Best Online Reads

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

1. How to style your coffee table and bookshelves like a pro via Coveteur.

2. Ways to implement CBD into your daily routine via The Chalkboard.

3. Finally a face mask designed for working out via Bustle.

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The Books I Read In May

May kicked off the unofficial start to summer reading season. I have a pretty ambitious summer reading list which I'll share later this week, but for now, we'll just have to chat about the three books I read last month. I tend to get stuck in a particular genre of books (I'm looking at you chick lit and psychological thrillers), but I am trying to break out of the pattern and read a variety of different types from non-fiction (biographies, true crime) to classic literature (Pride and Prejudice). I've included a wide variety on my summer reading list, and I can't wait to share it with you. For now, here are the books I read in May.

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How To Create The Perfect Home Office

When the COVID-19 quarantine was handed down, many people found themselves in a situation where they were required to continue working...but they had to do it from their homes. Now that many countries are slowly opening up using a multi-phase approach, many employers are giving employees the option to permanently telecommute. For many, permanently working from home is attractive as it allows for greater flexibility to tend to your family as well as provide for them.

I've been telecommuting for eight years, and although I love the freedom and flexibility, it's not without its challenges. Here are three things that have helped me to effectively work from home, avoid distractions, and do my job successfully.

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What We're Reading

This week I've taken a step back from the blog and social media to listen, learn, reflect, and take in all that is going on in this country with civil rights and racial relations. These issues have a long history in this country. And while I know a lot more now than I did even a week ago, I still have a lot to learn. One of the ways I am empowering myself to become better educated as well as support BIPOC is through books. I'm using my love of reading as a mechanism to become anti-racist and to support Black authors.

Here are the books we are currently reading in light of the current state of events:

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Where To Buy Gifts Online

For most of us, the lockdown is still in full swing, which means stores, malls, and boutiques are closed to keep us safe and to limit the spread of COVID-19. However, summer is a busy gift-giving time of the year with college, high school, and middle school graduations, Father's Day, and birthdays. Just because stores are closed doesn't mean you can't shop. There are plenty of opportunities to purchase the perfect gift online. You just have to know where to look.

Whether you are buying from brands directly, online retailers and shops, local shops that offer e-commerce, or online catalogues, you'll find an array of gift options online to fit any budget or occasion. Online shopping has become incredibly popular within the last few years and especially so within the last few months.

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Getting a Mortgage in Your 40s: What To Know

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By the time many of us reach our 40s, we get the impression that we should be feeling and acting… well, older. Even though many of us have kids, we still feel much the same way as we did in our 20s. And our lives tend to be a little less financially ordered than perhaps our parents were at the same age. But fear not! That doesn’t mean that we're financially irresponsible. It’s simply that times have changed. When our parents were younger, mortgages were easier to come by and property prices were infinitely more affordable.

There was a time when even those with a modest income were able to own their own homes. But times have changed, and soaring property values combined with lenders being a lot more cautious after the financial crash of 2007-2008, many GenXers and older millennials have rented their entire lives. And this has had a knock-on effect on all of their finances. Since rent repayments are typically higher than mortgage repayments, many people in their 40s find it difficult to budget and save.

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Best Online Reads

This week's favorite stories from around the web focus on educating ourselves about racial injustices and how to take the first steps to create equality for all.

1. How white parents can talk to their kids about race via Huffington Post.

2. Where to donate to support the Black Lives Matter movement via Real Simple.

3. How to safely protest amid the pandemic via MindBodyGreen.

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Tips For Hosting a Fundraiser

Every fall, my family and friends gather to participate in the JDRF OneWalk to support type 1 diabetes. My youngest daughter Harper was diagnosed with type 1 in February 2014, and we've been walking as a team since October 2014. JDRF is a cause that we hold close and dear to our hearts. Sometimes, it can feel difficult to know how to support causes that you’re not directly involved in. But there’s always a way to help and often that can involve raising money or funds of some sort.

The charity, cause or other good movement that you donate to will be able to use donated cash to achieve their goals - no matter what they are. It could go towards research, raising awareness, or anything else that will help. While donating directly is great, you can actually raise more money by having a fundraiser. This, of course, will require a fair amount of work and effort. But all in all, it’s worth it when you see the difference the proceeds make! Here are a few suggestions that will help you to set up your own fundraiser and get started in the right direction!

Decide On a Charity or Cause

First, you need to settle on what kind of fundraiser you’re going to hold. What charity or cause do you want to support? Will it be something local? Perhaps a local school needs new resources. A local dogs home might need new kennels. Will it be something more global? A charity to raise awareness and tackle social injustices around the world. A climate change cause. The options are endless. But if you choose one that you are passionate about, you will in turn be more passionate about raising money to support the cause.

Decide on Your Fundraising Event

Next, you need to decide what kind of event you’re going to hold. There are so many different ideas out there. It doesn’t have to be something completely innovative. The classic fundraising ideas work well! You could host a fair with games, Jumping Castle Rental, BBQs, and competitions. You could hold a music event with bands and DJs playing. Often bands and DJs are willing to give you a discount since it's for a charity event. Be sure to inquire. You could even do a charity auction. The list goes on.

Secure a Location

Once you’ve decided what you want to do, you need to secure a venue or location where you can host the event. Consider how many people will be in attendance and ensure that your venue can accommodate them. Consider ease to get to the location - easy to reach places will have a higher attendance rate than remote and difficult to access locations. Make it affordable or ask the owner whether they’d let you use the venue for free because the event is for charity.

Collaborate with Brands and Companies

A lot of brands and companies will sponsor a charity event and match donations raised or offer a lump sum donation. Your workplace may do something similar! This can really help to boost proceeds and help the charity or good cause you’re supporting even more!

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Where I Stand

The events of the past week have been nothing short of disturbing, horrifying, and eye opening. These events are nothing new in this country nor are they isolated incidents. This has happened over and over again and will continue to happen until we take action.

I am acutely aware of my white privilege. I understand how my skin color, geographic location, and socio-economic status contribute to that privilege. But I am waking up to the world around me. I want to do better. I want my children to do better. The best thing I can do right now as a mother is teach my daughters about racial injustices and to raise them to be intolerant of it and to empathize with those who experience it.

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