Are you always searching for ways to make your day more productive? Do you strive to be efficient? Are you constantly looking for ways to stay organized and save time? Then you’re probably a big fan of productivity apps.

But with so many out there – how do you know which ones are worth investigating – especially if they have a fee? Here are four of the top productivity apps available that experts use and recommend.

• OmniFocus 3: Two-week free trial! OmniFocus Standard and Pro are in-app purchases, with discounts for people who bought earlier versions of OmniFocus for Mac through the Mac App Store. Or you can get OmniFocus for iOS, Mac, and web for just one price with the OmniFocus Subscription. Download the app for details.
  • Use OmniFocus to accomplish more every day. Create projects and tasks, organize them with tags, focus on what you can do right now — and get stuff done.
  • OmniFocus — now celebrating 10 years as the trusted, gold-standard to-do list app — brings unrivaled power and flexibility to your Mac, making it easy to work the way you want to work.
  • OmniFocus manages everything in your busy life. Use projects to organize tasks naturally, and then add tags to organize across projects. Easily enter tasks when you’re on the go, and process them when you have time. Tap the Forecast view — which shows both tasks and calendar events — to get a handle on your day. Use the Review perspective to keep your projects and tasks on track.
• Todoist: To-Do List & Tasks: Ranked as “the best to-do list right now” by The Verge, Todoist is used by 25 million people to organize, plan and collaborate on projects, both big and small.
  • Use Todoist to:
    • Capture and organize tasks the moment they pop into your head
    • Remember deadlines with reminders and due dates
    • Build lasting habits with recurring due dates like “every Monday”
    • Organize your projects in kanban style with Boards
    • Collaborate on projects by assigning tasks to others
    • Prioritize your tasks with priority levels
    • Track your progress with personalized productivity trends
    • Integrate your tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack, Amazon Alexa and more
  • Available on any device, Todoist will quickly become your hub for getting work and life organized.
• STREAKS: STREAKS is the to-do list that helps you form good habits. 
  • Track up to 24 tasks you want to complete each day. Your goal is to build a streak of consecutive days.
  • Tasks sync across all of your devices using iCloud.
  • Share your tasks with other Streaks users so they can encourage you and keep your accountable
  • Streaks automatically knows when you complete tasks linked to the Health app
  • Streaks reminds you automatically when you need to complete a task
  • You can also create negative tasks to break bad habits
  • Create timed tasks to track mindfulness, brushing your teeth, or anything
• Toggl Track: Hours and Time Log: Did you lose track of your time again? We can help. With a single tap, track and save your time with Toggl Track — anywhere you go.
  • Or maybe you don’t really want to use the pesky phone keyboard — we get it. That’s why you can now use Siri to track your time with Toggl Track, no keyboard is needed.
  • Toggl Track also has you covered across all of your devices. Start tracking your hours in a browser, then stop it later on your phone or on your Apple Watch with our brand new watchOS app. All your tracked time is safely synced between your iPhone, Watch, desktop, and browser (if you want more of a Pomodoro timer experience).
  • Features:
    • Pomodoro mode: Enjoy better focus and productivity by trying out the Pomodoro technique with our brand new Pomodoro mode. The idea behind the Pomodoro technique is that you can work more effectively when you work in timed, 25-minute increments (with breaks in between). Our built-in timer automatically tracks your time in 25-minute increments, with notifications, a full screen mode, and countdown timer to really help you stay focused and on task.
    • Reports: Discover what’s taking up your time and get a snapshot of your day or week with Reports. Analyze your Reports in the app or export them to send the data to your clients (or analyze them further on our web app to see where your hours are going).

These four apps are going to help you manage your time and your tasks – which means you’re going to be more efficient and your productivity is going to go through the roof! So check them out and download the ones that are going to help you the most!

***App descriptions are courtesy of Apple.com

Do you have a teenager who loves to read? Or, perhaps one that you are encouraging to read more? Then it’s always good to have a selection of YA (young adult) books that you can recommend to them. Not sure what’s popular right now? Here are some popular YA books for 2022!

• It Will End Like This by Kyra Leigh
  • Charlotte lost her mother six months ago, and still no one will tell her exactly what happened the day she mysteriously died. They say her heart stopped, but Charlotte knows deep down that there’s more to the story. 
  • The only person who gets it is Charlotte’s sister, Maddi. Maddi agrees – people’s hearts don’t just stop. There are too many questions left unanswered for the girls to move on.
  • But their father is moving on. With their mother’s personal assistant. And both girls are sure of one thing: She’s going to steal everything that’s theirs for herself. She’ll even get rid of them eventually.
  • Now, in order to get their lives back, Charlotte and Maddi have to decide what kind of story they live in. Do they remain the obedient girls their father insists they be, or do they follow their rage to the end? 
• Horror Hotel by Victoria Fulton
  • When the YouTube-famous Ghost Gang – Chrissy, Chase, Emma, and Kiki – visit a haunted LA hotel notorious for tragedy to secretly film after dark, they expect it to be just like their previous paranormal huntings. Spooky enough to attract subscribers – and ultimately harmless.
  • But when they stumble upon something unexpected in the former room of a gruesome serial killer, they quickly realize that they’re in over their heads.
  • Sometimes, it’s the dead who need our help – and the living we should fear.
• League of Liars by Astrid Scholte
  • Ever since his mother was killed, 17-year-old Cayder Broduck has had one goal – to see illegal users of magic brought to justice. People who carelessly use extradimensional magic for their own self-interest, without a care to the damage it does to society or those around them, deserve to be punished as far as Cayder is concerned. Because magic always has a price. So when Cayder lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to apprentice under a premier public defender, he takes it. If he can learn all the tricks of public defense, the better he’ll be able to dismantle defense arguments when he’s a prosecutor. Then he’ll finally be able to make sure justice is served.
  • But when he meets the three criminals he’s supposed to defend, it no longer seems so black and white. They’re teenagers, like him, and their stories are…complicated, like his. Vardean, the prison where Cayder’s new clients are incarcerated, also happens to be at the very heart of the horrible tear in the veil between their world and another dimension – where all magic comes from.
  • League of Liars is a dark and twisty mystery set in a richly-drawn world where nothing is as it seems, rife with magic, villains, and danger.
• The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
  • Fi is a bookish treasure hunter with a knack for ruins and riddles who definitely doesn’t believe in true love.
  • Shane is a tough-as-dirt girl warrior from the north who likes cracking skulls, pretty girls, and doing things her own way.
  • Briar Rose is a prince under a sleeping curse who’s been waiting a hundred years for the kiss that will wake him.
  • Cursed princes are nothing but ancient history to Fi – until she pricks her finger on a bone spindle while exploring a long-lost ruin. Now she’s stuck with the spirit of Briar Rose until she and Shane can break the century-old curse on his kingdom.
  • Dark magic, witch hunters, and bad exes all stand in her way – not to mention a mysterious witch who might wind up stealing Shane’s heart, along with whatever else she’s after. But nothing scares Fi more than the possibility of falling in love with Briar Rose.
  • Set in a lush world inspired by beloved fairy tales, The Bone Spindle is a fast-paced young-adult fantasy full of adventure, romance, found family, and snark.
• Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
  • Sunny G’s brother left him one thing when he died: His notebook, which Sunny is determined to fill up with a series of rash decisions. Decision number one was a big one: He stopped wearing his turban, cut off his hair, and shaved his beard. He doesn’t look like a Sikh anymore. He doesn’t look like himself anymore. Even his cosplay doesn’t look right without his beard. 
  • Sunny debuts his new look at prom, which he’s stuck going to alone. He’s skipping the big fandom party – the one where he’d normally be in full cosplay, up on stage playing bass with his band and his best friend, Ngozi – in favor of the Very Important Prom Experience. An experience that’s starting to look like a bust. 
  • Enter Mindii Vang, a girl with a penchant for making rash decisions of her own, starting with stealing Sunny’s notebook. When Sunny chases after her, prom turns into an all-night adventure – a night full of rash, wonderful, romantic, stupid, life-changing decisions. 

The next time your teen is looking for a new book to read, suggest one of these to them! From fantasy to thrillers, there’s something for everyone on this list!

***All book descriptions are courtesy of Amazon

Are you considering downsizing your home? Ready to move into an apartment and let someone else mow the lawn? Downsizing can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! 

Whether you’re moving to a smaller place or just want to declutter, these tips will help make the process easier. They will help you figure out what to keep and what to get rid of and make the process less stressful. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to downsizing with ease!

• Start small: When downsizing, it’s best to start small. Don’t try to tackle everything at once – take it one step at a time. This will make the process less overwhelming and more manageable.
• Begin early: Another key to downsizing with ease is to begin early. Don’t wait until the last minute – start sorting through your things and making decisions long before you need to move. This will give you plenty of time to make thoughtful decisions, and it will also help reduce the stress of the move.
• Think about your goals: It’s important to keep your goals in mind. What are you hoping to achieve by moving? Are you looking for a more simplified lifestyle? A smaller place that’s easier to maintain? Thinking about your goals will help guide your decision-making process. 
• Get organized: One of the best ways to make downsizing easier is to get organized. Sorting through everything all at once can be overwhelming, so take your time and break it down into smaller tasks. Create piles of things to keep, sell, donate or throw away, and work through them one at a time.
• Take your time: Remember to take your time when downsizing. There’s no need to rush – this is a process that should be done gradually and thoughtfully. By taking your time, you’ll be able to make better decisions and avoid regretful ones later on.
• Don’t keep duplicates: When downsizing, one of the best things you can do is get rid of duplicates. If you have multiple copies of the same thing, it’s time to let them go. This will help reduce the amount of stuff you need to sort through and make the process easier overall.
• Think about your lifestyle: Another thing to consider when downsizing is your lifestyle. How often do you entertain? Do you like to cook or bake? How much space do you need for storage? Will you be having guests at your new place? Thinking about these things will help you figure out what you need to keep and what can go..
• Sell, sell, sell: If you’re looking to make the process of downsizing a bit easier, consider selling some of your belongings. This can be a great way to get rid of things you don’t need and make some extra money in the process. Just be sure to research what items are worth selling and how to go about doing it.
• Donate: Another option when downsizing is donating your belongings. This can be a great way to help out those in need and declutter your home at the same time. Just be sure to donate things that are still in good condition – no one wants outdated or damaged items!
• Throw away: Lastly, sometimes you just have to throw things away. If something is broken or no longer useful, it’s time to let it go. This can be tough, but it’s an important part of the downsizing process.

If you’re ready to declutter, get organized, and move to an apartment for some easier living, then it’s time to downsize. While downsizing can be a big change, these tips will help make the process simpler and less stressful. 

Are you looking for a new hobby? Want to grow some flowers or vegetables all while making use of your balcony? Then a container garden is the way to go!

Of course, if you don’t know much about container gardening, you may be looking for some resources to help. You’re in luck as there are many books available to help you get started! Here are a few to check out!

• Container Gardening For Beginners: A Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Edible Flowers 
  • Whether you’re on a budget, live in a small space, or simply want to raise a new plant or two, container gardening is a practical method for urban and suburban gardeners alike. Container Gardening for Beginners is packed with information and advice for using different types of containers to grow your own vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers.
  • Learn how to get started, from gathering the tools you’ll need to choose the right container and soil mix. Once you’ve covered the basics, you’ll get advice on what you should plant and when, when to water and how, and finally, how you can successfully grow and harvest your crop.
  • Container Gardening for Beginners includes:
    • Step-by-step guidance―Find detailed gardening guidance from start to finish, including things to know before you grow, how to start seeds, plant care and maintenance tips, and how to tell when your crop is ripe.
    • Basic best practices―Grow happy, healthy plants with expert gardening insights to set you up for success, from making sure your container is properly sized to regularly fertilizing your soil.
    • Illustrated plant profiles―Choose the right plants for you with info on the particular needs and characteristics of 30 different fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
  • Start and sustain a flourishing container garden with help from the practical advice in Container Gardening for Beginners.
• The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers
  • Harvest tomatoes on a patio, produce a pumpkin in a planter, and grow broccoli on a balcony! Best-selling author Ed Smith shows you everything you need to know to successfully create and care for an edible container garden, from choosing the right plants and selecting appropriate containers through controlling pests without chemicals and harvesting fresh vegetables. You’ll discover that container gardening is an easy and fun way to enjoy summer’s bounty in even the smallest of growing spaces. 
• Container Gardens: Over 200 Fresh Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Inspired Plantings
  • Lack of space? Lack of time? No gardening experience? Need inspiration? No matter the issue, Southern Living magazine has the answer so that anyone can have a beautiful garden year-round using the brand’s newest book on container gardening. Container Gardens is a smart and sensible guide filled with beautiful, inspirational images that covers the basics for the beginner while sharing a wide array of ideas for the experienced gardener. There are step-by-step techniques and tips on planting and care for indoor and outdoor spaces, including ‘container recipes’ that share the exact plant combinations used so readers can recreate the look at home. This book also shows how containers can be used around the home and garden to create unique boundaries, break up wall space, and soften edges. With the flexibility of gardening year-round no matter the size of the space, container gardening has become a national trend and Southern Living has created the ultimate guide to doing it right.
• Field Guide to Urban Gardening: How to Grow Plants, No Matter Where You Live: Raised Beds • Vertical Gardening • Indoor Edibles • Balconies and Rooftops • Hydroponics
  • If you think it’s impossible to grow your own food because you don’t have a large yard or you live in the city…think again. There are a plethora of urban gardening options to create beautiful, productive edible gardens no matter where you live. The key to succeeding as an urban gardener is to choose the method(s) that make sense for your unique living situation and then give your plants what they need to thrive. Kevin helps you do just that.
  • But he doesn’t stop there. He also provides in-depth garden plans, from upcycled DIY projects and intensive hydroponic systems to beautiful and functional raised beds. Urban gardening is a real, growing, and important movement in today’s world. This fact-packed book is your roadmap to get growing today.
  • Urban gardening techniques featured include:
    • Container Gardening
    • Raised Beds
    • Indoor Edibles
    • Balconies and Rooftops
    • Hydroponics

As you look ahead to spring, consider planning for a container garden. Whether you want flowers, herbs, or vegetables, container gardening is a great way to bring some life to your balcony – and these books can help you make it happen.

***All book descriptions courtesy of Amazon

It’s not easy to create new habits, but it is possible. And building healthy habits can be rewarding and life-changing for you as well as those around you. Let’s explore some practical ways to form healthy habits so that you can enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle.

• Be clear on the habit you want to establish: The first thing you need to do is be really clear on the habit that you want to build. It’s a lot easier when there is only one specific thing in mind, so try and avoid creating multiple habits at once. 
• Write it down: Once you know exactly what it is that you want to do, write down your goal for this new healthy habit along with how many days per week or month that you would like to complete it by. For example, “I want to go running every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from March 15th until October 12th.” Being specific helps you stay accountable. 
• Get started: Now that you have an action plan set up, it’s time to get started. Make sure the environment around you supports this new change; otherwise, nothing will come of it. For example, do you need quiet? If possible, choose a place where no distractions exist, such as a designated spot in your home or outside. This will help to increase the chances of success since it’ll be easier not to give in to temptation.
• Set a time: The next step is to set a specific time for this new habit. Again, make sure that it doesn’t conflict with anything else you have going on, and try to be as consistent as possible. By doing this, you’re training your brain and body to automatically do this activity at a certain time, which will make it second nature over time. 
• Remain motivated: Let’s talk about motivation! What keeps you going when things get tough? Make sure you have some sort of incentive or reward system in place so that you can feel good about your progress. And be sure you are rewarding yourself for the little and big steps you make along the way.
• Enlist the help of others: It may help to find an accountability partner. This could be someone who has the same goal as you or someone who will regularly check in on your progress and support you when needed. Additionally, make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who have a positive attitude. It’s easy to be brought down by a “Negative Nellie” – and that’s not what you need.
• Prepare for roadblocks: Know that you are most likely going to experience setbacks along the way. It’s important not to have an “all or nothing” attitude when it comes to your new habit. Instead, mentally prepare for these setbacks – and create some backup plans that will help you overcome them.
• Be patient: The most important thing is to be patient with yourself and know that it takes time to form new habits. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t expect everything to change overnight. Celebrate each small victory along the way, and you’ll eventually reach your goal.

All too often, people focus on breaking bad habits instead of forming good ones. But if you want to tackle something big – creating healthy habits is the way to go. When you frame things in a positive manner, you are more likely to accomplish what you set out to do – and that includes establishing good habits!

Cooking is a lifelong skill that everyone should learn. And, if you have a child who has expressed interest in helping you in the kitchen, why not let them help? It’s a great way to spend time together and there are a ton of cookbooks written for children so they can explore recipes and learn how to prepare some great dishes. Here are a few you can pick up for your budding young chef.

• The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes That You’ll Love to Cook and Eat
  • Want to bake the most-awesome-ever cupcakes? Or surprise your family with breakfast tacos on Sunday morning? Looking for a quick snack after school? Or maybe something special for a sleepover? It’s all here. Learn to cook like a pro―it’s easier than you think.
  • For the first time ever, America’s Test Kitchen is bringing their scientific know-how, rigorous testing, and hands-on learning to KIDS in the kitchen!
  • Using kid-tested and approved recipes, America’s Test Kitchen has created THE cookbook every kid chef needs on their shelf. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your friends, or your family, The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs has delicious recipes that will wow! Recipes were thoroughly tested by more than 750 kids to get them just right for cooks of all skill levels―including recipes for breakfast, snacks and beverages, dinners, desserts, and more.
  • Step-by-step photos of tips and techniques will help young chefs feel like pros in their own kitchen
  • Testimonials (and even some product reviews!) from kid test cooks who worked alongside America’s Test Kitchen will encourage young chefs that they truly are learning the best recipes from the best cooks.
  • By empowering young chefs to make their own choices in the kitchen, America’s Test Kitchen is building a new generation of confident cooks, engaged eaters, and curious experimenters.
• The International Cookbook for Kids
  • On your mark . . . get set . . . COOK! The International Cookbook for Kids is packed with features that make cooking a snap:
    • 60 classic recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico
    • More than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations
    • Easy-to-follow recipe format
    • Kid-tested recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts
    • Chef’s tips discussing ingredients, nutrition, and technique
    • Safety section discussing basic kitchen precautions
    • Special taco-party section
• The Delish Kids (Super-Awesome, Crazy-Fun, Best-Ever) Cookbook: 100+ Amazing Recipes
  • The ultimate learn-how-to-cook book filled with 100+ amazing, easy-to-follow recipes for every occasion plus helpful kitchen tricks to inspire young cooks ages 8 to 1
  • This best-ever kids’ cookbook from Delish is filled with recipes that make cooking so much fun. Throughout young chefs will learn basic skills, like how to make the gooey grilled cheese (the secret: use a waffle iron!) and upgrade your favorite store-bought foods (Chicken Nuggets! Woohoo!). Chapters include recipes for breakfast (Banana Split Oatmeal!), snacks (Cool Ranch Chickpeas!), lunches and dinners (Chorizo Tacos, Hot Dog Cubanos, and Best-Ever Fettuccine Alfredo… do we need to say more?!), and party eats. Plus, two whole chapters include restaurant copycat recipes and desserts and snacks inspired by beloved pop culture characters.
    • Recipes also include:
      • English Muffin Pizzas
      • Spaghetti Lo Mein
      • Edible Cookie Dough
      • Mason Jar Ice Cream
      • Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
      • Zucchini Tots
      • Mini Boston Cream Pies
      • BBQ Chicken Pizza
      • Mango Lassi Smoothie Bowl
      • Perfect Fudgy Brownies 
      • Holiday Cookie Pops
      • and many more!
  • Each recipe shows the equipment young chefs will need and how easy (or challenging) a dish is to make. Helpful tips, step-by-step photos, and simple instructions clearly explain methods and techniques. Plus, color photographs, fun facts about the cultural history of dishes and special family recipes contributed by grandmas across the country make this book the ultimate gift.

The next time your children ask to help in the kitchen – just say, “Yes!” Then let them pick a recipe from one of these cookbooks and help them develop their love of cooking. It’s a great skill that will serve them well.

***All book descriptions courtesy of Amazon

Making friends as you age can be difficult. It’s hard to know what to do, who to talk to, and how best to meet new people. Luckily, there are many ways for adults of all ages to make new friends in their community. Here are nine tips for making friends, which will hopefully make the whole experience easier and more fun!

• Know That You Aren’t Alone: It may feel like everyone around you has tons of close friendships already developed; however, this isn’t necessarily true. There are likely others in your life that are struggling with the same thing. By opening up to them, you could be on your way to making new friends that are already in your circle of acquaintances.
• Invest in Your Community: Many times, people simply have not explored their community and do not even realize how many opportunities for friendship exist. From local events to parks, places of worship, to volunteer organizations – investing into your town can lead you towards friendships that will last a lifetime.
• Be Open-Minded About Who You Meet: Sometimes you may write off chances at making new friends; however, you need to be open to meeting all sorts of people! The best types of friendships often come from the most unexpected sources, so it is essential to keep an open mind when meeting new potential companions. Be willing to try something new and let yourself become interested in those around you without expecting them to fit any specific mold.
• Start Slow: Yes, making friends in adulthood can be scary, so it is important to start slow. Sometimes a simple smile or a “hello” can get the ball rolling when it comes to developing a friendship.
• Be Yourself: It’s crucial to always be yourself when making friends with others. You want people to see the real you – and you want them to feel comfortable doing the same. This ensures that the friendship will last as there are no false pretenses.
• Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions: It’s perfectly fine (and even encouraged) to ask someone questions about themselves or their life; however, avoid asking too many personal details right off the bat. Ask questions about hobbies, family, work, etc., but give the relationship time to develop before delving in deep! 
• Don’t Wait For Others To Make The First Move: Often if you wait for others to make the first move, then it may never happen. Take the initiative and start conversations with those around you, and put yourself out there – chances are that they will appreciate your effort and reciprocate in kind. 
• Widen Your Current Circle: Do you have a friend who often talks about a funny colleague or someone she plays cards with? Ask if they’d like to join in an activity together. This gives you a chance to meet someone new – that’s already “pre-approved” by a current friend.
• Be Open to New Experiences: The easiest way to meet new people is by being open to new experiences. If you are someone that likes change, then this will come naturally. You can try many different things, such as taking a class at your local community center or joining a book club or crafting group, in order to find friendships outside of the familiar social circles you have already established.

While making friends as an adult can seem daunting at first, these tips should help ease any anxiety or timidity you might have surrounding meeting new people. If nothing else, hopefully, you realize that while building friendships is hard work, it isn’t impossible either. It just takes time and effort!

Dog training can be a tricky process. After all, it’s not always easy to teach your pup what you want them to do, and enforcing the rules in the household is harder than it sounds. But training your dog is an important responsibility. Luckily there are some simple tricks that make dog training easier for both you and your pet.

• Train using positive reinforcement: Using treats to reward good behavior is a great way to train dogs. However, make sure you don’t overdo it! If your dog gets used to receiving food every time they do something right, then when you stop giving them the treat, they may act out in frustration. Instead of using just one type of reinforcement for learning new tricks or commands, try different things like petting and praise, too.
• Train during their prime time: Studies have shown that dogs are at their most active during the morning and then in the early evening – so this is the best time frame to train with your pup if possible. Training outside these hours can still be effective but keep an eye on how tired your dog looks – if they’re about to fall asleep, it’s probably time to stop.
• Train what you want them to do, not what you don’t: It can be very tempting when your dog does something bad or naughty – like stealing food off the countertop – to tell him “no” and then scold him for doing so. But this type of response is only teaching your pup that certain things are wrong instead of giving them direction on how they should act. You may have noticed that dogs naturally tend towards behaviors that get a positive reaction from their owner. For example, if your dog is sitting nicely waiting for you to take them on a walk, shower them with praise. This will encourage good behavior – sitting nicely – while discouraging bad habits.
• Eliminate/Reduce Distractions: Whether you’re teaching your pup a new trick or simply trying to reinforce some good behavior, distractions can make the task very challenging. If there is too much going on around them while they are being trained, then it will be difficult for your dog to concentrate. Try training your dog one-on-one and with limited distractions – and then slowly add in distractions as they grasp your training.
• Be consistent and concise: If everyone in your household has a different idea on how to train the dog (or if you switch training tactics for no apparent reason), then it will be hard for your pup to learn what’s expected of them. Being consistent means sticking with one approach, even when it doesn’t seem like things are progressing. And keep your commands concise – so it will be easier for your dog to understand.
• Be patient: Training takes time, and you need to be patient with your pooch while they learn. Dogs often don’t seem very smart, but in fact, the canine brain is extremely similar to that of a human baby – allowing them to pick up on new skills much faster than we realize. But it’s important not to give up too soon!
• Make learning fun: Dogs are social creatures just like humans, so try incorporating games into their lessons/practice sessions which they’ll enjoy. Maybe you play fetch as a means of positive reinforcement or as a way to end a training session.

If dog training were easy, then everyone’s puppy would be the perfect pet. Set yourself some realistic goals and reward your pup when they have achieved them successfully – with praise or treats depending on their preference. And if you still need help – enroll in an obedience class or look for a dog trainer in your area. 

With 2022 quickly approaching you may be looking ahead to the new year and coming up with some goals. Maybe there are some things you want to accomplish at work or at home. Perhaps you have some fitness goals or ideas for a new career.

Whatever you have planned for the new year, you might need some help establishing your goals and coming up with a plan that’s going to help you achieve them. Luckily, there are tons of fantastic books out there that can do just that!

1. Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide by Caroline Adams Miller
   • Creating Your Best Life is the only research-based book on the topic of goals and happiness, and it has found receptive audiences worldwide. Filled with interactive exercises and quizzes, it helps readers set and accomplish life list goals and understand the link between goal accomplishment and happiness, also known as Positive Psychology. In a step-by-step fashion, the book teaches readers how to coach themselves on how to set goals in 16 life domains, as well as take control of their environment to maximize their chances of success. 
2. Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt
   • We all want to live a life that matters. We all want to reach our full potential. But too often we find ourselves overwhelmed by the day-to-day. Our big goals get pushed to the back burner–and then, more often than not, they get forgotten. New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt wants readers to know that it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, he thinks that this is the year readers can finally close the gap between reality and their dreams.
   • In Your Best Year Ever, Hyatt shares a powerful, proven, research-driven system for setting and achieving goals. Readers learn how to design their best year ever in just five hours
   • Three simple ways to triple the likelihood of achieving their goals
     • how to quit-proof their goals
     • what to do when they feel stuck
     • and much more
   • Anyone who is tired of not seeing progress in their personal, intellectual, business, relationship, or financial goals will treasure the field-tested wisdom found in these pages.
3. The Desire Map Experience: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul by Danielle LaPorte
   • How do you feel about setting goals?
   • I’ve heard people say they feel energized, depressed, confused, terrified, pumped, ambivalent, lost…or all of the above. Here’s what I’ve realized: Our relationship to success is inside-out. When we make our New Year’s resolutions, bucket lists, big plans, or weekly to-dos, we’re hoping that when we “arrive” we’ll be fulfilled. Our hearts will swell as we cross the finish line, and then we can finally relax and savor our happiness. Except more often than not, that doesn’t happen. Even when we meet our objectives, we wonder if we aimed too low, or took too long, or if we could have done it better. And when we fall short, we come down on ourselves like a ton of bricks. So we make the next goal, hoping it’ll give us everything the last one didn’t.
   • It’s a self-defeating cycle that’s burning us out. How do we change it?
   • Here’s the whole cosmic, life-liberating revelation:
   • You’re not actually chasing the goal. You’re chasing the feeling that you hope attaining the goal will give you.
   • Every craving, aspiration, or goal you have – from what you eat, wear, and own, to all the things you want to create or do – is driven by a desire to feel a certain way. That’s it. And that’s where the Desire Map process starts. In The Desire Map Experience, I’ll share a process that you’ll use to transform the way you relate to every aspect of your life. It’s not about learning a new time-budgeting method, filling out a questionnaire, or making another list to stick on your fridge. Instead, you’ll get crystal clear about how you want to feel about everything you do. The Desire Map is holistic life planning. Here’s how it works:
     • We’ll uncover your core desired feelings – they’ll be your new North Star for living a soul-centered life
     • You’ll learn how to identify expectations you’ve picked up from your parents, the Joneses, the media, or the imaginary “they” you’re always trying to impress
     • We’ll use guided reflections to go deep into what your soul is trying to tell you through your core desired feelings
     • I’ll show you how to tune into critical signals from your instincts, your body, and the people around you
     • We’ll apply Desire Mapping to all the major areas of your life – livelihood & lifestyle, body & wellness, creativity & learning, relationships & society, and essence & spirituality
     • You’ll learn how to create practical plans with daily, weekly, and monthly actions that will bring more and more of your core desired feelings into your life
     • I’ll be sharing poetry, stories, and inspirational truths to help you stay in touch with the sweetness of life
   • You’ll make this process your own. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. You’ll create your Desire Map in the way that lets your soul speak loud and clear in every day of your life.
   • Feeling good along the way to your goals doesn’t mean you won’t need to work your ass off – but when you do, you’ll do the work joyously. You’ll be creating goals that are life-affirming, nourishing, practical, forgiving, and true to who you are.
4. The Art of Setting Smart Goals: Set Winning Goals and Live a Life of Abundance, Success, and Achievement by Anisa Marku
   • Have you ever thought of how your life would change, if you accomplished something really important?
   • We all have the desire to change, improve, and create a better life for ourselves, but all too often our fears and doubts hold us back.
   • There is always room for improvement and growth as an individual no matter your background, circumstances or challenges you are facing.
   • In this book, I explain what smart goals are, why they are important/beneficial to your long-term success and provide a simple guide on how to set them up.

No matter what your goals are for 2022, the time to start thinking about them is now! Take a look at these books to help you establish a plan and brings your goals to reality in the new year.

When it comes to making dinner in the winter, do you always seem to gravitate towards comfort food? It’s natural on those cold nights to want something warm and hearty. And there may be no meal more comforting than pasta!

The great thing about pasta is that there are so many different varieties and so many ways you can prepare it! If you’re looking for a few new recipes to add to your menu, then check out these!

• Cacio e Pepe: If you want a delicious dinner that has minimal ingredients, then here’s your recipe! Cacio e Pepe has only four ingredients – but tons of flavor! This cheesy, peppery pasta will be a family fave!
• Toasted Ravioli: How about a pasta snack or meal that’s perfect for movie night? Everyone will love dipping these in their favorite marinara sauce!
• Classic Baked Lasagna Bolognese: You can’t go wrong with a classic like lasagna! With all of the delicious layers and a homemade bechamel sauce, your family will think you are a professional Italian chef when you serve them this.
• Sausage Ragu: Here’s another easy one that you can have prepped in about 5 minutes and on the table in about 45 minutes. Based on your family’s preferences, you could use sweet, mild, or spicy sausage in this recipe.
• Lemon Garlic Pasta: If you want a pasta meal that’s comforting but not super heavy, then give this one a go. The flavor is bold and bright – and makes a great accompaniment to most proteins – like fish or chicken.
• Penne alla Vodka: Yes, this dish does have vodka in it, but the alcohol cooks off – so it’s fine for the entire family. Plus, it has a ton of other ingredients that make the sauce spectacular! Better than anything you could buy in a jar.
• Spaghetti alla Puttanesca: Fans of anchovies and black olives will love this pasta dish! (And even if you think you’re not a fan – you should try it!) It’s yummy!
• Three Cheese Stuffed Manicotti: If you like your pasta stuffed with ooey, gooey cheese, then here’s a recipe that will hit the mark! Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are your three kinds of cheese, and they make for one fantastic combination in this dish.
• Baked Five Cheese Ziti al Forno: This recipe ups the cheese ante by using five kinds of cheese: mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, fontina, and emmental (or cheddar). Ziti or penne is the recommended pasta, and you’ll love how baking it in the oven gives it a little “crust.”
• Chicken Florentine Pasta: Want a pasta dish that doesn’t involve a red sauce? Try Chicken Florentine Pasta. It has a creamy sauce with mushrooms and baby spinach, and it’s definitely comforting on a winter’s night.
• Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: Do you love shrimp? How about spinach and cherry tomatoes? And garlic cream sauce? If you’re nodding your head yes, then Tuscan Shrimp Pasta should be on your menu. This is a great weeknight dish because it can be done in around 25 minutes!
• Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli: Here’s a pasta dish that has your vegetable (broccoli) and your protein (sausage) built right into it! Serve it with some warm bread and butter, and you’ll have a complete meal.
• Gnocchi Carbonara: Every culture seems to have a type of dumpling – and for the Italians, it’s gnocchi. Gnocchi Carbonara is rich and creamy, and the pancetta and parmesan add just the right amount of saltiness.

This winter, add some pasta dishes to your repertoire. They’ll be warm and comforting – and just what you need after a long day of work.