The next time you want to treat yourself or someone special, consider choosing an item made by a local artisan. Here are some tips to help you find original, hand-crafted products.

What to look for
Artisans work in a variety of different mediums including wood, glass, leather, ceramic, metal and textiles. The kinds of products that these materials become, however, is limited only by the artisan’s imagination. Here’s just a sample:

• Jewelry (bracelets, rings, pendants, and earrings)

• Clothes and accessories (hats, belts, handbags, and shawls)

• Decorative art (paintings, sculptures, candles, and mobiles)

• Homeware (furniture, quilts, ceramics, and cutlery)

Where to shop
Artisans tend to be resourceful individuals, and they have multiple ways of showcasing their products. Here are some places you can find their wares:

• Online. Most local artisans have an online shop you can order from. Alternatively, they may sell their products through a digital marketplace like Etsy.

• Consignment shops. These stores sell a variety of products made by local artisans, which means you can often find an interesting assortment of goods and specialty items.

• Craft fairs and markets. Events like these are a chance to meet local artisans in person and learn more about their trade.

So, why settle for mass-produced items when you can purchase one-of-a-kind products made with love? Shop for local artisanal goods today.

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Life comes at you fast. In your youth at the peak of your health, in middle age, at the height of responsibility, what if an accident or illness took you off the family map? We all know it can happen and few think it will.

As a matter of fact, about 40 percent of people have no life insurance at all. Of the people with life insurance, about half are under-insured.

But the cold fact remains: What happens to your family if you die? Will they be able to afford the house? How will their lifestyle change? Who will support the family? How will they support the family?

Life insurance answers many of those questions — and it answers them affordably.

The least expensive form of life insurance — term insurance — is very inexpensive. A healthy 30-year-old can get $250,000 of insurance for about $15 per month. The earlier you buy term insurance, the less expensive it is and many policies don’t even require a health check.

Many people have life coverage at work, but this should be reviewed because it may not be enough. Primary breadwinners should have coverage equal to six to 10 times their annual incomes. Term policies usually cover only your working life.

Whole life is another kind of life insurance. Unlike term policies, it covers you for life, as long as you make payments. It also has the benefit of building cash value. Although most experts say it shouldn’t be considered an investment, if you get a big policy at a young enough age, and keep it until retirement, you could have a nice nest egg to tap into at retirement. Whole life policies can also be cashed in by your Power of Attorney for some part of the face value if you enter a nursing home, for example. It could be considered a small inheritance. Whole life policies usually require a medical exam and are unlikely to cover smokers.

Many websites compare the costs of life insurance options.

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In July of this year, 19 people ended up in a hospital after a large tree fell onto a detached garage.

The group, celebrating a birthday party, had sought refuge in the garage when a storm blew up, according to Claims Journal.

The tree splintered the garage, trapping six inside. Firefighters were able to extract the trapped people within 45 minutes.

Nothing is more charming than a big tree shading a sunny yard. The problem is that even healthy trees fail and, just like power wires, they can come down in a storm.

Trees near a house, garage, or driveway, need to be inspected frequently. According to Davey Solutions, watch for trees that are leaning, buckling, or heaving up in the soil at the base.

Check the canopy of trees for unbalanced or sparse leafing and dead branches.

Check for decaying trunks and large branches.

Make sure you never sever large roots of a tree and that any nearby construction has not damaged the root area.

Although some damage can be repaired by an arborist, don’t let weak, dying trees remain on your property.

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Local farmers and producers are invaluable contributors to a thriving community. They offer up the literal fruits of their labor in addition to a variety of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and bread. If you want to feed your family well, you don’t need to go far — in fact, you shouldn’t!

For many people, buying local goods is considered an altruistic act. While it’s certainly an opportunity to support your region’s economy, the choice can also be self-serving. Local ingredients offer a degree of freshness and flavor that’s unmatched by alternatives shipped from afar.

You can also count on local produce to be a better option for your health. Consumers are increasingly well-informed and selective about the food they eat, and most small-scale farmers and producers are able to maintain safe, organic, and sustainable practices. When you consider that food is the fuel that allows you to function, there should be little room to compromise on quality.

From an environmental perspective, opting for food that’s produced close to home is the most sensible option. The shorter the distance your food has to travel to reach your plate, the fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. Plus, you get to enjoy produce within days of being harvested rather than weeks.

All in all, buying your food locally is an ideal way to access fresh and healthy ingredients, support your region’s economy, and protect the environment. Find it at grocery stores, farmers markets, u-pick farms, and specialty shops in your region.

There are countless reasons to eat local. What are yours?

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At farmers markets, u-pick farms, and community stores, it’s increasingly common for consumers to favor local products, especially when it comes to fruits, vegetables, and other foods. But what does buying local really mean? Here’s an overview.

The practices
For starters, there isn’t an official definition of the term “buying local.” Rather, the phrase encompasses a number of consumer and business practices such as:

• Shopping at independent businesses in your neighborhood

• Opting for products grown or made in your region, state, or country

• Working with local suppliers and commercial partners when operating a business

• Favoring regional companies when awarding service contracts

It should be noted that shopping at a supermarket or big-box store in your neighborhood generally isn’t considered buying local. While it does help keep jobs in the community, most of the revenue goes elsewhere.

The benefits
The positive effects of buying local are undeniable. First off, it allows you to bolster the regional economy, thereby helping to create and maintain jobs in your area. It also helps you lower carbon emissions since locally made goods don’t need to be transported over long distances. Plus, when you buy local, you tend to support independent businesses that commit to safe and responsible working conditions.

If you want to make more of an effort to buy local, look for stickers and logos that indicate a product was grown or made in your region.

Are you a locavore?
The term “locavore” refers to someone whose diet consists mostly or entirely of food that’s grown or produced locally, usually within about 100 miles. This often involves shopping at farmers markets, learning to preserve seasonal foods, and eating at restaurants that use local ingredients.

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If you’re moving to a new home, you may wonder how it’ll affect your dog. Here are a few tips that can make the transition easier.

Before
Make sure your canine companion has plenty of toys on hand. This will keep them occupied and relaxed while you fill boxes and disassemble furniture. Wait until the last minute to pack your dog’s things to avoid disrupting their routine for as long as possible.

If you’re moving to another region, make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. You should also inspect their leash, collar, and identification tags. This will help you find Fido if he gets lost during the move.

It’s also a good idea to bring your pooch to visit the new home before moving day. Your dog is likely to feel more comfortable moving in if they’re somewhat familiar with space.

During
Make sure someone keeps a close eye on your dog, especially if you need to make multiple trips between the two houses. If you’ll be too busy to take care of your pet during the move, consider leaving them with a relative or at a kennel for the day.

When the time comes to transport your dog, do so in a familiar vehicle. This will minimize their stress. Once you arrive at the new house, unpack your pet’s toys and bedding right away so that they can get settled.

After
Spend as much time as possible with your dog after the move. The best way to make your pet feel at home in their new environment is to quickly re-establish a routine. This includes consistent feeding times and regular walks.

To make moving even more enjoyable for your dog, ensure they get a new toy, a few treats, and plenty of belly rubs.

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