5 Fab Finds Under $50

Monday, December 31, 2018
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On a budget but still want to look great? Here are 5 fab finds under $50 that won't break the bank but will keep you (or your home) looking cute. All items are from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale that's happening now through January 2nd.
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New Year, New Home?

Sunday, December 30, 2018
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Here we are on the doorstep of a new year, and if you're dreaming of a fresh start, a new home could be the answer in 2019. Whether it's moving in with a partner, making room to start a family, downsizing, or even making a major cross-country move, that dream home is out there and you can start making it happen how. January is a great time of year to list your current house for sale or think about buying a new home. Moving is an upheaval, but it doesn't have to be stressful and chaotic if you plan ahead.
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Top Posts of 2018

Saturday, December 29, 2018

I published 242 blog posts in 2018. That was about 50 less than I published in 2017. But I like to think that this little blog is more about quality than quantity. Here are the 10 most popular posts of 2018.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, December 27, 2018

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

1. A complete list of unspoken social etiquette rules everyone should follow via Country Living.

2. The first 15 things flight attendants notice about you when you board the plane via MyDomaine.

3. Seven reasons to choose a hotel over an Airbnb via Business Insider.
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What We're Reading

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

It's Christmas break and what better way to spend it than by reading? And by binge watching Dawson's Creek on Prime Video. Yes, so there's that too, and I have to admit, I am living my best life right now. I'm in the middle of a good psychological thriller that's moving fast, so Dawson and friends are on the back burner, but not for long!
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, December 20, 2018

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

1. Four times you never need to apologize at work via Business Insider.

2. How to make budgeting successful via Refinery29.

3. The cities around the world with the worst traffic via Hopes & Fears.
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My Best Buys of 2018

Wednesday, December 19, 2018
I made countless purchases this year, but only a few stood out. From experiences and travel to beauty and home, here's a short list of my best purchases of 2018.

1. CoxRx Acne Master Pimple Patch ($6/pkg. of 24) - I've been a devotee to Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion as a cure for my pesky pimples. But when I discovered this product from Korean brand COSRX via the Forever35 podcast, I immediately bought them and added them to my regime with the drying lotion. They are tiny medicated stickers that come in various sizes. You simply apply the sticker to your pimple, and it draws out impurities to significantly reduce the size of the pimple. I generally wear them overnight as needed. But if you are home on the weekends, you could pop one on in the morning and leave it all day.
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Weekend Dispatch

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

As we head into the last weekend before Christmas, I've got a to-do list that's a mile long (anyone else?) I'm trying to wrap up work commitments and blog posts this week so I can relax next week. I'm heading to a cookie exchange on Sunday evening (more about that below), and I also have gift wrapping to start. But, I always make time for downtime, and here's how I plan to spend the few spare moments I have this week.
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Holiday Gift Guide: Harper's Wish List

Monday, December 17, 2018
Every year since they were able to write, my daughters have put together Christmas lists. They've been helpful to "Santa" as well as to family members looking for gift ideas. As the years have passed, the lists have evolved. They started out as short lists of scribbled misspelled words and have now become elaborate lists of printed photos and URLs since they now know who "Santa" is.

And I might add that as my girls have gotten older, the items on the wish lists have become fewer but more expensive. Gone are the days of the $20 art kits and $5.00 books. Now it's expensive electronics and brand name clothing.

For today's gift guide feature, I'm sharing what's on Harper's holiday wish list. It's short, sweet, and age-appropriate for an 12 year old.
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5 Things To Know When Traveling with an Infant

Saturday, December 15, 2018
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The holidays are upon us, and for many families, travel is in the plans to celebrate the holidays with family. A new baby suddenly makes traveling a whole lot more overwhelming for a parent. At such times, it may sound more appealing to stick close to home. But don’t worry. Traveling with an infant doesn't have to be a nightmare. By keeping these 5 things in mind, you can make the whole experience easier and fun.
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5 Gifts For Every Wine Lover

Friday, December 14, 2018
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If you've got someone on your gift list who is a big fan of wine, you may be surprised by how many wine accessories are out there for gifting. Every wine lover needs the ideal wine gadgets to make that glass of satisfaction taste even sweeter. Here are five gift ideas for the wine lover on your list.
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How To Make Time For Mindfulness Over The Hectic Holiday Season

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With just a couple of weeks left in the year and just over a week to go until Christmas day, a lot of us will be winding down for the holidays over the coming days…at least in theory. Many of us (especially those in the gig economy) will be rushing to finish year-end work projects and holiday shopping and preparation before the holidays. Christmas shopping these days is like a dress-rehearsal for the stage production of Battle Royale. 

In this backdrop of noise, movement, chaos, confusion and inevitable mess, it’s important for all of us to afford ourselves a little time to come back to center. To reorganize our minds and rise above the chaos and calamity. Here are some ways I do exactly that:
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, December 13, 2018

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

1. The 18 best cookies in America via PureWow.

2. The best apps for learning a foreign language via The Washington Post.

3. Five tricks to cut your morning routine in half via The Everygirl.
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How to Care For Your Health as You Age

Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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Last year when I turned 50, I made a pact with myself to take better physical care of myself and to prioritize self-care (everything from skin care to clean eating). Aging is inevitable, and it's only natural that our bodies go through a process of wear and tear. While I can't stop that process, I can take steps to delay it.

I approach my health more in the context of going on vacation, in that I know I only have a limited amount of time to enjoy my trip, and as a result, I squeeze the most out of it. We often become complacent and live as if we are going to be around forever. Unfortunately, we aren't but you can extend your life span by staying in good health. My mantra is always "prevention is better than a cure."
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What To Consider Before Becoming a Pet Owner

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

It's during this time of year that a lot of parents considering gifting a pet to the children for the holidays. Welcoming a furry friend to the household will undoubtedly bring you a lot of happiness, but it will also add to your workload. Even the most independent and well-behaved pets need care and attention. If you’re on the cusp of making a decision to introduce a new member of the family, here are some top considerations to make before making the final decision.
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Gift Guide: For The Crazy Cat Lady

Monday, December 10, 2018
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We all have a special crazy cat lady in our lives. I am a self-professed one myself. Love anything and everything cat-related, so I chose a few of my favorites to make it easy for you to cross the cat lover off your gift list.
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Why It Matters To Keep Your Home Tidy and In Order

Sunday, December 9, 2018


I have a basic rule that I try to abide by on most occasions, and it's that my house should take no more than 5 minutes to tidy up in the event that a guest calls or texts that she'll "be right over".  We all basically know that it’s a good idea to keep our homes in order, and to maintain a certain baseline of tidiness and structure, but accomplishing that, especially with kids, is another feat altogether.

However, it's only natural that we all become distracted by life and by our competing responsibilities, preoccupations, and everything else we happen to be juggling at that moment. For some, being orderly and organized just isn't in their DNA. But it’s really worth your time and effort to try to maintain some sort of semblance of order in your home. When you maintain a tidy home, you can relax more readily. And the state of your home can impact you in many more ways than you might think.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, December 6, 2018

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

1. The 50 most expensive zip codes for renters in the U.S. via Rent Café.

2. How to survive the holiday office party via The Cut.

3. Thirty-one Starbucks drinks you had no idea existed via Cosmopolitan.
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My Holiday Wish List

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
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Many of you have asked what I am hoping for this holiday season. I never really need anything, and I generally buy myself something that I want, but I do like to give my family a few hints as to items that would be nice but not necessary to have. So, here are 6 things on my list this year.
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Tips For Caring For Your Car

Tuesday, December 4, 2018
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Your car is one of the most important parts of your life and plays a major role in helping your family live their lives. Whether you plan to have your car for 2 years or 20 years, it's important to take care of your car There are many things that play a role in taking care of your vehicle.

Yesterday I had my 20,000 routine maintenance check up on my car, and as I was picking my car up, I got into a discussion with the service manager about the importance of taking care of what's under the hood as well as what's outside of it.
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POM Picks: All About Plaid

Monday, December 3, 2018
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This time of year, I admittedly go a little overboard with the plaid. I wear it. I decorate with it. I dream about it. The thing is...can you ever really have too much plaid in your life? Um, no. So, if you aren't convinced that plaid is the greatest print ever, here are a few of my favorite plaid items to help convince you. And many of these would make great gifts too!
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Tips For Securing Your Home From Intruders

Saturday, December 1, 2018
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After we were robbed almost 10 years ago, home security became our top priority. We quickly realized that it’s not enough to simply rely on a set of locks. We took some additional steps to ensure that we were safe inside and outside the home.
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