5 Ways to Stop Procrastinating

Procrastinating is a learned behavior. The good news is that it can be combated, as long as you’re focused on how to prevent it. Here are 5 steps to help you stop procrastinating and get in gear. 1. Get Rid of Distractions – Turn off the phone, shut the door, put on headphones, whatever it takes to drown out tempting diversions. 2. Break Tasks Into Chunks – Things like “wash dishes, do laundry, and vacuum” are more specific, and chances are you’ll be more apt to tackle those tasks than the gargantuan-sounding “clean the house.” 3. Do Your Hardest Task First – The sense of accomplishment when you complete the biggest item on your list first will help propel you forward toward crossing off more things on your list. 4. Perfect is the Enemy of Done – Keep in mind that if you’re only striving for perfection, you’re less likely to even start a project. 5. Reward Yourself – Give yourself a pat on the back for getting stuff done, whether the reward is a night out or simply a favorite treat.

5 Tips to Keep Healthy and Strong

Here are 5 ways to keep healthy! • Working out. U.S. Health and Human Services recommends that the average adult get at least 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous aerobic activity. Generally, that’s 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Too much exercise can result in exhaustion, muscle fatigue and injury. Average adults should aim to break a sweat – if you’re completely exhausted after the gym, you might be going too hard. • Walking. It’s great exercise but if you do it too much, you may end up with chronic foot pain. The repetitive motion can cause plantar fasciitis (also common in women who wear high heels). Your best bet is to get good orthotic inserts with sturdy arch support for your walks. Walking daily is a great New Year’s resolution! • Getting consistent sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours (for adults) per night. Oversleeping on weekends builds up carbon dioxide and doesn’t make up for lack of sleep during the week. Think daily, not weekly cumulative hours. • Dieting. People who try different “fad” diets often gain back more weight than they’ve lost. If you want to lose weight, talk to a nutritionist or your doctor for a long-term diet that’s right for you. • Taking supplements. Many adults take one or more vitamins or supplements every day. However, too many supplements (without your doctor’s approval) can interact with other medications and have serious side effects. Vitamin K, for example, can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinner medication. For more info, go to: https://ods.od.nih.gov

Find More Free Time

Where does the time go? Even if you work a normal schedule and get a full night’s sleep, you still have about 50 free hours during the week – but most people say they still can’t find free time for hobbies and passions. Take these steps to find more time for YOU this winter: 1. Map your current time use. First track how you use your time. Keep a log for a week or two to get a good representation of how you spend your time now. Try the app Chronos for Android and iPhone for an easy-to-use and comprehensive time log. 2. Create a list of things you really want to do. Try to come up with a list of 50-75 things. Make some of them easy one-day things (visit a museum) that you can quickly accomplish and others things you tend to put off (practicing guitar). 3. Cut out unnecessary time-wasters and replace with something from your list. Cut out the time spent watching TV, surfing the internet, or attending too many functions. Start a new schedule and prioritize things that make you happy instead of time-wasters.

Drive the North Cascade Hwy

Fall colors are a great excuse to take road trips. If you have time and find a sunny day jump in the car and go for it! SR 20 closes every winter sometime in November depending on snow depth and does not generally reopen until May. The pass is 5,477 ft. above sea level! It is one of the state’s oldest highways; it was roughed out in 1897. Before that it was a well-used Native American trading route. It is the states northernmost route across the mountains and was the 1st designated National Scenic Highway in the United States. From Marblemount to Winthrop you will want to stop several times to take pictures. The most scenic drive starts in the North Cascades National Park and is absolutely spectacular past a turquoise Lake Diablo and crystal blue Ross Lake. I have taken the drive once and will not forget it! You will want to consider staying the night or plan on a full day. Winthrop offers many great restaurant and lodging options. Enjoy the trip!

Seattle Tap Water - Countries Finest

You probably don’t even think about or consider the source of the water that comes out of our taps every day. We take for granted that we have stable clean and nearly contaminate free water. Seattle area customers are totally spoiled! When you travel to other parts of the country and drink tap water you realize how good we actually have it. Quality drinking water for a major metropolitan like Seattle is not something that just happens. City planners were thinking ahead, and we benefit from their foresight. Humans can last up to 21 days without food, but you can barely make it to day 3 without water. How many acres of untouched forest does it take to keep our water clean and desirable to drink? The Cedar River Watershed supplies most of our tap water and has 90,638 acres of land protected for our supply. Owned by the City of Seattle and topping out at 5,414-foot-tall Meadow Mountain this land has a rich diversity of plants, animals and first growth forests. Coming from the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains the water is so clean it requires no filtration! The geology of the upper watershed acts as its own filtration with surface water seeping through a region of deep and porous glacial outwash before it gathers into an underground aquifer. This water then resurfaces in springs and creeks along the Cedar River. From the city’s founding a stable water source was a top priority. Before 1880 water was provided by several different private companies from local streams. The Cedar River was first proposed in the 1870’s but the question was how to bring this much water into the rapidly growing city. The original pipeline was made of reinforced wooden pipe “big enough so a small boy could stand upright in it”. By 1950 the wooden pipe was gone and three large mains carried over 162,000,000 gallons of Cascade Mountain water into Seattle every single day!

Me Time - Carve Out Time For Yourself

Although the idea of “me time” has become more popular, there are people who equate being alone with loneliness—and no one wants that. Solitude can seem hard to find if you live in a busy city or a crowded house, but intentionally carving out time for yourself can have positive mental and physical health benefits. If, that is, you embrace being alone. Experts say that if being alone is your choice, you’re much more likely to enjoy the solitude and less likely to succumb to loneliness. But this doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit to be happy alone. It means you’re able to find happiness in solo pursuits of your choosing— exercising, birdwatching, creating art, or even working. If you struggle to do something you love when you’re alone, you may want to try an activity that boosts endorphin levels. After all, if you’re getting a happiness high from the activity, you’re more apt to do it again. Physical activity like gardening or beachcombing can work here (you don’t have to go to the gym to be physical), but you can also do volunteer work. Studies show volunteering makes people feel more fulfilled, and solo volunteer work may even be something you can do from home—think preparing meals for houseless people or making hats for preemie babies. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” is a poetic term for something research has shown time and again: Spending time in nature is very good for us. Taking a solo hike in the woods is great, but movement isn’t necessary. You could knit in the park on your lunch break or watch flickers dig for ants in the backyard. It can also be a meditative experience, immersing yourself in the natural environment to allow you to take it in with all of your senses. Treat yourself to something special that you usually need company to justify, like dinner at a fancy restaurant or a ticket to the opera. And this doesn’t need to be expensive or even outside the home. You could cook a favorite meal, for instance, served on your good dishes. You don’t have to skimp on things you’d enjoy just because you’re flying solo.

Computer Fatigue is Real

If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you may be experiencing fatigue, as well as aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, eyes, wrists, and legs. Relieve the discomfort by following these tips: STEP #1: Give your body support to avoid aches and pains: • Invest in a good lumbar chair and adjust it so your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Press your bottom against the back of the chair and use a lumbar cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly. Keep your knees in line with your hips or raised slightly above them. Never slump or slouch forward. • Sit close to the desk so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard. Put the mouse close to the keyboard to keep your arm from being fully extended. Give your wrists proper support so they rest in a neutral position. • Place the monitor so your gaze is aimed at the center of the screen, which should be 15 to 25 inches away from your eyes. STEP #2: Move regularly to avoid stiffness and eye strain: • Stand, stretch, and walk at least a minute or two every half hour. To stretch, reach both arms above your head. Grasp each elbow and lean gently to each side and feel the side of your body release tension. • Avoid “computer vision syndrome” (headaches and eye strain are symptoms) by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. STEP #3: Stay hydrated and nourished to avoid fatigue: • Drink water (or other fluids) to flush out some of the mineral build-up that occurs in inactive muscles. • Eat healthy snacks like fruit and nuts at your desk to maintain your energy and productivity.

Fall Maintenance List

Hope you had a great week and have fun plans for the weekend! Keeping a house in tip-top shape requires that some things be tackled only once a year. Save this list to ensure you don’t forget any important tasks. - Identify and seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, walkways, and the driveway. - Have the fireplace and chimney inspected for damage and hazards. - Inspect the roof for broken, loose, or missing shingles or tiles. - Check age of hot water heater – if it is older than 10yrs schedule replacement. - Check the home’s exterior for chipped paint and cracks in the foundation and fix as necessary. - Remove showerheads and clean built-up sediment. - Service your furnace and have all filters replaced. - Pump the septic system, if applicable. - Update your home disaster kit. Check ready.gov/kit for a comprehensive list. Be ready for fall power outages. Coldwell Banker is the world's largest real estate brand with offices in over 40 countries. CB since 1906! I am ready to go to work for you today.

Fall Energy Audit

Have you ever conducted a “Home Energy Audit” on your home? It could save you a lot of money by lowering energy costs this winter. A home energy audit evaluates how much energy your home uses. Though a professional audit is a good idea, here’s how you can conduct a personal walk-through assessment of your own to help cut costs.  Seek out air leaks or drafts. Look for gaps along baseboards, on the edge of flooring, around outlets and switches, and where walls meet the ceiling. Anywhere two different building materials meet is a potential place for leakage. If there are cracks or holes, seal them (depending on where they are, use caulk or weatherstripping. You can search energy.gov for those products to learn how to use them).  Evaluate insulation. Insufficient insulation contributes to heat loss, especially in older homes, but it’s inexpensive to fix. Find out how much insulation is recommended for homes in your area, then go into your attic and measure the depth of your home’s insulation. To measure insulation in the walls, you’ll need an infrared thermometer, which can usually be borrowed /rented from stores like McLendon.  Assess heating features. Furnaces and other similar features should be inspected annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. Check and replace filters as needed, and make a note to keep them cleaned and changed on a regular basis. Call Glendale Heating for a regular service and checkup this fall at 206-243-7700.  Identify energy-sucking appliances and electronics. Even if you aren’t using them, anything that is plugged in to an outlet may be consuming power. Common culprits include office equipment like printers and kitchen appliances such as coffee makers. Unplug these items when they aren’t in use, or plug them into a power strip that can be turned off. Get rid of the extra refrigerator or freezer if you can.

Find More Time for You

Where does the time go? Even if you work a normal schedule and get a full night’s sleep, you still have about 50 free hours during the week – but most people say they still can’t find free time for hobbies and passions. Take these steps to find more time for YOU: 1. Map your current time use. First track how you use your time. Keep a log for a week or two to get a good representation of how you spend your time now. 2. Create a list of things you really want to do. Try to come up with a list of 50-75 things. Make some of them easy one-day things (visit a museum) that you can quickly accomplish and others things you tend to put off (practicing guitar). 3. Cut out unnecessary time-wasters and replace with something from your list. Cut out the time spent watching TV, surfing the internet, or attending too many functions. Start a new schedule and prioritize things that make you happy instead of time-wasters.

Likeability

Being liked puts you on the fast track to success in everything you do. You are naturally likable by being genuine and sincere, but here are some simple tips that can give you a psychological advantage and result in people liking you even more: • Like yourself first. Be confident in your strengths. Your likability increases as you increase your ability to like yourself. Smiling and sharing your positivity will bring out the same in others. • Maintain eye contact during conversations but keep it in balance (about 60 percent of the time). Nod your head when you’re speaking and people will be inclined to agree with you. • Demonstrate that you like people. Remember their names and use them. (One trick to remembering names is to say the name to someone else.) If you ask a question, give the person time to respond. Remaining silent and waiting for an answer can be especially useful in negotiations. • Learn active listening. Do this by a) paying attention; b) using body language to show you’re interested; c) giving feedback, such as rephrasing what a person says to you to show that you understood them; d) asking questions, but not interrupting; and e) giving your opinion respectfully. If you disagree with someone, look for ways to find common ground. • Don’t overdo it. You don’t need everyone to like you to be successful. Aim to increase your likability factor to the people who matter to you (and your success) most.

Avoid a Car Accident

Isn’t it scary? You’re driving along and suddenly you don’t have control of your vehicle. You grip the steering wheel with both hands and with one violent thrust, press down on the brake pedal as hard as you can. You look up, then breathe a sigh of relief. No one was hurt. You were lucky…but what if there were another car around? Most people rely on luck to save them when they get in a situation that could lead to a car accident. The feeling is, accidents on the road are unavoidable. Collisions from someone making a bad decision or being distracted, like running a red light or merging into your car, can and do happen even if you’re the safest driver in the world. But there are accidents you can avoid and they’re actually the most common reasons why car accidents occur. Everyone will face one if not all four of these situations where you lose control of your vehicle. Here’s exactly what to do if, and when, they happen to you: 1. Suddenly Swerving? – Do this: If you have to swerve to avoid hitting an animal or another car, turn your car first, then press the brake pedal. 2. Tire Blowout? – Do this: If you hear a loud pop and suddenly lose control, steer the car as straight as possible and don’t turn or brake. Press the gas pedal slightly to accelerate, which helps keep the car under control. Then slowly decelerate by pressing the brake to stop your vehicle. 3. Running Off The Road? – Do this: If the side of your car drops off the edge of the road, steer straight and slow down gradually as you come to a stop on the shoulder. Then drive back onto the road. 4. Sliding On Pavement? – Do this: If the roads are wet or icy and your car starts to slide, turn in the direction of the slide and let off the gas. Don’t slam on your brakes or they could lock up, press the brake slowly.

5 Steps to Boost Your Charisma

Can we develop charisma? Yes, you can, says, D.A. Benton, author of Executive Charisma. Here are five skills you can practice to improve your charisma quotient. 1. Be confident. When introducing yourself say your name and then tell something about yourself. This helps to draw a question from the other person, and can lead the person into a conversation with you. 2. Walk with purpose. Pause before entering a room and project confidence as you walk into the room. 3. Use the double hand shake. When you shake someone’s hand, use the two-handed grasp. While shaking with right hand, your left hand grasps the person’s arm at or below the elbow. 4. Focus on your goal. Charismatic people know what they want and are passionate about it. Focus on what you want and how to get there. 5. Be a good listener. Listen when other people talk. Value their opinions and make eye contact.

Get Help from a Money Coach

When it comes to money, most people can benefit greatly from a little bit of guidance. You probably know what a financial advisor or financial planner does. But there’s another professional you may want to add to your finance team: a money coach. Whereas financial advisors help clients manage and invest their money wisely, money coaches look at a client’s overall financial situation and help set financial goals— like creating a family budget, figuring out a debt payment schedule, or building a nest egg. Unlike financial advisors, financial coaches don’t need any official certification—many are social media influencers. Still, they can be helpful for people who want to have a better understanding of personal finance but don’t necessarily learn best by reading. Money coaches can turn the theoretical into practical advice focused on your specific situation. A money coach may be a good option for you if: • Thinking about money overwhelms you or gives you anxiety. • You’re going through a finance-changing life event. • You’re worried you won’t achieve goals (like buying a house).

Dreams May Help Problem Solve

Did you know Paul McCartney composed “Yesterday” in a dream? Studies show that when you dream, you’re more open-minded and may see things from a different perspective. Here are two different approaches you might try to solve a problem or increase your creativity: 1. Clear your mind before you go to sleep. Read a book, talk about something else, go to sleep, and trust your subconscious. 2. Focus on the problem you want to resolve. Form it into a question (for example, “What should I say to have a successful meeting?”), write it down, and visualize a positive outcome. With either method, write down what you remember about your dreams when you wake up. They may be illogical, but the imagery or events could be a metaphor for a solution that relates to your problem. These techniques require a positive attitude and lots of practice, but they can help you! For further information, look up the work of dream psychologists, such as author Deirdre Barrett.

Happy House Guests

With the cost of travel offering a comfortable place to stay can make such a difference. 1. Once you’ve shown your guests where they’ll be staying, take some time to walk them through the space. Point out where they can store their luggage and hang clothes, which bathroom they’ll be using, which light switches do what in the room, how to operate any window coverings, and power outlets for charging phones and laptop computers. 2. A tray or basket of toiletry necessities left out provides guests with items they may have forgotten–and will be grateful to have. Think toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, a comb, and aspirin or pain relief. Be sure that the bathroom your guests will be using is stocked with toilet paper and facial tissue, too. 3. Additional in-room niceties to consider are an alarm clock, bedside lamp, nightlight, extra blanket, and a pen and notepad in case of in-the-night inspiration. To that end, also make note of the Wi-Fi password so they can do some late-night browsing without having to disturb you. 4. Make your guests feel even more at home by showing them where they can find everything they would need in the kitchen, from glasses and coffee mugs, to bowls and plates, and silverware. Who knows, maybe they’ll feel so much at home they’ll put the coffee on for you in the morning.

Sky View Observatory Columbia Center

The Sky View Observatory recently opened for public viewing on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center building. At nearly 1,000 feet above Puget Sound it offers the tallest viewing area in the Pacific NW. It features 360 degree panoramic views. My mom worked in the building and took me up to the old viewing area that was in just one little corner of the floor; this is a completely different experience! Summer hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm and tickets are purchased on site. They have a café with a full bar and deserts. General admission to the floor is $22 Do not ask for senior discounts. I went up a couple of weeks ago and highly recommend it! Enjoy!! 700 4th Ave / 206-386-5564 / www.skyviewobservatory.com

Seattle Aquarium New Ocean Pavilion - Coming Soon!

The Seattle Aquarium opened in 1977 on Pier 59 and Pier 60. Plans for a city aquarium were in the works from the early 1960’s. Voters approved funding for the $5.4 million dollar project in 1968 to replace an existing private aquarium. The Seattle Aquarium is one of our top tourist attractions welcoming over one million visitors annually. After years of construction following the demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2019 the Seattle Waterfront Project is finally entering the home stretch! The City of Seattle has invested over $800 million to transform the waterfront. The crown jewel is the Overlook Walk and the Ocean Pavilion. Next year the projects will be complete, and we can thoroughly enjoy the reconnected waterfront to the downtown core and the Pike Place Market. On August 29th the Seattle Aquarium will veiled the $170 million dollar expansion of its campus. “Part of what we want to do with the Ocean Pavilion is inspire people to care, inspire people to think about their connections, build empathy for these incredibly unique animals they will get a chance to see here. And hopefully, it’ll inspire them to take action as they’re walking out the door,” says Dr. Erin Meyer – Chief Conservation Officer. The Ocean Pavilion will be the centerpiece of the revitalized waterfront! The expansion will bring a variety of no-cost experiences to the estimated 15 million people who visit Seattle each year. A viewing window will provide a look into the Pavilions largest habitat. Public spaces around the Pavilion feature installations by local artists. A public rooftop terrace will have incredible and unparalleled views we can all enjoy for free! The major exhibits include The Reef, an underwater canyon that arcs overhead. The Archipelago is a two-level portrait of reef builders. One Ocean Hall is filled with interactive displays that spotlight marine ecosystems. At Home in the Ocean gets you up-close to habitats and younger guests enter the reef with a crawl-through space where they come face to face with inhabitants.

Build Healthy Habits for Your Family

Physical • Exercise regularly as a family and make it fun! Go for evening walks in the park, take advantage of open swim days at the gym, and ride bikes together. • Eat a healthy diet. Start early with introducing a rainbow of produce and minimizing sugary snacks. Mental • Maintain – and reflect – a positive outlook. Kids mirror what they hear and see, so use positive reinforcement and praise appropriately. Celebrate your successes as well as theirs. • Keep screen time to a minimum. Sedentary behavior is known to increases risks for obesity and cardiovascular disease, and it’s not conducive to positive social or mental growth either. Set a daily limit for smartphone usage and stick to it. • Read every day. Incorporate this habit into playtime or bedtime routines to help build self-esteem and success later in life. Social • Encourage kids to explore a myriad of activities to find one (or more!) they really enjoy. Whether singing in a choir, playing soccer, taking language lessons, or volunteering with a youth group, kids will meet others with similar interests while also developing their self-identity. • Eat dinner as a family and use this opportunity to maintain open lines of communication with everyone around the table.

Improve Outpatient Surgery Outcomes

Outpatient surgery sounds like it would be less invasive and safer than procedures that require overnight care in the hospital. However, unintended consequences can happen. Here are tips for keeping yourself safe and healthy during outpatient surgery. 1. Select your surgeon carefully. Even if your procedure seems minor, your doctor should be board certified in the field that is relevant to your condition, and his or her certifications should be up to date. Also, ask how many similar operations he or she has performed in the past year, and see how this compares to peers. Check a surgeon rating website such as www.checkbook.org/surgeonratings/ to find out how your surgeon ranks. 2. Disclose all current medications and supplements. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist need to know about every prescription and OTC medication and supplement you are taking, as some can cause complications during and after surgery. Have this conversation well in advance of your procedure, because you may need to stop taking certain meds two weeks or more before the operation. 3. Prepare in advance. Put your body in the best possible condition by eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Stop smoking and drinking prior to your surgery. And don’t let anxiety get the best of you. Deep breathing (greatist.com/happiness/breathing-exercises-relax), positive thinking, and meditation help put you in the right state of mind. 4. Ask all questions. Make sure you fully understand your procedure and what you can expect afterward. Have a plan for your recovery and make arrangements ahead of time if you need to hire human help or implement mobility and dietary changes in your life.

Summer is Painting Season - Good Tips!

Whether you’re inspired to splash a new hue across a room’s walls or they’re just due for a fresh coat of the same ol’ color, make sure you DIY with these tips in mind. Choose your paint wisely. It’s important to choose indoor paint for indoor paint jobs. Water-based paint is easy to use and clean up, while oil-based paint is more appropriate for specialty jobs. Check with an expert at the paint store to choose the right type of paint for your situation. Prep like a pro. This may take more time than the actual painting itself, but take your time here to avoid mistakes. Prep work includes:  Laying down drop cloths.  Cleaning off dirty areas.  Filling in holes in the walls with spackle.  Sanding any uneven surfaces.  Priming the walls, if needed.  Taping off non-paint zones like outlets and molding. Do detail work. Use a thin brush to paint around window and door frames, baseboards, and trim. Use a roller brush. Roll the full height of the wall and keep a wet edge. Start near a corner, and move over slightly with each stroke of paint. Don’t let the roller become dry, and paint so the open side of the roller frame faces the area that is already painted. Let it dry. Once your entire paint job is dry, make sure everything is evenly coated. Add a second coat as needed. Wait at least 24 hours before removing the tape between the painted walls and unpainted places. Use a sharp utility knife or box cutter to slice the tape; do not just pull it off.

Rent instead of Buying

People accumulate a lot of stuff throughout their lives, but they may only need certain things periodically. When that’s the case, rent instead of buying to save money and help the environment!  Lawn and power equipment: Rent tillers, concrete saws, carpet cleaners, and more at your local home supply store. Most rentals are for a minimum of four hours.  Formal clothing: If you need to dress up for one black-tie event, check out renttherunway.com or lendingluxury.com. Choose the perfect outfit for the night and return it once it’s over. Rental prices are about one-third the retail price.  Party supplies: Throw the event of the year, but don’t stress too much over all the things you need to purchase. Party equipment vendors can supply dishes, décor, and furniture, all delivered right to your door.  Recreational equipment: Thinking of taking up golf or skiing or mountain biking or going camping? If you only participate in an activity occasionally, rent from local sports outfitters like REI and save hundreds of dollars on gear that would otherwise collect dust in your garage.

Don’t Pass The Salt!

Americans consume almost two times the recommended amount of salt everyday! Most salt is hidden inside common foods...spaghetti, soup, pizza, and especially frozen dinners. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure...and high blood pressure can wreak havoc on your heart, brain, and kidneys. The average person should eat no more than 2,400 mg. of sodium daily, which is the equivalent of one heaping teaspoon a day. The average American eats over 4,000 mg. a day, and 75 percent of it from processed food and restaurant meals, according to Dr. Stephen Havas, a researcher at the University of Maryland. So before you buy food at the store, check the nutrition labels. Ask yourself, how much sodium is in one serving. Remember restaurant food can have even more sodium, so watch what you order. Ask for low-sodium entrees, or select fresh salads, and avoid those French fries. Cutting salt could save your life!

Help Build Healthy Habits

Physical • Exercise regularly as a family and make it fun! Go for evening walks in the park, take advantage of open swim days at the gym, and ride bikes together. • Eat a healthy diet. Start early with introducing a rainbow of produce and minimizing sugary snacks. Mental • Maintain – and reflect – a positive outlook. Kids mirror what they hear and see, so use positive reinforcement and praise appropriately. Celebrate your successes as well as theirs. • Keep screen time to a minimum. Sedentary behavior is known to increases risks for obesity and cardiovascular disease, and it’s not conducive to positive social or mental growth either. Set a daily limit for smartphone usage and stick to it. • Read every day. Incorporate this habit into playtime or bedtime routines to help build self-esteem and success later in life. Social • Encourage kids to explore a myriad of activities to find one (or more!) they really enjoy. Whether singing in a choir, playing soccer, taking language lessons, or volunteering with a youth group, kids will meet others with similar interests while also developing their self-identity. • Eat dinner as a family and use this opportunity to maintain open lines of communication with everyone around the table.

4 Area Parks to Enjoy this Summer

A trip to one of our National Parks may be out of the question but there is no reason you can’t make memories right here in the Seattle area. Here are a few ideas to explore on a nice summer day! • Washington Park Arboretum – The Arboretum is a welcome oasis on the shores of Lake Washington jointly managed by Seattle Parks and the UW. 230 Acres of trees and plants found nowhere else in the NW. • Kubota Gardens – A work of art that will awaken a feeling of serenity, humility, and gratitude. Largest Japanese Garden in the region. 20 acres, 9 ponds, 2 red bridges and 140 maple varieties. • Lake Wilderness Park – Lake Wilderness Park is the crown jewel of Maple Valley. Enjoy their 117 acres with two creek systems, three wetlands, extensive wildlife and outstanding views of Maple Tree forests. • Discovery Park – 534 acre park in Magnolia with a lighthouse on the westernmost point. Amazing views and lots of native trees with a 11.8 mile trail system.

Car Accident Scam

From the crowded freeways to mall parking lots, con-artists are trying to swindle you into a costly accident that will impact your finances for years to come. With some awareness of the tricks they play, you can avoid these highway predators. 1. The classic “swoop and squat” maneuver. You are in tight traffic (slow morning commuter variety) suddenly a car passes you and cuts abruptly in front of the car you are following. This driver slams on his brakes and you rear-end his car. The best defense is to scan several cars ahead and keep a couple of car-lengths between you and those taillights in front of you. 2. The “drive-down” is commonly used in busy mall parking garages or merging freeway entrances. Another driver will wave you through and then punch the gas to ram into your vehicle. In the police report, the person claims they never waved you on and accuses you of reckless driving. To be safe, just surrender the right-of-way to the “wave-through” driver or be sure you have legal right-of-way. 3. Take special notice of erratic vehicles filled with riders. Predators love to get in staged accidents and file multiple claims. Always call the police if you get in an auto accident. A savvy habit is to carry a disposable camera in the glove compartment to photo-document any car damage or accident site.

Solve Problems in Your Dreams

Did you know Paul McCartney composed “Yesterday” in a dream? Studies show that when you dream, you’re more open-minded and may see things from a different perspective. Here are two different approaches you might try to solve a problem or increase your creativity: 1. Clear your mind before you go to sleep. Read a book, talk about something else, go to sleep, and trust your subconscious. 2. Focus on the problem you want to resolve. Form it into a question (for example, “What should I say to have a successful meeting?”), write it down, and visualize a positive outcome. With either method, write down what you remember about your dreams when you wake up. They may be illogical, but the imagery or events could be a metaphor for a solution that relates to your problem. These techniques require a positive attitude and lots of practice, but they can help you! For further information, look up the work of dream psychologists, such as author Deirdre Barrett.

Stress Relieving Tips

When we’re stressed, we’re less able to focus and we’re doing damage to our overall health. Here are some science-based methods for de-stressing quickly. • Breathe – Stress makes us take short breaths. Concentrate on deep breaths through the nose, exhaling through the mouth, for several minutes to increase oxygen flow and reduce tension. • Pattern Reset – Forcing your brain to focus on something else, such as the repetitive task of doing dishes or knitting, can help get your mind off whatever’s bothering you. • Go for a Walk – Not only will a 10-minute walk physically remove you from any stressful situation, the exercise releases stress-relieving endorphins in your brain. Dancing to your favorite song works, too. • Take an e-Break – We love technology, but it can also cause a huge amount of stress. Turn off your phone or computer to increase your ability to relax, and don’t leave your email inbox open all day. • Have a Snack – It’s important to be mindful about snacking (stress eating is nobody’s friend), but some nibbles can be helpful. Potassium can help modulate blood pressure, which can in turn reduce stress levels, so have a banana. Something like a handful of nuts offers a satisfying crunch and the energy your brain needs to get past the stress.

Can we develop charisma?

Yes, you can, says, D.A. Benton, author of Executive Charisma. Here are five skills you can practice to improve your charisma quotient. 1. Be confident. When introducing yourself say your name and then tell something about yourself. This helps to draw a question from the other person, and can lead the person into a conversation with you. 2. Walk with purpose. Pause before entering a room and project confidence as you walk into the room. 3. Use the double hand shake. When you shake someone’s hand, use the two-handed grasp. While shaking with right hand, your left hand grasps the person’s arm at or below the elbow. 4. Focus on your goal. Charismatic people know what they want and are passionate about it. Focus on what you want and how to get there. 5. Be a good listener. Listen when other people talk. Value their opinions and make eye contact.

Ready In An Emergency

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency preparedness kit ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Some items are standard, regardless of who you are or where you live, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and multi-purpose tool. Consider the specific needs of those in your family and geographical location as well. Find pre-made lists and help in building an emergency kit at ready.gov/kit and redcross.org.

Success at the Doctors Office

You can make your next appointment a stress-free success with a bit of preparation. Try these tips: • Take notes: If you’re having specific symptoms, keep a journal of the day-to-day changes. Add details like what you eat, what time, changes in mood or appetite, as any little detail might be important. If you’re taking medications, include those as well so your doctor is fully informed. Make notes, too, of questions you have for your doctor – your visit is a two-way conversation and you want to maximize both your own time and your doctor’s. • Timing is everything: Delays at the doctor’s office can increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness. If you can, make appointments first thing in the morning. That could help you avoid the inevitable delays as doctors see other patients and appointment times run over. Try to make sure your day is as free as possible so you don’t stress about your next task if you end up waiting. • Be honest: Not being entirely honest or withholding information from your doctor can be a detriment to you and your health. Remember: your doctor is there to help you. If you find you have a hard time actually saying something you’re embarrassed about–try practicing it out loud in a mirror before your appointment. • Be flexible: You may have a specific treatment in mind when you go into your appointment, but your doctor is a professional. It’s a good idea to at least listen to all the options.

Signs Your Parents Need Help

The elderly population is expected to double by 2025. It’s a fact of life we have to face sooner or later: At some point, one or both of your parents, as independent as they seem to be, are going to need extra help at home. Approach the situation carefully, but keep an eye out for these early signs you may notice when you visit them.  Difficulty getting around. Are they having trouble with the stairs or getting in the shower or bathtub? There are adjustments you can make to their home to make it safer, such as removing small area rugs, installing grab bars in the shower and using nightlights to light the path to the bathroom.  Physical health issues. Are they making their doctor appointments? They may be limiting their social activities because they can’t hear or see as well as they should. Do they keep a list of their medications? Some older people are, in fact, over-medicated. Offer to go with them on one of their next appointments.  Forgetfulness. Do they remember things you talked about? Do you see unpaid bills on the table? Is the house clean and is the dirty laundry under control? Is there food in the refrigerator? Work with them on solutions, such as hiring a cleaning service or considering a meal delivery option. There are many resources available to help you help them. Check out sites such as the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org), www.care.com and www.agingcare.com. To engage their minds and keep them (or anyone over 50) up-to-date on aging issues, take a look at www.aarp.org.

Check out the Edgewater!

The Edgewater is located on Pier67 it’s the only over-water hotel in Seattle. Zoning changes will never allow anything like this to be built again! It was built for the opening of the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962. It has hosted famous guests including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, President Clinton and many more. It allowed guests in the North wing to fish from your room. I was recently invited to share in my friend’s anniversary dinner and really enjoyed the food, service and being right on the water overlooking Elliott Bay and West Seattle. If you want to go out for a special event you should give it a try. Prices are high and in the summer months I was told it is extremely busy and you need to make reservations. Great pick for a Dads and Grads! ENJOY

Friends—The Key To A Longer Life

According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, men who have lots of friends, social contacts, and relatives live longer, more satisfying lives. In a study of 28,000 men in their early 40s to late 70s, researchers found that men who were socially isolated loners were 20 percent more likely to die prematurely. The socially isolated group also was 53 percent more likely to die from heart related diseases and stroke. Unmarried men included in the study had markedly higher death rates than married men with a strong family support system did. It appears that making friends and nurturing social relationships not only will make you healthier, but it could make you a lot happier too! Although it is hard to measure social isolation and loneliness ask yourself if you have fewer activities now than you did before the pandemic. Most people would answer fewer connections and fewer social gatherings are on their schedules. People are generally social by nature, and high-quality relationships should be part of our everyday lives. Finding a fun activity can be the key to adding friends to your life! Pick an activity like going to the gym, find a workshop or a class, volunteer for a non-profit, try a new sport like racquetball, find a church or spiritual group. You are certainly not alone if you are having a hard time making friends as an adult.

Alternatives to Bottled Water

You’ve likely heard that bottled water has major environmental consequences, but how bad is the problem? Here are a few facts from thewaterproject.org that illustrate the severity of the situation: • Approximately 80% of single-use water bottles in the U.S. become “litter,” and one bottle takes more than 1,000 years to bio-degrade. • U.S. landfills have two million tons of discarded water bottles in them. • It takes three liters of water to package one liter of bottled water. In response to the bottled water problem, some cities and businesses have banned it, but what can you do? • Skip the single-use water bottle, and invest in a reusable water bottle. If you forget it, buy multiples to keep in vehicles, the office, and your gym bag. • Drink tap water. Several studies have been done to show municipal tap water is usually just as safe as bottled water. • Refrigerate water. Cooling tap water helps remove the chlorine taste many people feel is in tap water. • Boil water if you are concerned water might be contaminated.

Likeability

You are naturally likable by being genuine and sincere, but here are some simple tips that can give you a psychological advantage and result in people liking you even more: • Like yourself first. Be confident in your strengths. Your likability increases as you increase your ability to like yourself. Smiling and sharing your positivity will bring out the same in others. • Maintain eye contact during conversations but keep it in balance (about 60 percent of the time). Nod your head when you’re speaking and people will be inclined to agree with you. • Demonstrate that you like people. Remember their names and use them. (One trick to remembering names is to say the name to someone else.) If you ask a question, give the person time to respond. Remaining silent and waiting for an answer can be especially useful in negotiations. • Learn active listening. Do this by a) paying attention; b) using body language to show you’re interested; c) giving feedback, such as rephrasing what a person says to you to show that you understood them; d) asking questions, but not interrupting; and e) giving your opinion respectfully. If you disagree with someone, look for ways to find common ground. • Don’t overdo it. You don’t need everyone to like you to be successful. Aim to increase your likability factor to the people who matter to you (and your success) most.

Ways to Improve Curb Appeal

The first impression of your house is from the street. If you want to sell or just add some new style, try these ideas: Focus on your front door with a new color, updated light fixtures and easy-to-read house numbers. For more charm, add window flower boxes or shutters around the windows. Learn to build a window box on YouTube.com. Clean out the clutter, and trim the overgrown bushes and trees (this also makes your home safer). For quick color, add container gardens. You can buy them pre-planted. Add lighting accents to trees or to illuminate the pathway (another safety feature). You can go solar to eliminate wires. Pressure-wash the exterior. If it doesn’t look better, consider new paint or siding. Don’t forget the garage door. Repair it, paint it or replace it to make your house look like new.

Break Bad Habits

Habit: Always looking at your cell phone or tablet. Change: Whether it’s email or Facebook, you may be a little addicted. Best advice is to acknowledge the problem and make an agreement with your spouse or friends to set limits on your online time. You probably already do this with your kids so maybe you can do this together. Habit: Clearing your throat all the time. Change: You may not even know you do this. The problem, however, may be medical (allergies, acid reflux). Try an over-the-counter cough suppressant or talk to your doctor. Habit: Selective listening. Change: Maybe you just tune people out when you’re thinking about something else. Try this: Pick a code word (not “HELLO!” – that’s annoying) for your spouse/kids/friends to use when they really want your attention. Habit: Being a back-seat driver. Change: Focus on something else (a conversation on another subject, something you did that day), not on what the driver is doing. Habit: Interrupting conversations. Change: If you’re interrupting, learn to be more patient and listen. If someone is interrupting you, perhaps you are rambling and should get to the point. Or, just ask the interrupter to let you finish your thought.

Make My Home Attractive to Buyers

When selling your home, look at your home through a potential buyer’s eyes, and follow these steps to make it show well and receive a good offer: • Clean and repair. Your buyer’s first impression is from the street. Clean up the yard, the landscaping and check your exterior paint job. On the inside, shampoo the carpets, scrub the floors and clear off all the counters. Remove old wallpaper and paint the walls a neutral color. Fix things that need fixing, like squeaky doors, broken tiles etc. • De-Clutter. Get rid of all that “stuff” you’ve accumulated in the garage, the backyard and the basement. And don’t forget the closets! • “Stage” it to look like a model home. Put away your personal items and remove large pieces of furniture. Ask your Coldwell Banker Danforth agent for ways to “dress up” your home (candles, new linens etc.) to maximize your selling potential.

Carpinito Brothers

Celibrating 50yrs of fresh this family owned and operated business started with two brothers selling produce from a roadside stand to make extra money. Mike and Dan sparked by their local FFA (Future Farmers of America) decided to turn their hobby into a business. As demand for local fresh produce flourished, they continued to acquire more land to expand their offerings. Mike and Dan along with their sons now manage over 800 acres of farmland in the Kent Valley. We think of Kent as the industrial and shipping center of Puget Sound but before all the concrete the Kent Valley was one of the country’s most fertile and productive per acre farmlands. Whether you need bark / topsoil, nursery / garden, fruits / vegetables, pumpkin patch/ farm fun yard or Christmas Trees support your local owners. www.carpinito.com

Choose to Spend Time Alone

Experts say that if being alone is your choice, you’re much more likely to enjoy the solitude and less likely to succumb to loneliness. But this doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit to be happy alone. It means you’re able to find happiness in solo pursuits of your choosing— exercising, birdwatching, creating art, or even working. If you struggle to do something you love when you’re alone, you may want to try an activity that boosts endorphin levels. After all, if you’re getting a happiness high from the activity, you’re more apt to do it again. Physical activity like gardening or beachcombing can work here (you don’t have to go to the gym to be physical), but you can also do volunteer work. Studies show volunteering makes people feel more fulfilled, and solo volunteer work may even be something you can do from home—think preparing meals for houseless people or making hats for preemie babies. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” is a poetic term for something research has shown time and again: Spending time in nature is very good for us. Taking a solo hike in the woods is great, but movement isn’t necessary. You could knit in the park on your lunch break or watch flickers dig for ants in the backyard. It can also be a meditative experience, immersing yourself in the natural environment to allow you to take it in with all of your senses. Treat yourself to something special that you usually need company to justify, like dinner at a fancy restaurant or a ticket to the opera. And this doesn’t need to be expensive or even outside the home. You could cook a favorite meal, for instance, served on your good dishes. You don’t have to skimp on things you’d enjoy just because you’re flying solo.

Chose to Spend Time Alone

Experts say that if being alone is your choice, you’re much more likely to enjoy the solitude and less likely to succumb to loneliness. But this doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit to be happy alone. It means you’re able to find happiness in solo pursuits of your choosing— exercising, birdwatching, creating art, or even working. If you struggle to do something you love when you’re alone, you may want to try an activity that boosts endorphin levels. After all, if you’re getting a happiness high from the activity, you’re more apt to do it again. Physical activity like gardening or beachcombing can work here (you don’t have to go to the gym to be physical), but you can also do volunteer work. Studies show volunteering makes people feel more fulfilled, and solo volunteer work may even be something you can do from home—think preparing meals for houseless people or making hats for preemie babies. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” is a poetic term for something research has shown time and again: Spending time in nature is very good for us. Taking a solo hike in the woods is great, but movement isn’t necessary. You could knit in the park on your lunch break or watch flickers dig for ants in the backyard. It can also be a meditative experience, immersing yourself in the natural environment to allow you to take it in with all of your senses. Treat yourself to something special that you usually need company to justify, like dinner at a fancy restaurant or a ticket to the opera. And this doesn’t need to be expensive or even outside the home. You could cook a favorite meal, for instance, served on your good dishes. You don’t have to skimp on things you’d enjoy just because you’re flying solo.

Whole House A/C

With Summer around the corner many homeowners are thinking about adding a heat pump system to keep their homes cool and comfortable. HVAC systems add higher than average return on investment compared to most other types of remodeling projects. Studies show Western Washington homes recoup between 60-71% when they sell.

Fitter Than You Think

You may just be fitter than you think – and I can prove it! You stand and sit. Active people feel the need to get up and move around throughout the day. Getting in and out of a car involves basic squat movements, and you should be able to do this without pain. You constantly carry stuff. Whether you’re picking up and carrying children or shouldering a massive bag to and from work, those pounds add up to a healthy dose of weightlifting! You recover quickly. Take a short jog, try a few squat exercises, or just walk at a steady pace for a while. Are you tired and worn out, or could you endure a bit more? A healthy recovery time is a good indicator of physical fitness. You do household chores. Carrying laundry down the stairs requires balance. Navigating several tasks in the kitchen while avoiding dropping, burning, or falling is proof of coordination and dexterity. You take the stairs. If you can walk or run up and down stairs without feeling lightheaded or out of breath, you’re probably in decent aerobic shape. You crave healthy habits. It’s a good sign if you seek out exercise simply because it makes you feel good – and you get extra points if you vary your workouts, which offers different benefits to different muscle groups. Ditto if you prefer to eat healthily as well.

Volunteer Park

Located in the heart of the city Volunteer Park offers 48 acres of parkland and tons of variety! The City of Seattle acquired the land in 1876 and hired the Olmstead Brothers to design the park in 1901. Named in honor of the volunteers who fought in the Spanish-American War. A few of the highlights of the park are the Conservatory, the water tower, 1969 Black Sun sculpture, and the Asian Art Museum. The park is full of amazing landscaping and has been designated as a Seattle Historic Landmark and National Historic District.

Burke Museum

There is no better time to explore our amazing museums. The Burke Museum is Washington States oldest museum established in 1899. Attracting over 100,000 visitors annually they have a collection of more than 16 million artifacts. Located on the University of Washington campus their specialty is natural history and Native American collections. I love their dinosaur collection! The Burke offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month and stays open until 8:00pm that evening. www.burkemuseum.org

Seattle’s Great Wheel

If you have not been on the Wheel give it a try! When my sister and her family were in town we jumped on and we enjoyed it more than I expected to! Opened in 2012 and reaching a height of 175 feet it is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the country. The 12 minute ride seems longer and part of the fun is actually standing in line on the Seattle waterfront. Enjoy the experience!!

Time For New Tires?

Take some time this month to walk around your car, paying special attention to the tires, to stay safe on the road this fall and winter. • Tread: Take a penny with President Lincoln’s head facing down. Place it into each tire’s tread. If you can still see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. If not, you’re good to go! • Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly. If your tires are losing more than one pound per square inch (PSI) a month, it may be time to have them checked out.

House Plants

Put your green thumb to work and get these plants growing where they serve you best! In the living room:  The peace lily removes mold spores in the air and is relatively low maintenance. Though it can adapt to low light, placing it in a well-lit area will keep it flowering almost nonstop.  Colorful or striking-looking plants like cacti or bird of paradise can add a fun touch to this lively space. In the bedroom:  Weeping figs remove airborne toxins and increase oxygen levels, allowing for better sleeping conditions.  French lavender promotes calm and serenity.  If you have ample sunlight, add aloe, which purifies the air. In the bathroom:  Chinese evergreen is durable and the soil should be kept moist – perfect for a humid room!  Ferns thrive in environments with low light and high humidity. In the kitchen and dining room:  Golden pothos are good hanging plants, so they don’t take up precious counter space.  Bamboo is simple to care for and makes for an interesting table centerpiece.  From rosemary to mint, any sort of herb is welcome in the kitchen.

La Conner Day Trip

The drive to La Conner is worth the trip in itself! On a sunny day the views of the Cascade Mountain Range above the fields in Skagit Valley are amazing. La Conner was first settled in 1867 as a fishing village and safe harbor for ships but today it is almost entirely dependent on tourism. They have a beautiful downtown core with historic buildings right on the Swinomish Channel. La Conner is listed on the National Registry of Historic places so this town will be preserved for the next generations. There is a good reason La Conner is so often voted as the perfect Washington State romantic getaways. While you are there consider checking out the Skagit County Historical Museum, Museum of Northwest Art, or the Pacific Northwest Quilt Arts Museum. Of course there are some fabulous restaurants to enjoy. One of the most popular places to stay is the charming boutique Wild Iris Inn that offers elegant accommodations!

Work Relationships

1. Respect time. Avoid hovering around your colleagues’ work areas if they’re on the phone or speaking with someone else, and respect their professional/personal life balance by keeping work issues at work. 2. Avoid gossip. Office politics and the rumor mill can run rampant, and the best thing you can do is to avoid any conversation that is irrelevant to your job. You never know whom you will have to work with – or for – in the future, so do your best to remain professional to everyone. 3. Be polite. The Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you goes a long way in a professional setting. Say hello and thank you, smile, hold doors open for others, and clean up after yourself. 4. Show concern. It is not your job to solve personal problems, but keep in mind your co-workers are people too. Be mindful that others may be having a bad day or issues beyond the boardroom. If you feel comfortable, it’s okay to check in to make sure everything is alright. 5. Welcome the newcomers. Do you remember your first awkward day of work? Make someone else’s first day on the job easier by smiling and introducing yourself. 6. Follow up and communicate. Simple communication goes a long way in helping to facilitate good relations and clear up misunderstandings. Make yourself approachable so others feel they can discuss work-related projects with you. Managers need to set clear expectations with their employees so there is no question about what is expected from each person.

Maintain Strong Bones

How to maintain strong bones? First, while bone weakness is evident in older Americans, strong bones begin in childhood. Here are four steps you can take today to prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong, healthy bones: 1. Get the recommended amount of daily calcium by drinking milk and eating green leafy vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, and cheese. (1,000 mg of calcium per day). 2. Exercise 30 minutes per day for adults; 60 minutes a day for children. This can be walking, running, or any weight-baring exercise. 3. Get Vitamin D (200 IU), which is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun. It’s also found in fortified milk and cereals 4. Your doctor can order a bone density test (DEXA), which measures bone density at the spine, hip, and wrist where most fractures occur. For more information on osteoporosis, call 1-866-718-BONE, or go to www.surgeongeneral.gov.

6 Ways to Build Stronger Family Bonds

Here are 6 positive key strategies that you can use today to improve and strengthen your family now…and for years to come. 1. Make Family Your First Priority. Strong families spend lots of quality time together. We’ve all heard the well-known quote, “How do kids spell love?” T-I-M-E! Strong families spend lots of positive time working on family projects and playing together. And they enjoy being together too. 2. Appreciate One Other. Strong families appreciate each other’s unique qualities and contributions and express their feelings openly. Make a commitment to compliment each other at least once each day. 3. Foster Communication. Strong families listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions, and avoid interrupting. One of the most valuable ways to foster communication is by having at least one meal together each day. During the meal, make it a point to engage everyone on their daily experiences, discoveries, challenges and goals. 4. Strengthen Commitment. Strong families work together to solve their problems. They may not always agree, but they are willing and able to bring things out into the open and to talk about them. 5. Create Traditions. Strong families stay connected – another reason for having at least one meal together each day. Also, give your children the gift of friendship with their cousins, aunts, and uncles by keeping in touch regularly. You’ll be giving them happy memories and friendships to last a lifetime. 6. Set Rules and Expectations. Strong families set and put into practice clear guidelines and limitations. Family members take responsibility for their actions.

Snoqualmie Falls

This is a wonderful time to visit one of Washington State’s most popular scenic attractions. Big storms with some snowmelt will get this 268-foot waterfall raging! This time of year you will basically have the place to yourself. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the falls every year to enjoy the park, observation decks, and the gift shop. If you have time enjoy a meal in the Salish Lodge. You will appreciate the history boards talking about the hydroelectric plant that began operation in 1899 at the base of the falls. Plant 2 was the world’s first completely underground facility that opened in 1910 and was further expanded in 1957. PSE still produces electricity at the plants today. Hope you can plan a day trip up there soon! Enjoy

4 Parks to Explore on a Nice Spring Day

Here are a few ideas to explore on a nice spring day! • Washington Park Arboretum – The Arboretum is a welcome oasis on the shores of Lake Washington jointly managed by Seattle Parks and the UW. 230 Acres of trees and plants found nowhere else in the NW. • Kubota Gardens – A work of art that will awaken a feeling of serenity, humility, and gratitude. Largest Japanese Garden in the region. 20 acres, 9 ponds, 2 red bridges and 140 maple varieties. • Lake Wilderness Park – Lake Wilderness Park is the crown jewel of Maple Valley. Enjoy their 117 acres with two creek systems, three wetlands, extensive wildlife and outstanding views of Maple Tree forests. • Discovery Park – 534 acre park in Magnolia with a lighthouse on the westernmost point. Amazing views and lots of native trees with a 11.8 mile trail system.

Stop Procrastinating

Procrastinating is a learned behavior. The good news is that it can be combated, as long as you’re focused on how to prevent it. Here are 5 steps to help you stop procrastinating and get in gear this New Year. 1. Get Rid of Distractions – Turn off the phone, shut the door, put on headphones, whatever it takes to drown out tempting diversions. 2. Break Tasks Into Chunks – Things like “wash dishes, do laundry, and vacuum” are more specific, and chances are you’ll be more apt to tackle those tasks than the gargantuan-sounding “clean the house.” 3. Do Your Hardest Task First – The sense of accomplishment when you complete the biggest item on your list first will help propel you forward toward crossing off more things on your list. 4. Perfect is the Enemy of Done – Keep in mind that if you’re only striving for perfection, you’re less likely to even start a project. 5. Reward Yourself – Give yourself a pat on the back for getting stuff done, whether the reward is a night out or simply a favorite treat.

Pricing a Home to Sell

In a hot real estate market, an overpriced home may sell easily. However in a softer market, an overpriced home may sit on the market for months. How long is too long? Well, it depends on the specific market. In general, if a home is on the market more than 2 months with no serious buyer interest, it’s usually a sign of an overpriced home. The first buzz of activity usually occurs in the first month a home is on the market. During that time, there’s lots of activity: scheduled showings, and open houses. If agent activity is slow, it may indicate that agents think the home is overpriced and not worth showing to their clients. If your home is on the market longer than 3 months, and you have no buyer interest, there is either something wrong with the home, or it’s overpriced. What are the tell-tale signs that your home is overpriced? The first thing to examine is other properties in the neighborhood. If your home is priced well above these properties without some specific reason, it may signal a problem. Second, how long has your home been on the market? If it’s longer than 1 month with no buyer interest, it’s time to think about a serious price reduction. Finally, if you priced your home by taking your purchase price and added the cost of any remodeling, you may be disappointed. The value of your home is not determined by how much you have invested into it, but what the market is willing to pay. Be careful not to get “upside down” on your home by spending beyond its market limit with remodeling improvements. If you’re thinking of buying or selling soon, and require competent and caring representation, please call me at 206-226-0565.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Keeping your home in tip-top shape requires regular maintenance. Keep this list handy for tasks that should be done every spring.  Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. If the alarm doesn’t sound, change the batteries.  Let water run in unused sinks and flush unused toilets. This helps flush out built-up grime.  Clean out gutters. Removing leaves and other blockages keeps build-up from molding and allows water run-off to flow properly.  Check missing or peeling paint. Walk around your house and look for any places that need touchups or repainting.  Trim trees and bushes. Keep hanging branches clear from house walls, the roof, and the window ledges.

Charitable Giving Tips

Use these handy tips to ensure you’re making the best decisions when it comes to doling out charitable gifts. □ Seek out an established charity. Especially in times of crisis or disasters, charities seem to pop up out of nowhere in response. A good check that an organization is established is that it has at least been approved for tax purposes as a non-profit. Ensure charities are registered as tax-exempt with 501(c)(3) status (check IRS.gov for “EO Select Check” to verify that an organization is registered as exempt). □ Research the charity in question. Consider your gift a financial investment and conduct due diligence before deciding how to invest it. Check out sites like charitynavigator.org and guidestar.org, which have done a lot of the work by vetting organizations based on criteria like financial stability, funding, transparency, and ethical practices. □ Give an unrestricted donation. Once you’ve established the organization handles its funds well, consider giving money that isn’t earmarked for a specific effort. This gives the charity freedom to decide how to use the gift (and lets it decide what is most helpful). □ Look for a matching gift. Find out if your place of employment, church, social club, or a neighborhood business is currently offering to match financial gifts to certain charities. Taking advantage of a matching effort helps the donation go even further.

Good Credit Score

Obtaining a decent financing rate and snagging a good deal on big-ticket items like cars and a home often depends on the quality of your credit score. There are a lot of things you can do to keep yours high.  Get a copy of your credit report. You can review your credit report for free once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com, so take advantage! This is your opportunity to make sure your data hasn’t been compromised and inaccuracies haven’t slipped through since you last reviewed. Look for variations of your name, unfamiliar addresses, and accounts you didn’t open. Your information may have gotten mixed up with someone else’s, or you may have caught an identity thief in the act.  Dispute errors. If there is inaccurate information on your credit report, file disputes with the lender and bureau(s) reporting the error(s). If you have documentation proving your case but the creditor believes the notation is accurate, a credit bureau agent will review the documentation instead of simply siding with the creditor.  Pay more and charge less. Paying off debt is one of the best things you can do to improve your credit score. Keep any credit balances you have to a minimum. Don’t close unused accounts if you don’t need to (especially if you’ve had the credit account for more than 3 years).  Always pay the bills. Payment history makes up a significant amount of your score. Pay all of your bills on time and, even if you can’t pay something off completely, at least make the minimum payment.

UW Cherry Blossoms

The Yoshino Cherry Trees that are set in the heart of the University of Washington campus were originally planted in the Arboretum over 90 years ago. In 1964 the trees were transplanted at the Quad bringing thousands of visitors to campus each spring to witness their beautiful rosy bloom. Every year they reach peak bloom for about two weeks as early as mid-March to as late as mid-April. This is a great time to plan a trip and think about alternatives to congested parking. Think about jumping on the Link Light Rail and walking about ½ mile. Enjoy!

Mariners 2024

Seattle Mariners have begun their 47th season in hopes of making it into the playoffs once again. Dave Niehaus always had a positive attitude that this year was the year! Last season the Mariners came up short winning 88 games and finishing 2 games out of the race. Every year changes are made, some of our favorite players get traded and new players come to take their place but that’s baseball. The Mariners have one of the best pitching staffs especially the starting rotation. Can we avoid striking out so much? Some of the big names that will be missed are players like: Marco Gonzales, Robbie Ray, Eugenio Suarez, Teoscar Hernandez, and Jarred Kelenic. Some of these players will shine on other teams and that’s how it goes. We must wish them the best! Welcome home Mitch Haniger who was a player we considered a star who just needs to stay healthy. We have a solid 2nd baseman in Jorge Polanco that has 112 career home runs and has been an All-Star. We will finally have a full-time designated hitter in Mitch Garver. Also keep an eye on hard-throwing reliever Gregory Santos. Santos is just 24 years old and has the potential to be a shutdown late inning star. Seattle has one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country and a loyal fanbase to root on the boys of summer! Make plans soon to attend a game or two this season and Go Mariners!

Improve Your Posture

There’s something you can do right now to look better and prevent years of backaches, headaches and other painful symptoms as you get older: Pay attention to your posture. • Take the wall test. Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall with your heels 2-4 inches away from it. Slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back. You'll feel about one hand's thickness of space between your back and the wall. If there's too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles. If there's too little space, arch your back. Walk away from the wall and maintain this posture. • Keep your body in alignment when sitting. Rest both feet flat on the floor while keeping your knees level with your hips. Sit with your back against the chair, using a cushion if you need support. Stretch your head toward the ceiling and tuck your chin in slightly. Keep your upper back and neck straight and shoulders relaxed (not rounded or pulled backward). • Exercise to strengthen your core. Start with easy stretches and exercises (check out www.aarp.org/fitness). Work up to taking classes in Pilates, yoga and strength training. If you already have back or other physical problems, talk to your doctor before you start a program, and work with a physical therapist or personal trainer. • Keep your bones strong. Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. To prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), do weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging and climbing stairs.

Mary’s Place Luncheon

Ensuring that no child sleeps outside Mary’s Place provided 270,173 overnight stays and 836,937 meals served in 2023. Take part in their annual dream big luncheon on April 18th at the Seattle Center Pavilion. Gifts will be matched up to 1M dollars thanks to the generosity of Amazon. Come learn about their work and impact goals. Experience the joy and power of keeping vulnerable families housed and fed in their time of need. marysplaceseattle.org

Visit Langley “The Village by the Sea”

Winter is finally behind us and having a fun destination for a daytrip is always appreciated. Langley is a postcard kind of town about 30 minutes from the Clinton Ferry docks on Whidbey Island. My dad lived in Freeland for 20yrs, and we would often take the drive into Langley to hangout and shop. There are some great restaurants and locally owned stores on main street. Explore the Langley Whale Center, enjoy the Whidbey Art Gallery, learn a lot at the Whidbey Historical Museum, and look for orcas and gray whales from Seawall Park. If you want to make a weekend out of it there are some very nice accommodations in Langley! The Inn at Langley is first class with 28 rooms built on the bluff to the waters edge. Enjoy a day away from the city!

People Who Walk Live Longer

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an 11-year study of 2,896 adults in their late 50’s who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers found those subjects who walked just two hours a week had a 39 percent lower death rate from all causes! They speculate that if every healthy person in the United States walked briskly just 30 minutes a day, the incidence of many chronic diseases would go down 30 to 40 percent. So grab your shoes and get walking…your body will be glad you did!

Chambers Bay Loop

Spring is here so it’s time to get outdoors. Chambers is more than golf, enjoy amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains while walking the paved 3.5-mile roundtrip loop. There is some serious incline from the bluff near the clubhouse down to the waters edge! When Pierce County developed Chambers, they required non golfers have access to the beautiful and unique property. Enjoy the walk at Chambers Loop!

Get Back on Track

One of the best ways to stay fit is to have at least one athletic hobby: walking, swimming, bowling, tennis, golf, skiing, bicycling or even dancing. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll stick with it. Second, a workout partner can make the time go by more quickly, and you can have fun at the same time. Whether it’s a family member, friend or co-worker, a workout partner will encourage you on the days you may want to slide. Third, hire a trainer if you have trouble maintaining an exercise program. A trainer can guide you through a program that works for you. Remember to vary your workouts. This prevents overworking certain muscle groups, and it will keep you motivated.

Home Inspections

A home inspection is not mandatory when you purchase a house, but I recommend that you have any home you’re planning on buying inspected by a licensed inspector. In fact, I’d insist upon it. A home inspector has the training and expertise to provide an objective opinion about the condition of the home. The inspector will carefully examine the home’s structure, roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and cooling system, and appliances. He or she will provide a written assessment of the house’s condition. The inspection will tell you what repairs might need to be made before buying. The inspection can alert you to any serious problems the house may have—before you buy the house. There’s a period after a contract is accepted when you can have the inspection completed. Fees are paid to the inspector by the buyer. If there are problems or repairs that need to made, you can request in writing during the specified period that these repairs be made as a condition of the sale.

Carnegie Quote to Live By

You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime. Dale Carnegie

Free trials and Free Subscriptions

The next time you sign up for a free trial offer, be sure to read the fine print. While these offers can be a great way to try out a product, you might be agreeing to buy additional products and services if you don’t cancel within a specified time. It’s called the “negative option feature,” and it requires the customer to cancel or opt-out of a recurring charge for future products. While it’s not illegal, some questionable online merchants pre-check the consent box or bury the details under terms and conditions, making returns difficult. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. A Visa survey showed 29 percent of American consumers have been victims of this option. The Better Business Bureau says it has received thousands of complaints from people who learned the hard way by signing up for online trial offers for acai berry supplements, detox products, teeth whiteners, free government grants and debt consolidation services. Best advice? Before you buy or subscribe, read the offer carefully, pay attention to pre-checked boxes and check out the business at www.bbb.org.

Cleaning With Cola

Did you know the cola in your fridge is also a great household cleaner? Here are some everyday uses for it: • Remove rust stains by scrubbing with cola using aluminum foil, then wipe clean. • Remove oil stains from pavement by soaking them in cola for 15 minutes, then scrubbing. • Remove gum from surfaces by soaking it with cola for a few minutes, then scraping it with a blunt knife.

Money Habits

We all want our kids to do well in life...and not make some of the mistakes we might have made. Here are seven important money strategies to teach your kids that will serve them well throughout their lives: 1) Don’t carry debt. Avoid credit card debt. It’s expensive money! In fact, about 30% of college graduates will enter the workforce with $10,000 to $25,000 in credit card debt and other loans. 2) Pay yourself first. Have your children open an investment account and regularly have them put away money for goals and emergencies. 3) Set up a budget and track your expenses. Help your children set up their own budget, and teach them how to track their income (from allowances, gifts, money earned) and expenses. 4) Don’t compare yourself with others. A friend may drive a fancy car and wear expensive clothing, but they actually may be deeply in debt. 5) Don’t trust anyone with your money. No one cares as much about your money as you do. 6) Invest in a Roth IRA, and/or a market index when you start earning money. To reach long-term goals investing is a must. 7) Money doesn’t buy happiness. Money can make life easier when you don’t have to struggle financially to make ends meet. But money can’t buy love or happiness.

Bottled Water

You’ve likely heard that bottled water has major environmental consequences, but how bad is the problem? Here are a few facts from thewaterproject.org that illustrate the severity of the situation: • Approximately 80% of single-use water bottles in the U.S. become “litter,” and one bottle takes more than 1,000 years to bio-degrade. • U.S. landfills have two million tons of discarded water bottles in them. • It takes three liters of water to package one liter of bottled water. In response to the bottled water problem, some cities and businesses have banned it, but what can you do? • Skip the single-use water bottle, and invest in a reusable water bottle. If you forget it, buy multiples to keep in vehicles, the office, and your gym bag. • Drink tap water. Several studies have been done to show municipal tap water is usually just as safe as bottled water. • Refrigerate water. Cooling tap water helps remove the chlorine taste many people feel is in tap water. • Boil water if you are concerned water might be contaminated.

Garage Tips

A garage may seem like the space to dump miscellaneous items, tools, and garbage/recycling. “It’s not cluttering up the house, so why does it matter?!” you might think to yourself. Here’s the thing, though: you could be losing an opportunity to use it for storage and a new functional space. Some good ways to make it a dual-purpose room include: • Install an attic lift to gain additional storage for items you only use one season a year, like camping stuff. • Store bikes on hanging racks that are flush with the wall. • Consider installing a livable floor coating, like epoxy or polished concrete. Then you could portion off a part of the garage to use as a media room, den, or creative space. • Speak to your electrician about adding outlets and lighting so that the space can be used at all times of day. • Add drywall and insulation to keep the space warm in winter time and give it a more home-like feeling. • Use storage systems like shelving racks and give each rack a job. For example, store similar items together like tools, which you can keep separate from gardening stuff, or use a rack for overflow storage for the kitchen.

Visit Butchart Garden This Spring

The Butchart Gardens are worth seeing any time of year but if you have never visited in spring, you haven’t seen the gardens at their peak. The 120-year-old gardens welcome over 1 million visitors per year and is still privately owned and operated by the family. Located close to Victoria BC the Butchart’s employ 50 fulltime gardeners to maintain 55 acres of grounds. One woman’s vision transformed a limestone quarry into a world-famous attraction. As the limestone deposits were exhausted Jennie envisioned a grand garden to take its place and began transferring topsoil by horse and cart. Today, The Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site in Canada. I remember visiting with my parents in the 70’s and have been back many times over the years. The gardens await but plan your visit now because there is no time like spring to enjoy the amazing variety and beauty!

Teach Kids to Save for a Rainy Day

1. Bank it. Encourage kids to decorate four separate piggy banks – one each for Saving, Spending, Investing, and Giving – to help teach about setting money-related goals. Investing money will be used for future investments and Giving money can be donated to a charity of the kids’ choice. 2. Offer an allowance. Assuming you are helping your own children save money, provide a small allowance so there is something to put into the piggy banks. Give the allowance in small bills or coins so kids can physically hold and drop equal amounts of cash into each piggy bank. 3. Make goals. If there are certain things kids want to buy, or if they are expected to save a certain amount of money toward larger items such as bikes, explain that they’ll need to use the Saving piggy bank to collect the needed money. And, if they choose not to spend money out of the Spending piggy bank right away, they’ll be able to buy the items they’re saving for faster. 4. Go shopping. When you go to the store, let the kids take their Spending money with them. If they want to buy something, count out change in the store. Feel free to remind them that, if there is something more expensive they’d like to buy, they’ll have to continue to save for it – and they’ll reach their goals faster by moving Spending money into the Saving piggy bank. However, if they want to buy something, that is their choice as this is their money.

Organized Kitchen

From that first bowl of cereal to the final midnight snack, kitchens are among the most used rooms in the house. Organize it now to make it easy to get around and find what you need later.  Separate dedicated areas. Keep areas for prepping, cooking, and storing food, and then keep similar items – such as baking equipment – together within each of these places.  Store items in clear containers. Small items like tea bags and gravy mixes should be stored with like items in a storage unit that can be easily identified with a quick peek.  Invest in risers and drawer dividers. It’s much easier to access cookware and dishes in cabinets if they’re sorted and stacked on risers. Ditto for small items separated using drawer dividers.  Think seasonally. If you don’t use that crock pot in the summer or the ice tea container in the winter, tuck them out of sight and out of mind until the proper season rolls back around.  Look for a lazy Susan. On countertops, they can be used for oils, spices, and other ingredients you might need at a moment’s notice. And in the pantry, use them to store cans, jars, and condiments.

Unlikeable People

Despite your best intentions to get along with the people you meet, occasionally you’ll encounter someone you simply do not like. If this happens to you, here are a few tips on how to proceed with tact.  Focus on the positive. Even though this person has habits or characteristics that drive you crazy, don’t focus too much on these negative attributes. Try to find something positive to focus on instead. Though this might be difficult, it will likely help you tolerate this person a bit better.  Be kind. It’s true what they say: Act the way you would like to be treated. You don’t need to go out of your way to be friends with an unlikeable person, but at least be nice. If you are polite and kind to him, perhaps his actions will eventually reflect yours. Also, don’t talk badly about him behind his back. Try to be truly kind. This is to help you stay positive and perhaps let go of the negative feelings completely. Love your neighbor as yourself!

Beat Stress

When we’re stressed, we’re less able to focus and we’re doing damage to our overall health. Here are some science-based methods for de-stressing quickly. • Breathe – Stress makes us take short breaths. Concentrate on deep breaths through the nose, exhaling through the mouth, for several minutes to increase oxygen flow and reduce tension. • Pattern Reset – Forcing your brain to focus on something else, such as the repetitive task of doing dishes or knitting, can help get your mind off whatever’s bothering you. • Go for a Walk – Not only will a 10-minute walk physically remove you from any stressful situation, the exercise releases stress-relieving endorphins in your brain. Dancing to your favorite song works, too. • Take an e-Break – We love technology, but it can also cause a huge amount of stress. Turn off your phone or computer to increase your ability to relax, and don’t leave your email inbox open all day. • Have a Snack – It’s important to be mindful about snacking (stress eating is nobody’s friend), but some nibbles can be helpful. Potassium can help modulate blood pressure, which can in turn reduce stress levels, so have a banana. Something like a handful of nuts offers a satisfying crunch and the energy your brain needs to get past the stress.

The Perfect Handshake

• Offer your hand early (shows confidence) and tilt your fingers down so you can get palm-to-palm contact. • Use pressure, but in sync with the other person. If someone’s crushing your hand, shift your weight to your right foot. Your hand will move forward, which will loosen the grip. • Maintain eye contact – but not for longer than 3 seconds. • Don’t forget the closing shake. If your first one was wimpy, you can redeem yourself.

Computer Pain

If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you may be experiencing fatigue, as well as aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, eyes, wrists, and legs. Relieve the discomfort by following these tips: STEP #1: Give your body support to avoid aches and pains: • Invest in a good lumbar chair and adjust it so your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Press your bottom against the back of the chair and use a lumbar cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly. Keep your knees in line with your hips or raised slightly above them. Never slump or slouch forward. • Sit close to the desk so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard. Put the mouse close to the keyboard to keep your arm from being fully extended. Give your wrists proper support so they rest in a neutral position. • Place the monitor so your gaze is aimed at the center of the screen, which should be 15 to 25 inches away from your eyes. STEP #2: Move regularly to avoid stiffness and eye strain: • Stand, stretch, and walk at least a minute or two every half hour. To stretch, reach both arms above your head. Grasp each elbow and lean gently to each side and feel the side of your body release tension. • Avoid “computer vision syndrome” (headaches and eye strain are symptoms) by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. STEP #3: Stay hydrated and nourished to avoid fatigue: • Drink water (or other fluids) to flush out some of the mineral build-up that occurs in inactive muscles. • Eat healthy snacks like fruit and nuts at your desk to maintain your energy and productivity.

Invest As You Age

During your 30s and 40s: These are years of increasing income and increasing demands for your money, particularly providing for your children. • Life insurance is relatively inexpensive at this stage of your life. Buying a policy also is a way of providing for your family’s future. • 529 plans offer tax-advantaged savings for your children’s education. For details, which vary by state, go to www.savingforcollege.com. • Annuities can be a good addition to an IRA or 401k retirement account, and usually have tax-deferred options and guaranteed life income. During your 50s: Prepare for a well-funded retirement during these years. • Remove all risks from your retirement plan. Think about a retirement date and your ability to meet that date. Reduce investments in such things as your employer’s company. • Take advantage of slowing expenses. You are at the top of your earning power, and big expenses, like children living at home, are likely reduced. Consider paying off your mortgage or increasing your investments. During your 60s and beyond: This is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. • Test living on projected income before stopping work. If your expected retirement income will be 70 percent of your current paycheck, set aside 30 percent now and see what it’s like to live on the rest. Apply for Social Security and Medicare. Visit these sites to help you make important decisions about these programs: www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov.

Get Organized and Get Things Done

The key idea is to start with a “mind sweep” ─ get everything out of your head and down on paper (or other written form). Once your mind is cleared, your productivity goes up and you can focus on creative action. His five basic stages of mastering your personal or professional “workflow” are: 1) Collect. Capture anything and everything that is on your mind. 2) Process. Decide what each thing means. Is it something you should do? Do it now or later? Can you delegate it (and track on a “Waiting For” list)? 3) Organize. Place the items in categories, such as Projects, Calendar, Next Actions and Waiting For, and sub-categories of your choice. (To help you visualize this, he includes a diagram for navigating through the processing and organizing phases of your workflow.) 4) Review. Go over Calendar and Action lists daily and do a weekly customized review to get clean and current. 5) Do. Make choices about your actions based on what you can do, how much time and energy you have and your priorities. Another one of his most popular methods is the “two minute rule.” If any task can be completed in less than two minutes (for example, a quick email response), do it immediately. Stop putting those little things off.

Money Coach?

When it comes to money, most people can benefit greatly from a little bit of guidance. You probably know what a financial advisor or financial planner does. But there’s another professional you may want to add to your finance team: a money coach. Whereas financial advisors help clients manage and invest their money wisely, money coaches look at a client’s overall financial situation and help set financial goals— like creating a family budget, figuring out a debt payment schedule, or building a nest egg. Unlike financial advisors, financial coaches don’t need any official certification—many are social media influencers. Still, they can be helpful for people who want to have a better understanding of personal finance but don’t necessarily learn best by reading. Money coaches can turn the theoretical into practical advice focused on your specific situation. A money coach may be a good option for you if: • Thinking about money overwhelms you or gives you anxiety. • You’re going through a finance-changing life event. • You’re worried you won’t achieve goals (like buying a house).

Travel Planning

Vacations should be stress-free, so let technology help with the planning! TripIt: This single app keeps all travel itineraries, tickets, booking details, reservations, and confirmations in one place. Even better, it is simple to share travel plans with anyone who needs to know specific details. Waze: Make the most of your road trip with this constantly updated app that tracks interstate delays, speed traps, and road construction that might impede drive times. Travefy: Group travel is made easy with this app, which lets users pull details like hotel reservations and attraction reviews into a single shared space. A chat feature with a poll option lets group members plan together prior to travel. TripAdvisor: The popular traveler review website has its own app, letting users browse reviews, ratings, photos, and other relevant information before making decisions about where to visit, eat, and stay.

Grocery Shopping Tips

Here are some supermarket tips and secrets that will make you a savvy shopper.  Approach grocery shopping like a job. You need to have a plan (take a list) and a budget to make the best use of your time and money.  Stick to a time schedule. Shop for what you need and get out. It is said that if you’re in the store more than 30 minutes, you’ll spend an extra 50 cents to $1 per minute as you walk the aisles.  Shop alone. Real Simple Magazine says parents will spend 10-40 percent more if they take their kids along. It might be worth it to hire a babysitter!  Only buy “food” at a grocery store. Generally, you’re better off buying toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet food at a big-box discount store.  Know the floor plan. Shop the perimeter first for fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and milk. You’ll find some good buys in the center aisles, but you’ll also be tempted by items like frozen convenience foods.  Don’t assume everything on sale is a bargain. Stores often display “sale” items at the end of the aisles. Manufacturers pay to have their products put there so they aren’t necessarily a good deal.  Check “price per unit.” Sometimes it’s cheaper per unit to buy two smaller items than it is to buy one supersize package.  Look high and low. Stores often place higher-priced items at eye level (brands pay for the space). Check prices on the top and bottom shelves.  Pay attention at checkout. Shoppers lose up to $3 billion a year on scanner mistakes (current sale prices not reflected).

Power of Sleep

How do you know if you’re getting enough sleep? Most people should get eight hours, experts say. If you fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow, if you’re frequently tired, irritable, or if you have trouble getting up in the morning, you need more sleep. What can you do? Here are seven important strategies to help you get a better night’s sleep: 1. Maintain A Regular Sleep Schedule. Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day; allow for at least 8 hours per night. 2. Keep Your Bedroom Dark and Quiet. Your body’s response to darkness is to produce an increase in the naturally-occurring hormone, melatonin – proven to produce a deeper, more restful sleep. 3. Exercise Daily. Exercising daily relieves stress and improves your overall health; however, avoid exercising right before bedtime. 4. Avoid Alcohol and Stimulants. If you have any trouble sleeping, avoid alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, tea, chocolate, and nicotine. 5. Make Sure Your Bed And Pillow Are Comfortable. Choose the right bed (and pillow) for you. If you’re having trouble sleeping you may want to shop around for a new bed or pillow. 6. Put Your Worries In Jar. Write down any worries, put them in a jar, and let them go for the night. You can set aside time the next day to handle them. 7. Sleep Alone If Your Partner Keeps You Awake. If your mate is keeping you up with his/her snoring, sleep in another room.

Maintain Strong Bones

One of the most common myths, he says, is that only women need to worry about bone health. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. By age 75, osteoporosis is as common in men as it is in women! Are you at risk? The first symptom of osteoporosis is a bone fracture. Other risk factors include: low calcium/vitamin D intake, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, body weight less than 125 lbs, long-term steroid medication like prednisone or cortisone, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, and early menopause. How to maintain strong bones? First, while bone weakness is evident in older Americans, strong bones begin in childhood. Here are four steps you can take today to prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong, healthy bones: 1. Get the recommended amount of daily calcium by drinking milk and eating green leafy vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, and cheese. (1,000 mg of calcium per day). 2. Exercise 30 minutes per day for adults; 60 minutes a day for children. This can be walking, running, or any weight-baring exercise. 3. Get Vitamin D (200 IU), which is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun. It’s also found in fortified milk and cereals 4. Your doctor can order a bone density test (DEXA), which measures bone density at the spine, hip, and wrist where most fractures occur.

Likeability

• Like yourself first. Be confident in your strengths. Your likability increases as you increase your ability to like yourself. Smiling and sharing your positivity will bring out the same in others. • Maintain eye contact during conversations but keep it in balance (about 60 percent of the time). Nod your head when you’re speaking and people will be inclined to agree with you. • Demonstrate that you like people. Remember their names and use them. (One trick to remembering names is to say the name to someone else.) If you ask a question, give the person time to respond. Remaining silent and waiting for an answer can be especially useful in negotiations. • Learn active listening. Do this by a) paying attention; b) using body language to show you’re interested; c) giving feedback, such as rephrasing what a person says to you to show that you understood them; d) asking questions, but not interrupting; and e) giving your opinion respectfully. If you disagree with someone, look for ways to find common ground. • Don’t overdo it. You don’t need everyone to like you to be successful. Aim to increase your likability factor to the people who matter to you (and your success) most.