No matter how you want to improve in 2021, there’s a book for that. We’ve rounded up some of the top self-help books for transforming your finances, relationships, wellbeing, and more.

1. The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
Author: Hal Elrod

Let’s start from the beginning — the beginning of your day, that is. Author Hal Elrod teaches a morning routine that helped him turn his life around and achieve massive goals even in the face of overwhelming setbacks. In this book, you’ll learn how to carry out your own morning routine with the S.A.V.E.R.S. approach: silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and scribing (writing).

2. Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
Author: Jay Shetty
This book condenses the knowledge of author Jay Shetty, who gave up a typical path of striving and success to train as a monk in India. Read this book if you want to improve your ability to be mindful and calm and rise above destructive thought patterns.

3. The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life
Author: JL Collins
Sometimes finance can seem like a needlessly complicated topic. Starting with the title, this book promises an alternative. Each chapter breaks down finance and investment topics in a way anyone can understand. Packed with plenty of examples, this is a great book for anyone, whether you’re aiming to gain a little more control over your finances or you’re striving for full financial freedom.

4. Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
Author: Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Financial independence can give you the freedom to live your life the way you want and pursue a purpose that enriches your life and the lives of others. Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez’ popular financial book aims to help you change the way you look at money and align the way you use money with your deepest values.

5. The Friendship Formula: Add Great Friends, Subtract Toxic People and Multiply Your Happiness
Author: Caroline Millington
Everyone could use more friends, especially in today’s increasingly solitary and isolating culture. The Friendship Formula uses the idea of “kindfulness” to help readers gain new levels of satisfaction with the quality of their relationships.

6. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Already a well-known fiction writer, Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic imparts insights from her own experience about surpassing fear to dive into and cultivate one’s own creativity. This is a great book to read if you’ve been mulling over the idea of a big creative project but need the motivation to start.

7. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Author: James Clear
Behind every audacious goal, there are daily habits. In this science-backed book, author James Clear gives you a framework for crafting habits that you’ll stick with to help you achieve the goals that matter to you.

8. Reading People: How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything
Author: Anne Bogel
If you’re at all interested in the Myers-Briggs or Enneagram personality assessments, this is the book for you. Anne Bogel delves into a number of personality frameworks and shares how knowledge of these frameworks can affect every area of your life.

9. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Author: Brené Brown
Embracing flaws can sometimes seem at odds with an overly filtered, curated modern world, but Brené Brown’s book aims to teach you how and why to do just that. Read this book if living authentically and learning to be at peace with imperfection sounds attractive to you.

10. Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion
Author: George J. Thompson, Ph.D., and Jerry B. Jenkins
You probably already know that good communication skills can help you in every area of your life, but do you actually know how to hone those skills? This book aims to teach you how to skillfully navigate and come out on top in just about any communication situation life throws at you.
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Pick one or all of these books to add to your reading list and prepare for extreme transformation in 2021.

A fresh new season is upon us and now is a great time to freshen up our homes. Along with a fresh clean, why not get creative? Whether you have a weekend, a few hours, or even a few minutes there is a DIY that will bring a fresh new coziness to your home.

 

1. Declutter and Organize a Space…or Two

Decluttering a space is a great way to freshen up your home a welcome in a new season. Removing unnecessary items automatically makes a space feel lighter and cleaner and will motivate you to move on to other parts of your home. Then, once you’ve tackled the decluttering, take the time to assess what you are keeping and look for appropriate and beautiful storage containers that will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible. If the space needs paint touch-up or a refresh clean, now’s a great time to do that as well.

 

2. Get Painting

Everyone says that something as easy and inexpensive as painting a room can make a big impact – and it’s true. Paint a whole room, an accent wall, or try designing a simple mural. If painting a wall or a room doesn’t inspire you, find a piece of furniture or lamp base that needs a fresh update.

 

3. Replace Cabinet Hardware and Light Switch Plates

If you’re not quite ready to replace your cabinets but you do want a new look, start with replacing the hardware. You can also replace your light switch plates and outlet covers for a similar fresh feel. Over the years these tend to get dirty, greasy, dusty, discolored and even mismatched without noticing.

 

4. Hang a New Art Piece

Hanging a new photo or art piece is a great space refresh. You might have something that’s been hidden away waiting to make a comeback or maybe you’ve been eyeing a new piece of art that you’d love to purchase. Take a drive out to a favorite thrift store or antique mall to find something that speaks to you. There’s nothing like the feeling of perusing ideas online and making something yourself and then hanging it up.

 

5. Refresh Your Flooring

Let’s not forget that updating our floors can make a tremendous impact as well. Something as simple as adding a rug can add warmth and a design element to a room. Depending on the room, you can add peel and stick flooring, paint a concrete floor, paint a tile floor or even refreshing the existing grout will make tile look new.

Ready to make your New Year’s resolutions?

Perhaps more than any other year, 2020 has challenged us to reframe our priorities and what matters most in life. For many of us, the experiences of the past year have opened the door for new opportunities, goals, and big dreams for the future.

With 2021 finally here, now is the perfect time to reconsider the lessons you’ve learned this year and focus on your big plans for the next. But, not all resolutions are created equally – or created in a way that guides you to success.

Let’s learn some of the top tips for creating New Year’s Resolutions that stick!

Be specific about your goal.
For the best results, create a goal that is as specific as possible. “Lose weight” or “drink more water” are too vague to make any traction or to gauge your success. Instead, try SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, “I will lose 15 pounds by July 2021 by exercising 4 times per week and switching to an anti-inflammatory diet.”

Choose one or two big goals.
You may have several big goals for the next year, but focusing on too many things can spread your energy (and motivation) too thin. Instead, choose one or two main goals to focus on for the year, or at least the first 3 months of the year. Once those goals become habits and reality, you can move on to the next goals on your list.

Make a plan.
Resolutions are just hopes without a solid plan. To reach your goals this year, make sure you plan ahead and give yourself an easy-to-follow framework for how you will achieve your goal. What are the steps to get there? What can you do today to start? How will you track your progress? Planning takes a little time but keeps you on track for months to come.

Have a mess-up plan.
It’s normal to feel like giving up when you fall off track. But remember: one mess-up does not mean you have failed. Put a plan into place for when things don’t go according to plan. For example, if you miss a day of exercise, establish a plan ahead of time for how you will make up for it the following day or week. Then, you’ll know exactly how to get back on track instead of giving up.  

Start with tiny steps.
When we focus too much on the big picture, overwhelm is inevitable. Even the biggest goals have tiny actionable steps along the way. If you’re stuck on a big picture goal, list out the smaller steps that will get you there. Then, the smaller steps for each of those steps. Find the smallest actionable step to help get you started.

Get perspective and celebrate small wins.
No matter what your goal is, any amount of progress along the way should be celebrated! Reaching a goal is never a linear process. Any amount of progress can be considered a step in the right direction, even if you feel far away from your bigger goal. When you notice a change, shift, or have a small win, celebrate! This boosts your motivation and keeps you on track. 

A Goal-Oriented 2021

So, what are your goals this year? How do you hope to feel in 2022? Now is the time to dream about the future and make your plan. And remember to have fun along the way! Happy planning, and happy new year!

With the holidays approaching and COVID numbers going up across the country – traveling for the holidays is becoming more complicated. The CDC is recommending people stay home, but if you have to travel, here are a few things to think about.

 

Get tested. 

 

Many universities, concerned about sending students home for the holidays, have opted for testing. The recommendation is to test 72 hours before students depart, and students are testing positive will be expected to self-quarantine at the school

 

Plan your trip.

 

How you travel is important. Airplanes and Trains pose more risk than traveling by car as the virus recirculates in the enclosed space. The more time spent with the same people in the more chance of infection – if you must travel by plane or train, make sure everyone is wearing a mask.

 

Research the rules and check the numbers.

 

Many states are requesting visitors to self-quarantine upon arrival – whether you are staying in someone’s home or going to a hotel. Some states have mandatory mask legislation with fines for those who don’t obey the rules. Know before you go. Check out the guidelines for the states you will be traveling to or through.

 

Opt for an RV

 

Consider a road trip and rent an RV – you will have control over your home environment and limit time spent with friends and family.

 

Behavior is important! 

 

Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, avoid contact with anyone who is ill, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and make sure those around you do too. Remember, each time you open your bubble to include people who are not part of your household; you add risk. Communication is key

 

Ask questions.

 

Will those you are traveling to wear masks and social distance? Will masks be worn, and social distancing observed at the hotel or home you are visiting? Several sites are looking at which hotels are adhering to CDC regulations – before you make reservations make sure their precautions are inline with your expectations.

 

Consider a preemptive quarantine. 

 

If you must travel, and if you will be spending time with individuals in high-risk groups, consider a preemptive quarantine for 14 days, the incubation period for COVID, before you travel.

 

Plan your trip, research your mode of travel, and the regulations in place at your destination. Talk to those you are traveling with and traveling to — understand what precautions they are taking. And most of all, be respectful of others wish to limit their exposure and risk of contracting COVID.

 

Be smart; be safe. 

 

It’s becoming increasingly more and more relevant to learn new practices in our homes in order to conserve energy both for our pockets and the environment. Learning a few tips and tricks can make a big difference for both your wallet and the environment. Here are some of the easiest, yet most impactful ways to save a bit of extra energy (and money!) this fall.

Fall-Friendly Energy Saving Tips 

• Lower the Water Heater Temperature

It’s a good idea to check what temperature your water heater is set because in many cases, it’s actually set too high. Setting it at 120 degrees is sufficient for most homes and anything higher is simply a waste. For even more efficiency, wrap your water heater in insulating material.

 

• Change Your Air Filters

One of the best fall-friendly recommendations is to change your air filter. Not only does it save money, it helps to alleviate those pesky seasonal allergies. Everyone is healthier and happier when your home’s airflow (including your furnace) is working efficiently!

 

• Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

This is one of those tips that is a small habit but can make a big difference over time. Cold water can still remove many stains and even prevents shrinking. In fact, some fabrics actually do better in cold water. Save the warm and hot water for things like underwear and towels and save energy with cold water on everything else.

 

• Prevent Drafty Windows and Doors

No one likes a drafty window, so if you find that you have some unwanted airflow coming in around your windows, use clear plastic film (found at home improvement stores) to tape to the inside of your windows and keep the cold air from coming inside. Draft blockers work excellently at the bottom of doors to keep drafts from sneaking in.

 

• Adjust Inside Temperature and Wear Layers

Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees is the recommended setting for saving energy when you’re at home. If you feel that it isn’t warm enough, try wearing an extra layer or some cozy socks since we lose a lot of heat through our feet. Doing everyday activities around the house will also keep you at a comfortable temperature.

 

• Open South-Facing Window Curtains

Take advantage of the sun not only boosts your mood throughout fall and winter, but helps you save energy too! Open the curtains on south-facing windows during the day and let the sun heat your home naturally but be sure to close them at night to keep your room warm.

 

• Add Vent Air Deflectors

Vent air deflectors are great for keeping more warm air inside your home. Vent air deflectors are placed over your vents to redirect warm air from your furnace into your home, rather than flowing up and out the window. They’re great energy savers in summer too, when you have the air conditioner on!

 

There are several helpful strategies that will help you save money, save energy, and stay comfortable in the coming cooler months. How much could you save this fall with these simple tips?

 

 

 

 

 

Schools are moving back to distance learning, to prevent the spread of COVID and keep children, families, and teachers safe, which means parents will be taking on more teaching duties at home. Here are a few tips to help families cope having their students home.

First, break up the day.

In school, days are broken into periods. Mimic that. Divide the day into study, movement, quiet time, and chores.

Stay active! YouTube has thousands of age-appropriate movement and exercise videos from Hip Hop to weight training. Think about adding an afternoon dance party or walk around the neighborhood to shake off the midday slump. The more exercise is part of a child’s day, the less restless they will be.

Add in quiet time. Set aside unstructured time when children can choose what to do – read, color, nap, or daydream. Schedule this time after lunch or to cover a zoom meeting. Allowing kids control over part of their day will balance all the things they don’t have control over.

Then, break up the week.

Most older students have different subjects each day. Break up younger students’ week by focusing on different things each day, then repeat the pattern. Maybe Tuesday is craft day, Wednesday is cooking, and Friday is for field trips. Repetition helps set expectations. Surprises are great, but most children crave consistency.

Have something to look forward to – a new video game, book, puzzle, or board game. Or get out – a trip to a park, zoo, beach, or wildlife refuge can break up the week and help the whole family deal with the negative impacts of isolation.

Don’t forget to break up who does what.

Parents working from home have double duty, balancing childcare with their jobs. Divide up who is the dedicated (for younger children) or on-call (for autonomous students) parent. Give your partner some uninterrupted time for work or self-care.

Plan for when things break.

Every preschool teacher will tell you, have a backup plan. When focus fades and tempers flare, have a go-to distraction. A favorite book, game, or video can calm the moment and let everyone take a breath.

Don’t break; be kind to yourself.

Adding “teaching” to the workload wasn’t something most parents envisioned. Remember, it is a learning experience for the whole family, mistakes will happen, and balls will drop. Learn from what did and didn’t work, then move on.

The Pandemic is putting stress on all aspects of our lives, but we need to do the best we can as we learn to live with it and keep ourselves and our communities safe.

Has 2020 left you feeling a little unsatisfied? One of the best cures for the Covid-19 blues is diving in to learn something new. Hobbies and interests give us a break from the stresses of our modern society while helping us grow – either professionally or personally.

We’ve gathered some of the best places to learn something new online. What will you discover?

Level up on Skillshare.
Skillshare is a knowledge-sharing platform that allows anyone to offer video courses in their area of unique expertise. From photography to personal finance, cooking to calligraphy, you can find it all on Skillshare.

Deepen your knowledge with Coursera.
Coursera is the place to go if you want to take a college-level course right at home. There is a vast range of courses and you’re likely to find something on any topic that interests you. Their courses are developed and taught by real university professors and include a certificate option.

Get artsy on Domestika.
Domestika is a hub for creative and art courses. Here you can learn the basics of illustration or macramé, or try your hand at highly specialized techniques like concrete furniture making. Art can be greatly therapeutic, so why not find something creative and healing to pass the time?

Get in the Kitchen with Milk Street Online Cooking School.
If you’ve always wanted to improve your cooking skills, Milk Street’s Online Cooking School is the perfect way to gain confidence in the kitchen. They offer hour-long live cooking events hosted by cooking teachers, recipe developers, and chefs. Cook along and send in any questions or comments along the way!

Pick up the Guitar with Fender Play.
Learning a new instrument is a great way to flex your brain and relax at the same time. Plus, you can entertain your friends and family with your beautiful music for years to come! Try out Fender Play’s online guitar courses and start strumming along to old classics and new favorites. Their easy-to-follow lessons are paired with comprehensive learning plans and progress tracking.

Summer is a great time to shake up your house’s interior design. And if you’re like a lot of people, you want something fresh; something to revitalize and breathe new life into your residence. But it can be hard to get started and the options may seem overwhelming. From simply buying some new furniture or decorations to completely redesigning a living room, there are thousands of ways to change an interior space. So to help you narrow down your options and get started, let’s take a look at four inspiring design trends taking over this summer.

Curves and Organic Shapes

Cast aside and largely neglected since the 60s, whimsical, curvy shapes are finally mounting a comeback this year. And they are rocking 2020 interior design in a big way. As curved and organic shapes continue to grow in popularity this summer, rounded furniture and rugs, as well as curved, wavy, and even snaking texture patterns have all come in vogue. Add some flair and touch of character to any space by ditching straight lines for organic, bending and flowing shapes.

Warm Tones (and Green!)

It should come as no surprise that warm tones are in for the summer. Soft pastel yellows, tans, pinks, and oranges perfectly compliment the season. Yet less predictably, green has become a popular color this season and is quickly cementing itself as a perfect choice for an adventurous homeowner looking to reinvigorate a space with a unique but tasteful color. Green works particularly well in living and bedrooms.

Quartz Countertops

An elegant blend of modern technology and artistic brilliance, the very concept of a quartz countertop is intriguing. In contrast with traditional countertops such as those made from marble or granite, quartz countertops are synthetic, and because of this, often quite affordable. But don’t be fooled by the lower price tag, not only are quartz countertops just as beautiful as their natural stone counterparts, they’re far more durable, stain-resistant, and difficult to scratch or chip. Attractive, high quality, and cost-conscious, it’s no wonder that quartz countertops continue to grow in popularity this summer.

Canopy Beds

Traditionally used to trap in heat and maintain privacy, today the canopy bed is beloved for its lavish design. Instantly evoking a sense of sophistication and importance, the canopy bed is a powerful design piece that needs to be matched in tone by its surroundings. However, for an ambitious bedroom interior designer, introducing a canopy bed is a great way to solidify a premium and luxurious atmosphere this summer.

 

Design trends are ever-changing, constantly updating with new ideas in aesthetics and technological advances. This summer the trend is clear. A marriage between modern technology and the nostalgic interior design choices of yesteryear. Minimalist and futuristic design choices languish while older, busier design choices such as curvy patterns reign supreme.

Was buying or selling your home one of your resolutions for 2020? After the first few months of the year have passed and we’ve experienced the sudden changes that the coronavirus pandemic has brought, many people are left wondering if they should give up on their dreams to buy or sell this year. Thankfully, the real estate market is no stranger to navigating big changes. Let’s learn about this summer’s predictions for the Southern California housing market and find out if now is a good time to buy or sell.

 

A New Way to Buy and Sell

With the social distancing and safety precautions in effect for California residents due to COVID-19, buying and selling a home looks very different these days. Instead of a Sunday open house, most viewings are happening online via video calls. While we are uncertain how long these measures will be in effect, it is likely that distance viewings will be part of the real estate future in Southern California through the summer.

 

Will the Drops in Sales Continue?

Through April, California saw a 10% drop in home sales and general delays in the home buying process. While this could last through summer, there are still many buyers who are eager to get their hands on a new home. Interest rates continue to be low which is a major incentive for buyers and good news for hopeful sellers. There is good news for eager buyers, too. Not everyone will be ready to take the financial risk of buying a home in uncertain times. If you managed a locked-in interest rate, have sound employment, and are still interested in buying, you may benefit from fewer buyers in the usually saturated Southern California market.

 

On the Bright Side

When we consider the long-term benefits of owning a home in Southern California, we find that buying property here has always been a good investment. Southern California remains one of the most desirable places to live, making the housing market relatively steady with the promise of a good return on investment. For buyers, this means that even when purchasing a home in an uncertain economic time, you’ll likely be making a good investment for the future. For sellers, rest assured that even in trying times there are still many buyers looking to relocate and buy in this area.

 

Real Estate Lives On

No matter what happens over the coming months, there will be buyers and sellers. While we can expect to notice a few changes compared to previous years in Southern California, predictions remain relatively steady. If you are a buyer and were hoping to buy a home this summer, now is the time to start looking. There may be fewer options, but you can find your next home with a little diligence and the right real estate team. Sellers are also encouraged to list their properties and carry on with their hopes to sell this summer.

There’s nothing worse than a raging case of buyer’s remorse. It’s one thing to detest the jacket you just bought. It’s another to regret purchasing your house. While buying a home is an excellent investment that pays a lot of dividends in the long-run, daily life can make it harder to see the big picture. Some of the bumps along the road may cause you to feel moments of regret, but they shouldn’t. 

There are moments where you’ll feel blindsided as a homeowner. You feel that if you knew about these problems earlier in life, it could have made these blows easier to deal with. In fact, you can even plan for them, which would severely decrease any feelings of buyer’s regret. Here are five things homeowners wish they knew before they bought or renovated their home. 

Fix the Little Things As They Happen 

A slow leak can cause structural damage, while a clogged gutter can make a hole in the roof. There are little inconveniences that will inevitably pop up in your home. You might feel tempted to deal with these issues “tomorrow.” 

After all, you don’t plan on moving any time soon, so you’re bound to fix this issue. Well, that issue isn’t going anywhere either. Suddenly, it becomes a game of chicken as to what will crack first–the ceiling tiles or your procrastination. 

You Might Not Be Able to Renovate Upon Moving in 

Part of the allure of buying a house is making the place feel like yours. Sure, you can move in and rip up the carpet and paint the walls. However, you might not be allowed to get an addition or upgrade the electrical on day one.

For instance, adding another room onto the side of your house might be a zoning or conservation issue. Plus,installing a new bathroom will require a plumbing permit, just as blowing out the kitchen wall requires its own. 

Furthermore, these permits can only be obtained by the homeowners. It doesn’t matter if you’re closing tomorrow. They will make you wait until tomorrow to start the process. Depending on your situation, approval may take months.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

It’s good to have people you trust that live around you. Even the biggest introverts can benefit from a last minute cat-sitter or someone close who can lend you a lawnmower when yours goes kaput. 

Also, bad neighbors can really impede your quality of life. Try getting a gauge of the people in your neighborhood before moving in. Say “hi” and chat if you see them outside. Drive around at different hours of a day to get a feel for the neighborhood’s vibe. Make an educated decision about your location before settling in. 

Look Out for Problem Trees

Trees are essential and are an excellent spot for your children to read a book. However, these big beauties can become even bigger pains. If your potential house is close to a big tree, Google it. See how aggressive their root systems are. 

Aggressive roots are strong and will expand many feet. In turn, they can pull up piping or damage the structure of the house. Think of a tree that destroys a sidewalk. That can be the slab of your future home’s foundation. 

Plan Renovations 

Your house needs to change as your family continues to evolve. These changes are going to be costly. However, their necessity will be inevitable. So, don’t live in denial. Come up with a plan.

Talk to pros about potential renovations. Get a gauge for how much they will be. Choose one big project every year or two. Save up and see it through. Then, start thinking of your next long-term goal. You’ll be surprised at how productive you can be!