Christmas 2019 Recap

Tuesday, December 31, 2019



It was a beautiful Christmas this year. Here's some shots from our celebrations.  Christmas Eve at our home with my family and Grandma, Christmas day with my family.


Books I Recommend You Read [December]

Monday, December 30, 2019

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A cozy month of celebration meant lots of excuses to girl up with good books like the below....


If You Don't Have The Right Strategy, You'll Never Organize Your Home

Saturday, December 28, 2019




The internet is rammed with tips for how to organize your home. There’s advice on everything, from how to store your shoes to preventing your toothpaste lid from drying up.

Unfortunately, none of this advice is particularly helpful unless you have an overriding strategy: a set of tools that you’ll use to win the war on clutter.

Getting on top of your home organization is about more than using storage solutions. It takes a holistic approach. You need to treat your home more like a business than somewhere your family hangs out.

Unexpectedly Awesome Things You Can Do With a Storage Unit

Friday, December 20, 2019



Repurposing. It could be the key to helping us to lead a more sustainable, less wasteful and potentially more cost effective life. For example, distressing damaged or worn furniture can help you to get more life out of it while keeping a shabby chic theme running through your home. Tissue and baby wipe boxes can be repurposed to store just about anything.


Image by Paulbr75 via Pixabay

3 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms That Affect Your Mental Health

Thursday, December 19, 2019


When people are struggling with their mental health, they often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. It’s important that you find positive ways to manage your mental health because relying on these coping mechanisms will only make your situation worse. This is often the reason that people’s mental health deteriorates further, especially if they do not seek professional treatment. If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important that you avoid these unhealthy coping mechanisms.

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Keeping A Theme Running Through Your Home

Wednesday, December 18, 2019


Keeping a theme running through your home for your decor is important to some people, and if you are one of these people, then you might be wondering how it is possible to do this! With so many rooms in the house, it can feel like a challenge to ensure that each room in the home matches with the others. Well, we have got some advice for you down below, so keep reading if you want to find out more.

Our 2019 Christmas Card Reveal


It's here! Enjoy some of our favorite photos from our annual family photoshoot!

Tips for an Affordable Education

Tuesday, December 17, 2019


So many people are struggling financially these days and for those younger ones that want to apply for further education, they can be very overwhelmed and sad and even turned off by the idea of not being able to afford an education. So in order to motivate the youth and help keep those of ALL ages motivated, I wanted to make a post about how you can look for an affordable education.

Opportunity Cost or IS IT WORTH IT?!

Monday, December 16, 2019

 

What is Opportunity Cost?

Have you ever come home from a really long and chaotic day at work and you feel lazy and unmotivated? You then realize you will of course have to eat dinner at some point this evening but you have no motivation to cook. So you decide you’ll order delivery and your eyes are bigger than your stomach so you order too much PLUS you ordered some of the worst food possible for your body, completely throwing off your 10 day long record of staying on your health eating plan. You also were out of money in your cash envelope for dining out, but it’s okay because you took money from your car maintenance fund, even though your car is getting inspected before your next pay day so now you’ll have to make up for the money you took from THAT category. So was it worth it? Either way, this is a great example of opportunity cost.

Opportunity cost is when you make a decision to choose one option over another and then dealing with the consequences whether they are financial, health, or lifestyle.

5 Ways We Can All Overdo It at Christmas

Sunday, December 15, 2019



The festive period is sold to us as consumers as a time to eat, drink and be merry, spend lots and generally let your hair down. And as nice as this can be, it can also cause problems. Here are a few ways many of us can overdo things.

2020 Will Be Your Year


You can change your life at any time, but the New Year does mark a particularly good opportunity. And we’re not just moving into any old new year; this is an entirely new decade, so it’s an even better time than normal. It doesn’t matter what has happened before: when 2020 rolls around, you’ve got a chance to create your own, awesome life. But of course, you shouldn’t just expect this to happen -- you’ll need to will it into existence. Below, we take a look at a few tried and tested tips that’ll lead you to become a better version of yourself in the coming year.

6 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Credit Card

Friday, December 13, 2019



Credit cards can be good or evil, depending on how you use them. They can provide emergency funds in a pinch, or they can leave you in debt that you'd have to win the lottery to repay. If you're in the market for a new credit card, here are six things that you should consider before you apply.
 

How To Work on Being Happier in Just 21 Days






Happiness is a word that gets thrown around pretty heavily whether it’s with inspirational quotes, advice from your life coach or therapist, or you make the realization yourself that you just need to and want to be happier. I get it, life isn’t roses and butterflies and it shouldn’t be because the tough times are what make us stronger and help us grow as a person. Before you roll your eyes at this post, just hear me out! I will also post at the end of this and tell you how I transformed my own life this way which is why everyone’s always like “you’re always so positive!”. Yea, I am, and it’s easy now.

The Ultimate Responsible Dog Ownership Guide

Thursday, December 12, 2019


Whether you refer to yourself as a pet parent or dog owner, you have a responsibility to your pup to look after them in the best way possible. Of course, this doesn't just mean by providing the basics such as food and shelter. In fact, there are some other very important elements of being a responsible pet owner as well. Read on to find out what they are.




Picture located at Pexels - Licence CC0

Training your dog.

First of all, a responsible owner will always train their dog. In fact, an untrained dog can be a hazard to their own and other people's safety. Not to mention the damage they can do to your home. That is why it is so essential to make sure that your dog will obey the commands they are given. Both on and off the lead.

Of course, correctly educating a dog can be a challenging and time-consuming process, especially for someone that has no experience doing so.

Happily, sending your pup to dog training school can help overcome such issues. In fact, some schools allow the dog to board there for two weeks, and at the end of the course, will have them trained and ready to come home. Something that can make it a lot easier for those without the time or experience to make sure their dog is trained to a high standard and is therefore as safe as possible.

Spending time with your dog.

Dogs are social animals, that would actually live in packs in they weren't in our homes. This means that long swathes of time alone without any company and stimulation can actually be very difficult for them to deal with.

In fact, your dog will see you as the alpha of the pack, and so will want to spend time with you. Therefore making sure you set enough of this aside both for play and rest is crucial if you are to be a responsible owner.





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Making sure your home and garden is safe for your dog.

Another task that a responsible dog owner needs to complete is to make sure that their home and outdoor space is safe for their canine pals. Sadly, there are quite a few hazards in the house and garden that can pose a risk to your dog's health, such as poisonous plants, and even human food like chocolate left around the home.

To that end, checking your garden and home before you get a dog is crucial. Oh, and regularly making sure that no additional hazards have popped up is important too.

Taking care of your dog's health.

Finally, as a responsible dog owner, one of our most significant obligations will be to take care of our dog's physical health. Of course, part of this is ensuring they have a proper diet, enough exercise, and live in a safe environment, as discussed above.

Additionally, regular trips to the vet for checkups and fast access to necessary treatment is vital as well. Oh, and for those with pure-breed dogs, educating yourself on what illnesses and issues they are likely to be susceptible to is definitely the responsible thing to do.




How To Save Money on Your Hobbies



If you have a particular hobby that interests you and that you’re passionate about, it’s only natural that you will want to spend as much time as possible doing the things you love. With many of us working longer hours than ever before, it’s important that you have some pleasures in life. While some hobbies can be easy on the wallet, others may be expensive to pursue, so here are a few things you can do to save money on your hobbies.

How Speaking Can Grow Your Business








Often times we talk about different marketing tactics to spread the word about your business or service and the best advertising venues and social media strategies. But there’s another way to promote what you do and that’s simply by speaking. This isn’t a new tactic by any means because obviously before the internet, speaking was a huge way to spread the word to folks.

A Beautiful Home And A Pet: Is It A Paradox?



Have your children been begging you for a dog? Perhaps, it’s you who wants to bring a furry friend into the home. So, what’s stopping you?

Well, for many people it will be the idea of a home that ends up looking like a disaster zone. You’ve probably heard of the horror stories about what happens once you welcome a dog home. Perhaps your neighbor’s pet destroyed their furniture and maybe your cousin’s constantly looks like a bombshell has gone off that was filled with dog toys.

The Inside Scoop: Cutting Down Your Home's Running Costs

Wednesday, December 11, 2019



Running our home is one of the most expensive outgoings these days. When you bought your home and made that exciting leap onto the property ladder, you might not have considered how much it costs to keep a house going. And while utility bills slowly creep up with every year, this means we have got to figure out the best ways to minimize the costs we have control over. So what are these, and what can we do to minimize them?

Three Ways to Revive Your Postpartum Body

Tuesday, December 10, 2019


 
Giving birth to a baby is an amazing experience, but it can be incredibly hard on your body. A hectic schedule and exhaustion can make it hard to get your body back to its pre-pregnancy state. Fortunately, there are some ways you can revive your postpartum body and feel great about yourself both as a mom and a woman.

Why It’s So Important to Take Care of Your Back




We totally take our back for granted these days. We work it hard, don’t rest enough, don’t listen to it when it hurts, and eventually we just give up altogether. But in order to understand why everyone tells you to be kind to your back, you need to understand why it’s so important.

For starters your back is almost always in use. When you are sleeping, your laying on your side or back or stomach, but it affects your spine and your spine’s alignment as you rest. If you’ve ever woken up with neck pain you’ll realize quickly it may have been that your pillow is going flat or you just had your neck twisted an awkward position while you slept.

We also use our back to hold us up when we sit, help us balance when we walk, and of course when you’re moving and exercising your affecting your back.

So how can you take better care of your back and why should you? Well…

Financial Resolutions | How To Make Them + How To Stick To Them

Monday, December 9, 2019


We all know that most people usually make New Year's resolutions, but they normally are focused on a vague goal like losing weight rather than specifying the exact number of pounds and the time period.  But let me tell you, financial resolutions are very important and when you put enough detail into it, you can make a plan to achieve your goals and knock out your financial resolution.  So today, I am asking you to commit to 1 or more financial resolutions.



2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Friday, December 6, 2019

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As I do every year, I've scoured the internet for some GREAT gift ideas for almost ANYONE on your list this year.   Some are budget friendly and some may be pricier but this is a guide for EVERYONE. Enjoy! 



How to Conquer Credit Card Debt with Alamo Associates

Thursday, December 5, 2019

 
Credit card debt (any kind of debt for that matter) can be terrifying and extremely stressful. It can consume your every thought and make you afraid to even check your bank account. But if you keep ignoring this problem, it will only ever get worse. Today I have some tips to help you deal with your problem head on and stop living in fear.

Tips for First Time Home Buyers


So you’re sick of renting and it’s time to buy a house but you’re nervous because let’s be honest, you’re on a low income and the housing market and the entire home buying process is extremely overwhelming. Here are some tips for first time home buyers to help you along the way.

Holiday Gift Guide for A Strict Budget

Wednesday, December 4, 2019




If you are struggling with your finances, then you already know how stressful the holidays can be, so I'm not going to remind you.  But, I AM going to give you some suggestions on super budget friendly options for gifts for your family and friends.  There are plenty of options so seriously consider one of these instead of going into debt just to buy stuff for someone else. 

What To Consider When Hiring a Home Inspector

Tuesday, December 3, 2019




Acquiring a new home should be an exciting experience. However, most homebuyers are often left kicking themselves for having made a mistake during the inspection. No one wants to discover that their new home has plumbing problems shortly after moving in. A home inspector is needed to uncover any potential issues before you move into a new house. Here is what to consider when searching for home inspection in Austin.
 
Insurance

Whether you opt for a single inspector or an established company, make sure that whoever examines your new home is insured. One of the crucial questions to ask when interviewing a potential home inspector is whether he or she has adequate coverage. However, some home inspectors can carry on their business without insurance, depending on the legislative requirements in their area. The reason not to work with uninsured inspectors is that they can try to hold the homeowner liable in case they are injured while at work.
 
References

Asking for references when hiring a service is always worthwhile, and home inspection services are no exception. Ask for references from at least three clients to get an idea of the level of service they will provide. Asking for references is a great idea, but note that most home inspectors will probably refer you to their most satisfied clients. That’s why it is crucial to also read online reviews from third-party sites.
 
Costs

Of course, no one wants to spend more than they budgeted for on a home inspection. Shop around to find a reliable and trustworthy home inspector that fits within your budget. Get a detailed description of what each home inspector offers and compare their charges. A more thorough home examination is worth investing in, and so is an inspection service that offers years of professional experience and excellent reviews.
 
Duration

Reputable home inspectors led by DBL Check set themselves apart with their thorough and quick inspection services. You want a home inspector that can go over the "bones" of the home and give you an adequate picture of the property's true condition. Don't pick the inspector that promises the quickest in and out. You want a balance between being thorough and efficient.

Buying a new house is, to most people, one of the most significant investments of their life. Make sure that your new home is inspected before you sign on the dotted line. There are many home inspection companies out there, so shop around to find a company that has your best interests at heart.

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Christmas Home Tour 2019

Monday, December 2, 2019




Enjoy our Christmas decor for this year!!