Tag Archives: ideas

Feb4

Feeling Stressed? Let’s Change That!

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Feeling Stressed? Let’s Change That!

We all experience stress every once in a while. That’s a given. At the end of the day, stress is a natural response to dangerous or potentially harmful situations that we have evolved to benefit ourselves. But when you experience stress on a regular basis, it can become a problem. Stress can result in detrimental effects on your overall health and well being, from physical harm to emotional harm, mental harm, and even resultant behavioral changes.

Unfortunately, right now, many of us are stressed and have been stressed for a long time. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in all sorts of unwanted changes in our day to day lives, from health concerns to worries for loved ones, job loss, financial troubles, social isolation, loneliness, and more. Stress is a logical response. However, you should, where possible, be doing everything you can to minimize your experience and symptoms of stress. Here’s some more information and a few suggestions to help you along the way:

Identifying Stress:

Stress is pretty simple to identify. Here are some of the warning signs:

Physical Impact:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle tension
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems

Emotional Impact:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Sadness
  • Procrastination or lack of Motivation

Behavioral Impact:

  • Emotional Outbursts
  • Undereating
  • Overeating
  • Withdrawal from Social Situations

Reducing Stress:

There are many healthy stress reduction methods out there. Here are some you may want to discuss with your doctor and try out:

  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness are calming practices that can help. Try following tutorials and apps.
  • Getting Enough Rest: Sleep is an important process for your body to rest, resolve trauma or injury and illness. Make sure to get your recommended eight hours a night.
  • Getting Organized: Sometimes stress can stem from a lack of organization. Try organizing your life, tackling issues and concerns, and giving everything more structure.
  • Massage: While spas may be closed, you could try out some massage at home using foam rollers, massage balls, and more. This can release tension.
  • CBD: Some studies have found that CBD can reduce stress symptoms. So, why not try out some CBD candies and see how they work for you? Gummies are definitely the most common form of CBD candy but have you ever heard of CBD honey sticks? Gold Bee offers this and so much more on their site for a sweet treat that tastes good and reduces stress. What will they think of next?! …

The answer? Hero Brand CBD. These CBD oils can be bought either to rub directly on the skin or to be dissolved into beverages. Either way, you will receive the benefits of pain and stress relief. The soluble solution is also taste free so it can mix easily into your favorite food or drink. How cool is that?!

Stress Reducing Hobbies:

If you are a more hands on person, you might want to try hobbies that can relieve stress too. This can include a long nature walk, cooking or baking, reading a good book, or taking a dance break to your favorite tunes. One of the most popular stress relieving hobbies, however, has to be gardening. Getting out in the sun, feeling the grass beneath your feet, and helping something grow is incredibly soothing. If cannabis is something that helps you relax, you could even grow your own with seeds from Multiverse Beans (or a similar company in your local area). The effects will be twofold – you can relax while you garden and relax while you enjoy your harvest afterwards.

Know When to Ask for Help:

Of course,  stress can also be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions. So, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, that you can’t cope, or that you are experiencing excessive or unnecessary stress, make sure to reach out to your doctor. They’ll be able to identify and diagnose any conditions and recommend the best course of treatment for you. There are also support groups, helplines, and mental health charities who can help too!

Most of us are bound to feel stressed right now. What’s important is that you don’t simply accept stress as a given part of day to day life. This is something that can be managed, handled, and even overcame. Hopefully, some of the above information will help you get started out on the right foot when it comes to managing your stress properly and effectively.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb2

Going To Redesign? Do So In Style!

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Going To Redesign? Do So In Style!

Are you considering redesigning your home? You may be tempted by the need to add value to your home or, perhaps, turn it into your dream home. Regardless of the reason, you are now embarking on an amazing journey into the world of home design. It’s complex, exciting, historical, and lots of fun when you get into the swing of things. But, most of all it’s expensive! So you need to spend your money on designs that will actually give you a return. You need design features that will prove to be timeless and add real base value to your home. You don’t want to add designs that will fade away like any other trend. You want home design features that will make your home one of a kind and thus, acquire a unique (and high) price:

Swooping staircase:

Often called the plaza style, the swooping staircase is well-known throughout the world. You have probably seen the large staircases that look like a ribbon coming down from the first floor. They can be twin or single staircase designs, but the latter requires you to have a lot of space. Your foyer must be large and expansive so you can have this amazing wow-factor entrance to your home that many mansions have. The swing stairs are naturally curvy and they are usually only supported by one wall. Inevitably, this means that you need to build the staircase support upward and this can cost a lot. However, support structures and brick bases can be cheaper than steel structures that aren’t as flexible. You can also have a pantry beneath the stairs if you choose the former!

Patio on the hill:

If you have a home that has a great view, then you should build a patio that takes full advantage of this. Usually, we think of patios that offer us space outdoors but with privacy also. However, you can’t really have this if you want to enjoy a view; or can you? We believe that a patio on a hill, so to speak, would be a brilliant idea. Contact reputable home builders that are expert designers so you can begin talking about specific design options. You can have a patio on the first floor or even on the roof. You can also build up a ground-level patio, to have a better view than you do right now, simply by elevating the ground. Patios can also have privacy while having excellent views, you just need to manage the walls, height, and position of the patio inside the home or in the garden.

Patios really are the perfect place to step outside and enjoy the weather and company of good friends. It is an instant property value boost and they look great too. Moreover, patios are highly versatile and customizable. This means you can set up whatever style of patio furniture you wish, or you can find a Patio enclosure supplier in Sacramento, CA (or your local area) to fit an open space roof over your patio to shield you from the sun and rain, for example.

When you are planning your dream patio, don’t forget about how you are going to pave it as this can make or break the overall appearance. As you think through your options, remember that you could go drab with basic concrete or make it fab! Cool mosaic tiles or a stamped concrete patio will offer a unique design to tie the space together from top to bottom.

A spacious kitchen island:

You should consider having a detached kitchen island that has a lot of space. If you don’t have an open floor plan, you might think you should concede to the foggy fact that you can never have a spacious kitchen. But fear not! You can if you design your kitchen walls and island in conjunction with the spare space that you have around the room. If you have a kitchen that is connected with the staircase, could you use the pantry to store food rather than shoes? One can achieve this if you expand your walls where they can essentially engulf the space that is used for other rooms. Rather than take down the walls in your own home, you can expand the walls of your kitchen. Knocking down bits of the kitchen walls that are in the way, you can create a larger room that can fit an island and still be spacious.

Oval room:

You have heard of the oval room in the White House and you definitely can have an oval shaped room in your own home. But why? An oval room is connected to different rooms and to the hallway. It does have a pronounced shape that will be seen from the outside unless it’s right in the middle of your house. You could use the oval room as an office or a playroom for the children. It’s also good for being a swimming pool or jacuzzi room. An oval room will need extensive planning if you want to implement it. It will need to either knock down bits of the internal walls or take them down entirely. However, the result will be an even stronger structure, as the oval room supports many of the rooms that it is connected to.

How should you approach your home’s redesign? We think it should be adventurous while still practical and, of course, super stylish!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan30

Preparing Your Home For Spring

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Preparing Your Home For Spring

The holidays already seem like a distant memory but it is not quite time for donning the summer wear just yet. Spring will be here before we know it, which brings with it the joys of spring cleaning and getting your place ready for the warmer months.

Deep cleaning in the early months of the year is a given and is perfect for creating healthy homes, removing dust, and eliminating any harmful bacteria that may be lurking. There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing how beautifully clean and sparkly your home is! But what about those forgotten aspects of our homes? What else could you be doing to make sure your home really is super clean and perfect for you and your family? Consider the following:

Air Conditioning:

Are you lucky enough to live somewhere that gets super hot during the summer months? If so, now is the time to act if you need to upgrade your air conditioning system. Air conditioning systems not only help you and your family to stay cool indoors but also offer many other benefits too.

Low-quality air intake can cause a range of health conditions and exacerbate existing conditions too, such as asthma and allergies. Air-conditioning units need regular maintenance and cleaning so it’s worthwhile to spend some time on this before the weather heats up. Imagine getting to the height of summer and it not working then!

Aside from spring time check ups, you should learn more about your AC system because there are, typically, noticeable signs that it might not be working properly. This can include higher electric bills, weird noises, and the machine having an unpleasant odor. Having a professional repair the system when you notice something off will prevent it from getting too out of hand, which can happen quickly.

Drains:

Something else that needs regular maintenance and cleaning is your drains, although they are often forgotten. Clogged lines, jammed sewers, and sinks that will not drain properly should not be ignored. They are more than just an inconvenience and could be indicative of further, more serious problems. These problems could even be hazardous to you and your family’s health. Stubborn clogs can be resolved by hydro-jetting or drain snaking, but it is definitely worth calling a drain specialist who will be able to advise you on the best method to look after your home’s drains. This is a task that should not be completed using the DIY route unless you truly do have the skill set. Even then, it is always good to have a second opinion. To find a specialist in your area, simply enter a search for “Guelph Plumber” (or your local area) to get everything in working order.

Guttering:

Clogged guttering is also something that can be more than just unsightly. Problems with gutters can cause substantial water damage to your home so it is a must to give your gutters some love prior to the heavy rainfall come spring. By preventing overflowing gutters or water from leaking into your home, you are likely to save considerable amounts of money in the long-term. Not only can gutter cleaning prevent leaks but can also help to prevent mold and mildew, rodents and pests, as well as woodwork damage.

While you could clean your gutters yourself, it is wise to call in a professional. With a Gutter cleaning service in Pace, FL or one in your local area, you will have peace of mind that the job is done well and safely. The pros will also be able to see things that you might not be keen to like areas in need of replacement, which can save you a whole lot of hassle in the future.

Outdoor Spaces:

Now that most of the severe weather is passing, it is the perfect time to pay attention to those outdoor spaces and get them prepared for the warmer months ahead. Using a jet wash will really help to clean spaces up and you could even start planning for how you would like to use the space throughout the summer. Consider your landscaping and furniture to create an awesome outdoor hang out for you, family, and friends.

Don’t forget the advice above as you begin your spring cleaning to keep all of your house in tip top shape!

Featured Image By: Valentina Locatelli on Unsplash

Jan30

Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

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Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

Hello! Every day seems like twenty-four more hours of the exact same thing: Wake up, work, relax, repeat. It can be hard to spring out of bed every day with a pep in your step when things are so monotonous but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. Starting your morning out strongly means that you have a better chance of keeping the momentum going all day, which can definitely help improve a blah mood! To get your day going on the right foot, keep the following in mind:

Don’t hit the snooze:

No one is more guilty of hitting the snooze button than me but I really am trying to work on this bad habit! Hitting the snooze button, even for just five minutes will already be pushing your morning back which makes the pre-work rush even more frantic. As soon as your alarm goes off, shrug off your blankets and get yourself moving. If you are feeling sleep deprived, it’s better to go to bed earlier than bank on those extra five to ten minutes every morning that leave you scrambling around the house so you can leave for work on time.

Have something to eat:

Some people are just not breakfast people and that’s okay – no one is saying you need an elaborate breakfast spread every morning. But, it’s important to try eating a little something before you start your day. We need the extra energy to help get us through until lunch time and your morning is really going to drag if all you can think about is how hungry you are. Have yogurts or breakfast bars handy at home so you can have a quick bite before work. On the weekends, there is nothing better than brunch with friends. Quaint restaurants like The Black Penny make for a perfect spot to chat away and enjoy a great meal.

Complete your normal morning routine:

I’m sure all of our morning routines have changed drastically since the start of the pandemic since there really is nowhere to be that requires us to get spruced up. I, myself, have tumbled into an unending cycle of leggings and hoodies. But, there is just something about completing your full morning routine, even with nowhere to be, that hits different. This might mean applying a bit of makeup, styling your hair, or shaving. Whatever it is, give it a shot. It will bring back a touch of normalcy to your day and it will be nice to feel totally work ready again.

Prepare things the night before:

Whether this be making your breakfast or lunch, prepping your paper work, or readying your outfit, it’s always better to do these things the night before. Leaving all of these random additional tasks for your work morning will only add time and stress as you start your day. Plus, if you do everything that you can to already be ready the night before, then you can hit the snooze button without it having such a negative impact! 😀

The tips above are all easy changes that you can start incorporating into your morning routine immediately so you can always wake up on the right side of the bed!

Are you a morning or night person? When do you normally get up in the morning? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan29

Why You Should Plan For Retirement Early

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Why You Should Plan For Retirement Early

Despite how important retirement is, a lot of us leave planning to the last minute. You might plan to get around to it soon, but ‘soon’ can easily become ‘next year’, and then it’s too late. Most people don’t know how much cash they will need to retire securely, and many don’t have a pension at all. It’s never too early to plan no matter when your dream retirement awaits you so get started with the tips below:

When Do You Want To Retire? When Can You?

Think about your ideal retirement and look at your finances to start planning from tomorrow. This will help you to work out if there is a distance between when you want to retire and when you actually will be able to. Are you hoping for mortgage-free living in retirement or will you live in a retirement community? Do you want to enjoy your retirement with travel and restaurants? Or perhaps you are interested in moving states and have been researching the best places to live in tennessee for retirees (or wherever strikes your fancy)? Try to work out how much you expect to spend each month.

By working out these things early, if you find you can’t reach your ideal retirement with your current finances and the rate you’re saving at, you can work out how much more you will need to set aside each month in order to actually reach your retirement goal. If you don’t get prepared, you could end up with a lot less saved up than you expected. Your goal of retiring at 60 could easily get pushed back to 65, and then 70.

Delaying Could Cost You Thousands:

If you start saving for your retirement at 30, you can save less money each year than if you start saving at 50, and still end up with the same amount in your retirement fund. Every year that you put off planning for your pension means that you will have more catching up to do later on, which is when you will likely have more outgoings, thanks to a growing family or a bigger mortgage. In the future, you won’t thank your present self for a lack of planning for your retirement. One of the best things you can do as you prepare is to find ways to make your savings gain more for you. This could include investing in stocks, finding the best fixed rate isa, or creating CD accounts.

Retiring Isn’t Always A Choice:

You might think of retirement as a milestone for later in life, but sometimes the choice of when you retire is not up to you. You might have to retire earlier than you wanted to due to poor health, a change in family circumstances, or a redundancy. There are lots of reasons that you might find yourself having to stop working earlier than you had planned to. If you don’t plan for changes of circumstances like this, there can be a lot of problems. Trying to support your family or pay your mortgage on a smaller pension than you had planned for would be a big issue. Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future. However, you can plan accordingly with services provided by DVI investment management winter park (or something similar in your local area). The team of experts will be able to build an investment portfolio so that your savings can expand and provide a cushion should you need it.

Planning early is important when it comes to your retirement, so get started ASAP!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan28

Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

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Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

If the last year has taught people anything, it’s that it really doesn’t take much for the wider population to panic about supplies. The recent Covid-19 outbreaks have caused people across the globe to panic buy items, with things like toilet paper being very hard to find in some places. Of course, while this may have been a little silly, the threat of shortages is something that it can be worth being prepared for. There are several key products that need to be considered with this, but this article will be going through them to show you how you can overcome shortages without having to empty the shelves at your local stores:

Power/Heat:

The ability to power and heat your home is something that many people take for granted. While it has only been the last 100 years or so that have standardized the environmental control many people have inside their homes, it’s hard for most people to imagine what life would be like without it. Looking for residential propane companies near me and other suppliers offering fuel is a good way to prepare yourself for the event that the mains are no longer usable.

Having a store of affordable fuels will put you in a good place should you need to rely on energy off the grid, employing the services of an expert in energy solutions such as Sunshine Fuels or similar local to you can not only provide you with a supply of cheap fuel but also the opportunity to invest in the installation of a generator which uses such fuels as your property, this way you have a backup source of power should you ever need it. Alternatively, you could switch to powering your home with a standalone generator and use affordable propane gas or heating oil as opposed to being reliant on a large energy provider to heat your home, as they will likely be the first ones to hike their prices during a future shortage.

Companies like https://www.gvpropane.com/ (or a similar one in your local area) offer propane delivery to both commercial and residential settings. They also offer tank installation and removal as well as solutions for temporary heating. Services like this can be a huge asset if you are using propane to heat your home and you can’t beat the convenience of having it delivered!

Water:

Water is essential to all life on Earth, but many countries around the world are facing shortages of this vital compound. In South Africa, for example, people often have to queue to get access to drinking water that is rationed by the government. Having your own water source can be a good way to overcome issues like this, with wells, rain collection, and even natural springs providing excellent ways to get your hands on the water you need to survive.

Essential Foods:

Food shortages are one of the scariest prospects for many people, especially when they have children to look after. Keeping a stock of essential foods like flour, rice, and dried meat can help to ensure that you are able to feed your loved ones if the shops ever close. Thankfully, most superstores have extremely robust supply networks, and this means that they are able to keep their shelves stocked in even the trickiest of situations.

Internet:

Much like the ability to power your home, most people take internet access for granted. This resource enables you to communicate with people from across the globe, while also giving you access to almost unlimited information. Mobile networks are very well-built in most places, and this makes them less likely to fail than the network that is wired into your home. Having mobile data plans or even a few hot spots can help give you peace of mind.

It can be easy to assume that the world will always keep turning, but it also pays to be prepared in case anything happens that makes life hard for you and those you care about.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan27

3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

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3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

If you are looking forward to spring coming around, you aren’t alone. The past year has been a challenge to say the least, but one thing we can guarantee is that the spring and summer will come around again. These seasons encourage us to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and generally have a better outlook on life.

One thing that many people underestimate is how much your household will change as the seasons roll on. Many of us have spent more time than ever at home over the past year due to the coronavirus; although vaccinations are in sight, we can expect to still spend more time indoors in 2021. For this reason, it is crucial to prepare your home for the warm weather so you can stay comfortable and happy while isolating inside!

Here are three ways to prepare your home for warm weather:

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning:

If you live in a location that gets super hot in the summer months, now is the time to act when it comes to getting an air conditioning service. Chances are, the schedules of air conditioning companies are going to fill up quick and you will not want to be left waiting when summer hits. Air conditioning helps you, your pets, kids, and guests to stay cool indoors when the temperatures begin to rise.

How do you upgrade or fix your air conditioning? If you don’t have air conditioning, you should contact a specialist supplier who will give you a quote and install the HVAC in your property. If you have an air conditioner that doesn’t work, or has issues such as the air conditioner not removing humidity, contact your local HVAC specialist for a repair.

As summertime approaches, be sure to monitor your air conditioning unit closely. Any signs you can find that point to it not working properly should be handled immediately to prevent it from getting worse and more expensive. Being prompt will also ensure an appointment will be available before schedules fill up. Take the time to search for “AC repair in Lynnwood” (or your local area) and take note of a few trustworthy companies should you not be able to book an appointment with your first option.

Plant Seeds In The Garden:

If you have a space outdoors to call your own, you should start thinking about how you want it to look and feel in the spring and summer. Planting seeds in your garden as the spring starts to emerge means that they will be in full bloom by summertime.

You could plant a flower bed, a vegetable garden, or even an herb garden! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a beautiful green space on your property. Not only does planting seeds create a lovely garden, but it can be highly therapeutic and soothing for a stressed mind. We could all use a little bit of tranquility in our lives, so create it right there in your backyard.

Change Your Thermostat Gradually:

It might seem like a small change, but altering your thermostat gradually can help you create a cool, comfortable atmosphere in the home. Many people forget to do this until they are sweating buckets and opening all of the windows to compensate! In these scenarios, turning the thermostat down multiple degrees all at once can make your home feel drafty and chilly. That’s why a gradual decline is the way to go. Get ahead and gradually change your thermostat as the temperatures outdoors start to rise. Remember that it is a good idea to try this method as early as the weather allows should you need air conditioning repair. These services book up quickly as warmer weather gets nearer and you don’t want to be without cool air on the first sweltering day of the season!

If you are looking for ways to prepare your home for summer, use this helpful guide to achieve a gorgeous springtime feel in your house!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan27

At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

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At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Hi! Valentine’s Day is, hands down, the most romantic day of the year for couples and if we weren’t in the midst of a pandemic, then I’m sure all of the restaurants and cocktail bars would be jam packed full of love birds celebrating. V-Day is going to be different this year, as staying at home is the best option for everyone right now. But, that doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a romantic evening in! Try the following for a fun and totally safe Valentine’s Day from home:

Clear the floor:

If you and your SO love to dance, then clear out a big section of floor space to create your own at home dance floor. Make a playlist with all of your favorite songs and a few ballads, of course, and dance the night away. Don’t forget to light some candles and dim the lights for an even more romantic atmosphere!

Cocktail hour:

On Valentine’s Days past, you and your partner might have enjoyed a cocktail hour at your favorite local bar. So bring the bar home! Get all of the fixings for both of your go to drinks and play bartender for each other. And don’t forget some light snacks so it doesn’t all go straight to your head! Pop on a rom com while you sip your drinks and it will be even better than being at the movie theater!

Plant some flowers:

Who needs a bouquet when you can plant some potted flowers for your house together? Pick out a packet of seeds, a beautiful terracotta pot, and soil and get your hands dirty. Watching your flowers grow together will be a sweet reminder of how your own love blossomed and you will be able to enjoy them for much longer than a bouquet that will wither within the week.

Should you not have a green thumb, a flower delivery is sure to make your partner’s day. Companies like Daily Blooms delivering flowers throughout QLD (or a similar business in your local area) will bring a stunning bouquet straight to your door. You can have it customized with your significant other’s favorite flowers and a pretty vase to display in your home. Once the bouquet begins to wither, you could even press the flowers as a keepsake of your Valentine’s Day together. 

Sweet treats:

If you and your partner both have a sweet tooth, then try your hands at making and decorating some delicious desserts. From cookies and chocolates to cake, cupcakes, cake pops, and chocolate covered fruit, you will have plenty of options to pick from. Or, if you want to make a day of it, you can bake a little bit of everything! So sweet and so fun too. 🙂

Dinner dress up:

After you’re done preparing dinner or waiting for your take out to arrive, head to your closet and you can both style an outfit for each other to wear during the meal. This will be really fun if you two have an eye for fashion and you will each get to see what your partner thinks you look best in. And, yes, sweat pants and pajamas are both viable options!

In my opinion, creating your own special memories at home seems even more intimate and romantic than a dinner out. Who needs a traditional Valentine’s Day, anyways? ❤

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What is your favorite V-Day memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan26

Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

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Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

Hey! Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. That’s all you hear about when people talk pandemic and, as it has been almost a year since the start of this craziness, you might have exhausted all of the options of things to keep you occupied. Believe you me, I feel it completely and have felt like I’ve been stuck in a never ending loop of work, video games, Netflix, and bed. It can be hard to break that cycle but maybe these ideas below will help inspire all of us to keep on trying new things, despite all of the boredom blues. Let’s get to it:

Library Programs:

If your local libraries are anything like the ones in Ohio, then the events calendar on their website should be full of virtual programs that you can enjoy. There are events for every age group to participate in from story time for children to concerts from local talent and craft nights on Zoom. Take a look at your library’s website, see what sparks your interest, and sign up. The best part? If you don’t like it, all you need to do is close out of the Zoom call!

Make Some Money:

I used to be a huge fan of garage sale style apps like LetGo and they can be a great tool when you are doing a big home clean out. Start your spring cleaning early and see if you have anything that you’d like to try your hand at selling. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say, and you could put your earnings towards a vacation fund when it is safer to travel. Plus: Clean house. It’s a total win/win.

Check Out Local Specialty Shops:

In my neck of the woods, there are plenty of small businesses that you can support and a lot of them have programs offered online. Perhaps your local game shop has an online Dungeons & Dragons community? Or maybe the craft store offers online tutorials on completing an art project from their employees. Not only will you help support their business but it will be a great way to meet new people and possibly develop a brand new hobby.

Fresh Spins On Old Favorites:

There is nothing wrong with sticking with the same old if it’s what you enjoy but how about putting a spin on it? Love pampering yourself in your free time? Try your hand at making your own soaps or lotion. Handy in the kitchen? Open your cook book to a random page and whip up something you never tried before. Book worm? Start your own book club with your friends over Zoom! Incorporating some new things into a hobby that is already your favorite will keep things exciting and you can become skilled in all areas of your craft.

We still have a long way to go before things go back to “normal”, which means we are going to be confined to our homes for a bit longer. Try the ideas above and, before you know it, nicer weather will be here and seeing friends safely outdoors will be possible! 😀

How do you spend your time in lock down? What is something new that you’d like to try? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan24

New Year’s Resolution Check In

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New Year’s Resolution Check In

Hello! We are already getting close to wrapping up the first month of 2021 and if you made New Year’s Resolutions, then now might be a good time to reflect on these past few weeks and see how you have been faring. Consider the following and make adjustments accordingly so you can achieve all of your goals this year:

How often are you working on your goal?

If you have been dedicated to working towards your goal several times a week, you might want to buff up the time you’re spending by an extra five to ten minutes. However, if you’re struggling to work on your goal during your set scheduled times – don’t fret! There is no need to be hard on yourself. Rather, make a schedule that you know you can accomplish and then add more time to it gradually. Remember, a resolution is supposed to last you until the next New Year so it’s important to not let yourself get discouraged or burned out.

Is your resolution something you want to do?

It’s all well and good to say resolutions that sound well and good like losing weight or taking a class for your own enrichment. But, if you’re not one hundred percent dedicated to what you’re saying, then what’s the point? If there is something that you’d like to accomplish but it doesn’t fit in with a traditional New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to change things up while it’s still early in 2021.

Think carefully about all of the goals you have in the back of your mind, big or small. You are sure to feel an “Aha!” sensation about something and that means you are on the right track. And, don’t let anyone else’s goals intimidate you because resolutions are about bettering yourself. Start small and work your way up to big moves.

Are you feeling different?

Achieving goals feels awesome and if you’ve been steadily working on your resolutions, then you might already be feeling the benefits of small gains. Feeling discouraged is a totally different story, though, and that’s the polar opposite of what making New Year’s resolutions is all about. It’s impossible to start something new and be an instant expert because good things take time. If you’re feeling a little glum, take a break for a day or two and come back to your goals with a clearer head so you don’t completely turn yourself off to the process. Everyone needs time to relax and, if that’s the case for you, then it is one hundred and fifty million percent okay.

January has been flying by and that can make New Year’s Resolutions feel even more intimidating. I hope everyone is making huge wins in their goals and I, for one, am very proud of all of your successes big or small. Keep your chin up no matter where you’re at in achieving your resolutions and you are sure to accomplish everything you set your mind to! ❤

What is one of your New Year’s resolutions? How are you faring so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah