: Alex Bell

‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices,’ by mother-daughter duo Jess Munson and Karen Munson, sheds light on overcoming abuse and reigniting the spark within. Abuse often starts subtly, growing until it becomes a constant presence in one’s life. Through manipulation and control, abusers create a web of confusion and self-doubt, leaving their victims feeling powerless. The Munsons’ book offers a lifeline to those trapped in this cycle, providing understanding and actionable steps to break free and heal.

Drawing on personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical advice, ‘God Given Grit’ empowers readers to recognize abuse, plan a safe escape, and embark on a path to recovery. Join us as we talk with Jess Munson, exploring the profound insights and invaluable guidance this book offers, helping countless individuals find their way to freedom and embrace their inner strength.

Why did you feel it was important for your mom to write ‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices’? 

I had felt for years that I needed to share my story in some capacity, but I didn’t know how to do it. I had a vital message and wanted to utilize it to help others in their journey. I recognized I didn’t have a lot of the necessary tools. My mom had already written and published several books, was more knowledgeable about writing, and had more time to do it. It was hard, but I knew it was important for me to be vulnerable to publish the book we felt guided to create.

What was it like to work with your mom to share your story with others? 

Initially, it was very challenging because I had attempted not to expose people, including my family, to my experiences. Collaborating created opportunities for us to discuss realities we had avoided when I was numbed out and shut down. Writing this book has been more challenging than I could have ever imagined it to be, while also very healing as we have worked alongside one another. We are closer now than we have ever been, and this book has been the cause of that, for which I’ll be forever grateful.

How did writing ‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices’ help you with your own recovery? 

It was very difficult revisiting things I thought I had laid to rest. Memories reared their ugly heads, and I was now able to address them. Helping others heal also helps me. The more feedback we get on the book, the more gratifying it has been. It is changing lives, and that makes it all worthwhile. 

This book delves into the complexities of recognizing and healing from domestic violence. What do you hope readers will take away from your book, especially those who may be currently experiencing abuse? 

I want everyone to feel hope that they don’t have to endure the abuse any longer, to feel empowered to make choices for themselves, to know they have the grit it takes to do hard things. All of us, regardless of our current circumstances, still have that inner grit that can be accessed if we are simply brave enough to stand up to reclaim our freedom and remember our worth. 

Can you share a bit about your own journey of overcoming abuse and finding hope?

It’s impossible to realize the severity of the abuse while you are still in it. As long as you are constantly being abused, you’re unable to start your healing process truly. I was emotionally shut down and numbed out. When you’re in that situation, it’s strictly survival mode, and little progress can occur. Only when I got away from the constant exposure was I able to realize how toxic the marriage was. I remember the first time I felt hope after getting out. It was a pivotal moment that I hold very sacred. Hope and peace continue to guide me on my healing journey after abuse. 

What were some of the key turning points or realizations that helped you on your path to healing? 

When my ex-husband became physically abusive, knocking holes in the walls, grabbing me, and taking my phone, it was the last straw. When I went to the shelter the next day and answered their questions while filing for a protective order, I realized the depth, breadth, and length of the abuse. That was a shocking and necessary reality check. Having a professional validate my concerns was truly eye-opening, and I began to realize there was more going on than I had recognized.

Your book emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse. Can you discuss some practical steps or strategies for breaking free from an abusive relationship and creating a path to safety?

It typically takes a woman seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship. Every time you go back, it feels harder to leave the next time. I tried and failed multiple times. A) Tap into your intuition and feel if something might be ‘off’ in your relationship. B) Find someone you can trust to confide in and share your concerns with. They are able to see things from an outside perspective and are not exposed to the continual abuse that brings on the confusion and numbing out. C) Plan. If you don’t have a plan for getting out of the abuse, it won’t work. There are websites and detailed steps in my book that lay out what you need to consider and how to proceed to get out of an abusive relationship successfully. Everyone’s situation is different, but you have to plan ahead. Make all the preparations ahead of time and just do it. 

You can pick up a copy of ‘God Given Grit’ on Amazon.

Published by: Martin De Juan