All the people in your life deserve something special this time of year. But you know what? You do, too. This year why not add your own name to your shopping list and gift yourself with something AMAZING? This year is now is the time to treat yourself to a NEW HP PC that can accelerate everyday tasks! I am talking about a NEW HP laptop featuring Intel® OptaneTM Memory! Not only will you be able to launch applications faster, the computer is SMART too! It has the ability to learn your habits and use storage acceleration so you can do more and wait less. How cool is that?

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The fall equinox has just passed, and you’ve probably noticed that the sun has been setting earlier and earlier over the last few weeks. As winter approaches, the nights will get even longer. With shorter days comes more drivers coming home from work, school, and errands on dark roads.

Stay safe this autumn and winter by following these five night-driving safety tips:

1. Use Your Lights Wisely
   Good headlight and taillight etiquette and maintenance are essential for nighttime road safety. Every now and then before driving at night, make sure to get out and check that all of your lights are clean and working properly. Replace any broken bulbs. When on the road, be considerate of other drivers and turn off high beams when following or passing cars. In misty or snowy conditions, turn on low beams or fog lights to boost visibility. Finally, turn on headlights about an hour before sundown to help other drivers see you during twilight.
2. Watch for Animals
   Headlights and dark roads can create a sort of tunnel-vision effect which makes seeing pedestrians and animals difficult. Keep your eyes moving, check your mirrors, and check the shoulder occasionally to avoid “zoning out.” Watching for the reflective nature of animals’ eyes can also help you spot deer or other critters before an accident happens.
3. Don’t Stare at Other Headlights
   Headlights from passing cars can create frustrating, blinding glare. Your pupils adjust for the incoming flood of light, which makes seeing the dark road behind the passing car difficult. Avoid being temporarily blinded by looking at the white lines on the side of the road. This technique allows a driver to stay in their lane while avoiding as much of the other car’s beams as possible.
4. Clean Your Windshield
   A dirty windshield might seem like a minor nuisance during the day, but at night, beams from headlights and streetlamps can illuminate dust and grime and impair your vision even more. Clean both the inside and the outside of your windshield regularly for maximum visibility and safety.
5. Stay Awake
   Finally, driving at night can make remaining alert even more difficult. The darkness is less interesting to look at, and greater strain on the eyes encourages them to close. Try to keep the car cool to avoid sleepiness from warmth, turn up the radio, and take breaks as needed to avoid dozing off.

Did you know? In the U.S., three million people are injured in car accidents every year, and more than 40% of all fatal accidents occur at night. Unfortunately, less daylight doesn’t necessarily mean shorter days for workers and students. Drive your way through the darker months by using these tips to stay safe on the road.

Years ago, it was not possible to choose your own energy supplier. The government literally had a monopoly on the energy provider industry. Many people are so used to things the way they are, that they do not take the initiative to select their own energy provider. Here we will discuss the process of switching to a new energy provider.

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Sometimes, families need to relocate to find a fresh start. In fact, about 35.1 million Americans move each year, bringing their belongings, their pets, and their kids along with them. If you’re looking to sell your house in the process, know that the moving process may not be as quick as you think. In many markets right now, the average house move takes six to twelve months to sell, so it’s best to be prepared and start the process early.

Though moving on your own or with a partner can be exhausting, moving and parenting at the same time can be downright chaotic. Young children especially may not adjust well to changes in their location or their routine.

Whether you’re moving into a downsized Chicago apartment or to a huge suburban home, Moving with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. For a less stressful relocation and a quicker adjustment, try using the following moving tips:

1. Get Kids Excited – It is a big psychological and emotional adjustment for kids, so it’s a good idea to try to establish positive feelings about the move as early as possible. Let older children make plans for their new bedrooms as a way to get excited and feel like they have some control over the relocation. Considering that almost 40% of remodeling activity is minor alterations/additions, letting your older children DIY some aspects of their new space could be an excellent creative (and cost-effective) opportunity. You can also let kids tour the new home once you have the keys so that they know what to expect. Try to speak of your new home as a new adventure, and they’ll follow your lead.
2. Try to Uphold a Routine – Kids, and younger children especially, feel comforted by regularity. Even though packing is hectic, Child Mind Institute recommends trying to eat meals and go to bed at the same time every night to help young ones adjust to changes. Regular sleep and meals will also help prevent crankiness and tantrums. Once you’ve moved, try to unpack familiar toys and bedding as soon as possible to show children that their new space is still safe and comfortable.
3. Say Goodbyes – Saying goodbye to a home and to friends is an important step for emotional closure. Young children will better understand that they won’t be coming back to their old house or community if you say goodbye to the house and to neighbors. Older children will also benefit from the chance to say farewell to friends, so consider hosting a “see you soon” party so teens can swap phone numbers and make plans to visit.
4. Ask for Help – Did you know that the average American home has 300,000 things in it? Packing all of that stuff is a huge task for any single person alone. If you can, ask friends and relatives nearby to either watch the kids or help with packing and moving. Sometimes, a little adult company can go a long way for managing your stress and lifting the burden of doing several jobs at once.
5. Give them Time – Even if you successfully move with few catastrophes or tears, it can still take several months for kids to adjust. Expect moodiness from kids of all ages. Once you’ve settled, give children a chance to relax and sort through their feelings. As the Washington Post points out, making a new home your home takes time.

Moving is rarely a simple task! Setting out for a new place can be emotional even for adults. Be sure to use these tips to help get the move done, and to help kids cope with changes. With patience and good planning, you can help your kids get excited about their new home.