Contributed post; contains affiliate links - as an Amazon Associate, I receive commission from purchases made after clicking on these. When it comes to cleaning, there’s this weird relationship with it. The act of cleaning itself is so boring; sometimes, it can even be physically demanding (especially in those hard-to-reach places). But at the same time, when you’re done with cleaning, you feel like a champion; you feel like you’re on top of the world. Plus, usually, when something is outrageously filthy, it makes someone feel grossed out or uncomfortable anyway. Whether you enjoy the act of cleaning or not, for the average person, the feeling is mutual when it comes to dirty and clean places. But with that said, sometimes, a deep cleaning is needed. This deep cleaning is more than just removing residue from the dishwasher; it’s getting into those nooks and crannies, moving furniture, and, of course, decluttering. Actually, spring is just around the corner, so it's the perfect time to do some spring cleaning! But you can’t expect to do all the spring cleaning yourself; you definitely need some help with it! So, with that said, your help needs to be your family, but how can you hype them up for the semi-busy schedule of cleaning up the house and their rooms? Well, here’s how to do it! Get Professionals to Do the Challenging Stuff It’s a good idea to remove some of the stress for both you and your family by getting some professionals to take care of certain things. For example, you don’t need to hire a maid or housekeeper for deep cleaning. You can if you want, but there are some areas that might be cleaned and might need help, such as opting for experienced window cleaners or even hiring someone to pressure wash your house and driveway. If these more challenging jobs have another party doing them, everyone will feel more at ease. You can also outsource some tasks, such as vacuuming and mopping, to an amazing robot - my absolute favorite is the Narwal Freo (commission earning Amazon affiliate link). Make Sure the Tasks are Age-Appropriate While it’s sometimes nice to see what your kids are capable of, you don’t want to throw too much at them too quickly. So, just like with regular chores, make sure they’re getting assigned things that they are capable of doing and can do safely. For example, younger children (such as those below the age of 10) can help with simple tasks like dusting, sorting toys, or wiping down surfaces, while older children and teenagers can take on more challenging tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, or organizing closets. Make It Into a Game This is something more for younger children because teens might not be too interested in this. It’s up to you how to do this really, but there are some ways to get younger children interested in spring cleaning. For example, you can create a scavenger hunt where family members search for misplaced items and return them to their proper places. Another thing you could try is to set a timer and challenge each other to see who can clean a room the fastest. Offering little rewards might help, too. But making this into a game is really one of the easiest ways to get younger children interested, thus making it fun and cute for the parents.
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As a family of 5 we are always hunting for ways to save on flights and travel more. The dirt cheap tickets available through no frills airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue are definitely attractive, but once you start paying for a checked bag and carry on luggage, those fees really start to add up! Learning how to pack your personal item like a pro is key, and you start that off by finding the right small but mighty travel backpack for women, men, and kids! So let's get right to it - I'm going to show you how to pick the best travel backpack and how to pack your personal item to save money on flights!!
Disclaimer - this post was sponsored by Responsival and contains some affiliate links noted with ** after them. As an Amazon associate, I receive commission from qualified purchases made after clicking affiliate these links.
PERSONAL ITEM DIMENSIONS:
Every airline has its own maximum dimensions for the complimentary personal item every ticket holder in entitled to. If you're hoping to save on flights by not paying for a carry on or checked bag (or as few as possible), you'll want to know the dimensions of what bags and amenities are included in that ticket, and calculate the total cost including any bags you would need to purchase. For example, a no frills airline may have a cheaper ticket but if you MUST bring a full size carry on, check a bag, select your seat, and purchase a meal, a regular ticket with a bigger airline may be a similar or even better deal. Most airlines have set their max dimensions of the complimentary "personal item" at or above 17" x 13" x 8" (at least at the time of writing this post, which I confirmed for Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Play Airlines, Spirit Airlines) which is a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. The reasoning is that it needs to go under the seat in front of you, and not take up their valuable money-making overhead space. Some budget airlines are notorious for making you gently plop your bag in the measurement device at the gate, without allowing you to push or adjust the bag, if even a handle is sticking out, they'll force you to pay a last minute carry on or checked bag fee, which can be a whopping $60 or so. Suddenly, your Frontier Airlines deals are no longer deals... So let's avoid that by making sure your bag is well within the limits - get one that is small enough and do not over pack it. THE BEST PERSONAL ITEM FOR FLYING: Have no fear, I have found THE BEST weekender bag, laptop backpack for women and men, whatever you want to call it. I was sent this set and paid for my review but these are honestly amazing!! At just 17" x 12" x 5" the Day Owl Backpack has a minimalist look AND size (i.e. within the dimensions for every regular and budget airline I mentioned above), yet holds a whopping 21 liters and has a ton of pockets and compartments, including a padded compartment that will hold a 16" laptop, as well as a water resistant insulated side pocket that will hold that 750mL bottle of wine you splurge on at duty free (or huge water bottle, of course). Plus, each backpack is made from 26 recycled plastic water bottles!!! The Pouch is a great add-on, a cord organizer (or little clutch to hold your wallet / phone / passport etc). Watch my Day Owl Backpack & Cord Pouch review video below for a closer look! PACKING HACKS:
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR PERSONAL ITEM:
This list will differ if you're traveling with a carry on or checked bag (this is my FAVORITE 3 piece nesting luggage set** in case you're in need of gorgeous new suitcases!), or if you're only flying with your personal item.
Contributed post. Termites, often dubbed the silent destroyers, are fascinating yet formidable creatures. Although their reputation for extensive property damage is well-established, termites possess more secrets than we think! In this blog we'll dive deep into their world - exploring their biology, damage caused, prevention techniques and modern approaches to termite management. A Closer Look at the Wood-Munching Foes
Although termites may resemble ants, these insects are actually closer related to cockroaches than ants. Since over 250 million years, termites have quietly altered ecosystems by breaking down cellulose material. But when these wood-eating beasts invade human habitats, their natural tendencies become problematic. Understanding different types of termites (subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites) as well as their habits is critical for homeowners and property managers alike. The Silent Havoc Wreaked by Termites Termite damage can be particularly destructive to properties. Their insidious nature makes them particularly hazardous: termites feed unnoticed on wooden structures of buildings for years without anyone realizing anything has gone amiss. Every year this activity costs billions in structural damage worldwide - not to mention paper insulation and pool liners or filtration systems are also at risk from their relentless nibblers! Prevention: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine "Prevention is better than cure" rings particularly true in termite management. Regular inspections and early detection are of paramount importance. Wood must be kept away from soil, getting the moisture levels around your property reduced quickly, and leaks promptly repaired as soon as detected, as these will discourage termites from making your property their target meal. Adding physical and chemical barriers during construction can provide further long-term protection. Modern Warfare Against Termites Long gone are the days when termite control meant dousing your property with toxic chemicals. Modern termite management relies on more sophisticated tactics. From bait systems that exploit termite social behaviors against them to eco-friendly treatments that protect without harming our planet, termite warfare has advanced exponentially over the past decades, and innovation continues in this space - new methods being created daily to ensure sustainable control. Professional Termite Management While DIY methods of termite control may seem tempting, it's essential to recognize their limitations and risks before trying them yourself. Without proper training and equipment, you could miss key indicators of an infestation or use harmful chemicals that could endanger both yourself and the environment. Professional termite management offers not only expert expertise but also long-term solutions tailored to the unique needs of your property. Terminix professionals possess the resources and skills needed to effectively identify, treat, and prevent termite infestations. With regular inspections and treatment plans in place, you can rest easy knowing your investment is safe from termites and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected against this potential risk. Conclusion: Coexisting With Our Tiny Titans Termites are an integral component of nature, yet when they enter our homes they often create havoc and discord. Understanding these insects, the damage they cause and how we can prevent and manage infestations is key to safeguarding against becoming their next food source. With knowledge and modern termite control strategies at our disposal, we can keep our homes secure while simultaneously encouraging termites to recycle dead wood in nature where it belongs. These destructive creatures may seem formidable at first, but with proper management techniques in place they can be controlled effectively to preserve buildings while giving us peace of mind.
Contributed post.
As a homeowner, you have surely come across a few plumbing-related things that need to be fixed over time. After all, normal wear and tear occurs simply because you live in your home and use it as you should. There comes a time when you will need to either hire a professional to handle your repairs or take a more self-sufficient approach and do it yourself. It is especially important to understand how to repair things that are water-related. Failing to do so sooner rather than later may lead to water damage and even flooding within your home.
Of note, don’t be a hero and try to fix something complicated that is beyond your scope, as it can lead to more problems. Keep reading to learn some maintenance skills that you can, indeed, take on with confidence.
Prolong the life of your washing machine.
Washing machines are essential to keep your family in clean clothes and to ensure a functional home. If the washing machine breaks and dirty clothing begins piling up, nobody’s having a good day. To maintain this important appliance, you should learn some basic DIY skills, and a great one to start with is learning how to fix the seal of your washer. This seemingly simple rubber ring is vital to prevent water from leaking and causing unnecessary damage to your home. Once you have replaced it, keep the new one clean to prevent mold and mildew from building up on the seal, which will decrease its life. Repair a leaky faucet. Leaky faucets are not only annoying due to their monotonous dripping intrusion on your daily life. They also cost you more money on your monthly utility bill since the water going down the drain adds up very quickly. In addition, a small leak can easily turn into a broken faucet and unchecked water spewing out over time. Watch this quick video to learn how to avoid these potential problems and fix a leaky faucet before it becomes a bigger problem.
Unclog a toilet.
This one is not on anyone’s list, but it has to be done. Learning to clear an unwanted, unsightly, and smelly clog is a good skill to have at the ready. And once you learn how, go ahead and teach the rest of your family if they are old enough to take care of it on their own. Start by grabbing the basic supplies: Cleaners (for when you are finished), rubber gloves, a plunger, an old plastic cup or small container, and a bucket. If the toilet bowl is full, use the old cup or container to remove half of the liquid from the toilet into the bucket. Next, begin plunging. Tilt the plunger head so it fills with water, as it's forceful plunging of water (not air!!) that is key for pushing the clog through. It may take a few minutes. Once the clog clears, flush the bowl’s contents. Dump the liquid in the bucket back into the toilet and flush again. Now it is time to begin cleaning your tools!
Now that you have some new skills under your belt, it is time to go forward with confidence. Be proactive and fix any problems before they become too big to handle on your own. You will be so proud that you can do it yourself.
Looking to save time and money outsourcing home projects, renovations, and repairs? Or maybe, like me, you'd simply be satisfied with not getting ghosted after spending weeks calling around and getting quotes and even setting up a date for the work! Whichever it is, I got you!
Which is why I couldn't be more excited to share with you my new hack: HomeFree (discount code coming at the end of the post)! Full disclosure, they reached out to me (great thing they did since I'd never heard of them before) and comped my membership so I could try them out, and I earn commission from signups through this post. BUT. As always, my reviews are completely honest so watch my 1 minute overview video and read on to hear how HomeFree saved my sanity and my bathroom and has earned a special place in my heart and every single home project I will ever have LOL!! I know you will be absolutely blown away by their service, as I was.
WHAT IS HOMEFREE?
HomeFree is a concierge-style membership that sources, negotiates, and manages the work for all your home projects. After joining, you text ONE number and they'll ask about the job you need done, probably have you send a few photos as well. They partner up with the best of the best, the top 5% of professionals in your area, averaging 4.7 stars! The average member saves 22% on their projects because HomeFree can negotiate better through their relationships with these pros!
MY EXPERIENCE USING HOMEFREE:
We need to rewind first. About half a year ago, we realized it was time to have our tub re-caulked. It was cracked and not only did it look horrible, it was creating a risk of water damage behind the tub. So, I did as most of us do... I searched around in the local Facebook groups, I googled, I went on Yelp. I spent HOURS over a week or so finding a handful of people and then I called and emailed and did my best to get quotes. Several people came out, others quoted from the photos. I finally chose a company and they scheduled me for the repair TWO MONTHS LATER. And then a week before the job, they canceled saying they would reschedule. Months went by. No word. Totally ghosted. So frustrated, I gave up on the job because I didn't have the patience or time to go through that whole thing again. And then... I got an email from the HomeFree team. Honestly, it sounded like some sort of high end service that wasn't for me. But I was intrigued enough to sign up and see how the process went and what kind of prices they could get me. I sent my first text, immediately got a reply asking for a couple of photos, I sent those, and the NEXT DAY she responded with 2 quotes along with a link to their google pages and how many stars they each had. One of their quotes was LOWER than the original job I had scheduled months ago. I responded, YES!! THAT ONE!!! Later that day, this was a Friday, she texted back asking if they could come first thing Monday morning. Again - YES!!!! She replied to let me know the company requested we don't use the shower/bath the morning of the job since it needed to be dry, and she followed up with a friendly reminder Sunday. NJ Premier Refinishing came bright and early on Monday morning and had the tub beautifully recaulked within an hour. The next day, my HomeFree rep texted back to follow up and see how they did, and helped me with the payment process.
HOMEFREE MEMBERSHIP + DISCOUNT:
The lifetime HomeFree membership is just $149 but you can get 10% off with code Heather10 here! Don't forget, they negotiate for you to get quotes well under what you could get on your own - saving an average of 22% on each job! What's more?? Their "Get it Done Guarantee" offers a full refund of your lifetime membership fee if you don't save at least $150 within your first 3 projects and get every quote scheduled within 3 days!! So stop dragging your feet on all of the things that need to be fixed around your house because you don't have the time to research to find a handyman, a plumber, painter, contractor etc! Sign up for HomeFree and let them do all the work for you!! Replace that window. Fix the leak under that sink. Update that kitchen. Add solar panels to your roof and a charging station on the side of the house. Fence in that backyard and add a pool! Sky's the limit! No project too big or too small :)
Contributed post.
Do you have concerns that your property value may not be as high as it could be? If so, then now is the time for you to do something about that. By taking steps to help yourself now, you can make sure that you don’t lose out when the time comes for you to sell your property.
Housing Market Crash
The housing market is very difficult to predict and sometimes it can be the result of a lot of different economic factors. If you bought your home during a housing boom and you have invested quite a lot of value in it since then you may want to hold out. If you sell your home during a crash then you will get way less money for it overall which is the last thing you need. Give it some time and the odds will always swing back in your favor. Property Damage The condition of your home will always have a major impact on its value. The condition of your home, whether it is due to structural issues or even superficial problems like odors and stains from cigarette smoke, will impact your home’s value. The good news is that a lot of this can be solved. Deep clean your carpets and make sure that you spend some time going over your soft furnishings. Give everything a good dust and polish while ensuring that you deal with any structural problems. If you know that you have rodents then now would be the time for you to give rodent control a call. Invasive Species Make sure you keep an eye out for issues such as Japanese knotweed or other invasive species. These can be very difficult to remove and they will come back time and time again. You need to hire an expert to deal with things like this. If you don't hire an expert then you may find that over time, the issue worsens and this can have a really big impact on your home’s value. One way for you to deal with this would be for you to first pinpoint the issue, and then find out if it is possibly having an impact on your home’s value. Outdated Decor and Hardware If you notice that your home needs a big decor update then you need to change this quickly if you can. Carpets, kitchen units and even wallpaper can age very quickly if you are not careful. The good news is that it is very easy for you to turn things around here. You simply need to give your home a quick clean so you can boost the value. If you can do this then you will soon be able to get the money you need when you sell, while ensuring that you do not end up losing out when you simply don’t have to. If you can keep things like this in mind then it will help you out quite a lot, so be mindful here and make sure you keep that in mind.
We are nearly there. April 8, 2024. The last TOTAL solar eclipse viewable from the contiguous United States until 2044!!! You do not want to miss this one guys, and if you're in the NYC / NJ area with a car, it will be close enough to feasibly drive north 5-6 hours for the 3:30pm show, making a (long) day trip out of it! Personally, I envision every car on the highway near the Canadian border pulled over out of their cars staring at the sky from 3:15-3:45, looking like a scene from an asteroid apocolypse movie LOL!!!
If you want to overnight it, you probably missed the boat as most hotels in and around the major towns within the "path of totality" are already fully booked (think Plattsburgh, Niagara Falls, Burlington, Buffalo, Rochester - see Nasa's Eclipse page for more info and maps), but I have a really great suggestion... make a weekend out of it in Montreal - Kayak is showing me their hotel prices are not any higher than normal, you can find a great hotel for under $200 per night!
If you're without a car, you can book a roundtrip Amtrak train from NYC to Montreal. You'll spend about 11 hours on the train each way, so it's time consuming, but worth it if the weather is going to cooperate and be sunny on the 8th! My suggestion is take the train up April 5, you'll have the 6th-8th to enjoy Montreal and it's European beauty, and take the train back home on April 9. It's about $62 each way per adult and almost half that for kids. Or you could risk it with a train ride back on April 8 if you don't mind viewing from inside the train - the schedule looks like it *should* be within the path of totality at the right time!
There are just 2 more things you need before you can go out there and see the total solar eclipse...
GOOD WEATHER!! Sorry, I can't help you with this one, but if it's not a sunny day, we're all screwed :/ But I can help you with this one... you need solar glasses!! I'm not able to test these myself but this 10 pack of solar eclipse glasses on Amazon** is listed as "CE and ISO Certified For Direct Sun Viewing" and has sold over 50k units in the past month! (**as an Amazon affiliate, I receive commission from purchases made after clicking this affiliate link). It's a 10 pack so more than enough for every member of your family, and give some to your friends - sharing is caring!!
When winter, spring, and summer breaks approach, we often think:
But there are SO many other types of amazing memory-making insta-worthy bucket list vacations out there... RIGHT HERE in the United States!! In this post, I'm hoping to open your eyes to two types that you may or may not have pondered on before: The Traincation and Coastal & River Cruises! I'm going to highlight some absolutely epic options, some kid-friendly and some adult-only, but ALL of them right here in our own backyard!
TRAINCATION
For train enthusiasts, a traincation is a sit back and relax bucket list kind of vacation, and can be done in a couple of ways. You can book each leg yourself, utilizing sleeper cars as well as hotel stays between segments. OR you can book a room and board type package with a travel agent or the train company itself!! Here are a couple of really amazing ones to consider (click through to their websites to discover their other destinations, there are tons!!)
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer is the epitome of North American luxury train travel, offering a number of routes through the US and Canada. Their Rockies to the Red Rocks tour, for example, is 6 days 7 nights (2 of those days aboard their train with food included and a beautiful glass dome car for viewing scenery, other days' transport via coach) from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, Moab, Glenwood Springs, ending in Denver. While most guests are adults, children are welcome but it's important to note train days are 8+ hours of sitting around in your assigned seat on the train, with no wi-fi... I don't know about you but that might be tough with my 3 kids. I see this as more of a luxury sightseeing getaway with your romantic partner or bestie(s), when you just want to sit back and not be stressed about traffic and driving!
Amtrak
Amtrak has two very affordable rail pass options. Their USA Rail Pass is $499 per adult for up to 10 days of travel in 30 days. The California Rail Pass is $150 per adult and $79.50 per child for 7 days of travel within 21 days, and you can upgrade segments for sleeper car as needed. Using the rail passes, you have incredible flexibility in your itinerary and can see all the major sights in California whether you do it in a rush or take all 3 weeks! Pro Tip: The Coast Starlight Train is said to be one of the most spectacular train routes, passing by mountains, forests, and the Pacific coast beach, from Seattle to Los Angeles.
For those wanting a more curated traincation, book an epic rail vacation through Amtrak Vacations. There's a 9 day trip from Chicago to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, that includes 2 overnights on the train and 6 in hotels. There's another one out of Chicago, this one is 15 days with stops at Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, San Francisco, Seattle, and Glacier National Park! I mean, come on, is there a better way to see all of that in one trip!?? Certainly not renting an RV and trying to drive that monstrosity around! On a tighter budget or time limit? How about their NYC - Niagara Falls train package, just $399 per person including round trip train ticket, 2 nights hotel accommodation, and admission to the Skylon Tower Observatory Deck!
RIVER CRUISES
You won't find kids clubs or all of the bells and whistles of the GINORMOUS transatlantic cruise lines here, but you will find gourmet dining, nightly entertainment, much larger staterooms (all with river views, most with balconies), and a much more intimate laid back relaxing experience.
Viking Cruises
If looking for a unique getaway with your partner or your bestie, look into a sailing on one of the kid-free Viking Cruises such as their 8 day New Orleans & Southern Charms cruise or 12 day America's Heartland cruise, both going up and down the Mississippi River. Included in your booking you'll get one free shore excursion per port, free wifi, coffee / tea / beer / wine / soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, enrichment lectures, destination performances and more! The stateroom includes binoculars, plush robes, slippers, and underbed storage. And just check out that infinity plunge pool on the back of the boat (above photo)!!!
American Cruise Lines
Another great one to look into is American Cruise Lines, the largest river/small ship cruise line in the USA - operating 19 river boats and small ship around the United States in 2024 (5 riverboats on the Mississippi, 5 on the Columbia & Snake, and 9 small coastal cruise ships that operate river cruise itineraries along both US coasts). While kids are technically allowed on this one, there are no pools, babysitting, or even kids meals so one might assume guests are not expecting a wild bunch of kiddos running amok on board, and I would certainly take that into consideration if booking your family. That said, they have some incredible routes and accommodations!! Check out their 8 day Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise or Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise. ACL boasts the largest staterooms in the industry - all facing outward with furnished private balconies. They use fully stabilized and intimate sized ships holding 90-180 guests, have onboard historians and entertainment, all-inclusive dining with wine / beer / soft drinks / wifi included.
COASTAL CRUISES
If you want the massive exciting kid-friendly cruise ship experience, but you are terrified of the open sea, consider one of the coastal routes by a major cruise line! Some of them are 100% domestic and don't even require you to have a passport!
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL's Pride of America, for example, cruises around 4 of the Hawaiian Islands, you'd have to fly to Honolulu but from there you'd be hugging the islands for 7 days. Head ashore or stay on the boat which features 3 main dining rooms, a buffet, a few casual cafes, deck games, an arcade, 4 hot tubs, 3 pools, a (parent attended) playroom for babies and toddlers, drop off kids club (ages 3-12), a teen hangout room (ages 13-17), a theater with live entertainment, a jogging track, a spa, and more!!
Princess Cruises
Or maybe you want to explore glaciers up north? Princess Cruises has two routes to Alaska that don't require passports! They have two 7 day roundtrip routes from Seattle and an 11 day roundtrip cruise from San Francisco that hug the Pacific coast never veering too far from land. The boat is massive with 900 balconies, 3,000 passengers, freshwater pools and hot tubs, Discovery at SEA enrichment programs, sports court, live shows, a casino, a spa, and drop off kids clubs (ages 3-7, 8-12, and 13-17).
So, are you intrigued!??
Jumping to book one of these vacations?? Have you taken one before? Leave a comment below to let us know!!
Contributed post.
Whenever we aim to make a change in our lives, it’s easy for us to wait until the perfect time for it to happen. Of course, there’s a little wisdom in this. If you’re about to climb Mount Everest, it’s probably best to wait until you have the right equipment, a good night’s sleep, and a healthy breakfast in you before you give it a shot.
But the truth is that if you let schedules and dates dictate your forward growth too much, it’s easy to let perfect become the enemy of good and wait until all the stars align before you begin. But the truth is that the stars may not ever perfectly align. If you live a busy life and have responsibilities and stresses (who doesn't!??!), there will always be something delaying your action or distracting you. For this reason, it’s important to recognize that no fitness start is or should ever be perfect. Starting now is the best possible time you could begin, health and energy permitting. Moreover, starting now might feel more comfortable than trying at some vague “tomorrow,” instead, in that your new pursuit may feel more digestible and comfortable with your renewed effort. Let’s consider why that’s the case, and how to get started with such motivation in mind: Pushing Through That Initial Ennui Feels Wonderful There’s a great deal of confidence and a sense of self-worth that comes from starting your fitness journey. Even if this begins with a walk outside, you’d be surprised just how comfortable and confident you feel in your new return, startingly quickly. Many people delay their fitness journey because they might not feel like getting active right now. But the mental journey from ennui to pushing through your sense of tiredness to feeling wonderful at the end of a small run can be wonderful, and it may help you think more clearly and feel better than you have in months, maybe years. So, consider this a challenge, one you get to implement on your own terms. You’ll thank yourself twenty minutes from now. You Can Plan A Digestible Schedule & Start Very Small You’d be amazed at how little effort you can implement to begin with, and how quickly that snowballs into fitness momentum. For example, the Couch to 5K plan is designed around intervals of running and walking, so that you only run at a light pace for sixty seconds, then walk for ninety. This can be quite easy for an able-bodied person to start with, and you can reduce the intensity if you need to. But do this for three days, and then your next session you’ll find that your cardio starts to adapt. In other words, starting small can accrue massive changes very quickly, and that’s a wonderful outcome for many. You Only Need To Make A 1% Improvement In the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, he notes that the best athletes in the world and even top minds at organizations like NASA focus on squeezing 1% improvements in everything they do. They don’t make massive systemic changes every single time they try something new, but they innovate on practiced wisdom and the understanding of the past. You can do that too. Perhaps if you’ve disliked cycling on a spin bike, you could try yoga instead. Maybe, instead of keeping up with a perfect gym schedule, you just try to go one more day a month. Maybe this time you’ll use a different service that helps you gain muscle while losing fat, because you found the last guide you used was a little outdated or less informative than it could have been. A 1% improvement helps you make that next 1% improvement, and before you know it you’ve sustainably improved by 50% compared to last year. You’ll Be Lapping Everyone On The Couch Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you do. If you focus on good lifestyle habits, especially a collection of very small ones, you’ll be lapping everyone on the sofa. For example, perhaps you’ve cut out alcohol to only twice a month compared to four times a month last year. Well, that’s 24 times you didn’t drink compared to last year, which is absolutely a health benefit. Moreover, if you keep going, you’ll be much better than you were last time. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else, just who you were before now. This way, you can feel a sense of progression even if someone younger than you is running three triathlons in one day. This helps us feel a sense of dominion over our own lives, instead of feeling subject to the experiences of others. That, in itself, can give us the motivation to keep going. With this advice, you’re certain to understand that no fitness start is, or could be, perfect. But you’ll keep going regardless.
Contributed post.
When it comes time to buy yourself a new car, it can be equally exciting and stressful to make sure that you get it right. However, you will find that you enjoy the process a lot more, and that you are able to really make the most of it, if you simply know what it is that you are actually in need of from a vehicle. As long as you have a good sense of that, it should help a lot. So let’s take a look at what it might be that you want out of an ideal vehicle, and how to find it.
Size
First of all, you need to be aware of what sized vehicle you need. This will of course depend greatly on what kind of living situation you have - how many children you need to drive around, do you need to fit 3 carseats in a single row, do you need cargo space for multiple dog grates, do you need something more compact for easier city parking, etc. There is no one size fits all answer - it’s something that only you can figure out. Figuring out the size of car you need will help you narrow down the search and find the right vehicle for your needs much more easily and quickly, so it’s definitely something that you will want to think about. Age Do you need a new car, or could you do with an older one? Of course, any older car that you buy will still need to be in good working condition, so you’ll find yourself having to go to a trusted deal like edmunds either way. But it’s still good to have a think about what age you would like to have, as that can make a huge difference to how you feel about the vehicle and how the whole search for one goes too. It’s definitely a factor you will have to be aware of as you search. Aesthetics Of course, for a lot of people, how the car looks is important too, and for some even the branding. The car you drive can say alot about you! If this is something that you care about, then you’ll likely be driven by how a vehicle looks, and this is something that you should simply be honest about, as it is going to make a huge difference to what you end up with. All in all, the aesthetics of a vehicle can be really important for a lot of reasons - from color and brand to sporty convertible vs. SUV. So think about this when you are shopping around and make sure that you would be happy driving it.
Price
Finally, for most people the pricing of the vehicle is always going to be an issue. You should think carefully about what your budget is likely to be, and then make sure that you are working within that. Be sure to also consider the cost of insurance, maintenance, and gas or electricity. Knowing your budget and strictly adhering to it will help to keep the stress at bay during the process, and it’s really going to make a huge difference to the whole experience. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford and what you can’t, and that will help hugely in the long run, so that’s obviously important to think about.
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, saving moms time finding the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! Categories
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