Home Updates Worth Celebrating

Posted on March 9, 2022January 10, 2023 by elderberrcafe

Making home improvements can be a daunting task. But when you celebrate the milestones along the way, it can be exciting and rewarding. From completing small tasks to tackling significant projects, reflecting on the improvements you’ve made can be a great way to stay motivated and appreciate the work, you’ve done. Not only does this help you stay on track, but it also helps you feel proud of everything you’ve put into your home. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the benefits of buying cigars online?

When it comes to celebrating a significant accomplishment, whether you’ve just completed an ambitious home remodel or painted your living room, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sitting back with a nice cigar.

When you buy cigars online, you can find high-quality cigars at affordable prices. Not only does shopping online provide access to a wide selection of premium cigars, but it also allows you to shop without leaving the couch. Here are some of the advantages of buying cigars online.

Buying cigars online is incredibly convenient. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to browse a wide selection of premium cigars. You can easily compare prices, read reviews, and even watch videos to determine which cigar is right for you. Online retailers typically offer same-day delivery and have customer service representatives to answer any questions.

When you shop online, you can access a vast selection of cigars. You can find cigars from all over the world, as well as a variety of rare and limited-edition cigars that are difficult to find in retail stores. You can often also find cigars for a lower price online than you would in a retail store. Some online retailers offer discounts for purchasing cigars in bulk so you can save even more money.

When you buy online, you can enjoy a wide selection of premium cigars, save money, and even have them delivered to your door so you can start celebrating immediately.

Why is a roof replacement one to celebrate?

When it comes to replacing your roof, you may have heard of DIY solutions, but in most cases, it’s best to hire a professional roofer to do the job. You can search for “Atlanta roofers” online to find a professional roofing company near you. Not only do experience roofers have the necessary skills and tools to do the job right, but they also have the knowledge and experience to ensure your roof is safe and secure.

Hiring a professional roofer ensures that your roof will be installed correctly and to a high standard. Professional roofers can also complete the job at a much lower cost than it would cost you to do it yourself. They have access to bulk materials and discounts which can help to reduce the overall cost of the job, and they know how to maximize the efficiency of the job, which can also help to reduce the cost.

A roof replacement is one of the most important investments you can make in your home and is worth celebrating. Replacing your roof is not only necessary to protect your home and family, but it’s also a great way to improve the value of your house. Here are some reasons why a roof replacement is a home improvement worth celebrating.

Increases the value of your home
Saves you money
Improves the look of your home
Protects your family and home

Home updates are worth celebrating. Whether it’s a new coat of paint, updating the appliances, or remodeling a room, they can have a long-term impact on the functionality and appeal of a home.

Fun Ideas for a Night at Home With Friends

Posted on March 8, 2022April 25, 2022 by Lily Miller

If you are looking for some fun things to do with your friends, there are many activities that can be done to enjoy each other’s company. This includes playing games, watching movies or television, or simply talking. While many people prefer to go out to restaurants and bars and hang out, you might also enjoy a night at home with friends. One of the best things about spending time with friends is that there are no set rules. Let’s take a look at some fun ideas for a night at home.

Game Night

If you are looking for fun ideas for a night at home with your friends, you might consider having a game night. When hosting a game night, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order for it to be a success. First, make sure you have enough games for everyone to play. You can either bring your own games or borrow from friends. If you don’t have a lot of games, consider choosing a game that everyone is familiar with, like Monopoly or Scrabble. Aside from board games, there are also other options that you might consider.

If you want to try something a little more adventurous, choose an activity such as an immersive murder mystery game where you’ll piece together clues and catch the killer. No matter what type of game you decide to play, you are sure to have fun with your group of friends on your game night. No game night is complete without snacks and drinks! Make sure you have plenty of both, especially if your game night runs into the later hours. Some good snack ideas include popcorn, chips and salsa, and cookies.

Karaoke Party

Karaoke parties are always a blast! They’re the perfect way to let loose and have some fun. You can either sing along to your favorite songs or take turns being the DJ. No matter what, you’re sure to have a good time. To get started, you’ll need to gather some supplies. First, you’ll need a karaoke machine. If you don’t have one, you can rent or borrow one from a friend. You’ll also need some music. You can either use your own music library or borrow some CDs from your friends. You can also find a great selection of songs from online sources.

Since some of your friends might need a little liquid courage to get up and sing, you’ll want to be sure to have plenty of adult beverages for everyone. There are plenty of cocktail recipes you might consider, or you can offer beer and wine. Depending on where you live, you can visit a store like the liquor store in Woodbridge, NJ, to browse a good selection of adult beverages that will complement your karaoke party.

Wine Tasting

Hosting a wine tasting party is a great way to learn more about wine and to enjoy the company of your friends. The first thing that you’ll want to do is choose a theme for your wine tasting party. This can help you select the wines to taste and can make the party more fun. Some popular wine tasting themes include regional wines, types of wine, wine and food pairings, and Old World vs. New World wines.

You will also need to determine how many wines you will taste. The standard wine tasting party involves tasting six different wines. However, you can taste as many or as few wines as you like. Wine tasting can also be thirsty work, so be sure to serve plenty of food. Cheese, crackers, fruit, and chocolate are all great choices for a wine tasting party.

Whatever people choose to do, a night at home with friends can be a great way to relax and connect. It can be a time to forget about the stresses of the day and just enjoy each other’s company. Spending time with friends is a great way to build relationships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Careers for Those Who Have a Knack for Helping People

Posted on February 16, 2022April 25, 2022 by Clara Kelley

If you’re someone who enjoys helping people, you might want to consider a career in counseling. School counselors help students with personal and academic issues. Meanwhile, rehabilitation counselors help people with physical and mental disabilities recover from injuries or illnesses. And social workers help people who are struggling with poverty or other social issues, and therapists help people deal with mental health issues. If you’re not interested in counseling, you might want to consider a career in coaching. Coaches train and guide people and other professionals to achieve their goals. Organizational coaching is a popular field of career because it’s built around guiding others to empower them. Below, you’ll learn more about some of these helpful careers.

School Counselor

School counselors help students in elementary, middle, and high schools with various issues they may be experiencing in their lives. They work with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a safe and healthy learning environment for every student. Some of the duties of a school counselor include helping students with personal and social problems, providing academic counseling, and helping students develop their career plans. They also work with parents to create positive relationships with their children’s education. A school counselor should have excellent communication skills, be able to work with people of all ages, and have a passion for helping others. They must also be able to stay organized and manage their time effectively. A degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field is typically required for this career.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Careers for those who have a knack for helping people don’t come much more fulfilling than that of a rehabilitation counselor. These professionals work with clients who have been injured or who are suffering from a chronic illness in order to help them regain their ability to function. Rehabilitation counselors typically have a background in psychology, social work, or medicine, and they must be able to work with clients from all walks of life. The work of a rehabilitation counselor is often challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. These professionals help clients to set and achieve goals, and they work to help their clients regain their independence. They also provide support to clients’ families and friends, and they may act as advocates for their clients in the healthcare system. Rehabilitation counselors typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They may also work for insurance companies, schools, or government agencies. No matter where they work, these professionals are always in demand due to the increasing number of people who need their help.

Caregiver

There are many career opportunities for those who have a knack for helping people. One such opportunity is in the field of caregiver. In Beaver, PA, there is a living assistance community that is always in need of talented and compassionate individuals. The living assistance community in Beaver, PA is a great place to work for those who want to help others. It is a supportive and friendly environment where employees are encouraged to put their patients first. The community offers a wide variety of services, including assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.

Organizational Coach

Coaches help people achieve their goals by providing guidance and support. Coaches typically have a background in psychology, counseling, or sports medicine. A coaches’ training program will teach you the essential skills you need to be a successful coach. You will learn how to motivate and inspire your clients, and how to help them overcome challenges. You will also learn how to create a safe and supportive environment for your clients. The coach’s training program will also teach you about the business of coaching. You will learn how to market your services, and how to build and maintain your client base. You will also learn how to charge for your services, and how to deal with difficult clients.

If you want to help people, these are a few great career choices for you.

Ideas To Foster Your Athletic Interests

Posted on February 7, 2022February 7, 2022 by Jessica Bailey

Millions of people love to play and watch sports. Professional leagues foster the hopes and dreams of countless people all across the United States, and the athleticism that these players show is often the stuff of legends. Countless youth players want to continue their development within the world of sports, but for the vast majority of young people, this dream comes to an abrupt halt in high school.

Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone looking to extend their life in the sporting world in another way, utilizing these ideas to further yourself in the world of athletics can provide a lifetime of fulfillment. Continue reading to discover some great ways to maintain sports as a key feature of your ongoing life.

Take care of your body today for better performance in the long run.

Bringing in solutions that can help you care for your body in the present moment can help create better lifelong athleticism. Features like the best arch support insoles in your shoes can help you prevent fatigue and muscle fiber breakdown in the feet and lower legs. Many people struggle with arch support needs, heel bruising, and much more in their daily lives. Footwear that can help you combat foot pain, flat feet issues, high arches, and plantar fasciitis is a major bonus for anyone with dreams of continued athletic performance.

Whether you’re passionate about athletic competition or simply love to get out and run each evening after a long day at work, the insole that you select for your footwear is a crucial choice that many people gloss over. Likewise, with great insoles, promoting better back posture, leg strength, and overall comfort and happiness is simple. The feet support everything you do on a daily basis, so getting the insoles in your footwear right can make a huge difference in a variety of other aspects of your daily life.

Consider the business side of the sports world.

There are a total of just 1,696 NFL players at any one time. This is due to league rules surrounding roster size (53 players on each team’s roster plus a five-player practice squad). As a result, the millions of youth football players in the United States who have aspirations of matriculating into the professional arena are competing for just a few open roster spots each year—with a total of 259 draft picks and a number of additional undrafted signings each year to consider as well.

For most, these dreams will have to be fulfilled elsewhere, and one great way to achieve this is with the help of a sports management online degree. For those who love the game, whether it be football, baseball, hockey, basketball, or even soccer (among countless other sports that maintain professional leagues), a degree that can launch you into a front-office role is a great way to get closer to the action for a lifetime of rewarding career experience. Working with the office staff of your favorite franchise is a great way to stay close to the sporting world while making decisions that impact the ongoing health and success of the teams that you love. With the help of an online degree program, working toward a new degree is easy and can be done alongside the job you already count on to pay the bills each month. Online education has come a long way in the last few years, and sports management programs are no exception.

Consider these approaches to the world of athletics in order to enjoy a fulfilling life that brings you right into the thick of things. The world of sports can be incredibly rewarding if you pursue it in a manner that makes sense for your unique circumstances and talents.

3 Holistic Approaches to Achieving Wellness

Posted on January 12, 2022April 25, 2022 by Patrick Ryan

After two years of living through a global pandemic, it’s understandable if you’re wondering whether or not you could be doing more to take care of yourself. Taking your health seriously is more necessary now than ever, but it can be hard to know what practices and activities will make you feel your best. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources you can use online that will help you improve your daily routine. A holistic approach is always best, as it takes into account both your mental and physical health. If you need some inspiration, keep reading for three holistic approaches to achieving wellness.

1. Look for natural products to add to your routine.

Whether you’re in need of new beauty products or looking for a pain relief kit, you should invest in putting together a daily wellness routine that supports your needs. Everyone’s body is different, so it may take some trial and error to find out what works for you, but you can find a variety of quality products online and in stores that can be helpful. If you’re dealing with any specific wellness problems, like discomfort or being unable to relax after a long day, you can look for solutions that specifically address the issues you’re experiencing.

No matter what products you intend to add to your routine, you should always check in with your healthcare provider first, especially if they contain compounds like cannabidiol (CBD). Your doctor can explain how these products may impact any health conditions you have or interact with prescription medications you’re currently taking. They may even be able to recommend products or help you calculate the right dosage if they’re informed about cannabis.

2. Spend more time in nature.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests spending more time in nature can improve your overall wellness. One recent study found that spending just 20 minutes interacting with nature can reduce your levels of cortisol, which is a major stress hormone in the body. You don’t have to go on an all-day hike either. A walk in the local park or doing some work in your backyard are just as effective. Nature also provides us with opportunities for physical activity, which is another key ingredient for overall wellbeing. In fact, research has shown that people who are physically active are happier and healthier than those who are not. By spending time in nature, we can not only improve our mental wellbeing, but also our physical wellbeing.

3. Prioritize your sleep health.

Sleep health is one of the most essential aspects of our overall health and wellbeing, yet it is often one of the most disregarded. We put our work, our social lives, and our other responsibilities before our sleep, and as a result our health and productivity suffer. Sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. When you’re sleep deprived, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to all sorts of health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

There are many things you can do to improve your sleep health. One of the most important is to create a regular sleep schedule and stick to it. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Another important factor is creating an environment that is conducive to sleep. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Although it can be difficult, avoid using electronic devices in bed. The blue light they emit can disrupt your sleep.

It isn’t easy to revamp your routine or improve your wellness, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Finding products that you love to incorporate into your daily life is a great place to start. You should also think about where you spend your time and whether or not you could benefit from getting outside more often, as it can provide legitimate benefits for you both mentally and physically. Whatever approach you take, the important thing is that you prioritize your wellness in a holistic way.

How To Get Ready for a Special Event on a Budget

Posted on January 4, 2022January 4, 2022 by Siera Brown

Special events are exciting! You get to dress up, try a new hairstyle, and have fun all night while you’re all glammed up. It could be for a concert, party, wedding, graduation, or anniversary. Regardless of where you’re going, it’s important that you look and feel your best! That way, you feel confident, and you can just concentrate on having fun instead of feeling self-conscious. Prepping for an event doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. In fact, you can get ready for a special occasion on a budget. Here’s how you can get ready for your special event without breaking the bank!

1. Start implementing healthy habits.

Feeling confident starts from within. That’s right! It’s easy to put on some makeup and achieve a certain look. But getting ready is also about developing a good relationship with your body. A few weeks before your big event, you might want to start picking up some healthier habits, drink more water, and do some light exercises. Eat a well-balanced diet, and try not to stay out too late. It’s also crucial to your health and your skin that you get plenty of beauty sleep. Plus, taking care of yourself comes at no cost!

2. Find an outfit that makes you feel confident.

A special occasion calls for a special outfit! Start looking early so that you can guarantee it arrives well before your event. Plus, if you don’t like what you order, you need to give yourself time to find other options. Once you’ve browsed a few dresses or pantsuits, check out online heel stores. Is an event really an event without a nice pair of high heels? Whether you’re feeling strappy heels or a nude pump, there are plenty of options for you at Wild Diva that is affordable and cute! Heel sandals also work well if you’re wearing something a little bit more casual. When it comes to any event, you can never go wrong with nude or black heels. They go with absolutely everything!

3. Pamper yourself at the salon.

Life is short. You should take every excuse to pamper yourself! But getting a mani-pedi can be expensive. Look for a local cosmetology program in your area and see if the school offers salon services from cosmetology students. These usually come at lower prices since they’re still in school and learning techniques from an instructor. With these programs, you can take advantage of nail services, skincare, or even hair care. It’s their chance to work with real clients, so why not help them out and treat yourself, too?

4. Do a test run before the big event.

This step reduces the amount of stress you might experience on the day of the event. If you’re going with friends, you can borrow each other’s makeup or accessories to keep your budget on the low end. Take a couple of hours to try out different hairstyles. You can see whether you should wear your hair down with loose curls or pinned together in a purposefully messy updo. Or you can experiment with eyeshadows that really bring out your eyes. Ask them for opinions on lip colors to see which shade complements your outfit and your skin tone best. Go all out! If you do a full test run and end up not liking your outfit, you’ll have time to get a refund and maybe find something more affordable. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to doing a test run days before your special event.

Attending a special occasion doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With these tips, you’ll feel confident, look your best, and have the best time!

How Much Does the Average Pet Owner Spend Per Year?

Posted on December 29, 2021December 29, 2021 by Derek Grant

Pets are the perfect addition to complete any family. Your four-legged companions bring joy, comfort, and laughter to your life while showing you unconditional love. However, all this love and affection doesn’t exactly come for free. You’ll still need to budget and plan for pet expenses throughout the year.

As with any big decision—like bringing a pet into your home—it helps to know the facts about what you’re taking on. We’ve compiled a helpful list for you to understand what the average pet owner will spend on their animals every year. Of course, this will vary based on the pet breed, your personal schedule, and so much more. However, you can get a good idea of what you may be looking at as you prepare to bring in a new addition to your home.

Cover the basic costs of food.

Food is the top cost of raising a pet because you are constantly replenishing it. Depending on the dietary and individual needs of your specific animal, you may need special food or to try different kinds throughout the year. Dog owners tend to spend more on food than cat owners as an example of the two most common house pets. On average, many spend about $500 on food for their pets throughout the year.

Make sure you’re prepared for any veterinary fees.

Keeping your pets healthy will also end up costing you. On a basic level, you may want to take them in for annual checkups, which will usually cost between $100 and $300. If you need vaccinations, emergency appointments, or specialty veterinary care, this will obviously end up adding to your yearly costs. It will also help you to find a reliable vet that you can go to whenever needed. Whether it’s veterinary services in Cleveland, OH, or Malibu, CA, you need a great vet that will offer quality medical care for your beloved pets at a decent price.

Take care of your pet even when you’re not at home.

Life can get busy for everyone, including pet owners. Whether you’re going on vacation for several days or have a busy schedule for one afternoon, you may need to pay someone to watch over your pets. Budget some extra funds from a credit union in Kentwood, MI, or wherever you’re located so you can board your dog or pay a pet sitter when you’re out of town. There are even services you can use to hire someone to walk your dog if you’re away for the day. Depending on your lifestyle and the amount of traveling you do, this may cost less than $100 a year or much more.

Keep your pet looking great with grooming costs.

It’s healthy for pets to stay groomed and always look their best. Especially as a dog owner, you’ll want to factor grooming costs into your pet budget. Many owners will spend a few hundred dollars keeping their dogs groomed every year.

Consider buying pet insurance.

Just like you purchase health insurance for yourself, you may want to consider getting pet insurance for your animals. By paying a few dollars a month, you save yourself from a huge fee if you need emergency surgery for your animals. You also may need pet insurance depending on where you live to protect an apartment from any potential damage from your animals.

Budget a little extra to spoil your pets.

Of course, you need to pay for all the necessities for your pets, but you’ll want to have a little extra money to spoil them a little. Toys, splurge items, and accessories can be special treats that your pets will love and enjoy. Save anywhere from $50-$500 to give your pets a fun and exciting life with these extra items.

How To Fight Depression Without Medication

Posted on November 16, 2021November 16, 2021 by Rosie Bennett

Depression is a common mental illness experienced by adults. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 280 million people around the world currently struggle with this mental health disorder. But while depression is experienced by many, the degree to which each affected person experiences depression can vary greatly. Some people may find themselves completely debilitated by the disorder, while others may be able to manage it with some outside help. If you fall into the latter category and are hesitant to try medication for your symptoms, here are a few tips on how to fight depression without medication.

Reach out to a mental health professional to get the support you need.

Whether you’re dealing with a seasonal affective disorder or dysthymia (low-grade depression), reaching out to a mental health professional who’s trained to help you better understand your depression and arm you with the tools to battle it is crucial to your healing journey. If you’re looking for a medication-free experience, you can always head over to intensivetherapyretreat.com. They offer those dealing with trauma and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression full- and half-day retreats for significant results in the healing process. If you feel like you’ve hit a wall in your treatment or simply don’t know what to do about your depression symptoms, a retreat may be just what you need to get back on track without having to rely on medication.

Uplift your mood with various self-care strategies.

When you think of self-care, what do you envision? For some, self-care is a trend in which you throw a bath bomb in your bathtub or burn some aromatherapy oils and experience instant relief. The reality? Self-care is designed to help you focus on your physical and emotional well-being using various tools or practices so that you can improve your quality of life. For those with depression, mental health self-care may look like exercising more, eating nourishing foods, getting more sleep at night, and saying no to things that no longer serve you. You may also add new exercises to your routine like yoga or mindfulness meditation.

Of course, the act of self-care can also refer to doing something that makes you feel better. For example, let’s imagine that you’re feeling depressed because your child has gone off to college and you’re having trouble adjusting to your new environment. Doing something solely for you that allows you to reinvent yourself and feel more comfortable in your space may be helpful. You can start simple with one room like your bathroom. Given that this is the place where most self-care happens, looking for decor like new kitchen sinks, mirrors, and faucets can help you create a space that feels distinctly like you. Then, you can look for bathroom accessories like towels, bath mats, and wall decor that enhance your interior design and overall comfort in your space. Starting your new journey begins with a quick online search (like bathroom accessories online in Australia, for example).

Look for natural remedies that may offer mood support.

When it comes to mood support, there are ample supplements out there leveraging vitamins and herbs to improve your outlook on life. Speak with your doctor to see which, if any, may be the right fit for you. With a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and supplements, you may be able to work through your symptoms of depression and get to a place where you feel like your normal self again. That being said, it’s always important to get advice from a doctor and do your research, as some supplements may provide no results or contain ingredients that can do more harm than good.

Some people have serious cases of depression, and medication is sometimes necessary as a tool to help you stabilize your mood. However, if you feel as though your depression isn’t severely debilitating and that you may be successful in working on it without medication, reach out to a mental health professional and consider some of the tips above.

How To Live Smart on a Low Budget

Posted on November 10, 2021November 16, 2021 by Patrick Ryan

Living the high life is a goal for many people. Generally, it entails having a substantial amount of cash on hand, along with savings and investments. Unfortunately, not many people can afford this lifestyle due to meager earnings, increasing debt, and financial emergencies.

The good news is that you can still live the high life on a tight budget. However, this requires a great deal of creativity and smart thinking. Thankfully, the below-listed secrets to living your life on a low budget will help you get started on your journey.

Pay off your credit card in full.

Before contemplating living bigger, strive to become debt-free. Studies show that millions of people worldwide are burdened with high-interest unsecured debt. No one wants to live with the burden of personal credit card debt. Are you looking to improve your financial health? Think about taking a debt consolidation loan to pay off your debts. Alternatively, consider signing up for a debt relief program from the best debt relief providers.

A debt relief company can help you pull yourself out of debt and improve your financial situation. They mediate with commercial creditors to accept a lesser amount than the actual debt owed and work with you to create a personalized plan to alleviate the debt burden. All you have to do is make regular monthly deposits into a separate account. The agreed-upon amount is paid to your creditor from your account until the outstanding debt is settled.

Before you consider any debt relief or debt settlement program, endeavor to conduct extensive research to find the best debt relief option for you. The best thing about this is that you get to avoid debt collection calls. The downside is that every lender will consider you a credit risk. What’s more, credit card companies may close down your accounts. Another option is to file for personal bankruptcy. You may need to hire a bankruptcy attorney who is experienced in bankruptcy laws to help with the process.

Switch to a prepaid cellphone plan.

People use mobile phones for various purposes like keeping in touch with loved ones, conducting business, and being prepared in case of an emergency. Most people living in the United States think about T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon when it comes to cellphone providers. They offer recurring monthly plans which are relatively expensive. These plans often provide more data, newer phone technology, and faster speeds than you need.

Switching to a prepaid cellphone plan can help you significantly reduce your monthly phone bill. A prepaid cellphone plan can get cheaper if you do away with cellular data altogether. You can always use a cell phone booster like that offered by SureCall to address the problem of bad cell phone reception and boost your home’s cell signal.

Their signal booster kits can boost 5G/4G LTE signals for improved text and data speeds, and voice calls on all cell phone providers. Their boosters also have the best price-performance value compared to other boosters on the market. What’s more, aside from improving a weak cell signal, their mobile booster doesn’t require recurring fees. Even better is the fact that you don’t need to hire a professional installer or have special installation expertise to handle the installation process.

Find inexpensive ways to have fun.

Being on a low budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you can have fun. Think about exploring public areas like nature trails and parks. No doubt, spending quality time in the fresh air can help brighten your mood. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a dime to go outside. Just carry refillable water bottles and a lunchbox.

Furthermore, consider going for free events and concerts. You can use social media or web search to find a new government program or event holding in your area. Keep your ear down for any free or inexpensive festivals or concerts happening near you.

A Week in Albuquerque on a $100,000 Joint Income

Posted on November 4, 2021November 16, 2021 by Jessica Bailey

Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.

Today: a nurse and a schoolteacher who each make $100,000 a year

Occupation: nurse; teacher

Age: 41; 46

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Salary: $100,000 (approx. $3,846 per pay period)

Day One

My husband, H., and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico with our daughter, A., and our dog, P. I work as an RN, and H. is a writing teacher at a local school. A. is a junior at another high school, and H. works just outside of the district we live in. Today, we’re each at our particular place of work. I spent my day at the hospital while H. and A. were in classes (and P. waited patiently at home). H. and A. got home before me and found that our heating system had gone off. Fortunately, they caught it early enough that it wasn’t too cold for poor P.! H. texted me that he found a great company that does furnace repair in Albuquerque, and he ordered pizza and breadsticks for some stress relief. I got home just in time to grab a few slices!

Total: $41

Day Two

The furnace is still on the fritz. The technician will be coming by this afternoon when H. is home from work, so I take P. to my mom’s house before work, just in case. I‘ve lived in and around Albuquerque for a lifetime and know it doesn’t get that cold, but you never know! Then, I stop by a nearby gas station, fill up my tank, and grab a coffee to go. I have a busy shift, bouncing between patients, so I don’t see A.’s text until I’m preparing to head home this evening. She’s starting to stress out a bit about her academic goals. She’s always been a great student, so I have no doubt she’ll get any internship or college admission letter she could dream of. Still, I’d rather her feel just as confident in her abilities as H. and I do. When I get home, I give her a hug and tell her we’ll look into potential college counselors this weekend. Otherwise, I heat up a plate of leftovers from the dinner H. made, then head to bed. At least the house is warm again, and P.’s thrilled to be home!

Total: $27.50

Day Three

This afternoon, I have a phone appointment with my own counselor—mental health is just as important for medical professionals as it is in any other career field! Fortunately, we have enough staff at the hospital that we can work my schedule around counseling appointments, and my counselor and his office are understanding of my work priorities and have virtual visits even after COVID-19. He’s confident I’m on the right track when it comes to working through some personal issues I’ve been struggling with, so I head to the grocery store to pick up a celebratory slice of cake from their bakery.

Total: $3.50

Day Four

Back to work today, but I’m not feeling very enthusiastic. H., A., and I stayed up late last night watching a new Netflix series, and I’m definitely feeling the lack of sleep! On my way to the hospital, I grab an extra-large latte, then say a silent prayer for the coffee machine waiting for me come break time.

Total: $8.50

Day Five

Like RNs across the country, I have to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain my credentials. I’m doing just that today, working on some CE in a class focused on COVID-19, before my shift starts, grabbing a coffee on the way.

Total: $20

Day Six

I’m lucky enough to have today off, on the same day both H. and A. are out of school. Things don’t always line up that way, so I’m grateful when they do! I sit down with A. and browse a few counseling services online and in our area and make a list of the advisors who might best prepare her for the college admissions process. Then, the three of us head to a local park with P. and grab a bite to eat on the way back home.

Total: $62

Day Seven

Today, I got up a bit early and decided to do some holiday shopping. With years of experience, it’s no wonder I’ve got the gift-giving process down to a science! I grab a snack and a soda at the mall, then sneak the shopping bags into the house, careful not to give away any surprises.

Total: $112

Total for the week: $274.50