Creating the Perfect Home Gym for the New Year/New You!
The New Year is upon us and we all know what that means! New Year’s resolutions get us motivated for healthier lifestyles. Instead of rushing out to buy a gym membership, I have a proposal: Why not invest in a home gym? Your home doesn’t have to be 20,000 square feet to accommodate the equipment you’d need to see your resolutions through. I can help you find space in just about any home, even with the rise in “tiny-homes,” to accomplish your home gym goals!
Considerations
- Do you have space available to convert into a dedicated exercise zone?
- What type of work-out routines would you be doing? Cardio, yoga, Pilates? (The latter are better for small spaces.)
- What type of equipment do you already have? (I once watched Kelly Ripa use canned goods to do curls on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly. Think outside the box as far as equipment!)
- What type of equipment do you need?
- What type of tech do you need or already have?
Next Steps
After you have answered the questions above, it’s time to start implementing the next things you need to do to build your home gym.
- Did you decide you have an area that can convert into a gym space? If so, great! You can move on to the next step. If not, maybe you should consider the more portable side of gym equipment.
- Examples of portable equipment: foldable treadmills, ab wheels, free weights, DVDs, yoga mat, and resistance bands. These are all great items that will help you “feel the burn,” and you can hide them away when you are finished using them.
- Already have your home gym spot picked out? Great! You’re ahead of the curve! Need some home gym inspiration? Remember when we asked you what type of work-out routines you’d be doing? This is the time to recall that information and start putting it to use!
- Will you be doing cardio? Do you like the idea of stationary bikes? The tech sector has really upped their game and now you can connect via WiFi on your stationary bike to a class anywhere or find a “fitness on demand” class. A quick Google search can get you going in the right direction! Are treadmills or elliptical machines more your style? Mount a large screen “Smart TV” on the wall directly in front of where your machine will be. The TV will be a helpful distraction, and you’ll have your cardio finished in no time.
- Doing yoga? A yoga mat and a DVD can go a long way! I personally prefer the thicker mats, especially if you have hardwood floors.
- Doing Pilates? Again, a mat and a DVD can get you going, but there are also some really great programs online that you can connect to with your Smart TV. With Daily Burn, for example, you can stream hundreds of workouts and change up your routine with the click of a button.
A Few Last Tips
Not interested in investing too much money? Or are you still not convinced that these ideas would work for your home? Remember this, your workout can come from unlikely sources. Stairs, chairs, and walls are all excellent tools to get your sweat on. So while you’re thinking about health and fitness in the new year, lack of a home gym can no longer be an excuse.
Coldwell Banker is Home To: Just One More
One more phone call. One extra mile. One more opportunity to lend a helping hand. Here is the story of a Coldwell Banker Brand Ambassador who always makes time for “just one more”.
Coldwell Banker Brand Ambassador Joycelyn Jaggers has a motto, and it is her North Star. You see, each day she wakes up with the goal of making a positive impact on the businesses of the brokers and agents she serves.
“If I take the time to do one more thing. I might be able to turn someone’s day around”, she says. Joycelyn does make a positive impact, and on more than just her book of business.
The latest installment of our “Coldwell Banker is Home To” video series highlights this exceptionally dedicated and talented professional who embodies the work ethic and commitment to service that makes Coldwell Banker a special place to hang your hat – and the world a much better place.
Special Delivery! How Video Cameras Can Help You Keep Track of Packages
As convenient as online shopping is for consumers, it’s even more convenient for package thieves.
Families are shopping online more than ever before, and for a good reason—the web allows every store to compete for your business with instant comparison shopping, and to deliver your hand-picked items straight to your doorstep with a few quick clicks. Who wants to fight through lines in a crowded department store when it’s so easy to shop from the couch?
As convenient as online shopping is for consumers, it’s even more convenient for package thieves. It’s not unheard of for homes that used to receive packages once in a blue moon to now receive deliveries on almost a daily basis (especially during the holiday season). This makes entryways and driveways prime targets for criminals who can slip on and away from your porch without a trace.
According to findings from a new Wakefield Research poll for Comcast, 3 in 10 Americans who live in houses or townhomes have been victims of package theft. And 53% of Americans know someone who has had a package stolen from outside their home.
Thankfully, today’s smart security cameras can help you stay on top of every delivery and get those holiday packages safe and sound.
Outdoor Cameras
Battery-powered outdoor cameras from companies like Nest and Canary are a great way to stay on top of activity in your driveway. Manage them with a mobile app, and integrate all your connected devices through a smart home hub from your internet service provider, and you can receive instant alerts the moment a delivery truck rolls up. Most cameras offer motion-based recording that can help catch suspicious characters, and many offer powerful night vision sensors that can detect even the sneakiest thief when they think they’re imperceptible.
Indoor Cameras and Doorbells
When it comes to protecting your porch, indoor security cameras facing a window are a great option, as are products like the Ring video doorbell. Video doorbells offer live video and two-way talk, allowing you to verbally accept deliveries when you’re not at home, direct delivery people to leave boxes in a more conspicuous spot, or ward off “porch pirates” before they even have a chance to touch your packages.
For a comprehensive solution, you can integrate your cameras, doorbell and lights into a full-home security system with professional monitoring, protecting your home, inside and out, 24/7.
Whichever devices you choose, mount them so that they’re visible to deter nefarious activity. Angle the cameras so that they’re sure to capture the image of any faces. That way, if the worst does happen, you’ll have a high-quality recording to hand over to law enforcement officers.
Don’t let your online shopping habit turn into a magnet for crime this holiday season. Keep an electronic eye on your front door, and ensure that your holiday packages arrive safely.
Eric Murrell is a software developer and technology contributor to XFINITY Home. He enjoys sharing tips on how people can benefit from incorporating smart home automation and security in their homes on his blog At Home in the Future.
Source: CB Blue Matter Blog
Give This Holiday and Make Your Home Clutter-Free
Charitable organizations make it even easier for you to donate your household items this time of year.
Guest post by Laura McHolm
‘Tis the season of gratitude, giving and of course: decorating, parties, feasts, shopping and more. But before you go down your merry, merry to do list, think about the needs of your community and all the stuff and clutter you don’t need around your home. Perhaps, you have clothing, furniture, kitchen items, or even food you have been meaning to clear out? The jolly news is charitable organizations make it even easier for you to donate your household items to assist those in need this time of year. You can make a difference, so everyone can have a joyful holiday. And, you get to rediscover the holiday joy you experienced as a child.
This is not just another to do on your holiday list, it’s very simple and the rewards are immense – it’s the ultimate win- win! You assist others and at the same time you get a clutter-free home, all prepped for the holidays. No need to scramble to find a solution for outgrown clothes and furniture, and pantry items you will never use, simply follow this guide of “What to Give and Where to Give” and the process will be Grinch-free!
1. Non-Perishable Food
Make room for all of the yummy holiday goodies! Wondering if your food bank wants your three pound bottle of mustard? Here are the top items that they need:
- Canned Vegetables & Fruits
- Canned Stews & Soups
- Canned Beans
- Canned Tuna
- Pasta & Sauce
- Baby Food
- Dry Beans
- Flour
- Cereal & Oatmeal
- Juice
- Rice
- Peanut/Nut Butters & Jelly/Jams
Where to Donate:
- Your local Food Bank. You can find your local food bank here.
- Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues, schools, and grocery stores to see if they are hosting food pantry donations drop offs
- Visit www.MoveForHunger.org, a non-profit organization that will connect you with a local moving company that will deliver your non-perishable food donations to your local food bank for you. Check out their Find A Mover tool.
- Willing to roll-up your sleeves? Start your own food drive. Simply ask local businesses, schools and libraries to put out your colorfully decorated food drive donation boxes and use your social networks to get the word out. It only takes 1.2lbs of food to provide a meal to an individual in need, so it doesn’t matter how big your food drive is, every little bit helps.
2. Clothing
Make room for your holiday sweaters! Bring gently used clothing to the following charities or go online or call them to see if they will come to your door to pick up your donations.
- Baby, kids and adult clothing
- Coats (Kids and families are in great need of coats this time of year.)
- Suits
- Belts
- Scarves
- Ties
- Pocketbooks
- Boots
- Shoes
Where to Donate:
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Epilepsy Foundation
- Veteran organizations
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- Red Cross
- Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues and schools, to see if they are hosting clothing donation drop offs
3. Toys
Make room for what Santa brings! Get your kids involved in sorting through their things so they get to learn the ultimate gift – the gift of giving!
- Gently used, unbroken toys or new toys that are unwrapped (it depends on the charity if a new toy is required so contact them first.)
- Stuffed animals
- Coloring books & crayons
- School supplies and stationery
- Hand held games
- Children’s books
- No toy guns or other violent toys
Where to Donate:
- Toys for Tots. Find your local Toys for Tots drop off locations here.
- Local children’s hospitals & hospitals
- Local Ronald McDonald House. Find a local Ronald McDonald location or care mobile here.
- Local Boys & Girls Club
- Many local shelters or children’s charities accept toy donations. Use this Homeless Shelter Directory to find shelters in your area.
- Organizations like My Stuff Bags and Stuffed Animals for Emergencies offer children a familiar object in times of crisis.
- Check with your local fire department, churches, synagogues, and schools, to see if they are hosting toy donation drop offs
- Other places to check include a children’s social services office and even stores often have a donation bin at the front entrance where you can place donation
4. Household Goods & Furniture
Make room for your gifts!
- Antiques, collectibles
- Appliances (small)
- Artwork
- Bedspreads, blankets, curtains, tablecloths, decorative pillows
- Bicycles
- Books, records, tapes, CDs, DVDs
- Cookware, dishes, pots and pans
- Housewares and decorative items
- Jewelry
- Sporting goods
- Gently used furniture
Where to Donate:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Epilepsy Foundation
- Veteran organizations
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- Red Cross
5. Cell Phones
Clean out the old gadget drawer! Donate old smart phones & tablets (make sure to clear your data from it first!)
Where to Donate:
6. Gift Cards
Keep your drawers clutter free! Re-gift the gift cards you are given and turn them into charitable donations. Exchange your retail gift cards for a charity donation. You will receive a tax receipt for the entire full value or residual balance of your card.
Where to Donate:
- CharityGiftCertificates.org
7. Vehicles
Open up a parking space for Santa’s sleigh!
- Car
- Truck
- RV
- Boat
- Motorcycle
- Trailer
Where to Donate:
- Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes
- Salvation Army
- Kars 4 Kids
- Wheels for Wishes
- Cars Helping Veterans.org
- Goodwill
Once you have cleared the clutter and given to those who will actually use and need your unwanted items, well, just like they say in Whoville, your heart will grow three sizes and the true meaning of the holidays will come through, plus two!
Source: CB Blue Matter Blog
5 Ways to Start 2018 Right in Your Home
To get your home in tiptop shape for 2018, here are some important and efficient ways to get it ready.
Guest post by Andrea Davis
2018 is almost here! While you might consider making some New Year’s resolutions, you first need to think about your end of the year list. To get your home in tiptop shape for 2018, here are some important and efficient ways to get it ready.
1. Clean, clean, CLEAN!
If you haven’t taken care of the essential house cleaning chores, now is the time. You’ll want to quickly or deeply clean many areas of your home. These include:
- Windows
- Linens
- Floors
- Cabinets/countertops
- Appliances
- Gutters & downspouts
- Air vents
Not only does this give your home a refreshed look, it also keeps you financially savvy going into 2018. Without the proper cleaning, areas like the air vents and gutters can lead to expensive home repair bills.
2. Purge & Recycle
Nobody likes looking at a full closet, especially if you have holiday presents to add. So go through every bit of storage in your home – closets, attic, basement, garage, shed, etc. – and remove what you don’t need. You can either throw it away or recycle it by donating to a local secondhand shop. That way, you have tons of space for next year’s discoveries.
3. Increase Efficiency
If you’re going through bills and notice a marked increase in utility costs, now is the time to plan out an efficient home in 2018. This could be as simple as turning off the lights more often and conserving water. On the other hand, if you have some extra dollars, you might consider improvements like:
- Double or triple-paned windows
- Solar panel(s)
- Upgrade your faucets and water outlets
4. HVAC TLC
One of the most important – and expensive – parts of your home is the HVAC system. It keeps the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Because it does so much work, it needs some fine-tuning and maintenance at least every six months. To make sure you avoid an expensive bill in 2018, go through the system. Replace the filter, clean out the vents and make sure it’s all working smoothly. If you aren’t an HVAC pro, you can find plenty in the neighborhood to come for a quick checkup.
5. Review the Exterior
Roofing, landscaping, doors, siding – have you given them a thorough look? All of these are important to a beautiful appearance and optimal safety. You need to check for cracks, holes, overhanging branches and the like. You can always get a home inspector for a more in-depth review, but most of it you can do yourself. Doing a quick circle around the house with some spackle or caulk works at least in the short term.
Conclusion
Going into 2018 means letting go of 2017’s hassles. To feel free of any stress, you should take care of the essentials, including your home. Maintenance and some cheap upgrades could make all the difference personally and financially in the New Year. Don’t feel you have to go all out, or else you’ll be too tired for new tasks. Make sure there’s a nice balance of work and play so you get the best start to 2018.
Source: CB Blue Matter Blog