Tips To Help You Get Through Tough Times

Sunday, September 30, 2018
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Life isn't always going to be hearts, rainbows, and sunflowers. Everyone hits bumps in the road whether it is your job, your home life, or even problems with family. It's important to remember that you are not alone. Everyone at some point or another is bound to go through difficult times or already has. Last month when my husband's sister passed away suddenly, I found myself experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and feelings. I felt helpless and hopeless, at times. But taking a step back, and paying attention to yourself during these times is one of the best things you can do.

Here are a few of the ways I was able to come out on top of the situation:
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Best Online Reads

Friday, September 28, 2018

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. How to actually teach your child the value of money via Huffington Post.

2. Will a baked potato actually explode if you don't prick it via MSN.

3. The best coffee city in America is... via Well+Good.
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4 Ways To Transform Your Home On A Budget

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If you're anything like I am, you are constantly thinking of ways to redo your home but can't seem to manage the budget or time. There's an easy solution: redo little things! Small changes can have a major impact. If you don't want to invest too much time or money but want to make a significant change in the appearance of a few rooms, try this:
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5 Things Every Healthy Home Needs

Thursday, September 27, 2018
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Now that the kids are back to school, one thing is certain. They will come in contact with thousands of germs on a daily basis. What seems like a little sniffle could easily turn into a full blown cough and cold within a few days. Thanks for modern technology, there are hundreds of devices and gadgets which can be used to improve and create a safe and healthy home for your children whether they are toddlers or teenagers. Here is a short list for a few items you should consider buying to insure your family stays well and good all winter long.
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Weekend Dispatch

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Last weekend was the perfect blend of busy and downtime. It all started on Friday with dinner at Half Moon Point, which is quickly becoming our go-to Friday night dinner spot. We always end up running into someone we know and catching up over a cocktail...can't complain about that! On Saturday, I found myself alone for the first Saturday in I don't know how long. So, I took a long walk at the Brick Reservoir and listened to episode after episode of podcasts. Definitely wasn't mad about that.

Here's what I'm up to for the rest of this week and into the weekend:
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Hostess Gift Ideas With A Twist

Tuesday, September 25, 2018
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Appreciation matters. Especially when you’re a guest. A small gift is your way of thanking your host for their hospitality and the effort they put into to entertaining to make you feel welcomed in their home. To make a good impression, don’t wait until the last minute to find the perfect hostess gift.

You might have already received invitations for  Thanksgiving dinner. Although it may seen a bit early, for those who are hosting, the planning and preparations have been set in motion. And out of town guests will in attendance, it's never too early to start planning. If you will be attending a Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's or family member's home, now is the time to start thinking about how you will show your gratitude to the hosts.
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Are You Ready To Commit To A Dog?

Monday, September 24, 2018
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Last weekend while at the pet store to pick up some prescription cat food, there was an adoption event happening. If you are an animal lover (or have kids), you know that these are dangerous places to happen upon. I always want to take home at least two or three cats. But last week, I was pulled in the direction of the dogs. The puppies were so cute! At that moment, I could just imagine one bouncing all over the house.

There are all sorts of questions to ask yourself before letting a dog into your life. While the benefits of a family pooch are plain to see, it's also a huge commitment. If you get a puppy, you may be looking at full-time dog ownership for upwards of fifteen years. I've heard that dog ownership is a lot like having another baby. You wouldn’t embark on that kind of commitment without covering all your bases first, would you?

Even if you think you’re ready for the early morning (and cold) walks and vet bills, this commitment stretches deeper than you know. Though your dog may become a staple member of the family, most pup owners admit to regretting their choice at some stage. Dogs are binding commitments, after all, and they can tie you down a fair amount.
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Gift Ideas For Teen Boys

Sunday, September 23, 2018
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When it comes to gift giving, teen boys can be notoriously difficult to buy for. Previously, we've purchased action figures, Lego sets, board games, and jigsaw puzzles - anything to keep their minds occupied. However, now that we are in the teen years, we want want to give a gift that's a little more “grown up” and that will help them feel mature and respected. I've asked around to some of my friends who have teenage sons. Here are a few gift ideas that can get the ball rolling in the right direction!
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, September 20, 2018

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Little ways to find happiness in a negative world via Newsette.

2. Positive expressions that can actually be offensive via Fast Company.

3. The two-word dress code used by General Motors in brilliant via Inc.
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Fab Finds Under $50

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

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The search is over! If you're on a limited budget but always on the lookout for fun, inexpensive items that add flair to your home, your outfits, or your life, you've come to the right place. I've tracked down five items that you need in your life right now. From entertaining to your beauty routine to your outfit of the day, any one of these items is a welcome addition to your life.
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Weekend Dispatch

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

This past weekend was super productive. After seven straight days of rainy, gloomy weather, I woke up to sunny skies on Saturday, and it made such a difference in my energy level. I went to an early morning yoga class, stopped for an iced coffee, and then headed to the farmers' market with my husband to stock up on goodies for the week. On Sunday, I did some meal prep for the week (I'm on a kick to not eat out so much), and took the girls back-so-school shopping (finally!). It was a marathon day at the mall, but it was successful.

Here's what I'm up to this week:

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The Value of Ongoing Education

Monday, September 17, 2018
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It’s at this time of year, when the kids go back to school and college courses start that we instinctively feel the need to be studying. As I watch my own daughters come home from school, open their books and notebooks, and feverishly write notes, I have a pang of envy for those days. I loved college. I loved learning, studying, and immersing myself in books.

Today, it’s never been easier or more convenient to learn from home thanks to online learning opportunities where you can study a plethora of university level courses, you can even master computer engineering online, today, which makes the academic playing field a little more accessible for stay at home moms, or those juggling family life with a busy job.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, September 13, 2018

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. The worst habits for your heart via HealthyWay.

2. Five financial, money-saving chores you can do in 15 minutes or less via Inc.

3. The college majors that lead to the biggest salaries via Babble.
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Weekend Dispatch

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

After last week's jam-packed wedding weekend (I'm not complaining...I loved having all the activities laid out for us with room to do our own thing), I needed a weekend that was filled with down-time and time to catch up on laundry. I started a new book, watched several movies, waded through mounds of laundry, and made a huge batch of minestrone soup and prepped ingredients for veggie bowls for lunch this week. #winning

But now I'm back to the grind, and here's what I'll be up to this week and weekend.
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Loving Lately: Leopard Print

Monday, September 10, 2018

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This fall is the best time to take a walk on the wild side of fashion by sporting leopard (and other animal) prints. Animal prints were spotted (did you see what I did there??) all over the runways at NYFW, but one of the most popular to have emerged is the leopard print. This classic print has long been a fashion favorite. Some have even argued that it's a neutral! There are plenty of ways to wear it, but whichever you choose, you are sure to be on-trend.

Here are a few of my favorite leopard print pieces:
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Tips For Creating An Authentic Home

Saturday, September 8, 2018
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When it comes to your home, it’s important to create a space that's perfectly fitted to yours’ and your family’s needs and personality. Your family home is the place where you and your family should feel the most comfortable and relaxed, and it should be the place you love the most. That’s why getting the design element of your home right is so important.

While contemporary design is currently on-trend, that doesn’t mean that you can’t vere away from the the current style to create a home that is better suited to your design preferences. Your home is your space, so it should be designed with that in mind. Whether you love modern design or prefer a more authentic and traditional space, your home should reflect that in its design.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, September 6, 2018

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Five healthy reasons to take a break from eating meat via Aaptiv.

2. How much avocado is healthy to eat in one day via Huffington Post.

3. Nine things productive people do before noon via Travel + Leisure
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Our Trip To Utah

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

When I found out that my nephew and his fiancée were planning to get married in Utah, I was super excited. I had never been there before, and I'm always game for traveling to a new destination. I didn't have a whole lot of expectations going in to the trip. I knew we'd be busy with wedding activities, so I wasn't sure how much time we'd have to explore beyond that and what we'd be able to see.

Since I'm not a skier, I probably would never have visited the Alta area of Utah, but I am soooo glad this wedding took me there. It is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous (as is Salt Lake City) and there is so much to do even in the summer months. We flew out to SLC last Thursday and returned home late Sunday on a red eye flight. Although we were only in town for a few days, we did manage to squeeze in enough to give us a feel for the local flavor.
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How To Use Mirrors To Decorate Your Home

Tuesday, September 4, 2018
apartment, comfort, contemporary
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People use mirrors for a lot of reasons. You probably don’t even know how much you use your mirrors until you really sit and think about it. You roll out of bed and head to the bathroom to do your teeth and morning skincare and boom – mirror. You head to the closet to choose your clothes and boom – mirror. You put your coat and scarf on before you leave the house and boom – mirror. Everywhere you go, you see you, so it makes sense that a big part of the décor in our homes involves mirrors.

For many people, they’re a necessity for everyday living; even if you’re not the type of person to check your teeth in every reflective surface. There are so many benefits to adding mirrors to your home, and it’s not always because you want a quick glance at your appearance! Your home can benefit from many accents and upgrades, but mirrors are one of the best decorative investments you can make, especially since they are inexpensive. Change the way your home looks and you won’t look back on your choice of mirror décor.

Here are some of the ways that your home can really benefit from having more mirrors on the walls.
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