Are you thinking of bringing minimalism to your home? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Minimalism has been growing in popularity, and many designers are creating spaces that reflect this design style.

YR Architecture Design says there are five characteristics of modern minimalist design, and they are:

• Simplicity in form and function
• Uncomplicated cladding and wall finishes
• Clean, open, light-filled spaces
• Simple detailing devoid of decoration
• Strategic use of materials for visual interest, texture, and personality

If that sounds like a design style that you can embrace, you may be wondering how you go about achieving it. Use these ideas to help you achieve your minimalist look.

• Find Your Reasons for Being a Minimalist: First, you need to ask yourself, “Why do I want to go minimalist?” Is it to help the environment? Do you just want to simplify your life? Do you love the way it makes a home look? No matter what the reason, knowing your “why” will help you to set a clear path for making it happen – and then it will help you to keep your home minimalist. 
• Create Some Rules: While many people start strong with their desire to be a minimalist, eventually, things start to creep back into their home, and minimalism goes out the window. 
  • But by setting some rules, you can prevent this from happening. Think about setting up a “one in, one out” rule, which means nothing new comes into your home unless something else leaves. Another rule might be to require a 48-hour pause before you buy anything new. Create a few rules that will help you keep what you’ve worked hard to attain.
• Get Rid of Stuff: Now it’s time to get rid of things. You probably have way more than you need or want in your home – and you can’t go minimalist with all of that stuff. Give it away or sell it – but the important thing is to get it out of your space.
• Get Organized: Once you’ve decided what you are keeping, then it’s time to get organized. A minimalist style requires that there is little to no clutter around your home – and that means most things need to be stored away when not in use. You may need to invest in some creative storage solutions to help you keep everything contained yet accessible to you.
• Edit Your Home: Yes, you got rid of stuff, but now it’s time to give your home an edit. Minimalism requires a neutral color palette, lots of open spaces, and little to no decorations around your home. 
  • Take a look around your home and decide where you may need to do some additional editing. Do you have artwork that needs to come down? Spaces that need to be repainted? A busy rug that needs to go? 
• Create a Capsule Wardrobe: Why should you create a capsule wardrobe if you want to create a minimalist home? Because clothing is something that often takes up a lot of space – space that can be used for other things. Who What Wear shares some essential items that you should have as you work to create a capsule wardrobe. 
• Menu Plan and Simplify Your Cooking: And yes, menu planning and simplifying your cooking can also help you keep your minimalist style. If you stock your pantry with a million different ingredients, you take away valuable storage space. Fix recipes that require similar spices and ingredients – and use them up to avoid your kitchen becoming overrun with unnecessary things.

If you want to bring the minimalist style to your home – you can! Use these tips to get started and watch your space transform!

Gratitude is defined as, the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

And everywhere you turn, people seem to be talking about why you should practice gratitude and the ways to do it. That’s because practicing gratitude is good for you in many ways – and there are lots of ways to go about doing it.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should practice gratitude.

Physical:

• You will have a stronger immune system
• You will have fewer aches and pains
• It can lower your blood pressure
• People who practice gratitude tend to exercise more and have improved health
• Sleep better

Psychological:

• Experience positive emotions more in your life
• Be more alert and awake
• Experience more joy 
• Be more optimistic and happy

Social:

• Be more helpful and generous
• Offer forgiveness easier
• Be more outgoing
• Experience less loneliness and isolation

Those are all great reasons to practice gratitude, but how do you do it? If you’re ready to get started, here are a few different ways you can go about it.

• Write It Down: One of the easiest ways you can bring gratitude to your life is to write it down. Get a journal or a notebook, or start a gratitude blog and make it a daily habit. You choose a set number of things each day that you will include or write for a set amount of time. 
• Join an Online Group: There are various groups on Facebook dedicated to gratitude, or you can join the Global Gratitude Jar on the Mighty Network. Geoffrey Blake leads this group, and the group believes:
  • Gratitude can change your life 
  • Gratitude practice is quite possibly the easiest and least frustrating entry point to mindfulness 
  • This journey called life is better with other grateful humans joining our path 
  • The more diverse this group is, the more fulfilling and enriching it will be for all of us
• Pay Attention to the Bad Things: While it may seem counterintuitive to pay attention to the bad things going on around you, it also means you can be more grateful for the good things. You don’t need to write down the bad things; just mentally note them and then think about what’s going on in your life that makes you grateful.
• Share It With Others: Are you grateful for some of the people in your life? Friends? Family? Co-workers? Then let them know! When you share gratitude with others, they are more likely to continue doing the same. 
• Create Some Reminders: Creating some reminders can also go a long way to helping you practice gratitude. Put a reminder on your calendar or family command center – someplace where you often look – and use it as a prompt to take a moment to be thankful.
• Make It a Habit: Instead of a bad habit, why not create a good habit? Perhaps you can set aside time each morning or each evening where you practice gratitude. When you do it at a specific time, it will become a positive habit. 
• Fake It ‘Til You Make It: There are days when you are not going to feel grateful. It happens to everyone. And on those days, you may have to employ the expression “Fake it ‘til you make it.” Seek out even the smallest thing to be grateful for – and know that that’s enough.
• Use Language That Exemplifies It: If you’ve ever talked with someone who practices gratitude, you know that their language is positive, and they use words that exemplify gratitude. Start using language that shows your gratitude – and it will catch on.

Let 2021 be the year where you start practicing gratitude! The benefits are many, and you’ll love the way you feel when you do it.

Do you love to golf? Playing it? Watching it? Listening to it?

If you are a golf fanatic, then you need to download a few podcasts related to your favorite sport! Here are a few to put on your list!

1. On the Mark Golf Podcast: If you want some help with your game and interviews with golf pros, caddies, psychologists, and coaches – then this is a great podcast. Apple says: 
   • Mark Immelman isn’t just the older brother and swing coach of 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman, he’s a broadcaster on a variety of platforms, one of the leading instructors in the world of golf and happy to help improve your game.
2. Golf Science Lab: This podcast is hosted by Cordie Walker and the Apple summary reads: 
   • We help golfers understand what it ACTUALLY takes to get better at golf and perform your best.
   • Ignore the BS and cut to truth as we talk with leaders in the industry, from professional golfers, coaches, instructors, biomechanists, researchers and more.
   • Host, Cordie Walker is on a mission to figure out how to improve the way we learn and get better at golf.
3. Be the Right Club: If you’re a fan of Hal Sutton, then you need to check out his new podcast that launched in January of this year. It definitely provides an insider’s look at the PGA. Apple gives this description:
   • PGA Tour Legend Hal Sutton and his Director of Instruction Chase Cooper, discuss the hottest topics in golf including the PGA Tour, modern instruction, elite amateur and junior golf, mental game, and so much more.
   • It’s the perfect marriage of old school art and new school tech.
4. 18STRONG: Hosted by Jeff Pelizzaro, a Golf Digest Top 50 fitness professional, this podcast has become more than just what exercises are good for golfers. Listen Notes says:
   • The 18STRONG Podcast is a golf show that has its roots in fitness but has grown to include much more than just talking about exercise for golfers. Whether you’re looking to win a club championship, trying to break 90, or just excited about an epic golf trip with your buddies, each episode contains powerful information you can immediately put into action, on and off the course, that will have a massive impact on your game. Join Jeff Pelizzaro, Golf Digest Top 50 Golf Fitness Professional, Physical Therapist and co-founder of 18STRONG, as he interviews and trades epic stories with the biggest names in golf (players, coaches, trainers and other unique personalities) about what it means to be “18STRONG”.
5. The Hackers Paradise: This is another relatively new podcast (launched late 2020) and is receiving great reviews! Apple says:
   • The Hackers Paradise is your one stop Golf Destination. THP Radio features different shows including The Golf Industry Uncut, The Dean Has Spoken and On The Tee. If you love golf equipment, the game of golf and Tour talk, THP Radio is your choice for on demand audio. 
6. Local Knowledge: Local Knowledge is brought to you by Golf Digest and Apple describes it as:
   • The best golf stories have multiple layers to them. In each episode, Local Knowledge dives deep into a subject golfers want to know about, whether it’s about the game they play, the competition at the highest level, or the surprising ways golf factors into larger conversations throughout society. Hosts Daniel Rapaport, Alex Myers, and Keely Levins weave together original interviews, Golf Digest reporting, and additional elements to tell the type of compelling stories that have been a Golf Digest staple for decades.
7. Get a Grip with Max Homa and Shane Bacon: When you get a PGA pro and a broadcaster together – you create one great golf podcast. Apple says:
   • Hosted by broadcaster Shane Bacon and PGA Tour pro Max Homa, Get a Grip is a golf-centric podcast making light of a rather stuffy sport with legitimate insight into the game. It’s essentially the public golf course of podcasts. The show will offer a look into the PGA Tour from a guy between the ropes week in and week out and have some fun at both his peers and golf fans’ expenses.

Before you load up the clubs and head to the golf course, why not download a couple of these podcasts to listen to on the way? You might even get a few tips to improve your game!

Are you going to do some grilling or barbecuing for Memorial Day? Lots of people are as Memorial Day seems to be the unofficial kickoff to summer.

And, while the burgers, ribs, steaks – or whatever you throw on the grill – may be the star of the show, you want some side dishes that are going to complement the main course. 

Luckily, you have lots of choices – and here are a few salad recipes to tempt your taste buds!

• Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing: This salad from Iowa Girl Eats has grilled corn, pasta, avocados, and a dressing that you’re going to love. It’s a really fresh salad, and while Iowa Girl Eats recommends a type of gluten-free pasta, you can use just about any pasta you like in this recipe.
• Italian Quinoa Salad: Quinoa is a great alternative to pasta, and this Italian Quinoa Salad will have you wondering what other salads you can make using quinoa as the base. Mozzarella, tomatoes, and zucchini are added to this one, but you could also add some diced pepperoni or salami to it!
• Baked Potato Salad: Classic potato salad is often on the dinner table for Memorial Day, but if you want a delicious variation on that salad, try this Baked Potato Salad. All the flavors of a fully-loaded baked potato in a cold salad!
• Caprese Salad: Pick up some of your favorite tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil – and you can have this Caprese Salad together in just a few minutes. And be sure to take a look at all of the optional additions you can make! (Adding some pesto sounds like a good idea!)
• Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad: Here’s a play on traditional macaroni salad that will make everyone happy. Only six ingredients – and one of them is bacon – so what’s not to love?
• Authentic Greek Salad: If you want to make an Authentic Greek Salad cut up some tomatoes, add some bell peppers, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, sliced red onion, and feta cheese – and then top it with a super simple dressing. Its simplicity is what makes it so tasty!
• Layered Taco Salad: Don’t just use your trifle bowl for dessert – use it to make this Layered Taco Salad. Everyone will love the flavors and the ability to see all of the ingredients that make this so delicious!
• Classic Panzanella Salad: This is another delicious Italian salad made with tomatoes, bread, and a few additional ingredients. 
• German Potato Salad: If bratwursts are on the menu, why not serve some German Potato Salad, too? It’s different from your typical potato salad in that it’s served warm – but it’s really yummy – and people will definitely be heading back for a second helping once they try it.
• Vinegar Based Coleslaw: While mayo-based coleslaws seem to be the more popular one here in the United States, this Vinegar Based Coleslaw will have you appreciating the tanginess it has! Serve it as a side dish or pile it high on top of some pulled pork sandwiches.
• Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Grab some asparagus from the supermarket and make this! And you can feel good about all of the healthy ingredients in this salad.
• Mediterranean Watermelon Salad: Sweet and salty come together with this Mediterranean Watermelon Salad – and you’re going to love the combo!
• Easy Broccoli Salad: Short on time, but want a salad that everyone will enjoy! This is the one to make! It’s a classic – but then again, classics never go out of style!

If you’re ready to get summer underway, why not start by doing some grilling this Memorial Day? And add one or two of these salads to your menu to complete your meal! 

If you take a look around, it seems that charcuterie boards are taking over! They’re all over social media and cooking shows. There are new businesses popping up that specialize in creating them. And restaurants are adding them to their menus in various shapes and sizes. They’re definitely trendy right now.

The Organic Kitchen says that: Charcuterie is the culinary art of preparing meat products such as bacon, salami, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit. And, while this is a long-practiced kitchen skill that goes back several centuries, it’s gained popularity in recent years thanks to artisan charcutiers who are producing salamis, sausage, and other cured meat in small batches.

The great thing about charcuterie boards is that you can make them yourself! Just keep a few of these things in mind as you do it – and you’re sure to have an Instagram worthy board!

• Choose Your Vessel: Presentation is key when it comes to creating a fantastic looking charcuterie board. You want to have something that’s big enough to hold everything you want on it – but not too big so that there is lots of open space. Cutting boards and flat platters work great. You might also try a basket with a flat bottom or even create it directly on a clean table. 
• Keep Things Varied When It Comes to Meats and Cheeses: Of course, you want delicious cheese and meats, but be sure to keep them varied. Nobody wants a tray full of cheddar cheese and salami. Food Republic shares “The 30 Essential Cured Meats to Know” and there are lots of delicious ones you can choose from. Foodness Gracious shares his picks for cheeses in “5 Must Have Cheeses for the Ultimate Cheese Board.”
• Have Some Pre-Sliced Items: While it’s important to keep things varied when it comes to flavors, it’s also essential to keep things varied for your presentation. Have some items that are pre-sliced – whether it be meats or cheeses – to help with your esthetic. 
• Have Some Items People Will Need to Slice: You also want to have some things that people will need to slice. This allows you to put a larger item or two on your tray to create an interesting visual.
• Have a Great Tasting Spread: Place a spread or two on your board for a different texture. This could be whole-grain mustard, honey, fig jam, or a cheese spread. Look for a spread (or two) that will complement what you are serving. 
• Choose Some Add-Ons: Of course, you need some additional things on your charcuterie boards. You could add some nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Fruits are always a good choice. You could go with fresh apples, sliced pears, or grapes. Or, consider adding some dried fruits like cherries, apricots, and mangos. Vegetables are another excellent addition and can add some color with things like carrots and radishes.
• Add Crackers, Bread, Pitas, etc.: You will also need some things to place your cheese and meats on. Crackers, sliced bread, toast points, and pita chips are tasty additions. 
• Make a Plan: When it comes time to assemble, create a plan in your head. You want to vary the colors, cuts, and flavors on your board so that not all of the similar things are placed close to one another. (You can always head to Pinterest or Instagram for some inspiration when it comes time to put your board together.)
• Enjoy: Once you’ve got your charcuterie board together, there is nothing left to do but ENJOY! (And snap a picture, of course!)

If you’re a fan of a good charcuterie board, then it’s time for you to create your own! Decide what you’d like to serve and put your creativity to work!

Who couldn’t use some fresh air and time outdoors now that winter is over? Just about all of us – but especially kids! After all, they may have fallen into the habit of playing a few extra minutes of video games or watching some extra cartoons during the winter months.

But now is the time to get outside and breathe in the fresh air! Of course, if you have kids who are a bit reluctant because they like their video games and screen time – it can be challenging to get them out the door. But don’t give up! Try a few of these tips – and they’ll eagerly grab their coat to go outdoors!

• Tell them they can get messy: Yes, as parents, you probably spend a lot of time trying to prevent your kids from getting messy, but if you want to see their eyes light up, then tell them, “Let’s go outside and get dirty!” They are going to love that you are giving them permission to play in the dirt or jump in the puddles! It might mean some extra time in the bathtub, but it will be worth it.
• Head someplace new: There’s nothing like an adventure to someplace new to pique a child’s curiosity – and all you need to do is pick a place! It could be a new playground. Or how about the driving range? Someplace in the woods to go for a walk? How about a bike ride on a new trail? Wherever you pick – just remember that new often equals exciting for kids!
• Get some new outdoor toys: New toys are FUN! So pick up some toys that are made for the outdoors! Think about jump ropes, chalk, balls, lawn games, and Nerf guns! 
• Teach them some new outdoor games: What games do you remember playing outdoors when you were a kid? Kickball? Hopscotch? Foursquare? What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? Do your children know these games? No? Then it’s time to teach them! Bringing back the classics from your childhood can be so much fun – for ALL of you!
• Have lunch or dinner outside: If you’ve been cooped up inside all winter, then it’s time to pack a picnic and eat outdoors – even if it means wearing a coat. Find a park and a picnic table – and enjoy a meal! (Or pick up dinner from your favorite takeaway spot and do the same!)
• Go outside with them: Sure, the kids like to play with other children outdoors, but you know who they also love to play with? YOU! Spend some time outside with them playing games, or sitting in the grass, or eating an ice cream cone. Your children will appreciate it.
• Create an outdoor activity jar: When you tell the kids that it’s time to head outside, but nobody knows what to do – grab an activity from the outdoor activity jar. You can fill it with different ideas that the kids can do – and then there will be less of a chance of hearing the words, “I don’t want to go outside!”
• Make it a part of their daily routine: Just like taking a bath, brushing their teeth, and time spent reading are all part of their daily routine, you can make outdoor playtime part of it, too. Designate 30 minutes to an hour of daily outdoors time – and know that the fresh air will do them good.
• Do regular activities outdoors: Think about taking some of the activities that you normally do indoors to the outdoors. Reading can be done outside. Crafts can be done outside. Even activities on the iPad can be done outside. What other activities might you take outdoors?

Who’s ready for some fresh spring air and sunshine? Then grab the kids and head outside – and maybe try a few of these things!

“I think it’s important to start the day with a proper breakfast.” – Hanneli Mustaparta

Do you feel the same way? Is breakfast your favorite meal of the day? Do you just love to go out and grab some breakfast or coffee? 

Then you must love living in Toms River because there are plenty of spots you can head to! From hot cups of coffee to warm and fluffy pancakes to some tasty egg dishes, Toms River has it all! 

If you’re looking to support one of your local restaurants at breakfast time, here are a few places you can try!

• Roots Lounge: Roots Lounge is located on Hinds Road and is known for its organic, vegetarian, and vegan fare. At breakfast, you’ll find their menu is filled with breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, benedicts, and more! They also have delicious coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, and smoothies if that’s how you like to start your day.
• C&G’s Country Cafe: If you love fresh ingredients, then C&G’s Country Cafe is the place to be! Try the Caramel Latte Pancakes or the Homemade Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit – and you won’t be sorry!
• Fast Break: This is what Fast Break has to say about their place: We are the most eclectic family-owned and operated diner in Toms River. We have a unique atmosphere blending a mix of the classic 50’s diner with a modern curve of art from local artists and thrift shop finds. Our food has reached a cult level following from locals and tourists coming down to the shore. And with a huge menu, even the pickiest of eaters will find something they love!
• Cool Beans: You’ll have to wait until a little later in your morning to hit Cool Beans, but for coffee lovers, it’s worth the wait! Plus, they have a great menu for lunch and dinner!
• Bubby’s Beanery: Bubby’s Beanery has a great selection of coffees, including “pourover” coffees! They also have cold-brewed teas, hot chocolate, some delicious breakfast sandwiches like the “Tu Bacon Me Loco,” and fresh-baked pastries. YUMMY!
• Playa Bowls: Fans of açai and pitaya bowls must go to Playa Bowls! With all sorts of bowls, smoothies, and juices – breakfast has never been healthier! (And they have poke bowls if you want to head there for lunch.)
• A Thyme for All Seasons: They open at 8 a.m., and you better get there early if you want to grab one of their famous muffins! (You can take a look at some of their pictures on Facebook!) 
• Ocean Organics Cafe: Herbals teas, smoothies, smoothie bowls, coffee, and lots of other delicious items are on the menu at Ocean Organics Cafe. They’ve been around since 2013 and continue to deliver tasty organic food.
• Four Seasons Diner: While they may be known for their pancakes, Four Seasons Diner has a lot of breakfast treats that will make your mouth happy. Stuffed French Toast and the Italiano Benny should be on your list to try!
• Revolutionary Lounge and Cafe: If you like breakfast at non-breakfast times of day, the Revolutionary Lounge and Cafe can help you out. Order the DeVito if you like the combination of sweet and savory or, perhaps, the Jersey Frittata if you want scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, pork roll, spinach, tomato, and sweet onion.
• All Star Bagel: Who doesn’t love a good bagel? All Star Bagel has the flavors you love, along with some specialty breakfasts and breakfast sandwiches.

Where do you head for breakfast when you want to eat out? Is your favorite on this list – or is there another place that should be added? No matter where you like to eat breakfast, Toms River is lucky to have so many great places!

When you move into a new apartment, it is exciting – no matter if it’s your first apartment or your fourth apartment. A new apartment is like a fresh beginning. 

And of course, you want to make your new apartment feel like home – whatever that means to you. So, how do you go about doing that? Really, it’s not that hard when you do just a few of these things!

• Give Your Apartment a Good Cleaning: Of course, your apartment was cleaned before you moved in, but to make it feel like yours – go ahead and do it again. Clean the floors, windows, cupboards, and cabinets – and all the other places in your new space – and try to do it before you start unpacking. This will ensure that everything is being stored away in clean conditions.
• Set Up Your Furniture: Next, it’s time to set up all of your big furniture. This may take a bit of time as you find the perfect location for things – especially larger pieces like sofas and beds. But, once you have your furniture set up, things will really start to feel like home – and it will allow you to move onto the smaller pieces to bring in more of your personal style.
• Have Good Lighting: Lighting is important. While ceiling lights are great, you’re going to want to have some lamps to help illuminate the darker spots in your space. Be sure to check out what the lighting is like at different times of the day, as this can be helpful in determining exactly what you need. 
• Display Your Personal Mementos: Now it’s time to get out your personal mementos. Think about photos, art, knickknacks, and other collectibles that will be displayed – and where you’d like to put them. When they’re out where you can see them – it will definitely make it feel like your space.
• Get Some Groceries and Cook Your Favorite Meal: Do you have a favorite meal? Then it’s time to go get some groceries and cook it in your apartment. There’s something special about cooking in a new apartment that really solidifies the feeling that it’s home. Additionally, having your pantry stocked with your favorite foods brings a certain sense of comfort, too.
• Clear Your Clutter: Moving can be messy with boxes all over the place and trying to find a home for all of your things. But as soon as you can clear the clutter – do it. Get rid of the boxes as soon as possible, and if you’ve brought things with you that you don’t need or want – it’s time to get rid of them, too. 
• Make It Smell Like Home: If you’ve cooked your favorite meal already, your new apartment may already feel like home. But if you haven’t – it’s time to bring some scents to your space. Candles or essential oil diffusers can do that easily!
• Explore Your Neighborhood: If you’ve moved to a new neighborhood, it’s time to go explore. Get to know your local small businesses, such as the dry cleaner or coffee shop, and check out some of the local restaurants. This will also give you the opportunity to connect with neighbors – who also probably hang out at these places.
• Enjoy Your New Space: Finally, kick your feet up and enjoy your new space. Making a bowl of popcorn, grabbing a blanket, and watching a movie in your new apartment is the best feeling around – because it’s YOURS!

Making a new apartment feel like home just takes time! So once you’ve checked a few of these things off of your to-do list – you will love the way your new place feels!

When it comes to home decor, everyone talks about bringing the outdoors in – especially plants and greenery. But, if you don’t have a “green thumb,” – it might seem a little daunting – and expensive – to bring in plants that you might end up killing.

And yes, you could bring in artificial plants – after all, there are some very realistic-looking ones out there. 

But you don’t have to. There are some plants available that can handle some neglect. Air plants are always an option. Cacti are good, too. And, of course, there are succulents.

Succulents have become extremely popular in recent years. With all of their different varieties – it’s easy to see why. 

If you’re thinking about picking up some succulents for your place, here’s a little information to get you started.

What are succulents?

According to the website Succulent Plant Care, succulents are defined as, a collection of plants that have water storage tissues.  Succulent plants are drought-resistant plants. They have adapted to survive very dry, arid conditions. These plants typically store water in their leaves, their stems, or their roots.

You will find that succulents have leaves that are very plump and rather thick as a means of conserving water.

How do you care for succulents?

Do you know the four basics when it comes to plant care? They are light, water, temperature, and soil. These same four basics apply to succulents, too.

• Light – If you’ll be bringing some succulents home, keep in mind that they will need between 2-4 hours of sunlight per day. They like direct sunlight – so think about putting them near a window or on a windowsill when possible.
• Water – You want to be sure not to overwater your succulents. Wait until the soil is dry before adding any water – as you don’t want the roots to rot from having too much water. Succulents are used to dry weather, and you might find that watering once per week is all they need.
• Temperature – Most succulents can handle temperature fluctuations – as long as you don’t go below freezing. If you have a really delicate succulent, it may not like extreme heat (above 95 degrees or so) –  but it’s doubtful you’ll ever have temperatures that high in your home.
• Soil – You want soil that provides adequate drainage of water. Look for soil designed for cacti, and make sure your pots have drainage holes.

What are some popular types of succulents?

There are so many varieties of succulents available, but here are a few of the popular ones you might bring home!

• Burro’s Tail (Burrito) – tends to produce long stems that look like tails
• Cobweb Houseleek – these tend to look like little, fluffy rosettes
• Hens and Chicks – this is another one that tends to look like little rosettes, and the “babies” it produces are the chicks
• Jade Plant – very popular for indoor growing and can grow to be quite tall
• Jelly Bean – this cute little succulent will turn red when exposed to the sun in the summer – which is how it gets its name
• Mexican Firecracker – this one has lots and lots of leaves covered with fuzzy “hair” – and with enough sunlight, it can take on a reddish color
• Moonstones Plant – a great choice for beginners – it can have leaves that range from green to pink to gray
• Mother of Pearl – they look like rosettes and can be pink, purple, green, gray, yellow, or blue
• Red Pagoda/Shark Tooth – the stacked leaves create a unique looking succulent

Succulents are a great plant for your home – even if you don’t have a green thumb. Head to your local nursery and pick up a few for your place!

“Life’s short – buy the shoes, drink the wine, order the dessert.” – Unknown

If those sound like words to live by, you’ve probably got a LOT of shoes at home. In fact, your significant other may think your shoe collection is a bit out of control. But, perhaps what it really needs is some organization.

Organized shoes don’t take up as much space. They’re less likely to get damaged or beat up. And, you’ll actually know what you own – so you won’t spend money on similar pairs or styles.

Need some suggestions to get those shoes straightened up and out of the way? Here are some popular ones that might do the job!

• Belote 24-Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet: If you’re looking for shoe storage that looks more like a cabinet and could act as an entry table, this one from Wayfair might work. It’s a “some assembly required” project and stores up to 24 pairs of shoes.
• 80-Pair Shoe Rack: If you’ve got so many pairs of shoes that you’d rather not count them, then take a look at this 80-pair shoe rack. It’s actually a set of two racks – and will provide you with a ton of storage.
• 7-Tier Shoe Rack Storage Chest Organizer Free Standing Shelves: This 7-tier rack comes in white or black – which is great depending on your decor. Reviewers have said this is a sturdy rack, and you can easily buy a couple of them to place next to one another if you need more storage.
• Prepac 24-Pair Shoe Storage Cubby Bench: This cubby bench comes in four different colors and holds up to 24 pairs of shoes. It weighs about 66 pounds and requires some assembly, but it does ship free if you’re an Amazon Prime member.
• storageLAB Under Bed Shoe Shoe Storage Organizer: Are you storing things under your bed? If you’re not, it’s a fantastic place to stash some clutter. Shoes can be stored under there easily with these organizers. You get a set of two, which should allow you to store 24 pairs of shoes. 
• Over-the-Door Mesh Shoe Organizer; If you need shoe storage, but you’re just not sure where you’re going to find it, then think about over-the-door organizers. This one has 26 storage slots and is only $20!
• Lynk 36-Pair Overdoor Shoe Organizer: Here’s another over-the-door option. Reviewers said it’s easy to assemble and install – which is a definite plus.
• Boot Butler Boot Storage Rack: Do you have lots of boots? What do you do with them all? If you want to hang them in your closet, here’s one possible solution. 
• Whitmor Hanging Shoes Shelves Closet Organizer: If you have shoes all over your closet floor and you need a solution to get them off the floor, try this one. It has 30 different slots and can hang on a closet rod.
• Storage Maniac 3-Pair Boot Rack: If you have a couple of pairs of boots that you wear during the winter months, you may want to get a boot rack that you can put right by your front door. This one will hold three pairs of boots, and you don’t need any tools to assemble it.
• Homemade Living Bamboo 3-Tier Shoe Rack Bench: Does everyone take off their shoes before entering your home? Then place a nice shoe rack by your front door. This will help keep your entryway clear and allow everyone to put their shoes in a spot where they can easily find them.

Keeping your shoes organized will help them last longer and keep your home tidy. And, if you need some storage for shoes and boots, there are lots of solutions out there – these are just a few that might work for you!