Freed from the caged-in feeling brought on by snow and cold weather, it's hard to avoid walking out of a nursery with either too much or too little of what we need for our yards and gardens. There are a few steps that can help size up what we must have, assess a nursery’s inventory, and shop with the ease and confidence of a professional. All it takes is some planning and a bit of shopping savvy to feel secure that when you return home your time will have been spent efficiently and without … [Read more...] about Navigating the Springtime Garden Center
Columnists
The Lure of Northern Arizona
There is more than just escaping the desert heat that makes Northern Arizona a desirable place for a second home. There’s the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, the Grand Canyon, red rocks of Sedona, and four distinct seasons. Let’s take a northward look to see which town tickles your fancy. Nestled beneath the state’s tallest peaks, Route 66 cruises through Flagstaff’s charming downtown, with shopping and dining options galore. Home to Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff is a great … [Read more...] about The Lure of Northern Arizona
ERAU Offering Applause
As the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University men’s and women’s golf teams prepare for a flight to China, the chief flight instructor of Embry-Riddle partner Universal Helicopter is being honored as Flight Instructor of the Year. The golf team will be competing in Beijing in June after receiving the prestigious invitation from the Beijing Shichahai Sports School. The Beijing Shichahai sports school has been training Olympic athletes since its inception in 1958. In total, the school has produced … [Read more...] about ERAU Offering Applause
Revenge of the Closeted Curmudgeon
Take the following test, checking all that apply: You are offended when the college-aged grocery clerk at your market uses the F-word after noticing he’s five minutes overdue for his break. Your 20-something admininstrative assistant rolls her eyes when asked to correct the myriad typos scattered through the letters she’s typed. You insist your 13-year-old’s best friend calls you Mr. or Mrs. even though the friend’s mom lets all the kids call her “Diane.” You are tempted to yell out … [Read more...] about Revenge of the Closeted Curmudgeon
Real Business Sales
Strategic Acquisition Several years ago, one of my colleagues listed a very successful retail business in Sedona. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had the perfect buyer. I had sold a business to this couple several years prior and they contacted me to let me know they were ready to expand. The business that was for sale was a perfect complement to the business they already owned and gave them the diversification they needed to even out the seasonality of their existing business. The buyer and … [Read more...] about Real Business Sales
Balancing Good and Bad Bugs
The human body is wonderfully complex and filled with interdependent systems. Each of these systems affects the other and must stay in delicate balance to keep us healthy. These systems contain trillions of bacteria such as those in the intestinal tract called intestinal, or gut, flora. Most of these bacteria are harmless. Others perform useful metabolic and digestive activities such as training the immune system, producing vitamins and regulating the growth of other, more harmful bacterial … [Read more...] about Balancing Good and Bad Bugs
Seniors and Couples Care
Vowing to “have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live” does not necessarily mean taking on the role of sole caregiver, regardless of the toll it takes on your own well-being. Much research has been done to understand the negative effects that caring for a declining spouse have on the health of the well spouse. Regardless of whether the spouse is caring for a loved one who has physical and medical needs or dementia, the effects on the well spouse are … [Read more...] about Seniors and Couples Care
Trending in Business
Trend watching has become a part-time job since I entered the world of social media marketing. As a client manager, it’s crucial to be on top of your game when marketing a particular industry. Trend watching has become a disciplined portion of business management and a popular topic within the media industry and among social media experts. Businesses can benefit from trend watching, too. Entering into a growing market trend can be costly if the trend has yet to enter public mindfulness. My … [Read more...] about Trending in Business
Tips for Choosing a Bank
Most people like switching banks about as much as they like going to the dentist. People often consider changing banks only when they are moving or when something happens at their bank that causes them to be truly dissatisfied. Choosing whom to trust with your finances is a big decision and since you’ll probably stick with the same financial institution for a while, it’s a decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. The following are a few things to consider when the time comes to pick your next … [Read more...] about Tips for Choosing a Bank
JUST ASK at True Value
Prescott True Value Hardware has many different departments within the store. There are the hardware, electrical, paint, lawn and garden, kitchen departments, just to mention a few. What many people do not realize is that Prescott True Value has a rental department called JUST ASK Rental. More than 15 years ago, JUST ASK Rental was born as a department within Prescott True Value. It soon became apparent that JUST ASK rental would need more space for all of the do-it-yourself (DIY) tools, yard … [Read more...] about JUST ASK at True Value