In the past year, we've had to rethink how we celebrate so many of life's important events: weddings, birthdays, holidays, births, graduations, and so forth. At least one way we've been able to stay connected through this crazy period of time is with cards. In this digital age, there's something so special about receiving physical mail, something tangible that you can put on the fridge and hold in your hands. One of my favorite companies for customizable stationery is Basic Invite. They have really beautiful designs for all kinds of milestones, whether you're looking for a graduation announcement template or a wedding invitation design or a memorable business card. Here are four reasons why I totally recommend Basic Invite.

1. Sooo many color options.

Basic Invite is allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you've select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, it's easy to customize your stationery so that it perfectly matches the colors of your school, your wedding's color palette, or your company's branding. In addition, there are over 40 different envelope colors to choose from. The envelopes peel and seal so they can be closed quickly and securely.

2. Customized samples.

Before you place your final order, you can get a printed sample of your actual invitation, to feel the paper quality, see how it will print, and make sure your graduation party invitation is absolutely perfect. This is something that very few companies allow!

3. Easy addressing.

Another thing that's special about Basic Invite is their address capturing service. It allows customers to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request their friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite also offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders (a huge time saver if you're placing a big order!).

4. Great prices.

Basic Invite is already very affordable, and right now they are offering 15% off with the coupon code 15FF51. If you've been thinking that it's time to order graduation announcements, baby announcements, or any other type of stationery, definitely take advantage of that offer!

Well, I don't think any of us could have predicted what a crazy, historic year 2020 would turn out to be. Unprecedented, challenging, and memorable to say the least! Here in Washington state, we just entered a new round of lockdowns and are being asked not to hold any social gatherings indoors. Soooo needless to say, the holidays will look much different this year. Even if your state is still open, it's likely that you have family members or friends who aren't comfortable gathering. As we head into winter, I've been thinking a lot about the people I know who live alone, especially those that are older. I hope it's not too long before we can see them in person and give them a BIG hug...but in the meantime, I've been thinking about how we can spread some comfort and joy this Christmas season.

1. Gift a weighted blanket: I think a weighted blanket may just be the perfect holiday gift for 2020. It's the next-best-thing to a big, comforting hug! Weighted blankets apply deep calming pressure to help you rest and relax. According to Psychology Today, their soothing effects have many benefits including reduced anxiety and stress, falling asleep faster, and getting better sleep. I have a Tranquility weighted blanket and I love it both for sleeping under, and for getting cozy during the day. What I love about Tranquility is that they have come in different weights and styles, including cooling and temperature-balancing, so there’s a blanket to fit every preference. Tranquility weighted blankets start out at just $25 and can be purchased online at Target or Walmart. They are super soft, durable, and have a removable, machine washable cover. I'll be doing a giveaway on Instagram soon, so keep an eye out for that!

2. Take a drive to see the holiday lights: This is a fun holiday tradition that (thankfully) we don't have to give up this year. Make some hot cocoa, get the kids in the car, turn up the Christmas music, and drive around your neighborhood to see the best Christmas light displays. You could even plan ahead with your neighbors and friends to make this year extra-special. Let them know when you'll be driving by so they can come out on their front porch or wave through the windows. Make sure to return the favor: add some extra cheer to the front of your house this year, and if you know your friends will be driving by, try to do something special like putting a sign in the window with their kids' names.

3. Plan a holiday movie watch party: Try this idea if you're looking for a way to bridge the distance and connect with family members that you won't be seeing this Christmas. Plan to watch the same Christmas movie at the same time, then send each other photos! If you want to take it up a notch, you could even order the same Christmas jammies to wear, and plan to eat the same snacks. This would be a fun thing to do with cousins, grandparents, and the whole extended family.

4. Organize a front porch Christmas cookie exchange: Instead of gathering in-person for a Christmas party, try a Covid-friendly Christmas cookie exchange. Everyone bakes a few dozen of their favorite Christmas cookie, then packs them up in tins or boxes. On the same day, drop them off on each others' front porches, so everyone ends up with a variety of cute, yummy cookies to enjoy. You could even pack cookies carefully in a box and mail them to family that's farther away.

5. Open gifts together virtually: We may not be able to get together in-person for Christmas, but at least we can gather virtually. Zoom or FaceTime can make opening gifts a little more personal. After all, seeing the reaction when your loved ones open your gifts is part of the fun!

What other ideas do you have for keeping the holiday spirit alive in 2020? Wishing you and your family all the coziness and comfort.

This post is written in partnership with Tranquility. All opinions are my own.

We all know that sleep is important. In fact, it's as crucial as exercise and eating well, according to Medical News Today. A good night's sleep can make a huge difference in our productivity, mood, and overall well-being. And yet, many Americans suffer from lack of sleep. Sometimes, the reason is obvious: we're staying up way too late binge watching a show, or we're sick, or we have a baby waking us up in the middle of the night. Other times, the reason isn't as clear. Perhaps we're really trying to go to bed at a decent hour, there's nothing specific we can pinpoint that is keeping us up...and still, we can't seem to get enough sleep. We toss and turn for hours, or wake up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. I know, because I've been there. Sleepless nights made me feel so frustrated and helpless--and a bit resentful of my innocent husband, blissfully snoozing away (how dare he?!). For the sake of my health, my sanity, and my marriage, I did some research. Some of the results I found were things I already knew (afternoon coffee is not such a great idea). But other things were kind of surprising. A lot of "sleep mistakes" we make are super normal, common activities. These daily habits could be sabotaging your sleep without you even realizing it! The good news is, most of them are easy to fix.

If you’re building a house, adding an extension, or renovating some area of your home, there is a lot of work—and money—involved. Just the thought of it can be overwhelming. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest factors that holds people back when it comes to renovations is the cost. Achieving your ideal space rarely comes cheap. From the planning stage to polishing off the finishing touches, it can be difficult to keep the costs down. And a rising renovation bill can be overwhelming, leading to unfinished work or an unsatisfactory end product. The good news is that home renovation on a budget is possible! The first step is to realize that you will have to compromise on something. But that doesn’t mean you can’t end up with an end result that you love! Here are twelve money-saving tips when you’re renovating on a budget.

1. Plan, plan, and plan some more

Saving money is all about finding little ways to cut costs. So it’s important to be organized and plan out every single stage of the renovation.

Create a timeline of the project and take note of when each stage is set to take place. Write action lists detailing what needs to be done and organize them in terms of priority. Once your plan is in place, you can be more precise with your budget and spending strategy.

Remember to consider all the possible disruptions you’ll encounter. For example, if you’re carrying out a kitchen renovation, have a plan to pre-prepare meals that an be made on a grill, hot plate, or crockpot, so that you’re not scrambling and eating out every night. 

Work through your plan and re-evaluate if necessary.

2. Get multiple quotes

If your goal is to save money, then you have to go the extra mile to reach it. This means shopping around and getting multiple quotes for the work. Although you might think you’ve been quoted a good price, you’d be surprised at your bargaining power when getting another quote.

Getting multiple quotes for each stage of the renovation can save you hundreds, if not thousands on your build.

Aim to get at least three quotes per job. Research and read reviews of the service providers’ previous work. Make sure to note that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best option. Weigh up all things before making your decisions.

3. Hire the right people

Hiring the right people to carry out your home improvement work is critical to your budget and he success of your project overall. Not only do they need to have the skill and ability to complete the job, but it’s also crucial that you can communicate effectively with them.

An obvious route is to hire the best-in-class for each aspect of your renovation. However, this can drive up your costs significantly. By doing some extra research on what people to hire, you can save a lot of money.

Instead of hiring an expensive carpenter or bricklayer, consider using a handyman to cater to some of the more straightforward jobs.

4. Re-use and re-cycle

Save money on expensive new items by finding alternative uses for products that you already own. Second-hand materials are also cheaper options to consider.

Be careful what you re-use. Some materials shouldn’t be used twice, particularly if they’re important to the structural integrity of the building.

Re-using and re-cycling are often best suited to design and home interiors. The online marketplace has never been more ideal for buying secondhand.  

5. Look to seasonal sales for future planning

Seasonal sales are often the best opportunities to make major purchases. At certain times of the year, companies hold large sales, offering huge discounts on all products. In most cases, these sales occur every season.

If you’re well organized and have planned ahead, you should look to these sales to get bargains. Hardware and furniture stores generally put out their offers ahead of time, giving you further opportunities to strike good deals.

Ensure that you’re aware of the regular price of the sale items before committing to the purchase.

6. Consider taking a DIY approach

By taking on some of the work yourself, you can save a lot of money. DIY projects can also be enjoyable, as well as satisfying. There’s nothing quite like seeing your very own hard work come to life in front of your eyes.

If there is no major time pressure, make sure that you take things slowly to ensure that a good job is done. While DIY projects can turn out great, they can also quickly turn into a disaster. Don’t attempt something that you don’t have the tools, skills, or knowledge to complete. Construction and DIY can be dangerous.

For a lot of people, painting, demolition, and other basic work will be the limit, while others will be able to handle more complex duties. However, when it comes to crafts such as plumbing, gas, and electrical work, it’s advisable to hire professionals.

7. Focus on sustainability

Renovating provides you with the perfect opportunity to create a more sustainable home. Although laying the foundations for a sustainable household can require higher up-front costs, the long-term savings can be significant.

If you have the means, consider installing some renewable energy systems. If this simply isn’t an option, perhaps a smaller scale approach will suit better. Start to switch out old energy-sapping appliances with more sustainable versions. These will give you significant savings on your energy bills and are becoming much more affordable.

8. Know when to splurge

When you’re adhering to a tight budget, you can get stuck in the mindset of paying the least amount possible for every aspect of your renovation. While this is a positive when it comes to saving money, there are times when you should fork out a little extra cash.

For things that affect the safety of you and your family, it’s vital to pay the necessary costs to ensure a good job is done. Electricity, plumbing, and structural work are potential health hazards. You must not compromise when it comes to these areas. Hire a qualified and skilled professional to handle this type of work.

In addition, there are cosmetic things where splurging a little on a higher end product can really make a difference visually. For example, if you’re already hiring someone to tile a backsplash, the labor costs are probably the biggest expense. Going for a more expensive tile that you love won’t add a huge bump in cost...but it could make your kitchen feel way more fancy than the basic subway tile.

9. Invest in time over money

When it comes to saving, there is generally a trade-off between your time and money. If you want to save time, you must be willing to pay extra. For example, paying an additional cost for fast delivery. However, if you want to save money, you must be willing to invest your time into the project.

By dedicating the majority of your spare time to your renovation project you can save a lot of money. In your spare time, you can research suppliers, supplies, and renovations online. You can also shop around and use your time to find the best deals available. If you want to get hands-on, you can help out on-site and carry out basic tasks that need to be done.

10. Choose value over cheap

Although you’re trying to save money during the renovation, the main priority should be to create the best possible home improvement project within your budget. This doesn’t mean creating the cheapest renovation imaginable.

When making purchasing and hiring decisions, opt for good value over cheap. Cheap items are often more expensive in the long term. Underpaying for renovation work often leads to additional work being necessary down the line.

Find a balance between good work and price, and prioritize excellent value rather than low cost.

11. Create space with light

Many renovation projects are carried out with the intention of creating more space. While this may be necessary for small rooms, natural light often increases the perceived space in an area. Instead of paying extortionate construction costs to extend the size of your home, look to more strategic ways of creating space.

Skylights, large windows, bay windows, or double doors can work wonders in letting additional light into a room. Mirrors are effective in dispersing natural light around a room and can give it more depth.

Remember that a larger room doesn’t always equate to an increase of perceived space.

12. Focus on the smaller details

To make a house a home, it’s important to add features that align with your personality. Avoid getting caught up in expensive home trends that don’t add true character to your living space. Focus on the smaller details to achieve your dream home. Avoid splashing out on expensive and unnecessary items that won’t benefit your space.

Well, 2020 has been quite the rough year. Thankfully, none of my family has gotten sick from the coronavirus pandemic. And I am SOOO relieved that none of my kids are in school yet (figuring out online school sounds...not fun). But still, this year has been hard. Like everyone else, we've been confined to our home, going a little stir-crazy and feeling sad about our vacation plans getting blown out of the water. We had originally planned to travel to Scandinavia or Croatia this year...then we talked about going to Iceland and exploring the West Fjords...then we talked about a few weeks in Maui...but with all those destinations being in various stages of lockdown, we've had to rethink our plans. Of course, I totally understand why travel has been limited, but man, am I ever ready for a vacation. So with all of us feeling healthy, we decided that we should still do a 2020 trip! Since flying internationally isn't really an option right now, and since we'd prefer to be outdoors, we decided on (dun dun dun)...a National Park road trip!!! At first, I was disappointed that we wouldn't be able to go somewhere more "epic" and far away (we have a ton of credit cards points that we had intended to use for flights)...but as I've been planning our itinerary, I've gotten more and more excited for the new plan. The United States is gorgeous, we love road trips, and fall is our favorite time to travel. It's going to be amazing! But traveling in the time of Corona means there are extra things to think about. If you're still hoping to plan a getaway in 2020, here are some things to consider.

We were partially inspired by my brother and his wife. They road tripped to Spokane for my sister's wedding earlier this month, traveling through many of the same national parks that we put on our itinerary. They said they felt safe and were able to stay distanced, and their pictures looked amazing! This is their photo of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Think Local

You don’t have to go overseas for a good time. Right now, it's probably much safer to stay closer to home, so why not consider a staycation in your region and home country? Think about what destinations are within driving distance from you. Are there beaches? National parks? Friends or family you can safely visit?

Consider Outdoor Destinations

With restaurants and indoor entertainment being restricted, this is not the year to visit big cities. Instead, think of outdoor destinations where you can stay safe and see some beautiful sights. If you live in the U.S., we are spoiled for choice. There is so much natural beauty in our country, and lots of variation too. No matter where you live, you can find a place that feels like a totally different landscape from your home. When we went to Bryce Canyon and Arches in 2016, I remember the red rocks being so impressive and entirely different from Washington state.

Arrange Your Beauty Treatments

Many of us have been forgoing beauty and hair treatments, both because salons were closed for awhile, and because we have been staying home so much! But with beauty businesses opening back up, a vacation is a good excuse to treat yourself and schedule whatever it is that you've been missing. Before you leave for your trip, arrange to get a treatment that helps you be summer ready and feel like the best version of yourself. This could be a wax, a haircut, getting your nails done, a pedicure, eyebrow shaping or anything else! 

Research and Book in Advance

Right now, with distancing guidelines and reduced capacity, you may need to make advance bookings for services you’d usually walk into. This could range from restaurants to public attractions and sights. Some highly rated places may not be open at all, so as you're researching the top things to do, make sure to double check if there are any Covid closures. For example, in Glacier, the east side of the park is closed--including Many Glacier and some of the most stunning views. This is disappointing, but knowing it ahead of time is much better than finding out once we're already there. Right now, it's extra important to do your research, check for Covid restrictions, and book any must-see places in advance.

Ensure Bookings are Refundable

Times are unpredictable right now, and we don't know if different regions or states will re-enter lockdown mode. We also can't guarantee that none of us will get sick (although of course, we'll do everything in our power to stay healthy). So I tried to make sure that anything we booked was refundable. We don’t want to find ourselves paying for hotels or attractions that we can’t even visit. "Plan for the worst, hope for the best," right? To give yourself options, I recommend looking for places that allow cancellation up to the day before, as this will allow you to make final decisions without worrying about money.

We are super excited and READY for a getaway, while doing our best to be responsible and prepared! With some extra planning, I believe we can still have an awesome and memorable 2020 vacation.

We've all been staying at home more since the beginning of the pandemic, so it makes sense that we've been consuming more power. Indeed, according to statistical reports published by the renewable energy company Arcadia, for 1 in 3 Americans, energy costs have increased by 10% or more this summer. Whether you’ve been unemployed, on furlough, or working from home, you’ve been relying on electricity, water and gas during the daytime, at hours when you would have otherwise been elsewhere. Arcadia also points out that the increase will happen on top of the usual power peak in summer. Cities with denser populations such as New York and Philadelphia are expected to get hit hardest, with a cost increase of up to 15%. And if you've already been struggling to make ends meet since March, an extra 15% on your bill can be significant. If this applies to you, be sure to see if your power company offers an assistance program that will allow you defer bills or get a discount. But no matter what your financial situation is, it's smart to look forward to the future. As long as COVID-19 remains a threat, the home-based trend will not go away. So focus your attention on solutions to cut down your future energy bills. Here are ten common reasons for high energy bills.

1. The house is big

Homeowners love a big house. Most of us look at tall ceilings, extra square footage, and open concept layout as positive things. However, with that comes increased costs to keep the house heated or cooled down, depending on the season. One of the first things we noticed after we moved is how much we're saving on our energy bills now that we've downsized from our old house (above) with 2400 sq ft and lots of tall ceilings, to 1300 sq ft with more closed off rooms. We're saving over 25% on energy costs, simply by moving into a smaller property. And honestly, our small home is cozy and liberating (at least for now!). Besides reducing our energy costs significantly, it's also lifted the burden of how much we have to clean and maintain. If downsizing is something you've been considering, lower energy bills will be a nice side benefit. And if you're happy with your house and have no desire to move, try shutting doors and closing window treatments in unused rooms so you're not wasting energy on keeping them a comfortable temperature...when you're not even in there.

2. You don’t consume mindfully

There is no denying that staying at home increases our power needs. This pandemic situation has a foreseeable and logical consequence on our energy bills. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make a difference in the long term. Bad consumption habits can pile up unnecessary waste. Adapting your energy consumption mindfully can make a huge difference--as much as 15% on your energy bills. Here are common types of thoughtless consumption at home: 

• You leave the water tap on when you brush your teeth
• You take a long, hot shower before bed
• You leave lights on during the day instead of utilizing natural light 
• You don’t pay attention to peak energy-use times
• Your electric devices are always plugged in, even when you don't need them
• You leave the lights on when you're out of the house

And there are many other little things that can add up. See if adjusting any of those behaviors can make a difference.

3. Your provider is expensive

Not all energy providers have equal services and prices. Most compete on price per location – which means that depending nowhere you are, you may need to switch to find a better deal. Complex plans and contract terms can also influence your costs. Constellation, for instance, stands out for its competitive prices and transparent terms, making it easier for customers to know how much they’ll end up paying. On the other end, other energy providers use variable rates across multiple locations and don’t safeguard rates for customers, making bill costs high and unstable. You could be wasting a lot of money with a provider that doesn’t get you the best rate for your consumption. It’s also a good idea to look for green energy providers, as these providers may be able to keep costs to a minimum. A couple phone calls and a little comparison shopping could really pay off.

4. You haven’t jumped onto the sustainability bandwagon

Most households assume that renewable energy solutions are not suitable to support their power needs. But that may not be true! Off-the-grid accommodations can supply their energy using a generator and sources of renewable energy, reducing their energy consumption in the process. Suburban and urban homes can also benefit from professional solar panel installation. Expert Iowa Solar says that, on average, customers can save over $1,100 per year on electricity bills with a system size of 6 kilowatts. However, savings will depend on your location (a sunny town in California will have abundant solar energy compared to a cloudy town in Washington). If you live in a state that has a Solar Renewable Energy Credit program, you can earn credit for the energy your panel produces. Typically, credits have a resellable value so that you can make money too! Even if you don't install full solar panels, think about using solar exterior lights, which are a smart and easy way to take advantage of solar energy to reduce your electricity bills.

5. Your home isn’t well insulated

Insulation plays a huge role in your energy bills. Most people tend to think of insulation problems in terms of windows or under-roof insulation. However, your home loses heat in winter (or fresh air in summer) in many ways! Something as simple as a crack on your façade wall or damaged siding panels could let the air through. Another common place that most people forget about is doors. If your door is cold to the touch, chances are that the door frame lets too much air through. By tackling these issues, you'll be improving your house's energy efficiency--and improving your curb appeal while you're at it. For example, installing new siding panels could bring an additional insulation layer, and a new door can give your entrance a tighter seal (and a fresh new look).

6. You’ve got energy vampires

Energy vampires are those appliances that love to suck up all your power even when they’re not running. Typically, idle gadgets are the silent enemies that affect your energy bills. Did you know that they can waste up to $10 billion in energy every year? You need to identify those vampires and learn to manage them accordingly. In the kitchen, the microwave and the coffee makers are always hungry for energy, especially if they have a clock display. The fridge and freezer can’t be easily unplugged during the day. However, if you don’t remove build-ups inside the appliance, they use excess power to maintain their temperatures. In the living room, your TV can consume as much as $150 annually on standby. That’s even more if you’ve got a gaming console too! The key takeaway: Unplug devices that can be turned off safely and keep other appliances maintained. 

7. You don’t have smart sensors

A smart sensor monitors the temperature inside your home. However, what makes it a smart device, is the fact that it can be programmed to maintain a comfortable temperature in the most cost-efficient method. An individual is more likely to turn the heater or A/C on when they notice that the interior temperature has become uncomfortable. However, by the time you notice that the house is too cold or warm, the energy expenditure to address the situation can be significant. On the other hand, a sensor can spot minor discrepancies and act rapidly before the interior ambience becomes unpleasant. Additionally, a smart sensor can also collect data throughout the day and compare to other sources of knowledge, such as the weather or appliances in use. If you spend a morning baking, the sensor can turn the heater down to save cost, for instance. 

8. The house is too dark

The level of light in our home can have an impact on our perception of temperature. In the winter, your body may find it more difficult to stay warm in a dark atmosphere. In summer, too much brightness could have the reverse effect, and make you feel too hot. Adjusting your window treatments throughout the day can help bring your body’s circadian rhythm under control. In the winter, open up all your window treatments to maximize natural light. In the summer, use blinds that let the light in while keeping the heat out. This will keep your home bright without making it feel uncomfortably hot. 

9. You don't have energy efficient window treatments

Speaking of window treatments, another way to significantly reduce your energy bills is to install more energy efficient window treatments. If you have thin, unlined curtains, they aren't doing much. Blinds also allow more energy transfer than shades do. For maximum energy efficiency, go for cellular shades, which use honeycomb shaped cells to trap air for insulation. Another good trick that looks beautiful is to layer thick curtains over shades with a liner. Make sure the shades are fit tight to your window, and pull the curtains closed at night.

10. The indoor air is too dry

Lastly, your indoor air quality can affect your energy consumption. Ideally, your indoor air humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. If the humidity goes over 55%, your home could become a favorable terrain for mold growth. It also makes the rooms hard to heat in winter. When the air humidity is too low, however, the air becomes too dry. Dry air affects your perception of temperatures. It will feel colder than it is, which means that you need to heat your home more than you otherwise would. 

Keeping your energy bills on a budget can be a challenge for stay-at-home families! Simple changes, such as adding a source of renewable energy and introducing more natural light to your interior can help cut down costs. It can take time and efforts to become a mindful energy consumer, but keeping your eyes open for energy vampires, mindless wastes, and house maintenance can make a huge difference. 

Credit card points! Not just slowly building them up with your regular daily spending, but racking up significant points (quickly!) with sign up bonuses.

First, a disclaimer. This strategy is not for you if you're still paying off credit card debt or if you won't be able to pay your credit card balance in full every month. But if you have good self-control over your spending and you'll be paying off your card every month, then it's well worth your time and effort!

There are a ton of different cards with lucrative sign-up bonuses, and entire websites and forums dedicated to "credit card hacking." I'm not going to get into all of them, since there are already so many great resources out there...but I thought I'd throw out a suggestion for those of you interested in dipping your toe in this hobby.

It's that blue card up there, the Chase Freedom. For a limited time, it has an increased sign-up bonus, so you can earn $200 (or 20,000 Chase points) by spending a total of $500 in three months. This is an extremely easy bonus to earn, and the card doesn't have an annual fee so you can keep it open forever.

There are bigger sign-up bonuses out there, but most of them also come with annual fees and higher spending requirements. This is a good one for anyone who could use $200 and wants it to be simple and easy to earn. And if you're married, you and your spouse can each sign up for a separate card and get $400!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is also a great card for regular spending, with unlimited 1.5% cash back and 5% cash back on up to $12,000 of grocery store purchases in the first year. If you're interested, I would love for you to sign up using my referral link. ;)

Let me know if you have any questions! Credit card hacking (and money hacking in general) is a topic that I'm enthusiastically interested in...but it's also one that's kind of awkward to bring up with my friends. So if you're into it, I would love to discuss!

The way we see things in our heads matters (a lot!) in life. Our perception of ourselves can have a real bearing on the way our lives pan out. If we see ourselves or the world around us in a negative light, then there's a good chance that negativity will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we feel more positive and confident, then chances are we'll have a brighter, happier life. And don't we all want our children to be happy? So then, the question is, how do we go about raising children that believe in themselves and have a healthy sense of self-confidence?

1. Let Them Do Things They Enjoy  

When people do things they actually like to do, it makes them feel good. It makes them want to partake in those activities even more, and the more time they put in, the better chance that they'll excel at it. So don't control what your kids do as extracurricular activities, and don't try to push the hobbies that you did yourself as a kid (or ones that you wish you would've done). Instead, allow your kids to choose their own activities, and engage in what they're interested in. Let them flourish! You never know, they could end up becoming very good at what they do. Even if they don't, they'll have fun and have a healthy sense of encouragement to follow their passions.

2. Teach Them About Important Things Early 

Things like money skills and the fundamentals of domestic life are better learned at a young age, and will give your kid a good head start on being a competent adult. They don’t need to be an expert, of course, but a little knowledge can go a long way. If they show an interest, involve them in your practical to-dos. Let them learn about things like negotiation, car insurance, investing, grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, cleaning and cooking. At a young age, kids often like to be involved in whatever their parents are doing, so it's a good time to give them a foundation in these important tasks (before they find them boring!).

3. Encourage Exercise And Movement 

Letting kids sit inside staring at a screen all day is terrible for them (even if they're watching something "educational"). It's healthy and important for kids to be active and running around! And being fit will certainly help your kids to feel confident throughout life. If you find that your kid is uninterested in exercise, try getting out there with them and doing something fun together. Depending on their age, some good activities are Simon Says, Duck Duck Goose, biking, roller blading, badminton, tennis, bowling, skiing, swimming, tossing the Frisbee, hiking, playing a game of P-I-G, or having a dance party. You can also let your kids join you when you're working out--whether it's going for a run or doing a workout video together. You can build memories and build up your kid's confidence if you get up and move around together.

4. Encourage Socializing 

Socializing hasn’t exactly been a big part of life in the year 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still something that everyone needs a lot of. Kids may even need social interaction more than adults. Make sure that your children are still able to get that important interaction with their friends and family members. Encourage them to see their friends in a safe way, outdoors, and give them opportunities to interact with people of all ages. Social skills are an important part of building confidence!

If you live with someone else--whether it's a spouse, significant other, kids, friends, or roommates--this time can be particularly straining. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm grateful to be with my family right now and not living alone...but still. With so many people working from home, doing school from home, and just being at home more, our normal routines are turned on end. It can be challenging to share the same space with so many different needs, it's tough trying to concentrate on work with noise from younger kids, and it's impossible to keep the house clean with it playing so many roles right now. Here are some practical tips for living together peacefully during Covid-19.

Clear out clutter

Clutter grates on our nerves. If you're feeling anxious and irritated, what you need may be a good purge of your belongings. Give each family member autonomy over their own things, and make a day of it. Get rid of duplicates, broken items, and things you no longer use or need. If you have items like sentimental pieces or seasonal gear that you still want to keep...but they're making your house feel cluttered and crowded...then it may be worth getting a a self storage facility to give you some space and breathing room. Clearing out the visual clutter may give you some mental clarity as well.

Exercise

One of the best ways to destress is exercise. And especially right now, it's extra good (essential!) for your mental and physical health. Get out of the house and go for a walk, run, hike, or bike ride. Enjoy the sun and warmer weather while we have it, and take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and work out your frustrations. The endorphins will leave you feeling better afterward, and you'll stay fit and healthy.

Give each other some space

Even if you're living with someone you love, you both need to have your own space from time to time. Don’t expect your partner to instinctively know what that means. If you need to disappear for an hour to take a relaxing bath, just tell them. They may be glad for a bit of space too, and if you have kids you can take turns getting some alone time. It doesn’t mean that you don’t want to be around your family; it means you understand the importance of having time to yourself to recharge.

Do something creative together

Working together on a creative project is a good way to have fun and work together as a team. It's also a nice break from screen time when everything is on Zoom. If you have kids, involve them in this. Perhaps you bake something new, give each other mani pedis, do a puzzle, color in coloring books, or send some snail mail to grandma. If you're moving into a new place together with your significant other, it can be fun to do creative projects that make it feel more like a home. Paint the walls, upholster a thrifted chair, make art for your walls, or (if you're feeling brave) tackle remodeling a bathroom. Learning new skills and flexing your creativity is always a mood lifter.

Give your kids extra attention

Remember that this time is hard on our kids too. They may not fully understand what's going on, and seeing all the masks could be scary to them. Starting school online and not getting to see their friends may be a big disappointment. Having vacation plans cancelled and favorite public places closed is sad for all of us. Make sure to make time for the kids, do special activities with them, spend one-on-one time checking in on them, and ask how they are feeling.

I hope you're all staying safe and well! What other tips do you have for living peacefully together during this trying time?

I've written about my love of weighted blankets a couple times (here and here). At the end of a long, hard day, it's so comforting to curl up under a weighted blanket. Like getting a good hug, the deep calming pressure helps to relieve anxiety and release stress. I often put mine over my lap while I'm reading, watching a show, or catching up with Ben. And at night, if I'm having trouble calming my mind, getting under my weighted blanket can help me relax and fall asleep. Of course, during the cold winter months, that's great: having an extra layer of warmth is welcome. But in the summer, no one wants to wake up hot and sweaty under a heavy weighted blanket. The good news is, Tranquility (the top-rated, affordable weighted blanket brand) has introduced a new Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blanket available both online and in-store at Walmart. I got to test it out for the last couple months, and today I'm answering some questions about it!

1. First off, what is a weighted blanket?

It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a weighted comforter (typically 10-20 lbs) that distributes pressure evenly across your body. This Deep Touch Pressure Therapy (DTP) mimics the feeling of being held or hugged, to decrease anxiety and improve sleep quality. The Tranquility weighted blanket is filled with a blend of weighted glass beads in a fiber matrix, held in by a box-quilt design that prevents it from shifting. It has a removable, machine washable cover to keep it fresh and clean.

2. How does a cooling weighted blanket work?

I was kind of skeptical whether a blanket this heavy would really stay cool on a hot summer night. But then Spokane had a week with over 100 degree weather, and I had a chance to test it out. I actually did stay comfortable all night! The underside of the blanket uses BlueCool fabric that is silky smooth and cool to the touch (kind of like the cool side of a pillow). It absorbs and distributes body heat, making it perfect for summer nights and hot sleepers.

3. Who should use a weighted blanket, and when?

Weighted blankets were developed as a sleep aid, and have been shown to help people fall asleep faster, stay deeply asleep, and wake up more rested. They are great for anyone who has trouble sleeping, including those with anxiety, autism, ADHD or PTSD. But they're really for everyone. I like to use my Tranquility weighted blanket anytime I'm looking to destress and relax (while reading a book, watching a movie, sipping my morning coffee, or taking a nap on the couch). Some people even use weighted blankets at the office or when traveling.

4. How much does a weighted blanket cost?

There are a number of different weighted blankets out there, in a wide range of prices. Tranquility is truly an amazing value. Their quality and features are typically found in blankets that are way more expensive. For example, the Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blanket starts at just $40, while comparable options run upwards of $250. If you've been considering getting a weighted blanket, I feel really good about recommending this one. Look for it at Walmart.

5. Which weighted blanket should I get?

If you sleep hot or live in a warm climate, I would definitely recommend the Cool-to-the-Touch weighted blanket. It's available in two neutral colors (tan and grey) and comes in two weights. The 15 lb blanket is suggested for adults who weigh more than 125 lbs and the 20 lb blanket is recommended for adults who weigh over 175 lbs. If you prefer a different weight, the blanket I originally got also comes in 12 lb and 18 lb weights. It doesn't have the cooling side, but it has all the other same benefits.

With all that being said, the only way to truly know if a weighted blanket would help you relax and get better sleep, is to try one for yourself! To help you with that, I am giving away three Tranquility Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blankets on my Instagram this week. Head over there to enter the giveaway, and for a bonus entry leave a comment on this blog post. Good luck!