Today many of us will be giving a Valentine’s Day gift to the one we love. Whether it’s chocolates, jewelry, flowers, or apparel, it's estimated U.S. consumers will spend $18.2 billion.

Mother Nature has thrown a variety of different winter conditions at us this year, including warm/cold temperatures, snow, rain, and wintery mix. She's done a good job of mixing it up. Just when we think we're in for the deep freeze, a few days go by and the temperatures go back above freezing.

In the Midwest, coming out to a car covered in snow and ice is a common occurrence. For me, it's one that never gets any easier.

Do you have a new furry member in your family? Is this your first winter with them? If so, winter weather can be challenging for both of you.

Are you tired of shoveling snow this winter? Were you injured while cleaning up after a big storm? If the answer is yes, it may be time to hire a snow removal service.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Now what?

Winter is here, and that undoubtedly means we’ll get snow. While it can create a winter wonderland and provide the perfect setting for a day of sledding or snowman building, it can also turn your sidewalks and driveways into hazardous areas.

This is the time of year when ponds and lakes are frozen. Soon you’ll be getting ready to get your vehicle out on the open, frozen water to enjoy the great outdoors. But what would you do if the unthinkable – but sinkable – happens and your vehicle breaks through the ice?

The holiday season can be overwhelming and demanding. It can also be filled with high expectations. Children, young and old, are busy creating their Christmas lists. Depending on their age, the list can get expensive very quickly.

Heartwarming traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:

• Picking out the perfect Christmas tree
• Posing for a family picture
• Secret gift exchanges
• Baking cookies
• Visiting with old college friends
• Travelling to visit family

This time of year can also be very demanding. Trying to carry out family traditions, as well as dealing with family drama, can be stressful and overwhelming. And don’t forget it’s your company’s year end!

Every year in the United States, consumers purchase approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees. Live Christmas trees offer several benefits over artificial trees:

• More than 100,000 people work full- or part-time in the industry;
• For every real tree cut down, one to three seedlings are planted each spring;
• They provide a lovely natural fragrance in your home;
• They offer a way to create family memories and traditions; and
• You get fresh air and exercise if you cut down your own tree.