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The Most Effective Way to Relocate

Written by Marybeth Heckler on March 8, 2020. Posted in Real Estate.

Relocating to a new city or even a new state or country can be an exciting prospect as it has the hopes and promises of a fresh beginning. However, it can also be terrifying to many people who have to pick up everything and start over somewhere else.

What makes this transition even more daunting is the move itself—the organizing, the planning, and the packing!

Let’s take a look at ways to make this type of transition a bit smoother with packing and organizational tips that can really help you keep your sanity during this major move.

Get organized — You will just drive yourself crazy with a move if you are doing everything in a haphazard fashion. The good news is that there are a lot of apps and other resources that can help you get organized. You will need to create a timeline or calendar of all of the things that you need to get ready before you start loading a single box into a moving truck. You should also use this time to plan your budget for the move and decide if that budget allows for the hiring of professional movers.
Get rid of “junk” — The next big step in this process is to declutter your house as much as possible. I suggest doing this room-by-room. Go into your bedroom closet, for instance, and start three separate piles. The first will be the stuff you want to keep and take with you. The next would be items like clothes and other things that are in good condition that you don’t want or need anymore. These will be your “donate” pile.

The last pile will be for stuff that you don’t want or need that isn’t in good condition. Just toss this pile straight into the trash. The more stuff you can get rid of, the better because it’s less hassle for you. (You can also toss the donate pile into a yard sale and try to make a few extra bucks before donating them. This money can help buy pizza for your friends as you entice them to help you move.) Once you’ve done the first room or area, move on to the next in a systematic fashion.

Create an essentials bag — When you get to your new location, you will need a few days to unpack your stuff. Pack a bag of the essentials that you will need immediately. This will include 2 to 3 days of clothes, toiletries, your electronic devices and chargers, and other essentials such as medication. If you have children, make sure that you pack one for them as well and include a couple of cherished toys or a book to help keep them occupied.
Stay organized — Once you start boxing things up, be sure to stay organized. Keep a running list of how many boxes you have for each room and put this information on the outside of the box. (For instance, a label might say “Kitchen 5 of 16” meaning that is the fifth box out of a total of 16 that are headed for the kitchen.) This way, you can keep up with everything and know if you are missing any boxes quickly and easily.

One of the most important things that can help make any relocation easier is advanced planning. Trying to throw everything together the night before a move isn’t going to be successful. By staying ahead of the game, you will not feel rushed and frustrated and your move will be a smooth one.

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Making Your Home More Sustainable

Written by Marybeth Heckler on March 1, 2020. Posted in Homeowner.

One of the goals of just about any parent is to help make the world a better place for our children. This can be done in a variety of ways. Now, I’m not saying that you can change the world just for your family. But you can make your own corner of that world a bit better than you found it. Part of this is by helping to make your home more sustainable and environmentally conscious.

Here are easy ways you can reduce your carbon footprint by “going green” and making your home more sustainable:

Use Less Energy

One of the first things you can do to be more sustainable will also save you money in the long run. (So, count that as a win-win!) Let’s talk about ways to cut your energy consumption (which in turn will reduce your monthly power bill).

Change your regular light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent bulbs. These use less energy and actually last longer, meaning you won’t be adding lots of dead bulbs to the trash heap.
When you buy a new appliance, such as a washer or dryer, look for those that are Energy Star Qualified. These can cut energy use between 10 and 50% off a regular appliance. And, in some cases, your purchase may qualify you for a tax credit.
Insulate your home to cut down on heating costs and power. This means insulating your attic/basement as well as the walls. Additionally, if you have wooden floors, simply putting down a thick rug can cut down on this as well.
Install double-glazed windows with thermal backed curtains. This will help you keep the cold air out in the winter while trapping in the heat. (Conversely, during the summer, it traps the air-conditioned cold air inside while keeping out the heat.)

Use Less Water

Another big area of waste in our homes is water consumption. There are little things you can do around the house to cut down on this, such as:

Install low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets. The showerheads will not only cut down on water usage, but energy use as well since your water heater will not have to work as hard. A typical toilet flush will use six gallons while a low-flush toilet uses less than two.
Fix leaky faucets and “running” toilets immediately. This can waste gallons of water each and every day just from a toilet that is not working properly.

Other Tips

There are other areas you can cut back as well. One of the biggest is your use of chemical products to clean your home. Use natural cleansers that do not use these chemicals or you can even make your own cleansers with a few things from the pantry. By doing this, you will not be supporting companies that use chemicals in their products.

Taking care of our environment is everyone’s responsibility. It may not be possible for one person to save the world, but by making some changes to your home, you can do your best to make your corner of the world a little more sustainable.

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Creating the Perfect Master Bedroom Closet

Written by Marybeth Heckler on February 23, 2020. Posted in Home Improvement.

If you are like me, you probably remember having a master bedroom closet that barely contained anything. It was one small area, maybe 3 feet wide and two feet deep, that had room for a rack of clothes and maybe a hamper or a suitcase on the bottom and a small shelf on the top.

Today, master bedroom closets have become works of art and rooms unto themselves. If you are looking to do some design work and spruce up your master bedroom closet, then here are some ideas that can get you started and thinking about what will work for you.

Planning

Before you do anything else, think about what you want in a closet—literally. What do you need to store in that closet and how do you want to display it? Space is a huge issue in homes and your closet is defined by just what you need it for. If all you want is a place to hang up your clothes, then a simple closet like I previously mentioned might actually be fine. But, if you are more interested in how you display your apparel, then a larger space is needed. This may be because you have more clothes to store, or more types of clothes that you want to organize. It may also mean that you like to display your clothes so that you can choose your clothes for the next day. The closet might also need to store items like your vacuum or personal items like private documents. This type of storage is important for some, but others may not need it. So decide what it is that you want most.

Organization

Something else that you should consider is that size isn’t always necessary for a functional master suite closet. Many home good stores sell organizing shelving and other utilities for displaying clothes in cramped spaces. Additionally, you can add something like an ottoman or a small chest at the bottom of the closet to give you more storage in that area. Finally, if you like taking your time and trying on outfits before settling on one, you can add a dressing area simply by putting a long mirror on the back of the door. Simple fixes like this are cheaper than spending thousands on a home refurbishment.

Decorating Your Closet

If you really want to spruce up your closet, consider doing a little decorating. Choose a light, airy color that will contrast nicely with the paint in your master bedroom. You can also hang some pictures on the wall just to provide a more personal touch. Another great idea would be to use wall quotes to give you inspiration as you get ready for work in the morning.

Your closet does not have to be that forgotten hole in your bedroom where you dump your clothes. It can be a functional and integral part of your living space with just a little work and creativity.

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Easy Self-Care Routines for Busy Moms

Written by Marybeth Heckler on February 16, 2020. Posted in Motherhood.

If you’re a mom, then you know just how selfless the job can be. Time can seem like a commodity just as important as money or credit.

But most moms also know that they have a tendency to spend their time on others—balancing family, career, volunteering, and the dozen other myriad activities that make up our day.

What usually gets lost by the wayside is time for yourself. And this can be very dangerous. If you don’t take time to care for yourself, then you’re at risk of running yourself so ragged you can’t take part in the activities you are needed for.

That’s why you need to implement these self-care routines to improve your overall health and well-being:

First, let’s talk about self-care for the body. You must stay active if you are going to keep yourself going. Unfortunately, active doesn’t mean bouncing out of the minivan to pick up a Starbucks coffee in between work and dropping off the kids at sports practice. Spend some time each week to just do some kind of physical activity. After you drop off the kids at practice, take a walk around the field or the block. Spend an hour each week practicing yoga. Or you can just spend time at home, outside, doing something physical and a little Zen like working in the yard or tending to a garden.
Next, you also need to keep your mind engaged. Studies have shown that incorporating good habits to keep yourself mentally aware can stave off diseases later in life like dementia. So for now, spend a few minutes each night before bed reading something for yourself or quietly meditating. You can also start keeping a journal to document your ideas and feelings. If you are artistic, drawing or painting classes might help out. (If you aren’t artistic, but wish you were, pick up an adult coloring book that are at every bookstore.) Take some time to work on a jigsaw puzzle or play a board game. (This one’s easy to do because you can get the kids involved.)
Finally, do something nice for yourself regularly that can help you on a personal or spiritual level. Take a class where you can meet new people and experience new things. Have a girl’s night out once a month to just unwind and relax and socialize. Or you can even just set aside an hour each week for a nice long relaxing bubble bath. All of these can help you cleanse the spirit and rejuvenate you for the rest of the week.

Moms have a rough job, but a rewarding one. But you aren’t good to anyone if you let yourself get worn down by doing too much. Take care of yourself as well as your family and you will be better as a mom in the long run.

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Honoring Valentine’s Day With or Without a Partner

Written by Marybeth Heckler on February 9, 2020. Posted in Holidays.

Outside of Christmas, Valentine’s Day may be the most stress-inducing holiday of the year. For those who are in a relationship, the pressure to be “super romantic” and to hit all the right notes on that day is almost like it will be a test of your love.

For those who don’t have a partner, Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder of that loneliness and isolation. With that in mind, here are some ways that you can honor the holiday with love and kindness without the stress or sadness that may sometimes be associated with it.

Before we even begin, let’s dispel one huge myth about Valentine’s Day. This day is not meant to be a test of whether or not you love your partner. If your partner truly tries to place a value on your love based on what you get them for Valentine’s Day, or whether you are romantic, or where you take them for dinner, then maybe you are not in a healthy relationship to begin with. It is also not a test of whether you are desirable as a person if you do not have a partner on Valentine’s Day. Try to take the stress out of this, which you can do with our next step.
The next thing you need to do is gain some perspective on what the day means. Just like with Christmas, marketers have latched onto this holiday as a means of commercializing it for more money. (Don’t believe me? Two days before Christmas, our local “big box superstore” moved all of the Christmas candy and merchandise to the clearance aisles and began stocking Valentine’s cards and candy.) So use this time to talk with your partner about what the day truly means to you. Communicate with him or her about how you would like to celebrate this holiday together and what would be the best reflection of your love.
If you are not in a relationship, it may seem like you have no one to love. But that is never true. On Valentine’s Day, organize a counter-Valentine’s dinner with your single friends where you can share in the love of your friendship. If you are divorced or widowed, then you can still connect with your children or family members. Make this day a celebration of LOVE in all of its aspects, not just romantic love.

This Valentine’s Day, remember that love is what the holiday is all about. But love is not reflected in commercial goods or dinners. Love is not just about romance and desire. Love should be enjoyed and appreciated in all of its forms for a healthier holiday.

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Picking the Right Rug for Your Home

Written by Marybeth Heckler on February 2, 2020. Posted in Homeowner.

It seems to be a cliché of interior design—the right area rug can actually tie a whole room together and allow you to complete the room in a way you couldn’t before.

In many ways, this is totally true. What is worse is that the wrong type of rug can have the opposite effect and totally destroy any sense of unity or flow. This is why it is so important to take your time and find the area rug that is right for you.

You need to look at four areas when you’re picking out the right rug:

First, you want to find the right size for your area rug. Too many people try to buy area rugs that take up most, if not all, of the room. This isn’t the right idea. It’s not for carpeting after all; it’s an accent and cover for the carpet. Instead, measure out the seating area for the room. In a living room or den, it may not be convenient to place all of the furniture completely on the rug. But the coffee table should be able to fit squarely in the center and the surrounding couches and chairs should have their front legs resting on the rug.

Next, think about the shape that will best compliment your environment. If your room or the sitting area is square, then you can choose a square rug. But also consider a round one that can offset the room perfectly. If the sitting area is more rectangular, then choose a rectangular rug. (A square or circular one here will look off-kilter.) If you get a rectangular rug, make sure that you place it in the same direction as the flow of the room.

Once you have the right size and shape, you will want to look at the texture of your rug. If you have a consistent texture style for all of your furniture, you may wish to pick something complimentary as your rug texture. If you have leather furniture, for example, it will look great with a fluffy area rug that it can kind of sink into. However, keep in mind that such a rug might be a tripping hazard for the elderly and little kids. Pick the texture that is right for you and don’t feel like you have to go with the basic wool that you see with most rugs.

Finally, let’s talk color. If your furniture and décor are neutral or earth tones, you may want a rug that provides a pop of color. By contrast, bright furniture works well with neutral colored rugs. You don’t want a rug that just blends in with the carpeting and furniture. Instead, you want something that stands out distinctly.

Today, area rugs can actually be a big investment of money. They may not cost as much as full carpeting, but they aren’t cheap. Because of this, you should look to buy a rug that truly fits your room and your style so that you can create the area that you love.

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The 2020 Colors of the Year According to Top Paint Companies

Written by Marybeth Heckler on January 27, 2020. Posted in Home Improvement.

One thing that top household paint companies do annually is announce their Color of the Year for the upcoming twelve months. If you’ve been considering an interior painting project for your home, here are the favorites for 2020.

Benjamin Moore

If you like softer hues, Benjamin Moore has chosen to feature First Light as their 2020 color of the year. For those who like a softer room or tend to go towards neutral shades, this light pink shade could be a way to add some color without overdoing it.

Sherwin-Williams

If light and bright aren’t for you and you’re ready for something bold for your next project, Sherwin-Williams has chosen this deep, dark Naval Blue shade as their color of the year. Whether used as a statement or a highlight, this color doesn’t disappoint.

Valspar

Valspar is thinking pink this year as well with this spring-inspired Bombay Pink paint color. Their color of the year is feminine but has more to say than a lighter pink. Bring in spring with this paint.

Behr

Another company going for calm and relaxing, Behr’s 2020 Color of the Year is Back to Nature. Bring some balance and nature in with this calming green hue.

Glidden

While Glidden isn’t doing an official color of the year announcement for 2020, they are recommending a blue-tinted gray color, Whirlwind, as their color of choice for DIY folks tackling home projects this year.

If you didn’t find a color to suit you, no worries. Each of these companies has a ton to choose from. Hopefully, these colors get you inspired to do some home improvement projects this year.

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Celebrating Lunar New Year in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on January 20, 2020. Posted in Holidays.

In many Eastern countries, the beginning of the new year doesn’t start on January 1^st, but rather at the beginning of the first moon cycle. It’s one of the most celebrated family traditions in many Asian countries, where families come together to celebrate, commune, and accumulate good fortune for the upcoming year.

The city of Denver has many options for people and families wanting to get in on the celebrations of Lunar New Year.

Truong An Gifts

This local, cultural, Asian market celebrates Chinese New Year each year in their parking lot with two days’ worth of performances from local groups including lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and kids’ fashion shows (where all participating kids in traditional clothing get red envelopes). This is a great way to do a bit of shopping and enjoy the holiday at the same time. They update their Facebook page and event regularly so keep updated there.

Southridge Recreation Center

This recreation center in Highlands Ranch, Colorado is teaming up with the Great Wall Chinese Academy for a mini-festival and a performance including lion dances, martial arts, and music. Find out more here.

Sharetea Westminster

Enjoy traditional performances from the Nguyen Thieu Lion Dance troupe at this location on February 1^st only. They will also be handing out red envelopes for good luck. Don’t forget to grab a cup of bubble tea while you are there. Find out more here.

Castle Rock Outlets

This shopping center honors Lunar New Year each year with red envelopes, crafts, and discounts. Find out more.

Nathan Yip Foundation

If you want something a bit more robust, check out the Chinese New Year party at the Grand Hyatt Denver. This party has traditional performances, acrobats, lion dances, karaoke, and even a silent disco. Plus, enjoy themed food stations and an Asian-themed street market. Get your tickets here.

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Household Projects Perfect for January

Written by Marybeth Heckler on January 13, 2020. Posted in Homeowner.

As a homeowner, each season brings its own list of home maintenance tasks that need to be completed, and January is no exception. Even though it’s dark and cold (and often snowy) outside, that doesn’t mean you are off the hook when it comes to keeping up with your home.

Here are some suggestions for tasks you could complete this month to keep your home in top shape:

Check Your Batteries

Go through your home and check the batteries and test all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in optimal condition and that you can depend on them in an emergency.

Clean the Coat Closet

Whether you have a mudroom or a simple closet, take some time to organize the space. Get rid of anything that no longer fits, doesn’t have a match, or is in poor condition. Make sure your weather gear is easily accessible and you have what you need to brave the winter weather.

Tackle that Junk Drawer

We all have one. The drawer where all the miscellaneous knick knacks and gadgets go can easily get out of hand if it’s not organized regularly.

Make Things Cozy

Pull out those fuzzy blankets, candles, and teapots! Go around your home and figure out how to make each room cozy and comfortable since you’ll be spending more time indoors this time of year.

Protection from Water

If you want to protect your home from potential water damage, make sure you know where your water shut off valve is (just in case). Are those gutters clean? They are designed to send any possible water or snow runoff into an appropriate spot which could be problematic if they overflow into other areas.

This should give you plenty of projects to tackle this month to stay on top of the place you call home.

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How to Celebrate National Thank You Month

Written by Marybeth Heckler on January 6, 2020. Posted in Holidays.

While it may seem obvious that January is a big month for sending out thank you cards, after all the holidays events and gifts the month before, January is also, officially, National Thank You Month. This is a great opportunity to incorporate gratitude and appreciation and also showcase some great ways to express your thanks. Especially, if you are parents, the benefits of becoming more intentional when saying ‘thank you’ include role modeling great behavior.

Here are some ways you can celebrate and give thanks this month:

Make a Gratitude List

First, begin by making a list of everyone and everything you are grateful for right now. This list will help you come up with ways to express your thanks to the people that matter the most.

Discover Their Love Language

To really give back in an impactful way, ask people about their love languages. This concept comes from a book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.

The five languages are:

Physical Touch
Words of Affirmation
Gifts
Quality Time
Acts of Service

Once you identify the most effective way to show your love to someone, you can come up with some truly great ideas for expressing your thanks.

Make Cards in Batches

Spend some time filling out basic thank you cards that you can hand out in the moment to anyone who does you a good service or makes your day better.

Take Someone to Lunch

If there is someone especially deserving of thanks this month, consider taking them out to a meal, coffee or dessert this month.

Thank Every Day

Make it a point to be intentional about saying thank you to someone every day this month. If it helps, keep a journal to help you say on track. This could be the beginning of a new habit for you.

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