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.
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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:

• Mexican all-inclusive resort!
• European vacation! 
• Caribbean cruise!

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!

• No passport required.
• No scary open sea cruising.
• And sometimes, no flight required!!

Let's go!!

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.

Contributed post.

Moving into a new home is supposed to be an exciting time. It’s the start of your new life, after all. That doesn’t mean it's all warm fuzzies, though. You’ll have quite a few things to get through, which could cause a lot of stress. Nobody wants that to happen.
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But there's good news!! By taking a few particular steps, you could make it a lot easier for yourself. Read on and take note so you’ll end up moving into a new home without all of the stress it could cause.

Moving Into A New Home: 3 Steps To Take

1. Get Help When Moving

Moving into a new home means taking care of quite a few things. You’ll have to pack everything up, move it to the new home, and unpack it before putting it all away. There are countless other hoops you have to jump through from updating car registration and license to school enrollments and endless mailing address updates! Outsource where you can, especially when it comes to packing and moving!! 

Professional movers, like Allied Moving Company, can take a lot of stress and hassle out of the process for you. You’ll end up a lot less stressed and be able to focus on other parts of the moving process.


2. Know Where You’re Putting Everything

Your new house will be a blank slate when you get there, especially when you’ve bought it. Naturally, you’ll want to start moving your belongings as quickly as possible. Take a minute to step back and think about everything before you do, though. Consider where you’ll put everything.

You don’t just need to think about whether something will look nice in a specific place. You’ll also need to worry about whether it’ll actually fit in a particular location. Figuring this out from the start makes sure you don’t need to move things around after you’ve moved everything in.


3. Double-Check Utilities

When you’re moving into a new home, it’s always worth double-checking the utilities to make sure they’re properly set up. Do this before properly moving in so you don’t need to worry about not having any water, gas, electricity, or internet when you’re there. They should be in your name and be ready to  use.

It’s also worth making sure the utilities in your old home are turned off. You wouldn’t want to be in a position where you need to pay a second set of bills just because you forgot to turn them off or switch them to a new occupant.


Moving Into A New Home: Wrapping Up

You should be excited when moving into a new home, but with everything you're faced with doing, it's easy to become overwhelmed with stress and worry. But you don't need to resolve yourself to that fate. It’s just a matter of knowing what you’re doing, taking the right steps, and outsourcing tasks when possible. It should end up being more of a breeze than you thought it’d be!

Contributed post.

Studies reveal that 38% of Americans experience mood decline during winter, as daylight reduces and the weather becomes less pleasant. Then there’s the issue of a lack of direct sunlight, which studies say can disrupt the body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. That also explains the drop in serotonin (the brain chemical that affects mood) which plays a big role in people who experience seasonal affective disorders. If you’re tired of freezing temperatures and grey cloudy skies, then use these tips to beat your winter blues.

1. Start working on your mindset

Sometimes, your dread of winter is enough to put you in a bad mood, and learning to change your mindset can make a difference. Whether you like it or not, winter is a fact and will keep coming each year. So you might as well learn to enjoy it instead of finding ways to endure it each year - and it all starts with the mindset. Think about places where people have nothing but cold and snow for more than half of the year. How do they stay upbeat? A perfect example is in Northern Norway, where people have learned to enjoy the winter instead of searching for ways to resist it. One study found that people in Northern Norway are less depressed during winter compared to other places. Why? Because they have a different mindset about the season. For them, it’s an opportunity to sit by fires with loved ones, build snowmen, skate, ski, and drink hot beverages. You can let this positive mindset work for you, too. 

2. Queue up a stream of laugh-out-loud comedy movies

Laughter is a natural medicine, and you’ve probably heard that said several times. But this is not just something people say for no reason; there’s enough research backing it. Laughter can bring you joy in the cold winter, and that’s a scientific fact. Research shows that a good bout of laughter can cause your cortisol and adrenaline levels to drop drastically. It can also increase endorphins, enhancing your mood and reducing stress. It reduces the limbic fight-or-flight mentality many people have towards winter and replaces it with a good dose of positivity and lightheartedness. It can even make you feel more hopeful despite the weather. You can add some standup comedy shows to your movie list for some variety, but make sure you’re getting a good laugh.

3. Surround yourself with funny and lighthearted people

But that’s not all;  surround yourself with lighthearted people. Laughter can increase your immune system, making you more resilient against common winter ailments like cold and a crabby feeling. It increases the number of antibody-producing cells while strengthening your T cells to ward off illnesses. As if that’s not good enough, laughter also reduces negative stress, thanks to its effect on cortisol levels. In other words, it’s hard to keep worrying about the weather when you’re laughing your heart out. So, aside from queueing up a stream of all the funny movies you can find, surround yourself with funny and lighthearted people. It’s even better if you can enjoy your funny movies with a funnier company. You can arrange regular fun meetups with colleagues, friends, or neighbors to share jokes and laugh like nothing else matters. 

4. Think outside the box when it comes to fitness

Most fitness enthusiasts suggest getting your running shoes and gloves on and hitting the road for a good run. Granted, that’s an excellent idea and a great way to beat the winter blues if you can pull it off. But here’s the problem with this tip: if you’re not a fitness enthusiast, the last thing you want to do is go running in the cold. Even fitness lovers will feel a little discouraged to run in the snow when it’s warm and comfy inside. Exercising is a wonderfully effective way to combat the moody effect of winter, but you have to think outside the box if you’re going to make it work for you. For example, consider joining a fun aerobics class - and there are so many options available. One of the really exciting options is the trampoline aerobics. It’s just like jumping on a trampoline but with a fitness twist. You can find a physical class near you and join other trampoline lovers to jump the blues away. Alternatively, you can purchase a small trampoline and join an online class. But that’s just one example. The point is to find fun ways to move your body and break sweat, which is why the next point is also important.

5. Try not to exercise alone

One of your biggest challenges might be an inability to motivate yourself to exercise. Studies show that cold temperature reduces muscle function and slows down nerve impulses, so the brain takes longer to respond to physical activity. So, you’ll most likely find all the reasons not to exercise if you have to do it alone. One way you can avoid this is to find a workout buddy. If you know someone who already loves exercising in winter, find out if you can join them. You’ll have great company while exercising, and you’ll have someone to hold you accountable - a win-win situation. You can also turn your family into a fitness group and exercise together at home. You’ll end the winter feeling and looking good together - and speaking of looking good, consider the next tip.

6. Get a new haircut to boost your mood

While most people are more likely to leave their hair growing in the winter, consider your winter blues a case for getting a haircut during the cold season. Yes, the consensus is usually to keep your hair long to offer some heat during winter and shorter to keep it off your neck during summer. However, tweaking up your hairstyle a little can help you feel better in an instant., instead of staring at overgrown hair every day during winter. Believe it or not, how you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror can impact your winter mood. If you don’t like how you look, you’ll hardly enjoy your winter experience, as you’ll spend most of your days waiting for summer to come so you can get a haircut. That will only cause you to hate the season even more. So, go on: try a new haircut. You can try different types of fade haircuts or go for any style you’ve dreamed of and start feeling better instantly. 

7. Don’t ignore the rest of your body

But looking good shouldn’t be about your hair alone; start dressing your best. For many, a winter wardrobe is all about hoodies and oversized jumpers. Yes, they feel comfortable and will keep you warm, but those aren’t your only options. There are several other outfits you can wear and look stylish while staying warm. So, do a little shopping to splurge on some fashionable winter clothes. The shopping experience itself can send your mood lifting. Taking that bold step to improve your looks will leave you admiring yourself all winter through. You’ll start paying less attention to the weather and more immersed in your appearance. You’ll even have more reason to head out and take a thousand selfies, as you’ll want others to see your new look. Pair your new outfits with your new hairstyle to make you feel even better. 

8. Don’t disconnect yourself from healthy relationships

You’re less likely to associate with others when you feel down, and winter blues can sink your spirits so low that all you’ll want to do is stay away from people. But that’s the last thing you want to do, as staying alone can do more damage to your mental health. Studies have shown that physical and social isolation can affect you emotionally while bringing along adverse health consequences like sleeplessness and a dented immune system. Being active on social media alone may not cut it, especially when it becomes a substitute for meaningful conversations and in-person socialization. So, regardless of how lowly you feel, please avoid disconnecting yourself from healthy relationships. Resist the tendency to be alone all day by inviting friends over for hot drinks, sleepovers, or nightouts in town. Also, don’t turn down an invitation to socialize, whether it’s a birthday party, a live game, or a winter concert. Spending quality time with friends can help you keep the winter blues at bay.  

9. Add indoor plants to your home

Since you’re likely to spend a lot of time indoors, turn to indoor plants for extra help to keep you relaxed and lower anxiety. Studies have shown that being around plants has a calming effect, including lowering negative emotions like stress and anxiety. Even better, plants can help improve focus, helping you to be more productive. Also, caring for plants has added health benefits, including easing stress. 

10. Take a break from the news

Staying indoors during winter means an increased likelihood of more screen time. If you spend most of your screen time consuming one news content after another, you may experience an increase in your winter blues. Of course, it makes sense that you’ll want to keep up with weather updates and know what is happening in the world, but you can do all that without spending hours watching or reading the news. So, try to reduce how much new content you consume to avoid stressing yourself out. If possible, consider reducing your screen time in general and invest more in fun and relaxing activities. 

Contributed post.

It’s easy to love life during the spring and summer months. After all, there’s always something to do, plans can happen at the last minute, and it’s just easier to enjoy all that life has to offer when the sun is shining.

It becomes a little more difficult during the winter months when it feels like we’re stuck inside more than we’d like to be. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s not as if you can skip the winter months; they’ll be with you whether you like it or not! So it’s worthwhile finding ways to embrace the cold period of the year. In this post, we’ll run through some smart ideas for you and your family. 


Time in the Kitchen

There’s no rush in the winter months. After all, it’s not like there’s all that much to do. This provides the perfect opportunity to get into the kitchen and spend longer than usual cooking up something delicious. This is especially recommended because it’ll warm you twice; first when you’re cooking, and second when you eat the food. Push yourself to try some of those warm winter dishes, and when you have extra time to play with them, consider baking some delicious treats or bread. 

Cozy Living Rooms

The living room really comes into its own during the winter months. You’ll be there on the couch most evenings when the weather is too cold to venture outside. You’ll enjoy the winter months much more if you have the perfect living room for spending long hours. First, focus on warmth. Hiring a fireplace repair company to bring your fireplace up to speed will be a good start. From there, look at adding blankets and atmospheric lighting. Once you have the right entertainment setup (binge-watching Netflix shows, anyone?), you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a great evening at home. 

Playing Games

Of course, there’s only so much TV you can watch. When you and the family are stuck inside, look at doing some activities that bring you all together, ideally ones that don’t involve technology. We spend way too much time staring at our devices; we can surely spend a few hours engaging with the real world. If your house is a little light on non-tech fun, look at investing in some board games. There are plenty of awesome ones on the market that’ll have you and your family engaging in some healthy, competitive fun. They’re an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  

Head Outdoors

We’ve talked so far about things you do within the home during winter. However, don’t discount heading outdoors. It can be a lot of fun to get all wrapped up and go for a walk even when the weather is cold. It’ll help to blow away the winter cobwebs and give you a dose of primal fun. Plus, if you’ve taken the other tips in this article, then you’ll have a cozy, fun place to return to once the walk is finally over. Hot drinks all around! 

Guest post provided by Laura Williams

Kids who demonstrate early proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math—also known as the STEM subjects—can reap significant advantages in their future academic journeys. Children who are able to grasp the concepts taught in these four disciplines, and who can demonstrate the skills associated with them, often get good grades in STEM subjects and excel in other areas of their primary and secondary school curriculum.

One thing parents can do to make their children’s learning experiences smoother, richer, and more enjoyable, especially for STEM subjects, is align the latter’s learning preferences and the type of intelligence that resonates with them. If your little one has the ability to appreciate pitch, rhythm, and timbre, then they may be showing signs of musical intelligence—an inclination that will serve them quite well for subjects related to the hard sciences.


What Is Musical Intelligence?

Musical intelligence pertains to one’s ability to not only understand, create, and appreciate music, but also have a heightened sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones, and musical patterns. Musically intelligent individuals often excel in the various aspects of music, including musical perception, aural memory, and music theory. When nurtured, musical intelligence can help people thrive in the music industry, and serious musicians often find fulfillment in careers like music education, composition, and music therapy.

Several educational institutions recognize the value of musical intelligence in children and, in fact, deliver educational programs that have a strong focus on developing it. Kinderland, for instance, has the Children’s Music Programme, which provides preschoolers with an environment where they can build a solid foundation for music appreciation. The program is taught by professionally-qualified music teachers who introduce weekly keyboard lessons to their students to further develop their hearing, singing, keyboard playing, and notation reading skills. As a result, what parents say about Kinderland’s music program, as well as Kinderland’s upcoming musical activities, is largely positive.


How Musical Intelligence and STEM Disciplines Connect

As a parent who’s new to the notion of musical intelligence, you might be wondering about how your child’s ability to notate music or play an instrument has anything to do with STEM. If STEM deals with the hard sciences, where does music—an art form—fit into the equation?

In truth, children with musical intelligence often learn certain music-related skills that, when nurtured, fit perfectly into their STEM education. Here’s a briefer on some of those skills:

1) Mathematical Skills

One might not immediately connect the dots between playing a musical instrument and solving complex mathematical equations. However, the synergy between a child’s musical skills and mathematical abilities is a powerful force that can significantly benefit their learning for STEM subjects. This is because musical pieces are built on intricate rhythms and patterns, and this rhythmic precision can actually strengthen mathematical skills such as counting, pattern recognition, and understanding mathematical sequences.

Moreover, the division of musical notes into fractions of a whole is a fundamental aspect of music theory. As children learn to read and play music, they’ll intuitively grasp concepts related to fractions and timing. This understanding will translate seamlessly into the world of mathematics, where fractions play a crucial role in various mathematical operations.

2) Problem-Solving Skills

Learning a new song and learning how to play with an ensemble involve overcoming myriad challenges, like mastering complex compositions, navigating unfamiliar musical passages, and learning one’s role in relation to the role of others. Each challenge thus becomes a cognitive exercise that trains children to approach problems with resilience, creativity, and a determination to find workable solutions with other people’s help.

This ability to tackle musical challenges with a problem-solving mindset forms the basis for addressing complex problems in STEM subjects. The ability to approach a variety of obstacles, paired with a willingness to experiment, adapt, and think collaboratively, will help future STEM students navigate the complexities of mathematics, science, and technology with finesse.

3) Memory and Attention

Music often involves memorizing a repertoire of pieces, each with its own set of notes, rhythms, and dynamics. This constant exercise in memorization enhances a musically intelligent child's ability to retain information. The same skill, of course, can be exercised in academic settings, where the memorization of formulas, concepts, and scientific principles will help them get a better handle on STEM subjects.

Musically intelligent children also develop a heightened attention to detail—a skill that proves invaluable in STEM subjects where precision and accuracy are of utmost importance. Lastly, musical practice requires focused attention and concentration, and when children get to dedicate time to perfecting their musical skills, they’ll be able to cultivate the ability to sustain their concentration for difficult subjects like science and maths over extended periods.

4) Critical Listening and Analysis

The process of learning to play different musical notes and tones sharpens auditory discrimination. Musically intelligent children can distinguish subtle differences in pitch, tone quality, and rhythm. This heightened auditory discrimination can prove foundational for the critical observation and analysis skills required in STEM subjects, where the ability to discern minute variations is essential for accurate experimentation and analysis.

In addition, the skills developed through critical listening and analysis in musical activities align quite closely with the steps of the scientific method. Thus, musically intelligent children who are naturally inclined towards systematic observation and the application of analytical thinking should be encouraged and have their talents nurtured. In the near future, this can evolve into an inclination for scientific inquiry.

5) Language Development

Lastly, children who learn to develop their musical intelligence can eventually become fluent in a unique set of terms—from notes and scales to dynamics and articulations. This exposure to musical terminology is sure to enhance language development, expanding a child's vocabulary and introducing them to the language of music.

This linguistic diversity seamlessly complements the language skills also required in STEM subjects, where mastery of subject-specific terms is essential. If you want your child to become proficient at any subject that involves mastering languages—whether those are foreign languages or languages specific to a discipline, like coding in computer science—let them practice their language skills in a school with a music-oriented curriculum.


Every child gravitates towards a particular type of intelligence, and no matter what it is, it’s in your best interest as a parent to nurture it. If you see both a budding musician and scientist in your child, remember that you don’t need to pit both potentialities against each other—you can help them discover the best of both worlds through an education that honors both the sciences and the arts.